2002 Ford Explorer Ford Explorer 2002

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2002 Ford Explorer repairs by problem area

Engine (24%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (26%)

Brakes and Traction Control (4%)

Suspension and Steering (22%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (18%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (5%)

Other (1%)

Chart based on 211 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2002 Ford Explorer.

2002 Ford Explorer repair cost distribution

$2500+ (8%)

$1000 - $2499 (14%)

$500 - $999 (15%)

$100 - $499 (34%)

< $100 (28%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 180 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2002 Ford Explorer

Engine not specified

Ford Explorer in Florida, United States
May 2013 - Jun 2013
Jun 2013

169000 mi

US $150
There was a crack in the radiator. Was sealed with epoxy material. 
Ford Explorer in Texas, United States
Mar 2008 - Jun 2011
Jun 2009

60000 mi

US $25
upper and lower front ball joints replaced valve cover seal replaced, leaking oil. 
Ford Explorer in Massachusetts, United States
Dec 2010 - Feb 2011
Feb 2011

86000 mi
CD changer no longer worked when sold. 
Ford Explorer in Pennsylvania, United States
Sep 2011 - Sep 2012
Nov 2011

131000 mi

US $1900
Transmission was going for the last three years and finally had to get it rebuilt. Chose this because the trans had lasted this long and worried about an unknown transmission. Still bangs slightly when I back up. 
Ford Explorer in Ohio, United States
Feb 2010 - Sep 2010
Mar 2010

83000 mi

US $323
Replaced worn front struts. 
Aug 2010

88000 mi

US $2600
Bad torque converter. Replaced transmission at transmission shop. 
Ford Explorer in Kentucky, United States
Nov 2013 - Jan 2014
Jan 2014

US $1000
Head Gasket leaking oil. Transmission had to be removed to repair. Made it far more costly. 
Ford Explorer in Oregon, United States
Feb 2008 - Mar 2010
Mar 2008

70000 mi

US $3000
Third gear clusters out on 5-speed automatic transmission. Common occurance on 2002 Explorers with this particulr transmission. 
Ford Explorer in Virginia, United States
Sep 2014 - Sep 2014
Sep 2014

145000 mi

US $2500
Transmission went out completely at 145,000 miles. Terrible transmission in this car. I am replacing to sell it. 
Ford Explorer in California, United States
Jul 2014 - Aug 2014
Aug 2014

235000 mi
Stalling at stop signs. 
Ford Explorer in Pennsylvania, United States
Jun 2014 - Jun 2014
Jun 2014

115000 mi

US $100
After a heavy rain, My roof will leak in several spots on the inside. 

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2002 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic RWD

Ford Explorer in Texas, United States
Mar 2011 - Dec 2013
May 2011

107000 mi

US $2200
Replaced transmission 
Nov 2011

109000 mi

US $250
Transmission shifting very roughly, had to be rebuilt A/C compressor developed two cracks, entire a/c system had to be replaced Vehicle would not idle when cold, Idle Air Control (IAC) valve replaced. 
Jan 2013

122000 mi

US $800
Intake manifold was leaking coolant at the thermostat housing, needed to be replaced CEL was on, gas cap needed to be replaced 
Jun 2013

126000 mi

US $110
CEL light on, shop indicated gas cap was bad after testing emissions system. 2nd time gas cap had to be replaced in 6 months! 
Nov 2013

129000 mi

US $150
Bypass hose in the back of the engine split, had to be replaced 
Dec 2013

129000 mi
Rear end of the vehicle making loud whining noise above 30 mph, research says might be differential or wheel bearings but had not had it diagnosed at time of sale. 
Ford Explorer in New York, United States
Jul 2010 - Jan 2011
Dec 2010

76000 mi

US $1200
4x4 not working. discovered in middle of blizzard. after hours of troubleshooting, determined needs new part that may or may not completely fix problem. decided not to throw more money away in this car leaking differential. not worth fixing terrible noise in back wheels every time went over bumps. was shown both rear wheel springs cracked. not worth sinking more money into this car 

