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.
Okay so WHILE our 2002 Ford Explorer is having the transmission replaced (yes at the dealership being fixed now) they call us to say that the "Inner Steering Column Shaft" is broken. They finished the transmission and went to shift gears and it broke off in their hands. Of course they say it must have been broken or damaged before they got it...we never had any problems with it before...and now the whole thing needs to be replaced which if they order the part...he said its very expensive and not worth it...but I can order a part from CA for another $800...really??? SO something that was not broken before but is now I have to fix in addition to the transmission!!! We will be getting rid of this LEMON ASAP!!!! What a piece of CRAP!!!! FORD needs to recall all these older Explorers because they are complete junk...we can't afford to keep fixing it but can't afford a new vehicle either...I am beyond frustrated and will NOT be purchasing another FORD again!!!!
WE HAD OUR SHIFTER BREAK OFF. THIS IS THE SECOND ONE. THE ORIGINAL JUST DISINTEGRATED, AND OUR MECHANIC PUT A USED ONE IN, RATHER THAN PAY $2000 TO FORD.
THE 1ST TIME, LIKE ANOTHER READER, IT STRANDED MY WIFE AT THE GROCERY STORE, AND WE LOST ABOUT $100 WORTH OF MEAT AND FREEZER STUFF WAITING FOR A TOW.
FORD SHOULD DEFINITELY PAY FOR THIS, AS IT IS PURELY A DEFECT
Was taking my children for a hair cut , park my truck in front on the salon. after taking care of business
got in my truck, started my truck, and ended up with the steering handle on my hand ( the handle where you change
gears from park to drive or rear). Was able to get it but the truck is not the same, was not able to get a new
part. Auto place told me that for a new part would be about $5000.00 this is new and you a used part would
be $2,800. Was able to get it fix for $2,800. No happy at this present moment. The piece that was put into the truck was taken out of a ford explorer from the junk yard.
Update from Aug 20, 2014: This is the 2nd time that the same thing happen this time was me taking kids to school. Steering handle broke
for he 2nd time in 2013. Got the s*** fix and know for me to pull the key out, I must undo one of the battery cable so I can get my key out.
replace all 4 berings at only 140000 miles on it. and rear end tie rod and now pulling in my driveway came to stop shift lever broke off when I was putting it in to park. Called ford need a new steering column 1,500 plus labor. My husband found a part at Napa auto parts the part # NOE6003384 $57.99 and a how to fix video at www.dormanguide.com/shift.repair.html
I'm 19 years old and I've loved ford trucks, suvs, and cars since I was 10 years old . I remember getting into arguments with people about how ford is better than chevy or dodge. After today I hate fords I hate there f*$king company I cant believe such a small little part cost $2000 dollars what f*ck that's a 3rd of what my vehicle is worth. f*ck ford f$ck those rich bastards and f&ck their employees. From now on I'm a dodge guy, a chevy, and even a honda guy but ill never be a ford guy!!!! Ford if you see this just know you lost a great customer because I was gonna purchase a new ford raptor 2013 but now I'm going with a dodge ram. yeah go hemi really built tough DODGE TOUGH!!!!
- Daniel L.,
Aurora, CO, US
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
I was backing out of parking lot at Costco and my steering shifter broke in half!
It has happened to a lot of other owners as I researched it. Ford does not carry the part where it broke, they said I need a whole new steering column for $900.
This should be recalled and very dangerous. I am the only owner to this car and have had 2 transmissions put in and none of the windows work, all 4 window motors are dead.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Okay so WHILE our 2002 Ford Explorer is having the transmission replaced (yes at the dealership being fixed now) they call us to say that the "Inner Steering Column Shaft" is broken. They finished the transmission and went to shift gears and it broke off in their hands. Of course they say it must have been broken or damaged before they got it...we never had any problems with it before...and now the whole thing needs to be replaced which if they order the part...he said its very expensive and not worth it...but I can order a part from CA for another $800...really??? SO something that was not broken before but is now I have to fix in addition to the transmission!!! We will be getting rid of this LEMON ASAP!!!! What a piece of CRAP!!!! FORD needs to recall all these older Explorers because they are complete junk...we can't afford to keep fixing it but can't afford a new vehicle either...I am beyond frustrated and will NOT be purchasing another FORD again!!!!
- Tanya J., Pullman, US