2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 22%of 144 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 22% of the 144 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“After making abrupt stop half mile before incident to avoid accident, I came to a stop at a stop sign. When I went to enter a main highway, my transmission slipped and left me non mobile in the intersection, almost causing me to get hit broadside. Had to get out in traffic to push my vehicle off highway. Many exact transmission problems for this vehicle already posted on internet I see. Very dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #10664152, filed 2014-12, 119,086 miles“On feb.12 2016 still no dash warning lights my Ford trac..I left my home in drive moved onto highway 66, the truck would not shift as I tried to increase my speed up onto the 66 highway the RPM ran up only, I had to shift into second gear to get off road drove back home. Now the truck will not move when shifted into drive or reverse. I only had in 2nd gear this is a automatic transmission.fluid is still okay. What is wrong with this truck?.milage is 123242”
NHTSA complaint #10838947, filed 2016-02, 123,242 miles“While pulling onto a busy hwy. In eastern utah my transmission without warning just started slipping and I had to quickly manually down shift the automatic and hope that it would go to avoid getting broad sided by a semi that was bearing down on me. When I got to a place that was safe I stopped and found that 1st and reverse gears were gone.”
NHTSA complaint #10255162, filed 2009-01, 116,972 miles“I am having problems with my 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac transmission and am being told that it needs to be replace at a cost of 3200.00 of which I can not afford right now as I live on a fixed income, there is a known problem with this transmission that Ford motor company will not address.... Please make Ford fix this problem I need my car to get to work.”
NHTSA complaint #10252884, filed 2008-12, 69,000 miles“I come to realize in the automotive industry vehicles do not a transmission gauge. Transmission sensory light to let you know when your transmission fluid is getting low. This is a problem for me and many more americans. My Ford Explorer Sport Trac do not have a transmission sensory light or a gauge. The transmission is slipping and not shipping out gears right. Someone is responsible for this problem. We have all other fluid gauges except a transmission gauge.”
NHTSA complaint #10436266, filed 2011-11, 158,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10017891Apr 1, 2005Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4x4 or awd.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369Nov 1, 2004General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 7 | 23% |
| 2009 | 2 | 33% |
| 2008 | 8 | 35% |
| 2007 | 23 | 23% |
| 2006 | 5 | 100% |
| 2005 | 3 | 5% |
| 2004 | 13 | 15% |
| 2003 | 8 | 10% |
| 2002 | 32 | 22% |
| 2001 | 36 | 22% |
| 1997 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
23 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsBody and structure
16 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
9 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology