I'm thinking about buying a 2002 with the 4.0 SOHC.

Had all of the timing problems I am hearing about been addressed by the 2002 models?

I don't see any compliants from this model year. Thanks.

Mike

 

In my honest opinion stay away from the 02' exploders. If you read this and other web sites long enough you will see that they are ticking time bombs. Bought mine used in October with 27000 and have been to the dealers 8 times for numerous concerns.

Engine rattle's. They performed TSB, engine still rattles. Ford Hotline says it's normal.

Loud squeeling sound comes from under the hood that can be heard several feet away when you turn it off. It is pressure being released from the intake somewhere because when I open the throttle body you can hear a release of air and squeel stops, but again Ford hotline says it's normal.

Transmission jerks from time to time. Had it in 3 times for this. Reprogram once, new solenoid body next and then valve body work. Still does it. Guess what the Ford hotline said.

Transmission leaks. Been twice getting ready to go back again. First time a cooler line was loose. Second time cooler line was still loose. I guess this time the Ford Hotline will say it is normal.

This is the first Ford I have ever owned and this is what I have learned. It is "normal" for a Ford engine to rattle, transmission to jerk or slip, and also leak, and the mechanics at the dealership will not turn the first wrench on the car until they talk to the Hotline. Built Ford Tough, and Quality is Job 1. Looks good on paper. Sorry to carry on like this. Maybe I'm just one of the unlucky ones. But I do recommend doing a lot of research before buying this vehicle.

 

I have a 2002 and have not had any problems except 1... the left turn signal was buzzing for a few days and didnt work, then all of the sudden it started working again... other than that its been a great ride and I have 43k miles on it so far.

 

I have a 2002 4.0 XLT with a later build date. 37,000 miles and no problems.

I can't complain a bit. It is a very solid, well built vehicle that I plan to keep for several years.

Mine was built at Kentucky Truck.

 

Well we bought the thing.

Love the blue color.

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

I have a 2002 Explorer that I bought at the end of 2002 with 20,000 miles on it. It now has 50,000 miles on it. I've had it in the shop 1 time at 35,000 miles for a bad wheel-speed sensor and a new engine belt idler pulley. However,it is going back this week because I believe it lost another wheel sensor. It is also surging sometimes under accelleration ( like it sometime does on snow when in 4X4 AUTO ). Maybe related to the ABS problem. One other thing, I just did a front brake job and found a pin the calipers slide on frozen. This may sound like alot of problems but I've had worse luck with many other vehicles. I like the style,comfort,handling and power(V-8). Would buy another.