2002 Ford Explorer structure problems
486 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the structure on the 2002 Ford Explorer — 15% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Jul 9, 2025
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated that while opening the real lift gate, the rear lift gate glass window suddenly shattered. During the incident, the person sustained a facial laceration which required medical treatment. The cause of the failure was not determined. The…”
filed Sep 8, 2020
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT MAY BECOME DISENGAGED OR THE…Campaign 04V442000 · Sep 13, 2004
- CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT…Campaign 03V094000 · Mar 7, 2003
Related service bulletins
Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel…
TSB 19-2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 7, 2019
Structure problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Explorer | 6 | 7% |
| 2023 Explorer | 9 | 9% |
| 2022 Explorer | 10 | 4% |
| 2021 Explorer | 23 | 6% |
| 2020 Explorer | 43 | 4% |
| 2019 Explorer | 146 | 51% |
| 2018 Explorer | 286 | 40% |
| 2017 Explorer | 642 | 38% |
| 2016 Explorer | 577 | 24% |
| 2015 Explorer | 401 | 23% |
| 2014 Explorer | 274 | 16% |
| 2013 Explorer | 436 | 20% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2002 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.