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Ford Explorer Sport

2002–2005 only

133 classified complaints

2002–2005 Ford Explorer Sport models have 133 classified complaints on record for these years specifically. The most common issue in this range is Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically surfacing around 99,181 miles.

Computed directly from stored federal records for 2002–2005 model years only — not blended with the rest of this vehicle's production run. See the full Ford Explorer Sport report for every year combined.

Where this range fits

1997–2001

2002–2005

Complaints filed per 5-year model-year window — highlighted bars link to their own dedicated page.

What breaks, and when — 2002–2005 only

Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim · Body and interior 73 complaints

Median onset: 99,181 miles. 11.0% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in newer model years.

Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting · Transmission 13 complaints

Median onset: 107,000 miles.

Which other vehicles have automatic transmission problems? →
Body and panel corrosion · Body and interior 9 complaints

Median onset: 89,750 miles.

More common in newer model years.

Airbags, seatbelts and restraints · Body and interior 8 complaints

Median onset: 50,000 miles. 25.0% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues. · More common in newer model years.

Wiring harness, grounds and connectors · Electrical 6 complaints

Median onset: 95,000 miles.

More common in older model years.

Timing chain, guides and tensioners · Engine 3 complaints

Median onset: 80,000 miles.

More common in older model years. · Typical repair: $1,340–$2,500 nationally.

Which other vehicles have timing chain problems? →
Tie rods, linkage, shaft and column · Steering 3 complaints

Median onset: 138,156 miles. 33.3% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Tends to show up later than this model's other issues. · Typical repair: $270–$510 nationally.

Wheel bearings and hubs · Drivetrain 3 complaints

Median onset: 104,000 miles.

Typical repair: $340–$640 nationally.

From owner-filed complaints to NHTSA, not independently verified. Federal mileage reporting on recent complaints is sparse — see how it works. Cost ranges are national estimates from book labor hours and parts pricing, not this vehicle's actual repair history — they don't account for your location or shop type.

Cost estimator: what will this one cost you?

Enter the car's year and mileage. See which known problems are due in your next 3 years, what each costs at your state's labor rates, which ones to ask the seller about, and routine maintenance to budget for.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — complaints and recalls, scoped to 2002–2005 model years. See the full Ford Explorer Sport report for every year and full specs/safety data.