Vehicle Shudder problems of the 2002 Ford Explorer

Multiple issues with the transmission. From park, when shifted into reverse there is a surge that overcomes the brakes and causes the vehicle to move roughly 4-5 feet. Also, the transmissions shifts so hard that it shakes the entire vehicle. When shifting through the gears the transmissions stalls then shifts so hard it overcomes the steering wheel and sometimes causes a change of direction. When travelling at highway speeds 50mph + in overdrive the transmission will surge the vehicle violently as it attempts to stay in gear. After regularly scheduled service of the transmission and multiple discussions with the Ford dealership they have not offered a solution other than spend thousands of dollars on another transmission that may cause the same result. This is an unsafe vehicle and needs to be remedied before an accident or death occurs.

My name is[xxx] and I own a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT (v6). I have owned it for almost a year now (will be in Jan 2012) and loved every minute of it until recently. About 4 months ago, I heard a strange loud whining noise. I immediately took it to my mechanic and found that rear wheel bearing was going. I was also told that if I would have took the interstate to work that evening I could have possibly died or caused serious injuries to others on road. Very scary! mind you this bearing went with no warning. Immediately after I heard the noise I took it in. Well the bearing got fixed and I couldn't have been happier. However, about a month ago I was on the interstate with my two year old daughter doing about 70mph when my truck began to shake violently. I assumed I was in the process of having a tire blow-out and began slowly breaking and losing control of the vehicle. Luckily I made it onto the shoulder of the interstate. My tire however was not as lucky. All 5 studs on my right rear tire snapped causing the tire to completely fly off and proceed down the road at a fast speed just passing the turn ramp and missing several other vehicles. In the process of losing the tire, it also caused damage to rear end of my SUV. It looked as if the tire got caught and caused the rear to dent in. Replaced studs and everything seemed fine. Today (Dec. 15th) not even an entire month later, vehicle started shaking again. Oh how I remembered that scary shake. Examined tire and once again, studs snapped. 2 this time with a third one missing the cap. The tire was only held by 2 studs. Thank the lord I noticed this problem before going onto the interstate and once again having my tire fly off! I have been doing research this evening to find that this is a common problem with the 02-04 Explorers. Please make a recall Ford and others help me to get one made! this is a scary and dangerous situation! it can cause the loss of many lives as it has almost done mine and my daughters. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

1. Nothing leading up to. 2. 2002 Ford Explorer transmission failed on highway causing the vehicle to vibrate horribly causing us to go off the road into a ditch. 3. Transmission needs replaced on vehicle estimate of $2800 on a 2002 model year. I come to find out this has happen to many I. E. Thousands 2002 Ford Explorers owners and nothing is being done? Ford motor company basically told me too bad and they wonder why they are having difficulty. A Ford service mechanic told me that Ford knows this transmission was not built properly and sold it to this public anyway. If there has ever needed to be a recall this is it after reading about all the see incidents happening to others while driving this vehicle.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 50 mph on normal road conditions, the contact heard a loud noise outside of the vehicle. The vehicle vibrated excessively. The check engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel and remained lit until the engine was turned off. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the rear driver's side wheel bearing was cracked. The vehicle was repaired. Recently, the front passenger side wheel bearing exhibited a crack. In addition, the overdrive warning indicator illuminated while traveling on the highway. Also, the automatic transmission was slipping out of gear. The mileages were unknown.

- the contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the transmission failed. The dealer told him that he had lost the third gear. The gear would slip instead of engaging. The contact stated that the vehicle would shake the steering wheel really badly, and feel as if it was pulling away from him. This normally happened between 0 -29 mph, and that when the vehicle reached 30 mph it would level out and drive normally. The contact stated that the vehicle was doing this for approximately three months. The contact stated that weather was not a factor. The contact stated that this happened every day. The failure mileage and the current mileage were both 40000.

There is a loud droning sound from underneath the car and vibrations in the floorboards.

While driving 30 mph, the consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front of the vehicle. While shifting gears the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and pulled over. Please provide further details.

Problems with transmission on 2002 Ford Explorer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for it's 60000 mile service and at that time the consumer complained about the vibration when the vehicle shifted gears. The technician indicated that nothing was wrong. Four days later the service transmission and o/d light illuminated. The vehicle was taken had to the dealer who informed the consumer that the transmission had failed. Since the vehicle is no longer under it's warranty the consumer feels the manufacturer should be responsible for the cost of a new transmission.

Transmission had to be replaced. The vehicle was shaking, made rattling noises and had become impossible to steer. The mechanic suggested that the transmission had looked as if it fell apart and may be a result of an assembly line error and. The mechanic also found that the 4wd was inoperative.

- the contact stated she has been having problems with a 2002 Ford Explorer since she purchased it in February 2002. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The vehicle vibrated and the check engine light turned on. The contact stated that the vehicle is at a Ford dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle may need a new transmission. The contact stated that the repair shop told her the problems with the vehicle was internal.