2002 Ford Explorer Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 1%of 3,295 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,161miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2002 Ford Explorer, 1% of the 3,295 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,161 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The break lights on my car get stuck on, I have had it happen to me three times, I have taken it to the dealer when I was in pensacola and had to pay to have it fixed...it seems to be the sensor attached to the break pedal.”
NHTSA complaint #10137511, filed 2005-09, 63,000 miles“The door locks lock and unlock all by themselves dozens of times in a row while I am driving. With this the dome light flashes off and on and the door ajar light flashes and the interior chime goes off constantly. All of this happens at the same time. This is a huge and common issue with thousands of forum posts by other owners who have spend countless $$ at mechanic's to no avail. This can cause wrecks at night it is very distracting. Especially the dome light. Why is Ford ignoring this obvious safety design flaw? Liability is yours .. …”
NHTSA complaint #10894248, filed 2016-08, 208,000 miles“Every time it rains water leaks through the rear tail light on the top rear of the vehicle. On some occasions, the bulbs short out. Vehicle is out of warranty at 72,000 miles. Water always pools in the rear area.”
NHTSA complaint #10185284, filed 2007-03, 60,000 miles“Brake light switch fails to activate until moderate brake pedal foot pressure is applied; resulting in delayed/inadequate brake light activation and difficulty disengaging gear selector from park. Also, speed control will not turn off until pressing hard enough to engage secondary/backup disconnect on speed control. Initial application of brake will result in vehicle attempting to maintain speed, incurring increased throttle application and auto transmission down shifting. …”
NHTSA complaint #10159074, filed 2006-06, 67,000 miles“2002 Ford Explorer caught fire. Consumer stated that the vehicle caught fire while his mother was visiting his sister in a different state. No attempt was made to repair her vehicle and rental cost them $600.00 out of pocket. Prior to the fire, the consumer asked the mechanic to inspect the vehicle, because warning lights were coming on and going off intermittently. The consumer had a list of documentation relating to electrical issues. The vehicle had to get a jump several times, the vehicle would hesitate when first starting up. …”
NHTSA complaint #10219460, filed 2008-02, 50,503 milesExterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 5% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 5 | 2% |
| 2021 | 8 | 2% |
| 2020 | 56 | 4% |
| 2018 | 4 | 1% |
| 2017 | 12 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 0% |
| 2015 | 17 | 1% |
| 2014 | 25 | 1% |
| 2013 | 25 | 1% |
| 2012 | 6 | 1% |
| 2011 | 6 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 12 | 8% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 5 | 1% |
| 2004 | 7 | 1% |
| 2003 | 6 | 1% |
| 2002 | 19 | 1% |
| 2001 | 9 | 2% |
| 2000 | 26 | 3% |
| 1999 | 46 | 3% |
| 1998 | 38 | 2% |
| 1997 | 20 | 1% |
| 1996 | 15 | 1% |
| 1995 | 16 | 2% |
| 1994 | 9 | 1% |
| 1993 | 7 | 1% |
| 1992 | 3 | 0% |
| 1991 | 6 | 1% |
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 29, 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