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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 3,613

Of the 2002 reports, 163 involved a crash and 71 involved a fire. 213 people were injured and 6 people died.

Primary concernPower train1,575 reports · 44% of complaints
Owner complaints3,613Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship10 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train1,575
  2. Structure532
  3. Suspension445
  4. Engine and engine cooling194
  5. Vehicle speed control181
  6. Electrical system179
  7. Air bags171
  8. Steering162

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  1. Power train, May 19, 2007

    FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION RATTLED AND DEALER INVESTIGATED AND INDICATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CLUTCHES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WHICH WAS COMMON ON THE EXPLORER ACCORDING TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER. I HAD TWO SALES REPRESENTATIVES, WHOSE FLEET EXPLORED, AND THEY BOTH HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS. I BELIEVED THAT IF THE NHTSA WOULD INVESTIGATE FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION REPAIRS WITH FLEET COMPANIES YOU WILL DISCOVER THAT THERE WAS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH FORD EXPLORES XLT FROM 2002 TO 2005. MOST FLEET CAR DRIVER'S DIDN'T COMPLAIN BECAUSE THE REPAIRS DID NOT COME OUT OF THEIR PERSONAL FUNDS. *AK

  2. Power train, May 16, 2007

    2002 FORD EXPLORER 75000 MILES ,HAS REAR END NOISE WHEN BETWEEN 55-70 MPH. *AK

  3. Suspension, Power train, May 13, 2007

    MY PROBLEM IS WITH THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AS WELL AS THE HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY IN THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER, 60,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. TERRIBLE GRINDING SOUND IN REAR WHEELS, BOTH REAR BEARINGS IN WHEELS WERE BAD, AS WELL AS DIFFERENTIAL NOISE AND LEAKING OF FLUID, E NO RECALL ON THESE ISSUES, BUT I HAVE FOUND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS SAME ISSUE. IT WAS A SAFETY VIOLATION NOT TO RECALL THESE. IF THE REAR WHEELS LOCK IT WOULD SEND VEHICLE INTO A SPIN, OR TRAVEL OFF THE ROAD, WHY HAVE YOU NOT REMEDIED THIS WITH FORD? YOU WERE TAKING A GREAT LEGAL RISK, BY NOT LOOKING OUT FOR THE SAFETY OF CONSUMERS. *AK

  4. Power train, May 11, 2007

    I BOUGHT A 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4X4 NEW. AFTER 30,000 MILES THE REAR GASKET WAS LEAKING. WAS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. 50,000 MILES LATER IT WAS LEAKING AGAIN. CAME TO FIND OUT IT WAS THE SEALS LEAKING. AFTER TEARING INTO IT NEEDED NEW GEAR SET, TRACTION CLUTCHES AND BEARING FAILED. WAS THIS THE PROBLEM TO BEGIN WITH? WHY WITH SUCH A COMMON FAILURE WERE WE, THE OWNERS, NOT NOTIFIED? THERE WAS ALSO SLIPPING AND POPPING NOISE IN THE REAR. *AK

  5. Power train, May 10, 2007

    AFTER BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE, I PUT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN PARK TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, WHEN I RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE, I ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN REVERSE AND THE GEAR SHIFT BECAME COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, BUT COULD NOT REMOVE THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION. NO DAMAGE WAS DONE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. TWO WEEKS BEFORE THIS TIME I WAS ON THE PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE IN BAD WEATHER AND USED THE GEAR SHIFT TO SHIFT TO A LOWER GEAR ON THE STEEP DOWNHILL, WET AND POSSIBLY ICY ROAD SURFACE. THE CONSEQUENCES COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH DIFFERENT HAD THE GEAR SHIFT DETACHED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN UNDER THOSE CONDITIONS. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF THE GEAR SHIFT BEING LOOSE OR DIFFICULT TO MOVE PRIOR TO ITS FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SHOP AND THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED.*AK

  6. Power train, May 9, 2007

    NO NOTICED PROBLEMS UNTIL 68,000 MILES AND ODOMETER LIGHT CAME ON AND NOTICED REVVING PAST 4 TO GET OUT OF FIRST GEAR. TOOK TO SHOP AND TOLD NEEDED 'UPDATE KIT' , AND ALL ENCLOSED FORD TRANSMISSIONS NEEDED REPAIRS. *AK

  7. Power train, May 8, 2007

    CONSTANT RUBBING/GRINDING SOUND FROM REAR AXLE SOUNDING LIKE VERY LOUD ROAD NOISE. INITIALLY HAD SPRING KITS , BUT ON REAR EMERGENCY BRAKES WHICH DID NOT HELP. FINALLY, HAD TO HAVE THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY REBUILT BY A KIT THAT THE MANUFACTURER MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, SHOWING THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK

  8. Power train, May 8, 2007

    2002 FORD EXPLORER / TRASNMISSION FAILURE. *AK

  9. Power train, May 7, 2007

    2002 FORD EXPLORER, REAR END HUMMING AND MADE A GREAT DEAL OF NOISE. MECHANIC SAID REAR END NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CLAIMED THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM, WHERE WAS THE RECALL?? NOW I AM SUPPOSED TO EAT THE $3000.00 TO REPAIR, I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT THE HIGHLANDER. I TRIED TO SUPPORT USA AND GOT BURNED, NOT AGAIN!! *AK

  10. Power train, May 7, 2007

    TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, NO 3RD GEAR. *AK

  11. Power train, May 3, 2007

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS FLASHING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE REPLACED. THEY FURTHER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH OR THE SOLENOID PACK. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 88,000. *AK

  12. Power train, Apr 30, 2007

    DURING NORMAL DRIVING WITH A TOTAL OF 55,000 MILES UNTIL DELAY SHIFTING IN 2ND AND 3RD GEARS. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY THE OVERDRIVE OFF LIGHT FLASHING AND THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. TOWER FORD DEALERSHIP SAID THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE OVERHAULED FOR $3,000 ALL OUT OF MY POCKET. *AK

  13. Power train, Apr 27, 2007

    I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT BEGAN MAKING EXCESSIVE ROAD NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THE SEALS ON THE DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE BECOME AWARE THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. *JB

  14. Power train, Apr 24, 2007

    2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION BROKE THE 3RD GEAR BAND. THIS IS THE SECOND REBUILD WITH ONLY 40K MILES ON IT. I FEEL THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND THIS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE LEMON LAW. I FEEL THESE VEHICLES SHOULD LAST AT LEAST 80,000 MILES BEFORE NEEDING A REBUILD. *TR

  15. Power train, Apr 19, 2007

    YET MORE LEAKING READ DIFFERENTIAL SEALS. REAR END HOWLING ALSO, HAS BEEN FOR ABOUT 15,000 MILES NOW. 79,000 MILES CURRENTLY. I WILL HAVE TO CHANGE THE REAR SEALS AGAIN, AND WILL INSPECT FOR THE HOWLING NOISE AGAIN. MAY HAVE TO CHANGE PINION BEARINGS!? AS A MECHANIC, IT IS UNBELIEVABLE TO ME THAT WE WOULD BE HAVING SEAL AND BEARING FAILURES AT SUCH LOW MILEAGES. BAD ALUMINUM HOUSING CASTINGS MAYBE? BAD MACHINING? TOO MUCH SLOP AT THE REAR HALF SHAFT, CAUSING PREMATURE WEAR ON THE SEAL FACES? WHAT EVER THE REASON, FORD IS NOT MAKING MUCH EFFORT TO REPAIR. AND THEY SEEM SURPRISED THAT FOLKS ARE BUYING FOREIGN TRUCKS. (TOYOTA TRUCKS) *TR

  16. Power train, Apr 18, 2007

    REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE. *AK

  17. Suspension, Power train, Apr 18, 2007

    REAR AXLE SEALS AND WHEEL BEARINGS. WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR AXLE SEALS ON JUNE 4, 2004 WITH 4, 000 MILES, AND ON JUN 16, 2006 WITH 69.600 MILES. ALSO HAD TO REPLACE REAR HUB BEARINGS AND ASSEMBLY ON APRIL 17, 2007 WITH 74,000 MILES. *AK THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A RECURRING ISSUE, AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD THIS IS A COMMON EXPLORER PROBLEM. ALL WORK ON THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN PERFORMED BY REPUTABLE FORD AUTHORIZED DEALERS/SERVICE, AND WOULD EXPECT WORK TO LAST LONGER THAN 1-2 YEARS.

