CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2002 Ford Explorer is hands-down our worst vehicle on record. "Avoid like the plague" is putting it lightly.
The 2002-2005 Explorer has a very well-established record of expensive transmission failure at under 100k miles. The Explorer has an enclosed transmission which is typically replaced with a rebuilt transmission at a cost of almost $3,000.
Another common problem for the 2002-2003 Explorer is wheel bearing failure at around 90k miles, with a typical repair bill of $500 to $1000 depending on how many wheel bearings failed.
Adding insult to injury, the 2002-2005 Explorer also has a massive problem with the rear panel cracking. While it's a minor annoyance compared to transmission failure, ironically the crack usually goes right through the Ford logo.
7.3
pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$290
Average Mileage:
96,150 miles
Total Complaints:
15 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
not sure (7 reports)
replaced rear a/c flapper (mixer) door (2 reports)
replaced the rear ac mixer (flapper) door (2 reports)
replaced the rear blower (2 reports)
replaced the rear blend door actuator motor (1 reports)
unplugged the rear a/c roof vent/low vent selector motor (1 reports)
I'm listing complaint under rear clicking noise but had identical problem with from Heat/AC unit. It's not as simple as merely replacing the door, you have to fix the electrical/vacuum issue that is causing the door to "click" as it constantly clicks as it tries to open/close. We had to replace the entire part. The cost for replacing both the front, then the rear was about $500 for each unit. We fixed the front and let our passengers in the rear have a free set of foam ear plugs. Seriously, we did not repair the rear unit as I'm ready to sell or scrap this piece of crap vehicle.
See other numerous complaints under cracked body panel under rear window.
I was a Realtor at the time, and I needed rear air conditioning for my clients. One day there began an awful clicking sound, so loud and constant you could not expect people to ride in my car. I had to fix it for the comfort of my clients. $400 later, wow....THANKS FORD!
i bought a piece of sh*t car. from the heater in the rear to the transmission, to the hubbs and bearings, the recall on fire problems, to axle defect i heard about from my mechanic, what else oh ya my shifter was going from drive to neutral on its own that was the only thing they fix because i cought that just before the warranty ran out
I will always support the American auto industry. HOWEVER I believe issues that do not result from poor driving habits or lack of maintenance were covered under warranty longer. There is no reason this many people should be experiencing the clicking noise, half the car blowing hot, and the other half of the car blowing cold...then turning to no heat or airconditioning - this is not a consumer caused issue it is a quality issue. My mother worked for Ford's for over 36 years as a single mom supporting two kids on her own. I know she worked hard, and I know she did an honest days work. Unfortunately not everyone is as honest and dedicated because someone is definitely not being honest about the problem affecting your customers!
This is the second time I've had the rear blend door motor go out. The first time I took to the dealer and had replaced under warranty. This time the warranty is up and from info on the web I'm going to attempt the repair myself. Shouldn't be too tough; $50 part and a couple hours of labor. Still a pain for a recurrent problem.
Extremely loud clicking sound coming from the left rear of the truck everytime I turned on the rear A/C. Ford said my warranty was up and it wasn't covered. I took off the back left panel and unplugged the selector switch motor for the rear air. I still have rear air, but only from the headliner and center counsel. Just not from the left and right air ducts beside the second row seats.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I'm listing complaint under rear clicking noise but had identical problem with from Heat/AC unit. It's not as simple as merely replacing the door, you have to fix the electrical/vacuum issue that is causing the door to "click" as it constantly clicks as it tries to open/close. We had to replace the entire part. The cost for replacing both the front, then the rear was about $500 for each unit. We fixed the front and let our passengers in the rear have a free set of foam ear plugs. Seriously, we did not repair the rear unit as I'm ready to sell or scrap this piece of crap vehicle.
See other numerous complaints under cracked body panel under rear window.
This model is an albatross.
- Carlos H., Knoxville, TN, US