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, May 19, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER, I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE TRUCK JUST STARTED STALLING AND THE O/D LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. I ALMOST WAS HIT FROM BEHIND, AND THE VEHICLE ALMOST LOST CONTROL. AFTER PULLING OVER, AND PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK, AND TURNING THE O/D BACK ON, THE TRUCK HESITATED TO GO INTO 1ST GEAR. NOW IT WON'T DRIVE NORMAL, AND I KEEP GETTING THE STAGGERED SHIFTING. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY FAILURE I BELIEVE, AS IT MAY EASILY CAUSE A CRASH. *TR
Power train, May 19, 2008
I BOUGHT MY FORD EXPLORER XLS ON FEB 5 2005. COMPLAINED ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION AT TIME OF PURCHASE AND THEY SAID THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG. ABOUT 6 MONTHS LATER I HAD IT CHECKED AT ANOTHER DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE SHIFTER SOLENOID WAS BAD. I HAD IT REPLACED FOR A PRICE OF 2100.00 TO GO 50 MILES DOWN THE ROAD AND SAME THING STARTED AGAIN. THEY THEN SAID IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION ITSELF. NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS FROM DAY ONE AND NO ONE AT FORD CARES. NOW I AM PAYING FOR SOMETHING THAT I CANT DRIVE CAUSE I CANT AFFORD TO HAVE IT FIXED. PLEASE HELP ME. *TR
Power train, May 15, 2008
I'M THE FIRST OWNER OF A 2002 EXPLORER. AT 30K MILES, HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT DUE TO SLIPPING, OD LIGHT FLASHING AND WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. AT 60K MILES, THE EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS HAVE RE-APPEARED AND FORD IS UNWILLING TO PROVIDE ANY COMPENSATION. LOOKING ON-LINE, MANY OWNERS OF THIS MODEL HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. OTHER CARS I HAVE OWNED AND HAVE MANY MORE MILES LOGGED HAVE NEVER HAD TRANSMISSION NEEDING REPLACEMENT. FORD'S IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECTIVE DESIGN/PRODUCT. *TR
Power train, Equipment, May 15, 2008
IT STARTED AROUND 78,000 MILES. MY TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP AS I WAS DRIVING UP A HILL. THE TRANNY WAS SLIPPING BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP - HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION ($3400). TRANSMISSION AGAIN AT 137,000 MILES SLIPPING BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR AGAIN - WARRANTY EXPIRED - FORD COULD ONLY GIVE ME A WARRANT FOR 36,000 MILES OR 3 YEARS - I'M UNDER MY 3 YRS BUT NOT MILEAGE. TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN, NOW ITS MY TRANSMISSION BAND ($2100) BUT WITH ALL THE WEAR ON THE TRANSMISSION AND THE COST. I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN. DURING THIS TIME THAT MY TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, I ALSO HAD THE RIGHT (I BELIEVE IT WAS THE RIGHT) REAR AXLE WENT OUT TWICE MY OVERDRIVE LIGHT CAME ON. I THINK THERE IS A CORRELATION WITH THE OVERDRIVE SYSTEM AND THE TRANNY. *TR
Power train, Other or unspecified, May 13, 2008
NOTICED A GRINDING AND WHINING NOISE COMING FROM RIGHT SIDE OF MY 2002 FORD XLT EXPLORER. ALSO THOUGHT THAT I NEEDED A NEW EXHAUST THE CAR WAS MAKING SUCH LOUD NOISE. WENT TO 2 DIFFERENT GARAGES FOR PRICING, I NEEDED BOTH FRONT AND REAR BEARINGS REPLACED ACTUALLY THE FRONT BEARING WAS ABOUT TO FALL OFF BOTH GARAGES STATED. ALSO THE LOUD NOISE FROM MY EXHAUST IT WAS MISSING ONE BOLT TO THE COVER, COVERING THE EXHAUST AND OR CATALYTIC CONVERTER. ALSO 8MONTHS PRIOR THE CARS TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. ALL OF THIS EXPENSIVE AND COSTLY REPAIRS HAPPENED AT 79,000 MILES. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS VEHICLE AND READING ALL OF THE OTHER COMPLAINTS THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR RECALLS FROM FORD. MY FAMILY IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME AND I USE THIS CAR TO TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT MY FAMILY. I AM VERY CONCERNED AND FORDS NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEMS ARISING WITH THE 2002 FORD XLT EXPLORER PROBLEMS AND FIX THEM. SO FAR I HAVE INVESTED $5500 INTO THIS CAR I WOULD NOT EVEN GET THIS FOR A TRADE IN VALUE. PLEASE CONSIDER MY COMPLAINT AND THE MANY OTHERS VERY IMPORTANT. THANK YOU *TR
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, May 13, 2008
BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN SEPT. 2007. A MONTH AND A HALF LATER, HAD TO REPLACE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL BEARING. A MONTH AFTER THAT, WE HAD TO REPLACE THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL BEARING. DRIVER DOOR WINDOW MOTOR WENT A WEEK AFTER THE WHEEL BEARINGS. ABS LIGHT IS ON. ALSO HAD TO REPLACE TWO COILS IN THE ELECTRICAL UNIT. PUT APPROXIMATELY 3,000.00 INTO CAR SINCE PURCHASE IN LESS THAN EIGHT MONTHS. *TR
Power train, May 12, 2008
1. MY FAMILY WAS DRIVING ON A STATE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR'S O/D OFF LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. NO OTHER WARNING LIGHTS WERE GOING OFF. IT WAS A MATTER OF MILES BEFORE THE CAR STOPPED GOING. IT'S EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FOR A CAR TO SUDDENLY SLOW DOWN ON A FAST MOVING HIGHWAY. 2. AFTER THE LIGHT FLASHED, THE CAR STOPPED GOING INTO GEAR. WE WERE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH OTHER CARS WHEN OUR CAR SUDDENLY SLOWED DOWN BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. WE WERE BARELY ABLE TO GET UP A HILL BEFORE COASTING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS OCCURRED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE WITH OTHER TRAFFIC GOING HIGH RATES OF SPEED. 3. THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Power train, May 12, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORE XLT V6 TRANSMISSION FAILED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC WHILE MY CHILDREN WERE ON BOARD. FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE AND QUITE SAD THAT FORD DID NOTHING. TRUCK WAS ONLY 4 YRS OLD AND SHOULD NOT HAVE NEEDED A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. I HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND GET TRANSPORTATION HOME. THEY HAD TO REBUILD IT COMPLETELY! *TR
Power train, May 10, 2008
TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE, REAR END CLUNKS WHEN THE TRANNY FINALLY SHIFTS TO ANOTHER GEAR, REAR END WHINE AT 60-70MPH. HASN'T BEEN FIXED BUT THE DEALERSHIP ESTIMATES $2K FOR THE REAR END AND $3K FOR THE TRANNY. *TR
Suspension, Power train, May 8, 2008
I PURCHASED A PRE-OWNED 2002 FORD EXPLORER AT THE END OF 2007. AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE, THE VEHICLE HAD JUST UNDER 60,000 MILES. AROUND 65,000 I BEGAN TO HEAR A HIGH PITCHED HOWLING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I HAD THE NOISE INVESTIGATED AND HAD BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED AS A RESULT. THIS DID NOT, HOWEVER, SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE NOISE CONTINUED AND INTENSIFIED. RECENTLY, THE SOUND BEGAN TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY A LOW GRINDING SOUND AND A DEFINITELY PERCEPTIBLE 'DRAGGING' AFFECT. THIS HAPPENED JUST SHY OF 80,000 MILES. AFTER EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, MY PROBLEM HAS BEEN RE-DIAGNOSED AS A REAR DRIVE TRAIN/AXLE PROBLEM. I HAVE ALSO RECENTLY DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A PERSISTENT PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL, BUT FORD IS REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE/ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM AND THE POTENTIAL SAFETY CONCERNS ASSOCIATED WITH THE REAR AXLE SEIZING UP DURING NORMAL OPERATION. THIS LINK: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/DRIVETRAIN/REAR_DIFFERENTIAL_PROBLEMS.SHTML REPRESENTS A LIST OF ONGOING COMPLAINTS RELATIVE TO THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE. *TR
Power train, May 6, 2008
STARTED AS MY 4 WHEEL DRIVE WOULD KICK IN AND I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT TO GET IT OUT. THEN MY TRANS STARTED SLIPPING I HIT THE BRAKE AND GOES OUT OF GEAR. NOW IT JUST TAKES ITSELF IN AND OUT WHEN EVER ONLY HAVE 95,000CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN EASY. *TR
Power train, May 6, 2008
SAME AS ALL THE OTHERS. O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, STARTED SHIFTING HARD, THEN LOST ALL GEARS EXCEPT FIRST. TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACED! CALLED FORD THEY DON'T CARE. *TR
Power train, May 3, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FAILURE. DURING NORMAL HIGHWAY DRIVING CONDITIONS, TRANSMISSION SLIPS, O/D LIGHT FLASHES, VEHICLE COASTS TO A STOP. CAUSES TRAFFIC DELAYS, INCREASES CHANCES FOR MULTI-VEHICLE ACCIDENTS. *TR
Power train, May 3, 2008
CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT WENT OFF , THEN O/D LIGHT KEPT BLINKING, FAILED TO GO INTO GEAR AND LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING HOME. TOOK IT TO SHOP AND MECH SAID IT WAS A BAD TRANSMISSION AND IS NOW REBUILDING IT FOR 1,900 USD. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Wheels, Equipment, May 1, 2008
TRANSMISSION SHIFTED HARD INTO 2ND GEAR FROM DAY ONE, TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL, WHINING IN REAR END ALSO SAID NORMAL. HAD TO REPLACE 2 WHEEL BEARINGS, 2 MORE BAD NOW, REPLACED WHEEL HUB, NOW TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT. *TR
Power train, Apr 29, 2008
OVER THE PAST MONTH MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED HAS BEGUN TO KNOCK VERY HARD WHEN PUT INTO REVERSE AND IT ALSO SHIFTS BADLY ONCE ROLLING FORWARD, KNOCKING AND JERKING. *TR
Power train, Apr 28, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER NO PRIOR WARNING O/D LIGHTS STARTS TO FLASH THEN SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT SOON CAME ON NOW TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT INTO THIRD UNLESS I LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR ONLY 66,000 MILES AND 1 DAY OUT OF WARRANTY I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON WEB SITES ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FORD REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM BUT MANY MECHANICS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE AWARE OF IT FORD SAYS IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE NOT A SAFETY ISSUE A TRANSMISSION WHEN MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER RIDE IN THIS VEHICLE EVERY DAY AND GOD FORBID THEY GET STUCK AND END UP IN AN ACCIDENT THEN WHAT IT STILL ISN'T A SAFETY ISSUE!!!! *TR
Suspension, Parking brake, Power train, Visibility, Air bags, Seat belts, Equipment, Apr 28, 2008
ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SUV I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 3 OF THE 4 WHEEL BEARINGS AND HUB ASSEMBLIES(APPROX $250 EACH), WITH THE 4TH NOT FAR BEHIND. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE MODULE(APPROX $400-$500). I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR WINDOW MOTORS GOING BAD AND HAVING TO REPLACE THESE TOO. THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT HAS STOPPED WORKING. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DUMMY LIGHT HAS COME ON FOR NO REASON. THE SEAT BELT WARNING CHIME OFTEN COMES ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF, EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVE BUCKLED YOUR SEAT BELT. YOU HAVE TO SLAM THE BUCKLE INTO PLACE FOR IT TO GO OFF AND SOMETIMES THIS DOES NOT WORK EITHER. THE TRANSMISSION IS NOW MAKING A LOVELY CLUNKING SOUND WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE AND WHEN YOU TRY TO PUT IT BACK INTO PARK, IT DOES NOT WANT TO. YOU HAVE TO PUT IT UP TO PARK AS FAR AS IT WILL GO THEN GO BACK TO NEUTRAL AND THEN INTO PARK FROM THERE. WE HAVE REPLACED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SHOES ON BOTH SIDES BECAUSE THEY WERE COMPLETELY WORN OFF EVEN THOUGH WE DO NOT USE THE E-BRAKES. THESE PROBLEMS ARE JUST PILING UP ONE AFTER ANOTHER. I WENT TO AN INTERNET SITE THAT HAS COMPLAINTS ABOUT VEHICLES AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS ON THEIR 2002 FORD EXPLORERS OF ALL KINDS (XL, EDDIE BAUER, SPECIAL EDITION, ETC.). WHY HASN'T FORD DONE ANY RECALLS FOR THESE PROBLEMS? DOES IT REQUIRE MULTIPLE INJURIES OR EVEN DEATH FOR THEM TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY??? *TR
Power train, Apr 27, 2008
O/D LIGHT STARTED TO BLINK AND CAR IS REVVING AND DOES NOT SHIFT INTO 3RD GEAR. *TR
Power train, Apr 25, 2008
THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS FAILED. THE O/D LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. TOOK IT TO AAMCO AND THEY SAID I NEED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THEY SAID THEY HAVE DEALT WITH MANY 2002 FORD EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR UPDATED 05/19/08 *BF
Power train, Apr 25, 2008
I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 02/02/2007 IN A USED CONDITION THE 4X4 WAS NOT WORKING I REPLACED THE CM 4X4 AND THE 4X4 SWITCH IN LESS THEN 4 MONTHS IT WENT OUT I REPLACED THE 4X4 CONTROL MODULE AGAIN AND THIS MONTH IT WENT OUT FOR THE THIRD TIME ONLY THIS TIME IT IS STUCK IN THE 4X4 LO CHANGED THE MODULE WITH A FORD PART #2C54-7H473-BF SO I CAN GET AWAY FROM THE ONE DEFECTED ONES 1L24-7H473-AH BUT I THINK THE DAMAGE IS ALL DONE IN THE 4X4 DRIVING CASE MY CAR IS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER PLEASE CHECK THE WEB SITE HTTP://WWW.EXPLORERFORUM.COM/FORUMS/FORUMDISPLAY.PHP?F=101 AND YOU WILL SEE MOST OF COMPLAINTS ARE ABOUT THE 4X4 MORE THEN 3900 ALL HAVING THE SAME DEFECT PLEASE CHECK IT OUT AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS ALOT OF PEOPLE TOLD FORD ABOUT THEIR DEFECT BUT FORD WILL NOT DO NOTHING ABOUT IT THAT IS WHEY I AM DOING THIS COMPLAINT I AM SICK OF FORD NOT TAKING THIS ISSUE SERIOUSLY. *TR
Power train, Apr 23, 2008
DROVE INTO THE CARWASH WENT TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND THE GEARSHIFT GOT STUCK AND BROKE OFF IN REVERSE, HAD TO BACK CAR OUT OF CARWASH WITH MANY CARS BEHIND ME TOWED THE CAR TO DEALERSHIP WAS TOLD THE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED WHICH COST $1,200.00 AFTER RESEARCH TODAY I SEE THAT ALOT OF EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN AND I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT IN THE CAR THAT FORD SHOULD HAVE PAID TO HAVE FIXED AND RECALLED SO THAT THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN TO OTHERS. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Apr 23, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER 4L V6 AUTO TRANS I HAD MY EXPLORER INTO THE DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE LAST JANUARY AND THEY MENTIONED THAT MY RIGHT REAR WHEEL SEAL WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE CHANGED BUT NOT RIGHT AWAY. I WAITED FOR THE NEXT OIL CHANGE IN APRIL AND SCHEDULED IT IN FOR A WHEEL SEAL REPLACEMENT -- $190. NO MENTION OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR END. NOT 90 MILES LATER I HEAR A LOUD CRUNCHING SOUND AND MANAGED TO LIMP BACK TO THE DEALER TO FIND OUT THAT THE SAME RIGHT REAR HUB THEY JUST REPLACED THE SEAL ON HAS A BAD BEARING/HUB. THEY REPLACED THE HUB AND BEARING AT A COST OF $899 ($533 PARTS). GIVEN THE EXPLORERS HISTORY OF PROBLEMS WITH THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL (FIRESTONE BLOWOUTS) CAUSING ROLLOVER ACCIDENTS I THINK FORD WOULD TAKE THIS PROBLEM SERIOUSLY. IF HAVING A TIRE FAIL CAN LEAD TO ROLLOVER ACCIDENTS IMAGINE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LOSE THE ENTIRE WHEEL! *TR
Power train, Apr 22, 2008
TRANSMISSION WON'T GO INTO GEAR SOMETIMES WHEN PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP. IT ALSO SLIPS OCCASIONALLY WHEN ACCELERATING. *TR
Power train, Apr 22, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATES INTERMITTENTLY AND THEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT IS BLINKING, IT CANNOT BE SHUT OFF WITH THE OVERDRIVE SWITCH UNLESS THE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF AND THEN RESTARTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING GEARS. THE FAILURE OCCURS RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH OR GREATER. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.