2002 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 3,613 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 163 involved a crash and 71 involved a fire. 213 people were injured and 6 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Vehicle speed controlOct 13, 2009
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Campaign 09V399000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, glass, side/rearDec 11, 2007
CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
Campaign 07E104000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, hatchback/liftgate, hinge and attachmentsSep 13, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT MAY BECOME DISENGAGED OR THE HINGE MAY FRACTURE ALLOWING THE GLASS TO FALL AND POSSIBLY BREAK.
IF THE HINGE SHOULD FRACTURE, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE GLASS TO FALL AND ULTIMATELY BREAK AND PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL HAVE THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT BRACKETS AND GLASS HINGES REPLACED. FOR THE VEHICLES BUILT FROM AUGUST 1, 2000 THROUGH MARCH 3, 2002, THE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HINGES AND LIFTGATE STRUT BRACKET. ON VEHICLES BUILT FROM MARCH 3, 2002 THROUGH JUNE 23, 2003, THE DEALERS WILL ONLY REPLACE THE HINGES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2004. A POSTCARD WAS SENT TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 27, 2004, ADVISING THEM THAT PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 04V442000 on NHTSA.gov
StructureMar 7, 2003
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.
THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.
Campaign 03V094000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, sidewallMay 24, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE RIGHT SIDE TIRES MAY HAVE HORIZONTAL CUTS ON THE EDGE OF THE TREAD THAT COULD HAVE OCCURRED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY.
OVER TIME, THE TIRE COULD FAIL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRES AND, IF ANY SLICES ARE FOUND, THE CUT TIRES WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 7, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 01V171000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, glass, side/rearApr 10, 2001
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND MERCURY MONTAINEER SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE BRACKETS CONNECTING THE LEFT CYLINDERS TO EACH SIDE OF THE LIFTGATE GLASS COULD ROTATE OUT OF POSITION IF EITHER THE URETHANE BOND OR TORQUE ARE NOT SUFFICIENT.
ROTATION OF THE BRACKETS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE LIFT CYLINDERS TO DETACH FROM THE GLASS OR, IN SOME CASES, COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE LIFTGATE GLASS TO BREAK. EITHER CONDITION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE GLASS IS BEING CLOSED.
FORD DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR THE POSITION OF BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT LIFTGATGE GLASS LIFT CYLINDER BRACKETS. IF THE BRACKETS ARE IN THE PROPER POSITION, THE BRACKET RETAINERS WILL BE TIGHTENED TO A HIGHER TORQUE. IN CASES WHERE THE BRACKET IS NOT PROPERLY POSITION, THE BRACKET MUST BE RE-ALIGNED.
Campaign 01I010000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
1,575 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Nov 16, 2008
WHEEL BEARING ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER IS COMPLETELY SHOT AND CAUSES VEHICLE TO LOOSE CONTROL AND SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. WELL SIMPLE WEAR AND TEAR AND EXTREMELY POORLY MANUFACTURED PARTS ON A 2002 FORD EXPLORER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE. ON MOST VEHICLES THESE PROBLEMS DON'T OCCUR UNTIL WELL AFTER 160+ THOUSAND MILES I HAVE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH THIS PROBLEM RIGHT NOW AND FROM WHAT I HAVE READ THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM ON ALL FORD EXPLORER BETWEEN 2002 AND 2004. I HAVE READ THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THAT THE WHEEL ON THE VEHICLE WOULD COME TO THE POINT OF FALLING OFF. AS FOR REPLACEMENT AND CORRECTION YOU COULD REPLACE ALL FOUR BEARING AND BETWEEN 8 AND 24 THOUSAND MILES THEY WOULD HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. TYPICAL REPAIR COST RANGE FROM $500- $2500 WHICH REALLY ISN'T TOO AFFORDABLE WHEN IT OCCURS MORE THAN TWICE IN A 12 MONTH PERIOD. I ALSO READ THAT NUMEROUS PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO FORD AND ALL FORD SAYS SOME ONE MAY CALL YOU OR THAT ITS NOT UNDER RECALL SO WE CAN'T DO NOTHING FOR YOU. *TR
Power train, Nov 14, 2008
REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION TWO TIMES IN 30,000 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. O/D BAND. *TR
Power train, Nov 10, 2008
I BOUGHT MY EXPLORER USED WITH 67000 MILES ON IT I HAD IT CHECKED OUT BY A MECHANIC BEFORE I BOUGHT IT BUT HE DIDN'T DO A VERY THOROUGH JOB. AFTER ABOUT 3 WEEKS I HAD A HARD TIME PUTTING INTO REVERSE BUT THEN SLAMMED INTO GEAR AND I DID NOT HAPPEN AGAIN FOR AWHILE THIS LASTED ON AND OFF FOR A YEAR AND HALF WHEN ONE DAY IT WOULDN'T GO INTO REVERSE AT ALL AND NO OTHER GEARS EITHER I HAD IT REPAIRED AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE TRANSFER CASE THEN MY 4 WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT FLASHED AND STOPPED WORKING THAT WAS SOMETHING ELECTRICAL , 1ST , 2ND AND REVERSE GEARS STARTED SLIPPING I HAD THOSE REPAIRED NOW MY OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHES ON AND OFF AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS DEFINITELY MY TRANSMISSION AND PROBABLY ALWAYS HAS BEEN. I KNOW SOMEONE ELSE HAVING THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR 02 FORD AND SPEAKING TO THE MECHANICS THEY WERE NOT SURPRISED AT ALL AND IT SEEMS AS THOUGH LOTS OF 02 FORD EXPLORER OWNERS ON LINE ARE HAVING THE SAME OR SIMILAR PROBLEMS. HOW MANY VEHICLES DOES IT TAKE TO TURN INTO A RECALL??? *TR
Power train, Nov 9, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 140,000 HIGHWAY MILES. BOUGHT BRAND NEW BY OWNER IN 2005, AT 90,000 MILES TRANSMISSION WAS MAKING LOUD CLUNKING NOISES. TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED, BUT STILL CLUNKING NOISES. NOW AT 140,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AND NOT GOING INTO 1ST OR SECOND GEAR. I HAVE BEEN ON NUMEROUS WEBSITES, AND HAVE SEEN THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME EXACT PROBLEM WITH FORD'S ENCLOSED TRANSMISSIONS ON THEIR EXPLORERS AND OTHER VEHICLES. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS A REDESIGNED TRANSMISSION AND FAILING FOR THOUSANDS OF FORD'S CUSTOMERS. I OWNED A JEEP CHEROKEE FOR TEN YEARS, AND HAD OVER 350,000 MILES ON IT, AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM LIKE THIS. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT I AM ONLY ONE OF THOUSANDS OF CONSUMERS WHO HAS THIS PROBLEM. OUR ECONOMY IS NERVOUS BECAUSE OUR AMERICAN CAR MANUFACTURERS ARE FALLING APART. THIS IS THE REASON WHY. *TR
Power train, Nov 8, 2008
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER APPROXIMATELY 69,000 MILES. FORD HAS REFUSED TO PROVIDE ME WITH ANY COMPENSATION. *TR
Power train, Nov 7, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND WOUND UP REBUILDING MY TRANSMISSION - LIKE THOUSANDS OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME CAR. THIS COST ME OVER $3000. WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN ANY INVESTIGATION INTO FORD AND ALL THE 2002 EXPLORERS WITH FAILED TRANSMISSIONS? *TR
Power train, Nov 5, 2008
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 87,000 MILES. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOPLIGHT, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO THIRD GEAR. NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION. I TOOK IT TO AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION REPAIR FACILITY AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REBUILT AS THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ROADWORTHY. *TR
Power train, Nov 3, 2008
WE HAVE 02 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH A FAULTY TRANSMISSION THAT HAS FAILED. I REVIEWED CAR COMPLAINTS.COM REGARDING THE 02 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FAILURES AND THE COMPLAINTS ARE ENORMOUS BUT YET THERE HAS BEEN NO SAFETY RECALL REGARDING THIS FAULTY TRANSMISSION WHICH FORD HAS DISCONTINUED USE AFTER 2 YEARS. THIS TRANSMISSION OBVIOUSLY HAS PROBLEMS AS FAILURE IS BEING SEEN WITH 80,000 MILES OR LESS WHICH IS RIDICULOUS AND THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE ACTUALLY INJURES OR KILLS THEMSELVES DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Oct 31, 2008
WAS DRIVING AND TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS. O/D LIGHTS STARTED TO BLINK. VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO ANYMORE THEN 5 MPH. WAS TAKEN HOME AND RESEARCH WAS DONE AND FOUND MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AAMCO AND TRANSMISSION WAS REPAIRED AT A COST OF $2748.69. *TR
Power train, Oct 30, 2008
TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLAM INTO GEAR. TRANSMISSION FAILURE. HAD TO HAVE A COMPLETE REBUILD/OVERHAUL OF TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Oct 29, 2008
REAR DIFFERENTIAL. *TR
Power train, Oct 21, 2008
TRANSMISSION SLIPPED GEARS AND "CHECK TRANSMISSION" MESSAGE CAME UP ON DASH. BOLT WAS LOOSE INSIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION AND PIECES OF METAL THROUGHOUT. THIS LED TO FULL TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT AND CLOSE TO $3500 IN REPAIR BILLS AT 64K MILES. *TR
Fuel system, Other, Power train, Oct 19, 2008
THROTTLE STUCK AND CAR WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN, ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL BUT ENGINE KEPT ON RACING, SEARCHED INTERNET ON FOUND THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE IS DEFECTIVE, FORD CHANGED DESIGN FROM 12 TO 9 WIRE DESIGN, SAW ALOT OF POSTS ON INTERNET WITH SIMILAR EXPERIENCES, CAN'T BELIEVE NO RECALL. CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. *TR
Power train, Oct 18, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS 4.0L V6, THESE TRANSMISSIONS NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED, YOU CANT CHECK THE FLUID LEVEL IN THEM WHICH IS NOT RIGHT ONLY TO BE DESIGNED TO BENEFIT FORD WHEN IT TEARS UP WITH HIGH REPAIR COSTS, MY EXPLORER HAD ONLY ABOUT 60000 MILES WHEN TRANS WENT OUT. I HAD IT REBUILT AT A LICENSED TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP FOR ABOUT $3000.00 IT DROVE GOOD FOR ABOUT THE SAME MILES AND STOP PULLING IN THE MIDDLE OF BUSY TRAFFIC WITH CARS TAILGATING ME LUCKILY NO ACCIDENT. PLEASE HOW CAN THIS TRANS BE INVESTIGATED. *TR
Power train, Oct 17, 2008
ON THE DAY IN QUESTION I WAS PULLING OUT OF THE STAFF PARKING LOT FROM THE PRISON THAT I WORK AT AS AN ADULT CORRECTIONS OFFICER, UPON SHIFTING THE AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFT STICK FROM PARK TO DRIVE THE SHIFTER SNAPPED AND BROKE RIGHT INTO MY HAND HANGING BY A WIRE. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME AND PARK IT BUT HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TERMINALS TO GET MY KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. UPON REMOVAL OF THE UNDER STEERING COLUMN COVER I COULD SEE WHERE THE CONNECTING BOLT THAT CONNECTS THE GEAR SHIFT STICK TO THE STEERING COLUMN HAD BROKEN OFF. THE MENTAL CONNECTING PIECE APPEARS TO BE MADE OF SOFT ALUMINUM. THE COST TO REPAIR I KNOW WILL BE EXPENSIVE !!! I THINK ITS A DEFECT AND THERE SHOULD DEFINITELY BE A RECALL ON THIS AND FORD SHOULD COVER THE REPAIR AND OR REPLACEMENT COST FOR ITS LOYAL FORD CUSTOMERS, THANKYOU !!!! *TR
Power train, Oct 14, 2008, crash
IN LATE JANUARY, 2008 SOMETHING STRUCK THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION COOLER OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I WAS NOT AWARE THAT AN OBJECT HAD PENETRATED BOTH OF THESE CAUSING COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKAGE. THE ENGINE LOCKED UP AND THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING. MY LOCAL FORD DEALER REPLACED MY ENGINE AND SOME PARTS IN MY TRANSMISSION. SINCE THEN MY TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED NUMEROUS TIMES HAVING TO BE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER. WHEN THE FAILURES OCCUR, THE VEHICLE WILL RAPIDLY SLOW TO A STOP IN MID TRAFFIC. I HAVE BEEN ALMOST STRUCK IN THE REAR EACH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. THE FORD DEALER THAT REPAIRED MY TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF $2000 WILL DO NOTHING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM ESPECIALLY NOW THAT TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE HAS OCCURRED. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THOUSANDS OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I WAS A DEPUTY SHERIFF FOR 16 YEARS. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE AND A SEVERE TRAFFIC HAZARD. PLEASE HELP ALL MOTORISTS BY FORCING FORD TO RECALL THESE TRANSMISSIONS AND REPLACE THEM. *TR
Power train, Oct 14, 2008
THE O/D LIGHT STARTED COMING ON FOR NO REASON. THEN THE CAR STARTED SHAKE WHEN IT WAS SHIFTING GEARS. THEN IT WAS SHAKING A LOT AT ABOUT 60-65 MPH. *TR
Power train, Oct 14, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. INTERMITTENTLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE MANUAL STATED TO BYPASS THE SHIFT INTERLOCK WITH A SCREWDRIVER, BUT THEN THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY SIX TIMES REGARDING THIS SAME ISSUE, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Power train, Oct 13, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE HAD TROUBLE SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). ACCELERATING FROM 2ND GEAR, THE ENGINE WOULD REV. THEN I FEATHERED OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR, STEPPED ON PEDAL GENTLY, ACCELERATED AND VEHICLE MADE A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE AND THEN LURCHED FORWARD AS IT WENT INTO 3RD GEAR. OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. HAD VEHICLE TOWED ALMOST 100 MILES AND TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP. BAND WAS BROKEN AND PLANETARY GEARS/BEARINGS WERE DAMAGED. TRANSMISSION REBUILT FOR $2200. *TR
Power train, Oct 13, 2008
WINDSHIELD, WATER LEAKING FROM THE FRONT WINDSHIELD ON MY 02 FORD EXPLORER XLT, BESIDES THAT HAVING PROBLEMS SHIFTING GEARS, SOME TIMES GEARS GET STUCK IN BETWEEN PARK AND REVERSE. SOMETIMES I HEAR A LOUD POPPING SOUND WHEN GEARS FINALLY GO INTO REVERSE....HAVE HAD BOTH PROBLEMS CHECKED AND REPAIRED, BUT GEARS CONTINUE TO STICK. *TR
Power train, Visibility, Equipment, Oct 11, 2008
WITHIN FOUR MONTHS FROM DATE OF PURCHASE MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4WD START HAVING PROBLEMS. THEY ARE: 1. VIBRATION INSIDE INCLUDING PHYSICAL MOVEMENT INSIDE WHEN DRIVING WITH REAR WINDOW CRACK OVER 30 MPH. THE FASTER YOU DRIVE THE GRATER THE VIBRATION. I TOOK THE EXPLORER TO SEVERAL DEALERS, THEY INFORM ME THAT THIS IS NORMAL AND IT'S REFER TO AS HELICOPTER EFFECT. 2. THE DIGITAL KEYPAD STOP WORKING. 2. THE KEYS DON'T OPEN THE DOOR 3. THE TRANSMISSION SLIP, KICK AND DELAYS WHEN PUT IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. 4.TRANSMISSION DELAYS GOING INTO OVERDRIVE. 5.THE PASSENGER SIDE QUARTER PANEL GLASS SHATTER TWICE, AT FIRST I TAUGHT SOMEONE HAD BROKE IT AND MY SON REPORTED IT TO THE POLICE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY REPLACE IT AND FEW MONTHS LATER IN MY GARAGE IT SHATTER AGAIN AND THAT'S WHEN IT ALL CAME TOGETHER. THIS TIME MY SON FIX IT FOR ME. 6.THERES ALSO A WINDING SOME COMING FROM UNDER THE SUV AND MY SON THINKS IT HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE DIFF, KEEPING THE VIBRATION IN MIND. 6. THE LATCH THAT SECURE THE REAR WHERE THE JACK HANDLE IS LOCATED BROKE. *TR
Power train, Oct 10, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHING AND ERRATIC SHIFTING. DEALER DIAGNOSIS IS THAT TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Power train, Oct 8, 2008
CHECK TRANSMISSION MESSAGED APPEARED AND OD OFF LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. *TR
Power train, Oct 8, 2008
I BOUGHT MY 2002 EXPLORER WITH 80,000 MILES ON IT FROM A RESPECTED LOCAL FORD DEALER. 20,000 MILES LATER, MY O/D LIGHT WON'T GO OFF AND MY GEARS WON'T ENGAGE PROPERLY. THIS HAPPENS FOR 2 DAYS BEFORE I SPUTTER INTO A DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. I'M NOW BEING TOLD THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF $2,500. THE KELLEY BLUE BOOK TRADE-IN VALUE IS ONLY $2,100 AND I STILL OWE $4,000! I FEEL DUPED AND SCAMMED BY FORD: A COMPANY MY FATHER HAS WORKED FOR 34 YEARS. FORD INSISTS THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT THIS COST. MY QUESTION IS: WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL WHEN I'VE FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS FILED ABOUT THE VERY SAME PROBLEM I'M HAVING? WHY AM I JUST SUPPOSED TO EAT THIS COST WHEN IT'S AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT?! HELP!!! *TR
Power train, Oct 6, 2008, crash
PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AHEAD OF MY WIFE'S CAR. STARTED THE FORD EXPLORER AND PUT IT IN REVERSE, NOTHING HAPPENED, IT DID NOT ENGAGE. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT ENGAGED AND LEAPED BACKWARDS INTO MY WIFE'S CAR. SINCE THIS IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL MORE TIMES. I HOPE THAT A PERSON ISN'T STANDING BEHIND ME WHEN IT HAPPENS. *TR