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
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 60–100k mi | 108 |
| 30–60k mi | 28 |
| 100–150k mi | 25 |
| 150–400k mi | 5 |
| 1–30k mi | 2 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Rear
I was driving home and turned the corner and this clanking noise began coming from the rear wheel of my truck. I took the tire off to check the brake calipers and and were spinning the hub and got resistance and clanking sounds. I went to the repair shop and was told the left rear bearings had gone out. *tr
ODI 10231657
Rear · Wheel Bearing
My vehicle has 79k miles on it and i have all four of the wheel bearings replaced once and the left rear bearing replaced twice. I have never towed a trailer, driven through standing water or overloaded the vehicle at any time. The comments on the internet would indicate that this is a common problem on the 2002 explorer. This problem could cause loss of control of the vehicle. I have not had to replace wheel…
ODI 10229375
Rear
There is a loud whining sound from back end and get louder the more you accelerate. The rear end or bearings need to be replaced. *tr
ODI 10229364
Rear
Rear coil springs (left & right) have both rusted through and are only held in place by the weight of the vehicle. *tr
ODI 10229164
Rear
Purchased vehicle used in april 2007 - vehicle was certified by the dealer prior to the purchase, i inspected the vehicle and test drove it. There were no issues at this time. Over the last 3 months, both rear coil springs are broken. The right side is broken in multiple pieces and damaged the strut. I have done zero towing / hauling anything other than people. The vehicle is difficult to handle when you hit a bump…
ODI 10228917
Rear
Huge problems with rear differential on 02 ford explorers. Ford should take accountabilities for there lack quality in terms of engineering and manufacturing. Thought it would be a good family vehicle. Unfortunately it is unsafe and a drain on the finances. *tr
ODI 10227274
Driveline · Rear
I purchased a pre-owned 2002 ford explorer at the end of 2007. At the time of purchase, the vehicle had just under 60,000 miles. Around 65,000 i began to hear a high pitched howling sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. I had the noise investigated and had both rear wheel bearings replaced as a result. This did not, however, solve the problem. The noise continued and intensified. Recently, the sound began to be…
ODI 10227046
Rear
Rear bearings in 2002 ford explorer. Major grinding and loud scratching noises coming from drivers side rear end. I see that this is a known problem with the 2002 ford explorer, and that possible fatalities could occur by the tire falling off. I have 3 children, all under 10 years old, and this is my primary vehicle. *tr
ODI 10229144
Rear · Tie Rod Assembly
Needed lower tierod ends replaced and it was discovered that both rear coil springs were rusted and broken. *tr
ODI 10229265
Rear · Steering
We are in the process of replacing the left rear outer tie rod and which the mechanic says displays excessive wear and movement. Also replacing rear gas charged struts (displays excessive wear and movement), rear coil springs (bent, cracked, and loose), and rear strut mounts. $1100.00 on a car with 61109 miles on it. This vehicle is never used to haul or tow anything. We have trucks for that. I'm sick to see all of…
ODI 10226114
Parking Brake · Rear
BOTH REAR SPRING CRUMBLED. *TR
ODI 10228551
Rear
My 2002 ford explorer has broken rear suspension springs. My vehicle has 75,000 miles on it. I have noticed that there are numerous customers with this same problem. This may be due to bad steel or heat treatment of the parts. I am requesting action on this item. I do not do any hauling or towing to cause the problem. *tr
ODI 10244604
Rear
My 2002 ford explorer xlt made a loud tinging, screeching noise on a tuesday morning ,especially noticeable when turning the wheel. It was not a consistent sound. My husband lubricated the bushings that night, thinking that was the problem. Next day, the sound was progressively worsening, i even heard it when i was driving in a straight path, but the noise still was not consistent. It did seem louder with a clanking…
ODI 10224298
Rear
We have had problems with the rear differential since buying our vehicle in 2003. The first time we had it fixed was two weeks after buying it. It has been fixed 3 times and we are about to fix again. After some research i found that this is a problem with hundreds of owners of 2002 ford explorers. There is no recall because they say it is not a safety issue, however; the mechanic said if not fixed the rear wheels…
ODI 10225783
Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · Glass, Side/Rear · Parking Brake · Rear · Tires
Problems with this explorer over my ownership include: -rear glass replaced -front brakes replaced -rear wheel bearings have required replacement, -parking brake issues, -new tires, etc. *tr
ODI 10223092
Rear · Wheel Bearing
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. While driving at speeds of 40 mph, the contact could hear a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The dealer found that both the driver and passengers side rear wheel bearings were failing. The wheel bearings were replaced accordingly. The vin was not available . The failure mileage was 60,000 and the current was 80,000.
ODI 10320449
Rear
Failed rear wheel bearing. Car swaying side to side, possible rollover if at high speed. *tr
ODI 10222919
Rear · Wheel Bearing
Front driver wheel bearing replaced twice in 1.5 years. Right rear wheel bearing replaced once already need to replace again. *tr
ODI 10221588
Rear
I own a 2002 explorer, with only 74k miles on it. I began making a severe humming noise while driving. Took into dealer and i was told that my right rear wheel bearing was bad and this i need to get this fixed right away. I had it in within a day, while they fixed my right rear, they noticed that one of my front wheel bearing is going bad. From what i am hearing ford is aware that on the 2002 explorers there are…
ODI 10220697
Rear
My rear passenger wheel bearing is going out... This had happened to many other explorers drivers and i do not think it is safe..... Wheel could fall off to unknown driver. *tr
ODI 10222682
Rear
Noise coming from rear end of vehicle. Mechanic states both rear bearings are bad. Also states this is a very common problem with 2002 ford explorers. Cost estimate of 700.00-800.00. Problem can lead to wheel falling off vehicle while under way. *tr
ODI 10219049
Automatic Transmission · Rear
2002 ford explorer xlt, car will not shift out of 2nd gear. Over drive off light flashes and shifting stalls. No replacement has happened yet, but seems like everyone else who has had this happen to them needed a transmission rebuild. I don't have the money to shell out for a rebuild. Also 5 months after purchasing the car, i had to replace the rear ball baring hubs and bearings. The total cost was 1,000 dollars…
ODI 10218726
Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · Rear
After normal driving i began to hear a loud grinding and humming noise coming from the rear drivers side tire of my 2002 ford explorer. After going to my mechanic he had said my rear bearing and hub are bad which also made my rear tire unstable. He began to tell me it is a major problem with this vehicle and the bearings, hubs, and brakes were defective due to the fact that they cannot handle the braking load of…
ODI 10218527
Rear
I have a 2002 ford explorer and replaced the right rear wheel bearing in 2004, again in oct. Of 2006, and now in feb. Of 2008. The right front was also replaced in dec. Of 2006. *tr
ODI 10217855
Rear
I purchased my 2002 ford explorer eddie bauer in 2006, there is a roaring sound and from other responses from the internet i see that alot of people are having this same problem and a mechanic that works for ford said that it could be very dangerous and the back wheels could lock up at anytime that is very dangerous to me. Please consider a recall on this for it very important to me and alot of other people. The…
ODI 10222540