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, Nov 9, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THAT IT WILL NOT MOVE INTO 2ND/3RD GEAR. THE CAR DROVE OK THE PREVIOUS DAY, THEN ON MY WAY TO WORK -- IT GAVE A LURCH AND AFTER THAT WOULD NOT POWER PAST 30-35MPH. FORD SERVICE SHOP HAS QUOTED ALMOST $4K TO OPEN UP THE TRANSMISSION AND FIX A VALVE IN THE VALVE BODY.. 2ND OPINION FROM AAMCO -- MECHANIC STATED THAT HE HAS FIXED NUMEROUS FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSIONS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND HE RECOMMENDS REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION ALTOGETHER, AS OPPOSED TO TRYING TO FIX CURRENT TRANSMISSION.. PLEASE INVESTIGATE FOR CLASS ACTION RECALL/DEFECT. *TR
Power train, Nov 6, 2009
WILL HESITATE WHEN PUT INTO DRIVE OR WILL NOT MOVE AT ALL. WILL MAKE A BIG CLUNK AND HESITATE WHEN PUT INTO REVERSE AND MAY NOT MOVE AFTER GAS PEDAL APPLIED. OD LIGHT FLASHES CONSTANTLY AND SERVICE LIGHT REMAINS ON 95% OF TIME. TRANSMISSION WILL TUG HARD WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE GAS PEDAL. WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY TRANSMISSION WILL CONSTANTLY SLIP AND GAS PEDAL NEEDS TO BE RELEASED AND REAPPLIED MULTIPLE TIMES TO STOP AUTO FROM JOLTING/TUGGING. MUST PULL OFF ROAD AND TURN OFF ENGINE TO RESET OD LIGHT WHICH FLASHES ABOUT 15 MINUTES AFTER THE AUTO HAS BEEN ON THE ROAD. UNABLE TO USE CRUISE CONTROL DUE TO THE CONSTANT TUGGING AND JOLTING. I WILL NEED TO REPLACE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION/POWER TRAIN. PURCHASED 2 YEARS AGO FROM A USED DEALERSHIP. I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION ABOUT 1 YEAR AGO. THE OD LIGHTS STARTED TO APPEAR REGULARLY 9 MONTHS AGO. SERVICE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON ABOUT 2 MONTHS NOW. *TR
Power train, Nov 4, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER. SHORTLY AFTER I BOUGHT MY EXPLORER AFTER ABOUT 40,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER I BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE SLIPPING OF THE TRANSMISSION EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT. THE SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR HAPPENS AT ALL TIMES WHEN I ACCELERATE AT SPEEDS UNDER 50 MPH. WHAT IS DANGEROUS ABOUT THIS IS WHEN IT HAPPENS AT A TIME THAT I WANT TO GET INTO TRAFFIC WHILE CROSSING THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE AND THE TRANSMISSION WON'T GO BACK INTO GEAR TO ALLOW ME TO COMPLETE THE ROAD CROSSING WHILE CARS HAVE TO APPLY THEIR BRAKES TO STOP FOR ME. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY GOES INTO GEAR, IT DOES SO WITH A BIG CLANK. I HAVE PERSONALLY MET A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO OWN THIS SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE AND EVERY SINGLE ON COMPLAINS OF THE SAME SYMPTOMS AND HAVE HAD CLOSE CALLS IN TRAFFIC DUE TO THIS TRANSMISSION FAILURE. SOME OF THESE PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION WORKED ON AND HAVE PAID ANYWHERE FROM $1700.00 TO OVER $2500.00 FOR REPAIRS AND THE PROBLEMS RETURN. I HAVE DONE SEARCHES ON THE WEB REGARDING THIS PROBLEM AND IN EVERY SITE THAT HAS BLOGS DEDICATED TO PEOPLE WHO ARE VICTIMS OF THIS PROBLEM, THERE ARE LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS. FROM WHAT I'VE HEARD THIS WAS AN EXPERIMENTAL TRANSMISSION THAT WAS BOUGHT BY FORD FROM AN OUTSIDE MANUFACTURER, IN ORDER FOR FORD TO SAVE MONEY AND NOW WE, THE CONSUMER HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS PROBLEM. I FEEL THAT IT IS NEGLIGENT AND IRRESPONSIBLE OF FORD TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO DRIVE THEIR VEHICLES WITH THIS TYPE OF DANGEROUS TRANSMISSIONS. PEOPLE CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS AND INJURE PASSENGERS OR CAUSE PEDESTRIANS TO BE HURT OR KILLED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE, PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AND CONSIDER DECLARING A RECALL OF THIS TRANSMISSION. PLEASE DON'T WAIT FOR PEOPLE TO GET HURT BEFORE DOING SOMETHING ABOUT THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION. *TR
Power train, Nov 2, 2009
