transmission problem
8.6
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$2,464.00
Average Mileage:
164,726 miles
Number of complaints:
103 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (41 reports)
- complete rebuild (27 reports)
- new tranmission (26 reports)
- new solenoid, pistol in tranny broken (6 reports)
- ford needs to recall their faulty transmission (3 reports)
Helpful Websites About 2002 Ford Explorer o/d light is blinking
2008Dec 12
Explorer 4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 82,000 miles
This car is a piece of garbage. I've only owned it 6 years and now it's costing me over $3000 to repair, which is almost what the car is worth at this point. I was always one to stick up for American cars, having family who works for Ford, but I'm never buying American again. My next car will be a Honda or a Toyota.
2008Dec 18
Explorer Limited 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 66,700 miles
Without warning (of course!) the O/D Off lamp started flickering and the CHECK TRANSMISSION message displayed in the display. I was able to drive home, but the next day the transmission was definitely slipping and having problems on the less than two mile drive to the dealer. The mechanic drove it around the auto center with the comment "Wow, this transmission is really messed up!" and it needs to be completely replaced with bands worn out and debris from the self-destructing transmission finishing the job. This was the first site found in a search of 2002 explorer transmission problems and what a doosy it is.
2008Dec 08
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 145,000 miles
I replaced my Transmission in 2005 at that time I had 90,000 miles on the truck. Now here we go again after putting a brand new transmission in this truck, it needs another one. I am totally annoyed. Of course, the truck is out of warranty!!! I am totally disgusted!
2008Dec 01
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Tiptronic transmission
- 119,000 miles
Here is a little link to ford motor company. They would like to know how you feel about there vehicals. Let'em have it. I did.................https://secure.ford.com/footer/contact-ford/contact-us-email?contactMainTopic=VehicleServiceIssues
2008Nov 26
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 168,900 miles
Okay, I haven't taken it to get fixed yet, and quite frankly, I am scared to death now - $2400.00 is the typical repair cost??!!! HOLY COW!
So I am taking it to the transmission shop tomorrow morning, I guess.... I am going to hope and pray that it will not cost an arm and a leg but we shall see.... I will update this later when I find out the repair cost!!!
2008Dec 07
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 108,999 miles
Just came on today so I am reading about all these complaints on the same problem.
We already got a new rebuilt tranny at 85k, dealer warranted this one until 100K. Course that's passed now.
Also plastic body under the rear window cracked [split] recently for the 2nd time, Dealer claims we hit it or slam the window closed too hard. BS, why do they use plastic body panel there.
2007Mar 08
Explorer XLS 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 98,500 miles
I have been a Ford person for some 25 years (other than a Corvette and Camaro for a hobby car). So I am not givving up on Ford because of this one FIASCO. My transmission has been blinking the OD light for almost 2 years now. I always have to let off the gas or it will not shift from 1st to 2nd. Ford wants 4500 to rebuild the transmission(That is crazy). I did get a friend to replace the PCB solenoid body that the PO775 code said was bad. But that was a waste of 700.00. After much research I have what I believe to be the problem. It is the Front OD Servo. I just need to find the information to get this done or find a reputable transmission dealer who will not rape me. I love ford I just hate the dealers!!!!
2008Oct 01
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
I own a 2002 Ford Explorer with a V8 auto transmission. This transmission has been having issues since I reached 60,000 miles. It would take over 5 seconds to engage into gear which could cause an accident if on a stopped and switching gears. Then one day I am driving and the overdrive light begins to flash. I went home and since it was a Saturday night , I decided to do a GOOGLE search on 2002 overdrive light flashing. Oh boy did I wish I knew that ALL 2002 ford explorers are having this issue before I bought it. Ford has put a sealed transmission in this vehicle which is flat out DANGEROUS!! How can they put a transmission into a vehicle that your not even able to check your fluid level. Your transmission could be low causing the transmission to go out, and the owner would never know. Not only are there massive amounts of Explorers with this issue, but with the same exact issue. Between 20 to 30 MPH (going from 2nd to 3rd) the transmission will slip allowing the vehicle RPM's to soar to 5000 + and then SLAMS into gear. If you do a internet search there are THOUSANDS of people with this SAME EXACT issue. Some vehicles report as low as 20,000 miles when the transmission fails. Ford should be held responsible for putting transmissions that are obviously FAULTY. Read the thousands of complaints out there from the hard working consumer, and I think you will agree. Ford does not want to admit that there transmissions in the 2002 explorer because of the cost to repair all of the vehicles straight up!! Remember the Ford Explorer is the #1 selling SUV in America for years! And with selling that many vehicles, If you where Ford and you ever had a major engine or transmission issue of course you would DENY it, That would be a good chunk of change out of there pocket. SHAME ON YOU FORD!! This is not the way your company built its customer base. If Henry Ford was alive he would be bitch slapping you idiots for putting that POS tranny into a vehicle let alone an SUV you dumb SOB's
2008Nov 03
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 89,000 miles
had car for 6 mos, no 3 or 5 gear suddenly , od blinking, next rebuilt tranny ,2000.00 of my money! i hope ford goes down the drain for not fixing this problem!!!!!!!
2006Nov 28
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 95,000 miles
This seems to be an ongoing problem with the Explorer. Has anyone gotten any help from Ford to get this fixed?
2008Nov 13
Explorer XLS 4.0L/V6
- Automatic transmission
- 144,000 miles
Similar to previously reports. Blinking O/D light for 5 miles but then stopped blinking. No way to check transmission fluid level as confirmed by area autoparts and non-Ford service centers. No noticeable problems shifting but suddenly vehicle would not exceed 20 mph and transmission disengaged to a neutral-like mode. Would not engage in reverse or drive, and began to hear whining noise followed by "service engine" light. Stranded on busy interstate. A bit annoyed in that transmission serviced at 50, 75, and 125K miles. With the number of reported complaints with this year and model (and all previous year models), this should really be a recall item. Last Ford I will purchase, rent or drive. I think these complaints should be sent to congress as a further sign that Ford especially needs to get its act together (no bailout!!!). I really hate that I have more confidence in foreign vehicles...I wish I could have more faith in American vehicles.
2008Nov 14
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
poor job on fords trans. I have had the same trouble in a Taurus auto front wheel drive that caused a speed sensor failure then a used transmission. -all high dollar pains in the wallet.
2008Nov 06
Explorer XLT 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 64,500 miles
I am currently living in the same world that all of you live in. The economy is not really booming right now. We have prices everywhere going up, monopoly's happening in pretty much every spectrum of the economy....(Where do we live....In the United States Of America..?) We are all buying vehicles from company's that we think are making a vehicle worthy of owning, but in reality we are purchasing something that will keep their companies making cars.
I purchased a used vehicle with 54000 miles on it, thinking i was buying something that would last for 5 years plus. I thought I would keep it after it is paid off to use as a back up vehicle. Well I guess that is out of the question seeing that my transmission is already going at 64000 miles....Yes I said 64000 miles. Wow...That is unbelievable. Well I know that i will be paying for this vehicle for the next five years.....and I also know that I will never in my life buy another Ford Vehicle...nor will anyone in my family....I can not believe that I am in a ford with 64000 miles and it is already headed towards the junk yard......Go Ford......Go straight to H#%@.
