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
Typical Repair Cost:
$500
Average Mileage:
72,000 miles
Total Complaints:
1 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
placed clutch packs on both rear wheels (1 reports)
After a couple previous repairs on this low mileage vehicle I thought I was in the clear unti the grinding noise appeared as I turned a corner. Service Dept stated the both clutch packs needed to be replace at a cost of $1000. I hit the ceiling on this one. Ford Motor decided to split the cost with me because of the low mileage issue. I reluctantly paid the $500 (my half) to get the thing back on the road. So now I'm still making payments and I've had this SUV in the shop 3 time now in less than 2 years and under 75000 miles. Yeah I was pissed. The repair story continues and it gets "better"
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
After a couple previous repairs on this low mileage vehicle I thought I was in the clear unti the grinding noise appeared as I turned a corner. Service Dept stated the both clutch packs needed to be replace at a cost of $1000. I hit the ceiling on this one. Ford Motor decided to split the cost with me because of the low mileage issue. I reluctantly paid the $500 (my half) to get the thing back on the road. So now I'm still making payments and I've had this SUV in the shop 3 time now in less than 2 years and under 75000 miles. Yeah I was pissed. The repair story continues and it gets "better"
- Marty P., Leicester, NC, US