Ford Explorer / 2002
2002 Ford Explorer problems
Owners have filed 4,097 complaints about the 2002 Ford Explorer with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 38.7% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of structure at 12%.
Complaints4,097
Crashes178
Fires71
Injuries212
Deaths6
What owners report breaking
Power train 38.7% · 1584
Structure 12.0% · 490
Suspension 11.2% · 460
Engine and engine cooling 4.0% · 165
Air bags 4.0% · 164
Steering 3.9% · 158
Vehicle speed control 3.8% · 157
Electrical system 3.7% · 151
Severity
Of those complaints, 178 describe a crash, 71 describe a fire, 212 report an injury and 6 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 33 model years of the Ford Explorer in this data, 2002 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 9 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 79,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 2 mph and attempting to shift into park, the gear shift lever became detached, leaving the vehicle stuck in reverse. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was awaiting diagnosis of the failure. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The vin was unavailable. The failure and current mileage was 167,000. Power train · reported at 167,000 miles
Transmission and bearing failure. Od light on tranny flashing. Took to dealer for noise and od light. They replaced bearings and associated parts to a cost of 1130.00 To fix tranny problem they want to replace tranny and torque converter for a cost of 3500. Truck was purchased new and maintained on a regular basis. I've checked Ford recalls and tsb's and they are numerous referring to bearing and tranny failure. Power train · reported at 79,000 miles
Transmission sometimes not going into 3rd and slipping between 1st and 2nd and 3rd. Bought it used so out of luck but have talked to dozens who had the same problem. Ford issued this warning to their dealers "03-25-4 dec 03 a/t - 5r55w no 3rd gear/slipping 2-3 shift/dtc's set" so many of these are just going out. Due to having a baby we have not had the 2800 to fix it. Just hoping it lasts at least 6 more months. Power train · reported at 55,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…