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 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
76,982 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.
We noticed a humming noise and a small oil leak coming from the rear axle. We took the vehicle to the Ford dealer and were informed that the rear differential was in need of repair and that this was a known problem with Explorer. We were given a discounted rate for the repair. Two weeks later the left rear wheel bearing went out (with only 59,000 miles) and were told that this had nothing to do with the rear differential repair and would cost a total of $700 for both rear wheel bearings.
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rear bearing went out on 9-6-05. The consumer is unsure if it was on the right or the left. She did not hear a noise prior to this but reported that the vehicle felt sluggish. The contact said that the vehicle was not steering properly and it was pulling all over the road. She reported that steering was very sloppy and she could not control the vehicle. She called Ford Motor Company and they took a complaint from her and said they would evaluate it within 3-5 days.
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT. The contact has been having a problem with the rear end. The rear end made an extremely loud roaring sound. Took the vehicle the vehicle to three different repair shops. One said it was the tires, and the other two maintained that it was an expensive rear end problem. She talked to other people with this same type of vehicle and they all had this problem. Also, had a ring and pinion replaced in the rear end not long after she purchased the vehicle. Currently, they told her that this what was needed to be replaced again along with other parts, including the rear axle. This noise originally started at 55-65 mph, and now it was making noise at 40-70 mph. After going over 70 mph could not hear it as badly. Also, the vehicle was leaking fluid from the ring and pinion. A strange sound that was coming from under the hood, like a buzzing sound that sounds like transmission. In addition, the hatchback glass fell on the contact's head. It just popped out. This happened twice. They do not even attempt to open the glass in the hatch. The dealership where she purcahsed her vehicle still has records of what was replaced on vehicle.
Bought the car in July 2004 at around 50,000 miles. Heard a loud noise coming from rear of the truck. Currently, the noise has proceeded to the front. I have not replaced anything because I really don't know what I am going to have to change. I was wondering if there is going to be a recall on this truck.
After several months of hearing a "whooshing" tire sounds from the back of the 02 Ford expl XLT, and dealers telling us that nothing was wrong, took vehicle to a local service center and had to have rear suspension/axles replaced (4/04) and also had to replace the 2 back tires because of the damage. Now, 1/05, same noise is present and wear on back tires, we are now being told that the back suspension/axles are bad again and need to be replaced. Less than one year and we have the same problem. Obviously Ford needs to look into this problem. Vehicle had 78K miles on it.
- Binghamton, NY, USA
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Rear bearing failure of 2002 Ford Explorer. Took vehicle to dealer because of rear end noise and was told the bearing was about to explode and could have lost an axle.
When driving 30 mph vehicle vibrated in the rear. Also, consumer heard a knocking noise coming from the rear. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealership for inspection, and mechanic was unable to duplicate the problem.
While driving (65 mph) on I 95 through richmond Virginia, at 12:30 after midnight, my 2002 Ford Explorer (62,000 miles) developed a vibration. I made it to the Ford dealer and left it for repairs. The rear end bearing, axle shaft, cv joint failed. Four (4) days later I was on the road. It was a very frightening experience. Ford would not accept responsibility. There is no maintenance on the rear axle bearings. This is a new design and I bought an early unit.
Vibration and drone/roar sound at speeds of 64mph and greater. 4 attempts made to repair, problem still exists. Rear end assembly replaced as well as two axle shafts and drive shaft reindexed.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Longmont, CO, USA