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, Apr 19, 2008, crash
WE GOT IN TO A HEAD ON COLLISION AND THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND WE HIT AT ABOUT 45 M.P.H. ON IMPACT AND NOTHING DEPLOY SOON AFTER THE CRASH THE AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHED FOR SEVERAL DAYS TILL WE GOT THE REPAIR AND THEY JUST RESET THE COMPUTER IN THE TRUCK AND NOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS FLASHING ONLY A WEEK AFTER THEY RESET IT AND THE FORD COMPANY HERE HAS NO REASONING OR ANSWER TO WHY THIS HAPPENED AND THEY REFUSE TO HELP US ON THIS SITUATION SO WE HAVE TO TURN TO YOU AND GET THIS PROBLEM RESOLVED QUICKLY BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Air bags, Back over prevention, Jan 8, 2008
CURRENTLY OWN A 2002 EXPLORER XLT WITH ONLY 65K MILES ON IT. THE TRANSMISSION IS IN NEED OF A REBUILD BECAUSE IS SLIP FROM TIME TO TIME. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL SEALS ARE LEAKING. THE ENTIRE REAR OF THE VEHICLE MAKES A HUMMING NOISE SO I SUSPECT THAT A REAR BEARING IS GOING BAD. NOT TO MENTION THE 4WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM HAS NOT WORKED SINCE I BOUGHT IT A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO. I'VE HAD INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE AND ALSO THE BACKUP ALARM SYSTEM. THERE IS NOTHING BUT POOR WRITE-UPS ABOUT THIS TRUCK ALL OVER THE INTERNET. ALL THE SAME PROBLEMS I'M EXPERIENCING ARE PROBLEMS MANY OTHER DRIVERS HAVE ALSO HAD. *TR
Air bags, Jan 3, 2008, crash
ON 12/23/07 MY IN-LAWS WERE INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER CRASH OF A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. MY WIFE AND I WITNESSED THE ENTIRE ACCIDENT AS WE WERE FOLLOWING MY IN-LAWS HOME FROM CHURCH. A CARDBOARD BOX WAS IN THE ROADWAY, AND MY MOTHER-IN-LAW TOOK ACTION TO MISS THE BOX. SHE STEERED AROUND THE BOX, BUT WHEN SHE TRIED TO CORRECT THE VEHICLE IT GOT SIDEWAYS AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE ASSEMBLY BROKE AWAY AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FLIP. THE ROOF CRUSHED ABOUT 15 INCHES, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND OF COURSE THE FRONT WHEEL HAD BROKEN AWAY. MY FATHER-IN-LAW ESCAPED WITH A FEW BROKEN RIBS, BUT MY MOTHER-IN-LAW IS IN INTENSIVE CARE WITH SEVERAL INJURIES. I KNOW YOU HAVE HAD SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT FORD EXPLORERS, BUT ISN'T IT TIME TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR EVEN KILLED?*CN
Air bags, Dec 4, 2007
2002 EXPLORER XLT PURCHASED 1/03 WITH 37,995 MILES. NOW ONLY 39,996 I AM DISABLED AND DON'T DRIVE MUCH. HAD VEHICLE IN DUE TO WARRANTY OVER 11/26/07 TO CHECK THINGS OVER. WHEN I PICKED UP CAR AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHING. THOUGH IT WAS DUE TO THEIR WORK BECAUSE IT STOPPED. NEXT TIME USED VEHICLE LIGHT FLASHING THEN STAYED ON PERMANENTLY. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY CLAIM IT THROWS A CODE #B2292, THEY ALSO SAID A BULLETIN OUT FROM FORD ON THIS #TSB03-11-03 ISSUED TO ALL MECHANICS - THAT THE PRETENSIONER SAFETY HARNESS BOTH NEED TO BE REPLACED (DEFECT). I ADVISED THEM I WILL DISPUTE THIS DUE TO THE FACT THEY ALSO STATED FORD MAY BE DOING A RECALL. I CLAIM VEHICLE FINE TILL THEY WORKED ON IT. PART COMES IN TOMORROW, THEY SAY IT SHOULD BE READY IN A FEW HOURS, AND COST IS AROUND $295.. PLUS TAXES. ALSO HAD TO HAVE A REBUILT TRANY DONE LAST YR. ON THE AIR BAG LIGHT - I READ ALL THESE COMPLAINTS AND I AM SHOCKED THAT FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. THIS IS NUTS. WHAT IS SCARY IS ALL THE FIRE REPORTS. *TR
Suspension, Air bags, Oct 29, 2007
