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 PER YEAR
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.
25% of complaints: power train — 33 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.
22% of complaints: structure — 29 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and hinge and attachments.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow 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, 20131202
Also filed under VISIBILITY
12% of complaints: visibility — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing glass, side/rear and power window devices and controls.
INJURY6% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front underhood and wiring.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
Suspenion and or traction was and the electrical system didnt work good
NHTSA ODI report, 20250724
Also filed under SUSPENSION and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
6% of complaints: suspension — 8 distinct reports on file, most 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. *TT
NHTSA ODI report, 20020304
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 WILDERN
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.
Campaign 01X001000 — check if this car was fixed
FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER ATTACHMENT
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 TH
Campaign 03V281000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR LIFTGATE GLASS ASSEMBLY
STUCK ENGINE THROTTLE
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
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 S
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.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
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. I
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 TH
Campaign 06V114000 — check if this car was fixed
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, S
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 DEACTIVATION
Campaign 07V336000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE ROLLAWAY ALLEGATIONS
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Ford Explorer Sport — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (33 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 01X001000 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V281000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V114000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V336000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.