2002 Ford Explorer with 81,000 and tranny is already on the way out.

- West Warwick, RI, USA

I have a 2002 XLT Explorer with the 4WD not working. During my research on the internet I have discovered that when the battery is disconnected for replacement the 4X4 cm unit fails and the 4WD system becomes inop. Ford has recognized this problem and has upgraded the motorola unit with the end result costing the consumer $500 for the repair. This is a safety feature because the vehicle runs in 4X4 auto adjusting the drivetrain to weather conditions optimizing the control of the vehicle.. this component replacement should be qualified as a re-call by Ford and the cost should not effect the consumer. This is a common problem with the 2002 Explorer vehicles and is more serious then the Firestone tire complaint. Since Ford recognizes this defective module they should pay for the repair. I'm shocked that this defective part that controls the safety performance of the 2002 explores has not already registered a recall.

- Riverview, MI, USA

Vehicle purchased in July of 07 from dealer with 75,000K. Currently has 86,000K, and transmission needs replaced. Vehicle began slipping a month ago, and now slams into gear. I'm afraid to take it out of the drive way. I went to the Ford dealer to have the fluids checked, and they refused unless I would pay for the service inspection. These tranny's are made so as I cannot check them myself due to the enclosed casing. After researching, I found over 300 individuals on one web site with the exact same problem. Called dealer about service inspection and they want $100+ to do a diagnostic check before they will even talk about the problems. Contacted Ford Motor Company directly and they informed me via email that they cooperate fully with the NHTSA during investigations and I should take my vehicle to my local Ford dealer to have it serviced and have them correct the problem. They also suggested I should deal directly with the service manager at the local dealership. I do not want to deal with anyone. I want Ford to be made to take responsibility for the thousands of individuals who purchased this vehicle on a payment plan and are now stuck with a lemon that they can neither afford to fix or replace. I took a loan on this vehicle for over $10,000, and the Ford dealership offered me $3000 trade-in value for it less than a year after purchase. What does that tell you about the vehicle itself. If they know it isn't worth anything, they should be made to rectify the situation. I am currently making a monthly payment on a vehicle that is not able to be moved from my drive-way. After researching and speaking with others with the same vehicle year, make and model, I have not found one that has not had the same problems.

- Westville, IN, USA

Rebuilt the transmission two times in 30,000 for the same problem. O/D band.

- California, MO, USA

I bought my Explorer used with 67000 miles on it I had it checked out by a mechanic before I bought it but he didn't do a very thorough job. After about 3 weeks I had a hard time putting into reverse but then slammed into gear and I did not happen again for awhile this lasted on and off for a year and half when one day it wouldn't go into reverse at all and no other gears either I had it repaired and they said it was the transfer case then my 4 wheel drive light flashed and stopped working that was something electrical, 1st, 2nd and reverse gears started slipping I had those repaired now my overdrive light flashes on and off and I have been told it is definitely my transmission and probably always has been. I know someone else having this problem with their 02 Ford and speaking to the mechanics they were not surprised at all and it seems as though lots of 02 Ford Explorer owners on line are having the same or similar problems. How many vehicles does it take to turn into a recall"?"

- Wareham, MA, USA

2002 Ford Explorer with 140,000 highway miles. Bought brand new by owner in 2005, at 90,000 miles transmission was making loud clunking noises. Transmission fluid changed, but still clunking noises. Now at 140,000 miles the transmission is slipping and not going into 1st or second gear. I have been on numerous websites, and have seen thousands of complaints about this same exact problem with Ford's enclosed transmissions on their Explorer and other vehicles. This needs to be a recall due to the fact that it is a redesigned transmission and failing for thousands of Ford's customers. I owned a Jeep Cherokee for ten years, and had over 350,000 miles on it, and never had a problem like this. Please understand that I am only one of thousands of consumers who has this problem. Our economy is nervous because our american car manufacturers are falling apart. This is the reason why.

- Coatesville, PA, USA

The transmission on my 2002 Ford Explorer had to be replaced after approximately 69,000 miles. Ford has refused to provide me with any compensation.

- Spring Valley, NY, USA

I have a 2002 Ford Explorer and wound up rebuilding my transmission - like thousands of other people with the same car. This cost me over $3000. Why hasn't there been any investigation into Ford and all the 2002 Explorer with failed transmissions?

