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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.

5.6

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$400
Average Mileage:
83,900 miles
Total Complaints:
11 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (9 reports)
  2. new wiring in the door (1 reports)
  3. replace faulty module (1 reports)
2002 Ford Explorer accessories - exterior problems

accessories - exterior problem

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2002 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #11

Sep 012017

Explorer XLT 4.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

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

Really! So I only have 1 key. It will cost an arm and a leg to purchase another key. Keypad doesnt accept the code and m up the creek if I lose my ONE key!?

Why isnt additional keys available for verified owners?

Just sayin"

- Latonya R., Jacksonville, US

problem #10

Apr 012011

Explorer XLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,000 miles

The battery went dead while SUV was stored in garage for an extended period of time. When battery was recharged the keyless entry pad would not work. Purchased the car second hand so I did not have the original factory set code which is required to re-program. Dealer charged me $175.00 but they could not fix it. After seaching the internet I found out where the factory code was located and I followed all of the instructions for re-setting it. Still won't work. I really miss having access to the Keypad. Does anyone have any suggestions?

- palmerbj, Seaford, DE, US

problem #9

Feb 102010

Explorer XL 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

This failure is obviously linked to other failures we are experiencing in the electrical system. Ford should take responsibility!

- mrayfield, Granby, CO, US

problem #8

Jan 012010

Explorer V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 142,000 miles

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

I had never used it anyways but i went to Ford to get the code in case i did lock myself out of my car one day and they told me the whole system was broken and needed replaced.

- Alyssa S., Newark, OH, US

problem #7

Dec 192008

Explorer Eddie Bauer 3.6L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,189 miles

The battery went dead one day and I charged it back up and since the keyless entry pad as well as the remote entry quit working. I had the battery checked and it was fine and I checked the manual for a possible bad fuse but apparently there is not a fuse for that. an annoying problem that will be too much to fix.

- srdunkin, Atlanta, GA, US

problem #6

Jul 182005

Explorer Limited 4WD 4.6L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,444 miles

It seems like the engineer of these electronic components are inferior.

- highwayman, Lemoore, CA, US

problem #5

Oct 122006

Explorer Limited 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,000 miles

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

This vehicle's exterior keyless entry has never worked. The dealership said to fix it I would have to come up with 600.00. Yea right.

- Angie A., Meridian, ID, US

problem #4

Jul 012007

Explorer XLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

The 1/2 button suddenly quit working. It was like 8am on a Saturday morning. I had taken my son to tball practice and purposefully locked my keys in the Explorer so I wouldn't lose them. I ended up having to call and wake the wife up so her and my daughter could come and open it up for me.

- forensicoo7, Wyandotte, MI, US

problem #3

Mar 282007

(reported on)

Explorer XLT 4.6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

my keyless entry stopped working out of the blue. i have 65,000 miles on the piece of s#%$. not only did stop working my interior light wont shut off and i have to disconnect the battery so i wont kill it. i kept trying to use the entry pad and when it did work (only once) only the back doors locked. i hope its not expensive to fix i am so mad because i have to drive it to work.

- rachelp, Bristol, CT, US

problem #2

Mar 152007

(reported on)

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,000 miles

SUPER FRUSTRATING!!!!! My keypad just stopped working one day out of the blue. Plus, both sets of keys also happened to be inside. So, really the cost to fix the stupid thing was $445 if you count the cost of the locksmith service. Supposedly the wiring inside my door was messed up and two loose wires were shorting out. To top it all off, the wiring also affects the key fobs. Mine were still working, but heads up if you have this problem and just want to ignore it - your fobs might stop as well. I could have saved some money if the dealership had looked at the wiring first rather than just ordering a new key pad, so be sure your mechanic checks the wiring in the door before ordering a random part.

- libertymt, Bozeman, MT, US

problem #1

Sep 272006

(reported on)

Explorer

  • 65,000 miles

keyless pad works on all digits except 7 and 8

- oldgangster94ct, Miami, FL, US

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