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.
3.8
definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
32,230 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
2002 Ford Explorer XLT rear window lift panel cracked (dealer replaced once due to small stress fractures was the explanation given me) replacement panel cracked within 6 months, same place as first crack, but extending all the way through panel. Dealer and Ford Motor Company contacted and refused to replace. This posses a danger if the panel flies off during vehicle operation. I have seen many other Ford with the same defect and Ford should offer a recall. Please advise.
This is the second time in less then two years I have had to have the transmission rebuilt. It was bought on 8/14/04 as is no warranty from a dealer (demo) unit it had 38547 miles on it, 10/13/04 the transmission blew with 41675 miles on it. The dealer wouldn't give me no help as well as Ford customer service, I paid $2181.03 to have it rebuilt including the torque converter replaced, and the solenoid pak (which was replaced 2 more times shortly after being installed each time) it needed a ls kit, bas hing kit, 5 forward steels, filter and fluids. March 8th 2006 I find myself spending another $1412.56 to have it rebuilt yet again now only having 64460 miles on it, it needed an overhaul kit, filter and trans fluids, intermediate band, od servo piston, int servo piston and another solenoid pak as well as the transmission case repaired. I have owned several cars in my life time and never had to replace a transmission especially twice in less then two years, this is my first Ford and will be the last Ford I own! I can't afford to spend this much money every two years and shouldn't have to the way I see it!
- Clinton Twp, MI, USA
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- Evergreen, CO, USA