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, Sep 17, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION THAT IS GOING BAD. ON MY WAY BACK FROM A VACATION TRAVELING SOUTH ON INTERSTATE 5, I NOTICE THAT I'D BURN A HALF A TANK ON GAS FROM LA TO SAN DIEGO (75MILES). I DIDN'T KNOW THERE WAS A PROBLEM UNTIL MY OVERDRIVE LIGHT ON THE DASH STARTED BLINKING & THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT SOON FOLLOWED. THE RPM AND SPEED DOES NOT MATCH UP AND THERE IS ALWAYS A JERK WHEN THE CAR SHIFTS GEARS. THIS ALL HAPPENED WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING. I FEEL THE CAR IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND AM NOT SURE WHAT I AM GOING TO DO....EXCEPT I KNOW I CANNOT DRIVE IT ANYMORE. I HAVE A WIFE AND TWO YOUNG CHILDREN THAT ARE IN THIS TRUCK ALL THE TIME. NOW IT'S GOING TO COST ME OVER $3,000 TO REPAIR, WHICH IS ALMOST WHAT THE CAR IS WORTH AT THIS POINT. THE SAD PART ABOUT ALL THIS IS FORD KNOWS THAT THIS PROBLEM EXSIST AND IS WILLING TO LET ITS CUSTOMERS TAKE THE RISK OF INJURY IF THE TRANSMISSION GIVES OUT ON A BUSY INTERSTATE. LORD KNOWS WHAT'LL HAPPEN IF SOMEONE DIES IN THAT ACCIDENT. *TR
Power train, Sep 16, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS 4.0L V-6 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. AT ABOUT 90,000 MILES, VEHICLE STARTED TO SLIP WHILE CHANGING GEARS. PROBLEM WORSENED AND NOW SHUTTERS DURING UP SHIFTING. VEHICLE ALSO JUMPS FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL UNDER HARD BRAKING. VEHICLE ALSO HESITATES DURING SHIFTING. TRANSMISSION WILL ONLY SHIFT AFTER RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR. *TR
Power train, Sep 9, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER, O/D LIGHT ON, TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, ENGINE LIGHT ON. CAR HAS 67,000, ONLY DRIVEN TO WORK. ONE OWNER, BROUGHT NEW FORD FROM DEALER. *TR
Power train, Sep 4, 2009
FORD EXPLORER REAR END DIFFERENTIAL CONSTANTLY NEEDS REPLACING. FORD DEALER CHARGER ME $1800 AND USED SALVAGE PARTS EVENTHOUGH I TOLD THEM NOT TOO. *TR
Power train, Sep 1, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND I HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED. WHEN IT WAS REPLACED BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP I HAD TO TAKE IT BACK THE VERY NEXT MORNING DUE TO IT LEAKING. WHEN I GOT IT BACK I WAS NEVER SATISFIED SO I EVENTUALLY TOOK IT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY TOLD ME THEY REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION. NOW MY O/D LIGHT IS BLINKING LIKE SO MANY OTHER OWNERS BUT I HAVEN'T GOTTEN ANYWHERE WITH FORD. *TR
Power train, Aug 24, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAS STARTED TO FAIL ON, AFTER CHECKING ONLINE I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Aug 22, 2009
MALFUNCTION WITH 4X4 HIGH AND LOW SETTINGS. IT INITIATES ITSELF FROM AUTO SETTING CAUSING DIFFICULTY MAKING TURNS AND MAY ULTIMATELY CAUSE SIGNIFICANT TRANSFER CASE/TRANSMISSION DAMAGE (AS I AM TOLD). *TR
Power train, Aug 19, 2009
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER IS DEFECTIVE. WHEN I SLOW DOWN FOR A RED LIGHT OR TO MAKE A TURN THE VEHICLE STALLS OUT AND I LOOSE ALL POWER. I HAVE TO KEEP ONE FOOT ON THE GAS TO KEEP IT IDLING AND ONE FOOT ON THE BRAKE. *TR
Power train, Aug 18, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SHIFT WITH RESISTANCE AND THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT FLASHED CONTINUALLY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 79300.
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 13, 2009
IN MAY 2005, THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE. THE O/D LIGHT HAD BEEN GOING ON AND OFF FOR A NUMBER OF DAYS. TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $4500. CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 60000 MILES. IN JANUARY OF 2008, THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO BECAUSE THE TIMING BELT WENT AT A COST OF $3000. CAR HAD 75000 MILES. IN AUGUST 2009, BOTH REAR SPRING WERE DISCOVERED TO BE BROKEN WHEN THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR A WHINING IN THE REAR, WHICH WAS THE REAR AXLE BEARING. THE CAR HAD 94000 MILES, COST OF REPAIR WAS $1200. *TR
Power train, Aug 12, 2009
LIKE SO MANY OTHERS, I AM THE UNFORTUNATE OWNER OF A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. AND LIKE THE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS, I AM HAVING A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM - FLASHING OVERDRIVE LIGHT - HARD SHIFTING BETWEEN SECOND AND THIRD GEARS - AT TIMES DIFFICULTY GOING INTO FIRST GEAR. FORD IS FULLY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS DONE NOTHING TO RECTIFY IT. I THINK THAT SOMEONE NEEDS TO HOLD FORD ACCOUNTABLE. THE ONLINE COMPLAINTS ARE OVERWHELMING. THEY NEED TO FIX THEIR PROBLEMS JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE! *TR
Power train, Aug 12, 2009
LIKE SO MANY OTHERS, I AM THE UNFORTUNATE OWNER OF A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. AND LIKE THE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS, I AM HAVING A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM - FLASHING OVERDRIVE LIGHT - HARD SHIFTING BETWEEN SECOND AND THIRD GEARS - AT TIMES DIFFICULTY GOING INTO FIRST GEAR. FORD IS FULLY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS DONE NOTHING TO RECTIFY IT. I THINK THAT SOMEONE NEEDS TO HOLD FORD ACCOUNTABLE. THE ONLINE COMPLAINTS ARE OVERWHELMING. THEY NEED TO FIX THEIR PROBLEMS JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE! *TR
Power train, Aug 11, 2009
I PULLED UP INTO THE DRIVE AND PUT THE CAR INTO PARK. I EXITED MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND OPENED THE BACK DOOR, UNSTRAPPED MY GRANDSON FROM HIS SAFETY SEAT. HE WENT INTO THE HOUSE TO GET A GAME BOY SO I RE-ENTERED THE FRONT SEAT TO WAIT FOR HIM. I SAT THERE A FEW MINUTES AND WHEN HE CAME OUT OF THE HOUSE, I WAS EXITING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WHEN I HEARD A NOISE. THE CAR ENGAGED ITSELF INTO REVERSE. I TRIED TO PLACE MY RIGHT FOOT BACK INTO THE CAR AND PRESS ON THE BRAKE, BUT THE DOOR KNOCKED ME DOWN. I WENT UNDER THE DRIVERS DOOR AND THE FRONT LEFT TIRE BEGAN TO RUN OVER ME. I GRABBED THE UNDERNEATH OF THE DOOR AND TRIED TO HANG ON BUT THE TIRE WAS RUNNING OVER MY PELVIC AND MY LEFT LEG. THE CAR DRUG ME ON THE CONCRETE , THEN IT STOPPED. I WAS PINNED UNDER THE FRONT DRIVER'S TIRE. BEFORE THIS INJURY,I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AT 26,000 MILES SENT IT FOR REPAIRS BUT THE DEALER KEPT TELLING ME IT WAS OK. THE CAR WOULD JERK DURING TAKE OFF AND HESITATE WHEN PLACED IN REVERSE. AFTER THE ACCIDENT I TOOK IT TO OTHER DEALERS AND FINALLY ONE PUT IT ON THE TEST RACK AND TOLD ME IT HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. NOT SURE WHAT FORD HAS DONE WITH THE PARTS. *TR
Power train, Aug 10, 2009
AFTER VEHICLE HAS BEEN PUT IN PARK, IT WILL ROLL ABOUT A HALF FOOT OR SO WHEN DOOR OR HATCH IS SHUT. VEHICLE IS NOT GOING ALL THE WAY IN PARK AND YOU DON'T KNOW IT. IT HAS ROLLED TO THE POINT WHERE IT HAS BUMPED ME BUT THAN STOPS. *TR
Power train, Jul 27, 2009
TRANNY SLIPS ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAD MY KIDS IN CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE ALMOST GOT HIT IN AN INTERSECTION. CHANGED SOLENOID WAS GOOD FOR COUPLE MONTHS THEN STARTED SLIPPING AND MAKING CLUNKING NOISE NEW TRANNY COST ME $2400 @ YRS LATER STARTING AGAIN WITH THE BLINKING O/D LITE. *TR
Power train, Jul 27, 2009
FAULTY TRANSMISSION. WAS REPLACED AT 58,049 MILES WITH A RE-MANUFACTURED ONE DIRECT FROM FORD. 85,374 MILES AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. LESS THAN 20 DAYS AFTER THE THREE YEAR WARRANTY, BUT MILEAGE IS STILL UNDER. THIS MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE, AND WAS DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING IN TRAFFIC ON THE INTERSTATE. I HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN THAT RIDE IN THIS VEHICLE AND DO NOT APPRECIATE THAT THIS HAS BEEN A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE MODEL YEAR, THERE IS A PART OF THE SOLENOID THAT COULD LITERALLY BLOW A HOLE IN THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE, AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO HOLD FORD ACCOUNTABLE BY OUR GOVERNMENT. WE WANT PEOPLE TO BUY AMERICAN, YET AREN'T HOLDING THE MANUFACTURERS ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE QUALITY OF THE PRODUCTS THEY PUT OUT, NOR WILL THEY THEMSELVES STAND BEHIND A KNOWN ISSUE AND MAKE IT RIGHT FOR THE THOUSANDS OF CONSUMERS THAT GAVE THEM OUR HARD EARNED MONEY AND PURCHASED FROM THEM. I'VE OWNED FIVE OTHER BRANDS OF VEHICLES, WHICH HAD MORE MILEAGE ON ALL OF THEM THAN I CURRENTLY HAVE ON THIS VEHICLE, AND NEVER HAD ISSUES WITH A TRANSMISSION ON ANY OF THEM. YOU ASK SEVERAL QUESTIONS BELOW RELATING TO FIRE, DAMAGE, CRASH, DEATH OR INJURIES. IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE A FIRE OR CRASH OCCURS BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. A FAULTY TRANSMISSION COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC BECAUSE OF NON-PERFORMANCE, NOT TO MENTION THAT THE NOISE IT MADE WAS VERY SCARY AND I'M LUCKY THAT NOISE ALONE DID NOT CAUSE ME TO LOSE FOCUS AND HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THE GOVERNMENT JUST PROVIDED MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN "BAIL-OUT" MONEY TO THIS COMPANY (AGAIN - CONSUMER'S HARD EARNED MONEY). PERHAPS IF THEY PUT OUT A HIGHER QUALITY PRODUCT AND STOOD BEHIND IT THEIR SALES WOULD'VE BEEN BETTER AND WE WOULDN'T HAVE TO GIVE THEM MORE MONEY TO KEEP SELLING US PRODUCTS THAT ARE NOT OF THE QUALITY I EXPECT FROM AMERICAN MADE. *TR
Power train, Jul 24, 2009
BEING DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE ABOUT THE "O/D" LIGHT BLINKING ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. FROM WHAT I FOUND, THE RESULTS HAVE BEEN ASTOUNDING. EVERY ISSUE I FOUND ON BLINKING O/D IN MY RESEARCH LED TO HAVING TO REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION; AVG. COSTS BEING AROUND $2600. EVEN AFTER THE REPAIRS, THEY STATE THAT THE ISSUES STILL CONTINUE AND SPEND OVER $1000 ON SOMETHING ELSE THE DEALERS SAY IS WRONG. ONE SITE, AUTOBEEF.COM, HAD APPROXIMATELY 740 COMPLAINTS (I STOPPED READING AFTER 150) ON THIS ISSUE. BEFORE I PAY OUT OVER $3000, I JUST WANT TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS ISSUE PLAGUING THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER LINE. *TR
Power train, Jul 14, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS SHIFTING ISSUE AS A RESULT OF TRANSMISSION NOT WORKING PROPERLY. OCCURS RANDOM WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP AT LIGHTS OR PULLING INTO INTERSECTION. HAVE BEEN TO 2 DIFFERENT MECHANICS AND REPAIRED ONCE AND HAS STARTED TO OCCUR AGAIN ALTHOUGH MECHANICS STATE DO NOT NEED REPAIRED AND SHOWS NO CODES. ALSO, THE FLUID CANNOT BE CHECKED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AS IT IS LOCATED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. EACH OIL CHANGE I HAVE THEM CHECK AND THE LEVEL IS OK. SINCE HAPPENS RANDOMLY DOES NOT ALWAYS HAPPEN WHEN THE MECHANICS LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. HAS BEEN FRUSTRATING SINCE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT NEW AND TAKEN CARE OF WITH ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. ALL MECHANICS ARE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND JUST STATE TO DRIVE IT UNTIL IT FAILS COMPLETELY AND NEEDS A REBUILD OR SELL IT BEFORE THE REBUILD IS NEEDED. EACH TIME IT OCCURS USUALLY THERE IS NOT AN ISSUE JUST A HESITATION WITH A SLOW ACCELERATION. ALTHOUGH, SEVERAL TIMES THIS HAS OCCURRED RECENTLY WHEN PULLING OR MERGING INTO TRAFFIC NEARLY CAUSING ACCIDENTS WITH THE WIFE AND KIDS IN THE CAR. FROM ALL INFO I HAVE SEEN AND BASED ON EXPERIENCED MECHANICS THEY FEEL THERE WERE DESIGN FLAWS IN THESE 2002 VEHICLE TRANSMISSIONS. THEY ALL RECOMMEND EITHER TO SELL THE VEHICLE OR BE PREPARED TO DRIVE UNTIL THEY COMPLETELY FAIL AND NEED REBUILT. SOME STATE THEY HAVE WORKED ON THESE VEHICLES AND THAT I AM ACTUALLY LUCKY THAT I HAVE ONLY HAD THESE PROBLEMS AS MANY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS HAVE HAD ACCIDENTS AND ISSUES THROUGH OUT THEIR ENTIRE OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE ONLY HAD THIS ISSUE FOR APPROX THE LAST 2-3 YEARS SINCE PURCHASED NEW IN 2002. ALTHOUGH, A NEAR COLLISION WITH MY FAMILY AND ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THIS ISSUE IS A SERIOUS CONCERN. *TR
