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, Equipment, Jun 4, 2009
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER V8 HAS REQUIRED A TRANSMISSION AT 35K & 85K MILES. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN WHEN THE CAR FAILS WITHOUT WARNING!!!! I'M NOT ALONE IN DEALING WITH THIS INCREDIBLY COSTLY & DANGEROUS PREDICAMENT. PLEASE TAKE ACTION! I'M READING THAT THE DESIGN OF THE TRANSMISSION IS APPARENTLY BAD. QUOTING ANOTHER'S DESCRIPTION: "AFTER LOTS OF RESEARCH IT APPEARS THE MOST LIKELY CAUSE IS WORN CASE BORE, WHERE THE PIN FOR THE 2ND GEAR & OVERDRIVE BAND SERVO ACTUATOR PASSES THROUGH THE CASE. IF THE PEOPLE DESIGNING THESE MACHINES SPENT EVEN A BIT OF TIME IN THEIR LIVES WORKING WITH THEIR HANDS ON REAL PARTS THEY WOULD KNOW BETTER THAN TO PASS A HARD STEEL PIN IN A WEAR POINT FASHION THROUGH A SOFTER ALUMINUM CASTING. IT IS NO WONDER SO MANY TRANSMISSIONS EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM." YOU WOULD THINK WHEN MY TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED THE 1ST TIME THAT FORD WOULD HAVE BEEN REQUIRED TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM BY PUTTING BRASS CASINGS ON THE PINS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. NOW, I'M HAVING TO GET A 2ND TRANSMISSION, & SINCE I DIDN'T TAKE IT TO FORD, THEY ARE REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION WITH THIS FIX IMPLEMENTED. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BEAR THE $3500 NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. FORD SHOULD STAND BY THEIR PRODUCTS, BUT SINCE THEY WON'T, I HOPE THAT YOU CAN REQUIRE THEM TO DO SO! THANKS! I IDENTIFIED THIS AS AN EQUIPMENT FAILURE BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION THAT CAME WITH THE CAR WAS OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE TO REQUIRE A NEW ONE AT 35K MILES. MY CAR IS DEAD AT A SHOP SO I CAN'T LOOK AT THE TRANSMISSION TO GIVE YOU ANY PRODUCT INFORMATION. THE DATE I PROVIDED FOR EQUIPMENT IS THE DATE THE 1ST TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER & PURCHASED THE CAR NEW. I AM ASSUMING THAT THE 1ST TRANSMISSION FAILED DUE TO THE PINS. THERE'S NO WAY TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID BECAUSE IT'S A CLOSED SYSTEM, WHICH HAS ALSO BEEN A PROBLEM. THE SITE DETAILING THESE PROBLEMS IS: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/. *TR
Power train, Jun 4, 2009
O/D OFF LIGHT FLASHING, FIND OUT SOLENOID PACK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ALSO NEEDS ALL 4 BALL JOINTS REPLACED. FOUND OUT THESE ARE VERY COMMON PROBLEMS TO 02 EXPLORERS. NOT SURE IF WE WILL REPAIR BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE WE'LL END UP DOING IT AGAIN OR THE TRANSMISSION WILL GO OUT. WE'VE ALREADY REPLACED REAR END, WINDOW MOTOR AND HAVE FADED WINDOW PANELS AND A CRACKED BACK PANEL ON LIFT GATE. WHY IS THE GOV'T NOT ADDRESSING THESE PROBLEMS. THIS WAS NOT A CHEAP CAR - WHY IS IT ACCEPTABLE TO HAVE THIS MANY PROBLEMS WITH A VEHICLE? *TR
Power train, Jun 4, 2009, crash
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT PARKED NOSE DOWN ON AN INCLINED DRIVEWAY. NO KEYS IN IGNITION BUT VEHICLE SLIPPED AWAY AND HIT A LIGHTPOST 50 METERS DOWN THE STREET. *TR
Power train, May 27, 2009
