8.1
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$817.00
Average Mileage:
85,589 miles
Total Complaints:
136 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace wheel bearing (62 reports)
- replace bearing and hub (34 reports)
- replaced wheel bearings (26 reports)
- not sure (10 reports)
- replaced causual part, and surrounding parts (3 reports)
- don't buy this vehicle (1 reports)
wheels / hubs problem
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
Helpful Websites About 2002 Ford Explorer wheel bearing failure
2008Jan 01
Explorer XLS
- Automatic transmission
- 105,000 miles
Well, the car started making a noise and we had the local mechanic fix the second wheel bearing. The mileage and date are approximate. It was considerably less than the Ford dealership cost to fix it.
2004Jul 02
Explorer ES 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
Okay so now we have 115000 miles on the Exploder, we are replacing the stupid wheel bearings for the THIRD time. This is truly ridiculous. The 1st time when the wheel came off with no warning, my son and I were almost killed. Ford needs to recall this entire vehicle because this is only 1 of the MANY MANY problems we have had with this thing. It has almost killed my family on multiple occasions and I'm DONE!!!!!!!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2006Feb 23
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 58,045 miles
This was the first bearing/hub replacement. Since then I've had to replace the bearing/hubs on all other wheels.
2009Aug 14
Explorer XLT 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
I took car to station for genereal oil change and inspection and they found 2 rear cracked coil springs as well as right rear wheel bearing gone bad
2009Feb 01
Explorer XLT 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
Stupid Ford, First one of the rear knuckle assembly breaks while im driving 65MPH. Car starts jerking around. I pulled over immediately. Jacked up my car on each tire to find out what the heck happened. The rear passenger tire was about to fall off. I had it towed, $300 bucks to replace it. 1 Month later the other broke. Same darn thing, tire about to fall off, towed, $300 bucks. THERES A RECALL RIGHT? Nope. I'M GLAD I DIDNT DIE WHEN MY TIRES ALMOST FELL OFF MY CAR. Also, my Fiberglass panel beneath rear windshield cracked like everybody elses. RECALL RIGHT? Nope. My ABS light comes on whenever it feels like it. Then it randomly turns off whenever it feels like it. CV Joints had to be replaced, $400 dollars. Also my vehicle also has problem with power steering fluid getting extremely dirty, soon after its been changed. Tranny Slips. Rear driver blinker bulb goes out every few months. Will never do business with Ford again. Good riddance.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Aug 03
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 101,000 miles
I had my friend who is mechanically inclined listen to my problem. And he mentioned the hub bearing after going on here I know it is the same problem everyone else is having with the 02 Explorer. My rear hub bearing is shot. Haven't got a quote yet but will probably fix it myself. I refuse to pay for a repair by FORD! They suck.
I have had the car 4 months and I can mention 1000 problems already! The reason why your brake lights stay on after you are parked is because of this little black box over the f*cking brake pedal. You can actually feel it getting hot. If you jiggle it a bit the lights eventually go off. This is also the fix for your Gear being stuck. If you cannot move it from park to drive - jiggle the damn box. The car also leaks when it is raining. ON THE INSIDE. The rain seaps in through the sun roof. The seat also gets stuck all the way forward on the driver and passenger if it is pushed up too much. The fix for this is to take the seat apart and loosen the screw (which is hell). It is a black screw and you would need a torch wrench to do it. I am a girl and have fixed more problems by myself than paying a stupid man at FORD!
