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: steering
162 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Engine, Sep 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the steering wheel intermittently seized while driving at various speeds without warning. After finding a replacement part at a salvage yard, the contact had the steering wheel replaced by an independent mechanic; however, the failure persisted. The contact also stated that an abnormal ticking noise was coming from the engine with the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Suspension, Exterior lighting, Mar 9, 2020
THE CAR ALWAYS FEELS LIKE IS ABOUT TO JUMP OFF THE ROAD OR THE LANE IM IN WHENEVER I DRIVE OVER ANY ROUGH ROAD OR POT HOLES. %ģ
Steering, Jul 24, 2018
GEAR SHIFT IN STEERING COLUMN FELL OFF AS I WAS BEGINNING TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 95K MILES ON IT.
Steering, Power train, Nov 15, 2017
THE SHIFT LEVER LITERALLY SNAPPED OFF AT THE STEERING COLUMN WHILE PUTTING THE CAR INTO DRIVE. CAR COULDN'T BE SHIFTED INTO PARK, STILL RUNNING. KEYS COULDN'T EVEN BE REMOVED TO TURN THE CAR OFF. VERY DANGEROUS. SEEMS LIKE A FAIRLY COMMON PROBLEM AMONG 2002 FORD EXPLORER OWNERS. MANY COMPLAINTS FILED HERE: HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/ACCESSORIES-INTERIOR/GEAR_SHIFT_LEVER_FELL_OFF-2.SHTML
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Visibility, Tires, Service brakes, Oct 19, 2016
DRIVING ND STEERING WHEEL FELL APART BRAKE SWITCH STOPPED WORKING 3 TIMES HAD NEW TRANSMISSION PUT IN HAD TO HAVE 3 DIFFERENT SETS OF TIRE PUT ON BACK WINDOW SHATTERED WHILE SITTING AT RED LIGHT. *TR
Steering, Sep 22, 2016
THE GEAR SHIFT JUST BROKE OFF WHILE I WAS PUTTING THE CAR IN REVERSE THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED BUT WE HAD TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO SHUT OFF THE CAR, SINCE IT WOULD NOT SHUT OFF WHILE IN REVERSE. I GOT ANOTHER WHOLE STEERING COLUMN PUT IN AND WITHIN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF AGAIN THIS TIME THE CAR WAS IN PARK, BUT ITS SCARY. I HAVE ATTACHED TWO PICTURES OF THE TWO DIFFERENT GEAR SHIFTS. THE PIECE THAT KEEPS BREAKING LOOKS LIKE ITS MADE OUT OF ALUMINUM NOT STEEL.
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Jul 16, 2016, crash
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, IT'S OUR DAILY DRIVER EVERYTHING WORKS EXCEPT THE HUBS, THIS TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN WRECKED, AND WE FIND OURSELVES@ ABOUT EVERY 15,000 TO 20,000 MILES HAVING TO REPLACE THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND HUB ASSEMBLY'S , LAST NIGHT ON THE WAY HOME THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT HUB STARTED SQUEALING AND CAME APART AND WE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED AGAIN, I HAVE OWNED THIS TRUCK FOR 3 YEARS, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BEARINGS AND HUBS BRAKES 11 TIMES AND NOW I'M GOING TO HAVE TO DO IT AGAIN, WOW, THESE PARTS ARE REALLY EXPENSIVE TO HAVE NO BETTER QUALITY THAN THAT, EVERYTIME WE GET IT FIXED IT COST AROUND $1400, IT'S A NICE TRUCK, AND EVERYTHING ELSE WORKS GREAT, NO ISSUES, I TRANSPORT MY FAMILY MEMBERS IN THIS VEHICLE, AND I'M GETTING TIRED OF FEARING FOR THEIR LIVES AND MY OWN WHEN THE WHEEL HUBS BREAK AND LEAVE US STRANDED , IT'S OBVIOUSLY TIME FOR A DIFFERENT VEHICLE, AND I JUST THOUGHT ABOUT HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE DRIVE ONE OF THOSE TRUCKS, AND HOW DANGEROUS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN OUT ON THE INTERSTATE, IT'S A GOOD THING WE WERE DRIVING 30 MPH ON A COUNTRY RD, IF WE HAD BEEN IN TOWN WHEN IT BROKE AGAIN WE I THOUGHT THAT THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED TOO, THERE DEFINATLY IS A PROBLEM, WHEN THE GUY AT THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT'S A VERY COMMON PROBLEM, BUT UNFORTUNATELY, ALL HE CAN DO IS FIX IT, OR SELL ME SOMETHING ELSE,AND THAT THAT'S THE ISSUE THAT THOSE TRUCKS HAVE AND THAT EVERYDAY SOMEONE IS DROPPING ONE OF TO GET FIXED FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM, ANYWAY I THINK IT'S TIME TO TRY SOMETHING ELSE, BUT THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ON A RECALL LIST BECAUSE IT'S JUST BAD BUSINESS AND A SAFETY HAZARD, AND IT'S PROBLABY ALREADY GOTTEN PEOPLE AND FAMILIES KILLED, I'M GOING TO FIX THIS THING ONE MORE TIME AND GIVE THE PEOPLE THAT BUY IT THIS WEBSITE INFO, FORD MOTOR COMPANY NEEDS TO FIX THIS EVER OCCURRING PROBLEM.
Steering, Power train, Feb 17, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE GEAR SHIFT FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT AT THE DEALER BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 153,000.
Steering, Jan 12, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHIFTING LEVER USED TO SHIFT GEARS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Steering, Power train, Jul 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED FROM THIRD GEAR TO FOURTH GEAR INDEPENDENTLY AND THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS BURNED OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A SNAPPING SOUND EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO TURN. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE WHICH PREVENTED IT FROM HOLDING THE FLUID DAMAGING THE ANTI-BRAKES SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Jan 1, 2015
AFTER ARRIVING BACK HOME FROM DINNER I WAS PUTTING THE CAR INTO PARK. HALF WAY BETWEEN REVERSE AND PARK THE GEAR SHIFT ARM BROKE! *JS
Steering, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Dec 16, 2014, crash, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO TREES THEN WENT FORWARD INDEPENDENTLY CRASHING INTO SHRUBS, A FENCE, AND A BUILDING. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISE AND NECK AND HEAD INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Steering, Power train, Oct 20, 2014
THE HANDLE TO SHIFT THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION FROM PARK TO REVERSE BROKE OFF AT THE METAL PART INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS IS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS IF I WAS DRIVING! FORD STATES THEY NO LONGER PRODUCE THE PART. *TR
Steering, Jul 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE DRIVEWAY WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL FRACTURED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING WHEEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 09/05/14*LJ UPDATED 09/11/2014 *JS
Steering, Jun 18, 2014
SHIFTER LEVER BROKE OFF. *TR
Steering, Power train, Mar 5, 2014
AFTER DRIVING INTO A PARKING SPOT I TRIED TO PUT THE CAR INTO PARK AND THE GEARSHIFT FELL. AFTER IT FELL AGAIN I TRIED ONCE MORE AND IT BROKE COMPLETELY OFF. WE HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHOM JUST TURNED IT OFF AND LATER INFORMED US THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN WHICH WOULD COST $1700 JUST BECAUSE ONE PIECE WAS POORLY CONSTRUCTED AND MADE OF SOFT METAL. IT HAS BEEN ALMOST A MONTH AND NOW WE'RE BEING TOLD THE PART IS ON BACK-ORDER SO WE STILL HAVE NO CAR. WE'VE READ WHERE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS BUT YET NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BY THE FORD COMPANY. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Feb 13, 2014
UTAH I-15 SOUTH BOUND, INSIDE LANE NEXT TO CONCRETE BARRIER WITH TOUR BUS IN LANE ON MY RIGHT. MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRIFT TO THE RIGHT AS I WAS PASSING THE BUS. I CORRECTED BY SLOWLY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT; NOT HARD OR FAST BUT SLOWLY AND EVENLY. THE EXPLORER (4-DOOR, 2002, XLT) BEGAN TO WHIP BACK AND FOURTH VIOLENTLY. IT TOOK ME SEVERAL HUNDRED YARDS TO GET THE CAR UNDER CONTROL AFTER COMING WITHIN AN INCH OR TWO OF BOTH THE BARRIER AND THE BUS. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THE WHIPPING PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FOUR MONTHS AGO FROM A PRIVATE SELLER. I PUT NEW "BIG-O" BIGFOOT TIRES ON IT AND HAD THE FRONT END ALIGNMENT CHECKED; IT WAS FINE. IF I HADN'T DONE SOME FANCY DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE ROLLED (AT 80MPH) AND I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I AM GETTING RID OF THE EXPLORER AND NEVER BUYING ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Power train, Dec 17, 2013
YESTERDAY EVENING, I GOT INTO MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND NOTICED THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER WAS STUCK IN PARK. I WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE IN ORDER TO BACK OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. THIS MORNING I FIGURED I WOULD GIVE IT ANOTHER ATTEMPT AS I NEEDED TO HEAD OUT FOR WORK. AS I TRIED AGAIN, I SIMPLY APPLIED THE BREAK, GRABBED THE SHIFT LEVER AND AS I PULLED THE TOWARDS ME AND BEGAN TO PULL DOWN TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE THE LEVER COMPLETELY BROKE AND IS NOW HANGING. I DID NOT APPLY EXCESSIVE FORCE AT ANY POINT. NO MORE PRESSURE THEN I NORMALLY DO WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE TO REVERSE, ETC. I LOOKED UP THIS PARTICULAR SITUATION VIA INTERNET AND NOTICED MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME EXACT DESCRIPTION. HOPEFULLY FORD WILL RECOGNIZE THIS ISSUE AND ISSUE A PART RECALL. *TR
Steering, Power train, Dec 13, 2013
AS I WAS DRIVING IN SNOW, I PUT THE CAR INTO REVERSE TO GO AROUND ANOTHER CAR. WHEN I PUT IT BACK IN DRIVE THE GEAR SHIFT HANDLE BROKE OFF IN MY HAND. I WAS STUCK IN MY CAR UNABLE TO SHIFT, IF I TURNED IT OFF I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR. I HAD TO SIT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET IT BACK INTO GEAR WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES. *TR
Steering, Power train, Oct 4, 2013
WHILE MOVING THE SHIFT LEVER FROM PARK TO REVERSE, THE LEVER BROKE AWAY FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND COULD NOT BE RETURNED TO PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN REVERSE, ENGINE RUNNING, AND BRAKE APPLIED. WITH THE BRAKE APPLIED, THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF, STILL IN REVERSE. THE KEY COULD NOT BE REMOVED UNTIL A SMALL WIRE CONTACT INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN WAS SHORTED TO THE METAL IN THE COLUMN. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE DRAGGED ONTO A TOW VEHICLE AND TAKEN TO AIKINS FORD IN WINDER, GEORGIA. I WAS TOLD THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE PART PLUS LABOR WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY $1500. AIKINS ORDERED THE PART AND IS STILL WAITING AFTER DISCOVERING THAT THERE WERE 221 STEERING COLUMNS ON BACK ORDER WITH THE AFTER MARKET MANUFACTURER LICENSED TO PROVIDE THE PART. THE DESIGN OF THE SHIFT LEVER INCLUDED A "POT" METAL DISK HOUSING THAT REQUIRES THE SPRING BEHIND IT TO BE ACTUATE BY PULLING THE LEVER FORWARD TO CHANGE THE GEAR STATUS. THE HOUSING SNAPPED IN HALF, LEAVING THE LEVER DANGLING BY A SMALL WIRE. ONLY THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING AVERTED CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER OF AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE REQUESTED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN PART BE RETURNED TO ME AND HAVE VERY GOOD PHOTOS OF THE VEHICLE AND THE ACTUAL SEPARATION AT THE BREAK IN THE COLUMN. I WILL FURNISH EITHER TO YOUR DEPARTMENT IF AND WHEN I GET MY EXPLORER BACK. NOW 56 DAYS AND STILL WAITING. I BELIEVE THAT IT WAS DESIGN FLAW TO ALLOW A PART THAT REQUIRES UNIFORM STRENGTH TO BE A MOLDED PIECE OF "POT" METAL AND SOMEONE MAY GET HURT, IF NOT ALREADY IN THE 221 INCIDENTS THAT FORD IS AWARE OF. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 30, 2013
AUGUST 27,2012. HUABAND DRIVING HOWM FROM WORK. GOING DOWN HILL TO TRAFFIC LIGHT. CAR SUDDENLY, WITH NO WARNING, STALLS OUT COMPLETELY. LOSS OF POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES.ETC. A/S CONTUINUED TO WORK. ENGINE LIGH CAME ON. WRESTLED CAR TO VERGE OF ROAD. TURNED CAR OFF AND IT RESTARTED ON FORST TRY. STATED THAT THE FOLLOWING DAY AS HE ATTEMPTED TO PULL AWAY FROM STOP SIGN, CAR WOULD NOT INITALLY TAKE GAS BUT THEN SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ( " I PEELED RUBBER!") RECALLED THAT THATSAME INCIDENT HAD HAD HAPPENED APPROX. 2 WEEKS BEFORE AT A DIFFEENT STOP. CAR TAKEN TO REPAIR SHOP, SOMPUTER SHOWS NO ISSUES. BELIEVE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE IF AFFECTED WITH SUDDEN, UNEXPLAINED STALLING WITH NO APPARENT CAUSE. BOUGHT CAR AS "CERTIFIED, PRE-OWNED" USED CAR FROM FORD DEALERSHIP IN DEC. 2012. THEY HAVE NO ANSWER, NO SUGGESTIONS AS TO PROBLEM CAUSE. INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THE FORD EXPLORER.
Steering, May 10, 2013
I HAD JUST PULLED IN TO MY CUSTOMERS LOT AND WENT TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK, AS I DID THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND WAS JUST DANGLING. I PUT THE PARKING BRAKE ON AS THE SUV WAS ROLLING, I COULD NOT GET THE KEYS OUT. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO INTERSTATE FORD IN DAYTON. OH. *TR
Steering, Power train, Jan 29, 2013
PULLED INTO PARK, WENT TO SHIFT VEHICLE INTO PARK (WAS FULLY STOPPED) AND GEAR SHIFTER BROKE OFF. I DID NOT APPLY ANY FORCE, JUST THE NORMAL TYPICAL ACTION OF SHIFTING THE GEAR. GOOD THING IT WAS IN NEUTRAL WHEN IT SNAPPED. TOOK RUBBER SEAL OFF OF THE GEAR LEVER ARM AND THE PART WHICH THE LEVER ARM WAS ATTACHED HAD TOTALLY BROKEN OFF. THE METAL WAS NOT STRIPPED OR TWISTED BUT BROKEN. PART #905-104: COLUMN SHIFT REPAIR. *TR
Steering, Power train, Jan 18, 2013
PULLING IN DRIVEWAY STOPPED THE VEHICLE GOING TO PUT IT IN PARK SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF INSIDE OF STEERING COLUMN WENT ON INTERNET FOUND 146 COMPLAINTS AS THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO THEM ON FORD EXPLORER CARCOMPLAINTS.COM. *TR
Steering, Power train, Jan 15, 2013
WHEN TRYING TO SHIFT CAR FROM DRIVE INTO PARK, THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN AND FELL OF IN MY HAND. THE CAR WAS STILL IN DRIVE AND I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. THE KEY COULD NOT BE REMOVED AND THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. TO REPAIR THIS LINKAGE PART, THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED, AT A COST OF OVER $1800. I CALLED FORD TO REPORT THE INCIDENT AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAVE NO RECORD OF SOMETHING LIKE THIS EVER HAPPENING BEFORE. THEY SAID THEY WOULD ADD THE INCIDENT TO THEIR DATABASE. I TOLD THEM THAT I FELT THIS WAS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND THAT THIS NEEDS TO BE REFERRED TO ENGINEERING OR QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR INVESTIGATION BEFORE SOMEONE GETS INJURED OR KILLED. I GOT THE IMPRESSION THAT FORD WAS NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING WITH THIS INFORMATION. *TR