GEAR SHIFT LEVER SNAPPED OFF IN THE HAND OF MY 110 LB GIRLFRIEND. SHE PUT HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE, WENT TO SHIFT THE CAR INTO REVERSE AND THE PART THAT CONNECTS THE GEAR SHIFT TO THE STEERING COLUMN BROKE OFF. THE CAR WAS ON AND LUCKILY DID NOT MAKE IT ALL THE WAY INTO REVERSE OR THE CAR WOULD HAVE BEEN STUCK IN REVERSE!! SHE QUICKLY TURNED THE CAR OFF, BUT THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT IN PARK EITHER, SO THE KEY WON'T COME OUT! I HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN AND MY NEIGHBORS HAVE LITTLE ONES AS WELL. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE. THE CAR IS NOT COMPLETELY IN ANY GEAR AND THE KEY IS IN IT. IT CAN'T BE DRIVEN SO I HAD IT TOWED, AND LIKE MANY, MANY OTHERS HAVE FOUND OUT, THIS SMALL, CHEAPLY MADE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPLACE. THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN MUST BE PURCHASED THROUGH FORD AND REPLACED. I WAS GIVEN A "DISCOUNTED" QUOTE OF $1900 FROM BERGE FORD IN AZ. HOW HAS THIS SMALL, WEAK, CHEAPLY MADE PART NOT BEEN RECALLED YET? ARE WE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO BE RUN OVER AND POSSIBLY KILLED BY A VEHICLE STUCK IN GEAR?! *TR
Power train, May 21, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE BEARINGS AND GEAR OF THE UNIVERSAL REAR DIFFERENTIAL UNIT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
Power train, May 18, 2009
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER FROM PARK TO REVERSE, THE ENTIRE SHIFT LEVEL FELL OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE CAST POT METAL PLUNGER ASSEMBLY THAT ENGAGED THE SHIFTING LEVER HAD A UNIFORM CRACK AND THE ENTIRE TOP OF THE ASSEMBLY HAD BROKEN OFF. A REVIEW OF THE INTERNET, SPECIFICALLY WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM SHOWED THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED PROBLEM WITH THE FORD EXPLORER SERIES. FORD HAS ACCEPTED NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS INHERENTLY DANGEROUS SAFETY DEFECT, HAS ISSUED NO RECALL, AND WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE FAULTY OR DEFECTIVE WORKMANSHIP AND/OR CASTING. WHAT IS PROBABLY A $40 TO $50 SUB-ASSEMBLY PART CANNOT BE REPLACED EVEN THOUGH IT LOOKS AS THOUGH IT COULD. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP ADVISED THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN MUST BE REPLACED AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $1700.00. PLEASE REVIEW THE WEBSITE I HAVE LISTED AND YOU'LL SEE THAT I AM NOT ALONE AND THAT THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM, BUT AN OVERALL SYMPTOM OF AN ISSUE THAT EXISTS IN VARIOUS YEAR MODELS OF THE FORD EXPLORER. A COMPONENT OF A STEERING SYSTEM THAT CAN EXPERIENCE SUCH FATIGUE UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS AND WHICH WILL COMPLETELY BREAK OFF IN ONES HANDS IS SIMPLY A TRAGEDY WAITING TO HAPPEN. PLEASE HELP US THE CONSUMER OUT --- INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM AND HOLD FORD MOTOR COMPANY RESPONSIBLE. WE AVERAGE CITIZENS CANNOT FIGHT AND WIN AGAINST A MAJOR CORPORATION BUT IF YOU FAIL TO INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM ON OUR BEHALF THEN YOUR CONCERNS FOR DRIVER SAFETY ARE NO MORE VALID THAN FORD'S CLAIM THAT "QUALITY GOES IN BEFORE THE NAME GOES ON". THE SERVICE MANAGER OF THE FORD DEALERSHIP THAT HAS MY CAR SAID THAT HE "HAS NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS", BUT AT THE SAME TIME ACKNOWLEDGED THAT HE HAD HEARD ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND THAT FORD WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. HELP ---- THIS IS NOT RIGHT !!!!! *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 15, 2009
2002 EXPLORER STARTED OUT WITH ALOT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND NOW DEPENDING ON HOW MUCH YOU PUSH IN THE GAS PEDAL THE TRANSMISSION STARTS SLIPPING. JUST LIKE ALOT OF OTHER COMPLAINTS. HAD SOME SIMILAR TROUBLE WITH IT ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO DEALER SAID HAD TO WAIT TILL IT GOT WORSE TO FIND EXACT PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, May 15, 2009
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS 4X4. YESTERDAY WHILE TRYING TO CROSS AN INTERSECTION,ALL OF A SUDDEN THE O/D LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH AND THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT GO. THEIR WAS AN 18 WHEELER COMING IN WHICH HAD TO SLAM ON BRAKES NEARLY HITTING ME AND MY CHILDREN, I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ON THIS MODEL AND THE TROUBLE WITH THE 5R55W TRANSMISSIONS. THEIR IS A SERVICE BULLETIN ON THESE,BUT NO RECALL I FEEL THAT THEIR IS AN SAFETY ISSUE AND ONE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED THIS IS DEFINITELY AN LEMON TRANSMISSION AND FORD NEEDS HELD RELIABLE. *TR
Power train, May 13, 2009
I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS ALL THE OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THAT OWN A 2002 EXPLORER. O/D OFF LIGHT FLASHING, SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ON, CAR SLIPS OUT OF GEAR IF YOU HAVE TO STOP SUDDENLY, HARD TO PUT INTO PARK, ERRATIC SHIFTING. PLEASE MAKE FORD RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND FIX THE PROBLEMS THAT THEY KNEW ABOUT BUT SOLD THE VEHICLES ANYWAY. DO THIS BEFORE SOMEONE HAS TO DIE IN A WRECK BECAUSE THEN IT WILL BE TOO LATE! *TR
Power train, May 12, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER FAULTY TRANSMISSION. *TR
Steering, Power train, May 8, 2009
I WENT TO PUT VEHICLE IN PARK AND SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF INSIDE STEERING COLUMN. HAD TO REPLACE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN FOR 1 LITTLE PIECE OF CAST WHITE METAL WHICH I FOUND OUT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. AFTER REPAIR WAS COMPLETE ,OD OFF LIGHT STARTED BLINKING AND SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. CODE PO755 ON ENGINE SCANNER WHICH ACCORDING TO CARCOMPLAINT WEB SITE AND MY MECHANIC IS ALSO A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Power train, May 7, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PLACE TRUCK IN GEAR. I HAVE HEARD THROUGH BLOGS THAT THIS IS NOW BECOMING A COMMON PROBLEM. MY TRUCK WAS PLACED IN PARK WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE ON PRIOR TO SHIFTING THE LEVER INTO PARK, WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE TRUCK IN REVERSE THE LEVER SNAPPED AND I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE TRUCK NOR REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER SHOWED ME HOW TO PLACE THE TRUCK IN DRIVE MANUALLY UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK IN ORDER TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. THIS IS NOT SAFE CONSIDERING THE FACT THAT ONE IS UNDERNEATH A RUNNING VEHICLE AND THE PROBABLITY OF BEING RAN OVER IS HIGH. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF FORD IS BEING PRESSURED IN RECALLING THIS PART CONSIDERING THE FACT THAT THE PIECE THAT BREAKS IS NOT SOLD INDIVIDUAL, THE CUSTOMER IS OBLIGATED TO BUY A COMPLETE STEERING COLUMN JUST TO OBTAIN THE PIECE THAT BREAKS. *TR
Suspension, Power train, May 4, 2009
