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, Oct 17, 2010
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
Steering, Power train, Oct 13, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE 5 MPH THE GEAR SHIFT CAME APART FROM THE COLUMN AND FELL IN HIS LAP WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT IT WOULD COST $1,500 TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN. THERE WERE NO WARRANTIES RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000. UPDATED 02/07/11 *BF UPDATED 04/20/11
Power train, Oct 11, 2010
OVERDRIVE LIGHT IS BLINKING AND CHECK TRANSMISSION IS INDICATED IN MESSAGE WINDOW. DOES RESET WHEN TRUCK IS TURNED OFF BUT WARNING COMES BACK WHEN DRIVING AGAIN. AT THIS TIME VEHICLE DOES 'CLUNK' WHEN GOING INTO REVERSE. IT IS STILL SHIFTING THROUGH 1ST, 2ND, 3RD ETC OK. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT BY FORD DEALER AT 50K MILES (3/24/06), CURRENTLY HAVE 75K MILES ON VEHICLE(10/11/10). *TR
Power train, Oct 7, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT SUDDENLY BROKE OFF. SHE PREVIOUSLY NOTICED THAT THE SHIFT HAD BEEN DIFFICULT TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 114,444.
Power train, Oct 5, 2010
WE OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT WE HAVE KEPT UP ALL THE MAINTENANCE ON. WE HAVE OWNED IF SINCE JUNE OF 2008 (BOUGHT IT FROM A USED CAR DEALER) AND HAVE HAD NO REALLY BIG MAJOR ISSUES UNTIL NOW. THE O/D OFF LIGHT IS FLASHING WHICH IS CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO GET MIXED SIGNALS AS TO IF THE OVER DRIVE IS ON OR OFF. WHICH CAUSES THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT HARD AND ACTUALLY TRY TO LOCK UP AT SOME TIMES. IT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT 4 DAYS NOW AND IN OUR MANUAL IT SAYS TO TAKE AND HAVE IT SERVICED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. WELL WE DID AND THE MECHANIC SAYS THAT THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO TO FIX IT EXCEPT REBUILD/REPLACE THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. ONLINE THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS YEAR MODEL AND PRETTY MUCH ANYONE WE HAVE SPOKEN WITH THAT HAS OWNED THESE VEHICLES PRIOR SAYS THAT THE TRANSMISSION WILL GO OUT AROUND 175000 MILES. WE ARE AT 174789 SO WE ARE RIGHT ON COURSE. WE DO NOT DRIVE IT HARD OR CRAZY AND WE TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF ALL OUR VEHICLES. WE HAVE NEVER HAD AN ISSUE WITH AN TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Oct 4, 2010
LOUD WHINE FROM REAR. TRANSMISSION SLIPPING BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR. FLASHING O/D LIGHT. *TR
Power train, Sep 22, 2010
WE BOUGHT A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 2 WEEKS AGO WITH 129,000 MILES WITHIN 2 DAYS OF OWNING THIS VEHICLE, THE O/D LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. UPON INVESTIGATION WITH TRANSMISSION REPAIR LOCATIONS, WE HAVE TO SPEND $2500.00 OR MORE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION! WHAT A RIP OFF, AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE, IT IS QUITE OBVIOUS THAT FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THIS VEHICLE, STEP UP TO THE PLATE, AND HELP THEIR CUSTOMERS OUT WHO HAVE PUT TRUST IN THEIR VEHICLES! IF FORD WANTS TO STAY IN BUSINESS, THEY BETTER START CONSIDERING RECONCILING WITH THEIR MANY DISGRUNTLED CUSTOMERS. THANK YOU. *TR
Power train, Sep 21, 2010
TRANSMISSION DOESN'T SHIFT FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR - ENTIRE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Power train, Sep 13, 2010
I DO NOT HAVE TO PROVIDE AN IN DEPTH DESCRIPTION, MYSELF AS WITH ALL THE OWNERS OF A 2002 FORD EXPLORER ARE ALL HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM. FORD SHOULD BE ASHAMED, AND HAVE THIS RECALLED IF ITS HAPPENING WITH MORE THAN ENOUGH VEHICLES. THE O/D LIGHT WILL FLASH RAPIDLY AND THEN THE TRANSMISSION WILL SKIP A GEAR, HAS A HARD TIME SWITCHING INTO FIRST GEAR. BIG CLUNK! THIS IS RIDICULOUS. IF ALL OF THESE PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING FORD NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE ASAP! I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD! *TR
