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 22, 2009
FOR THE 3RD TIME ' 2002 FORD EXPLORER GEAR SHIFT FALLING / BREAKING OFF. *TR
Power train, Dec 21, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4 WHEEL DRIVE DOES NOT ACTUATE ANYMORE. MECHANIC SAYS IT IS A DEFECTIVE 4X4 CONTROL MODULE. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD. SAFETY ISSUE WHEN EXPECTING TRACTION IN WINTER AND NOT HAVING IT. *TR
Power train, Dec 19, 2009
2002 EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FAILURE FALLS INTO NEUTRAL BETWEEN 2&3 RD GEARS. LOOKS LIKE THOUSAND HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH NO HELP FROM FORD OR OUTSIDE AGENCY. *TR
Power train, Dec 18, 2009
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 72 MPH GOING UP A SLIGHT INCLINE WITH MY NEWBORN TWINS AND 2 YEAR OLD IN THE BACK OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CAR STARTS JERKING AND SPUTTERING AND GOES COMPLETELY INTO NEUTRAL. ON THE HIGHWAY. TAKE IT TO MY MECHANIC...TRANSMISSION SHOT. PER MY MECHANIC, THIS IS VERY VERY COMMON WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL TRANSMISSION AND HE SAID I AM VERY LUCKY THERE WASN'T MORE TRAFFIC AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. MY TRUCK IS IN THE SHOP AND HAS BEEN THERE FOR ALMOST A WEEK, HAVING A NEW SOLENOID PACK AND TRANSMISSION REBUILT. *TR
Power train, Dec 16, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE TRANSMISSION IS UNDER 100K MILES AND HAS ALREADY FAILED. $3,000.00 FIX FOR SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Dec 14, 2009, crash
ON A HILL, PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND IT ROLLED BACKWARDS ONTO SOMEONE'S PROPERTY WHILE THE ENGINE WAS IN HIGH RPM'S. IT SHIFTED INTO DRIVE THEN POPPED BACK OUT AGAIN! IT ALMOST RAN OVER MY WIFE. *TR
Power train, Dec 12, 2009
WHILE PUTTING VEHICLE IN PARK THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER SNAPPED OFF AND FELL LIMP IN MY HANDS. *TR
Steering, Power train, Dec 11, 2009
I PULLED UP TO THE GAS STATION WHILE ON MY WAY TO WORK AND AS SOON AS I WAS ABOUT TO SHIFT INTO PARK THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE RIGHT OFF IN MY HAND. IT WAS CAUSING SOME NOR DIFFICULTIES IN THE PAST WHERE IT WOULD SHOW SIGNS OF RESISTANCE WHEN SHIFTING GEARS BUT NEVER SOMETHING SO SERIOUS AS THIS CURRENT INCIDENT. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK WHICH APPEARED ABOUT 40 MINUTES LATER AND THEN TOOK ME HOME. I HAVE TRIED TO FIND A NEW PART BUT NO DEALER OR PARTS MANUFACTURER HAS IT IN STOCK. *TR
Power train, Dec 9, 2009
FORD EXPLORER 2002 JUST WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN PULLED OUT INTO TRAFFIC. NOW O/D FLASHING AND TOLD THAT IT IS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. MANY THOUSANDS WITH SAME PROBLEM BUT FORD WON'T DO ANYTHING. *TR
Power train, Wheels, Dec 7, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER, REPLACED FRONT LEFT AND LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. NOW THE RIGHT REAR BEARING IS GOING OUT. MECHANICS AT FORD DEALERSHIP SAID ITS A COMMON PROBLEM. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE. *TR
Power train, Dec 6, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER GEAR SHIFT BROKE COMPLETELY OFF WHEN CAST ALUMINUM RING FAILED. I SEE ON "HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/TRANSMISSION/GEAR_SHIFT_PRNDL_FELL_OFF.SHTML" THAT THIS IS HAPPENING ON NUMEROUS EXPLORERS OF THE SAME YEAR. I BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT COULD CAUSE A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE IF SOMEONE WERE TO SHIFT UP OR DOWN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. FORDS ESTIMATED COST TO REPAIR IS $2400.00. *TR
Power train, Dec 5, 2009
