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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.
8.8
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $2,820
- Average Mileage:
- 136,450 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 24 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
- not sure (15 reports)
- new transmission (8 reports)
- replace pc board (1 reports)
transmission problem
Helpful websites
- '02 Explorer Transmission Fix - Serious leak of transmission fluid between pin and bore of the overdrive servo (piston). check line pressure from pump, under 500 psi you have a leak. the pin of the servo is hardened steel and the case of the transmission is soft aluminum. Brass bushings must be inserted which means you also have to bore. Lory transmissions in florida has the manual and parts. It's not just the 02's that have this problem
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I got the transmission fixed on my Explorer, then after a week of getting the transmission replaced than it started to slip again. This car is starting to be a NIGHTMARE!!! I wish I never would have bought this car.
- Melissa R., Magna, UT, US