2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 144
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2002
Opened by NHTSA
24% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 144 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 6 |
| 1998 | 5 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 167 |
| 2002 | 144 |
| 2003 | 78 |
| 2004 | 86 |
| 2005 | 66 |
| 2006 | 5 |
| 2007 | 100 |
| 2008 | 23 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2010 | 31 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
24% · 34 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle stalls mostly when shifting from 3RD to 2ND gear. Vehicle has stalled at least 20 times, taken to dealer 8 times. Dealer could not remedy, Ford was buying vehicle back.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-11-23
Engine and engine cooling
16% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an automotive repair shop where a mechanic performed a diagnostic test and detected a malfunction in the emissions control system.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-20
Body mounts on left front of vehicle keep coming loose. Vehicle taken to dealer numerous times, dealer will tighten the body mounts. Ford is buying vehicle back.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-11-23
Electrical system
15% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing wiring and interior/under dash.
Service brakes
14% · 20 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show complaint excerpts
In the morning or whenever damp my front brakes lock up when driving, then stopping..
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-10-30
Vehicle speed control
13% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing cruise control and cables.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, there sudden acceleration and a jerking movement when the gear was shifted. The steering wheel began to move erratically from side to side.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-13
Also filed under Steering
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2001-06-04Tires01X001000 This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Equipment description: Ford is replacing all firestone…
Remedy: The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on March 31, 2002. However, customers can contact Ford at 1-877-917-3673 or go on-line to www.Ford.com for possible assistance.
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2002Complaint volume 144 complaints filed for this model year.
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I
2003-05-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-09-05 Front seat back recliner attachment
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R
2003-08-29Seats03V281000 On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with high back seats, the upper bolt on the driver's side high back seat, that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame, could fracture.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver seat upper bolt with a metal spacer and bolt. In addition, seats with tubular back frames will have the fully threaded lower recliner bolt replaced with a partially…
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I
2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
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R
2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber…
Remedy: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
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R
2007-08-13Vehicle speed control07V336000 On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat…
Remedy: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness. Owners of the passenger cars included in this campaign will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control…
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I
2009-04-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-08-19 Vehicle rollaway allegations
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 34 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 23 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 22 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 01X001000 · Tires
- Recall 03V281000 · Seats
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 07V336000 · Vehicle speed control
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.