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2002 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

Ford Explorer in Connecticut, United States
Sep 2008 - Mar 2010
Oct 2008

97000 mi
Replacement of emergency brake light switch. 
Ford Explorer in Ontario, Canada
May 2008 - Dec 2010
Jun 2008

83700 mi

C $450
Front wheel bearing 
Sep 2008

102920 mi

C $1000
1 front and 1 rear wheel bearing replaced. 
Apr 2009

135160 mi

C $100
Replace broken front sway bar link. 
May 2009

140740 mi

C $300
Replace right front shock absorber. 
Nov 2009

169260 mi

C $3400
Crankshaft bearing spun - engine seized. Engine replaced with used engine from wreckers. 
Feb 2010

179180 mi

C $3200
Transmission failed at 288,000 km. Bores worn, overdrive planetary gear destroyed. Rebuilt. 
Mar 2010

185 mi

C $450
Broken sway bar link on front right suspension Engine misfiring. Replaced all spark plugs. Misfire continued, returned and replaced a coil. Misfire continued, returned a week later and replaced another coil. 
Aug 2010

210800 mi

C $350
Replaced #8 ignition coil. 
Dec 2010

220100 mi
Replaced U-Joints Rear differential failed. Has been howling for 250,000 km and finally died. 
Ford Explorer in Pennsylvania, United States
Apr 2010 - Jun 2010
Jun 2010

175000 mi

US $2500
Rear differential has made noise since new. Was repaired under warranty few years ago. At 178,000 rear finally went - car barely drivable. Drove to dealer and traded in for new Honda. 
Ford Explorer in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2009 - May 2010
Mar 2010

106000 mi

US $603
replaced EGR valve 
Ford Explorer in Ohio, United States
Apr 2011 - Jan 2013
Jan 2011

105000 mi

US $1600
4x4 Light flashing. Replaced 4x4 computer module behind glovebox. SRS light on. Dealer replaced seatbelt pretensioner. All wheel bearings replaced. 
Jul 2012

115700 mi

US $200
Replaced two idler pulleys. Replaced belt tensioner. 
Oct 2012

117500 mi
The parking brake had seized. Took it to a mechanic who replaced the parking brake assembly and pads. Brake did not work until I replaced the rear discs. 
Ford Explorer in Botswana
Oct 2012 - Jun 2018
Jan 2013

52800 mi

$40
One rear window hinge broke. Replaced hinge. 
Feb 2014

58440 mi

$50
4X4 selector malfunctioned 
Ford Explorer in Massachusetts, United States
Jun 2008 - Mar 2010
Feb 2008

45179 mi

US $500
Rear Spring fracture. Both rear springs replaced, parts and labor 
Jul 2009

53000 mi
A/C stopped working, tried to charge with kit. Wouldn't hold charge 
Ford Explorer in Michigan, United States
Jan 2016 - Jan 2017
Feb 2016

152500 mi

US $20
Replaced both front sway bar end links that had broken. 
Mar 2016

153000 mi

US $120
Replaced dead battery. 
Nov 2016

158200 mi

US $50
Rear windshield wiper stopped working. Replaced motor. 
Ford Explorer in Illinois, United States
Nov 2007 - Apr 2012
May 2008

102000 mi

US $800
Air compresser failure. 
Ford Explorer in North Carolina, United States
Jan 2013 - Jun 2018
Jun 2013

107000 mi

US $211
line from resevoir to brakes rudted thru (live by ocean - everything rusts) 
Jan 2015

114300 mi

US $641
Replace RF hub assembly 
Jun 2015

112000 mi

US $330
Insufficient cooling; recharged system Ambient temp sensor failed. Temp incorrect on display. Replaced sensor. 
Sep 2015

