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, Jan 24, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN WHICH IT ONLY HAS 70,000 MILES ON IT AN THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINS ON THIS AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. *TR
Power train, Jan 23, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND LIKE NUMEROUS OTHER PEOPLE, I HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE O/D LIGHT BLINKS OFF AND ON AND IT DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY WHEN THIS HAPPENS. IF YOU TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEN BACK ON, IT USUALLY SHIFTS OK FOR A WHILE BEFORE IT STARTS ALL OVER AGAIN. I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD RECALL THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY THE LARGE MAJORITY OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE THIS OR SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL, SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE, THEN RESTART BEFORE IT SHIFTS PROPERLY AGAIN! THIS IS DANGEROUS! *TR
Power train, Jan 11, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM WHAT SHE BELIEVED TO BE THE MIDDLE OF THE VEHICLE. SHE PARKED THE VEHICLE FOR A WHILE AND THEN RESTARTED THE ENGINE. THE NOISE WENT FROM A LOUD HUMMING NOISE TO A LOUD WHISTLING NOISE. THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER, AND BEGAN TO PULL. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND REALIZED THAT THE REAR AXLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER RESIDENCE BECAUSE SHE COULD NOT AFFORD THE REPAIR. FORD WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THERE WERE NO RECALLS AVAILABLE AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,000.
Suspension, Power train, Air bags, Back over prevention, Jan 8, 2008
CURRENTLY OWN A 2002 EXPLORER XLT WITH ONLY 65K MILES ON IT. THE TRANSMISSION IS IN NEED OF A REBUILD BECAUSE IS SLIP FROM TIME TO TIME. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL SEALS ARE LEAKING. THE ENTIRE REAR OF THE VEHICLE MAKES A HUMMING NOISE SO I SUSPECT THAT A REAR BEARING IS GOING BAD. NOT TO MENTION THE 4WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM HAS NOT WORKED SINCE I BOUGHT IT A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO. I'VE HAD INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE AND ALSO THE BACKUP ALARM SYSTEM. THERE IS NOTHING BUT POOR WRITE-UPS ABOUT THIS TRUCK ALL OVER THE INTERNET. ALL THE SAME PROBLEMS I'M EXPERIENCING ARE PROBLEMS MANY OTHER DRIVERS HAVE ALSO HAD. *TR
Power train, Jan 5, 2008
"O/D OFF" LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING RAPIDLY. APPARENTLY TRIPPED BY A FAILED SOLENOID B VALVE BODY. THE VALVE BODY OF SOLENOID B (THE ONE CONTROLLING 1ST AND OD, WHICH TOGETHER CONSTITUTE 3RD GEAR) IS A KNOWN FAULTY PART. THIS CAN ALSO BE ASSOCIATED WITH A FAILED EPC VALVE, WHICH IS USUALLY REPLACED AT THE SAME TIME AS THE SOLENOID. ACCORDING TO AUTO PROFESSIONALS, THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH FORD LIGHT TRUCK AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE AVERAGE COST OF RESOLUTION IS APPROXIMATELY $1200. *CN
Power train, Jan 5, 2008
TRANSMISSION OVERDRIVE LIGHT IS BLINKING AND ILLUMINATED AND JERKS BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR. THIS PROBLEM IS CLEARLY A DEFECT AS THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM IS POSTED ALL OVER THE INTERNET. THE ERROR CODE FOR THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT POINTS TO THE SOLENOID. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUED BEFORE SOMEBODY'S TRANSMISSION FAILS AND CAUSES A DEATH. *CN
Power train, Jan 5, 2008
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS FAILED. IT WILL NOT SHIFT FROM SECOND TO THIRD GEAR, AND THE TOP SPEED I CAN GO IT 20 TO 30 MPH. THOUGH TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS HAPPEN FREQUENTLY, I KNOW THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. I HAVE MADE THIS COMPLAINT NOT SO MUCH FOR MYSELF BUT ON BEHALF OF ALL OWNERS OF FORD EXPLORERS. WHILE I WAS RESEARCHING 2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, I CAME ACROSS THE WEBSITE WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM. ON THIS WEBSITE THERE ARE 247 COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2002 EXPLORER'S TRANSMISSION HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/INDEX.SHTML MORE SPECIFICALLY, THERE WERE MANY TRANSMISSION FAILURES THAT INVOLVED THE THIRD GEAR OR THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/TRANSMISSION/ THIS ALL SEEMS LIKE IT MAKES SENSE, BUT WHEN WE LOOK TO THE 2001 EXPLORER'S COMPLAINTS THERE ARE FAR FEWER HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2001/INDEX.SHTML AND THE 2003 HAS FEWER TRANSMISSION COMPLAINTS AS WELL. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2003/INDEX.SHTML ADDITIONALLY THE 2003 HAS NO COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SWITCH FROM SECOND TO THIRD GEAR LIKE THE 2002 DOES. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2003/TRANSMISSION/INDEX.SHTML ADDITIONALLY, THE HOME PAGE OF WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM HAS THE TOP 5 COMPLAINTS OF THE PAST 90 DAYS, AND THE FORD EXPLORER'S TRASMISSION RANKS 2ND. THERE IS A PROBLEM. A HUGE PROBLEM. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/INDEX.SHTML MY EXPLORER IS CURRENTLY BEING FIXED, AND I RESEARCHED THIS ONCE THE MECHANIC GAVE ME THE QUOTE. ALL OF THIS BEING SAID, WITH ALL OF THESE LINKS AS PROOF, I THINK IT'S TIME THAT FORD RECALLS THE 2002 EXPLORER DUE TO SEVERE AND COSTLY TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. PLEASE HELP IN THIS WORTHY CAUSE. *CN
Power train, Jan 3, 2008
THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS A HISTORY ON INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS THAT THE FORD DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE. THEREFORE NO REPAIRS HAVE EVER TAKEN PLACE. THIS HAS BEE A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE CAR FAIL TO SHIFT IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION, OR WHEN I ATTEMPT TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE. AT OTHER TIMES THE CAR WILL LURCH FORWARD OR BACKWARD WHEN PLACING OR REMOVING THE CAR FROM PARK. RECENTLY THE TRANSMISSION LOST 5TH GEAR AND I AM TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT I NEED TO RE-BUILD THE TRANSMISSION AT MY COST DESPITE THE LONG HISTORY OF PROBLEMS I HAVE EXPERIENCED.*CN
Power train, Jan 2, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4WD TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. THE O/D LIGHT AND SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ARE ON. THERE ARE ONLY 66,000 MILES ON THE CAR. ALL MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN DONE AS DIRECTED. MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS HAVE BEEN FOUND AND NOTED. I HAD A LICENSED MECHANIC "ADJUST" THE BANDS ON THE TRANSMISSION AND THAT STOPPED THE PROBLEM FOR ABOUT A MONTH.*CN
Power train, Dec 27, 2007
NOTICED HARSH SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AND FROM 3RD TO 4TH GEARS ON 02 FORD EXPLORER 2WD WITH 48,000 MILES. REQUIRED REBUILT TRANSMISSION AT COST OF $2124.00. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Dec 27, 2007
WHEEL BEARING FAILURES-4 IN A 6 MONTH PERIOD OF TIME-COST OVER 1700.00 TOO HAVE THESE REPAIRS-FORD WILL NOT HELP OUT AND THERE CUSTOMER SERVICE IS A JOKE. I HAVE A CHILD THAT IS ALWAYS WITH ME AND 2 TIMES IT COULD HAVE BEEN BAD. *TR
Power train, Dec 26, 2007
I TRIED TO PUT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT, 4WD, 4DOOR IN THE "P" PARK POSITION AND MY LEVER BROKE, PART # 5L2Z-3CS29-A I AM A 47 YEAR OLD STAY AT HOME MOM THAT DOES NOT ABUSE MY VEHICLE. I MAINTAIN MY VEHICLE ON A SET SCHEDULE. *TR
Power train, Dec 18, 2007
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. AFTER RESEARCH, IT APPEARS THERE ARE SEVERAL ISSUES DEALING WITH THIS SIMILAR ITEM. *TR
Power train, Dec 15, 2007
WHINE FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL, WAS FIXED ONCE BY PLANTATION FORD OF FLORIDA WHEN CAR WAS BOUGHT USED IN 2005. PROBLEM IS BACK AND WAS TOLD MY MECHANIC THAT IF NOT REBUILT IT MAY CAUSE REAR END TO LOCKUP POSSIBLY CAUSING A CRASH AND EVEN DEATH. *TR
Power train, Dec 13, 2007
AT 65,000 MI. THE CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON AND O/D LIGHT FLASHED WHILE ACCELERATING. I CALLED DEALER THEY SAID TO WAIT UNTIL LIGHT STAYED ON. AT 72,000 LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN AS WELL AS CHECK ENGINE. BROUGHT IT TO DEALER AND NEED NEW TRANSMISSION. I HAVE FOUND MANY POSTS REGARDING NEW TRANSMISSIONS FOR THIS VEHICLE AT LOW MILES. COST OF TRANSMISSION WAS 3200 OUT OF POCKET. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS. *TR
Power train, Dec 11, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND IT NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. FORD STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 97,000.
Power train, Dec 10, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE, ISSUES WITH TRANSMISSION OVER-REVVING BETWEEN GEARS AND THEN SHIFTING GEARS AT HIGH RPMS CAUSING VEHICLE INSTABILITY, O/D OFF LIGHT ON CONSOLE BLINKS CONSISTENTLY, "CHECK TRANSMISSION" NOTIFIED ON DISPLAY SCREEN ON CONSOLE, OCCURS EVEN AFTER ENGINE RESTART, INTERNET RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FORD EXPLORER WITH A 5R55W TRANSMISSION. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS EVENT BECAUSE OF SUDDEN NATURE IN FAILURE, OCCURRED TO ME AT APPROX. 55MPH WHEN THE RPMS RAN HIGH DURING THE SLIPPAGE AND THEN THE VEHICLE JERKED WHEN THE GEARS SUDDENLY SHIFTED EVEN AFTER TAKING MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR. NO PARTS REPLACED/REPAIRED AS OF YET, BUT AGAIN RESEARCH SHOWS THAT TRANSMISSION REBUILD IS IMMINENT. *TR
Power train, Dec 8, 2007
WAS DRIVING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH ONLY 55K MILES, OVERDRIVE LIGHT SUDDENLY STARTED FLASHING AND NOW THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT FROM SECOND GEAR INTO THIRD GEAR. THE RPM`S REV VERY HIGH AND THEN IT CLUNKS INTO THIRD GEAR. I UNDERSTAND THERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS TRANSMISSION. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS IMMEDIATELY. *TR
Power train, Dec 6, 2007
THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER BEGAN TO SLIP AT 57,000 MILES. FROM FIRST GEAR INTO SECOND IT WOULD REV HIGH AND THEN WITH A CLUNK AND A GRINDING NOISE RELUCTANTLY GO INTO SECOND GEAR. *TR
Power train, Dec 1, 2007, crash
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FAILED. O/D OFF LIGHT BLINKS CONSTANTLY. HARD SHIFTING AND SLIPPING IS CONSTANT. DEALER WANTS $3,000 TO REPAIR. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO HUNDREDS / THOUSANDS OF EXPLORER OWNERS. SOMEONE CAN GET KILLED IF THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE DRIVER LOSES CONTROL THE WAY I DID. I WAS LUCKY. SOMEONE ELSE MAY NOT BE. FORD IGNORES THE ISSUE ALTOGETHER. *TR
Power train, Nov 28, 2007
I DRIVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4.0 V6 . MY OVER DRIVE LIGHT BEGUN FLASHING AND SHORTLY AFTER THAT MY TRANSMISSION FAILED. I OWN MANY FORDS AND THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT DEFIANTLY NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. PERFECT MAINTENANCE. *TR
Power train, Nov 24, 2007
OPERATOR APPROACHED THE ENTRANCE TO A PARKING LOT AND PLACED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN PARK. WHEN THE OPERATOR ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK, THE GEAR LEVER BROKE OFF OF STEERING COLUMN, IMMOBILIZING THE VEHICLE IN THE ENTRANCE; BLOCKING TRAFFIC FLOW. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. THE FAILED PART IS A COMPONENT OF THE STEERING COLUMN THAT CONNECTS THE GEAR SELECTOR LEVER TO THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE. THE PART IS DIE-CAST ALLOY. THE PART THAT FAILED IS NOT SOLD SEPARATELY NECESSITATING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY. THE MSRP OF THE COLUMN ASSEMBLY IS APPROXIMATELY $600.00. *TR
Power train, Nov 21, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 45,000 MILES. HAD TO HAVE A NEW ONE INSTALLED FOR $3,000.00. *TR
Power train, Nov 20, 2007
I FIRST NOTICED A GRINDING WHEN I WOULD TURN SHARPLY WITH MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I TOOK IT IN AND IT WAS NOTED THAT I NEEDED TO HAVE MY REAR DIFFERENTIAL REBUILT TO REPLACE TO RING AND PINION GEARS AND CLUTCH PACKS. AFTER 1 DAY OF HAVING THE VEHICLE I WAS NOTIFIED THAT A BEARING HAD FUSED TO THE AXLE ASSEMBLY AND COULD RESULT IN MY REAR AXLE SEIZING UP WHILE DRIVING. THE TOTAL REPAIR IS GOING TO COST $1500. *TR
Power train, Nov 19, 2007
PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW AT 2002. IT ALWAYS HAS A LITTLE BIT OIL ON THE PARKING LOT BUT I DID NOT PAY ATTENTION. NOW I FOUND OUT IT IS THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL LEAKING. APPARENTLY IT HAS BEEN LEAKING FOR A LONG TIME. *TR