2002 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 3,613 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 163 involved a crash and 71 involved a fire. 213 people were injured and 6 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Vehicle speed controlOct 13, 2009
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Campaign 09V399000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, glass, side/rearDec 11, 2007
CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
Campaign 07E104000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, hatchback/liftgate, hinge and attachmentsSep 13, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT MAY BECOME DISENGAGED OR THE HINGE MAY FRACTURE ALLOWING THE GLASS TO FALL AND POSSIBLY BREAK.
IF THE HINGE SHOULD FRACTURE, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE GLASS TO FALL AND ULTIMATELY BREAK AND PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL HAVE THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT BRACKETS AND GLASS HINGES REPLACED. FOR THE VEHICLES BUILT FROM AUGUST 1, 2000 THROUGH MARCH 3, 2002, THE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HINGES AND LIFTGATE STRUT BRACKET. ON VEHICLES BUILT FROM MARCH 3, 2002 THROUGH JUNE 23, 2003, THE DEALERS WILL ONLY REPLACE THE HINGES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2004. A POSTCARD WAS SENT TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 27, 2004, ADVISING THEM THAT PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 04V442000 on NHTSA.gov
StructureMar 7, 2003
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.
THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.
Campaign 03V094000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, sidewallMay 24, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE RIGHT SIDE TIRES MAY HAVE HORIZONTAL CUTS ON THE EDGE OF THE TREAD THAT COULD HAVE OCCURRED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY.
OVER TIME, THE TIRE COULD FAIL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRES AND, IF ANY SLICES ARE FOUND, THE CUT TIRES WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 7, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 01V171000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, glass, side/rearApr 10, 2001
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND MERCURY MONTAINEER SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE BRACKETS CONNECTING THE LEFT CYLINDERS TO EACH SIDE OF THE LIFTGATE GLASS COULD ROTATE OUT OF POSITION IF EITHER THE URETHANE BOND OR TORQUE ARE NOT SUFFICIENT.
ROTATION OF THE BRACKETS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE LIFT CYLINDERS TO DETACH FROM THE GLASS OR, IN SOME CASES, COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE LIFTGATE GLASS TO BREAK. EITHER CONDITION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE GLASS IS BEING CLOSED.
FORD DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR THE POSITION OF BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT LIFTGATGE GLASS LIFT CYLINDER BRACKETS. IF THE BRACKETS ARE IN THE PROPER POSITION, THE BRACKET RETAINERS WILL BE TIGHTENED TO A HIGHER TORQUE. IN CASES WHERE THE BRACKET IS NOT PROPERLY POSITION, THE BRACKET MUST BE RE-ALIGNED.
Campaign 01I010000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
171 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Feb 23, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED UNKNOWN MINOR INJURIES AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED CHEST AND EYES INJURIES. NEITHER SET OF INJURIES REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 6/11/15*CN UPDATED 9/26/2017*CN
Air bags, Feb 3, 2015
THERE WAS NO MALFUNCTION. I HAVE A FORD EXPLORER 2002. I WANT TO KNOW IF THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS WILL WORK PROPERLY. I HAVE SEARCHED THIS DATABASE BUT CANNOT FIND ANYTHING THAT IS APPLICABLE. WE (WIFE AND MYSELF) HAVE ONLY THIS VEHICLE AND W WE WANT TO KNOW IF IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE. PLEASE HELP. *TR
Steering, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Dec 16, 2014, crash, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO TREES THEN WENT FORWARD INDEPENDENTLY CRASHING INTO SHRUBS, A FENCE, AND A BUILDING. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISE AND NECK AND HEAD INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Air bags, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Sep 8, 2014, crash
I WAS IN A ACCIDENT ON AUGUST 21, 2014. TWO OR MORE DEER'S RAN OUT IN FRONT OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND I RAN OFF THE ROAD HITTING A POLE. IT CRUSHED THE WHOLE FRONT END AND MY AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED. MY TRUCK IS A TOTAL LOSS AND I DID HAVE ON MY SEAT BELT BUT THE AIRBAG SHOULD OF DEPLOYED. *TR
Power train, Air bags, Jun 16, 2014
