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: engine and engine cooling
194 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 28, 2009
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ACCELERATING WHEN BRAKING ROTATING TIRE AXLE IDLE ISSUES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 28, 2009
TIMING CHAIN RATTLE ON A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. HAD THE FRONTS REPLACED ONCE UNDER WARRANTY AT ABOUT 25,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 80,000 MILES AT MY EXPENSE. NOW THE REAR CHAIN IS MAKING NOISE, THIS IS AFTER HAVING THE REAR TENSIONER REPLACED LAST MONTH AT 94,000 MILES. THE REAR CASSETTE SEEMS AS IF IT IS READY TO GO. I DON'T KNOW HOW FORD CAN GET AWAY WITH PRODUCING SUCH A POOR PRODUCT. THERE A THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND FORD WON'T DO A THING ABOUT IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Mar 11, 2009
3/4/08 MOTOR SIZED NO STEERING NO BRAKES AT 62000 MI. BHT REBUILT MOTOR FROM FORD 3YR/75000MI WARRANTY 2/8/09 MOTOR SIZED NO STEERING NO BRAKES AT 71000MI -11MOS /9000MI LATER 2/16/09 TOWED TO MALOUF FORD S.B.NJ NEED OTHER MOTOR NO REBUILT MOTORS AVAILABLE FROM FORD I HAVE NO CAR-FORD WILL NOT GIVE LOANER OR RENTAL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 9, 2009
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM A FRIENDS CAME TO A STOP SIGN. BEGAN TO ACCELERATE, I WAS GOING 25 MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SOUNDED LIKE MY 4 WHEELER. MY SPARK PLUG HAD SHOT OUT OF ITS THREADS AND BLEW THE COIL TO PIECES. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 21, 2009
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND FOR THE SECOND TIME 5 MONTHS THE SAME SPARK PLUG THAT WAS REPAIRED BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP HAS BLOWN OUT OF THE ENGINE. THERE WAS A LOUD POP AND VERY LOUD REPETITIVE ENGINE NOISE. THERE WAS A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE, AND LOSS OF POWER. FORD SAYS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!!!!!! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 22, 2008
RIDING IN A CAR IN COLD WEATHER...ALL WE CAN FIGURE AT THIS TIME IS THAT THERE IS SOME KIND OF EXHAUST LEAK..IN THE FORD EXPLORER....THE PASSENGER SHARED WITH THE DRIVE THE SYMPTOMS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING...THE DRIVER LARGER IN STATURE WAS GETTING DROWSY AND NOT THOUGHT MUCH ABOUT SINCE IT WAS AFTER MIDNIGHT, BUT THE OTHER PERSON ENDED UP GETTING IN ANOTHER CAR TRAVELING WITH THEM AND ENDED UP STOPPING THREE OR MORE TIMES DUE TO THE SYMPTOMS.... *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 25, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE ENGINE IDLED ROUGHLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE INDICATOR REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS STARTED, THE ENGINE WOULD AUTOMATICALLY IDLE WITHOUT ACCELERATION. THE FAILURES OCCURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND CANNOT BE DRIVEN. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 16, 2008
WAS HEARING A BANGING NOISE IN THE HOOD, MY HUSBAND FOUND OUT THAT THE SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT AND STRIPPED THE HEAD. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 15, 2008
INTAKE MANIFOLD IS MADE OF BURNED TWO HOLES IN ITSELF DUE TO PLASTIC CONSTRUCTION NOT ABLE TWO WITHSTAND HEAT WITCH CAUSED A CASCADING AFFECT AND CATALYTIC CONVERTERS ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED. I HAD TO REPLACE THE CONVERTERS AND THE MANIFOLD TO CORRECT PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 14, 2008