I AM AN OWNER OF A 2002 FORD EXPLORER 2WD. AT THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER THE VEHICLE STARTING MAKING A HORRIBLE NOISE. THE LOUD NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL. COME TO FIND OUT, THIS IS A MAJOR WHEEL BEARING ISSUE. I HAVE RECENTLY GOTTEN ONLINE AND DISCOVERED HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE ALSO HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. WHAT CAN WE DO TO GET THE FORD COMPANY TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT IN THEIR PRODUCT THAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO TRUST NOT ONLY YOUR LIFE BUT THE LIVES OF ALL YOUR PASSENGERS. HOW CAN COMPANIES CONTINUE TO SELL THEIR UNSAFE VEHICLES TO THE PUBLIC. IT IS ENOUGH TO HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT GETTING MY 1 YEAR OLD TO AND FROM HER NANA'S WITHOUT HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT GETTING HIT BY SOMEONE, BUT TO WORRY THAT ANY MOMENT YOUR VEHICLE CAN CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT WITHOUT YOU EVEN BEING AT FAULT BECAUSE OF FAULTY PARTS. PLEASE, CAN SOMEONE WITH ANY KIND OF DECENCY DO SOMETHING TO GET THIS COMPANY TO RECALL EVERY VEHICLE WITH FAULTY PARTS. COMMON SENSE WOULD SAY IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO. *TR
Air bags, Aug 4, 2007
2002 EXPLORER AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS LIT CAME ON AND NEVER WENT OFF WAS WONDERING IF THERE'S A RECALL TO HAVE FORD FIX THERE MISTAKE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Jul 3, 2007
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND HAVE HAD A ONGOING PROBLEM WITH CHECK LIGHTS COMING ON. FIRST IT WAS A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHICH READ THAT VEHICLE NEEDED NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER .THEN COUPLE YRS LATER CAME ON AGAIN THIS TIME FOR A SENSOR. NOW I HAVE A AIRBAG LIGHT ON IT SEEMS LIKE ONE SENSOR AFTER ANOTHER. AFTER READING VERY SIMMILER COMPLAINTS ON YOUR SITE AND OTHERS I THINK THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED AT FURTHER. NO EXACT EVENTS LEAD TO THE PROBLEM. ALL PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN FIXED EXCEPT AIRBAG LIGHT WHICH JUST HAPPEND THIS WEEK. *AK
Air bags, Jul 2, 2007
ON THE FORD EXPLORERS 2002-2003 THERE IS A PASSENGER RESTRAINT FAULT WHERE THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON INDICATING THAT THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT AND OR DRIVER RESTRAINT SRS SYSTEM IS AT FAULT. THIS IS CONCERNING ME SIMPLY BECAUSE IT APPEARS TO ME THAT THIS COULD CAUSE THE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY WHILE I AM DRIVING. *TR
Air bags, May 15, 2007
HAD AIR BAG LIGHT COME ON. IT WAS A $44.00 HARNESS THAT THE DEALER HAD A SERVICE BULLETIN TELLING HIM OF THE PROBLEM. IT COST ME 247 DOLLARS TO GET THE VEHICLE BACK. I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL OTHER 2002 EXPLORER OWNERS AND THEY HAVE HAD THE SAME HARNESS REPLACED AT ABOUT 60000 MILES. A COMPLAINT HAS BEEN SENT TO THE DEALER FOR THE LABOR CHARGES WHICH WERE OR SEEMED EXCESSIVE. *AK
Air bags, Apr 20, 2007
AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REMAINS ON AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE. *JB
Air bags, Seat belts, Mar 20, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONTACT THE DRIVER'S FRONT SEAT PRETENTIONER UPGRADE HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP MADE THE REPAIR. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT NO LONGER ILLUMINATED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73,000. *AK UPDATE 4/23/07 *TR
Air bags, Feb 21, 2007
