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
Steering, Power train, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 2, 2008
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT FROM DRIVE TO PARK, THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO CHANGE GEARS. THE ENGINE REMAINED RUNNING WITH IT IN DRIVE. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF & IT COULD NOT BE RESTARTED (IE, IGNITION/INTERLOCK SYSTEM). THE STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T TURN EITHER. THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN (NOT JUST SMALL BROKEN PIECE) HAD TO BE REPLACED (COST=$1372, $897 FOR PARTS). AS OF 7/2/08, 61 EXACTLY THE SAME INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED VIA COMPLAINTS FILED WITH NHTSA WEBSITE. SOME VEHICLES COMPLAINED ABOUT HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PART FAILURE TWICE. THESE COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED UNDER THE COMPONENTS - STEERING: COLUMN, POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL), POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: LEVER AND LINKAGE: COLUMN SHIFT, STEERING: GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION), STEERING: GEAR BOX: SHAFT SECTOR, STEERING: WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR, OTHER OR UNKNOWN THIS IS AN OBVIOUS DESIGN AND/OR MFG/MATERIAL DEFECT & IT CORRELATES (IN MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS) WITH ANOTHER DEFECT - VERY DIFFICULT SHIFTING OF GEAR LEVER TO OR FROM ?PARK? & ?REVERSE?. 61 REPORTED INCIDENTS OF THE PARTS FAILURE ARE SIGNIFICANT, BUT THERE ARE OBVIOUSLY FAR MORE THAN HAVE BEEN REPORTED VIA NHTSA COMPLAINTS. THE DEFECTIVE GEAR SHIFT PART POSES SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS. IF THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER BREAKS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS ON A STREET OR EXPRESSWAY (BUT STOPPED MOMENTARILY BY NECESSITY), THE DRIVER WOULD BE UNABLE TO CHANGE GEARS OR PUSH AND/OR STEER IT TO SAFETY, THEREBY CREATING A DANGEROUS TRAFFIC SITUATION WITH A HIGH POTENTIAL FOR BODILY INJURY. NHTSA HAS MORE THAN ADEQUATE DATA TO INITIATE A DEFECT INVESTIGATION & SHOULD IMMEDIATELY REQUIRE FORD TO PROVIDE A FULL DISCLOSURE OF THE NUMBER OF STEERING COLUMNS THAT IT HAS SOLD AS A RESULT OF THIS DEFECT. I HAVE THE OLD STEERING COLUMN (AND THE BROKEN PIECE) AS WELL AS SEVERAL PICTURES OF THEM. *TR
Power train, Jul 1, 2008
THE GEARSHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF WHILE SHIFTING INTO PARK. NO EXCESSIVE PRESSURE WAS EXERTED AT THIS TIME OR ANY OTHER TO MY KNOWLEDGE. FORTUNATELY THIS OCCURRED IN MY DRIVEWAY BUT I FEAR THIS FAILURE COULD HAVE HAPPENED DURING A GEAR CHANGE ON THE ROAD (FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE, OR VICE VERSA IN A TRAFFIC SITUATION). MY REPAIR SHOP SAID THE PARTS TO REPAIR THIS WERE BACK ORDERED, APPARENTLY DUE TO FREQUENT FAILURES. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Jun 29, 2008
NOISE AND FLUID LEAKAGE IN REAR DIAGNOSED BY LOCAL MECHANIC AS FAILING WHEEL BEARING AND DIFFERENTIAL SEAL. REPLACED DIFFERENTIAL SEAL AND ONE REAR WHEEL BEARING AT 57,000 MILES. AT 69,000 REPLACED ONE FRONT WHEEL BEARING BECAUSE OF NOISE. AT 80,000 MECHANIC REPORTED THAT BOTH REAR SPRINGS HAD CORRODED AT THEIR UPPER ENDS AND CRACKED THROUGH. BOTH THESE ISSUES ARE COMMON ON 2002 MODELS BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS IN THE DATA BASE. *TR
Power train, Jun 27, 2008
O/D LIGHT CAME ON IN CAR,,, ACORDING TO FORDS DRIVERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM,,,NOTHING IS BRING DONE ABOUT THIS,, WHICH LEAVES ON BIG PROBLEM FOR THE COSUMERS LIKE MY SELF ! AND FORD IS FULL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM !
Power train, Jun 27, 2008
I BOUGHT A 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN JULY OF 2007 IN JAN OF THE NEXT YEAR OUR O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND WE LOST 3RD GEAR. SO WE NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. AFTER GETTING ONLINE AND SEEING HUNDREDS OF OTHER PROBLEMS THAT ARE ALMOST EXACTLY THE SAME ITS HARD TO UNDERSTAND WHY FORD WON'T ISSUE A RECALL, THIS IS OUR ONLY VEHICLE TO DRIVE 3 KIDS AROUND IN AND WE ARE STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON SOMETHING THAT JUST SITS BECAUSE WE CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX IT.
