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.
Center For Auto Safety - Calrence Ditlow, Executive Director of CAS has many articles referring to Ford (and other car makes/models) blistering and bubbling paint issues dating back to 1997
See my numerous complaints listed under cracked panel under rear window. I never had it repainted because to have it done correctly was estimated $3200....more than the car is worth in its condition. Date and mileage unknown. We've lived with this problem for at least the last 3+ years.
The blisters start out small but over time spread like a cancer. Ford has a long history of problems with paint issues on their vehicles. Local dealership offered no help, no solution, and no empathy....except they were anxious to take more of my money to repaint the car which I declined. They even suggested it was partially my fault as I probably used harsh detergents to wash the vehicle. Absolute bunk!!! To get the defects in the paint that exists, I would have had to wash my vehicle with acid.
After washing my 2002 ford explorer, I saw a bubble on the bottom left corner on the hood. Looking at it closely, it looks like rust is forming underneath the paint. I'm positive its rust because every year it gets a little bigger and more bumpy. How the hell did it get there? I have no clue!? I never bothered to get a quote from a repair shop or go to the dealer. I know repairing this problem will put a dent in my pocket and don't wanna waste my time at the dealer. My opinion, Ford quality sucks.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
See my numerous complaints listed under cracked panel under rear window. I never had it repainted because to have it done correctly was estimated $3200....more than the car is worth in its condition. Date and mileage unknown. We've lived with this problem for at least the last 3+ years.
The blisters start out small but over time spread like a cancer. Ford has a long history of problems with paint issues on their vehicles. Local dealership offered no help, no solution, and no empathy....except they were anxious to take more of my money to repaint the car which I declined. They even suggested it was partially my fault as I probably used harsh detergents to wash the vehicle. Absolute bunk!!! To get the defects in the paint that exists, I would have had to wash my vehicle with acid.
- Carlos H., Knoxville, TN, US