NHTSA has 3,295 owner complaints on file for the 2002 Ford Explorer, received from 2001 to 2026. The most-reported system is power train (1,502 complaints, 46%), followed by structure (486) and suspension (422). Owners reported 144 crashes, 57 fires, 187 injuries and 5 deaths. Median mileage at failure: 79,000 miles. Complaints peaked in 2008, with 493 received that year. 4 safety recalls cover this model year.
3,295NHTSA complaints
4safety recalls
144crashes reported
57fires reported
187injuries
5deaths
Quick answers
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Ford Explorer?
Owners report power train problems most often: 1,502 of 3,295 NHTSA complaints (46%), followed by structure (486) and suspension (422).
How many recalls does the 2002 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2002 Ford Explorer. The most recent is 09V399000 (speed control, 2009-10-13).
At what mileage do 2002 Ford Explorer problems happen?
The median mileage at failure is 79,000 miles, across 2,529 complaints that reported mileage.
Have owners reported crashes or fires in the 2002 Ford Explorer?
Yes. Owners reported 144 crashes, 57 fires, 187 injuries and 5 deaths in NHTSA complaints.
Problems by system
System
Complaints
Share
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Median miles
Power train
1,502
46%
25
3
14
80,172
Structure
486
15%
4
2
62
66,400
Suspension
422
13%
3
2
1
80,000
Engine
212
6%
3
16
5
89,450
Air bags
162
5%
61
5
66
73,650
Steering
155
5%
11
2
4
92,150
Speed control
152
5%
32
9
17
65,000
Electrical system
148
4%
4
19
0
94,000
Visibility and wipers
138
4%
0
2
20
78,000
Service brakes
116
4%
13
2
3
49,966
Wheels
78
2%
1
1
2
84,550
Fuel system
72
2%
0
4
0
75,000
Equipment
60
2%
2
1
1
64,460
Latches, locks and linkages
50
2%
2
0
2
70,500
Unknown or other
44
1%
2
1
4
91,800
Tires
38
1%
4
0
3
58,600
Seat belts
34
1%
2
0
1
60,528
Seats
30
1%
4
0
6
53,400
Exterior lighting
19
1%
0
1
0
90,161
Parking brake
17
1%
0
1
0
72,359
Interior lighting
6
<1%
0
0
0
92,874
Electronic stability control
3
<1%
1
0
0
76,345
Backover prevention
1
<1%
0
0
0
–
A complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Defect: Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and 1994 f53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (scds). The scds may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
Risk: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the abs control module connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 27, 2009. Owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles, the liftgate glass strut may become disengaged or the hinge may fracture allowing the glass to fall and possibly break.
Risk: If the hinge should fracture, there is a potential for the glass to fall and ultimately break and personal injuries could occur.
Remedy: Dealers will have the liftgate glass strut brackets and glass hinges replaced. For the vehicles built from august 1, 2000 through march 3, 2002, the dealers will replace the hinges and liftgate strut bracket. On vehicles built from march 3, 2002 through june 23, 2003, the dealers will only replace the hinges. The recall began on september 30, 2004. A postcard was sent to owners on december 27, 2004, advising them that parts are now available. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Defect: Certain pickup truck, van, and mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, inc. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might overheat when the wire harness is exposed to excessive moisture and road salt.
Risk: This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began march 7, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact southern comfort at 1-800-745-6096.
Defect: Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The right side tires may have horizontal cuts on the edge of the tread that could have occurred during vehicle assembly.
Risk: Over time, the tire could fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tires and, if any slices are found, the cut tires will be replaced. Owner notification began june 7, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Overdrive light flashes after driving a little bit hard shifting doesn't shift into overdrive 4x4 lights indicate that it's working when the buttons are pushed but doesn't go into 4x4
Power train · NHTSA complaint 11469181, received 2022-06-14
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission experienced hard shifting with a clunking noise present coming from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission gear ratio was…
Power train · NHTSA complaint 11397933, received 2021-02-25
September 2, 2023 at about 6 pm I pulled over to grab a couple water bottles from the rear of my 2002 Ford Explorer Sport cause my engine was overheating. I got out walked to the rear of my vehicle pushed my unlatch button on the tailgate and I lifted the glass part of the rear hatch. Both air…
Structure · NHTSA complaint 11672158, received 2025-07-09
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated that while opening the real lift gate, the rear lift gate glass window suddenly shattered. During the incident, the person sustained a facial laceration which required medical treatment. The cause of the failure was not determined. The…
Structure · NHTSA complaint 11353727, received 2020-09-08
The rear toe arms came unhinged or disconnected from their placement and sank down to continuously rub a groove in the inner rim. The suspension was affected, the steering was effecting especially when turning, it made the brakes stick, and made loud crunching and rolling noises. It is quite…
Suspension · NHTSA complaint 11763182, received 2026-09-09
Makes a rattling noise when a bump is hit driver side seat stop working
Suspension · NHTSA complaint 11320858, received 2020-04-11
Built from the NHTSA complaints flat file and the NHTSA recalls flat files, data as of 2026-10-22. Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models collect more of them.