FIRST OF ALL THE TRANSMISSION IS STARTING TO SLIP. WHEN ACCELERATING THE CAR TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHEN SHIFTING INTO THIRD GEAR. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY NEED TO REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION. THE SECOND PROBLEM IS THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. I HAVE NOT BEEN IN A ACCIDENT OR ANYTHING. IT JUST CAME ON. I READ ONLINE THAT IF THE LIGHT IS ON AND I AM IN AN ACCIDENT THE AIRBAGS WONT DEPLOY. THIS SEEMS REALLY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE COVER UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Jun 16, 2014
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND IT HAS NOT BEEN WRECKED AND I HAD THE LIGHT THAT COME ON IN MY DASH AND THEY SAID THAT MY SEAT BELT PRETENTIONER WAS GONE IN MY SEAT BELT. *TR
Air bags, Mar 18, 2014, crash
WHILE DRIVING IN EVE. I SWITCH LANES AND CAME ONTO AN ICY PART OF ROAD DO TO BROKEN LEAKING HYDRANT HIT CHUCK HOLE IN THE ROAD AND LOST CONTROL OF MY TRUCK AND HIT POLE AND HYDRANT AND THE COMPLETE FRONT END WAS CRUSHED AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AT ALL. I HURT MY CHEST BACK AND KNEE'S AND HAVE HEADACHES. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Structure, Jan 31, 2014, crash
I WAS TRAVELING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. AS SOON AS SPACE OPENED BETWEEN ME AND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME, I ACCELERATED. WHILE GAINING SPEED I LOOKED IN MY RIGHT REAR VIEW MIRROR TO SEE IF I COULD CHANGE LANES. WHILE LOOKING IN MY MIRROR THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED. I HIT THE BACK OF HIS VEHICLE WITH THE FRONT OF MINE. THE PROBLEM I HAVE IS THAT MY AIRBAG(S) FIRED BUT DID NO DEPLOY. YOU COULD CLEARLY SMELL THAT THEY FIRED AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS NOW ON. MY SEAT BELT DID NOT CINCH UP AND RESTRAIN ME EITHER. THIS CAR HAD BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND WAS NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT BEFORE THIS ONE. AS I SEE IT, IT WAS A TOTAL FAILURE OF THE SRS. *TR
Air bags, Oct 8, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AND THEN CRASH INTO A WALL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE PASSENGER SUSTAINED WHIP LASH AND MINOR BRUISING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Air bags, Sep 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 4 MPH, THE AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT THE VEHICLE BEING INVOLVED IN A CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Air bags, Engine, Mar 15, 2013, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION UNDER THE HOOD. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE GEARS SLIPPING WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE CONTACT AND TWO PASSENGERS SUFFERED INJURIES BUT THEY WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 291,000.
Air bags, Jan 15, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE WAS FORCED OFF THE ROAD BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER SEVERAL TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE AND SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, ANKLE AND RIBS. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERAL LACERATIONS AND BRUISES. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE WAS KILLED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A MECHANIC OR AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,089.
Electrical system, Air bags, Nov 24, 2012
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON. ON OCCASION I AM JUST THANKFUL THAT MY AIR BAG HAS NOT GONE OFF YET. ALSO WHILE DRIVING MY DOOR AJAR LIGHT & DOME LIGHTS COME ON. *TR
Air bags, Nov 1, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, HE INADVERTENTLY STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A BRUISED CHEST, RIBS ARMPIT AND WRISTS. HE ALSO SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE KNEE AND NECK. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. ALL OF THE AIR BAGS IN THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 250,100.
Air bags, Jul 6, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK AND HAPHAZARDLY DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AS OPPOSED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A BUILDING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES AS A RESULT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,705.
Air bags, Mar 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE PASSENGER ATTEMPTED TO SECURE THEIR SEATBELT WHEN THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ERRONEOUSLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE AIR BAGS WERE NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE.THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V179000(AIR BAGS:SIDE WINDOW) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE RECALL WAS IRRELEVANT TO THE 2002 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 144,000.
Air bags, Feb 8, 2012
FORD HAS INFORMED DEALERS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAGS ON 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. IF YOU MOVE THE SEAT TOO MUCH IT DISCONNECTS WITH THE AIR BAG. ALL FORD DEALERS ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT FORD IS NOT WILLING TO ISSUE RECALL. SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD REQUIRE ACTION. IT WOULD BE A SIMPLE FIX OF THE PRETENSIONER LOCATED UNDER THE SEATS. *TR
Air bags, Jan 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Air bags, Dec 29, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER MADE FOUR ATTEMPTS TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE BY REPLACING THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 01/10/12*LJ
Air bags, Nov 17, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER LOOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHING INTO A POLE, NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR CONTUSIONS. THE PASSENGER SUFFERED A BROKEN ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
Power train, Air bags, Sep 6, 2011
I BOUGHT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN 2005. AT ABOUT 85000 MILES I NOTICED THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP AND OFTEN JERKS REAL HARD WHEN SHIFTING INTO 3RD. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED BY AN AUTHORIZED FORD DEALER IN MY AREA AND THEY TOLD ME THERE ARE NO METAL SHAVINGS IN THE FLUID, HOWEVER, THEY DID TELL ME THAT THE 2002 FORDS ARE WELL KNOWS FOR HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND THEY SEE IT ALL THE TIME IN THIS MAKE MODEL AND YEAR. I CALLED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THE TRANSMISSION, HOWEVER, READING ALL THE PROBLEMS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT OWNERS WHO HAVE COMPLAINED, I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE! *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Latches/locks/linkages, Interior lighting, Jan 19, 2011
THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED UPON SIDE DOOR CLOSURE OF A FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING AFTER RE-FUELING. CONCURRENT WITH AND IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG, THE DOOR ALARM SYSTEM WAS CHIMING THAT A DOOR WAS AJAR, AND AFTER INSPECTION BY A MECHANIC IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SECURITY/DOOR WARNING SYSTEM MODULE HAS FAILED. FORD WAS SENT THE AIRBAG MODULE FOR INSPECTION, AND HAS YET TO PROVIDE THE RESULTS OF THE MODULE INSPECTION - AFTER A PERIOD OF MORE THAN 5 MONTHS. FURTHER PROBLEMS PERSIST WITH THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM. THE DOOR AJAR ALARM CONTINUES TO SOUND AT RANDOM INTERVALS, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKER ON AND OFF AT RANDOM INTERVALS, AND THE DOOR LOCKS REPEATEDLY LOCK AND UNLOCK, ALL OF WHICH CAUSE A DISTRACTING POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Steering, Power train, Air bags, Jan 10, 2011
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON,PULLED PLUG APART UNDER DRIVERS ,SEAT SPRAYED CLEANER ON IT PUT IT BACK TOGETHER, TOOK CARE OF THAT PROBLEM. GEAR SHIFT LEVER SHEARED OFF. FORD SAYS YOU NEED TO REPLACE STEERING COLUMN. WENT ONLINE FOUND A MAN IN SWEDEN THAT MADE A REPLACEMENT PART,ORDERED IT ,PUT IT ON ,WORKS GREAT. (WHY COULDN'T FORD SUPPLY ONE?) THE TRANSMISSION IS STARTING TO ACT UP, YOU SHIFT IN TO DRIVE IT HESITATES AND LEAPS FORWARD, QUITE HARD, SAME IN REVERSE. FORD SHOULD RECALL THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT.
Air bags, Equipment, Nov 4, 2010
I AM SO DISGUSTED AFTER READING ALL THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I TOO HAVE THE AIRBAG PROBLEM, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE AIRBAG PRETENTIONER AND IT IS $650.00, NOW MY AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE THE EXTENDED DELUXE WARRANTY THAT WONT COVER IT. I ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR TEMP AND MODE ACTUATORS THAT FAILED AND BINDING AGAIN NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY THAT IS $510.00 TO REPAIR. I TRULY THINK FORD SHOULD RECALL THESE SAME PROBLEMS. *TR
Air bags, Oct 7, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD THE PRETENSION SET AND CLOCK SPRING REPLACED SEVEN TIMES BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 172,000.