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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.

2.7

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
53,402 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.

2002 Ford Explorer suspension problems

suspension problem

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2002 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #15

Jan 242009

Explorer

  • 93,000 miles

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

During a service the rear spring was foind to be broken in two places. The first two coils of the righ rear coil spring were broken.

- Oak Lawn, IL, USA

problem #14

Oct 222008

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,600 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the air bag indicator remained illuminated. The dealer stated that the seat belt latch system does not work and they are charging him to diagnose and repair the failure. The contact stated that it is a safety hazard that the seat belt does not work. The failure and current mileages were 47,600. Updated 12/10/08 both of the rear springs broke and the rear axle bearing was bad. Updated 12/16/08.

- Windber, PA, USA

problem #13

Apr 012008

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles
Failure of both rear springs on 2002 Ford Explorer. 95,000 miles, normal duty (never overloaded). Springs literally breaking apart starting at top. Suspect design or material flaw. Internet search indicates this is not isolated incident. Suspect further spring failure could lead to loss of control/roll over. Please investigate -- in my opinion this should be serious safety recall item.

- Schnecksville, PA, USA

problem #12

Feb 252008

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

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

I found an ~3" long piece of unknown steel in my garage. Noticed the right side of the vehicle was about 2" lower than left. The unknown steel was part of the top of the coil spring. Also, the bottom of the spring was broken and the spring had come to rest on the lower swing arm. Total of 3 breaks on the right side spring. When the vehicle was placed on a lift the right side was found to have two breaks, also near the opt of the spring. Called local dealer and was told they have repaired 'a few of them'. repair garage could not obtain aftermarket springs, they were told they were on national backorder. Local dealer was out and received 2 today, which were installed. I have placed ~95% of the ~62,000 miles and vehicle was not abused in any form. Old parts and pictures are available upon request.

- Waterbury, NN, USA

problem #11

Jun 012007

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,000 miles
Broken rear coil springs on my 2002 Ford Explorer. Noticed when changing the brakes.

- Utica, NY, USA

problem #10

Jun 222007

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles
Both rear coil springs broken. Vehicle drove normally to dealer for wheel bearing replacement. However, mech. Found both coil springs broken while replacing left wheel bearing.

- Rome, NY, USA

problem #9

Dec 132006

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,300 miles

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

-the contact stated that while driving 50 mph in the 2002 Ford Explorer he heard a loud noise coming from the back of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to dealer for a wheel bearing repair when the odometer reached 10,300 miles, and was informed that both the rear spring and the emergency brake cable were fractured. The contact stated that he tried to get a resolution for repairs on the vehicle because it was still under warranty, but the dealership refused to repair the vehicle unless the contact paid for the repairs. The contact purchased the vehicle from wentworth motors, and they told the contact that he had to take the vehicle to a Ford dealership for the repairs. The current mileage was 10,600. The rear springs failed. Updated 04/12/07.

- Waylan, NY, USA

problem #8

Nov 202006

Explorer 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,364 miles
After noticing problems with the rear suspension, it was discovered by my dealer that both rear springs were cracked, and also the shocks were frozen in place. I asked for the old parts and it is obvious from seeing the springs that the breakage resulted from bad steel. Dealer advised me it is not currently under recall.

- Kohler, WI, USA

problem #7

Aug 072006

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,000 miles
: the contact stated while traveling at various speeds, the vehicle sounded as if something was rubbing against the ground. The vehicle was pulled over and inspected. The rear end was observed to be riding low. An independent repair shop determined the rear springs were fractured and they were replaced.

- Endicott, NY, USA

problem #6

Jun 012006

(reported on)

Explorer

  • 100,000 miles
2002 Ford Explorer's rear springs cracked.

- South Easton, MA, USA

problem #5

Mar 032006

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

2002 Explorer rear coil springs broke at 76,000 miles. The front brake pads were replaced.

- Uniontown, OH, USA

problem #4

Dec 022005

Explorer 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2002 Ford Explorer both rear coil springs broke.

- Johnstown, PA, USA

problem #3

Nov 012005

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • 39,370 miles
Both rear coil springs broke on both sides of Ford Explorer.

- Watertown, NY, USA

problem #2

Aug 102005

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,000 miles
Both rear coil springs are broken - mileage 50,000. Just noted while doing undercarriage inspection.

- Framingham, MA, USA

problem #1

Apr 112005

Explorer 8-cyl

  • 41,400 miles
I took my 2002 Explorer in for recall on rear door. They told me that both rear springs broke. This vehicle has less than 44,000 miles on it, and has the tow package although nothing was ever towed. The springs that broke are at the very top and hard to find. Mechanic would have had to know to look there to find it. This led me to believe that there have been others with the same problem.

- Barberton, OH, USA

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