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, 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
Engine and engine cooling, May 30, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH IN DRY CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS NOR ON THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AAA FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE AS NOTED IN RECALL # 06E056000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 106,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 9, 2007
THERE IS FORD TSB 02M01 AND NTSB 10007207 FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE EGR SENSOR ON 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. THE EXPLORER NEEDED THAT SENSOR REPLACED, BUT THE WARRANTY CLAIM WAS DENIED ALTHOUGH MY VEHICLE FELL WITHIN AGE AND MILEAGE GUIDLINES. I WOULD LIKE FORD TO COMPENSATE ME FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIR.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 3, 2007
EGR SENSOR FAILURE OBD2 CODE P0401. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 27, 2007
EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE: BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE FAILURE AND CONSEQUENCES: FORD ACKNOWLEDGES ISSUES INTERNALLY WITH THE TIMING CARTRIDGES ON THE 2002 E CODE 4.0L V6 SOHC ENGINE THROUGH SEVERAL TSB'S, HOWEVER DOES NOT NOTIFY THE PUBLIC THAT THIS ISSUE EXISTS. I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE ISSUE AFTER APPARENTLY BLOWING THE ENTIRE ENGINE ON MY 2006 FORD EXPLORER. NOW, INSTEAD OF HAVING A REPAIR DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP THAT COULD COST A LITTLE, I HAVE TO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY TO HAVE IT FIXED. I AM GREATLY THANKFUL THAT THIS HAPPENED AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND NOT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. APPARENTLY, FORD USED SEVERAL PLASTIC GUIDE WAY PARTS TO TENSION THE CHAIN, AND THESE PARTS FAIL EASILY BECAUSE THEY ARE OIL STARVED AT ENGINE STARTUP. BECAUSE THEY ARE PLASTIC, THEY CAN FATIGUE AND BREAK AT ANY TIME, CAUSING SEVERE VALVE AND PISTON DAMAGE, AND LEAVING THE OPERATOR OF THE CAR WITH NO CONTROL OF THE AUTOMOBILE BECAUSE OF LOSS OF VACUUM FOR BREAKS, AND AUTOMATIC STEERING. CORRECTION OF FAILURE: FORD REFUSES TO PAY ANYTHING TO HELP REPAIR OR REPLACE PARTS EVEN WITH KNOWN ISSUES. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 13, 2007
ENGINE DEVELOP ROUGH IDLE. SUDDEN EXPLOSION SOUND REVEALED THAT NUMBER THREE SPARK PLUG WAS DISCHARGED FROM THREADS. DEALER CLAIMED ZERO RESPONSIBILITY YET ADMITTED THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 4.6 AND 5.4 LITER ENGINES. SELF REPAIR WITH INSERT TO REPAIR DAMAGED THREADS CAUSED BY EXPLODING SPARK PLUG. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 3, 2007, fire
I WAS ONLY ABOUT 1 MILE FROM HOME, THE VEHICLE HAD NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS, I HEARD A STRANGE SOUND THEN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING PROPERLY, I COULD SMELL FUEL OR SOME SORT OF ODOR, AS I ATTEMPTED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER, THERE WAS NO BRAKES OR STEERING, I ALSO COULD SEE SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, I MANAGED TO GET THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO STARTING TO FILL WITH SMOKE INSIDE VERY QUICKLY. I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. IT WOULD NOT ENGAGE IN PARK, AND ROLLED WHILE I WAS TRYING TO EXIT. I CALLED 911, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS ALREADY ENTIRELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 25, 2007, crash
IN JANUARY, 2006, MY CAR STOPPED DEAD ON THE HIGHWAY. AFTER IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WE WERE TOLD THAT A VALVE HAD BROKEN AND HAD BEEN SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE, CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE. OUR ONLY ALTERNATIVE WAS TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED - WHICH WE DID FOR OVER $5000.00. THE FOLLOWING JANUARY, (2007), AFTER THE FIRST MEASURABLE SNOW FALL OF THE YEAR (SINCE OUR ENGINE HAD BEEN REPLACED), THE CAR WENT INTO A HUGE FISHTAIL SKID ON A SNOWY ROAD AND AFTER THE FIRST SKID, WAS CAUGHT BY THE CABLE GUARD RAIL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD - CAUSING ANOTHER $5000.00+ REPAIR. WHEN BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER THE ACCIDENT, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE ELECTRONIC MONITOR HAD FAILED AND WE HAD NO 4 WHEEL DRIVE. MY CONCERN - BESIDES THE COST AND INCONVENIENCE AND SCARE OF THE ACCIDENT IS THAT THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS TO LET ME KNOW THAT THE CAR'S 4 WHEEL DRIVE HAD FAILED. I HAD GOTTEN INTO THE CAR ASSUMING THAT THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE WAS WORKING (AS THE CAR GOES INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE AUTOMATICALLY AND THERE ARE NO INDICATOR LIGHTS NORMALLY TO LET YOU KNOW THAT THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE IS WORKING). WITH NO INDICATOR LIGHTS THAT THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE IS WORKING AND NO INDICATOR LIGHTS THAT IT IS NOT WORKING, FORD PUT ME IN A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION. HAD THE CABLE GUARD RAIL NOT BEEN THERE TO CATCH THE CAR, WE WOULD HAVE GONE OVER THE EMBANKMENT AND BEEN MORE SERIOUSLY INJURED. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 5, 2007
I HAVE TWO OR THREE ISSUES; THE FIRST ONE IS MY TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER BROKE AND CAME UP THROUGH THE HEAD GASKET COVER. IT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT FORD HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH MANY OF IT'S 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. I AM JUST RETURNING FROM IRAQ (AIR FORCE) I HAVE JUST HAD IT TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP IT HAS NOT BE FIXED. I HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS WERE IT JUMPS INTO GEAR AND I HAVE A WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END. I SPOKE WITH GANLEY FORD IN BARBETON AND THEY TELL ME THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS HOWEVER, A LOT OF CUSTOMERS COMPLAIN. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Nov 6, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ACCELERATING, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND A NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES WHERE THE TRANSMISSION CONVERTER WAS REPLACED TWICE, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. ALSO, WHILE THE CONTACT WAS CHANGING THE OIL IT WAS NOTICED A WIRE FROM THE BATTERY WAS BARE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION IS STILL NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY AND DURING ACCELERATION, THE VEHICLE STILL VIBRATES. UPON INSPECTION THE 02 SENSOR WAS FOUND DAMAGED. THE SENSOR WAS COVERED IN GLUE AND WRAPPED AROUND TO THE TRANSMISSION MOUNT. UPDATED 12/01/06. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Tires, Nov 5, 2006
ONGOING SHIFTING AND SLIPPING WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION. ALSO A LOUD SHRILL AT THE END OF THE ACCELERATION. THE TRANSMISSION CONVERTER HAS BEEN REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES AND THE TRANSMISSION LEAKED OUT FLUID AT HIGHWAY SPEED. AFTER THE REPAIR OF A STRIPPED TRANSMISSION LINE CONNECTOR AND A PILE OF GLUE TO FIX A BROKEN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO SERVICE BY THE DEALERSHIP AND THE WARRANTY COMPANY. THE CONVERTERS ARE "REMANUFACTURED" WHICH HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO FAIL. THE GLOB OF GLUE ON THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WILL BE REVIEWED BY THE STATE AS TO THE PROPER REPAIR PROCEDURE. A LAW SUIT MAY FOLLOW DUE TO SEPARATE REPAIRS INCLUDING A TIRE WITH A NAIL, WHERE A NEW TIRE WAS PURCHASED AND A USED ON WAS INSTALLED (BF GOODRICH). THE TIRE WAS ALSO NOT BALANCED AND WAS OFF BY 1.5 OZ. THERE WAS ALSO A GASKET REMOVED FROM THE COOLING SYSTEM THAT CAUSED ANTIFREEZE TO SPILL OUT ONTO THE ENGINE. THE COOLING SYSTEM HAD BEEN SERVICED TWO MONTHS PRIOR AND WAS NEVER LEAKING UNTIL THE DAY THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED. THERE WAS ALSO THE DISCOVERY OF THE POSITIVE ELECTRICAL HARNESS TO THE STARTER HAVING EXPOSED WIRES DUE TO THE OIL FILTER DRAIN HOUSING MADE OF PLASTIC RUBBING AGAINST THE WIRES. THERE ARE THREE WIRES EXPOSED AND THERE MAY BE THE POTENTIAL FOR FIRE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Oct 2, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, A BURNING ODOR WAS SMELLED COMING FROM THE A/C VENTS IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE REAR VENT WAS HOT TO THE TOUCH AND A BURNING ODOR WAS EVIDENT. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK UPDATED 10/30/2006 -*NM
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 31, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAS INTERMITTENTLY STALLED POSSIBLY DUE TO OUTDOOR HEAT. THE VEHICLE STALLED OR WOULD NOT START ON NINE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER AFTER EACH INCIDENT WHERE THE INERTIA SWITCH, THE FUEL PUMP AND THE PCM MODULE WERE CHANGED. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED EIGHT TIMES WHILE THE VEHICLE STOPPED, WHILE IT WAS STARTED, AT AN INTERSECTION, AND ONCE WITH THE VEHICLE IN MOTION AT 35 MPH. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE GAS STORAGE TANK HAD DEVELOPED A HOLE AND WAS LEAKING GAS.
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Visibility, Aug 30, 2006
AT A COMPLETE STOP VEHICLE SURGES (ACCELERATES). HAVE TO PLACE IN NEUTRAL AT STANDING STOPS TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT. DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW SWITCH FAILED, HAD REPLACED, ALSO THE WINDOW WHINES WHEN ROLLING UP. PASSENGER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW REGULATOR(CABLE) SNAPPED?? WHEN REAR WINDOWS ARE DOWN AT A SPEED OF 20 MPH+ IT SOUNDS LIKE A HELICOPTER IS IN THE BACK SEAT(ACTUALLY PHYSICALLY HURTS YOUR EARS!!!) <<<<NO FIX OR REPAIR?? ANYONE ELSE HAVE THIS PROBLEM? 55-65 MPH STEERING WHEEL SHAKES. REPAIR ATTEMPT BALANCED AND ROTATED TIRES AND SUSPENSION WAS INSPECTED. STILL SHAKES. REAR SPARE TIRE ACCESSORIES COVER HANDLE BROKE. <<NOT ABUSED. HOW DO YOU CHANGE A FLAT WITH NO JACK OR NO TOOLS?? (SPARE TIRE CAME DOWN ALRIGHT THOUGH). EGR VALVE FAILURE @ 40,000 MILES. 4X4 INTEMITTENT SHIFTING ISSUES FROM LOW>AUTO AND AUTO>HIGH. CAN NOT PIN POINT PROBLEM. THAT ABOUT WRAPS UP MY LOVELY EXPERIENCE WITH THIS VEHICLE. I AM A MARRIED FATHER OF TWO AND THE ONLY ONE WORKING ON A LIMITED INCOME. I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK WITH VERY LOW MILES THINKING IT WOULD BE DEPENDABLE NOT UNAFFORDABLE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 15, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THERE WAS A SENSATION OF RUNNING OVER SOMETHING. THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHERE THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT DUE TO THE ENGINE LOCKING UP, THE ENTIRE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 5, 2006
SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF CYLINDER HEAD WHILE DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, COULD HAVE CAUSED FIRE HAD TO REPLACE THE CYLINDER HEAD INSTEAD OF A TAP KIT TO AVOID METAL SHAVINGS RUINING THE ENGINE. *NM
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 22, 2006
PERSISTENT QUALITY PROBLEMS: ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, POWER STEERING, AIR COMPRESSOR, AND RELATED SAFETY HAZARDS SUCH AS DEFECTIVE REAR HINGE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 14, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE 25-35 MPH, THERE WAS A SOUND LIKE AN EXPLOSION COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE WHERE THE GARAGE DETERMINED A SPARK PLUG HAD BLOWN OUT. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THIS WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT ONCE THIS HAPPENS, IT KEEPS HAPPENING AND EVENTUALLY THE ENGINE WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE COIL WAS DAMAGED WHEN THE SPAR PLUG FAILED. UPDATED 08/08/06. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 13, 2006
I JUST BOUGHT A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 74,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE HAD IT FOR JUST LONG ENOUGH TO DISCOVER A FEW PROBLEMS WITH IT, AND HAVE DONE ENOUGH RESEARCH TO KNOW THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE BY FAR WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. I AM NOT SURE WHAT CAUSES THE PROBLEMS THAT I AM EXPERIENCING, I JUST KNOW THAT LOTS OF OTHER PEOPLE ARE ALSO HAVING THESE PROBLEMS. FIRST OF ALL, THERE IS A LEAK IN MY REAR DIFFERENTIAL. MY TRUCK IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP FOR THAT NOW - HOWEVER, THE SHOP MGR REFUSES TO FIX THE LEAK UNTIL THE REAR END BREAKS.... WHICH WILL COST MORE AND CAUSE MORE REPAIRS THAN NECESSARY AT THE CURRENT TIME. MY SECOND PROBLEM - WHICH THE SERVICE MGR AGAIN REFUSES TO FIX UNTIL IT BREAKS IS WITH THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER - WHICH LEADS TO TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WHICH ARE ALSO VERY COSTLY. I HAVE DONE MY HOMEWORK ON THIS SITUATION, SINCE I HAVE BEEN FORCED TO, AND I AM SEEING OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN, REPLACED THE REAR END ON MY 2002 EXPLORER (MULTIPLE TIMES ON THE SAME VEHICLE), AND I AM SEEING OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN, NEW TRANSMISSION ON MY 2002 EXPLORER (AGAIN, MULTIPLE TIMES ON THE SAME VEHICLE). I DON'T KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE KNOWS ABOUT THIS SITE, OR I'M SURE THAT HUNDREDS OF THE SAME KIND OF COMPLAINTS WOULD BE FILED WITH YOU.... SOMEONE REALLY NEEDS TO LOOK IN TO THIS PROBLEM, BECAUSE FORD IS AWFUL PROUD OF THEIR VEHICLES AND I AM PAYING A HEFTY CHUNK OF MONEY FOR MINE, AS ARE THE TONS OF OTHER PEOPLE OUT THERE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS WHO JUST MAY NOT KNOW HOW TO GO ABOUT GETTING SOMETHING DONE REGARDING THIS PROBLEM... I'M SPEAKING NOT ONLY FOR MYSELF, BUT, FOR LOADS OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM, I BEG YOU!! I DON'T WANT TO BE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH MY BABIES (4 & 5 YRS OLD) PRAYING THAT THE RIGHT PERSON STOPS TO HELP ME AND NOT THE ONE WITH BAD INTENTIONS!! SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS - FORD HAS GOT OBVIOUS DRIVE TRAIN PROBLEMS!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION IN THIS MATTER! *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jul 3, 2006
2002 EXPLORER HAS PROBLEMS PICKING UP SPEED AND OVER USE OF GAS. *TS THE CONSUMER ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, GEAR ADJUSTMENT, DIFFICULT HIGH ALTITUDE DRIVING EVEN AFTER GEAR CHANGE, AIR SUCTION INTO THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ACCELERATOR AND SES LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. *NM UPDATED 07/06/06. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Tires, Equipment, Jun 10, 2006
ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 3, 2005, I PURCHASED A BREAK MODEL USED FORD EXPLORER XLT 2002 FROM NORM REEVES HONDA CAR DEALER IN CERRITOS, CA. THE CAR HAD 78,000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. I SIGNED THE PAPERS AND TOOK THE POSSESSION OF THE CAR. IT HAS NOT BEEN MORE THAN 2 MONTHS THAT THE CAR STARTED GIVING ME TROUBLE ON THE PICK UP OF THE SPEED, TRANSMISSION, GEAR ADJUSTMENT, OVER USE OF THE GAS, DIFFICULT HIGH ALTITUDE DRIVING EVEN AFTER CHANGE OF GEARS, AIR SUCTION INTO THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ACCELERATOR AND SIGNS LIKE SERVICE ENGINE SOON ON THE FRONT PANEL, ALTHOUGH I HAVE BEEN GETTING REGULAR LUBE AND TUNE ON THE CAR AFTER EVERY 3000 MILES. WHILE DRIVING THE, OCCASIONALLY, THE CAR GIVES A THUNDERING NOISE ON THE TIRES AS IF IT IS DRAGGING ITSELF AND RUNNING ON THE ROAD. THIS MAKES ME FEAR THAT MY CAR IS NOT SAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE! THE NORM REEVES HONDA SUPER STORE CAR DEALER KNEW THAT THE CAR IS DEFECTIVE AND THEY SIMPLY WANTED TO GET RID OF A USED 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT VEHICLE FROM THE FLEET AS THEY PRIMARILY SELL HONDA CARS AND SIMILAR VEHICLES. DESPITE REPEATED REQUESTS, THE NORM REEVES HONDA SUPER STORE AND THEIR SISTER COMPANY FORD OF CERRITOS REFUSED TO PROVIDE SERVICE ON THE CAR SINCE I STOPPED PAYMENTS ON THE CAR LOAN. OTHER FORD CAR DEALERS HAVE TEST DRIVEN THIS CAR AND OBSERVED THE SAME DEFECTS AS I HAVE MENTIONED. MY PURPOSE OF WRITING THIS COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSA IS TO REQUEST THE INTERVENTION OF NHTSA IMMEDIATELY AS THE QUESTIONED VEHICLE IS LIKELY TO ENDANGER MY LIFE ON THE LOCAL ROADS AND/OR ON HIGHWAY/FREEWAYS. DUE TO MAJOR DEFECTS IN THE CAR, I CAN MEET WITH A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND CAN BE CRIPPLED OR SUFFER SUCH PECUNIARY LOSSES THAT ARE IRREPLACEABLE AND/OR I CAN DIE ALSO WITH OUT ANY FAULT OF MINE. PLEASE RECALL FIRESTONE TIRES V. FORD MOTOR COMPANY CASE LAW. CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST NORM REEVES HONDA, FORD OF CERRITOS AND THEIR CEOS TO FOLLOW. PLEASE CONTACT ME AND THE DEALERS ASAP. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, AMARDEEP SINGH GILL. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, May 11, 2006
BROUGHT IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE - 60K SERVICE. IN THE PROCESS OF DOING SERVICE, TECH FOUND A BAD INJECTOR, REPLACED INJECTOR BUT FOUND THERE WAS A BAD CYLINDER. ADVISED ME OF THIS . I GAVE GO AHEAD TO FIX. WHEN THEY WENT TO PULL HEAD TO SEND VALVES OFF FOR FIX, DISCOVERED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN GUIDES ON BOTH SIDES HAD HOLES WORN IN THEM ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE TOP AND BOTTOM OF THEM. THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED ON A 5 YEAR OLD VEHICLE W/ 60,000 MILES ON IT. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 9, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH A V6 ENGINE, PURCHASED NEW, MAINTAINED, HAS 77,000 MILES. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IT BECAME ERRATIC, AS IF WATER IN TANK, DROVE ABOUT 1/2 MILE WHEN IT DIED. NOW THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED: ACCORDING TO WARRANTY INSPECTOR THE "CASSETTE FAILED DUE TO THE HYDRAULIC TENSIONER AND IT IS CLOGGED WITH SLUDGE, SLUDGE IS GETTING THICKER AND IT HAS CLOGGED A PIN HOLE IN THE TENSIONER AND CAUSED A LOSS OF PRESSURE". GEICO WILL NOT COVER THE ENGINE REPLACEMENT BECAUSE THEY CLAIM IT WAS CAUSED BY LACK OF MAINTENANCE; HOWEVER, I PROVIDED THEM WITH RECORDS OF THE MILEAGE AND DATE OF OIL CHANGES AT INTERVALS BETWEEN 3K AND 5K MILES, PROBLEM I HAVE RECEIPTS FOR ONLY 75% OF THOSE CHANGES. THE HIGHEST GAP BETWEEN A RECEIPT BACKED CHANGE AND NON RECEIPT CHANGE IS 7000 MILES. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS AWFULLY SIMILAR TO THE 1996 - 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY ENGINES. I THINK FORD HAS A LOT OF EXPLAINING TO DO. PREVIOUSLY, THIS SUV HAD TO HAVE A TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT 50K MILES AND A REAR DIFFERENTIAL AT 65K MILES, THANK GOODNESS THEY WERE COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 7, 2005
SUV IN SERVICE FOR 40 MTHS & 33K MILES WHEN AC EVAPORATOR WENT. NO WARRANTY COVERAGE. THEN SEVERAL MONTHS LATER WITH JUST OVER 36K MILES A REAR TIMING CHAIN WENT. FORD PROVIDED SOME AFTER WARRANTY ASSISTANCE, BUT THESE FAILURES COST CONSUMER OVER $2K FOR A VEHICLE THAT WAS JUST OUT OF WARRANTY AND HAS BEEN BABIED ITS WHOLE LIFE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 13, 2005
DRIVING ON I-65 NASHVILLE, TN. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOUD AND ABRUPT SOUND IN THE ENGINE WITH SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF POWER. NARROWLY MISSED HAVING AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE LOSS OF POWER. WE MANAGED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME WHERE UPON INSPECTION, A SPARK PLUG HAD OBVIOUSLY BLOWN OUT OF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE (LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF SITTING IN THE DRIVER SEAT). *NM