MY WIFE'S 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAD A WHINE IN THE REAR END SINCE IT WAS NEW AND IT CONTINUED TO GET WORSE WITH TIME. AT ABOUT 55K MILES IT WAS SO BAD THAT WE HAD TO HAVE THE ENTIRE DIFFERENTIAL REBUILT AT A COST OF OVER $1,000. AT 65K MILES THE ENGINE HAD BEGUN TO MAKE NOISE AND IT BECAME MUCH LOUDER RAPIDLY. THE ENTIRE CAM DRIVE (TIMING CHAIN, SPROCKETS, TENSIONERS) HAD BEEN GROUND UP. THE TENSIONER PADS HAD 3/8" DEEP GROOVES WORN INTO THEM AND THERE WERE METAL SHAVINGS EVERYWHERE. THE BILL THIS TIME WAS ALMOST $1,300. IT IS INTERESTING THAT ALL THE PARTS THAT WERE REPLACED WERE A DIFFERENT DESIGN THAN THE ORIGINALS. IF THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE ORIGINAL DESIGN, WHY SPEND THE MONEY TO CHANGE THEM? OF COURSE FORD WOULD NOT ADMIT THAT THEY HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE TIMING CHAIN FOR THE CAMS. AFTER THE TIMING CHAIN WAS FIXED THERE WAS STILL A NOISE SO WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE SHOP THAT DID THE WORK. WITH A STETHOSCOPE THE NOISE WAS ISOLATED TO THE BELLHOUSING/TORQUE CONVERTER AREA. WE TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP WE TRUST AND HE THOUGHT IT WAS A CRACKED FLEX PLATE BECAUSE THAT HAPPENS FREQUENTLY ON THESE VEHICLES AND IT CAUSES THAT KIND OF NOISE. THE FLEX PLATE WAS FINE AS WAS THE FRONT PUMP ON THE TRANSMISSION AND THE STARTER DRIVE. THE ONLY THING LEFT IN THAT AREA WAS THE TORQUE CONVERTER SO WE REPLACED THAT. THE NOISE WAS STILL THERE. HE SAID THAT THE NOISE HAD TO BE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION AND THAT WOULD BE A $2,000 REPAIR. I'VE HAD IT WITH FORD AND THEIR "QUALITY IS JOB ONE" OR WHATEVER THEIR CURRENT ADVERTISING LIE IS. THIS CAR IS A LEMON AND THEY WON'T ADMIT TO A SINGLE THING BEING WRONG WITH IT. EVERY DRIVELINE COMPONENT HAS HAD TO BE FIXED AND IT ONLY HAS 67K MILES ON IT. FORD SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THE WAY THEY HANG THEIR CUSTOMERS OUT TO DRY. EVEN THOUGH I HAD TO IDENTIFY A PARTICULAR DATE BELOW, THIS CAR HAS HAD MAJOR PROBLEMS SINCE IT WAS NEW IN 2002. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Jun 4, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE OXYGEN SENSOR CAUSED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE AND THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED AT 40,000 MILES. THE DEALER PROMISED OVER THE PHONE TO REPAIR BOTH THE RECALL AND THE ENGINE LIGHT, BUT LATER DENIED SERVICE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS 24,000 MILES OVER THE LIMIT TO REPAIR THE OXYGEN SENSOR. THE TECHNICIAN DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH TO PREVENT A FIRE FROM OCCURRING UNTIL THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL WERE AVAILABLE. A YEAR HAS PASSED AND THE DEALER STILL DOES NOT HAVE THE PARTS FOR THE REPAIR. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 24, 2008
WHILE DRIVING OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER IT STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING AND WOULD NOT START. CAR HAD TO BE PUSHED OFF TO THE SIDE AND TOWED TO DEALER. THE MECHANIC SAID IT PROBABLY BROKE A VALVE SPRING WHICH CAUSED MASSIVE INTERNAL ENGINE DAMAGE. THE TRUCK HAS ONLY 49,000 MILES ON IT AND FORD BASICALLY TOLD US IT'S OUR PROBLEM. THEY REFUSE TO CONTRIBUTE ANYTHING TO THE ESTIMATED REPAIR OF $4,800.00. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 15, 2008
I HAVE 2002 FORD XLT EXPLORER. 102K MILES NOW. I HAD ISSUE WITH THROTTLE CABLE STICKING BACK IN FEB 2008. WOULD NOT DECELERATE PROPERLY DRIVING HOME IN THE EVENING, THROTTLE STUCK OPEN. CAME CLOSE TO REAR ENDING ANOTHER VEHICLE. TRACED THE PROBLEM TO WHAT WAS THAT THE INNER LINER OF THE THROTTLE CABLE HAD BACKED OUT IN THE DRIVER COMPARTMENT APPRX 2 INCHES AND NOT ALLOWING THE CABLE TO RETRACT CORRECTLY. I REMOVED THAT SECTION OF THE LINER. AFTER RESEARCH FOUND THAT NHTSA ACTION NUMBER : PE05037 MATCHED MY PROBLEM EXACTLY. PLEASE NOTE HERE THAT MY ISSUE OCCURRED AFTER A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME THAN WHAT AS NOTED IN PE05037, YOU MAY HAVE TO OPEN NEW INVESTIGATION USING LONGER PERIOD. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR CUSTOMER SERVICE ABOUT THIS AND THEY OFFERED NO REMEDY FOR THIS ISSUE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 29, 2008
