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CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2002 Ford Explorer is hands-down our worst vehicle on record. "Avoid like the plague" is putting it lightly.

The 2002-2005 Explorer has a very well-established record of expensive transmission failure at under 100k miles. The Explorer has an enclosed transmission which is typically replaced with a rebuilt transmission at a cost of almost $3,000.

Another common problem for the 2002-2003 Explorer is wheel bearing failure at around 90k miles, with a typical repair bill of $500 to $1000 depending on how many wheel bearings failed.

Adding insult to injury, the 2002-2005 Explorer also has a massive problem with the rear panel cracking. While it's a minor annoyance compared to transmission failure, ironically the crack usually goes right through the Ford logo.

8.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,820
Average Mileage:
136,450 miles
Total Complaints:
24 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (15 reports)
  2. new transmission (8 reports)
  3. replace pc board (1 reports)
2002 Ford Explorer transmission problems

transmission problem

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2002 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #4

Aug 012009

Explorer Eddie Bauer V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I own a 2002 EB Ford Explorer. Last summer it began to give me problems. I would get to a red light or a stop then when I would accelerate it would not go. I tried checking the transmission fluid and couldn't find where to check or add fluid so I took it to a mechanic who said it sounded like the exhaust? I let him fix it and it appeared to be working then two months later it started up again, $800 down the drain! Two months after that it overheated and there I was stranded with 4 kids the youngest 3, I was furious! So I took it to another mechanic, another $600 and it seemed to be fine again except now the "service engine soon" light is on. Now $1400 and entire year later the darn thing is still doing the same thing.

- E S., Immokalee, FL, US

problem #3

Oct 012010

Explorer XLT 4.0

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

After shifting from park to drive the engine revs to 3000 rpms before the car starts to move. As the car warms up the problem goes away. My understanding is that Ford has a huge problem with the 2002 explorer transmission and nothing has been done by the Company to resolve the problem.

Very frustrated!

- F. K., South Bend, IN, US

problem #2

Dec 132007

Explorer LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,500 miles

Everytime I would go from Reverse to Drive it would slip, stall ect. Sometimes at stoplights.

- Brian B., Roanoke, VA, US

problem #1

Jan 012009

Explorer XLS 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 144,000 miles

Will shift into all gears, but will not accelerate.

- Bryan S., Fort Worth, TX, US

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