2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 15%of 144 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,104miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 15% of the 144 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,104 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I come to realize in the automotive industry vehicles do not a transmission gauge. Transmission sensory light to let you know when your transmission fluid is getting low. This is a problem for me and many more americans. My Ford Explorer Sport Trac do not have a transmission sensory light or a gauge. The transmission is slipping and not shipping out gears right. Someone is responsible for this problem. We have all other fluid gauges except a transmission gauge.”
NHTSA complaint #10436266, filed 2011-11, 158,000 miles“I purchased my 2002 Explorer Sport Trac in march last year(2003). I had to wait and extra week to pick up my vehicle due to electrical problem that they swore to me was taken care of. In january 2004 my check engine light came on so I called my closest Ford dealership and they told me it would take 2 weeks for me to get an appointment to have my truck checked. Three days later my transmission blew. I called Ford customer relations and they said that it was not a problem and that I would have to pay to have my truck fixed. Three weeks and $2600.00 later I got my truck back. …”
NHTSA complaint #10066087, filed 2004-04, 39,000 miles“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..”
NHTSA complaint #10838936, filed 2016-02, 123,023 miles“Part # e6db-14489-da. I've googled the issue and found numerous other people with same issue. Faulty connector causing the rear brake lights and turn signals not to work. The wiring comes out of the connector (it's in the steering column).”
NHTSA complaint #10261601, filed 2009-03, 60,000 miles“Part # e6db-14489-da. This is a wiring harness connector located in the steering column that becomes unplugged when you tilt steering downward. Result is brakes lights and turn signals no longer function. ** my sister-in-law was nearly rear-ended while waiting to make a turn. This is a major safety issue. Many other people with same issue. Also, have seen similar complaints for other Ford vehicles (taurus). Serious accidents will happen if public is not notified. Dealers charging $200+ to fix.”
NHTSA complaint #10352988, filed 2010-08, 130,000 milesElectrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 | 6% |
| 2009 | 1 | 17% |
| 2008 | 4 | 17% |
| 2007 | 14 | 14% |
| 2005 | 11 | 17% |
| 2004 | 7 | 8% |
| 2003 | 11 | 14% |
| 2002 | 21 | 15% |
| 2001 | 14 | 8% |
| 1998 | 2 | 40% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
32 complaintsEngine cooling
23 complaintsBrakes
19 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 30, 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