2008Oct 29
Explorer XLS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 105,000 miles
After reading all of the other 2002 Ford Explorer transmission nightmares, I actually now feel much better that my wife's piece of crap didn't tear up until 105,000 miles. Until now, it's just been typical cheap American craftsmanship problems: blinker bulbs going out, brake lights going out, door window falling out of track and showering, tailgate body panel separating from car.
I currently have a 2007 Toyota Tundra, after having a 1997 Dodge Ram that required 3 transmission rebuilds within 127,000 miles. This is now 4 transmissions in American vehicles. Why are American manufacturers surprised that they are losing all of their market share to Japanese and European manufacturers. I can promise you that, as long as I live, I will never purchase another piece of crap American vehicle.
2008Oct 01
Explorer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 108,944 miles
O/D LIGHT FLASHING
BROUGHT TO INDEPENDENT TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP
THEY SAID COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE, NEED REBUILD
AFTER THE REBUILD, I NOW HAVE TRANSMISSION SHUDDER/CHATTER.
REPLACED TORQUE CONVERTER
REPLACED PCM
REPROGRAMMED PCM
REPLACED SOLENOID PACK
STILL HAVE CHATTER/SHUDDER
2008Sep 18
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 67,000 miles
Well, I feel like I'm repeating what everyone else is saying. My 2002 Eddie Bauer Explorer's transmission decided to crap out on me while my wife was in the left lane of a busy Hwy, with no shoulder to pull off on. But that's right FORD says it's not a safety issue. I am so outraged by the number of complaints for the same thing, how can they just turn their heads on this.
2008Sep 06
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 67,408 miles
My husband was taking the car on a fishing trip, towing a small tent trailer, when the o/d light started flashing, and the service engine light came on. It started shifting very hard. Was in the middle of nowhere, so he turned around and went it to supply store. And he drove it home. A mechanic friend scanned it and told us the PC solenoid was out in the tranny. We took it back to the dealer we purchased it, who has done all and any work on it, and they fixed it, ha, for 1058.18. A week later it is shifting hard again. After reading all these complaints I as very upset. And I have filed a complaint with the NHTSA. I hope everyone does! I have had a Ford for 35 years, and will NEVER buy another one. As a matter of fact they can take it and put it where the sun doesn't shine!
2008Oct 20
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 123,000 miles
The problem first happened in TJ one year ago. SUV didn't make it going-up on a street and now O/D flickering problem. Result "Transmission Rebuild".
2008Aug 19
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 81,000 miles
I've had this 2002 Ford Explorer for 2 years now, and last month in August, my o/d light starts flashing non stop. The manual says that the tranny needs to be serviced, so I take it to my local repair shop. $42 dollars later, they tell me that it's certainly something with the tranny, may be a sensor or something worse, and they can't even give me an estimate on how much it's going to cost to fix it unless I bring in it for 2 days. This is my only vehicle, meaning I would also need to rent a car.
I've been saving up some cash to try and get this thing repaired, when I stumbled across this site. Now I'm scared, thinking that they might try to pull one over on me and charge me for a tranny rebuild (which from the looks of it, doesn't seem to last in these vehicles afterwards anyways).
I've always been a Chevy girl and buying this Ford was a last minute, out of desperation decision. It was this or a Chevy Trailblazer that would have cost me an extra $40 a month in payments. Now I'm wishing I had just sucked it up and bought the Chevy. I will never buy another Ford again. Tomorrow I'm going to a CHEVY dealer with the hopes that I can somehow manage to trade this hunk of junk Ford in for a real vehicle.
2008Aug 30
Explorer Eddie Bauer
- Automatic transmission
- 88 miles
My O/D light kept blinking and Transmission light kept coming on.
2008Sep 19
Explorer 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
First of all, this 2002 Ford Explorer was my boyfriends first car. It's something that he really worked hard for. So, let me tell the horrible story of what happened. Well, September 19, 2008 my boyfriend came and picked me up from work and he parked the car so that i can drive home, so he put the car in Park and got out and i got in and then i put the car in reverse and the car wouldn't go. No matter how hard i pressed the gas pedal it wouldn't go. So, I next put it in drive and it barely moved but it moved very slowly. The car was going about 15 m.p.h and there were cars behind us and i tried to go a little faster but the car made this LOUD SCRAPPING RIDICULOUS NOISE, it was horrible. This noise was a sound i never heard in my life or in any other car. As, i drove 5 m.p.h to get home. Finally, when i got one block from my house the car wouldn't go even while i was giving it gas. Me and my boyfriend are only 22 and 21 years old. This is something that we cant afford to pay. When we left the dealership in June they said that everything was okay. In the short time that we've had the car, we've had to change the brakes and a full oil change. If i would've known that this car was going to be like this we wouldn't never purchased but as soon as this PROBLEM get fixed it's gotta go. FORD YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God knows how much this is going to cost us..... THANKS FORD!
2008Aug 07
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
O/D LIGHT STARTED BLINKING AUGUST 2008. TOOK TO SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. WENT TO TRANSMISSION SHOP AND WAS OVER $3000.00 TO FIX. THEY SAID THAT THE FORD EXPLORER XLT IS FAMOUS FOR THIS AND THERE ARE ALOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS TRANSMISSION. THEY ALSO SAID THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO COMPENSATE FOR THE REPAIR. IF A CLASS ACTION SUIT IS FILED I WANT IN.
2008Sep 09
Explorer Limited V8
- Automatic transmission
- 93,000 miles
So NHTS has 478 complaints on this issue. Considering there are several thousand of this year and type vehicle on the road this number of complaints is not significant nor is it likely there will be a recall since it has not posed a safety hazard. Assuming for every complaint there is an average of 10 non posted complaints that would roughly be 4780 current vehicle owners with issues to this effect. This is still a very low number of issues for a vehicle that over 2000 per day are produced. I believe Ford is aware of this issue and of course is the reason they are giving a 3 yr, 100,000 mile warranty on the replacement trans. Of course since mine made 93,000.00 before the issue come up that would be about right. We didn't experience any transmission effects only the lights flashed both O/D and Check Transmission.
2006Apr 12
Explorer XLT 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
2002 Explorer XLT O/D light started blinking rapidly after 80000 miles and check engine light on. Had to have the tranny completely rebuilt. Now after only 2 years the same is happening again. Ford is completely irresponsible in the tranny equipment that are on these models of Fords and refuses to do anything about it. Should be recalled due to the fact that so many people are having the same problems.
2008Aug 20
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 13,058 miles
o/d light started blinking. then shifts wont change, i dont use my explorer no more because the transmission is bad.and because its really expensive to fix. i have a friend thats has the same problem, ford should fix the problem, Ford should of never put that transmission type on any of their vehicles. if any one is suing ford let me know.
