Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle slid on a patch of ice and struck a hard surface. The vehicle flipped over. The rear center seat belt buckle became undone and the child was thrown around and injured inside the passenger compartment. A police report was filed. The failure and current mileages were 45,000. Updated 02-14-08 the consumer stated the rear middle seat belt broke open when the Explorer flipped upside down. Updated 02/14/08
Vehicle was rear-ended while stopped at a traffic light. Driver and front passenger seats broke sending front seat passengers back. Rear seat passenger was hit by front seat passenger seat and broke her jaw in 3 places. Front seat passengers suffered splits in their heads, driver had a fractured back, and passenger suffered dizziness and neck injuries.
Purchased 2002 Explorer xlt v6 4.0l already transmission slipping solenoid or whatever out.. I have read reports and wonder why this transmission is not recalled? I have it in shop now having to have it rebuilt and everything changed. Also right wheel bearings bad, upper and lower ball joints bad, suspension shot. And the records show the previous owners maintained everything well. But also had transmission replaced and had problems at 99,000miles. Please doing something for all of us out here. Also coolant leak, engine leak, power seat failure, and on.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front driver seat was able to move forward but would not move backward when engaged. The contact stated that the failure would make driving very uncomfortable and he believed the failure to be an extreme safety hazard, as he felt he was sitting to close to the steering wheel. The vehicle was neither inspected nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The current and failure mileage was approximately 118,220.
The door locks lock and unlock all by themselves dozens of times in a row while I am driving. With this the dome light flashes off and on and the door ajar light flashes and the interior chime goes off constantly. All of this happens at the same time. This is a huge and common issue with thousands of forum posts by other owners who have spend countless $$ at mechanic's to no avail. This can cause wrecks at night it is very distracting. Especially the dome light.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the driver's seat detached from the floor board. The electrical gauges and components were also inoperable and the power door locks had failed. Neither the dealer or manufacturer was contacted in regards to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 90,000.
Investigated after passenger seated in the right rear seat, mentioned unusual seat movement after a moderate to heavy braking occurrence. Rear washer head anchor bolt/nut was broken/sheered off flush at the floor pan, leaving the seat to tip slightly forward. Has not been repaired and unknown as to the extent of repair needed.
Driver's side seat back and seat were not attached. Driver had to connect the seat to the back upon entry. Dealer said that bolt attached to the seat back frame fractured. This could cause an accident if driver lost steering control or took foot of pedal while driving.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 25 MPH the drivers seat collapsed backward without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined the seat support bracket needed to be replaced. Updated 06/19/06.
I bought a 2002 Explorer on May 23,2002. In the past 8 months, the vehicle has been towed in because it woudn't start--acomputer chip was replaced. My A/C made a high pitch squeal and after at least five times of trying to repair the existing A/C clutch, a new one was finally put on. My front end suspension has been fixed. My midlift gate cracked in November and a new one was put on. I have had daily problems with the driver's side seat not fully going into position when I start my truck and this problem has not been fixed as the service dept. That I deal with nevers seems to be able to see the problem. Funny how it does it every day for me, though. My blinkers will sometimes stick and stay on without blinking--this also has not been fixed. …
Seat complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat problems on the 2002 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the seats of the 2002 Ford Explorer, 1% of the model year's 3,295 complaints. The component named most often is front assembly › recliner (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Ford Explorer seat problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seats recall for the 2002 Ford Explorer, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Ford Explorer seat problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries and 1 death to seats problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.