are 2002's really that bad? (it's a bad title I'll try to explain)

[GreenEyez]

Im looking at selling my current explorer to get a v8 model with hopefully a 3rd row ( I thought i wouldn't need it but Its killed me more than once before). Maybe a new trim package. etc etc etc. My real question is I currently drive a 2003 and I keep hearing though I don't honestly remember where exactly that the 2002 3rd gens were full of problems. Can anyone shed some light on this? should I try to avoid a 2002 and aim for 2003 and newer?

 

[dannym52fire]

I've had a 2002 XLT 4.0 4x4 for 3 years and haven't had one problem. One thing that I do know about ours is that is was manufactured right before 2003, like December of 2002. It also doesn't have the same design as 2002, it has the premium package with the bigger 17" wheels. It also has 2 tone paint, which I believe the 2002s had only monotone and plastic trim. It's great though, I would recommend it.

 

[mkewitsch]

How do you know when the vehicle was manufactured?

I am about to purchase a 02 Explorer XLT tomorrow morning (signing papers and all that) and I have been hesitant about it because I am wary of the issues I've heard as well. If I knew where to find the manufacture date that would probably ease a lot of my concerns if those made later in the year have fewer / no issues...

 

[Joe Dirt]

It will be shown on the VIN tag in the door jamb...

 

[fusseli]

I've had a 2002 XLT 4.0 4x4 for 3 years and haven't had one problem. One thing that I do know about ours is that is was manufactured right before 2003, like December of 2002. It also doesn't have the same design as 2002, it has the premium package with the bigger 17" wheels. It also has 2 tone paint, which I believe the 2002s had only monotone and plastic trim. It's great though, I would recommend it.

my 02 Mounty has two-tone paint with only 16" wheels and it's born-on-date is May 2001. maybe cause it's a mounty, who knows.

02's have a bad wrap for broken rear springs (only problem I've had so far), wheel bearings, and cracked hatch glass. Fix these problems, if you get them, and you're golden as any other 3rd-gen. From what I can tell. Anyone correct me if I'm wrong, I know all I know from scrounging these forums.

 

[GreenEyez]

Thanks for the input yea. It's now just decided do I wanna drop the extra money for another stock ex or just stick with mine which to be honest runs pretty damn well even though the 4.0 feels underpowered.

 

[dannym52fire]

my 02 Mounty has two-tone paint with only 16" wheels and it's born-on-date is May 2001. maybe cause it's a mounty, who knows.

02's have a bad wrap for broken rear springs (only problem I've had so far), wheel bearings, and cracked hatch glass. Fix these problems, if you get them, and you're golden as any other 3rd-gen. From what I can tell. Anyone correct me if I'm wrong, I know all I know from scrounging these forums.

I have an Explorer, not a Mountaineer. I believe all Mountaineers have two-tone paint

 

[thepotroast]

It also doesn't have the same design as 2002, it has the premium package with the bigger 17" wheels. It also has 2 tone paint, which I believe the 2002s had only monotone and plastic trim. It's great though, I would recommend it.

So what you're saying is you really have an 03?

They start producing vehicles for the next year....at the beginning of the year prior, and they are on the lots in the Spring. Thus why you have been able to buy 2011's now for the past couple of months from dealers...that were made *gasp* in 2010.

You have an 03 if it was manufactured in Dec 02. My 03 was made in October 02....says so right on the door jamb sticker.

 

[dannym52fire]

mine says 02 on the registration. i just checked the door and it says it was manufactured july of 02, i thought it was december but whatever. and the inspection sticker in the windshield say 02 explorer

 

[thepotroast]

checked the door and it says it was manufactured july of 02, i thought it was december but whatever.

Well then that would make a lot more sense why it's an 02 :

 

[jeepcj258]

Have an 02, my wife drives. XLT 2wd v6. We bought it with 70,000 miles 3.5yrs ago.
It has been an excellent vehicle. However, we have replaced a wheel bearing and the rear end has the infamous roar.... No other issues at all.

 

[02_AK_EB]

3 years zero problem just new breaks and a month ago alternator. Now needs transmission looked at but great rig. I have 02 Eddie Bauer 4.0 V6.

 

[mainsource]

FWIW, I have an 03 V8 AWD. I bought it in June 2009.

