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, Jan 31, 2005
LEAKING SEAL ON TOP COVER OF REAR DIFFERENTIAL; DIFFERENTIAL WAS MAKING NOISE. IT WAS FACTORY SEALED WITH SILICONE WHICH IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE LONG-TERM SEAL DUE TO DETERIORATION. FORD SAID SILICONE SEALS ARE NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY BUT RELENTED AFTER MY STRIDENT CIMPLAINT. HUGE COST ($675) TO REMOVE DIFFERENTIAL WHICH WAS REPAIRED AGAIN WITH SILICONE WHICH WILL NOT LAST. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RE-CALL AS THERE WILL BE OIL LEAKS ALL OVER AMERICA. THIS IS AN IMPROPER SEAL DESIGN.*AK
Power train, Jan 27, 2005
TRANSMISSION DIED AT 3642 MILES VERY LOW MILAGE TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE DEFECTIVE AND IT COSTS MORE THAN 3,000$ TO FIX IT. THE COST SHOULD BE PICKED UP BY FORD.*AK
Power train, Jan 24, 2005
RUMBLING/HOWLING NOISE FROM UNDER REAR OF VEHICLE. DEALER DIAGNOSED REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE. THERE SHOULD BE A LONGER LIFE EXPECTANCY FOR THIS COMPONENT. *NM
Power train, Jan 23, 2005
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT HAD A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. WHEN PUTTING IT IN REVERSE NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN FOR 5 - 10 SECONDS. THEN IT WOULD LURCH INTO GEAR AND REV UP AND SHOOT BACKWARDS. SINCE NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN YOU WOULD THINK IT NEEDED GAS AND THEN WHEN IT ENGAGED AFTER 5 - 10 SECONDS IT WOULD LUNGE FASTER BACKWARDS CREATING A SERIOUS RISK OF BACKING INTO SOMEONE OR SOMETHING. FORD FIXED THE PROBLEM AT MY EXPENSE (OVER $1000) SAYING THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION CONTROLLER. OTHERS THAT I HAVE SPOKE TO HAVE SAID THEY HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS. I THINK THAT THIS SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO A SAFETY RECALL. *JB
Suspension, Power train, Jan 14, 2005
I AM THE FLEET MANAGER OF THE BUFFALO GROVE PARK DISTRICT AND WE OWN FOUR FORD EXPLORERS TWO OF THE FOUR A 2002, AND A 2003, EXPLORER 4X4 XLT HAVE HAD NUMEROUS EXPENSIVE PROBLEMS SUCH AS WHEEL BEARING FAILURES THREE FAILURES ON THE 02 EXPLORER AND ONE ON THE 03, REAR STRUT FAILURE,SEALS LEAKING CONVERTER CLUTCH FAILURE,REAR AXLE NOISE GEAR WHINE,CLUTCH PACK NOISE,ALL THESE PROBLEMS ON VEHICLES THAT ARE OUT OF WARRANTY BY MILEAGE BUT ONLY A COUPLE TWO OR THREE YEARS OLD. THIS YEAR JAN 04 TO JAN 05 3,500 IN REPAIRS FOR THESE TWO VEHICLES, NOT INCLUDING THE REAR AXLE PROBLEMS ON THE 03, THIS IS "NOT ACCEPTABLE" P.S. THE MILEAGE 72,000 ON THE 02, AND 51,000 ON THE 03 *JB
Power train, Jan 7, 2005
TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT TO OVERDRIVE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED ON FIVE OCCASIONS. THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND THE BAND WOULD BURN UP. *SC
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Jan 6, 2005
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED STRANGE SOUNDS AND DELAY WHEN SHIFTING THE VEHICLE FROM PARK TO REVERSE. *BF THE ABS LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. *SC
Power train, Jan 5, 2005
MULTIPLE WHEEL BEARING FAILURE ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4X4, 42,000 MILES. LOUD NOISE PROMPTED ACTION BEFORE COMPLETE FAILURE. COMPLETE FAILURE MAY HAVE RESULTED IN WHEEL LOCK-UP AND POSSIBLE CRASH. DESPITE COMPLAINT AND RESQUEST FOR THE REPAIR TO BE COVERED GIVEN LIMITED MILEAGE, NO ASSISTANCE FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY. DEALER DID REPLACE ONE UNIT AT NO CHARGE. FORD PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE OF ANOTHER OWNER WITH SIMILAR PROBLEM, HAD TO REPLACE ALL FOUR WHEEL BEARINGS. THIS IS CERTAIN TO BECOME A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM AS THESE CARS AGE IF FORD IS NOT HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEFECT AND FORCED TO TAKE PREIMPTIVE ACTION TO SAVE LIVES.*AK
Power train, Dec 28, 2004
HAD TROUBLE SHIFTING COLUMN SHIFT & THEN IT BROKE OFF IN MY HAND. *JB
Power train, Dec 27, 2004
TRANSMISSIONS PROBLEM, BEEN TO TWO DEALERS, AND CANT FIX THE PROBLEM. FORD WIL NOT HELP. I FIRST WENT IN BEFORE MY 3-36 WAS UP NOW IM 45 DAYS OVER AND THEY WON'T PAY . IT MISSES UNDER A LOAD AND WHEN PASSING OTHER CARS FEELS VERY UNSAFE . *AK
Steering, Power train, Dec 27, 2004
WHEN SHIFTING FROM DRIVE TO PARK COLUMN SHIFT LEVER WOULD GET STUCK. UPON A STALLING ,, WHEN SHIFTING FROM DRIVE INTO PARK TO RESTART THE CAR, COLUMN SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF RESULTING IN BEING UNABLE USE THE VEHICLE WHILE IN A PARKING LOT AT NIGHT WITH SMALL CHILDREN IN THE CAR. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER, WHERE WE WERE TOLD THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT AN ESTIMATE OF $747.00 FOR A THREE YEAR OLD VEHICLE.*AK
Power train, Other or unspecified, Dec 24, 2004
I WAS DRIVING,WHEN I HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMMING FROM UNDERNEATH MY FORD EXPLORER.I THOUGHT FOR A SECOND OR TWO,THAT I HAD RAN OVER SOMETHING IN THE STREET.THE VEHICLE,SLOWED.WHEN I STOPPED FOR THE TRAFFIC LIGHT,IT WOULD NOT MOVE.THE OD OFF LIGHT WAS FLASHING.THE ONLY WAY I COULD MOVE THE TRUCK WAS IN NEUTRAL.I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO JOE RIZZA FORD IN N.RIVERSIDE,IL.THEY TOLD ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED.I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK FROM RIZZA NEW ON 09/11/01.59,000 MILES WAS ON THE SPEDOMETER.I BELIEVE THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE.I WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST ME $3,400.00 TO GET IT REPLACED.I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO GO FURTHER IN DEBT AND BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE.*AK
Power train, Dec 22, 2004
WHEN SHIFTING GEAR FROM "PARK" TO "DRIVE" THE COLUMN SHIFTER WAS NOTICABLY DIFFICULT TO MOVE. WITHOUT WARNING , THE COLUMN SHIFTER FELL OFF, RESULTING IN NOT HAVING A CAR TO DRIVE. I AM CURRENTLY TRYING TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED. *JB
Power train, Dec 20, 2004
MY FORD EXPLORER SPORTS TAC HAD APPROXIMATELY 50,000 MILES ON IT WHEN I STARTING HEARING SOME WINDING NOISE IN THE REAR END. SO I DECIDED TO REMOVE THE DIFFERENTIAL COVER TO PULL THE AXLES TO SEE IF THE AXLE BEARINGS WERE BAD AND COME TO FIND OUT THAT BOTH CARRIER BEARINGS AND PINION BEARING WERE SHOT! I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT AFTER 57,000 MILES ON A TRUCK THAT I HAD TO SPEND $600.00 DOLLARS IN PARTS AND LABOR TO REPLACE THESE PARTS ON A FORD TRUCK "BUILT FORD TOUGH"! THE MECHANIC COULD NOT BELIEVE HE WAS REPLACING THESES PARTS AT 57,000 MILES WHEN IT SHOULD BE MORE LIKE 200,000 MILES!*AK
Power train, Dec 16, 2004
WHILE TRAVELING AT 25 MPH DRIVER'S GEAR POPPED OUT, AND VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO MOVE. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION WHEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER.*AK
Power train, Dec 15, 2004
WITH NORMAL DRIVING, THE DIFFERENTIAL OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS PROGRESSED FROM HUMMING TO A LOADER ROAR WHILE DRIVING AT ALL SPEEDS, WHICH I WAS TOLD WAS 'NORMAL FOR FORDS'. 5,000 MILES LATER I AM LOOKING AT $1,300.00 TO REPLACE THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AT MY OWN COST, SINCE FORDS WARRANTY RAN OUT AT A MEASLY 36,000 MILES. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD IN THE FACT THAT IF YOU LISTEN TO WHAT DEALERS AND MECHANICS TELL YOU, YOU CAN BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND HAVE YOUR WHOLE REAR END BUST OUT ON YOU, LEAVING THE CAR WITHOUT ANY CAPABILITIES TO MOVE ANYWHERE. FOR SOMEONE WHO IS NOT THE MOST CONFIDENT DRIVER OR DOES NOT NOW HOW TO REACT, THIS CAN LEAD TO SOME VERY ERRATIC BEHAVIOR.*AK
Power train, Seats, Equipment, Other or unspecified, Dec 9, 2004
MY FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION IT WAS AT 36000 MILES, MY CAR WAS TUNED AND SERVICED AS SHUDULE, AND IT COST A TOTAL OF $1700.00 TO FIX. WHICH THE CAR IS ONLY 2 YEAR OLD. THE AIR CONDITION STOP WORKING IN DECEMBER OF 2003 AND AT THE TIME MY CAR WAS BARELY 1 YEAR OLD THIER HAS BEEN MANY OTHER CONCERN WITH MY EXPLORER THAT I AM MAKING $500.00 PAYMENT ON. I BELIVED I HAVE PURCHASE A DEFECTED CAR. *AK
Power train, Dec 6, 2004
WHINING NOISE COMING FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 44,000 MILES. POSSIBLE CRASH IF DIFFERENTIAL LOCKS UP AT HIGHWAY SPEED. FORD SAYS I NEED TO REPLACE ENTIRE DIFFERENTIAL, YET NOT WILLING TO PAY PART OF THE COST. INTERNET RESEARCH SHOWS THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2002 EXPLORER.*AK
Power train, Equipment, Dec 6, 2004
1.EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE -ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION WHILE HAVING MY CAR AT THE DEALER WHILE IN WARRANTY I MADE NOTE TO THE SERVICE INDIVIDUAL,THAT SOME THING FELT WRONG WHEN MY CAR WOULD SHIFT IN TO ANOTHER GEAR WHILE MOVING .NOTHING WAS EVER FOUND WRONG OR ANY DOCUMENTATION WAS MADE. 2.FAILURE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES-AS MY VEHICLE REACHED 43,900 MILES MY TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SHIFT EVEN MORE HARDER AND SOMETIMES WOULD NOT GO IN TO GEAR.THE REAR WOULD VIBRATE TO THE POINT WHERE IT SHOOK THE VEHICLE HARD. 3.WHAT WAS DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE-WHEN VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER IT WAS QUICKLY BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARANTY AND AFTER DIAGONOSING THE PROBLEM THAT THE TRANS ASSY SOLENOID HAD TO BE REPLACED. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS UP ON A LIFT . THIS COST ME A TOTAL OF $976.91. I FEEL THAT I WAS LED ON UNTIL MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THAT FORD SHOULD COVERED THE COST OF THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THIS IS A FAIRLY NEW VEHICLE AND IT WAS NOT MY FAULT THAT THIS PART WENT BAD.THIS PART SHOULD BE RECALLED.*AK
Power train, Dec 2, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTED HARD WHEN CHANGING GEARS,AND SLOW IN REVERSE. CONSUMER HEARD A GRINDING NOISE WHEN THE GEAR WENT INTO OVERDRIVE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK
Power train, Dec 2, 2004
I BOUGHT MY 2002 EXPLORER IN MAY OF 04. IT ONLY HAS 40,000 MILES AND THERE IS A SEVERE WHINING NOISE IN THE REAR-END. IT WILL ALSO JERK AND SLAP SOMETIMES WHEN I LET OFF OF THE GAS. I ALSO PUT IT IN 4-WHEEL DRIVE AND IF FEELS AND IT SLAPS AND JERKS LIKE THE WHOLE UNDERNEATH IS GOING TO FALL OUT.*AK
Power train, Nov 28, 2004
2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR DIFFERENTIAL NOISY AND LEAKING. I HAVE HAD MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN FOR REPAIR 5 TIMES IN 2 YEARS FOR NOISY (ROARING) REAR DIFFERENTIAL AT SPEEDS OF 55-65MPH IT ONLY MAKES THE NOISE WHEN GAS PEDAL IS APPLIED. COASTING NO NOISE. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS ALSO LEAKING OIL. INION SEALS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 5 TIMES, GEARS. HE NOISE GOES AWAY AFTER EACH REPAIR BUT COMES BACK AFTER 5-10K MILES. CURRENTLY HAVE 108K000 MILES. I SEE VIA INTERNET SEARCHES FORD IS HAVING LOTS OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL 2002-2004 FOR THE SAME EXPACT PROBLEM.*AK
Power train, Nov 25, 2004
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2002 FORD EXPLORER (EDDIE BAUER). AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 50-70 THERE IS SIGNIFICANT NOISE (ROARING) FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. WHEN I LET OFF THE GAS, THE NOISE GOES AWAY. CURRENTLY HAVE 60K MILES, BUT NOISE STARTED SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF WARRANTY (36K). THINKING THAT IT MIGHT BE THE TIRES, I REPLACED ALL AT 40K. TIRES MADE NO DIFFERENCE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THE RING AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1200. TO INCUR THIS COST GIVEN THE MILAGE IS REDICULOUS.*AK
Power train, Nov 25, 2004
COMPLETE FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION WITHOUT ANY WARNING AT LOW MILEAGE.*AK
Power train, Nov 25, 2004
MY TRANSMISSION SHIFTER HARD A FEW TIMES ( LOUD "CLUNK") FOR SOME TIME NOW. I THEN LOST 4 WHEEL DRIVE. I AM UNABLE TO SELECT HIGH FOUR OR EVEN LOW. THE LOW BUTTON NO LONGER ELUMINATES AND SHIFTS TO LOW. I DISCOVERED I LOST 4X4 MODE WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP IN THE RAIN AND MY REAR WHEELS SPUN WILDLY. I AM OUT OF WARRANTY..WHAT DO I DO. FORD DEFINATELY HAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. I HAVE ABOUT 48.000 MILES ON VEHICLE. IT WAS PURCHASED USED 3 MONTHS AGO.*AK