Was driving my 2002 Ford Explorer with only 55K miles, overdrive light suddenly started flashing and now the transmission will not shift from second gear into third gear. The RPM`S rev very high and then it clunks into third gear. I understand there have been a lot of problems with this transmission. Something needs to be done about this immediately.

- Fort Myers, FL, USA

The transmission in my 2002 Ford Explorer began to slip at 57,000 miles. From first gear into second it would rev high and then with a clunk and a grinding noise reluctantly go into second gear.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

My 2002 Ford Explorer transmission failed. O/D off light blinks constantly. Hard shifting and slipping is constant. Dealer wants $3,000 to repair. This has happened to hundreds / thousands of Explorer owners. Someone can get killed if the transmission slips on the highway and the driver loses control the way I did. I was lucky. Someone else may not be. Ford ignores the issue altogether.

- Park Forest, IL, USA

I drive a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0 V6. My over drive light begun flashing and shortly after that my transmission failed. I own many Ford and this is an issue that defiantly needs to be recalled. Perfect maintenance.

- Humble, TX, USA

2002 Ford Explorer XLT transmission failure at 45,000 miles. Had to have a new one installed for $3,000.

- Bethpage, NY, USA

2002 Ford Explorer transmission started failing at 80,000 miles. Overdrive light constantly flashes, transmission does not shift into od, hard shifts between 2-3, 3-4, sometimes misses 3rd, clunks in reverse. All scheduled maintenance was performed on transmission.

- Calera, AL, USA

I have a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4L 6cyl. Will not shift into 3rd gear smoothly. O/D light flashes.

- Harwich, MA, USA

Transmission seized after approximately 75K on car 5 years old. Luckily my husband was driving slowly on local streets when it occurred so he was uninjured. Transmission was repaired at dealer costing $3546.23 this happened to our previous Ford Explorer and if you look online at carcomplaints.com seems to be an extremely common occurrence with 2002 Ford Explorer. Ford doesn't see a need to repair this problem since it conveniently happens after warranty is up.

- Huntington, NY, USA

My 2002 Explorer transmission started slipping as shifting and putting in reverse and drive. This vehicle has 76000 miles on it. Took to the Ford garage, all test came out ok, tech stated I need a new transmission at a cost of $3500. After doing some research and reading complaints of other Explorer owners, I feel this expense should be covered by Ford.

- Clymer, PA, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. While driving between 65-70 mph, the transmission failed. The engine revved, but the vehicle would not move. The check engine, odometer, and transmission lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a shop and they stated that the transmission failure was due to a manufacturer defect. The vehicle is currently being repaired at the shop. The current and failure mileages were 70,000. Updated 01/11/08.

- Oxford, ME, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. While driving 35 mph, the vehicle stopped in traffic; however, the engine was still running. There were no warning indicators present. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the oil pump failed. The transmission was rebuilt twice. The failure mileage was 48,000 and current mileage was 72,000. Updated 11/20/07

- Kansas City , MO, USA

2002 Ford Explorer "sealed" transmission failure. Regular maintenance performed, transmission began to slip when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear.

- Overland Park, KS, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. While driving 55-60 mph, the transmission stopped shifting. The affected gears were second and overdrive. The gear was able to shift from first to third gear without any problems. The contact took the vehicle to a transmission shop the same day and they diagnosed a major internal failure. He purchased a reconditioned transmission from Ford and had it installed. The cost to replace the transmission was $3,100. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 145,000 and failure mileage was 105,835. Updated 01/09/08. Updated 12/12/07

- Deer Park, TX, USA

Transmission began shifting hard & then the od off light began flashing. Before I could get it to the dealership that day, the transmission just quit. I parked at a grocery store, ran in & when I came back out to leave, it wouldn't shift. It remained in park even though the gear shift was being moved through the gears. I took it to a transmission shop & had the whole transmission rebuilt. It was full of metal. I was going to have the transmission serviced for the regular maintenance but never got the chance. At 72,000 miles, it was rebuilt for $1800 plus the $180 towing fee. If I had more warning, I may have been able to catch it before the whole thing went bad, but the light never came on until it was too late. I have taken good care of this vehicle, no off-roading, rough driving, or anything. Never so much as a hiccup until this.

- Hueytown, AL, USA

My gear shift snapped off. I've noticed many similar complaints. This is not an inexpensive repair and it appears the parts are not available. I'm an older driver, handicapped and I'm the only person who has driven my vehicle. It is not the result of abuse.

- Tampa, FL, USA

Transmission slipping, gears slippage, O/D light flashing, all equals a new transmission at price of $3100. Only reached 80,000 miles an maintained properly at all times!

- Medina, OH, USA

I own a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT 2wd, it started to do this grinding noise in tranny, /D light flasihng, couldnt shift, took it to dealer in Mexico, yeah middle of vacation, said coulnt do anything to save it. Car is sitting in Mexico. Thanks Ford

- Chula Vista, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. While driving 50 mph, the contact noticed that the vehicle began to drastically decelerate. The vehicle would not exceed speeds of 20 mph. She heard a loud winding noise, but no warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. She took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the transmission was defective. The vehicle was serviced, but she does not know what parts were repaired. The manufacturer stated that they would not reimburse her for the repairs. The powertrain was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 78,000.

- Stonlen High, MN, USA

2002 Ford Explorer transmission and rear differential failures, reported well before 100,000 warranty expiration and ignored by Ford!

- Litchfield, CT, USA

Automatic transmission shift level housing broke off. When attempting to place the car into reverse the level broke from the housing requiring the car to be towed to the dealership. Basic part# 3C529. Currently, have the car at sill-terhar motors where we are awaiting used replacement, since no parts are available. Seeing that this part is only used for shifting there is no reason for this to break this soon and felt this is a defect in manufacturing.

- Northglenn, CO, USA