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.
6.5
fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$450
Average Mileage:
79,300 miles
Total Complaints:
622 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
Ford should pay for it (396 reports)
not sure (86 reports)
paid to have rear panel replaced (48 reports)
file complaint with NHTSA to get a recall issued (26 reports)
start a class action suit and get damages reimbursed (17 reports)
Cracked Ford Explores - Visit and join this Facebook Group for an additional site where you can tell Ford about this annoying problem.
Class Action Lawsuit For This Issue - Looks like there is a class action lawsuit for this problem. I would sign up to show how many of us are having this issue.
Replacement Trim Panel At Lower Cost - Save money on a replacement part at Rock Auto. Use their parts search and drill down to Ford => Your Year => Explorer => Body => Rear. You will see several options listed there.
Yet another complaint. I came online today to see if this is a recall! What a shock to see so many people with the same problem we have. I've never bought a Ford prior to this one and let me say for the record I never will again!
I cannot absorb the expense of this repair at this time and feel upset everytime I get into this vehicle looking this way. I take meticulous care of my vehicles and feel it's such a shame Ford cannot stand behind it's consumer to fix a problem such as this one!
Thank you to every other victim of Ford's neglect for writing in! It would be great if we could do something about this!
What the F*** is wrong with FORD, they use to be so great about service and taking care of there loyal customers, now they won't fix an obvious defect that probably 50% of their explorers have, most people here as well as I probably won't buy another vehicle from a company that won't stand behind their product. Sorry FORD but it's your fault, no wonder your stock price is $7.00, I guess it's time to look at Chevy's or Japanese trucks. Thanks for nothing FORD!!!
02 Crack on hatchback panel under rear window, I can't believe how many other people have had this problem. I was quoted $300 to get it fixed by Ford. I'm glad I didn't do it. Especially if everyone is saying that the problem recurs. I'm going to wait till Ford has a recall on the hatchback cracks, instead handing Ford $300 + . I'm glad I Googled this problem and found this site.
- B B.,
Houston, TX, US
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I don't know who the idiot(s) were who designed this back door, but this about the 5th time I've had to have it repaired. The hinges on the glass needed to be replaced, I replaced the struts, the open/closed sensor doesn't work and now this! I love my truck, but the rear door is a piece of crap.
My Explorer is is great shape and I have taken good care of it. I noticed a crack on the panel just below the rear panel several days ago and I could not determine how in the world it occurred. I was in the parking lot and saw another explorer with a crack in the very same place the next day. About a week later I noticed another explorer on the hwy with a crack as well. Now, since I can't help but focus I have seen a total of four explorers with the same issue. This is pitiful Ford, you should issue a recall and make things right!
I noticed my rear hatch back panel had a significant crack in it. As I read the complaints from other customers I see that this can be a real danger to myself and my small children because the rear window itself can dislodge from the panel and hurt them. WoW! Recall this ASAP before someone gets hurt!
Add me to the list of people with a cracked piece of fiberglass below read windshield. I didn't even realize there was a recall on the windshield/hinges....... perhaps they will replace the fiberglass when I have the recall issue taken care of. But from what I've read here, I won't hold my breath.
I was very upset to see that there is so many people out there with this same problem . I can't believe that one of our oldest auto manufacturers will not stand behind it's product and step up to fix the problem. Please won't somebody step up,or is it just ok to f#ck us over?
With this many complaints about the trim cracking and falling off, I urge every one of you to click on the link below and file a complaint with the NHTSA. This is the government agency responsible for investigating defects and issuing recalls or forcing the manufacturer to issue a recall. If they were to get this many complaints I feel certain they would begin an investigation.
Via the Internet. You may electronically submit your complaint to the NHTSA by visiting:
I see many occurrences of this problems based on complaints filed by other members, it is definitely a structural problem that should be Ford's responsibility.
Other than this I have 135,000 miles and NO PROBLEMS!!! Keep fingers crossed!
"Hey Ford, take your Crack Back"....that would be a great sticker to put next to the
crack on our 2002 Ford Explorer and all the others we see on the road with the same problem. It has become almost a game now "There is a Ford Explorer!, does that one have a crack?". With this problem being so obvious, one would think Ford "Built Ford Tough" would try and stand up to its slogan, but this is just a small problem compared to the transmission, which they also would not own up to...I am still working on a good sticker slogan for that problem.
Like so many others who have a 2002 Explorer, mine also has the crack under the back window. This is my 4th Explorer and because of the multiple problems this specific car has and because of Ford's refusal to help, it is my last. My multiple problems: CD player, air flow of heater, 4x4 not engaging, air bag light, check engine light, transmission, sun visor, and of course the lovely crack below the back window that goes all the way from glass to bottom of that section of the car. I'm not fixing it, because as I have seen in too many reports that the problem reoccurs after having it fixed.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Yet another complaint. I came online today to see if this is a recall! What a shock to see so many people with the same problem we have. I've never bought a Ford prior to this one and let me say for the record I never will again!
I cannot absorb the expense of this repair at this time and feel upset everytime I get into this vehicle looking this way. I take meticulous care of my vehicles and feel it's such a shame Ford cannot stand behind it's consumer to fix a problem such as this one!
Thank you to every other victim of Ford's neglect for writing in! It would be great if we could do something about this!
- Terri C., Auburn, NH, US