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.
6.0
fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$110
Average Mileage:
68,000 miles
Total Complaints:
1 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
replace and move radiator hose; replace coolant (1 reports)
Parking after a 250 mi. trip, I discovered antifreeze running out of the engine. I found that due to the design of the large radiator hose, it is perfectly in line of the fan blades of the engine. During normal use, the blades eventually cut into the hose allowing for all fluid to escape. Fortunately, I was parked.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Parking after a 250 mi. trip, I discovered antifreeze running out of the engine. I found that due to the design of the large radiator hose, it is perfectly in line of the fan blades of the engine. During normal use, the blades eventually cut into the hose allowing for all fluid to escape. Fortunately, I was parked.
- Marty M., Redding, CA, US