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.
6.5
fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$450
Average Mileage:
79,300 miles
Total Complaints:
622 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
Ford should pay for it (396 reports)
not sure (86 reports)
paid to have rear panel replaced (48 reports)
file complaint with NHTSA to get a recall issued (26 reports)
start a class action suit and get damages reimbursed (17 reports)
Cracked Ford Explores - Visit and join this Facebook Group for an additional site where you can tell Ford about this annoying problem.
Class Action Lawsuit For This Issue - Looks like there is a class action lawsuit for this problem. I would sign up to show how many of us are having this issue.
Replacement Trim Panel At Lower Cost - Save money on a replacement part at Rock Auto. Use their parts search and drill down to Ford => Your Year => Explorer => Body => Rear. You will see several options listed there.
While driving down the road after panel was cracked it blew off the car , Gone .!!!! pissed off, Ford knew about this and did nothing to fix. They should pay for repair .
The rear panel was fixed the first time under warranty. It broke again after it was just out of warranty and has been broken since then. It expands and contracts with the temperature changes.
Here it is 2014 and I have a 2002 Explorer XLT with the vertical crack on the outside rear lid by the Ford Emblem. I have had this fixed 2 previous times that cost me over $500.00 each time. Now it's cracked again so the hell with it.
I have seen many Explorers with this problem, I can't afford to pay for it, other things on this car are breaking and need more attention. Rear window regulators (cables), timing chain replacement, rear axle bearing replacement, front seat motor switch replacement, transmission fluid flush and replace are a few of the recent things
We have multiple cracks in two areas. As a result, during heavy rain the water gets in, and the bottom of the gate gets wet ( The carpet inside by the latch).
Also the backup sensors stopped working due to this problem. I think it has to do with the water getting in.
When it first happened, we contacted Ford. Their replay was that it was cosmetic and did not affect safety.
Well, with the backup sensors not working, now it is a safety issue, is it not?!
We would fix it but it seams very expensive to buy the plastic panel and have it paint it. However, we know someone who took that route and the paint is peeling now.
We first thought someone had keyed it as they have done all over this vehicle since day one.
But as we looked closer we found it is cracked. From what I have been reading Ford should be responsible especially if it cracks off . We need to drive from Florida to MN and I am worried it will fly off. We called our local dealer and they acted like what are you talking about??? Are now going to call insurance company.
I noticed this crack a couple of months ago after washing my 2002 Ford Explorer. Called my insurance company to file a claim. They said it is a defect in the panel, they gave me this Facebook page. I haven't taken it to my Ford deal, they said it should be a recall. I don't have $400.00 to get it fixed. Ford needs to take responsibility and fix it! (Warrenville, IL)
Had panel replaced and subsequently cracked again. As of 2/2012 has 3 vertical cracks. Not worth the price to replace only to have it break again. Just living with a bad looking rear end. The rest of vehicle is still fairly good looking. Bummer that Ford won't replace with better materials.
I am quite surprised on how many Explorers I've found searching the web that have complained about the same problem. Some pictures I've seen show the SAME EXACT location and crack type that I have.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Already had to replace the transmission that Ford knows is faulty but won't recall. the rear panel has been cracked for years.
- Tami O., New Boston, MI, US