2002 Ford Explorer Sport recalls and problems
The 2002 Ford Explorer Sport has 3 safety recalls and 133 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2002 Ford Explorer Sport vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2002 Ford Explorer Sport recalls
Recall 07V-336: Vehicle Speed Control
Problem: 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, smoke, or burn.
Risk: This could result in an underhood fire.
Fix: 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 switch disconnected as an interim repair. As soon as repair parts are available (Expected october 2007), owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a fused wiring harness. The recall began on august 13, 2007, and mailing completed by september 19, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.
Recall 06V-114: Seats
Problem: 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. If the bolt fractures, the seat back may recline until it makes contact with an object behind the seat, such as the second row seat cushion.
Risk: The driver could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 threaded bolt. The recall began on april 10, 2006. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. This is a supplement to a previous recall campaign (03v281).
Recall 03V-281: Seats
Problem: 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. If the bolt fractures and does not jam in the seat back frame, the seat back may recline until it makes contact with an object behind the seat, such as the second row seat cushion.
Risk: The driver could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 threaded bolt. Owner notification began on august 29, 2003. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
2002 Ford Explorer Sport problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 33 | |
| Structure | 29 | |
| Visibility | 16 | |
| Suspension | 8 | |
| Seats | 8 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 8 | |
| Electrical System | 8 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 7 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 5 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 4 | |
| Tires | 4 |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 18
- Structure › Body — 10
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments — 9
- Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 7
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate — 5
- Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner — 4
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 3
- Suspension › Rear — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 71,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2002 Ford Explorer Sport complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Ford Explorer Sport years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport: 07V-336 (vehicle speed control), 06V-114 (seats), 03V-281 (seats). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport?
Owners report power train problems most often (33 reports), followed by structure (29). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 71,000 miles.
Are Ford recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.