2008Nov 20
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 84,000 miles
After my truck (Chevy) was totalled, I was looking for a decent priced truck or SUV. Although I did not want to buy another Ford, after all of the problems I had with my Tbird, the Explorer was the only vehicle in my price range that fit my needs. Plus there is a vast difference between the workmanship on a 90's Tbird and a modern Explorer, right? Yeah....We drove 2 hours to test drive it (there were not many vehicles on the market at the time) and out of the three of us, no one found any problems mechanically and the car litterally did not have a scratch on it. How the lady did it for almost 90,000 miles and four kids I will never know. We negotiated the price for a few days and my boyfriend drove up to pick up the car. On the way back he said that there was a weird noise. I figured he just was not use to the sounds of the new car since we hadn't heard anything on the test drive. Over the next few weeks it was evident that it was not a little noise (and no way it was something we would have missed on the test drive). It soon became a worrisome roar so I took it in. Luckily we have a friend that is a licensed mechanic. Not 10 seconds after we went for a ride he diagnosed it as the wheel bearing. It was the first of many "it's a common problem in the Explorers." A call came a few hours later to let me know that it was not only the wheel bearing but the bearing inside the differential as well. Translation...$1,100, and that was the the friend rate!. I opted to take care of the differential first and wait on the wheel. bearing This was only $860. I just recently had the left rear wheel bearing replaced for another $200. That cut the noise in half. I now have to replace the other rear bearing for another $200 that I do not have. I love everything else about my Blue Explorer but with as many complaints that have been issued about this bearing problem, Ford needs make some reimbursments. They are lucky no one has been killed (at least that I know of). What may save Ford the $1,500 it would cost to fix my problem will guarentee that neither I or any of my friends or family will ever again spend money with them. I am a young, working woman who will purchase several more vehicles in her lifetime, none of which will be a Ford.
2009Jul 01
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 113,000 miles
Well I must say that FORD dealers deserve to be out of business. They are so negligence and Non Chalant about the product. I have searched around and all the people inform me that this is a common problem in the Ford models and this happens quite often at shops where they play around with the idea of it being Bearings, then rear end replacement, or differential, then the car began leaking some oil from the back of the vehicle from where the rear end was located! Ford dealer wanted to charge me 1100.00 to replace all the bearings , if they had to break down the rear end I would have been pat 3500.00 total (YEAH RIGHT) Basically, this is the worse deal ever! I traded my Acura for this piece of Junk!! Now, The $500.00 warranty I brought of course does not cover any components of the rear end, But this doesnt surprise me because 2 weeks after purchasing the car back in 2007 the dayum transmission was slipping after I took it to the shop for them to replace a rear break light! I had to raise all types of sain and call the regional in North Carolina to get them to repair the Transmission, they wind up putting the charge toward my warranty of course and ate the other cost difference. I am upset that this is common and it's unfortunate they don't stand behind their product, but I should have known the American way is short cuts and building wealth off of the little people. Ford can Go to Hell!!
2009Jun 24
Explorer XLS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 84,000 miles
after i went and got the problem fixed my other bearing went bad and my wheel was damn near falling off. i have three small children under the age of 3, what if the died in a car accident from this problem? does ford not care about causing death??? especially to a 4 month old baby!!! to me this is grounds for attempted homicide by neglect! I say we all sue the sh*t out of ford who is with me???
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009May 22
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
Heard a whirring sound once I hit about 30 mph and b/c the rear passenger window just started falling down for no reason...I made appt to take it in for that repair but instead decided to investigate trading it in for newer more fuel efficient, Escape, also thinking it was patriotic not to jump to Honda, which is my inclination. Instead, the dealer, from whom we purchased the car proceeded to list the front driver wheel bearing as very shot, quoted a minimum $800 to repair, was rude b/c we were perturbed that even though they would simply send the car to auction, they wanted us to have the wheel repaired, immediately, for safety, which is fine, but also intended to reduce our trade-in by $1,000 b/c of this problem, which is obviously a defect. The car is cherry inside and out and they still lowballed us until we showed them Kelley Blue Book and Edmonds and reluctantly upped the offer to $4500 trade in allowance on a car we paid $36,000 for. The BB value is about $6500 wholesale for car in good condition! NOT HAPPY WITH SALES DEPT, BUT PLEASED WITH REPAIR FOLKS, WHO DID AGREE TO LOWER LABOR FROM $99/hr to $89/hr.
