Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
30–25K
625–50K
950–75K
375–100K
1100–150K
2150K+
24 reports with mileage · 13 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Power Train. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Structure. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Suspension. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
3 crash reports0 fire reports3 injury reports
What owners actually said
37 reports
Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 2007
Air BagsStructureTires
TIRE TREAD PEALED OFF MY TIRE CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGES TO MY SIDE STEP, THE METAL AROUND MY TIRE WHEEL GOT BENT UP INTO MY DOOR AND TORE OFF ALL MY WHEEL WELL PLASTIC. ALMOST CAUSED MY FRONT BUMPER TO COME OFF IT IS NOW TORN ON THAT SIDE AND A PLASTIC PIECE UNDER THE BUMPER IS BARELY HANGING IN THERE. I STILL HAVE THE TIRE …
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TIRE TREAD PEALED OFF MY TIRE CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGES TO MY SIDE STEP, THE METAL AROUND MY TIRE WHEEL GOT BENT UP INTO MY DOOR AND TORE OFF ALL MY WHEEL WELL PLASTIC. ALMOST CAUSED MY FRONT BUMPER TO COME OFF IT IS NOW TORN ON THAT SIDE AND A PLASTIC PIECE UNDER THE BUMPER IS BARELY HANGING IN THERE. I STILL HAVE THE TIRE AS IT DIDN'T DEFLATE. MY STEERING WHEEL CLICKS AND MAKES MY CAR SKIP WHEN I MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN. AS IF THE TIRES ARE NOT TURNING CORRECTLY. THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10197734
72,000 miles · Jul 17, 2007
Structure
PURCHASED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, FROM THE DEALERSHIP IN DECEMBER 2006. IN JANUARY 2007 I AWOKE TO CLEAR THE SNOW OFF MY VEHICLE WHEN I NOTICED A HUGE CRACK ON THE BACK PANEL UNDER THE TAILGATE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FORD IMMEDIATELY, AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE, BUT THAT IT WAS AN ONGOIN…
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PURCHASED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, FROM THE DEALERSHIP IN DECEMBER 2006. IN JANUARY 2007 I AWOKE TO CLEAR THE SNOW OFF MY VEHICLE WHEN I NOTICED A HUGE CRACK ON THE BACK PANEL UNDER THE TAILGATE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FORD IMMEDIATELY, AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE, BUT THAT IT WAS AN ONGOING PROBLEM. WHEN TEMPERATURES REACHED A HIGH THE CRACK THEN EXPANDED AND THE CRACK WAS NOT NOTICABLE. WHEN THE TEMPERATURE GOT COLD AGAIN THE CRACK WAS VERY APPARRENT. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THERE WAS A FAULT WITH THIS PANEL, BUT ERE NOT ABLE TO COVER IT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10196633
102,000 miles · Jul 17, 2007
Structure
THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE FLAWED DESIGN OF FORD EXPLORER LIFTGATES. 2002 AND 2003 VEHICLES WERE AFFECTED, BUT I WAS SURE THERE WERE MORE. THE BACK PANEL CRACKED COMPLETELY DOWN THE PANEL SEPARATING THE TWO SIDES. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THE END RESULT COULD BE BUT IT CERTAINLY LOOKED LIKE A PIECE COULD FLY OFF AND INTERFERE …
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THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE FLAWED DESIGN OF FORD EXPLORER LIFTGATES. 2002 AND 2003 VEHICLES WERE AFFECTED, BUT I WAS SURE THERE WERE MORE. THE BACK PANEL CRACKED COMPLETELY DOWN THE PANEL SEPARATING THE TWO SIDES. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THE END RESULT COULD BE BUT IT CERTAINLY LOOKED LIKE A PIECE COULD FLY OFF AND INTERFERE WITH FOLLOWING VEHICLES. THERE WERE HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS OF THESE VEHICLES ON THE ROAD WITH THE SAME EXACT CRACK, AND FORD RECEIVED HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS BUT REFUSED TO FIX IT SO FAR. AS USUAL, THEY WILL PROBABLY WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE WAS HURT OR WORSE BEFORE TAKING ACTION. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10196562
Mileage unknown · May 30, 2007
Steering
I TOOK THE KIDS TO THE BABYSITTER AND WENT TO PUT THE TRUCK IN PARK AND THE GEAR SHIFTER BROKE OFF INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN. IT HAS ALWAYS HAD A PLACE WHERE THE SHIFTER LEVER WOULD KIND OF CATCH BETWEEN REVERSE AND PARK AND YOU HAD TO WIGGLE IT WHEN PUTTING IT INTO PARK . I WAS TOLD IT HAD TO HAVE A NEW STEERING COLUMN THAT IS…