THREE MONTHS AFTER BUYING A 2002 FORD EXPLORER I EXPERIENCED MY O/D OFF LIGHT BLINKING, AND MY SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT COME ON. I'M SCARED TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE NOW AFTER READING ALL THE HORROR STORIES ON A WEBSITE. I HAVE NO MONEY AND THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME. I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT AFFORD TO PUT A TRANSMISSION IN MY VEHICLE. THE PEOPLE WE BOUGHT IT FROM REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION A YEAR AGO AND THAT SHOULD HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM, BUT IT DIDN'T. NOW IT'S MESSED UP AGAIN. THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE PEOPLE'S TRANSMISSIONS GO OUT ON THEM. THE CAR JUMPS IN AND OUT OF GEAR. OUR FAMILIES ARE IN THESE VEHICLES, DOESN'T THAT MATTER TO YOU GUYS. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE FORD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS ISSUE, A DEATH TO OCCUR, WELL THEN IT'S TOO LATE AND THERE WOULD BE MORE PAYOUT ON FORDS PART IF A LIFE IS LOST. I'M SURE THE FAMILY WOULD SUE AND ESPECIALLY KNOWING THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSIONS IN THE 2002 EXPLORERS. YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO PROTECT US BEFORE A DEATH OR ACCIDENT OCCURS. YOU NEED TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND MAKE FORD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR DANGEROUS TRANSMISSIONS. I CAN TELL YOU I WILL OWN THE FORD COMPANY IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO MY FAMILY. I WILL ALSO HAVE A COPY OF THIS TO SHOW THE COURT THAT I TRIED TO TELL YOU TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT BEFORE IT CAME TO A DEATH OR ACCIDENT. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. NOW, NOT LATER. *TR
Power train, Dec 4, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND MY TRANSMISSION BAND BROKE. I HAVE KEPT UP MAINTENANCE WITH THIS VEHICLE AND NOW I HAVE OVER $4,000 WORTH OF REPAIR. I CAN'T SHIFT INTO 3RD GEAR AND MY O/D LIGHT IS BLINKING. I'VE SEEN HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE AND FORD NEED TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR PRODUCT. *TR
Power train, Dec 2, 2009
O/D LIGHT FLASHING ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. *TR
Power train, Dec 1, 2009
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT IS HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. IT SLIPS ALL OF THE TIME, MAKES GRINDING NOISES AND AT TIMES DOES NOT LET ME DRIVE (GOES NO WHERE WHILE STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL. SIMILAR TO WHAT IS HAPPENING TO A LOT OF PEOPLE OUT THERE WITH THIS SAME MAKE AND MODEL OF CAR. IT HAPPENS ON AND OFF, IT STARTED A COUPLE OF MONTHS BACK. *TR
Power train, Nov 30, 2009
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION WENT AND NO RECALL AS THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE TO MANY OWNERS. THERE SEEMS TO BE A VERY LARGE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THERE TRANSMISSIONS ONCE, TWICE AND POSSIBLY THREE TIMES !!!! FORD WILL DO NOTHING FOR YOU AT ALL AND THEY ARE VERY AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Nov 25, 2009
IM ANOTHER SAD STORY OF A 2002 EXPLORER. 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, Nov 23, 2009
I BOUGHT A 2002 EXPLORER 4X4 V6 AUTOMATIC. AFTER DRIVING IT FOR A WHILE I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT DRIVE TRAIN PROBLEMS, TO INCLUDE WHEEL BEARINGS GOING OUT RIGHT AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN FIXED AT LOCAL FORD DEALER. THE WHEELS ALMOST FELL OFF. NOW, THE TRANSMISSION IS GONE OUT AND I FIND OUT THAT IT IS A NORMAL THING TO HAVE THAT HAPPEN. SAFETY, THINK ABOUT MY 2 EIGHT YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN A BUSY TRAFFIC ON A BRIDGE OVER THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER AND THE TRUCK JUST STOPPED. RIGHT IN RUSH HOUR! SOUNDS LIKE ANOTHER THING WHERE SOMEONE SHOULD STEP UP AND REPLACE AND THINK OF THE SAFETY OF THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS. *TR
Power train, Nov 23, 2009
VEHICLE HANGS UP IN PARK ALMOST EVERY TIME IT IS USED; VERY DIFFICULT TO GET IT INTO A DRIVE OR REVERSE GEAR; GENERALLY MUST BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED IN N TO GET MOVING AGAIN. *TR
Power train, Nov 21, 2009
PREMATURE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR
Power train, Nov 19, 2009
SUDDEN TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON HIGHWAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. TRANSMISSION LOST 2ND GEAR AND STARTED SLIPPING, JERKING CAUSING US TO OBSTRUCT AN INTERSECTION WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAY. CAUSED A NEAR MISS THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A FATALITY. THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER (V8) IS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. I HAVE SCHEDULED A TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT WITH A LOCAL SHOP. FORD WON'T DO ANYTHING EXCEPT CHARGE ME FULL PRICE TO REPLACE A TRANSMISSION. KNOWING OF INHERENT EXISTING ISSUES WITH THESE TRANSMISSIONS, THEY SOLD THIS USED VEHICLE TO MY 18 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER 4 MONTHS AGO. COME ALREADY! *TR
Steering, Power train, Nov 17, 2009
RECENTLY PURCHASED 2002 FORD EXPLORER. SHORTLY AFTER, WITHIN ONE TO TWO DAYS I ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE BY SHIFTING INTO PARK AND OPENING THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. ALTHOUGH VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN I EXITED IT BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS CAUSING ME TO FALL BESIDE ALONGSIDE THE DRIVER SIDE WITH LOWER RIGHT EXTREMITIES STILL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IMMEDIATE ASSISTANT WAS AVAILABLE SO MINIMAL DAMAGE WAS DONE. CURRENTLY REQUIRES CAUTION WHEN SHIFTING INTO PARK DO TO ADDITIONAL MANEUVERING TO SHIFT INTO PARK. *TR
Power train, Nov 15, 2009
IT WOULDN'T SHIFT INTO THIRD GEAR. IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME, AND LOOKING TO GET IT FIXED. *TR UPDATED 11/25/09
Power train, Nov 12, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. VARIOUS PROBLEMS. WHEN I FIRST GOT IT (AT 45K MILES), IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT 20-30 SECONDS TO ENGAGE INTO FIRST GEAR AFTER BEING IN REVERSE. WHEN IT DID ENGAGE, IT JUMPED FORWARD WHILE DOING IT. THAT DOES NOT HAPPEN MUCH ANYMORE. IF I HAVE TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES (DOG, KID, DEER RUNS OUT, LIGHT SUDDENLY CHANGES OR SOMEONE CUTS ME OFF, ETC...) THE TRANNY SLIPS OUT OF GEAR INTO NEUTRAL STAYS THERE FOR AN INDEFINITE AMOUNT OF TIME, THEN LURCHES FORWARD 3-4 FEET AS IT KICKS BACK INTO GEAR. THIS HAS NOT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT YET! HAVE SEEN A DEALER FOR BOTH OF THESE PROBLEMS - 3 TIMES. WAS NOT ABLE TO EVEN GET THE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED, MUCH LESS REPAIRED. AS TIME HAS PASSED, I HAVE LEARNED TO BE CAREFUL AND GINGER WITH THE VEHICLE. I SHIFT SOFTLY AND SLOWLY, I DON'T GUN IT AND DO MY BEST TO ENSURE THERE IS PLENTY OF ROOM BETWEEN ME AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. NOW THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEGUN SLIPPING. I HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE ACCOUNTS ONLINE OF PEOPLE HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH THE 02 EXPLORER. I FIRMLY BELIEVE FORD NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL. THE LURCHING FORWARD PROBLEM IS HUGE! VERY DANGEROUS! TODAY IT WAS SCARY. I WAS APPROACHING A CROSSWALK AND ONLY DOING 25. HIKERS AND BIKERS NOTORIOUSLY JUST WALK/RIDE THROUGH THE CROSSWALK WITHOUT LOOKING. THERE IS BRUSH THAT BLOCKS THE VIEW OF BIKES IN ONE DIRECTION. TODAY, A BIKE MADE NO EFFORT TO STOP TO LOOK FOR CARS AND BOLTED OUT INTO THE CROSSWALK. I DID NOT SEE HIM COMING FOR THE BRUSH. I HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES. AS HE WAS IN FRONT OF ME, HE CAUGHT SOME GRAVEL AND SLID AND FELL IN FRONT OF MY CAR. MY CAR LURCHED FORWARD NEARLY HITTING HIM. I CAN'T GET THE PROBLEM FIXED IF THE DEALER CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG. SHORT OF HAVING THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY REBUILT...WHICH IS WHAT I AM GOING TO DO. I REALLY FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF DOING SO. *TR
Power train, Nov 11, 2009
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR