2002 Ford Explorer transmission problems
982 complaints about transmission have been filed for the 2002 Ford Explorer, which is 24% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 982 24% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 80,000 miles 847 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 18 and 2
- Injuries and deaths
- 8 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When transmission problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 42 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 53 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 130 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 190 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 172 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 128 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 65 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 46 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 13 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 5 |
| 200k+ miles | 3 |
What the data shows
Of the 847 transmission complaints that report mileage, the median is about 80,000 miles, and 27% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 18 crashes, 2 fires, 8 injuries.
What owners wrote
1.nothing leading up to. 2. 2002 ford explorer transmission failed on highway causing the vehicle to vibrate horribly causing us to go off the road into a ditch. 3.transmission needs replaced on vehicle estimate of $2800 on a 2002 model year. I come to find out this has happen to many I.e. Thousands 2002 ford explorers owners and nothing is being done? Ford motor company basically told me too bad and they wonder why they are having difficulty.
Tl* - the contact stated that the check engine, and overdrive lights will turn on intermittently. This failure does not happen at any particular speed. The failure occurred at about 67,000 miles. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told he would need a new or rebuilt transmission. Updated 03/07/07
Other problems reported for the 2002 Ford Explorer
- Drivetrain & axles 614 complaints
- Body & structure 490 complaints
- Suspension 461 complaints
- Engine 207 complaints
- Air bags 164 complaints
- Steering 158 complaints
- Cruise control 157 complaints
- Electrical system 151 complaints