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, Structure, Dec 28, 2011
THE BODY MOUNTS HAVE DETERIORATED TO A POINT THAT THEY ARE CRUMBLING AND ARE NOT SUPPORTING THE FRAME TO THE BODY AND NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR SAFETY REASONS. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT ANY WARNING AND HAD TO BE REBUILT. NEITHER OF THESE PROBLEMS SHOULD EXIST ON A VEHICLE THAT IS WELL MAINTAINED AND HAS ONLY 52,000 MILES. THESE PROBLEMS APPEAR TO BE COMMON WITH THIS VEHICLE AND NEED TO BE ADDRESSED BY FORD. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Dec 19, 2011
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK, I CAME TO A STOP SIGN AT THE END OF MY ROAD, LIKE I DO EVERY MORNING. HOWEVER, ON THIS MORNING, AS I TRIED TO ACCELERATE FROM A COMPLETE STOP, MY CAR BOGGED DOWN WHICH LEFT ME IN THE ROAD FOR SECONDS LONGER THEN WAS SAFE. THERE WAS A CAR SPEEDING AROUND THE CURVE, AND MY CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE LIKE IT SHOULD. FINALLY, AND THANK GOD, IT JAMMED INTO GEAR, AND ME AND MY ONE YEAR OLD SON WERE NOT INJURED. ALSO, ON THAT SAME DAY, MY CAR STARTING SKIPPING WHILE IN FIRST GEAR, WHICH ALSO WAS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IT WAS JERKING SO HARD, IT WAS HARD TO KEEP IN UNDER CONTROL, PLUS IT ALSO SLOWED MY PROGRESSION ACROSS HIGHLY CONGESTED AREAS DOWN, WHICH ALSO PUT MY SAFETY AT RISK. WE TOOK MY CAR TO THE SHOP, AND THE REPAIRMAN STATED THAT MY TRANSMISSION WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH FIRST GEAR AND OVERDRIVE. THERE HAD BEEN NO PREVIOUS WARNING OR INDICATORS THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH MY TRANSMISSION UNTIL THE DAY OF. WE HAD THE FLUID CHECKED AND THE ENGINE CHECKED. NOTHING WAS WRONG THAT WE COULD HAVE PREVENTED. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Wheels, Equipment, Dec 15, 2011
MY NAME IS[XXX] AND I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT (V6). I HAVE OWNED IT FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW (WILL BE IN JAN 2012) AND LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT UNTIL RECENTLY. ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO, I HEARD A STRANGE LOUD WHINING NOISE. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND FOUND THAT REAR WHEEL BEARING WAS GOING. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT IF I WOULD HAVE TOOK THE INTERSTATE TO WORK THAT EVENING I COULD HAVE POSSIBLY DIED OR CAUSED SERIOUS INJURIES TO OTHERS ON ROAD. VERY SCARY! MIND YOU THIS BEARING WENT WITH NO WARNING. IMMEDIATELY AFTER I HEARD THE NOISE I TOOK IT IN. WELL THE BEARING GOT FIXED AND I COULDN'T HAVE BEEN HAPPIER. HOWEVER, ABOUT A MONTH AGO I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE WITH MY TWO YEAR OLD DAUGHTER DOING ABOUT 70MPH WHEN MY TRUCK BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. I ASSUMED I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING A TIRE BLOW-OUT AND BEGAN SLOWLY BREAKING AND LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. LUCKILY I MADE IT ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE INTERSTATE. MY TIRE HOWEVER WAS NOT AS LUCKY. ALL 5 STUDS ON MY RIGHT REAR TIRE SNAPPED CAUSING THE TIRE TO COMPLETELY FLY OFF AND PROCEED DOWN THE ROAD AT A FAST SPEED JUST PASSING THE TURN RAMP AND MISSING SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLES. IN THE PROCESS OF LOSING THE TIRE, IT ALSO CAUSED DAMAGE TO REAR END OF MY SUV. IT LOOKED AS IF THE TIRE GOT CAUGHT AND CAUSED THE REAR TO DENT IN.REPLACED STUDS AND EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. TODAY (DEC.15TH) NOT EVEN AN ENTIRE MONTH LATER, VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING AGAIN. OH HOW I REMEMBERED THAT SCARY SHAKE. EXAMINED TIRE AND ONCE AGAIN, STUDS SNAPPED. 2 THIS TIME WITH A THIRD ONE MISSING THE CAP. THE TIRE WAS ONLY HELD BY 2 STUDS. THANK THE LORD I NOTICED THIS PROBLEM BEFORE GOING ONTO THE INTERSTATE AND ONCE AGAIN HAVING MY TIRE FLY OFF! I HAVE BEEN DOING RESEARCH THIS EVENING TO FIND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 02-04 EXPLORERS. PLEASE MAKE A RECALL FORD AND OTHERS HELP ME TO GET ONE MADE! THIS IS A SCARY AND DANGEROUS SITUATION! IT CAN CAUSE THE LOSS OF MANY LIVES AS IT HAS ALMOST DONE MINE AND MY DAUGHTERS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Dec 12, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN WHEN THE ENGINE RPMS RACED EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT SHE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 54,500.
