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.
8.8
pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$490
Average Mileage:
89,950 miles
Total Complaints:
13 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
this issue should be corrected by ford (8 reports)
not sure (4 reports)
make sure the plastic used is strong enough! (1 reports)
Amazingly enough 2 months later the other side rear window broke as well. Because I refused to pay Ford $250 a piece for the regulators plus $150 core charge, (because saying it is legalized thievery is an understatement) per side, I had 2x4's holding up the windows until replacement parts were available aftermarket. Cost $135 per side with lifetime guarantee. Over 4 years. . . . .Stay tuned for another 15 complaints about this $40,000 piece of junk.
We have had the Explorer since Feb 25 of 2009 and only had to put a transmission and a motor in it. The window auto bracket broke in two windows. But other then that, I love my Explorer. Even though I got to keep buying tires and now it needs an alignment.
This is the fifth time these windows keep messing up and falling. I have fixed the passenger side front and the passenger side rear once already. Now, the passenger side front, passenger side rear, and the rear drivers side windows ALL have fallen and I've had to use rigged "wedges" just to hold the windows up so they don't fall back into the door! WTH is up with these cheap plastic pieces used by FORD? Why hasnt this been a recall yet? I spoke with several others (while originally having the first two replaced) and found out that "THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME WITH 2002-2004 Ford Explorer windows! FORD......I am sick of it! I have been a loyal Ford owner for 15 years and this is about to end it FOR GOOD!
- bgann,
Hixson, TN, US
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I have a 2002 ford explorer. Been a wonderful car. But it only took a few months after buying it that the rear back panel cracked beside the ford logo. Took it to a ford dealer and they said it would cost me 500 to replace it.
I have also had two window regulators go out on me. First one cost me 478 dollars to replace. I can buy the part myself for cheaper and replace it . Not only did they charge me more for the part (which you can find online cheaper_ but they charged me 250 just for labor.
Then the battery cable went bad. They wanted to charge me 200 for it. I told the guy I will drive to auto zone buy the part and I will pay them labor. Only ended up paying 63 after I stated that.
There is an annoying clicking sound coming from underneath that completely drives me batty!!!
Then noticed when I would put her in reverse or drive I hear a clunking sound. Almost like the transmission is slipping. The car has been taken care of immaculately and now its all just adding up. Never skipped anything on the car when it was due. Ford dealership wants to take me for a ride. I think it may be cheaper for me to take a course to figure out how to fix it myself than pay ford anymore!! LOL. I just want to know if anyone else has had these things go on and if so what was it?? Thanks
Driver side window does not go up or down. Right passenger windows does not work. Interior lights does not work properly. Noise from the front ends boots was fixed and still make squeaking noises.
Was rolling rear passenger window down right side and heard a crunching noise. Then the window got stuck open. After taking the panel off I seen the plastic parts broken.
Went to leave for work the other day and was cooling off inside of hot car rolling down windows, when rear right passenger window went up and then immediately just fell down and stayed there. Now it takes two people to pull it up so one stands outside and the other on the inside of door pushing button while both push up window. Estimate for repair is $300-400 if its just plastic part, more if its the "regulator." Obviously cannot ignore and have rain and car unsecured all the time!
My passenger rear window started to go up and down slower and slower and slower. Then I had to have someone help it up while I pushed the button. Then it just fell into the door. I took the door apart and that lovely plastic clip that holds the pully wire in place is laying in 3 pieces in the bottom of the door. To fix it? Can't get a new clip. Oh no. That would be too easy. You have to replace the whole motor and pully assembly-pay a deposit on the motor till you give them the old one back- drill out the rivit that holds everything to the metal arm that moves the window, detach the window from the metal arm without breaking the window. And you get to try to do all this while trying to squeeze your hands into the steel door frame. Did I take it to have it fixed?? Hahahahahaha. Yeah- that's funny. Ford Rocks!!!!!
I had three power windows that failed within one week. One of the windows also shattered. A cheap plastic clip at the end of one of the cables failed but the whole power window unit has to be replaced. The total cost to fix was almost $1,000!
left rear auto window, switch goes out.. then plastic piece that attaches into actuator that lifts the window broke apart.. guess what ? ya cant just buy the little crap ass plastic part.. yeah ford makes ya buy the whole $200.00 dollar window assembly... motor brackets and all!!! what a racket maaaaaaaaaan! Yeah I still like like my Explorer though!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Amazingly enough 2 months later the other side rear window broke as well. Because I refused to pay Ford $250 a piece for the regulators plus $150 core charge, (because saying it is legalized thievery is an understatement) per side, I had 2x4's holding up the windows until replacement parts were available aftermarket. Cost $135 per side with lifetime guarantee. Over 4 years. . . . .Stay tuned for another 15 complaints about this $40,000 piece of junk.
- Dennis C., Independence, KY, US