I AM 100% CERTAIN YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS COMPLAINT BEFORE. MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS LOCKED UP AND FAILED TO GO INTO THE REVERSE GEAR. THE NUMBER OF OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD ENDLESS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS KEEPS GROWING. *TR
Power train, Nov 2, 2009
DEFECTIVE REAR DIFFERENTIAL ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER . *TR
Power train, Oct 30, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR
Power train, Oct 30, 2009
TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEED ON INTERSTATE 64. THIS IS THE 2ND TRANSMISSION FAILURE FOR THIS VEHICLE, RIDICULOUS!! *TR
Power train, Oct 24, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER V8 LIMITED EVENT LEADING TO FAILURE: LOUD GRINDING NOISE IN TRANS. AND LURCHING, SLIPPAGE OF GEARS. FAILURE: TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACED. PERMANENT FAILURE. COULD POTENTIAL KILL SOMEONE IF LURCHES AND HITS CAR OR PEDESTRIAN. NO ACTION DONE YET TO COSTLY. *TR
Power train, Wheels, Oct 22, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER(XLS)ONE BY ONE EACH WHEEL(BEARING) HUB HAD TO BE REPLACED!THE WHEELS ON MY TRUCK WERE ACTUALLY ABOUT TO FALL OFF IT WAS SCARY AND VERY DANGEROUS! IT STARTS OUT WITH A SQUEAKING SOUND LIKE THE BRAKES NEED TO BE REPLACED BUT NO IT WASN'T THE BRAKES WHICH REPAIRS AND PARTS TOGETHER RANGE FROM $60 TO $90 IT WAS THE WHEEL BEARING WHICH REPAIRS AND PARTS TOGETHER RANGE FROM $300 TO $400!I HAD TO GET EVERY WHEEL REPAIRED ONE BY ONE WITHIN 6 MONTHS SO YOU DO THE MATH.ALSO MY (OD)LIGHT FLICKERS AND MY TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND JUMPS IN TO GEAR!!! *TR
Power train, Equipment, Oct 21, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT - TRANSMISSION FAILURE - PURCHASED NEW IN 9-02 WITH EXTENDED WARRANTY. ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION FAILED AND REPLACED AT 65K MILES BY DEALERSHIP UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION BEGAN SLIPPING AT 130K MILES. AT 136K MILES, TRANSMISSION SHIFTS AT RANDOM, WILL NOT ENGAGE FROM STOP. *TR
Power train, Equipment, Oct 20, 2009
I PURCHASED MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN AUGUST 2002. I HAVE BEEN HAVING TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE GEAR PROBLEMS SINCE 2003. WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER MY TRANSMISSION WILL SLIP WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING AND JUST IMMEDIATELY STOP ACCELERATING AND OFTEN COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN TO ME SINCE 2003 AND HAVE BROUGHT IT BACK INTO THE DEALER MORE THAN THREE TIMES. TWO TIMES THEY SAID NOTHING WAS FOUND. IN MARCH 2004 THEY FINALLY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG, DID A QUICK FLUSH TO THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED THE TORQUE AND SENT ME BACK OUT WITH THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. ON 10/16/09 NOW THE O/D OFF LIGHT BEGAN TO BLINK AND ONCE AGAIN I BROUGHT IT BACK IN AND NOW THEY SAY I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS 45,000 MILES AND THEY ARE TRYING TO SAY THAT THIS PROBLEM IS NOT A SAFETY OR MANUFACTURES DEFECT!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I HAVE NEVER DRIVEN OFF ROAD, AND WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE, HOW COULD THIS NOT BE A DEFECT. I HAVE LUCKILY AVOIDED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS WHEN MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY SLIPS GEARS, STOPS ACCELERATING AND I HAVE TO IMMEDIATELY THROW ON MY HAZARDS, AND TRY TO PULL OFF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY!! I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT NEARLY 800 OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME SORT OF TRANSMISSION RELATED PROBLEMS AND HAVE POSTED THEM ON AUTO BEEF. I REALLY NEED SOMEONE TO HELP ME AND LOOK OUT FOR THE HONEST, AMERICANS WHO HAVE BROUGHT AN AMERCIAN CAR AND ARE BEING LIED TO AND TREATED WITH NO CUSTOMER SERVICE OR RESPECT. THIS IS EXACTLY WHY AMERICANS ARE BUYING FOREIGN MADE CARS!! PLEASE HELP US AND RECALL THE TRANSMISSION, AND HAVE THE CORRECT PEOPLE HELD ACCOUNTABLE...THE MAKER, NOT THE BUYER. *TR
Power train, Oct 19, 2009
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK THE ODLIGHT BEGAN TO BLINK AND THEN THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP, AND WOULD NOT MOVE! I HAD TO CUT THE CAR ON AND OFF MANY TIMES BEFORE IT ACTUALLY BEGAN TO MOVE AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HE SAID THAT I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THIS IS AN INCONVENIENCE BECAUSE I AM SIX MONTHS PREGNANT, AND THAT CAN BE SCARY DRIVING AND YOUR CAR WILL NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR . *TR
Power train, Oct 19, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 83,000 MILES ON IT'S THIRD TRANSMISSION FROM FORD. *TR
Power train, Oct 15, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER V6 4X4, HAD SHIFTING ISSUES OCCURRED RANDOMLY AT FIRST WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP AT LIGHTS OR PULLING INTO INTERSECTION. THE FIRST DAY OR SO IT HAPPENED SPORADICALLY SO WENT TO 2 DIFFERENT MECHANICS BOTH STATED DO NOT NEED REPAIRED AND SHOWS NO CODES. THIS HAS BEEN VERY FRUSTRATING SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW IN DEC. 2001 AND HAVE TAKEN GOOD CARE WITH ALL ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN EVEN MORE WORRISOME DRIVING WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR. AFTER SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS AND ALMOST ACCIDENTS, THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. NEW MECHANIC LOOKED IT OVER, DROVE IT AND SUGGESTED I TAKE TO A TRANSMISSION PLACE. AS I DROVE IT TO TRANSMISSION SHOP, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED. MECHANIC STATED TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REBUILT/REPLACED-THIRD GEAR BAND IS BROKEN. HE ALSO INFORMED ME THAT MANY FORD 2002 EXPLORERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. EACH TIME IT OCCURRED THERE WAS HESITATION WHEN YOU PRESS THE GAS, RPM'S INCREASE BUT SLOW OR NO ACCELERATION. FROM ALL INFO I HAVE SEEN IN MY RESEARCH AND BASED ON EXPERIENCED MECHANICS I SPOKE TO THERE WERE DESIGN FLAWS IN THESE 2002 VEHICLE TRANSMISSIONS (ONLY USED BY FORD FOR LESS THAN TWO YEARS). THERE WAS NO WARNING, THE PROBLEM JUST STARTED HAPPENING. I HAVE HAD MANY OTHER COSTLY REPAIR PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE--THIS BEING THE MOST DANGEROUS AND EXPENSIVE. I AM A SINGLE MOM-GRANDMOM AND CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX THIS $2500-$3000 PROBLEM. WHAT DO I DO NOW?! *TR
Power train, Oct 15, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION STUTTERS AND SHIFTS HARD. I HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES AND PAID FOR NOTHING AS NOTHING HAS CHANGED - THE SITUATION HAS BEEN WORSENING OVER TIME. THEY HAVE CHANGED FLUIDS, REPROGRAMMED A CHIP AND TEST DRIVEN IT MANY TIMES - SAYS THEY DON'T FEEL ANYTHING WRONG. IT IS HAPPENING EVERY DAY NOW. *TR
Power train, Air bags, Oct 15, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED EDITION WHILE IDLING AT A STOP LIGHT, THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. SHE HAD EXPERIENCED BETWEEN 5-6 MAJOR COLLISIONS/CRASHES WITH THE VEHICLE AND SUSPECTS THAT THE FAILURE OF THE AIRBAGS WERE DUE TO THE INCIDENCES. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT SPECULATE THAT THE PREVIOUS CRASHES CAUSED THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT TAKE ANY LIABILITY FOR THE FAILURE, AND REPAIRS COST OVER $3,000.00. NO REPAIRS HAD BEEN MADE TO THE VEHICLE TO DATE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 131,000. UPDATED 11/23/09. *LJ THE REAR PINION SEAL WAS LEAKING. UPDATED 11/24/09
Power train, Oct 14, 2009
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEAVER AND LINKAGE PULLED OVER ON SIDE OF ROAD TO CHECK TRAILER GOT BACK IN WENT TO PUT CAR IN DRIVE LEAVER FELL OFF NOW I'M PART WAY ON HIGHWAY HAD TO BE TOWED LUCKY I WAS NOT HIT SOME IS GOING TO GET HURT OR KILLED COST 1200.00. *TR
Power train, Oct 14, 2009
TRUCK SLOWS DOWN WHEN I HIT 20 TO 30, AND LEADS WITH A VIOLENT JERK. TOOK IT TO SHOP THEY SAID ITS MY TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Oct 13, 2009
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, O/D SIGNAL STARTED TO FLASH ON AND OFF. NOW TRANSMISSION IS SLOW AND HARD SHIFTING. WE REPLACED THE PRESSURE SWITCH SOLENOID AND CHANGED TRANSMISSION FILTER AND FLUID. WE HAD IT PUT ON A COMPUTER TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND THAT IT WHAT IT SAID, PRESSURE SENSOR SOLENOID. SPENT ALMOST $400. AND IT DIDN'T WORK. IT HAS 73,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Power train, Oct 12, 2009
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT WARNING MY OD OFF LIGHT STARTED FLICKING AND MY CAR FELT AS IF IT SLIPPED INTO NEUTRAL. I COULD NOT KEEP UP TO SPEED AND MY CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN. I WAS VERY LUCKY TO BE IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE AND COULD PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT CAUSING A MAJOR ACCIDENT. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON AND IT WAS FINE, THE LIGHT WAS OFF AND THE GEARS WORKED AS SHOULD. AROUND 40 MILES LATER, I WAS OFF THE MAIN HIGHWAY AND AT A STOP LIGHT, AS I ACCELERATED, THE OD LIGHT STARTED BLINKING AGAIN AND SHIFTING WAS HARD, THEN AGAIN ONCE I WAS UP TO SPEED IT FELT AS IF THE GEARS SLIPPED, I COULD NOT ACCELERATE AND THE CAR SLOWED. WHAT SAVED ME THIS TIME WAS I WAS OFF THE MAJOR HIGHWAY AND ON A SIDE COUNTRY ROAD WITH VERY LITTLE TRAFFIC. THIS HAPPENED OCTOBER 10, 2009. THE CAR HAS NOT YET BEEN SERVICED AS IT WAS OVER THE WEEKEND THIS HAPPENED AND TODAY BEING A HOLIDAY, MY KIDS ARE OUT OF SCHOOL, AND I WILL NOT PUT THEIR LIVES IN DANGER TO DRIVE TO THE DEALERSHIP. LIKE I SAID THERE WAS NO WARNING TO THESE EVENTS. I FEEL VERY LUCKY THAT I WAS ABLE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Power train, Oct 8, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, AFTER DAYS OF NOT SHIFTING RIGHT,,IT FINALLY, STOPPED COMPLETELY,,,THIS HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT TROUBLE. *TR
Steering, Power train, Structure, Oct 6, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE STEERING COLUMN FRACTURED. SECONDLY, THE REAR LIFT-GATES PANEL SPLIT IN HALF. THIRDLY, THE TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR. NONE OF THE FAILURES HAVE BEEN REMEDIED. HE PREVIOUSLY FILED A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,000.
Power train, Oct 6, 2009
TRANSMISSION SLIP WHEN ACCELERATING MOSTLY WHEN POWER IS NEEDED(PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE)FORCED TO BRAKE HARSHLY TWO TIMES WHILE PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE. ON OCCASION,TRUCK FEELS LIKE IN NEUTRAL AFTER STOPPING AT A LIGHT FOR ABOUT 4-5 SECONDS. ON OCCASION TRUCK STALLS WHEN PUTTING INTO DRIVE. TRANSMISSION HAS A LEAK BUT ALWAYS CHECKED LEVEL AND TOP UP IF NEEDED. *TR
Power train, Sep 29, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. REAR END HUMS AND VIBRATES. THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTING HARD FROM 2ND TO 3RD AND MADE A JERKING MOTION AROUND 40-45 MPH. THE TRANSMISSION NOW HAS THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT FLASHING AND IS STUCK IN GEAR. IT WILL NOT SHIFT. LOOKING ONLINE FOR A REMEDY, I HAVE NOTICED THAT THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AMONG THOUSANDS OF EXPLORER OWNERS. JUST TRY IT OUT YOURSELVES, GOOGLE 2002 FORD EXPLORER... VERY 1ST HIT IS PAGE AFTER PAGE OF HOW TERRIBLE THIS VEHICLE AND ITS TRANSMISSION IS. NOW I AM MAKING PAYMENTS ON A VEHICLE THAT IS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY AND IS INOPERABLE DUE TO FORDS LACK OF CONCERN ABOUT ITS PRODUCT. THEY WERE QUICK TO SELL THIS VEHICLE! QUICK TO TAKE A MULTI MILLION DOLLAR BAIL OUT! TAKE SOME OF THE BAIL OUT MONEY AND FIX THEIR PRODUCT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR
Power train, Sep 26, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 82K MILES OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHING. TRUCK TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE AND TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REBUILT. ONLINE RESEARCH SHOWS NUMEROUS OTHER PARTIES WITH SAME ISSUE. FORD MOTOR HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND FAILS TO RECALL. *TR