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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:
$110
Average Mileage:
69,500 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. sensor replaced (3 reports)
2002 Ford Explorer exhaust system problems

exhaust system problem

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2002 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #3

Oct 132012

Explorer Limited 4.6L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,000 miles

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

easy fix but this car has had so many problems already, had to throw this one out there.

- aordway, Bellevue, OH, US

problem #2

Sep 162010

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,500 miles

Check engine light kept coming on on the 2002 ford explorer. Had to get it checked and they said it was the oxygen something or the other that needed fixing. More money poured into it. This state has an emissions test so it had to be done in order to pass inspection. Can't wait to see what will go wrong next!!!!!

- Jacqueline B., Nashville, TN, US

problem #1

Apr 152006

Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Failed "electronic" emissions test due to error code indicating sensor failure.

- brian341036, Chandler, AZ, US

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