2002 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 3,613 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 163 involved a crash and 71 involved a fire. 213 people were injured and 6 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Vehicle speed controlOct 13, 2009
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Campaign 09V399000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, glass, side/rearDec 11, 2007
CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
Campaign 07E104000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, hatchback/liftgate, hinge and attachmentsSep 13, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT MAY BECOME DISENGAGED OR THE HINGE MAY FRACTURE ALLOWING THE GLASS TO FALL AND POSSIBLY BREAK.
IF THE HINGE SHOULD FRACTURE, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE GLASS TO FALL AND ULTIMATELY BREAK AND PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL HAVE THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT BRACKETS AND GLASS HINGES REPLACED. FOR THE VEHICLES BUILT FROM AUGUST 1, 2000 THROUGH MARCH 3, 2002, THE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HINGES AND LIFTGATE STRUT BRACKET. ON VEHICLES BUILT FROM MARCH 3, 2002 THROUGH JUNE 23, 2003, THE DEALERS WILL ONLY REPLACE THE HINGES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2004. A POSTCARD WAS SENT TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 27, 2004, ADVISING THEM THAT PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 04V442000 on NHTSA.gov
StructureMar 7, 2003
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.
THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.
Campaign 03V094000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, sidewallMay 24, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE RIGHT SIDE TIRES MAY HAVE HORIZONTAL CUTS ON THE EDGE OF THE TREAD THAT COULD HAVE OCCURRED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY.
OVER TIME, THE TIRE COULD FAIL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRES AND, IF ANY SLICES ARE FOUND, THE CUT TIRES WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 7, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 01V171000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, glass, side/rearApr 10, 2001
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND MERCURY MONTAINEER SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE BRACKETS CONNECTING THE LEFT CYLINDERS TO EACH SIDE OF THE LIFTGATE GLASS COULD ROTATE OUT OF POSITION IF EITHER THE URETHANE BOND OR TORQUE ARE NOT SUFFICIENT.
ROTATION OF THE BRACKETS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE LIFT CYLINDERS TO DETACH FROM THE GLASS OR, IN SOME CASES, COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE LIFTGATE GLASS TO BREAK. EITHER CONDITION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE GLASS IS BEING CLOSED.
FORD DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR THE POSITION OF BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT LIFTGATGE GLASS LIFT CYLINDER BRACKETS. IF THE BRACKETS ARE IN THE PROPER POSITION, THE BRACKET RETAINERS WILL BE TIGHTENED TO A HIGHER TORQUE. IN CASES WHERE THE BRACKET IS NOT PROPERLY POSITION, THE BRACKET MUST BE RE-ALIGNED.
Campaign 01I010000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
1,575 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Sep 26, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR
Power train, Sep 24, 2008
MY FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING, IT IS STARTING TO FAIL. IT SEEM THAT THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES, THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS FOR LESS. *TR
Power train, Sep 24, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SWITCHED TO A LOWER GEAR. IN ADDITION, THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE CONTROL SLIGHTLY WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE OCCURS EVERYTIME THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.
Power train, Sep 23, 2008
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORERS TRANSMISSION JUST COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING AT 94,000 MILES. READING FORUMS ONLINE LED ME TO THIS SITE, AFTER READING MANY, MANY OTHERS' EXACT SAME EXPERIENCES WITH THIS CAR. FORD WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT AND MY FAMILY DOES NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO REPLACE A TRANSMISSION! FORD NEEDS A RECALL ON TRANSMISSIONS FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL! *TR
Power train, Sep 23, 2008
THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS BLINKING, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. AFTER HAVING THE CAR SCANNED BY A MECHANIC, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE PC SOLENOID IN THE TRANNY WAS OUT. WE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER IT WAS PURCHASED AT, AND THEY PERFORMED THE SAME TEST AND FIXED IT AT A COST OF $1058.18. A WEEK LATER IT IS SHIFTING HARD. PLUS AFTER USING THE 4WHEEL DRIVE ONLY TWICE, IT WOULD NOT GO INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME THE 4X4 MODULAR HAD FAILED THIS AFTER A 140.50 CHECK, AND THEY WANTED 600.00 TO FIX, THIS WHILE PUTTING BRAKES ON IT. AND WHEN I ASKED WHAT WOULD CAUSE IT GO OUT, THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME " HOW WOULD I KNOW?" *TR
Power train, Sep 19, 2008
MY WIFE WAS IN THE LEFT LANE OF A BUSY HWY AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. THERE WAS NO SHOULDER TO SAFELY PULL OFF ON. I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR THE EXACT SAME FAILURE. HOW CAN FORD NOT RECALL THIS PROBLEM? MY WIFE WAS LUCKY THAT SHE WAS NOT SERIOUSLY HURT. IT COULD HAVE BEEN ALOT WORSE. *TR
Parking brake, Power train, Sep 17, 2008
MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND PARKING BRAKE 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC 39800 SLAVE AND MASTER CYLINDERS REPLACED AT 700.00 IN JANUARY 2008. FIRST INCIDENCE OCCURRED DECEMBER 24, 2007. I WAS ACTUALLY PULLING INTO GRANDMA'S DRIVE ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND TRIED TO BACK UP INTO A SPACE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN PLACE BLOCKING EVERYONE IN. IT DID FINALLY WORK. THEN AT A SHOPPING CENTER IT WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD WHEN STOPPING FOR PEDESTRIANS TO CROSS AND THEN GOING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION WHEN SHIFTING IT JUST STOPPED BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD WOULDN'T MOVE INTO ANY GEAR. IT WAS STUCK BETWEEN GEARS AND WOULD NOT MOVE. I WAS BLOCKING AN INTERSECTION WHEN I NOW HAD A RED LIGHT. EVENTUALLY, I DID GET IT MOVING TO MY HOME, BUT HAD IT TOWED TO THE MECHANIC SINCE IT JUST WOULD NOT MOVE AT ALL ONCE RESTARTED. I WONDER IF THE ABS FAILURE IN AUGUST 2007 CAUSED THIS PROBLEM. THE MALFUNCTION OF THE ABS WOULD CAUSE STRESS ON THE TRANSMISSION WITH THE ABS COMING ON RANDOMLY AT ANY SPEED. PLEASE SEE MY BRAKE FAILURE COMPLAINT AND ALSO DEFECTIVE CALIPER COMPLAINT(CALIPER OCCURRED AT ONLY A FEW THOUSAND MILES). THE PARKING BRAKE RELEASE IS STILL A PROBLEM. YOU MUST PUT YOUR FOOT UNDER THE FOOT PEDAL OF THE PARKING BRAKE TO GET IT TO RELEASE COMPLETELY. THE LIGHT MAY GO OFF BUT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS STILL ENGAGED. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Sep 12, 2008
REAR SPRING BROKEN ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 80,000 MILES. *TR
Power train, Sep 11, 2008
THE O/D OFF LIGHT CAME ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER 2 DAYS AGO. IT HAS 75,880 MILES ON IT.THIS SEEMS TO BE A TYPICAL PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES.HOW CAN FORD MOTOR CORP NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM?WHO CAN AFFORD TO PAY $2600 TO $3500 FOR A TRANSMISSION REPAIR!!!!!LIKE ALWAYS THE MIDDLE CLASS GETS THE SHORT END OF THE STICK AGAIN..... *TR
Power train, Sep 11, 2008
CAR HAD NO ACCIDENTS OR UNUSUAL USAGE. I HAD BOTH CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING WITH PREDOMINANTLY CITY DRIVING, NO HAULING HEAVY LOADS OR OFF ROAD DRIVING. THE SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF AND THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED, CAR COULD NOT BE STARTED, GEARS ENGAGED OR MOVED AND HAD TO BE TOWED. THIS EVENT OCCURRED DURING HURRICANE EVACUATION AS WELL. AFTER RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET THERE SEEMS TO BE A LARGE NUMBER OF THE SAME (SIMILAR)COMPLAINT. IF THIS OCCURRED DURING HIGHWAY OR HIGH TRAFFIC DRIVING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT MOST LIKELY WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. *TR
Power train, Sep 10, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. FORD IS AWARE THAT THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID THEY USE IN THEIR TRANSMISSIONS ARE FAULTY.*TR
Power train, Sep 10, 2008
I PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY AT MY HOUSE AND WENT TO PUT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT INTO PARK WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF IN MY HAND. I STILL CANNOT BELIEVE THAT ANYONE WITH ANY SENSE WOULD ENGINEER AND/OR DESIGN A PRODUCT THAT GETS SO MUCH USE OUT OF SUCH SHODDY MATERIAL. IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHY OUR AUTO COMPANIES ARE GOING OUT OF BUSINESS - ASK FORD ENGINEERS. *TR
Power train, Sep 9, 2008
