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, Apr 13, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 49,562 MILES. UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. *TR
Power train, Apr 12, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, APPEARS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT, THIS TRANSMISSION IS FAULTY AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. DRIVING NORMAL AND TRANSMISSION STARTED ACTING UP. TOOK IT TOO DEALER AND SAYS HAS TO BE REPLACE AT $4000. TRANSMISSION HAS ALWAYS BEEN MAINTAINED AT THE RECOMMENDED INDIVIDUALS. TRANSMISSION IN THE 2002 EXPLORER IS DEFECTED. *TR
Power train, Apr 10, 2009
I OWN A 2002 EDDIE BAUER EXPLORE. AT 70,000 MILES WAS TOLD AFTER CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON AND GEARS WOULD NOT SHIFT THAT I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. FORD WANTED OVER 4,000.00 TO FIX IT. UNABLE TO AFFORD THAT MUCH I TOOK IT TO A TRANS REPAIR SHOP AND HAD A REBUILT TRANS INSTALLED AS WELL AS A NEW TORQUE CONVERTER. WAS TOLD BY THE REPAIR SHOP THAT THEY SEE ALOT OF THIS. AFTER TAKING MY CAR APART THE REASON MY TRANS WENT IS BECAUSE THERE WAS SOME KIND OF EXPLOSION IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND THE DEBRIS WENT INTO THE TRANS AND CAUSED THE DAMAGE TO THE TRANS. FORD DENIES ANY SUCH DEFECT. ALSO MY DUAL CLIMATE CONTROL AIR CONDITIONING HASN'T WORKED IN 2 YEARS AND FORD WANTS OVER 1000.00 TO FIX IT. I ALSO OWN A 2007 MUSTANG GT WITH ONLY 6000 MILES ON IT AND NOW THE REAR WINDOW IS LEAKING WHEN IT RAINS!! FORD SHOULD NOT ASK FOR ANY BAIL OUT MONEY FROM OUR GOVERNMENT IF THEY ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO BUILD JUNK. NEEDLESS TO SAY MY NEXT VEHICLE WILL BE A FOREIGN CAR. *TR
Power train, Apr 8, 2009
THE VEHICLE CAME WITH A PROBLEM TRANSMISSION, I HAD TO HAVE IS REPAIRED TWICE IN A 7 YEAR PERIOD. *TR
Power train, Apr 8, 2009
TRANSMISSION OD LIGHT BLINKING STARTED OVER A YEAR AGO AND WE TOOK TO NEARBY DEALER AND THEY CHARGED AROUND $900 TO SERVICE TRANSMISSION AND OD LIGHT STOPPED BLINKING. FEW MONTHS AGO THE LIGHT CAME UP AGAIN AND THIS TIME DEALER SAYS IT NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Apr 6, 2009
O/D LIGHT COMING ON. TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING OUT. THIS IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. I HAVE 3 CHILDREN IN SCHOOL AND FOUND OUT THE TRANSMISSION NEED TO BE REBUILT. I CAN NOT AFFORD THIS. ANYTHING WILL HELP. PLEASE....... *TR
Power train, Apr 5, 2009
TRANSMISSION FAILURE 5 TIMES. *TR
Power train, Apr 2, 2009
IN 2007 MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER, EDDIE BAUER EDITION WAS HAVING PROBLEMS SHIFTING GEARS AROUND 30-40 MPH. THE RPM'S WOULD REV UP HIGH THEN JUMP INTO THE NEXT GEAR. I TOOK IT INTO A CERTIFIED TRANSMISSION CENTER AND THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I INSTALLED A REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION AND WITHIN 1 YEAR MY VEHICLE IS DOING THE SAME EXACT THING. THE REPLACEMENT ONLY HAD A SIX MONTH WARRANTY. I THEN STARTED RESEARCHING ONLINE 2002 EXPLORER TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND HAVE FOUND AN OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME EXACT THING. *TR
Power train, Equipment, Mar 31, 2009
IN DECEMBER 2008 MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER, EDDIE BAUER WAS HAVING PROBLEMS SHIFTING GEARS AROUND 30-40 MPH. THE RPM'S WOULD REV UP HIGH THEN JUMP INTO THE NEXT GEAR. AT TIMES IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING WAS ABOUT TO BREAK BECAUSE THE JUMP AND NOISE IT MADE WAS SO LOUD. I TOOK IT INTO A CAR SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. SO I PAID FOR A REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION AND WITHIN 3 MONTHS MY CAR IS DOING THE SAME EXACT THING. I HAVE HAD TO TAKE IT BACK 2 MORE TIMES SINCE BRINGING IT IN MARCH 18. I THEN STARTED RESEARCHING ONLINE 2002 EXPLORER TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND HAVE FOUND AN OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME EXACT THING. *TR
