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.
During my last oil change my mechanic told me the rack and pinion is leaking fluid and getting sloppy. He said this is a common problem with this model of Ford Explorer and not surprising at all. I am extremely ticked off because everything on my truck seems to be failing at once and I can not afford to fix it or replace the vehicle right now.
I bought a 02 Ford Explorer from J and S Auto Sales in Columbus Ohio. It needs the driver side control arm replaced. While driving and turning it seems as if at anytime it may break off. It's very dangerous. I try not to drive because I feel it's not safe. And at this time can't get all this work done. This is the 3rd complaint I have made pertaining to this vehicle. Ither things wrong with it also.
If anyone knows something I can do about this please let me know. The dealership wouldn't help. And to be so terrible I have to make car payments to a car loan place. But car was trash from day one and the loan place didn't even help me.
The lower ball joints needed replaced. I was mad because it just went out of warranty and they had just gone over the truck while it was under warranty 5 months before that.
Went for inspection and was told I needed more work done. They started to mentions items that I have replaced more then once already for this issue it was a right front ball joint. I had all replaced in 2008 and now in 2011 I am starting all over again. This truck has almost never gone into the shop and came out without a bill of less then $500. This bill will cost $871 which includes Tie Rod, Ball Joint, and get this Rear Spring. and 2 tires but tires I can understand they wear as normal use. I have had every Tie Rod replaced and some more then once, I have had both back springs replaced in 2005, and now I have to do it again.
Come on Springs should never be replaced more then once the life of the truck if at all. I don't do any off road driving just normal driving. I have had the Rack pinon done twice. I have pretty much replace the entire underside of the truck and now starting all over again this is a same. The only problem is this time $ is an issue and have to wait to fix. There is other issues as well that are not saftey related such as door ajar light on all the time.
- Michele T.,
Bushkill, PA, US
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During my last oil change my mechanic told me the rack and pinion is leaking fluid and getting sloppy. He said this is a common problem with this model of Ford Explorer and not surprising at all. I am extremely ticked off because everything on my truck seems to be failing at once and I can not afford to fix it or replace the vehicle right now.
- Terry P., Edwardsburg, MI, US