2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine2413.2%
- Electrical2011.0%
- Driver assistance1910.4%
- Brakes1910.4%
- Transmission1910.4%
- Body & structure168.8%
- Interior & seats158.2%
- Fuel system147.7%
- Powertrain (other)126.6%
- Exterior lighting73.8%
- Suspension52.7%
- Tires & wheels42.2%
- Visibility21.1%
- Seat belts21.1%
- Steering21.1%
- Heating & air conditioning10.5%
- Airbags10.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 FORD SPORT TRAC AT ABOUT 40 MPH,ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT ANY WARNING,JUST A SHAKING FEELING,THEN COMPLETELY SHUT OFF,WHILE IN MOTION. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION! NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND NO CODES WERE PRESENT. I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC AND AVOID BEING HIT. HAD TO CRANK FOR ABOUT HALF A MINUTE AND IT RESTARTED. HAVE DRIVEN ON A DAILY BASIS ABOUT 200 MILES SINCE AND PROBLEM HAS NOT RECURRED AS OF YET.VEHICLE IS WELL MAINTAINED AND UP TO DATE ON FILTERS,ETC... *TR
THE BODY MOUNTS ON THE VEHICLE ARE DESINTEGRATING. I TOUCHED IT WITH MY HAND AND IT FELL APART. BODY MOUNTS SHOULD LAST MUCH LONGER. *TR
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING ONE DAY THE OD OFF LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING NOW IT SHIFTS HARD AND CLINKS AND CLACKS GOING DOWN ROAD
THERE WAS NOT WARNING LIGHTS ON DASH, TRUCK SLOWED DOWN THEN ENGINE RACED UP ALL ON ITS OWN TURNED I TURNED OFF ROAD SHIFTED TO NUTRAL AND SAT UNTIL THE RACING STOPPED CONTINUED ON TO AUTO PART STORE WHERE THEY PLUGGED INTO ENGINE IT READ STRANGE CODES..
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the following day it was discovered that the cruise control switch located on the steering wheel had overheated and melted. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V399000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 120,000.
OD LIGHT FLASHING, REBUILDS TRANSMISION AND NOTHING CHANGE, I SEE A LOT OF COMPLAINS ABOUT THIS PROBLEMS ON EXPLORERS, RANGERS AND MUSTANGS
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
IN THE MORNING OR WHENEVER DAMP MY FRONT BRAKES LOCK UP WHEN DRIVING, THEN STOPPING..
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PULSATING, ACCOMPANIED BY AN ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WOULD HAVE TO BE REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD FEEL SPONGY WHEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT TWO OF THE ABS SENSORS WERE FAULTY AND WERE OVERRIDING THE BRAKES. THE MECHANIC DISCONNECTED THE ABS SENSORS. THE CONTACT DID NOT EXPERIENCE ANY FAILURES AFTER THE SENSORS WERE DISCONNECTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I NEVER HAVE ANY WARNING BEFORE MY TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. MY TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHEN IT SHIFTS FROM 2ND GEAR INTO 3RD GEAR, AFTER THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS MY OD DASH LIGHT BEGINS FLASHING; THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THE FIRST MONTH I THAT I HAVE OWNED (APRIL 2007, WITH 77,000 MILES). I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO GET THE DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY WILL NOT TOUCH IT UNLESS I PAID $195. I CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE THAT DONE UNLESS THE COST GOES TOWARDS A REPAIR. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND I FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS TRANSMISSION ISSUE HAPPENING. *TR
O/D LIGHT FLASHING. NOW I HAVE TO FIX THE TRANSMISSION. READ ALL THE COMP. AND LOOKS LIKE EVERYONE IS HAVING THIS PROBLEM. I TOTALLY AGREE THAT FORD SHOULD RECALL THE EXPLORERS. IT HAS CAUSE A LOT OF TROUBLE AND MONEY TO A LOT OF PEOPLE. PLEASE HELP. IF TRANSM. LOCKS IT COULD CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT. *CN
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE BODY MOUNT INSULATORS DETERIORATED AND THE BODY COULD COME LOOSE FROM THE CHASSIS. FORD WANTS OVER 3000 DOLLARS FOR THIS REPAIR WHICH IS AN OBVIOUS MATERIAL FLAW. *TR
SEVERE DETERIORATION OF THE BODY MOUNT BUSHINGS TO THE POINT WHERE THEY CRUMBLE WHEN TOUCHED. INFERIOR MATERIAL. *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