- Huntley, IL, USA

Automatic transmission failure on 2002 Ford Explorer with 87,000 miles. While accelerating from a stoplight, the vehicle would not shift into third gear. No previous problems with this vehicle's transmission. I took it to an automatic transmission repair facility and was informed that the transmission had to be rebuilt as the vehicle was not roadworthy.

- Hollidaysburg, PA, USA

We have 02 Ford Explorer XLT with a faulty transmission that has failed. I reviewed car complaints.com regarding the 02 Ford Explorer transmission failures and the complaints are enormous but yet there has been no safety recall regarding this faulty transmission which Ford has discontinued use after 2 years. This transmission obviously has problems as failure is being seen with 80,000 miles or less which is ridiculous and this should be recalled before someone actually injures or kills themselves driving this vehicle.

- Akron, OH, USA

Was driving and transmission would not shift gears. O/D lights started to blink. Vehicle would not go anymore then 5 mph. Was taken home and research was done and found many people with the same complaint. Transmission problems. Vehicle was taken to aamco and transmission was repaired at a cost of $2748.69.

- Honey Brook, PA, USA

Transmission started to slam into gear. Transmission failure. Had to have a complete rebuild/overhaul of transmission.

- Woodstock, CT, USA

Transmission slipped gears and "check transmission" message came up on dash. Bolt was loose inside of the transmission and pieces of metal throughout. This led to full transmission replacement and close to $3500 in repair bills at 64K miles.

- Elk Grove, CA, USA

2002 Ford Explorer XLS 4.0L V6, these transmissions need to be investigated, you cant check the fluid level in them which is not right only to be designed to benefit Ford when it tears up with high repair costs, my Explorer had only about 60000 miles when trans went out. I had it rebuilt at a licensed transmission repair shop for about $3000 it drove good for about the same miles and stop pulling in the middle of busy traffic with cars tailgating me luckily no accident. Please how can this trans be investigated.

- Dothan, AL, USA

In late January, 2008 something struck the radiator and transmission cooler of my 2002 Ford Explorer. I was not aware that an object had penetrated both of these causing coolant and transmission fluid leakage. The engine locked up and the transmission stopped working. My local Ford dealer replaced my engine and some parts in my transmission. Since then my transmission has failed numerous times having to be towed back to the dealer. When the failures occur, the vehicle will rapidly slow to a stop in mid traffic. I have been almost struck in the rear each time this has happened. The Ford dealer that repaired my transmission at a cost of $2000 will do nothing to correct the problem especially now that total transmission failure has occurred. I have researched the internet and found thousands of these vehicles have the same problem. I was a deputy sheriff for 16 years. This is definitely a safety issue and a severe traffic hazard. Please help all motorists by forcing Ford to recall these transmissions and replace them.

- Villa Rica, GA, USA

The O/D light started coming on for no reason. Then the car started shake when it was shifting gears. Then it was shaking a lot at about 60-65 mph.

- Gold River, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. Intermittently, the vehicle would not shift out of park. The manual stated to bypass the shift interlock with a screwdriver, but then the brake lights would not illuminate. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer approximately six times regarding this same issue, but they could not duplicate the failure. The current mileage was 57,000 and failure mileage was 40,000.

- Moreno Valley, CA, USA

2002 Ford Explorer transmission failure while driving. Vehicle had trouble shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear (automatic transmission). Accelerating from 2nd gear, the engine would rev. Then I feathered off of the accelerator, stepped on pedal gently, accelerated and vehicle made a loud squeaking noise and then lurched forward as it went into 3rd gear. Overdrive light started flashing, then check engine light came on. Had vehicle towed almost 100 miles and taken to independent transmission repair shop. Band was broken and planetary gears/bearings were damaged. Transmission rebuilt for $2200.

- Califon, NJ, USA

Windshield, water leaking from the front windshield on my 02 Ford Explorer XLT, besides that having problems shifting gears, some times gears get stuck in between park and reverse. Sometimes I hear a loud popping sound when gears finally go into reverse....have had both problems checked and repaired, but gears continue to stick.

- Lakewood, OH, USA

Transmission failure. Overdrive light flashing and erratic shifting. Dealer diagnosis is that transmission needs to be replaced.

- Ansonia, CT, USA