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.
3.3
definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
40,060 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.
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 10 mph, the contact noticed that the rear passenger side tire rode roughly. The contact noticed that three of the wheel studs were sheared off. The failure occurred four times with the remaining wheel studs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. Updated 10/02/14 the consumer stated within 7 months the the rear wheel studs suddenly sheared off while driving. The last time the driver was on the freeway with 5 children in the car. Updated 3/30/2015
2002 Ford Explorer. Consumer states problem with tires the consumer experienced a tire blow on the right rear tire. When triple aaa arrived, the consumer was informed the rear coil spring along with 3 lug nuts had failed. In July 2010, three more lug nuts broke again.
- the contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle started vibrating and pulling to the right. A lug nut hit the windshield and the vehicle came to a sudden stop because the front passenger side tire was lodged underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to replace the new lug nut and stems and repair the damage to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 71,000. The current mileage was 81,000. This failure has occurred on tow occasions.
: the contact stated while driving 15mph the right rear wheel wobbled. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop for inspection. The mechanic determined that the lug nuts were broken which resulted in the loose rear wheel. The mechanic replaced the broken lug nuts.
I had 1 wheel stud break and ordered a replacement from dealer. Wheel studs only come in packs of 5. wheel stud replaced and about 4 months later 2 more broke simultaneously.
- Visalia, CA, USA
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I was driving down county road branch, it felt like I was driving on a bumpy road (what it feels like when your tire goes flat) I turned on lateral B South, then it got worse, so I stopped and checked all tires, they were all okay, then I start driving 20 feet further then I stopped again, my oldest son took of the hub and discovered 3 out of 5 bolts with lug nuts were broke off in the right rear passenger hub.
Driver rear tire separated from vehicle. The failure was the result of the lug nut breaking. The vehicle sustained a dent hub cap, and light damage to the left rear bumper and panel.
Noted "clicking" noise when wheel turned at slow speed, assumed cv joints were going bad. However, dealer said that lug nuts were loose, and when tightened the noise stopped. What is notable is that the wheels have never been off, so this condition originated at the factory. Dealer says owner at fault and charged for the repairs. Owner says this a factory defect and a significant safety item and insist it be covered under warranty. At impass.
On 8-10-01 I was driving a hertz car rental 2001 0R 2002 Ford Explorer on I-75 to the atlanta airport. I began noticing "shimming" in the steering wheel. Soon after the "shimmying " became worse and I experienced excessive "play" in the steering wheel. I pulled onto the shoulder without incident. Later, a tow truck driver discovered that 3 out of 5 lug nuts had been sheared off completely - - causing the right front wheel to "wobble" significantly when rotating. If the wheel had come off the vehicle, it could have resulted in very serious injury/dealth - - especially on busy truck lader I-75 just North of atlanta. Just want you to be aware of this serious matter.
On 8-10-01 I was driving a hertz car rental 2001 0R 2002 Ford Explorer on I-75 to the atlanta airport. I began noticing "shimming" in the steering wheel. Soon after the "shimmying " became worse and I experienced excessive "play" in the steering wheel. I pulled onto the shoulder without incident. Later, a tow truck driver discovered that 3 out of 5 lug nuts had been sheared off completely - - causing the right front wheel to "wobble" significantly when rotating. If the wheel had come off the vehicle, it could have resulted in very serious injury/dealth - - especially on busy truck lader I-75 just North of atlanta. Just want you to be aware of this serious matter.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Detroit, MI, USA