2008Aug 10
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 103,000 miles
Bought my 2002 Ford Explorer used in 2004. Had read online about a year ago about problems with that year, especially transmission problems. Didn't think anything of it after I passed 100,000 miles. Little did I know that last Sunday would be the start of it. First I started having problems accelerating once I hit 20 MPH, wouldn't accelerate at that point, then finally shifted into gear at 30 MPH. O/D light started flashing, check engine light came on. Problem seems to be getting worse, won't accelerate after 20 MPH and when it finally does it jerks and continues on slowly until I reach my desired speed. Took it to my local shop, told me the bad news, it's my transmission. Advice my mechanic gave me?? Trade it in. If only I didn't owe more than it was worth, who would have known that it would depreciate worse than I had expected as well..?? Really upset, especially after reading all of these same complaints...wake up Ford!!!
2007Jan 01
Explorer XLS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
I had my truch for 4 years, I got it when it was 2 yrs old and in January 2007 I first started having problems with my transmission. When I would start to drive my vehicle there would be this be kicking noise as if someone had hit me from behind. Soon thereafter the o/d light started flashing and about a day or so later the check engine soon light came on. I couldn't afford to take it right away so I figured out how to drive the car like this. I took it to Aamco in February and they rebuilt my transmission at a cost of 2600 with a 12 month/12,000 mile warranty. Just recently in August, 2008 I was driving and felt the biggest jerk that I ever felt in my truck and right after that the o/d light starts flashing again. Although my warranty had now expired I contact Aamco since that had just rebuilt the transmission a year and a half ago. They told me to bring it in, they did the diagnostic and of course it was the transmission again. They told me that even though my warranty had expired they would rebuild the transmission again at no cost to me. That I was happy to hear because at this time I definitely could not afford to pay for it a second time. Although I didn't think I should be having problems a second time and I think aamco felt that way also, which is why I don't have to pay anything... Too bad Ford isn't anything like them.... They suck!
2008Aug 05
Explorer XLT 4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
About 3 months ago I noticed my O/D light would blink for no reason. At first this would happen about once every 2 weeks but after about a month it started happening more frequently. I then started to hear a roaring in the rear of the car. I took it to Midas and they said the bearings needed replacing so I did that. Now I hear this whining from the rear and I feel a small vibration. When I put the truck in gear there is a small jerk before it is actually in gear. I have already taken this piece of crap truck to the dealer for the transmission once. I have spent about $3500 in this truck for timing belts, o2 sensors, catalytic converters. What else can go wrong? This vehicle is a money pit. All 2002 Explorer owners should get together and go after them in court. Than maybe they will stop making crap for cars!!!! There are about 550 Explorer owners with the same issue. Something needs to be done
2008Jun 19
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 54,000 miles
Started with a whining noise, then blinking OD light. Just like everyone else took it in to our nearby transmission shop. according to them the computer returned a code that showed an overheat. They replaced everything electronic in the tranny. The shop would not trust the transmission if the electronics got cooked. $3000 latter i'm back on the road.
There is no reason for the overheat condition. my wife uses it primarily for shopping and taking the kids to pre-school, it's only got 54,000 miles on it. This seems to of happened way early compared to most of the complaints i've read here. a lot of good the factory tow package did me. what a piece.
2008Jul 16
Explorer Limited V8
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
This just happened to me on July 16,2008..the flashing O/D light..check engine light..not shifting..I also have a 2002 Explorer... seems like there should be something we all could do..like a class action suit? There's to many complaints about this problem..and it cost to much to fix..I still owe 7,000 on my vehicle..FORD SUCKS!!! I also will never buy another Ford..If Ford had a recall on this problem it would put them out of business!....Henry Ford should turning over in his grave!!
2008Jul 15
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 54,000 miles
What the bloody hell 54000 miles on the car that goes 6 miles to work and back every day 6 MILES and I got to replace a transmission ! Ford what the hell are you churning out garbage? I have been a loyal ford driver since I was 16 years old. Thats 20 Plus years of driving your vehicles and I got to now ride my bike to work for a few days cause you cant send out a notice to customers regarding your faulty transmissions. Thanks Ford, I think next time I will buy a Toyota ..... No wonder they are kicking your backside !
2008Jul 04
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
On 07-04-08 the O/D light in the 2002 Ford Explorer started to blink and the truck would make a winding sound, I took it to my mechanic who happened to be a retired Ford mechanic for 20yrs. As soon as I told him the problem he said oh yea those explorers are famous for this one, before he even test drove the vehicle he said its your transmission and it needs a new one or a rebuild, I said ford knows about this ? and he said absolutely and they wont do anything for you!!!
I find it funny (Ha Ha!! Real Funny) that on this Countries (USA's) Birthday we have One of the Founding Father Companies of the American Automobile acting in such an irresponsible manner, I have been reading hundreds of the same problems and Ford will not contact these owners and attempt to correct such an injustice.
Well its not just the Mechanics in the Transmission shops who know of these problems but its the Ford Mechanics in the Ford Dealership shops who know of these issues too. Maybe Ford should start a program that the potential buyer of one of there vehicles should be given the names of 5 surrounding dealerships and be given the opportunity to speak to the mechanics in these shops, they know the real problems, but then again it seems that the Ford upper echelon is not even listening to the little Mechanics who handle the daily issues so why should they listen to us the customer....good luck ford owners
2008Jul 07
Explorer XLS
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
WOW!!! I sure wish I would have viewed this site before purchasing this POS Ford Exploder! Yes I said Exploder. I had just had my daughter and thought this would be a great vehicle (even after all the bad things I had heard), so I purchased it used in 2006. The truck only had 20,000 miles on it. Days after leaving the lot I had to have the rear end replaced (luckily under warranty), then at about 60,000 miles I had to have a solenoid replaced due to a malfunction that was making the truck jerk when I went into reverse and the RPMs would skyrocket, and now again at 80,000 miles I see the O/D light on again and the check engine light, and sure enough the reading is that there is a solenoid B malfunction...what a surprise. It seems to me that Ford would fix the issue. Its not like there are only a handful of people with these problems. It looks to me that it is every ford exploder! I just purchased a brand new Mitsubishi lancer last week. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!! No more FORDS (fix or repair daily) for me and I'd urge all of you to not even look in that direction anyways. Its pretty sad that we can't even trust american made cars and have to buy foreign.
2008Jul 05
Explorer XLS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
Just found out this morning that the transmission on my 2002 Ford Explorer V6 XLS is basically shot. 85K miles and the O/D light is flashing. My local mechanic advised towing to a tranny shop. Called a highly recommended shop and was advised approximately $300 to diagnose and an estimate (based on history with 2002 Explorer') of $3400. I have no idea what I am going to do. Can not afford this bill! Called Ford and they basically said nothing was recalled and they would do nothing for me either. Rep said "have a nice day".
2008Jun 27
Explorer XLS 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 180,000 miles
Service engine and o/d light is activated and blinking. The gears seemed to be hesitating to shift properly. I thought there was some type "recall" issue on this vehicle by Ford. However, I was wrong. The Warranty has already expired and I nearly have this vehicle paid for. I will never buy a FORD ever again. I wished there was something I could do to file a "LAWSUIT."
2008Jun 29
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 122,000 miles
After replacing wheel bearings, leaking gasket, electrical bundle that cause low oil pressure warning light to sound, air conditioning, the OD light started blinking. This was accompanied by check transmission message. The local Ford dealer informed me that rear power train would go next.
