2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 144 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 152,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the seats of the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 3% of the 144 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 152,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving, the drivers seat reclined into the back seating area causing loss of control of the vehicle. After pulling off the road and inspecting the seat, the frame of the drivers seat fractured causing the backrest to separate from lower portion of the seat and override the recliner handle.”
NHTSA complaint #10468339, filed 2012-07, 152,000 miles“While driving at various speeds black smoke would came from the tail pipe. Consumer could smell gas fumes inside the vehicle. . Drivers rear door will not open from the inside. Drivers side seat molding is falling off. Center duct loose on dash. Drivers seat cushion lost its form.”
NHTSA complaint #10042339, filed 2003-10, 16,573 miles“Driver 's side seat recliner bolt broke. Brakes squealed constantly. Replaced left rear axle and seal. The consumer stated that while driving he smelled something burning and saw the vehicle was filled with smoke in the bed area from the brakes on passenger side. It was discovered that the brakes were too tight.”
NHTSA complaint #10106894, filed 2005-01“1 at approximately 45 MPH vehicle went into a slide right rear axel broke off causing a rollover this occurred on wet pavement ! 2 drivers seat went into the reclining position, ejecting the driver into the rear seat causing his head to go through the passenger side rear door glass , braking bones in his left hand ,contusions and severe trauma to head and neck medical records and pictures available ! 3 the vehicle was a total loss . …”
NHTSA complaint #10146007, filed 2005-12Related recalls
- 03V281000Aug 5, 2003On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with high back seats, the upper bolt on the driver's side high back seat, that attaches the seat recliner mechanism…Covers: Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2001–2002, Explorer 1998–2001, Mercury Mountaineer 1998–2001 +1 more
Seats: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
32 complaintsEngine cooling
23 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsBody and structure
16 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
9 complaintsExterior lighting
7 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