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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.

8.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,680
Average Mileage:
96,700 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. ford should pay (3 reports)
2002 Ford Explorer drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2002 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #3

Jun 182011

Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Ok so had to replace transfer case just started clicking and making weird noises owner before me had it replaced twice sounds like ford is using defective parts to make more money to keep paying their ceo's maybe they should pay for recalls!!!!

- Missy S., Moline, IL, US

problem #2

Aug 252010

Explorer UT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

FORD SUCKS NO HELP NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AS USUAL TOO MANY BAD THINGS HAVE HAPPENED TO

- Shelia C., Hohenwald, TN, US

problem #1

Oct 182006

(reported on)

Explorer XLS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

We haven't got it fixed yet. But apparently ours isn't the only one.

- Ellen W., Indianapolis, IN, US

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