Power train, Jul 4, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4.0L V6 AND WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST THAT AN INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED INTO THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION. THE OTHER DAY, AS I WAS TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, THE O/D OFF INDICATOR BEGAN BLINKING AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE CHECK ENGINE SOON INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. IN DOING MY RESEARCH, AFTER READING NUMEROUS ONLINE COMPLAINTS RELATED TO THIS ISSUE, I HAVE CHOSEN TO SEEK YOUR ASSISTANCE AS A MEANS TO HELP OFFSET THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS WIDE-SPREAD, VERY WELL KNOWN AND DOCUMENTED PROBLEM. BASICALLY, THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REBUILT OR REPLACED, AT COSTS THAT RANGE FROM $2,000 TO $4,000. *TR THANK YOU!
Power train, Jun 29, 2009
THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER STOPPED WORKING AT APROX. 95000 MILES ,JUST LIKE THE HUNDREDS OF OTHER EXPLORERS IN 2002 HAVE AND FORD REFUSES TO RECALL THE VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Jun 21, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, I LOVE THIS CAR AND HAS BEEN PERFECT EXCEPT FOR 1 MAJOR THING THE PIECE OF '!@#$% TRANSMISSION, WHAT A JOKE HAVE HAD 2 REPLACED AT 48,000 MILES AND 115,000 MILES,THERE NEEDS TO A BE A RECALL ON THESE JUNK TRANSMISSIONS THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM FOR THESE CARS. I HAVE OTHER FORDS AND THEY ARE AWESOME THIS 2002 EXPLORER IS A COMPLETE LEMON. ITS A HAZARD WHEN YOUR GOING 68 MPH DOWN A HIGHWAY AND YOUR TRANSMISSION BLOWS OUT, GOING ON A ROADTRIP TO THE WHITE MOUNTAINS OF NH. *TR
Power train, Structure, Jun 18, 2009
I TOOK A TRIP FROM HOME IN OK TO CANTON, TX ON RETURN HEARD LOUD NOISE WHEN I STOPPED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED I FOUND OUT THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT WAS COMING OUT. IN MARCH OF 2008 I NOTICED A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE EXPLORER. WHEN I HAD IT INSPECTED I WAS TOLD THE REAR END NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS COST ME OVER $2000.00. MY TRANSMISSION IS NOW SLIPPING AND AFTER READING OTHER COMPLAINTS I FEAR THE WORSE IF I HAVE MY TRANSMISSION CHECKED. WHO DO WE CONTACT TO HAVE A LAWSUIT STARTED? MY TRUCK NOW HAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000 MILES. I HAVE REPLACED THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT, REAR END ASSEMBLY. MY AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON AND THE REAR PANEL BELOW THE BACK WINDOW HAS CRACKED. I HAVE ALL THE COMPLAINTS LISTED EXCEPT FOR THE GEAR SHIFTER BREAKING OFF IN MY HAND. *TR
Power train, Jun 16, 2009
WHEN I GO TO OR FROM PARK THE CAR JERKS AND HAS ALMOST CAUSE ME TO GET INTO SEVERAL CRASHES. THIS HAPPENS AT LEAST A COUPLE TIMES A WEEK. *TR
Steering, Power train, Jun 15, 2009
OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORERS GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF IN MY HAND WHILE TRYING TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE. WE HAD SOME TROUBLE WITH THE LOCKOUT IN THE PAST, BUT THIS LEFT US STRANDED AND REQUIRED A TOW. *TR
Power train, Jun 13, 2009
I HAVE HAD MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION FOR 4 YEARS. THE ENTIRE TIME OF OWNING THIS VEHICLE IT SOUNDS LIKE THE ENGINE SLIPS AND LATELY IT SEEMS LIKE IT IS GETTING WORSE. I HAVE TALKED TO A FEW CAR REPAIRMEN AND THEY SAID THAT THIS MAKE AND MODEL IS KNOWN FOR THIS COMPLAINT. I FEEL LIKE SINCE THERE IS AN OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE TRANSMISSION, SOMEONE SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS. *TR