Power train, Sep 10, 2010
GOT A TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED ERROR AND O/D WAS OFF. LOOKS LIKE ITS A COMMON OCCURRENCE ON MY EXPLORER. *TR
Power train, Sep 8, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER. O/D LIGHT BLINKING. SLOW GEAR SHIFTING. RANDOM JERKING OF CAR. HAVE READ THIS ON MANY WEBSITES AND EVEN PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD A REBUILD OR SOLENOID REPLACED, JUST HAPPENS AGAIN. IS ALSO DANGEROUS, BECAUSE ONCE CHANGES GEARS, MPH JUMPS VERY HIGH, VERY QUICKLY WITH NO CONTROL OVER IT. *TR
Power train, Sep 7, 2010
FAULTY TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Sep 6, 2010
O/D LIGHT BLINKING AND SLIPPING GEARS. *TR
Power train, Sep 6, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT V-6: OVERDRIVE OFF (O/D OFF) LIGHT BLINKING RAPIDLY. TRANSMISSION IS SUDDENLY SHIFTING VERY ERRATICALLY WHICH MAKES VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS ISSUE ON THIS VEHICLE -- PLEASE EXERT YOUR AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE FORD TO ADDRESS THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Sep 5, 2010
O/D LIGHT IS BLINKING AND TRANSMISSION MIGHT BE GOING OUT. *TR
Power train, Sep 5, 2010
2002 EXPLORER XLT 2WD (47,000 MILES) AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT TO 3RD GEAR WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THE ENGINE REVVED SO I ROLLED TO A STOP LUCKILY ON A GRASS SHOULDER WITH NO ONE HITTING MY VEHICLE. FORD REBUILT THE TRANS FOR $2500. THE DISTRICT FORD REP WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR EVENTHOUGH I KNEW OF THE PROBLEM OCCURRING IN CINCINNATI AND FORD PAID. RESEARCH SHOWS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL OF TRANSMISSION. THE FIX IS A $20 SEAL BUT THEY WILL ONLY REBUILD OR REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 5, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF WHILE IN DRIVE. THE LEVER IS CONNECTED TO A SOFT ALUMINUM CYLINDER THRU A U SHAPED END AND A PIN. THE CYLINDER SHEARED AT THE BASE OF THE U AS A RESULT LEAVING NO WAY TO SHIFT OR GET THE KEY OUT AFTER TURNING THE MOTOR OFF WHEN I FINALLY GOT STOPPED. REPAIR COST IS $1400 FOR A NEW STEERING COLUMN PLUS LABOR. CANNOT BUY SMALL PART THAT BROKE SEPARATELY SO EXPLORER IS NOT FIXED. A PICTURE OF THE PROBLEM CAN BE SEEN AT THIS URL HTTP://WWW.EXPLORERFORUM.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=188761&PAGE=4. *TR
Power train, Sep 4, 2010
DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION IN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER AFTER ONLY 117K MILES. TRANSMISSION FAILS SHIFTING BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEARS. SOME TIMES GETS STOCK IN PARKING. COMPLETE FAILURE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST $3600 TO $4000. *TR
Power train, Sep 3, 2010
IT HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR YEARS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER YET FORD DOESN'T WISH TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE BY CALLING THE VEHICLE BACK. I HAVE MY TRANSMISSION NOW GONE AFTER ONLY 150000 MILES. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY FORD TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR A FAULTY TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Aug 31, 2010
1. REPEATED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. O/D LIGHT BLINKING, EXPENSIVE SERVICE, REPEATS EVERY 12 MONTHS OR SO. 2. APPROXIMATELY EVERY 12 MONTHS. THE VEHICLE REQUIRES SERVICE EACH TIME. THE SERVICE RUNS FROM $300 - $1100. 3A. 01/07/05 57,424 MILES: O/D LIGHT LITE. NO CODE WHEN SERVICED. CHANGED $88.00. 3B. 02/02/09 159,777 MILES: CODE P0796. O/D LIGHT BLINKS. REQUIRED SERVICE. REPLACE SHIFT SOLENOID BODY, FLUID AND FILTER ($1,179.85). 3C. 10/13/09 172,769 MILES: O/D LIGHT BLINKS. REQUIRED SERVICE.REPLACED SERVO. $366.40. 3D. 10/14/2010 172,779: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. REQUIRED SERVICE. O2 SENSOR WAS UNPLUGGED DURING PREVIOUS SERVICE. $00.00. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Visibility, Aug 31, 2010
