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 21, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING TRANSMISSION FAILED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY. DRIVER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. *AK
Power train, Jan 21, 2004
ROARING NOISE IN REAREND.TOOK TO DEALER ON 01/12/04 AT 22,810 MILES.TECH CHECK AND SAID FORD ENGINEERS WERE INVESTIGATING THAT I SHOULD CALL BACK IN A MONTH TO SEE IF PROBLEM SOLVE BY ENGINEERS.FIRST NOTICE NOISE IN JUNE 2003.VIN#[XXX]. *AK *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Jan 19, 2004
POWER TRAIN...TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED....TRANSFER CASE WAS REPLACED BEFORE WARRANTY RAN OUT...HAVE 40,000 MILES ON TRUCK. WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST $3350 TO FIX, I ASKED FOR HELP FROM MY SALESMAN AND FORD KNOCKED OFF $1700.00 LEAVING ME TO PAY $1650.00. I HAD NO WARNING SIGNS UNTIL THE SPEEDOMETER STATED 30 MILES PER HOUR WHILE THE I WAS GOING 5 MILES PER HOUR. THEN THE HIGH PITCHED WHINING NOISE STARTED. THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD NOT GIVE OUT AT 40,000 MILES. *CB
Power train, Jan 6, 2004
WHILE DRIVING DURING HEAVY SNOW TRANSMISSION MODULE WAS NOT WORKING. THERE WAS NO DASHBOARD INDICATION OF 4X4 FAILURE. DEALER REPLACED THE MODULE SENSOR. *AK *MR
Power train, Dec 28, 2003
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT HAS EXPIERENCED ALL THE POWER TRAIN PROBLEMS THAT I AHVE FOUND ON THIS SITE.MY DEALER AHS BEEN ADMIRABLE IN TRYING TO RESOLVE THESE PROBLEMS BUT IT SEEMS WE GET ONE FIXED AND ANOTHER STARTS.THE FIRS WAS THE TRANSFER CASR HAD A SHUTTER IN IT BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR , THEN THE REAR END HAD A BAD BEARING, THEN THE LEFT REAR AXLE HAD A BAD WHEEL BEARING, THEN THE VEHILCE WAS STAYING IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ALL THE TIME, THIS HAPPENED ON A TRIP THIS FALL BARE GROUND. THEN THE LATEST IS THE TRANSMISION IS GOING TO NEUTRAL AT STOP SIGNS AND RED LIGHTS BY ITSELF. THE VEHILE THEN SITS AND REVS UNTIL WITH A BANG THE TRANSMISSON ENGAGES AGAIN. *AK
Power train, Dec 23, 2003
I HAVE A 2002 EXPLORER PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 2001. HAVE ADVISED DEALER ONCE THAT VEHICLE MAKES HARD SHIFTS AND THAT IT HAS A VIBRATION WHEN STOPPED, THEY ADVISED THIS WAS NORMAL. VEHICLE IS NOW IN SHOP DUE TO TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. WHINES BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR AT ABOUT 25 MPH, THEN SLAMS INTO GEAR. OVERDRIVE OFF LIGHT KEPT FLASHING. DEALER SHOP SAYS IT WILL PROBABLY NEED "MAJOR SURGERY". VEHICLE HAS 44,000 MILES, JUST WENT OUT OF WARRANTY.
