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, Aug 19, 2004
ON 9/27/03 IT WAS NECESSARY TO REPLACE A FAULTY SENSOR ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT CAUSED THE ABS WARNING LIGHT TO ACTIVATE. THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME WAS 15.851. ON 02/14/04 AT 22966 MILES THIS SAME SENSOR HAD TO REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME. ON 07/07/04 AT 30479 MILES THIS SAME SENSOR WAS REPLACED A THIRD TIME. HAVING THE SAME ITEM REPLACED THREE TIMES IN 10 MONTHS SEEMS TO BE MORE A PATTERN OF FAULTY DESIGN AS OPPOSED TO COINCIDENCE.*AK
Fuel system, Other, Electrical system, Visibility, Equipment, Aug 14, 2004
13JAN03-REAR WINDSHIELD WASHER INOPERATIVE REINSTALL REAR WASHER HOSES. 5NOV03-CLICKING NOISE FROM REAR A/C; REPLACE MOTOR ASSEMBLY TEMPERATURE BLEND. 5NOV03&13NOV03-L/R POWER MIRRORS INOP; FUSE BLOWS; REPLACED MIRROR REAR VIEW OUTSIDE SAIL MOUNT 13NOV03-FUEL GUAGE INOP READ 1/2 TANK BUT TANK WAS FULL; 20NOV03-INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FUEL GAUGE INOP; 24NOV03-REMOVED AND REPLACED INSTRUMENT CLUSTER; 18MAR04-FUEL GUAGE INOP & L/R POWER MIRRORS INOP, FUSE BLOWS; COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM AT THIS TIME ABOUT FUEL GUAGE; TESTED BCE FOR SHORT, TRACED TO MIRROR SWITCH, REPLACED SWITCH AND BLOWN FUSE; 20 JULY 04-L/R POWER MIRRORS INOP; REPLACED FUSE; 20 JULY 04 - REAR WINSHIELD WASHER INOP; ACCESS WASHER HOSE AND RECONNECT; 20 JULY 04- AIR CONDITIONER NOT COOLING PROPERLY; REPLACED BLOWER MOTOR FOR POOR OPERATION; MOTOR ASSEMBLY-HEATER-A/C BLOWER REPLACED. 20 JULY 04 - MECHANICS BROKE THE DRIVERS DOOR SWITCH COVER- 23 JULY 04 -REORDERED DOOR PANEL AND REPLACED DRIVERS DOOR SWITCH COVER.*AK
Electrical system, Jul 11, 2004
WHEN PULLING LIGHT OR HEAVY LOAD, VEHICLE JERKS AND THEN STALLS OUT WHEN VEHICLE APPARENTLY TRIES TO SHIFT DOWN OR IS AT SPEED WHERE VEHICLE MAY BE NEAR SHIFTING DOWN. VEHICLE ACTUALLY DIES AND MUST BE RESTARTED BY TURNING OFF KEY AND THEN IT QUICKLY STARTS. *AK
Electrical system, Jul 6, 2004
THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM PARK TO DRIVE. IT TURNS OUT THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSING FUSES TO BLOW WHILE DRIVING. THE FUSE THAT HAD BLOWN MOST WAS THE FUSE FOR MY BRAKE LIGHTS. I WAS DRIVING WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS SEVERAL TIMES, UNKNOWINGLY. THE FIRST DEALERSHIP THAT I TOOK THE VEHICLE HAD THE TRUCK FOR 3 DAYS AND SAID THAT THE ALARM SYSTEM WAS CAUSING THE SHORT. THE ALARM SYSTEM WAS INSTALLED BY THE SELLING DEALERSHIP. I WAS SENT AWAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP WITH BIGGER (HIGHER AMP) FUSES IN MY FUSE BOX, A FEW EXTRA FUSES, AND THE KNOWLEDGE OF HOW TO OVER-RIDE THE SHIFTER LOCK IF THE FUSE WAS BLOWN. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO AND A HALF WEEKS, MOST OF THE TIME WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS, I WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM. THIS DEALERSHIP HAPPENS TO BE ABOUT 90 MILES FROM MY CURRENT RESIDENCE. THE OTHER DEALERSHIP FOUND THE REAL PROBLEM. THE WIRING HARNESS HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE APPARENTLY, SOME OF THE WIRES GOT TOO HOT, MELTED THE INSULATION, AND FUSED THEMSELVES TOGETHER. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE SHOP FOR 9 DAYS. FORD ALSO CLAIMS THAT I SHOULDN'T WORRY ABOUT ANY DAMAGE THAT MAY HAVE BEEN DONE TO THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN MY VEHICLE DUE TO THE SHORT AND ONE OF THE DEALERSHIPS PUTTING BIGGER FUSES IN THE FUSE BOX. *JB
Electrical system, Jun 11, 2004, fire
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN PUBLIC LOT WHILE VISITING LOCAL STORE. ORIGINAL DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO START VEHICLE BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL DUE TO APPARENT LOSS OF ALL ELECTRICAL. ORIGINAL DRIVER NOTICED SOME SMOKE AND/OR SMELL OF SMOKE FROM BEHIND CONSOLE. DRIVER IMMEDIATELY TURNED KEY TO OFF POSITION AND CALLED SPOUSE TO REPORT FAILURE. SPOUSE INSPECTED BATTERY CABLES AND BATTERY VIEWING EYE WITH NO FINDINGS OF FAILURE OR LOOSE CABLES. SPOUSE ENTERED VEHICLE INSPECTING POSITION OF GEAR SHIFT LEVER AND TRANSMISSION INDICATOR FOR PROPER PARK POSITION WITH NO UNUSUAL FINDINGS. SPOUSE TURNED KEY TO START POSITION WHICH PRODUCED WHAT APPEARED WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT UNDER CENTER CONSOLE DIRECTLY UNDER BEVERAGE AND MISC HOLDER. SPOUSE TURNED KEY BACK TO OFF POSITION IMMEDIATELY THEN SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THAT AREA OF CENTER CONSOLE. SPOUSE REMOVED RUBBER LINER WITH SCREWDRIVER WHICH EXPOSED PIN HOLE WITH SPARKS SHOOTING OUTWARD WHICH IN TURN PRODUCED A FIRE IN THE CENTER CONSOLE. SPOUSE ATTEMPTED TO STOP FIRE WITH NO SUCCESS THEN EXITED VEHICLE TO BREAK OFF RED CABLE AT BATTERY TERMINATION IN ATTEMPT TO STOP FIRE. ORIGINAL DRIVER CALLED ON HELP AT UPS STORE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF VEHICLE PARKED LOCATION. EMPLOYEE FROM UPS REACHED VEHICLE WITH FIRE EXTINGIUSHER AND STOPPED FIRE FROM SPREADING TO OTHER AREAS OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CHAMPION FORD DEALERSHIP WITHIN 1 1/2 HOURS AFTER INCIDENT. DEALER REPORTED FINDINGS ON JUNE 10TH TO VEHICLE OWNERS. DEALER INVESTIGATION CLAIMS UNSUCCESSFUL IN IDENTIFING CAUSE OF FIRE. ESTIMATED COST IS 1,500 $. VEHICLE OWNERS ARE ATTEMPTING TO CONTACT FORD MANAGEMENT TO COVER FULL COST OF DAMGED DUE TO DEFECTIVE VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *AK
Electrical system, May 18, 2004
WHEN USING THE TURN SIGNALS THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT, THE TURN SIGNALS WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY, ALSO THE HAZARDS WOULD DO THE SAME. THE CONSUMER HAD MADE CONTACT WITH THE DEALER ABOUT THIS ISSUE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Electrical system, Apr 26, 2004
