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.
Worst vehicle ever! Thousands and thousands of dollars in repairs since purchased new. More money than the vehicle cost brand new. The power steering lines are rusted completely through. Never will I buy any F O.R.D. product ever again! The junk yard tow truck driver said that this was the nicest '02 towed to the yard in the past five years. The rust through condition was a big laugh when the doors were opened. The back window fell off while loading the vehicle on the flatbed tow truck! Good riddence!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
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Worst vehicle ever! Thousands and thousands of dollars in repairs since purchased new. More money than the vehicle cost brand new. The power steering lines are rusted completely through. Never will I buy any F O.R.D. product ever again! The junk yard tow truck driver said that this was the nicest '02 towed to the yard in the past five years. The rust through condition was a big laugh when the doors were opened. The back window fell off while loading the vehicle on the flatbed tow truck! Good riddence!
- DM W., Ann Arbor, MI, US