2002 Ford Explorer Sport Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 133 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 22,426miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport, 3% of the 133 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,426 miles.
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.
“The lighting system on the Ford Explorer Sport, is not good for night driving at long distances, I have a 98 Ford f-150 and the lights are more proper for this kind of driving. The new system that is being used now, has poor visability on bright. This is a problem since I have had the sport. Also I have noticed several auto manufactors are using this system, which could pose a safety hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #10060680, filed 2004-03, 1 miles“Brake lights and turn signals stopped working. Problem traced to tilt steering and multi-function switch wiring harness. Broken retainer clip allows wires to be pulled from connector breaking connection for brake light and turn signal. Once tilt steering is engaged connection is broken and wires do not stay connected and loss of brake lights and turn signal is the result. This could lead to accident, injury and or loss of life due to poor design. …”
NHTSA complaint #10637235, filed 2014-09Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
32 complaintsBody and structure
28 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
8 complaintsSeats
8 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
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