The flashing OD light occurred just after traveling on the NY Thruway, Route 287, the Palisades Parkway, the GW Bridge, the NJ Turnpike, Route 78. We decided to take back roads as we got closer to home near Philadelphia, and the transmission started acting up.
I drove real slow, took my foot off gas while rolling down hills, and made it home without breaking down on the road. Now the car sits in the driveway and I do not want to pay for new transmission and rear power train.
I feel the car is dangerous to drive and am not sure what I am going to do....except I know I cannot drive it anymore.
Irene Kay
Philadelphia, PA
2008Apr 01
Explorer XLT 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 10,000 miles
my problems started with the engine put a new rebuilt engine in it that was last year that cost me about 3,000 and the this year we were driving then the o/d light started blinking found out it was transmission that end up costing 3,300 so in a little over a year ive put 6,300 dollars into this truck on the outside this is a great truck and i would know a lot about that since it does a lot of sitting FORD SUCKSSSSSSSSSSSS
2008Jun 13
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
Bought my 2002 last November from Riverside Ford in Sumner, WA. Just over two months and 3,000 miles later, the top half of the engine needed rebuilding. A piston blew. Dealer offered no help as I didn't buy a service contract or warranty ... just completely paid off the vehicle in cash. Now this... OD flashing, service engine light on, at 85K. I call the dealer and the service rep plays dumb like they've never heard of such a thing.... wants to do the whole diagnostic for starters and then proceed as needed- maybe a new tranny needed. Then I do a search and not only find this site but also the following: (http://www.explorerforum.com/Singleton/web/pages/at3.html)
I own one of the first Ford Explorer XLT's off the assembly line so many of the recall related problems I experienced first hand with no factory support. Through it all I still love the explorer no matter how quirky it gets. At about 80,000 miles my Explorer started slipping in and out of overdrive. The expense of a new transmission install was unappealing, so I put it off as long as possible. Turned out it was just long enough for the alternator to wear out, and upon replacing the alternator the voltage regulator was replaced. The Explorer uses an alternator with a built in voltage regulator, so replace one you replace both. Now I suppose you wonder why all the discussion about alternators & regulators when the transmission was the real subject. The overdrive for the explorer is electronic - any drop in voltage through the electronics cause the system to change gears. This is not the cure all for all slipping overdrives, but I know of four other Ford Explorer owners who gave up their cars because Ford service rebuilt, replaced, and re-replaced their transmissions without finding the cause but charging them the whole way. Test your Voltage regulator first. This sometimes can be difficult to trace because of variables of operating temperature and intermittent failures may hide the problem, but its a lot cheaper than any tranny work.
I will never buy Ford ever again!!! They can't even treat customers with the least bit of integrity - they deserve to go under.
2008Jun 13
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Tranny went out just like everybody else's. Just hit 80k miles on my 2002 Ford Explorer EB. O/D light is flashing like crazy. Idiot panel says CHECK TRANSMISSION. At start up, the engine revs up to about 3k and the trans makes a grinding/ shredding sound. Based on the cost to repair it and what I've read about these transmissions, I'll probably go to pic n' pull to get another one and hope that Ford recalls them before the new one goes out. The transmission type is: 5R55W
2008May 31
Explorer XLS 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
SAME STORY AS THE REST OF THEM. I DIDN'T KNOW THERE WAS A PROBLEM UNTIL THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WAS QUICK TO FOLLOW. THE FORD DEALERSHIP SAID O/D SERVO WAS BAD, TO RISKY TO REBUILD. SHOULD REPLACE TO THE TUNE OF $3500.00. PAID FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC AND DROVE IT TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP. THEY TOLD US THAT 2ND AND 4TH WAS GONE AND THE CODE (775) WAS A BAD SOLENOID (B). WE HAD THEM REBUILD IT TOTALLY ($2000) W/ 12/12 WARRANTY.
I CONTACTED THE NYS ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE AND THEY ARE FORWARDING THE COMPLAINT TO THE NTSB. IF I DON'T HEAR FROM THEM SOON I AM SUPPOSED TO CALL THE AGO BACK. IF THAT WASN'T BAD ENOUGH, THE ENTIRE REAR-END(HUBS, BRAKES, BEARINGS AND ALL) JUST WENT OUT ON IT. 3 DAYS AFTER THE THING CAME HOME FROM THE TRANNY SHOP. ANTHER $1100.00.
I DO LOVE HOW IT RUNS AND DRIVES, WHEN IT RUNS AND DRIVES.
2008Jun 07
Explorer XLS
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
we purchased this ford explorer new from the dealer with extended warranty for 5 y or 100,000 miles what ever comes first we had some problems with the car but nothing major until th O/D light started blinking showed it to the dealer said we are not covered until the warranty anymore (2 months after the 5 year limit )and that is something to do with the transmission he will be changing something but not the transmission itself it i will cost about 1000$ with no warranty that will fix the problem . if doesn't work will need 3500 $ transmission job . very disappointed with ford and will never buy ford again.
no good service and not answering a lot of complaining people about 2002 explora transmission problem
2008Jun 13
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 104,000 miles
Transmission slipped while shifting from 2nd to 3rd. At next light, would not shift from 2nd to 3rd until I took my foot off the gas. vehicle felt like it left the ground as it attempted to shift from 2nd to 3rd. Noticed OD/Off light flashing. Check Engine Light came on. I have been Quoted New Trany for 3814.18 for a broken band, Rear brakes, rear end noise, EGR system code a 5000.00 repair and the SUV is only worth 7 grand
2008Jun 04
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
First let me say, I can't believe there has been this many problems with the Explorer Transmissions!!! I thought I just had bad luck until finding this site! First I will say that this Ford is the FIRST American made car I have ever owned, I have had a Mazda, A Mitsu, and a Honda.....NEVER had any trouble with ANY of them, other than regular maintenance such as brakes, etc......I don't mean to trash our American cars, but this is bullshit! My problem is like everyone else....Shifting funny, OD Off started flashing, service engine light came on, all in the matter of days.....out of the blue......My Explorer is in the shop now with an estimated cost of $1300...Great! Piece of sh*t FORD! Never again will I buy a Ford, or any other American made car for that matter!
2008May 26
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 78,387 miles
Just like everyone else--out of the blue the O/D light starts blinking. SUV was sluggish and would hardly go up an incline. Took it immediately to my mechanic and he said he thought it was the transmission. I'd had no warning what so ever and just couldn't believe it could be the transmission with only 78,000 miles. This car belongs to my wife and she has it serviced every 3,000 miles. I then took it to the Ford dealership and they charged $450 just to take a look and see if in fact that was what the problem was.....sure enough broken bands, solenoid and 3rd gear completely gone! Total repair cost 2,077.00. I found this site and was shocked when so many others have had the same problem. I called the 1-800 number to Ford and same ole story....put me on hold for 3 minutes and came back and said sorry there isn't anything we can do to help.
I've worked Union all my life and have ALWAYS drove an American made vehicle. Why is it that Toyota is building plants all over the US and using American workers in those plants and making billions of dollars---while Ford is leaving America and American workers and going out of the country and losing billions of $$$$. Doesn't someone from the upper management of Ford realize something is wrong with their management and not the workers that they are selling out??????????? Ford knows of this problem---they've even issued TSB's and still they will not do a recall. Bye Bye Ford---I will trade this car in and buy a Chevy or GMC.