O/D OFF LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. DEALER STATED THAT THIS IS AN INDICATION OF TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. CHECKED ON LINE FOR WARRANTY INFORMATION, AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD'S 2002 TRANSMISSIONS. FORD WILL NOT ASSIST IN THE COST OF REPAIRS BECAUSE THE PROBLEM OCCURS AFTER THE 36,000 MILES OR 3 YEAR WARRANTY PERIOD. EVERY THING POINTS TO A $ 2,000 / 3,000 REPAIR JOB. I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK IN 10/08 AND NOW I HAVE TO LOOK FORWARD TO A MAJOR REPAIR BEFORE OWNING IT FOR A YEAR. I REALLY THINK THAT FORD SHOULD IN SOME WAY COMPENSATE ITS VEHICLE OWNERS FOR A DEFECT THAT THEY ARE APPARENTLY WELL AWARE OF. *TR
Power train, Sep 2, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER! GETTING ON INTERSTATE, ON THE RAMP, HIT 30 MPH'S, AND NOTHING! THE RPM'S SHOOT STRAIGHT UP, AND THE CAR ACTS LIKE ITS IN NEUTRAL!! I HAVE 2 CHILDREN IN THE CAR WITH ME, AND ALMOST CREATE A PILE-UP BECAUSE THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE ON ENTRANCE RAMP! COME TO FIND OUT, A NEW TRANSMISSION IS NEEDED. I COULD NOT BELIEVE THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS TOPIC. SOMEBODY IS GOING TO GET KILLED WITH THIS MESS UP. I WAS ABOUT RAN OVER!! RIDICULOUS! *TR
Power train, Aug 30, 2008
BOUGHT MY 02 SPORT TRAC IN 04. IT HAD TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK REPAIRED BY ORIGINAL OWNER AT (20,000 MILES) IN 03. IN 05, AT 55,000 MILES, TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING IN ORIGINAL LOCATION PLUS ANOTHER. REPAIRED BY FORD AND I WAS ALLOWED A PO5 PAYMENT PROGRAM. AFTER 15,000 MILES FROM THIS REPAIR, TRANSMISSION FLUID AGAIN LEAKING. TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED, ALONG WITH REPAIR TO SEALS. FORD DISTRICT MANAGER REFUSED TELEPHONE CONTACT TO DISCUSS. FORD REFUSED ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY, INCLUDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. TRANSMISSION ON THIS TRAC NOW HAS BEEN PULLED THREE TIMES AFTER FOUR FLUID LEAKS. I AM STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON LAST REPAIR. LOCAL FORD DEALER, UPSET WITH MY AGITATION, INFORMED ME THAT AT NOW 70,000 MILES, I SHOULD EXPECT THE NEED FOR REPAIRS! HA! *TR
Power train, Aug 30, 2008
STUCK IN 4X4 MODE AND CANNOT TURN. ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Power train, Aug 28, 2008
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 60MPH - CAR BEGAN TO SHIFT RANDOMLY AND THAN WOULD NOT SHIFT AT ALL (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) - HAD TO COAST ACROSS SEVERAL LANES OF TRAFFIC AND TRY TO PULL OUT OF DANGER. TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED FOR THE COST OF 3,400.00. *TR
Power train, Visibility, Equipment, Aug 27, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCH PART FAILURE. CONSUMER WANTS ASSISTANCE FROM FORD TO COVER THE REPAIRS. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED NUMEROUS PARTS FAILED ON THE VEHICLE. THOSE FAILURES INCLUDED: THE DIFFERENTIAL COMPASS, HVAC BLOWER MOTOR, ONE OF THE REAR WINDOW LIFT MOTORS AND ONE OF THE SEALS ON THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILED. *JB
Power train, Aug 25, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED THAT HAD AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 51,000 MILES. THE TRANSMISSION IS SEALED AND DOES NOT HAVE A DIPSTICK TO CHECK FLUID LEVELS, THEREFORE MAKING IT NON-SERVICEABLE BY THE OWNER. THIS TRANSMISSION APPEARS TO HAVE AN INHERENT DESIGN FLAW RESULTING IN PREMATURE FAILURE. THE CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASH AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE GEARS WHILE DRIVING. THIS CREATED A HAZARDOUS CONDITION BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING CAUSING THE ENGINE TO REV EXTREMELY HIGH. THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED BY A LOCAL FORD DEALER AT A COST OF OVER $3,500. *TR
Power train, Aug 22, 2008
OVERDRIVE LIGHT BLINKING ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THEN SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WENT TO MECHANIC WHO SAID TRANSMISSION DIED. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO A CAR WITH LESS THAN 80K MILES. FORD NEEDS TO FESS UP AND ISSUE A RECALL. THIS IS HAPPENING TO TOO MANY PEOPLE. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Aug 21, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. HE EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE TIRE WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE A FRAME IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WERE TAKING A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE CV JOINT AND BEARING HUBS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 119,000.
