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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.

5.0

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$300
Average Mileage:
132,500 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (1 reports)
  2. replace tires (1 reports)
2002 Ford Explorer steering problems

steering problem

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2002 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #2

Nov 012010

Explorer V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 160,000 miles

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

I thought I needed an alignment but my belts where broken on my tires and if you have this issue you might also want to have your entire front end checked we found out our ball joints are all bad,sway bar was broken, etc. i all happened at once to!

- Alyssa S., Newark, OH, US

problem #1

Jan 052007

(reported on)

Explorer Eddie Bauer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,000 miles

I love my explorer. I just want there to be no vibration!

- Gina P., Northboro, MA, US

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