2002 Ford Explorer Problems and Repair Histories

Ford Explorer in Ohio, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2010	82000		First odometer entry
Mar	2010	83000	323	Replaced worn front struts.
Aug	2010	88000	2600	Bad torque converter. Replaced transmission at transmission shop.
Sep	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Oregon, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2008	69000		First odometer entry
Mar	2008	70000	3000	Third gear clusters out on 5-speed automatic transmission. Common occurance on 2002 Explorers with this particulr transmission.
Mar	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Pennsylvania, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Sep	2011	129000		First odometer entry
Nov	2011	131000	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.
Sep	2012	143000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in New York, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jul	2010	67000		First odometer entry
Dec	2010	76000	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
Jan	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Texas, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2011	102000		First odometer entry
May	2011	104000	2200	Replaced transmission
Nov	2011	109000	4250	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	800	Intake manifold was leaking coolant at the thermostat housing, needed to be replaced CEL was on, gas cap needed to be replaced
Mar	2013	124000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Massachusetts, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2008		500	Rear Spring fracture. Both rear springs replaced, parts and labor
Jul	2009	53000	0	A/C stopped working, tried to charge with kit. Wouldn't hold charge
Mar	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Pennsylvania, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2009	105000		First odometer entry
Mar	2010	106000	603	replaced EGR valve
May	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Ohio, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jan	2011		1600	4x4 Light flashing. Replaced 4x4 computer module behind glovebox. SRS light on. Dealer replaced seatbelt pretensioner. All wheel bearings replaced.
Jul	2012	115700	200	Replaced two idler pulleys. Replaced belt tensioner.
Oct	2012	118000	200	Replaced the rear brakes and pads. 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.
Jan	2013			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Ontario, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2010		2500	- Replace four struts - Replace two control arms - Replace two ball joints - Replace sway bars
Mar	2011	115320	250	Replace belt tensioner

 

Ford Explorer in New York, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2012	139000		First odometer entry
Jan	2013	139700	900	Transmission failure Failure of fuel control module
Mar	2013	141000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in New Jersey, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jul	2009	95000		First odometer entry
Dec	2009	101000	186	replace brake light switch plus rewire
Feb	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Pennsylvania, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Apr	2010	170000		First odometer entry
Jun	2010	175000	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 Illinois, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2007	92000		First odometer entry
May	2008	102000	800	Air compresser failure.
Apr	2012	167000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Ontario, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
May	2008	77500		First odometer entry
Jun	2008	83700	450	Front wheel bearing
Sep	2008	102920	1000	1 front and 1 rear wheel bearing replaced.
Apr	2009	135160	100	Replace broken front sway bar link.
May	2009	140740	300	Replace right front shock absorber.
Nov	2009	169260	3400	Crankshaft bearing spun - engine seized. Engine replaced with used engine from wreckers.
Feb	2010	179180	3200	Transmission failed at 288,000 km. Bores worn, overdrive planetary gear destroyed. Rebuilt.
Mar	2010	184480	450	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	350	Replaced #8 ignition coil.
Dec	2010	220100	450	Replaced U-Joints Rear differential failed. Has been howling for 250,000 km and finally died.

 

Ford Explorer in Connecticut, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Sep	2008	96000		First odometer entry
Oct	2008	97000	0	Replacement of emergency brake light switch.
Mar	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Vermont, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Oct	2008	108000		First odometer entry
Nov	2008	109000	900	Front left wheel bearing replaced. Rear springs and shocks replaced.
Mar	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Texas, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2008	40000		First odometer entry
Jun	2009	60000	175	upper and lower front ball joints replaced valve cover seal replaced, leaking oil.
Jun	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Colorado, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Aug	2008	55000		First odometer entry
Sep	2009	64000	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	330	Intermediate steering shaft removed and replaced based on diagnosis of loose, off-center steering wheel. This finally resolved the "alignment" issue.
Jan	2010	67000	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	0	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	76300	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.
Jul	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Massachusetts, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2011	156000		First odometer entry
Apr	2011	159300	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	164700	175	Rear diff. Pinion seal.
Jun	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Massachusetts, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
May	2008		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	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
Mar	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in New Mexico, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jul	2008	62000		First odometer entry
Aug	2010	85000	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	1124	4wd module in dash failed needed to be replaced power door lock on passenger front door would stick and not unlock
Mar	2013	92000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Massachusetts, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2010	85000		First odometer entry
Feb	2011	86000	0	CD changer no longer worked when sold.

 

Ford Explorer in Indiana, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Oct	2007	109000		First odometer entry
Apr	2008	114000	500	Problem with rear wheel bearings, worn out.
Aug	2008	118700	900	Replace rear end, later fix seal leaks on new rear end.
Oct	2008	122000	1250	Transmission failure, replaced with rebuilt transmission.
Feb	2009	126000	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	0	Driver's power window.
Sep	2010	142000	0	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 Mississippi, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jun	2002		28500	Moonroof trim partially came off
Mar	2004		0	Drivers seatbelt didn't roll back in holster properly

 

Ford Explorer in Minnesota, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jan	2003		0	Back molding on door broke when closing in the cold, was told it's very common for the 02 model
Jan	2004		0	rear seal on rear differential
Apr	2004		0	rear seal on transfer case leak
Jan	2005		0	Rear seal on differential leak
Jan	2006		250	rear seal on differential leak
Jan	2008		0	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		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	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	850	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	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.
Mar	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in California, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Sep	2007	69000		First odometer entry
Sep	2008	91000	400	Brake master cylinder out. Front driver brakes rattling/noise.
Mar	2009	103000	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	0	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	0	Past transmission overhaul failed at 40,000 miles. Shop covered the second overhaul for free.
Oct	2011	160700	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	0	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	178300	85	Rear passenger power window stopped working. Replaced window regulator.
Sep	2012	180000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in California, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2011	153000		First odometer entry
Mar	2011	154000	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	336	Coolant leak, hoses and valves needed replacement
May	2012	163000	700	fuel pump died
Dec	2012	173000	206	Heater control valve was leaking. Valve was replaced.

