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, May 2, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHED AND THE CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT.
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Air bags, Apr 27, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER. FAILED TRANSMISSION, STARTER, REAR WHEEL BEARINGS, AIRBAG, PINION, ELECTRIC WINDOW. NOW LOUD SOUNDS FROM REAR OF CAR. *JB
Power train, Apr 26, 2006
REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING LEAKING FLUID. PROBLEM WAS FIXED ONCE UNDER WARRANTY BUT IS NOW LEAKING AGAIN. DEALER REFUSES TO FIX AGAIN SINCE IT IS 12 MONTHS PAST ORIGINAL REPAIR AND VEHICLE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. *JB
Power train, Apr 25, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGED INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE LOW. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DISENGAGE, IT WAS PULLED FORWARD AND PARKED. THE CONTACT WAS INSTRUCTED BY THE DEALERSHIP TO SLOWLY DRIVE ONE AND A HALF MILES TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO DISENGAGE THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE LOW HOWEVER; WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM OF THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE AUTOMATIC ENGAGEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
Power train, Apr 24, 2006
TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND REAR AXLE NOISES AS WELL AS REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. *JB
Power train, Apr 19, 2006
I HAVE A ROAR IN THE DIFFERENTIAL IN MY FORD EXPLORERS. IT STARTED JUST AFTER THE 36000 WARRANTY. I NOW HAVE 60000 AND THE ROAR IS VERY LOAD. *JB
Suspension, Power train, Apr 17, 2006
THREE INSTANCES OF WHINING NOISE AT 50+ MPH AND FLUID LEAKAGE FROM REAR AXLE SEAL 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE FIRST ONE CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL WHEN ACCELERATING ON HIGHWAY. DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE SINCE REAR TRANSAXLE FLUID LEAKS DOWN DRIVE SHAFT TO BRAKE ASSEMBLY. I NOTICED SIGNIFICANT CORROSION OF BRAKE ASSEMBLY WHERE FLUID IS RUNNING INTO THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY. ONLY WHEN LEAK IS SIGNIFICANT WILL FLUID DRIP ONTO SURFACE BELOW REAR AXLE. DEALER NOTED FORD ENGINEERS ARE AWARE OF PROBLEM BUT EXPECT THE CONSUMER TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. FIRST REPLACEMENT OF REAR AXLE SEALS AT 30000 MILES; SECOND AT 460000 MILES AND THE THIRD AT 62000 MILES. THESE SEALS SHOULD LAST LONGER. SECOND INSTANCE HAD VIBRATION WHEN ENGAGING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND LOUD WHINING NOISE/ VIBRATION FROM REAR; THEN FLUID LEAKAGE. MY DEALER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT MANY EXPLORERS (2002-2005) HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY ENGINEERS ARE EVALUATING; AS A DEALER THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. FORD HAS NOT INDICATED A FIX OTHER THAN TO CHECK FLUID LEVEL, REPLACE REAR AXLE SEALS, AND/OR THE REAR UNIT. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT HAZARD SINCE IN MOST CASES THE VEHICLE OWNER WILL NOT KNOW THERE IS A PENDING FAILURE DUE TO THE FLUID LEAKING DOWN THE REAR AXLE DRIVE SHAFT TOWARD THE BRAKE/WHEEL ASSEMBLY. THE WHINING NOISE WILL INCREASE AS FLUID LEVEL DECREASES WITH RISK FAILURE AND LOSS OF CONTROL. THIS PROBLEM IS FAR MORE COMMON THAN REPORTED DUE TO THE DIFFICULT NATURE OF OBSERVATION OF LEAKAGE. ONE HAS TO CRAWL UNDER THE REAR TRANSAXLE AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE TWO AXLE SEALS TO LOOK FOR SIGNS OF CORROSION AND FLUID LEAKAGE. *NM
Power train, Apr 16, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY HAD TO BE REBUILT AT 85,000. THE SHOP WE TOOK THE CAR TO SAID HE SEES A LOT OF 2002 FORD EXPLORERS BECAUSE IT WAS A NEW MODEL AND FORD DID NOT BUILD THE TRANSMISSION CORRECTLY. THE MECHANIC SAID FORD DID NOT RECALL THE TRANSMISSION'S BUT THEY SHOULD AS IT SEEMED TO HIM TO BE A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM, AND NOT FROM ABUSE (IN OUR CASE ANYWAY). *NM
Power train, Apr 13, 2006
THE REAR END ON MY CAR WAS CAUSING A LOUD HUMMING NOISE ABOVE 40 MILES PER HOUR. *JB
Power train, Apr 11, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT - MAY 2005 HAD LOUD ROARING NOISE FROM RIGHT REAR WHEEL. REPLACED RIGHT REAR BEARING/PINION/ETC. APRIL 2006 HAD LOUD ROARING NOISE FROM LEFT SIDE. REPLACED LEFT FRONT AND LEFT REAR BEARING/PINION/ETC. REQUESTS TO DEALER AND DIRECTLY TO FORD CO. TO COVER 2ND & 3RD REPLACEMENTS DENIED. *JB
Power train, Apr 11, 2006
2ND GEAR LOST IN TRANSMISSION O/D LIGHT FLASHING ERRATIC SHIFTING, HAD TRANSMISSION REBUILT AT OVER $3000.00 COST TO ME FORD SAID WHOOPS SORRY. *JB
Power train, Apr 9, 2006
THERE IS A LOUD HOWL/WHINE COMING FROM THE REAR AXLE AREA OF OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WE UNDERSTAND THAT THIS HAS BEEN A COMMON COMPLAINT WITH THESE VEHICLES. OUR EXPLORER IS OUT OF WARRANTY BUT SINCE THIS SEEMS TO BE AN INHERENT PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE WE WOULD LIKE FOR FORD TO AT LEAST SHARE THE COST OF REPAIR WITH US. *NM
Power train, Apr 9, 2006
TRANSMISSION FAILED SUDDENLY WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 65 MPH, CAR JERKED EXTREMELY HARD AT 65 MPH AND SUDDENLY SLOWED TO 30 MPH. O/D ON/OFF LIGHT CAME ON AND ALSO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR OFF THE ROAD THANKS TO THE HELP OF ANOTHER MOTORIST WHO WAS BEHIND ME AND REALIZED MY CAR WAS BREAKING DOWN. HE ASSISTED IN HELPING ME CHANGE TRAFFIC LANES TO GET TO A SAFE SPOT TO STOP. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND DETERMINED THAT AT 54,000 MILES TRANSMISSION FAILED. TRANSMISSION IS COVERED UNDER THE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY, HOWEVER FIRST AUTOMOTIVE HAS DECIDED TO PUT IN EITHER A USED OR SALVAGED TRANSMISSION. THEY REFUSE TO TELL US ANYTHING ABOUT THE CONDITION OR MILEAGE OF THE USED/SALVAGED PART. *NM
Power train, Apr 8, 2006
TRANSMISSION SOMETIMES NOT GOING INTO 3RD AND SLIPPING BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND AND 3RD. BOUGHT IT USED SO OUT OF LUCK BUT HAVE TALKED TO DOZENS WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD ISSUED THIS WARNING TO THEIR DEALERS "03-25-4 DEC 03 A/T - 5R55W NO 3RD GEAR/SLIPPING 2-3 SHIFT/DTC'S SET" SO MANY OF THESE ARE JUST GOING OUT. DUE TO HAVING A BABY WE HAVE NOT HAD THE 2800 TO FIX IT. JUST HOPING IT LASTS AT LEAST 6 MORE MONTHS. *NM
Power train, Apr 7, 2006
TRANSMISSION WENT BAD AT 68,000 MILES. IT WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT FROM SECOND TO THIRD GEAR. PREVIOUS TO THAT MAKE VERY HARD NOISES WHEN SHIFTING FROM THIRD TO SECOND. *JB
Power train, Apr 6, 2006
TOOK 02 FORD EXPLORER IN DUE TO CAR NOT SHIFTING WHEN IT SHOULD. ACCORDING TO FORD, I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE EXPLORER ONLY HAS 34,000 MILES. FREEDOM FORD IN HAMPTON, VA INSTALLED A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR $3600.00. *NM
Power train, Apr 6, 2006
WHINING NOISE IN REAR DIFFERENTIAL OF 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. *JB
Power train, Apr 4, 2006
LOUD TIRE ROAR WHEN I REACH SPEEDS OVER 45 MPH. TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE. DEALER NOTICED THE NOISE BUT DIDN'T ACKNOWLEDGE HOW TO FIX IT. VERY LOUD, ALMOST MAKES YOU NOT WANT DRIVE. THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE ENGINEERING OF THE VEHICLE. *JB
Power train, Mar 31, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NO PARTICULAR SPEED, THE REAR WHEELS SHOOK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL UNIT SHOWN SIGNS OF EXTREME WEAR AND WOULD NEED REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. *AK
Power train, Mar 30, 2006
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (5R55W) HAS FAILED AT 30,300 MILES 10 MONTHS PAST LOUSY 3YR/36K BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY EXPIRATION! 1 MONTH PRIOR TO FAILING THERE WAS A SECOND OR SO DELAY SHIFTING INTO REVERSE OR A HARSH BUMP UPON ENGAGEMENT. ON 2/26/06 AFTER A 30 MINUTE DRIVE ON THE INTERSTATE AND THEN DOING AN IN-TOWN ERRAND, THE OVERDRIVE OFF LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. AFTER PARKING IT IN OUR GARAGE THERE WAS A BURNED FLUID SMELL. DUE FOR THE 30K TRANSMISSION SERVICE, I ALSO ASKED FOR A COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC TEST AT AN INDEPENDENT TRANS. SPECIALIST. THE MECHANIC CAME TO ME WITH THE PAN ASKING DO YOU POSSIBLY HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. (NO! I SHOULDN'T NEED ONE FOR A MAJOR COMPONENT SUCH AS A TRANSMISSION.) THE FLUID WAS COMPLETELY BLACK WITH NO HINT OF RED. ADDITIONALLY THE MAGNET WAS COVERED WITH A 1/2" THICK LAYER OF METAL SHAVINGS! THE COMPUTER CODE (P1783) REVEALED THAT THE FLUID HAD HEATED TO GREATER THAN 270 DEGREES F. THE TRANSMISSION IS FRIED AND HIS BEST ESTIMATE TO REBUILD IT WAS AROUND $3,000! LET ME STATE THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NEVER DRIVEN UNDER ANY HARSH CONDITIONS, EVEN THOSE YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO ACCORDING TO FORD ADVERTISEMENTS SUCH AS TOWING, OFF-ROAD OR USING THE 4 X 2 LOW GEAR. AFTER DOING AN INTERNET SEARCH AND READING HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE REPEATED FAILURES WITH THE REBUILT AND/OR NEW 5R55W'S INSTALLED, WHAT IS THE CONSUMER SUPPOSED TO DO? WE HAVE TO PAY FOR FORD'S MANUFACTURING DEFECT BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR POOR ENGINEERING ON THEIR VEHICLES. AS MANY OTHERS HAVE EXPRESSED, THIS VEHICLE IS NOT EVEN PAID FOR SO THIS IS A HUGE FINANCIAL BURDEN FOR OUR FAMILY. I RECOGNIZE THAT THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE EXACTLY, BUT IT SURE IS HURTING THE POCKETBOOK OF CONSUMERS WHO HAVE NO PROTECTION FROM CONSUMER LAWS ONCE IT'S PAST THE 1 YR FOR LEMON LAW OR THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. HOW DO WE GET SUPPORT AS A GROUP TO GET A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT STARTED? NOT BUILT FORD TOUGH!
Power train, Mar 27, 2006
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, MY O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND MY CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT. I ENDED UP HAVING TO DRIVE AT 25 MPH AND AT 5000 RPMS IN ORDER TO GET HOME. I HAVE HEARD OF MORE THAN SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH 2002 EXPLORERS. FORD DID NOTHING TO HELP ME. *JB
Power train, Mar 23, 2006
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 3-4 TIMES FOR REAR END NOISE / VIBRATION. IT HAS BEEN REPLACE, RE LUBRICATED AND ADJUSTED. THE CAR HAS 85000 MILES ON IT AND THE NOISE IS BACK AGAIN. ANY TIME YOU ARE ACCELERATING AND REACH 55-60 MPH, THERE IS LOUD WHINE THE COMES FROM THE REAR END. LET OFF THE GAS AND IT GOES AWAY.*JB
Power train, Mar 22, 2006
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE SUDDEN. *NM
Power train, Mar 22, 2006
VEHICLE OUT OF WARRANTY NOW AT 114K MILES. TRANSMISSION JUST REPLACED AT MY COST AND NOW THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS MAKING A BAD HOWLING NOISE. I SUPPOSE THAT WILL END UP NEEDING REPLACEMENT OUT OF WARRANTY. I'M HAVING A REAL PROBLEM UNDERSTANDING WHY THE VEHICLE IS HAVING SUCH BAD/EXPENSIVE PROBLEMS AT JUST OVER 100K MILES. ARE THEY REALLY BUILDING GARBAGE ??? *JB
Power train, Mar 20, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER EXHIBITING TRANSMISSION AND REAR END PROBLEMS FORD SHOULD RECALL ALL 2002 FORD EXPLORERS FOR THIS PROBLEM. IT APPEARS TO BE VERY WIDE SPREAD. COST ESTIMATED TO BE $6000 FOR REPAIR. *NM