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.
9.3
really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,840
Average Mileage:
94,800 miles
Total Complaints:
441 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
replaced with rebuilt transmission (115 reports)
replace transmission (86 reports)
transmission needs to be recalled (81 reports)
call Ford customer service and complain 800-392-3673 (63 reports)
not sure (40 reports)
local mechanic fixed, not giving dealer any more business (18 reports)
This piece of crap has been on the tow truck more than the road. The entire transmission went out after it was only 1,015 miles out of warranty. Ford said too bad. Then the next year.... over $ 1,800 worth of work... and the dealership (Tampa) said it was not the work previously done. Then less than 8 months later... the transmission completely went out again... after extensive conversations with the dealership and Ford.... it was my tough luck. I purchased a Ford Explorer at the time they were having trouble with Good year. I was advised by almost everyone that this was a mistake... but how was my loyalty to Ford repaid? Over $ 5,687 worth of repairs in two years. Please pass the word. Post this story all over the Internet. Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Fords.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
This piece of crap has been on the tow truck more than the road. The entire transmission went out after it was only 1,015 miles out of warranty. Ford said too bad. Then the next year.... over $ 1,800 worth of work... and the dealership (Tampa) said it was not the work previously done. Then less than 8 months later... the transmission completely went out again... after extensive conversations with the dealership and Ford.... it was my tough luck. I purchased a Ford Explorer at the time they were having trouble with Good year. I was advised by almost everyone that this was a mistake... but how was my loyalty to Ford repaid? Over $ 5,687 worth of repairs in two years. Please pass the word. Post this story all over the Internet. Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Fords.
- Mark T., Ft. Wayne, IN, US