I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I STARTED GETTING THE CRACK IN MY HATCH BY THE REAR WINDOW IN 2005. IT HAS SPREAD AND GOTTEN WORSE AND I STILL HAVE NOT FIXED IT. LAST YEAR IN 2009 OUR ABS LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON AND OFF AND WHEN I GO TO BRAKE AT TIMES IT FEELS LIKE THEY KICK ON AT IRREGULAR TIMES, BUT I ALSO FEEL I DO NOT HAVE THE BRAKING POWER I SHOULD. IN JUNE 2010 I WAS DRIVING THE EXPLORER AND THE O/D LIGHT STARTING BLINKING AND THE EXPLORER WAS SHIFTING OUT OF CONTROL. WE HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACE AND THE U-JOINTS AND THE REAR AXLE FIXED FOR AROUND $2900. WE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY IN JULY 2010. I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND TOLD THEM ALL OF MY ISSUES AND THEY TOLD ME THAT SINCE THEY DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH COMPLAINTS THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. TO THIS POINT I WAS AGGRAVATED AND COULDN'T BELIEVE THE WAY THEY HAD TREATED ME AND LET ALONE OTHERS WHO I AM SURE MADE THE SAME CALL. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE EVEN NOW WHEN IT IS IN GEAR IN PARK THE CAR SEEMS TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH. *TR
Power train, Aug 27, 2010
TRANSMISSION FAILURE WITH NO WARNING, ENGINE REVED INSTEAD OF ACCELERATING, RESULTING IN NEAR ACCIDENT WHILE PULLING OFF AN INTERSTATE RAMP. HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED. ESTIMATE TO REPAIR IS APPROX $4000. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 112K MILES ON IT! *TR
Power train, Aug 26, 2010
O/D LIGHT STARTED TO BLINK WHILE ACCELERATING. TRANSMISSION STARTS TO SLIP. THIS A PERMANENT FAILURE. TOOK TO FORD SERVICE AND WITHOUT INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, I WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Power train, Aug 22, 2010
MY 2002 FORD EDDIE BAUER EXPLORER IS MALFUNCTIONING. THE TRANSMISSION APPEARS TO BE FAILING AS IT WILL NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY AFTER BEING IN A STOPPED POSITION, FOR EXAMPLE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THIS IS BECOMING A SAFETY ISSUE IN THAT IN AN INTERSECTION SHOULD MY VEHICLE NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY I MAY BE HIT BY ANOTHER CAR! I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE MY CAR REPAIRED TWICE BY TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS IN A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR AND HAS COST ME $1400.00. THE REPAIRS SEEM TO WORK FOR A BRIEF PERIOD OF TIME THEN THE SAME SYMPTOMS OCCUR! I CAN NOT AFFORD TO INVEST ANY MORE MONEY ON THIS VEHICLE FOR REPAIRS. I FEEL FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD RECALL THIS FAULTY TRANSMISSION, FOR THE GOOD OF THEIR NAME, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY FOR THE SAFETY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS AND THE FAMILIES THAT RELY ON THEIR VEHICLES! *TR
Power train, Aug 21, 2010
WE OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH THE 4.0 V6 4X4 , THE TRANSMISSION WE BELIEVE HAS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD TO OCCUPANTS AND PEDESTRIANS WITH VEHICLE SERGE FROM A LONG DELAY ENGAGING THE TRANSMISSION ETHER FORWARD OR REVERSE POSSIBLY CAUSING INJURY TO DRIVER/PASSENGERS AND /OR NEARBY OBJECTS/PERSONS AND OR RUNAWAY VEHICLE FROM THE TRANSMISSION NOT DISENGAGED FROM GEAR OR FROM A SUDDEN VEHICLE LAUNCH IF THE DRIVER IS ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THINKING THE TRANSMISSION "IS' IN GEAR ,FORD HAS TAKEN A BLIND EYE TO THE PROBLEM IN OUR OPINION FOR FEAR OF PUBLIC BACKLASH/ PUBLIC RELATIONS AND OR DISLIKE FOR THERE TRUCKS/SUV'S. FORD IS NOT DOING ENOUGH TO ENSURE PUBLIC SAFETY FROM ACCIDENTS THIS COMMON TRANSMISSION ISSUE CAN CAUSE AND I UNDERSTAND FROM RESEARCHING COMPLAINT FORUMS , FORD HAS BEEN AWARE OF THE PROBLEM FOR YEARS. *TR