  18. Power train, Apr 18, 2007

    I PURCHASED USED 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT ON FEBRUARY 28, 2007 FROM CLASSIC NISSAN IN MOUNT. HOLLY, NEW JERSEY. THE WEEK OF APRIL 9, 2007 MY DAUGHTER AND I TOOK A TRIP TO FLORIDA. ON APRIL 11,2007 I NOTICED THAT WHEN I WOULD HIT 55 MPH THE ODOMETER OFF LIGHT WOULD START BLINKING. I NOTIFIED CLASSIC NISSAN OF THE SITUATION. THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT WHEN I RETURNED FROM MY VACATION. ON MY WAY HOME ON APRIL 13,2007 I BROKE DOWN IN FAYETTEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA. THE TRUCK WOULD NOT DRIVE AT ALL. I WOULD PUSH ON THE GAS PEDAL AND IT WAS ACTING AS IF I WERE IN NEUTRAL POSITION. I WAS TOWED TO A SERVICE STATION THE NEXT MORNING AND THEY DIAGNOSED IT AS NEEDING A NEW TRANSMISSION. THEY STATED TO ME THAT THE PUMP FAILED IN THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH LED TO NO FLUID FLOW AND THE CLUTCHES ULTIMATELY MALFUNCTIONED. I REALIZE THAT I AM OUT OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD FOR CLASSIC NISSAN TO BE AT ANY LIABILITY AS WELL AS FORD MOTOR CORPORATION TO BE AT ANY LIABILITY, BUT I DO NOT FEEL AS IF TRANSMISSIONS SHOULD FAIL AT 36,000 MILES. I ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR A MONTH AND A HALF AND NOW HAVE TO SPEND $3,500.00 TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. IF THIS IS THE QUALITY WORK THAT FORD GIVES, THEN I WILL NOT BE PURCHASING ANY MORE FORD VEHICLES IN THE FUTURE. THANK YOU. AK

  19. Power train, Apr 17, 2007

    1. WAS JUST DRIVING, NOTHING SEEMED OUT OF THE ORDINARY, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN... 2. THE "O/D OFF" LIGHT ON THE DASH STARTED BLINKING RAPIDLY, AND THE MESSAGE PANEL IN THE DASH SAID "CHECK TRANSMISSION". BROUGHT IT INTO FORD DEALERSHIP, WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $3400. 3. NOTHING YET, BUT I'M TOLD IF I WANT TO DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN, IT WILL REQUIRE A BRAND NEW $3400 TRANSMISSION. DID A QUICK SEARCH ONLINE FOR "2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION", AND AM SEEING A LOT OF TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS... PROBABLY SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO. *JB

  20. Power train, Apr 15, 2007

    ALMOST HIT SOMEONE DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION NOT DOWN SHIFT COMING TO A STOP AND THEN SHIFTING BACK INTO DRIVE AFTER BEING STOPPED FOR A GOOD 10 15 SECONDS THEN WHEN IT DOES, IT LURCHES . *AK

  21. Power train, Apr 13, 2007

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT ENGAGE IN THE REVERSE POSITION AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE VEHICLE TURNED, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE PRODUCED A LOUD THUMPING SOUND AND ALMOST STALLED. THE CONTACT BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO FIX THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 123,196.*AK

  22. Power train, Apr 11, 2007

    VEHICLE MADE A WHINNING NOISE WHEN IDLING. THERE WAS A PAUSE WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE, FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE, AND FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE. THE PAUSE CAUSED VEHICLE TO NOT MOVE FORWARD OR REVERSE UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGED.*AK

  23. Power train, Apr 10, 2007

    ONLY 58,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING WHEN GOING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. I BABIED THIS CAR SO IT HAS TO BE A DEFECT.*AK

  24. Power train, Apr 10, 2007

    DRIVE TRAIN PROBLEMS, HOLING NOISE FROM UNDER VEHICLE, REAR DIFFERENTIAL PROBLEMS AND TRANSFER CASE NOISES, ROUGH SHIFTING FROM 2WD TO 4WD. HAVE CHECKED ON LINE FOR A LONG TIME AND HEARD NOTHING BUT THE SAME PROBLEMS, WHY WASN'T ANYTHING DONE TO FORD TO GET THESE THINGS PUT ON A RECALL. WE BUY THEIR PRODUCT AND NOW THEY DIDN'T CARE ABOUT ANY OF OUR PROBLEMS. SOMETHING HAS GOT TO BE DONE.*AK

  25. Power train, Apr 9, 2007

    I WAS TOLD THAT THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS REAR SEALS LEAKING. I NEED TO GET THESE REPLACED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE DRIVE TRAIN IF IT FAILS. I HAVE 119,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, BUT I ALWAYS HAD IT SERVICED WITH FORD. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND APPARENTLY THE SEALS HAVE BEEN FAILING AT LOW MILES. I FELT THE SEALS WERE DEFECTIVE BECAUSE THERE WERE SOME WITH THIS PROBLEM WITH LOW MILES. APPARENTLY THE DEALERS WAITED UNTIL THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. I FELT IF THE VEHICLE FAILSED THIS WOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. FORD HAS PRODUCED MORE DEFECTIVE EXPLORERS. I AM NOW FACED WITH A LARGE REPAIR BILL.*AK