2008May 14
Explorer EB 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
Got the O/D blinking issue. Complete Rebuild is necessary. Googled to see if others had same problem after originally setting up to drop off the car at the dealership for a diagnostics. Got this site and anticipated the worst.
f@#% you Ford and you POS company. Will never buy FORD again. I grew up in Michigan and am disgusted with how bad American companies are at making cars. You suck so bad you couldn't even sell your POS company so they could sell off your assets.
Just listened the AAMCO rep (because I absolutely refuse to pay another red cent to you bastards) rattle off the list of sh*t that is wrong for 10 minutes. I'm sick, had to vent, going to take a big sh*t in a bag and drop it off at the dealership on my way home.
Complete transmission failure at 85K miles is unacceptable.
Thanks autobeef. I really needed to vent.
2008May 02
Explorer XLS V^
- Automatic transmission
- 99,000 miles
We have always purchased Ford. We have never purchased anything else. We purchased this vehicle used in April 2005. For the first year or so we had no problem and the Explorer had been maintained with oil changes and the transmission by the records that came with the vehicle. Then it started shifting hard periodically then about a year ago it became more frequent and then it once in a while the Overdrive would come on during Highway driving and the only way to get it to go off was to stop and shut off the car. Next it decided to lock up when trying to put the car in gear from Park. We had to use the manual to figure out how to bypass this until we could get it in. This only happened once so we thought it was a one time thing. Then about a month ago when driving it didn't want to shift from 1st to 2nd and or from 4th to overdrive and then the O/D light began flashing. Also the gear shift being locked up happened constantly. We took it in for the transmission to be serviced and we were told the trans. was going out. We don't have the money to replace it right now. I am very upset that is going out after being maintained. I think Ford needs to step up and do something about this. This was the vehicle I always wanted and now it is a piece of junk.
2008May 03
Explorer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 83,000 miles
2002 Ford Explorer 60k miles . Hard shifting ( clunk ) between shifts at different times was first problem. Our warranty had expired, but a Dealership Marysville Ford applied for a " Good Will" ( I think it was called ) through the Manufacturer FORD and Ford Factory paid for a huge chunk of the parts and labor. The Transmission had to be completely over-hauled. It was around the same price as all the rest on here approx 2500-3000 dollars. My out of pocket expenses were only $537.00. This made me happy.
Now I have a flashing O/D light with a trouble code of P0775 ( just 10k miles since total rebuild ) which states a Pressure B solenoid problem. This New Rebuild is still under warranty and I will take it in Monday morning to find out the extent of the problems.
I hope the Ford Factory helps you out on your total bill. Ford knows they have a huge problem with their transmissions during this years. They are helping out a little bit. : )
2008Apr 21
Explorer LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 8,000,000 miles
I was driving home from work went to pull out of lot and truck would not take off I was almost hit from behind, o/d light started to blink. there was no sign of any problems before. I am every disappointed in the truck and all ford dealers this truck was a ripe off. I have replaced three rear hub assembly in the last three years, the hub broke on our way home from dropping my daughter off to camp , I thought we blow a tire and was driving on the rim the nose was so loud as if we were drive with no tires. the third time it broke I was on the freeway and almost side swiped a car, when driving with this part broke it's almost like the hole truck is moving side to side and you can control it. FORD U SUCK
2008Apr 24
Explorer LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
Ok! Ever since we bought our Ford Explorer BRAND new we have had the following problems. Within the first couple of months it would intermittently not start. We kept taking it in and they couldn't find anything. A year later we found out it was a bad battery. We have since replaced the battery ONCE EVERY YEAR. Then there were minor things, the wind shield wiper fluid does not come out of the back. In 2003 the drivers window motor burned out with the window stuck down in DECEMBER. We fixed that, now the back passenger motor is gone. There is a crack on the tail gate that seems like EVERYONE has as I have yet to see an Explorer that does not have that.
We have always preformed routine check ups, brakes, etc. The plastic piece on the driver seat broke off and the fabric has torn. I have NEVER experienced problems like this. This was our FIRST brand new car and cost us a FORTUNE for a new family starting out at 24 years old. NOW our OD light has started to blink. We have always had trouble shifting into reverse from time to time. So I looked up what the problem could possible be and found out it's the transmission. I have put so much time and money into fixing this car already. Not to mention the cost of gas to drive the car.
I have owned several used cars and my wife drives a 1996 Chevy Cavalier and we have NEVER had any of these problems. I want something to be done about this as Ford should be held accountable. What can I do? I will NEVER buy another Ford again.
2008Apr 18
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 126,663 miles
WELL WHERE CAN I START? I WAS RAISED IN A CHEVY OR A MOPAR FAMILY AND IT WOULD BE A SIN TO OWN A FORD, BUT BEING THE REBEL I AM I NOW OWN TWO "SHOULD'VE LISTENED TO MY POPS" I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT I HAVE POURED MY HEART AND SOUL INTO WITH FULL CUSTOMIZING FROM LOWERING KIT ,24" WHEELS, 8 TV'S,ECT I HAVE OWNED IT FOR 1 YEAR NOW AND HAVE REPLACED ALL 4 WINDOW REGULATORS , 2 WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY'S,2 EGR SENSORS, A BROKEN GEAR SHIFT LINKAGE, AND NOW MY O/D LIGHT IS BLINKING AND TRANNY IS NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. IRONICALLY MY DADS CHEVY HAS 200,000 MILES AND IS STILL RUNNING FINE...LOL I KNOW THE WILL NOT BE A RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR ITEM SO I WILL NOT HOLD MY BREATH, BUT I TELL YOU ONE THING BEFORE I PLUNK 20,000 DOLLARS INTO CUSTOMIZING ANOTHER VEHICLE I WILL MAKE SURE IT ISNT A FORD I WONT PUT ANOTHER 4 DOLLARS INTO THIS VEHICLE. I PRAY EVERYDAY THAT SOMEONE WILL STEAL THE DAMN THING ALL THOUGH THEY WONT GET FAR LOL
2008Apr 17
Explorer XLT 3.2V6
- Automatic transmission
- 125,000 miles
First I noticed the trans slipping between 1st and 2nd or 2nd and 3rd. I'm not real sure. It acts like a manual trans does if you miss a gear. The rpms go way up but you don't grab a gear. then, if you let up on the accelerator it goes into gear and everything seems fine. As long as you maintain a speed of about 25mph or more it's OK. Only if you have to stop at a light or slow way down and start over does the trans slip between those 2 gears. Also very shortly after I experienced the problem (within 12 hours) I noticed the 'Service Engine' light on and the 'O/D' light blinking real fast.
Any ideas on what's wrong and possible cost?
2008Apr 12
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 67,500 miles
I bought my 2002 Ford Explorer XLT brand new and have had no problems until now. It seems I'm not the only one with transmission problems. The O/D light is blinking and gears are hesitating. I brought this to my mechanic and he hooked it up to his computer. From what codes came up, he basically said that I had to go a transmission shop. When I heard this I almost threw up. I have 67,500 miles on my truck and have taken very good care of it. Everyone with this problem needs to put in a complaint with Ford Motor company so that they get the point that the 2002 Explorer has major transmission problems.