Power train, Mar 28, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER BOUGHT USED MARCH 2008 82,XXX MILES NOW AT 95,XXX THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHES AFTER BEING DRIVEN ABOUT 3 MILES AND IRREGULAR HARD PASSING GEAR SHIFTS OCCUR.. I HAVE FOUND ON THE INTERNET SEVERAL OTHERS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH FORD.... *TR
Power train, Mar 23, 2009
OD BLINKING. WE HAVE THREE 2002 FORD EXPLORER WHICH ALL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND WE HAVE REPLACED EVERYTHING IN THE TRANSMISSION WITH NEW. THIS IS BOLOGNA. SAME AS EVERYONE ELSE'S SHIFTING PROBLEMS! *TR
Power train, Mar 21, 2009
THERE HAS NOT BEEN A TOTAL FAILURE YET, BUT FROM WHAT I HAVE READ FROM OTHERS IT IS NOT TOO FAR OFF. I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND THE TRANSMISSION IS STARTING TO FAIL. FROM WHAT THE REPAIR SHOP TELLS ME THERE IS A DEFECTIVE PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE. FROM WHAT THE FORUM TELLS ME THAT IS THE BEGINNING OF THE END. FORD MUST KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BY NOW, BUT AS I FAR AS I CAN TELL THEY HAVE NO INTENTION OF FIXING THIS POTENTIALLY SERIOUS ISSUE. I USE THIS VEHICLE TO TRANSPORT MY FAMILY AND DO NOT WANT TO HAVE A TOTAL FAILURE WHILE DRIVING, OR LEAVING MY WIFE AND KIDS STRANDED. THE OVER DRIVE OFF LIGHT BEGINS TO FLASH AND THE FOURTH AND FIFTH GEARS WILL NO LONGER ENGAGE. *TR
Power train, Wheels, Mar 21, 2009
WHEEL HUBS ESPECIALLY THE REAR - CONSTANTLY GOING BAD USUALLY 12 MONTHS OR LESS- REAR DIFFERENTIAL VENTED WITH HOSE OVER REAR TIRE. CAUSES WATER TO GET INTO GEARS - MAJOR PROBLEM. I KEEP CATCHING THE PROBLEM BUT ONLY BECAUSE I NOW LOOK FOR THEM BUT IT HAS BEEN CLOSE - RECENTLY I HAD TO HAVE IT TAKEN TO THE REPAIR SITE AS IT WAS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. *TR
Power train, Mar 20, 2009
MY OD LIGHT STARTING BLINKING. THEN I STARTED HEARING A CLICKING NOISE. CAR SHUTTERED NUMEROUS DAYS, THEN WOULD NOT GO ANY FASTER THEN 25 MPH. HAD TO GET THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY REBUILT. HAD 92,000 MILE ON IT. EVIDENTLY FORD IA AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND WILL DO NOTHING. *TR
Power train, Wheels, Mar 20, 2009
I RECENTLY HAD TO HAVE THE BEARINGS REPLACED DUE TO PROBLEMS THAT MANY HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH THE SAME MAKE, MODEL, AND RESPECTIVE YEARS. ONCE THE BEARINGS WERE REPLACED I NOTICED MORE ISSUES WITH THE "SLIPPING" TRANSMISSION THAT MANY MANY MANY MORE HAVE ALREADY LODGED COMPLAINTS AGAINST. WHAT IS BEING DONE? WHEN CAN WE EXPECT ANSWERS? *TR
Power train, Mar 19, 2009
THE GEAR SHIFT (PRNDL) FELL OFF THE STEERING COLUMN FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE METAL THAT HOLD THE SHIFT GEAR FAILED. THIS IS HAPPENING TO MANY PEOPLE! VERY DANGEROUS! LUCKILY IT HAPPENED IN THE DRIVEWAY OR IT MAY HAVE LEAD TO INJURY/DEATH. IT IS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE IN THE GEAR SHIFTER THAT LEADS TO THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE INVESTIGATE! HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/TRANSMISSION/GEAR_SHIFT_PRNDL_FELL_OFF.SHTML. *TR
Power train, Mar 19, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP BETWEEN SECOND AND THIRD GEARS. WHILE SHIFTING GEARS, THE RPMS WOULD ACCELERATE VERY HIGH AND THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK AND PERFORM AS IF IT WERE IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION. A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED AND INDICATED THAT THE SOLENOIDS WERE FAULTY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 99,000.
Power train, Mar 17, 2009
I HAVE AN 02 EXPLORER WITH 70K MILES ON IT AND THE O/D LIGHT AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ARE BOTH ON. I WAS TOLD THAT 2ND AND 5TH SHIFTS ARE GONE AND THAT I SHOULD REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION. I WAS READING DIFFERENT ARTICLES AND IT SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH THE EXPLORERS. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THIS CAR! *TR
Power train, Equipment, Mar 17, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED THAT HAS HAD CONTINUOUS REAR AXLE LEAKING AND OPERATING ISSUES. I HAVE HAD THE BEARINGS REPLACED THREE TIMES, THE SHAFT AXLE SEAL REPLACED, THE KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY REPLACED AND THE SPINDLE REPLACED. I HAD THIS WORK DONE AT CORTESE AUTO GROUP IN HENRIETTA NY (585-475-1211) IN JUNE OF 2007 AND APRIL OF 2008. I JUST NOTICED DIFFERENTIAL FLUID LEAKING FROM THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY AREA ON MARCH 16, 2009 AND CALLED THE CORTESE GROUP TO SEE IF THEY WOULD HONOR THEIR PREVIOUS REPAIR. THEY ADVISED ME THAT I WAS BEYOND THE "ORIGINAL PROBLEM" 2007 REPAIR DATE AND THE COST WAS ON MY OWN. TO REPAIR THIS LEAKY AXLE SEAL WILL COST ME IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF $400 AND CONSIDERING THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE, I FEEL FORD MOTOR COMPANY OR CORTESE SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH NO COST TO ME. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND IT APPEARS THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON AMONG FORD EXPLORERS (HAD I KNOWN THAT AT THE TIME OF MY PURCHASE, I WOULD HAVE RECONSIDERED BUYING FROM FORD). IF THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON AMONG FORD EXPLORERS AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE, WHY IS IT NOT CONSIDERED A RECALL AND REPAIRED BY THE MANUFACTURER OF THE VEHICLE? PLEASE ADVISE ME WHAT MY RIGHTS ARE AND IF ANYTHING CAN BE DONE ON BEHALF OF OTHER AFFECTED CONSUMERS. AFTER ALL, IN THIS TOUGH ECONOMY, WHO HAS $400 TO THROW AT A PROBLEM THAT WAS A KNOWN DEFICIENCY TO FORD AND ONE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED BY THE COMPANY... *TR
Power train, Mar 14, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND MY O/D LIGHT IS FLASHING ALONG WITH MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. THIS SEEMS TO BE COMPLAINT #1 WITH THIS VEHICLE IN SEARCHING THE INTERNET. I SEEM TO HAVE A TRANSMISSION REBUILD COMING MY WAY. IT'S ALWAYS BEEN TOUGH TO SWITCH FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE. NOW MY LIGHTS ARE FLASHING AND IT HAS A HECK OF A TIME SWITCHING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. I HAVE 70,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I ALSO HAVE ISSUE #2 FROM THE INTERNET COMPLAINTS ON THIS VEHICLE. MY TAILGATE MOLDED PLASTIC BENEATH MY REAR WINDOW SPLIT IN HALF AND FELL OFF. *TR
Power train, Mar 14, 2009
SAME PROBLEM EVERYONE ELSE HAS. I HAVE A 2002 EXPLORER TRANS WENT HAD TO GET IT REBUILT. ONLY HAD THIS EXPLORER 11 MONTHS. *TR
