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 31, 2005
REAR END NOISE (GRINDING) IN OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER DURING DE-ACCELERATION. FIRST TIME TO DEALER 8/25/03 MILEAGE 30,901, NOTHING DONE, 2ND TIME TO DEALER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM 11/03/03, MILEAGE 36,930 COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM. PROBLEM SEEMS TO GO AWAY, CAME BACK AROUND 75,000 MILES. TOOK VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER AND COMPLETE REAR END WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $2600.00. NOT SURE WHY IT WAS NOT DETECTED WITH THE FIRST TIME TO THE DEALER?
Power train, May 30, 2005
THERE IS A WHINING NOISE IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER COMING FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. I OCCURS BETWEEN 40-65 MPH. IT QUITS WHEN I LET OFF THE GAS. I AM WORRIED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL (THE SOURCE OF THE NOISE) WILL SOON LOCKUP WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, POSSIBLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.
Power train, May 24, 2005
4 WHEEL DRIVE WILL NOT ENGAGE. HAS BEEN USED ONE OTHER TIME SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2002
Power train, May 24, 2005
TRANSMISSION FAILED. HAD TO BE REPLACED. ONLY 50,300 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. SERVICE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THIS IS THE 5TH FORD EXPLORER HE'S HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION ON THIS MONTH ALONE. HE SAID THE TRANSMISSIONS ON THE EXPLORERS ARE FAILING BETWEEN 50K AND 60K MILES.
Power train, May 23, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER GEAR SHIFT FELL INTO THE CONSUMER'S LAP WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. *MR *SC *JB
Power train, May 23, 2005
DT: TRANSMISSION WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE, AND THERE IS NO NEUTRAL. THERE IS ONLY 57,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND CHECKUPS. TRANSMISSION WAS MAKING CLANKING NOISE WHEN PUT INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAKING NOISE SINCE 2002. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND IT WAS CHECKED. DEALERSHIP DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE WAS PUT IN REVERSE, AND IT STARTED JUMPING. THEN IT WENT AND STOPPED IN REVERSE. THEN, VEHICLE WAS PUT IN PARK AND T SWITCHED TO REVERSE. THERE WAS NO REVERSE. IT WAS PUT INTO NEUTRAL, AND IT WENT FORWARD. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO DRIVE, IT WOULD GO FORWARD.*AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Equipment, May 20, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE 4WD, THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE VEHICLE IS GIVING OFF A ROTTEN EGG SMELL. *MR THERE WERE FRONT END PROBLEMS. THE 4WD MODULE WASN'T WORKING. THE DRIVESHAFT AND BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED. THE ROTORS WERE OUT OF ROUND. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ALONG WITH THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT. THE TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM ON TWO OCCASIONS AND POSSIBLY A THIRD TIME. A LARGE PUDDLE OF TRANSMISSION WAS FOUND UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS NOISY. THE ACCELERATION PEDAL WOULD PULL BACK. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATED, IT WOULD WHINE. THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING WAS GONE AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE AXLE, BRAKES AND THE TIRE WAS BARELY HOLDING ON. THE ERROR CODE FOR THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WAS DUE TO THE SOLENOID WHICH HAD BEEN CHANGED BEFORE. THE A/C WAS INOPERATIVE. *SC *JB
Power train, May 17, 2005
LOUD WHINING NOISE IN THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL .. THE BEARINGS ARE BAD AND THE SEALS ARE LEAKING
Power train, May 14, 2005
VEHICLE HAS 78,000 MILES, REAR AXLE HALF SHAFT SEAL LEAKS AT DIFFERENTIAL AND THERE IS A LOUD "WHINE' OR "HUM" WHILE ACCELERATING, NOISE STOPS WHEN YOU LET OFF GAS. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND FEEL THIS IS A MANUFACTERS DEFECT.
Power train, May 13, 2005
DRIVER NOTICED WHILE SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION FORWARD OR BACKWARD THE GEARS ARE HARD AND A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE STARTED COMING FROM THE FRONT. DRIVER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE PLACED ON A DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE FOR ANALYSIS. *AK THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM HAS BEEN ON GOING SINCE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE GEAR SHIFTER BECAME STUCK IN REVERSE GEAR UNLESS IT WAS PULLED FIRMLY TOWARDS THE DRIVER. *BF *NM
Power train, May 11, 2005
TRANSMISSION AND REAR-END. SEALED TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED AT DEALERSHIP AT 29,000 MILES. SINCE THEN TRANSMISSION HAS A WHIRR AND THEN A CLUNK WHILE DECELERATING BACK INTO FIRST GEAR. WHINING NOISE FROM REAR-END SINCE 12,000 MILES. FORD REPLACED FAULTY REAR-END SEAL 6 MONTHS AGO, WHINING STILL THERE. I FEEL THAT FORD IS STRINGING ME ALONG UNTIL WARRANTY EXPIRES. FORD KNOWS THERE ARE PROBLEMS BUT WONT FIX UNTIL PART FAILS COMPLETELY.
Power train, May 9, 2005
THERE IS A LOUD DRONING SOUND FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR AND VIBRATIONS IN THE FLOORBOARDS.
Power train, May 3, 2005
THE TRANSIMIISON BEGAN TO SLIP AAT 30 MPH, 37, 000 MILES. ON 10/02/03- WAS SERVICED, BUT PROBLEM RETURNED FROM TIME TO TIME. IN 2005 PROBLEM WORSENED AT 48, 000 MILES. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR TRANSMISSION SERVICE. $DEALER REPORTED NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED @ COST OF 3,222. THE REPAIR WAS DONE ON 4/22/05.*AK
Power train, Apr 26, 2005
1.TRANSMISSION BEGAN SLIPPING, BANGING IN REVERSE, PROBLEMS GETTING THE VEHICLE TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE. . VEHICLE BECAME UNABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF 2ND, TRANS LIGHT AND OVERDRIVE LIGHT CAME ON AND FLICKERING. . TAKEN TO MILLER FORD, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING NO 3RD GEAR AT ALL, BOTH BANDS, SERVOS AND SOLENOID NEED REPLACE. 4.SPENT 2 DAYS IN SERVICE, RENTED A VEHICLE AT A COST OF $50. WORK WAS COMPLETED AT A COST OF $1523.28. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Apr 21, 2005
1. REAR END HOWLING NOISE (3/18/2005) - HEAR NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 40 AND 65 MPH. WHEN LETTING OFF OF ACCELERATOR, NOISE GOES AWAY, COMES BACK AGAIN WHEN ACCELERATOR IS PUSHED AGAIN. DEALER SERVICE DEPT REPLACED REAR CARRIER BEARINGS, CUP, SEALS, AND SPACER IN REAR DIFFERENTIAL. NOISE NOW OCCURS BETWEEN 65 AND 70 MPH. WAS TAKEN BACK TO DEALER SERVICE DEPT ON 4/11/2005. WAS INFORMED 4/20/2005 THAT REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS ADJUSTED WITH NEW SPACER, BUT NOISE IS STILL THERE. SERVICE MANAGER HAS ANOTHER FORD EXPLORER ON LOT AND TEST DROVE IT. THIS EXPLORER HAS SAME NOISE BETWEEN 40 AND 65 MPH. ONE OF THE TECHS (WHO USED TO WORK AT A FORD DEALERSHIP) TOLD SERVICE MANAGER THAT ALOT OF 2002 FORD EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM. FORD HAS NO SOLUTION OR CURE. 2. NOISE IN TIMING CHAIN AREA. FORD HAS A TSB ON THIS. I CAN HEAR THIS RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THIS AREA AND TOLD DEALERSHIP TO LOOK INTO IT. THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE NOISE, ALTHOUGH WHEN TEST DRIVING IT WITH ASSIST. SERVICE MANAGER, I COULD STILL HEAR THE NOISE, BUT HE COULD NOT. I HAD MY LOCAL MECHANIC CHECK THIS OUT, AND THEY CAN HEAR THE NOISE THAT I'M TALKING ABOUT. THIS PROBLEM HAS YET TO BE FIXED. 3. VIBRATION COMING FROM FRONT END ON INTERSTATE THAT STARTS AT AROUND 70+ MPH. WHEN CLIMBING A STEEP HILL ON INTERSTATE AND TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTS, CAN FEEL A GRINDING NOISE IN POWERTRAIN. DEALER BELIEVES THAT THE FLUID IN THE TRANSFER CASE MIGHT NEED TO BE CHANGED,CAUSING CLUTCHES INSIDE TO STICK. WILL FIND OUT TOMORROW (4/21/2005). *NM
Power train, Apr 13, 2005
TRANSMISSION FAILED TO OPERATE. WOULDN'T MOVE IN DRIVE BUT IN SECOND GEAR. ENDED UP REPLACING WITH NEW TRANSMISSION. 4 MONTHS LATER REAR END WENT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. MILEAGE AT TIME OF TRANSMISSION FAILURE WAS 100,000 MILES, AND REAR END FAILURE 114,000. *AK
Power train, Apr 8, 2005
HELLO, I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORE XLT WITH 50,000 MILES V-6. IN THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE THAT IS IN A RYTHMIC PATTEREN. I HAVE SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT NEXT TUESDAY BUT WAS WONDERING IF THERE IS ANY RECALLS THAT I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT. AFTER READING SEVERAL FORMS FROM OTHER FORD EXPLORER OWNERS IT SOUNDS AS IF THERE IS A REOCCOURING PROBLEM.*AK
Power train, Apr 7, 2005
BOUGHT THE 2002 XLT 4X4 EXPLORER IN JULY OF 04 WITH 43,000 MILES ON THE CAR. AT 60,00 MILES HAD THE TRANSMISSION SERVICED. AT 63,000 MILES O/D LIGHT FLASHED. TOOK CAR INTO DEALER THE NEXT DAY AND CAR NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. THANK GOODNESS WE BOUGHT THE EXTENDED WARRENTY SO THE WORK SHOULD BE COVERED BUT AFTER READING ALL THE REPEAT PROBLEMS I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MIGHT BECOME A CONSTANT PROBLEM. ALSO EXPERIENCED THE SAME ROUGH SHIFT INTO REVERSE AND THE TRANSMISSION SLIPAGE BETWEEN GEARS. *AK
Power train, Apr 5, 2005
4X4 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION COMPLETE FAILURE. LOST 3RD AND 4TH GEARS AND REVERSE. THIS TRUCK NEVER TOWED OR WAS WORKED AT ALL. 47000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION MELTED. DEALER ADVISED TO COMPLETELY REPLACE, NOTHING LEFT TO REBUILD. THE ONLY HINT WAS THE TRUCK HAD A PAUSE OF 3-4 SECONDS BEFORE IT WENT INTO A FORWARD GEAR.*AK
Power train, Apr 5, 2005
O/DLIGHT FLASHING ON PA PIKE, WAS TOLD BY SELLING DEALER TO STOP DRIVING. TOOK TO A FORD DEALER AN HOUR FROM MY HOME . HAD TO RENT A CAR FOR A WEEK AND SPENT $700 TO FIX TRANNY. 3 MONTHS LATER 4 HOURS FROM HOME HAPPENED AGAIN. LOST A WEEK WORK WHILE IT TRANSMISSION WAS TORN DOWN AGAIN, STILL UNDER 12,000 WARRANTY FROM MARCH. SINCE THEN O/D LIGHT HAS FLASHED 4 DIFERENT TIMES, FORD DEALER COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. LAST TIME WENT TO AN INDEPENDENT TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST, HAS SAID $2,000 TO FIX, ALSO THIS TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN A BIG LEMON AND FORD WILL NOT STAND BEHIND IT. I HAD ANOTHER BAUER EXPLORER THAT I TRADED IN WITH 150,000 AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH IT, THIS IS WHY AFTER A CAR I WENT BACK TO THE EXPLORER. HUGE MISTAKE. IT IS TIME TO SEEK AN ALTERNATE FORM OF JUSTICE.*AK
Power train, Apr 2, 2005
FORD EXPLORER IS 2002. HAD TO REPAIR TRANSMISSION AT FORD SERVICE TRANSMISSION IN JUNE 2004. THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION FAILED SUDDENLY APRIL 1, 2005. WE DO NOT BELIEVE THIS IS ACCEPTABLE TO HAV TO PUT $3700 ON ONE MAJOR REPAIR AND ONE COMPLETE REBUILD OF THE TRANSMISSION INSIDE OFTHREE YEARS ON THE TRANSMISSION OF A NEW VEHICLE.*AK
Power train, Mar 30, 2005
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND I HAVE ONLY HAD IT ONE YEAR I GOT IT USED FROM A DEALERSHIP IT WAS A ONE OWNER AND IN THE TIME THAT I HAVE HAD IT I HAVE PUT OVER $800 WORTH OF WORK IN TO IT WITH BRAKES,HUBS,AND ONE AUTO LOCK HUB THE HUBS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE LET GO ONE MONTH AGO AND A WEEK AGO THE PASENGER SIDE REAR HUB LET GO IT HAS BEEN SITING EVER SENCE THES ARE VERY EXPENSIV THINGS TO REPLACE AND SHOLD NOT NEED TO BE DONE ON AVEHICAL THAT IS ONLY THREE YEARS OLD.*AK
Power train, Mar 28, 2005
GEARS BEGAN TO SLIP AT 59,000 MILES ON THREE YEAR OLD VEHICLE. ONE DAY OD LIGHT WENT OFF AND TRANSMISSION WAS COMPLETELY BURNED UP. WE HAD GIVEN VEHICLE REGULAR SERVICE. THERE WAS NO WARNING UP UNTIL THE DAY THE TRANNY WENT OUT. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN OUTSIDE SOURCE WHO CONCLUDED THAT THE SEAL LOOKED LIKE IT HAD NEVER BEEN BROKEN ON THE TRANSMISSION PLUG. THIS LEADS US TO BELIEVE THAT FORD NEVER EVEN CHECKED OUR FLUID WHEN WE DID TAKE IT IN FOR SERVICE. THIS CONSTITUTES FRAUD IN MY OPINION, ALTHOUGH WE HAVE NO PROOF. *JB
Power train, Mar 25, 2005
THREE MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING MY 02 EXPLORER, AND AT 39000 MILES, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN SLIPPING JUST A BIT. A WEEK LATER, THIRD GEAR COULD NOT ENGAGE AT ALL, AND I WAS FORCED TO DRIVE TO THE REPAIR SHOP IN SECOND GEAR, WITH MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON, AND WITH SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN IN THE CAR. MY REPAIR PERSON DROVE THE CAR FOR ABOUT 15 SECONDS AND KNEW IMMEDIATELY WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. HE KNEW BECAUSE HE HAD JUST FIXED THE SAME PROBLEM LAST MONTH ON AN 02 EXPLORER WITH LESS MILES THAN MINE. HE STATED THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT WITH THE ADVENT OF EXTENDED WARRANTIES, THEY WOULD NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. I DID NOT PURCHASE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY BECAUSE WHO WOULD EXPECT THAT A TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE REBUILT AT 39000 MILES (INCIDENTALLY 3000 MILES PAST MY WARRANTY COVERAGE). LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED BECAUSE I PARKED THE TRUCK ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. BUT NOW I AM FACED WITH THE COST OF REBUILDING THIRD GEAR INTO MY TRUCK, WITH NO ONE ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILTY FOR THE DEFECT.*AK
Power train, Mar 24, 2005
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS, 4.0 ENGINE, THAT HAS TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 59,000 MILES. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE AND HAVE NOTICED A HIGH NUMBER OF TRANSMISSION FAILURES AT LOW MILEAGE SUCH AS MY VEHICLE. I CALLED FORD TO SEE IF THEY WOULD PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR THE REPAIR AND THEY SAID NO AND DENY ANY MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THOSE TRANSMISSIONS. I AM NOW FACED WITH HAVING TO PAY $1500 - $2000 FOR A MAJOR REPAIR OF A LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS DIAGNOSED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP UNDER THE ADVICE OF FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE. I AM NOW GOING TO REMOVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND TAKE IT TO AN OUTSIDE REPAIR STATION BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP WANTS $600 TO TEAR DOWN THE TRANSMISSION AND DO FURTHER DIAGNOSIS. I AM UPSET AT THE POOR QUALITY OF THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS A MAJOR INVESTMENT FOR ME AND THE ADDITIONAL EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VECHICLE.