113000 mi

US $787
Front hub assembly 
Nov 2015

115000 mi

US $20
Re-adhere rear view mirror 
Jul 2016

113200 mi

US $140
Dead battery 
Jun 2017

121825 mi

US $1402
Brake shoe replacement 2 Wheel bearing replacements - RR & LR Serpentine belt replaced Differential fluid replaced - Front Warning light - Mass AirFlow Sensor 
Ford Explorer in Colorado, United States
Aug 2008 - Jul 2011
Sep 2009

64000 mi

US $500
Bad left wheel bearing discoverd during mechanic test drive. Noise also noticed by driver, but not confirmed to be wheel bearing. 
Oct 2009

65000 mi

US $330
It was finally determined that the reason my steering wheel wouldn't stay centered was due to a faulty intermediate steering shaft. Now that this has been replaced, the steering feels perfect. Intermediate steering shaft removed and replaced based on diagnosis of loose, off-center steering wheel. This finally resolved the "alignment" issue. 
Jan 2010

67000 mi

US $965
Owner detected tapping noise under left side valve cover cylinder # 6. Dealer diagnosed and replaced lash adjusters, follower and installed new valve cover. The problem is back within less than 1 week so the vehicle is going back in. 
Mar 2010

68000 mi
After multiple trips back to the dealership, the noise persists on the left side and now on the right side. Ford Motor Company representative has recommended new cylinder heads be installed which I'm declining to do at this time given the costs. 
Apr 2011

75700 mi

US $280
Fixed tapping sound in engine myself by replacing lifters on right side. Took far too much of my time, but couldn't have traded the vehicle otherwise. 
Ford Explorer in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2010 - Mar 2011
Dec 2010

113460 mi

C $2500
- Replace four struts - Replace two control arms - Replace two ball joints - Replace sway bars 
Mar 2011

116560 mi

C $250
Replace belt tensioner Replace belt tensioner 
Ford Explorer in Vermont, United States
Oct 2008 - Mar 2010
Nov 2008

109000 mi

US $650
Front left wheel bearing replaced. Rear springs and shocks replaced. 
Ford Explorer in New Jersey, United States
Jul 2009 - Feb 2010
Dec 2009

101000 mi

US $186
replace brake light switch plus rewire 

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2002 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed manual 4WD w/low range

Ford Explorer in Massachusetts, United States
Dec 2008 - Mar 2010
May 2008

59000 mi

US $1200
transmission rebuild was told transmission case servo bore worn and needed to be bored an sleeved,bad pressure valve, planitary and input shaft worn and torque converter needed to be replaced 
Jan 2009

67000 mi

US $2800
full transmission rebuild on privious repair they did not bore and sleeve transmission case servo bore or replace pressure valve wich I was told was cause of original failure and the reason for second failure 
Ford Explorer in New Mexico, United States
Jul 2008 - Jun 2015
Aug 2010

85000 mi

US $600
gear failed in transfer case - rear wheels could not drive engine in engine braking mode - also very noisy clutch engagement - so replaced a gear and 2 other small parts in transfer case. 
Oct 2012

92000 mi

US $1124
4wd module in dash failed needed to be replaced power door lock on passenger front door would stick and not unlock 
Jul 2014

106700 mi

US $700
front left wheel bearing froze, broke off end of half-shaft, wheel was held on only by brake caliper 
Ford Explorer in Massachusetts, United States
Feb 2011 - Jun 2012
Apr 2011

158700 mi

US $120
Hood latch and cable replaced. Hood would pop up driving on highway or if lifted by hand as though the release had been pulled. Hood didn't completely open. 
Aug 2011

164300 mi

US $175
Rear diff. Pinion seal. 
Ford Explorer in New Jersey, United States
Dec 2012 - Sep 2014
May 2014

126000 mi

US $85
Cooling system. Thermostat Housing / Water Outlet cracked, coolant leaking. Replaced unit plus thermostat and temperature sensor. 