I HAD MY EXPLORER PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY, I WAS WALKING PAST IT AND HEARD A BUZZING/HUMMING SOUND FROM THE FRONT END. THE CAR WAS NOT STARTED THOUGH IT WAS MAKING THIS NOISE. I CALLED THE DEALER AND ASKED FOR SERVICE AND ASKED THEM TO HEAR THE NOISE OVER THE PHONE. THE CALL WAS PASSED AROUND THE DEPARTMENT AND NO ONE COULD FIGURE IT OUT. I WAS TOLD TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND TO THEIR SURPRISE I SAID I HAD NOT TURNED IT ON. THE SAID BRING IT IN IMMEDIATELY BUT BEFORE WE HUNG UP THEY WANTED TO SEE IT IF WOULD START. IT DID, WE HUNG UP & I WAS ON MY WAY. ON THE DRIVE THERE, THE BUZZING WOULD STOP WHEN I WOULD STEP ON THE BRAKE, TURN ON THE TURN INDICATOR OR HIT THE HAZARDS (DIDN'T NEED THEM, JUST FIGURED I WOULD TRY THEM). AT THE DEALERSHIP, EVERYONE CAME OUT TO EXPERIENCE THIS NOISE. I HAVE BEEN THEIR CUSTOMER WHO BRINGS PROBLEMS TO THEM BEFORE THE MASSES. THE TECHNICIAN TRIED TO STOP THE NOISE BY CHANGING OUT THE FUSES, WHICH WASN'T THE PROBLEM. I ENDED UP WAITING ABOUT AN HOUR WHILE THEY UNASSEMBLED THE DASH TO FIND A SHORT IN THE STEERING COLUMN. AN ELECTRONIC SENSOR WAS HAVING A MELTDOWN. I ENDED UP LEAVING THE EXPLORER WITH THEM WHILE THEY ORDERED THE NEW PEICE. THE SERVICE REP ALSO DIDN'T WANT ME WITH THE VEHICLE SINCE IT WAS A FIRE HAZARD AS WELL. THEY TOOK CARE OF IT AND I HAVE NOT HEARD OF ANY OTHER OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERINCED THIS. *AK
Power train, Electrical system, Apr 13, 2004
I PURCHASED MY 2002 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC IN MARCH LAST YEAR(2003). I HAD TO WAIT AND EXTRA WEEK TO PICK UP MY VEHICLE DUE TO ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT THEY SWORE TO ME WAS TAKEN CARE OF. IN JANUARY 2004 MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SO I CALLED MY CLOSEST FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD TAKE 2 WEEKS FOR ME TO GET AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE MY TRUCK CHECKED. THREE DAYS LATER MY TRANSMISSION BLEW. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS NOT A PROBLEM AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE MY TRUCK FIXED. THREE WEEKS AND $2600.00 LATER I GOT MY TRUCK BACK. NOW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON AND MY 4 WHEEL DRIVE DOES NOT WORK. I CALLED AAMCO(THE PLACE FORD REFERRED ME TOO), AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NOT THE TRANSMISSION BUT NOW AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT I WOULD NEED TO TAKE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE FIXED BUT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THAT FIXED AS WELL. MY TRUCK HAD 39,000 MILES AND WAS LESS THAN 2 YEARS OLD AND FORD IS STATING THAT THEY ARE REFUSING TO FIX ANYTHING FOR FREE. I HAVE SEEN ALL KINDS OF REPORTS OF ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE PROBLEMS WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL TRUCK AND I DO NOT AGREE WITH THIS.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Equipment, Apr 13, 2004
THE AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFT BROKE. COULD NOT CHANGE GEARS. ELECTRIC WINDOWS STOPPED WORKING BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER. AIR CONDITIONER BROKE - AIR CONDITIONER CLUTCH MAKE RUBBING NOISE WHEN ENGAGED.
