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.
This rear panel cracked within 2 years. At 6 years, it flew off like a boomerang while I was driving on the freeway. To this day I wonder if I hurt anyone. Ford needs to be accountable for this. I'm the original owner.
the back panel on my vehicle has had a crack in it that just slowly widens! I've noticed that other ford explorers also have the same crack in the same place as Im driving behind them. The repair shops want $400.00- $500.00!!??? Wheres Ford Customer Repair Service when you need them!?
- Latonya R.,
Jacksonville, US
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This rear panel cracked within 2 years. At 6 years, it flew off like a boomerang while I was driving on the freeway. To this day I wonder if I hurt anyone. Ford needs to be accountable for this. I'm the original owner.
- Julie O., Cathedral City, US