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Vehicle speed controlPart report

2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Vehicle speed control Problems

Complaints
19about this part
Share
13%of 144 total for the year
Median mileage
99,522miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 13% of the 144 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,522 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Received a letter dated 8/07 that the speed control of my vehicle,2002 Ford explorer sport track, could cause a fire even when engine turned off. A month passes or two before I was able to take my truck to have the speed control disconnected. At this time the grubbs shop manager informed me that currently no parts were available to fix the speed control. …”

NHTSA complaint #10213505, filed 2008-01, 112,758 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

“I currently own a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. During the thanksgiving holiday, while my vehicle was stationary, there was a spark, then a fire under my hood. The flame ignited and melted the speed control switch. After speaking to my regular mechanic he mentioned that there is a recall on this piece and we should have it looked at by Ford. Upon having it towed to a Ford dealership they told me my VIN was not included in the recall list and therefore would not be covered. I spoke to a representative with Ford customer service who confirmed what the dealership service department had stated. …”

NHTSA complaint #10294334, filed 2009-12, 106,000 miles

“Ford recall august 2007, faulty cruise control, 2002 Explorer Sport Trac. Vehicle taken to dealer. Parts not available. Dealer made temporary repair by disabling the cruise control. As of 2/5/2008 vehicle is still without cruise control. Dealer claims parts not provided by Ford.”

NHTSA complaint #10216969, filed 2008-02, 60,000 miles

“Recall on Ford cruise control for 2002 sport trac truck. I received a letter from Ford to have it disconnected last aug 2007. To this date they still have not received any to the dealers to repair the problem. Looks like Ford is dragging their feet.”

NHTSA complaint #10225008, filed 2008-04, 41,000 miles

Related recalls

Vehicle speed control: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201026%
2009117%
200829%
200744%
200546%
200489%
200356%
20021913%
20012616%
1998120%
1997117%

Other parts of the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Transmission and drivetrain
32 complaints
Engine cooling
23 complaints
Electrical system
21 complaints
Brakes
19 complaints
Body and structure
16 complaints
Fuel system
14 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
9 complaints
Exterior lighting
7 complaints
Seats
5 complaints
Suspension
5 complaints
Seat belts
2 complaints
Steering
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