2009May 16
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 138,000 miles
Sooooo many problems! The rear differential went to start this downward spin that wasn't covered unless you get it checked by insurance company first before the dealership starts work on it. Followed by transmission, springs, struts, and now bearings. What else will go wrong . . My other trucks ( Ford Ranger) engine blow when the head leaked antifreeze into oil. This all happened in the last 2 years
2009May 04
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 98,500 miles
Ford Dealership wants to charge $2,000 to have both rear wheel bearings, hubs, and knuckles replaced. Holy sh*t!
2009May 05
Explorer XLS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 56,000 miles
Within 56,000 miles, we have had all four wheel bearings replaced. Our dealership tells us that is very common in the '02's. Checked with Ford Complaint Center for recalls. None have been issued for this model year, and there are three times as many complaints on the '02's as on any other model year! Ford would not stand behind the bearings. They would not issue any Good Will as well. Had the right rear bearing replaced within two weeks after we bought the vehicle, and now, within one month the other three have been replaced. Now I admit that the left front had not gone out yet, but when the left rear was replaced at the beginning of the month, and the front right went out two days after I got the car back, I just had both front bearings fixed at the same time...figuring that within days, I'd be back anyway.
I am at a loss to explain these problems, as all of my other Ford products have been fine. Just my two cents worth, but if you read the other complaints, the common denominator here is the mid fifty thou range. Not really happy with the attitude on this one from the company, and the dealerships hand are tied fairly tight with the economy the way it is. They did cut their charges down the bone for me though. Very happy with the dealerships response to the problem, with the exception of the "Oh yeah...that's been a real problem with the '02's...along with the transmissions!" OH BOY.....
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Apr 17
Explorer XLT 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 86,000 miles
Another F.O.R.D. part failure. Another $360 down the drain, this time for the wheel bearings. I have nothing else to say.
2009Mar 27
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
I have a 2002 Explorer, SUV 4x4, auto, 4-door, V6, and I've had troubles with the heat and air; it would not switch from heat to air and back. I deal with that, then the rear wheel bearings went out, on both sides. I took the Explorer into the garage, where there were several of the 2002 Explorers there with the same problem. I ask more questions and they say that that model is often in with that problem. They said it was a common problem, and it is a very costly one. I feel it should be a recall from Ford on this problem.
2008Aug 29
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 94,000 miles
The rear wheel bearing went out, and when they did, it sounded like the hub pumpkin. I thought is was going to be a larger job than it was. Expensive though.
2009Mar 13
Explorer 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 100,119 miles
first front wheel bearing on drivers side went out 3 days later rear bearing went out alot of people who own these have had problems that I've talked with also auto parts stores have sold alot of these bearings ford should check these models bearings before someone gets killed or hurt because of these bearings luckily I found mine.
2009Mar 16
Explorer XLS 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 112,000 miles
02 explorer. replaced rear bearings, replaced rear struts, and springs both springs broke in half, replaced brakes about every 4 months. So yeah, explorers are junk, but laid off and can't replace anything else.. so I'll cross my fingers...
2009Mar 09
Explorer Limited 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 115,178 miles
I just don't understand how this could happen with very little warning. I was driving and heard a pop and fortunately, I was close enough to make it home.
2009Feb 19
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 101,000 miles
Alright this is my second rear wheel bearing I needed to replace in a month . My mechanic thanks me for the new addition on his house , the Ford Wing .Says Ford knows of problem but does nothing I hope they don't get bailed out and have to earn their pay .This is a very dangerous defect but nothing gets done . Maybe when they go to the Pres. for a handout he could put the list of defects in their hands and force them to fix them or they could apply at Honda for a job with a future.
2008Nov 10
Explorer XLS V6 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 94,000 miles
I had the wheel bearing replaced a year and a half ago and again they went bad, went to the dealer first now I went somewhere else, Two sets of wheel bearings in two years plus the original. Had to have the truck towed to the mechanic because the bearings were locking up and the back of the truck was "lifting up" that's when I pulled over and called AAA. I payed $350 per bearing, (you have to buy the whole bearing and hub in the back) and I know the owner of the shop he usually charges about a hundred bucks more per bearing. This seems to be an ongoing issue with me and many others..
