2002 Ford Explorer Suspension Problems
- 113
- 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 113 stored complaint records:
- 1 indicate a crash
- 0 indicate injury
- 1 indicate fire
What owners report
- Rear · 2 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 60–100k mi | 37 |
| 100–150k mi | 21 |
| 30–60k mi | 15 |
| 150–400k mi | 9 |
| 1–30k mi | 5 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Suspension · Unknown Or Other
While inspecting the left, rear wheel bearing a broken spring was found. It was determined that the wheel bearing was also in a stage of failure. A load noise like the vehicle had "truck tires" was coming from the rear. The spring was fractured at the top in multiple places and partially collapsed
ODI 10380492
Suspension
I've had to replace two ball bearings in my 2002 ford explorer xls. First the back left and now the back right. With the latest, the back left, the tire on the back left was almost seizing up from the problem and my car was leading to the left and right from the grinding. *tr
ODI 10375272
Suspension
2002 ford explorer hub assembly/wheel bearing failure. The left rear tire completely locked up and had to be towed. Upon inspection the bearing had ripped apart so bad you could see the metal coming out of the rear side of the tire, where the axle shaft connects. In addition to that, right rear hub assembly was very loose and had to be replaced. 2 weeks later, the front left hub is so bad that it's roaring and…
ODI 10375537
Suspension
I went to perform brake pad replacement and found passenger side rear coil spring broken. When i got around to the drivers side to no avail that rear coil spring is broken as well. *tr
ODI 10433886
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
Steering · Suspension · Wheels
I was driving in town at approximately 30 mph when i drove over a crack and it felt like a large pothole. I heard a grinding noise and pulled over. My rear springs were both broken. The driver side one at the top and the passenger side one at the top in 3 places. When i turn now it feels like my vehicle is going to roll over. This is a common problem as stated by many others on many internet sites. This is going to…
ODI 10433533
Automatic Transmission · Suspension · Wheels
Ford 2002 explorer xlt limited. I have had a myriad of issues, which upon research appear common to the extreme. Front & rear bearings have been replaced multiple times. Springs had to be replaced. Now the transmission is slipping -- o/d light blinks, ses light activates, and vehicles over-revs, slips, and will not operate in overdrive. The transmission design is completely sealed, so i cannot even check for fluid…
ODI 10326956
Automatic Transmission · Suspension
I have a 2002 ford explorer. I bought ti used with 64,000 miles on it. Replaced both rear wheel bearings. I have also replaced all struts and coils springs. I have an engine light on for a intake gasket problem. Then on my way home from work today my o/d light came on. My truck has 130,000 miles on it. Before i purchased explorer i found out it was in a rear end accident. *tr
ODI 10313359
Automatic Transmission · Equipment · Suspension
Event/situation: hesitates and chokes at 40-45 miles per hour when trying to accelerate, along with a slight rubbing sensation felt through the steering wheel and gas peddle. They advised replacing the upper ball joints. They also stated a weak battery which was replaced. This did seem to fix various faulty false electrical issues: interior lights staying on and false light/dashboard readings. Faulty transmission,…
ODI 10308749
Suspension
Rear coil springs broke and had to be replaced ford would not warrenty. *tt
ODI 10432816
Suspension · Wheels
My first occurrence was approximately sept 2008 when i pulled into a driveway and felt an odd bump upon leaving the vehicle was wobbling when i stopped and took the cap off of the lug nuts i noticed the studs where broken on the drivers side rear. Thought we had it fixed by having the studs replaced. Wrong about 2 months later it happened again. Was told the hub and bearing needed replaced so we replaced them. Upon…
ODI 10311223
Steering · Suspension
Have a 2002 ford explorer have had several problems, but while i was out driving today my car began to pop as i turned the wheel. I have gotten my tie rods replaced and there seems to continue to be a problem with my vehicle. My husband drove the car home for me slowly but will not drive for fear that the wheel may pop off. Contacted ford and am waiting on a response, this problem has been noted on the internet by…
ODI 10283681
Suspension
Noticed a noise from rear of vehicle. Upon inspection, i found both rear coil springs were broken. Springs were replaced with new. Old parts have been disposed of but do have photos. *tr
ODI 10281131
Suspension · Wheels
I have had troubles with the wheel ends on my ford since i bought it in 2005. I didn't realize the problems that i am having are common in this vehicle. I started noticing more brake dust on some of the wheels than others. Then on my rear/passengers tire i hear a squeaking, grinding noise with a little wabble in the wheel. Take it back to the dealer -said they grinded something down. Didn't hear the noise anymore.…
ODI 10284681
Suspension · Wheels
Flat tire; after taking tire off i noticed that the coil spring was broken in half and the wheel bearing was bad, causing the wheel to wobble. There was no apparent reason for the part failures. After consulting others with the same vehicle type this is a very common problem for 2002 ford explorers - wheel bearings and coil spring failure. Ford may want to recall these before it causes accidents. *tr
ODI 10272542
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Suspension
Heard a grinding noise coming from the rear of the vehicle, had brakes changed, noise continued. Found out it was the driver side wheel bearing and the passenger side front both going bad. Repairs not done too expensive. *tr
ODI 10269570
Suspension
Have had several incidents with my ford explorer attempting to run off parkway at 65 mph after wheel bearing failure. Have had to replace wheel bearings 6 times from 100,000 to 102,000 miles.this problem is extremely dangerous due to failure of control of vehicle with no prior notice of any mechanical problems concerning the bearings until complete failure . Even the replacement parts after installation have failed…
ODI 10261528
Automatic Transmission · Suspension
O/d light began flashing diving on a major highway - rpm's ran at 3rpm's no matter what speed i traveled. Transmission shifts very hard and i am experiencing a terrible clunking noise - piece of'!@#$% transmission - will have to replace the transmission according to the dealer and i have heard it is happening very frequently with the 2002 explorers. *tr
ODI 10258909
Suspension · Wheels
Had to have both front wheel bearings replaced. *tr
ODI 10256559
Suspension
Brought my 2002 explorer (59k miles) to dealer for repair and was informed i had a broken rear spring. On discussion board on-line found allot of other people with same problem. Very costly to fix can't understand why spring would break on low mileage vehicle. *tr
ODI 10243971
Equipment · Suspension
Wheel bearings on 2002 ford explorer are wearing out without any notice. I never had a car that experienced this issue. This is a sever problem as i drive my small children around in. Knowing that a wheel could eventually come off scares the life out of me. There is no recall from as this is a manufacture defect. *tr
ODI 10245171
Suspension
Premature failure of all four wheel bearings in my 2002 ford explorer as well as the pinion gear and clutch packs with less than 50,000 miles. *tr
ODI 10244262
Air Bags · Suspension
2002 ford explorer, wheel bearings went out (pre-maturely as on thousands of this model car)and airbag disconnected (ford made cable too short under driver's seat.) lucky we caught it before wheel flew off and airbag didn't deploy! *tr
ODI 10244226
Driveline · Suspension
I'm reading many, many, many and multiple complaints about the same things for the 2002 ford explorer. Mainly the wheel bearings going which can cause the wheels to fall off with the potential for severe injury or death and the rear differential going out. Ford needs to recall these vehicles and fix this matter! *tr
ODI 10236589
Suspension
Wheel bearings eroded after only 75k miles; tires in danger of falling off. *tr
ODI 10235856