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, Oct 9, 2006
MY 2002 EDDIE BAUER FORD EXPLORER REVVED AT 30 MPH THEN THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND THE CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON. IMMEDIATELY I TOOK IT TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE 3RD GEAR WAS GONE. NEW TRANSMISSION NEEDED. VERY SADDENED. *JB
Power train, Sep 28, 2006
FORD EXPLORER 2002. REAR DIFFERENTIAL WHINING AND LEAKING AXLE SEALS. THE SEALS HAVE BEEN REPLACED ONCE ALREADY AND NOW IT IS BACK IN THE SHOP TO HAVE REPLACED AGAIN. 66,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. *JB
Power train, Sep 24, 2006
I BOUGHT BY 2002 FORD EXPLORER FROM BOARD FORD ON 07/24/2004. IT HAD 57051 MILES ON IT. AT 77117 MILES THE TRANSMISSION GEARS WENT OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE 91 FWY. I THEN HAD IT REPAIRED AT CERRITOS FORD. IT ONCE AGAIN WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 92120 MILES. IT WAS A FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE WHILE DRIVING FOR YOUR GEARS TO GO OUT ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER BOTH TIMES SAFELY. *NM
Power train, Sep 22, 2006
MY TRANSMISSION ON MY 2002 EXPLORER IS SLIPPING FROM 2ND TO 3RD AND MAKING A HISSING NOISE. I UNDERSTAND THERE HAS BEEN ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ON THESE TRUCKS. I WANT IT FIXED OR REPLACED. I HOPE THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS AUTOMOBILE FROM FORD. *NM
Power train, Sep 19, 2006, crash
MY FOUR WHEEL DRIVE FAILED, WHILE ELECTRONIC LIGHT SHOWED CAR IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE. CAR SLID BACKWARDS INTO A RAVINE. ON SNOWY ROAD. LOCAL FORD DEALER DID NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX IT, BUT PROBLEM WAS EVENTUALLY TRACKED TO A FAULTY ELECTRONIC MODULE THAT FORD KNEW ABOUT. THIS CAUSED THE SOLENOID THAT ENGAGES 4 WHEEL DRIVE TO FAIL/ THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I WAS DRIVING OVER A SNOWY MOUNTAIN ROAD PREVIOUS DAY AND COULD HAVE SLIPPED OFF ROAD IF IT FAILED ONE DAY EARLIER. I SEE NUMEROUS EXAMPLES OF THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY DOESN'T FORD RESPOND?
Power train, Sep 18, 2006
TRANSMISSION OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED TO FLICKER. DEALER TELLS ME THAT 2ND GEAR IS FAILING AND WHEN IT FAILS MY TRANSMISSION WILL FREEZE AND LOCK UP CAUSING A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE WHICH IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. *NM
Power train, Sep 11, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHINING NOISE FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL. WHINING GOES AWAY IF PRESSURE IS REDUCED FROM ACCELERATOR. THERE WAS A LOT LEAKING AROUND THE REAR AXLE SEALS, IT WAS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY THE FIRST TIME AT 17500 MILES AND WAS JUST FIXED AGAIN AT 54500 MILES ON MY DIME. HAVE UNCOVERED MANY OTHER 2002 EXPLORER OWNERS WITH SIMILAR REAR DIFFERENTIAL ISSUES. WOULD SEEM THAT SINCE THERE ARE MANY OTHERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE THAT THERE IS SOME DESIGN/MATERIALS FLAW IN THE REAR END GEARBOX CAUSING THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD PROMPT A SAFETY RECALL DUE TO POTENTIAL OF THE DIFFERENTIAL LOCKING UP. *NM
Power train, Sep 11, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4WD: I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY TRANSMISSION ON 5 OCCASIONS. EACH TIME THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT REALLY HARD AND THUMP. FORD FIXED IT AND A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE SAME PROBLEM. ON THE LAST OCCASION, I BROUGHT IT IN BECAUSE IT WOULD STUTTER IN 2ND GEAR LIKE IT WAS SLIPPING (IT FELT LIKE A STALLING VEHICLE). FORD REBUILT THE TRANNY AND I GOT IT 2 DAYS LATER. IT IS NOW 3 DAYS AFTER THE FIX AND IT IS DOING IT AGAIN. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD AS LONG AS I LIVE. *JB
Power train, Sep 9, 2006