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I TOOK THE KIDS TO THE BABYSITTER AND WENT TO PUT THE TRUCK IN PARK AND THE GEAR SHIFTER BROKE OFF INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN. IT HAS ALWAYS HAD A PLACE WHERE THE SHIFTER LEVER WOULD KIND OF CATCH BETWEEN REVERSE AND PARK AND YOU HAD TO WIGGLE IT WHEN PUTTING IT INTO PARK . I WAS TOLD IT HAD TO HAVE A NEW STEERING COLUMN THAT IS $500+ NOT INCLUDING LABOR. I THINK THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS. WHAT IF IT HAPPENED GOING DOWN THE ROAD OR WHEN MY 15 YEAR OLD [BEGINNER DRIVER] WAS DRIVING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10192081
75,400 miles · Mar 23, 2007
Power TrainSuspension
75400 MILES. NOISE FROM REAR END BECOMING MORE NOTICEABLE. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY WON'T SHIFT FROM 2ND TO 3RD. DEALER DIAGNOSED THE REAR END PROBLEM AS BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND PROBABLY THE REAR HUBS WERE BAD. THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. FORD DEALER SERVICE ADVISED ME TO CONTACT F…
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75400 MILES. NOISE FROM REAR END BECOMING MORE NOTICEABLE. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY WON'T SHIFT FROM 2ND TO 3RD. DEALER DIAGNOSED THE REAR END PROBLEM AS BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND PROBABLY THE REAR HUBS WERE BAD. THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. FORD DEALER SERVICE ADVISED ME TO CONTACT FORD 800 NUMBER, AND OPERATOR AFTER PUTTING ME ON HOLD AND TALKING TO THE DEALER TURNED THE PROBLEM OVER TO THE NEXT LEVEL OF CUSTOMER CAR BECAUSE HER LIMIT OF $500 WOULD NOT BEGIN TO COVER THE REPAIRS. FORD COSTUMER CARE CALLED ME AND AFTER LETTING ME TELL MY STORY SAID THERE WAS NO PROGRAM DOLLARS AVAILABLE FOR ASSISTING IN FIXING EITHER PROBLEM, EVEN THOUGH THE REAR END PROBLEM WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE PREVIOUS VISIT AT 74,400 MILES PER THE DEALERS RECOMMENDATION. ALSO INFORMED ME THAT NOT EVEN THE $500 WAS AVAILABLE ,AND THE OPERATOR HAD NO RIGHT TO OFFER THAT AMOUNT. TOOK THE CAR FROM THE DEALER AFTER PAYING $120, PLUS $100 CAR RENTAL THEY WOULD NOT COVE) SINCE THE MILEAGE WAS 400 OVER WARRANTY 75000 MILEAGE LIMIT TO DIAGNOSE A PROBLEM THEY FAILED TO CORRECTLY DIAGNOSE THE FIRST 2 TIMES. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10186004
74,400 miles · Mar 23, 2007
Power Train
74400 MILES. NOISE COMING FROM REAR END AND FEELS LIKE THE BRAKES ARE DRAGGING WHEN SLOWING DOWN. THE NOISE WAS WORSE WHEN ENGAGING THE 4-WD HIGH. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A BAD TRANSFER CASE ASSEMBLY. WAITED 2 DAYS BECAUSE THE FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE HAD TO APPROVE THE REPAIR. WAS TOLD THE MAIN SHAFT HAD CRACKED AND …
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74400 MILES. NOISE COMING FROM REAR END AND FEELS LIKE THE BRAKES ARE DRAGGING WHEN SLOWING DOWN. THE NOISE WAS WORSE WHEN ENGAGING THE 4-WD HIGH. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A BAD TRANSFER CASE ASSEMBLY. WAITED 2 DAYS BECAUSE THE FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE HAD TO APPROVE THE REPAIR. WAS TOLD THE MAIN SHAFT HAD CRACKED AND WAS ENGAGING THE 4-WD EVEN THOUGH IT DID NOT SHOW UP ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. AFTER PICKING UP THE VEHICLE IT SEEMED TO BE BETTER EVEN THOUGH NOT COMPLETELY GONE. MY MISTAKE FOR NOT RETURNING THE TRUCK BECAUSE IT STARTED TO GET WORSE AT 75400 , AND NOW THE FORD CUSTOM CARE CERTIFIED THE TRUCK AS A USED CAR COVERING DRIVE TRAIN UNTIL 75000 MILES, AND IT WOULD NOT AUTHORIZE ANY FURTHER WORK EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEM STILL HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS FROM 2 OTHER VISITS AT THE SAME DEALER. EVEN THOUGH THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE DEALERSHIP RECOMMEND THAT THE WORK BE DONE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10185998
71,400 miles · Mar 23, 2007
Suspension
RUBBING NOISE IN THE REAR END. DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM AND REPLACED BEARINGS IN THE FRONT LEFT HUB. DEALER SAID 2 OF THE TIRES WERE BADLY CUPPED SO THE COULD NOT HEAR ANY OTHER PROBLEM. PROBLEM/NOISE STILL THERE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10185995