RE: 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. IT APPEARS THAT THE UPPER BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HIGH BACK SEAT, THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME, HAS FRACTURED AND THE SEAT BACK IS PERMANENTLY IN THE RECLINED POSITION. THIS MAKES DRIVING VERY CUMBERSOME SINCE I HAVE NO BACK SEAT SUPPORT WHILE I AM DRIVING. I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED. LUCKILY, AN ACCIDENT WAS AVOIDED. I JUST DISCOVERED THAT A RECALL EXISTS FOR THIS PROBLEM SO I CONTACTED FORD AT 1-800-392-3673 AND ENTERED THE RECALL ID 03S04 AND THE RESPONSE WAS THAT THE RECALL ID DID NOT EXIST. CAN I STILL GET MY SEAT FIXED VIA THIS RECALL? NOTE THAT THE DATE SUBMITTED FOR THE INCIDENT IS AN APPROXIMATE ESTIMATE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR LATCHES STOPPED WORKING AND THE CONTACT COULD ONLY GET IN AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE BY USING THE OUTSIDE DOOR LATCH ON ALL DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE MAIN DOOR MODULE FOR THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 04/13/15*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO ENTER THE VEHICLE USING THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES. 3 OUT OF 4 HANDLE FAILED. 2 OUT OF 4 INSIDE DOOR HANDLES FAILED. UPDATED 6/29/2015 *JS
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC FUEL FILL PROBLEM.TANK WILL NOT FILL AND SPLASHES OUT EVERY TIME I TRY TO GET GAS COVERING ME WITH GAS AND SPRAYING OUT EVERY WHERE. FORUMS SHOW THIS IS VARY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE SPORT TRAC. VARY UNSAFE. *TR
VEHICLE ID NO. 05S28 (FORD EXPLORER TRAM SPORT 2002) FORD RECALL FUEL CURRIER. THEY STILL NOT REPLY ME IN EMAIL SO LONG ALMOST ONE YEAR AND I HAD CONTACT THEM THREE TIMES AND THEY SAID THEY DON'T HAVE PARTS. I DON'T KNOW WHO WILL AUTHORIZE TO FIX MY TRUCK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I AM HEARING IMPAIRED AND I HAVE HARD TO CONTACT THEM. I GIVE YOU INFORMATION NAME OF DEALER AND LOCATION AS FOLLOW: SAM PACK'S FIVE STAR FORD JONATHAN PANKREZ HIS EMAIL IS [email protected] PLEASE CONTACT ME MY EMAIL [email protected] THANKS, DAVID *TR
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
OD LIGHT FLASHING, REBUILDS TRANSMISION AND NOTHING CHANGE, I SEE A LOT OF COMPLAINS ABOUT THIS PROBLEMS ON EXPLORERS, RANGERS AND MUSTANGS
DRIVING ONE DAY THE OD OFF LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING NOW IT SHIFTS HARD AND CLINKS AND CLACKS GOING DOWN ROAD
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY LEFT TURN SIGNAL WENT OUT. REPLACED BULB...NO CHANGE. WENT TO DEALERSHIP. THEY REPAIRED STEERING WHEEL HARNESS ISSUE. WORKED UNTIL I DROVE MY AUNT TO DET. METRO FOR A FLIGHT TO DALLAS. SPENT THE WHOLE DRIVE TRYING TO MAKE OTHER DRIVERS REMEMBER HAND SIGNALS FROM THERE TO CENTER LINE, MI ON FREEWAYS. THIS TIME THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMED THE WIRES NEEDED TO BE COVERED WITH A MELT-WRAP TO STOP THE TILT WHEEL FROM PINCHING THE WIRES. I THINK IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RIGHT FROM DAY 1 AND FORD'S SHOULD PAY US BACK FOR BOTH THE BRAKES AND THE LIGHTS. RECALL AND FIX THIS! I HAVE NEVER HAD TO PUT THIS MUCH INTO BRAKES/LIGHTS BEFORE. I'VE BEEN DRIVING FOR 44 YEARS. ALL FORD PRODUCTS. WHAT'S THE PROBLEM WITH THIS ONE????? I NEGLECTED TO SAY THAT MY ROTORS WENT AT 12000 MILES. CAR TURNED INTO A DEATH TRAP SHORTLY AFTER. KEPT TAKING IT TO DEALERSHIP COMPLAINING THAT IT TOOK OFF AND PULLED RIGHT WHEN I BRAKED. THEY REPLACED EVERYTHING THEY COULD TALK ME INTO PAYING FOR TO THE TUNE OF $1100 AND WHEN IT DIDN'T FIX IT THEY STILL CLAIMED THAT THEIR CHARGE WAS TAKING CARE OF "OTHER" PROBLEMS. I MADE THE TECH. DRIVE WITH ME AND REPEAT WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM (SLOW BRAKING AS IF AT A STOP SIGN/TRAFFIC LIGHT) AND HE ACTUALLY YELPED WHEN THE TRUCK TOOK OFF AGAIN AND TURNED RIGHT ON HIM. TURNS OUT IT WAS A BAD RIGHT FRONT ANTI-LOCK SENSOR THAT COST ME A FORTUNE. TOO BAD FORD DOESN'T HAVE MORE CAPABLE TECH'S TO FIND THE PROBLEM. ALSO TOO BAD THAT THE SENSOR WASN'T WORKING WELL IN THE FIRST PLACE. BRAKE MODULE REPLACEMENT, ROTORS, PADS...STILL UNDER 30000 AND HAVE NO CONFIDENCE. ALL MY OTHER CARS/TRUCKS WENT WAY BEYOND 70000 MILES WITHOUT ROTOR PROBLEMS. I'M A "LIGHT" BRAKER. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I EVER HAD TO DO THE BRAKES LIKE THIS. I'M BEGINNING TO THINK IT'S A CHEAP-DOWN, MORE WORK FOR THE DEALERS ISSUE. SHAME ON SOMEBODY! *TR
NO LEFT TURN SINGLE OR BRAKE LIGHTS, WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TILITED DOWN WE FOUND THE TURN SINGLES DO NOT WORK OR BRAKE LIGHTS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE BODY MOUNT INSULATORS DETERIORATED AND THE BODY COULD COME LOOSE FROM THE CHASSIS. FORD WANTS OVER 3000 DOLLARS FOR THIS REPAIR WHICH IS AN OBVIOUS MATERIAL FLAW. *TR
THEY WERE ROTTEN AND FALLING APART, I WAS LOOKING ONLINE AND EVERYBODY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THAT SHOULD BE A MANUFACTURED RECALL. IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING ON I-65 SOUTH BOUND ON I-65 IN GOODLETTESVILLE, TENNESSEE WHEN MY LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. THE TIRE HAD PLENTY OF TREAD LEFT AND APPARENTLY THE STEEL BELTS CAME APART AND BLUE OUTWARD.
