2002 Ford Explorer Wheels Problems
- Complaints
- 78about this part
- Share
- 2%of 3,295 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,550miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 78 complaints about the wheels of the 2002 Ford Explorer, 2% of the 3,295 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,550 miles. 1 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.
“Wheel hubs especially the rear - constantly going bad usually 12 months or less- rear differential vented with hose over rear tire. Causes water to get into gears - major problem. I keep catching the problem but only because I now look for them but it has been close - recently I had to have it taken to the repair site as it was too dangerous to drive.”
NHTSA complaint #10262612, filed 2009-03, 50,000 miles“I recently had to have the bearings replaced due to problems that many have experienced with the same make, model, and respective years. Once the bearings were replaced I noticed more issues with the slipping transmission that many many many more have already lodged complaints against. What is being done? When can we expect answers?”
NHTSA complaint #10262518, filed 2009-03, 102,000 miles“I have had 4 wheel bearing/hub assembly units fail on my 2002 Ford exployer. The first to go was after only 20k miles. The car now has ~70k miles and in the shop now for the same repair. A very costly repair and very dangerous situition. Ford will not even acknowledge it is a probelm but understand is has been an on-going problem with many customers.”
NHTSA complaint #10229916, filed 2008-06, 20,000 miles“I heard a humming sound coming from the front tires about a year ago. I thought it was the tires humming because I had a brake job and tires rotated and I noticed the humming some time after that. Now I find out it wasn't tires but the wheel hub bearings went bad in the front. It is at the dealer now being repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10284153, filed 2009-09, 26,000 miles“2002 Ford Explorer xlt 4x4, I have been getting a humming sound. I have replaced one front wheel hub bearing and both rear will bearing hub. One at a time, couldn't afford to do all. Humming still being heard. I have 125,000 miles and its in good shape. I bought it in 2002 a certified vehicle. Ford needs to recall rear of 2002 Explorer.”
NHTSA complaint #10186642, filed 2007-03, 118,000 milesWheels: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 5 | 1% |
| 2020 | 16 | 1% |
| 2019 | 4 | 1% |
| 2018 | 8 | 1% |
| 2017 | 60 | 4% |
| 2016 | 50 | 2% |
| 2015 | 15 | 1% |
| 2014 | 26 | 2% |
| 2013 | 20 | 1% |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 9 | 1% |
| 2010 | 5 | 4% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 9 | 6% |
| 2007 | 10 | 5% |
| 2006 | 6 | 1% |
| 2005 | 15 | 3% |
| 2004 | 41 | 3% |
| 2003 | 56 | 5% |
| 2002 | 78 | 2% |
| 2001 | 10 | 3% |
| 2000 | 12 | 1% |
| 1999 | 6 | 0% |
| 1998 | 18 | 1% |
| 1997 | 12 | 1% |
| 1996 | 15 | 1% |
| 1995 | 4 | 0% |
| 1994 | 12 | 1% |
| 1993 | 6 | 1% |
| 1992 | 10 | 2% |
| 1991 | 13 | 2% |
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 complaintsFuel system
72 complaintsEquipment
60 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