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, Aug 11, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING MAKING IT VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Power train, Aug 10, 2008
MY 2002 FOR EXPLORER HAS A GROWLING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR END. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER SHIP THEY TOOK 30 MINUTES TO TELL ME THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED REBUILDING. I THOUGHT THIS WAS A BIT QUICK UNTIL I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS EXPLORER MODEL. THE COST IS 1600 AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR END COULD LOCK UP. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD WARRANT A RECALL. I DID A INTERNET SEARCH FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT MANY HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AND EVEN AFTER THE REPAIR IT DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM FOR LONG. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Structure, Aug 8, 2008
PURCHASED A 2002 FORD EXP EDDIE BAUER ED USED WITH 35,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPAIRED WITHIN 3 WEEKS DUE TO 4WD MALFUNCTION COVERED BY WARRANTY. PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW MOTOR ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE, AND WINDOW REGULATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE, AND IS IN NEED OF A SECOND REPLACEMENT. TOOK TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD WINDOW WAS NOT MEANT TO BE LOWERED HALFWAY. THE REAR HATCH HAS ALSO CRACKED COMPLETELY DOWN FROM WINDOW TO LOWER PANEL. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE ISSUES WITH THIS OCCURRING, BUT UPON FURTHER RESEARCH HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL. OVERDRIVE LIGHT BLINKS CONTINUOUSLY AND DEALERSHIP REPORTS IT TO BE A MALFUNCTIONING ELECTRICAL SWITCH REPAIR COST AT AROUND $400. HAVE CONTINUED TO DRIVE VEHICLE, BUT WILL NO LONGER DRIVE VEHICLE AFTER DISCOVERING THAT THIS IS A PRECURSOR TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. MAY POSSIBLY TRADE-IN THIS VEHICLE AND LOSE MONETARY VALUE FOR PRIVATE SALE. WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SELLING THIS VEHICLE TO A PRIVATE PARTY AND RISK INJURY TO NEXT OWNER. SHAME ON FORD FOR NOT TAKING CARE OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. *TR
Power train, Aug 6, 2008
REAR DIFFERENTIAL DOES NOT ALLOW SPEED DIFFERENCES BETWEEN WHEELS. CAR TURNS LIKE IT HAS A LOCKED OR FIXED AXLE. CAUSES A SHUDDER WHEN TURNING. COULD RESULTS IN CONTROL PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE DURING SUDDEN MANEUVERS. ISSUE IS DUE TO FAULTY CLUTCH PACK IN THE FORD FACTORY DIFFERENTIAL OR INCORRECT DIFFERENTIAL FLUID SPECIFICATION FROM FACTORY. NOT REALLY SURE WHICH. SOLUTION WAS TO REPLACE THE CLUTCH PACK. FORD HAS ALSO SPECIFIED A DIFFERENT DIFFERENTIAL FLUID FROM THE FACTORY INSTALLED FLUID IN ONE OF THEIR TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS. *TR
Power train, Aug 6, 2008
O/D LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS BUT IS NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I UNDERSTAND THAT OVER 60 OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN TO THEM . *TR
Power train, Aug 5, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO HAVE THE REAR END REPLACED FOR FREE. SHE ASKED THE DEALER TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY INFORMED HER THAT IT WAS FINE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHES INTERMITTENTLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES. THE VEHICLE STALLS AND LOSES POWER BEFORE 30 MPH, BUT AFTERWARDS THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONS PROPERLY. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE DEALER ABOUT THE FAILURE AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE THIRD GEAR BAND IN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED; THEREFORE, A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,000.