Electrical system, Mar 4, 2004, fire
ALTERNATOR CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT WARNING.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Tires, Dec 2, 2003
ALL FOUR TIRES WERE SLIGHTLY CUPPING, AND THE BRAKES MADE A THUMPING NOISE WHEN THEY WERE DEPRESSED. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE PADS, LUBED THE FRONT CALIPER SLIDE PIN, AND REPLACED ROTORS. *AK VEHICLE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH TIRES CUPPING. THE FOLLOWING REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE: ENGINE REPLACED, BRAKES, REPLACED, ALIGNMENT, BATTERY WIRING ASSEMBLY REPAIRED, DPFE SENSOR REPLACED. CONSUMER ASKED DEALER FOR A FULL REFUND ON VEHICLE.*MR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Structure, Seats, Oct 27, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS BLACK SMOKE WOULD CAME FROM THE TAIL PIPE. CONSUMER COULD SMELL GAS FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. .*AK DRIVERS REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. DRIVERS SIDE SEAT MOLDING IS FALLING OFF. CENTER DUCT LOOSE ON DASH. DRIVERS SEAT CUSHION LOST ITS FORM. *TS
Electrical system, Oct 9, 2003
TRAILER TOWING WIRING IS FUSED AT 40 AMPS TO THE TRAILER PLUG. A SHORT IN THE SIGNAL WIRING CAUSED THE TRAILER WIRING INSULATION TO MELT OFF BEFORE THE FUSE BLEW. I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE IT HAPPEN WITH MY BOAT TRAILER WHERE THE WIRING IS ENCLOSED IN THE IRON CHANNEL OF THE TRAILER. HAD THIS BEEN A CAMPER, IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE. THE WIRES GOING TO THE TRAILER PLUG SHOULD BE FUSED AT 7.5 AMPS AS IN PREVIOUS MODEL EXPLORERS. SEE THE EMAIL I RECENTLY COPIED YOUR DEPARTMENT FOR FULL EXPLANATION OF THIS INCIDENT. THIS PROBLEM EXISTS IN THE 2002 AND 2003 EXPLORERS AND POSSIBLE OTHER FORD PRODUCTS. *LA
Electrical system, Oct 2, 2003
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT STALLING PROBLEMS. VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN MORE THAN A DOZEN TIMES WHILE DRIVING AT MORE THAN 40 MPH. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT THEY HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND VEHICLE HAD BEEN AT THE DEALER FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES, AND THEY STILL COULDN'T FIND WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *AK
Electrical system, Sep 18, 2003
FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, 2002. AT 4,122 MI BATTERY LIGHT FLASHED THREE TIMES, AND TRUCK NEARLY STALLED. *JB
Electrical system, Jul 20, 2003
I'VE OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR APPROX. 10 MONTHS. THE VEHICLE HASN'T STARTED 7 DIFFERENT TIMES. I'VE HAD MINOR HESITATIONS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM AN IDLE. THE VEHICLE HAS FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL SEVERAL TIMES WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. THE HORN, ON OCCASION, HAS NOT MADE THE PROPER SOUND. THE DOOR LOCKS DO NOT ALWAYS LOCK OR UNLOCK WITH THE REMOTE. I'VE HAD A BURNING SMELL EMINATING FROM VENTS WITH HEAT ON. I'VE BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, JIM KEIM FORD, 3+ TIMES, HAD A DIAGNOSTIC EXAM DONE, HAD THE FORD FLIGHT RECORDER INSTALLED TO ATTEMPT TO REGISTER PROBLEMS. NOTHING EVER FOUND. I'VE DOCUMENTED EVERYTHING FROM THE TIME OF THE INITIAL PROBLEM, JUST WENT THROUGH THE DISPUTE SETTLEMENT BOARD AND HAVE BEEN AWARDED A REFUND OF MONEY OR REPLACEMENT OF VEHICLE. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING AND DON'T GIVE UP!!*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 26, 2003
I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE INTO THE FORD DEALER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AT LEAST 4 TIMES WITH NO SUCCESS IT IS STILL UNDER MANUFACTURER WARRANTY AND IS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. *NLM
Suspension, Electrical system, Structure, Apr 7, 2003
THE VEHICLE'S TAILGATE GLASS EXPLODED WHILE THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE IT. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *NLM BROKEN LIFTGATE GLASS AND WIPER MOTOR AND ARM WERE REPLACED. THERE WERE SQUEAKS WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. SWAY BAR BUSHINGS REPLACED. IGNITION SWITCH HARD TO INSERT KEY AT TIMES. CYLINDER AND TUMBLER REKEYED. BOTTOM DOOR MOLDING (PASSENGER SIDE) PEELING OFF. RUBBER GROMMET ON ANTENNA BASE OFF. RESECURED RUBBER GROMMET FOR ANTENNA BASE. *TT PE04045_PCO
Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 10, 2003
LAST SUMMER (JULY 2002) DURING A MILITARY MOVE FROM GA TO AZ I NOTICED THAT MY WINDSHIELD HAD A LARGE PIECE OF GLASS MISSING ON THE OUTTER RIGHT EDGE THAT YOU COULD NOT SEE UNTIL YOU ACTUALLY GOT RIGHT UP ON THE WINDSHIELD. PART OF IT WAS VISIBLE TO AND PART OF IT WAS HIDDEN BEHIND THE RUBBER SEAL THAT IS AROUND THE WINDSHIELD. THIS WINDSHIELD WAS ACTUALLY INSTALLED WITH THIS PIECE MISSING FROM IT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT AND SENT TO THE DEALERSHIP. ALSO, THE REAR GLASS HATCH, GAS SHOCK TWISTED FROM ITS ORIGINAL POSITION AND CAUSED THE WINDOW TO BE OFF CENTER BY ABOUT AN INCH OR MORE. AFTER FIXING IT THREE TIMES IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. BOTH OF THESE PROBLEMS (THE WINDSHIELD AND THE GAS SHOCK) HAVE BEEN FIXED BY MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THUS FAR HAVE HELD UP. THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT I HAVE ON MY VEHICLE THAT INCLUDE THE ELECRICAL SYSTEM NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. WHEN YOU TURN THE TRUCK ON SOMETIMES ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS STAY ON AS WELL AS THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND YOU HAVE TO SHUT THE TRUCK DOWN AND BACK ON SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER FOR THEM TO GO OUT. THE TRUCK WILL SOMETIMES STALL AT TAKE OFF OR WILL LURCH WHILE SHIFITING INTO A HIGHER GEAR AND HAS TOTALLY SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON A FEW OCCASIONS. THE TRIM PAINT ON THE DOORS, BOTH FRONT AND PASSENGER HAS FADED THERE ARE RUSTED SPOTS IN THE PAINT ON THE TOP OF THE VEHICLE, AND THE HOOD HAS A VERY BAD ORANGE PEEL EFFECT ON IT WITH GRIT IN THE PAINT. THE LEFT REAR SPEAKER HAS BUSTED AND THE PANEL ON THE REAR HATCH BELOW HAS BROKEN LOOSE AS WELL AS ONE OF THE PLASTIC BRACKET COVERS ON THE BACK OF THE PASSENGER SEATS. PE04045.PCO