ENGINE TICKING AT IDLE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 24, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO DRIVE, BUT THE NOISE DID NOT STOP. HE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE BECAUSE HE BEGAN TO SMELL FUEL. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE NUMBER THREE SPARK PLUG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAD THE ORIGINAL SPARK PLUGS. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE AND RETHREAD THE SPARK PLUG, IT WOULD NOT GRIP AND TIGHTEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SHOP AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS A COMMON FAILURE. THE REPAIR SHOP PERFORMED A QUICK REPAIR BY FORD, BUT IT DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. FORD STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND COULD NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE SHOP AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 86,214.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 19, 2008
I WAS DRIVING MY EDDIE BAUER FORD EXPLORER 4.6L V8 WHEN I HEARD A LARGE EXPLOSION SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND CALLED FOR HELP. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO A SHOP WHERE THEY TOLD ME THE SPARK PLUG SHOT OUT OF THE ENGINE AND THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN. APPARENTLY THE COIL WHERE IT THREADS INTO WAS MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY SO IT NEVER SAT ALL THE WAY ON LIKE IT SHOULD. OVER TIME THIS IS THE RESULT. I NOW NEED A NEW CYLINDER HEAD COSTING $1800, AND MAYBE A 2ND ONE DOWN THE ROAD. THAT'S $4,000 FOR FORD'S MISTAKE! FORD SAID THEY CAN'T HELP. THERE IS NO RECALL. I WAS STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF A BUSY ROAD IN TRAFFIC RISKING MY SAFETY FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT! THIS IS HIGHWAY ROBBERY! (LITERALLY). *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Mar 17, 2008
WHERE TO START... BROKEN CRUISE CONTROL, HEADLIGHT SWITCH HAS A SHORT, DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER WINDOW DOESN'T ROLL DOWN, TROUBLE GOING INTO GEAR, CAR SUDDENLY DIES AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS, LOUD GRINDING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE BAY (LIKE AN ELECTRIC KNIFE SHARPENER) THAT IS GETTING INCREASINGLY MORE FREQUENT, SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF, BRAKES SQUEAL AND DON'T STOP THE VEHICLE PROPERLY, SUPPORT FOR THE HATCH (WHICH IS CRACKED 8 INCHES OR SO IN TWO PLACES) DOESN'T LIFT HATCH COMPLETELY, AND THE FUEL ECONOMY IS DOWN TO 4-6 MPG IN THE CITY. I HATE IT! I DON'T FEEL LIKE MY GIRLFRIEND IS SAFE DRIVING IT, AND I THINK FORD SHOULD BE FORCED TO MAKE THEIR WRONGS INTO RIGHTS! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Mar 7, 2008
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 63 MPH AND VALVE SPRING BROKE. VALVE DROPPED INTO PISTON CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE. CHECK ENGINE CODE CALLED FOR RANDOM ENGINE MISFIRE AND CODE WAS TRIGGERED AT AROUND 2600 RPM. PRIOR TO ENGINE FAILURE I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A SHUDDER WHEN TRANSMISSION SHIFTS INTO OVERDRIVE. THERE IS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE CLUTCH PACK IN THE LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL THAT IS CAUSING A SHUDDER WHEN TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT FROM A DEAD STOP. (DEALERSHIP CALLED IT THE PARKING LOT SHUDDER) I HAVE A 02 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH 4.6 AND 4X4 THAT HAS BAD ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL. (ENGINE REPLACED). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Mar 4, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A HOWLING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HE IGNORED THE SOUND AND DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE FOLLOWING DAY, WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR PROPERLY AND HESITATED. THE DAY AFTER THAT NONE OF THE GEARS WOULD SHIFT AND THE VEHICLE LOST ALL TORQUE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 140,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 8, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A COOLANT LEAK IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THERE IS AN EXTENDED COVERAGE PROGRAM THAT WAS INITIATED IN CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT NUMBER 05N04. THE CONTACT IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE MENTIONED WITHIN THE LAWSUIT. FORD STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND THE REPAIR WOULD COST $800. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 103,000. UPDATED 03/05/08. *LJ