Power train, Equipment, Aug 19, 2008
I AM VERY CONCERNED AT ALL OF THE TRANSMISSIONS COMPLAINTS THAT THE NHTSA HAS HAD ON THE FORD 2002 EXPLORER AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT THIS. I HAVE SENT IN 1 OF MANY COMPLAINTS BECAUSE OF COURSE I AM ONE OF THE UNLUCKY CITIZENS OF THE U.S. WHO BELIEVED THAT THE FORD EXPLORER WAS A VERY DEPENDABLE VEHICLE. HELLO IS IT GOING TO TAKE SOMEONE ACTUALLY GETTING KILLED FOR THIS VEHICLE TO BE RECALLED FOR THE TRANSMISSION. I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED AND JUST IN THE PAST 4 MONTHS THERE HAS BEEN COMPLAINTS OF PEOPLE GOING IN DITCHES, RUNNING OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, DO YOU THINK THAT SOMEONE COULD REALLY RESEARCH THIS [XXX] ISSUE AND GET THIS [XXX] VEHICLE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE DOES GET HURT OR AT LEAST MAKE FORD REPLACE THE TRANSMISSIONS AND REIMBURSE ANYONE WHO HAS HAD THEIR TRANSMISSION REPLACED. OH THEY MIGHT AS WELL JUST GIVE EVERYONE A NEW VEHICLE BECAUSE FROM WHAT I AM READING ALL 2002 FORD EXPLORERS HAVE HAD TRANSMISSIONS PROBLEMS. WHY ISN'T ANYONE DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. *TR INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Aug 18, 2008, crash
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH JUST UNDER 78,000 MILES. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WITH NO WARNING AT ALL. CAUSING THE TRUCK TO SHAKE AND SLOW DOWN VERY FAST. IN THE RESULT OF THAT. I JUMPED AND HIT THE CURB AND POPPED ON TIRE. I COULD HAVE DIED OR MY KIDS. IF I HAD BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE OR HIGHWAY. *TR
Power train, Aug 17, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH APPROXIMATELY 98,700 MILES ON IT. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THERE IS A WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END. WHEN I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER IN MCCONNELLSBURG PA I WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR END WAS FAILING, AS WELL AS THE FRONT BEARINGS OF THE SUV WERE FAILING. THE BEARINGS HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPLACED 2 YEARS AGO. I WAS ALSO ADVISED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT FORD MOTOR CO, KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM WITH THE REAR DRIVE TRAIN AND ALL ITS COMPONENTS, AS THEY HAVE PUBLISHED SEVERAL SERVICE ADVISORY ON IT. FORD MOTOR CO, HOWEVER WILL NOT RECALL THE VEHICLE(S) TO FIX THE PROBLEM WHICH CAN COST THE CONSUMER OUT OF POCKET ANYWHERE FORM $1,200 TO $1,800. FORD MOTOR CO, DOES NOT FEEL THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE AND REFUSES TO ADDRESS IT AS SUCH. I GUESS THEY WILL WAIT UNTIL PEOPLE START DYING FROM ACCIDENTS THAT THEY KNOW CAN HAPPEN. *TR
Power train, Aug 14, 2008, crash
1.NOTHING LEADING UP TO. 2. 2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FAILED ON HIGHWAY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VIBRATE HORRIBLY CAUSING US TO GO OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH. 3.TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACED ON VEHICLE ESTIMATE OF $2800 ON A 2002 MODEL YEAR. I COME TO FIND OUT THIS HAS HAPPEN TO MANY I.E. THOUSANDS 2002 FORD EXPLORERS OWNERS AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE? FORD MOTOR COMPANY BASICALLY TOLD ME TOO BAD AND THEY WONDER WHY THEY ARE HAVING DIFFICULTY. A FORD SERVICE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT FORD KNOWS THIS TRANSMISSION WAS NOT BUILT PROPERLY AND SOLD IT TO THIS PUBLIC ANYWAY. IF THERE HAS EVER NEEDED TO BE A RECALL THIS IS IT AFTER READING ABOUT ALL THE SEE INCIDENTS HAPPENING TO OTHERS WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. *TR