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2002 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD

Ford Explorer in California, United States
Feb 2011 - Oct 2014
Mar 2011

154000 mi

US $7000
car started slipping, jerking and lurching. brake band was discovered broken in half along with most of the gears and plates worn out.Repair shop repaired the transmission by replacing the worn out and broken components. 
Dec 2011

162000 mi

US $336
Coolant leak, hoses and valves needed replacement 
May 2012

163000 mi

US $700
fuel pump died 
Dec 2012

173000 mi

US $206
Heater control valve was leaking. Valve was replaced. 
Oct 2014

189000 mi

US $1000
Replaced leaking radiator and radiator hoses.  Replaced valve cover gaskets. 
Ford Explorer in Indiana, United States
Oct 2007 - Sep 2010
Apr 2008

114000 mi

US $500
Problem with rear wheel bearings, worn out. 
Aug 2008

119000 mi

US $900
Replace rear end, later fix seal leaks on new rear end. 
Oct 2008

122000 mi

US $1250
Transmission failure, replaced with rebuilt transmission. 
Feb 2009

126000 mi

US $700
The rear wheel bearings were replaced due to completely being worn out (they were smoking and creaking). This was formerly misreported on Truedelta, last year the rear end was replaced. 
Jul 2010

142000 mi
Driver's power window. 
Sep 2010

142000 mi
When sold had some noise coming from the rear end, a high pitched whining sound when accelerating, but we didn't do anything about it. Also some squeaking when driving over bumps at low speeds from the front suspension, but it has done that forever. 
Ford Explorer in California, United States
Nov 2007 - May 2012
Feb 2008

74000 mi

US $264
Emission sensor needed replacing. 
Ford Explorer in Minnesota, United States
Apr 2003 - Mar 2010
Jan 2003

22000 mi
Back molding on door broke when closing in the cold, was told it's very common for the 02 model 
Jan 2004

32000 mi
rear seal on rear differential 
Apr 2004

2400 mi
rear seal on transfer case leak 
Jan 2005

35000 mi
Rear seal on differential leak 
Jan 2006

52000 mi

US $250
rear seal on differential leak 
Jan 2008

20000 mi
ignition sensor went bad and brought up the check engine light. Sorry not sure which one it was but it was fixed under warranty 
Mar 2008

72000 mi

US $1250
Rear seal on differential leak, noise in rear end. Replaced the bearings in the rear, brakes also and the seal AGAIN!!! Drove home much quieter. Have had a grinding noise in the engine when cold for about 40000 miles, according to forums it's a timi 
May 2008

76000 mi

US $1200
Replaced clutch in rear differential. complained about cruise control, everything checked out and dealer said he couldn't repair it. Still doesn't work 
Apr 2009

89000 mi

US $350
Rear end howling. Was told by dealer couldn't be fixed. It's a factory defect problem and I ended up shimming the pinion in the rear end myself. Rear panel on back tail gate broke for the 4th time since we purchased this vehicle new. I ordered the part and replaced it myself. I am sure It will break again. These things have more problems than I care to mention. 
Nov 2009

92000 mi

US $100
Blew out the water pump. Replaced plugs attempting to stop the grinding noise, do this every 10K miles. Replaced the rear differential oil in an attempt to shut up the rear end which failed. Replaced spark plugs to reduce grinding noise caused by timing chain tensioner, every 10K miles. Also add Sea Foam to oil about 100 miles before changing oil. Real fix would replace tensioner. Replaced the rear differential oil in an attempt to shut up the rear end which failed. 
Ford Explorer in South Carolina, United States
Dec 2009 - Oct 2011
Jan 2010

105000 mi

US $260
went to dealer for speed control recall, discovered power steering pump leak & replaced pump. Car stalled out on left turn, shop cleaned throttle bore and plate, IAC motor. Also replaced serpentine belt, lubed lower control arm bushings in the front. Am really afraid this stupid Explorer will stall out again. 
Apr 2010

107000 mi

US $125
Explorer made loud squeaking noise from front end when driven over speed bumps, problem was bad front stabilizer bar frame bushings - replaced. 
Sep 2011

124000 mi

US $2100
4 oil leaks in the car 
Ford Explorer in Georgia, United States
Dec 2015 - Sep 2016
Aug 2016

