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
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Nov 24, 2004
TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, TIMING CHAIN GUIDE FAILURE (4.0L PREVIOUS FORD RECALL) FORD REPLACED TRANS. NOW THAT TRANS IS FAILING. REPLACED TIMING CHAIN AND GEAR SET. *NM
Power train, Nov 23, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE SHIFTING GEARS THE VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Nov 23, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED THE REAR LEFT AXLE STARTED SMOKING AND BECAME RED HOT. THE PAINT ALSO PEELED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO INDICATED THAT THE REAR LEFT BRAKE HAD LOCKED UP. THE BRAKE WAS REPLACED. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL SEAL WAS LEAKING ALSO. THE SEAL AND FLUID WAS REPLACED. SINCE THE BRAKE FAILURE THERE WAS A WHINING NOISE IN THE REAR AXLE AT SPEEDS OFF 50-55 MPH. *JB
Power train, Nov 23, 2004
MY 2002 EXPLORER HAS BEEN THROUGH TWO TRANSMISSION OVERHAULS IN ONLY 53,000 MI. THE FIRST TRANSMISSION OVERHAUL WAS PERFORMED AT 35,000MI BY A LOCAL FORD DEALER WHO CLAIMED TO HAVE REPLACED THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER! I WAS GIVEN AN EXTRA 12,000MI WARRANTY ON THAT TRANSMISSION. WELL IT LASTED 12,000MI BUT AT 50,000MI THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AGAIN!!! FORD INSISTS THAT I TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO WANTS TO CHARGE ME $3000 TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AGAIN! I OPTED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER SHOP THAT SPECIALIZES IN TRANSMISSION REPAIRS. I PAID THEM $2000 TO REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION YET AGAIN. APPARENTLY, ON THIS MODEL YEAR THE CASINGS ARE DEFECTIVE. THE TRANSMISSION SHOP TOLD ME THAT HE HAS ALREADY SEEN 4 OF THESE EXPLORERS ALL WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL DONE ON THE 2002 EXPLORERS ALONG WITH THE 2004. *AK
Power train, Nov 23, 2004
I HAVE HAD THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4X4 FOR LESS THAN 3 YEARS AND HAVE DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 47,000 MILES. WE BEGAN HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ABOUT 4 MONTHS. THE FIRST ISSUE WAS A WHINE IN THE REAR END THAT STARTED AT 20MPH AND GOT LOUDER UNTIL ABOUT 60MPH. NEXT THE SHIFT BETWEEN GEARS STARTED TO GET ROUGH AND THERE WAS A DELAY WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE. WHEN WE BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALER THEY SAID THE FOLLOWING WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED: THE SOLENOID AND RELATED PARTS (TO FIX THE ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS) AND THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL (TO FIX THE WHINING NOISE). TOTAL COST IS ABOUT $2,750. I EXPECT A TRANSMISSION TO LAST MORE THAN 3 YEARS.*AK
Power train, Nov 21, 2004
CONSTANT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SINCE PURCHASE OF CAR FROM FORD DEALER W/29,000 MILES ON IT. ROBLEMS: TRANSMISSION SHUTTERING, BANGING IN GEAR, BANGING INTO REVERSE(ALWAYS) AND OVERDRIVE LIGHT BLINKS ON AND OFF SOMETIMES. SOMETIMES THE BANGING INTO GEAR FEELS LIKE SOMEONE HAS HIT YOU FROM BEHIND. CAR ALWAYS BANGS INTO REVERSE. SERVICE TO AUTOMATIC AS RECOMMENDED BY FORD MANUAL AND FORD DEALER: WE HAD THE TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED, WE HAD THE TRANS. COMPUTER RESET TWICE, AND WE HAD TO FIX THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE THAT BROKE AT ABOUT 40,000 MILES. SINCE NONE OF THESE SERVICES FIXED THE TRANSMISSION, THE FORD DEALER RECOMMENDED A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR ABOUT $3000. WHICH IS RIDICULOUS WHEN THE CAR IS SO NEW AND SO EXPENSIVE.*AK THE CARS TRANSMISSION HAS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY, AND HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS THE 2004 EXPLORER TRANSMISSION HAVE. THE INVESTIGATION IN THE EXPOLORER'S BAD TRANSMISSIONS GOES BACK BEYOND THE 2004 MODELS, BECAUSE OURS IS A 2002 AND HAS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY.
