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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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
77,388 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Ford Explorer suspension problems

suspension problem

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2002 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 6 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #15

May 152003

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,078 miles

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

ABS light came on at 19,518 miles, 22,071 miles, and 27,078 miles. More importantly, however, are my issues with the 2002 Explorer rear end. 10/1/03: 27,078 miles ABS light came on, the dealer replaced the assembly. Rear differential was leaking, dealer replaced the seals. 7/28/04: 40,541 miles rear end leaking again. Half shafts were worn. Rear locking diff was slipping. The dealer had to replace both halfshafts, seals, and clutch packs. 9/22/04: 43,203 miles rear axle chattering. Replaced whole rear axle assembly. 2/25/05: 54,960 miles rear diff making more noise. Left rear axle bearing was noisy. Replaced left rear axle hub and assembly. On test drive, the dealer found that the bearing they just installed was bad, so they had to replace it again. 8/11/05: 68,000 miles leaking fluid from rear end. The dealer performed the following maintenance: Replaced diff seals, replaced timing chain, replaced right front hub assembly, replaced ring and pinion, replaced front end tie rods, replaced both lower ball joints, performed front end alignment. All told, I have had my Explorer in the shop at least 10 times. My warranty is about to expire (7,000 more miles) and I'm going to try to get Ford to buy the vehicle back. From what I've heard, this is not an easy process and apparently doesn't happen often with such 'high mileage' vehicles. If they don't buy it back I will be forced to take a huge loss on the vehicle. I will then purchase anything but a Ford.

- Mason, MI, USA

problem #14

May 202005

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
2002 Ford Explorer experiencing problems with the 4WD, the over drive light illuminates on the dashboard and the vehicle is giving off a rotten egg smell. There were front end problems. The 4WD module wasn't working. The driveshaft and both front wheel bearings were replaced. The rotors were out of round. The service engine light illuminated along with the over drive light. The transmission experienced the same problem on two occasions and possibly a third time. A large puddle of transmission was found under the vehicle. The torque converter was noisy. The acceleration pedal would pull back. When the vehicle was accelerated, it would whine. The left rear wheel bearing was gone and caused damage to the axle, brakes and the tire was barely holding on. The error code for the service engine soon light was due to the solenoid which had been changed before. The A/C was inoperative.

- Morris, PA, USA

problem #13

Sep 162003

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
Steering wheel vibrated while driving at highway speeds. Dealer attempted to repair the vehicle, but was not able to remedy the problem. Dealer did not inform the consumer of the repairs that were made.

- Clarence, PA, USA

problem #12

Jul 152003

Explorer

  • miles

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

While turning around corners vehicle would shake, making it difficult for consumer to control the vehicle. Driver had contacted dealer on three separate occasions, and problem was still recurring.

- Valparaiso, IN, USA

problem #11

Apr 042003

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 28,000 miles
Two problems. There is a strong rotten egg smell in my Explorer. I had the vehicle checked while under warranty, but was told there was no problem. Since the warranty expired the smell has become stronger. I had it checked, and the Ford service department said it would cost $600 to repair. The other is a shimmy at 40 miles per hour. The service department just rotated and balanced my tires. I had this done a month earlier and it did not solve the problem. The vehicle still shimmies badly at 40 mph.

- Shelbyville, TN, USA

problem #10

Apr 052003

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 29,000 miles
The vehicle's tailgate glass exploded while the consumer attempted to close it. The dealer was notified. Broken liftgate glass and wiper motor and arm were replaced. There were squeaks when going over bumps. Sway bar bushings replaced. Ignition switch hard to insert key at times. Cylinder and tumbler rekeyed. Bottom door molding (passenger side) peeling off. Rubber grommet on antenna base off. Resecured rubber grommet for antenna base. Pe04045_pco

- Lakewood, CO, USA

problem #9

Feb 052003

Explorer

  • miles

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

The lift gate on the right side shock broke.

- Bakerville, CA, USA

problem #8

Sep 012002

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
My vehicle has cracking noises behind dash that uncovered 15 plus bolts loose, in addition the dealer noticed the frame looked racked. The tailgate and front end assembly show signs that potential structural problems per service mgr. Ford continues to not return calls and giving a run around to dealer. Engineer from Ford disavowed problems stating within spec's. dealer has continued to argue back due to visual evidence of defective vehicle.

- Hampton, NJ, USA

problem #7

Aug 092002

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
The truck seems to have a tire or suspension hop/chatter after going over all types of bumps small/large, does not seem affect the driving ability but it is annoying. Any other complaints on this? also could not locate dot # on tires, made in Canada.

- Milmay, NJ, USA

problem #6

Jul 282001

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer states there is a squeaking noise originating possibly from the suspension when driving over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces at highway speeds especially during windy conditions. Also there is vibration occurring in the front end of the vehicle at 55 - 60 mph. The vibration can also be felt from under the seat with the windows rolled up.

- Newport News, VA, USA

problem #5

Feb 192002

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

When driving at 50mph and higher vehicle vibrates uncontrollably. Dealer has inspected vehicle several times, and problem still exists. Consumer states that Ford bought back vehicle and refunded his money.

- Lake City, MI, USA

problem #4

Oct 252001

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
While making a right turn or driving over bumpy road, steering column and entire car begins to shake significantly at speeds of 55mph and continue until pulling off the road or slowing to 20mph.shaking continued for 2 miles until being able to safely pull off the highway.steering wheel shaking is significant enough to shake drivers entire body! this has happened on 3 occasions. Steering column shaking happens frequently( daily) while making L and R turns at low speeds.column noise is heard also.

- Glenmoore, PA, USA

problem #3

May 092002

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
When stopped at light vehicle makes a loud humming noise. Took to dealer, and dealer couldn't identify problem.

- Marcus Hook, PA, USA

problem #2

Dec 232001

Explorer

  • miles
While driving and making a left turn the vehicle vibrates violently as if it was not in gear. Drivers feels very unsafe driving.

- Car Micheal, CA, USA

problem #1

Jun 262001

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Whenever vehicle hits a bump it's hard to control, goes all over road. Contacted dealership, but dealer refused to look at vehicle. Consumer has replaced the Michelin tires at their cost, P235/70R16, dot E20291511, vehicle and tires only had 470 miles.

- Pahrump, NV, USA

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