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: electrical system
179 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Feb 19, 2016, fire
I WAS DRIVING MY FORD ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE NEXT THING I KNOW MY FEET WERE REALLY HOT AND BLACK SMOKE STARTED COMING UP. THEN THE BLACK SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND I NEARLY CRASHED TRYING TO GET TO THE EDGE OF THE HIGHWAY BEFORE THE FIRE TOOK OVER THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE CAR. LUCKILY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS RIGHT THERE FOR ANOTHER ACCIDENT. IT WAS INCREDIBLY DISTURBING EXPERIENCE. LUCKILY MY 3 SMALL CHILDREN WERE NOT IN THE CAR.
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Dec 29, 2015
BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE. REPLACED FRONT AND REAR WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED BALL JOINTS REPLACED TRANSMISSION HAS NOW FAILED AND IS NOW UNDEPENDABLE. MAY FAIL WITH OUT WARNING NO ACCIDENTS, ANY OF THE ABOVE COULD HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT FORD IS AWARE OF ALL OF THE MENTIONED PROBLEMS AND REFUSES TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEMS. THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM WITH ALL 2002 FORD EXPLORERS.
Electrical system, Aug 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE THE DOORS WERE CLOSED. AS A RESULT, THE BATTERY BECAME INOPERABLE DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
Electrical system, Jul 9, 2015, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN A WIRING HARNESS LEADING TO THE FUSE PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS NOT OFFERED A REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Apr 27, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, AND BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITHIN THE WIRES IN THE DOOR LOCKS AND ANTI THEFT SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 205,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Sep 18, 2014
BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS STOPPED WORKING. PROBLEM TRACED TO TILT STEERING AND MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WIRING HARNESS. BROKEN RETAINER CLIP ALLOWS WIRES TO BE PULLED FROM CONNECTOR BREAKING CONNECTION FOR BRAKE LIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL. ONCE TILT STEERING IS ENGAGED CONNECTION IS BROKEN AND WIRES DO NOT STAY CONNECTED AND LOSS OF BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNAL IS THE RESULT. THIS COULD LEAD TO ACCIDENT, INJURY AND OR LOSS OF LIFE DUE TO POOR DESIGN. THE BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEM HAD ELUDED ME UNTIL I DID A GOOGLE SEARCH ON THE INTERNET WHICH RESULTED IN HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS, OF PEOPLE ALL EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. CALLING THE FORD DEALER AND PROVIDING THE PART NUMBER (E6DB14489DA) ON THE CONNECTOR PROVED FUTILE IN HAVING THEM EVEN IDENTIFY THE PART YET I WAS ABLE TO FIND THE PART ON THE INTERNET JUST BE A GOOGLE SEARCH. AT THIS POINT, I AM UNABLE TO LOCATE A REPLACEMENT PART SO I AM FORCED TO HOT GLUE THE WIRES INTO THE BROKEN CONNECTOR IN ORDER TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 5, 2014
MY GEAR SHIFT BROKE AS I WAS PUTTING INTO GEAR AND IT JUST FELL INTO MY HANDS IT BROKE INTO TWO HALF A PIECE THAT SHOULD NOT BROKE AND AS I WAS GOING SOMEWHERE THE TRUCK JUST STARTING GOING CRAZY THE LIGHTS WAS FLASHING ON AND OFF THE ALARMS WAS GOING OF THE LIGHTS FLASHIN,SOMETIMES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT THE ALARM JUST GOES OFF ON IT ON WE SEE ALL THIS HAPPEN AND NO ONE IS BY THE TRUCK NO CATS DOGS NOTHING. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 16, 2014
ALARM STARTED GOING OFF AND THE BACK GATE DOOR BECAME UNLOCKED WITHOUT ANYONE BEING IN OR NEAR THE SUV SATURDAY NIGHT JUNE 14,2014. IT CONTINUED OFF AND ON EVERY TWENTY MINUTES, THEN TEN MINUTES. THIS WAS AT NIGHT ABOUT SEVEN O'CLOCK. IT STOPPED. THE NEXT DAY ON SUNDAY AFTER COMING BACK FROM A RELIGIOUS MEETING IT STARTED GOING OFF AGAIN WITH AN ERROR MESSAGE STATING THAT THE REAR BACK DOOR WAS OPEN. IT WAS AND I DIDN'T OPEN IT. I OPENED AND CLOSED EVERY DOOR AFTER USING THE PANIC BUTTON TO STOP THE ALARM. IT STARTS WITH THE LIGHTS COMING ON IN THE FRONT OF THE SUV, THEN THE ALARM WILL START BEEPING VERY LOUDLY WITHOUT STOPPING. THIS GOES ON FOR ABOUT A GOOD HOUR EVERY DAY SINCE WITH YOU GOING OUT THERE TO TURN IT OFF WITH THE PANIC BUTTON. I DID SOME RESEARCH TO FIND OUT WHAT IS MAKING THIS HAPPEN AND I WAS AMAZED AND SHOCKED AT HOW MANY 2002 FORD EXPLORERS AND OTHER FORD CARS, TRUCKS, AND SUVS HAS THIS PROBLEM. IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM BECAUSE NO ONE KNOWS HOW TO STOP IT AND IT ENDS UP WITH YOU HAVING TO LEAVE YOUR DOORS UNLOCKED TO STOP THE ALARM FROM GOING OFF AND KILLING YOUR BATTERY. I HAVE LIMITED RESOURCES AND I WANT TO KNOW WHY FORD HAS NOT ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM SINCE IT AFFECTS SO MANY PEOPLE. I DON'T WISH TO DIE BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE ABOUT THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. I DON'T WANT MY FAMILY OR ME WORRYING ABOUT MY SAFETY BECAUSE IF ANYONE FINDS OUT MY SUV IS UNLOCKED, I COULD BE ACCOSTED, OR ROBBED OR KILLED AND NOTHING WILL BE DONE ABOUT IT BECAUSE THE AUTO INSURANCE PEOPLE SAY YOUR CAR HAS TO BE LOCKED. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM WITH FORD SINCE NO ONE ELSE SEEMS TO CARE BECAUSE I KNOW FOR A FACT THE FORD PEOPLE DON'T. BY THE WAY IT GOING ON NOW! THANK YOU. *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
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 23, 2014
IT IS HAVING TROUBLE SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. ENGINE REVS UP TO AND OVER 4,000RPMS AND SLAMS INTO THE GEARS. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 30, 2013
I CAN NOT DRIVE WITH ALL THE ALARMS AND LOCKS AND OVERHEAD LIGHT GOING OFF AND ON THE WHOLE TIME I'M DRIVING. IT IS TORTURE, LOUD AND SCARY!!! *TR
Electrical system, Nov 6, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW CANNOT BE OPENED AND THE ALARM SYSTEM ENGAGED ON ITS OWNS. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE DRIVERS DOOR ELECTRICAL SENSOR; HOWEVER, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Oct 19, 2013
THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS A DESIGN FLAW SUCH THAT THE REAR PANEL CRACKS. WHEN MOISTURE GETS IN IT CAUSES ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE SIX PROBLEMS EXPERIENCES ON THIS EXPLORER ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1) FALSE "DOOR AJAR" INDICATOR 2) REAR WINDOW WIPER NO LONGER WORKED 3) DEAD BATTERY 4) BACK-UP WARNING SIGNALS NO LONGER WORK 5) REAR WINDOW CAN NO LONGER OPEN 6) BRAKE LIGHTS WON'T TURN OFF EVEN AFTER THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF. WE HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 6, 2013, fire
I BOUGHT A USED 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR AT A USED CAR LOT. IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL BLUE SUV IN REMARKABLE GOOD CONDITION. I HAD IT FOUR MONTHS, AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE AT A STOP SIGHT ON MY WAY HOME FROM A SHOPPING STRIP TWENTY MILES FROM MY HOME. IT STARTED SMOKING AND WHILE I WAS FUMBLING FOR MY PURSE TO GET MY CELL PHONE TO CALL FOR HELP, IT CAUGHT FIRE AND BYSTANDERS ON THE THOROUGHFARE PULLED ME FORCEFULLY FROM THE CAR, AND THEN CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS WHEN THE ENTIRE HOOD CAUGHT FIRE AND MELTED. MY GARAGE MECHANIC, WHO HAD JUST SEEN THE CAR, TOLD ME THAT HE COULD SEE NO REASON WHY IT WOULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE. CAN YOU HELP ME? *TR
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Jul 30, 2013
AT APPROXIMATELY 12:30 PM, A BRIEF RAIN SHOWER BEGAN AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE. AFTER REPLACEMENT OF THE WIPER MOTOR, AND SIGNIFICANT TROUBLESHOOTING, IT IS LIKELY THAT THE GEM MODULE IS DEFECTIVE. THERE HAD BEEN SEVERAL DAYS OF LIGHT, MODERATE, AND HEAVY RAIN PRECEDING THIS ISSUE, DURING WHICH THE AUTOMOBILE WAS NOT DRIVEN. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, THE DOOR-AJAR LIGHT STAYS ON, THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK, AND THERE ARE OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Apr 19, 2013
THE INTERIOR LIGHTS OCCASIONALLY FLICKER WHEN ALL DOORS ARE SHUT SECURELY. ALSO THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT WILL FLICKER AT TIMES AS WELL. THE ALARM GOES OFF FOR NO REASON AND USUALLY IT IS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND I AM PRETTY SURE IT IS RELATED TO THE DOOR AJAR MALFUNCTION. THERE IS NO WAY TO DISABLE THE FACTORY ALARM SO I HAVE HAD TO LEAVE MY CAR UNLOCKED AT NIGHT JUST TO KEEP IT FROM GOING OFF AND WAKING UP THE NEIGHBORS. ALSO WE HAVE A CRACK ON THE LIFT GATE JUST BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. YOU CAN SEE THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE BY LOOKING AT OTHER EXPLORERS AROUND TOWN. I HAVE REALLY ENJOYED THE EXPLORER UP UNTIL NOW BUT IT DOES BOTHER ME THAT THESE TWO ISSUES ARE VERY COMMON YET FORD WON'T ISSUE A RECALL TO FIX THESE ISSUES. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 18, 2013
MY FORD EXPLORER HAS HAD SO MANY RIDICULOUS PROBLEMS. THIS ONE IS EXTREMELY INCONVENIENT. THE CAR HAS TROUBLE SHIFTING GEARS, IT SPINS FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR AND THEN I HAVE TO LET GO OF THE ACCELERATOR FOR IT TO SHIFT AGAIN, IT SKIPS 3RD GEAR ALTOGETHER AND JERKS INTO FOURTH AFTER PRESSING AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR A SERIES OF TIMES. ONCE IT'S IN 4TH GEAR, IT DOESN'T GO PAST 50 MPH. MY MECHANIC SAYS HIS MONITOR DETECTED A FAULTY SOLENDER AND THE ENTIRE PACK HAS TO BE REPLACED, BUT THAT MAY NOT BE THE ONLY PROBLEM. IF THAT DOESN'T DO THE TRICK (EVEN THOUGH IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED REGARDLESS) HE WILL HAVE TO OPEN THE TRANSMISSION AND POSSIBLY REBUILD OR REPLACE SOME OF THE PARTS. I HAVE ENCOUNTERED HUNDREDS OF OTHER 2002 FORD EXPLORER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. ASIDE FROM THIS, I HAVE A LIST OF OTHER DANGEROUS ISSUES THAT THIS CAR HAS HAD AND THAT HAS ENDANGERED MY FAMILY'S AND MY LIFE NUMEROUS TIMES: - GEAR SHIFT BREAKING OFF THE STEERING COLUMN AS I SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION. - IGNITION CYLINDER/SWITCH BREAKING - POSSIBLE SPONTANEOUS EXPLOSION RECALL RELATED TO THE CRUISE CONTROL - REAR LATCH BREAKING AND INABILITY TO USE THE REAR LATCH. - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE - DOORS NOT CLOSING PROPERLY & DRAINING THE BATTERY - FAULTY ALARM SYSTEM - FAULTY TEMPERATURE GAUGE AND RADIATOR - FORD NOT ALLOWING CUSTOMERS TO BUY JUST THE PARTS NEEDED FOR REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR AND FORCING THEIR CUSTOMERS TO PURCHASE ENTIRE PACKAGES ONLY IN ORDER TO GET THE NECESSARY PARTS AT EXTREMELY HIGH PRICES. FORD SHOULD BE INCRIMINATED FOR SELLING THESE VEHICLES KNOWING FULL WELL THAT THEY ARE FLOODED WITH LIFE THREATENING ISSUES TO THEIR CUSTOMERS. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 1, 2012
ALARM GOES OFF WHEN SET AND NO ONE IS AROUND, CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK, LIGHT INSIDE DO NOT TURN OFF AND SOMETIMES DO NOT TURN ON, RADIO DOES NOT TURN OFF WHEN OPENING THE FRONT DOORS, BUT WILL TURN OFF WHEN BACK DOORS ARE OPENED. *TR
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
Electrical system, Jun 13, 2012
FORDS TAILLIGHT/STOP SWITCH ILLUMINATES THE BRAKE LIGHTS, IS USED TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL AND IS USED TO ENABLE THE OPERATOR TO BE ABLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR ONCE THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. ROUGHLY A YEAR AGO I HAD SOME INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH TRYING TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE WHEN USING THE BRAKES PLUS I HAD TROUBLE TAKING THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK WITHOUT HAVING TO STEP ON THE BRAKE MULTIPLE TIMES. LASTLY HAVING A FRIEND FOLLOW ME HOME I WAS TOLD MY BRAKES LIGHTS DID NOT ALWAYS ILLUMINATE WHEN I WAS SLOWING DOWN OR AT A COMPLETE STOP! GOING BACK TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER I BOUGHT A REPLACEMENT SWITCH THAT HAD INSTRUCTIONS TO CUT THE OE'S PLUG OFF OF THEIR HARNESS AND TO HARD WIRE THE NEW SWITCH IN IT'S PLACE AS FORD HAD EXPERIENCED SOME "ISSUES" WITH THOSE ORIGINAL COMPONENTS. JUST 13 MO'S LATER I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM BUT THIS TIME IT FAILED COMPLETELY SO THE VEHICLE WAS LOCKED IN PARK IN MY DRIVEWAY. HAVING SEEN RECALLS ON SEVERAL OTHER FORD AND MERCURY PRODUCTS FOR A SIMILAR PROBLEM AND EXPECTED FORD TO GIVE ME A FREE REPLACEMENT. HOWEVER, AFTER ENTERING MY VIN # THEY SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS BUT THEY WOULD REDUCE THEIR NORMAL PRICE FROM $93.44 TO $76.00 AS THEIR COMPENSATION. CONTACTING MY LOCAL NAPA SUPPLIER I BOUGHT ANOTHER SWITCH FROM THEM FOR JUST $44.49 WHICH RESOLVED MY PROBLEM FOR EVEN LESS MONEY. I RETURNED TO THE DEALER TO REPORT MY FINDING AND STRONGLY SUGGESTED THAT THEY CONTACT THEIR FORD REP. AS I BELIEVE THIS BRAKE SWITCH ISSUE IS A BIGGER PROBLEM THEN FORD IS AWARE OF OR HAS OWNER UP TO KNOWING ABOUT. I WAS ACTUALLY LUCKY TO HAVE THE SWITCH FAIL AT MY HOME AS HAD I BEEN ON THE ROAD I COULD VERY WELL HAVE BEEN REAR-ENDED DUE TO MY BRAKES LIGHTS NOT COMING ON. I QUESTION IF FORD WILL EVER TAKE MY WARNING SERIOUSLY SO I FELT OBLIGATED TO PASS THIS INFORMATION ALONG TO AN INDEPENDENT SOURCE. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 18, 2012
DOOR AJAR LIGHT AND BEEPING SENSOR IS ALWAYS GOING OFF, CAUSING THE DOORS TO UNLOCK WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO CAUSING THE INSIDE DOME LIGHT TO TURN ON AND OFF. MUST DRIVE AT NIGHT WITHOUT INSTRUMENT LIGHTS, INCLUDING SPEEDOMETER, AS DOME LIGHT STAYS ON. *JS
Electrical system, Mar 22, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED DUE TO A WIRE UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 160,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 14, 2012
DUE TO A DEFECT, WE HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED (THANK GOD IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY)...THEN HAD TO HAVE THE DOOR AJAR SENSOR FIXED BECAUSE ALARM KEPT GOING OFF FOR NO REASON. ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO WE WERE ABUT TO GO OUT OF TOWN FOR THANKSGIVING. I STOP AT A RED LIGHT, AND THEN WE TRY TO PULL OFF WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGES AND HEAR THE LOUDEST POPPING NOISES...WE'RE WONDERING HOW IN THE WORLD DID THE SPARK PLUG POP OUT WITH SO MUCH FORCE THAT IT ALSO RIPS THE IGNITION COIL...(FAST FORWARD TO 1YR LATER, SAME THING HAPPENS WHILE LEAVING HOME TO GO TO WORK). ONCE AGAIN, ON MARCH 12, WHILE ON MY WAY TO WORK, SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. LIGHT TURNS GREEN...I START TO PULL OFF AND BEGIN HEARING A POPPING NOISE...WTH...NOT AGAIN!!! (THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN 2 YEARS). COME ON FORD...FIX THE LEMONS!!!! *TR
Electrical system, Mar 1, 2012
THE FACTORY ALARM WILL GO OFF RANDOMLY DURING THE NIGHT. HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET THIS ISSUE WORKED OUT WITH FORD. WE HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO GET IT RESOLVED AND EACH TIME IT IS FIXED, THE ISSUE RETURNS WITHIN A FEW WEEKS. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Structure, Feb 21, 2012
NONE OF THE WINDOWS WILL WORK, THEY WERE OPERATING PROPERLY AND JUST QUIT. THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, IN AN EMERGENCY, (SUCH AS A CRASH). THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE COULD BECOME TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT OPERATE. IF A FIRE OCCURRED THE RESULTS COULD BE TRAGIC. FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM ALONG WITH SEVERAL OTHER PROBLEMS ON THIS VEHICLE. YET THEY CHOOSE NOT TO REPAIR OR REPLACE ANY OF THE KNOWN DEFECTIVE COMPONENTS. MY VEHICLE HAS A LOT OF MILES ON IT, BUT THIS PROBLEM ALONG WITH OTHER PROBLEMS ON THIS VEHICLE HAPPENS ON LOWER MILEAGE VEHICLES ALSO. *TR