2002 Ford Explorer Sport Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 133 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport, 3% of the 133 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“When trying to shift car from drive into park, the gear shift lever broke off inside the steering column and fell of in my hand. The car was still in drive and I turned off the ignition. The key could not be removed and the car was towed to the dealership. To repair this linkage part, the entire steering column had to be replaced, at a cost of over $1800. I called Ford to report the incident and was told that they have no record of something like this ever happening before. They said they would add the incident to their database. …”
NHTSA complaint #10493130, filed 2013-01, 138,156 miles“Sliding problem exists in the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport, 2 door, even though I drove 30-35 miles sometimes. When sliding the steering was out of control. Fortunately, no car followed me closely when sliding happened.”
NHTSA complaint #10187549, filed 2007-04, 25,000 miles“Steering wheel locked while driving on 495 capitol beltway, causing vehicle to loose control and collide into guardrail and utility pole. Collision causing substantial damage to vehicle and injury to driver.”
NHTSA complaint #10054822, filed 2004-01Related service bulletins
- 10018061Oct 7, 2005Steering shudder during low speed maneuvers - 4.0l engine.
Steering: 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 complaintsExterior lighting
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 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