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT HAD A NOISE IN THE REAR END WITHIN THE 1ST 30,000 MILES. FORD REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING. THEY SAID IT WAS THE TIRES. WE REPLACED ALL TIRES AND THE NOISE CONTINUED. AFTER 3 REAR ENDS/DIFFERENTIAL BEING REPLACED AND PAID FOR BY MYSELF, I THINK IT IS TIME TO START A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST FORD MOTOR COM. *NM
Power train, Sep 9, 2006
BEGINNING LATE JULY, 2006 MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT BEGAN EXHIBITING HALTING OR DELAYED SHIFTING. AFTER A FEW DAYS, THE O/D WARNING LIGHT CAME ON INTERMITTENTLY AND THE SHIFTING BECAME NOTICEABLY WORSE. A READING THE DTCS CODES BY MULTIPLE SOURCES CONFIRMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE REBUILT AT A COST OF $3,400. A MONTH FOLLOWING THIS COMPLETE REBUILD, I NOW HAVE A MAJOR FAILURE IN THE REAR END DIFFERENTIAL AND ANOTHER ESTIMATED $1500-$2500 REPAIR. THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY 82820 MILES. FORD IS AWARE OF THE TRANSMISSION, DRIVELINE AND DIFFERENTIAL COMPONENT DEFECTS ON THIS SERIES OF EXPLORER AND HAS ADDRESSED THEM IN MULTIPLE TSB'S TO THEIR DEALERS AND SERVICE DEPARTMENTS. THEY HAVE FAILED TO ADVISE INDIVIDUAL OWNERS OF THESE PROBLEMS, AND THE MAJOR DRIVELINE COMPONENTS ARE DESIGNED SO THAT THEY ARE NOT USER SERVICEABLE. I URGE ALL OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES TO CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AND FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSA IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED THESE PROBLEMS. *JB
Power train, Sep 8, 2006
TODAY THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO HANG IN 1ST GEAR, THEN SLAMMED INTO THE NEXT GEAR. IT JERKS AND SLIPS CONSISTENTLY. THE OVERDRIVE OFF LIGHT IS FLASHING, AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. THE CAR SAYS "CHECK TRANSMISSION" ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. I CALLED 4 FORD DEALERS AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THE CAR IS A 2002 EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER 4X4 WITH THE 6 CYLINDER. I KNEW IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AS IT HAS 68,000 MILES ON IT. HOWEVER, THIS IS LOW MILEAGE TO HAVE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR THESE CARS, AND FORD DOESN'T CARE. I AM STUCK WITH THE CAR THAT CANNOT BE SAFELY DRIVEN NOW. OWNERS OF THESE CARS NEED HELP TO GET FORD TO ISSUE A RECALL. *JB
Power train, Sep 8, 2006
AT ROUGHLY 45K MILES, MY 2002 EXPLORER ALSO HAD THE WHINING NOISE FROM THE REAR END AT 55-65 MPH, OIL DRIP MARKS ON THE DRIVEWAY - TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT I NEEDED A RIGHT WHEEL BEARING, REPLACED FOR $800. NEXT TIME WAS JUST THIS SUMMER (76K MILES) - AGAIN HAD THE WHINE RETURN, DRIPS ON THE DRIVEWAY AND THIS TIME IT WAS THE ENTIRE REAR END - ALL BEARINGS WERE SHOT. SPENT ANOTHER $1600. ON REPAIRS, PLUS RENTAL VEHICLE COSTS TO TRAVEL ON VACATION. FEW DAYS AGO (78K MILES), HAD "CHECK GAUGE" LAMP LIGHT WHEN OIL PRESSURE GAUGE DIPPED TO ZERO, THEN RECOVER IMMEDIATELY. THIS HAPPENED THREE OTHER TIMES BEFORE I GOT HOME, WITH NO FLUTTER IN THE ENGINE OR ANYTHING THAT WOULD INDICATE A REAL PROBLEM. NEXT EVENING WE STARTED THE VEHICLE, IT MADE A EVIL RACKET AND QUIT ALMOST IMMEDIATELY, NEVER TO START AGAIN. AAA TOWED TO DEALER. DEALER LEFT MESSAGE (ON MY VOICE MAIL AT HOME - I HAD TO SAVE IT) THAT THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FOR ROUGHLY $5,000. PLUS TAX. I REALLY NEED TO SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY. THIS IS WHAT I PAID $34,000 FOR 4 YEARS AGO? PERFECT CONDITION TRADE VALUE TODAY IS 9,200? *NM
Power train, Sep 7, 2006
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *NM
Power train, Aug 31, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED IT WOULD BE IN 4-WHEEL DRIVE HIGH. SOMETIMES WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BACKED UP AND/OR MAKING RIGHT OR LEFT TURNS THE VEHICLE WOULD GO INTO 4-WHEEL DRIVE HIGH ON ITS OWN. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE KICKED INTO 4-WHEEL DRIVE HIGH ON ITS OWN. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED BUT THE CONTACT PLANS TO CALL THEM SOON. THE 4X4 HIGH LIGHT ILLUMINATED EACH TIME.