2008Feb 20
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
My rear wheel bearing disintegrated without so much as a shimmy, shake or whine. There was a loud grinding sound and then I was pulled to the left. When the bearing disintegrated it exploded all it's cheaply made plastic parts as they are made now. It destroyed my hub, knuckle and axle!! Why does Ford make their cars and parts so cheaply??? Make a product that America can be proud of! I will never buy Ford again and tell everyone else the same.
2009Feb 06
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 84,000 miles
Rear bearings went out on the "EXPLODER". I bought this vehicle used from a reputable dealership in the area. Shorty after the purchase the temp/direction led went haywire - temp was always wrong so was direction, starter went out at that time too (this was at 48,000 miles). Bought the car in June - the first cold snap (Wisconsin) the fiberglass under the back hatch window cracked on its own - sounds like this is common. My windows constantly freeze shut - replaced a window motor on the front driver's side window to the tune of $150. Back window broke simply rolling it down one day. The windshield wiper fluid freezes in the lines at 15 degrees - use the same fluid in our other vehicle and it works fine. Service Engine Light, ABS & CHECK GAUGE lights seem to constantly shine, no matter what kind of service work is done to repair the issues. Gas gauge will drop to empty regardless of fuel status 5 minutes after running the vehicle. Will NOT EVER purchase another Ford product. Just in speaking with people in my regional area, these are all common complaints on the "EXPLODER" - hey Uncle Sam? Lets give the Ford some more bailout money so they can continue to produce more sh&*t vehicles!
2009Jan 02
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 79,000 miles
This is very sad to hear everyone with the same complaint. My '02 "Exploder" is falling apart with 79,000 miles on it. I began hearing a roaring noise from the rear of the vehicle. Both rear coil shocks broke into pieces...I replaced those @ 78,500 miles. Both rear wheel bearing failed...I replaced those @ 79,000 miles. I thought the tires were cupped but I was wrong. At least I have new tires now. My 2000 BMW X5 has 175,000 miles and drives like the day I bought it. I bet you can guess who's getting my business next time! Bye Bye Ford.
2009Feb 03
Explorer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 136,000 miles
This is the second time this issue has come up with the POS Explorer. First time was around 80K miles and began with a loud echo in the car - took MANY service people to diagnosis it correctly and was out of warranty when they finally did. Now it's happening again. Apparently reading this board, it's right on schedule. Also have had the same problem with the rear hatch cracking under the glass, as others have reported. Hate this vehicle and if it wasn't paid for - it;d be done.
2009Jan 11
Explorer XLT 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 96,000 miles
This Truck has been nothing but a pain in the ass since I got it. In August took mechanic for inspection and was informed that front right wheel bearing was bad and needed to be replaced. took back 2 weeks later mechanic took in and informed me that left side was going too and replaced it saying right could wait but not very long. Driving on the instate two weeks ago almost go out of control when right REAR breaks loose and have to have truck towed to the garage. This is going to be the last ford product that I ever by again this is a major safety risk and needs to be addressed by the company if they hope to retain customers. I am very disappointed with this truck and am uneasy driving it waiting to see what is going to fall off next.
2009Jan 05
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 63,000 miles
I too am being told that I need to replace my rear wheel bearings, and then of course they want more money to do the alignment on the wheels, after they extract another $500 from me for the repair. They told me there is a hum coming from the back wheels. I can't hear it yet, but unfortunately it sounds like I will soon based on what I've read here. Just one more problem with this car to add to the ever-growing list.
2009Jan 08
Explorer Limited 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 96,000 miles
This is second replacement . Have had new Fords since 1970. Guess its time to try the imports that I have stayed away from. American car companies are causing their own demise. Explorer is worth nothing so will drive it till it wont go anymore.