2008Apr 14
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 94,350 miles
I purchased a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT 2.5 yrs ago and never had a problem until a local Ford dealership serviced the transmission. I had the tranny serviced in late November 07. The day after I got it back I noticed the power steering was not working properly and returned it to the dealership. They found air in the lines and was nice enough to flush it for free. A month later the rear heating & air went out, not a cheap fix so I have waited. Now the OD light is flashing only to discover that it could be a variety of things going wrong in the tranny. I think Ford has jinxed my vehicle since they touched it last and now I am stuck with basically a piece of junk. We would all be better off letting local garages work on our vehicles versus Ford, BEWARE!
2007Apr 16
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 88,000 miles
1 yr ago I was told that my tranny needed rebuilding. O/D Off light was flashing, truck would not go, made god awful grinding noise. After paying $432 to Firestone, they said they don't do transmissions and had it towed to Aamco. $3500 more later, I was told I was good to go. Now here we are, 1 year to the day and same problem. Except that AAmoc says I am about 1600 miles over the warranty. Imagine that! Well now they are saying that while they can fix it they can't guarantee that it won't happen again, because last time they put an "external cooling system" on the tranny but it's running hot. Wouldn't I have noticed a burnt smell or something? Car just one day, would not go..and Ford! HA!!!!!!!!!!!! Customer Service is not a part of the company Mission! Cuz this is one customer who got NO service from them. I will never buy another Ford product again and I have been a loyal customer all my adult life!
2006Jan 15
Explorer XLT 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 111,847 miles
hey everyone who's having the sam problem as me ford truck are good but there tranny sucks i had two rebuild my tranny twice myself in my garage and have a friend at ford who told ford basically doesn't give ashit about the problems we all are having with our tranny that f*cking o.d light keeps flashing my face at first i thought i blew my od and had to run on 4 gears instead of 5 so i opened my tranny and saw od was good change solenoids tranny ran ok then od light was flashing again opened tranny again change everything in it thought i corrected the problem no 6 months later problem came back don't know what to do anymore help us someone talk to ford and have them recall all of our tranny please
2008Mar 05
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 91,000 miles
O/D light blinking on and off as well as service engine light. Car is gutless. Took it to a local shop and for 400.00 they put in a new "switch." That seemed to fix it for a couple weeks, but now it is back to the same old same old. So now what - take it to the dealership and have them take advantage of a girl? Or back to the local shop who might not know how to fix it? Am I just putting a band-aid on a bullet wound going to a local shop.
I had no idea this was such a huge problem with everyone...you would think Ford would have some integrity and do an automatic recall instead of giving people the line of, "well it sucks for you."
2007Mar 22
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
Same problem here as everyone else. o/d light starts blinking and then service engine light comes on. Had the dealer fix it once, and cost me 1600. But next month, same problem comes along again. took it back and dealer said I have to get a new transmission or have my old one rebuilt what a bummer...
I don't even think they fixed my solenoid problem the first time.. cause the computer read out still says, pressure b solenoid.
I'm also into the class act lawsuit if you all are... a friend of mines at ford, says that the engineers are told to only design the transmission to last 100k miles.. Just when the warranty expires.
that really ticks me off.
2008Mar 06
Explorer Eddie Bauer
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
Well, here it is....The o/d light started flashing off and on. No other warning then that. I pulled off to the closest repair shop. They thought it might be just a solenoid block but after they pulled the pan there was metal all over the magnet. Bottom line looks like it gonna cost me over 2500.00 to fix. I have looked into the web a little and found this is really common. I say we take to fight to Ford with a class action suit. If the off shore engineers can make something work forever why cant the American automakers? I have only bought American cars to this point....But now I am really thinking about selling them all and buying imports.......What a sad freakin day......
2008Mar 03
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 104,000 miles
called ford they won't do a thing. My dealer won't do a thing. I'm hanging out to dry. NICE
2007Feb 01
Explorer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 124,000 miles
Same crap here. O/D Off light screams and slipping at 55mph - 70mph and quick acceleration on freeway (not fun). Granted the there's 124K miles on the car. I called a tranny guy and he said it might be a solenoid or ECU or the tranny. He can't say till I bring it for him to check. Strangely he asked if I was some other person who called with the same year make and problem. It's obviously common as you all see. Thanks God I opted to purchase an extended extended warranty. My warranty expired last year and I got a call from them saying my warranty will expire and if I would like to purchase another warranty for an additional 100K miles. So I did. It covers the entire drive train, no electrical. Murphy's law......my passenger rear power window goes out. I will repost what the tranny dude says and how much it will cost. This is the last nail in the Coffin for Ford. I will never again buy a Fuk....I mean Ford.
2008Mar 01
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
I have searched throughout the internet and couldn't believe I found so many issues exactly like mine. It amazes me that Ford gets away with this too. Also it happens far after the warranty. I knew when I bought this vehicle Ford was a mistake. I was talked into it by someone who ignorantly believes in that old old buy American crap. I'm sorry I'm American and I buy things all day. 85% of the things I buy all day are not American. So why would I buy something that costs so much and deal with it being substandard
I wish I would have bought the Toyota. I will get rid of it and go back to imports. can't go wrong. And you out there that believe in buy American. Look at your clothes food and almost everything else in your house.. Then you buy a piece of crap Ford and carry a flag on it.. Good Luck.....
2008Feb 04
Explorer XLS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 86,000 miles
My overdrive light is blinking ... doesn't kick on until I get on the highway...but then doesn't turn off until I turn off the car. Is there a fix to this prior to my transmission going bad cuz...it seems fine at this point and the light has been blinking for a couple of months. (It did it a couple of years ago, but only for a week).
2008Feb 29
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 71,000 miles
dealer asks how much I like the Explorer as it will likely cost about $3000. He implies I may want to sell it NOW before the transmission dies. I am taking it to AAMCO for a diagnosis. Seems very low mileage for the transmission to go out. It has now happened twice.
2007Mar 30
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
O/D light is blinking, then a whole new transmission is needed. This occurred very
shortly after the warranty expired. The mechanic we went to stated he has seen a lot of 2002 Ford Explorers with the same problem. We contacted Ford by phone and with written letters, and statements,.........nothing, absolutely nothing. I could not believe the number of people that had the same problem after researching this on the internet.
I know that Ford must have a computer in their office somewhere, so someone should be able realize the number of complaints posted regarding their transmission problems.
2008Mar 01
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 76,600 miles
Well My 2002 explorer was just fine Friday when I drove it got up sat morning and me and hubby was going to go goofing around since it was a warm day and got down the road and it wouldn't shift into second gear when it did it made a clunking sound and. I am totally peed off because I have had two rear ends put in this car. and new front end in this car, new window motors, the 4 wheel drive went out 3 months after i bought it. the sun roof leaked, My son called me one day because I had taken my husband truck to town and said the back plate from your car fell of and is lying in the drive way not once buy twice The rear window leaked and i had to get that fixed. so pretty much will never ever ever buy another ford explorer.