Power train, Dec 9, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHE ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE, BUT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER DETACHED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 141,000.
Power train, Dec 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER FRACTURED WHILE TRYING TO SHIFT FROM PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 135,000.
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Dec 6, 2011
REAR SPRING CRACKED AT 100,000 MIL TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 120,000 MIL BODY ELECTRICAL NOT SEALED WELL AND KEEPS SHORTING IN DIFFERENT PLACES CRUISE GETS STUBBORN AND SCARED TO USE IT , IM AFRAID OF IT GETTING STUCK IN CRUISE. *TR
Power train, Dec 5, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT FRACTURED WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 110,000.
Power train, Dec 3, 2011
HI I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT I HAVE ONLY HAD FOR 7 MONTHS AND APPROXIMATELY 1 WEEK AGO MY CAR STARTED TO HAVE PROBLEMS SHIFTING GEARS WHILE DRIVING. NOT LONG AFTER THAT MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY O/D LIGHT CAME ON, SO I TOOK IT TO AUTOZONE TO GET THE CODE READ AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID B (CODE-P0775). I WENT HOME AND STARTED SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THE CODE AND FOUND WHAT IT WAS AND I ALSO SAW THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE ABOUT THEIR FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS AND THEY REFUSE TO ISSUE ANY RECALLS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I THINK ITS OUTRAGEOUS THAT WE, THE OWNERS, HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS EXPENSIVE REPAIR WHEN ITS NOT OUR FAULT. I FEEL LIKE SINCE THE TRANSMISSIONS FOR THIS CAR IS FAULTY AND IS KNOWN TO FAIL AT VARIOUS TIMES AND MILES, WHICH ARE TOO LOW FOR A TRANSMISSION TO FAIL, FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION CAN FAIL AT ANYTIME WHICH HAVE CAUSED MANY ACCIDENTS AND WILL CAUSE MORE ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS UNTIL FORD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR ACTIONS AND RECALL THE TRANSMISSIONS. I HAVE TWO SMALL KIDS THAT ARE IN THE CAR WITH ME ON A DAILY BASIS AND I TRAVEL ON THE HIGHWAYS ALL THE TIME AND THIS IS GOING TO BE VERY DANGEROUS FOR ME TO DO NOW. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND THIS CAR IS THE ONLY CAR THAT WE HAVE FOR TRANSPORTATION. WE ALL NEED HELP TO GET FORD TO DO A RECALL. *TR
Power train, Dec 2, 2011
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS. I HAVE BEEN HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FOR A WHILE AND FORD DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS COMMON WITH THE 2002 EXPLORER. I AM NOW AT 100K MILES AND MY TRANSMISSION IS IN NEED OF BEING REBUILT BECAUSE FORD MANUFACTURED A TRANSMISSION THAT WAS TWO SMALL FOR THE 2ND AND 5TH GEARS TO SHIFT IN WHICH CREATED FRICTION AND WEAR ON THE TRANSMISSION. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER WHO STILL OWES MONEY ON THIS VEHICLE AND I CANNOT AFFORD 2000 TO "REBUILD" THIS TRANSMISSION FOR IT TO FAIL ON ME AGAIN LIKE ALL THE REST. I CONTACTED FORD AND OF COURSE THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY COULDN'T HELP ME. MY FATHER BEING A MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT I CANNOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE THE MOTOR WAS ABOUT TO BLOW DUE TO THE HIGH RPMS THIS TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN PUTTING OUT FOR A WHILE. AFTER DOING RESEARCH I FOUND THIS WEBSITE HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/TRANSMISSION/TRANSMISSION_FAILURE.SHTML WHERE OVER 350 PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE. I COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY BROKE DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITH MY THREE YEAR OLD IN THE CAR WHERE ANYTHING COULD HAVE HAPPENED. THESE VEHICLES ARE NORMAL BOUGHT FOR FAMILY VEHICLES AND I DO NOT SEE HOW THIS IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST SINCE IT IS PUTTING MANY FAMILIES IN DANGER. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS ANYTHING I NEED TO DO TO GET A RECALL ACTIVE ON THIS TRANSMISSION. THANK YOU. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Nov 17, 2011
I COME TO REALIZE IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY VEHICLES DO NOT A TRANSMISSION GAUGE. TRANSMISSION SENSORY LIGHT TO LET YOU KNOW WHEN YOUR TRANSMISSION FLUID IS GETTING LOW. THIS IS A PROBLEM FOR ME AND MANY MORE AMERICANS. MY FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC DO NOT HAVE A TRANSMISSION SENSORY LIGHT OR A GAUGE. THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AND NOT SHIPPING OUT GEARS RIGHT. SOMEONE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. WE HAVE ALL OTHER FLUID GAUGES EXCEPT A TRANSMISSION GAUGE. *TR
Power train, Nov 16, 2011
TRANSMISSION FAILED. *TR
Power train, Nov 13, 2011
THIS TRANSMISSION ISN'T DUE FOR IT'S FIRST SERVICE UNTIL 150,000 MILES. WITH NO WAY TO CHECK FLUID LEVELS THERE IS NO WAY FOR THE OWNER TO PREVENT FAILURE. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN ANY INDICATION OF LEAKS ( NO OIL SPOTS ON DRIVEWAY). TRANSMISSION JUST QUIT. *TR
Power train, Oct 29, 2011
IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER, THE CEL CAME ON, ALONG WITH THE O/D OFF LIGHT BLINKING. IT STARTED TO MAKE A WHINING NOISE, AND THE NEXT DAY, THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO SECOND GEAR. IT WOULD ONLY STAY IN 1ST GEAR AND WOULD ONLY GO ABOUT 20 MPH. I NOW HAVE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION OR HAVE IT REBUILT. *TR
Power train, Oct 28, 2011
I HAD MY TRANSMISSION REPLACED IN JUNE 2006 UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY, $4000 (BRAND NEW FORD BUILT TRANSMISSION), MY COST $100. MY EXPLORER HAD 59,900 MILES. I WAS SOMEWHAT SURPRISED! HERE IT IS AGAIN, OCTOBER 2011, AT 109,000 AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN! NO MORE EXTENDED WARRANTY! A BRAND NEW FORD BUILT TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPLACED AFTER 50,000 MILES? I WOULD'VE NEVER THOUGHT IN A MILLION YEARS! I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER SERVICE ON OCT. 28TH, 2011. I WAS TOLD THAT MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AND FORD HAS NO FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OR WARRANTIES AVAILABLE. I'M A SINGLE PARENT W/A KID IN COLLEGE. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION OR PURCHASE A NEW CAR. I'M BARELY MAKING MY ENDS MEET. FORD MOTOR COMPANY KNOWS THAT THE TRANSMISSION IN 2002 FORD EXPLORER IS DEFECTIVE AND THEY REFUSE TO CONDUCT A RECALL! FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS A MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR CORPORATION TAKING ADVANTAGE OF HARD WORKING CONSUMERS! BUYER BEWARE! I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD. YOU COULD NOT GIVE ME ONE FOR FREE! WHAT SHALL I DO...? FORD NEEDS TO BE A SHAME OF THEMSELVES! BUILD FORD TOUGH? LET'S A BIG FAT LIE! *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 27, 2011
THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP IN MAY OF 2011. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION SERVICED AND IT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I AM UNABLE TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AS IT IS A SEALED UNIT NO DIP STICK. WE DROVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT NO LONGER MOVES. THE COST TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION IS 2800.00 PLUS... THERE WAS NO REASON WHY THIS SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED. *TT
