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, Power train, Nov 10, 2012
I JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN A PRIVATE SALE ON 11/09/12 AND ON 11/10/12 WENT TO SHIFT FROM PARK INTO REVERSE ON A FLAT SURFACE AND MY SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF AND I AM NOT ABLE TO SHIFT MY VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Power train, Oct 22, 2012
ON THE AFTERNOON OF OCTOBER 22ND 2012 MY PREGNANT WIFE WAS LEAVING THE SPEECH THERAPIST WITH MY SON WENT TO PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND THE SHIFTER SNAPPED OFF IN HER HAND. THE CAR EVERY SINCE WE HAD IT WHEN U PUT IT IN PARK AS A DELAY AND ROLLS FOR WARD A BIT I FEEL THAT THIS IS A RECALL THAT FORD SHOULD ISSUE FOR THIS CAR. ITS JUST NOT FAIR TO HAVE TO PAY OVER 1200 DOLLARS TO FIX SOMETHING THAT IS NOT MY FAULT.WHAT IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IN THE STREET LUCKILY MY WIFE KNEW TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THIS PROBLEM REALLY COULD END UP IN SERIOUS INJURY OR EVEN FATALITY TO AN INDIVIDUAL. *TR
Steering, Power train, Sep 15, 2012
WENT TO PUT CAR IN DRIVE FROM THE PARK POSITION AND THE SHIFTER COMPLETELY BROKE AND WAS HANGING. ALSO, I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET MY KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. WE WERE PLANNING TO MAKE AN OUT OF TOWN TRIP THE FOLLOWING DAY, HOWEVER, HAD TO CHANGE PLANS DUE TO THIS SITUATION. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE, I HAVE DISCOVERED THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR THIS EXACT DEFECT FOR THE EXACT TYPE OF VEHICLE. IT SEEMS THAT SINCE THERE HAS ALREADY BEEN SO MANY SAME SITUATIONS, THAT A RECALL WOULD HAVE TAKEN PLACE BY NOW. NOT HAS IT ONLY BEEN INCONVENIENT, BUT COULD ALSO BE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS! *TR
Steering, Power train, Engine, Jul 25, 2012
WHEN ACCELERATING ON A START, CAR DOESN'T SHIFT INTO 2ND AND 3RD GEAR....UNLESS THERE IS A PUSH OR JUMP INTO IT. *TR
Steering, Jun 21, 2012
I WAS BACKING UP IN A COSTCO PARKING LOT AND THE STEERING COLUMN WHERE YOU SHIFT GEARS BROKE IN HALF. THERE WAS NO WAY TO DRIVE OR SHIFT THE CAR. THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL AND THERE WERE PEDESTRIANS IN FRONT OF ME AND CARS BEHIND ME. I YELLED FOR EVERYONE TO STAY CLEAR, HAD A FEW MEN HELP PUSH ME BACK TO A PARKING BIN AND PULLED THE EMERGENCY BREAK. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF, I HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED TO MY HOUSE. I CHECKED ON LINE AND THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OVER 1,000 FORD 2002 OWNERS. IT IS DUE TO A FAULTY MANUFACTURER PART IN THE COLUMN SHIFT, A METAL PIECE THAT BROKE OFF. *TT
Steering, Fuel system, Other, Service brakes, Engine, May 15, 2012
AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK MY FUEL GAUGE WENT FROM FULL TO EMPTY AND THE CHECK GAUGE LIGHT CAME ON THEN THE VEHICLE DIED AND I LOST POWER STEERING AND THE POWER BRAKES. *JS
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Mar 13, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THERE SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND A JERKING MOVEMENT WHEN THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED. THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO MOVE ERRATICALLY FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE BEFORE CRASHING INTO A RETAINER WALL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE ALSO SUSTAINED HEAD AND NECK INJURIES. THE POLICE WERE CALLED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Steering, Power train, Feb 28, 2012
SHIFTER BROKE OFF WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE,CANNOT SHIFT VEHICLE. I READ ONLINE THERE ARE NUMEROUS PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM ,THEY WERE ALL WONDERING WHY THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. HAS THERE? *TR
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Oct 29, 2011
I WAS DRIVING IN TOWN AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN I DROVE OVER A CRACK AND IT FELT LIKE A LARGE POTHOLE. I HEARD A GRINDING NOISE AND PULLED OVER. MY REAR SPRINGS WERE BOTH BROKEN. THE DRIVER SIDE ONE AT THE TOP AND THE PASSENGER SIDE ONE AT THE TOP IN 3 PLACES. WHEN I TURN NOW IT FEELS LIKE MY VEHICLE IS GOING TO ROLL OVER. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AS STATED BY MANY OTHERS ON MANY INTERNET SITES. THIS IS GOING TO CAUSE A SERIOUS IF NOT DEADLY ACCIDENT. FORD NEEDS TO DO A RECALL ON THIS PART AND REPLACE THEM FOR FREE, SINCE THEY WERE THE ONES WHO USED BAD PARTS IN THEIR VEHICLES. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS SUCH. *TR
