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.
5.3
fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$570
Average Mileage:
63,350 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
replace pinion bearing and rear end differential gears (1 reports)
This was another drivetrain problem with the Ford 2002 Explorer. This report is being made in conjunction with my fatal transmission failure. In two years, I've replaced the rear end differential gears due to a failed pinion bearing and now a transmission due to very poor design. Neither of these issues are addressed by Ford as a design problem. Ford should look around and see how many other manufacturers can manage to continue to design drivetrains that are reliable.
I have been a loyal Ford owner for 20 years, but this is the last vehicle I will ever purchase from Ford. This pinion seal leak in the front was the second pinion seal leak on this vehicle and the second in a long list of problems to come.
I've spent $6,000 repairing/maintaining this vehicle in the last 18 months. After I replaced the transmission last year, I thought I had made the most expensive repair I could face, so I wanted to keep the car a few more years to get a return on my repair investment. Well, the troubles just kept on coming.
The Ford dealership in my town was not helpful. When I told the service manager my sad story and asked if Ford would help cover the cost of my latest repairs, she told me that the repairs I needed (ABS brake module) were considered a 'maintenance' item, and Ford would not help me. In fact, when I had my car in for service at this dealership, they usually recommended repairs or maintenance that wasn't necessary.
Most companies that want to maintain a relationship with you will give you some for of compensation when they have treated you badly. Apparently, Ford does not want my business any longer. Good bye and good riddance.
I have been a loyal Ford owner for 20 years, but this is the last vehicle I will ever purchase from Ford. This pinion seal leak was the first of many problems to come.
I've spent $6,000 repairing/maintaining this vehicle in the last 18 months. After I replaced the transmission last year, I thought I had made the most expensive repair I could face, so I wanted to keep the car a few more years to get a return on my repair investment. Well, the troubles just kept on coming.
The Ford dealership in my town was not helpful. When I told the service manager my sad story and asked if Ford would help cover the cost of my latest repairs, she told me that the repairs I needed (ABS brake module) were considered a 'maintenance' item, and Ford would not help me. In fact, when I had my car in for service at this dealership, they usually recommended repairs or maintenance that wasn't necessary.
Most companies that want to maintain a relationship with you will give you some for of compensation when they have treated you badly. Apparently, Ford does not want my business any longer. Good bye and good riddance.
- Chris M.,
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
This was another drivetrain problem with the Ford 2002 Explorer. This report is being made in conjunction with my fatal transmission failure. In two years, I've replaced the rear end differential gears due to a failed pinion bearing and now a transmission due to very poor design. Neither of these issues are addressed by Ford as a design problem. Ford should look around and see how many other manufacturers can manage to continue to design drivetrains that are reliable.
- Greg F., Grove City, PA, US