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, Mar 9, 2009
THE LAST FEW MONTHS THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SLUGGISH IN POWER AND SHIFTING AT THE WRONG TIMES. WE BROUGHT IT INTO THE FORD DEALERSHIP. WE HAD THEM DO A TRANSMISSION FLUSH SINCE IT WAS TIME, THE VEHICLE HAD 37,000 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THEY COULD HEAR AND FEEL THE PROBLEM BUT COULD NOT GIVE US ANY ANSWERS. I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE AFTER HAVING THE FLUSH DONE. ON THE WAY HOME THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. THIS WAS NEW. I TURNED IT AROUND AND BROUGHT IT RIGHT BACK. AFTER 2 WEEKS OF GOING AROUND WITH THEM, THEY FINALLY FIND METAL SHAVINGS INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION AND TELL US WE NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION! THIS IS A WEEKEND CAR WITH ONLY 37,000 MILES ON IT. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! I CONTACTED FORD DIRECTLY THEY SAID THEY WOULD LOOK INTO IF THERE WAS ANY PROGRAM OUT THERE FOR US. NOW AGAIN 2 WEEK LATER I SPOKE TO THE FORD SERVICE MANAGER AND HE SAID THAT HE IS UNAWARE OF ANY PROGRAM THAT CAN HELP US. HE SAID THERE WAS A PROGRAM WHERE FORD WAS REPAIRING THE TRANSMISSIONS AS A GOOD FAITH REPAIR BUT THAT ENDED LAST YEAR. NOW I AM STUCK HAVING TO PAY $4000 TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION ON A PRACTICALLY NEW VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Mar 1, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER 4.0L SOHC V6 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. IT HAS A PROBLEM SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC, CAR WILL NOT ACCEL UP TO SPEED AND DOESN'T SHIFT OUT OF 2ND GEAR INTO 3RD. HAVE HAD A FEW NEAR ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF CAR NOT ABLE TO SPEED UP. *TR
Power train, Mar 1, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. IT APPEARS THEY ARE SELLING CARS WITH A DEFECT GEAR SHIFT. YESTERDAY AS I SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF. IT SIMPLE CAME OFF. I'VE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A PROBLEM. APPARENTLY THIS IS A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM AND FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AND REPORTED IT ON INTERNET AUTO COMPLAINT BLOGS. ACCORDING TO THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER HE HAS PICKED UP 6 OR 7 EXPLORERS IN THE SAN ANTONIO AREA WITH THE SAME PROBLEM IN RECENT MONTHS. BASED ON INTERNET REPORTS I HAVE TO SPEND A $1000 I REALLY CAN SPARE AT THIS TIME TO FIX FORD'S PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Feb 28, 2009
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER START SHAKING AND VIBRATING WHILE DRIVING ON A ROAD. THIS WAS DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION GOING OUT WHILE TRAVELING AT ABOUT 30 MPH. THE TRUCK WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM 2ND TO THIRD 3RD GEAR WHICH MADE THE VEHICLE RPMS RUN AT ABOUT 5000 THEN THE CAR STARTED TO SMELL AND BEGAN TO GET REALLY HOT DOWN TOWARD THE FLOOR BOARD. AFTER THIS THE O/D LIGHT BEGAN TO BLINK ON AND OFF CONSTANTLY. I THEN PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO CHECK THE PROBLEM WHILE PULLED THERE I PUT MY TRUCK INTO REVERSE SO THAT I COULD BACK UP INTO A PARKING LOT. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BREAK AND PUSHED THE GAS AND MY TRUCK ROLLED INTO THE ROAD. THE REVERSE WOULD NO LONGER ENGAGE. I HAD MY WHOLE FAMILY IN THE CAR, LUCKILY THERE WERE NO CARS COMING AT THAT EXACT TIME. I HAVE FOUND A WEBSITE WHERE OVER 200 PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM ON GOOGLE SEARCH, BUT STILL NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO RECALL THIS ISSUE. JUST BECAUSE WE FOUND ALL OF OURSELVES IN A LUCKY SITUATION WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND NO ONE WAS INJURED, DOES NOT MAKE THIS ANY LESS OF A CONCERN. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Feb 27, 2009
THIS IS MY WIFE"S 02' 4X4 V8 EXPLORER,WE BROUGHT IT NEW AND NOW HAVE 78,000 MILES IN IT,AT FIRST I HEARD SOME NOISE I THOUGHT IT CAME FROM THE TIRES THAT PRETTY WORN OUT SO I WENT TO CHANGE OUT THE NEW TIRES WHILE I WAS IN THE SHOP AND WAIT I ASK THE GUY CAN I GO IN THERE TO CHECK OUT THE BRAKE PADS I NOTICE THE REAR SPRINGS BROKE???? THE MORE SEARCHING I DID THE MORE THING I FIND OUT, WHEEL BEARING??? NO MORE FORD....... *TR
Power train, Feb 18, 2009
I LIKE MANY OTHERS WAS JUST INFORMED THAT MY 2002 EXPLORER NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. IT ONLY HAS 52,000 MILES ON IT. I AM ON A FIXED INCOME, AND BOUGHT THIS CAR BELIEVING THAT IT WOULD LAST ME A LONG TIME IF I TOOK CARE OF IT WHICH I HAVE. I CANNOT AFFORD THIS EXPENSE AND VERY UNHAPPY TO FIND THAT FORD KNOWS OF THIS DEFECT, AND DOES NOTHING ABOUT IT. I AM TRULY BEGINNING TO BELIEVE THAT FORD STANDS FOR FOUND ON ROAD DEAD. THIS CLEARLY INDICATES A "LEMON" PRODUCT TO ME, AND I FEEL THAT THE CONSUMERS ARE THE ONE PAYING FOR THE CEO'S RICH LIFE AT OUR EXPENSE. WHEN IS OUR GOVERNMENT GOING TO LOOK OUT FOR THE PEOPLE WHO FINANCE THIS COUNTRY? *TR
Suspension, Power train, Feb 17, 2009
O/D LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING DIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY - RPM'S RAN AT 3RPM'S NO MATTER WHAT SPEED I TRAVELED. TRANSMISSION SHIFTS VERY HARD AND I AM EXPERIENCING A TERRIBLE CLUNKING NOISE - PIECE OF'!@#$% TRANSMISSION - WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION ACCORDING TO THE DEALER AND I HAVE HEARD IT IS HAPPENING VERY FREQUENTLY WITH THE 2002 EXPLORERS. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Feb 11, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE VIBRATED EXCESSIVELY. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL BEARING WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. RECENTLY, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BEARING EXHIBITED A CRACK. IN ADDITION, THE OVERDRIVE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY. ALSO, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR. THE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
Power train, Feb 11, 2009
WHILE DRIVING O/D LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH AND CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON. ORIGINAL OWNER WITH 59K MILES. DEALER STATES I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS TRANSMISSION ONLINE. NHTSA NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE THIS TYPE OF CLOSED SYSTEM TRANSMISSION DESIGN. LOSS OF DRIVE POWER DURING ENTRY TO HIGHWAY OR LANE CHANGES COULD RESULT IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT. *TR
Power train, Feb 10, 2009
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT CURRENTLY HAS 79,000 MILES. LOUD GRINDING NOISES COULD BE HEARD AND A GRABBING SENSATION COULD BE FELT FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. I THOUGHT THE TIRES WERE CUPPED SO I PURCHASED NEW TIRES AND HAD THE VEHICLE ALIGNED. THE NOISE WAS STILL EVIDENT. A CERTIFIED MECHANIC STATED TO ME THAT BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED AND THEY NEED TO BE REPAIRED. ALONG WITH THAT, HE STATED MY DIFFERENTIAL NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED. LASTLY, BOTH REAR COIL SHOCKS WERE BROKE INTO PIECES. I HAD THEM REPLACED AT 78,500. *TR
Power train, Feb 9, 2009
THE O/D LIGHT IS BLINKING FAST AND NOW IT IS BEGINNING TO SHIFT GEARS VERY ROUGH. ALL THE WEBSITES I HAVE SEEN MAKES THIS A COMMON ATTRIBUTE WITH THIS YEAR OF CAR. NOTHING REALLY LEAD UP TO THIS, IT JUST STARTED BLINKING ON MY WAY TO WORK. *TR
Power train, Feb 8, 2009
ACCELERATING FROM 0, FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR, ENGINE REVS TO 4000 RPM AND FAILS TO ACCELERATE OR SHIFT. *TR
Power train, Feb 5, 2009
I BOUGHT A 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN 2004 AND THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING BAD. THE OD OFF LIGHT IS BLINKING AND THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 95000 MILES. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER TO FIND OUT THE PROBLEM, THEY TOLD ME THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REBUILT OR REPLACE. THE COST IS BETWEEN $2400 - $3700. I HAD THE CAR FOR 4 YEARS AND STILL OWE ON THE CAR. I GOOGLED FOR OD OFF LIGHT AND FOUND THAT MANY FORD OWNERS WITH THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS, EVERYONE CAN'T BE WRONG. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS ISSUE RESOLVED. I JUST WANT MY CAR FIXED. *TR
Power train, Feb 3, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4.0L V6. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT 10 DAYS AGO. I HAVE HAD TO TAKE MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE TRANSMISSION SHOP NOW FOR THE THIRD TIME IN 10 DAYS DUE TO PROBLEMS THAT THE SHOP SAYS ARE CHRONIC WITH, AND KNOWN BY, FORD. FORD NEEDS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS INHERENT WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THIS YEAR MODEL. CONSUMERS ARE CONTINUING TO SHOULDER THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF A PROBLEM OF WHICH FORD AND THE NHTSA ARE BOTH AWARE AND ABOUT WHICH NEITHER ARE ADDRESSING. THERE HAVE BEEN THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN FOR THE NHTSA TO SUPPORT CONSUMERS ON THIS ESTABLISHED AND KNOWN ISSUE? *TR
Power train, Feb 2, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN JUNE OF 2004 AND SHORTLY AFTER THE O/D LIGHT WAS BLINKING SETTING OFF THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT. WHEN I TOOK IT TO FORD, THEY CLAIMED IT WAS A SOLENOID THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT MY COST BECAUSE IT WAS NOT COVERED IN THE WARRANTY. AFTER A HIGH PRICED REPAIR, THE O/D LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN WITHIN A MONTH'S TIME. I RETURNED TO HAVE THEM REPAIR IT AGAIN ON THE REPAIR WARRANTY FROM THE PRIOR FIX AND THE O/D LIGHT CAME ON STILL AGAIN. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN A MAJOR DRAIN ON MY FINANCES AND NOW I HAVE SEEN THAT THE O/D LIGHT IS THE SECOND-HIGHEST COMPLAINT ON THIS MODEL AND MAKE OF VEHICLE. FORD CONTINUES TO CLAIM THAT IT IS AN ODDITY AND UNRELATED TO THE MAKE AND MODEL. CAN ANYTHING BE DONE THAT WILL GET FORD TO MAKE GOOD ON EITHER REPAIRING OR OFFERING RECOMPENSE IN SOME WAY TO CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE BEEN STRUGGLING WITH THIS NONSENSE? R. FRANCIS *TR
Power train, Feb 2, 2009
GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF. WHILE PARKING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER, THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER SHEARED OFF IN THE STEERING COLUMN, LEAVING THE VEHICLE STUCK IN REVERSE GEAR. A QUICK SEARCH WITH GOOGLE REVEALS A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF IDENTICAL FAILURES, INDICATING A COMMON MANUFACTURING DEFECT. FORD HAVE NOT ISSUED ANY FORM OF RECALL OR OTHER ASSISTANCE FOR THIS PROBLEM. HAD THE FAILURE HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING (PERHAPS WHILE SHIFTING UP OR DOWN ON A MOUNTAIN ROAD) IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. GIVEN THE AGE OF THE AFFECTED 2002 MODEL VEHICLES, IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL THIS DOES OCCUR. MY VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED; THE BROKEN PART IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *TR
Power train, Jan 26, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER 4.6 HAS A LOUD WHINING/HOWLING NOISE COMING FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL. THIS IS A KNOWN AND DOCUMENTED PROBLEM/DEFECT WITH THESE VEHICLES. FORD HAS MANY TSB'S ABOUT THE PROBLEM, BUT WILL ONLY REPLACE THE DIFFERENTIAL GEAR ASSEMBLY AT A COST OF $1100.00. *TR
Power train, Jan 26, 2009
MY EXPLORER HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS EVERYONE ELSE. 82,000 MILES AND THE TRUCK WONT SHIFT INTO WHAT SEEM LIKE 3RD GEAR I REALLY WISH FORD WOULD HELP US OUT. THIS IS WHY THE ARE FAILING. I WOULD LOVE TO CONTINUE TO PURCHASE AMERICAN MADE BUT HOW CAN I KNOWING THIS IS THE SERVICE YOU GET. *TR
Power train, Structure, Jan 22, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING I HAVE READ OTHER PEOPLES EXPERIENCES AND THIS HAS LED ME TO FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS AND NOW THAT I REALIZE THAT IM NOT THE ONLY ONE WELL I HOPE YOU CAN HELP I WAS EXPECTING FOR THIS VEHICLE TO LAST LONGER THAN MY 1994 DODGE RAM. AND ANOTHER THING THE SIDE OF THE WINDOWS STARTED PEALING OFF MY BACK DOOR IS CRACKED BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT CLOSE RIGHT AND NONE OF MY THREE OF MY WINDOWS HAVE STOPPED WORKING AT ONE TIME. THIS CAR IS FULL OF MALFUNCTIONS AND I THING THAT THERE SHOULD BE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT IT I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW AND PAID 25,000 FOR THIS PIECE OF JUNK. *TR
Power train, Jan 20, 2009
ON 1/18/09 I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER ON A 50 MPH ROAD AND NOTICED THAT IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE - LIKE I HAD THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON. 10 MINUTES LATER MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY O/D LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH AND I COULD NOT GET OVER 25 MPH. I MANAGED TO GET SAFELY TO A RELATIVES HOUSE BUT HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY - TO BE LOOKED AT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE TRANSMISSION IS SHOT AND AFTER GOING ON LINE HAVE FOUND THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WITH 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. I WAS DRIVING WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND ONE MINUTE WAS DOING 45 MPH AND THE NEXT I WAS BARELY AT 25 MPH ON A VERY BUSY ROAD. *TR
Power train, Jan 15, 2009
WHILE PULLING ONTO A BUSY HWY. IN EASTERN UTAH MY TRANSMISSION WITHOUT WARNING JUST STARTED SLIPPING AND I HAD TO QUICKLY MANUALLY DOWN SHIFT THE AUTOMATIC AND HOPE THAT IT WOULD GO TO AVOID GETTING BROAD SIDED BY A SEMI THAT WAS BEARING DOWN ON ME. WHEN I GOT TO A PLACE THAT WAS SAFE I STOPPED AND FOUND THAT 1ST AND REVERSE GEARS WERE GONE. *TR
Power train, Jan 14, 2009, crash
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT HAVE AT LEAST 66,000 MILEAGE ON THIS CAR . I HAVE A VERY WEIRD ACCIDENT ON SEPTEMBER 24,2008. I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPEN. I WAS IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE VA MEDICAL CENTER IN EAST ORANGE NJ. AT AROUND 5:45 PM I CAME TO MY CAR AND FOUND MY CAR HAVE DEAD BATTERY SO VA POLICE GAVE A JUMP START AND THE CAR START. SO AFTER 2 MINUTES THE CAR RUNNING I STARTED TO CHANGE THE GEAR FROM PARK TO REVERSE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. AS SOON AS I CHANGE THE GEAR THE CAR WENT OFF BY ITSELF WITH A VERY HIGH SPEED HITTING A PARK VEHICLE AND ENDED UP INSIDE ONE STORY BUILDING. MY FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE WHEN THE CAR STOP. I HURT MYSELF RESULTING TO A BIG SURGERY. I HAVE A CERVICAL FRACTURE FROM THAT ACCIDENT. MY CAR WAS STILL PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY STILL UNTOUCHED BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHO TO SEND THE CAR FRO INVESTIGATION. I FILED A CLAIM TO FORD MOTOR BUT I DID NOT HEAR FROM THEM YET. I CONTACTED THE LAWYER AND ADVISED ME TO CONTACT THIS FACILITY AND SINCE MY LAWYER CANNOT REPRESENT ME FROM THIS ACCIDENT. I WAS ADVISED THAT I DON'T NEED A LAWYER TO FILE A CLAIM. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME WITH THIS MATTER. *TR
