2002 Ford Explorer Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2002 Ford Explorer recalls

Most common 2002 Ford Explorer problems

Problem areas named in the 3,295 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	1,584
Structure	490
Suspension	461
Engine And Engine Cooling	165
Air Bags	164
Steering	158
Vehicle Speed Control	157
Electrical System	151
Visibility	132
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	93

What owners report

2026-09-09, Suspension
The rear toe arms came unhinged or disconnected from their placement and sank down to continuously rub a groove in the inner rim. The suspension was affected, the steering was effecting especially when turning, it made the brakes stick, and made loud crunching and rolling noises. It is quite frankly dangerous. It was through no fault of mine that this happened, just weak design. I took it to a shop and they charged me all my money, but nothing was fixed.

2026-07-20, Air Bags
I was driving down the road and my airbag instantly deployed in my face without cause or notice. I became completely disoriented as it hit my hand and face with severe force and was extremely loud and shocking. I thank God that I had just let off the gas and didn't hurt anyone else. If I had panicked or was going through an intersection, experiencing a turn, coming to a stop, or someone in front of me stopped I could have struck another vehicle or object and caused death or injuries. I have not brought the vehicle anywhere to be checked out yet. My insurance refuses to cover it. There were no warning signs of this airbag deployment.

2025-07-09, Structure
September 2, 2023 at about 6 pm I pulled over to grab a couple water bottles from the rear of my 2002 Ford Explorer Sport cause my engine was overheating. I got out walked to the rear of my vehicle pushed my unlatch button on the tailgate and I lifted the glass part of the rear hatch. Both air hinges were not working correctly to keep it up so I gently rested the glass on my hair that was put up in a bun and just a little bit of the glass was resting on the very top of my head where my hair was slicked back for my bun so my hands were free to grab the bottles of water. (My hair was the softest of resting place's). As I reached in the back to grab the water bottles I heard the loudest bang a

2024-06-14, Air Bags
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her fiancé was driving 45 MPH, the driver’s side and passenger’s side air bags inadvertently deployed without an impact or a crash, causing the contact’s fiancé to swerve and drive down into a ditch. No warning lights were illuminated. The front bumper, windshield, and passenger’s side taillight were cracked. No injuries were sustained. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,583.

2023-11-30, Engine
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to coast off the freeway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic, but the mechanic declined to service the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified about the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.

2002 Ford Explorer questions

Does the 2002 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2002 Ford Explorer: Vehicle Speed Control; Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate:Hinge And Attachments; Structure; Tires:Sidewall. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Explorer?

Based on 3,295 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (1,584), Structure (490), Suspension (461).

How do I check if a recall on my 2002 Ford Explorer has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.