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: power train
1,575 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Feb 25, 2011
I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SUV WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY FAILED, SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL/LOSING POWER IN TRAFFIC. THIS WAS A DANGEROUS SITUATION! FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF TRAFFIC. *TR
Power train, Feb 23, 2011
GOING OUT OF TOWN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC AT 65MPH. O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING ON AND OFF. TRANSMISSION STARTED ACTING ERRATICALLY AND I FELT THAT I LOST 5TH AND 2ND GEARS. SHOP RAN DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND CODES P0732, P0735 AND P0775. CODES CONFIRMED PROBLEMS WITH 2ND AND 5TH GEARS AND SOLENOID B MALFUNCTION. *TR
Power train, Feb 20, 2011
TODAY IS 2/21/2011 AND JUST HAD THE CRAP SCARED OUT OF ME, THREE CHILDREN (AGES 4, 2, AND A 10 MONTH OLD) AND 4 OTHER VEHICLES WHEN GUESS WHAT---MY TRANSMISSION BLEW THE SERVO PLUG!!!! GEE IMAGINE THAT ANOTHER PIECE OF JUNK THAT CHINA/JAPAN OR WHATEVER YOU CALL THEM PEOPLE, ASSEMBLED!!! THANKS AGAIN FORD FOR SELLING OUT!!! FORD CEO'S WHOM I'M SURE ARE FILTHY RICH ARENT TRUE AMERICAN PEOPLE OTHERWISE THEY WOULDNT HAVE SOLD US OUT TO ANOTHER COUNTRY!!!!! DRIVING TODAY AT A LEGAL 45 MPH MY SERVO PLUG BLEW OUT CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE AND CAUSING NOT ONLY MYSELF BUT 4 OTHER VEHICLES TO END UP OF THE ROAD CAUSING A NEAR PILE UP!!!!! WHAT ARE YOU (FORD) GOING TO DO FOR US PEOPLE THAT WERE CONNED INTO BUYING A PIECE OF CRAP FROM A PUSHY SALESMEN THAT FORD TRAINED!!!! DID THESE SALESMEN KNOW THAT THESE WERE JUNK AND THATS WHY THE PRICE WAS RIGHT!!! WELL ANYWAYS FORD HASNT SEEN/HEARD THE LAST FROM ME ABOUT THIS ISSUE!!!! I WILL BE THAT GUY THAT FORD IS GONNA HATE, I MUST ADMIT TO YOU GUYS AS YOU WILL FIND OUT I AM WITHOUT ANY DOUBT THE "BIGGEST [XXX] ON THE FACE OF THIS PLANET" AND I INTEND ON BEING JUST THAT UNTIL FORD TAKES CARE OF MY TRANSMISSION!!!!!! IF NEEDED I WILL SPEND EVERY DAY OF MY LIFE (UNTIL I'M 6 FEET UNDER) PURSUING THIS ISSUE!!!! LOOK OUT FORD HERE I COME!!!!!! PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 15, 2011
2002 4 X 4 FORD EXPLORER, WHILE DRIVING IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC THE TIMING CHAINS WENT ON THIS TRUCK. OF COURSE THE ENGINE STOPPED WORKING AND I HAD THE HUGE PROBLEM OF PUSHING IT OFF THIS 3 LANE BUSY HIGHWAY. DID GET IT OFF AND NOW WAITING TO RAISE ENOUGH MONEY FOR REPLACEMENT ENGINE. YES THE OIL WAS CHANGED EVERY 3200 - 3400 MILES, DEFAULT WITH THE FORD ENGINES, PLASTIC SPROCKS. SO I AM WITHOUT A TRUCK UNTIL MONEY IS RAISED OR FORD DOES A RECALL. I KNOW! THERE WAS NO SIGN OTHER THAN A SLIGHT NOISE STARTING AND CALLED THE GARAGE AND NEVER GOT THERE. MY TRUCK IS IN GREAT SHAPE, NO RUST, NO ACCIDENTS AND I LOVE TO DRIVE IT! THE GAS IS NOT BAD AT ALL IF YOU DON'T HORSE IT! *TR
Power train, Feb 14, 2011
I AM ANOTHER VICTIM OF THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND ITS TRANSMISSION WOES. ALERTED BY A FLASHING OD YELLOW WARNING LIGHT, AFTER A TRIP TO THE GARAGE AND RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I DISCOVER THIS IS A SIGN THAT I WILL NEED A $3000 TRANSMISSION REBUILD ON A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 99K MILES THAT WAS CAREFULLY USED AND DEALER SERVICED. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY FORD AND HAVE DONE NOTHING TO RECTIFY IF WITH CONSUMERS. *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Feb 10, 2011
O/D LIGHT FLASHES FOR A FEW DAYS THEN AT AROUND 25 MPH THE GEAR SWITCHES INTO NEUTRAL AND RUNS VERY ROUGH THEN THE CAR IS THROWN FORWARD. HAD A REBUILT TRANSMISSION (WE WERE TOLD WE WERE GETTING A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION AND PAID EXTRA FOR IT!) AT 83K MILES ON OCT 15, 2010 THEN FEB 5, 2011 THE SAME EXACT THING HAPPENS. THE DEALER CANNOT TAKE THE TRUCK FOR ANOTHER 5 DAYS AND REFUSED TO GIVE ME A LONER CAR BECAUSE IT IS NOT UNDER THE WARRANTY. PLEASE NOTE: BELOW I PUT IN THE FIRST INCIDENT DATE, FEB 2011 IS THE SECOND INCIDENT DATE. IN MAY OF 2009 I WAS TOLD MY ENGINE FAILED AT ABOUT 76,000 MILES. WE DID BUY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND WE WERE COVERED. THE FORD DEALERSHIP TOLD US WE WERE NOT COVERED. THEY HAD OUR TRUCK FOR 3 WEEKS UNTIL THE WARRANTY PEOPLE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND LET THEM KNOW IT SHOULD BE FIXED. WE ALSO HAD A RENTAL CAR OR A LONER CAR UNDER THE WARRANTY. THEY REFUSED TO PAY FOR A RENTAL CAR AND SAID THEY DID NOT HAVE A LOANER CAR AVAILABLE. IT TOOK 4 MORE WEEKS (IN TOTAL 7 WEEKS) TO GET THE TRUCK BACK AND NEVER PAID FOR THE RENTAL. *TR
Power train, Feb 6, 2011
AT APPROXIMATELY 60,000 MILES, MY TRANSMISSION ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER FAILED. THERE ARE THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS ISSUE. FORD HAS NOT RECOGNIZED THE DEFECT. THIS POSES SEVERAL HAZARDS SUCH AS A LOCKING TRANSMISSION ON THE HIGHWAY, SLIPPING TRANSMISSION WHEN IN PARK, NO ABILITY TO MOVE WHEN IN TRAFFIC. *TR
Power train, Feb 3, 2011
THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED SHIFTING CORRECTLY, STARTED MAKING BAD NOISES, WON'T SHIFT OUT OF SECOND GEAR, AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT IS FLASHING SPASTIC. THE VEHICLE IS ALMOST UNDRIVEABLE, AND THIS APPEARS TO BE A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM FROM WHAT I HAVE READ. I AM ABOUT TO TAKE IT INTO A TRANSMISSION SHOP FOR DIAGNOSIS. *TR
Power train, Feb 1, 2011
TRANSMISSION FAILURE
Power train, Structure, Jan 28, 2011
I HAVE 2 ISSUES WITH MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER..THE FIRST ISSUE IS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I BOUGHT THIS LAST YEAR AND TOOK IT BACK TO WHERE I BOUGHT IT 2 DAYS LATER AND THEY HAD THE TRANSMISSION SHOP THEY DEAL WITH LOOK AT IT AND WAS TOLD THERE'S NOTHING WRONG. WHEN I GO TO PUT IT IN DRIVE OR REVERSE THE VEHICLE WONT MOVE. ONCE I START DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION KEEPS SLIPPING AND WHEN STOPPED AT RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN I HAVE TO BE VERY CAUTIOUS BECAUSE IT WONT GO AND WANTS TO DRIFT BACKWARDS AND WANTS TO STALL AND I DON'T WANT TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BY DRIFTING INTO SOMEONE. I HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS EVERYDAY AND IT'S GETTING OLD NOW. THE SECOND ISSUE IS THE REAR HATCH/DOOR.. TODAY I TOOK NOTICE THAT THERE IS A CRACK RIGHT UNDER THE WINDOW WHERE THE REAR FORD EMBLEM IS LOCATED. *TR
Power train, Jan 25, 2011
I WAS DRIVING MY EXPLORER YESTERDAY AND IT WAS ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT GEARS AND INSTEAD SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION OR A TIRE GETTING BUSTED. THE O/D LIGHT CAME ON AND START FLASHING. IT WOULD RESET ITSELF EVERYTIME THE CAR WAS RESTARTED BUT IMMEDIATELY CAME BACK ON. LATER IN THE EVENING, THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. I'M NOT ONE TO WAIT AND LET SOMETHING TERRIBLE HAPPEN TO MY VEHICLES SO I TOOK IT TO AAMCO AFTER FORD TOLD US THEY WERE TOO BUSY TO RUN DIAGNOSTICS ON IT. AAMCO EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS EITHER THE TRANSMISSION OR THE SOLENOID PACK. UPON OPENING THE PAN UNDERNEATH, THEY EXPLAINED THAT IF THERE WERE METAL CHUNKS IT WOULD BE THE TRANSMISSION; IF NOT, THE SOLENOID PACK. SURE ENOUGH, THERE WERE BIG METAL CHUNKS. NOW, AFTER HAVING THE CAR ONLY TWO MONTHS, I'M HAVING TO COME UP WITH MONEY TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION IN A CAR THAT APPEARED TO BE IN STELLAR CONDITION. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH TODAY, APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON AND WELL KNOWN ISSUE IN THE FORD EXPLORER. FORD NEEDS TO STEP UP THEIR QUALITY OF EQUIPMENT USED IN THEIR VEHICLES. IT IS SCARY TO KNOW I COULD HAVE BEEN IN TRAFFIC OR SOMEWHERE ELSE AND THE CAR DIE AND LEAVE ME STRANDED OR HURT. *TR
Power train, Jan 13, 2011
MY ISSUE STARTED LATE IN 2009. THE O/D LIGHT STARTED COMING ON AND FLASHING AND FOR A FEW MONTHS MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT PROPERLY INTO 3RD GEAR AND OVERDRIVE. IT WOULD SLIP AND CLUNK INTO GEAR. THEN WHILE DRIVING UP HILL ON A MAIN ROAD THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING. IT WOULD NOT PROPEL MY VEHICLE AND SHUT DOWN RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY ROAD WHICH NEARLY CREATED A MULTI-CAR ACCIDENT. BOTH FORWARD AND REVERSE DID NOT WORK MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO GET MY CAR OFF THE ROAD. MY CAR HAS BEEN SITTING IN THE BACK YARD SINCE I CAN NOT AFFORD THE COSTLY REPAIRS. I FEEL THERE IS AN OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND FORD SHOULD RECALL THIS ITEM. *TR
Power train, Jan 11, 2011
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME MY O/D OFF LIGHT HAS STARTED FLASHING AND NOW THE TRANSMISSION HAS STARTED SHIFTING EXTREMELY HARD. I HAVE NOW BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED TO HAVE MY TRANSMISSION REBUILT. THAT IS A $2800 JOB. THIS IS AFTER A YEAR AND HALF AGO I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED. WHICH WAS A $2400 JOB. I DON'T SEE EXACTLY HOW I COULD HAVE GONE THROUGH TWO TRANSMISSIONS IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Jan 11, 2011
AT 105K MILES, OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER STARTED SHAKING AS IT SHIFTED THROUGH THE GEARS. WE TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER WHO CHARGED $2,000 FOR "FIXING" THE PROBLEM. DRIVING AWAY FROM THE DEALER, THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER WHO SAID THERE WAS ANOTHER ERROR CODE THAT COST US $30. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED, AND TODAY FORD SAID THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED. AT JUST OVER 100K MILES, THERE IS NO REASON THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD COMPLETELY GO OUT. WE ARE NOW LEFT WITH A VEHICLE THAT WE CAN'T SELL AND CAN'T DRIVE. LOOKING AT SEVERAL OTHER DESCRIPTIONS ON THIS WEBSITE, IT IS APPARENT THAT FORD CONTINUES TO IGNORE THIS TRANSMISSION ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Power train, Air bags, Jan 10, 2011
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON,PULLED PLUG APART UNDER DRIVERS ,SEAT SPRAYED CLEANER ON IT PUT IT BACK TOGETHER, TOOK CARE OF THAT PROBLEM. GEAR SHIFT LEVER SHEARED OFF. FORD SAYS YOU NEED TO REPLACE STEERING COLUMN. WENT ONLINE FOUND A MAN IN SWEDEN THAT MADE A REPLACEMENT PART,ORDERED IT ,PUT IT ON ,WORKS GREAT. (WHY COULDN'T FORD SUPPLY ONE?) THE TRANSMISSION IS STARTING TO ACT UP, YOU SHIFT IN TO DRIVE IT HESITATES AND LEAPS FORWARD, QUITE HARD, SAME IN REVERSE. FORD SHOULD RECALL THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT.
Power train, Jan 8, 2011
THE TRANSMISSION ON OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER NEEDED TO BE REBUILT AT 36,000 MILES AND IS NOW NEEDING TO BE REBUILT AGAIN AT 74,000 MILES. THE FIRST REPAIR WAS DONE AT A FORD DEALERSHIP AND AFTER MUCH COMPLAINING WE WERE ABLE TO HAVE SOME OF THE COST ABSORBED BY PURCHASING AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE CAR STARTED SHIFTING ROUGH AGAIN A FEW WEEKS AGO AND THEN QUICKLY PROGRESSED TO FULLY SKIPPING 3RD GEAR. WE ARE NOW FACING REBUILDING IT AGAIN. WE HAVE READ UP ON THE PROBLEM AND HAVE DISCOVERED THAT IT IS VERY COMMON FOR THE EARLIER BUILT 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. WE HAVE EVEN DISCOVERED A POSTING ON A FORD TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN EXPLAINING EXACTLY OUR SITUATION (HTTP://216.198.221.184/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?P=2595868) TSB 04-24-17. THE MOST FRUSTRATING THING IS THAT FORD IS AWARE THEY BUILT A FAULTY TRANSMISSION THAT WILL NEED TO BE REBUILT EVERY 35,000-40,000 MILES AND THEY ARE DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. UPON PURCHASING A CAR I FEEL THAT IT IS NOT UNREASONABLE TO EXPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO LAST MORE THAN 40,000 MILES. WE ARE NOW IN THE UNUSUAL SITUATION WHERE WE NO LONGER WANT TO OWN THIS VEHICLE BUT FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE SELLING IT TO ANYONE KNOWING THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM AND THAT THE NEW OWNER WILL ALSO HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE EXPENSIVE REPAIRS OF REBUILDING THE TRANSMISSION IN ANOTHER 40,000 MILES. *LN
Power train, Visibility, Structure, Jan 7, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER EXT WAGON. THE CONTACT THAT STATED THAT UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT IN AN AWKWARD MANNER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED HIM THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE SUDDENLY RECURRED AND HE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. HE ALSO STATED THAT 3 OUT OF 4 WINDOW REGULATORS HAVE FAILED. THE WINDOWS ARE NOT WORKING NORMALLY. THE LIFTGATE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS FRACTURED WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO OPEN. THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND THE 3 WINDOW REGULATORS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000.
