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, Apr 8, 2007
I PURCHASED AN 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT V6 WITH PUSH-BUTTON 4X4. FIRST THE REAR PASSENGER-SIDE AXLE AND HUB BROKE. THIS OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE GOING DOWN A HIGHWAY. I WAS SLUNG INTO ONCOMMING TRAFFIC, BUT LUCKILY AN ACCIDENT WAS AVOIDED. I REPLACED THE AXLE AND HUB ASSEMBLY.*AK ABOUT ONE MONTH LATER THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR AXLE BEGAN MAKING A HUMMING NOISE. ONE DAY LATER IT MADE A LOUD BANG AND BROKE. I REPLACED THE AXLE AND HUB ASSEMBLY. WITHIN THREE WEEKS IT BROKE AGAIN. I REPLACED IT AGAIN. IT LASTED ONE MONTH. REPLACED AGAIN. LASTED TWO DAYS. REPLACED THE AXLE/HUB ASSEMBLY FOR THE 4TH TIME. A LITTLE OVER 1 MONTH LATER IT IS NOW MAKING THE LOUD NOISES. I PUT THE VEHICLE UP ON A RACK. I WAS ABLE TO SLIDE THE WHEEL IN AND OUT AND LEFT TO RIGHT WITH THE SLIGHT PUSH OF A FINGER. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL MECHANICS LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. THEY HAVE TOLD ME THE REAR END IS NOT MESSED UP. ONE MECHANIC SAID THEIR MAY BE AN ISSUE WITH THE HOUSING BUT HE CANNOT 'SEE' ANYTHING WRONG. I WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE THE REAR END. WHICH IS ESTIMATED AT AROUND $1500-$2000. I HAVE ALREADY SPENT UPWARDS OF $4000 ON AXLES/HUBS/AND EARLIER BRAKE PROBLEMS.
Power train, Mar 29, 2007
NOISE IN DIFFERENTIAL. *JB
Power train, Mar 28, 2007
I HAVE A 2022 FORD EXPLORER WITH 82000 MILES, AND TRANSMISSION FLUID REPLACED AT LEAST TWICE SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. AT 74,000 WAS MILES FLUID AND FILTER REPLACED AT DEALER. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS WARM THE VEHICLE WILL ONLY TRAVEL 2-3 YARDS IN REVERSE, AND THEN LOCK. DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS TRANSMISSION. DEALER WANTED TO TEAR THE TRANSMISSION DOWN AND DETERMINE THE CAUSE. IT COULD REQUIRE A COMPLETE REBUILD AT $3,500. THIS WAS A 5 SPEED AUTOMATIC WITH OD. NO TOWING AND NO PLOWING. NORMAL TO/FROM WORK WITH VEHICLE. I NOTICED HUNDREDS OF TRANSMISSION ALERTS VIA A GOOGLE SEARCH, SOME SPECIFIC TO THIS VEHICLE AND PROBLEM. ALSO, HAD PROBLEMS WITH UPSHIFTING /DOWNSHIFTING ON HILLS. PREVIOUSLY REPORTED THIS TO DEALER.*AK
Power train, Mar 19, 2007
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AT 51,000. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR SEALS AXLE SEALS ON BOTH SIDES AND THEY BOTH NEED IT AGAIN.
Power train, Mar 19, 2007
I PURCHASED A NEW 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN OCTOBER 2002. IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, I HAVE REPLACED ALL OF THE FOUR BALL BEARING JOINTS, AND ALTERNATOR AND NOW A TRANSMISSION WITH TOTAL COSTS TO EXCEED $7000. I AM WRITING NOW BECAUSE I FELT THAT THE OTHER EXPENSES WERE WEAR AND TEAR, AS I HAVE HAVE 98,000 MILES. BUT NOW IT IS GOING TO COST $3600 TO REPLACE MY TRANSMSSION. LAST THURSDAY 3/15 MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR, AS MY RPM REACHED 3000. THEN IT WOULD SHIFT INTO GEAR AS I MADE MY WAY HOME FROM MY JOB 100 MILES AWAY. MY O/D LIGHT FLASHED AND THEN MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON.