182900 mi

US $350
Radiator blew 
Ford Explorer in California, United States
Sep 2007 - Sep 2012
Sep 2008

91000 mi

US $400
Brake master cylinder out. Front driver brakes rattling/noise. 
Mar 2009

103000 mi

US $2400
1st, 2nd and reverse gears were all damaged by a failed pin-bearing in the transmission. A complete overhaul was required. 
May 2009

106000 mi
Rear passenger window regulator broken. I disassembled it myself, the cable was broken and tore up the pulley system. I wedged in a block to hold the window up, will repair it when I want to spend $250 on a new regulator. 
Sep 2010

140000 mi
Past transmission overhaul failed at 40,000 miles. Shop covered the second overhaul for free. 
Oct 2011

159800 mi

US $60
Engine ran fine, dropped off kids at school, then it would not start. AAA came an hour later and it started right up. Mechanic could find nothing wrong. This was one year ago. Same situation again today. I will start with the fuel filter. 
Dec 2011

164000 mi
Keyfob no longer locks or unlocks doors. Factory programmed keypad no longer unlocks doors; however my personal programmed code and the 'lock all' function still work ... ?!! 
Aug 2012

176400 mi

US $85
Rear passenger power window stopped working. Replaced window regulator. 

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2002 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

Ford Explorer in Illinois, United States
Mar 2014 - Sep 2015
May 2014

172000 mi
Odometer display out. Selling dealer had to send to Ford affiliate, who contracted outside facility to repair PCB. Took 30 days to get car back 
Jun 2014

174000 mi

US $35
Replaced door ajar sensor to get rid of warning lamp; this repair also re-enabled external courtesy lamp timer, autolock, retained accessory power, door chime; eliminated constant 'key in ignition' chime. Replaced outside temperature sensor Replaced DPFE sensor; per SES diagnostic code. 
Jul 2014

174300 mi

US $300
Replaced front axle seal; after looking to see what kind of effort repair would entail, decided to let mechanic fix. 
Aug 2014

175100 mi

US $365
Replaced rear axle seal; had replaced rear differential fluid which leaked out; decided to let mechanic replace the seal. Noted fluid still leaking after seal replacement; would need to take vehicle back to repair again. 
Sep 2014

176000 mi
2nd attempt to R&R rear axle seal; this time, dealer procured revised 1pc assembly and repair seems to be successful - no further leakage noted. 
Ford Explorer in North Carolina, United States
Aug 2009 - Apr 2016
Mar 2016

166000 mi

US $1400
Timing chains 
Apr 2016

167000 mi

US $1875
Lost transmission 
Ford Explorer in Maryland, United States
Apr 2014 - Jul 2018
Jul 2014

121300 mi

US $72
parking brake cable stuck. 
Mar 2016

127000 mi

US $569
The rear rotors needed replacing and the emergency brake cable and mechanism needed replacing too. 
Jun 2016

127000 mi
system needed 14oz of R134a 
Jan 2017

US $50
antifreeze leaking from seal under thermostat. Bolts tightened, leak stopped. 
Jul 2018

129300 mi

US $175
dead battery 
Ford Explorer in Alberta, Canada
Jun 2015 - May 2016
May 2016

106020 mi
Transfer case I'm told was toasted. I think it was/is a culmination of electrical and transfer case and electronics. 
Ford Explorer in New York, United States
Jun 2009 - Feb 2014
Aug 2009

72000 mi

US $250
Replace both rear hub/bearing assemblies. 
Ford Explorer in Kentucky, United States
- Aug 2011
Apr 2011

114000 mi

US $400
Both rear bearings and seals worn out. Replaced Emergency brake broke damaging rotors. Replaced and repair. 
Ford Explorer in Utah, United States
May 2016 - Jul 2016
Jun 2016

174000 mi

US $150
The pistons had a delay in firing and my husband kept having to fix them one after the other. It is better now 
Ford Explorer in Vermont, United States
Dec 2008 - Oct 2012
Apr 2010

