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, Jul 25, 2003
2002 FORD EXPLORER PURCHASED FEB. 2002 NEW. VEHICLE NOW HAS 17,000 MILES. SEVERAL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. WHEN SHIFTING OUT OF PARK INTO DRIVE THE SHIFT LEVER POPS AS IF IT NEVER ENGAGED. THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD OR BACKWARD 1-2 FEET AFTER SHIFTING INTO PARK, ENGAGING EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND GETTING OUT OF CAR. VEHICLE DRIFTS BACKWARD SEVERAL FEET WHEN STOPPED ON A HILL AND TRYING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOPPED POSITION. AT 17,000 MILES, AND ABOUT 1 MONTH AFTER A NORMAL SCHEDULED SERVICE, STARTED TO EXPERIENCE A LOUD WHINING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE AND ONLY ON ACCELERATION (NOT WHEN COASTING). THE WHINING WOULD COME AND GO. THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED TO FLICKER AND THEN WHEN OUT. THE NEXT DAY, TRANSMISSION STARTED SEVERE SLIPPING, ESPECIALLY AT LOW SPEEDS. IMMEDIATLELY TOOK IT TO FORD GARAGE AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED A TOTAL TRANSMISSION OVERHAUL. THEY ALSO EXPLAINED THAT FORD WILL NOT REPLACE WITH NEW TRANSMISSION IF IT CAN BE OVERHAULED FOR UNDER $2100. ALSO, THERE IS NO PLACE TO CHECK TRANSMISSION FLUID. MANUAL STATES THAT IT SHOULD BE CHECKED PERIODICALLY BY FORD DEALER AND ESPECIALLY IF SLIPPING OR OTHER PROBLEMS ARE NOTICED.*AK
Power train, Jul 19, 2003
VEHICLE HAS A RESONANCE HUMMING/RINGING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL THAT INCREASES WITH SPEED. ALSO HAS WHAT APPEARS TO BE SLIGHT DRIVETRAIN VIBRATION AS WELL. THIS PROBLEM WAS ALSO NOTED IN AN EDITORS REVIEW OF THE 2002 EXPLORER FOR EDMUNDS. REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS REPLACED IN MAY 2003, BUT THE PROBLEM HAS PERSISITED. WAS TOLD BY THE REAR END TECHNICIAN AT THE FORD DEALER THAT IT WAS BEING CAUSED BY THE GEARS NOT MESHING PROPERLY. APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT.*AK
Power train, Jul 17, 2003
I PURCHASED MY '02 EXPLORER NEW. FROM THE BEGINING THE SAME PROBLEM PERSISTS. WITH YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE, IF YOU PLACE THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND REMOVE YOUR FOOT FROM THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE WILL ROLL FOWARD APPROX 1-2 FT. IT CONCERNS ME. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY INSTANCES WHEN PURCHASING FUEL THAT I HAVE NEARLY ROLLED INTO A PEDESTRIAN FROM A DEAD STOP. I HAVE ASKED THE DEALER ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ONLY TO BE TOLD IT IS NOMAL FOR THIS VEHICLE. I DON'T THINK ANY VEHICLE SHOULD MAKE THAT PRONOUNCED A ROLL WHEN REMOVING YOUR FOOT FROM THE BRAKE. *AK
Suspension, Power train, Jul 8, 2003
VIBRATION AND DRONE/ROAR SOUND AT SPEEDS OF 64MPH AND GREATER. 4 ATTEMPTS MADE TO REPAIR, PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. REAR END ASSEMBLY REPLACED AS WELL AS TWO AXLE SHAFTS AND DRIVE SHAFT REINDEXED. *AK
Power train, Wheels, Jul 2, 2003
NOTED "CLICKING" NOISE WHEN WHEEL TURNED AT SLOW SPEED, ASSUMED CV JOINTS WERE GOING BAD. HOWEVER, DEALER SAID THAT LUG NUTS WERE LOOSE, AND WHEN TIGHTENED THE NOISE STOPPED. WHAT IS NOTABLE IS THAT THE WHEELS HAVE NEVER BEEN OFF, SO THIS CONDITION ORIGINATED AT THE FACTORY. DEALER SAYS OWNER AT FAULT AND CHARGED FOR THE REPAIRS. OWNER SAYS THIS A FACTORY DEFECT AND A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ITEM AND INSIST IT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. AT IMPASS.*AK
Power train, Jun 23, 2003
CONSUMER STATES WHILE PARKED VEHICLE JUMPED INTO GEAR AND ROLLED DOWN A HILL.*AK
Power train, Jun 21, 2003