2009Jan 08
Explorer XLS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Rear clutch pack went out first. Sounded like a low howling coming from the rear differential. I found multiple sites on the Internet that said the '02 Explorers were horrible for this particular issue. I figured screw it, I'll drive the bastard until it breaks down then I'll fix it. This happened at approximately 80k miles. I've got 130k miles on it now and my rear wheel bearings just went bad. I took it in to have it looked at and Ford told me that my front brakes were shot, both rear wheel bearings need replaced and the rear differential needs to have the clutch pack replaced as well. Total cost was $350 for brakes and $1,600 for the rear end of the truck. I've paid to have the brakes fixed, but I'm seriously considering having the rear end of the vehicle replaced with a solid axle by 4x4 off-road. I can buy a Ford 9" rear end for $2,500 brand new with brakes/gears and the whole nine yards. Then I'll put another 100k miles on this truck. Everything on the truck is in great condition as I bought it off lease in 2004 with 30k miles on it. I can't part with it yet when I know it has so much more life in it. I'm just glad that I looked into AutoBeef because now I know better than to waste $1,600 to fix a problem that I have a feeling will just come back 20k miles later. Solid axle will last me 150k with no issues. Thanks everyone.
2008Jun 14
Explorer Eddie Bauer 3.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 90,589 miles
The car was shaking whenever i took a slow turn. Took it to a mechanic and he said it was that the fluid was bad and replaced the fluid for $75. THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM!!!! The bearings went bad and the ford dealership replaced the whole back axle.
2008Nov 04
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 81,500 miles
My second and last explorer. Bought used with only 28000 miles. All 4 wheel bearings shot before 81500 miles. The tailgate panel below the rear window cracked 3 months after I bought it. Rear emergency brake pads are shot and I never use e-brake. My first explorer (1998) got a whole new motor at 75000 miles. The crank shaft broke in half 2 inches into the front of the motor. Then it was time for a new transmission at 100000. Ford...........Im done with you!!!!!!!
2006Nov 18
Explorer XLS Unk
- Automatic transmission
- 59,000 miles
We had a noise and I wasn't sure exactly what it was. Eventually it sounded like we were dragging a box under the car! I called our local Wal-Mart in Bellevue, NE. They said to bring it over. At this point, I was 30 miles from home and going about 30 mph, SCARED! I got there and the first thing the yahoo told me was that they only do oil and tires!!! GRRR! I took it to a local Bellevue, NE Tires Plus that happened to be open on a Sunday. They put it on the hoist and determined it was the wheel bearing. They rocked the rear driver's tire from side to side. They were willing to do the repairs, but only Ford was authorized to do it, fee free. They had it towed to the local Ford dealer in Iowa. Cost was about $550. The first of 3...
2008Apr 07
Explorer LTD V6
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
well where do i start? I know never buy a fors. This car has a been a pain in the ass. I don't know why they don't just stop making them. I have had so many issues with this car i don't know where to begin. Lets start with the trans mission the car only had 60000 miles pn it when i had to pay 3000 dollars to have the transmission replaced. while it was in the shop ford informed me that all four of my wheel bearings needed to be replaced. One night my rear brake lights came on and would not go off and that cost me almost 300 dollars ti replace that. oh and did i forget to mention that replacing each bearing was around 400 a piece. OH and after all of that now i need an ball joint on the right front. It just seems like there is no end to the repairs that you have to make on these cars. You may as well buy a new car because thats just what u are doing any ways by the time you replace all of these parts on these cars, and after all of that they don't even hold value. Like i said in the beginning i will NEVER buy another ford or any product built by ford in my life.
2008Sep 18
Explorer XLS Unk
- Automatic transmission
- 117,000 miles
Well, two wheel bearing down the road, and now the third one goes out, not too long after the second one. This time it was the passenger rear, previous it was the drivers front, with the driver's rear the first to go. Date and mileage are approximate, but close.
2008Nov 07
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 116,500 miles
Someone said that third time is a charm!!! Going for third replacement of my drivers side rear wheel bearing, in under two years! Already had to replace the passenger side once in the same period plus the drivers side front wheel bearing. Still like Ford though but getting a little bit annoyed I have to say!!
2006Jul 15
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6 Sohc
- Automatic transmission
- 71,000 miles
This was merely an indication of many, MANY problems to come.Although the least significant, I thought I should start at the beginning. As an added note, the new bearings only lasted about 8,000 miles and they were OEM parts!
2008Oct 14
Explorer Eddie Bauer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 82,642 miles
At 133,000 km (last week) heard a whining sound in the rear end. Both wheel bearings were near complete failure. Mechanic described that both rear bearings were not in good shape and nearly ceased. He said on the test drive that he heard a noise from the front end and sure enough this week the noise in the front is increasing exactly the same as the rear. What a mess!! Built in failure and my Ford representative will be hearing from me.
2007Oct 23
Explorer XLS
- Automatic transmission
- 35,000 miles
Started as noise in the rear then i had to stop on highway and get it towed, i hate fixing cars. cost 700 to replace bearings hubs. Just one month ago, started to hear same noise in the front wheels....thanks ford
2008Dec 00
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
First, it was the REAR passenger side, I thought, o.k., I can deal with that, then I found out it's a two-piece press deal, so whatever, I still did it. Yep, sucked. That was this last spring. Well, I just my weekend replacing the fu@*&%$ drivers side....and wait it's better, right, so I get it done, take the damn thing for a drive, still making noise, but it sounds different....I go back home, look for dynamite, can't find any, but there was my jack, lifted the front end, the damn drivers front is out!!!!!!!! So what the hell, do both front's I guess?..........I never thought I could hate a vehicle as much as a Jeep Cherokee, wel guess what..............
2008Sep 01
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 58,000 miles
Unbelievable... when I read these I just want to cry! I've only done one wheel bearing/hub. Now I know the other three are just time bombs. $#*%. I've also had the cracked trunk door thing AND the very prevalent airbag problem. (The cable under the driver's seat is too short and disconnects your airbag.) Wow, I wonder what would have happened if my wheel would have fallen right off on the highway AND THEN the airbags wouldn't have even deployed when I crashed. I bought this car for my kids and I as a safe SUV... what crap. I can't wait until I get to fix the transmission. I did complain to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) though. Maybe Ford will have to make this right with all of us evnetually.... you know before we die or can't afford to drive these studip explorers anymore.
2008Sep 16
Explorer XLT 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 109,000 miles
A year ago I had the right rear hub bearing replaced. It was shaking REALLY bad while on the highway. A few weeks ago I replaced the left rear bearing since that was also going bad. The mechanic told me my right front bearings were going bad also since the the grinding in the pedal didn't go away. Well I replaced that today. The grinding feel in the pedal is just about gone but now he tells me the right rear may be going bad again. The mechanics that worked on it (Midas) might have put cheap bearings in it. Since I do a lot of highway driving that wore it out quicker. Personally I don't think it's the bearing. It can't be. Ford sucks. I need to sell this car.
2007Feb 08
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
The day we were leaving for holidays, noticed the rear wheel sliding in and out 1/2 inch. When we got back, found the right rear bearing shot, and both brake calipers frozen. Now it seems the rear end is totally gone.. Next complaint
2007Dec 27
Explorer Eddie Bauer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 89,000 miles
2002 ford explorer Eddie Bauer less than 100k miles wheel bearing problem. Just got it back from dealership today. This is the 4th time in 6 months. It keeps whining, sounds like I am in the back of a plane it is so loud. Stops for a few hundred miles after I get it out of the shop, then it starts again. Dealership states they have never had this problem with any of them. This is the only thing I have ever had wrong with the vehicle & I love my truck !! But this is getting old FORD.... do something.
2008Feb 13
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
I couldn't believe this piece of crap had to have 3 wheel bearings replaced in it. To make matters worse, after spending $1100.00 to have this fixed my car is now making the roaring noise again and I have been told that my rear end is going out. Help me LORD!!!