Power train, Nov 15, 2004
MY TRANSMISSION FAILED IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER V-8 EDDIE BAUER EDITION. IT'S 2 WEEKS OVER THE WARRANTY PERIOD, BUT HAS ABOUT 35000 MILES ON IT, SO IT'S UNDER THE 36000 MILEAGE. FORD WON'T COVER THE REPAIR EVEN THOUGH MY CAR HAS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED.*AK
Power train, Nov 14, 2004
FRONT END OF MY 2002 EXPLORER MADE A "CLICKING" SOUND WHEN DRIVING AND TURNING. ON JUNE 16 2003, FORD INSPECTED AND FOUND BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT FRONT AXLES WERE DEFECTIVE. THEY REPLACED THEM. ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2003 THE SAME PROBLEM WAS OCCURRING, FORD AGAIN INSPECTED AND FOUND THE AXLES PUT ON THE VEHICLE IN JUNE WERE ALSO DEFECTIVE. ONE YEAR LATER I AM NOW HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND THE MECHANIC SAID THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT AXLES. THERE HAS TO BE SOME SORT OF ISSUE WITH THIS PART. THE POTENTIAL FAILURE OF THIS PART WILL LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. MY FAMILY RIDES IN THIS VEHICLE EVERY DAY, SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Nov 12, 2004
ABS LIGHT WAS ON. ALSO, BACK AXLE WAS REPLACED. CURRENTLY, THE ABS LIGHT WAS ON AGAIN. *AK THE ABS LIGHT WAS ON A TOTAL OF 3 TIMES. *TC
Power train, Nov 10, 2004
I HAVE OWNED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER FOR 27 MONTHS. DURING THAT TIME I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THE AUTO TRANSMISSION DELAYING BEFORE ENGAGING INTO REVERSE AND NOT SMOOTHLY GOING INTO FORWARD GEARS WHEN TRAVELLING. THE DEALER HAS TUNED THE TRANSMISSION 3 TIMES AND NOW AT 109,000 HWY MILES I NEED A NEW TRANMISSION FOR $3,000 USD. THIS TRANMISSION HAS RECEIVED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS IN THE NHTSA DATABASE AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WHERE I HIT ANOTHER CAR WHEN REVERSE ENGAGED AFTER 3 SECONDS. I HAVE ALREADY SPENT IN EXCESS OF $500 ON THIS TRANSMISSION AND THE FIRST MAINTENANCE OCCURRED AT 32,000 MILES. IN ADDITION, THE AXLE SEALS CONTINUE TO LEAK AFTER BEING REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES AND PER MY DEALER SOURCES ARE A DESIGN FLAW. NHTSA NEEDS TO GET THIS PUBLIC BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED WITH THE TRANSMISSION ISSUES AND HAVE FORD CORRECT THEIR DESIGN FLAW ON THE AXLE.