Power train, Mar 18, 2007
AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO DIAGNOSE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WHILE UNDER WARRANTY, FORD FINALLY FOUND A PROBLEM AT 46,XXX MILES (NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT FORD OFFERED A $1000 DEDUCTIBLE). BURT FORD OF ARAPAHOE FORD INC. CENTENNIAL, COLORADO REPLACED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITH A REMANUFACTURED SERIAL# 0302462W AND REPLACED THE REAR AXLE RING AND PINION GEAR SET, BEARINGS, AND SEALS (SEPT. '06). WE RECEIVED A FORD POWERTRAIN SERVICE PART WARRANTY UNTIL 06/17/2008 (7YRS FROM ORIGINAL OWNERS DATE OF PURCHASE). WE ARE TAKING THE VEHICLE BACK TO SERVICE NOW (MAR. '07) FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS TO CHAMPION FORD OF SANDY, UTAH AFTER 6,000 MILES OF USE.
Power train, Mar 17, 2007
2002 EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER AWD, VEHICLE MILEAGE JUST UNER 100K. VEHICLE (W.O WARNING) WOULD NOT SHIFT THRU 3RD GEAR. SYMPTONS ARE WHEN VEHICLE GETS TO 3RD, ENGINE REVS AS IF IN NEUTRAL, CHECK TRANS LIGHT COMES ON, OD INDICATER FLASHES. BACKING OFF ON THROTTLE ALLOWS HARD SHIFT INTO 4TH AND VEHICLE PROCEEDS OK. FORD DEALER SAYS 3RD GEAR BAND IS GONE. WHEN I ASKED THE DEALERSHIP IF THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM THEY CLAIM NO. AFTER RESEARCH ONLINE I FOUND MANY OTHER OWNERS WITH THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM. ALSO FOUND OLD FORD TSB OUTLINING THE IDENTICAL SYMPTONS. IS THERE ANY RECALL ON THIS ISSUE, DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE WITH FORD SINCE IT SEEMS TO BE A FAIRLY COMMON EXPLORER PROBLEM
Power train, Mar 14, 2007
EXPLORER XL, V6, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, WITH 88,000 MILES. DIFFERENTIAL PROBLEM. OUR MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE BOLT BROKE ON A PIECE OF METAL HOLDING THE PINION IN PLACE. WE WERE GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE, 70 MPH, THE SPEED LIMIT. ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HEARD A NOISE. THE SOUND RESEMBLED A FLAT TIRE. WE PULLED OFF ON THE SHOULDER AND LOOKED AT ALL 4 TIRES. NO FLAT. WE THEN CALLED AAA TO TOW TO OUR FIRST MECHANIC. HE LOOKED AND DISCOVERED OUR PARKING BRAKE SHOE, YES, PARKING BRAKE SHOE, HAD FALLEN OFF. HE REPLACED IT, $130. HE DROVE IT OUT, AND STILL HEARD THE NOISE. HE SUSPECTED THE REAR END. HE COULDN'T FIX THAT TYPE OF PROBLEM. WE TOOK IT TO OUR SECOND MECHANIC. IT TOOK A WEEK TO GET THE LENGTHY REPAIR DONE, TO GET IT TO FIT INTO HIS SCHEDULE. AFTER THE REPAIR WAS DONE, ($885) THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM KICKED IN WHENEVER WE STOPPED. THE PEDAL THUMPED!SO WE TOOK IT BACK AND HE SAID WHEN THE PINION WAS DAMAGED, THAT ALSO RUINED THE SPEED SENSOR IN THE REAR END. HE FIXED IT FOR FREE, FEELING SORRY FOR US THAT WE HAD TWO EXPENSIVE CAR REPAIRS ON OUR FORD WITHIN 2 DAYS. THE MECHANIC SAID IF WE HAD DRIVEN MUCH LONGER WITH THAT PROBLEM, THE CAR COULD HAVE SEIZED (MY WORDS), AND "THROWN US THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD." (YES, WE WEAR SEAT BELTS.) *JB
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Mar 11, 2007
CAR STARTED MAKING HUMMING NOISE WHEN GOING 30-45 MPH, TOOK TO A MECHANIC WHO REF ME TO THE DEALERSHIP TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION AND THEN FOR TRANSMISSION FLUSH, STILL THE SAME ISSUE, I WAS ADVISED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, I HAVE 4X4 WHICH REQUIRES THE SAME 4 TIRES OR THE CAR WILL JERK. THE BRAKE PEDAL VIBRATES, AND THE 4X4 GAUGE DOESN'T WORK, REPLACED THE COMPONENT AND STILL THE SAME ISSUE. ANY WHO TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, NOW I AM HEARING A CLINKING AND RUBBERY SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I AM NOW FORCED TO TAKE THE CAR IN... AND OF COURSE BE CHARGED A RIDICULOUS FEE, FOR THEM TO RUN DIAGNOSTICS ON THE TRUCK TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE, AND THEN OF COURSE PAY FOR PARTS AND LABOR.... MY NEXT CAR WILL BE A FOREIGN CAR.. THEY BREAK DOWN LESS, AND THE COST OF MAINTENANCE AND EQUIVALENT OR LESS THEN THE COST OF MAINTAINING A GOOD OLE' AMERICAN MADE FORD VEHICLE. (LEXUS, KIA, AND I BELIEVE EITHER MAZDA OR TOYOTA ARE OWNED BY FORD.. SO STEER CLEAR OF THOSE BRANDS). TIMELINE REFLECTS THE LATEST ISSUE, AND THE AMOUNT OF PREVIOUS PROBLEMS.. AMOUNT TO MANY. *JB
Power train, Mar 10, 2007
I JUST HAD TO REPLACE THE GEAR AND PINION ASSEMBLY, AXLE DIFFERENTIAL GEAR ON MY 02 EXPLORER, A VERY COSTLY REPAIR ON A 02, 47K MILES VEHICLE. BUT THE REASON WHY I'M MAKING A COMPLAINT IS BECAUSE I FOUND OVER 100 COMPLAINTS OVER THE INTERNET FOR THE SAME YEAR/MAKE VEHICLE. I TALKED TO A COUPLE OF DIFFERENT MECHANICS THAT TOLD ME THAT IF I DIDN'T NOTICE THE NOISE AND REPLACED THE PARTS, MY REAR WHEELS COULD LOCK WHILE DRIVING AND I COULD HAVE FOUND MYSELF IN A VERY DANGEROUS ACCIDENT. SO I CONTACTED FORD ABOUT IT, THEY RESPONDED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT SINCE THE NHTSA DIDN'T FIND THIS TO BE A LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM FORD DECIDED NOT TO ISSUE A RECALL. POSSIBLY LOCKING THE REAR WHEELS ON A 4X4 VEHICLE IS NOT LIFE THREATENING???? HUNDREDS OF CONSUMERS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE? IF THERE ARE NO FATAL ACCIDENTS FROM THIS PROBLEM YET IS BECAUSE PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF WILL SPEND THE $1100 TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM BEFORE THEY RISK THEIR FAMILIES...IS IT WORTH RISKING SOMEONE DYING SO FORD CAN SAVE SOME MONEY? I'M OUTRAGED!. *JB
Suspension, Power train, Mar 8, 2007
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS BEEN REPAIRED FOR MAJOR TRANSMISSION AND REAR END PROBLEMS APPROX. 15 TIMES IN THE PAST 3 YEARS. THE TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO SLIP BETWEEN 2ND-3RD AND 3RD-4TH GEAR. IN REVERSE THE CLUTCH BINDS UP. THE REAR END ROARS AND WAS REPLACED AT 35,000 MILES (AFTER NUMEROUS FIX ATTEMPTS) AND AT 66,000 MILES REAR WHEEL BEARINGS, RING GEAR & PINION WERE REPLACED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS ALMOST OVERHAULED AT 35,000, RE-PROGRAMMED APPROX 3 TIMES AND NEEDS TO BE DONE AGAIN NOW. THE COMPASS HAS FAILED TWICE. *JB
Power train, Mar 8, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE GOING UP AN INCLINE AT 20 MPH IN THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER SHE STARTED FEELING A SURGE IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, AS WELL AS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WILL NEED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID PACK. SHE HAS DONE SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND SAW SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE BOTH 105031 MILES.*AK
Power train, Mar 6, 2007
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CONTACT WAS ACCELERATING AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO IDLE. THE CONTACT WAS THROWN FORWARD INTO THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING THE DRIVER TO STEER TO THE RIGHT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,350. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE THIRD GEAR BANG OR THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,350.
Power train, Mar 1, 2007
TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING WHILE SHIFT GEARS AROUND 35-40 MPH. ENGINE WOULD REV HIGH. DEALER SAID I LOST 3RD SPEED. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION AT COST OF $2565.77 PLUS $1020 IN LABOR. DEALER ALSO REPLACED REAR AXLE SEALS ($265.48). EXPLORER HAD 89,449 MILES ON IT. FRIENDS AND WEB SAY REAR DIFF AND TRANSMISSIONS ARE NOTORIOUSLY BAD. WHEN WILL FORD RECALL THESE VEHICLES? WILL THE CONSUMER EVER GET THEIR MONEY BACK? *NM
Power train, Feb 27, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE DEALER TOLD HIM THAT HE HAD LOST THE THIRD GEAR. THE GEAR WOULD SLIP INSTEAD OF ENGAGING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE THE STEERING WHEEL REALLY BADLY, AND FEEL AS IF IT WAS PULLING AWAY FROM HIM. THIS NORMALLY HAPPENED BETWEEN 0 -29 MPH, AND THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE REACHED 30 MPH IT WOULD LEVEL OUT AND DRIVE NORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DOING THIS FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE MONTHS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WEATHER WAS NOT A FACTOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS HAPPENED EVERY DAY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WERE BOTH 40000.*AK
Power train, Feb 27, 2007
THE SAME THING I HAVE BEEN READING HUNDREDS UPON HUNDREDS OF TIMES ONLINE FROM OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS - O/D LIGHT FLASHING, HUMMING NOISE, RPMS REVVING UP WAY TOO HIGH WHEN ACCELERATING, SKIPPING 2ND GEAR ALTOGETHER. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO HAVE THIS FIXED, AND STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT,WITH THE THOUSANDS OF OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS THAT HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM, THIS SHOULD BE SOMETHING THAT FORD SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR. THIS IS THEFT. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 25, 2007, crash
IN JANUARY, 2006, MY CAR STOPPED DEAD ON THE HIGHWAY. AFTER IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WE WERE TOLD THAT A VALVE HAD BROKEN AND HAD BEEN SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE, CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE. OUR ONLY ALTERNATIVE WAS TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED - WHICH WE DID FOR OVER $5000.00. THE FOLLOWING JANUARY, (2007), AFTER THE FIRST MEASURABLE SNOW FALL OF THE YEAR (SINCE OUR ENGINE HAD BEEN REPLACED), THE CAR WENT INTO A HUGE FISHTAIL SKID ON A SNOWY ROAD AND AFTER THE FIRST SKID, WAS CAUGHT BY THE CABLE GUARD RAIL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD - CAUSING ANOTHER $5000.00+ REPAIR. WHEN BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER THE ACCIDENT, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE ELECTRONIC MONITOR HAD FAILED AND WE HAD NO 4 WHEEL DRIVE. MY CONCERN - BESIDES THE COST AND INCONVENIENCE AND SCARE OF THE ACCIDENT IS THAT THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS TO LET ME KNOW THAT THE CAR'S 4 WHEEL DRIVE HAD FAILED. I HAD GOTTEN INTO THE CAR ASSUMING THAT THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE WAS WORKING (AS THE CAR GOES INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE AUTOMATICALLY AND THERE ARE NO INDICATOR LIGHTS NORMALLY TO LET YOU KNOW THAT THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE IS WORKING). WITH NO INDICATOR LIGHTS THAT THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE IS WORKING AND NO INDICATOR LIGHTS THAT IT IS NOT WORKING, FORD PUT ME IN A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION. HAD THE CABLE GUARD RAIL NOT BEEN THERE TO CATCH THE CAR, WE WOULD HAVE GONE OVER THE EMBANKMENT AND BEEN MORE SERIOUSLY INJURED. *NM
Power train, Feb 25, 2007
TRANSMISSION FAILED AFTER HAVING BEEN SERVICED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS BY FORD DEALERSHIP. TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO BE DISABLED IN TRAVEL AREA OF THE ROADWAY. FORD DEALERSHIP STATED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THAT THERE WAS "NO PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION". VEHICLE NOW NEEDS NEW TRANSMISSION AFTER ONLY 60,000 MILES AT COST OF $2000 +. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH 2002 FORD EXPLORER SUV'S AND IMMEDIATE FAILURES ARE DANGEROUS TO PASSENGERS AND OTHER MOTORISTS. *NM
Power train, Feb 20, 2007
TRANSMISSION WENT AT 66K AND CAUSED ME SAFETY CONCERNS WHEN DRIVING BECAUSE I COULD NOT ACCELERATE. *JB
Power train, Feb 19, 2007
AT 55,350 MILES MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT'S TRANSMISSION WOULD FLARE WHEN SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD THAT I HAD A SOLENOID MALFUNCTION IN MY TRANSMISSION; THEREFORE, AFFECTING OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE TRANSMISSION. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT MY TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REBUILT. MILES WISE, I STILL HAD A LITTLE UNDER 5,000 MILES UNTIL THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, YEARS WISE, I WAS AT 5 YEARS 74 DAYS. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THIS PROBLEM COST ME $2168.38. I DON'T THINK VEHICLE AT 55K MILES SHOULD NEED A REBUILDING OF A TRANSMISSION. I THINK I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED IN SOME WAY FOR THE COST.....EVEN THOUGH I WENT OVER THE WARRANTY BY 74 DAYS. *NM
Power train, Feb 17, 2007
NOISE COMING FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER. *JB
Power train, Feb 8, 2007
I BEGAN HEARING AN ODD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO OUR MECHANIC AND REQUESTED THAT HE CHECK THE BRAKES. HE SAID OUR BRAKES WERE OK, HOWEVER WE HAD A REAL PROBLEM WITH THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. WE WERE ON THE VERGE OF LOSING OUR WHEELS. BECAUSE OF THE SEVERITY OF THIS ISSUE AND THE POSSIBILITY OF INJURY HAD WE NOT DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM, WE REQUESTED THAT OUR MECHANIC KEEP THE OLD PARTS. *JB
Power train, Feb 8, 2007
GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF COLUMN, WHERE IT ATTACHES TO TOP OF SHIFT CABLE. WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT VEHICLE INTO OR OUT OF ANY GEAR. HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR WHICH IS COSTING $1300.00, SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED THEY COULD NOT REPLACE PART THAT BROKE, BUT HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE COLUMN. *NM
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Feb 7, 2007
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN IT STARTED TO GET VERY COLD, MY EXPLORER, THAT I JUST BOUGHT, STARTED TO NOT WANT TO GO INTO GEAR. IT WOULD GRIND AND SLIP. THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE DASH. IT WAS FROM THE COMPUTER THAT RUNS THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE. THE 4 LOW BUTTON WOULD JUST KICK IN BY ITS SELF. THEN IT WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. AFTER A WHILE OF TRYING TO GET IT INTO GEAR IT WOULD GO. IT WOULD ONLY ACT UP WHEN IT WAS VERY COLD OUT (10 TO -5 DEGREES) IT DID THIS TO ME FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND THEN IT JUST STUCK INTO 4 LOW AND NOW WON'T COME OUT. THERE WAS A SMELL THIS LAST TIME OF BURNING ELECTRICAL WIRE AND SMOKE. NOW MY EXPLORER WON'T DRIVE AND HAS A ELECTRICAL SMOKE SMELL STUCK IN IT. I NOW HAVE TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A FORD DEALER TO GET IT FIXED. IT ALSO MAKES A REALLY LOUD POPPING SOUND WHEN I GO TO TURN OR HIT A BUMP. SOUND COMES FROM THE FRONT OF THE EXPLORER DRIVERS SIDE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 5, 2007
I HAVE TWO OR THREE ISSUES; THE FIRST ONE IS MY TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER BROKE AND CAME UP THROUGH THE HEAD GASKET COVER. IT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT FORD HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH MANY OF IT'S 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. I AM JUST RETURNING FROM IRAQ (AIR FORCE) I HAVE JUST HAD IT TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP IT HAS NOT BE FIXED. I HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS WERE IT JUMPS INTO GEAR AND I HAVE A WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END. I SPOKE WITH GANLEY FORD IN BARBETON AND THEY TELL ME THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS HOWEVER, A LOT OF CUSTOMERS COMPLAIN. *JB