2002 Ford Explorer: engine stalls while driving

Filed Jan 17, 2020 · Electrical, Transmission · 80,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the transmission independently switched to 4 wheel drive and the vehicle stalled. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transfer casing and ignition coils needed to be replaced. The ignition coil was replaced and the transfer casing was repaired however the failure recurred. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failures. No assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed May 23, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 200,000 miles · AR

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. While the vehicle was idling at a stop light, the overdrive warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle stalled several times. In addition, the vehicle was difficult to shift into second and third gear as well as drive, which was when the intermittent stall failure occurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The vehicle was parked and unable to be driven due to the intermittent failures. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

Filed Sep 17, 2016 · Transmission · 283,000 miles · MI

Transmission, jerked, stalled and had difficulty shifting while driving on freeway/ highway. Additionally, the o/d (overdrive) light came on and continually flashed prior to the transmission starting to noisily grind with a burning smell. I've had 5 professional diagnosis all stating it's a different transmission problem. A class action lawsuit and ford motor company recall is needed on the transmissions, this is a widespread problem and issue for nearly 20 years.

Filed Apr 6, 2016 · Body, Transmission · 110,000 miles · KY

My 2002 ford explorer 4.6l is having major transmission problems at only 110k miles. It hesitates shifting gears and slips while driving. The vehicle also stalls when stopping at a red light or stop sign. It has the infamous crack down the back hatch. Both are problems thousands of customers have complained about yet ford does nothing. The transmission problem is a very expensive cost to repair and it shouldn't be the customers responsibility when ford knew there was a problem.

Filed Dec 28, 2015 · Body, Engine · 215,000 miles · MA · fire

Car stalled on busy street, then was restarted and lost power. Then fire in engine compartment. Cause is unknown. Car was well maintained. Total loss was not covered by insurance

Filed Jul 9, 2015 · Electrical · CA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. While at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The contact was informed that there was an electrical fire in a wiring harness leading to the fuse panel. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified, however, the contact was not offered a remedy for the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Filed May 10, 2015 · Body · 177,492 miles · NY · crash · 1 injury

Vehicle parked in stall when gear selecter was shifted from drive to park with foot on brake said vehicle experienced wide open throttle surged forward knocking down light pole only coming to stop ontop of fire hydrant or vehicle would of kept going as wheels were still spinning!

Filed Nov 24, 2014 · Engine · 183,000 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer sport. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the engine light illuminated as the vehicle started to overheat and stalled. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician diagnosed that the water pump and heating core needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 183,000. Updated 1/16/15*cn updated 9/7/2017

Filed Oct 14, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · 75,000 miles · MI

When braking vehicle accelerates. Could not stop had to put in n and it stalled before hitting a store front and a second time on the way home at a red light.

Filed Aug 30, 2013 · Brakes, Engine · 89,000 miles · CT

August 27,2012. Huaband driving howm from work. Going down hill to traffic light. Car suddenly, with no warning, stalls out completely. Loss of power steering, power brakes.etc. A/s contuinued to work. Engine ligh came on. Wrestled car to verge of road. Turned car off and it restarted on forst try. Stated that the following day as he attempted to pull away from stop sign, car would not initally take gas but then suddenly accelerated ( " I peeled rubber!") recalled that thatsame incident had had happened approx. 2 weeks before at a diffeent stop. Car taken to repair shop, somputer shows no issues. Believe car unsafe to drive if affected with sudden, unexplained stalling with no apparent cause. Bought car as "certified, pre-owned" used car from ford dealership in dec. 2012. They have no answer, no suggestions as to problem cause. Internet search shows multiple complaints for this same problem with the ford explorer.

Filed Mar 21, 2013 · Brakes, Fuel system · 177,156 miles · MN

We were driving down the highway and we heard a clunk and so we pulled over right away and looked and thought it looked like the rear passenger side was sagging but wasn't sure, we drove home and then realized it was def sagging. I took it to the car lot I bought it at and their going to check it all out to see what's going on.. Just be looking at it the car lot mechanic said looks like suspension issue as if something broke. Also the check engine light came on and we had it checked out a few times and it appears to have o2 sensor issues located on the exhaust which seems to be a issues with alot of ford explorers which makes gas mileage terrible and vehicle stalls out and dies, not to mention the piece of plastic under the rear hatch window that always breaks.

Filed Jan 10, 2013 · Transmission · 126,000 miles · FL

Multiple issues with the transmission. From park, when shifted into reverse there is a surge that overcomes the brakes and causes the vehicle to move roughly 4-5 feet. Also, the transmissions shifts so hard that it shakes the entire vehicle. When shifting through the gears the transmissions stalls then shifts so hard it overcomes the steering wheel and sometimes causes a change of direction. When traveling at highway speeds 50mph + in overdrive the transmission will surge the vehicle violently as it attempts to stay in gear. After regularly scheduled service of the transmission and multiple discussions with the ford dealership they have not offered a solution other than spend thousands of dollars on another transmission that may cause the same result. This is an unsafe vehicle and needs to be remedied before an accident or death occurs.