2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac recalls and problems

The 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has 2 safety recalls and 144 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
144
Crashes / fires
7 / 3
Injuries / deaths
9 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac recalls

Recall 07V-336: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Aug 3, 2007 · 3,600,000 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

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.

Risk: This could result in an underhood fire.

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.

Recall 03V-281: Seats

Reported Aug 5, 2003 · 1,552,880 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

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.

Risk: The driver could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train34
Engine and Engine Cooling23
Electrical System22
Vehicle Speed Control19
Service Brakes, Hydraulic17
Structure16
Fuel System, Gasoline10
Latches/Locks/Linkages9
Fuel System, Other7
Exterior Lighting7
Suspension5
Seats5

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 17
  • Structure › Body — 10
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 7
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 7
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 6
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 5
  • Electrical System › Wiring — 4
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Vehicle Speed Control · at 120,000 miles · reported Jul 31, 2023
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 manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V399000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Tires · at 187,675 miles · reported Jul 7, 2020
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.
Power Train · reported Sep 20, 2017
Od light flashing, rebuilds transmision and nothing change, I see a lot of complains about this problems on explorers, rangers and mustangs
Electrical System · at 123,023 miles · reported Feb 29, 2016
There was not warning lights on dash, truck slowed down then engine raced up all on its own turned I turned off road shifted to nutral and sat until the racing stopped continued on to auto part store where they plugged into engine it read strange codes..
Power Train · at 123,242 miles · reported Feb 29, 2016
On feb.12 2016 still no dash warning lights my ford trac..I left my home in drive moved onto highway 66, the truck would not shift as I tried to increase my speed up onto the 66 highway the RPM ran up only, I had to shift into second gear to get off road drove back home. Now the truck will not move when shifted into drive or reverse. I only had in 2nd gear this is a automatic transmission.fluid is still okay. What is wrong with this truck?.milage is 123242

Other Ford Explorer Sport Trac years

Compare all Ford Explorer Sport Trac years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac: 07V-336 (vehicle speed control), 03V-281 (seats). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

Owners report power train problems most often (34 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (23). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50,000 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.