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, Dec 14, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER, 274K MILES. TRANSMISSION BEGAN MAKING GRINDING NOISE; HAD IT REBUILT BY A REPUTABLE TRANSMISSION SHOP. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, IF BRAKING HARD, THE ENGINE JUST STOPS AND ALL POWER IS LOST. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, YET IT STARTS RIGHT BACK UP WHEN I TURN THE IGNITION KEY. MECHANIC CANNOT GET ANY CODES TO SHOW UP. SIX MONTHS LATER, OVERDRIVE OFF LIGHT FLICKERS OR FLASHES FAIRLY REGULARLY, SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS IS ROUGH AND IT WON'T STAY IN OVERDRIVE. ONCE REACHING OVERDRIVE, IT BECOMES 'MUSHY' AND SLIPS BACK AND FORTH, LOSING SPEED WHILE RPMS BOUNCE BETWEEN 1,500 AND 3,000. TRANSMISSION SHOP HAS CHECKED IT AGAIN, SAYS IT IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE AND THAT I NEED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. DEALER CLAIMS THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE RECALL OUT ON THIS CAR AND IT IS FOR THE SPEED (CRUISE) CONTROL AND THAT THIS WOULD NOT HAVE ANY EFFECT ON THE TRANSMISSION. 4X4 HIGH LIGHT FLASHES WHENEVER THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE GOING INTO OVERDRIVE, BUT THAT EVENTUALLY STOPS. I'VE HAD TO RESORT TO DRIVING WITH OVERDRIVE TURNED OFF, WHICH IS THE ONLY WAY I CAN GET THE TRANSMISSION TO OPERATE SMOOTHLY WITHOUT ALL OF THE LIGHTS. THIS CAUSES ME TO HAVE TO RUN THE CAR AT HIGHER RPMS AND DECREASED FUEL EFFICIENCY. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP TOMORROW FOR THE RECALL AND I'M HOPING THAT MAYBE THERE IS SOMEONE THERE WHO IS HONEST ENOUGH TO HELP. WENT TO ANOTHER TRANSMISSION SHOP WHO INFORMED ME THAT THIS IS A VERY WELL-KNOWN PROBLEM, THAT THEY REBUILD THESE TRANMISSIONS REGULARLY AND THAT FORD HASN'T ACKNOWLEDGED ANY FORM OF RESPONSIBILITY OR EVEN A REPAIR SOLUTION FOR THIS.
Power train, Dec 14, 2010
I WAS DRIVING AND MY OD LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. A FEW MILES LATER MY CARS RPMS WENT UP AND MY CAR SLOWED DOWN, CAUSING MY TO QUICKLY PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO AVOID BEING REAR ENDED. I TRIED TO DRIVE IT TO THE STORE A FEW DAYS LATER AND I GOT ABOUT 1/4 OF A MILE DOWN THE ROAD WHEN I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE CAR DID THE SAME THING. I HAVE MY CAR SITTING IN THE DRIVE WAY WAITING TO GET IT INTO BE LOOKED AT. SINCE THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED IN UNDER TWO YEARS, I KNOW THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS HAVING ISSUES AND MORE THAN LIKELY I WILL HAVE TO HAVE IT REPLACED. *TR
Power train, Other or unspecified, Dec 12, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND THE TRANSMISSION JUST WENT OUT ON IT. I WILL TELL THE STORY FROM THE BEGINNING. OK SO I WAS ABOUT 30 MINS AWAY FROM MY HOME AND DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY BACK HOME WHEN THE OD LIGHT STARTED BLINKING VERY FAST. THEN I GET OFF THE FREEWAY AND STOP AND THE RED LIGHT THEN WHEN I STARTED TO GO THE TRANSMISSION STARTED DOING ALL SORTS OF CRAZY [XXX] IT WAS CHANGING GEARS LIKE CRAZY AND FINALLY SETTLE OUT. THEN RIGHT BEFORE I TURN IN MY DRIVE THE TRANSMISSION JUST QUITS! IT JUST STOPPED! I PUT IT IN PARK THEN DRIVE AND NOTHING...NO SOUND.. NO MOVEMENT IT WOULD JUST ROLL BACKWARDS. SO NOW IT SITTING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE I PUSHED IT TO. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED IN 30 MINS! NOTHING WAS WRONG BEFORE THIS HAPPENED.!!!! PLEASE SOMEONE HELP AND LETS GET THIS TO BE RECALLED! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Dec 12, 2010
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCED COMPLETE FAILURE OF BAND(S) FOR GEARS 3-4. DEALER OFFERED REPAIR FOR ABOUT $2000, BUT NOT RECOMMENDED AS ONLY RECEIVE 12 MONTH / 12K MILE WARRANTY FOR REPLACED PARTS AND NO LABOR AND NOT TRANSFERABLE. OPTED FOR TOTAL REPLACEMENT WITH FORD AUTHORIZED REMANUFACTURED COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FOR $3500 WITH 36 MONTH / UNLIMITED MILEAGE AND FULLY TRANSFERABLE. DIFFICULT TO ACCEPT A TRANSMISSION WOULD EXPERIENCE SUCH DRASTIC FAILURE WITH SO FEW MILES, NORMAL SUBURBAN DRIVING AND NO TRAILERING.
