2002 Ford Explorer Structure Problems
- 38
- 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.
Among these 38 stored complaint records:
- 1 indicate a crash
- 5 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
- 1 indicate a death
What owners report
- rear window · 13 records
- lift gate · 7 records
- back window · 7 records
- rear lift · 5 records
- crack rear · 4 records
- liftgate hinge · 4 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 60–100k mi | 13 |
| 100–150k mi | 7 |
| 30–60k mi | 4 |
| 1–30k mi | 2 |
| 150–400k mi | 1 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Structure · Visibility
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated that while parked, the rear hatch window was closed and it shattered. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,000. The consumer stated after the window was replaced, she received a recall letter for the exact issue. Updated 03/21/16.*jb
ODI 10806733
Structure · Visibility/Wiper
Crack in rear lift gate panel that led to shattered rear window upon normal closing. *tr
ODI 10651968
Power Train · Structure
I purchased this to use as a second vehicle for camping trips so the mileage on it is very low for its age. Suddenly one day of normal local driving, the o/d light started flashing and the vehicle started to run very rough. It couldn't seem to accelerate and rpms were high. I had to drive home with emergency flashers on since the car felt like it was going to die any moment. Since o/d flashing means something with…
ODI 10627112
Electrical System · Structure
The 2002 ford explorer has a design flaw such that the rear panel cracks. When moisture gets in it causes electrical problems. The six problems experiences on this explorer are as follows: 1) false "door ajar" indicator 2) rear window wiper no longer worked 3) dead battery 4) back-up warning signals no longer work 5) rear window can no longer open 6) brake lights won't turn off even after the engine is turned off.…
ODI 10548513
Body · Structure
The liftgate hinge fractured allowing the glass to fall nearly breaking my hand. This hinge was recalled by nhtsa campaign id number 04v442000 / ford recall no. 04s20. In contacting customer service tonight on a ford transmission issue, i discovered the previous hinge recall and they indicated that hinge had been replace once in 2004 and it was my bad luck that it failed a second time. They would make no restitution…
ODI 10546673
Structure · Visibility/Wiper
We opened the rear window to get something out of the trunk, lifted the window and the window exploded and crashed on my husband's head. It seems as if the hydrolics failed on each side of the rear window. Glass just shattered and was everywhere. My husband's hands were cut and his head was banged up. *tr
1 injury
ODI 10497794
Structure · Vehicle Speed Control
Car leaking unknown fluids .. There are outstanding recalls on my vehicle. Recall id 09509. *tr
ODI 10534700
Structure
The trunk of my vehicle has developed a sizable crack in the rear panel only through normal use. I have seen this on a number of other similar vehicles and know it is not only me with this problem. *tr
ODI 10437339
Structure
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact noticed that the lift gate panel was cracked. The manufacturer was aware of the failure; however, informed the contact that there were no related recalls and offered no additional assistance. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who informed the contact that the entire lift gate needed to be replaced. The current and failure mileages were 154,000.
ODI 10382736
Structure
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The vehicle was parked when the contact noticed a large crack on the rear lift gate. The crack was located directly under the rear lift gate window. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have the failure diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 60,000.
ODI 10378773
Structure
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. While the vehicle was parked when she noticed a large crack in the rear lift gate, directly below the rear window. The failure was not diagnosed by a dealer or repaired. The failure and current mileages were 92,000. Updated05/04/11 *bf updated 05/09/11
ODI 10369672
Structure
My ford 2002 explorer has excessive bubbling and peeling of paint on the front edge of the hood. Reported three times to ford only to be told, "not covered by my warranty". Seen hundreds of similar complaints on internet. *tr
ODI 10365881
Structure
Vehicle recalled for a part causing engine fires. Transmission failure, makes the vehicle unable to shift cost of repair i cannot afford at this time ( new is $ 3000 ). *tr
ODI 10369808
Structure · Visibility
Re nhtsa # 04v-442. 2002 ford explorer. Liftgate glass hinge sheared and glass fell on me. I was told by service dept that ford recall 04s20 (performed in 2004) was only warranteed for 1 year, so i purchased new hinge kit (2l2z-78420a68-aa) and installed myself. After examining old parts, i noticed significant redesign. After discussion with a ford service manager it appears that initial recall repairs were…
ODI 10339722
Automatic Transmission · Structure
I have 2 issues with my 2002 ford explorer..the first issue is with the transmission. I bought this last year and took it back to where i bought it 2 days later and they had the transmission shop they deal with look at it and was told there's nothing wrong. When i go to put it in drive or reverse the vehicle wont move. Once i start driving the transmission keeps slipping and when stopped at red light or stop sign i…
ODI 10379467
Structure · Visibility
2002 ford explorer rear window - the hinges or the slides on the side did not hold the window up for the window section of the rear door. While parked, the glass door came down onto the head of a person, the glass in the window exploded hitting the person in the head, causing the person to fall backwards into the bottom frame of the rear window assembly. The person suffered a large knot on their head and glass cuts.…
1 injury
ODI 10297979
Structure
The back plastic panel under the rear window of my ford explorer 2002 cracked for no reason. I noticed that many ford and mercury have the same problem - this is a defect. *tr
ODI 10255103
Structure
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. When the contact closed the rear hatch, the left hinge failed and the glass shattered. Nhsta campaign id number 04v442000 (structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge and attachments) was referenced. The insurance agency was notified, but the manufacturer was not. The failure and current mileages were 124,996.
ODI 10250090
Structure
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated that when he lifted the liftgate on the rear of the vehicle, it would only hold for a few seconds before coming back down. The failure occurred on several occasions, one of which injured the contact's back. The manufacturer stated that they would not assist with the repairs because the failure was not deemed as a safety related defect. The failure mileage…
1 injury
ODI 10249932
Structure
2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR HATCH HAS A CRACK IN IT. *TR
ODI 10249383
Structure
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. While attempting to close the rear door, the rear liftgate and hinge on the top left side became loose. The rear glass fell out and shattered all over the contact and her child. She took the vehicle to her mechanic and was notified of nhtsa campaign id number 04v442000 (structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge and attachments). She called ford and was informed that her vin…
ODI 10245077
Structure
I have problems closing the back window. Yesterday i was simply trying to close the back window, then about 1/3 way down out of no where the back window shattered all over me for the second time! Very dangerous, especially around children. (good thing my children were about 15ft away, but they witness the whole thing). The first time the window shattered, it was maybe around 2004-05. (i can verify upon request).…
ODI 10232240
Fuel System, Gasoline · Structure
The fuel system on my ford explorer went out completely at 40,000 miles. Also, the black panels between the windows are faded and peeling. *tr
ODI 10226670
Rear Window Wiper/Washer · Structure
Right below the rear window cracked from window down to the bottom of door. (top half) i thought at first that someone must have tried to break in using a pry bar. Went through the car wash and when i came out i noticed the crack. Pissed me right off..i hate driving damaged cars.. This was not called for..why did it crack? *tr
ODI 10238899
Structure
Panel on the rear upper hatch cracked with a very loud pop startling me the panel has not been fixed yet ford wants $500 for the minor fix. *tr
ODI 10330726