4 FAILURES OF THE TRANSMISSION. COMMON PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN MISS SHIFTS FROM 2-3 AND 3-4, DELAYED SHIFTS FROM 2-3 AND 3-4, AND SEVERELY HARD SHIFTS IN ALL GEARS. TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REBUILT TWICE AND REPLACED ONCE. FORD HAS BOUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK AFTER ARBITRATION UNDER THE LEMON LAW. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAS SEVERE PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND RIGHT HALF SHAFT. I HAVE HAD 6 TOTAL FAILURES OF THE REAR END. WARNING SIGNS HAVE BEEN A WHINE FROM THE RIGHT REAR THE GROWS LOUDER OVER TIME AND THEN A VIBRATION IN THE RIGHT REAR. FORD KNOWS OF THESE PROBLEMS AS THEY HAVE ISSUED MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS TO THE SERVICING DEALERS OF THE ORDER OF REPAIR ATTEMPTS TO BE MADE. A RECALL MAY IN ORDER. *NLM
Power train, Jun 16, 2003
HIGH PITCH WHINNING NOISE IN REAR END OF 2002 FORD EXPLORER. DEALER SAYS REAR DIFFERENTIAL GEARS HAVE DEFECT AND I HAVE TO PAY $1200. BECAUSE WARRANTY EXPIRED! *NLM
Power train, May 21, 2003
I BOUGHT A 2002 EB EXPLORER IN JULY 2002 AND HAVE BEEN HAVING CHRONIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SINCE OCT/NOV 2002. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS BETWEEN 2-3 AND 3-4 ARE ROUGH AND IT JERKS INTO GEAR. THE FIRST TIME INTO THE DEALER, THEY "VERIFIED" MY CONCERN AND DID ABOUT $1,000 IN REPAIRS. IT WAS OK FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS AND STARTED AGAIN. IT HAS GRADUALLY GOTTEN WORSE, AND THE DEALER CLAIMS THEY CAN NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THEY HAVE UPDATED AND REPROGRAMMED THE SYSTEM MANY TIMES, AND NOTHING HELPS. I AM NOW ON MY THIRD TRIP TO THE DEALER FOR THIS. WITH ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS AND FORD'S SERVICE BULLETINS THAT LIST THE EXACT PROBLEMS I AM HAVING, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY FORD IS NOT DOING SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!! *JB
Power train, May 18, 2003
I OWN A 2002 SPORT TRAC, AT ABOUT 46000 MILES MI TRANSMISSION STARTED TO MISS SHIFTS FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR, IT TOOK ABOUT 3 TO 4 SECONDS FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO GET INTO THE NEXT GEAR, SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHERE I USUALLY HAVE THE TRUCK SERVICED THINKING THAT IT JUST NEEDED A FLUID CHECK DUE TO THE FACT THEY PERFORMED A TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGE AT ABOUT 30000. WHEN I WENT BACK TO THE DEALER I WAS ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD A PROBLEM ON THE FLUID LINES AND THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE TAKEN OUT TO BE REBUILT, SO I ASKED WHY WAS THIS HAPPENING AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE GASKETS BEEN WORN OUT INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION. BUT THEY COULDN'T SPECIFY IF THIS WAS A FACTORY PROBLEM OR A OWNER ABUSE PROBLEM, SO WHEN I ASKED IF THERE WAS A TRANSMISSION RECALL BY THE MANUFACTURER (FORD) ON THIS TYPE OF TRUCKS THE ANSWER WAS NO. THEN I WAS ADVISED THAT MY TRUCK WAS OUT OF FACTORY WARRANTY WHICH IS 3 YEARS OR 36000 MILES AND IF I WANTED TO HAVE THE JOB DONE IT HAD TO BE SELF FINANCED, SO I ASKED FOR AN ESTIMATE WHICH WAS ABOUT 18 HOURS LABOR @ $100 P/H AND $500 IN PARTS TOTALING $2300 AND FINALLY AFTER CALLING FORD AND COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS $30000 TRUCK HAVING A FAULTY TRANSMISSION AND GETTING A "YOUR TRUCK IS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND WE DON'T HAVE ANY OTHER TRUCKS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM" I FINALLY PAID THE REPAIRS OUT OF MY POCKET WHICH I PERSONALLY THINK SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING ON A ALMOST BRAND NEW TRUCK. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 26, 2003
