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 · Navigational System(Global Positioning System) · Visibility
2002 ford explorer rear differential clutch part failure. Consumer wants assistance from ford to cover the repairs. *nj the consumer stated numerous parts failed on the vehicle. Those failures included: the differential compass, hvac blower motor, one of the rear window lift motors and one of the seals on the rear differential failed. *jb
ODI 10240390
Differential Unit
2002 ford explorer 43k - rear tires shudder and feel like they are binding during turns. The inside tire spins/stops/spins as if the rear diff were locked. Repair shop can not isolate any problem - changed fluid, replaced 4x4 switch, problem persists. They are considering replacing the entire unit. *jb
ODI 10146724
Differential Unit
2002 explorer, 50,000 miles loud noise coming from rear end (differential) at speed above 40 mph. From internet research i've read where many others are reporting similar noises. Dealer quotes $1500-1700 to replace rear end. *jb
ODI 10135836
Differential Unit
2002 ford explorer....rear end noise. Returned 3 times to deal for correction. After the 3rd time, the problem seemed to be corrected...10,000 miles later, the problem returned after warranty expired. Deal claimed that since the warranty expired, it is my responsibility to pay for repair. *nm
ODI 10148322
Differential Unit
There has been a load humming noise from the rear differential since 42000 miles. *jb
ODI 10137024
Differential Unit
2002 ford explorer, rear end whining, replaced for the second time. First time at 48k miles. Now again at 57k. Should be a recall on this issue. *jb
ODI 10134468
Differential Unit
2002 ford explorer has transmission shifting problems and whine from rear differential. Out of factory warranty. Dealer has to replace rear end at my cost. No way a differential should go out at 48,000 miles. Do not know if transmission problems will be solved at this time. *jb
ODI 10134384
Differential Unit
Loud humming noise coming from read end on 2002 ford explorer at speeds of 40+mph...read alot of coplaints, seems to be a differential problem in the 1200-1500 dollar range.
ODI 10133879
Automatic Transmission · Differential Unit · Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch
2002 ford explorer xlt transmission problems. Shifting from park to reverse causes a loud clunking noise and the vehicle jerks forward. There is also a problem with the transmission shifting when driving the vehicle. *tr
ODI 10134055
Differential Unit · Rear
I bought my explorer brand new in may 2002. I have had problems with the rear end differential twice, rear end sensor, and my latest problem is the rear end sealer (pinion). All within 3 years of owning the vehicle. *jb
ODI 10144478
Differential Unit · Driveshaft
I am the original owner of a 2002 ford explorer. It makes a humming noise when driving at a speed between 30 and 55 mph; additionally the differential leaks as well. The ford dealer told me it costs around $1,500 to replace. I have heard numerous complaints for other explorer owners on this very same problem, yet ford refuses to admit there is anything wrong with the part. I think it is time for a recall. *jb
ODI 10139108
Automatic Transmission · Differential Unit
1) began with whirling noise coming from rear end, ended with a leaking rear end component. Both rear end pinion seals replaced,new synthetic oil added and re-packed with all new gaskets.(new seals were ordered directly from ford) i was told that these particular parts were not available in aftermarket. *nm
ODI 10130542
Differential Unit
Differential failed; repaired under original factory new vehicle warranrty. Differential failed again, 9000 miles later, when vehicle was out of original warranty. Dealer wants $825.00 to replace the exact same parts again in the differential.
ODI 10129843
Differential Unit
2002 ford explorer xlt. Whining noise from rear differential. Whining goes away if pressure is reduced from accelerator. There was some leaking of rear differential fluid around driveshaft pinion seal, it was fixed (ford repair said it would also fix the noise, it didn't!) i have uncovered many other 2002 explorer owners with similar rear differential issues. Would seem that since there are many others having the…
ODI 10164665
Automatic Transmission · Differential Unit
2002 ford explorer [xxx] transmisssion not shifting properly. Rear end noisy at 40 mph. Not repaired. *jb updated 07/19/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
ODI 10131685
Differential Unit
Rear end on my 2002 ford explorer is roaring and leaking fluid.
ODI 10126591
Differential Unit · Manual Transmission
The complaint is directed at a widely known manufacturing defect in 2002 ford explorers involving the drive train. The problem surfaces just before the 36k warranty period and begins as a whine in the rear differential. The whine gets worse over time and at this writing my local ford dealership has had parts on order for 3 weeks with no definitive delivery date. My explorer has 40k miles and just ran out of the 3yr…
ODI 10136859
Differential Unit
Vehicle has 78,000 miles, rear axle half shaft seal leaks at differential and there is a loud "whine' or "hum" while accelerating, noise stops when you let off gas. I have read numerous similar complaints and feel this is a manufacters defect.
ODI 10120918
Differential Unit
NOISE IN DIFFERENTIAL. *JB
ODI 10186502
Differential Unit
THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL LEAKS. *NM
ODI 10137512
Differential Unit
There is a whining noise in my 2002 ford explorer coming from the rear differential. I occurs between 40-65 mph. It quits when i let off the gas. I am worried that the rear differential (the source of the noise) will soon lockup when i am driving on the highway, possibly causing an accident.
ODI 10122442
Differential Unit
I noticed some vibration/shuttering when accelerating in the rear end of my 2002 explorer in april, 2005. The local dealer's service department diagnosed the problem as needing to replace the clutch pack for the rear axle (which they said would cause shuttering when turning) and to replace the tires. I put new tires on the rear which did nothing for the shuttering and in addition i could now hear a loud humming upon…
ODI 10123777
Differential Unit
Differential hums at 55-75 mph. 50,000 miles on vehicle hum started after warranty period expired. Read that many owners with the same year explorer 2002 are experiencing the same problem. Ford should be recalling/repairing this problem free of charge because it is clearly a factory defect. *ak
ODI 10113961
Differential Unit · Driveshaft · Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive)
Drivetrain problems (rear differential, front driveshaft, transfer case). 1. Rear differential making whining noise. This was worked on twice with the pinion bearings replaced. Differential still making whining noise at first between 55-60 mph and now is making this noise anywhere from 45 - 70 mph. Vehicle was referred to local ford dealership. Was told that the pinion ring gear needed replacement. Have ford…
ODI 10147744
Differential Unit
So i bought a used 2002 ford explorer (v6) and immediately had a loud vibration coming from the rear end. The mechanic knew what it was before i finished the first sentence. He informed me that i was his fourth 02 explorer this year for the same problem. He further indicated that, in his opinion, using light weight aluminum alloy for the rear end was a very poor design choice. The repairs were made, and, just out of…
ODI 10134447