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
Loud humming noise coming from the rear of vehicle. Dealer said seals were leaking causing a low fluid situation that caused abnormal wear. Rear differential needs to be replaced. Researching the internet, it seems that this is a common and well know problem with ford explorers and needs to be addressed by the manufacturer. *jb
ODI 10150682
Differential Unit
The rear end has gone out twice now in my 2002 ford explorer. The car has 85,000 miles on it. *nm
ODI 10151077
Differential Unit
Whining noise in rear differential of 2002 ford explorer eddie bauer edition have read many complaints on the web about the same problem. *jb
ODI 10154704
Automatic Transmission · Differential Unit
TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPLACED. *JB
ODI 10197498
Differential Unit
02 ford explorer, rear differential chatters at low rpm/ low speeds, howls at higher speeds. Out of warranty, only 4 years old. Ford said it was harmonic vibration, would be fine. *nm
ODI 10176315
Automatic Transmission · Differential Unit
Rear differential makes a howling noise at highway speeds. Noise goes away when letting off accelerator. It's been reported to dealer many times. This problem is common to explorers of the same year as evidenced by numerous internet forums. Transmission also shudders in 3rd gear, especially when cold. *jb
ODI 10146291
Differential Unit
I have a 2002 ford explorer that has a loud humming/whining sound from the rear differential at speeds 50-70 mph and now has started leaking gear oil from one of the differential axle bearing/seal. I have read many many complaints from others with this same problem on 2002 explorers and believe this is not normal and needs to be addressed/fixed by ford motor company before accidents occur. *jb
ODI 10146156
Differential Unit
I have a 2002 ford explorer, at 30,000 miles i complained about a loud noise coming from the rear end, the dealer service department said it was the tires cupping because i didn't rotate them. At 43,000 miles i replace the tires before they needed to be replaced, the noise was louder. Now at 87,000 miles the noise is even louder and the dealer service department said for a new differential was $1,500. Ford should be…
ODI 10145838
Differential Unit
Rear differential has to be replaced at 63000 miles. All maintenance has been done every 3000 miles! Already replaced transfer case. Also impossible to get into 4wd high.
ODI 10177286
Differential Unit
At 60,000 miles the differential on my 2002 eddie bauer explorer needed to be replaced. It was replaced at dealership. No longer under warranty. After searching the internet, it appears this is a common problem with the 2002 explorer. *jb
ODI 10145538
Differential Unit
Rear end whining noise. Suspect differential and/or pinion gea/bearing. *nm
ODI 10146649
Differential Unit
The now famous whining in the rear differential and the other famous 4x4 module failure. The rear diff has been whining for approx. 18 mos. Now. I'm just waiting for the failure to occur. *jb
ODI 10145788
Differential Unit · Wheels
We own a 2002 ford explorer. It was recently in the shop at 45k miles for a whining noise from the rear differential. The service guy said that they have had quite a few vehicles with this problem. The service manager said he was surprised it didn't start at 12k. We were told we needed to repair the rear differential ring and pinion in order to fix a leak and whining noise from the area. He said we would not…
ODI 10144171
Differential Unit
2002 ford explorer with towing package, two wheel drive. Rear-end whine at 55-60 mph. Many people have this problem and ford is not helping fix it. *jb
ODI 10143586
Differential Unit · Rear
We noticed a humming noise and a small oil leak coming from the rear axle. We took the vehicle to the ford dealer and were informed that the rear differential was in need of repair and that this was a known problem with explorers. We were given a discounted rate for the repair. Two weeks later the left rear wheel bearing went out (with only 59,000 miles) and were told that this had nothing to do with the rear…
ODI 10142780
Differential Unit
2002 ford explorer rear differential has already failed. I am having it replaced by my mechanic. *jb
ODI 10142925
Differential Unit
Rear noise when trying to accelerate. Also fluid leak. *jb
ODI 10142599
Differential Unit
The differential was replaced between 20-25k. The car was taken into today for the yearly state inspection. The differential is now leaking. Car has 43k miles on it. Seems to be a differential every 20k or so miles, which is unacceptable. *jb two weeks ago on the way home from work o/d light started flashing, my , took it to the dealer, transmission solenoid went out, it was fixed. I had been complaining to them…
ODI 10142417
Differential Unit
I have a 2002 ford explorer with 50,000 miles. A while ago a loud, excessive whine noise started coming the rear axle at cruise speed.(50 mph or higher). Brought it into ford dealer and said ring and pinion gear have to be replaced at a cost of $1300. Talked to 2 of my neighbor's with 2002 explorer who have the exact same problem. Obviously a design problem that ford should look into, address and correct.*jb
ODI 10157998
Differential Unit
REAR END IN 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS FAILED. *JB
ODI 10141351
Differential Unit
Rear differential seals leaking oil and whine at road speed on 2002 ford explorer with 51000 miles. Vin [xxx]. *jb updated 07/16/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
ODI 10153174
Differential Unit
There is a whining/ light roar coming from the rear end of my 2002 ford explorer xlt. After much research i have come to conclusion that there is a massive manufacturing defect in the construction of the rear differential used in this model vehicle. *jb
ODI 10144904
Differential Unit
I have a 2002 ford explorer with 56,000 miles on it and the rear differential is starting to whine very loud. It has the 3.73 limited slip differtial. I have talked to other explorer owners and they told me about this site to file a complaint as this seems to be a growing problem. *jb
ODI 10138748
Differential Unit
Rear differential on 2002 explorer started humming at ~45k miles and began roaring ~60k miles. Rear differential started leaking around the time the noise was first heard. Differential now leaks bad and roaring is getting severe at 68k miles. Odd thing is, all this leaking and the lube level has never been low. This is a definite safety issue and should prompt a safety recall due to potential of the differential…
ODI 10160371
Differential Unit
My 2002 ford explorer has a leak from the rear differential. I have had the seals replaced, but the leak persists. I believe there is a defect in the differential-transmission housings. *nm
ODI 10140160