Tl*- the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. While driving 50 MPH he heard a loud noise coming from the rear wheels. The mechanic stated that the wheel bearings were rusted and should be replaced. The dealer made the repair. The failure mileage was 83,000 miles at the time of the repair. There had not been any other occurrences since the repair. The vehicle's current mileage was 95,000 miles. *ak updated 07/03/07.
2002 Ford Explorer suspension complaints
Page 12 of 15: complaints 311 to 340 of 422, newest first, as owners wrote them.
1. Inspected rear coil springs. 2. Found both rear coil springs broken, causing rear of vehicle to sag. 3. Had both rear coil springs replaced, also replaced the rear struts. I still have the old coil springs and struts.
The rear coil springs on the 2002 ford explorer fell apart! Pieces of the coil are breaking apart with razor sharp edges. I've never seen springs fall apart like this,the metal has to be defective. I have found parts of the coils in my driveway, so I'm sure there has to be some coming off on the road. I have pictures if you would like a better understanding of what I'm talking about.
2002 ford explorer was in an accident because of wheel bearing problems**nar**cc transferred to dad **cg the consumer was told the wheel bearing failed due to wear, however the consumer stated there was no noise prior to the accident.
Tl*-the contact stated that while driving 50 MPH in the 2002 ford explorer he heard a loud noise coming from the back of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to dealer for a wheel bearing repair when the odometer reached 10,300 miles, and was informed that both the rear spring and the emergency brake cable were fractured. The contact stated that he tried to get a resolution for repairs on the vehicle because it was still under warranty, but the dealership refused to repair the vehicle unless the contact paid for the repairs. The contact purchased the vehicle from wentworth motors , and they told the contact that he had to take the vehicle to a ford dealership for the repairs. The current mileage was 10,600.*ak the rear springs failed. Updated 04/12/07.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer xls. The mechanic was rotating both rear tires and changing brake pads. The mechanic stated that the rear coil springs sheared off. The current mileage was 51,600. *ak the consumer has provided both the invoice and pictures of the broken coil springs. Update 4/23/07
Rear coil spring on ford 2002 explorer broke. Took car in for annual inspection and mechanic discovered the problem. While it was replaced with a dealer part, I was informed that all it would have taken for the spring to pierce a tire or brake line was to hit a bump in the road. Who knows how long I was driving around with this problem and in danger of a possible fatal incident.
Car started making humming noise when going 30-45 MPH, took to a mechanic who ref me to the dealership to check the transmission and then for transmission flush, still the same issue, I was advised that the tires needed to be replaced, I have 4x4 which requires the same 4 tires or the car will jerk. The brake pedal vibrates, and the 4x4 gauge doesn't work, replaced the component and still the same issue. Any who to make a long story short, now I am hearing a clinking and rubbery sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. I am now forced to take the car in... And of course be charged a ridiculous fee, for them to run diagnostics on the truck to diagnose the issue, and then of course pay for parts and labor.... My next car will be a foreign car.. They break down less, and the cost of maintenance and equivalent or less then the cost of maintaining a good ole' american made ford vehicle. (lexus, kia, and I believe either mazda or toyota are owned by ford.. So steer clear of those brands). Timeline reflects the latest issue, and the amount of previous problems.. Amount to many.
My 2002 ford explorer has been repaired for major transmission and rear end problems approx. 15 times in the past 3 years. The transmission continues to slip between 2nd-3rd and 3rd-4th gear. In reverse the clutch binds up. The rear end roars and was replaced at 35,000 miles (after numerous fix attempts) and at 66,000 miles rear wheel bearings, ring gear & pinion were replaced. The transmission was almost overhauled at 35,000, re-programmed approx 3 times and needs to be done again now. The compass has failed twice.
Rear wheel bearing failure at 80,000 miles, both rear bearings.
Broken rear coil springs. Vehicle never used off road or anything other than normal roadway driving. Went for new tires and mechanic found both rear coil springs broken. The drivers side spring was broken into multiple pieces.
I have a 2002 ford explorer. When it started to get very cold, my explorer, that I just bought, started to not want to go into gear. It would grind and slip. There was a clicking sound coming from under the dash. It was from the computer that runs the 4 wheel drive. The 4 low button would just kick in by its self. Then it would not go into gear. After a while of trying to get it into gear it would go. It would only act up when it was very cold out (10 to -5 degrees) it did this to me for about a week and then it just stuck into 4 low and now won't come out. There was a smell this last time of burning electrical wire and smoke. Now my explorer won't drive and has a electrical smoke smell stuck in it. I now have to have it towed to a ford dealer to get it fixed. It also makes a really loud popping sound when I go to turn or hit a bump. Sound comes from the front of the explorer drivers side.
2002 ford explorer two issues 1/1/07 - grinding of rear wheel. 1/2/07 - o/d light started flashing, within 7 miles service engine light came on. Car would not accelerate until letting off the gas. 1/2/07 - call aaa to have car towed to local ford dealer. Ford quoted $5,100 for repairs. We denied repair at ford. Due to out of pocket expenses we had a local transmission shop do the repairs. We did not want to give ford any more money since we were told by several repair shops that this is a very common problem with ford explorers. The local shop indicated there were tsbs published and they had to buy special equipment from ford to fix the problems. If companies are buying special tools because the problem is so common, isn't there a problem? We also investigated many numerous websites to read about many complaints regarding the exact same problem. To repair the car we purchased rear wheel bearings and the transmission shop purchased an overhaul transmission kit. They repaired both problems for less than $5,100. Unfortunately, a co-worker had the exact problem with her car just last week. She came to warn me of the problem with her car only to find out I picked mine up from the shop the same day!
Thumping noise from drivers side front end in the wheel area. The noise is most noticeable at between 40 and 60 MPH during acceleration. It also becomes a humming noise as the gas pedal is released and the car is coasting or decelerating. Had new tires put on then new brake pads and rotors. Nothing fixed the problem. Talked to my brother, another loyal explorer owner, and he had same problem diagnosed as a bearing needing replacing. He also told me about a leak on his garage floor in the rear middle of the car where the rear axle is. I told him I have same exact spot of something leaking on my garage floor. We read about all the seal problems with the axle and needing to be replaced. He spent over $1000 on the front bearings and now in for another big bill for the seal problem. I see we are not alone in our explorer disappointments. All with the same problem. Come on ford, back up your vehicle and pay for these defects to your suvs.
Fix for chattering and rear whine on 02 explorer. When the car was new 25,000 the dealer replaced the rear pumpkin, very loud whine.. Last month with 85,000 miles on the car, during a turn the rear would chatter and shake the car. I was told the rear needed a special lube for the rear to keep the rear clutches free, I had a local shop replace the rear differential oil with a special blend and it has been fine since.
Humming/whinning sound coming from rear-end especially when accelerating. Brought in to dealership 3 times, repaired 2 times while under warranty. Rear-end completely changed 2nd time. Making the whinning sound again now even louder, drowns out radio. Not under warranty anymore but obviously a manufacturer defect with the 2002 model, considering all the complaints with the exact problem I have read upon research. Will a recall be issued to prevent any accidents that could occur from a rear-end going out while driving? My explorer is a family hauler, hate to put my babies at risk...
After noticing problems with the rear suspension, it was discovered by my dealer that both rear springs were cracked, and also the shocks were frozen in place. I asked for the old parts and it is obvious from seeing the springs that the breakage resulted from bad steel. Dealer advised me it is not currently under recall.
While driving my 2002 ford explorer within the city, I was stopped at a stop sign when I heard a popping sound and the car's right rear tire deflated. I moved out of traffic, called a tow truck and it was discovered that the right coil spring had broken off and punctured the rear tire (which by the way was brand new). It was very fortunate that I was not traveling at a high rate of speed when this occurred. The ford dealer replaced the right spring, but saw no need to replace the left. Sounds like defective heat treating to me.
Apparent manufacturing defect causes a simultaneous breakage of one or both rear suspension coil springs. In my case, both rear springs were discovered broken on a routine service visit.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle rode lower than normal. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer, who determined that the rear coil springs were both fractured. The springs were replaced, but the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the fractures. The manufacturer was also notified. Updated 12/12/2006 -
A whining sound comes from the front end end of the vehicle, upon first inspection by a mechanic a bad tire was found and blamed on the noise. As it was bearable at highway speeds, we ignored it trusting the diagnosis. We planned on purchasing tires soon and believed the problem would be solved. New tires were purchased and an alignment done and the same sound came from the front end most noticeably 45-65 MPH. Now we are told it is a wheel bearing and the cost for the parts alone is $350.00 not to mention the $55/hr. Labor. We already had the rear end replaced for noise and now we are told that a dangerous situation involving another part of the drivetrain is looming. This is unacceptable and I would hope that ford would acknowledge the problem that the vehicles have and remedy it. I have heard of this happening to vehicles with far less than my 65,000 miles and these parts were build to last a whole lot longer as they were supposed to be sealed and maintenance-free, instead they fail too often and cost a fortune. I believe this will be my last ford product if I do not receive some sort of satisfactory response from ford.
Rear wheel almost fell off on my wife's 2002 ford explorer. There was no leading suspicion to this problem until it happened. Very dangerous and with my wife being pregnant it makes it that much more frustrating.
In april of 2005 my 2002 explorer with just over 40,000 miles started making grinding noise in the right rear. Took it to a mechanic and then to the ford dealership, both said the right rear wheel bearing needed to be replaced, had it replaced on 5/11/05. Within 2 weeks, the left rear wheel bearing also started making a grinding noise, had it replaced on 5/25/05. Called ford customer care who said they could do nothing. In october, 2006, at 80,000 miles (mostly e-way miles, no off-road driving, only one driver and I am the original owner), the right rear wheel bearing needed to be replaced again and one of the front bearings is going as well. Called ford customer care again to report the failures, and they still aren't interested. Have been told by several mechanics that this is a know defect with 2002 explorers, wheel bearings should last well over 100k miles. Ford has no plans to recall or even redesign the defective wheel bearings. After reading complaints from others, who have had the bearings explode while driving, I suspect that it is only a matter of time before the deaths from accidents due to the defective wheel bearings start getting reported. I personally do not feel safe driving this vehicle. Due to ford's lack of concern regarding this very expensive and dangerous defect in their vehicles, the next new vehicle I purchase will not be a ford. *
In april of 2005 my 2002 explorer with just over 40,000 miles started making grinding noise in the right rear. Took it to a mechanic and then to the ford dealership, both said the right rear wheel bearing needed to be replaced, had it replaced on 5/11/05. Within 2 weeks, the left rear wheel bearing also started making a grinding noise, had it replaced on 5/25/05. Called ford customer care who said they could do nothing. In october, 2006, at 80,000 miles (mostly e-way miles, no off-road driving, only one driver and I am the original owner), the right rear wheel bearing needed to be replaced again and one of the front bearings is going as well. Called ford customer care again to report the failures, and they still aren't interested. Have been told by several mechanics that this is a know defect with 2002 explorers, wheel bearings should last well over 100k miles. Ford has no plans to recall or even redesign the defective wheel bearings. After reading complaints from others, who have had the bearings explode while driving, I suspect that it is only a matter of time before the deaths from accidents due to the defective wheel bearings start getting reported. I personally do not feel safe driving this vehicle. Due to ford's lack of concern regarding this very expensive and dangerous defect in their vehicles, the next new vehicle I purchase will not be a ford.
In april of 2005 my 2002 explorer with just over 40,000 miles started making grinding noise in the right rear. Took it to a mechanic and then to the ford dealership, both said the right rear wheel bearing needed to be replaced, had it replaced on 5/11/05. Within 2 weeks, the left rear wheel bearing also started making a grinding noise, had it replaced on 5/25/05. Called ford customer care who said they could do nothing. In october, 2006, at 80,000 miles (mostly e-way miles, no off-road driving, only one driver and I am the original owner), the right rear wheel bearing needed to be replaced again and one of the front bearings is going as well. Called ford customer care again to report the failures, and they still aren't interested. Have been told by several mechanics that this is a know defect with 2002 explorers, wheel bearings should last well over 100k miles. Ford has no plans to recall or even redesign the defective wheel bearings. After reading complaints from others, who have had the bearings explode while driving, I suspect that it is only a matter of time before the deaths from accidents due to the defective wheel bearings start getting reported. I personally do not feel safe driving this vehicle. Due to ford's lack of concern regarding this very expensive and dangerous defect in their vehicles, the next new vehicle I purchase will not be a ford.
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling at various speeds, the vehicle sounded as if something was rubbing against the ground. The vehicle was pulled over and inspected. The rear end was observed to be riding low. An independent repair shop determined the rear springs were fractured and they were replaced.
Explorer makes whining noise in rear end at speeds between 45 and 70 MPH. The ABS light stays lit continuously even after having the brake system services. Have also had front wheel bearings replaced all this since the vehicle reached 60,000 miles it now has 86,000 and mechanic says it need a new rear end.
Bought 2002 explorer in 2003 with 12,000 miles. Servicng dealer replaced transmission and torque converter under warranty @ 32,000 miles after o/d light started flashing. Now needs another transmission @ 54,000 miles. Car has always been serviced, driven lightly, never towed, never abused. Dealer will not pay or help out one bit. Ford knows 2002 explorers have defective transmissions and rear ends, is ignoring problem, leaving consumer to absorb cost! Have also had to replace timing chain tensioner, rear windshield wiper assembly, air conditioning unit under warranty. Front and rear wheel bearings needed replacing- out of warranty. Rear end is making classic "humming" sound that ford is also ignoring-pinion gears.
Dt*: the contact stated the hub bearings are wearing out locking the wheel up causing the vehicle to lose control on the road. The front and rear wheel bearings are both wearing out. The dealer determined there was no way of checking the hub bearings. Because hub bearings are sealed, they can't be greased, or serviced. The contact expressed that the vehicle can't be service for the hub bearings, therefore there is no way to determine when this might happen again, and create a potentially fatal accident.
Bearings. Noticed a clunking coming from the front. Was told I need new bearings and it would cost approximately $1200. Only 55k miles.
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