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Ford Explorer 2002

The 2002 Ford Explorer came with 4 engines: electric, 4.0 L 6-cylinder, 4.0 L 6-cylinder, 4.6 L 8-cylinder. It gets 14 to 17 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA. 10 recall campaigns and 40 owner complaints are on record.

Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD AWD
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Ford Explorer
Representative photo of the Explorer. It may show a different year or version. Photo: Kevauto · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · resized and cropped

Specs

Engine
4,000 cc
6
Cylinders6
TransmissionAutomatic · 5 speeds
DrivetrainAWD
Dimensions (L × W × H)5,020 × 1,855 × 1,780 mm (197.6 × 73.0 × 70.1 in)
Wheelbase3,045 mm (119.9 in)
Curb weight1,916 kg (4,224 lb)
Body styleStandard Pickup Trucks 2WD

Dimensions and weight: median of the 4 versions in Canada's official specifications (NHTSA vPIC). Each version differs slightly.

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Safety

Crash-test results across markets. They can vary by version and equipment.

NHTSA NCAP
Results · 2002 Ford Explorer 4-DR.
🇺🇸 Local data
Rollover★★★★★

Fuel economy (MPG)

🇺🇸 Local data
City
13 MPG
Highway
18 MPG
Combined
15 MPG
Emissions
368 g/km
CO₂

By version

EngineTransmissionDrivetrainCityHighwayCombined
electric — Front-wheel (FWD) — — —
4.0 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds AWD 14 MPG 19 MPG 16 MPG
4.0 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 14 MPG 19 MPG 16 MPG
4.0 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds AWD 13 MPG 18 MPG 15 MPG
4.0 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 14 MPG 19 MPG 16 MPG
4.0 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 15 MPG 20 MPG 17 MPG
4.0 L 6-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds AWD 14 MPG 18 MPG 16 MPG
4.0 L 6-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds AWD 14 MPG 18 MPG 15 MPG
4.0 L 6-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 15 MPG 20 MPG 17 MPG
4.0 L 6-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 16 MPG 20 MPG 17 MPG
4.6 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds AWD 13 MPG 17 MPG 14 MPG
4.6 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 13 MPG 18 MPG 15 MPG

EPA figures for each version sold in the U.S.

Recalls

10 campaigns🇺🇸 Local dataNHTSA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 09V399000 · 2009-10-13 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS 09E025000 · 2009-05-11 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 09E012000 · 2009-04-07 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR 07E104000 · 2007-12-11 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.

SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 06E049000 · 2006-05-24 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 06E026000 · 2006-03-23 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

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.

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS 04V442000 · 2004-09-13 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

IF THE HINGE SHOULD FRACTURE, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE GLASS TO FALL AND ULTIMATELY BREAK AND PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.

DEALERS WILL HAVE THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT BRACKETS AND GLASS HINGES REPLACED. FOR THE VEHICLES BUILT FROM AUGUST 1, 2000 THROUGH MARCH 3, 2002, THE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HINGES AND LIFTGATE STRUT BRACKET. ON VEHICLES BUILT FROM MARCH 3, 2002 THROUGH JUNE 23, 2003, THE DEALERS WILL ONLY REPLACE THE HINGES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2004. A POSTCARD WAS SENT TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 27, 2004, ADVISING THEM THAT PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

STRUCTURE 03V094000 · 2003-03-07 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.

TIRES:SIDEWALL 01V171000 · 2001-05-24 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

OVER TIME, THE TIRE COULD FAIL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRES AND, IF ANY SLICES ARE FOUND, THE CUT TIRES WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 7, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR 01I010000 · 2001-04-10 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

ROTATION OF THE BRACKETS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE LIFT CYLINDERS TO DETACH FROM THE GLASS OR, IN SOME CASES, COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE LIFTGATE GLASS TO BREAK. EITHER CONDITION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE GLASS IS BEING CLOSED.

FORD DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR THE POSITION OF BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT LIFTGATGE GLASS LIFT CYLINDER BRACKETS. IF THE BRACKETS ARE IN THE PROPER POSITION, THE BRACKET RETAINERS WILL BE TIGHTENED TO A HIGHER TORQUE. IN CASES WHERE THE BRACKET IS NOT PROPERLY POSITION, THE BRACKET MUST BE RE-ALIGNED.

7 campaigns🇨🇦 CA dataTransport Canada

It may not apply to vehicles sold in your country. Check with your VIN at the source.

