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
My 2002 ford explorer rear end started whining around 45000 miles. I took it to the dealer and they said that the rear end needed to be replaced with a cost of $2000. I decided not to have the work done at that time. They said that it would get louder as time goes by. It now has 65920 miles and the whine is a little louder. I have owned a lot of automobiles , mostly fords and this is the 1st one that had the rear…
ODI 10136048
Axle Assembly · Differential Unit · Engine And Engine Cooling · Rack And Pinion · Suspension
Abs light came on at 19,518 miles, 22,071 miles, and 27,078 miles. More importantly, however, are my issues with the 2002 explorer rear end. 10/1/03: 27,078 miles abs light came on, the dealer replaced the assembly. Rear differential was leaking, dealer replaced the seals. 7/28/04: 40,541 miles rear end leaking again. Half shafts were worn. Rear locking diff was slipping. The dealer had to replace both halfshafts,…
ODI 10133133
Differential Unit
Vehicle developed a loud whining noise in the rear end at approx 25000 miles. Noise occurred at all speeds. It went away when accelerator pedal was released. Dealer replaced the differential. Noise returned immediately, but only at speeds between 48mph and 68mph. Dealer is now replacing the entire driveshaft. One service assistant indicated other explorers had similar problems. According to dealer, ford has issued…
ODI 10031171
Axle Shaft · Differential Unit
The initial problem with the rear-end differential unit was a whining noise which the ford dealer's service rep. Identified and immediately said it should be replaced. The new rear-end unit did not whine but within 3 1/2 months a vibration started and was returned to the dealer for a total of 6 different occasions to repair or fix this problem. Both the left and right rear axles were also replaced and another rear…
ODI 10049338
Differential Proportional Valve · Differential Unit
While driving at a slow speed the rear left axle started smoking and became red hot. The paint also peeled off. The vehicle was towed to the dealership who indicated that the rear left brake had locked up. The brake was replaced. The rear differential seal was leaking also. The seal and fluid was replaced. Since the brake failure there was a whining noise in the rear axle at speeds off 50-55 mph. *jb
ODI 10101559
Axle Shaft · Differential Unit
Vehicle purchased new, had a pinion noice in rear differential since purchased. Dealer changed rear differential and a week later it developed a leak due to blown axle seal. Rear differential then developed a noise when accelerating into a turn from a stoped position. Dealer added an additive to rear for limited slip unit. Noise is still there on turns but is very light. All this has occured since purchased new and…
ODI 10037468
Differential Unit
Vehicle has a resonance humming/ringing noise coming from the rear differential that increases with speed. Also has what appears to be slight drivetrain vibration as well. This problem was also noted in an editors review of the 2002 explorer for edmunds. Rear differential was replaced in may 2003, but the problem has persisited. Was told by the rear end technician at the ford dealer that it was being caused by the…
ODI 10028621
Differential Unit
Noisy differential. Constant whining around 50 mph and up. Reluctant to report to dealer for indications of lack of response cited by other complainants. Living with problem until diff fails! *nm
ODI 10151623
Control Module (Tcm, Pcm) · Differential Unit
Module that controls the "control trac" 4-wheel drive system, failed at 3000 miles causing system to assume rear wheels were slipping. This caused the system to intermittently cycle the front wheel drive to assist even though rear tires were not losing traction. Owner complained to dealership 4 previous times of control trac problems, but dealership did not admit problem (told owner everything was fine with drive…
ODI 763655
Automatic Transmission · Differential Unit
With in the first year of having my vehicle i had to have 2 transmission repairs. Within the next year it was done again and then i started to complain about noises and a thumping coming from the rear during acceleration. I now know that the thumping is due to the rear differential and axle needing repairs. Now the vehicle is out of warranty and this is going to cost me about $1,000.00 not to mention that i have had…
ODI 10228952