Power train, Dec 22, 2003
DRIVE SHAFT ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 42,000 MILES "IS WORN OUT" ACCORDING TO ROMEO, MI FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER. PREVIOUS COMPAINT AT 29593 MILES TO SAME DEALERSHIP ABOUT LOUD NOISE WHEN SHIFTING (WHILE UNDER WARRANTY) "COULD NOT BE VERIFIED" AT THAT TIME. I BELIEVE THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE REPLACED WITHOUT ANY CHARGE.*AK
Power train, Dec 7, 2003
2002 FORD EXPLORER 4X4 STRAINING AND BANGING SOUNDS IN DRIVE TRAIN WHEN IN 4X4 MODE AND WHEN CORNERING IN THIS MODE CAUSES VEHICLE TO BECOME HARD TO STEER AND CAN FEEL VEHICLE SHUDDER AS BANGING OCCURS. WAS TAKEN TO GREINER FORD ON 12/04/03 THE DAY PROBLEM STARTED AND WAS TOLD BY SERVICE ADVISOR JIM FEILER THAT FORD TECHNICAL SUPPORT HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE PROBLEM AND THAT THEY DO NOTICE ALL SYMPTOMS I BROUGHT VEHICLE IN FOR BUT THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND THUS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED BY FORD TO REPAIR EVEN THOUGH VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER FULL WARRANTY. I WAS THEN TOLD THEY FEEL VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE WHICH I FEEL IS INTERESTING SINCE THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THEY UNIT HAS A DRIVE TRAIN PROBLEM BUT DO NOT KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THE PROBLEM IS, SO HOW CAN THEY BE SURE IT IS A SAFE VEHICLE. *LA
Power train, Dec 7, 2003
THE INITIAL PROBLEM WITH THE REAR-END DIFFERENTIAL UNIT WAS A WHINING NOISE WHICH THE FORD DEALER'S SERVICE REP. IDENTIFIED AND IMMEDIATELY SAID IT SHOULD BE REPLACED. THE NEW REAR-END UNIT DID NOT WHINE BUT WITHIN 3 1/2 MONTHS A VIBRATION STARTED AND WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER FOR A TOTAL OF 6 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS TO REPAIR OR FIX THIS PROBLEM. BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT REAR AXLES WERE ALSO REPLACED AND ANOTHER REAR END DIFFERENTIAL UNIT WAS INSTALLED. AT EACH SERVICE VISIT, THE DEALER'S SERVICE MANAGER AND MECHANIC WERE COMPLETELY INVOLVED AND WERE VERY PERPLEXED AT THE PROBLEM. MY EXPLORER WAS AT THE DEALER FOR ABOUT 30 DAYS ON ONE SERVICE VISIT AND A TOTAL OF 42 DAYS OVER THE 6 TOTAL SERVICE VISITS FOR THIS PROBLEM. PERSISTENT FLUID LEAKS AND A RECURRING VIBRATION HAS PROMPTED ME TO SUBMIT A "LEMON" LETTER TO FORD. *LA
Power train, Dec 2, 2003
AT APPROXIMATELY 10,000 MILES I STARTED EXPERIENCING MINOR DIFFICULTIES WITH THE CLUTCH. AT 14,000 MILES, THE MALFUNCTION BECAME MUCH MORE PRONOUNCED ESPECIALLY WHEN SHIFTING OUT OF FIRST GEAR. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR WARRANTY REPAIRS BUT TODAY WAS TOLD I HAD WORN OUT THE CLUTCH AND THE REPAIRS WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY THE FORD WARRANTY. FORD IS ASKING $1,374 TO REPAIR THE CLUTCH.MY EXPLORER WAS USED OVERWHELMINGLY FOR CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING. AT 10,000 MILES IT HAD BEEN IN 4WD ONLY ONCE AND AT 14,000 MILES, ONLY THREE TIMES. THIS IS THE SEVENTH VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND I CERTAINLY KNOW HOW TO OPERATE A STICK SHIFT. TODAY THE GENERAL MANAGER OF LEIF JOHNSON FORD (AUSTIN), FRED TRUDEA, HUNG UP ON ME BECAUSE I WAS TAKING CONTACT NOTES ON MY COMPUTER. HE HEARD THE COMPUTER KEYS CLICKING AND ASKED WHAT I WAS DOING. HE THEN REFUSED TO GIVE ME A PHONE NUMBER FOR FORD'S REGIONAL SERVICE MANAGER, WASN'T EVEN SURE OF HER NAME, AND DID NOT OFFER TO FIND OUT. HE WAS SO FLIPPANT ABOUT MY TIME AND RESOURCES, THAT WHEN I ASKED HIM TO ARRANGE A CONFERENCE CALL WITH THE REGIONAL SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE, HE REPLIED IF YOU DON'T HEAR FROM ME IN FOUR DAYS, GIVE ME A CALL. WHEN I TOLD HIM I WOULD NOT PLAY TAG AND NEEDED A DAILY UPDATE UNTIL THIS WAS RESOLVED, HE REFUSED. LATER IN THE DAY, ANOTHER LEIF JOHNSON EMPLOYEE, TONY MANZANO, CALLED TO TELL ME THE REGIONAL SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE DECLINED TO RETURN MY CALL. MR. MANZANO WOULD NOT GIVE ME HER PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL. I ASKED BOTH MR. TRUDEA AND MR. MANZANO FOR SOMETHING IN WRITING STATING THEY WERE REFUSING TO MAKE THE WARRANTY REPAIRS AND REASONS. BOTH MR. MANZANO AND MR. TRUDEAU REFUSED TO PLACE ANYTHING IN WRITING. THEY TOLD ME TO CALL THE FORD 1-800 NUMBER. TODAY WAS THE MOST ABUSIVE CONSUMER EXPERIENCE I HAVE HAD IN MY LIFE. EVERY REQUEST I MADE WAS RETURNED WITH WITH NO, STONEWALLING OR JUST GENERAL CONTEMPT.*AK
Power train, Nov 29, 2003
I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORTTRAC. I BOUGHT IT WITH 1600 MILES ON IT ALREADY IN MARCH 2002. ON 9/6/03, I HAD IT TOWED IN FOR A CONTINUOUS REVING BETWEEN 1&2 AND BLACK SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE. THE TRUCK HAD ALREADY BEEN STALLING DURING THE PREVIOUS MONTHS WHENEVER I WANTED TO SPEED UP. FORD HAD MY TRUCK FOR ABOUT 2 1/2 WEEKS, REPLACED MY TRANSMISSION FROM THE FACTORY. THE SERVICE MAN TOLD ME THEY HAD TO SEND FOR YET ANOTHER TRANSMISSION - THAT EVEN FORD WAS STUMPED WITH THE PROBLEM SO JUST SENT THEM ANOTHER TRANSMISSION. I GOT MY TRUCK BACK AND IT WORKED FINE. THEN, THE STALLING STARTED HAPPENING PERIODICALLY AGAIN AND AGAIN. I TOOK IT IN AGAIN - THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. I COMPLAIN ABOUT IT EVERY TIME I TAKE IT IN FOR SERVICING. I ALSO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE CONSTANT FRONT PASSENGER WIND NOISE; THEY INITIALLY SAID THERE WERE LEAKS AND EVEN THOUGH I STILL COMPLAIN, THEY NOW SAY THERE ISN'T A PROBLEM. I ASKED ABOUT THE LEMON LAW AND THE SALESMAN WHO SOLD ME THE TRUCK (I BOUGHT IT IN ANOTHER CITY) TOLD ME THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM HAS TO HAPPEN 5 TIMES. I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THIS SITUATION. WHAT CAN I DO? I HAVE NOW READ OTHER INSTANCES IN THIS WEB SITE THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING. MY TRUCK NOW HAS ALMOST 32,856 MILES ON IT. I RESPONDED '0' TO 'NUMBER OF FAILURES' - I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS MEANT BY THIS QUESTION. YES, MY TRANSMISSION FAILED.*AK
Power train, Nov 26, 2003
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL INSTANCES WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOPPED POSITION WHEN THERE HAS BEEN A 2-3 SECOND HESITATION BEFORE IT ACTUALLY KICKS IN, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THERE IS A LOUD VIBRATION COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR OF THE VEHICLE, AND THE SHIFTING BECOMES VERY ERRATIC AND THE O/D LIGHT FLICKERS. I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL DEALERS. TWO OF THEM HAVE STATED THAT THE VIBRATION IS BECAUSE OF THE ROAD SURFACE. WHEN TRYING TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE, THERE IS A POPPING SOUND AND HESITATION BEFORE THE VEHICLE ACTUALLY MOVES. *LA
Power train, Nov 20, 2003
THE EXPLORER HAS DONE ABOUT 21,000 MILES IN 2 AND 1/2 YEARS. ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO, IT STARTED HAVING BIG CLUNKS IN THE TRANSMISSION WHEN COLD AND EVEN A GRINDING SOUND. SEEMED TO BE WHEN VEHICLE WAS BEING TURNED IN EITHER DIRECTION AT LOW SPEED. THE DEALER REPLICATED THE PROBLEM AND ORDERED AND INSTALLED A "NEW CLUTCH" IN THE TRANSFER CASE -THERE WAS SOME KIND OF "FLUID LEAKAGE." PROBLEM IS NOW WORSE, WAS REPLICATED WITH THE MECHANIC IN THE CAR AND THE DEALER HAS IT BACK IN FOR ANOTHER ATTEMPT AT FIXING IT. MY WIFE WON'T DRIVE IT ANYMORE. A FEW MONTHS AGO IT USED TO HAVE A LOUD SQUEAK WHEN THE VEHICLE WENT OVER SPEED BUMPS SLOWLY AND THIS WAS EVENTUALLY FOUND AND "FIXED." I WONDER IF THE CLUNK IN THE TRANSFER CASE IS NOT THAT AT ALL, BUT A LOOSE/WORN FRONT SUSPENSION PART GIVING WAY OR LOSING TENSION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED IN EITHER DIRECTION. PERHAPS ASSOCIATED WITH THE STRUT ON THE RIGHT SIDE BUT NOT SURE. DEALER HAS TRIED TO BE RESPONSIVE AND IS NOT THE PROBLEM. ANY ONE ELSE HAVE A SIMILAR PROBLEM? *LA
Power train, Nov 19, 2003
FROM PURCHASE THERE WAS A KHKHHHKH NOISE THAT MY BROTHER NOTICED. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND NOTHING WAS FOUND. ON THE 3RD TRIP BACK TO THE DEALER, I WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION SHIELD WAS LOOSE SO THEY TIGHTENED IT. THE NOISE CONTINUED SO I HAD MY NEIGHBOR WHO HAS A TRANS SHOP LISTEN AND HE SAID HAVE THEM LOOK AT THE TORQUE CONVERTOR. THE DEALER DID (34,000 MILES), HAD THE CAR FOR 14 DAYS AND FIXED?? IT. ITS BACK IN THE SHOP NOW (16 DAYS) (37,000 MILES) AND 1ST GEAR AND MY FORWARD CLUTCHES ARE BEING REPLACED. DID I GET A LEMON?*AK
Power train, Oct 15, 2003
I PURCHASED A 2002 EXPLORER NEW AND HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE IN TO DEALER TWICE WITH SAME COMPLAINTS. VEHICLE GOES INTO NEUTRAL WHILE IN DRIVE AND BACK INTO DRIVE WITH A LOUD BANG AND CLUNG. VEHICLE ALSO TAKES ABOUT 30 SECONDS TO GO INTO GEAR FROM PARK TO DRIVE OR REVERSE AND ALSO A LOUD BANG & CLUNG WHEN IT FINALLY DOES GO IN. THERE IS ALSO A LOUD WHINING SOUND ON THE HIGHWAY AT HIGHER SPEEDS. DEALER EACH TIME SAYS THEY CAN NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE AND UNLESS THEY CAN DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM THEY CLAIM THEY CANNOT FIX. IT DOES NOT MATTER THAT IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING WHILE I DRIVE IT. *LA
Power train, Oct 8, 2003
THE STATED THE VEHICLE FELT AS THOUGH IT WAS GOING TO SHUT DOWN, AS IF THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING. AS DAYS WENT BY THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED TO BLINK DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE MADE A SUDDEN HALT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, THE CONSUMER TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND BACK ON, IT RAN FOR AWHILE AND THEN STOPPED AGAIN. *AK *JB *NLM
Power train, Oct 7, 2003
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP IN 2ND OR 3RD GEAR. HAD TO MOVE VEHICLE TO SIDE OF ROAD, AND THEN HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC CHECKED THE VEHICLE OVER AND COULD NOT RESOLVE THE LOCKED GEAR PROBLEM.*AK
Power train, Sep 25, 2003
TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHEN STOPPED AT A INTERSECTION OR STOPLIGHT. SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE WILL STALL. THE DEALER HAS STATED THEY COULD NOTREPRODUCE THE PROBLEM DURING AND AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD. I HAVE FILED SAFETY COMPLAINT WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY CONSUMER RELATIONS AND THE DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR WITHOUT SUCCESS. THE DELAY IN THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGING IS A SAFETY HAZARD SINCE THE DELAY IN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC COULD RESULT IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE PROBLEM IS BECOMING MORE FREQUENT, ALMOST DAILY OCCURENCE.
Power train, Sep 10, 2003
WHEN MOVING THE DRIVE SELECTOR FROM PARK TO REVERSE, OFTEN THERE IS A LONG DELAY BEFORE THE GEAR ENGAGES. WHEN IT ENGAGES, THE TRANSMISSION MAKES A LOUD BANG AND THE VEHICLE LUNGES BACKWARD AT HIHG SPEED.*AK
Power train, Sep 8, 2003
VEHICLE PURCHASED NEW, HAD A PINION NOICE IN REAR DIFFERENTIAL SINCE PURCHASED. DEALER CHANGED REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND A WEEK LATER IT DEVELOPED A LEAK DUE TO BLOWN AXLE SEAL. REAR DIFFERENTIAL THEN DEVELOPED A NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING INTO A TURN FROM A STOPED POSITION. DEALER ADDED AN ADDITIVE TO REAR FOR LIMITED SLIP UNIT. NOISE IS STILL THERE ON TURNS BUT IS VERY LIGHT. ALL THIS HAS OCCURED SINCE PURCHASED NEW AND 14,000 MILES. *AK
Power train, Sep 3, 2003
DRIVESHAFT AREA/REAR NOISE-SINGING/HUM. *AK
Power train, Aug 25, 2003
SERIOUS SAFETY AND OPERATION ISSUE WITH THE 2002 YEAR FORD EXPLORERS SUV, THE REAR DRIVE DIFFERENTIAL IS FAILING, VIN#[XXX] IS AN EXAMPLE AT 12,700 MILES, SERIOUS INTERSTATE CRASH NARROWLY AVOIDED DUE TO THE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL.*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Aug 20, 2003
BOUGHT FROM DEALER, USED WITH 15000 MILES. AFTER 300 MILES HAD TO HAVE TRANSMISSION REBUILT (TRANNY WARNING LIGHT AND VIBRATION UNDER ACCELERATION, UPSHIFT 1ST TO 2ND OR 2ND TO 3RD). ONLY HAPPENED OCCASIONALLY. THREE WEEKS AFTER REBUILD NOTICED VIBRATION AT SLOW SPEEDS, BUT COULD NOT REPLICATE ON DEMAND. DEALER COULD NOT REPEAT VIBRATION AND RETURNED IT WITH NO ACTION. ONE WEEK LATER TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON 2 DIFFERENT DAYS. TAKEN TO DEALER FOR EVALUATION TODAY. I'M CONCERNED THAT THERE MAY BE AN INHERENT PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION
Power train, Aug 9, 2003
VEHICLE DEVELOPED A LOUD WHINING NOISE IN THE REAR END AT APPROX 25000 MILES. NOISE OCCURRED AT ALL SPEEDS. IT WENT AWAY WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS RELEASED. DEALER REPLACED THE DIFFERENTIAL. NOISE RETURNED IMMEDIATELY, BUT ONLY AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 48MPH AND 68MPH. DEALER IS NOW REPLACING THE ENTIRE DRIVESHAFT. ONE SERVICE ASSISTANT INDICATED OTHER EXPLORERS HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS. ACCORDING TO DEALER, FORD HAS ISSUED SERVICE MESSAGES. SOUNDS LIKE A RECALL. *AK
Power train, Aug 1, 2003
THE REAR AXLE LEAKED. WHICH WAS CAUSED BY THE RUBBER SEAL EATING INTO THE METAL OF THE AXLE PER MECHANIC. *AK THE REAR AXLE FAILED BETWEEN 17K MILES AND 30K MILES AND HAD TO BE REPLACED 3 TIMES. *SCC *JB