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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.

5.5

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
74,750 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (4 reports)
2002 Ford Explorer accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2002 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #4

Apr 012009

Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

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

This is the worst designed piece of sh*t car I've ever had. Instead of using proven technology and designs, they reinvented the wheel and made it square! So to speak. Everything in this EB is falling the f*ck apart! Every time I turn around it's something else! F*CK YOU FORD! Fix this. If you spend thousands of dollars on something, you expect it to last and if it doesn't -through no ones fault but yours - you should fix it!

- airblainer, Carrington, ND, US

problem #3

Nov 112009

Explorer V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

tHE RUBBER LINNING OF THE ENTIRE DOOR STARTED TO COME LOOSE

- Alyssa S., Newark, OH, US

problem #2

Jan 012008

Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

The black rubber molding inside the doors in my 2002 EB Explorer are constantly coming off, is this a problem that only I am having or is it a known issue?

- francisr, Pocono Summit, PA, US

problem #1

Feb 012007

(reported on)

Explorer XLS 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles

Took the car in for the hinges to be repaired because they kept coming apart from the inside and now the black insulation (they called it the wheel shaft covers) are coming out from both inside door panels. The passenger side is not even used enough to have that much wear and tear.

- Tonya S., Atlanta, GA, US

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