Other 2019420 · 2019-08-21 · Transport Canada
Details

Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.

Other 2009292 · 2009-10-14 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. Correction: Dealers will install a new switch or fused wiring harness. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2005028 (05S28) for vehicles not previously included in the campaign.

Electrical 2007258 · 2007-08-07 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The failure mode appears to be different than that of Recall 2005028 (05S28). This time, the concern is with long term durability performance issues causing the switch to fail. Correction: Initially as an interim repair, owners will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. As soon as replacement parts are available, owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a fused wiring harness designed to eliminate the potential risk of fire.

Seats And Restraints 2006079 · 2006-04-18 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain Explorer, Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac vehicles, the upper bolt on the driver's high back seat that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame could fracture. If this happens, the seat back may recline until it makes contact with an object behind the seat, such as the 2nd row seat cushion. The occupant could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event. Correction: Dealer will replace the driver's seat upper bolt.

Other 2004328 · 2004-09-10 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain 2002 model year vehicles, the ball stud bracket located on the rear liftgate window could rotate out of position on the glass. If this occurs, the window lift strut may detach and become trapped between the glass and the liftgate, possibly causing the window to drop unexpectedly or break. In all of the affected vehicles model year 2002 and 2003, the hinge which attaches the liftgate window to the liftgate body may separate from the liftgate body. If this occurs, the window could drop unexpectedly or break. If the liftgate window drops or breaks, either the person operating the window or a nearby person could be injured. Correction: Dealers will replace the liftgate glass hinge and ball stud bracket (if applicable).

Seats And Restraints 2003190 · 2003-08-11 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain Explorer, Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac vehicles, the upper bolt on the driver's high back seat that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame could fracture. If this happens, the seat back may recline until it makes contact with an object behind the seat, such as the 2nd row seat cushion. The occupant could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event. Correction: Dealer will replace the driver's seat upper bolt.

Other 2001125 · 2001-05-28 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, the right side tires may have horizontal cuts on the edge of the tread that could have occurred during vehicle assembly. Over time the tire could fail increasing the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect the tires and if any slices are found, those tires will be replaced.

Common problems

40 reports🇺🇸 Local data

Reported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote.

SUSPENSION,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES 2026-09-09 · NHTSA

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 …

AIR BAGS 1 injured 2026-07-20 · NHTSA

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 thro…

SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2025-07-24 · NHTSA

Suspenion and or traction was and the electrical system didnt work good

STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 1 injured 2025-07-09 · NHTSA

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…

AIR BAGS 2024-06-14 · NHTSA

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 bump…

ENGINE 2023-11-30 · NHTSA

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…

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 2023-07-31 · NHTSA

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the following day it was discovered that the cruise control switch located on the steering wheel had overheated and melted. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure …

STEERING,ENGINE 2022-09-09 · NHTSA

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the steering wheel intermittently seized while driving at various speeds without warning. After finding a replacement part at a salvage yard, the contact had the steering wheel replaced by an independent mechanic; however, the failure persisted. The contac…

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 2022-07-08 · NHTSA

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the hood latch independently released, causing the hood to strike the windshield. The contact was able to get to the side of the roadway and closed the hood. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer. The vehicle had not been …

POWER TRAIN 2022-06-14 · NHTSA

Overdrive light flashes after driving a little bit hard shifting doesn't shift into overdrive 4x4 lights indicate that it's working when the buttons are pushed but doesn't go into 4x4

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 2022-03-30 · NHTSA

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while entering the highway at approximately 45 MPH and accelerating to overtake the next vehicle, the accelerator pedal went to the floorboard however, the vehicle did not respond. The contact was able to pull over safely off the highway. There were no warning …

AIR BAGS 2021-06-22 · NHTSA

The light form air bad juts got on when I was driving

All 40 reports, grouped by component

Questions

What engine does the 2002 Ford Explorer have?
The 2002 Ford Explorer came with 4 engines: electric, 4.0 L 6-cylinder, 4.0 L 6-cylinder, 4.6 L 8-cylinder.
What is the fuel economy of the 2002 Ford Explorer?
It gets 14 to 17 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA.
Does the 2002 Ford Explorer have recalls?
10 recall campaigns are on record. The latest concerns Vehicle Speed Control (2009-10-13).
What are the common problems of the 2002 Ford Explorer?
40 owners have filed complaints, most often about Air Bags.

Other years

Which Ford Explorer year to buy? Recalls and complaints by year

Other models by Ford

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