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, Sep 27, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRASTICALLY DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT EXCEED SPEEDS OF 20 MPH. SHE HEARD A LOUD WINDING NOISE, BUT NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, BUT SHE DOES NOT KNOW WHAT PARTS WERE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REIMBURSE HER FOR THE REPAIRS. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 78,000.
Power train, Sep 25, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER. VEHICLE PARKED - WENT TO PUT IN GEAR AND SHIFTER BROKE OFF IN STEERING COLUMN. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN LESS THAN 2 YEARS! *JB
Power train, Sep 25, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURES, REPORTED WELL BEFORE 100,000 WARRANTY EXPIRATION AND IGNORED BY FORD! *JB
Power train, Sep 25, 2007
I , ALONG WITH MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE LOGGED COMPLAINTS REFERRING TO A NOISY DIFFERENTIAL ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT ULTIMATELY RESULTS IN DIFFERENTIAL LOCKUP, POSSIBLY AT HIGHWAY SPEED. IF YOU SEARCH THE COMPLAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR DIFFERENTIAL LOGGED ON THIS WEBSITE YOU WILL NOTICE OVER 50 COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THIS UNIT ON THESE VEHICLES. IN ADDITION FORD HAS IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AND SELLS UPDATED KITS TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE, HOWEVER OWNERS MUST PAY FOR THIS KIT AND HAVE IT INSTALLED TO REPAIR FORD'S DEFECTIVE MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP. *JB
Power train, Sep 24, 2007
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVEL HOUSING BROKE OFF. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PLACE THE CAR INTO REVERSE THE LEVEL BROKE FROM THE HOUSING REQUIRING THE CAR TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. BASIC PART# 3C529. CURRENTLY , HAVE THE CAR AT SILL-TERHAR MOTORS WHERE WE ARE AWAITING USED REPLACEMENT, SINCE NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. SEEING THAT THIS PART IS ONLY USED FOR SHIFTING THERE IS NO REASON FOR THIS TO BREAK THIS SOON AND FELT THIS IS A DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING. *TR
Power train, Sep 24, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT GEARS, THE GEAR SHIFT FELL OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE, HOWEVER, THEY STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN AND GEAR SHIFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS VERIFIED, BUT APPEARED TO BE INVALID. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 110,000. . DATE RECEIVED 12/12/07 UPDATED 12/19/07 *LJ
Power train, Sep 20, 2007
WE WERE DRIVING THE CAR TO WORK, GOING ABOUT 55 MPH AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN THE CAR JUST STOPPED MOVING. IT NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. NOW I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED OR REBUILT. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 17 MONTHS AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. IT WASN'T EVEN AT THE POINT TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION FLUSHED, SO WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH THE INFERIOR EQUIPMENT THAT FORD INSTALLED? I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY FOR A TRANSMISSION AND AM AT A LOSS AS TO WHAT TO DO, OTHER THAN TO HAVE IT TOWED COD TO FORDS MAIN OFFICE FOR 'DISPLAY' . *TR
Power train, Sep 20, 2007
VEHICLE IS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, PURCHASED NEW. GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF AT STEERING COLUMN. A SMALL PART BROKE, BUT DEALER SAYS THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN MUST BE REPLACED BECAUSE PART THAT BROKE IS ATTACHED TO STEERING COLUMN. DEALERSHIP REPORTS THERE IS A "NATIONWIDE" WAITING LIST FOR THE PART AND IS UNABLE TO GET A PART TO FIX THE VEHICLE. DEALER IS "RESEARCHING" THE ISSUE BUT HAS NO ESTIMATE OF WHEN PART WILL BE AVAILABLE. SEVERAL INTERNET SITES REPORT SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, WITH SOME REPORTING THEY WERE TOLD UP TO 5 1/2 MONTHS TO GET PART. *JB
Power train, Sep 18, 2007
SHORTLY AFTER BUYING THE VEHICLE (68K MILES) THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SHUTTERING AND HAVING ISSUES SHIFTING FROM 1-2 GEAR. IT WOULD ALSO HAVE PROBLEMS DOWN SHIFTING UNDER LOAD. I WOULD HAVE TO RELEASE THE THROTTLE MOMENTARILY TO MAKE IT SHIFT. OVERDRIVE LIGHT WOULD BLINK, THE ODOMETER WOULD BLINK ALL 'DASHES', AND THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD GO TO 0 MPH. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE WORKED ON AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES AND STILL THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. NOW, AT 97K MILES, MY EXTENDED WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AND I AM LEFT WITH A VEHICLE I AM STILL PAYING FOR AND A BAD TRANSMISSION. *JB
Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Tires, Sep 17, 2007
AFTER OWNING FOR A WEEK AND A HALF, HAD TO HAVE THE G EARS IN THE REAR END REPLACED. LATER INFORMED THAT THE TIRES WERE NOT EVENLY WORN WHICH WAS CAUSING THE REAR END TO POP. AFTER REPLACING THE TIRES, THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WOULD NOT WORK. THE 4 X 4 MODULE AND THE WIRING NEED TO BE REPLACED, COSTING $1000.00. THAT IS NOT INCLUDING THE DRIVER WINDOW SWITCH NEEDING TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE WINDOW REGULATOR. NOW THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM COMING FROM THE DASH. UNABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IT IS YET. *JB
Power train, Sep 7, 2007
THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY ACCIDENTS, YET. BUT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL IN THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER WILL EVENTUALLY FAIL CAUSING THE REAR END TO LOCK UP AND THE VEHICLE BE UNCONTROLLABLE. MANY CONSUMERS HAVE HAD TO FIX AND REPLACE THE PARTS AT LOW MILEAGE AND FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT REFUSES TO VOLUNTARILY RECALL THE PARTS. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL SEALS GO BAD AND CAUSE IT TO LEAK. THERE IS THEN WHAT SOUNDS LIKE ROAD NOISE CONSISTENT WITH VEHICLE SPEED. WHEN THE FLUID IS FINALLY GONE, THE PART WILL EVENTUALLY LOCK UP. FORD HAD BEEN ADVISED BY NUMEROUS CONSUMERS OF THIS PROBLEM AND KNOWS OF THE POSSIBLE PROBLEMS THAT COULD ARISE, BUT REFUSES TO TAKE THE STEPS NECESSARY TO PREVENT A MAJOR ACCIDENT FROM OCCURRING. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AND MAYBE SOMEONE CAN TALK SOME SENSE INTO FORD. THANK YOU. S*TR
Power train, Sep 6, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO REBUILD HIS TRANSMISSION AND REPLACE THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL BEARINGS. THE VEHICLE FAILED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH. HE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WHEN HE SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. HE HAD TO WAIT A FEW MINUTES BEFORE THE VEHICLE COULD BE RESTARTED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,117.
Power train, Tires, Wheels, Sep 6, 2007
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH 96,000 MILES ON IT AND AROUND 60,000 THE NOISE STARTED. FIRST THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE AND THEN THE HUB WENT. WHILE DRIVING MY FRONT TIRE JUST COLLAPSED. 2ND ISSUE THE REAR END STARTED TO MAKE NOISE IS MORE LIKE VIBRAING. AND AFTER SEARCHING ON GOOGLE, I FIND THAT IM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE ISSUE $1200. JUST TO START THE FORD COMPANY IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT IT. THIS IS NOT A JOKE, THIS IS SERIOUS, SOMEONE CAN GET HURT. MAYBE THAT'S WHAT IT WILL TAKE FOR THE FORD COMPANY TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE, THE ISSUE THAT FORD IS AWARE OF. PLEASE HELP! *TR
Power train, Sep 5, 2007
WE HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WE PURCHASED THIS USED IN AUGUST 2004. ON JUNE 2005 WE STARTED HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON JUNE 8, 2005 THEY HAD IT FOR 8 DAYS AND REPAIRED IT UNDER WARRANTY. WE TOOK IT BACK ON JUNE 24, 2005 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY HAD IT FOR 5 DAYS BUT SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ON JAN 20, 2006 WE HAD TO TAKE IT BACK IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AGAIN. THEY HAD IT FOR 7 DAYS THIS TIME AND REPAIRED THE PROBLEM UNDER WARRANTY. THEN ON FEB 10, 2006 WE HAD TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AGAIN. THIS TIME THEY HAD IT FOR 19 DAYS AND AGAIN REPAIRED IT UNDER WARRANTY. NOW WE ARE HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AGAIN AND WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR BUT THEY SAY IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR US. THEY SAY THAT IT HAS BEEN 1-1/2 YEARS AND 40,000 MILES SINCE IT WAS LAST WORKED ON AND IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. AFTER TALKING TO EVERYONE AT THE DEALERSHIP FROM THE SERVICE MGR, THE GENERAL MANAGER AND FINALLY THE OWNERS DAUGHTER, ALL THEY ARE WILLING TO DO FOR US IS TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND GIVE US THE EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT PRICE WHICH IS $ 2641.50. I FEEL THAT THIS IS AN OWN GOING PROBLEM AND THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS A LEMON AND THEY SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AT NO CHARGE TO US. ALSO AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I AM FINDING THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH A LOT OF 2002 FORD EXPLORERS
