CarRecallDB

2002 Ford Explorer Sport recalls and problems

3 recalls and 133 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport.

3
recalls
133
owner complaints
10
complaints mentioning a crash
7
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 Ford Explorer Sport recalls

Vehicle speed control

NHTSA campaign 07V336000 · reported August 3, 2007 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 3,600,000 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
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 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.

Seats: front assembly, recliner

NHTSA campaign 06V114000 · reported April 10, 2006 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 8,585 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
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. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. This is a supplement to a previous recall campaign (03v281).

Seats: front assembly, recliner

NHTSA campaign 03V281000 · reported August 5, 2003 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 1,552,880 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
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 1-800-392-3673.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jul 24, 2025 · Electrical system

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

Nov 13, 2017 · Unknown or other · 80,000 miles

REAR WINDOW HINGES FAILED ON ONE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE REQUIRING BOTH HINGES THAT HOLDS THE REAR WINDOW GLASS IN PLACE TO BE REPLACED. DEALER WAS ABLE TO REPAIR HINGES BUT THE REAR WINDOW IS NOW UNABLE TO BE OPENED DUE TO LATCH BEING DAMAGED BY HINGES AND DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THEY COULD NOT FIX THE LATCH THAT WAS…

Oct 12, 2017 · Unknown or other · 155,000 miles

I WENT TO OPEN MY BACK WINDOW AND IT BROKE I HAVE HAD MANY OTHER PROBLEMS WITH MY SUV I WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT

Mar 31, 2017 · Structure · 142,000 miles

REAR WINDOW EXPLODED OVERNIGHT WHILE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. WE LIVE IN SOUTHERN CA AND IT WAS A RARE COLD NIGHT WITH LOWS IN THE 30'S. SECURITY CAMERA'S VERIFIED NO ONE OR NO OBJECT DAMAGED THE WINDOW. IT JUST EXPLODED WHILE PARKED THE GLASS WAS STREWN ACROSS A 3 CAR DRIVEWAY.

Mar 7, 2017 · Structure

BODY MOUNTS HAVE DETERIORATED , MECHANICS I HAVE HAD LOOK AT THIS SAID , SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN , IS UNSAFE AND THEY SEE IT ALL THE TIME ON THIS YEAR AND MODEL ALSO HAVE LEARNED THAT THIS PROBLEM CAUSE WINDSHIELD TO CRACK WHEN I APPLIED HARD BREAKING.

Explorer Sport model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 171610
2001 51871811
2002 3133107
2003 06541
2004 01830
2005 0500

Across all years, the 2001 Explorer Sport has the most complaints (187). All Ford Explorer Sport years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport, the most recent reported on August 3, 2007 (Vehicle speed control). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport?
Owners have filed 133 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (32 complaints), followed by structure (28).
How many 2002 Ford Explorer Sport complaints mention a crash or fire?
10 of 133 complaints report a crash and 7 a fire; 14 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 24, 2025.