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.
"2002" XLT V6 Explorer, I'm wondering if anyone has had a bucking/jerking or sound of running over the bumps "grates" on shoulder? I think the bucking is in the tranny. Not positive! $500 to have tranny serviced then $400 for something called a fuel damper assembly. Addressed the spark system, had it smoked tested for vacuum leaks, and now had Hermantown Ford in northern Minnesota check the fuel system. They found a bad fuel damper $412.00, It took care of the rough idle and stalling at idle speed. He thought it took care of the bucking and it started in on the drive home. I don't think it's fuel, air or a spark problem. I'm 99% sure it's a tranny problem. Any input would be appreciated! Please comment to davetexmoore@yahoo.com thanks!
Now when I press on the gas to go from 25 mph to 30 mph the car jerks as if though it's a manual car that is switching gears. No idea where this is coming from it was working just fine days ago!
Had this piece of chit for 7 years and 80,000 miles on it. Got a new motor, transmission twice (well once this time garbage is going) After this time I would love to drive it right threw a dealership. It was f*cking perfect timing didn't even have the new engine in 8 months and got 2 new tires and brakes for the bastard. The normal back panel crack. Drivers side back window does not work never fixed it. Plastic pieces also do not hold on the door always coming off the doors. There are endless other items too. It was one of the things that I THOUGHT I FIXED THIS. IT WILL BE BETTER. I WAS WAY WRONG.
occasional jerking sensation at any speed,. really terrible at higher speeds. I've never owned a car with more problems than this. I owned it for less than 2 months then unloaded it with a massive loss. happy its gone, will never buy another ford again.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
This is an ongoing, known problem with the Ford Explorer. I want it recalled.
- Elise S., Palm Harbor, FL, US