2002 Ford Explorer Differential Unit Problems
- 160
- 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.
What owners report
- rear differential · 86 records
- coming rear · 15 records
- whining noise · 14 records
- noise rear · 12 records
- noise coming · 10 records
- needed replaced · 8 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 30–60k mi | 63 |
| 60–100k mi | 44 |
| 1–30k mi | 21 |
| 100–150k mi | 5 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Differential Unit · Power Train
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated that there was a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the rear differential was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The recent vehicle failure was not repaired. The…
ODI 10592435
Differential Unit
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact heard a loud grinding noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. He took the vehicle to a local mechanic and was informed that the bearings and gear of the universal rear differential unit failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired. The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was 75,000 and current mileage was 77,000.
ODI 10269593
Automatic Transmission · Cooling Unit And Lines · Differential Unit · Torque Converter
At 85k miles, under normal driving use/condition, the transmission and rear differential have failed on my 2002 explorer. There are ford tsbs that identify and acknowledge these problems as evident in many of their vehicles, yet refuse to absorb any cost of the $3200 it will take to repair them. The wheel bearings also continually fail at a cost of $500 each, and have been repaired at least 3 times at my own…
ODI 10222167
Differential Unit
Bought my 2002 eddie bauer 4x4 with tow package and v-6 new from the dealer in august 2001. At 45k had to have the rear differential replaced as the vehicle was making the usual "whining" sounds at both low and high speeds. Was told by the dealer that their mechanic would install the part with "tighter specs" and that it should last longer than the original. Yeah right!! At around 75k, the rear diff started leaking.…
ODI 10219339
Differential Unit
Rear end noise on a 2002 ford explorer. Possible rear differential. *tr
ODI 10216733
Differential Unit
Rear end differential problem on 2002 ford explorer. *tr
ODI 10216225
Differential Unit
Whine from rear differential, was fixed once by plantation ford of florida when car was bought used in 2005. Problem is back and was told my mechanic that if not rebuilt it may cause rear end to lockup possibly causing a crash and even death. *tr
ODI 10212001
Automatic Transmission · Differential Unit · Gasoline
Driving on highway at 63 mph and valve spring broke. Valve dropped into piston causing engine failure. Check engine code called for random engine misfire and code was triggered at around 2600 rpm. Prior to engine failure i have been experiencing a shudder when transmission shifts into overdrive. There is also a problem with the clutch pack in the limited slip differential that is causing a shudder when turning right…
ODI 10220432
Differential Unit
Rear differential drivetrain failure. Vehicle mileage 25,000 miles on odometer. [redacted] vehicle, rear differential whine/hum at highway speed. Ford has a tsb 05-23-3 on rear axle noise repair. Took to haldelman ford, hamilton n.j. For service/repair. Cost of repair was $3,600.00. *tr
ODI 10207666
Differential Unit
Whining noise coming from rear differential on 2002 ford explorer. It is apparent that the rear differentials on these vehicles are failing and ford is aware of this but refuses to repair the problem at their expense. *tr
ODI 10207079
Differential Unit · Hub
Rear differential gears had whining noise replaced gears three times...still whining. Front hub bearings making grinding noise at 80,000 miles, told they are 1500 to replace, cant afford repair. Told if the bearings fail when driving at highway speeds could be a serious safty issue. Bearing should not need to be replaced at 80k. Have researched on the web and found this to be a pattern on the 2002 ford explorers.…
ODI 10220280
Differential Unit
I , along with many other owners have logged complaints referring to a noisy differential on the 2002 ford explorer that ultimately results in differential lockup, possibly at highway speed. If you search the complaints associated with the 2002 ford explorer rear differential logged on this website you will notice over 50 complaints regarding the premature failure of this unit on these vehicles. In addition ford has…
ODI 10204094
Differential Unit · Torque Converter
I have been driving a 2002 explorer for about 4 years now. I am currently experiencing a major transmission problem, and just found out last weekend that the rear differential was going out. Now, i don't know much about cars so i rely on others, but when 3 different mechanics repeatedly told me that the rear differential was going out, i think that means something is wrong. I would never have guessed that a…
ODI 10204384
Differential Unit
There has not been any accidents, yet. But the rear differential in the 2002 ford explorer will eventually fail causing the rear end to lock up and the vehicle be uncontrollable. Many consumers have had to fix and replace the parts at low mileage and ford is aware of the problem, but refuses to voluntarily recall the parts. The rear differential seals go bad and cause it to leak. There is then what sounds like road…
ODI 10202139
Differential Unit
Complete rear differential failure, complete lockup of wheels, started with whining from rear end on 2002 ford explorer 4wd with only 84,000 miles. *tr
ODI 10200736
Differential Unit
Purchased used 2002 ford explorer from original owner. After inspecting vehicle good, i found that the rear differential was leaking and fluid very dirty; appears to have metal filings. Can hear loud rumble and whine while driving. I unerstand that cost is about $1,600 to repair. I also understand now that this is a serious problem with 2002 and 2003 ford explorers, and that ford is well aware of this. I am…
ODI 10199034
Differential Unit
2002 ford explorer xlt, about 62000 miles. Differential noise started about 2 months ago along with a right axle seal leak. Noise is speed relational, starts at about 30 mph and increases in frequency linearly with speed. Noise level also increases with increasing speed. Differential, although leaking slightly, still makes same noise when topped off with synthetic differential fluid. Through research i have…
ODI 10197721
Differential Unit
REAR DIFFERENTIAL SEAL BAD. *TR
ODI 10197590
Differential Unit
At 95,000 miles there was a rear end howl at speeds between 50-75 mph. I e-mailed a complaint to ford motor corp. And asked if they could fix it. They replied that there wasn't anything they could do. *jb
ODI 10197543
Differential Unit
My vehicle has a loud humming noise when accelerating at any speed. The mechanics at the ford garage say the rear differential needs repairs. I had other work done that day due to the loud road noise. I had a wheel bearing replaced, but still have a lot of noise. They said the repair could wait awhile(their suggestion due to the already large expense) i had this same repair done in 2006 and 2005. *jb
ODI 10198234
Differential Unit
I first purchased my 2002 ford explorer in july of 2004. At that time i had the ford dealership in swainsboro repair the rear end due to a grinding noise that is emitted when the accelerator is applied. The vehicle had approximately 60,000 miles on it. Now, the vehicle has 105,000 miles and the noise has returned and is worse than ever.
ODI 10192524
Differential Unit
2002 ford explorer with 75000 miles. During normal driving began to hear a howling/grinding sound from the rear axle. Seemed to be a rear differential problem that was a very common among 2002-2004 ford explorers. No recall has been issued. *ak
ODI 10191394
Differential Unit
2002 ford explorer 75000 miles ,has rear end noise when between 55-70 mph. *ak
ODI 10190867
Differential Unit
2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR END WHINES. *AK
ODI 10191785
Differential Unit
I bought a 2002 ford explorer 4x4 new. After 30,000 miles the rear gasket was leaking. Was fixed under warranty. 50,000 miles later it was leaking again. Came to find out it was the seals leaking. After tearing into it needed new gear set, traction clutches and bearing failed. Was this the problem to begin with? Why with such a common failure were we, the owners, not notified? There was also slipping and popping…
ODI 10190513