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 30, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SINCE SHE PURCHASED IT IN FEBRUARY 2002. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS AT A FORD DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE MAY NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REPAIR SHOP TOLD HER THE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE WAS INTERNAL. *AK
Power train, Jan 26, 2007
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED EDITION. WHILE UNDER WARRANTY, @ 52,000, I HAD MAJOR ISSUES W/ THE TRANSMISSION, AN OVERHAUL WAS COMPLETED, AND MY TRANSMISSION WAS "REBUILT". LESS THAN 2 YEARS LATER AND A LITTLE UNDER 40,000 MILES LATER, MY O/D LIGHT GOES OFF, GEARS SLIPPING AND I AM TOLD I NOW HAVE METAL IN THE PAN AND I DO NOT HAVE 2 GEARS, HENCE, I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. NOW THAT I AM NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, I AM TOLD THIS WILL NOW COST ME $3,000 TO REPLACE. AFTER LOOKING ON-LINE FOR ONLY 10-15 MINUTES, I FIND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING 2002 EXPLORER TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. I SPOKE TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT MANAGER, AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO SINCE THE "REBUILT" TRANSMISSION ONLY HAS A 1-YEAR WARRANTY ON IT. I CALLED FORD MOTORS, AND AGAIN, WAS TOLD THAT MY WARRANTY IS UP, AND THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PAYMENT. SINCE THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED PROBLEM, I FEEL THAT SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE! FORD NEEDS TO BACK THEIR PROBLEMS AND EITHER ISSUE A RECALL, OR FOOT THE BILL FOR THE THOUSANDS OF TRANSMISSIONS THAT ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND NEED TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT I WILL NEVER AGAIN BUY A FORD, AND I WILL MAKE SURE I TELL ALL MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY THE LACK OF SUPPORT THAT THIS COMPANY GIVES TO THEIR CUSTOMERS. NO WONDER THEY ARE HAVING FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES!!*JB
Power train, Jan 25, 2007
I BOUGHT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS IN NOV 05 WITH 37000 MILES, IN JUNE 06 WITH 43000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED. NOW, HERE IN JAN 07, WITH 52000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. IN MY RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 02 EXPLORERS. *JB
Power train, Jan 24, 2007
I BOUGHT A USED (FLAWLESS) 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 32,000 MILES. I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP WITH WHAT I THOUGHT WAS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AT WHICH TIME THEY REPLACED THE CILANOILD BODY. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION FLUSHED. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED, AND AT 44,000 MILES THE TRANSMISION IS BEING REPLACED. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2002 EXPLORER'S TRANSMISSION. OBVIOUSLY THERE IS A PROBLEM BUT FORD WON'T HAS NO RECALL! $3,500 LATER AND A NEW TRANSMISSION THE PROBLEM IS SOLVED. FORD BLEW ME OFF AND I BELIEVE THEY KNEW OF THE PROBLEM!. *NM
Power train, Jan 24, 2007
OVERDRIVE LIGHT ON DASH OF 2002 FORD EXPLORER FLASHING ROUGH SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AND FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND 2ND TO 3RD. *JB
Power train, Jan 23, 2007
TSB 05-12-6 REAR-END NOISE IN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE FOUND THAT THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS WITH THE SAME SITUATION. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT AND OBVIOUSLY A FLAW ON FORD'S PART. THE COST OF THIS FIX SHOULD CLEARLY BE PLACED ON FORD. *JB
Power train, Jan 23, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH SHE NOTICED THAT THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS FLASHING ON AND OFF. AS SHE APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND AND THE ENGINE IDLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND DIAGNOSED. THE TRANSMISSION BAND FOR THIRD GEAR HAD FAILED. *AK
