Problems with 2002 Ford Explorer POWER TRAIN

The car gets stuck in park and will not into reverse, neutral or drive. it doesn't happen often but has been happening at infrequent periods since 2007. it's a nuisance when it does happen but after multiple attempts, depressing the brake and repeatedly attempting to shift; shutting down the engine and restarting and repeating the process; usually does shift into gear. the last incident was more than 4 years ago. now since saturday, 9/28/19; can't shift out of park. i never reported the problem because it was always resolved and i forgot to report it to the dealership because i was always in a rush to get to my destination. my car is in good running condition. original owner. 93964mi. always serviced at dealership.

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.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. the contact stated that the vehicle rolled forward after it was parked. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 232,160.

The shift lever literally snapped off at the steering column while putting the car into drive. car couldn't be shifted into park, still running. keys couldn't even be removed to turn the car off. very dangerous. seems like a fairly common problem among 2002 ford explorer owners. many complaints filed here: https://www.carcomplaints.com/ford/explorer/2002/accessories-interior/gear_shift_lever_fell_off-2.shtml

Transmission failed on a major highway

Transmissions going out it started all of a sudden with a vibration in transmission after driving it for a awhile in the higher gears the od light came on an flashed for awhile can u help me

The rear stabilizer links just broke out of nowhere not even to latest later the front stabilizer links just broke out of nowhere and i have no steering a whole lot of loose control

Upon beginning to drive home from work the transmission failed when shifting from second to third gear. there is no longer a third gear in my automatic transmission. in order to get home i had to manually shift with gear shifter and attempt to skip over third gear. was driving on city streets. vehicle has 174000 miles on it.

Transmission needs to be rebuilt with only 88000 miles on engine.

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.

Driving nd steering wheel fell apart brake switch stopped working 3 times had new transmission put in had to have 3 different sets of tire put on back window shattered while sitting at red light. *tr

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.

My 2002 ford explorer eddie bauer is on its 3rd transmission. it has 78k miles on it. help

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. while parking the vehicle, the gear shift lever fractured and separated from the steering column. the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 144,000.

Transmission don't work, gear slip after 10 minutes drive then stop working won't go back or foward

02 explorer stop shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear, after 2nd gear when it's time to shift it sounds like it goes in neutral, when i let off it finally shifts (hard) it's very dangerous when driving in front of traffic i'm afraid for myself and my children, this is an issue for alot of people, please help us with this issue, this really needs to be recalled thank you *tr

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.

As i was out driving one day, i pulled off from a green light and out of nowhere the "service engine light" and the "o/d light" both turned on at the same time. at the same time i noticed that the truck began to shift very poorly coming out of 1st and 2nd gear. it is now to the point where there is a really loud "clunk" every time the truck shifts, especially in the lower gears and when putting the truck in reverse. i pulled over to ensure that it wasn't something i had done and it wasn't! i let the car sit for a few hours hoping that would clear the issue, but no luck! after much research on the problem this is a very well known problem by ford motor company and nothing has been done to resolve it for their customers. i purchased this vehicle just under a month ago and already i'm looking at $2,000 to put in a new transmission. well after purchasing the vehicle i can not afford to fix ford's mistake!!! this is a clear defect of a ford product and after spending my hard earned money on one of their products i expect much better from them! even after spending $2,000 on another transmission, it is a sure fact that it is only inevitable that this problem will happen again and again and again to anyone who purchases a 2003 ford explorer! if i and i'm sure anyone else would've known this fact, i'm positive; ford would have not sold as many models. can we say bamboozled and taken for my money by ford motor company! please help us customers out and demand a recall on these poorly built components they mass produced and stuck inside a widely marketed and sold vehicle. how would you feel if you and your infant child was driving and out of nowhere...boom...another $2,000 you do not have for another poorly built ford transmission smh... ## vin failed ## [xxx] ## information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. while the gear shifter was shifted into the park position, the four wheel drive shifted. while driving 10 mph, the four wheel gears shifted again. the contact activated the gear buttonm but it did not work. the vehicle managed to place itself back into drive gear. the warning lights did not illuminate. the failure occurred numerous times. the dealer was not notified. the manufacturer was notified. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 145,819.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. while attempting to start the vehicle, the gear shift fractured without warning. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not at the dealer being repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 153,000.

