2002 Ford Explorer Sport problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Power Train:automatic Transmission (17) · Structure:body:hatchback/Liftgate:hinge And Attachments (8) · Visibility:glass, Side/Rear (7)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Ford Explorer Sport model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
101 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (102)
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.
Steering 2005-10-07 · 0427 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
steering shudder during low speed maneuvers - 4.0l engine. *tt
Fuel System, Other 2005-07-01 · 18719 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
malfunction indicator lamp coming on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0171, p0172, p0174 and/or p0175 (fuel system too rich or lean). *tt
Seat Belts:front:retractor 2005-06-07 · 042421 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
safety belt retraction speed. *tt
Power Train:axle Assembly 2005-04-01 · 030508 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4x4 or awd. *tt
Seat Belts 2005-02-21 · 05310 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
safety belt web stop button service. *eh
Suspension:front 2004-12-13 · 042419 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
revised procedure for adjusting alignment on all suspensions - new right hand upper control arm design for torsion bar front suspensions. *tt
Showing the 6 most recent of 102 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2025-07-24 · Unknown Or Other“suspenion and or traction was and the electrical system didnt work good…”
2017-11-13 · Unknown Or Other · 80,000 mi“rear window hinges failed on one side of the vehicle requiring both hinges that holds the rear window glass in place to be replaced. dealer was able to repair hinges but the rear window is now unable to be opened due to latch being damaged by hinges and dealer informed me that they could not fix the latch that was attached to the rear window. they …”
2017-10-12 · Unknown Or Other · 155,000 mi“i went to open my back window and it broke i have had many other problems with my suv i was parked in a parking lot…”
2017-03-31 · Structure:body · 142,000 mi“rear window exploded overnight while parked in driveway. we live in southern ca and it was a rare cold night with lows in the 30's. security camera's verified no one or no object damaged the window. it just exploded while parked the glass was strewn across a 3 car driveway.…”
2017-03-07 · Structure:body“body mounts have deteriorated , mechanics i have had look at this said , should never happen , is unsafe and they see it all the time on this year and model also have learned that this problem cause windshield to crack when i applied hard breaking.…”
2017-02-08 · Structure:body · 89,000 mi“ford explorer cracked read panel…”
2016-11-19 · Structure:body · 77,816 mi“i noticed the rear window lift gate was slightly ajar, so i closed it, and suddenly the hinge bracket on the right side, connecting the window at the roof, popped loose, extending the window lift support, making it now impossible to close the back lift gate glass. i checked into the issue, and found a recall, campaign # 04v442000. this hinge has ne…”
2016-10-29 · Electrical System · 67,000 mi“after adjusting steering wheal up and down the harness was broken due to short harness under dash i didn't notice it until the electrical sys failed…”
2015-09-13 · Power Train · 110,000 mi“the transmission of our 2002 explorer started slipping, jumping, jerking' surging, refusing to shift, shifting slowly and other associated things approximately 4 years ago. there is no consistency, it does it whenever it wants, regardless of the speed, outside temperature, driving distance. i feel ford owes me a new, redesigned transmission with …”
2015-05-01 · Latches/Locks/Linkages · 50,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer sport. the contact stated that both rear interior child locks failed in the locked position. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the dealer stated this was a normal occurrence. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.