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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:
No data
Average Mileage:
115,350 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
2002 Ford Explorer electrical problems

electrical problem

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2002 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #2

Sep 132010

Explorer XLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Whenever, the seat is move to a different position it blows fuses. I have been buying fuses for awhile. This is a big problem because I'm short and when my hubby gets in he has to move the seat back and when the seat it moved it blows a fuse. The driver seat has also blown. The wires fried and smoked you could smell it burning. Please give me some advice.

- Angelyn H., Dinwiddie, VA, US

problem #1

Jul 032007

(reported on)

Explorer XLS 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,602 miles

issue with transmission is certainly my greatest beef, but I have had the fuse for my reverse lights replaced twice. And still no reverse lights. It is very frustrating. anyone know what may be causing this?

- monicatexas, College Station, TX, US

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