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Seats, Jan 20, 2003
I BOUGHT A 2002 EXPLORER ON MAY 23,2002. IN THE PAST 8 MONTHS, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOWED IN BECAUSE IT WOUDN'T START--ACOMPUTER CHIP WAS REPLACED. MY A/C MADE A HIGH PITCH SQUEAL AND AFTER AT LEAST FIVE TIMES OF TRYING TO REPAIR THE EXISTING A/C CLUTCH, A NEW ONE WAS FINALLY PUT ON. MY FRONT END SUSPENSION HAS BEEN FIXED. MY MIDLIFT GATE CRACKED IN NOVEMBER AND A NEW ONE WAS PUT ON. I HAVE HAD DAILY PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT NOT FULLY GOING INTO POSITION WHEN I START MY TRUCK AND THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED AS THE SERVICE DEPT. THAT I DEAL WITH NEVERS SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO SEE THE PROBLEM. FUNNY HOW IT DOES IT EVERY DAY FOR ME, THOUGH. MY BLINKERS WILL SOMETIMES STICK AND STAY ON WITHOUT BLINKING--THIS ALSO HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. AT THE BEGINNING OF JANUARY,2003, ON THE WAY HOME FROM A TRIP, MY HUSBAND AND I NOTICED THAT EVERY TIME WE SLOWED THE TRUCK DOWN, THERE WAS A BLAST OF AIR FROM THE UPPER VENTS IN THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED NO MATTER WHAT SETTING WE HAD IT IN (IE. DEFROST OR FLOOR VENTS). THIS PAST THURSDAY, JAN.16, THE SUSPENSION WAS REPAIRED AND SUPPOSEDLY THE HEATING SYSTEM WAS AS WELL. NOW THE AIR DOESN'T SEEM TO LEAK OUT THE TOP VENTS, BUT CONTINUOSLY COMES OUT OF THE FLOOR VENT, NO MATTER WHAT SETTING THE HEAT IS ON. I HAVE A RENTAL VEHICLE ONCE AGAIN, WHILE THEY KEEP THE VEHICLE OVERNIGHT TONIGHT TO SEE IF THEY CAN HOPEFULLY FIX THIS PROBLEM. NEEDLESS TO SAY, WE ARE CURRENTLY CHECKING INTO THE LEMON LAW FOR OUR STATE!!!
Electrical system, Oct 28, 2002
VEHICLE BROUGHT TO DEALER AFTER CRAKING NOISES BEHIND DASH AND DRIVER PILLAR. FOUND 15 PLUS BOLTS LOOSE, HOSES INSTALLED INCORRECTLY, ALL PANELS/DOOR/GRILLS ASSEMBLY ON VEHICLE FRONT AND REAR ARE DROPPED OR RACKED OUT OF ALIGNMENT. DEALER UNABLE TO CONCLUDE WHY SO MANY DEFECTS EXIST. DT
Electrical system, Sep 3, 2002
FAULTY ANTI-THEFT MODULE(SHORTING) MAKING VEHICLE UNABLE TO OPERATE. AT THIS TIME FORD IS UNABLE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE MODULE LEAVING OWNER STRANDED. FORD HAS TOLD US THAT THEY ARE WORKING ON A SOLUTION BUT AT THIS TIME THERE IS NOT ONE. HOW MANY OTHERS ARE DRIVING WITHT HIS UNSAFE MODULE?
Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Structure, Jul 24, 2002
MAIN COMPUTER MODULE MALFUNCTIONS, CAUSING OTHER MAJOR COMPONENTS, SUCH AS TRANSMISSION/ POWER WINDOW, AND DOORS NOT TO WORK. *AK
Electrical system, Structure, Jul 17, 2002
MOUNTING BRACKET ON GLASS LIFTGATE BECAME DETACHED FROM STRUT-LIFT MECHANISM JOINT UPON REACHING MAXIMUM EXTENSION CAUSING GLASS TO FALL ONTO MY HEAD. REPORTED TO DEALER BUT NOT REPAIRED/REPLACED DUE TO PARTS N/A. OFTEN HAVE DIFFICULTY TURNING IGNITION SWITCH AFTER INSERTING EITHER OF THE FACTORY KEYS. IT REQUIRES A "JIGGLING" MOTION TO ENGAGE AND TURN IGNITION. PE04045.PCO
Electrical system, Jun 6, 2002, crash, fire
MINOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT, DAMAGE TO LEFT FRONT BUMPER AND FENDER, NEAR BATTERY. RESULT WAS INSTANT FLAME UNDER HOOD AND VEHICLE DESTROYED.*AK