1. Ford Explorer
  2. Problems
  3. 2002
  4. Rear

2002 Ford Explorer Rear Problems

192
Owner complaint records in our dataset

Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.

Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.

Among these 192 stored complaint records:

  • 1 indicate a crash
  • 0 indicate injury
  • 0 indicate fire

What owners report

  • rear coil · 58 records
  • coil springs · 42 records
  • both rear · 34 records
  • coil spring · 34 records
  • rear springs · 24 records
  • springs broken · 18 records

Mileage in stored records

BandRecords
60–100k mi108
30–60k mi28
100–150k mi25
150–400k mi5
1–30k mi2

Complaint records

Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.

  • August 11, 2011 · 47,000 miles

    Rear

    I have a 2002 ford explore with 47,000 miles. Was told both rear springs were broke during vehicle inspection. Don't know when they broke. Daily driver only, no towing. Should not happen at 47,000 miles should have a recall with all the complaints with springs. *tr

    ODI 10421173

  • June 30, 2011 · 80,000 miles

    Rear

    Rear cracked/crumbling strut springs both sides. *tr

    ODI 10410040

  • June 9, 2011 · 26,116 miles

    Rear

    Upon taking my 2002 ford explorer for a routine oil change. I was informed by the ford dealer that my left rear spring was broken. My explorer only has 26,116 miles, how could the springs break? I never carry anything heavy, usually only one person is in the vehicle. Iv'e been reading on the internet and there are hundreds of other people with the same problem. Why hasn't nhtsa looked in this issue since it is a…

    ODI 10406049

  • March 7, 2011 · 46,000 miles

    Rear

    Both rear coil springs on my 02 ford explorer broke. There wasn't any indications prior for us to know it would happen.when it did it fell onto rubber stops but tracted crooked and spring almost hit tire.i went to dealer they said no recall call ford. I called ford rep said nothing they could do not enough complaints to justify a recall or fix my explorer. I went to local parts store and bought monroe quik strut..…

    ODI 10395367

  • March 2, 2011 · 58,000 miles

    Rear

    Rear coil spring. After having tire rotated was informed that driver rear spring was broken. Had both rear coil springs replaced since this seems to be an eventual problem down the road. *tr

    ODI 10392972

  • February 10, 2011 · 107,000 miles

    Automatic Transmission · Rear

    Our 2002 ford explorer xlt with 109,000 miles has serious transmission slippage between 2nd and 3rd gears. The local dealer and an independent repair shop state that the transmission needs replaced at a cost between $2,500 and $3,500. It is dangerous to drive in its current condition because there are times when it will not accelerate. The rear differential and ball bearings also need replaced according to 2…

    ODI 10397362

  • December 31, 2010 · 162,000 miles

    Rear

    Left side coil spring snapped suddenly while car was parked in driveway. *tr

    ODI 10374040

  • November 15, 2010 · 76,000 miles

    Rear

    The contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to replace rear brakes where a technician noticed that both rear coil springs fractured. Repaired brakes and rear springs. Was informed by shop that this is a very common issue with 2002 ford explorers. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000. Added note, this vehicle has never been used to tow or…

    ODI 10375325

  • October 15, 2010 · 90,000 miles

    Rear

    2002 ford explorer ltmd...90k miles front wear bearings completely blew out, rear struts leaking massive oil and rear springs fractured....had front bearings replaced when it disables brake usage from tires being crooked in next couple of days need to have rear end done with struts, springs and bushings....all new parts no choice and $2600.00 later in all the springs are the biggest issue, they should not break. *tr

    ODI 10360793

  • October 10, 2010 · 83,000 miles

    Automatic Transmission · Engine And Engine Cooling · Equipment · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Rear

    O/d light flashes for a few days then at around 25 mph the gear switches into neutral and runs very rough then the car is thrown forward. Had a rebuilt transmission (we were told we were getting a brand new transmission and paid extra for it!) at 83k miles on oct 15, 2010 then feb 5, 2011 the same exact thing happens. The dealer cannot take the truck for another 5 days and refused to give me a loner car because it…

    ODI 10381434

  • October 2, 2010 · 77,000 miles

    Rear

    Broken rear springs. My ford service manager said that there is a known problem with broken rear springs on explorer's as well as other ford's. This is very dangerous as the driver has lost the functionality of the truck. Mine broke while sitting at a stop light and my daughter and i heard a loud bang. I thought a tire blew. $800 to fix, for just the 2 rear springs, but service manager said he would recommend…

