2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 13%of 144 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,520miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 13% of the 144 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,520 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While applying the brakes at approximate speed of 3 to 5 MPH, anti lock brakes activate. Ford dealership had the vehicle for 7 days, replaced the anti lock brake sensor and advised me that the vehicle was fixed. As soon as I left the dealership, I noticed the same problem. To date, Ford has not fixed the problem, or refunded my money for the repair that was not necessary (anti lock brake sensor.)”
NHTSA complaint #10440220, filed 2011-12, 70,400 miles“I purchased this vehicle used at 22,000 miles from local Ford dealer. At 27,380 Ford dealer furnished multi-point inspection, showed no brake issues. At 43,000 miles the brakes started grinding metal to metal. Up to this time there was no audible warning as I usual. To my suprise the rotors could not be turned and needed to be replaced . The brakes could have been replaced and rotors turned befor my purchase but sounded like stretch of the imagination, inferior products ??”
NHTSA complaint #10193501, filed 2007-06, 43,175 miles“Brake failure 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac only 38000 mi when this occurred in aug 07. I almost hit the back of a school bus when dropping my children off at school. The brakes would grind and not stop the vehicle and sometimes pulsation would occur at any speed. It was like the antilock braking system was coming on when it shouldn't(summer dry roads) and then getting stuck in the brake release state. So when trying to stop the vehicle with the foot pedal, the antilock braking system was working against your braking action. …”
NHTSA complaint #10242563, filed 2008-09, 38,000 miles“The Ford recall for cruise control switch is a joke. I just had the dealership perform the repair on my 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac and was surprised to find they only installed a fused jumper instead of replacing the failing switch. This is a safety issue not only because of the potential for fire but also the switch failure could cause a loss of brake fluid pressure. With the jumper installed a failure would blow the fuse and remove the switch from overheating but the switch could still leak brake fluid onto the hot exhaust manifold. …”
NHTSA complaint #10228085, filed 2008-05, 103,000 miles“When I would make a sharp left hand turn and use the brakes the brakes would pulsate and would not stop the truck right away. It would act like it had hit ice and its was the middle of summer. It would still move about a foot. I took it to a shop to have it looked at and was told he gets alot of Ford's that do this and they don't have a recall on this. The shop replaced the part in the hub or wheel not sure and now its fine but it cost me over 500.00 and I only have 50,000 miles on it. I know that parts wear bout but this was a failure of a part that should not have gone bad. …”
NHTSA complaint #10241635, filed 2008-09, 50,000 milesBrakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 4 | 13% |
| 2009 | 1 | 17% |
| 2008 | 4 | 17% |
| 2007 | 13 | 13% |
| 2005 | 3 | 5% |
| 2004 | 4 | 5% |
| 2003 | 8 | 10% |
| 2002 | 19 | 13% |
| 2001 | 8 | 5% |
| 1998 | 2 | 40% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
32 complaintsEngine cooling
23 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsBody and structure
16 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
9 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology