2002 Ford Explorer Latches/locks/linkages Problems
Owners have filed 50 complaints with NHTSA about latches/locks/linkages problems on the 2002 Ford Explorer, 2% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 70,500 miles. The words owners use most often: “door ajar” (12% of reports).
- 50latches/locks/linkages complaints
- 70,500median miles at failure
- 2mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 0related recalls
- 40%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Door ajar: mentioned in 6 of 50 complaints (12%)
At what mileage do latches/locks/linkages problems happen?
Based on 36 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 50 complaints, 2 mention a crash, 2 an injury.
Ford Explorer latches/locks/linkages complaints by model year
| Model year | Latches/locks/linkages complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 1 | 2% | 1,623 |
| 2025 Explorer | 1 | 1% | 1,200 |
| 2024 Explorer | 1 | 5% | — |
| 2023 Explorer | 1 | 1% | 6,700 |
| 2022 Explorer | 2 | 1% | 31,500 |
| 2021 Explorer | 1 | 0% | 55,401 |
| 2020 Explorer | 7 | 1% | 46,500 |
| 2019 Explorer | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2018 Explorer | 2 | 0% | 70,000 |
| 2017 Explorer | 5 | 0% | 80,000 |
| 2016 Explorer | 5 | 0% | 130,000 |
| 2015 Explorer | 1 | 0% | 122,000 |
| 2014 Explorer | 3 | 0% | 94,000 |
| 2013 Explorer | 16 | 1% | 36,825 |
| 2011 Explorer | 1 | 0% | 28,472 |
| 2007 Explorer | 1 | 0% | 123,000 |
| 2005 Explorer | 10 | 2% | 25,962 |
| 2004 Explorer | 23 | 2% | 72,500 |
| 2003 Explorer | 17 | 2% | 87,500 |
| 2002 Explorer | 50 | 2% | 70,500 |
| 2001 Explorer | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2000 Explorer | 29 | 3% | 92,100 |
| 1999 Explorer | 33 | 2% | 109,000 |
| 1998 Explorer | 65 | 3% | 94,000 |
| 1997 Explorer | 32 | 2% | 85,000 |
| 1996 Explorer | 34 | 2% | 99,500 |
| 1995 Explorer | 11 | 1% | 100,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (0)
No safety recall lists latches/locks/linkages for the 2002 Ford Explorer. A pattern of complaints does not always lead to a recall.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the hood latch independently released, causing the hood to strike the windshield. The contact was able to get to the side of the roadway and closed the hood. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer. The…
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated that the door ajar and brake warning indicators illuminated even when the doors were closed. The contact also stated that the vehicle made an abnormal noise. An independent mechanic was notified and diagnosed that the wheel bearings were…
I've been having an issue with my truck saying the door is ajar when it's not. While driving, the inside light will come on and lock/unlock the doors. I noticed it usually happens either while its raining or if it just finished raining. Someone else i know who has the same vehicle (year/make/model)…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2002 Ford Explorers have latches/locks/linkages problems?
No. NHTSA has 50 owner complaints about latches/locks/linkages for the 2002 Ford Explorer (2% of the 3,295 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2002 Ford Explorer latches/locks/linkages?
No recall currently lists latches/locks/linkages for this vehicle.
At what mileage do latches/locks/linkages problems start?
The median reported mileage is 70,500 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about latches/locks/linkages problems on the 2002 Ford Explorer?
The most frequent phrase is “door ajar”, in 6 of 50 complaints.
Other 2002 Ford Explorer problems
- Power Train problems (1,502)
- Structure problems (486)
- Suspension problems (422)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (163)
- Air Bags problems (162)
- Steering problems (155)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (152)
- Electrical System problems (148)
See all 2002 Ford Explorer problems or latches/locks/linkages problems across all Explorer years.