    ODI 10359348

  • September 6, 2010 · 107,000 miles

    Rear

    2002 ford explorer. Rear springs/coils rusted, broken, on both sides didn't know until i had estimate done for noise in front end which turned out to be uv joint. I understand to repair back springs it will cost about $325 each side and the other things i need uv joint, wheel hub, strut,etc...another $400 this is sad!!! *tr

    ODI 10355660

  • September 6, 2010 · 140,000 miles

    Rear

    2002 ford explorer xlt 4wd rear coil spring broke under normal driving condition. Created bad situation with car swaying left to right. Had to replace spring and strut. Also all 4 wheel bearings had to replaced in 5 years. *tr

    ODI 10354600

  • August 28, 2010 · 172,000 miles

    Rear

    Noticed fluid on rear passenger side lower control arm. Upon closed inspection, noticed fluid coming from rear shock and both rear coil springs were broken. Repair estimates to replace both rear coil spring assembly range from $655 to $800. *tr

    ODI 10354645

  • August 27, 2010 · 94,000 miles

    Front · Rear

    Rear springs both cracked-front & rear wheel bearings bad needed to be replaced ford should recall these vehicles before someone seriously if not already has been hurt or killed in an accident. *tr

    ODI 10353001

  • August 25, 2010 · 90,000 miles

    Rear

    During the 90,000 mile servicing of this vehicle, it was discovered that the rear coil springs on our 2002 ford explorer xlt had rusted completely through and needed to be replaced. We do not reside in a coastal area resulting in exposure to the salty ocean spray nor do we drive this vehicle in off road situations that would cause water to accumulate under the vehicle. For these reasons there is no apparent cause…

    ODI 10365322

  • August 17, 2010 · 179,000 miles

    Automatic Transmission · Cooling System · Front · Parking Brake · Rear · Seats · Steering · Suspension

    Purchased 2002 explorer xlt v6 4.0l already transmission slipping solenoid or whatever out.. I have read reports and wonder why this transmission is not recalled? I have it in shop now having to have it rebuilt and everything changed. Also right wheel bearings bad, upper and lower ball joints bad, suspension shot. And the records show the previous owners maintained everything well. But also had transmission replaced…

    ODI 10350869

  • August 12, 2010 · 77,000 miles

    Rear

    Left rear "permanently sealed" wheel bearing failure. *tr

    ODI 10349308

  • July 2, 2010 · 160,000 miles

    Rear

    Vehicle started to make terrible grinding/rubbing noise while 50 miles from home. On exit ramp to my city, it swayed... The next morning my cousin examined the vehicle finding the right rear spring broken, and the left in terrible condition as well. I am just thankful nothing bad happened on my way home. I have never had this vehicle off road nor used it to pull anything. After viewing all the complaints of the same…

    ODI 10342123

  • June 19, 2010 · 58,000 miles

    Rear

    Rear coil spring found broken during routine brake inspection. *tr

    ODI 10339713

  • May 4, 2010 · 114,000 miles

    Rear

    Both rear coil springs (strut assembiles) broken on 2002 ford explorer xlt. Breaks in steel coil springs discovered during dealer inspection in 2010. Vehicle is used for standard daily driving on paved roads. Resulted in sagging rear of vehicle and degraded vehicle control in bumpy terrain. Parts likely broken for some time before detection. Replacement parts have been installed to correct problem. Photos of broken…

    ODI 10415333

  • April 14, 2010 · 61,000 miles

    Automatic Transmission · Rear

    While in traffic today, my 2002 ford explorer suddenly lost drive power. Fortunately, the driver behind me was not tailgating and noticed my vehicle slow down rapidly. I now find this transmission failure is a very common problem with ford 2002 explorer. In fact on one web site alone, www.autobeef.com i see over 861 complaints on this issue alone all with 2002 explorers. Transmission failures in heavy traffic and at…

    ODI 10325767

  • April 12, 2010 · 250,000 miles

    Rear

    Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The rear coil springs on the vehicle broke which the contact was informed of during a brake inspection. The dealer stated that the coil springs were the same used on the ford taurus model and that they were aware of the failures with the springs. The current and failure mileages were approximately 250,000.

    ODI 10325472

  • April 4, 2010 · 75,000 miles

    Rear

    Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a technician noticed that both rear coil springs fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

    ODI 10368471

  • March 31, 2010 · 107,418 miles

    Rear

    I have a 2002 ford explorer and both rear coil springs are completly rusted and broke in several places..i realize that my vechile is now 8 years old and has 100,000 miles but i've read online that many people have had this same problem with these springs breaking and blowing tires. Now im paying close to 400 dollars to have this replaced. I think ford needs to take action and stop neglecting them buying cheap…

    ODI 10323419