Power train, Aug 29, 2007
MY TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPLACED WHICH WILL COST $3800. PLUS $500.FOR THE COST OF A RENTAL CAR. 2ND TIME TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE WORKED ON. THE FIRST TIME THE CAR JUST STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF RUSH HOUR. CAR IS MAINTAINED EVERY 3000 MILES@A FORD DEALERSHIP. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WITH OVERDRIVE LIGHT BLINKING. *TR
Power train, Aug 25, 2007
COMPLETE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE, COMPLETE LOCKUP OF WHEELS, STARTED WITH WHINING FROM REAR END ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4WD WITH ONLY 84,000 MILES. *TR
Power train, Equipment, Aug 24, 2007
PURCHASED NEW 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I HAD THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT 63,658 MILES DUE TO ITS FAILURE. THE REBUILT ONE THAT COST $2,974 IS NOW SLIPPING @77,853 MILES. IT WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED SOON AND THE COMPANY THAT DID THE WORK IS NOW OUT OF BUSINESS, THUS THE WARRANTY IS WORTHLESS AND I AM PROBABLY GOING TO HAVE TO JUNK THE VEHICLE AND BUY A FOREIGN VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Aug 19, 2007
THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER IS BLINKING. THIS WAS AFTER THE 100K MILES CHECKUP. I AM NOW BEING TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS POSSIBLY DAMAGED DUE TO A FAULTY PART THAT IS A KNOW ISSUE WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *JB
Power train, Aug 19, 2007
WINDING AND ROARING NOISE FROM REAR END. *JB
Power train, Aug 15, 2007
AT 80,000 MILES THE VEHICLE HAD 'WHINE' OR 'ROAR' FROM REAR END. I DECIDED IT WAS NOT WORTH FIXING AND 'LIVED WITH IT'. THE VEHICLE NOW HAS 136,000 MILES, STILL 'ROARS', AND HAS TWO SEALS (THAT RESIDE IN DIFFERENTIAL CASE) THAT ARE NOW LEAKING. I WILL NOW HAVE TO SPEND AT LEAST $1200 TO FIX AND HAVE ALREADY SPEND $200 TO DIAGNOSE. *JB
Power train, Aug 10, 2007
TRANSMISSION FAILED OUT OF THE BLUE IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, HAD THIS BEEN A HIGHWAY, CONSEQUENCES COULD HAVE BEEN DIRE. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED AND NEW TRANSMISSION INSTALLED. ACCORDING TO RESEARCH I HAVE DONE, THIS HAS HAPPENED TO A LARGE NUMBER OF THESE VEHICLES. *JB
Power train, Aug 9, 2007
PURCHASED USED 2002 FORD EXPLORER FROM ORIGINAL OWNER. AFTER INSPECTING VEHICLE GOOD, I FOUND THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS LEAKING AND FLUID VERY DIRTY; APPEARS TO HAVE METAL FILINGS. CAN HEAR LOUD RUMBLE AND WHINE WHILE DRIVING. I UNERSTAND THAT COST IS ABOUT $1,600 TO REPAIR. I ALSO UNDERSTAND NOW THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH 2002 AND 2003 FORD EXPLORERS, AND THAT FORD IS WELL AWARE OF THIS. I AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY WITH THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. *TR
Power train, Aug 8, 2007
HUMMING, WHINING NOISE COMING FROM REAR AT INTERSTATE DRIVING SPEEDS, ESPECIALLY WHEN ACCELERATING. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Aug 5, 2007
HAD TO REPLACE THREE WHEEL BEARINGS AT THE SAME TIME. ONE WENT BAD WHILE ON VACATION. LUCKILY WE PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY FOR A BREAK AND HEARD A LOT OF GRINDING. TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY WIGGLED THE TIRE LIKE A LOOSE TOOTH. TECHNICIAN SAID THE WHEEL WAS ABOUT TO COME OFF AND COULD HAVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. WITH ONLY 67,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE THIS MUST BE A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT THAT COULD HAVE COST ME AND MY FAMILY OUR LIVES! NOW I AM TOLD THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILING. FORD NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. *TR
Power train, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Aug 2, 2007
REPEAT FAILURE OF BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, CRUISE CONTROL WON'T DISENGAGE WHEN BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED ,AN UNSAFE SITUATION. ALSO INTERMITTENT INABILITY TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK AND BRAKE LIGHTS NOT OPERATING. *TR