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, Nov 19, 2013
I BOUGHT THE 2002 EXPLORER NEW FROM A FORD DEALER. AT 86,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION PROVED TO BE DEFECTIVE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED COSTING $3,000. JUST TODAY 11/19/2013 AT 134,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN $4,200.00. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL WEBSITES WITH HUNDREDS OF POSTING TELLING ABOUT SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH FORD TRANSMISSIONS. HERE IS ONE SUCH SITES WEB ADDRESS: HTTP://WWW.TOPIX.COM/FORUM/AUTOS/FORD-EXPLORER/TDMGQ44C3JTCJSR03/P26#LASTPOST FORD KNOWS ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS BUT REFUSES TO TAKE ACTION OTHER THEN PROFITING FROM CONTINUED SALES OF MORE DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS AND PARTS. I BOUGHT THE EXPLORER IN GOOD FAITH FOR ABOUT $31,000.00 AND WILL HAVE PAID $7,200.00 (APPROX 23%)IN TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENTS. THE DANGER HERE IS THAT THESE FORD TRANSMISSIONS COULD AND MAY ACTUALLY HAVE ALREADY SEIZE WHILE DRIVING THUS CAUSING UNTOLD SAFETY ISSUES. PLEASE RESEARCH THIS AND CREATE A RECALL. THANK YOU. *TR
Power train, Nov 14, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, A BURNING ODOR WAS NOTICED AS THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL SEIZED WITHIN MOMENTS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAD SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. TH E MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Power train, Oct 13, 2013
DRIVING FORWARD AT 20 MPH IN A TRAILER PARK WHEN OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND TRANSMISSION STARTED SHIFTING HARD. WAS TOLD ITS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM AND THOUSANDS OF 02 EXPLORERS HAD THIS ISSUE. GARAGE WANTS 3500.00 TO REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION. I CALLED FORD WHO HAD NO ANSWERS FOR ME AND WONT FIX EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW ITS A BIG ISSUE WITH THESE. THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS TO DATE. ALSO CLOCK SPRING JUST FAILED AND HORN STOPPED WORKING AND AIR AIRBAG LIGHT IS FLASHING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Oct 4, 2013
HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE WENT TO MECHANIC. WAS TOLD I BLEW A TWO HOLES THROUGH TIMING CHAIN COVER. WENT ONLINE FOUND THAT IT IS A RECURRING PROBLEM FOR THAT YEAR OF FORD. VERY UPSET THERE IS NO RECALL. WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST AT LEAST 2000 TO FIX. FORD NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. I WANT TO GO TO MEDIA TO LET EVERYONE THAT HAS THIS PROBLEM KNOW THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT IT AND WILL NOT DO ANYTHING. APPARENTLY EVERYONE HAS TO PAY OUT THE [XXX] TO HAVE THIS FIXED. I'M NOT ONE OF THEM. I WANT MY CAR FIXED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Power train, Oct 4, 2013
WHILE MOVING THE SHIFT LEVER FROM PARK TO REVERSE, THE LEVER BROKE AWAY FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND COULD NOT BE RETURNED TO PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN REVERSE, ENGINE RUNNING, AND BRAKE APPLIED. WITH THE BRAKE APPLIED, THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF, STILL IN REVERSE. THE KEY COULD NOT BE REMOVED UNTIL A SMALL WIRE CONTACT INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN WAS SHORTED TO THE METAL IN THE COLUMN. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE DRAGGED ONTO A TOW VEHICLE AND TAKEN TO AIKINS FORD IN WINDER, GEORGIA. I WAS TOLD THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE PART PLUS LABOR WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY $1500. AIKINS ORDERED THE PART AND IS STILL WAITING AFTER DISCOVERING THAT THERE WERE 221 STEERING COLUMNS ON BACK ORDER WITH THE AFTER MARKET MANUFACTURER LICENSED TO PROVIDE THE PART. THE DESIGN OF THE SHIFT LEVER INCLUDED A "POT" METAL DISK HOUSING THAT REQUIRES THE SPRING BEHIND IT TO BE ACTUATE BY PULLING THE LEVER FORWARD TO CHANGE THE GEAR STATUS. THE HOUSING SNAPPED IN HALF, LEAVING THE LEVER DANGLING BY A SMALL WIRE. ONLY THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING AVERTED CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER OF AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE REQUESTED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN PART BE RETURNED TO ME AND HAVE VERY GOOD PHOTOS OF THE VEHICLE AND THE ACTUAL SEPARATION AT THE BREAK IN THE COLUMN. I WILL FURNISH EITHER TO YOUR DEPARTMENT IF AND WHEN I GET MY EXPLORER BACK. NOW 56 DAYS AND STILL WAITING. I BELIEVE THAT IT WAS DESIGN FLAW TO ALLOW A PART THAT REQUIRES UNIFORM STRENGTH TO BE A MOLDED PIECE OF "POT" METAL AND SOMEONE MAY GET HURT, IF NOT ALREADY IN THE 221 INCIDENTS THAT FORD IS AWARE OF. *TR
Power train, Oct 3, 2013
THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THE CODE READS BAD SERVO WHEN READ BY THE NH INSPECTION STATION. INVESTIGATION ON INTERNET AND THROUGH DEALER INQUIRIES STATES THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH EXPLORER AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS IN THIS MANUFACTURING TIME PERIOD , EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE STATES THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. THIS IS A VERY WELL KNOWN PROBLEM BY FORD FOR THE 2002-2004 EXPLORER TRANSMISSIONS. *TR
Power train, Aug 15, 2013
HAD A FEW SLIPS PRIOR BUT NOTHING MAJOR.. AND NOW WONT MOVE IN DRIVE!!!! *TR
Power train, Aug 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE OVER-DRIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS A MESSAGE APPEARED STATING TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD DEFECTIVE RINGS AND BUSHINGS. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID BLOCK WAS LEAKING. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE ANY REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 233,577.
Power train, Aug 2, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000.
Power train, Jul 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION REFUSED TO SHIFT GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE BUT THE TRANSMISSION NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.
Power train, Jun 24, 2013
MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY. I STARTED THE VEHICLE, DEPRESSED THE BRAKE, AND ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE GEARSHIFT LEVER INTO REVERSE. THE GEARSHIFT LEVER WOULD NOT MOVE. AGAIN, I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE AND ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE GEARSHIFT LEVER INTO REVERSE. THE LEVER BROKE OFF AT THE JOINT WHERE IT COMES OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. I HAD TO HIRE A TOW TRUCK. THE DRIVER HAD TO DISENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION TO LOAD IT ONTO THE BED OF THE TOW TRUCK. THIS HAS BEEN A MASSIVE INCONVENIENCE BOTH FINANCIALLY AND STRATEGICALLY. I EXPECTED THIS ISSUE TO BE IN THE RECALL MODE AS THERE ARE MANY INCIDENTS NOTED ON THIS SITE. I FEEL THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE FOR ALL MY COSTS AS THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A FLAWED METAL JOINT THAT SHOULD NOT FAIL WITH NORMAL USE. WE RESIDE IN A MOUNTAINOUS STATE AND USE THE GEARSHIFT LEVER TO DOWN SHIFT ON THE SAME ROADS. THIS OCCURRENCE WOULD HAVE BEEN DISASTER ON FLOYD HILL OUTSIDE OF DENVER. I GUESS I WAS LUCKY! *TR
Power train, May 20, 2013
THE DREADED GEARSHIFT IN HAND SO WELL KNOWN BY FORD AND ANYONE WITH THIS MODEL,AND FORD WANTS BIG MONEY FROM THE CONSUMER,FOR A TERRIBLY ENGINEERED PART. HAVE YOU DRIVEN A FORD LATELY? *TR
Power train, Apr 30, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE, THE GEAR SHIFTER FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT THE TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 167,000. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Wheels, Mar 23, 2013
BEARING KEEP HAVE TO BE REPLACED, AN THE REAR COIL SPRING IS CRACKED AN THE TIRE CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING MY TRUCK, HAVE REPLACED THE WHEEL BEARING 3 TIMES ALREADY. AN I HAVE REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION 2 TIMES. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 28, 2013
LIKE MANY OTHER FRUSTRATED FORD OWNERS, I HAVE HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH MY EXPLORER. ITS REALLY FRUSTRATING WHEN YOU TAKE IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THEY DON'T EVEN NEED TO SEE IT TO KNOW THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REBUILT, DUE TO THE TRACK RECORD OF THE FAULTY PARTS FORD HAS USED. ITS REALLY SAD WHEN THEY KNOW THE TRANSMISSION WHERE NOT GOOD AND CONTINUED TO INSTALL THEM FOR MORE YEARS. I HOPE SOONER OR LATER THEY OWN UP TO THEIR FAULTS AND DO THE RIGHT THING AND RECALL THE FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS. WE SPENT GOOD MONEY FOR A QUALITY AMERICAN MADE CAR AND DID NOT EXPECT TO HAVE TO INVEST ALMOST $3,000 IN A NEW TRANSMISSION THE NEXT YEAR. FORD WILL LOSE A LOT OF LOYAL CUSTOMERS OVER THIS AND NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Feb 5, 2013
BOUGHT A USED 2002 EXPLORER WITH 116,000 MILES ON IT, WENT THROUGH ALL THE WARE ITEMS AND REPLACED WITH NEW. I DROVE THIS VEHICLE TO WORK FOR A WHILE, ENOUGH TO GET THE MILEAGE TO 140,010 MILES THEN SUDDENLY STARTED TO SLIP INTO 3RD OR MISS ALL TOGETHER 3RD GEAR. 1ST TO 2ND WORKS FINE, 2ND TO 3RD IS GONE (ENGINE RAVES LIKE IT WENT INTO NEUTRAL) WHEN YOU LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR IT GOES INTO 4TH GEAR ON WILL PULL AGAIN, O/D WORKS ALSO. DANGEROUS FOR ANYONE IN VEHICLE, THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN, IF SOMEONE WAS TO HAVE TO GET INTO TRAFFIC AND THIS VEHICLE WAS TO THIS THEY COULD VERY EASILY BE RUN OVER BY A VEHICLE THEY ARE TRYING TO STAY AHEAD OF OR HAD PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF. FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR YEARS NOW AND IS DOING NOTHING TO MAKE IT GO AWAY ARE REMEDY THE POORLY DESIGNED TRANSMISSION AND IT JUST TICKS ME OFF THAT THE FEDERAL HIGHWAY SAFETY PEOPLE DON'T MAKE FORD DO A RECALL TO FIX THE AFFECTED VEHICLES BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. *TR
Steering, Power train, Jan 29, 2013
PULLED INTO PARK, WENT TO SHIFT VEHICLE INTO PARK (WAS FULLY STOPPED) AND GEAR SHIFTER BROKE OFF. I DID NOT APPLY ANY FORCE, JUST THE NORMAL TYPICAL ACTION OF SHIFTING THE GEAR. GOOD THING IT WAS IN NEUTRAL WHEN IT SNAPPED. TOOK RUBBER SEAL OFF OF THE GEAR LEVER ARM AND THE PART WHICH THE LEVER ARM WAS ATTACHED HAD TOTALLY BROKEN OFF. THE METAL WAS NOT STRIPPED OR TWISTED BUT BROKEN. PART #905-104: COLUMN SHIFT REPAIR. *TR
Power train, Jan 23, 2013
TRANSMISSION TOOK A CRAP, IT SEEMS TO BE A KNOW PROBLEM WITH THE 2002 & 2003 EXPLORERS. GUESS WE SHOULD HAVE LOOKED INTO THE EXPLORER BETTER. *TR
Steering, Power train, Jan 18, 2013
PULLING IN DRIVEWAY STOPPED THE VEHICLE GOING TO PUT IT IN PARK SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF INSIDE OF STEERING COLUMN WENT ON INTERNET FOUND 146 COMPLAINTS AS THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO THEM ON FORD EXPLORER CARCOMPLAINTS.COM. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 18, 2013
MY FORD EXPLORER HAS HAD SO MANY RIDICULOUS PROBLEMS. THIS ONE IS EXTREMELY INCONVENIENT. THE CAR HAS TROUBLE SHIFTING GEARS, IT SPINS FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR AND THEN I HAVE TO LET GO OF THE ACCELERATOR FOR IT TO SHIFT AGAIN, IT SKIPS 3RD GEAR ALTOGETHER AND JERKS INTO FOURTH AFTER PRESSING AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR A SERIES OF TIMES. ONCE IT'S IN 4TH GEAR, IT DOESN'T GO PAST 50 MPH. MY MECHANIC SAYS HIS MONITOR DETECTED A FAULTY SOLENDER AND THE ENTIRE PACK HAS TO BE REPLACED, BUT THAT MAY NOT BE THE ONLY PROBLEM. IF THAT DOESN'T DO THE TRICK (EVEN THOUGH IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED REGARDLESS) HE WILL HAVE TO OPEN THE TRANSMISSION AND POSSIBLY REBUILD OR REPLACE SOME OF THE PARTS. I HAVE ENCOUNTERED HUNDREDS OF OTHER 2002 FORD EXPLORER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. ASIDE FROM THIS, I HAVE A LIST OF OTHER DANGEROUS ISSUES THAT THIS CAR HAS HAD AND THAT HAS ENDANGERED MY FAMILY'S AND MY LIFE NUMEROUS TIMES: - GEAR SHIFT BREAKING OFF THE STEERING COLUMN AS I SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION. - IGNITION CYLINDER/SWITCH BREAKING - POSSIBLE SPONTANEOUS EXPLOSION RECALL RELATED TO THE CRUISE CONTROL - REAR LATCH BREAKING AND INABILITY TO USE THE REAR LATCH. - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE - DOORS NOT CLOSING PROPERLY & DRAINING THE BATTERY - FAULTY ALARM SYSTEM - FAULTY TEMPERATURE GAUGE AND RADIATOR - FORD NOT ALLOWING CUSTOMERS TO BUY JUST THE PARTS NEEDED FOR REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR AND FORCING THEIR CUSTOMERS TO PURCHASE ENTIRE PACKAGES ONLY IN ORDER TO GET THE NECESSARY PARTS AT EXTREMELY HIGH PRICES. FORD SHOULD BE INCRIMINATED FOR SELLING THESE VEHICLES KNOWING FULL WELL THAT THEY ARE FLOODED WITH LIFE THREATENING ISSUES TO THEIR CUSTOMERS. *TR
Steering, Power train, Jan 15, 2013
WHEN TRYING TO SHIFT CAR FROM DRIVE INTO PARK, THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN AND FELL OF IN MY HAND. THE CAR WAS STILL IN DRIVE AND I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. THE KEY COULD NOT BE REMOVED AND THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. TO REPAIR THIS LINKAGE PART, THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED, AT A COST OF OVER $1800. I CALLED FORD TO REPORT THE INCIDENT AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAVE NO RECORD OF SOMETHING LIKE THIS EVER HAPPENING BEFORE. THEY SAID THEY WOULD ADD THE INCIDENT TO THEIR DATABASE. I TOLD THEM THAT I FELT THIS WAS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND THAT THIS NEEDS TO BE REFERRED TO ENGINEERING OR QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR INVESTIGATION BEFORE SOMEONE GETS INJURED OR KILLED. I GOT THE IMPRESSION THAT FORD WAS NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING WITH THIS INFORMATION. *TR
Power train, Wheels, Jan 12, 2013
I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER ABOUT 25MPH WHEN I FELT THE REAR END DROP DOWN. PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ALL 5 STUDS HAD SHEARED OFF. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS ONLY BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WHEN I PUT IT INTO DRIVE & STARTED TO ACCELERATE THE OPPOSITE SIDE STUDS SHEARED OFF. THIS TIME ONLY 4 STUDS BROKE SO I LIMPED THE TRUCK BACK ONTO MY DRIVEWAY. THE THIRD TIME THIS HAPPENED I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 15MPH GOING AROUND A TURN & 4 STUDS BROKE OFF AGAIN. IF I WAS GOING ANY FASTER THE TRUCK COULD HAVE FLIPPED OVER. *TR
Power train, Jan 10, 2013
MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION. FROM PARK, WHEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE THERE IS A SURGE THAT OVERCOMES THE BRAKES AND CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO MOVE ROUGHLY 4-5 FEET. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSIONS SHIFTS SO HARD THAT IT SHAKES THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. WHEN SHIFTING THROUGH THE GEARS THE TRANSMISSIONS STALLS THEN SHIFTS SO HARD IT OVERCOMES THE STEERING WHEEL AND SOMETIMES CAUSES A CHANGE OF DIRECTION. WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS 50MPH + IN OVERDRIVE THE TRANSMISSION WILL SURGE THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY AS IT ATTEMPTS TO STAY IN GEAR. AFTER REGULARLY SCHEDULED SERVICE OF THE TRANSMISSION AND MULTIPLE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE FORD DEALERSHIP THEY HAVE NOT OFFERED A SOLUTION OTHER THAN SPEND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON ANOTHER TRANSMISSION THAT MAY CAUSE THE SAME RESULT. THIS IS AN UNSAFE VEHICLE AND NEEDS TO BE REMEDIED BEFORE AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH OCCURS. *TR
Power train, Dec 23, 2012
WHILE PULLING OUT FROM A STOP SIGN THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING CAUSING THE EXPLORER TO BARELY PULL OUT INTO A BUSY INTERSECTION IN THE PATH OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHICH HAD TO STOP TO AVOID HITTING ME. THIS WAS NOT THE ONLY TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED, AND IT HAPPENS WITH NO WARNING. *TR
Power train, Engine, Dec 18, 2012
THREE MONTHS AGO THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING ON MY DASHBOARD. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MADE A LOUD NOISE WHEN CHANGING GEARS. SOMETIMES THE RPM'S WILL REV BUT THE CAR WILL NOT INCREASE IN SPEED.THE LIGHT WILL NOT TURN OFF AND THE TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO SHIFT HARSHLY. *TR