Power train, Nov 9, 2004
TRANSMISSION FAILURE, OVERDRIVE BAND CAUSED DAMAGE INSIDE TRANSMISSION. THEN HAIRLINE CRACKS WERE FOUND IN THE TRANSMISSION CASING. FORD ENGINEERS TOLD THE SERVICE TECH AT THE DEALARSHIP THAT THEY HAVE SEEN CRACKS IN EXPLORER TRANSMISSION CASINGS. *AK
Power train, Nov 2, 2004
WHILE DRIVING THE ODD LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CONSUMER HAD TO USE THE MANUAL SHIFT TO GET IT TO THE DEALER AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THE TRANSMISSION IS DEFECTIVE. *JB
Power train, Nov 1, 2004
THE VEHICLE WENT INTO FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ON ITS OWN. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONSUMER IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *JB
Power train, Oct 27, 2004
WHILE SHIFTING INTO THIRD GEAR VEHICLE SLIPPED AND IT FELT LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN NEUTRAL. TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTED ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO SHAFT SENSOR. CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE, AND HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR. *TC
Power train, Oct 22, 2004
MY 2002 EXPLORER HAS A REAR END PROBLEM AND THE VEHICLE ONLY HAVE 76,000 MILES ON IT, I HAVE PUT A WINDOW SWITCH IN IT ALREADY , WINDOW REGULATOR, 2 SPEED SENSORS, AND SOME KIND OF AN EMMISIONS PART. I SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THESE PROBLEMS ALREADY.*AK
Power train, Oct 21, 2004
WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO PLACE THE GEAR IN PARK, IT BECAME STUCK IN REVERSE. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE DRIFTED BACKWARDS. NO IMPACT REPORTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Power train, Oct 14, 2004
GEAR SHIFT FELL OFF. *BF THE METAL PIECE ATTACHED TO THE STEERING COLUMN BROKE. *JB
Power train, Oct 11, 2004
2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC WITH JUST 51,000 MILES HAD CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH BREAKS, REAR-END SEALS AND FINALLY NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. SINCE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY BY MILEAGE, WE HAD TO REPLACE IT OURSELVES. IN TALKING WITH SEVERAL MECHANICS, BOTH AT DEALERSHIPS AND INDEPENDENT, THEY MADE COMMENTS IN REFERENCE TO THE FACT THAT THEY WERE SEEING THIS FREQUENTLY. WE EMAILED THE FORD CORPORATION AND THEY STILL HAVE NOT RESPONDED. *NM
Power train, Oct 5, 2004
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAD A HOWLING SOUND IN THE REAR END WHICH WAS IDENTIFIED AS WORN OUT PINION BEARINGS. THEY DECIDED TO REPLACE THE REAR END BUT WERE ADVISED BY FORD NOT TO REPLACE IT WITH THE ORIGINAL FACTORY PART NUMBER. IN FACT WE WERE CONSIDERING A USED PART AND IT WAS RECOMMENDED TO REPLACE THE REAR END WITH A TOTALLY DIFFERENT PART NUMBER.*AK
Power train, Aug 26, 2004
I HAVE A 2002 EXPLORER WITH AROUND 67,XXX MILES. THE PROBLEM FIRST STARTED OUT WITH A LOUD "POP" SOUND WHEN ENGAGING IN REVERSE. THEN WHILE DRIVING MY OVERDRIVE OFF LIGHT STARTED FLASHING LIKE CRAZY AND NOT WANTING TO SHIFT. HAVE GOTTEN SEVERAL ESTIMATES ON FIXING THIS PROBLEM AND WE ARE LOOKING AT ABOUT $1,500-2,000 TO GET THIS ALL TAKEN CARE OF. AFTER READING THAT THIS IS A REPEAT COMPLAINT FROM SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS OF THIS 2002 EXPLORER, I PERSONALLY FEEL THAT THIS IS THE FAULT OF THE MANUFACTURER AND THAT THEY SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM!*AK
Power train, Aug 25, 2004
2002 FORD EXPLORER - REAR DIFFERENTIAL AXLE SEAL BEGAN LEAKING AT 23,000 MILES AND WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY; STARTED LEAKING AGAIN AT 30,000 MILES AND THE REAR AXLE AND SEALS WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY; STARTED LEAKING A THIRD TIME APPROX. EIGHT MONTHS LATER AND DEALERSHIP REPLACED BOTH AXLE SEALS; NOW 5000 MILES LATER THE SEALS ARE LEAKING AGAIN AND THE DEALERSHIP IS TELLING US THEY DON'T KNOW WHY THE SEALS CONTINUE TO FAIL; IN ADDITION TO THE REAL SEALS LEAKING WE HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE ABS SENSORS REPLACED TWICE, THE OXYGEN SENSOR ONCE AND A SEAT BELT SENSOR ONCE. *AK
Power train, Aug 19, 2004
LEASED NEW '02 EXPLORER IN MAR 02. HAVE HAD A WARPED DRIVESHAFT REPLACED, CLUNKING NOISE IN REAR END AREA WAS "NORMAL', AND NOW AT 65K MILES HAVE TO REPLACE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. FMC OF COURSE CLAIMS NO RESPONSIBILITY- VEHICLE ISN'T UNDER WARRANTY AND I SHOULD TAKE IT UP WITH DEALER. DEALER SAYS 3000 DOLLARS TO FIX. ALSO HAD THE STALLING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH SPEEDOMETER READING BETWEEN 5 AND 95 MPH APPROXIMATELY 1 1/2 YEARS AGO. DEALER FOUND NOTHING WRONG.*AK
Power train, Aug 17, 2004
PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR IT'S 60000 MILE SERVICE AND AT THAT TIME THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT THE VIBRATION WHEN THE VEHICLE SHIFTED GEARS. THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG. FOUR DAYS LATER THE SERVICE TRANSMISSION AND O/D LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN HAD TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED. SINCE THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER IT'S WARRANTY THE CONSUMER FEELS THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF A NEW TRANSMISSION. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 9, 2004
I PURCHASED A FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC IN DEC. 2002. I HAVE BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT A NUMBER OF TIMES. THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF ITEMS THAT I'VE HAD REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY: 1.) FRONT BRAKES: A LOUD RUBBING/GRIDING SOUND BECAME INCREASINGLY LOUDER. THE FIRST TIME THE SERVICE DEPT. FOLKS SAID THAT IT WAS NORMAL. THE NEXT TIME I BROUGHT THE CAR IN, THEY COULD DENY THE NOISE AND THEY SUBSEQUENTLY REPLACE ONE ROTOR AND RESURFACED THE OTHER. 2.) REAR AXLE: A BROKEN SEAL ALLOWED HYDROULIC FLUID TO COVER INSIDE OF THE REAR WHEEL CAUSING DIFFICULTY IN BRAKING. THE SERVICE DEPT. REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY 3.) THE TRANSFER CASE FOR THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE WAS LEAKING FLUID. THE SERVICE DEPT. REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. 4.) THE VEHICLE STALLS A NUMEROUS AMOUNTS OF TIMES (10-15 TIMES) SINCE I'VE OWNED IT. IT STALLS WHILE I'M DRIVING AT 35 MILES PER HOUR, IN REVERSE, DAY OR NIGHT. WHEN I GO FOR AN ERRAND AND PARK, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. AN HOUR LATER, WHEN THE TOW TRUCK IS THERE, THE VEHICLE START. IT DRIVES ME CRAZY!! THE SERVICE DEPT. SAYS THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING BECAUSE NOTHING REGISTERS ON THE COMPUTER AND THEY CANNOT SIMULATE THE PROBLEM. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED (08-04-04) MERGING ON TO THE FREEWAY IT STALLED. UPON START-UP, BLACK SMOKE POURED OUT OF THE EXHAUST AND IDLING WAS EXTREMELY ROUGH. I HAD IT TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. THE SERVICE DEPT REPLACED A MASS AIRFLOW METER UNDER WARRENTY. THE VEHICLE RUNS...I'LL CROSS MY FINGERS!! MY CURRENT PROBLEM IS THAT THE FRONT TIRES ARE SEVERLY CUPPING AND THE FRONT END VIBERATES AT 60 MPH AND OVER. THE VEHICLE HAS 25K MILES AND THE TIRES HAVE BEEN ROTATED 5 TIMES ABOUT EVERY 5K MILES. I HAD THE WHEELS CHECKED FOR ALIGNMENT AND BALANCE AND IT IS TO SPECIFICATIONS. THE SERVICE DEPT SAYS ITS NORMAL AND TO CONTINUE WITH THE ROTATIONS. THE TIRES ARE WEARING UNEVENLY AND PREMATURELY. THE TIRE SHOP RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHOCKS AND STRUTS BE REPLACED. THE SERVICE DEPT DOES NOT.*AK
Power train, Aug 4, 2004
CONSUMER STATED REAR AXLE SEALS WERE LEAKING. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK