2002 Ford Explorer Sport
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
- 133
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 5
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2002
Opened by NHTSA
25% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 133 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1997 | 37 |
| 1998 | 121 |
| 1999 | 93 |
| 2000 | 71 |
| 2001 | 188 |
| 2002 | 133 |
| 2003 | 65 |
| 2004 | 18 |
| 2005 | 5 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
25% · 33 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.
Structure
22% · 29 reportsMost commonly citing body and hinge and attachments.
Show complaint excerpts
The Ford Explorer Sport has a rear hatch that includes a glass section that has the ability to be opened to load items into the trunk area of the vehicle. Three separate times the rear windshield has blown out as it has been opened / closed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-12-02
Also filed under Visibility
Visibility
12% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing glass, side/rear and power window devices and controls.
Electrical system
6% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing front underhood and wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
Suspenion and or traction was and the electrical system didnt work good
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-07-24
Also filed under Suspension
Suspension
6% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing rear and hub.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving, vehicle would sway left to right. Took to dealer and dealer indicated rear axle tube was crooked.*ak consumer test drove vehicle prior to purchase and had mentioned to dealer that the vehicle swayed at highway speeds.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-03-04
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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 133 complaints filed for this model year.
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2003-05-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-09-05 Front seat back recliner attachment
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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
2004-06-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-09-28 Rear liftgate glass assembly
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2005-07-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-11-02 Stuck engine throttle
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2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
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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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2006-04-10Seats06V114000 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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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 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 33 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 29 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 16 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 01X001000 · Tires
- Recall 03V281000 · Seats
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06V114000 · Seats
- Recall 07V336000 · Vehicle speed control
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport have?
- 5 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.