2008Feb 23
Explorer XLS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 73,000 miles
Well folks, same problem O/D light started flashing, yesterday. 2 miles later the dreaded service engine soon light. The real kick in the pants was (honest to GOD) when I walked in the house and the wife stated"Hey babe the title for the truck can in the mail today, we finally own it". Hurt me to tell her that now we are going to have
put about 3500.00 into our free and clear piece of crap. then I looked on line and
found this site and WOW, this is crazy, At some point we as consumers have to be able find a way to hold these companies responsible, and make them feel the pain
in the pocket that we are feeling.
2008Jan 15
Explorer XLS V^
- Automatic transmission
- 91,000 miles
As most of you have already said, I will NEVER buy another ford vehicle. You can't honestly tell me that Ford doesn't know about the transmission problem on the 02 Explorer? I took my truck to Aamco last week and when I called to check on the status, they guy had to think about which explorer was mine because he had so many in the shop! You have got to be kidding me?! My OD light started blinking in mid January, but my wife had to continue to drive it since the warranty expired and we didn't have the money to fix it. A few weeks later while driving home from the airport with my KIDS and in-laws in the car, the stupid thing wouldn't shift correctly and starting shaking, etc. How embarrassing and unsafe with my kids in the car! I'm glad to be getting it fixed, but as soon as I get the chance, I'm going to get rid of this piece of crap. Ford, I hope you know how your customers feel. You will be out of business very soon.
2008Feb 20
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
I have been a faithful Ford employee and customer for many years and this problem has
has topped it off for me.
My transmission o/d light started blinking and the transmission stopped working completely. I have taken really good care of this vehicle from day one. I have only
60,000 miles on it and it has been serviced by ford. After having my transmission flushed as recommended by ford , I started having this problem. I went to ford and
complained but no help was given. They said they go out all the time with no set mileage. I can guarantee myself and my family will never buy another ford ever.
We have bought over 15 vehicles in the last five years.
2008Jan 01
Explorer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
I cannot believe I am back at this web site AGAIN. We had a 1993 Explorer that was very good to us--it's still running with 160,000 while our new 2002 explorer in is the shop AGAIN. (I was on this board b/c the back door cracked badly right underneath the windshield--shop est $600 to fix, that's not going to happen.)
Our air bag light and O/D light we're both blinking, so we brought it in thinking it was an electrical problem. NOPE.
We need to have our transmission rebuilt. The shop said it should be covered under our warranty--thank god my hubby is always insisting we buy warranties (when we bought the car with 20,000 I never thought we'd have a transmission problem with only 50000!)
If not, we're screwed.
2007Dec 01
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
well,same problem as many ford owners check engine light is on O/D light
flashing reminding me what an idiot i was for buying a ford!!!!! mechanic said needs a new transmission of course.Nothing like paying 400.00 a month for a piece of sh*t and still owe 13,000 to pay off!!!SICK AND TIRED OF BEING SICK AND TIRED!
1920Dec 31
Explorer Sport 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 82,000 miles
This is my 2nd Explorer Sport. I still have a 1999 and all is well with it. My 2nd Explorer 2002 year and purchased new was doing well and now as others the transmission is failing. I have taken to Amocco Transmission and they say needs a complete rebuild.. What is going on with Ford???? I checked many web sites and see horror stories of this same problem s from all over. It is crazy to pay so much money for an American made car and have such problems today. Yes! I have owned foreign cars and have NO PROBLEMS! I try to buy American but this is not fair to us Americans to keep doing this with such problems that Ford will not admit and try to help out us who work hard and continue to buy their products. I even have an old MG that runs great and I can trust better than my Ford. I do not want to sound like a person who complains about all things but I must say I am complaining now and will continue to do so until a recall is done on the 2002 model. I have owned many Fords in the past but I must say if Ford stays silent on this problem then all my future cars will be foreign.
2008Feb 19
Explorer Limited V6
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
Few weeks ago, I have changed the transmission oil of my very well maintained Fords 2002. It costed me about $250. I did it because the Ford Engineers (which I do not know where are they getting their degree from), suggest to do it every 30K. I trusted more the Ford Engineers (BIG MISTAKE!!) than all my good mechanic friends, who advise me NOT TO change the oil, because it will cause more harm than good. Transmission is used to the old oil and putting new oil on it will cause shifting issues because the NEW oil is thinner. That was a prophecy...... Just two months after the oil change I need to replace the transmission. According to the FORD dealership, it will cost me about $3400 to do it. The moral of this story to me is: NEVER CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION OIL ON AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION!!!!!!!
2007Jan 02
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 93,000 miles
I had just bought my new - used - 2002 Ford Explorer! I was so excited to get out and drive. However a red flag should have gone off when I was told that the transmission was newly rebuilt just before I bought it. Anyway.... I bought the car and had it about 2 weeks when the Over Drive light came on and began flashing wildly while driving. This in turn messed with the transmission and it wouldn't shift right. The band in the middle of the tranny had broken. So the car went into the transmission shop for a week to have it rebuilt AGAIN. I get the car back. Two days later the O/D light comes on when you start the car if it is left in park. Now while I drive it the electric locks start locking and unlocking at the cars free will. The Door ajar light comes on and off along with the annoying beeping that comes with it. The transmission seems to be fine though. Some months down the road (about 3 months) the tranny starts shifting funny!!! Wow, who'd of thought. So I go to a different tranny shop! I didn't trust the same one. We replaced the main sensor so the lights would go off. Nope still on! Now it has been a year and 2 months and about $3000.00 later I have to spend $3000.00 to rebuild the transmission because the same *&^%$#@ piece broke! Go Figure!!! This is the most expensive annoyance I have ever had! ~Tonya
2008Jan 24
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 46,000 miles
I just wanted ot update my previous post, I called the Ford Northeast Regional Office and spoke to Mary. I asked that Ford buy my truck back from me, she said exactly "that is not going to happen." She told me to contact my dealer for financial assistance with the repair, I am trying to get a "goodwill repair" from them. Mary told me I had to deal with the dealer for this.
But the best is that when I first told her my problem she told me:
"Ford no longer has any obligation or responsibility for the truck because it is no longer under warranty."
I could not believe it. I said to her "you made a defective product and now you take no responsibility for it! As long as it lasts 3 years or 36K miles your happy!" But what does she care, plus I had an extended warranty, they would not do a thing. I also emailed my local TV station to see if they'd take up the case??? After I see what the service manager does for me I am writing to the corporate office.
I will let you all know what happens in case I have any luck but I'm not really that optimistic.
2008Feb 14
Explorer XLS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 83,000 miles
I am completely sickened to discover this issue is rampant. The O/
D light started blinking followed by the Service Engine Soon light popping on.
I took the Explorer to the repair shop and as soon as the technician asked about the problem and the year of the vehicle, his quick response was: "You're screwed!". He told me to look outside at the 2002 Explorer parked right next to mine...same problem. He proceeded to explain that this problem is well known by Ford and that the '02 Explorers were well known for this issue. I was shocked as I had never had an issue or repair in the 5 years that I've owned this vehicle. I'm awaiting the call back to find out what resolution the repair shop has to offer. I'll hold my breath until then....
