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, Jun 16, 2006
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT WAS MAKING LOUD REAR END NOISES. I TOOK IT TO A FRIEND WHO REBUILDS REAR ENDS AND HE HAD TO REPLACE MOST OF THE PARTS IN THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. UNFORTUNATELY, THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, BUT I AM COMPLAINING AS THIS IS A TYPICAL PROBLEM WITH THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Tires, Equipment, Jun 10, 2006
ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 3, 2005, I PURCHASED A BREAK MODEL USED FORD EXPLORER XLT 2002 FROM NORM REEVES HONDA CAR DEALER IN CERRITOS, CA. THE CAR HAD 78,000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. I SIGNED THE PAPERS AND TOOK THE POSSESSION OF THE CAR. IT HAS NOT BEEN MORE THAN 2 MONTHS THAT THE CAR STARTED GIVING ME TROUBLE ON THE PICK UP OF THE SPEED, TRANSMISSION, GEAR ADJUSTMENT, OVER USE OF THE GAS, DIFFICULT HIGH ALTITUDE DRIVING EVEN AFTER CHANGE OF GEARS, AIR SUCTION INTO THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ACCELERATOR AND SIGNS LIKE SERVICE ENGINE SOON ON THE FRONT PANEL, ALTHOUGH I HAVE BEEN GETTING REGULAR LUBE AND TUNE ON THE CAR AFTER EVERY 3000 MILES. WHILE DRIVING THE, OCCASIONALLY, THE CAR GIVES A THUNDERING NOISE ON THE TIRES AS IF IT IS DRAGGING ITSELF AND RUNNING ON THE ROAD. THIS MAKES ME FEAR THAT MY CAR IS NOT SAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE! THE NORM REEVES HONDA SUPER STORE CAR DEALER KNEW THAT THE CAR IS DEFECTIVE AND THEY SIMPLY WANTED TO GET RID OF A USED 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT VEHICLE FROM THE FLEET AS THEY PRIMARILY SELL HONDA CARS AND SIMILAR VEHICLES. DESPITE REPEATED REQUESTS, THE NORM REEVES HONDA SUPER STORE AND THEIR SISTER COMPANY FORD OF CERRITOS REFUSED TO PROVIDE SERVICE ON THE CAR SINCE I STOPPED PAYMENTS ON THE CAR LOAN. OTHER FORD CAR DEALERS HAVE TEST DRIVEN THIS CAR AND OBSERVED THE SAME DEFECTS AS I HAVE MENTIONED. MY PURPOSE OF WRITING THIS COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSA IS TO REQUEST THE INTERVENTION OF NHTSA IMMEDIATELY AS THE QUESTIONED VEHICLE IS LIKELY TO ENDANGER MY LIFE ON THE LOCAL ROADS AND/OR ON HIGHWAY/FREEWAYS. DUE TO MAJOR DEFECTS IN THE CAR, I CAN MEET WITH A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND CAN BE CRIPPLED OR SUFFER SUCH PECUNIARY LOSSES THAT ARE IRREPLACEABLE AND/OR I CAN DIE ALSO WITH OUT ANY FAULT OF MINE. PLEASE RECALL FIRESTONE TIRES V. FORD MOTOR COMPANY CASE LAW. CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST NORM REEVES HONDA, FORD OF CERRITOS AND THEIR CEOS TO FOLLOW. PLEASE CONTACT ME AND THE DEALERS ASAP. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, AMARDEEP SINGH GILL. *NM
Power train, Jun 7, 2006
REPEATED REAR AXLE AND SEAL FAILURE, TRANSMISSION ISSUES. *JB
Power train, Jun 7, 2006
AT 43000 MILES ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4X4 THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL STARTED MAKING A LOUD WHIRRING WHINING NOISE. I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE REAR END NEEDED REBUILT. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY THE DEALER AND LEARNED VIA INTERNET BULLETIN BOARDS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR AT VERY LOW MILES, AS THE LOCAL DEALER HAS HAD TO REBUILD QUITE A FEW. *JB
Power train, Jun 7, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SHIFTING GEARS, THE COLUMN SHIFT FRACTURED INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE THE GEAR SHIFT WAS REPLACED.
