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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.

6.0

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$90
Average Mileage:
45,000 miles
Total Complaints:
1 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replaced it (1 reports)
2002 Ford Explorer engine problems

engine problem

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2002 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #1

Sep 012005

Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

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

Cold air intake sensor went out. Vehicle would not idle when cold. Had ford diagnose the problem. They said it will cost nearly $400 to fix. I bought the part at an auto store ($90) and changed it in less than 15 min.

- Michael D., Fayetteville, NC, US

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