Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
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 persisted. The contact also stated that an abnormal ticking noise was coming from the engine with the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that she had issues shifting gears and when she would turn corners, the vehicle would shift out of gear. Other times, she had issues shifting into drive and moving forward. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that there were no related recalls. The transmission was replaced in 2008 at a repair shop. However, the failure continued. When the contact placed the vehicle in park (with the engine on) and went into a store, the vehicle shifted into drive and hit a building and then moved back and hit another vehicle. There were no injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken back to a repair shop where the contact was informed that a component of the steering column would not allow the vehicle to lock into gear. The steering column was repaired. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. While driving at approximately 55 MPH, the transmission shifted from third gear to fourth gear independently and the vehicle decelerated. The vehicle made an abnormal noise and the engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the transmission was burned out and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, a snapping sound emitted from the vehicle and the steering wheel became hard to turn. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician diagnosed that the power steering pump was defective which prevented it from holding the fluid damaging the anti-brakes system. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. …
The gear shift just broke off while I was putting the car in reverse this is extremely dangerous the car had to be towed but we had to figure out how to shut off the car, since it would not shut off while in reverse. I got another whole steering column put in and within less than 2 months the gear shift broke off again this time the car was in park, but its scary. I have attached two pictures of the two different gear shifts. The piece that keeps breaking looks like its made out of aluminum not steel.
The shift lever literally snapped off at the steering column while putting the car into drive. Car couldn't be shifted into park, still running. Keys couldn't even be removed to turn the car off. Very dangerous. Seems like a fairly common problem among 2002 Ford Explorer owners. Many complaints filed here: https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2002/accessories-interior/gear_shift_lever_fell_off-2.shtml
While pulling into parking space (right) in parking garage my Explorer experienced a sudden accleration-at full throttle (snapping the steering wheel to the right) (extremely loud revving, whining and another sound like a bad belt screech all at the same time) before the crash. No brakes (pedal went to the floor). Crashed into steel I-beam bending it and cracking concrete pillars. No airbag on impact.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. While attempting to start the vehicle, the gear shift fractured without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not at the dealer being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.
When towing vehicle in recommended towing mode, steering wheel locking mechanism will randomly engage, locking the wheels of the towed vehicle. If this occurs right after a turn, locked wheels will pull towed vehicle to the direction that wheels locked in.
My Ford Explorer lost control while on the highway. While changing lanes the vehicle would not straighten. The truck fishtailed several time before spinning out. Vehicles crashed into retaining wall. Tie rod was broken on the driver's side.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the shifting lever used to shift gears fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 120,000.
NHTSA investigations
Vehicle rollaway allegations
In response to an information request (ir) letter sent by the office of defects investigation (odi), Ford stated consumer reports of higher than expected efforts when shifting into and out of park could be a result of a groove being worn into the swing arm ramp of the steering column.
Steering complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2002 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 155 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Ford Explorer, 5% of the model year's 3,295 complaints. The component named most often is column (25 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Ford Explorer steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles, and 2% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 11 crashes, 2 fires and 4 injuries and 1 death to steering 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.