2002 Ford Explorer problems and complaints
Owners have filed 3622 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Ford Explorer. The most-reported areas: Power Train (1577), Structure (533), Suspension (445).
Key takeaways
- 3622 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 163 involve a crash, 71 a fire, 213 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 1577 | 44% |
| Structure | 533 | 15% |
| Suspension | 445 | 12% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 195 | 5% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 183 | 5% |
| Electrical System | 179 | 5% |
| Air Bags | 171 | 5% |
| Steering | 162 | 4% |
| Visibility | 150 | 4% |
| Service Brakes | 143 | 4% |
| Hydraulic | 112 | 3% |
| Equipment | 88 | 2% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Ford Explorer 4-DR. | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | 3/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Suspension,wheels,service Brakes - filed 2026-09-09
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 frankly dangerous. It was t...
Air Bags - filed 2026-07-20
I was driving down the road and my airbag instantly deployed in my face without cause or notice. I became completely disoriented as it hit my hand and face with severe force and was extremely loud and shocking. I thank God that I had just let off the gas and didn't hurt anyone else. If I had panicked or was going throu...
Suspension,electrical System,unknown Or Other - filed 2025-07-24
Suspenion and or traction was and the electrical system didnt work good
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More for the 2002 Ford Explorer
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.