43 problems related to wheel have been reported for the 2002 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the 2002 Explorer.
I heard a humming sound coming from the front tires about a year ago. I thought it was the tires humming because I had a brake job and tires rotated and I noticed the humming some time after that. Now I find out it wasn't tires but the wheel hub bearings went bad in the front. It is at the dealer now being repaired.
Felt a wobble while driving, found out that the right front wheel bearing is out. Had to order a front wheel bearing and hub assembly. If bearing went out while driving, the wheel will come off. This could result in an accident and possible death. Ford is aware of the issue but declines to take action. 114 other complaints listed at carcamplaints. Com/Ford/explorer/2002/wheels_hubs/wheel_bearing_failure. Shtml.
: the contact stated while driving 30 mph, a noise was heard and the rear driver wheel fell off. The vehicle was maneuvered off the road and towed to the dealer who could not determine the cause of the failure.
Chrome wheels disintegrating. Was told by dealer that it was cosmetic at the time. Now the aluminum has become porous and I believe it to be a safety issue.
A couple of years ago, my 2002 Ford Explorer 4. 0 xls started to make a roaring sound from the rear wheels and the gas mileage seemed to be a couple mpg less. I think I had about 25k miles at the time. I took it to the dealer and asked them to check it out, I thought it could be the bearings, they found nothing. I was very concerned since I was going to take my family on vacation. . . Now, still concern I did an internet search seeing if anyone else was having the same problem. . Read more...
We have had the wheel bearings replaced twice, beginning in 11/04 @ 61,528miles, than it needed it again on 8/05 at 79,000 miles. We also had to overhaul the transmission at 79000 miles!.
I noticed that the car was pulling to the side while driving and was making a strange noise coming from the right rear. When I took the vehicle in to have the brakes checked they informed me that the right rear wheel bearing was going bad and had almost a. 5 inch of play. He was concerned that it was unsafe to drive on. We called our Ford dealer to arrange to have it fixed and they informed us that the tire could come off and and that they keep three of the replacement part in stock because it's a common problem with this vehicle. My husband called around to other dealers to get more information and every dealer knew exactly which wheel was having the problem before my husband even told them. They said it could definitely come off and that I shouldn't drive over 20 -25 mph on it. We are having the vehicle towed to the dealer to have it fixed today.
I have had 4 wheel bearing/hub assembly units fail on my 2002 Ford exployer. The first to go was after only 20k miles. The car now has ~70k miles and in the shop now for the same repair. A very costly repair and very dangerous situition. Ford will not even acknowledge it is a probelm but understand is has been an on-going problem with many customers.