Power train, Jan 23, 2007
REAR END ROAR AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND REDUCED GAS MILEAGE. *JB
Power train, Jan 21, 2007
I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH MY TRANSMISSION. IT HAS A HARD TIME GOING INTO GEAR, HAS NO PICKUP WHATSOEVER AND I AM AFRAID TO TAKE IT LONG DISTANCES. I HAVE READ THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM WITH THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. *JB
Power train, Jan 20, 2007
WE HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WE BOUGHT IT NEW. OUR TRANSMISSION IS CURRENTLY GOING OUT ON THE VEHICLE. IT IS AT 110,000 MILES. HAD IT TO DEALERSHIP AFTER FIRST BOUGHT IT AND DEALERSHIP REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER AND THEN AT ABOUT 38000 MILES IT STARTED DOING IT AGAIN. HAVE NOW BEEN TOLD IT IS THE TRANSMISSION. WE ALSO HAVE A HUMMING COMING FROM OUR RIGHT REAR TIRE AND FRONT. NOW TOLD IT IS THE WHEEL BEARINGS. HAVE SEVERAL FRIENDS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS ON THEIR 2002 EXPLORERS. *NM
Power train, Jan 17, 2007
TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. IT MAKES NOISE, TAKES A LONG TIME TO GET INTO 2ND AND 3RD GEAR, ALSO REVERSE. IT JUMPS WHEN IT FINALLY ENGAGES. I HAVE ALMOST HAD AN CAR ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF IT. I HAVE TO TAKE IN TO BE REPAIRED. *JB
Power train, Jan 17, 2007
VEHICLE ALWAYS SHIFTED HARD. SUDDENLY BEGAN SLIPPING BETWEEN GEARS. IMMEDIATELY TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REFERRED IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP. THE SOLUTION WAS A TOTAL REBUILD AT 66,700 MILES. PARTIALLY COVERED BY AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, BUT STILL COST $1300 OUT-OF-POCKET. LOVE THE TRUCK. DISLIKE THE MANUFACTURER FOR NOT STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE. THE TRANSMISSION ON A TRUCK/SUV SHOULD BE ONE OF THE MORE DURABLE COMPONENTS NOT ONE OF THE WEAKEST (OPINION). *NM
Power train, Jan 17, 2007
TL* - THE TRANSMISSION ON A 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4.0 LITER SLIPS GEARS OCCASIONALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER ENGAGING THE ACCELERATOR WHEN AT A FULL STOP THE TRANSMISSION WILL SLIP INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN SEVERAL SECONDS LATER THE TRANSMISSION WILL JERK INTO GEAR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107000. *JB
Power train, Jan 15, 2007
ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. WHEN TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST THREW A CODE OF P0733 AND P0745. WE WERE TOLD THAT A BAND BROKE IN THE TRANSMISSION AND 3RD GEAR WENT OUT. THE FIX WAS TO OVERHAUL THE TRANSMISSION FOR $2700. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH, IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2002 FORD EXPLORERS AND FORD SHOULD DO A RECALL. *NM
Suspension, Power train, Jan 14, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER TWO ISSUES 1/1/07 - GRINDING OF REAR WHEEL. 1/2/07 - O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, WITHIN 7 MILES SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE UNTIL LETTING OFF THE GAS. 1/2/07 - CALL AAA TO HAVE CAR TOWED TO LOCAL FORD DEALER. FORD QUOTED $5,100 FOR REPAIRS. WE DENIED REPAIR AT FORD. DUE TO OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES WE HAD A LOCAL TRANSMISSION SHOP DO THE REPAIRS. WE DID NOT WANT TO GIVE FORD ANY MORE MONEY SINCE WE WERE TOLD BY SEVERAL REPAIR SHOPS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD EXPLORERS. THE LOCAL SHOP INDICATED THERE WERE TSBS PUBLISHED AND THEY HAD TO BUY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT FROM FORD TO FIX THE PROBLEMS. IF COMPANIES ARE BUYING SPECIAL TOOLS BECAUSE THE PROBLEM IS SO COMMON, ISN'T THERE A PROBLEM? WE ALSO INVESTIGATED MANY NUMEROUS WEBSITES TO READ ABOUT MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. TO REPAIR THE CAR WE PURCHASED REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AND THE TRANSMISSION SHOP PURCHASED AN OVERHAUL TRANSMISSION KIT. THEY REPAIRED BOTH PROBLEMS FOR LESS THAN $5,100. UNFORTUNATELY, A CO-WORKER HAD THE EXACT PROBLEM WITH HER CAR JUST LAST WEEK. SHE CAME TO WARN ME OF THE PROBLEM WITH HER CAR ONLY TO FIND OUT I PICKED MINE UP FROM THE SHOP THE SAME DAY! *NM