2008Jul 01
Explorer XLT 4x4 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 67,000 miles
Bought this car new, now that the warranty is up so are the rear wheel bearings. Had both of them go out and $1,000 later, I'm wondering how long the front ones will last. I have been a loyal Ford customer and was planning on trading this one for another Ford. But now I'm not so sure. I have only had to replace wheel bearings on one other car and that was my 89 Mercury Tracer at over 200,000 miles. Any car should be able to go over 100k without replacing wheel bearings. I don't understand why this is not the subject of a recall. Does somebody have to get killed by the wheel flying off at speed to get Ford to fix this? I see this is a problem that seems to be limited to the 2002 model, so Ford figured out there was a problem. So Ford if your reading this, what is more important, not paying for my repair or not having me as a return customer? Gee I wonder how long my transmission will last?
2007Nov 02
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
I noticed a humming in the rear end. I had both rear wheel bearings and and one hub replaced. The rear end still makes a terrible noise and occasionally you hear a loud pop. Never buy a ford explorer.
2008Aug 01
Explorer XLT 4.Ol
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
as of yet I haven't had to change any wheel bearing in my explorer and I can't believe the outrageous prices you pay to have one replaced .I just did one yesterday and the bill was 120 for the part and 90.00 labor next time l will charge 60.00 more on the labor . The bearing list for 101.00 at the dealer.Well i change wheel bearings on just about everything on the road I have seen Pontiac's that have had to have bearings replace more than once / hub type. alot of pressed in bearings are installed improperly and fail to soon due to the install job and buying a cheap bearing like your chain stores like to sell.Its funny to see people get upset about a wheel bearing ,if you own any gm vehicles you should be complaining about intake gaskets leaking .Everyone of them leaks and some destroy the motor and gm won't warranty them repairs either.Find a repair shop that doesn't try to make a living off of your work.No matter what brand of vehicle you own you will have to work on it Chevy trucks eat transmissions and fuel pumps like there going out of style.
2008Jul 12
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 127,000 miles
As unhappy as I've been with this vehicle, I wasn't that upset at first when I realized my rear drivers wheel bearing went bad. But I should've known better! Wheel bearings do fail eventually-right? Sure, but once again Ford has accomplished re-engineering simple designs into major cluster-ducks! I was first surprised at the price from Auto Zone, about $200 bucks. Then I was wondering why the hub was included. Found out pretty quick that this bearing has to be pressed twice, once into hub and once into (not sure of name) the knuckle. Okay I wasn't super happy, but went about the job. I soon found out why the hub is included. I had to use a cutting torch to remove the bearing from the hub, which completely destroyed the hub. Once again Ford has taken what used to be a simple job and turned it into a disaster. Last Ford I will ever own-and that's a promise. Now I have 3 more wheel bearings to deal with. I just need this vehicle to last about another year or two, but not sure I can wait.
2008Jul 15
Explorer Limited V8
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
I don't think this problem makes the vehicle a lemon, however, the total of all failures definitely. Here is what happened: I bought the car with already 109k miles. Beside the rattling brakes and the unreasonable consumption there was not much to complain. It changed soon. To explain all the details would miss the topic. A week ago my wife called me for some noises from the rear of the car. Before we even could finish talking the rear bearing was broken entirely. Thanks God she did not drive with interstate speed. 730 $ and several days later the problem was fixed.
No good car.
Read the next 50 complaints »
We have partnered with JustAnswer to offer online auto repair help and advice from expert professional automotive technicians. You describe your wheels / hubs problem or ask your question and they try to help you figure it out. The fee is typically $9 to $15, but you can offer to pay more for really tough questions. You will usually receive an answer in 10 minutes or less, and you do not have to pay anything unless you accept the answer.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2006Sep 07
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L
On vacation in northern michigan when noise and vibration in the rear became apparent. Took vehicle to Ford dealer in Tawas City. Right rear axle and bearing shot. Lost use of vehicle for 3 days. They gave me a courtesy car in the meantime. Looking on this website, it appears this is a major problem for Ford. But they really don't give a damn. When I complained to customer service, they kind of just shrugged their shoulders. I can see why people are going to Japanese built vehicles. Ford has built a piece of sh*t in this vehicle. And they just don't care.
rdhill
Tawas City, MI, USA
SEND A COMMENT »