 

Ford Explorer in California, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2007	70000		First odometer entry
Feb	2008	74000	264	Emission sensor needed replacing.
May	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in South Carolina, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2009	104000		First odometer entry
Jan	2010	105000	1060	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	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	2100	4 oil leaks in the car
Oct	2011	125000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Pennsylvania, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2013	162000		First odometer entry
Apr	2013	163000	1875	Rear-end noise checked for excessive noise. Turned out bearings were shot. Rear-end needed complete rebuild.

 

Ford Explorer in Washington, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jun	2009	121000		First odometer entry
Mar	2013	176000	140	I replaced the alternator myself at the site it failed so I did not have to have it towed.

 

Ford Explorer in Ohio, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Apr	2009	70000		First odometer entry
Apr	2010	78000	39	EGR sensor failed
Jul	2010	79700	180	Failure of front left Hub.
Mar	2011	84000	0	transmission was stuttering and surging nearing failure when traded. another hub was failing when traded.

 

Ford Explorer in Virginia, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2010	100000		First odometer entry
May	2010	102500	0	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.
Jun	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Washington, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2003		0	Water pump bearing broke, leaking coolant. Replaced water pump under warranty.
Feb	2005		3000	Head gasket blown, cylinder head warped. Took several diagnostics to determine cause of rough idle, hesitation at highway speeds, and check engine lamp. Required new head gasket, spark plugs, and aluminum cylinder head. Reprogrammed PCM (Powertrain C
Jul	2006		400	Left rear axle -- differential seal leak.
Feb	2007		400	Right rear axle -- differential seal leak.
Jun	2007		700	4x4 high and 4x4 low lights flashing 3x / 5 mins. No ability to shift in / out of 4x4 / 4x2 mode. Replaced 2 4WD control modules. Did not fix. Required trip to shop to repair / replace transfer case actuator motor.

 

Ford Explorer in Kentucky, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Apr	2011		400	Both rear bearings and seals worn out. Replaced Emergency brake broke damaging rotors. Replaced and repair.
Aug	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in New York, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Aug	2009		250	Replace both rear hub/bearing assemblies.

 

Ford Explorer in Michigan, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jul	2009	58000		First odometer entry
Nov	2009	60000	272	front pinion seal replaced
Dec	2010	61000	177	alternator and battery had to be replaced
Jun	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Alabama, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Aug	2012	107000		First odometer entry
Oct	2012	109000	300	Replace alternator
Mar	2013	111000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Missouri, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2003		0	defective tailgate panel replaced under warranty.
May	2007		50	seat belt sensor and air bag sensor. Covered under warranty $50 deductible applies.
Jul	2008		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	380	door switch and handle replaced
Feb	2013	111000	300	New coil pack, plugs and wire.
Mar	2013	112000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Illinois, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jan	2009		0	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	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	78300	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	2013	95000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in New York, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Apr	2009		5000	wheel bearings
Aug	2009	124000	0	Needed new wheel bearings.

 

Ford Explorer in Ohio, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
May	2010	143000		First odometer entry
Jun	2010	145000	440	Bad valve in transmission at 146K miles OD light flashing
Jun	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in New York, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2010	142000		First odometer entry
Dec	2010	144000	175	Front wheel hubs replaced.
Mar	2011	152000	210	Front driver side control arm replaced.
Jan	2012	163000	75	Replace thermostat.
Mar	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Texas, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
May	2010	148000		First odometer entry
Oct	2010	158000	500	Leaking thermostat
Aug	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Vermont, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2008	118000		First odometer entry
Apr	2010	130000	1700	all four brakes needed pads and rotors replaced wheel bearing on right rear
Jun	2010	132000	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	100	gauge cluster overheats and needles flail about with reckless abandon after approximately five minutes of run time
Jun	2011	140000	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. brake pads and rotors worn out again after less than a year of mild driving, had to be replaced, again.
Jul	2012	152000	500	rear hatch window exploded from going over train tracks
Oct	2012	156000	0	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
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2011	104000		First odometer entry
Oct	2011	111000	0	Driver side airbag light was on when traded.

 

Ford Explorer in Queensland, Australia
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jun	2011	170500		First odometer entry
Jul	2011	171740	2600	Vehicle missing replaced 3 x coils still missing, it is a known fault replaced upper bearings & other parts
Sep	2011	171740		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Washington, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Aug	2011	90000		First odometer entry
Oct	2011	92000	50	Windows quit, broken connector.
Jan	2013	100300	200	Door sensor/ Alarm goes off intermittently.
Mar	2013	101000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Virginia, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2010	122000		First odometer entry
Jun	2010	127000	687
Mar	2012	152000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Ford Explorer in Ontario, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Oct	2007	109740		First odometer entry
Mar	2008	113460	290	Left rear wheel bearing replaced.
Mar	2010			Most recent odometer entry.