I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE INTO THE FORD DEALER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AT LEAST 4 TIMES WITH NO SUCCESS IT IS STILL UNDER MANUFACTURER WARRANTY AND IS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. *NLM
Power train, Apr 17, 2003
TRANSMISSION ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4.0 LITER SLIPS AND OR JERKS AT TIMES. AT TIMES UPON ENTERING A INTERSECTION THE TRANSMISSION WILL SLIP AND THEN SEVERAL SECONDS LATER THE TRANSMISSION WILL JERK INTO GEAR. ON 03/04/03 WE HAD A CLOSE CALL UPON ENTERING THE INTERSECTION WHEN THIS SITUATION OCCURRED. THIS PROBLEM CONTINUES IN SPITE OF TAKING THE VEHICLE INTO FORD NUMEROUS TIMES. *JB
Power train, Apr 16, 2003
THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACK, WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK HIS FOOT OFF THE BRAKE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP ROLLING UNTIL THE CONSUMER PLACED HIS FOOT BACK ON THE BRAKE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. *JB
Power train, Apr 1, 2003
THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED. FORD RECOMMENDED A REPLACEMENT WITH A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. SCC *JB
Power train, Mar 28, 2003, crash
IT WAS DURING THE FAST FREEZE WHEN THIS INCIDENT TOOK PLACE. WE WENT FROM 45 DEGREES TO 20 DEGREES WITH IN 2-3 HOURS. IT WAS RAINING AT FIRST THEN SWITCHED TO ICE & SNOW. WE PUT THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN 4X4 DRIVE DUE TO THE WEATHER CONDITIONS. AS WE WERE ENTERING THE EXPRESS WAY WE LOSS CONTROL OF THE TRUCK ONLY GOING 28 MILES PER HOUR. WE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND HIT THE GUARD RAIL. IT WAS AS THOUGH WE HAD NO 4X4 DRIVE. WE CALLED THE POLICE TO GET A ACCIDENT REPORT FOR OUR INSURANCE. WE THEN TOOK THE TRUCK A WEEK LATER TO MARTIN BUICK TO FIX THE BODY DAMAGE TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE TRUCK. THEY TOOK THE TRUCK TO LASKO FORD ACROSS THE STREET TO WORK ON THE 4X4 SYSTEM. THEY TOOK THE CLUTCHES OUT AND DRAINED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THEY FOUND DAMAGE TO THE CLUTCHES. THESE PARTS WERE BLACKENED AND GLAZED OVER. THEY SAID THAT THIS LOOKS LIKE WEAR AND TEAR FOR THIS TRUCK AND THAT THE TRUCK WAS NOT MAINTAINED. WE REGULARLY CHANGED FLUIDS AND THE MANUAL STATES THAT THE TRUCK DOES NOT NEED MAINTENANCE UNTIL 150,000 MILES. I ASKED HOW COULD A NEW TRUCK HAVE SO MUCH DAMAGE TO THE 4X4 AND THEY SAID THAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN IN 4X4 WHEEL DRIVE FOR A LONG TIME. I KNOW AND SO DO MY PASSENGERS THAT THIS IS NOT TRUE. THE DASH BOARD ALWAYS INDICATED 2 WHEEL DRIVE NOT 4X4 UNLESS I PUT IT IN 4X4. THE AUTOMATIC 4X4 NEVER TURNED ON THE 4X4 DRIVE I HAVE ALWAYS HAD TO PUT IT IN 4X4 IF I NEEDED TO USE IT, WHICH HAS ONLY BEEN ONE OTHER TIME. SO FOR A TRUCK THAT IS ONE YEAR OLD AND ONLY BEEN DRIVEN IN 4X4 WHEEL DRIVE TWICE THERE SEEMS TO BE AN AWFUL LOT OF DAMAGE TO MY CLUTCHES AND MY FLUID SO BURNT. THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ON THIS TRUCK. I WILL HAVE THE MODULE THAT CONTROLS THE "CONTROL TRAC" 4X4 WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM TESTED TO SEE IF IT FAILS TO ACTIVATE OR DE-ACTIVATE THE 4X4. THEN I WOULD LIKE FORD TO FIX THE PROBLEM OUT OF THEIR OWN EXPENSE AND STOP GIVING THEIR CLIENTS THE RUN-A-ROUND AND TO REIMBURSE ME FOR MY TIME AND EXPENSES. *JB
Power train, Mar 19, 2003
FORD TOLD ME I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT ONLY HAS 50,000 MILES. THE IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR SUCH A COSTLY PURCHASE. THEY OFFER NO ASSISTANCE OR EXCUSE FOR THIS TYPE OF DEFECT IN THEIR PRODUCT. *NLM
Power train, Mar 14, 2003
VEHICLE TRANSMISSION HAS A SHUTTERING FEELING WHEN UNDER MODERATE ACCELERATION BETWEEN 25-40 MILES PER HOUR. DEALER HAS BEEN TOLD ABOUT PROBLEM AND SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE AFTER A REPROGRAM OF TRANSMISSION. *JB
Power train, Feb 24, 2003
CONSUMER WAS UNAWARE OF HOW TO CHECK TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL OR HOW TO ADD TRANSMISSION FLUID.*AK *JB
Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 10, 2003
LAST SUMMER (JULY 2002) DURING A MILITARY MOVE FROM GA TO AZ I NOTICED THAT MY WINDSHIELD HAD A LARGE PIECE OF GLASS MISSING ON THE OUTTER RIGHT EDGE THAT YOU COULD NOT SEE UNTIL YOU ACTUALLY GOT RIGHT UP ON THE WINDSHIELD. PART OF IT WAS VISIBLE TO AND PART OF IT WAS HIDDEN BEHIND THE RUBBER SEAL THAT IS AROUND THE WINDSHIELD. THIS WINDSHIELD WAS ACTUALLY INSTALLED WITH THIS PIECE MISSING FROM IT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT AND SENT TO THE DEALERSHIP. ALSO, THE REAR GLASS HATCH, GAS SHOCK TWISTED FROM ITS ORIGINAL POSITION AND CAUSED THE WINDOW TO BE OFF CENTER BY ABOUT AN INCH OR MORE. AFTER FIXING IT THREE TIMES IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. BOTH OF THESE PROBLEMS (THE WINDSHIELD AND THE GAS SHOCK) HAVE BEEN FIXED BY MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THUS FAR HAVE HELD UP. THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT I HAVE ON MY VEHICLE THAT INCLUDE THE ELECRICAL SYSTEM NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. WHEN YOU TURN THE TRUCK ON SOMETIMES ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS STAY ON AS WELL AS THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND YOU HAVE TO SHUT THE TRUCK DOWN AND BACK ON SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER FOR THEM TO GO OUT. THE TRUCK WILL SOMETIMES STALL AT TAKE OFF OR WILL LURCH WHILE SHIFITING INTO A HIGHER GEAR AND HAS TOTALLY SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON A FEW OCCASIONS. THE TRIM PAINT ON THE DOORS, BOTH FRONT AND PASSENGER HAS FADED THERE ARE RUSTED SPOTS IN THE PAINT ON THE TOP OF THE VEHICLE, AND THE HOOD HAS A VERY BAD ORANGE PEEL EFFECT ON IT WITH GRIT IN THE PAINT. THE LEFT REAR SPEAKER HAS BUSTED AND THE PANEL ON THE REAR HATCH BELOW HAS BROKEN LOOSE AS WELL AS ONE OF THE PLASTIC BRACKET COVERS ON THE BACK OF THE PASSENGER SEATS. PE04045.PCO
Power train, Feb 6, 2003
THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIPPING. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT NEW/REBUILT TRANSMISSION IS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. PH SCC
Power train, Jan 25, 2003
SINCE THE VEHICLE PURCHASE, THE TRANSMISSION HAS PERFORMED ERRATICALLY, AND HAS DEGRADED OVER TIME. THERE ARE THREE MAIN ISSUES, FIRST THE VEHICLE TENDS TO FUNCTION LIKE IT DROPS INTO NEUTRAL DURING LIGHT ACCELERATION. SECONDLY, AND MORE OF A CONCERN, THE VEHICLE CREEPS MANY FEET WHEN PLACED INTO 'PARK', WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, WHEN PARKED ON A GRADE. FINALLY, IT TAKES UPWARDS OF 30 SECONDS WHEN SHIFTING FROM 'PARK' TO ANY GEAR FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO ENGAGE. WHEN IT DOES FINALLY ENGAGE, IT GIVES THE FEELING OF 'SLAMMING' INTO GEAR. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN ON THE ROAD SINCE 5/01, AND HAS BEEN BROUGHT BACK TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES FOR THESE COMPLAINTS. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THIS BEHAVIOR IS NORMAL. THE CONCERN IS THAT THERE IS A STRONG POTENTIAL FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE AND PERSONAL INJURY SHOULD THIS VEHICLE CREEP DOWNWARD.
Power train, Jan 9, 2003, crash
2002 FORD EXPLORER CAN SLIP FROM PARK INTO REVERSE, CAUSING A ROLL-AWAY ACCIDENT. THE GEAR SHIFT IS LOOSE ENOUGH THAT A DRIVER CAN SHIFT THE TRUCK INTO "P" ON THE GEAR SHIFT, BUT THE TRUCK IS NOT ACTUALLY ALL THE WAY IN PARK. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, IT CAN SLIDE INTO REVERSE. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED TO MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER. SHE PUT THE CAR INTO REVERSE AND BACKED UP THE DRIVEWAY. SHE LEFT THE VEHICLE IN PARK ON THE LEVEL DRIVEWAY TO RUN A BAG OF GROCERIES INSIDE. SHE OPENED THE REAR GATE, WENT INSIDE, DROPPED THEM OFF, THEN HEARD A LOUD CRASH. THE TRUCK HAD SLIPPED OUT OF PARK AND INTO REVERSE, CAUSING IT TO CRASH INTO THE HOUSE. I CAN REPRODUCE THIS BEHAVIOR EASILY. I TOOK IT TO BOB TOMES FORD OF MCKINNEY, TX AND SPOKE WITH MAUREEN POLLACK OF FORD'S CONSUMER AFFAIRS. THEY SAID THAT THEY COULD FIND NO DEFECT (OF COURSE). I BELIEVE THAT THEY FOUND NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY BECAUSE ALL 2002 FORD EXPLORERS HAVE AMBIGUOUS GEAR SHIFTS. I URGED HER TO HAVE FORD ISSUE A RECALL OR A SERVICE BULLETIN AT THE LEAST. SHE DECLINED, SAYING THAT THE TECHNICIAN AT THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS OK.
Service brakes, Air, Power train, Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Jan 5, 2003
EXCESSIVE PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION JERKING, AND SHIFTING PROBLEMS, PURCHASED VEHICLE AS BRAND NEW AFTER 4 MONTHS CONTACTED DEALER WHERE CARE WAS PURCHASED REGARDING PROBLEM. BROUGHT VEHICLE IN AT LEAST TWICE BEFORE PROBLEM WAS FOUND.THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED HAS SINCE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM ALONG WITH OTHER PROBLEMS, VEHICLE STALLING WHILE DRIVING, CD PLAYER POWER SHUTS OFF. RATTLING WHEN HITTING BRAKES. FILED A COMPLAINT DEALER REFUSES TO BUY CAR BACK ASK ME TO TRADE CAR IN WITH MORE MONEY DOWN. THE DEALER REPAIR PERSONS CONFIRMED THAT THEY HAVE HAD REPLACED AT LEAST 10 TRANSMISSIONS ON THE SAME STYLE VEHICLE PRIOR TO MY VISIT AND RECOGNIZED A PATTERN. BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE!!
Power train, Dec 30, 2002
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE WILL STICK IN PARK AND WILL NOT SHIFT GEARS CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
Power train, Nov 28, 2002
WHILE DRIVING APPROX. 40 MPH, VEHICLE SUDDENLY WENT INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE LOW RANGE. OCCUPANT WAS WEARING SEAT BELT AND CAR CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP. ACCIDENT WAS AVOIDED DUE TO LIGHT TRAFFIC THIS DAY. CAR IS @DEALER 4 REPAIR. DEALER CLAIMS COMPUTER THAT SENDS SIGNAL TO 4 WHEEL DRIVE TRANSFER CASE FAILED DUE TO COLD WEATHER AND SENT FAULTY SIGNAL TO ENGAGE 4 WHEEL DRIVE INTO LOW RANGE. TEMP WAS 40 DEG. THAT DAY. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE STRESS PUT ON ALL OF THE INTERNAL DRIVE COMPONENTS DUE TO THIS SUDDEN ENGAGEMENT. DEALER SAYS THEY CHECKED FOR OUTSIDE DAMAGE, BUT DAMAGE WILL MOST LIKELY BE INTERNAL I.E. TRANSMISSION, TRANSFER CASE, SHAFTS, ENGINE, DRIVE ASSEMBLYS. THE DAY B4 WE TRAVELED ON THE INTERSTATE AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 60-70 MPH. IF THIS HAD OCCURED AT THIS SPEED IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. WIFE WENT FORWARD DURING ENGAGEMENT AND STRAINED HER SHOULDER. SHE WAS WEARING HER SEAT BELT THOUGH. DT