Power train, Jan 12, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE, AND OVERDRIVE LIGHTS WILL TURN ON INTERMITTENTLY. THIS FAILURE DOES NOT HAPPEN AT ANY PARTICULAR SPEED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT ABOUT 67,000 MILES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD HE WOULD NEED A NEW OR REBUILT TRANSMISSION. *NM UPDATED 03/07/07*JB
Power train, Jan 12, 2007
I BOUGHT A 2002 FORD EXPLORER NEW IN 2002 AND NOTICED SIX MONTHS LATER THAT THERE WAS OCCASIONAL SLIPPING BETWEEN 3RD AND 4TH GEAR AND THE OVERDRIVE IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. I HAD MENTIONED IT TO THE FORD SERVICE GUYS BUT THEY SAID IT WAS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. NOW WITH THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND 43,000 MILES ON THE CAR THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE FORD DEALER PULLS THE TRANSMISSION AND FINDS A SENSOR PLUG (PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID) HAD CRACKED THEN BROKEN, BANDS NEED TO BE REPLACED, AND SOME OTHER DAMAGE RECOMMENDED FOR REPAIR. CHOICES WERE $2800 FOR REBUILDING (CHANGING BAD PARTS) OR $3800 FOR REFURBISHING WITH 75K 3 YEAR WARRANTY. A TRANSMISSION THIS YOUNG SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE REPLACED AND FROM RESEARCHING THE WEB (JUST TYPE IN FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION) LOTS OF FOLKS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH LOW MILES. FORD SEEMS TO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS TRANSMISSION THAT THEY DO NOT WANT TO ADMIT. *JB
Suspension, Power train, Jan 11, 2007
THUMPING NOISE FROM DRIVERS SIDE FRONT END IN THE WHEEL AREA. THE NOISE IS MOST NOTICEABLE AT BETWEEN 40 AND 60 MPH DURING ACCELERATION. IT ALSO BECOMES A HUMMING NOISE AS THE GAS PEDAL IS RELEASED AND THE CAR IS COASTING OR DECELERATING. HAD NEW TIRES PUT ON THEN NEW BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. NOTHING FIXED THE PROBLEM. TALKED TO MY BROTHER, ANOTHER LOYAL EXPLORER OWNER, AND HE HAD SAME PROBLEM DIAGNOSED AS A BEARING NEEDING REPLACING. HE ALSO TOLD ME ABOUT A LEAK ON HIS GARAGE FLOOR IN THE REAR MIDDLE OF THE CAR WHERE THE REAR AXLE IS. I TOLD HIM I HAVE SAME EXACT SPOT OF SOMETHING LEAKING ON MY GARAGE FLOOR. WE READ ABOUT ALL THE SEAL PROBLEMS WITH THE AXLE AND NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. HE SPENT OVER $1000 ON THE FRONT BEARINGS AND NOW IN FOR ANOTHER BIG BILL FOR THE SEAL PROBLEM. I SEE WE ARE NOT ALONE IN OUR EXPLORER DISAPPOINTMENTS. ALL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. COME ON FORD, BACK UP YOUR VEHICLE AND PAY FOR THESE DEFECTS TO YOUR SUVS. *JB
Power train, Jan 11, 2007
IN MAY OF 2005 THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT AT THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAD 34,767 MILES. IN MAY OF 2006 THE REBUILT TRANS CONVERTER FAILED WITH ABOUT 47,000 MILES. THIS WAS JUST A FEW HUNDRED MILES OUT OF THE 12 MONTH, 12,000 FORD SERVICE WARRANTY. THERE WAS AN AFTERMARKET WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE THAT COVERED IT. UPON WRITTEN NOTIFICATION TO THE DEALER AND FORD WE SET AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AND TEST DRIVEN AGAIN DUE TO MORE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED THEN THE SHIFT LEVER LOCKED UP BETWEEN PARK AND REVERSE AND HAD TO BE SERVICED WITHIN HOURS OF PICKUP. THEN A COOLANT GASKET WAS DISCOVERED TO HAVE BEEN REMOVED AND A ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR DAMAGED AND GLUED TOGETHER AND TIE WRAPPED TO THE TRANS. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED IN WRITING OF THE DISCOVERIES. THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED INDEPENDENTLY. A SHOP DIAGNOSED A POOR SHIFT, SHORT SHIFT, LONG SHIFT, AND CLUNKING WITH VIBRATION CONDITION IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER WAS CALLED TWICE WITH NO RESPONSE. ON DECEMBER 20, 2006 THE TRANS FAILED FOR THE THIRD TIME AT 57,231 MILES. THE AFTER MARKET WARRANTY WAS NOTIFIED AND DIRECTED US TO THE FORD SERVICE WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP DUE TO A CERTIFIED LETTER THAT WAS RECEIVED BY THE FIRST STATING THAT OUR TRANS PROBLEMS WERE "PERCEIVED" AND THAT THEY WERE ENDING OUR "BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP." THE NEXT DEALERSHIP PERFORMED THE EEC CODE CHECK. A TSB HAD BEEN ISSUED,CODES 733 AND 745. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US THAT WE MUST GUARANTEE THEIR FEE TO TEAR DOWN THE TRANSMISSION AND THAT THE REPAIR MAY NOT BE COVERED. THEY ALSO STATED THAT WE HAD "NO WARRANTY" ON THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE MANAGER AFTER SOME DISCUSSION STATED "WE ARE NOT INVOLVED IN YOUR TRUCK REPAIR AT ALL." WE IMMEDIATELY HAD OUR VEHICLE REMOVED FROM THEIR DEALERSHIP. ANOTHER SHOP STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAS IN FACT FAILED AGAIN. WE ARE WAITING FOR A POSSIBLE COVERAGE DETERMINATION FROM THE AFTER MARKET COMPANY. FORD WAS NOTIFIED.*JB
Power train, Jan 11, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER - 58,000 ORIGINAL MILES. NO INDICATION OF PROBLEM, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR. LOCAL FORD DEALER SAYS THE 3RD GEAR IS GONE AND WILL COST $1800 TO FIX. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Structure, Jan 3, 2007
AT 74000 MILES OUR TRANSMISSION WENT OUT COMPLETELY WHILE WE WERE ON VACATION! THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, SAID THAT "WE WERE THE ONLY ONE'S WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM" (YEAH RIGHT!) IT COST US $6000 OUT OF OUR POCKET TO FIX. AT 86000 MILES THE REAR WINDOW CRACKED RIGHT BELOW THE WINDOW. FORD AND THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO FIX IT. AGAIN, STAYTON FORD TOLD US THAT,"WE WERE THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE." AT AROUND 85000, 95000 AND 105000 MILES, THE REAR SEALS LEAKED. WE WERE PROMISED EACH TIME THAT THEY WOULD LAST "FOR AT LEAST 50000 MILES." WE WERE ALWAYS A FEW MILES AWAY FROM GETTING THEM REPLACED FOR FREE SINCE THEY'RE LIMITED WARRANTY IS ONLY GOOD FOR 10000 MILES. AT 111000 MILES THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WENT "HAYWIRE." EVEN WHEN ALL OF THE DOOR AND HATCH ARE CLOSED, THE DOME LIGHT CONTINUES TO GO ON AND OFF (MAKING IT HARD TO DRIVE AT NIGHT) BECAUSE IT SENSES THAT A "DOOR IS A JAR." SOMETIMES, THE KEY PAD THAT'S LOCATED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW SETS OFF THE ALARM WHEN WE PUSH THE FIRST NUMBER ON THE KEY. TOTALLY UNRELIABLE VEHICLE THAT I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE! *NM
Power train, Jan 3, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED, O/D LIGHT FLASHING AND TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 72,000 MILES. *NM
Power train, Jan 2, 2007
REGULAR DRIVING OF A FORD EXPLORER 2002 XLT, VERY EARLY TRANSMISSION FAILURE THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION JUST GIVES OUT O/D LIGHT STARTS FLASHING ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE DOES NOT GO IN TO GEAR ALL OF THIS WHILE DRIVING. CHECKED ONLINE TURNS OUT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE, CALLED FORD THEY SAID THAT IT WOULD COST ABOUT $4000.00 TO REPAIR. *JB
Suspension, Power train, Jan 2, 2007
FIX FOR CHATTERING AND REAR WHINE ON 02 EXPLORER. WHEN THE CAR WAS NEW 25,000 THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR PUMPKIN, VERY LOUD WHINE.. LAST MONTH WITH 85,000 MILES ON THE CAR, DURING A TURN THE REAR WOULD CHATTER AND SHAKE THE CAR. I WAS TOLD THE REAR NEEDED A SPECIAL LUBE FOR THE REAR TO KEEP THE REAR CLUTCHES FREE, I HAD A LOCAL SHOP REPLACE THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL OIL WITH A SPECIAL BLEND AND IT HAS BEEN FINE SINCE. *JB
Power train, Dec 29, 2006
REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAS TO BE REPLACED AT 63000 MILES. ALL MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN DONE EVERY 3000 MILES! ALREADY REPLACED TRANSFER CASE. ALSO IMPOSSIBLE TO GET INTO 4WD HIGH.