2002 Ford Explorer Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 60about this part
- Share
- 2%of 3,295 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 64,460miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 60 complaints about the equipment of the 2002 Ford Explorer, 2% of the 3,295 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 64,460 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Oh where do I begin. I have 90,000 miles on my SUV. My radio goes off and on randomly. Door ajar is on randomly. When shifting from park to drive, it sticks and I have to tap it to go into drive. Rear wheel bearing had to be replaced. O/d light came on and flashing. One time I thought it was in park and when getting out of my car, it began to roll after taking my foot of the brake. I see these seem to be problems for several Ford Explorer owners. …”
NHTSA complaint #10332695, filed 2010-05, 90,000 miles“I am so disgusted after reading all the same problems with the 2002 Ford Explorer. I too have the airbag problem, they told me it was the airbag pretentioner and it is $650.00, now my air bag will not deploy if I get into an accident. I have the extended deluxe warranty that wont cover it. I also have a problem with the rear temp and mode actuators that failed and binding again not covered under warranty that is $510.00 to repair. I truly think Ford should recall these same problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10363962, filed 2010-11, 99,623 miles“My Ford Explorer transmission it was at 36000 miles, my car was tuned and serviced as shudule, and it cost a total of $1700.00 to fix. Which the car is only 2 year old. The air condition stop working in december of 2003 and at the time my car was barely 1 year old thier has been many other concern with my Explorer that I am making $500.00 payment on. I belived I have purchase a defected car.”
NHTSA complaint #10102482, filed 2004-12, 36,000 miles“Transmission on my 2002 Ford Explorer failed for the 2nd time in 2009 of december. I was on the highway when this happen and could have caused an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10363948, filed 2010-11, 100,000 miles“On my 2002 Ford Explorer SUV I have had to replace 3 of the 4 wheel bearings and hub assemblies(approx $250 each), with the 4th not far behind. I have also had to replace the 4-wheel drive module(approx $400-$500). I have had problems with the rear window motors going bad and having to replace these too. The air conditioning unit has stopped working. The passenger air bag dummy light has come on for no reason. The seat belt warning chime often comes on and will not go off, even though you have buckled your seat belt. …”
NHTSA complaint #10225925, filed 2008-04, 40,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10156863Feb 7, 2019Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without…
- 10013078Oct 1, 2002High side pressure fluctuations on vehicles equipped with a fixed scroll a/c compressor.
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 0% |
| 2020 | 3 | 0% |
| 2018 | 4 | 1% |
| 2017 | 3 | 0% |
| 2016 | 2 | 0% |
| 2015 | 2 | 0% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 4 | 0% |
| 2012 | 7 | 1% |
| 2011 | 6 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 11 | 2% |
| 2005 | 6 | 1% |
| 2004 | 14 | 1% |
| 2003 | 14 | 1% |
| 2002 | 60 | 2% |
| 2001 | 11 | 3% |
| 2000 | 14 | 1% |
| 1999 | 27 | 2% |
| 1998 | 37 | 2% |
| 1997 | 39 | 2% |
| 1996 | 16 | 1% |
| 1995 | 7 | 1% |
| 1994 | 32 | 3% |
| 1993 | 27 | 3% |
| 1992 | 23 | 4% |
| 1991 | 29 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Explorer
1,502 complaintsBody and structure
486 complaintsSuspension
422 complaintsEngine cooling
163 complaintsAir bags
162 complaintsSteering
155 complaintsVehicle speed control
152 complaintsElectrical system
148 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
138 complaintsBrakes
132 complaintsWheels
78 complaintsFuel system
72 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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