129500 mi

US $1700
replaced wheel bearing on right rear 
Jun 2010

132000 mi

US $800
replaced left rear bearing  replaced trailer wiring plug transmission shift lever does not always engage drive, or may pop out while driving, but this was not repaired successfully 
Feb 2011

138000 mi

US $100
gauge cluster overheats and needles flail about with reckless abandon after approximately five minutes of run time 
Jun 2011

140000 mi

US $1450
gauge cluster was overheating, sent out for repair, was unable to repair so had to replace with new cluster power windows completely inoperative, door was taken apart and rewired to replace worn wires that were causing a short door ajar light was staying on, as was dome light, regardless of whether the door was open or closed. new door sensor was installed rear wheel bearing was shot, had to be replaced, again. 
Jul 2012

151000 mi

US $500
rear hatch window exploded from going over train tracks 
Oct 2012

156000 mi
bad ball joints broken rear springs rusted floorboards to the point vehicle would not pass state inspection and liquids or gasses could enter pasenger compartment 
Ford Explorer in Washington, United States
Oct 2014 - Jun 2015
Jun 2015

126000 mi

US $450
Valve cover cracked and was leaking oil 
Ford Explorer in Missouri, United States
Jan 2003 - Mar 2015
Mar 2003

5000 mi
defective tailgate panel replaced under warranty. 
May 2007

50000 mi

US $50
seat belt sensor and air bag sensor. Covered under warranty $50 deductible applies. 
Jul 2008

67000 mi

US $1000
Rear wheel bearings failed due to too much preload. This seems to be a common failure for this vehicle. Ford would not cover it under warranty. 
Jun 2010

88000 mi

US $380
door switch and handle replaced 
Feb 2013

110800 mi

US $300
New coil pack, plugs and wire. 
Jul 2013

115500 mi

US $780
Front wheel bearings making noise when turning. Both wheel hub assemblies replaced. 
Dec 2014

125000 mi

US $200
Window regulator failure. Replaced by new one. 
Mar 2015

125000 mi
transmission started slipping, for sale as-is. 
Ford Explorer in Ohio, United States
Apr 2009 - Mar 2011
Apr 2010

78000 mi

US $39
EGR sensor failed 
Jul 2010

79500 mi

US $180
Failure of front left Hub. 
Mar 2011

84000 mi
transmission was stuttering and surging nearing failure when traded. another hub was failing when traded. 
Ford Explorer in Michigan, United States
Jun 2010 - Jul 2015
Mar 2015

161000 mi

US $15
starter relay in junction box failed. car would not start 
Jul 2015

163000 mi
starter failed. needed to be replaced. 
Ford Explorer in New York, United States
Nov 2010 - Mar 2012
Dec 2010

144000 mi

US $175
Front wheel hubs replaced.  
Mar 2011

152000 mi

US $210
Front driver side control arm replaced.  
Jan 2012

163000 mi

US $75
Replace thermostat. 
Ford Explorer in Michigan, United States
Jul 2009 - Jun 2011
Nov 2009

60000 mi

US $272
front pinion seal replaced 
Dec 2010

61000 mi

US $177
alternator and battery had to be replaced 
Ford Explorer in Ohio, United States
May 2010 - Jun 2011
Jun 2010

145000 mi

US $440
Bad valve in transmission at 146K miles OD light flashing 
Ford Explorer in Texas, United States
May 2010 - Aug 2011
Oct 2010

158000 mi

US $500
Leaking thermostat  
Ford Explorer in Virginia, United States
Feb 2010 - Mar 2012
Jun 2010

127000 mi

US $687
 
Ford Explorer in Virginia, United States
Mar 2010 - Jun 2011
May 2010

102300 mi
Air Bag Warning light flashes, intermittently comes on and goes off. Problem is in the wiring of the seat belt buckle which cost over $320 not including labor. Also Door Ajar warning light works intermittenly and problem can not be located. 
Ford Explorer in Illinois, United States
Jul 2009 - Jun 2017
Jan 2009