I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 02/02/2007 IN A USED CONDITION THE 4X4 WAS NOT WORKING I REPLACED THE CM 4X4 AND THE 4X4 SWITCH IN LESS THEN 4 MONTHS IT WENT OUT I REPLACED THE 4X4 CONTROL MODULE AGAIN AND THIS MONTH IT WENT OUT FOR THE THIRD TIME ONLY THIS TIME IT IS STUCK IN THE 4X4 LO CHANGED THE MODULE WITH A FORD PART #2C54-7H473-BF SO I CAN GET AWAY FROM THE ONE DEFECTED ONES 1L24-7H473-AH BUT I THINK THE DAMAGE IS ALL DONE IN THE 4X4 DRIVING CASE MY CAR IS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER PLEASE CHECK THE WEB SITE HTTP://WWW.EXPLORERFORUM.COM/FORUMS/FORUMDISPLAY.PHP?F=101 AND YOU WILL SEE MOST OF COMPLAINTS ARE ABOUT THE 4X4 MORE THEN 3900 ALL HAVING THE SAME DEFECT PLEASE CHECK IT OUT AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS ALOT OF PEOPLE TOLD FORD ABOUT THEIR DEFECT BUT FORD WILL NOT DO NOTHING ABOUT IT THAT IS WHEY I AM DOING THIS COMPLAINT I AM SICK OF FORD NOT TAKING THIS ISSUE SERIOUSLY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I BOUGHT A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC NEW. SHORTLY AFTER HAVE ELECTRIC WINDOW PROBLEMS DRIVERS DOOR BACK PASSENGER WINDOW AND NOW THE PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW, BAD BODY MOUNTS,AND IDLES BAD WHEN IN PARK OR STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. RPM'S 500 TO 1000 BACK DOWN TO 500-400. 2002 HAD A BABY GIRL 1 1/2 YEARS AND ANOTHER ON THE WAY NEEDED A 4 DOOR AND ALSO FOR WORK. I KICK MY SELF EVERY DAY THAT I HAVE OWNED IT BUT HAD NO CHOICE MONEY WAS TIGHT AND STILL IS COULD NOT AFFORD EVERY TIME GETTING THINGS FIXED SO I LIVED WITH IT!!!! UNTIL I FOUND THIS WEB PAGE I AM FED UP I HAVE ALWAYS OWNED FORD BUT AFTER THIS IM NOT SO SURE ANYMORE! AND READING OTHER PEOPLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS THE SPORT TRAC IS ONE BIG LEMON!!!!!! *TR
THERE IS A "LINE OF SEPARATION" BETWEEN HEADLINER ALONG THE TOP OF FRONT WINDSHIELD. CAN FEEL AIR COMING INTO INTERIOR CABIN. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED GLASS MAY ENTER INTERIOR IF HIT.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE BODY MOUNT INSULATORS DETERIORATED AND THE BODY COULD COME LOOSE FROM THE CHASSIS. FORD WANTS OVER 3000 DOLLARS FOR THIS REPAIR WHICH IS AN OBVIOUS MATERIAL FLAW. *TR
SEAT BELTS DIFFICULT TO DISENGAGE AND SECURE. *JB NAR 1/21/2002
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THERE SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND A JERKING MOVEMENT WHEN THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED. THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO MOVE ERRATICALLY FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE BEFORE CRASHING INTO A RETAINER WALL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE ALSO SUSTAINED HEAD AND NECK INJURIES. THE POLICE WERE CALLED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
STEERING WHEEL WAS JERKING HARD LEFT AND RIGHT WHEN PARKING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THE DEALER REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP WITH A USED PUMP. CONSUMER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE DEALER USING, USED PARTS TO CORRECT A RECALLED ITEM. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE PAINT IS BUBBLING AND PEELING FOR THE CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL. ALSO NOTICED DRIVER SEAT FEELS LOOSE. NOW TODAY NO A/C. DOES NOT GET COOL. *LA
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE DRIVER COLLIDED WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER TO SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AND WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .