2002 Ford Explorer 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, 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
- Transmission97224.7%
- Powertrain (other)55114.0%
- Body & structure48712.4%
- Suspension42110.7%
- Engine2135.4%
- Airbags1624.1%
- Steering1553.9%
- Driver assistance1553.9%
- Electrical1423.6%
- Visibility1383.5%
- Brakes1373.5%
- Other / unspecified1173.0%
- Interior & seats862.2%
- Fuel system721.8%
- Tires & wheels701.8%
- Seat belts370.9%
- Exterior lighting130.3%
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
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40-45 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKING, THE SHIFT SELECTOR FRACTURED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT FROM DRIVE TO PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Overdrive light flashes after driving a little bit hard shifting doesn't shift into overdrive 4x4 lights indicate that it's working when the buttons are pushed but doesn't go into 4x4
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCED HARD SHIFTING WITH A CLUNKING NOISE PRESENT COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION GEAR RATIO WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER JACOB GEORGE FORD LOCATED AT 125 SPRING ST, HOUTZDALE, PA 16651 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
September 2, 2023 at about 6 pm I pulled over to grab a couple water bottles from the rear of my 2002 Ford Explorer Sport cause my engine was overheating. I got out walked to the rear of my vehicle pushed my unlatch button on the tailgate and I lifted the glass part of the rear hatch. Both air hinges were not working correctly to keep it up so I gently rested the glass on my hair that was put up in a bun and just a little bit of the glass was resting on the very top of my head where my hair was slicked back for my bun so my hands were free to grab the bottles of water. (My hair was the softest of resting place's). As I reached in the back to grab the water bottles I heard the loudest bang and hundreds of little pieces of glass fell everywhere around me. I was in so much distrot that I actually thought someone had shot at me with a fire arm but missed me and hit the rear glass instead. The top of my head was stinging and it felt like I had just been smacked with a tree branch and the glass had went all over me causing a few minor cuts and scrapes as I fell to my knees in shock my heart racing faster than I had even imagined a heart could beat while histaraclly crying from the trauma that just occurred I fell to the ground and for a full 15 minutes i sat there surrounded by glass and tears in so much shock, dazed and confused before I stood up and looked around at everything that then I only realized I WASN'T shot at because there was no bullet or bullet hole nor did a vehicle drive by nor was there any people closer than a mile to me when I realized that the glass had shattered for some UNKNOWN reason ON ITS OWN that it scared me so bad it traumatized me. After that day I was pulled over multiple times by numerous police agency's (sheriff, Medford PD, Central Point PD and State Police) because I didn't have the money to fix it let alone have the knowledge that it had a recall so I could get it replaced. I have pictures but it will not allow me to upload them.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPENING THE REAL LIFT GATE, THE REAR LIFT GATE GLASS WINDOW SUDDENLY SHATTERED. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE PERSON SUSTAINED A FACIAL LACERATION WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER (FUTURE FORD LOCATED AT 650 AUTOMALL DR, ROSEVILLE, CA 95661) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,000.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
MAKES A RATTLING NOISE WHEN A BUMP IS HIT DRIVER SIDE SEAT STOP WORKING
THE CAR ALWAYS FEELS LIKE IS ABOUT TO JUMP OFF THE ROAD OR THE LANE IM IN WHENEVER I DRIVE OVER ANY ROUGH ROAD OR POT HOLES. %ģ
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to coast off the freeway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic, but the mechanic declined to service the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified about the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the steering wheel intermittently seized while driving at various speeds without warning. After finding a replacement part at a salvage yard, the contact had the steering wheel replaced by an independent mechanic; however, the failure persisted. The contact also stated that an abnormal ticking noise was coming from the engine with the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving down the road and my airbag instantly deployed in my face without cause or notice. I became completely disoriented as it hit my hand and face with severe force and was extremely loud and shocking. I thank God that I had just let off the gas and didn't hurt anyone else. If I had panicked or was going through an intersection, experiencing a turn, coming to a stop, or someone in front of me stopped I could have struck another vehicle or object and caused death or injuries. I have not brought the vehicle anywhere to be checked out yet. My insurance refuses to cover it. There were no warning signs of this airbag deployment.
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her fiancé was driving 45 MPH, the driver’s side and passenger’s side air bags inadvertently deployed without an impact or a crash, causing the contact’s fiancé to swerve and drive down into a ditch. No warning lights were illuminated. The front bumper, windshield, and passenger’s side taillight were cracked. No injuries were sustained. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,583.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the steering wheel intermittently seized while driving at various speeds without warning. After finding a replacement part at a salvage yard, the contact had the steering wheel replaced by an independent mechanic; however, the failure persisted. The contact also stated that an abnormal ticking noise was coming from the engine with the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
THE CAR ALWAYS FEELS LIKE IS ABOUT TO JUMP OFF THE ROAD OR THE LANE IM IN WHENEVER I DRIVE OVER ANY ROUGH ROAD OR POT HOLES. %ģ
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. The contact stated while entering the highway at approximately 45 MPH and accelerating to overtake the next vehicle, the accelerator pedal went to the floorboard however, the vehicle did not respond. The contact was able to pull over safely off the highway. There were no warning lights on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V422000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
THE ISSUES THAT I'M HAVING IS THE EXHILARATION (PICKING UP SPEED) ON A PUBLIC STREET AS WELL AS IN THE EXPRESSWAY IT HESITATES TO DO SO. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND I GO TO SWITCH GEARS IT DOES NOT WANT TO SWITCH. THE GAUGE INDICATOR COMES ON AND THE GAS IDLE BE STUCK ON EMPTY WHEN IT HAS A FULL TANK OF GAS. WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION THE RADIO VOLUME GOES UP AND DOWN ON ITS OWN. AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT WANT TO START FOR ME ONE DAY THE VERY NEXT DAY IT STARTED RIGHT ON UP (LIKE IT WANT TO START BUT DIDN'T CATCH). ALL OF THIS STARTED HAPPENING AT THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER 2020
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE ISSUES THAT I'M HAVING IS THE EXHILARATION (PICKING UP SPEED) ON A PUBLIC STREET AS WELL AS IN THE EXPRESSWAY IT HESITATES TO DO SO. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND I GO TO SWITCH GEARS IT DOES NOT WANT TO SWITCH. THE GAUGE INDICATOR COMES ON AND THE GAS IDLE BE STUCK ON EMPTY WHEN IT HAS A FULL TANK OF GAS. WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION THE RADIO VOLUME GOES UP AND DOWN ON ITS OWN. AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT WANT TO START FOR ME ONE DAY THE VERY NEXT DAY IT STARTED RIGHT ON UP (LIKE IT WANT TO START BUT DIDN'T CATCH). ALL OF THIS STARTED HAPPENING AT THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER 2020
SUMMER,SPRING WEATHER, ALL FOUR, CLEAR, GLASS WINDOWS DO NOT SLIDE UP OR DOWN THROUGH ITS' POWER BUTTON, ELECTRONICALLY.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE AND NOTICED THAT THE SUN ROOF WAS DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER DISCONTINUED THE PART. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE SUN ROOFS WERE DISCONTINUED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE REAR WINDSHIELD SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR AJAR AND BRAKE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED EVEN WHEN THE DOORS WERE CLOSED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS NOTIFIED AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE WHEEL BEARING FAILURE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT NHTSA WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL RECALLS. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED. *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN COLLISION FACILITY AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAD HAD THIS 2018 JEEP RENEGADE NOT EVEN 2.5 MONTHS AND IT NEEDED AN OIL CHANGE AND THE TIRES WERE COMPLETELY WORN OUT THEY WERE EVERY ONE SLICK AS COULD GET AND DANGEROUS. I CALLED THE DEALER BECAUSE THE TIRES WENT BAD AND I HADN'T HAD THE FIRST 50K MILES ON IT YET AND THEY DID NOTHING. CALLED THE TIRE COMPANY THEY DID NOTHING. SO I REPLACED THEM AND ANOTHER ALMOST 3 MONTHS GO BY AND THE TIRES ARE COMPLETELY WORN OUT AND SLICK AGAIN. THIS HAS REPEATEDLY HAPPENED EVERY 2-3 MONTHS TO WHERE THEY ARE SO DANGEROUS YOU EITHER DRIVE 30 MPH OR GET THEM CHANGED. 3 TIMES I'VE REPLACED THE TIRES AND AND THE OIL GOES SO FAST. AND NOW I AM STUCK WITH THIS VEHICLE I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY THESE PRICES FOR A 30K VEHICLE THAT'S NOT WORTH 10K.
THE CONSUMER STATED THE HOME FIRE HAZARD CREATED BY FAULTY DESIGN OF NON UL APPROVED PERSONAL SNOW PLOW USE FOR SUV MANUFACTURED BY WESTERN PRODUCTS. SNOW PLOW ELECTRIC MOTOR WAS UNFUSED AND OVERHEATED NOT RESPONDING TO THE COMMAN CONTROLLER SHORTING OUT AND CAUSING A SERIOUS EXPENSIVE FIRE. *JS
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the hood latch independently released, causing the hood to strike the windshield. The contact was able to get to the side of the roadway and closed the hood. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.
MAKES A RATTLING NOISE WHEN A BUMP IS HIT DRIVER SIDE SEAT STOP WORKING
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAD HAD THIS 2018 JEEP RENEGADE NOT EVEN 2.5 MONTHS AND IT NEEDED AN OIL CHANGE AND THE TIRES WERE COMPLETELY WORN OUT THEY WERE EVERY ONE SLICK AS COULD GET AND DANGEROUS. I CALLED THE DEALER BECAUSE THE TIRES WENT BAD AND I HADN'T HAD THE FIRST 50K MILES ON IT YET AND THEY DID NOTHING. CALLED THE TIRE COMPANY THEY DID NOTHING. SO I REPLACED THEM AND ANOTHER ALMOST 3 MONTHS GO BY AND THE TIRES ARE COMPLETELY WORN OUT AND SLICK AGAIN. THIS HAS REPEATEDLY HAPPENED EVERY 2-3 MONTHS TO WHERE THEY ARE SO DANGEROUS YOU EITHER DRIVE 30 MPH OR GET THEM CHANGED. 3 TIMES I'VE REPLACED THE TIRES AND AND THE OIL GOES SO FAST. AND NOW I AM STUCK WITH THIS VEHICLE I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY THESE PRICES FOR A 30K VEHICLE THAT'S NOT WORTH 10K.
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY I WENT TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN WHEN SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE GRILL, SO I PULLED OVER TO CHECK UNDER THE HOOD, SMOKE STARTED BOILING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT STATED THE WHEN DRIVING A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, EQUIPPED WITH COOPER TIRE, TIRE LINE SOLARIS AS, TIRE SIZE 225-70-R16, DOT INFORMATION WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WALL BLEW AND THE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE RIM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE VIN, MILEAGE, INFORMATION WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED.
DRIVING ND STEERING WHEEL FELL APART BRAKE SWITCH STOPPED WORKING 3 TIMES HAD NEW TRANSMISSION PUT IN HAD TO HAVE 3 DIFFERENT SETS OF TIRE PUT ON BACK WINDOW SHATTERED WHILE SITTING AT RED LIGHT. *TR
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE ABS DASH LIGHT COMES ON WHEN YOU START THE VEHICLE AND STAYS ON . THE AIRBAG LIGHT BLINKS 33 THEN STAYS ON. THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE TRAILER BRAKE AND ALARM WHICH CAUSED THE ENTIRE CAR TO SHUT DOWN WOULD NOT START UNTIL BATTERY CABLES WERE REMOVED FOR A FEW MINUTES THEN VEHICAL STARTED BUT EVERY TIME YOU CLOSE A DOOR OR ANY VIBRATION THE ALARM GOES OFF.
DOOR AJAR LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON AND ALARM GOES OFF CONSTANTLY FROM IT. SEAT BELT LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON EVEN WHEN SEAT BELTS ARE IN USE. ABS LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON AND OFF. ALWAYS ISSUES WITH HEAT AND COOLANT.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
PAINT IS BLISTERING AND CHIPPING ON THE HOOD AND FENDER OF MY 2002 EXPLORER. ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON. *TR
WE OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT WE PURCHASED USED WITH 40,000 MILES ON IT. SINCE PURCHASE WE HAVE HAD 3 POWER WINDOW MOTORS GO BAD, BOTH REAR BEARINGS REPLACED, THE BACK DOOR PANEL IS CRACKED, THE A/C DOESN'T WORK, AND NOW IT LOOKS AS IF THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING BAD. IF SO MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS VEHICLE HAVE ALL THE SAME PROBLEMS HOW CAN THERE BE NO RECALL? *TR
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
MAKES A RATTLING NOISE WHEN A BUMP IS HIT DRIVER SIDE SEAT STOP WORKING
THE CAR ALWAYS FEELS LIKE IS ABOUT TO JUMP OFF THE ROAD OR THE LANE IM IN WHENEVER I DRIVE OVER ANY ROUGH ROAD OR POT HOLES. %ģ
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 .