2002 Chevrolet Explorer problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Air Bags (2) · Tires:tread/Belt (1) · Structure:body:door (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Chevrolet Explorer model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (62)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2025-07-18 · PIP5601C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this pi communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from tac.
Electrical System 2024-08-26 · General Communication · Service Campaign
vehicle wide programming (vwp) is a new process to update software on gm vehicles. it provides the ability via a single selection within techline connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). the updating of modules is com
Power Train 2024-07-24 · 24-NA-141 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
gm is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. the damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. this bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions durin
Fuel/Propulsion System 2024-06-28 · 16-NA-383 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, crank no start, extended crank or misfire, mil with dtcs, and explains how top tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
Unknown Or Other 2024-06-17 · 18-NA-099 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin provides information for use on a product assistance claim (pac), which is formerly known as a product allegation resolution (par) claim.
Electrical System 2024-06-06 · 24-NA-098 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on service programming system (sps) error codes e4398, e4399, e4401, e4403, m4404, m4413, m6954, m6955, e4414, e4423, e4491, e4492, or e6961 and resolution information.
Showing the 6 most recent of 62 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2004-01-26 · Power Train:automatic Transmission · 30,000 mi“the vehicles automatic transmission sticks in the gear it's currently in or hesitates when changing gear. the dealership replaced parts in attempt to correct the problem, but the problem still exist. please provide any additional information. *nm…”
2003-08-14 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip“while applying the brakes and without prior warning abs braking light appears on the dashboard. *ak…”
2003-04-09 · Steering:linkages:knuckle:spindle:arm“the vehicle pulled violently to the right and the right wheel spindle dropped off which caused loss of control and an accident. *nlm…”
2003-02-21 · Structure:body:door“the inside door pad had fallen out the plastic material. *jb…”
2003-01-08 · Tires:tread/Belt“consumer states while driving 55mph right rear tire had tread separation. ts…”
2002-10-17 · Air Bags · 💥 crash“consumer states that when hit in the front center of the vehicle the air bag did not deploy causing minor injuries to the consumer. dealer notified. ts…”
2002-07-22 · Air Bags“while driving airbag light stays on , and can be useless in event of a crash. cause unknown. dealer notified.*ak…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.