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.
Common A/C Issue With 4.6L Motor In 2002-05 Explorers - Check out my write up on the Explorer Forum. If your compressor has suddenly stopped working and you have the 4.6L motor, it is likely a broken wire near the oil filter drain. It is a poor design and the drain rubs its way through the power wire to your A/C compressor clutch. Every 4.6L will have this problem. Go to the link and read and look at the pictures I have taken. It is an easy and very cheap fix.
One of the many problems I've had with this vehicle. The a/c was blowing warm air. The condenser was leaking and I had to have that replaced. I've spent thousands on repairs, I could have bought a new vehicle. I just never think that ANOTHER thing can go wrong. I don't drive crazy, I have it serviced on a regular basis. There is no reason for all the problems I've had except inferior quality. The kick in the butt is I almost never use the a/c!
Air conditioning just stopped working one day. Add it to the list of problems with this vehicle--transmission, electrical, leaking water from back window/door. I will never buy a Ford again.
My air compressor stopped cooling on my birthday, September 20, 2007. Living at the beach, this caused for a couple months of unbearable heat. I have had cars that were 10+ years old and this never occurred. Just the FIRST of many complaints with this peice of crap.
When we go to use the A/C during the hot summers in Pennsylvania, the crap box would not work. We would be sweating but the heater would work but not the A/C. Somebody tell me why Ford is still in business!!!!!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
One of the many problems I've had with this vehicle. The a/c was blowing warm air. The condenser was leaking and I had to have that replaced. I've spent thousands on repairs, I could have bought a new vehicle. I just never think that ANOTHER thing can go wrong. I don't drive crazy, I have it serviced on a regular basis. There is no reason for all the problems I've had except inferior quality. The kick in the butt is I almost never use the a/c!
- jeanny, West Nyack, NY, US