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.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
81,579 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.
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact heard an abnormal rattling noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the rear driver's side upper hinge was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. Perry Ford of santa barbara (440 hitchcock way, santa barbara, ca 93105, (805) 682-2411) was contacted by phone and informed of the failure. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04V442000 (structure). The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 204,000.
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was a failure on the rear door handle. The contact noticed a crack between the door handle and glass. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 120,000.
- Hayward, CA, USA
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The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was a loud abnormal noise and noticed that the sun roof was detached. The vehicle was taken to an unknown independent mechanic who stated that the manufacturer discontinued the part. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the sun roofs were discontinued. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Liftgate glass hinge and ball bracket is broken/disengaged. It is no longer working properly. It can fall, brake and/or cause injury. This part has been replaced during a recall. It did not fix the problem.
Liftgate glass hinge and ball stud bracket is coming apart. The bracket has disengaged. Glass is potentially going to fall, brake and/or cause injury. It is no longer working properly. This part has been replaced during a recall but did not fix the issue.
The rear liftgate mount broke off and window fell on my daughters head and bent the other mount and broke left strut off. Can't line it up to get it to close and latch shut. Can't drive the car or liftgate will fall off. Going to get some rope and try to tie it on. It was in front of house with the whole hatch open to get groceries out
Back tailgate window is crooked, air pressure thing fell off on right side causing a lack of support on that side and hinges are starting to bend to the left also. Who knows when this window will fall off or how much longer it will be supported without the support on the right. It's just scary, we don't use this tailgate window at all so it may be fine? it is like this while stationary, in motion, on a city street or highway, turning etc.
After loading my luggage I closed my trunk and the whole back window completely shattered the struts broke and the little black thing that holds the window up top broke too. I got a cut on my hand, glass went everywhere. So stressed..
My 2002 Ford Explorer 4.6L is having major transmission problems at only 110K miles. It hesitates shifting gears and slips while driving. The vehicle also stalls when stopping at a red light or stop sign. It has the infamous crack down the back hatch. Both are problems thousands of customers have complained about yet Ford does nothing. The transmission problem is a very expensive cost to repair and it shouldn't be the customers responsibility when Ford knew there was a problem.
I was driving my Ford on the highway and the next thing I know my feet were really hot and black smoke started coming up. Then the black smoke started coming from the engine and I nearly crashed trying to get to the edge of the highway before the fire took over the whole front of the car. Luckily the fire department was right there for another accident. It was incredibly disturbing experience. Luckily my 3 small children were not in the car.
Car stalled on busy street, then was restarted and lost power. Then fire in engine compartment. Cause is unknown. Car was well maintained. Total loss was not covered by insurance
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. While entering the vehicle, the interior lighting remained illuminated and leaked water into the vehicle. The contact noticed water stains by the visors. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 133,748.
Vehicle leaks transmission fluid from what a appears tobe the trans bell housing and was told by experts after taking vehicle to investigate, main seal tranny damaged and trans needs tobe pulled, costing hundreds to fix.was in first accident in 30yrs because tranny would not engage, shift to proper torque for speed when needed.causing sluggish late shift to almost stop, and causing crash. Can you help".................anyone" thankyou!
Vehicle parked in stall when gear selecter was shifted from drive to park with foot on brake said vehicle experienced wide open throttle surged forward knocking down light pole only coming to stop ontop of fire hydrant or vehicle would of kept going as wheels were still spinning!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Newburgh, NY, USA