In less than a year of ownership I had to:

1. Replace ignition coil
2. Replace fuel injector
3. Replace both rear wheel bearings
4. Replace an O2 sensor
5. Replace the radiator
6. Get a transmission rebuild
7. Replace PVC

I also had some standard maintenance done: new front rotors, new spark plugs, new battery, new belt.

I'm the 3rd owner so no telling how the previous owners maintained the vehicle. Bottom line I guess is that with a used car you never know what you're going to get. Good luck!

 

[dannym52fire]

FWIW, I have an 03 V8 AWD. I bought it in June 2009.

In less than a year of ownership I had to:

1. Replace ignition coil
2. Replace fuel injector
3. Replace both rear wheel bearings
4. Replace an O2 sensor
5. Replace the radiator
6. Get a transmission rebuild
7. Replace PVC

I also had some standard maintenance done: new front rotors, new spark plugs, new battery, new belt.

I'm the 3rd owner so no telling how the previous owners maintained the vehicle. Bottom line I guess is that with a used car you never know what you're going to get. Good luck!

This thread is about '02s, not '03s :

 

[clarks2001]

With my 02 (build Aug 01) I have only had wheel bearing problems and the rear end noise which isn't even bad yet (sounds like a bad bearing rather than a howl from the ring and pinion). When my friends and I replaced my front hub, we pushed the axle too far and broke a cv joint, but that was human error. I have yet to have a problem with the springs. Ball Joints need replaced in fronts, and might need the valve body and solenoid pack replaced while tranny is being serviced...but other than that, It runs great for 106,000 miles

 

[matt0248]

My '02 XLT V8 MFD Date 5/02: Non maintenance items repalced; 3 of 4 wheel bearings, rear coil springs (broken), front ball joints and rear diff rebuild (just got done). with .....73,000 miles. The rear diff was trashed according to the shop that did it. I trust them, they specalize in drivetrains, diffs, gears, bearing etc... They attritubted it to synthetic gear lube ruining the fiber clutch packs.

 

[kstrayhorn]

Apparently, a lot of 02s have had HVAC problems, particularly with the blend door. Mine had an A/C problem, turned out to not be a part of the blend door problem, but rather a result of my own mistakes.

 

[fusseli]

My '02 XLT V8 MFD Date 5/02: Non maintenance items repalced; 3 of 4 wheel bearings, rear coil springs (broken), front ball joints and rear diff rebuild (just got done). with .....73,000 miles. The rear diff was trashed according to the shop that did it. I trust them, they specalize in drivetrains, diffs, gears, bearing etc... They attritubted it to synthetic gear lube ruining the fiber clutch packs.

Makes no sense to me how synthetic oil would trash anything, AFIK the only difference is that synthetic oils have a different molecular structure that's more durable than conventional oil. It's all around simply better... Not to mention if you happen to have a 3.73 LS rear diff like me, SYNTHETIC OIL ONLY is cast into the differential cover...

*shrug*

 

[darkpenn]

Nope

I have a 2002 black ex limited. It has 92,000 miles on it and I'm afraid to write this BUT I haven't had any major problems so far. I am the second owner and I have only replaced the tires and o2 sensor. I'm trying to figure out how many miles these things usually go. My buddy had a 1999 Ex that ran past 300k... one of the reasons I bought one. It was crazy

 

[mixerjv]

I own two '02's:

One purchased brand new was a late build, 4.6 XLT with towing package (Black color),

One purchased used (off a lease), early build, 4.6 XLT, no towing package, but with 3rd row seat & rear a/c (Red Color)

Additionally, I own a business that owned a late build Edie Bauer '02, 4.6, towing package with 3rd row seat (Green)

The problems:

Black, Red, & Green have all had rear coil failures.

Black, Red, & Green have all had at least one wheel bearing failure.

Black A/C compressor failed right out of warranty.

Red had a spark plug blowout, nessitating engine removal for new head (under extended warranty thankfully)

Red had 2 transmission failures (one under warranty)

Red had rear differentail failure.

Red had a 4WD computer failure.

I have ommitted the routine maintenance.

Here is my take:

1. Avoid the early build '02's. Early build V-8's are also subject to the plastic intake manifold faluire, although I haven't experienced it yet (knock on wood).

2. Get one with the towing package, even if you never tow, less stress on the pinto derivative C3 5R55W weak transmission with the higher gear ratio.

Good Luck!