2002 Ford Explorer power train problems
1,502 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2002 Ford Explorer — 46% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Overdrive light flashes after driving a little bit hard shifting doesn't shift into overdrive 4x4 lights indicate that it's working when the buttons are pushed but doesn't go into 4x4”
filed Jun 14, 2022
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission experienced hard shifting with a clunking noise present coming from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission gear ratio was…”
filed Feb 25, 2021
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Ford: some vehicles may exhibit oil separation from the internal lube found in the unitized cartridge seal. Oil separation appears to be and is often misdiagnosed, as an axle lube leak. *pe
TSB-08-19-3 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 2009Limited slip axle chatter, shudder, binding sensation, or vibration during low speed turning maneuvers. *tt
06216 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 1, 2006
Power Train problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 2 | 9% |
| 2025 Explorer | 15 | 17% |
| 2024 Explorer | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 Explorer | 11 | 11% |
| 2022 Explorer | 59 | 23% |
| 2021 Explorer | 112 | 28% |
| 2020 Explorer | 465 | 39% |
| 2019 Explorer | 34 | 12% |
| 2018 Explorer | 46 | 6% |
| 2017 Explorer | 123 | 7% |
| 2016 Explorer | 214 | 9% |
| 2015 Explorer | 84 | 5% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2002 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.