2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Problems
Shopping for a used 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 500 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has 500 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has 500 owner complaints, 40 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Explorer Sport Trac
- Model year
- 2002
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 500
- Crash-related complaints
- 40
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 16
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 14 / 18
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Structural Problems
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Structural Problems, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
The 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the transmission and drivetrain thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, structural, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported problem areas.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the transmission and drivetrain thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, structural, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported problem areas.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac are heavily concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain, with 192 reports. Structural problems and engine issues also appear frequently. The data suggests potential reliability concerns, but the low confidence level means these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints account for the largest share of reported issues.
- Structural problems are the second most common complaint category.
- Engine problems and electrical faults also appear in the top complaint components.
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Structural Problems
- Engine Problems
Full breakdown
All 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 192 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 78 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 61 | 1 | 6 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 56 | 1 | 6 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 44 | 20 | 3 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 41 | 13 | 6 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 34 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 33 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 20 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 18 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 18 | — | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 16 | — | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Suspenion and or traction was and the electrical system didnt work good
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 …
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her fiancé was driving 45 MPH, the driver’s side and passenger’s side air bags inadvertently deployed without an impact or a crash, causing the contact’s fiancé to swerve and drive down into a ditch. No warning …
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 vehi…
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the following day it was discovered that the cruise control switch located on the steering wheel had overheated and melted. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The ma…
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; how…
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the hood latch independently released, causing the hood to strike the windshield. The contact was able to get to the side of the roadway and closed the hood. The contact had not taken the vehicle…
Overdrive light flashes after driving a little bit hard shifting doesn't shift into overdrive 4x4 lights indicate that it's working when the buttons are pushed but doesn't go into 4x4
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while entering the highway at approximately 45 MPH and accelerating to overtake the next vehicle, the accelerator pedal went to the floorboard however, the vehicle did not respond. The contact was able to pull over safely …
The light form air bad juts got on when I was driving
I WAS ON MOTION WHEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT TURN ON BUT I WENT TO CHECK AND THEY SAY I HAVE TO TAKE TO THE DEALER TO REPAIR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCED HARD SHIFTING WITH A CLUNKING NOISE PRESENT COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSI…
TL* THE CONTACT STATED THE WHEN DRIVING A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, EQUIPPED WITH COOPER TIRE, TIRE LINE SOLARIS AS, TIRE SIZE 225-70-R16, DOT INFORMATION WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WALL BLEW AND THE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE RIM. THE VEHICLE WAS …
THE ISSUES THAT I'M HAVING IS THE EXHILARATION (PICKING UP SPEED) ON A PUBLIC STREET AS WELL AS IN THE EXPRESSWAY IT HESITATES TO DO SO. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND I GO TO SWITCH GEARS IT DOES NOT WANT TO SWITCH. THE GAUGE INDICATOR COMES ON AND THE GAS IDLE BE STUCK ON EMPTY…
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 NO…
I WAS DRIVING ON I-65 SOUTH BOUND ON I-65 IN GOODLETTESVILLE, TENNESSEE WHEN MY LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. THE TIRE HAD PLENTY OF TREAD LEFT AND APPARENTLY THE STEEL BELTS CAME APART AND BLUE OUTWARD.
SUMMER,SPRING WEATHER, ALL FOUR, CLEAR, GLASS WINDOWS DO NOT SLIDE UP OR DOWN THROUGH ITS' POWER BUTTON, ELECTRONICALLY.
MAKES A RATTLING NOISE WHEN A BUMP IS HIT DRIVER SIDE SEAT STOP WORKING
THE CAR ALWAYS FEELS LIKE IS ABOUT TO JUMP OFF THE ROAD OR THE LANE IM IN WHENEVER I DRIVE OVER ANY ROUGH ROAD OR POT HOLES. %ģ
I HAD HAD THIS 2018 JEEP RENEGADE NOT EVEN 2.5 MONTHS AND IT NEEDED AN OIL CHANGE AND THE TIRES WERE COMPLETELY WORN OUT THEY WERE EVERY ONE SLICK AS COULD GET AND DANGEROUS. I CALLED THE DEALER BECAUSE THE TIRES WENT BAD AND I HADN'T HAD THE FIRST 50K MILES ON IT YET AND THEY DI…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac.
Safety recalls
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 500 owner complaints, 40 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (192 complaints). #2: Structural Problems (78 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (61 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, NHTSA complaints include 40 crash-related reports and 19 fire reports out of 500 total complaints. 45 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?▾
The 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.