Power train, Jan 4, 2011
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER O/D LIGHT IS BLINKING, AS MANY OTHER FORD EXPLORER OWNERS I AM AFRAID THIS IS A SERIOUS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, I WANT FORD TO BE LIABLE TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM OF SUCH A BIG MAGNITUDE. *TR
Power train, Jan 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE OVERDRIVE AND SERVICE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE TRANSMISSION CONVERTER BODY WAS REBUILT. IN ADDITION, REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE OVERDRIVE PISTON, OVERDRIVE SPEED SENSOR, OVERDRIVE BAND, CARRIER PLANTER, AND REVERSE BOARD BUSHING. THE MECHANIC ALSO REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,411 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,445. UPDATED 2/28/11 *CN UPDATED 06/03/11*JB
Power train, Dec 30, 2010
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FAILED. I WAS TRAVELING ON AN ON RAMP. WHEN THE O/D LIGHT STARTED TO FLICKER AND THERE WAS A SUDDEN POWERFUL JERK. IT WAS SIMILAR TO GETTING REAR ENDED. THE FAILURE OCCURS ABOVE 35 MPH. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE SUDDEN UNCONTROLLABLE JERKS. IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE FAILURE THE TRANSMISSION MUST BE REBUILT FOR A VEHICLE UNDER 80,000 MILES. *TR
Power train, Dec 29, 2010
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACED
Power train, Dec 29, 2010
WE PURCHASED A USED 2002 EXPLORER LTD. IN JULY 2010. THE CAR HAD 62,500 MILES ON IT AND LOOKED TO BE IN GREAT SHAPE. THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD ALL THE SERVICE PAPERS AND WE CHECKED CARFAX AND WE SAW NO REASON NOT TO PURCHASE THE CAR. WE SHOULD HAVE CHECKED CARCOMPLAINTS.COM THOUGH. AS I WRITE THIS, THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED. ACCORDING TO WHAT I READ ON THE INTERNET THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR EARLY 2000'S FORD EXPLORERS. HOW CAN I SHELL OUT $2500 OR MORE FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION?? FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR PRODUCING THIS LEMON'THAT I HAVE ONLY OWNED 5 MONTHS. ARE THERE ANY CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS BEING FILED AGAINST FORD MOTOR COMPANY FOR THIS PROBLEM? I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING. *TR
Power train, Equipment, Dec 29, 2010
THE TRANSMISSION IN OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER STARTED FLASHING THE OD LIGHT @94,000 MILES TOOK IT TO FORD THEY SAID THE VALVE BODY AND TORQUE CONVERTER WAS BAD, FORD REPLACED THE ITEMS ABOVE FOR 2600 DOLLARS PROBLEM WENT AWAY FOR 10, 000 MILES PROBLEM IS BACK TORQUE CONVERTER AND VALVE BODY NEEDSTO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *TR
Power train, Dec 22, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS, DRIVING O/D LIGHT CAME ON AND TRANSMISSION STARTED FAILING TO SHIFT CORRECTLY, NEEDS COMPLETE TRANSMISSION REBUILD. *TR
Power train, Dec 17, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER - EDDIE BAUER EDITION. TRANSMISSION O/D LIGHT TURNED ON WHEN DRIVING UP A HILL. CAR HAS LESS THAN 80,000 MILES ON IT! READ THE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT OTHER 2002 FORD EXPLORERS: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/TRANSMISSION/O_D_LIGHT_IS_BLINKING.SHTML PLEASE HELP. *TR