68000 mi
Over the last 3 years I have paid around $6,500 to repair this truck. Replaced transmission, front and rear wheel bearings, rear seals, differential including gears and bearings and more that I can't remember. Never hit & garage kept. 
Aug 2009

65000 mi

US $1800
Had the differential rebuilt. The 8.8" rearend is notorious for failing, just like the transmission which I had replaced 2 years ago. 
Oct 2010

78200 mi

US $600
I was sitting at a stop light and heard a loud boom from the back of my car. Got out to inspect; my right rear coil spring had snapped in half. Known defect from Ford but they won't pay. This truck is full of defects! 
Mar 2017

125000 mi
I'm on my 3rd transmission now. Dealer had fixed the trans 10 years ago, and it, all of a sudden, started slipping. The transmission has NO dipstick to check the fluid level by the writer fluid level was low and had burned up trans, $5k. So I had the transmission repaired, and within 1k miles the engine timing twnsioner broke and killed the engine. I've owned this car since new. I've personally changed the oil and filter every 3k miles. Now I'm stuck with an Explorer with new tires, trans, brakes, the weird part is that there was no notice that car's engine just died. Oil level full and still clean. 
Ford Explorer in Washington, United States
Feb 2011 - Oct 2011
Oct 2011

111000 mi
Driver side airbag light was on when traded. 
Ford Explorer in Washington, United States
Jun 2009 - Jul 2017
Mar 2013

176000 mi

US $140
I replaced the alternator myself at the site it failed so I did not have to have it towed. 
Aug 2015

207700 mi

US $4000
Had to have the transmission completely rebuilt Had to replace radiator. Likely cause by repair shop replacing Heater Control Valve and dropped broken parts into cooling system 
Dec 2015

212000 mi

US $2100
rebuilt rear end replaced wheel beering 
Ford Explorer in New York, United States
May 2009 - Aug 2009
Apr 2009

122000 mi

US $5000
wheel bearings 
Aug 2009

124000 mi
Needed new wheel bearings. 
Ford Explorer in Pennsylvania, United States
Mar 2013 - Jun 2015
Apr 2013

163000 mi

US $1875
Rear-end noise checked for excessive noise. Turned out bearings were shot. Rear-end needed complete rebuild. 
Jun 2015

173000 mi

US $250
Explorer developed an accelerated rust-out rate. Last year there were no bodywork holes discovered during safety inspection. Now there is so much rust, car will not pass inspection. 
Ford Explorer in New York, United States
Dec 2012 - Dec 2016
Jan 2013

US $900
Transmission failure Failure of fuel control module 
Ford Explorer in Alabama, United States
Aug 2012 - Mar 2013
Oct 2012

109000 mi

US $300
Replace alternator 
Ford Explorer in Queensland, Australia
Jun 2011 - Sep 2011
Jul 2011

171740 mi

A $2600
Vehicle missing replaced 3 x coils still missing, it is a known fault replaced upper bearings & other parts 
Ford Explorer in Washington, United States
Aug 2011 - Jun 2018
Oct 2011

92000 mi

US $50
Windows quit, broken connector. 
Jan 2013

100200 mi

US $200
Door sensor/ Alarm goes off intermittently. 
Apr 2014

103000 mi

US $1800
Broken band, drives but won't shift properly. 

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2002 Ford Explorer 4-door

6-cylinder automatic 4WD

Ford Explorer in Ontario, Canada
Oct 2007 - Sep 2017
Mar 2008

113460 mi

C $290
Left rear wheel bearing replaced. 

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2002 Ford Explorer 4-door

4-cylinder automatic AWD

Ford Explorer in Texas, United States
Jun 2013 - Jul 2013
Jul 2013

95000 mi

US $2200
Motor froze. Cause undetermined. Recommended by mechanic to find specialist and replace motor 

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2002 Ford Explorer Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2002 Ford Explorer problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.