Power train, Oct 26, 2011
TRANSMISSION (5R55) SOLENOID PACK AND SERVO BOTH WENT OUT AT SAME TIME SERVO IS TERRIBLE DESIGN. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FROM FORD ON THESE PROBLEMS ON THIS TRANSMISSION. *TT
Power train, Oct 25, 2011
TRANSMISSION DIED FORD WOULD NOT WARRENTY. *TR
Power train, Oct 24, 2011
WHEN SHIFTING INTO PARK THE SHIFT LINKAGE COUPLER SNAPPED AND THE SHIFTER CAME OFF IN MY HAND. UPON INSPECTION THE COUPLER IS A CHEAP RESIN AND SHOULD NOT SNAP WITH NORMAL WEAR USAGE. THIS IS A LINK TO A FORUM WITH 129 COMPLAINTS OF SIMILAR ISSUES. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/ACCESSORIES-INTERIOR/GEAR_SHIFT_LEVER_PRNDL_FELL_OFF.SHTML. *TR
Power train, Oct 18, 2011
PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE TODAY AND ON WAY HOME THE TRANSMISSION "OD OFF" LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. RESEARCH SHOWS THIS IS A MAJOR COMMON PROBLEM WITH A FAILED TRANSMISSION IN THIS MODEL. I AM ON SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY AND CANNOT AFFORD THE $3,000 PLUS TO FIX. *TR
Power train, Oct 12, 2011
WHILE SHIFTING FROM DRIVE INTO PARK, THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF IN MY HAND AND WAS STUCK IN REVERSE. I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED AS WE COULDN'T GET THE CAR TO GO INTO PARK. *KB
Power train, Oct 5, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OVERDRIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED ABNORMAL NOISES. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND PERFORMED THE REPAIRS IN NOVEMBER 2008 HOWEVER, IN OCTOBER 2011 THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.
Power train, Oct 3, 2011
MY WIFE WAS PICKING UP HER MOTHER AND SHE WENT TO PUT THE EXPLORER INTO REVERSE AND THE SHIFTER BROKE OFF IN HER HAND. SHE COULD NOT GET THE CAR INTO GEAR SO WE HAD IT TOWED HOME. I FOUND THE PIECE HOLDING THE SHIFTER WAS BROKEN OFF. FORD WANTED $1,000 FOR THE PIECE TO FIX IT. *TR
Power train, Oct 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO REVERSE THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER COMPLETELY DISENGAGED FROM THE HOUSING AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Power train, Oct 1, 2011
[XXX] GOT BEHIND THE WHEEL OF HER 2002 FORD EXPLORER, INTENDING TO PICK UP HER SON FROM SCHOOL. WHEN SHE TRIED TO SHIFT THE CAR INTO REVERSE, SHE SAYS THE ENTIRE GEAR SELECTOR BROKE OFF AND FELL IN HER LAP. IT TURNS OUT SHE'S NOT ALONE. TEAM 4 INVESTIGATOR JIM PARSONS REPORTED THAT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION SAFETY ADMINISTRATION HAS BEEN INVESTIGATING SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AROUND THE COUNTRY -- SOME OF WHICH INVOLVED VEHICLES SLIPPING INTO GEAR AND CRASHING -- FOR MORE THAN TWO YEARS. NHTSA'S OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION SAYS IT HAS IDENTIFIED 200 ALLEGED INCIDENTS OF UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT AFTER CONSUMERS BELIEVED THEY HAD SHIFTED THE SUVS INTO PARK, RESULTING IN 85 ALLEGED CRASHES AND 32 ALLEGED INJURIES. EARLIER THIS YEAR, NHTSA UPGRADED ITS INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS FOR 2002-2005 FORD EXPLORERS AND MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS. [XXX] SAYS FORD TOLD HER SHE WOULD NEED TO REPLACE HER ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN TO FIX THE BROKEN GEAR SELECTOR AT A COST OF MORE THAN $1,500. INSTEAD, SHE WORKED WITH HER LOCAL MECHANIC TO FIND AN AFTER-MARKET REPLACEMENT PART THAT RETAILS FOR $30. SO FAR, FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL ON THE GEAR SELECTOR. MORE INFORMATION: NHTSA WEBSITE DETAILS ON EXPLORER INVESTIGATION (TYPE IN ACTION NUMBER EA09013) READ MORE: HTTP://WWW.WTAE.COM/NEWS/29353127/DETAIL.HTML#IXZZ1ZYUBPJEG INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR