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, Aug 6, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. WHINING NOISE FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL. WHINING GOES AWAY IF PRESSURE IS REDUCED FROM ACCELERATOR. THERE WAS SOME LEAKING OF REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID AROUND DRIVESHAFT PINION SEAL, IT WAS FIXED (FORD REPAIR SAID IT WOULD ALSO FIX THE NOISE, IT DIDN'T!) I 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, Aug 5, 2006
I HAVE 68K MILES ON MY 2002 EXPLORER AND FELT I WAS IN NEED OF NEW BRAKES AND DROPPED OFF THE VEHICLE AT MIDAS. I WAS CONTACTED BY THE MECHANIC THAT AFTERNOON AND WAS ADVISED: "SIR I'M HAPPY TO REPORT THAT YOUR BRAKES ARE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION; HOWEVER, I'M SORRY TO BE THE BEARER OF VERY BAD NEWS. YOUR REAR DIFFERENTIAL SEALS ARE BAD AND LEAKING AND THE DIFFERENTIAL IS CLOSE TO 'FALLING OFF' OF YOUR VEHICLE! HE FURTHER STATES, "HE HAS BEEN AN AUTHORIZED MECHANIC FOR 25 YEARS AND FEELS THIS IS AN INHERENT FLAW FROM FORD AS THIS IS NOT THE FIRST ONE HE HAS SEEN AND THAT I PROCEED TO THE NEAREST FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR THEM TO CORRECT THIS DANGEROUS "SAFETY ISSUE." THE MECHANIC ALSO GAVE ME A COPY OF THE TSB FROM FORD. I CALLED A LOCAL FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT THE SAME DAY IN A STATE OF PANIC! A SERVICE MANAGER ASSURED ME THAT NOT ONLY WAS THE MECHANIC WHO ALERTED ME OF THIS "FLAW" NOT AUTHORIZED BY FORD, BUT HE WAS ONLY OVER-REACTING! I TOOK MY EXPLORER IN TODAY WITH THE NOTICE PRINTED BY MIDAS AND IT WAS ONLY DISCOUNTED AS BEING A "SERVICE BULLETIN FOR TECHNICIANS." I PAID $55 FOR THEM TO RUN THE SAME TESTS AS MIDAS HAD DONE, WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER; "THE RIGHT REAR BEARING NEEDS REPLACING, THE SEALS OF THE DIFFERENTIAL NEEDS ARE BAD AND LEAKING AND NEED REPLACING, THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY VEHICLE, YOU'RE OUT OF WARRANTY, AND THE REPAIRS WOULD BE $700+ AND SERVICE SHOULD BE DONE VERY SOON AS THE DAMAGE WILL WORSEN. NO ONE AT THE DEALER WOULD ADMIT THAT THIS WAS A RECALL. I PAID A $55 DIAGNOSIS CHARGE FOR THEM TO TELL ME WHAT PARTS HAD FAILED WHICH I ALREADY KNEW. I DECLINED THE REPAIRS, ADVISED THE SERVICE MANAGER I WOULD BE CALLING MY ATTORNEY FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTION. I AM NOW SEEKING LEGAL ADVICE AS I SEE I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WHO HAS EXPERIENCED THIS "INHERENT FORD FLAW" AND WILL DO MY BEST TO SEE THAT FORD ADDRESSES THIS SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS A SERIOUS FLAW FROM FORD!*JB
Power train, Aug 4, 2006
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH ABOUT 57,000 MILES. I RECENTLY HAD AN OIL CHANGE AT A PLACE CALLED THE OIL WELL AND THEY NOTICED OIL LEAKING FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND ADVISED I SHOULD TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AS IT APPEARED THAT THE SEALS WERE LEAKING. THE OIL WELL ADVISED THAT I TAKE IT TO THE DEALER TO GET THE SEAL REPLACED BUT THE LEAK DID NOT APPEAR TO BE BAD. I JUST TOOK MY EXPLORER TO THE DEALER ON AUG 4, 2006 AND WAS TOLD IT WAS LEAKING BADLY AND THEY REPLACED THE SEALS. AFTER WAITING SEVERAL HOURS , I WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS READY BUT THE IS A WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR WHICH THEY ADVISED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL BEARINGS ARE BAD AND THAT IT WILL COST ABOUT $1400.00 TO REPAIR. IT APPEARS I AM NOT ALONE IN THIS PROBLEM WHICH I AM TOLD BY THE DEALER IF IT IS NOT FIXED THAT THE REAR COULD LOCK UP AND THEN I COULD HAVE EVEN WORST PROBLEMS. IT APPEARS THAT THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAD A REAR DIFFERENTIAL PROBLEM THAT FORD NEEDS TO CORRECT JUDGING BY THE OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. *NM
Power train, Aug 3, 2006
CLASSIC REAR DIFFERENTIAL. HUMMING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 55 TO 65 MPH UNDER LOAD AND LEAKING SEALS AND MY VEHICLE HAS 57K MILES ON IT. IT IS A FORD DEFECT.*JB
Power train, Jul 31, 2006
REAR END NOISE ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER. *NM
Power train, Jul 31, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A ROARING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE'S REAR AXLE. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE DIFFERENTIAL WAS LEAKING AND THERE WERE ALSO METAL FLAKES IN THE DIFFERENTIAL.
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Jul 30, 2006
EXPLORER MAKES WHINING NOISE IN REAR END AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 45 AND 70 MPH. THE ABS LIGHT STAYS LIT CONTINUOUSLY EVEN AFTER HAVING THE BRAKE SYSTEM SERVICES. HAVE ALSO HAD FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED ALL THIS SINCE THE VEHICLE REACHED 60,000 MILES IT NOW HAS 86,000 AND MECHANIC SAYS IT NEED A NEW REAR END. *JB
Power train, Jul 28, 2006
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH ONLY 40,000 ORIGINAL MILES WAS MAKING NOISE WHEN IT WAS GOING UP A HILL OR DURING ACCELERATION. SINCE IT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY I TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP. IT NEEDED THE TRANSFER CASE TO BE REPLACED WHICH COST ME OVER $1600. *JB
Power train, Jul 27, 2006
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THE MILES ON IT ARE 69,013. THE TRANSMISSION WENT. I HAD TO HAVE IT REBUILT FOR 2129.60. WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN FOR SERVICE THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND THAT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. COULD SOMEONE CHECK INTO THIS. I FIND IT VERY HARD TO BELIEVE FOR A VEHICLE WITH SUCH LOW MILES TO HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *JB
Power train, Jul 27, 2006
WE HAVE 2002 FORD EXPLORER SUV WITH ONLY 68K MILES AND WE HAD TO HAVE AN ENTIRELY NEW TRANSMISSION PUT IN IT,JUST A YEAR AND A HALF EARLIER WITH LESS THAN 59K MILES WE HAD A NEW SHIFT SOLENOID REPLACED. A YEAR AND A HALF LATER THE TRANSMISSION STARTED DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN WHICH PROMPTED THE NEW TRANSMISSION .AT THE TRANSMISSION SHOP WE WERE INFORMED THAT THEY HAVE DONE NUMEROUS COMPLETE TRANSMISSION OVERHAULS ON THESE EXPLORERS AND JAGS, WITH VERY LOW MILES, JUST IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS. THIS EXPLORER HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND NOT DRIVEN THAT MUCH THAT IT WOULD HAVE NEEDED SUCH A MAJOR UNDERTAKING WITH SUCH LOW MILES. WE HAVE BEEN CHECKING AROUND AND TRANSMISSION SHOPS HAVE TOLD US THEY HAVE SEEN ALOT OF THE EXPLORERS LIKE OURS WITH LOW MILEAGE NEEDING COMPLETE REPLACEMENTS DON'T KNOW WHAT IT TAKES TO GET A RECALL INTO EFFECT BUT I AM HOPING THIS MIGHT BE A STEP THAT NEEDS TO BE TAKEN BY INDIVIDUALS. WE HAVE SPENT OVER $3500 IN THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF ON OUR EDDIE BAUER AND REGRET THE DAY WE PURCHASED IT. OUR 1986 CHEVY WAGON WITH 133K NEVER HAS GIVEN US ANY PROBLEM THIS BIG. *NM
Power train, Jul 23, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4WD REAR END TROUBLES, THIRD TIME HAVING WORK DONE ON THE REAR AXLE AND ASSEMBLY, TROUBLED STARTED AT ABOUT 40000 AND NOW AT 72000 MILES. SEALS, BEARINGS, REAR AXLE. HUMMING AND WHINING NOISE FROM REAR END AT BOTH HIGHWAY SPEED AND CITY DRIVING. DEALER QUOTED OVER THE PHONE COULD RUN IN EXCESS OF $2000 FOR PARTS AND LABOR, TOOK IT TO A LOCAL GARAGE SPENT $1032 DOLLARS FOR REPAIRS. REPLACED WITH DEALER ONLY PARTS, NO SAVINGS THERE. FORD CLAIMS NO PROBLEMS WITH REAR END. ALL INDICATIONS IS THE PROBLEM WILL RETURN. I'M NOT CONVINCED THE PROBLEM IS FIXED. *NM
Suspension, Power train, Visibility, Equipment, Jul 23, 2006
BOUGHT 2002 EXPLORER IN 2003 WITH 12,000 MILES. SERVICNG DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION AND TORQUE CONVERTER UNDER WARRANTY @ 32,000 MILES AFTER O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. NOW NEEDS ANOTHER TRANSMISSION @ 54,000 MILES. CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED, DRIVEN LIGHTLY, NEVER TOWED, NEVER ABUSED. DEALER WILL NOT PAY OR HELP OUT ONE BIT. FORD KNOWS 2002 EXPLORERS HAVE DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS AND REAR ENDS, IS IGNORING PROBLEM, LEAVING CONSUMER TO ABSORB COST! HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER, REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY, AIR CONDITIONING UNIT UNDER WARRANTY. FRONT AND REAR WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED REPLACING- OUT OF WARRANTY. REAR END IS MAKING CLASSIC "HUMMING" SOUND THAT FORD IS ALSO IGNORING-PINION GEARS. *NM
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 22, 2006
PERSISTENT QUALITY PROBLEMS: ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, POWER STEERING, AIR COMPRESSOR, AND RELATED SAFETY HAZARDS SUCH AS DEFECTIVE REAR HINGE. *NM
Power train, Jul 21, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER W ABOUT 65000 MILES. JUST HAD THE TRANSMISSION SERVICED, THE NEXT DAY OVERDRIVE LIGHT BLINKS..DRIVE IT HOME, CALL FORD DEALER TAKE IT IN.. HAVE TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION @ $3500. SEEMS TO BE A PRETTY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE 2002'S
Power train, Structure, Equipment, Jul 16, 2006
VEHICLE STARTED TO HESITATE WHEN SHIFTING, WHINING NOISE FROM REAR END AS WELL. OVER DRIVE LIGHT ON, THEN FINALLY VEHICLE STOPPED ENGAGING GEARS. 2002 EXPLORER HAS BEEN SITTING IN DRIVEWAY FOR ONE YEAR DUE TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. FORD NOT WILLING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE HAS 58000 MILES. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT REAR HATCH WINDOW BLEW OUT TWO TIMES WITH THE SECOND TIME GLASS BLEW OFF SO VIOLENTLY IT DAMAGED PAINT ON NEW VEHICLE (DEALER AND FORD MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO PAY FOR REPAIR AND INSTRUCTED ME TO FILE INSURANCE CLAIM) DAMAGE TO OTHER CAR WAS CLEARLY DUE TO DEFECT IN WINDOW HATCH MECHANISM AND THEY SHOULD PAY. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. *JB
Power train, Jul 14, 2006
TRANSFER CASE FAILURE. DEALER-TED BRITT, FAIRFAX, VA REFUSES TO COVER UNDER POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 13, 2006
I JUST BOUGHT A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 74,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE HAD IT FOR JUST LONG ENOUGH TO DISCOVER A FEW PROBLEMS WITH IT, AND HAVE DONE ENOUGH RESEARCH TO KNOW THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE BY FAR WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. I AM NOT SURE WHAT CAUSES THE PROBLEMS THAT I AM EXPERIENCING, I JUST KNOW THAT LOTS OF OTHER PEOPLE ARE ALSO HAVING THESE PROBLEMS. FIRST OF ALL, THERE IS A LEAK IN MY REAR DIFFERENTIAL. MY TRUCK IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP FOR THAT NOW - HOWEVER, THE SHOP MGR REFUSES TO FIX THE LEAK UNTIL THE REAR END BREAKS.... WHICH WILL COST MORE AND CAUSE MORE REPAIRS THAN NECESSARY AT THE CURRENT TIME. MY SECOND PROBLEM - WHICH THE SERVICE MGR AGAIN REFUSES TO FIX UNTIL IT BREAKS IS WITH THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER - WHICH LEADS TO TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WHICH ARE ALSO VERY COSTLY. I HAVE DONE MY HOMEWORK ON THIS SITUATION, SINCE I HAVE BEEN FORCED TO, AND I AM SEEING OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN, REPLACED THE REAR END ON MY 2002 EXPLORER (MULTIPLE TIMES ON THE SAME VEHICLE), AND I AM SEEING OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN, NEW TRANSMISSION ON MY 2002 EXPLORER (AGAIN, MULTIPLE TIMES ON THE SAME VEHICLE). I DON'T KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE KNOWS ABOUT THIS SITE, OR I'M SURE THAT HUNDREDS OF THE SAME KIND OF COMPLAINTS WOULD BE FILED WITH YOU.... SOMEONE REALLY NEEDS TO LOOK IN TO THIS PROBLEM, BECAUSE FORD IS AWFUL PROUD OF THEIR VEHICLES AND I AM PAYING A HEFTY CHUNK OF MONEY FOR MINE, AS ARE THE TONS OF OTHER PEOPLE OUT THERE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS WHO JUST MAY NOT KNOW HOW TO GO ABOUT GETTING SOMETHING DONE REGARDING THIS PROBLEM... I'M SPEAKING NOT ONLY FOR MYSELF, BUT, FOR LOADS OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM, I BEG YOU!! I DON'T WANT TO BE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH MY BABIES (4 & 5 YRS OLD) PRAYING THAT THE RIGHT PERSON STOPS TO HELP ME AND NOT THE ONE WITH BAD INTENTIONS!! SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS - FORD HAS GOT OBVIOUS DRIVE TRAIN PROBLEMS!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION IN THIS MATTER! *JB
Power train, Jul 11, 2006
TRANSMISSION FAILS TO ACT ON ACCELERATION INTO TRAFFIC, THERE IS A DELAY IN SPEED PICK UP WHICH CAN CAUSE A NEAR REAR END COLLISION WITH OTHER VEHICLES. NOT SURE IF IT IS THE ON BOARD COMPUTER OR A FAILURE OF THE LOW PRESSURE SEALS AS DISCUSSED WITH CAR DEALERSHIP. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jul 3, 2006
2002 EXPLORER HAS PROBLEMS PICKING UP SPEED AND OVER USE OF GAS. *TS THE CONSUMER ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, GEAR ADJUSTMENT, DIFFICULT HIGH ALTITUDE DRIVING EVEN AFTER GEAR CHANGE, AIR SUCTION INTO THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ACCELERATOR AND SES LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. *NM UPDATED 07/06/06. *JB
Power train, Jul 1, 2006
OVERDRIVE LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH, THEN SHIFTING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT BECOMING INCREASINGLY WORSE TO THE POINT OF NOT SHIFTING AT ALL. NOTICEABLY JERKS WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE. LOTS OF WHINING NOISE FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. ALSO REAR DIFFERENTIAL MAKES LOUD WHINE/ROAR AT SPEEDS ABOVE 30 AND AT ACCELERATION. I UNDERSTAND THESE ARE VERY COMMON COMPLAINTS AMONG EXPLORER OWNERS AND CAN BE VERY COSTLY. MOST TRANSMISSION REPAIR PEOPLE TELL ME THAT IT IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND THAT FORD SHOULD FIX IT. *JB
Power train, Jun 26, 2006
TRANSMISSION WENT BAD WHEN ONLY 3 YEARS OLD, FORD TOLD ME THAT IT'S A KNOWN PROBLEM. *JB
Power train, Jun 26, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT, 56,000 MILES. WHINING FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN 40-60 MPH. WHINING GOES AWAY IF PRESSURE IS REDUCED FROM ACCELERATOR OR IF SPEED IS GREATER THAN 60 MPH. SOME LEAKING OF REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID AROUND DRIVESHAFT PINION SEAL. ALSO HAD TRANSMISSION REBUILT AT 54,000 MILES DUE TO ROUGH SHIFTING FROM 3 TO 4. TRANSMISSION WAS NOT COVERED UNDER 36,000 MILE WARRANTY. IN MY RESEARCH, I HAVE UNCOVERED MANY OTHER 2002/2003 EXPLORER OWNERS WITH SIMILAR WHINING 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. I WILL BE FORCED TO REPLACE THE REAR END IN ADDITION TO THE TRANSMISSION IF THERE IS NO REMEDY FROM FORD. *JB
Power train, Jun 22, 2006
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4WD EDDIE BAUER AT 85450 MILES - 3RD GEAR CLUTCH OUT AND REQUIRES REBUILD. *JB
Power train, Jun 21, 2006
REAR DIFFERENTIAL ON 2002 EXPLORER STARTED HUMMING AT ~45K MILES AND BEGAN ROARING ~60K MILES. REAR DIFFERENTIAL STARTED LEAKING AROUND THE TIME THE NOISE WAS FIRST HEARD. DIFFERENTIAL NOW LEAKS BAD AND ROARING IS GETTING SEVERE AT 68K MILES. ODD THING IS, ALL THIS LEAKING AND THE LUBE LEVEL HAS NEVER BEEN LOW. THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD PROMPT A SAFETY RECALL DUE TO POTENTIAL OF THE DIFFERENTIAL LOCKING UP ON PEOPLE THAT ARE OBLIVIOUS TO THEIR VEHICLE MAKING ODD NOISES. *JB
Power train, Jun 20, 2006
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT 65,000 MILES. NOW ITS COSTING ME $3500 PLUS TAX TO HAVE A REFURBISHED ONE INSTALLED. TRANSMISSIONS SHOULD LAST MUCH LONGER THAN THIS AND I HAVE SEEN A HUGE NUMBER OF FORD TRANSMISSION FAILURES FOR THIS VEHICLE. FORD NEEDS A RECALL AND TO REIMBURSE US THAT HAVE ALREADY PAID. *NM