Power train, Jun 26, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED, 4WD, 4.6L - 84,000 MILES: REAR DIFFERENTIAL UNIT WHINING/ROARING FOR A FEW MONTHS AND GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. I HAVE MECHANICAL BACKGROUND AND LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE ON RACK WITH MECHANIC. REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS OBVIOUSLY VERY BAD AND I AM LUCKY I DID NOT TAKE MY FAMILY ON VACATION WITH THIS PROBLEM AS IF THE WHEELS WOULD HAVE LOCKED AT HIGHWAY SPEED IT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT/INJURY. I HAVE NOT HEARD OF PROBLEMS SUCH AS THESE WITH REGULAR/EASY USE AT SUCH LOW MILES AND WITH PROPER MAINTENANCE (AS I HAVE DONE). I HAVE ALSO REPLACED LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING AND AM SUSPICIOUS OF RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING, WHICH WILL BE EVALUATED AFTER REPAIR OF REAR DIFFERENTIAL. *TR
Power train, Jun 26, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Structure, Jun 26, 2008
MARCH '07: REAR GATE SPLIT UNDER WINDOW DECEMBER '07 THROUGH JAN '08: REAR DIFFERENTIAL REBUILT TWICE, REAR AXEL HUBS AND BEARINGS REPLACED; DIFFERENTIAL NOISE STILL LOUD JUNE '08: TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED. *TR
Power train, Latches/locks/linkages, Service brakes, Electric, Jun 25, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER, O/D LIGHT IS BLINKING, CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT STAYS ON CONTINUOUSLY. REAR END MAKES NOISE, ABS LIGHT STAYS ON. TRUCK SHIFTS HARD FROM REVERSE TO FORWARD. SHIFTS HARD AND MAKES CLUNCKING SOUND FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR AND WILL NOT GO IN TO OVER-DRIVE AT ALL. *TR
Power train, Jun 22, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 36,000 MILES. *TR
Power train, Jun 18, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AT 128,000 MILES. CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR PROPERLY. $3500 TO REPLACE AT DEALER. *TR
Power train, Wheels, Jun 18, 2008
TRANSMISSION IN 2002 FORD EXPLORER FAILED W/O WARNING. DIRECTLY (3 DAYS) AFTER GETTING IT BACK FROM TRANSMISSION SHOP, BOTH REAR HUB ASSEMBLIES WENT. AGAIN, SEEMINGLY OVERNIGHT. MY WIFE SAID, "IT FEELS LIKE THE WHEELS ARE GOING TO FALL OFF." SERVICE SHOP SAID, "IT'S A WONDER THE WHEELS DIDN'T FALL OFF." DID THIS THING JUST SELF-DESTRUCT OR WHAT? FORD NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THESE UNTIMELY FAILURES. I HAVE THREE SMALL CHILDREN. UPDATED 06/25/08
Power train, Jun 16, 2008
TRANSMISSION SLIPPED WHILE SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD. AT NEXT LIGHT, WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM 2ND TO 3RD UNTIL I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS. VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT LEFT THE GROUND AS IT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT FROM 2ND TO 3RD. NOTICED OD/OFF LIGHT FLASHING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I HAVE BEEN QUOTED NEW TRANNY FOR 3,814.18, REAR BRAKES, REAR END NOISE, EGR SYSTEM CODE A 5,000.00 REPAIR AND THE SUV IS ONLY WORTH 7 GRAND. *TR
Power train, Jun 12, 2008
DRIVING WHEN THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. THE CAR WOULDN'T GO INTO 3RD GEAR, CAUSING THE CAR TO REV REAL HIGH AND SLOW DOWN. TOTAL REPAIR FOR A REBUILT TRANSMISSION $2,500.00. *TR
Suspension, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Visibility, Jun 12, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER- A NIGHTMARE OF PROBLEMS THAT KEEP GETTING WORSE. IT HAS 56K MILES ON IT AND I AM ABOUT TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. FUEL PUMP , 2 REAR SPRINGS, 2 WHEEL BEARINGS AND THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW MOTOR HAVE ALREADY BEEN REPLACED. NEITHER OF THE 2 REAR WINDOWS ROLL DOWN AND THE BACK HATCH LIFT REPLACE ON RECALL IS BROKEN YET AGAIN. THIS IS THE BIGGEST HUNK OF JUNK ON 4 WHEELS. FORD NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING. THANK GOD I DIDN'T BUY IT NEW BECAUSE THAT REALLY WOULD HAVE BEEN A RIP OFF. *TR
Power train, Jun 11, 2008
INDICATOR LIGHTS FLASHING ON AND OFF ,TRANSMISSION RATTLING NOISE AND FAILURE AT 99,000 MILES. *TR
Power train, Equipment, Jun 10, 2008
WHEEL BEARINGS AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL. *TR
Power train, Equipment, Other or unspecified, Jun 9, 2008
FORD EXPLORER REAR DIFFERENTIAL - REPLACED 3 X'S OVER 6 YEARS. *TR
Power train, Jun 4, 2008
MY WIFE AND I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE VEHICLE O/D LIGHTS STARTED BLINKING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AS WELL. THE SUV THEN JUST QUIT. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND IT HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. AFTER READING MANY OTHER WEB SITES THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE AND MODEL YEAR. FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, EVEN GOING SO FAR AS ISSUING A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ABOUT IT. IF IT HAS BECOME STANDARD PRACTICE FOR THESE TRANSMISSIONS TO FAIL THEN FORD NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIRS. *TR
Power train, May 29, 2008
WE OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH A V6 ENGINE. IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 149,000 MILES BUT HAS BEEN WELL-MAINTAINED. ON 5/24/08 WE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF OUR TRANSMISSION WHEN DRIVING IN DOWNTOWN SEATTLE. THE O/D LIGHT WOULD BLINK AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. ATTEMPTS TO RESOLVE THIS FOUND THAT FIRST GEAR WAS AVAILABLE IF WE WOULD ONLY GO FOR ABOUT 100 YARDS AT BEST. WE ENDED UP HAVING IT TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED IT AS A TOTAL FAILURE AND REQUIRED A FULL REBUILD. HE ALSO FOUND THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN MAINTAINED TO SPEC AND THERE WERE NO SERVICE-RELATED ISSUES. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHEN WE WERE ON I-5 OR GOING UP A STEEP HILL (OF WHICH THERE ARE MANY IN SEATTLE) THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM. AS IT WAS, A FAMILY OF 5 WAS LEFT STRANDED ON A LONG HOLIDAY WEEKEND BY A PROBLEM THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED. *TR
Power train, May 29, 2008
HAD TO HAVE TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED AND NOW OR STILL HAVE A WHINE THAT I FEAR IS COMING FROM THE REAR END. *TR
Power train, May 27, 2008
AT 75,000 MILES, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE AN EXTREME GRINDING NOISE IN THE REAR. TOOK TO A CAR REPAIR SHOP AND THEY INDICATED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS SHOT. ALL THE BEARINGS IN ALL FOUR WHEELS WERE SHOT. THE CAR REPAIRMAN INDICATED THAT HE HAS SEEN MANY OF EXPLORERS COME IN WITH THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM. TO MAKE MATTERS EVEN WORSE, THE PARTS ARE NOT ENGINEERED TO REPAIR ECONOMICALLY. YOU MUST BUY ALL NEW ASSEMBLIES JUST TO REPAIR BEARINGS. THE TOTAL COST OF THE REPAIR IS $2,500. *TR
Power train, May 27, 2008
WITH IN THE FIRST YEAR OF HAVING MY VEHICLE I HAD TO HAVE 2 TRANSMISSION REPAIRS. WITHIN THE NEXT YEAR IT WAS DONE AGAIN AND THEN I STARTED TO COMPLAIN ABOUT NOISES AND A THUMPING COMING FROM THE REAR DURING ACCELERATION. I NOW KNOW THAT THE THUMPING IS DUE TO THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND AXLE NEEDING REPAIRS. NOW THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THIS IS GOING TO COST ME ABOUT $1,000.00 NOT TO MENTION THAT I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION DONE ALSO AT A COST OF $400.00 THERE ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME COMPLAINT THAT I HAVE NOTICED ON THE INTERNET AND I THINK THAT SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE. *TR
Power train, May 22, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILED IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER..I WISH I WOULD HAVE RESEARCHED THE 2002 BEFORE I PURCHASED THE CAR. IF I KNEW THEN WHAT I KNOW NOW I WOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT THIS TRUCK. THIS IS THE SECOND ISSUE I'VE HAD WITH FORD, MY 1996 FORD EXPLORER HAD THE ISSUES WITH THE TIRES AND IT TOOK PEOPLE LOSING THEIR LIVES BEFORE FORD AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FINALLY RECALLED THE TIRES ON THE TRUCKS. I GAVE FORD ANOTHER CHANCE AND PURCHASED MY SECOND FORD EXPLORER..NEVER AGAIN WILL I EVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD EXPLORER OR ANY OTHER FORD PRODUCTS. I WILL NOT EVEN GET THE TRANS FIXED , I TRADED THE TRUCK IN FOR A CHEVY AND WILL NEVER PURCHASE FORD AGAIN. IF YOU LOOK ALL THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE TRANS , WHY WOULD FORD AND FEDS WAIT TO RECALL THESE CARS? *TR
Suspension, Power train, May 22, 2008
TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP WITH NO WARNING AND COMPLETELY WENT OUT ON MY WIFE'S WAY TO WORK. THIS HAPPENED AT 98,000 MILES. NOW THERE IS A ISSUE WITH THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE MODULE TWO YEARS EARLIER. *TR