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, Feb 9, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON HIGHWAY, IN A CONSTRUCTION ZONE, ALMOST RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM W/ 2002 EXPLORERS. ASK ANY TRANSMISSION SHOP. ALSO CHECK OUT CARCOMPLAINTS.COM - IT IS THEIR #1 WORST VEHICLE. I COUNTED 10 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ON THIS TRANSMISSION, BUT NO RECALL !?! *TR
Power train, Feb 8, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 103K MILES MAKES A CLUNK WHEN SHIFT ON REVERSE. TOOK IT FOR CHECK UP AND NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION WHICH WILL COST ABOUT $2500+ I ALREADY PAID $10,000 FOR SUV CANT PAY ANY MORE AND I ONLY OWNED IT FOR 10 MONTHS. AND THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM THAT CAN BE FOUND ON THIS WEBSITE. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/TRANSMISSION/TRANSMISSION_SLIPS_WHEN_SHIFTING_AND_CLUNKS.SHTML I THINK FORD SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE AND HELP US OUT. *TR
Steering, Power train, Feb 8, 2008
FORD EXPLORER 2002 CLUTCH PACK IN REAR DIFF WENT OUT CAUSING RACK AND PINION TO GO OUT. FORD DEALER STATES THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR. HAD REAR DIFF REBUILT BY DEALERSHIP WITH FORD PARTS AND 24,000 MILES LATER THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT NEEDS REPLACED AGAIN. AT $1300 TO OVER $1500 EACH TIME THIS IS CRAZY AND NEITHER FORD NOR THE DEALERSHIP WILL ASSIST IN THE COST. AFTER CALLING FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE MY AGGRAVATION INCREASED BECAUSE THEY REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM. NOW SAME PROBLEM ON OUR 03 EXPEDITION. IF THE DIFF LOCKS UP I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT WILL HAPPEN. *TR
Power train, Feb 8, 2008
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS BEEN WONDERFUL UNTIL MY TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING IT WOULD RUN FINE THEN JOLT INTO GEAR OUT OF NO WHERE THEN BE RUNNING FINE AGAIN. I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK THE OTHER DAY AND OUT OF NO WHERE MY CAR STALLS IN DRIVE I AM PUSHING ON THE GAS PEDAL AND NOTHING NO MOVEMENT IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO THE TRANSMISSION SHOP AND BANG YOU NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION, I DID NOT TAKE MY CAR TO THE SHOP THE FIRST COUPLE OF TIMES BECAUSE THE ISSUE WAS SO FEW AND FAR BETWEEN, SO I THOUGHT OK MAYBE TRANSMISSION FLUID OR OIL CHANGE DID THAT EVERYTHING WAS FINE FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS THEN I LOW AND BEHOLD I AM OUT 1000'S OF DOLLARS FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION. THEN I DECIDE TO RESEARCH MY YEAR, MAKE, MODEL VEHICLE AND FIND OUT THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS TO THROW AWAY MONEY THAT I CAN NOT AFFORD BECAUSE FORD KNEW ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM ALL ALONG. I HAVE ALWAYS BOUGHT FORD VEHICLES BUT I THINK THAT I MIGHT HAVE TO RECONSIDER WHEN I LOOK FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE UNLESS FORD WANTS TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND RECALL THIS YEAR TRANSMISSION AND REIMBURSE THOSE WHO WERE OUT MONEY GETTING THEIR VEHICLES FIXED WHEN FORD KNEW THAT THEIR WAS A PROBLEM TO BEGINNING WITH. THANK GOODNESS THAT I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WHEN MY CAR STALLED BECAUSE I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED AND THEN I WOULD BE MORE UPSET THAN I AM. *TR
Power train, Feb 7, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH AN O/D LIGHT FLASHING AND NOW A SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ON. WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE REBUILT. ONLY 46000 MILES ON THE TRUCK. ONLY CHANGED EVERY 3000. EXTENDED WARRANTY JUST EXPIRED ON DEC 13, 2007 AFTER 5 YEARS. UPDATED *TR
Power train, Structure, Feb 7, 2008
2002 EDDIE BAUER EXPLORER TRANSMISSION TRANSMISSION TYPE 5R55W STARTED TO SLIP AND THE VEHICLE HAS 110,000 MI. NEXT MY O/D DASH LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH AND THEN THE CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT WENT ON. DEALER STATED IT WAS JUST A BAD SOLENOID REPLACEMENT COST OF $1,000 OR WORSE? SECOND OPINION STATED THAT THERE IS A BURIED CODE IN THE DIAGNOSTIC ABOUT THE OVERDRIVE WASN'T WORKING AND THE TEST DRIVE BY MECH. NOTED THAT 5TH GEAR WASN'T WORKING. THE INDEPENDENT MECH. STATED THAT HE WAS SORRY WHEN HE FOUND OUT IT WAS AN EXPLORER BECAUSE HE HAS A LOT OF THIS WORK. THE TRANSMISSION WAS OVERHAULED TO THE SUM OF $2,710. SAFETY CONCERN? WELL YOU HAVE YOUR FAMILY IN THIS VEHICLE TRYING TO MERGE ONTO A HIGHWAY WHILE YOUR TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING OR WORSE. TO ME THIS IS AS BIG AS A SAFETY ITEM AS THEIR BACK GLASS LIFT GATE THEY RECALLED. OR THEIR ROLL OVER ISSUE FOR THAT MATTER. SO I MAY BE ONE PERSON BUT YOU JUST HAVE TO TYPE IN THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET AND THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ARE INCREDIBLE. OK SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. SO GO TO THEIR TSB AND THIS IS LITTERED WITH TRANSMISSION ISSUES. THIS IS CLEARLY A FAULTY TRANSMISSION FROM THE START BUT APPARENTLY CONSUMER COMPLAINTS HAVE NOT BEEN ENOUGH FOR FORD TO DO THE RIGHT THING HERE. I WOULD ASK THAT THE NHTSA DO WHAT IS IN THEIR POWER TO REQUEST FORD TO DO THE RIGHT THING HERE AND REIMBURSE US FOR FIXING AN OBVIOUS AND DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW. *TR
Power train, Feb 7, 2008
FORD EXPLORER XLT 2002 WITH 61,000 MILES O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING RAPIDLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR AND NEEDED REPLACING. REPLACED TRANSMISSION AND LESS THAN A YEAR LATER THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING RAPIDLY AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. HAD THE CODES READ AND NEEDED TO REPLACE PRESSURE SENSOR VALVE. WORKED FINE UNTIL LATELY AND NOW VEHICLE IS DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN. *TR
Power train, Feb 7, 2008
ONE OF MY CUSTOMERS CAME TO ME WITH 53,000 ON HER 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE COMPLAINT WAS A MILE LONG. ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, ABS LIGHT IS ON, SPEED SENSOR,A/C PROBS, REAR AXLE SEALS ARE LEAKING ON THE IRS, POOR EXCUSE FOR A REAR AXLE SYSTEM IN MY OPINION. A PERSON CANT TELL IF IT IS THE DIFFERENTIAL OR THE REAR BEARINGS ARE BAD, READING ON HERE I THINK THAT THEY ARE BOTH BAD. DIFF IS FULL OF METAL SHAVINGS. I AM SORRY BUT IF FORD DON'T START STANDING BEHIND SUCH A POOR EXCUSE FOR A VEHICLE, THAT ONE ONE GENTLEMEN ON HERE IS GOING TO BE RIGHT SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT FIRST. THANKS FOR ALL THE GREAT INPUT ON HERE AS A MECHANIC IT MEANS A LOT. I AM GOING TO LOOSE A BIG JOB GRANTED. UNLIKE OTHER CERTAIN PLACES HMMMMMMMMM DEALERS I CARE ABOUT MY CUSTOMERS AND VALUE THEIR LIVES. YOU SHOULD DO LIKE I AM GOING TO STRONGLY ENCOURAGE MY CUSTOMER TO GET RID OF THIS PIECE OF CRAP. THIS IS WHY THE FOREIGN CAR MANUFACTURER ARE KICKEN OUR BUTTS BECAUSE WE CANT BUILD ANYTHING DECENT AND THE STAND BEHIND IT. WHAT'S THAT. THAT'S HOW WE ARE, WE ALWAYS WAIT TILL ITS TOO LATE TO DO ANYTHING UNTIL SOMEONE GETS HURT, LIKE OUR CHILDREN. WHAT REALLY PAINS ME IS THAT FORD MOTOR CO USE TO BE AN AMERICAN ICON ALONG WITH ALL THERE COMPETITORS IN THE AMERICAN MARKET AND USE TO CARE ABOUT KEEPING A CUSTOMER FOR LIFE AND KEEP UP ON THINGS LIKE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND QUALITY, INS CO (DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED). THE WORST PART ABOUT IT IS YOU CANT TELL ME THAT YOU SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO 100,000 MILES WITHOUT MAJOR DEFECTS OTHER THAT NORMAL MAINTENANCE. OK IM DONE. SIGNED: A GUY WORRIED THAT PEOPLE CANT FIND US HONEST MECHANICS KURT FROM GREEN BAY WI. *TR
Power train, Feb 7, 2008
TRANNY SLIPPAGE. O/D LIGHT/SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT FLASHING. ENGINE REVVING BUT NOT COMING INTO GEAR. THE TRANSMISSION SHOP SAID THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUES WITH FORDS. THE BANDS THAT WRAP THE 2ND & 5TH GEARS TO LOCK AGAINST THE DRUM ARE DEFECTIVE. FORD HAS UPDATED THE STYLE OF THE BAND AND ONCE REPLACED THIS ISSUE DOES NOT REPEAT. MY ESTIMATE SO FAR IS AT $2100-$2300. WE WILL NOT KNOW FULL EXTENT OF DAMAGE UNTIL HE REMOVES, DISMANTLES & INSPECTS IT ($595 TO DO THAT). AS THIS IS A KNOWN FORD ISSUE WITH THEIR DEFECTIVE PART, THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL AND OWNERS SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS. *TR
Power train, Feb 7, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORE V-8 XLT THAT HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF AND ALL THE SUDDEN I HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, WHEN I AM IN DRIVE ALL SUDDEN OUT OF NO WHERE MY CAR WILL EITHER STALL OR IT WILL JOLT INTO GEAR. THEN IT WILL BE OK FOR A WHILE THEN IT STARTS DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN. I AM MORE MAD THAT MORE THAN 100 COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN POSTED WITH THE SAME TRANSMISSION PROBLEM FOR THE SAME YEAR FORD VEHICLE ALL OF THEM ALMOST THE EXACT SAME AND THERE IS NO INVESTIGATION INTO THIS PROBLEM. I WAS ON A WEBSITE THAT LISTED THIS WEBSITE FOR VEHICLE COMPLAINTS AND THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME THING TRANSMISSION FAILURE FOR THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. *TR
Power train, Feb 7, 2008
ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING SIGNS O/D OFF LIGHT BLINKING TRANSMISSION BANDS FAILURE, REQUIRING A COMPLETE REBUILD $2500-3500 FOR REPAIR AT 68,000 MILES. *TR
Power train, Feb 6, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR
Power train, Feb 4, 2008
TRANSMISSION ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER IS FAILING AFTER ONLY 40,000 MILES. EVEN THOUGH I HAVE MAINTAINED THE VEHICLE AND NOT ABUSED IT, I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Feb 4, 2008
1)NO PARTICULAR EVENTS LEADING UP TO FAILURE, ONE DAY O/D LIGHT CAME ON (FLASHING) 2)TRANSMISSION FAILURE, MUST REBUILD TO THE TUNE OF $3,400 3)TRANSMISSION REBUILD. *TR
Power train, Feb 3, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND REAR END FAILURE. *TR
Power train, Feb 3, 2008
I HAVE THIS 2002 EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. IT ONLY HAS 79K ON IT, AND THE O/D STARTED FLASHING. I PULLED OVER AND SHUT IT OFF, AND STARTED IT AGAIN.....AFTER I RESTARTED NO PROBLEMS...LIGHT WAS GONE, AND STILL SHIFTED CORRECTLY. I PROCEEDED AND TOOK IT TO MY DEALER....WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE AROUND 5800 TO FIX THIS. THAT IS RIDICULOUS...WITH THAT LOW OF MILES ON IT...... *TR
Power train, Feb 1, 2008
REAR END NOISE ON A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. POSSIBLE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. *TR
Power train, Jan 31, 2008
TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON MY EXPLORER 2002 ...EVERY SINGLE PERSON I KNOW THAT HAS 2002 EXPLORER HAD TO RE-BUILD THEIR TRANSMISSION ..FORD NEEDS TO TAKE CARE OF...I CANT AFFORD TO FIX IT EACH TIME ..ITS FACTORY DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED. THERE'S ALOT OF NON SATISFIED COSTUMERS THAT I FIND ALL OVER THE WORLD. SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE. *TR
Power train, Jan 31, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILURE - KNOWN 2002 FORD EXPLORER ISSUE AND NOT A RECALL. HAVE TO REPLACE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Jan 31, 2008
TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT WORK BEYOND 2ND GEAR. THIS TRUCK HAD LESS THAN 60,000 MILES AND WAS A 2002 MODEL. THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REMOVED AND A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS PUT IN DURING 2007. *TR
Power train, Jan 30, 2008
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS 3 YEARS OLD, THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT IN IT. ONE DAY IT WASN'T DRIVING RIGHT, AND BY THE NEXT DAY THE TRANSMISSION WAS OUT. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR WARRANTY (IT WAS STILL UNDER 100K MILES) I ENDED UP SHELLING OUT OVER $2000 FOR THIS TO BE REPAIRED. I HAVE HAD ALOT OF PEOPLE TELL ME THAT THEY HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR EXPLORER. THE SHOP THAT REPAIRED THE CAR HAD LOTS OF TROUBLE WITH THE TRANSMISSION AS WELL. IT TOOK THEM A MONTH TO GET IT RUNNING PROPERLY. I STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE THIRD GEAR. IT DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY AND WILL SOMETIMES SKIP THE GEAR ALL TOGETHER. I AM PROUD TO OWN AN AMERICAN MADE CAR, BUT IT RUNS LIKE CRAP AND I WISH THAT FORD WOULD DO SOMETHING TO CORRECT THIS. IT IS NOT OLD ENOUGH TO HAVE THIS KIND OF PROBLEM, AND MANY PEOPLE ARE IN THE SAME BOAT AS ME WITH THEIR EXPLORER. I AM STILL TRYING TO PAY THIS OFF AS WELL AS CONTINUE TO MAKE THE CAR PAYMENT. *TR
Power train, Jan 29, 2008
I BOUGHT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER USED IN 2005 WITH ABOUT 60,000 MILES ON IT. IN 6 MONTHS THE ENTIRE CAR WOULD SHAKE IF I WENT ABOVE 50 MILES PER HOUR. ABOUT A WEEK LATER, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I FELT THE CAR SHIFT EXTREMELY HARD. I TOOK IT TO A SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT 3RD GEAR WAS ALREADY GONE AND THAT I WAS GOING TO SOON LOSE 2ND AND SO ON. I HAD TO SPEND $2000 ON A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. HOWEVER, ALMOST 2 1/2 YEARS LATER THIS REBUILT TRANSMISSION IS FAILING AGAIN. THIS TIME THE OD LIGHT STARTED TO BLINK; I HAD A GARAGE GET THE CODE IMMEDIATELY. IT SAID THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER. I HAD THEM LOOK AT THE TRANSMISSION CLOSER AND THEY FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS BURNT AND THERE WERE METAL SHAVINGS IN IT. THE TRANSMISSION IS FRIED AGAIN, AND IT WILL COST APPROXIMATELY $3200 TO FIX IT THIS TIME. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE THESE PROBLEMS OFTEN COME WITH NO WARNING. BOTH INCIDENTS I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WITH MY FAMILY IN THE CAR. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE. THIS IS DEFINITELY A DEFECT IN THE SEALED TRANSMISSIONS PUT IN THE 2002 EXPLORERS!!! *CN
Power train, Jan 27, 2008
REAR END DIFFERENTIAL PROBLEM ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER. *TR
Power train, Jan 27, 2008
PURCHASED '02 EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER BRAND NEW IN AUG '01. FROM BRAND NEW, EXPLORER WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY ENGAGE WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT AND PRESSING THE GAS. AFTER MULTIPLE VISITS TO FORD, AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG, THEY FINALLY GOT A SERVICE NOTICE THAT TOLD THEM HOW TO FIX IT. NOW AT JUST 86K MILES, YOUNG FOR GENTLY DRIVEN, FULLY MAINTAINED VEHICLES, I AM BEING TOLD THAT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. O/D OFF LIGHT REPEATEDLY COMES ON, GOES OFF WHEN I TURN OFF THE EXPLORER. ALSO, STRANGE VIBRATIONS AT HIGHWAY SPEED (NOT ROUGH ROAD), AND LOUD/FIRM SHIFT IN AND OUT OF REVERSE. YESTERDAY O/D OFF LIGHT CAME ON WITH SERVICE ENGINE SOON. FORD SERVICE SAYS THAT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR $3K+ AND THAT IT CAN GO OUT ANY DAY NOW. AFTER RESEARCH, THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A VERY COMMON ISSUE AND RELATED TO A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION, WHICH SHOULD NOT BE AN EXPECTED COST OF AUTO OWNERSHIP. HAVE NOT DECIDED WHO TO HAVE REPAIR IT YET. *TR
Power train, Jan 26, 2008
OH WHERE TO START!! I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS, MOSTLY THE TRANSMISSION. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE AROUND 75K MILES AND I'M ON MY 4TH TRANSMISSION, INCLUDING THE ONE THAT CAME WITH THE CAR. NOW, ONE A COLD DAY MY PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW HAS BROKEN. I AM VERY UPSET WITH THE QUALITY OF THIS VEHICLE. ONE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WHILE I HAD MY KIDS IN THE CAR WITH ME. IT WAS FINE ONE MOMENT AND THEN THE NEXT MOMENT I COULDN'T DO ANYTHING. THAT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS THE #1 PROBLEM WITH FORD CARS, OR EXPLORERS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT THAT. *TR