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, PURCHASED NEW IN 2001. FIRST A FEW YEARS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, MY O/D LIGHT STATED FLASHING. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER AS IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THE TRANSMISSION WAS OVERHAULED AND HAVEN'T HAD A PROBLEM. IN 2008 I HAD ROUTINE BRAKE REPLACEMENT DONE ON MY VEHICLE AT A LOCAL GARAGE AND WHEN THIS WAS DONE THE TECHNICIAN WORKING ON THE VEHICLE NOTICED THAT MY REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN AND NEARLY FELL OUT. I HAD THIS PROBLEM REPLACED WITH NEW SHOCKS AND SPRINGS AND DID NOT THINK SOMETHING LIKE THIS WOULD HAPPEN BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD LOW MILEAGE. NOW JUST RECENTLY WITH 61000 MILES ON MY VEHICLE THE O/D LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH AGAIN, I HAD PROBLEMS SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE, THEIR WAS A DEFINITE SLIP, AND ALSO NOTICED A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE LIGHT CAME ON THAT THEIR WAS A SHUDDER WHEN UPSHIFTING FROM 4TH TO 5TH GEAR. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THEY DETERMINED THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. DUE TO THE COST OF THIS BEING OVER $4000.00, I DECIDED TO BRING IT TO A REPUTABLE TRANSMISSION REPAIR FACILITY. I DID GET A LOWER QUOTE AND AUTHORIZED THE REPAIR. I SPOKE TO THE OWNER OF THE BUSINESS AND HE ADVISED ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REMANUFACTURED AND THEY ALSO FOUND WATER OR COOLANT IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE OWNER ALSO ADVISED ME OF THE FACT THAT THEIR IS A VENT FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND IT WAS PLUGGED WITH SOME SORT OF PLUG WHICH SHOULD NOT BE THEIR. *TR
Power train, May 4, 2009
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS A TRANSMISSION GOING BAD. AT THE END OF MY 36,000 MILE WARRANTY I TOOK IT IN TO A FORD DEALERSHIP WHO SAID SINCE THE VEHICLE JUST WENT OVER THE WARRANTY BY LESS THAN A 1,000 MILES THAT THEY WOULD SHARE IN THE COST OF DOING THE WORK. IT COST ME APPROX. $700. FOR WHAT I HAVE SINCE LEARNED WAS A SOLENOID. NOW, (70,000 MILES LATER) I'M BEING TOLD THE TRANSMISSION IS BAD AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Power train, Latches/locks/linkages, May 1, 2009
I BOUGHT A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 19,000 MILES ON IT ALSO THINKING WHAT A GREAT DEAL I HAVE HAD THE TRUCK FOR 3 YEARS IT NOW HAS 76,000 MILES ON IT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON AND THE O/D LIGHT WILL START BLINKING I TOW A BOAT SO I TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP THEY SAID IT WAS VERY COMMON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN WITH THE YEAR OF TRUCK THAT I HAVE. THEY SAID THE CAUSE WAS SERVO PISTON BORE WHAT EVER THAT MEANS THEY ALSO SAID THAT IF I DON'T REPAIR IT FOR $2,400.00 THAT THE LIGHTS WILL CONTINUE TO COME ON AND THE TRUCK WILL CONTINUE TO SLIP. THE OTHER WEIRD THING IS I'LL BE DRIVING AND I HEAR A DING YOU KNOW THE SOUND YOU HAVE WHEN YOU LEAVE YOUR KEYS IN THE TRUCK BUT I'M DRIVING MY TRUCK WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND THE DOOR LOCK WILL GO OFF LIKE I'M LOCKING THE DOORS. I REALLY LOVE MY TRUCK THE BODY IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE I STILL OWE ON MY TRUCK SO BUYING SOMETHING NEW ISN'T AN OPTION. THE SAD THING IS I TOW A BOAT EVERY WEEKEND AND I'M WORRIED THAT SOMETHING MIGHT HAPPEN. *TR
