Print this page

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.

7.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$800
Average Mileage:
97,250 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. complete front-end rebuild (1 reports)
  2. not sure (1 reports)
  3. replace entire front suspension (1 reports)
  4. replace stabilizer bushings (1 reports)
2002 Ford Explorer suspension problems

suspension problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2002 Ford Explorer:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2002 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #4

May 312017

Explorer Not Sure 4.6L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200,000 miles

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

DO NOT BUY A FORD EXPLODER!!! There are plenty of other cars/suvs/trucks out there. Do yourself a favor!!!

- mwc1988, Hudson, US

problem #3

Mar 182014

Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

Stupid f*cking FORD! Cracked lift gate - new wheel bearings - rebuilt transmission - interior falling apart - dome lights wont work - now the steering is swaying! Oh yea - the fresh/recirc air flapper fell onto the fan intake in the HVAC unit so there was not f*cking air flow. The damn thing is falling apart and I spend A TON of money on this piece of sh*t. I keep it cuz I like it though seat warmers work good.

- airblainer, Carrington, ND, US

problem #2

Nov 122002

Explorer 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,925 miles

The explorer make a funny noise whenever you went over a bump. They replaced the front stabilizer bushings.

- Beth G., Mechanicsburg, PA, US

problem #1

Dec 032007

Explorer XLS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,000 miles

Could not believe the entire front suspension had to be changed at this mileage. These are obviously inherent flaws or poor quality components. I have another 1994 Lumina with over 200k miles and never has been the suspension repaired. Will look another car brand next time.

- julmaro, Carolina, P.R, Puerto Rico

Not what you are looking for?