Both rear coil springs broke. replaced front and rear wheel bearings replaced ball joints replaced transmission has now failed and is now undependable. may fail with out warning no accidents, any of the above could have resulted in an accident ford is aware of all of the mentioned problems and refuses to rectify the problems. this is a wide spread problem with all 2002 ford explorers.

Air bag wiring harness to short : every time you move the seat the air bag light would come on $683.00 repair service technical service bulletin from ford no compensation for repairs miles 22,000. front wheel bearing failure left and right 60,000 miles. rear spring failure 75000 miles front spring failure 75000 miles. fuel tank registers 1/4 tank when tank is empty 45000 miles transmission cellinoid failure 28000 miles and 800000 miles heater control module 70000 miles. intake leak 80000 miles. rear wheel bearing and axle seals 100,000 miles. other than that great car. if ford cared about its customer it would have fixed the transmission problems they had six flaws from day one of production from 1990 ---- why ford if you had a real transmission it would make up for all the other failure built into this car. you make great real trucks like the f150 other than that your entire fleet is junk.

Started with flashing of light went to check engine light code p0775 transmission control solenoid b.... from what i'm finding out this is just a symptom of the bigger problem the servo bore leaking and needing a brass sleeve insert fix... i think it's total crap i have to pay for a kit and find someone who will follow the proper refit procedures and pay them when ford is well aware of this issue and should be forced into a recall retro fit... i am a 50 yr old disabled woman who can't afford to fix a problem the manufacturer should be dealing with....the transmission is hazardous and can disengage from loss of pressure while driving...

Gear shifter broke off while putting the car in park.

The o/d light has started flashing and my check engine light came on, it is not shifting when it should be, going up to 5000 rpms, i have to take my foot off the pedal to try and get it to shift into 3rd. sometimes it works, other times not so much. after doing a thorough search, i have found a ridiculous amount of complaints identical to mine, most with similar mileage (mine is at 162,000), with the problem being either the solenoid pack or the o/d servo. some are lucky and have this replaced first, but others end up having to rebuild/replace the tranny. that is an expensive fix for what seems to be a very common problem, too expensive for most people who drive a vehicle that is this old.i am a single mother of two small children, i do not have the money to fix this or buy another vehicle.

1st transmission total failure at 87k miles 2nd transmission total failure at 156k miles vehicle is driven very light duty usage by a mature woman (now 86 years old at the time of the 2nd failure). from researching on the internet i have found that ford many issues with early mileage transmission failures and never a recall for this issue. i'm filing this on behalf of my mother

I was driving along and the over drive light off started flashing and i started experiencing the vehicle starting to shift harder in 1 & 2 gears!

I financed this vehicle thru 123 auto in homosassa fl citrus county and it has a airbag that is no good and no horn and the transmission was bad the day i bought it and they will not fix so i am currently paying to get it fixed i was told to make a complaint with this office to see if you can help me get something done because it is not right

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. while driving at approximately 55 mph, the transmission shifted from third gear to fourth gear independently and the vehicle decelerated. the vehicle made an abnormal noise and the engine warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle was driven to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the technician stated that the transmission was burned out and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. in addition, the contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, a snapping sound emitted from the vehicle and the steering wheel became hard to turn. the failure recurred multiple times. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the technician diagnosed that the power steering pump was defective which prevented it from holding the fluid damaging the anti-brakes system. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the approximate failure mileage was 144,000. the vin was not available.

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.

Vehicle lunges at red lights or when i put it in park or take it out of park. rpms go up to 4000 rpms and wont shift. od light stays on and flashes while driving and shifts up and down while driving. almost ran through a store front one day as i pulled up because the rpms were so high. if rpms are up sitting at red light it cruises by itself when i let off brake at 30mph but wont go any faster when i give it gas until rpms come down. this has been happening for a year now. i don't have the money to keep replacing transmissions this is the second one now in 4 years.

Transmission will not shift from 2nd to 3rd gear unless you let off gas. *tr

The transmission would not shift between gears in my 2002 ford explorer resulting in my being unable to accelerate on the massachusetts turnpike at rush hour. *tr

Gear shifter broke off while attempting to shift the vehicle in reverse. i am thankful that i was at home in my own driveway and that it did not go into gear. it is stuck in park, but my keys are stuck in the ignition. this seems like it could be a safety hazard if the car were to go into gear, or get stuck in reverse. *tr

While driving the vehicle made a loud "bump" and then i lost all acceleration. this problem needs to be addressed by ford, this is very dangerous to all of the sudden lose a transmission while driving. i have seen numerous complaints on the transmission of this year of vehicle, so there is obviously a problem. transmissions are not cheap by any means, i don't know how i'm going to get the money to fix mine. i currently have no vehicle and have had to resort to bumming rides from people just to get to work. this vehicle needs to be recalled!!! *tr

Driving on the interstate at 70 mph. transmission failed while driving in traffic. was nearly hit trying to get vehicle off the road. no warning, transmission just went. huge problem and safety issue with ford explorer. *tr

Bought an explorer we thought was a private owner on craiglist in chicago, and found out he was a dealer from indiana. he signed the title as first auto inc. 2620 165th in hammond in 46323. the name of seller is [xxx] . the dmv file a complaint on our behalf and stated what he did was illegal. we did not know he was a dealer til when we tried to transfer our plates the next day. we took the truck in for service and my mechanic stated that carfax has the miles almost 80,000 more than what is on the odometer. the odometer listed 110,000 and carfax was far past that amount. the dealer rolled back the miles of explorer. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 mph, the gear shift fractured and only operated in reverse. the vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 250,000.

O/d light keeps flashing, will not switch into second gear until you let off the throttle. gets as high as 38,000- 40,000 rpm. *tr

I got in it after 15 minutes of it warming up, pulled out of the drive and the rpm went to 3000rpm before it shifted in second gear. then the o/d light started flashing on and off, next the check transmission indicator light came on. went home and called a mechanic, took it to him and then bad news. it has worked perfectly up to this point. *tr

Overdrive light came on. check transmission light came on. the truck suddenly started screeching loudly, nearly caused an accident while going to the airport on an expressway. *tr

Parked in parking lot on level surface. started engine went to put in reverse and shifting lever fell off. contacted ford instead of selling broken part wanted to sell complete steering column. *tr

The handle to shift the manual transmission from park to reverse broke off at the metal part inside the steering column. this is could have been very dangerous if i was driving! ford states they no longer produce the part. *tr

Went to put vehicle in reserve and gear shift on the column fell in my hand, completely snapped. *tr

Transmission failure before 100000 miles while on freeway

Was driving on the highway and felt a sharp jerk/pull to the right. at first thought it was a flat tire so got off on next exit. wasn't a flat tire but could smell something awful. made grinding sound and still had bad smell, knew we had to drive it back to the place we are staying at. had hazard lights on and only drove 10-15 mph because of the sound and because of how scary it was. knew something bad was happening to our car. brakes at this point practically went out. would not have to press brakes to stop vehicle at a red light, the car would just stop. steering wheel was not even, but more or less 90 degrees to the right. pulled into the neighborhood and into the driveway and a car leaving the street saw that our vehicle at this point was on fire! extinguish fire (since it was a gas fire) and looked at the damage. looks like the front driver side wasn't even connected to anything. do not know how or when fire started but the flames when we noticed were about 1 foot tall and wide by the internal driver side wheel. *tr

At first when shifting the transmission wouldn't go into any gear. we had the transmission replaced. when got vehicle back still had same problem took it to transmission specialist put on computer fixed the initial problem. the transmission we had put in had much more problems. overdrive started blinking then lost 2nd and 5th gear

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. the contact stated that while parking, the shift selector fractured while attempting to shift from drive to park. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 140,000.

Pulled into a parking space (flat surface) and attempted to put the car into park and the gearshift lever broke off into my hand. the same thing happen about a year ago, and our mechanic replaced the defective parts. *tr

Driving in rush hour traffic, transmission would not shift into high. i was almost hit by a semi truck on i-94 near i-275. *tr