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 29, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER 4.6 V8, APPROX. 78000 MILES. WHILE DRIVING MY SPARK PLUG (UNKNOWN NUMBER - SECOND IN ON DRIVERS SIDE), BLEW OUT. WAS ABLE TO REPLACE IT. NO MORE THEN 30 MINUTES OF DRIVING SAME PLUG WAS SPIT OUT AGAIN. THIS TIME UNABLE TO REPLACE IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 1, 2007
THIS IS TO ADD INFORMATION TO A PREVIOUS COMPLAINT. ODI NUMBER 10207581. THERE WAS A SUDDEN FAILURE OF THE ENGINE THAT RESULTED IN SUDDEN LOCKUP OF THE ENGINE, RESULTING IN COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER AND CONTROL. THIS HAPPENED ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AT LOW SPEED. HOWEVER A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION WITH HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC HAD JUST BEEN NAVIGATED. IF THE FAILURE HAD HAPPENED AT THAT INTERSECTION, THE FAILURE WOULD HAVE PROBABLY RESULTED IN SEVERE INJURIES OR LOSS OF LIFE. THE ENGINE FAILURE WAS SUDDEN AND WITHOUT WARNING. BY SUDDEN, MY WIFE DESCRIBED THE NOISE AS RATTLE, CRUNCH, BANG WITH EVERYTHING LOCKING UP IN LESS THAN 5 SECONDS. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING PERFECTLY UP TO THE TIME OF FAILURE. THE CAR BEGAN SMOKING FROM THE EXHAUST IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FAILURE AND MY WIFE FEARED THE VEHICLE WAS CATCHING ON FIRE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED, A LARGE QUANTITY (1 TO 2 QUARTS)OF ENGINE COOLANT DRAINED FROM THE MUFFLER. THIS INDICATES TO ME THAT A SUDDEN FAILURE OF AN INTERNAL ENGINE SEAL, GASKET, MANIFOLD, ETC. IF A PART FAILS THIS SUDDENLY, THE PART WAS EITHER DEFECTIVE, IMPROPERLY DESIGNED, OR IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 31, 2007
SUDDEN FAILURE OF THE ENGINE THAT RESULTED IN SUDDEN LOCKUP OF THE ENGINE, COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER, AND CONTROL. THIS HAPPENED ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AT LOW SPEED. HOWEVER A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION WITH HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC HAD JUST BEEN NAVIGATED. IF THE FAILURE HAD HAPPENED AT THAT INTERSECTION, THE FAILURE WOULD PROBABLY HAVE RESULTED IN SEVERE INJURIES OR LOSS OF LIFE. THE ENGINE FAILURE WAS SUDDEN WITHOUT WARNING AND THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING PERFECTLY UP UNTIL THE TIME OF FAILURE. THE CAR STARTED SMOKING FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM IMMEDIATELY AFTER FAILURE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 16, 2007, fire
CAR FIRE - 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 7, 2007
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAD A FAILED TUBE MOUNTED "DIFFERENTIAL PRESSUE FEEDBACK FROM EGR" (DPFE) SENSOR AFTER 30K MILES. FORD CREATED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) REGARDING THIS KNOW ISSUE AFFECTING SEVERAL 2000-2003 FORD MODELS INCLUDING THE 2002 EXPLORER (SEE FORD TSB 04-11-1 MAY 25, 2004 ). HOWEVER, WHEN FORD TURNED THIS ISSUE OF THE FAULTY DPFE SENSOR INTO A RECALL, OR "FIELD SERVICE ACTION" (FSA) AS THEY CALL IT, THEY DID NOT INCLUDE THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN THE DPFE RECALL. ALL VEHICLES INCLUDED IN FSA 02M01 WERE GIVEN AN EXTENDED 2YR/24K MILE WARRANTY ON THE DPFE SENSOR. THE 2002 EXPLORER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS EXTENDED WARRANTY DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE 2002 EXPLORER WAS INCLUDED IN THE ORIGINAL TSB ON THIS ISSUE AND THE FACT THAT THE 2002 EXPLORER WAS KNOW TO USE THE SAME TUBE MOUNTED DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE SENSOR AS ALL THE VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. SEE FSA 02M01 *TR