2002 Ford Explorer: whining or grinding noise

Filed Jun 17, 2015 · Transmission · 156,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. While driving at various speeds, the transmission failed to shift into different gears. The contact mentioned that there was a loud whining sound coming from the transmission. While driving up a hill, the contact was unable to change gears and had to apply the brakes in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,000.

Filed Jan 24, 2014 · Transmission · 112,000 miles · WI

Transmission is junk, it slips really bad, whines and chatters.

Filed Dec 15, 2011 · Suspension, Transmission · DE

My name is[xxx] and I own a 2002 ford explorer xlt (v6). I have owned it for almost a year now (will be in jan 2012) and loved every minute of it until recently. About 4 months ago, I heard a strange loud whining noise. I immediately took it to my mechanic and found that rear wheel bearing was going. I was also told that if I would have took the interstate to work that evening I could have possibly died or caused serious injuries to others on road. Very scary! Mind you this bearing went with no warning. Immediately after I heard the noise I took it in. Well the bearing got fixed and I couldn't have been happier. However, about a month ago I was on the interstate with my two year old daughter doing about 70mph when my truck began to shake violently. I assumed I was in the process of having a tire blow-out and began slowly breaking and losing control of the vehicle. Luckily I made it onto the shoulder of the interstate. My tire however was not as lucky. All 5 studs on my right rear tire snapped causing the tire to completely fly off and proceed down the road at a fast speed just passing the turn ramp and missing several other vehicles. In the process of losing the tire, it also caused damage to rear end of my SUV. It looked as if the tire got caught and caused the rear to dent in.replaced studs and everything seemed fine. Today (dec.15th) not even an entire month later, vehicle started shaking again. Oh how I remembered that scary shake. Examined tire and once again, studs snapped. 2 this time with a third one missing the cap. The tire was only held by 2 studs. Thank the lord I noticed this problem before going onto the interstate and once again having my tire fly off! I have been doing research this evening to find that this is a common problem with the 02-04 explorers. Please make a recall ford and others help me to get one made! This is a scary and dangerous situation! It can cause the loss of many lives as it has almost done mine and my daughters. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information a

Filed Oct 29, 2011 · Transmission · 169,000 miles · MI

In my 2002 ford explorer, the cel came on, along with the o/d off light blinking. It started to make a whining noise, and the next day, the car would not shift into second gear. It would only stay in 1st gear and would only go about 20 MPH. I now have to replace the transmission or have it rebuilt.

Filed Apr 18, 2011 · Transmission · 78,000 miles · NJ

Transmission is whining and needs to be replaced.

Filed Mar 30, 2011 · 190,782 miles · CA

Over the years we have had repeated problems with the transmission. It jerks and struggles to change gears. When you travel at freeway speeds it whines and jerks when it changes gears and when you're stopped at a light it makes weird noises and hesitates when you put your foot on the gas. We have repeatedly had the transmission repaired over the years.

Filed Mar 10, 2011 · Transmission · 72,000 miles · MA

2002 ford explorer rear end growl/whine.

Filed Oct 4, 2010 · Transmission · 95,200 miles · CA

Loud whine from rear. Transmission slipping between 2nd and 3rd gear. Flashing o/d light.

Filed Jun 12, 2010 · Transmission · 99,000 miles · MA

2002 ford explorer differential subject to increased whining @ 85000 miles and rapidly failed over the course of one week @ 99,000 miles. R side wheel bearings have failed at same time. Differential has locked up and drive gear jumps gear teeth during any turn. Dealer claims they've never seen such a failure but located a ford 'fix kit' very quickly so am very suspicious of their statement. I pulled the explorer from the dealer for second opinion and rep told me to 'park it' and never to drive it until repaired due to potential of highway lockup with extreme consequences. Ford is hiding this defect from the public. Have just filed complaint with ford online who are replying with form letter email refusals to help . Drive gear failure on any vehicle is unheard of, and should never fail. Vehicle sits on a truck chassis and should be sturdier than it is.

Filed Feb 7, 2010 · Transmission · 55,000 miles · NC

Wheel bearings and rear differential bearings where identified as being worn out (dangerously) to the point where the wheels could have come off the vehicle during normal operation. This was on a 2002 ford explorer with just under 55,000. This included all wheel bearings and bearings located in the rear end (differential) causing a loud whining noise.

Filed Aug 13, 2009 · Engine, Suspension · 60,000 miles · CT

In may 2005, the car would not go into reverse. The o/d light had been going on and off for a number of days. Transmission has to be replaced at a cost of $4500. Car had approximately 60000 miles. In january of 2008, the engine had to be replaced due to because the timing belt went at a cost of $3000. Car had 75000 miles. In august 2009, both rear spring were discovered to be broken when the car was taken in for a whining in the rear, which was the rear axle bearing. The car had 94000 miles, cost of repair was $1200.

Filed Apr 18, 2009 · Transmission · 88,000 miles · VA

2002 explorer, 1st incident, had od light flashing w/very hard shift. Had transmission rebuilt. About 6 months later, slipping at 30 to 40 miles per hour, had transfer case rebuilt. 6 weeks later transmission slipping again at 30 to 40 MPH with loud whine when stopping.