Power train, Mar 13, 2009
I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH MY TRANSMISSION IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CAR HAS 76,000 MILES AND THE O/D LIGHT FLASHES AND 2ND GEAR IS A MESS. IT STARTED OUT OF NO WHERE. I GOOGLED THE PROBLEM AND CAME ACROSS THIS WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/TRANSMISSION/O_D_LIGHT_IS_BLINKING.SHTML IT IS A SHAME THAT OVER 100 PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE AND THAT'S JUST THE PEOPLE WHO FOUND THAT SITE. I AM A HARD WORKING SELF EMPLOYED MAN WHO TRY'S TO STAND BY AMERICAN MADE, BUT I AM ABSOLUTELY FURIOUS THAT FORD HAS LET THIS ISSUE GO. I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR 2 YEARS AND THE TIRE ROD AND BARRING HAVE ALREADY WENT BAD. AS WELL AS THE TRANSFER CASE FOR THE 4X4 HAS WENT OUT AS WELL. BOTH OF THOSE ISSUES WHERE ALSO REPORTED BY OTHERS ON THE ABOVE WEBSITE. HOW IN THE WORLD CAN FORD ASK THE GOVERNMENT TO BAIL THEM OUT WHEN THE VERY PEOPLE WHO PURCHASED THEIR PRODUCT KEEP GETTING STUCK WITH THE BILL COMING AND GOING. I WILL TAKE THIS COMPLAINT TO MY STATE REPRESENTATIVE IN AN EFFORT TO HOLD FORD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS BEFORE GETTING ONE TAX DOLLAR FROM HONEST HARD WORKING AMERICANS. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Mar 13, 2009
36,006 MILES REAR AXLE SEALS STARTED LEAKING, HAD NEW SET PUT ON. NOT EVEN 10,000 MILES & THAT SET STARTED LEAKING. HAD THIRD SET PUT ON. 61,500 MILES & LEAKING AGAIN! MECHANIC SAYS I HAVE A BROKEN REAR COIL SPRING. COULD THE SPRINGS HAVE BEEN FAULTY ALL LONG CAUSING THE REAR AXLE SEALS TO LEAK? *TR
Power train, Mar 10, 2009
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH APPROXIMATELY 91000 MILES. I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WHEN O/D LIGHT BEGAN TO BLINK. RESEARCHED PROBLEM ON INTERNET AND SEEMS TO BE A BIG PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN 2002 FORD EXPLORERS AND I AM ONE OF MANY DEALING WITH THIS. TYPICAL SOLUTION IS TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT WHICH WILL COST ALOT OF MONEY. FORD REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM AS THERE OWN (CLEARLY POOR WORKMANSHIP IN BUILDING VEHICLE) AND REFUSES TO OFFER HELP. PRESENTLY, THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THESE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS . HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO SHELL OUT THERE HARD EARNED MONEY BEFORE THIS PROBLEM IS ADDRESSED. PLEASE HELP. *TR
Power train, Mar 10, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED V-8, FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WITH 47,100 MILES. I STARTED TO NOTICE A CLATTERING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE TRUCK. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND HE SAID IT WAS THE TORQUE CONVERTER. IT COST $1,200 TO FIX. HE TOLD ME HE SEES A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT 47,000 MILES IS VERY PREMATURE FOR A PROBLEM LIKE THIS. I SEE THAT MANY OTHERS ON THE INTERNET HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TR