2008Feb 05
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 111,000 miles
Ok.. so I just had to click a category just for this website but let me LIST what has gone wrong with this car.. I still had 14 day plates on it (it was used at 64,000 miles) the front wheel bearings went, so I had that fixed, then within that year I had the whole rear end fixed; new bearings again then just bad luck I had to replace the windshield 3 times b/c of rocks hitting it, then the Ford symbol fell off on the back that's just damn annoying so I had that fixed, then like other complaints about this car the friggen panel underneath the glass cracked so AGAIN I had to get that area fixed where the ford symbol fell off a few months prior haha. Then I had a little incident and backed into my father in-laws truck and had to pay 600 dollars to get the rear pounded out molded and painted and more symbols replaced that said eddie bauer haha and then the BIG ONE my overdrive/off light was flashing like crazy and the check transmission light came on so I took it in and my mechanic said to "dump it" because it was going to cost thousands to just start to fix it, so I was really taken by that because he shut the light off and said I had a decision to make whether to fix it or dump it.. Well, I dumped it and got a Jeep Commander, which is awesome, and I had someone tell me this exact story about someone else's 2002 explorer and it cost them $3500 to fix, Unbelievable is all I have to say. I pondered buying another Ford because I have had 2 prior but I just couldn't. I would recommend researching any vehicle before buying it. Hope this helps someone.
2008Jan 24
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 46,000 miles
Oh My GOD! I can't believe, no, actually, I can believe - this is ridiculous. One day the car is fine and the next day my light when on - out of the blue. I took it into my Staten Island Ford DealerCrooks and the service write up guy immediately said "needs a transmission rebuilt" without even having a mechanic look at it! I freaked! Not even 50K miles and needs a transmission rebuilt?? I didn't believe him but reading what y'all have written I now know how he knew that - he's probably seen thousands of them! So I tell him I want someone to look at it and tell me exactly whats wrong with it so he says fine. They take my car and then tell me it's $190 diagnostic fee. I asked "What are you going to do for $190?" and he said "Hook it up to the computer." I made them go get my truck out and I took it to a mechanic. He said it needed new sensors but when he replaced the sensors the lights (both O/D Off & Service Engine Soon) wouldn't go out. He put the old ones back in and told me he couldn't fix it. So now I'm driving it around, locally only, and hoping it hold together. I want to trade it in - I'm going back to Honda and never leaving ! Oh, yeah, we had the extended warranty which expired on Dec 13th - one month earlier! They don't give a sh*t - pay up now!! I'm going onto all of those websites to lodge my complaint even though I feel like I am SCREWED.
2008Feb 01
Explorer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 61,000 miles
Update on my FORD EXPLODER, well the good news is I didn't have to go in the hole 2500.00 for a new tranny. When I went to the transmission shop very I was told this was the third ford explorer that had been worked on in the SAME WEEK!!! MY husband and I took a test ride with the mechanic and he using the Mobis computer and found that 2nd and 5th gear were not shifting, possible problem with torque converter. Piston that needed to be repaired cost apprx 25.00 at most, but the solenoids which come in a bundle are costly thanks to Ford manufacturing you have to purchase the whole bundle and they cannot be disassembled, even if only one solenoid is bad. WELL 745.00 is better than 2500.00 for a rebuild.The mechanic told us that one of the other exploders that he worked on this week was brought to him on a second opinion after the owner visited a FORD dealership and was quoted a price of 3500.00 for a new tranny, my mechanic was able to fix the problem for 800.00. When I asked why isn't there a recall if there are so many similar problems and basically the consumer is screwed because the problem generally occurs after warranty expiration and they it is not considered a safety issue. Now how about that!!! Pretty sad. Thankyou Ford..
2008Feb 05
Explorer 4,0 V6
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
Adding myself to the list of rabid Ford owners with this problem. I guess I should consider myself lucky to have found a reliable service to fix it. The Ford dealership that does rebuild in this area is known to be league with the anti-christ (Lake Shore Ford). They told me at least $3500, no loner, and warranty is void. Terry's Transmission in Valparaiso if any local has this same problem is where to go. They are doing a complete rebuild with no Ford parts. Cost $2500 is the estimate. Truck is out of extended warranty by 3 months. I would gladly join and Class Action suit against Ford. Like all others here I will NEVER again buy a Ford.
2008Jan 31
Explorer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 61,000 miles
Wow this is scary, to see of the similar symptoms that my 2002 exploder has with all these other victims. while driving to woik on the thruway o/d off light starts blinking. I pull over in the closest rest area pull out the manual at 5:50am on my way to work and it indicates get your car to dealer asap if light steadily flashes. which it did.. I turned the cart off and then when turned car back on light was gone I thought this is interesting proceeded to drive 17 miles to work noticing lose of power with pickup I was concerned felt as though vehicle was stuck in gear ( neutral). Here i am on the thruway I just prayed I make it to work. Upon leaving work at 5:30 pm car starts no probs. let it warm up no probs, back on thruway in RUSH HOUR traffic vehicle does not want to kick in at 30mph, hesitant and slow to react finally accelerates and o/d off light starts flashing as well as service engine soon. I by luck made it to my mechanic who is closed and next day I call him and tell him the symptoms puts it on modis diagnostic computer and reports back to me that code 775 and 735 represent TRANSMISSION trouble. This vehicle has 61,000 miles on it NEVER towed more than groceries and car seat in the back seat. Whats up with this... Now I'm being told buy transmission shop that I'll probably need rebuilt tranny,or just hope it is the transmission 5th speed solenoid problem. Quoted a price of 2500.00 for new tranny...Thats 2500.00 that I aint got for car repairs. If this is such a common problem how can FORD ignore the problem. We are responsible for bringing our cars in for recalls which I also had to do 2 months after I bought this vehicle brand new for a defect in the back hatch. Will update my results of my repairs to my car as of today cant drive my car til this problem is fixed. When my husband went on this site and we could not believe the complaints and I just had to voice mine because I am so frustrated. A very unsatisfied customer of FORD....Oh yeah one more thing has many one had a problem with the doors intermittently power locking whenever they want tooo... I cant even think of electrical problems and repairs but yes sometimes the doors power lock when I put it in drive and other times they don't. A true inconvenience especially with kids in the back. Thanks ford I 'll keep making my monthly payments and when its paid off in August I'll be making repair payments if I decide to keep this car. I do have a conscience and would never want someone to suffer the frustrations that has been brought on to my family. I need to have a safe reliable and dependable car for my family. I dont want to have to worry about being stranded on the thruway...
2008Jan 30
Explorer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 120,023 miles
While driving on highway I notice the OD light blinking. I don't believe the transmission was running bad. I was on a 2.5 hr trip one way. At the end I let the Explorer set for 1.5 hrs. The light never retu
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Nov 01
Explorer EB 4.0L
O/D off blinking just bought vehicle 3 mos. ago. everything else is great but now that ive seen the complaints here it makes me nervous. haven't taken it in yet but would like to know if something is going to be done by ford or how to find out about a law suit. i chose this over a 1999 toyota 4 runner and thought i made a good choice......... well sh*t guess i thought wrong.
Earl P.
Cedar Rapids, IA, USA
SEND A COMMENT »