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
Heard whining noise when driving between 55 and 70 mph in this vehicle for several months; the whining grew into a faint grinding at lower speeds and then a more major grinding. The differential unit had to be replaced. Apparently the light construction of the explorer differentials causes this problem frequently. *jb
ODI 10110415
Differential Unit
I have a 2002 ford explorer xls which started to experience a whining noise from the rear end shortly after warranty expired. It continued to get worse. The fluid was checked, all o.k. Now at 75,000 miles the rear end has failed. Cost to repair est $1200 - $1500. There appears to be a design or defective part issue. Dealers tell me this is an isolated case, which is not true as i personally know 2 other individuals…
ODI 10113984
Differential Unit
Leaking seal on top cover of rear differential; differential was making noise. It was factory sealed with silicone which is not an acceptable long-term seal due to deterioration. Ford said silicone seals are not covered by warranty but relented after my strident cimplaint. Huge cost ($675) to remove differential which was repaired again with silicone which will not last. This needs to be a re-call as there will be…
ODI 10108275
Differential Unit
Rumbling/howling noise from under rear of vehicle. Dealer diagnosed rear differential failure. There should be a longer life expectancy for this component. *nm
ODI 10107835
Differential Unit
Rear drive axle has excessive gear whine under load from 50-70 mph. *ak
ODI 10112655
Differential Unit
My 2002 ford explorer with 49,000 miles makes a whining sound when i drive above 50 mph which goes away when i take my foot off the gas. It comes back as soon as i press back down on the gas pedal. This has been a problem for a little over one year. It appears to be a pervasive problem with this model. *jb
ODI 10158232
Differential Unit
With normal driving, the differential of my 2002 ford explorer has progressed from humming to a loader roar while driving at all speeds, which i was told was 'normal for fords'. 5,000 miles later i am looking at $1,300.00 to replace the rear differential at my own cost, since fords warranty ran out at a measly 36,000 miles. This is a safety hazard in the fact that if you listen to what dealers and mechanics tell…
ODI 10103023
Differential Unit
Whining noise coming from rear differential. Vehicle has only 44,000 miles. Possible crash if differential locks up at highway speed. Ford says i need to replace entire differential, yet not willing to pay part of the cost. Internet research shows this to be a common problem with 2002 explorer.*ak
ODI 10102246
Differential Unit
I am the original owner of a 2002 ford explorer (eddie bauer). At speeds between 50-70 there is significant noise (roaring) from the rear differential. When i let off the gas, the noise goes away. Currently have 60k miles, but noise started shortly after the vehicle went out of warranty (36k). Thinking that it might be the tires, i replaced all at 40k. Tires made no difference. Took vehicle to dealership and was…
ODI 10100539
Differential Unit · Manual Transmission
I have had the 2002 ford explorer xlt 4x4 for less than 3 years and have driven approximately 47,000 miles. We began having transmission problems about 4 months. The first issue was a whine in the rear end that started at 20mph and got louder until about 60mph. Next the shift between gears started to get rough and there was a delay when shifting into reverse. When we brought it into the dealer they said the…
ODI 10100438
Differential Unit
My 2002 ford explorer had a howling sound in the rear end which was identified as worn out pinion bearings. They decided to replace the rear end but were advised by ford not to replace it with the original factory part number. In fact we were considering a used part and it was recommended to replace the rear end with a totally different part number.*ak
ODI 10093617
Differential Unit
My 2002 explorer has a rear end problem and the vehicle only have 76,000 miles on it, i have put a window switch in it already , window regulator, 2 speed sensors, and some kind of an emmisions part. I should not be having these problems already.*ak
ODI 10096206
Differential Unit
We purchased a 2002 explorer in aug.2002. From day one it had a noise in the rear end that was audible when pressing the accelerator, but would stop when released. We took it to the dealership within a few weeks of the purchase and they told us it was road noise and normal. Since then the noise has gotten louder and we took it to a different dealership today. We were told our differential is goingn bad and needs to…
ODI 10086095
Automatic Transmission · Differential Unit
Beginning late july, 2006 my 2002 ford explorer xlt began exhibiting halting or delayed shifting. After a few days, the o/d warning light came on intermittently and the shifting became noticeably worse. A reading the dtcs codes by multiple sources confirmed that the transmission would have to be rebuilt at a cost of $3,400. A month following this complete rebuild, i now have a major failure in the rear end…
ODI 10167747
Differential Unit
2002 ford explorer rear differential noisy and leaking. I have had my 2002 ford explorer in for repair 5 times in 2 years for noisy (roaring) rear differential at speeds of 55-65mph it only makes the noise when gas pedal is applied. Coasting no noise. The rear differential is also leaking oil. Inion seals have been replaced 5 times, gears. He noise goes away after each repair but comes back after 5-10k miles.…
ODI 10100637
Differential Unit · Rack And Pinion
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated that the differential failed on his vehicle. The component was replaced in july of 2004. The gears in the differential were wearing out quickly and the differential began to leak fluids out of the pinion seal. The contact heard a howling and groaning sound while driving the vehicle 55 mph. He stated that the gear shift lever locked up on many occasions.…
ODI 10197596
Differential Unit
I bought my 2002 explorer in may of 04. It only has 40,000 miles and there is a severe whining noise in the rear-end. It will also jerk and slap sometimes when i let off of the gas. I also put it in 4-wheel drive and if feels and it slaps and jerks like the whole underneath is going to fall out.*ak
ODI 10100951
Differential Unit
Roaring noise in rearend.took to dealer on 01/12/04 at 22,810 miles.tech check and said ford engineers were investigating that i should call back in a month to see if problem solve by engineers.first notice noise in june 2003.vin#[xxx]. *ak *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
ODI 10054561
Differential Unit
Ford explorer 2002 model xlt, 4 dr, [redacted]. At about 30,000 miles,and at speeds above 30 mph, the rear end (differential) started to roar. Thinking that the tires were bad, i have replaced the tires, but did not make any difference. Now, with 70,000 miles, i believe there is a defective design with the differential and it appears to be a common problem with certain ford explorers. I am afraid that if the rear…
ODI 10139445
Differential Unit · Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive)
Purchased new ford explorer in 4/02 in 12/03 with 37100 miles transfer case started grinding and going into gear became difficult. Transfewr case replaced, in 1/04 4x4 computer module malfuntioned and was replaced. In 4/04 grinding from rear differential case,had to be replaced with all internal components.in 5/04 sent detailed letter to william clay ford explaining difficulties with vehicle along with all repair…
ODI 10086067
Clutch Assembly · Differential Unit · Torque Converter
From purchase there was a khkhhhkh noise that my brother noticed. I took it back to the dealer and nothing was found. On the 3rd trip back to the dealer, i was told the transmission shield was loose so they tightened it. The noise continued so i had my neighbor who has a trans shop listen and he said have them look at the torque convertor. The dealer did (34,000 miles), had the car for 14 days and fixed?? It. Its…
ODI 10047213
Air Bags · Automatic Transmission · Differential Unit · Parking Brake · Seat Belts
Problems with the transmission, rear axle and seatbelts. (nar) *mr transmission problem was found out to be a problem in the rear differential. Vehicle was serviced also for parking brake not locking in position. Also, consumer encountered a problem with right rear hatch guide for door pin coming apart, and trim on driver's seat bottom was coming loose. In addition, air bag light on dash kept coming on and stayed…
ODI 10073401
Differential Unit
The rear differential has had an increasingly loud whine at speeds above 45 mph. It was first noticeable at mileage of 30,000. Now at 55,000 miles it has gotten worse. I will have to replace the differential soon, but ford has not engineered an improved rear-end. Therefore the problem will probably reoccur. Many ford explorers (2002-2005 ) have this same problem. This repair should be paid for by ford as a known…
ODI 10138109
Differential Unit
Serious safety and operation issue with the 2002 year ford explorers suv, the rear drive differential is failing, vin#[xxx] is an example at 12,700 miles, serious interstate crash narrowly avoided due to the catastrophic failure of the rear differential.*ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr
ODI 10033466
Differential Unit
High pitch whinning noise in rear end of 2002 ford explorer. Dealer says rear differential gears have defect and i have to pay $1200. Because warranty expired! *nlm
ODI 10023125