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Visibility, Aug 30, 2006
AT A COMPLETE STOP VEHICLE SURGES (ACCELERATES). HAVE TO PLACE IN NEUTRAL AT STANDING STOPS TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT. DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW SWITCH FAILED, HAD REPLACED, ALSO THE WINDOW WHINES WHEN ROLLING UP. PASSENGER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW REGULATOR(CABLE) SNAPPED?? WHEN REAR WINDOWS ARE DOWN AT A SPEED OF 20 MPH+ IT SOUNDS LIKE A HELICOPTER IS IN THE BACK SEAT(ACTUALLY PHYSICALLY HURTS YOUR EARS!!!) <<<<NO FIX OR REPAIR?? ANYONE ELSE HAVE THIS PROBLEM? 55-65 MPH STEERING WHEEL SHAKES. REPAIR ATTEMPT BALANCED AND ROTATED TIRES AND SUSPENSION WAS INSPECTED. STILL SHAKES. REAR SPARE TIRE ACCESSORIES COVER HANDLE BROKE. <<NOT ABUSED. HOW DO YOU CHANGE A FLAT WITH NO JACK OR NO TOOLS?? (SPARE TIRE CAME DOWN ALRIGHT THOUGH). EGR VALVE FAILURE @ 40,000 MILES. 4X4 INTEMITTENT SHIFTING ISSUES FROM LOW>AUTO AND AUTO>HIGH. CAN NOT PIN POINT PROBLEM. THAT ABOUT WRAPS UP MY LOVELY EXPERIENCE WITH THIS VEHICLE. I AM A MARRIED FATHER OF TWO AND THE ONLY ONE WORKING ON A LIMITED INCOME. I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK WITH VERY LOW MILES THINKING IT WOULD BE DEPENDABLE NOT UNAFFORDABLE. *NM
Power train, Aug 24, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER 71,000 MILES....TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD AND WHINING FROM REAR END WITH SOME VIBRATION....FORD SHOULD RECALL AS I HAVE READ MANY OTHERS HAVE SAME PROBLEMS. *JB
Power train, Aug 20, 2006
THERE IS A SLIGHT LEEK OF DIFFERENTIAL FLUID FROM THE LEFT AXLE SEAL. I NOW HAVE NOISE AT HIGHWAY SPEED FROM REAR END. FLUID LEVEL HAS REMAINED GOOD. *NM
Power train, Structure, Aug 19, 2006
ON THE BACK LIFTGATE, THE MIDDLE BODY PIECE HAS CRACKED AGAIN AFTER BEING REPLACED AROUND THE FORD SYMBOL. DEALER HAS REPLACED ONCE AND WILL NOT REPLACE AGAIN. THE AXLE HOUSING IS LEAKING NEXT TO THE DIFFERENTIAL. *NM
Power train, Aug 19, 2006
I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE WITH 60,000 THOUSAND MILES ON IT AND NOW I AM FINDING OUT THAT IT MAY BE JUNK. IT IS EXPERIENCING MANY OF THE PROBLEMS YOU READ ABOUT THAT ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VEHICLE. IT SHIFTS REALLY HARD INTO 3RD AND THE REAR END MAKES A WHINING NOISE/GRINDING TYPE NOISE. *NM
Power train, Aug 18, 2006
I PURCHASED MY 02 FORD EXPLORER 4X4 IN OCT 2005. THIS VEHICLE HAS A CLEAN TITLE AND 71K MILES. IN JUNE OF THIS YEAR, I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND NOTICED THAT MY OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS FLASHING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. I NOTICED AT THE SAME TIME THAT MY EXPLORER WAS HAVING DIFFICULTY SHIFTING GEARS. WHEN TRAFFIC WOULD COME TO A STOP, IT WOULD SHIFT INTO 3RD, THEN 1ST, THEN 4TH AND BACK TO 2ND. NEVER BEFORE HAD I EXPERIENCED SUCH A BIZARRE ACT WITH ANY PREVIOUS VEHICLE. MY EXPLORER WAS IN THE SHOP FOR THE NEXT 45 DAYS AND COME TO FIND OUT THAT NOT EVEN A LOCAL AUTHORIZED FORD DEALERSHIP COULD FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON. FINALLY THE PRIVATE SHOP THAT I TOOK IT TO FIXED IT AFTER REBUILDING THE TRANSMISSION 2 TIMES. VERY DISAPPOINTING, SINCE IN THE PAST I HAVE DRIVEN SEVERAL VEHICLES PAST 200K MILES AND OIL CHANGES AND TIRES WERE REQUIRED. ONCE I RECEIVED THE VEHICLE BACK AFTER 2 TRANSMISSION REBUILDS, NEW TORQUE CONVERTER AND NEW EGR VALUE, THE EXPLORER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER ONLY 1 DAY OR NORMAL DRIVING. RIDICULOUS. COME TO FIND OUT AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH TO SEE IF FORD HAD ANY RECALLS ON THE TRANSMISSION, I DISCOVER THAT NOT ONLY DOES FORD NOT HAVE ANY RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE SITUATION AND HAVE YET TO ISSUE A RECALL. I CAME ACROSS SEVERAL WEBSITES THAT HAD 100'S OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE VERY SAME THING GOING ON WITH MY VEHICLE. APPARENTLY, FORD IS AWARE OF THE FAULTY 3RD GEAR SHIFT FAILURE AND HAS REFUSED TO ISSUE A RECALL. MY HUSBAND FOUND A CEO'S NUMBER TO FORD, LEFT HER A MESSAGE AND HAS NOT HEARD BACK FROM ANYONE. NOW AFTER $3K IN TOTAL REPAIRS, WE ARE FACED WITH THE DECISION TO TRY AND TRADE THE VEHICLE AND EAT OUR LOSSES. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I WILL NOT BE BUYING ANOTHER FORD BUILT VEHICLE. PLEASE HELP ALL OF US IN FINDING OUT WHY FORD IS IGNORING THIS COSTLY AND DISAPPOINTING ISSUE. PLEASE HELP OTHERS OUT AND GET FORD TO FACE THE FACT AND ISSUE A RECALL. THANK YOU FOR READING AND YOUR TIME. *NM
Power train, Aug 16, 2006
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT, I BOUGHT IT ON NOV. 29 2005. AFTER I BOUGHT IT I NOTICED THAT WHEN I WOULD PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN REVERSE THERE WOULD BE A DELAY AND THEN A LOUD BANG OR CLUNK. I TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION PLACE AND I WAS TOLD THAT THEY GOT A LOT OF EXPLORERS WITH THAT SAME PROBLEM. SO I HAD IT REPAIRED AND THE TOTAL CAME TO $ 3,855.13. THE CAR HAD A WARRANTY BUT IT DIDN'T COVER EVERYTHING, SO I HAD TO PAY $ 1,800.00 FOR THE REPAIRS. THEY HAD TO CHANGE THE MASTER KIT/PISTONS, FILTER, O/D DRIVE BAND, 2ND BAND, BYPASS VALUE, SOLENOID PACK, REVERSE BAND, O/D SERVO,2ND SERVE, SONNAX UPDATES, WHOLE CASE, RECONDITION VALVE BODY, RB CONVERTER, FLUID AND FLUSH THE COOLER SYSTEM. *NM
Power train, Aug 16, 2006
THE OVERDRIVE WARNING LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND THE ENGINE WAS WHINING AND RUNNING BETWEEN 3K TO 5K RPM. THE TRANSMISSION BAND BROKE AND CAUSED A SYSTEMATIC FAILURE. *NM
Power train, Aug 16, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE'S AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING AND SLIPPED BETWEEN GEARS. THE VEHICLE HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SINCE THE CONTACT ACQUIRED THE VEHICLE, AT 53000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER. UPDATED 9/15/2006 - *NM
Power train, Structure, Aug 16, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AT VARIABLE SPEEDS, SOMETIMES NOT ENGAGING THE NEXT HIGHER GEAR OR AT TIMES THE ENGINE WOULD RACE, THEN SLAM INTO GEAR WITH A BANGING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER WHERE COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE THE 5TH GEAR IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSFER CASE WAS REBUILT, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED ON 7 OCCASIONS. THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW HINGE WAS REPLACED, BUT CONTINUED TO FALL OUT OF THE HINGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.
Power train, Aug 7, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, IT JUMPED GEARS, ACCELERATED FORWARD AND HIT A TREE. THE VEHICLE WAS IDENTIFIED TO BE STILL IN PARK AFTER THE ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO COULD NOT DETERMINE OR DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT THE CONTACT SHOULD USE THE PARKING BRAKE IN THE FUTURE.