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.
Broken rear springs, two uppermost coils collapsed on both drivers and passenger sides. I noticed it when I was changing the brake pads and rotors in August 2007. From the rust, it appears that the springs have been broken for a while. Have yet to replace since it doesn't seem to have effected handling, but intend to do it this fall just to be safe.
First the back (both) wheel bearings went. Sounded like a nasty grinding noise, very loud. I had them replaced at $750 to replace them and that was not including the fact that they destroyed my brakes and they had to be replaced also..very expensive.. no warranty..than replaced the drivers front bearing and not the passenger side bearing is going..will replace very soon.
Rear spring breakage both rear springs were broken vehicle not used for rough duty the dealer it was purchased from said there was no recalls or campaigns but parts manager stated he has sold seven sets of springs for theses vehicles I believe this needs to be addressed being it is a safety and handling issue.
Vehicle was purchased in November 2007 where a complete inspection was made of the vehicle and its components. Since that time, the vehicle was not driven off-road, had any heavy loads, towed anything, or an unusually hard driving. Strange noise was heard coming from the rear suspension, found to be the rear coil springs both snapped at the top. The vehicle is kept outside during new england winters.
- Hudson, MA, USA
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Just found out rear coil springs are both broke. With simple search on web, found numerous other owners of 2002 Ford Explorer have same issue. This is a factory defect, I shouldn't have to pay for it. Plus, its unsafe!
Both rear springs are broken at the top. Also, driver rear tire blew out on inside sidewall with about 50% tread left (suspect broken spring gouged the tire). Also had to replace right rear wheel bearing (noisy and wobbly) and parking brake shoes (completely worn off from tilted axel hub). 110,000 miles. Also both front wheel bearings were replaced at 95K miles (making noise). Where is the safety recall?
Right rear wheel making noise and is loose. Wheel hub/bearing is loose and wobbly. Parking brake pads worn completely off from wheel being tilted. Failed wheel bearing!!! 106,000 miles. 2002 Ford Explorer. Also replaced both front wheel hubs for same reason at about 95,000 miles (noisy and rough bearing).
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. After a routine inspection, the mechanic stated that both rear coil springs failed. After being informed of the diagnosis, the contact remembered hearing clunking noises and odd suspension-related behavior. He called Ford to find out if his vehicle was included in any recalls and was informed that there were none. The manufacturer has not been notified. The current mileage was approximately 80,552 and failure mileage was approximately 80,500.
2002 Ford Explorer - both rear springs rusted and cracked. One in 2006 and the other in 2007. This vehicle driven by wife and not off road or for towing. On the net there are many, many owners with same exact problem. Dealership says it is a safety concern but manufacture won't do anything about it.
Left rear spring broken approximately 3" from top of spring. Spring protective coating only 20% remaining and essentially non functional. Extremely heavy rust in this region of spring.
March '07: Rear gate split under window December '07 through Jan '08: Rear differential rebuilt twice, rear axel hubs and bearings replaced; differential noise still loud June '08: Torque converter replaced.
I was driving home and turned the corner and this clanking noise began coming from the rear wheel of my truck. I took the tire off to check the brake calipers and and were spinning the hub and got resistance and clanking sounds. I went to the repair shop and was told the left rear bearings had gone out.
Rear wheel bearings worn out on Ford Explorer. Looks to be a huge problem with them. It should be a recall item to be fixed. Luckily no accident/or injuries!!!
My vehicle has 79K miles on it and I have all four of the wheel bearings replaced once and the left rear bearing replaced twice. I have never towed a trailer, driven through standing water or overloaded the vehicle at any time. The comments on the internet would indicate that this is a common problem on the 2002 Explorer. This problem could cause loss of control of the vehicle. I have not had to replace wheel bearings on other vehicles and I suspect that Ford Motor Company is well aware of this issue. My experience with the dealer was very good. I do not hold joe cotton Ford responsible for any deficiencies with my vehicle.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Blowing Rock, NC, USA