MY HUSBAND AND I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE AIRBAG. THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS STAYED LIT AND NEEDED REPAIRS ON 2 OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED WAS A YEAR AGO. AT THAT TIME, WE TOOK THE CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND WERE TOLD THE SAFETY HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THIS WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS RECENTLY COME ON AGAIN. AGAIN, WE TOOK THE CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THIS TIME ARE TOLD THAT ANOTHER HARNESS NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND A WIRE UNDER THE SEAT IS NOT WORKING AND THE REPAIRS (WHICH ARE NOT UNDER WARRANTY) WILL COST APPROXIMATELY $370. I COMPLAINED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT I FEEL I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THESE REPAIRS AS THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED PREVIOUSLY WHILE UNDER WARRANTY AND THEIR PREVIOUS REPAIR SHOULD HOLD SOME GUARANTEE. I WAS TOLD THIS IS NOT THE CASE AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THESE REPAIRS. I FIND THIS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE. I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO HAVE THE REPAIR DONE AS A NON-FUNCTIONING AIRBAG IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. I AM NOTIFYING THE NHTSA AND THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION OF THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. *JB
Air bags, Seat belts, Jan 31, 2007
RECENTLY THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING A PROBLEM WITH THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. ALSO, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT WHEN THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE ONBOARD COMPUTER INDICATED A CODE OF 33 IN MEMORY. THIS INDICATED THAT THE MECHANISM UNDER BOTH FRONT SEATS WAS FAULTY. THIS PROBLEM WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY UNNECESSARILY OR NOT DEPLOY AT ALL. THE FAULTY SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WOULD NOT HAVE PREVENTED THE DRIVER FROM BEING THROWN FORWARD IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION. THE WARNING LIGHT WAS INTERMITTENT AT FIRST AND EVENTUALLY STAYED ON SO THERE WAS 55,000 MILES RECORDED WHEN I FINALLY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO OUR DEALERSHIP. THE OWNER'S MANUAL REVEALED THAT THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) IS WARRANTED FOR 5YEARS/50,000 MILES, SO I REALIZE THAT IT WAS BEYOND THE WARRANTY PERIOD. HOWEVER, THIS IS MY CONCERN AND COMPLAINT. THE SRS IS PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT SAFETY SYSTEM IN A VEHICLE AND SHOULD NOT REQUIRE THESE TYPES OF REPAIRS JUST 6 MONTHS AND 5,000 MILES AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRES. THIS SYSTEM SHOULD LAST FOR THE LIFE OF A VEHICLE UNLESS THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO BE CONCERNED THAT THEIR SRS SYSTEM WILL FAIL AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRES. I AM NOT A MECHANICAL ENGINEER, BUT THESE PARTS MUST NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED PROPERLY. IF THEY WERE, THEY WOULD NOT HAVE FAILED. AS WAS STATED ABOVE, THIS EXPLORER WAS TOTALLY REDESIGNED AND SENT TO THE DEALER SHOWROOMS PRIOR TO THE START OF THE 2002 MODEL YEAR. WERE THINGS OVERLOOKED OR NOT DONE PROPERLY JUST TO RUSH THIS TOTALLY REDESIGNED EXPLORER TO THE DEALER SHOWROOMS? IF THIS WAS THE CASE, SHOULD THERE BE A RECALL FOR THIS MODEL YEAR IN ORDER TO CHECK THIS PROBLEM AND ENSURE THERE ARE NO SAFETY CONCERNS? THE COST OF THESE REPAIRS IS THE MINOR ISSUE OF MY COMPLAINT. THE MAJOR ISSUE IS THE SAFETY OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. SAFETY PROBLEMS WITH A VEHICLE WILL CAUSE SERIOUS REPERCUSSIONS FOR THE COMPANY.