Power train, Equipment, Dec 10, 2010
I WAS TRAVELING TO MT. WASHINGTON, KY. FROM LORAIN, OHIO, ( APPROX. 330 MILES). WE STOPPED AT THE REST ARE AT THE HALFWAY MARK, BETWEEN WASHINGTON CH, OH. & JEFFERSONVLLE, OH. WHEN WE CAME BACK OUT, STARTED THE CAR, & IT WOULDN'T GO INTO REVERSE. PUSHED IT OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT & IT WOULDN'T GO IN DRIVE EITHER. ABOUT 30 MILES BEFORE, IT MADE SOME CLUNKING NOISES & IT FELT LIKE WE HAD A FLAT TIRE. I TOOK IT OUT OF CRUISE CONTROL & IT DROVE NORMALLY UNTIL THE REST AREA. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO WASHINGTON COURTHOUSE & THEN BACK HOME ON MONDAY, NOV., 29TH, (AT MY OWN EXPENSE). APPROXIMATE COST OF REPAIR TO DATE WAS $2969. I HAD MY DAUGHTER & 6 YR. OLD GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER WITH ME & I FEEL THIS COULD HAVE POSSIBLY ENDED WITH DISASTROUS RESULTS. FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT THESE FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS PROBABLY FROM DAY 1. I'M NOT TRYING TO JUST BLAST FORD, HAPPEN TO BE AN EMPLOYEE. I FEEL THEY NEED TO MAN UP & TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE IT LEADS TO SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. *TR
Power train, Dec 10, 2010, crash
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION JUMPED WHEN PUT IN REVERSE HIT A PARKED CAR. WHEN YOU SLOW DOWN IT SLIPS OUT OF GEAR AND WONT GO. I HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. IM SCARED THAT IT WILL FAIL AGAIN WHILE ON THE FREEWAY AND MY FAMILY AND I WILL BE HURT OR EVEN KILLED. ITS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Steering, Power train, Nov 25, 2010
THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER FELL OFF THE STEERING COLUMN WHILE PUTTING THE CAR INTO PARK. IT IS HELD ON ONLY BY THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION. *TR
Power train, Nov 23, 2010
WHEN DRIVING THE O/D LIGHT CAME ON AND STARTED FLASHING ERRATICALLY, THEN I WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. THE ONLY WAY I CAN SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR IS IF I LET THE RPM'S GO UP ABOVE 3,000 AND 4,000. THEN I CAN TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND IT WILL SWITCH INTO 3RD GEAR. I HAVE NOT DROVE THE TRUCK SINCE IT STARTED DOING THIS, THE ONLY TIME I HAVE DROVE IT WAS TO GO TO THE MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC SAYS IT IS WHAT MAKES THE GEARS SHIFT THAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. THE ONLY WAY TO FIX IT IS TO PUT A NEW OR REBUILT TRANSMISSION INTO MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. ON THE WAY HOME FROM THE MECHANIC IT STARTED SLAMMING INTO GEARS.
Power train, Nov 22, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FAILURE WITH ONLY 87,899 MILES ON VEHICLE , I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER 4DAYS AFTER HAVING THE ABOUT HARD SHIFTING AND GEARS BANGING .THEY MADE ADJUSTMENT TO THE PCM ,BUT A MONTH LATER IT STARTED AGAIN,3YR LATER WITHOUT PUTTING OVER 30,000 ON THE TRANNY IS BROKEN. *TR
Power train, Nov 20, 2010
O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, SUDDENLY MY CAR STOPPED SHIFTING CORRECTLY. THE CAR WAS NEVER DRIVEN HARD AND IS AN AUTOMATIC. AFTER TAKING IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP AND DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND THAT MY TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACED AND THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND COSTS AROUND 3000 DOLLARS TO REPLACE. *TR
Power train, Nov 13, 2010
GOT INTO MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER TODAY AND MY OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS FLASHING AND WHEN I DROVE OFF, IT REVVED UP IN THE 300-400 RPM AND SHIFTED VERY HARD. I HAVE NEVER DRIVEN OFFROAD OR VERY HARD AT ALL. TAKING IT TO A MECHANIC MONDAY, BUT WE HAVE DEALT WITH ENOUGH CARS TO KNOW THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING TO BLOW UP SOON. *TR
Power train, Nov 8, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCED PROBLEM. THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING AND THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THERE WAS NO DOWN HILL ENGINE BRAKING. I STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. WHEN I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS OFF AND REMAINED OFF FOR A FEW WEEKS. IT IS NOW BACK ON AGAIN. I FEEL THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL AND NOT PROVIDING BRAKING WHEN GOING DOWN A HILL IS A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Power train, Equipment, Nov 3, 2010
TRANSMISSION ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER FAILED FOR THE 2ND TIME IN 2009 OF DECEMBER. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPEN AND COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Power train, Nov 3, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO THIRD GEAR. THE CONTACT NOTICED A RECALL FOR THE POWER TRAIN TRANSMISSION. DUE TO THE VIN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD EXTEND THE RECALL TO MORE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS SINCE THIS WAS A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
Power train, Nov 2, 2010
I HAVE FORD EXPLORER 2002 O/D LIGHT IS BLINKING AND HAVING PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Nov 1, 2010
FORD EXPLORER WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF 2ND GEAR. THE VEHICLE IS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH 4.0 L V-6, AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. TOOK IN TO MY MECHANIC AND HE ADVISED ME TO TAKE IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP SINCE THE READOUT FAULT CODES INDICATED MAJOR FAILURE. VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 80,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN WELL TAKEN CARE OF SINCE IT WAS NEW. *TR
Power train, Oct 29, 2010
TRANSMISSION IS FAILING IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4X4. A LOCAL TRANSMISSION SHOP CONFIRMED THAT MY FEAR THAT THE GEARS WERE NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY WAS DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION FAILING. IT WILL COST $2400 TO $2800 TO REPAIR. BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION IS SEALED IT WILL COST EXTRA. ONLY THROUGH THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR OF 2002 WERE THE EXPLORERS MADE WITH THIS TRANSMISSION AND MINE WAS MANUFACTURED IN MAY 2001. *TR
Power train, Oct 26, 2010
TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN 2007 AT 88,000 MILES AND 2010 AT 140,000 MILES. FIRST TIME OD LIGHT CAME ON, I DROVE IT HOME 3 MILES AND THEN WAS NOT DRIVEABLE. SECOND TIME NO WARNING OR LIGHT AND IT SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR AS I WAS CROSSING THE BOULEVARD. ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION AND REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION ARE NOT QUALITY AND FAILED. FIRST TIME I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND ABLE TO COAST HOME AND THE SECOND TIME CROSSING A BOULEVARD WHEN IT SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR. IT'S AS IF FORD PUT ON DISPOSABLE PARTS FOR CONSUMERS TO REPLACEMENT EVERY SEVERAL YEARS CONVENIENTLY AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRES. I SPENT OVER $5,600 THE FIRST TIME AND OVER $3,400 THE SECOND TIME. *TR
Power train, Oct 25, 2010
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT IN 2005. WE'VE ONLY AVERAGED ABOUT 10,000 MILES PER YEAR SINCE THE REBUILD. *TR
Steering, Power train, Oct 25, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD ISSUES SHIFTING GEARS AND WHEN SHE WOULD TURN CORNERS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT OUT OF GEAR. OTHER TIMES, SHE HAD ISSUES SHIFTING INTO DRIVE AND MOVING FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED IN 2008 AT A REPAIR SHOP. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. WHEN THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK (WITH THE ENGINE ON) AND WENT INTO A STORE, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND HIT A BUILDING AND THEN MOVED BACK AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A COMPONENT OF THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NOT ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO LOCK INTO GEAR. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, AFTER THE REPAIR, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. UPDATED 10/21/11*LJ
Power train, Oct 25, 2010
THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING,CLUNKING AND THE O/D LIGHT IS FLASHING. JUST PAID THIS PIECE OF JUNK OFF AND NOW WAITING TO HERE FROM THE DEALER WHERE WE BOUGHT IT FOR THAT OH FAMILIAR QUOTE OF 3000 TO 4000 TO FIX. *TR
Power train, Oct 22, 2010
FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION IN 2002 FORD EXPLORER - KNOWN PROBLEM OF MANY VEHICLES MADE MY FORD ESPECIALLY THIS MODEL/YEAR. BUT NO RECALLS OR HELP IN FIXING THIS PROBLEM. HAD TO REPLACE MINE COSTING $2600 IN PARTS AND LABOR. *TR
Power train, Oct 22, 2010
TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE WHEN PUT IN DRIVE UNTIL 3000 RPMS. I WAS PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC AND WAS ALMOST HIT BY ANOTHER CAR BECAUSE MINE WAS NOT ENGAGING TO MOVE THE CAR. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. *TR
Power train, Oct 21, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OVERDRIVE WARNING LIGHT WOULD CONTINUOUSLY FLASH. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR SPORADICALLY WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OVER DRIVE OR NOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN PLACED IN PARK, THE VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUE TO ROLL FURTHER THAN USUAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE OR GENERATE A FAILURE CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
Power train, Oct 20, 2010
TROUBLE REMOVING VEHICLE FROM PARK ON INCLINE OVER FEW WEEK PERIOD. TRANSMISSION CHANGING GEARS IN ROUGH MANNER OVER A FEW DAY PERIOD. OD LIGHT FLASHING DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING AND THEN ODOR OF SOMETHING BURNING ON OCTOBER 10, 2010. DIAGNOSED AS "FRIED TRANSMISSION" BY DEALER. COST TO REPLACE $3887 PLUS $125 FOR DIAGNOSIS. NOT YET REPAIRED - DECIDING OUR NEXT ACTION. VEHICLE PURCHASED NEW, ALWAYS MAINTAINED ACCORDING TO DEALER RECOMMENDATIONS. VEHICLE NEVER ABUSED, ONLY TOWED VERY LIGHT UTILITY AND SNOWMOBILE TRAILERS. *TR