2002 Ford Explorer Sport: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport: 3 recalls, 133 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seats Vehicle recall #03V281000 · 2003 · 1,552,880 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The driver could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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…
Seats Vehicle recall #06V114000 · 2006 · 8,585 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The driver could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #07V336000 · 2007 · 3,600,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This could result in an underhood fire.
The 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…
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Tires Recall #01X001000 · 2001 · 13,000,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 wilderness at 15, 16, and 17 inch tires mounted on Ford trucks and suvs. Ford reports tread separation can occur due to a combination of the sensitivity of the tire design to stress, aging, and manufacturing differences between…
Why it matters: Should the tread separate at highway speeds, a vehicle crash could occur, possibly resulting in personal injury or death.
The fix: 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.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 7 mention a fire, 14 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (32): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (17), stalls / loses power (5), noise or vibration (5).
- Body & structure (28): the most common themes are door / lock issues (5).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (16): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
- Suspension (8): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
The 2002 Ford Explorer Sport has 133 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 10 Explorer Sport model years for complaints (1.8× the average Explorer Sport year). Complaints peaked in 2010 (18 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 71,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (188 complaints, 5 recalls), 2003 (65 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2002 Ford Explorer Sport problems?
Owners have filed 133 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (32), body & structure (28), visibility (wipers, glass) (16).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport get?
EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (4.0 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.