Power train, Aug 4, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT, 79,409 MILES, PLACING CAR INTO PARK FROM DRIVE AND THE GEAR SHIFT BREAKS OFF IN MY HAND. THE TRANSMISSION IS NOW BETWEEN REVERSE AND PARK WITH NO WAY OF ME BEING ABLE TO TURN THE CAR OFF. I USED THE EMERGENCY BREAK SO THAT IT WOULD NOT ROLL OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT (BECAUSE OF COURSE I WAS ON AN INCLINE) AND THE CAR RAN FOR ONE HOUR AND TWENTY MINUTES BEFORE IT GOT TO THE DEALER AND THEY WERE ABLE TO TURN IT OFF. IT IS COSTING $1000.00 TO FIX. I FOUND OUT THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. NOT FROM MY DEALER WHO SAID THEY HAVE SEEN NOTHING LIKE THIS BUT FROM CARCOMPLAINTS.COM. *TR
Power train, Aug 3, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 103,000 MILES ON IT. THE REAR END OF THE SUV HAS STARTED MAKING A HUMMING NOISE. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND THEY SAID THE ENTIRE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND WHEEL BEARINGS WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I HAVE DISCOVERED MANY MANY 2002 FORD EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM WILL COST OVER $1000 TO FIX. IF IT IS NOT FIXED IT IS AN ISSUE THAT WILL SERIOUSLY PUT MY FAMILY IN DANGER WHEN RIDING IN THIS CAR. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE MADE A RECALL. PLEASE ADVISE ME WHAT TO DO. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Aug 1, 2008
I'M READING MANY, MANY, MANY AND MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THINGS FOR THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. MAINLY THE WHEEL BEARINGS GOING WHICH CAN CAUSE THE WHEELS TO FALL OFF WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH AND THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL GOING OUT. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND FIX THIS MATTER! *TR
Power train, Jul 31, 2008
DIFFERENTIAL ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT HAS BEEN REBUILT TWICE UNDER WARRANTY,AND NEEDS RECALLED AGAIN. THIRD INCIDENT HAPPENED TWO DAYS AFTER EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED. FORD SAYS TOUGH. *TR
Power train, Jul 31, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT I HAVE TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AROUND 4 TIMES REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION. EACH TIME THEY TELL ME THEY FIXED IT AND A FEW WEEKS OR MONTHS LATER IT IS HAVING PROBLEMS AGAIN. IT SHIFTS ROUGH AND SOMETIMES FEELS LIKE IT IS SLIPPING. *TR
Power train, Jul 31, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN 2002 FORD EXPLORER. *TR
Power train, Jul 29, 2008
WHILE DRIVING MY 02 FORD EXPLORER XLT I NOTICED THE O/D LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND IT WOULD BE HARD TO SHIFT. THE WAS A RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM TRANSFER CASE WHICH HAD A BROWNISH FLUID LEAKING FROM IT. WENT TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Power train, Jul 28, 2008
A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, IN WHICH I HAVE FOLLOWED ALL THE MAINENTANCE SCHEDULES, NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Jul 23, 2008
PURCHASED 2002 EXPLORER NEW, HAVE HAD MULTIPLE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SINCE. SOMETIMES DEALERS COULD FIND THE PROBLEM AND WOULD REPAIR, OTHER TIMES THEY COULDN'T. CAR NOW NEEDS NEW TRANS AGAIN, FORD WON'T COVER SINCE OUT OF WARRANTY. PER MULTIPLE TRANSMISSION SHOPS, THE DESIGN OF THE TRANNY ITSELF IS POOR. HAS METAL PIN THAT SLIDES BACK AND FORTH AT AN ANGLE (RATHER THAN STRAIGHT), SO PIN IS PUSHED UP AGAINST ALUMINUM PLATE, CAUSING A HOLE. SHOPS SAY THIS IS VERY COMMON FOR 2001 & 2002 EXPLORERS. *TR
Power train, Jul 21, 2008
THE TRANSMISSION FAILS WITHOUT ANY WARNING, IN MY CASE WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AND ALMOST GOT MYSELF HIT! THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE. I CHECKED CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ON SEVERAL ONLINE RESOURCES AND FOUND THAT TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER IS AN EPIDEMIC! *TR
Power train, Jul 19, 2008
THE VEHICLE IS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER .THE REAR TRANSFER CASE BEARINGS WEAR OUT PREMATURELY AND CAN SEIZE UP WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND IS DUE TO MANUFACTURER DEFECT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 14, 2008
MY WIFE'S 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAD A WHINE IN THE REAR END SINCE IT WAS NEW AND IT CONTINUED TO GET WORSE WITH TIME. AT ABOUT 55K MILES IT WAS SO BAD THAT WE HAD TO HAVE THE ENTIRE DIFFERENTIAL REBUILT AT A COST OF OVER $1,000. AT 65K MILES THE ENGINE HAD BEGUN TO MAKE NOISE AND IT BECAME MUCH LOUDER RAPIDLY. THE ENTIRE CAM DRIVE (TIMING CHAIN, SPROCKETS, TENSIONERS) HAD BEEN GROUND UP. THE TENSIONER PADS HAD 3/8" DEEP GROOVES WORN INTO THEM AND THERE WERE METAL SHAVINGS EVERYWHERE. THE BILL THIS TIME WAS ALMOST $1,300. IT IS INTERESTING THAT ALL THE PARTS THAT WERE REPLACED WERE A DIFFERENT DESIGN THAN THE ORIGINALS. IF THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE ORIGINAL DESIGN, WHY SPEND THE MONEY TO CHANGE THEM? OF COURSE FORD WOULD NOT ADMIT THAT THEY HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE TIMING CHAIN FOR THE CAMS. AFTER THE TIMING CHAIN WAS FIXED THERE WAS STILL A NOISE SO WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE SHOP THAT DID THE WORK. WITH A STETHOSCOPE THE NOISE WAS ISOLATED TO THE BELLHOUSING/TORQUE CONVERTER AREA. WE TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP WE TRUST AND HE THOUGHT IT WAS A CRACKED FLEX PLATE BECAUSE THAT HAPPENS FREQUENTLY ON THESE VEHICLES AND IT CAUSES THAT KIND OF NOISE. THE FLEX PLATE WAS FINE AS WAS THE FRONT PUMP ON THE TRANSMISSION AND THE STARTER DRIVE. THE ONLY THING LEFT IN THAT AREA WAS THE TORQUE CONVERTER SO WE REPLACED THAT. THE NOISE WAS STILL THERE. HE SAID THAT THE NOISE HAD TO BE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION AND THAT WOULD BE A $2,000 REPAIR. I'VE HAD IT WITH FORD AND THEIR "QUALITY IS JOB ONE" OR WHATEVER THEIR CURRENT ADVERTISING LIE IS. THIS CAR IS A LEMON AND THEY WON'T ADMIT TO A SINGLE THING BEING WRONG WITH IT. EVERY DRIVELINE COMPONENT HAS HAD TO BE FIXED AND IT ONLY HAS 67K MILES ON IT. FORD SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THE WAY THEY HANG THEIR CUSTOMERS OUT TO DRY. EVEN THOUGH I HAD TO IDENTIFY A PARTICULAR DATE BELOW, THIS CAR HAS HAD MAJOR PROBLEMS SINCE IT WAS NEW IN 2002. *TR
Power train, Jul 14, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PLACE THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE, THE GEAR SHIFT COMPLETELY FELL OFF OF THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES IN THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 145,000.
Power train, Jul 14, 2008
AS I WAS SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER MY SHIFTER BROKE OFF IN MY HAND!!! ON FURTHER INSPECTION I SAW THAT THE SHIFT LINKAGE WAS MADE OF CAST ALUMINUM AND HAD SHEARED OFF AT THE PIVOT POINT. I AM NOT ALONE IN THIS AS I HAVE READ HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON LINE AT HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/STEERING/GEAR_SHIFT_BROKE_OFF.SHTML. *TR
Power train, Jul 14, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON FORD EXPLORER. SELF ENCLOSED TRANSMISSION, NO DIPSTICK FOR CHECKING FLUID LEVELS, POORLY DESIGNED CONCEPT. HERE IS WEBSITE WITH 428 COMPLAINTS AGAINST THIS PARTICULAR MODEL/YEAR. ALL THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Equipment, Jul 8, 2008
REAR BEARINGS ON 02 FORD EXPLORER XLS DEFECTIVE. *TR
Power train, Jul 5, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER O/D LIGHT GOES OFF AND THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ACTIVATED. THE TRANSMISSION SHORTLY THEREAFTER, STARTS SLIPPING. THE O/D LIGHT, IS BLINKING OUT OF CONTROL. EXCESSIVE COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER FORD CONSUMERS WHO BOUGHT A FORD EXPLORER. *TR
Power train, Jul 3, 2008
THE OD LIGHT ON MY 2002 EDDIE BAUER FORD EXPLORER BEGAN BLINKING ACCOMPANIED BY CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT. WE TRAVELED SLOWLY HOME AMIDST WHIRRING AND CRUNCHING SOUNDS. THE CAR IS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND OBVIOUSLY THE TRANSMISSION IS SHOT. THE FORD MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WOULD CLOSE $2800 TO FIX THE TRANSMISSION AND IN RESPONSE TO MY QUESTIONS REGARDING POWER TRAIN, SUGGESTED THAT WE FIX THE REAR POWER TRAIN FOR $1600. JUST A WEEK AGO, ON THE WAY TO MY DAUGHTER'S WEDDING, 4 HOURS FROM HOME, THE LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING WITH WARNING SOUNDS. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A FORD DEALER AND REPAIRED. WE PICKED IT UP A WEEK LATER DRIVING 4 HOURS ON BUSY THROUGH WAYS AND HIGHWAYS, WHEN THE TRANSMISSION LIGHTS, AS NOTED ABOVE, STARTED BLINKING. ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO, WE HAD THE WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED AS WELL AS OTHER REPAIRS. HOWEVER, THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND UPCOMING POWER TRAIN FAILURE MAKE THE CAR UNRELIABLE AND DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. *TR
Power train, Jul 3, 2008
MY WIFE DRIVES A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WHICH AS ALREADY HAD EXTENSIVE REAR END REPAIR. IT MAKES A ROARING SOUND WHENEVER THE CAR IS MOVING AND IT IS LEAKING WHAT I BELIEVE IS TRANSMISSION FLUID FROM THE REAR END. FORD DENIES HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THAT PARTICULAR CAR THOUGH I HAVE FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINS ON LINE ABOUT TRANSMISSION AND DRIVE TRAIN FAILURES IN THIS PARTICULAR MODEL. A RELIABLE MECHANIC HAS TOLD ME THAT THE DRIVE TRAIN CAN SEIZE UP AN ANY TIME. IF THIS HAPPENS ON AN INTERSTATE DOESN'T THIS QUALIFY AS A SAFETY CONCERN? *TR