Air bags, Jan 26, 2007, crash
ICE ON ROAD, LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. CRASHED HEAD ON INTO DITCH EMBANKMENT AND AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY (FAILURE 1) THEN VEHICLE ROLLED OVER ONTO THE PASSENGER SIDE. UNSTABLE VEHICLE MODEL. *JB
Air bags, Jan 9, 2007
AIR BAG DISABLED DUE TO DESIGN DEFECT IN 2002 EXPLORER. A CABLE HARNESS RUNNING UNDER THE FLOOR TO THE DRIVERS SEAT IS TOO SHORT. MOVING THE SEAT BACK CAUSES THE CABLE TO DISCONNECT AND DISABLES THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG. *JB
Air bags, Oct 25, 2006
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT, FLASHES SEVERAL TIMES AND THEN STAYS ILLUMINATED
Air bags, Aug 28, 2006, crash
THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT. HIT ANOTHER CAR AT ABOUT 40 MILES AN HOUR AND THE FRONT DRIVERS AND PASSENGER AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE TWO INJURED. THE FRAME WASN'T BENT AND THE ENGINE WAS OKAY. WHAT SAVED THE PASSENGERS WAS AN ADD-ON BUMPER GUARD I HAD ON THE FRONT. TRUCK WAS TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THE SERVICE MANGER SAID THE SAME THING ABOUT THE BUMPER GUARD. *JB
Air bags, Seat belts, Aug 21, 2006
I BOUGHT A 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER IN NOV 2002. AROUND OCT 2005 MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND I WAS DUE FOR AN INSPECTION. I TOOK IT INTO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY "DIAGNOSED" IT AS A FAULTY SEAT BELT...THE SEAT BELT WORKED FINE, IT EVEN CONTINUED TO LOCK-UP DURING MODERATE BRAKING. THIS COST ME OVER $300. NOT A MONTH WENT BY AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I CALLED THE FORD DEALER, EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IF IT WAS DETERMINED IT WAS A "NEW" PROBLEM I WOULD BE CHARGED FOR THAT EXPENSE AS WELL. I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AFTER BEING "FIXED" SO SOON. *JB
Air bags, Jun 21, 2006
AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON DASHBOARD, THUS DISABLING AIRBAGS IN VEHICLE. THE FORD DEALER SUPPOSEDLY REPAIRED THE SENSOR. LESS THAN ONE YEAR LATER, THE SAME ISSUE RECURRED, WITH THE SAME DIAGNOSTIC CODE, AND THE DEALER IS REFUSING TO HONOR THE REPAIR WARRANTY. AIR BAGS ARE NOW DISABLED. *JB
Air bags, Jun 5, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, SPUN AROUND AND FLIPPED SIDE TO SIDE SEVERAL TIMES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH SIDE CURTAIN AND FRONTAL AIR BAGS. SEAT BELTS WERE IN USE HOWEVER MINOR INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED. UPDATED 7/13/2006 - *NM
Suspension, Visibility, Air bags, May 10, 2006
2002 EXPLORER WITH 95K MILES: POWER WINDOWS, AIRBAG AND FRONT/REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. DEALER WAS NOT SURPRISED BY THESE PROBLEMS AT ALL. $3K ESTIMATED REPAIR COST. *NM
Suspension, Exterior lighting, Air bags, May 4, 2006
FIRST OF ALL I HAVE A HUMMING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE I NOTICE IT MOST WHEN WE ARE TRAVELING ON THE HWY AT AT LEAST 55 MPH OR MORE. IN OCT. MY BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO REASON AND NOW IN FEB. MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *NM
Air bags, Apr 27, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER, WELL SERVICED, LESS THAN 54000 MILES ON IT. LAST WEEK AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON, FLASHED, THEN STOPPED. IT DIDN'T COME ON AGAIN UNTIL THIS WEEK. TOOK IT TO THE TORRANCE POWER FORD DEALERSHIP & THEY TOLD MY HUSBAND THAT IT WAS A FAULTY SPRING THAT WAS SLIDING & COMING IN CONTACT WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL WIRE & PROBABLY SHORTED OUT. COST TO FIX, $467.00, CALLED THE FORD CO & THEY SAID AIRBAG SYSTEM WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY & THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. FUNNY THING IS, I AM NOT THE FIRST PERSON WITH A FORD EXPLORER THAT HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. WE ALSO ASKED IF NOT SERVICED WOULD THE AIRBAGS DEPLOY? THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T KNOW. *JB
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Air bags, Apr 27, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER. FAILED TRANSMISSION, STARTER, REAR WHEEL BEARINGS, AIRBAG, PINION, ELECTRIC WINDOW. NOW LOUD SOUNDS FROM REAR OF CAR. *JB
Air bags, Apr 25, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON A PAVED ROAD, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE FOLLOWED BY A BURNING SMELL. THE SIDE AIR BAGS HAD DEPLOYED. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS HOWEVER, AFTER THE DEPLOYMENT, THE SEAT BELTS STRAP TIGHTENED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND THE SEAT BELTS RELEASED. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. UPDATED 5/16/2006 - *NM