50,545 miles · Feb 6, 2007
Structure
FORD HAD A RECALL ON THE HINGES OF THE GLASS PANEL ON THE HATCH OF THE TRUCK. I HAD NO PROBLEM WITH THE CAR PRIOR TO THAT REPLACEMENT. SEVERAL MONTHS AGO I FOLLOWED THROUGH WITH THE DEALER & HAD THE RECALLED HINGES REPLACED. I BELIEVE THAT THE WORK MAY HAVE ADDED STRESS TO THE HATCH....SOMETHING HAS HAPPENED. I NOTICED IN THE …
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FORD HAD A RECALL ON THE HINGES OF THE GLASS PANEL ON THE HATCH OF THE TRUCK. I HAD NO PROBLEM WITH THE CAR PRIOR TO THAT REPLACEMENT. SEVERAL MONTHS AGO I FOLLOWED THROUGH WITH THE DEALER & HAD THE RECALLED HINGES REPLACED. I BELIEVE THAT THE WORK MAY HAVE ADDED STRESS TO THE HATCH....SOMETHING HAS HAPPENED. I NOTICED IN THE MORNING OF 2/3/07 THAT THE BACK OF MY TRUCK HAD A HAIRLINE FRACTURE TO THE RIGHT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. THIS IS THE TRUCK PART THAT OPENS UP FOR ME TO PUT MY GROCERIES IN THE CAR & THE SAME PART THAT HAD THE RECALLED HINGES REPLACED. WELL, BY THE DAY'S END - THE HAIRLINE FRACTURE IS NOW A FULL BLOWN CRACK. THERE ARE NO OTHER MARKS ON THE TRUCK INDICATING ANY OTHER DAMAGE/ACCIDENT THAT WOULD HAVE PROVOKED THIS FRACTURE. I TRULY BELIEVE IT IS A DESIGN FLAW/DEFECT IN THE WAY THE HATCH CLOSES & WITH THE BELOW ZERO TEMPERATURES - IT HAS ADDED STRESS TO THIS AREA. I STOPPED BY THE AUTOBODY SHOP & WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HATCH - I AM STILL WAITING FOR THE ESTIMATE - WHICH MAY BE WELL OVER $ 1K..... I HAVE TAKEN PICTURES OF THIS DEFECT - AND TO MY SURPRISE, THIS MORNING 2/6/07 - I FOUND ANOTHER 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH THE SAME DEFECT. I HAVE TAKEN PICTURES OF BOTH TRUCKS AND WILL CERTAINLY FORWARD THEM TO YOU AS WELL AS FILING A COMPLAINT WITH FORD. I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER 2002 FORD EXPLORERS HAVE THIS DEFECT IN THE SAME AREA. PLEASE HELP! *NM
NHTSA ODI #10181749
81,000 miles · Sep 13, 2005
Power Train
CONTINUOUS ROARING NOISE COMING FROM REAR OF OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WAS DETERMINED THAT REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS BAD. IF IT WOULD HAVE GONE OUT WHILE DRIVING, TRUCK COULD HAVE LOCKED UP. WAS TOLD BY SERVICE THAT WAS A BIG SAFETY CHANCE TO TAKE. OUT OF WARRANTY ON MILES. (BUT NOT ON 3 YEARS).SO IT COST US $1900 OUT OF POCKET TO …
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CONTINUOUS ROARING NOISE COMING FROM REAR OF OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WAS DETERMINED THAT REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS BAD. IF IT WOULD HAVE GONE OUT WHILE DRIVING, TRUCK COULD HAVE LOCKED UP. WAS TOLD BY SERVICE THAT WAS A BIG SAFETY CHANCE TO TAKE. OUT OF WARRANTY ON MILES. (BUT NOT ON 3 YEARS).SO IT COST US $1900 OUT OF POCKET TO REPAIR. HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD FORD IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10136411
81,000 miles · Aug 21, 2005
Power Train
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 85,000 MILES ON THIS CAR AND HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE O/D LIGHT CAME ON FLASHING. THEN IT REFUSED TO SHIFT INTO SECOND GEAR. IT HAS SHIFTED HARD SINCE WE PURCHASED IT USED WITH APPROXIMATELY 25,000 MILES ON IT. WHAT A PAIN. I HAVE BEEN TO MANY FORD FORUMS A…
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I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 85,000 MILES ON THIS CAR AND HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE O/D LIGHT CAME ON FLASHING. THEN IT REFUSED TO SHIFT INTO SECOND GEAR. IT HAS SHIFTED HARD SINCE WE PURCHASED IT USED WITH APPROXIMATELY 25,000 MILES ON IT. WHAT A PAIN. I HAVE BEEN TO MANY FORD FORUMS AND I SEE NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL YEAR. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THIS CAR PRONTO. EVERY ONE I KNOW WHO HAS THIS MAKE AND MODEL ARE HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS. THEY NEED TO CORRECT THIS ITEM NOW. OR WE WILL JUST HAVE TO BUY JAPANESE NEXT TIME. THEY BELIEVE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE.
NHTSA ODI #10133674
Official recalls
0
No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2002 Ford Ford Truck Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year