Suspension, Service brakes, Air, Power train, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 7, 2006
MY 2002 EXPLORER IS ALSO HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WHICH HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY NOTED BY OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS. THE WHINING WHEN REACHING 50-60 KM/HR, WHICH GOES AWAY WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS, THE SLIPPING AND SHUDDERING OF GEARS AND SOMETIMES PASSING GEAR NEVER KICKS IN, THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON (USUALLY AFTER THE TRUCK HAS WARMED UP AND IT DOESN'T SEEM TO HAPPEN WHEN THE WEATHER IS REALLY COLD), THE ABS IS NOW STARTING TO ACT UP, WHEREIN IT RANDOMLY ACTIVATES ITSELF EVEN WHILE ON DRY PAVEMENT AND THE BRAKES FEEL MUSHY WHEN THIS HAPPENS. NOW THE LOCKS ARE RANDOMLY NOT WORKING. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE ONE INSTANCE ABOUT THE PASSING, SHUDDERING, SLIPPING WAS WHEN I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY KIDS, I PULLED OUT TO PASS, AND WHEN I STEPPED ON IT THE TRUCK SHUDDERED SO HARD, THAT MY DAUGHTER, WHO WAS COLORING A MOTHER' DAY CARD, ACTUALLY SCRIBBLED WHEN IT SHUDDERED, IF THAT MAKES ANY SENSE. SHE WAS PO'D AT ME ASKING ME WHY DID I DO THAT AND NOW HER CARD WAS RUINED. WE HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION IN FOR SERVICE AND WERE TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG. WE HAD THE TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED AND THE TRUCK WORKED FINE FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS AND THEN BACK TO THE SAME OLD PROBLEMS. MY HUSBAND AND I ARE SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING TRADING THIS PIECE OF CRAP VEHICLE OFF AND WE HAVE DECIDED THAT IT WILL ONLY BE IMPORTS FROM NOW ON. FORD NEEDS TO WAKE UP AND START FIXING ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS OR THEY WILL BE FINDING THEMSELVES BANKRUPT IN NO TIME. I WAS BROUGHT UP AS A KID IN FORDS; 67 T-BIRD, FORD LTD, 1/2 TON TRUCK, 3/4 TON TRUCK, 78 FORD T-BIRD, FORD TAURUS, MY FIRST CAR BEING A MERCURY LYNX, THEN A 93 FORD FESTIVA, HUBBY OWNED A 93 FORD RANGER 4X4, 98 WINDSTAR, MY MOM OWNS A 96 EXPLORER AND SO ON. MY FRIEND JUST GOT RID OF HER 2000 EXPLORER WHICH SHE LOVINGLY NAMED HER 'FORD EXPLODER'. THANKS FOR LISTENING TO MY RANT AND I REALLY HOPE THAT WITH EVERYONE'S INPUT THAT SOMETHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS. *NM
Power train, Jun 7, 2006
O/D OFF LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING ON DASH, FOLLOWED BY SERVICE ENGINE SOON. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO FORD WHERE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REBUILT WITH ONLY 53,000 MILES ON IT. KNOWN DEFECT ACCORDING TO FORD TSB. *NM
Power train, Jun 5, 2006
1.) MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4WD TENDS TO SURGE IN 1ST,2ND, AND 3RD GEAR. IT FEELS AS THOUGH THERE SOME SLIPPAGE ISSUES. 2.) NO "FAILURE", YET. 3.) NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THE ISSUE YET. *JB
Suspension, Power train, May 31, 2006
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE BEARINGS IN THE REAR END DIFFERENTIAL ARE GOING OUT. THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM SHOULD NOT BE OCCURRING IN A VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 100,000 MILES. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, MANY FORD EXPLORERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM FORD SHOULD TAKE A SECOND LOOK AT THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. I DON'T HAVE A WARRANTY, BUT STILL THIS IS TOO COMMON OF A DEFECT IN THE FORD EXPLORERS FOR IT TO NOT BE A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM. *JB
Power train, May 30, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER - 60,000 MILES - TOOK TO DEALERSHIP FOR NOISE IN REAR OF VEHICLE- DEALERSHIP WANT TO REBUILD REAR END FOR $1,300. NEVER CHECKED FLUID OR ASKED ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS. I BELIEVE FORD HAS BIG PROBLEM - WITH EXPLORERS - I WOULD LIKE FORD TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. NM
Power train, May 24, 2006
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 49,000 MILES MAKES A WHINING SOUND WHEN I DRIVE ABOVE 50 MPH WHICH GOES AWAY WHEN I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS. IT COMES BACK AS SOON AS I PRESS BACK DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR A LITTLE OVER ONE YEAR. IT APPEARS TO BE A PERVASIVE PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. *JB
Power train, May 24, 2006
BROUGHT MY CAR IN FOR A 60,000 MILE CHECKUP AND WAS TOLD THAT MY AXLE SEAL WAS LEAKING AND THAT THE RING AND PINION GEAR-RERA KIT/SEALS WERE NEEDED TO FIX THE PROBLEM AT A COST OF $1131.83 PLUS TAX. THE ADVISOR SAID THAT THE SEALS ROTTED AND THEN THE LEAKAGE BEGAN AND IT WENT DOWN HILL FROM THERE. THIS SAME CAR HAD BEEN IN EARLIER THIS YEAR WITH WHAT WE THOUGHT MAYBE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. IT WAS CHECKED AND WE WERE TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM BUT THERE WASN'T ANY INDICATION OF AXLE LEAKAGE PROBLEM. I HAVE RESEARCHED OTHER COMPLAINTS HERE AND THERE SEEMS TO BE ABOUT 4-5 OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE A SIMILAR PROBLEM AND WANT TO KNOW WHY FORD MOTOR COMPANY HASN'T ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM WITH A RECALL. THEE ARE A LOT OF OTHER FOLKS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM EXPRESSING IT OUT ON FORDFORUM.COM. WE HAVE OWNED 4 EXPLORERS AND FEEL VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT WE NEED TO SPEND THIS KIND OF MONEY WITH A CAR THAT HAS ONLY 60,000 MILES ON IT. *JB
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Tires, May 24, 2006
TRIED TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE FROM PARK AND THE COLUMN SHIFTER BROKE OFF. VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN AND WAS TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION BUSINESS. COST TO REPAIR IS $1300. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN 2004 USED. I'VE HAD THE REAR TRANSMISSION SEALS, SHOCKS, TIRES, FRONT WINDOW AND THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED. *JB
Power train, May 22, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR END NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 50-65 MPH (A LOUD HOWLING SOUND). WHEN I LET OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR THE NOISE GOES AWAY. TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND THEY REPLACED THE BEARINGS, BUT THE NOISE IS STILL THERE. THEY SAID IT WAS THE REAR END GEAR RATIO. THIS SOUND IS TOO UNBEARABLE. THE REAR END GEAR RATIO SHOULD BE FIXED UNDER A RECALL. *NM
Power train, May 22, 2006
WE OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4X4...5-18-06 OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHES...5-19-06 IT WILL NOT SHIFT INTO DRIVE GEAR...WILL ONLY DRIVE IN FIRST AND SECOND GEARS. MECHANIC SAYS THE TRANSMISSION IS SHOT AND NEEDS TO BE REBUILT FOR $2200.00. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2002 EXPLORER AND SHOULD BE RECALLED...PERIOD. *NM
Power train, May 22, 2006
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 50,000 MILES. A WHILE AGO A LOUD, EXCESSIVE WHINE NOISE STARTED COMING THE REAR AXLE AT CRUISE SPEED.(50 MPH OR HIGHER). BROUGHT IT INTO FORD DEALER AND SAID RING AND PINION GEAR HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1300. TALKED TO 2 OF MY NEIGHBOR'S WITH 2002 EXPLORER WHO HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. OBVIOUSLY A DESIGN PROBLEM THAT FORD SHOULD LOOK INTO, ADDRESS AND CORRECT.*JB
Suspension, Power train, Equipment, May 17, 2006
HORRIBLE WHINING NOISE COMING FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED EDITION. REPLACED TWICE ALREADY AND NOW IT'S WHINING LOUDER AND LOUDER EVERYDAY. I REFUSE TO PAY FOR THE SAME REPAIR A 3RD TIME. I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, ALONG WITH MANY OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. OTHER POPULAR DEFECTS FOR THE NEW FORD EXPLORER ARE CRACKED REAR COIL OVER SPRINGS, ALONG WITH TRANSMISSION AND A/C PROBLEMS, ETC, ETC. HOW MANY MORE COMPLAINTS IS IT GOING TO TAKE BEFORE FORD STANDS UP TO THEIR DESIGN FLAWS...???? *NM
Power train, May 17, 2006
CAR HAS BEEN HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, GOT IT CHECKED BY A MECHANIC RUNNING DIAGNOSTICS ON THE COMPUTER, THE OD LIGHT CAME ON AND WAS FLASHING. AT THE TIME OF THE SERVICE IT WAS WORKING CORRECTLY BUT LIGHT WOULD NOT TURN OFF. IT FINALLY WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR STRANDING MY WIFE AND INFANT SON. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED WITH A JASPER TRANSMISSION. *NM
Power train, May 12, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 65,000. TRANSMISSION HAS GONE BAD. THIRD GEAR BAND IS BROKEN. ALWAYS DRIVEN IN LIGHT CITY AND HIGHWAY MILES. NEVER TOWED A TRAILER. FORD DEALER SAYS THAT TRUCK IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *JB
Power train, May 10, 2006
SOON AFTER WE BOUGHT IT. THE BEGAN OVER-REVVING BEFORE SHIFTING ON FLAT ROAD. AT APPROXIMATELY 80K THE OVER DRIVE BEGAN LIGHT FLASHING ERRATICALLY. WOULD RESET IF I TURNED ENGINE OFF, SAT FOR FEW MINUTES, AND RESTARTED ENGINE. BEGAN SLAM SHIFTING ON FLAT ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 100K. COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE LEAVING ME STRANDED AT APPROXIMATELY 107K. * REPAIR SHOP SAID 02 EXPLORERS ARE #1 FOR NEEDING TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENTS. GOING TO COST OVER $3000 TO FIX. *JB
Suspension, Power train, May 9, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER HAVING REAR AXLE PINION SEAL REPAIRED AT A LOCAL INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP THE MECHANIC NOTICED THE REAR SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONSULTED. *AK
Suspension, Power train, May 8, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TURNING THE VEHICLE AT LOW SPEEDS, NOT EXCEEDING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATES. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE CLUTCH BASKET AND REAR AXLE SEAL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
Suspension, Power train, May 5, 2006
GRINDING NOISE SOUNDING LIKE IT IS FROM FRONT END, ESPECIALLY ON ACCELERATING AT LOW SPEEDS, AND TURNING SLOW. TOLD TO REPLACE TIRES AND FRONT HUB. BOTH DONE AND STILL MAKING SAME NOISE. CANNOT FIGURE WHAT IS WRONG. THINK THE SOUND IS FROM TRANSMISSION OR REAR END. ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE TRUCK DOES NOT SWITCH GEARS PROPERLY. IT TAKES TO LONG AND SOMETIMES REACHES 4 RPMS BEFORE FINALLY SWITCHING ON FLAT ROAD SURFACE. *JB
Power train, May 5, 2006
LAST YEAR I HAD AN ISSUE WITH MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE FORD DEALER SAID IT WAS THE REAR AXEL AND TRANNY AND FIXED THE ISSUE. THIS YEAR THE SAME SYMPTOMS OCCURRED PLUS THE OD LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING SIGNALING TRANNY PROBLEMS. OF COURSE I AM OUT OF THE WARRANTY NOW AND I KNOW THAT THE TRANNY ON THIS MODEL FORD IS "SEALED" MEANING I CANNOT CHECK TRANNY FLUIDS AND ONLY THE DEALER CAN SERVICE THE TRANSMISSION. I HEAR MANY HORROR STORIES OF THE TRANNY GOING OUT PREMATURELY AND I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN FROM FORD ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I FEEL THAT WITH SO MANY ISSUES AND THE IRREPARABLE DESIGN, THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED. I FEEL CHEATED AND I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS FIX CAN BE OVER $2000. PLEASE HELP. *NM
Power train, May 3, 2006
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE (TORQUE CONVERTER?) *JB