2002 Ford Explorer Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 1%of 3,295 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,400miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the seats of the 2002 Ford Explorer, 1% of the 3,295 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,400 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“Purchased 2002 Explorer xlt v6 4.0l already transmission slipping solenoid or whatever out.. I have read reports and wonder why this transmission is not recalled? I have it in shop now having to have it rebuilt and everything changed. Also right wheel bearings bad, upper and lower ball joints bad, suspension shot. And the records show the previous owners maintained everything well. But also had transmission replaced and had problems at 99,000miles. Please doing something for all of us out here. Also coolant leak, engine leak, power seat failure, and on.”
NHTSA complaint #10350869, filed 2010-08, 179,000 miles“Vehicle was rear-ended while stopped at a traffic light. Driver and front passenger seats broke sending front seat passengers back. Rear seat passenger was hit by front seat passenger seat and broke her jaw in 3 places. Front seat passengers suffered splits in their heads, driver had a fractured back, and passenger suffered dizziness and neck injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #10068486, filed 2004-05, 72,000 miles“Investigated after passenger seated in the right rear seat, mentioned unusual seat movement after a moderate to heavy braking occurrence. Rear washer head anchor bolt/nut was broken/sheered off flush at the floor pan, leaving the seat to tip slightly forward. Has not been repaired and unknown as to the extent of repair needed.”
NHTSA complaint #10115951, filed 2005-03, 52,800 miles“Driver's side seat back and seat were not attached. Driver had to connect the seat to the back upon entry. Dealer said that bolt attached to the seat back frame fractured. This could cause an accident if driver lost steering control or took foot of pedal while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10039710, filed 2003-09, 54,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10014664Mar 7, 2005Front seat(s) slight movement when accelerating and/or decelerating.
Seats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 17% |
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 | 2 | 10% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 5 | 2% |
| 2021 | 17 | 4% |
| 2020 | 41 | 3% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 7 | 1% |
| 2017 | 16 | 1% |
| 2016 | 32 | 1% |
| 2015 | 16 | 1% |
| 2014 | 7 | 0% |
| 2013 | 10 | 0% |
| 2012 | 2 | 0% |
| 2011 | 7 | 1% |
| 2010 | 20 | 17% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 27 | 18% |
| 2007 | 24 | 12% |
| 2006 | 11 | 2% |
| 2005 | 3 | 1% |
| 2004 | 6 | 0% |
| 2003 | 12 | 1% |
| 2002 | 30 | 1% |
| 2001 | 24 | 6% |
| 2000 | 39 | 4% |
| 1999 | 68 | 5% |
| 1998 | 70 | 4% |
| 1997 | 38 | 2% |
| 1996 | 29 | 2% |
| 1995 | 19 | 2% |
| 1994 | 20 | 2% |
| 1993 | 30 | 3% |
| 1992 | 20 | 3% |
| 1991 | 16 | 3% |
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