Power train, Jan 12, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FLEW INTO 4X4 LOW AUTOMATIC WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH. THE 4X4 MODULE PART HAD BEEN REPLACED ONCE ALREADY,AND IS THE CULPRIT OF THROWING IT INTO AN UNSAFE POSITION. THE ISSUE KEEPS COMING UP, AND THE DEALER HAS HAD NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPLACING THE "KNOWN FORD PROBLEM" IN OVER 7 YEARS. THIS ISSUE IS EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR, BUT THE PROBLEM IS THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE AND THE PASSENGERS AT HIGHER SPEEDS. IT CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO FIRST SLOW DOWN BY THE PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS OF THE TRANSFER CASE, AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO BE OUT OF CONTROL AND FLIP. IT'S SO PRESENT ON THE INTERNET NOW, I WONDER WHY NO ONE HAS GOTTEN FORD TO FACE THE ISSUE, EVEN THE DEALERS KNOW, BUT GET NO RESPONSE BACK FROM PARENT FORD. THE VEHICLE MENTIONED IS WELL CARED FOR, AS WELL AS ONLY IN THE LOW 80,000 MILE AREA PRESENTLY. THIS HAPPENED AROUND 38,000, 43,000, 58,000, 63,000, AND NOW AT 84,000. EVEN THE DEALER AGREES THAT THE 4 WHEEL AUTO FEATURE, (WHICH IS THE IDLE STATE OF THE TRANSAXLE) CANNOT BE STARTED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS FIRED UP. THIS CAUSES NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH OTHER COMPONENTS RELIABLE TO THE MODULE. THE MODULE, IS BUILT BY MOTOROLA AND I'VE BEEN ADVISED THAT THE ANY NEW OWNER OF AN EXPLORER IN THE DATE RANGE SHOULD HAVE IT REPLACED OR INSPECTED DUE TO IT NOT BEING ABLE TO HANDLE TYPICAL SURGE SPIKES FROM THE VEHICLES POWER SYSTEMS. THE REPLACEMENTS SHOULD HAVE IT. BUT THAT DOESN'T HELP WITH THE ADVISE IF IT ALREADY OCCURS. WHICH IT HAS BEEN. NOW I'VE GOT A $45,000 PAPERWEIGHT IN MY DRIVEWAY AGAIN. CORRECTIONS ARE MADE, BUT RESULTS ARE ALWAYS THE SAME. FORD NEEDS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE PUBLICLY BEFORE OTHERS ARE IN ACCIDENTS OR FATALITIES OCCUR. *TR
Power train, Air bags, Jan 9, 2009
HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED, ALSO HAD TO REPLACE BOTH REAR SPRINGS. LUCKY MY WIFE HAS GOOD HEARING SO SHE NOTICED THE NOISE AS SOON AS IT STARTED OR ELSE MAY HAVE WENT FAR ENOUGH TO LOOSE WHEEL. HAD REAR SPRINGS AND WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $1100.00 . AFTER READING COMPLAINTS AND TALKING WITH OTHER EXPLORER OWNER I FEEL IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL FOR FACTORY TO FIX. ALSO HAVE RECURRING PROBLEM WITH AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMING ON. HAVE TO JIGGLE WIRES UNDER PASSENGER SEAT TO MAKE LIGHT GO OUT. *TR
Power train, Jan 8, 2009
HAD BOUGHT 2002 EXPLORER USED, NOTICED NOISE FROM REAR END. TOLD REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, COST FOR USED $1500. BUT POSSIBILITY THAT USED COULD HAVE SAME ISSUES AS THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH 02-04 EXPLORERS. MY MECHANIC DOES SEVERAL A MONTH. AFTER VISITING NUMEROUS WEB SITES AND FORUMS ON THE SUBJECT, I HAVE SEEN THAT IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND THERE IS A VERY REAL SAFETY CONCERN AS THE REAR END COULD SEIZE WHILE DRIVING. I BELIEVE THE DEPT OF HIGHWAY SAFETY IS WRONG IN NOT CONSIDERING THIS PROBLEM TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AND I THINK A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED BASED ON THE VERY LARGE NUMBERS OF VEHICLES THAT HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS. AND FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AS THEY HAVE RELEASED SERVICE BULLETINS ON THE SUBJECT THEY KNOW THE PROBLEM EXISTS, BUT THEY DO NOT ISSUE A RECALL BECAUSE THEY WANT THE OWNERS TO PAY THE EXTRAVAGANT COSTS OF THE REPAIRS. *TR