Power train, Apr 29, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT IS NOW HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WHICH WILL COST IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF $3000 TO FIX. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I CAN'T BELIEVE THE NUMBER OF OWNERS WHO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD APPARENTLY KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS DECLINED TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. I KNOW ITS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE BUT WE ARE HAVING TO PAY FOR REPAIRS OF A FAULTY PRODUCT IN BAD TIMES WHEN SOME OF US DON'T HAVE JOBS. I AM ASKING THE NHTSA TO HELP ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM TO FORD. THANK YOU! *TR
Power train, Apr 28, 2009
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR
Power train, Apr 27, 2009
WHILE PARKING MY 2002 EXPLORER, I WENT TO SHIFT IT INTO PARK AND FELT A 'POP'. THE GEAR SHIFTER COMPLETELY BROKE OFF IN MY HAND. LUCKILY IT DIDN'T SHIFT OUT OF PARK AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO A MECHANIC TO LOOK AT. HOWEVER THIS HAPPENED ON A SATURDAY, SO THERE WAS NO WAY TO GET IT FIXED. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL. I'M VERY UPSET THAT A PART SO CRITICAL IS MADE SO POORLY. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE ISSUE. THIS IS GOING TO COST ME ALOT OF MONEY TO FIX....MONEY THAT I DON'T HAVE. THE QUOTE FROM MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP IS $1600 BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE COLUMN! SO IN THE MEANTIME I'M STUCK AT HOME WITHOUT A RIDE. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU. *TR
Steering, Power train, Apr 24, 2009
COMPLAINANT HAS HAD DIFFICULTY SHIFTING INTO PARK SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED IN DECEMBER 2007. DECEMBER 2008 JUST AFTER CHRISTMAS VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS DOWN A SLIGHT INCLINED DRIVEWAY. THE COMPLAINANT PARKED THE VEHICLE AND WAS IN THE HOME FOR APPROXIMATELY 35-45 MINUTES WHEN THE COMPLAINANTS WIFE ASKED WHERE WAS THE VEHICLE WHY WASN'T IT IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONSUMER WENT OUTSIDE AND FOUND THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AND CAME TO REST IN THE YARD (GRASS). THE COMPLAINANT ALSO NOTED AND ADDITIONAL INCIDENT WHERE THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE COMPLAINANT COULD NOT GET THE VEHICLE IN PARK. *TR
Power train, Apr 18, 2009
2002 EXPLORER, 1ST INCIDENT, HAD OD LIGHT FLASHING W/VERY HARD SHIFT. HAD TRANSMISSION REBUILT. ABOUT 6 MONTHS LATER, SLIPPING AT 30 TO 40 MILES PER HOUR, HAD TRANSFER CASE REBUILT. 6 WEEKS LATER TRANSMISSION SLIPPING AGAIN AT 30 TO 40 MPH WITH LOUD WHINE WHEN STOPPING. *TR
Power train, Apr 18, 2009
I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS ALL THE OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THAT OWN A 2002 EXPLORER. O/D OFF LIGHT FLASHING, SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ON, SLIPPING 2ND TO 3RD GEAR, SHUTTERING IN 5TH GEAR, TOLD BY ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC TRANSMISSION WAS GOING OUT. PLEASE MAKE FORD RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND FIX THE PROBLEMS THAT THEY KNEW ABOUT BUT SOLD THE VEHICLES ANYWAY. DO THIS BEFORE SOMEONE HAS TO DIE IN A WRECK BECAUSE THEN IT WILL BE TOO LATE! *TR
Power train, Apr 17, 2009
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH SEVENTY THOUSAND MILES AND HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM THAT THOUSANDS OF OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE. THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT FROM SECOND TO THIRD GEAR. HAVING DRIVEN ONLY A FEW BLOCKS WHEN THIS OCCURRED, I RETURNED HOME AND AT THAT TIME THE CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ ONLINE FROM OTHER OWNERS THE EXPLORER SEEMS TO BE A POORLY DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED VEHICLE. I HAVE NO EXPECTATIONS OF YOU OR ANYONE AT FORD DOING ANYTHING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Apr 14, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION THAT IS GOING BAD. ONE DAY THE CAR IS FINE AND THE NEXT DAY MY LIGHT WHEN ON - OUT OF THE BLUE. I DIDN'T KNOW THERE WAS A PROBLEM UNTIL MY O/D OFF LIGHT IS BLINKING & THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON. PLUS, CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT IS ALSO LIT UP. 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 THREE YOUNG CHILDREN THAT ARE IN THIS TRUCK ALL THE TIME. I'VE ONLY MADE A FEW PAYMENTS ON IT AND NOW I'M TOLD THAT IT'S GOING TO COST ME OVER $3000 TO REPAIR, WHICH IS ALMOST WHAT THE CAR IS WORTH AT THIS POINT. I WISH I KNEW THAT THIS MANY 2002 FORD EXPLORERS ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE BEFORE I BOUGHT IT. LET ME SAY, I CAN'T BELIEVE THERE HAS BEEN THIS MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSIONS!!! I THOUGHT I JUST HAD BAD LUCK UNTIL FINDING THE 'AUTO BEEF COMPLAINT' WEB SITE! I WILL SAY THAT THIS FORD WILL BE THE FIRST AND LAST I WILL EVER OWN IF I CAN'T GET HELP WITH THIS TRUCK. THERE WILL NOT BE A PROBLEM ABOUT LEAVING IT BEHIND. I SEE THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH FORD. SEEMS WE HAVE JOINED A LONG AND DISTINGUISHED LIST OF 2002 TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. WENT LOOKING AROUND GOOGLE TO FIND ANY INFORMATION ON THE SAME SYMPTOMS AND FOUND THIS 'AUTO BEEF' WEB SITE. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME ISSUES OF SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE, AND NO ONE KNOWS WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT. IF YOU DO AN INTERNET SEARCH THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME EXACT ISSUE. SOME VEHICLES REPORT AS LOW AS 20,000 MILES WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILS. READ THE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS OUT THERE FROM THE HARD WORKING CONSUMER, AND I THINK YOU WILL AGREE. I DO REALIZE TO ADMIT THAT THE TRANSMISSIONS IN THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER ARE FAULTY WILL COST SOME AMOUNT OF MONEY. HENRY FORD DIDN'T RUN HIS COMPANY FOR AS LONG AS HE DID AND NOT STAND BEHIND HIS WORK. FOREIGN CARS ARE MAKING A KILLING... *TR
Power train, Apr 14, 2009
WE DROVE OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER TO VISIT FAMILY 1 HOUR AWAY WITHOUT ANY PROBLEM. AFTER WE ARRIVED WE NEEDED TO MAKE A QUICK TRIP TO THE STORE AND THE CAR DIDN'T EVEN MAKE IT OFF THE BLOCK BEFORE THE OD LIGHT BLINKED AND THE CAR WOULDN'T SHIFT GEARS. IT WOULDN'T GET PASSED 20 OR 25 MPH. WE HAD TO LEAVE THE CAR THERE AND GET A RIDE ALL THE WAY HOME. THE NEAREST TRANSMISSION SHOP FIXED THE TRANSMISSION FOR ABOUT $1000 WITH A 6 MONTH WARRANTY. I HOPE IT LASTS AND THAT FORD WILL ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM SOON. *TR
Power train, Apr 13, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER,WHICH I BOUGHT NEW,THE DEALER HAS PERFORMED ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE, NOW HAVE 65,000 MILES AND IT NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. I UNDERSTAND THIS TO BE A DEFECT WITH THEIR SEALED TRANSMISSION AND FORD WANTS $3800.00 TO REPLACE / REBUILD. I FEEL THIS IS NOT RIGHT AND NEED SOME HELP WITH THIS MATTER. THANK YOU VERY MUCH IN ADVANCE FOR ANY HELP. *TR