Rear end roar at highway speed and reduced gas mileage.
2002 Ford Explorer transmission complaints
Page 36 of 51: complaints 1,031 to 1,060 of 1,502, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I have had many problems with my transmission. It has a hard time going into gear, has no pickup whatsoever and I am afraid to take it long distances. I have read that many others have had this type of problem with the 2002 ford explorer.
We have a 2002 ford explorer. We bought it new. Our transmission is currently going out on the vehicle. It is at 110,000 miles. Had it to dealership after first bought it and dealership reprogrammed the computer and then at about 38000 miles it started doing it again. Have now been told it is the transmission. We also have a humming coming from our right rear tire and front. Now told it is the wheel bearings. Have several friends with the same problems on their 2002 explorers.
Transmission is slipping. It makes noise, takes a long time to get into 2nd and 3rd gear, also reverse. It jumps when it finally engages. I have almost had an car accident because of it. I have to take in to be repaired.
Vehicle always shifted hard. Suddenly began slipping between gears. Immediately taken to the dealer who referred it to a transmission shop. The solution was a total rebuild at 66,700 miles. Partially covered by an extended warranty, but still cost $1300 out-of-pocket. Love the truck. Dislike the manufacturer for not stepping up to the plate. The transmission on a truck/SUV should be one of the more durable components not one of the weakest (opinion).
Tl* - the transmission on a 2002 ford explorer 4.0 liter slips gears occasionally. The contact stated that after engaging the accelerator when at a full stop the transmission will slip into neutral and then several seconds later the transmission will jerk into gear. The failure mileage was 107000.
All of a sudden the transmission would not shift gears and the overdrive light started flashing. When taken to a mechanic, the diagnostic test threw a code of p0733 and p0745. We were told that a band broke in the transmission and 3rd gear went out. The fix was to overhaul the transmission for $2700. Upon doing some research, it appears that this is a common problem with 2002 ford explorers and ford should do a recall.
2002 ford explorer two issues 1/1/07 - grinding of rear wheel. 1/2/07 - o/d light started flashing, within 7 miles service engine light came on. Car would not accelerate until letting off the gas. 1/2/07 - call aaa to have car towed to local ford dealer. Ford quoted $5,100 for repairs. We denied repair at ford. Due to out of pocket expenses we had a local transmission shop do the repairs. We did not want to give ford any more money since we were told by several repair shops that this is a very common problem with ford explorers. The local shop indicated there were tsbs published and they had to buy special equipment from ford to fix the problems. If companies are buying special tools because the problem is so common, isn't there a problem? We also investigated many numerous websites to read about many complaints regarding the exact same problem. To repair the car we purchased rear wheel bearings and the transmission shop purchased an overhaul transmission kit. They repaired both problems for less than $5,100. Unfortunately, a co-worker had the exact problem with her car just last week. She came to warn me of the problem with her car only to find out I picked mine up from the shop the same day!
Tl* - the contact stated that the check engine, and overdrive lights will turn on intermittently. This failure does not happen at any particular speed. The failure occurred at about 67,000 miles. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told he would need a new or rebuilt transmission. *nm updated 03/07/07
I bought a 2002 ford explorer new in 2002 and noticed six months later that there was occasional slipping between 3rd and 4th gear and the overdrive in the automatic transmission. I had mentioned it to the ford service guys but they said it was nothing to worry about. Now with the warranty expired and 43,000 miles on the car the overdrive light comes on and the ford dealer pulls the transmission and finds a sensor plug (pressure control solenoid) had cracked then broken, bands need to be replaced, and some other damage recommended for repair. Choices were $2800 for rebuilding (changing bad parts) or $3800 for refurbishing with 75k 3 year warranty. A transmission this young should not have to be replaced and from researching the web (just type in ford explorer transmission) lots of folks have had this problem with low miles. Ford seems to have a problem with this transmission that they do not want to admit.
Thumping noise from drivers side front end in the wheel area. The noise is most noticeable at between 40 and 60 MPH during acceleration. It also becomes a humming noise as the gas pedal is released and the car is coasting or decelerating. Had new tires put on then new brake pads and rotors. Nothing fixed the problem. Talked to my brother, another loyal explorer owner, and he had same problem diagnosed as a bearing needing replacing. He also told me about a leak on his garage floor in the rear middle of the car where the rear axle is. I told him I have same exact spot of something leaking on my garage floor. We read about all the seal problems with the axle and needing to be replaced. He spent over $1000 on the front bearings and now in for another big bill for the seal problem. I see we are not alone in our explorer disappointments. All with the same problem. Come on ford, back up your vehicle and pay for these defects to your suvs.
In may of 2005 the transmission was rebuilt at the dealer. The vehicle had 34,767 miles. In may of 2006 the rebuilt trans converter failed with about 47,000 miles. This was just a few hundred miles out of the 12 month, 12,000 ford service warranty. There was an aftermarket warranty on the vehicle that covered it. Upon written notification to the dealer and ford we set an appointment to have the vehicle inspected and test driven again due to more transmission problems. The vehicle was serviced then the shift lever locked up between park and reverse and had to be serviced within hours of pickup. Then a coolant gasket was discovered to have been removed and a electrical connector damaged and glued together and tie wrapped to the trans. The dealer was notified in writing of the discoveries. There was no response. The vehicle was inspected independently. A shop diagnosed a poor shift, short shift, long shift, and clunking with vibration condition in the transmission. The dealer was called twice with no response. On december 20, 2006 the trans failed for the third time at 57,231 miles. The after market warranty was notified and directed us to the ford service warranty. The vehicle was towed to another dealership due to a certified letter that was received by the first stating that our trans problems were "perceived" and that they were ending our "business relationship." the next dealership performed the eec code check. A tsb had been issued,codes 733 and 745. The dealership told us that we must guarantee their fee to tear down the transmission and that the repair may not be covered. They also stated that we had "no warranty" on the vehicle. The service manager after some discussion stated "we are not involved in your truck repair at all." we immediately had our vehicle removed from their dealership. Another shop stated that the transmission has in fact failed again. We are waiting for a possible coverage determination from the after market company. Ford was notified.
2002 ford explorer - 58,000 original miles. No indication of problem, automatic transmission would not shift into gear. Local ford dealer says the 3rd gear is gone and will cost $1800 to fix.
At 74000 miles our transmission went out completely while we were on vacation! The dealership where we bought the vehicle, said that "we were the only one's who have had this problem" (yeah right!) it cost us $6000 out of our pocket to fix. At 86000 miles the rear window cracked right below the window. Ford and the dealership refuses to fix it. Again, stayton ford told us that,"we were the only people who have had this particular issue." at around 85000, 95000 and 105000 miles, the rear seals leaked. We were promised each time that they would last "for at least 50000 miles." we were always a few miles away from getting them replaced for free since they're limited warranty is only good for 10000 miles. At 111000 miles the electrical system went "haywire." even when all of the door and hatch are closed, the dome light continues to go on and off (making it hard to drive at night) because it senses that a "door is a jar." sometimes, the key pad that's located on the drivers side window sets off the alarm when we push the first number on the key. Totally unreliable vehicle that I'm afraid to drive!
2002 ford explorer limited, o/d light flashing and transmission had to be replaced at 72,000 miles.
Regular driving of a ford explorer 2002 xlt, very early transmission failure the vehicle's transmission just gives out o/d light starts flashing all of a sudden the vehicle does not go in to gear all of this while driving. Checked online turns out many people have had the exact same problem with this vehicle, called ford they said that it would cost about $4000.00 to repair.
Fix for chattering and rear whine on 02 explorer. When the car was new 25,000 the dealer replaced the rear pumpkin, very loud whine.. Last month with 85,000 miles on the car, during a turn the rear would chatter and shake the car. I was told the rear needed a special lube for the rear to keep the rear clutches free, I had a local shop replace the rear differential oil with a special blend and it has been fine since.
Rear differential has to be replaced at 63000 miles. All maintenance has been done every 3000 miles! Already replaced transfer case. Also impossible to get into 4wd high.
My 2002 ford explorer has a rear differential which has worn out. The vehicle boards online are filled with complaints regarding this particular problem, if there is any relief available by ford for this problem, I would like to be made aware.
02 ford explorer, rear differential chatters at low RPM/ low speeds, howls at higher speeds. Out of warranty, only 4 years old. Ford said it was harmonic vibration, would be fine.
I have a 2002 ford explorer. My complaint is having this car for only 2 years after buying it from the rancho santa margarita ford dealer, now the car has a transmission problem. I have looked up a lot of complaints regarding this particular problem with 2002 ford explorer. And they all have the same problems as mine.. And we get stuck with $4k for a new transmission. I think they should have a recall on this vehicle because it's a common problems with this particular vehicle.. Consumers shouldn't be paying $4k for a new transmission after only 4 years having the vehicle..some people complaints even happens after 2 years buying the vehicle. I think you should investigate this problem and make sure ford company is not making money from consumers through repairs of a new transmission.
Purchased vehicle from crossroads ford , raleigh nc june 24,06 while driving in traffic nov 22,06 check transmission appeared on message center, odo light started flashing, check engine light illuminated and vehicle would not shift gears. The vehicle would not increase speed while engine RPM were increasing. Vehicle gave no prior warning of impending problem from jun to nov and had been driven locally for the period of ownership. Took vehicle to the local ford dealer close to my home I was informed that after diagnostic testing and referring to ford tsb the transmission needed to be replaced. Called ford customer service, they informed me that it was an unfortunate situation, but there was nothing they could do for me and to call the dealer where I purchased the vehicle. Called crossroads ford and left a message for mike bevan (service advisor) he failed to return my calls. My husband called mike bevan and was able to speak with him, mike informed my husband that there was nothing they could do and if we would bring the vehicle to him they would let us know the cost to replace the transmission. I did some research online and was surprised at the large number of owners listed on carreview.com with the same situation. If this happened on the highway another vehicle could have rear ended my vehicle causing damage and injury.
I own a 2002 ford explorer xlt. I bought it november of 2004 with 40,000 miles on it. It now has 80,000 miles on it and slips while shifting from 2nd to 1st gear and I also hear a whining noise in the rear end. It jerks and slips consistently. The overdrive off light is flashing, and the service engine light is on. The car says "check transmission" on the instrument cluster. I called 4 ford dealers and was told there was nothing they could do. This is low mileage to have to replace the transmission. It is a known problem for these cars, and ford doesn't care. I am stuck with the car that cannot be safely driven now. Owners of these cars need help to get ford to issue a recall.
With vehicle stopped, while shifting gear lever under steering wheel from drive to park, the gear lever broke rendering the gear lever handle useless with transmission between park and reverse as indicated by the indicator. A cast cylindrical part linked to gear lever broke. Had vehicle towed to dealer to be repaired.
Transmission needs replacing in a 2002 ford explorer, 81,000 miles.
Well....here is the 2nd complaint that I'm filing on my vehicle. I purchased my explorer brand new with only 10 miles. I thought I would get the brakes checked since I had 68,000 miles only to find out the rear differential was bad and needing repair. Ford dropped the ball on that!!! Now I discovered that the rear panel has cracked. I will never buy another ford again!!! There needs to be a class action lawsuit filed against them!!!
11/7/03 at 20,272 miles unit in for rear axle whine dealer replaced the drive shaft but rear axle whine not fixed. 11/13/04 at 34269 miles vehicle taken to dealer for rear end howl again replaced rear differential unit. Next morning wife went to take child to day care and vehicle would not go over 35 MPH without resistance. Had towed to the dealer and the was told a faulty differential unit. Put the old one back in and reordered another rear differential unit and put the new unit in on 11//17/04 at 34,291 miles. When the service records state found bad bearing in the unit. 6/12/06 rear end axle seal leaking replaced the rear end whine was still evident. 6/12/06 at 62,31 miles rear axle seal leak repaired. 11/09/06 at approx 68,000 miles transmission has failed. Reference tsb#16898 rear axle whine and tsb#03254. Have seen a lot of complaints about these transmission failures on line for the 2002 ford explorer's. Leads me to believe that the rear end whining is binding the transmissions and causing them to fail. Also see tsb#06216, tsb#18466, tsb#18423.
A whining sound comes from the front end end of the vehicle, upon first inspection by a mechanic a bad tire was found and blamed on the noise. As it was bearable at highway speeds, we ignored it trusting the diagnosis. We planned on purchasing tires soon and believed the problem would be solved. New tires were purchased and an alignment done and the same sound came from the front end most noticeably 45-65 MPH. Now we are told it is a wheel bearing and the cost for the parts alone is $350.00 not to mention the $55/hr. Labor. We already had the rear end replaced for noise and now we are told that a dangerous situation involving another part of the drivetrain is looming. This is unacceptable and I would hope that ford would acknowledge the problem that the vehicles have and remedy it. I have heard of this happening to vehicles with far less than my 65,000 miles and these parts were build to last a whole lot longer as they were supposed to be sealed and maintenance-free, instead they fail too often and cost a fortune. I believe this will be my last ford product if I do not receive some sort of satisfactory response from ford.
Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to put the gear shifter into park, the shifter detached from the column. The vehicle was towed to a dealership, where the gear shifter was replaced.
Transmission out.
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