Friday, August 7, 2026
RecallGazette

Vehicle problems, recalls & safety intelligence

2002 Ford Explorer engine problems

49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2002 Ford Explorer1% of all complaints for this model year.

49
Engine complaints
1%
share of all complaints
134,500 mi
median reported incident mileage
1 / 5
crash / fire reports

What owners report

  • 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…

    filed Nov 30, 2023

  • 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…

    filed Sep 9, 2022

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.

Related service bulletins

  • Some 1997-2008 vehicles equipped with a 4.6l 2v, 5.4l 2v, or 6.8l 2v engine--spark plug thread repair procedure--not covered under new vehicle limited warranty. *nj this includes f-53 motorhome chassis. Updated 2/23/10…

    07212 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 1, 2007
  • Extended coverage program 05n04 - extended coverage for composite intake manifold. This program is being provided as a settlement to a class action lawsuit. The terms of the settlement extend the coverage of the…

    05N04 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 14, 2005
  • Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running. *tt

    041601 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 14, 2005
All 2002 Ford Explorer TSBs →

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.