2002 Ford Explorer Sport Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 24%of 133 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,198miles
- 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, 24% of the 133 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,198 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2002 Ford Explorer Sport is having transmission problems. It slips all of the time, makes grinding noises and at times does not let me drive (goes no where while stepping on the gas pedal. Similar to what is happening to a lot of people out there with this same make and model of car. It happens on and off, it started a couple of months back.”
NHTSA complaint #10294138, filed 2009-12, 92,318 miles“My 2002 Ford explorers transmission just completely stopped working at 94,000 miles. Reading forums online LED me to this site, after reading many, many others' exact same experiences with this car. Ford will do nothing about it and my family does not have the money to replace a transmission! Ford needs a recall on transmissions for this make and model!”
NHTSA complaint #10243229, filed 2008-09, 94,000 miles“O/d light comes on and care will not go into gear (transmission). Pulling off from a stop light is a major problem and on the highway the car does not seem to want to go. Cars are flying by and all I can do to keep from causing an incident was to let up off the gas and press down on the gas hoping it will change the gear. I almost caused and accident on the first experience with the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10316238, filed 2010-03, 133,000 miles“The transmission of our 2002 explorer started slipping, jumping, jerking' surging, refusing to shift, shifting slowly and other associated things approximately 4 years ago. There is no consistency, it does it whenever it wants, regardless of the speed, outside temperature, driving distance. I feel Ford owes me a new, redesigned transmission with installation. I would like to know what Ford is doing about the problem with the transmission which was installed in this model and year explorers.”
NHTSA complaint #10763399, filed 2015-09, 110,000 miles“2002 Ford Explorer Sport, not yet 3 years old but 6000 miles out of warrenty. Rear end needed to be replaced said it look like water got into it. I've never own a car yet that needed a rear end repair. Is this problem a recall item? I would think Ford motor co. Would take care of this but no way. I have only been buying fords for the last 40 years.”
NHTSA complaint #10111996, filed 2005-02, 42,000 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
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
28 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
8 complaintsSeats
8 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
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