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
Steering, Power train, Sep 20, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING INTO PARK, THE GEAR SHIFTER FRACTURED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE SHIFTER SO THE CONTACT TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,957. UPDATED 11/03/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF. THE DEALER STATED THE STEERING COLUMN WHERE THE SHIFTER ATTACHED AND IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER CAME APART. THE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 03/08/12
Steering, Sep 3, 2011
IN THE EVENING, I WAS ABOUT HALF AN HOUR FROM HOME WHEN I PULLED UP TO A GAS PUMP AT A STATION AND ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK. I DID NOT DO ANYTHING DIFFERENT THAN NORMAL. THE STEERING GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF INTO MY HAND. IT WAS ATTACHED BY A WIRE. I COULD NOT TELL WHAT HAPPENED EXCEPT THAT IT WAS BROKEN OFF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF THE DEALERSHIP WAS CLOSED BUT THE RECEPTIONIST SAID THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE LEFT AT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT LOT OVERNIGHT AND THEY WOULD TAKE A LOOK AT IT THE NEXT DAY. I DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP HOLDING THE PIECE IN MY RIGHT HAND AS I DID NOT KNOW WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF IT BECAME UNATTACHED FROM THAT WIRE. I FELT SCARED THAT SOMETHING WAS GOING TO HAPPEN SUCH AS A FIRE, TURN COMPLETELY OFF IN TRAFFIC, ETC. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT. I GOT TO THE DEALERSHIP, SET THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. I COULDN'T GET THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO LEAVE MY VEHICLE THERE WITH KEY IN THE IGNITION. I EMPTIED AS MUCH OF MY STUFF FROM THE CAR AS I COULD AS I WAS WORRIED THAT THERE COULD BE SOME TYPE OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY OVERNIGHT. THANKFULLY, IT WAS THERE THE NEXT MORNING BUT UNFORTUNATELY THE COST OF REPAIR IS OVER $1,500. THE SERVICE ADVISOR SAID THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THIS IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. THIS IS ALL OUT OF POCKET COSTS. I AM THANKFUL THAT THE DEALERSHIP DOES PROVIDE FREE LOANERS AND THAT THIS HAPPENED IN A PLACE WHERE I COULD EXIT THE LOCATION AND MAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE COST TO REPAIR, THE STRESS THAT THIS CAUSED, THE FACT THAT THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECTIVE PART, AND THE POSSIBILITY OF THIS HAPPENING AGAIN ARE ALL NOT GOOD. *TR
Steering, Aug 30, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE FRONT AND REAR END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS SEVERE VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH CAUSED DIFFICULTY IN STEERING THE VEHICLE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Aug 18, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE MOVING THE GEAR SHIFTER FROM PARK TO REVERSE, THE GEAR SHIFTER FRACTURED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
Steering, Jul 18, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON SHIFTING THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE, THE GEAR SHIFTER SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 183,000.
Steering, Jun 29, 2011
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. I ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF IN MY HAND. I NOW HAVE TO PAY $1360 FOR A REPLACEMENT (USED) STEERING COLUMN. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON WITH 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD VOLUNTARILY DO A RECALL, BEFORE A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT IS BROUGHT AGAINST THEM. *TR
Steering, Power train, Jun 22, 2011
WHILE MY WIFE WAS BACKING UP IN MY SON'S DRIVEWAY, THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CHARGE TO REPAIR BY A FORD DEALER WAS ROUGHLY $2,000.00 (INCLUDING TOW CHARGES). AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE, IT APPARENTLY IS WAY TOO COMMON, HOWEVER FORD REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE RESPONSIBILITY OR ISSUE A RECALL. *TR
Steering, May 23, 2011
AFTER STARTING THE CAR (LEAVING MY SON'S BASEBALL GAME WITH MY 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN CAR!), I ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF IN MY HANDS. THE KEY WAS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND COULD NOT BE REMOVED. IT REQUIRED A SPECIAL TOW TRUCK TO GET THIS TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY QUOTED ME $1600 TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. IF YOU SEARCH ONLINE THERE ARE LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS LIKE THIS. WHY HAS A RECALL NOT BEEN ISSUED? THIS IS RIDICULOUS, AND EXTREMELY UNSAFE. WHAT IF YOU WERE GOING IN REVERSE AND TRIED TO SHIFT TO DRIVE AND THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF? YOU COULD CASE MAJOR ACCIDENTS. NOT TO MENTION GETTING STRANDED WITH SMALL CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND NO WAY TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION! FORD SHOULD BE ASHAMED - THIS PART THAT BROKE IS MADE OF CHEAP POT METAL, AND FORD DOES NOT MANUFACTURE OR SELL A REPLACEMENT PART FOR THE SMALL PIECE THAT BROKE, INSTEAD THEY MAKE YOU BUY A $1200 STEERING COLUMN! SHAME ON FORD! *TR
Steering, Power train, May 19, 2011
WHEN PUTTING CAR INTO PARK OR REVERSE, CAR WOULD SOMETIME STILL BE IN DRIVE FOR SECONDS AFTER PUTTING CAR IN GEAR. SEVERAL TIMES NOW, OCCASIONALLY CAR WILL SIMPLY SHUT OFF. RECENTLY, THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO PARK AND SHIFTER SEPARATED FROM STEERING COLUMN. *TR
Steering, Power train, May 14, 2011
WHILE BACKING UP, THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. IT WAS GOOD THAT I WAS NOT IN TRAFFIC BECAUSE I COULD NOT GET THE CAR BACK IN GEAR AND COULD HAVE GOTTEN HIT AND OR CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED AND THE PARTS WERE IN MY OPINION OVER PRICED. MY FEAR IS THAT IT MAY HAPPEN AGAIN BECAUSE IT MAY HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH THE SAME DEFECTIVE PART. *TR
Steering, Power train, Apr 15, 2011
PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS !!!! THE EXPLORER GEAR SHIFTER IS DEFECTIVE AND UNSAFE. THERE IS A COMMON THREAD WITH GEARSHIFT SELECTOR BREAKAGE ON FORD EXPLORERS WHICH INDICATES THAT RECALL IS URGENTLY NEEDED. AFTER PARKING, I TRIED TO MOVE THE GEAR SHIFTER FROM DRIVE TO PARK TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. TO MY ABSOLUTE ASTONISHMENT THE GEAR SHIFTER BROKE LIKE A DANGLING BROKEN ARM IN THE REVERSE POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS RENDERED USELESS AND ME OPTIONLESS. I WORK AT A SECURE GOV'T FACILITY AND IT WAS NO PICNIC TRYING TO GET A TOW TRUCK DRIVER ACCESS. I FINALLY GOT THE TRUCK TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP AT $85. THE DEALER THEN INFORMED ME THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT $1,690. THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PART AND NEEDED A DAY TO GET THE TRUCK BACK TO ME. I HAD TO RENT A CAR WHICH WAS ANOTHER $102 BUCKS. MAKE FORD TAKE CARE OF THIS SAFETY HAZARD. I ASKED FOR THE PART AND CAN SHOW YOU WHAT BROKE INSIDE WHICH IS LITERALLY A WEAK METAL HOUSING THAT THE GEAR SHIFT HANDLE FITS IN.... *TR
Steering, Mar 1, 2011
MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER WHEN HE WENT TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AND THE ENTIRE GEAR SHIFT FELL OFF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT GEARS AND THE KEY CAN NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. LUCKILY HE WAS IN A PARKING SPOT. HAD HE BACKED OUT AND THIS HAPPENED AS HE WAS TRYING TO PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE HER COULD HAVE IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT. IT IS VERY VERY VERY UNSAFE. THE CAR IS GETTING TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. AT THIS TIME IT IS UNKNOWN WHAT WILL BE DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Power train, Air bags, Jan 10, 2011
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON,PULLED PLUG APART UNDER DRIVERS ,SEAT SPRAYED CLEANER ON IT PUT IT BACK TOGETHER, TOOK CARE OF THAT PROBLEM. GEAR SHIFT LEVER SHEARED OFF. FORD SAYS YOU NEED TO REPLACE STEERING COLUMN. WENT ONLINE FOUND A MAN IN SWEDEN THAT MADE A REPLACEMENT PART,ORDERED IT ,PUT IT ON ,WORKS GREAT. (WHY COULDN'T FORD SUPPLY ONE?) THE TRANSMISSION IS STARTING TO ACT UP, YOU SHIFT IN TO DRIVE IT HESITATES AND LEAPS FORWARD, QUITE HARD, SAME IN REVERSE. FORD SHOULD RECALL THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT.
Steering, Dec 5, 2010
WHILE PICKING UP MY PASTOR AT THE DULLES AIRPORT, I SHIFTED MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER INTO PARK. BEFORE I COULD EVEN REACH PARK, THE SHIFT HANDLE DETACHED ITSELF FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND WAS LIMP IN HAND. THE ONLY THING LEFT ATTACHED, WAS THE WIRING CABLE. I COULDN'T GET THE KEYS IN OR OUT OF THE IGNITION, MOST LIKELY BECAUSE IT WASN'T IN PARK NOR IN REVERSE. OF NOTE, BECAUSE OF THAT, IT WAS VERY HARD TO GET A TOW TRUCK GUY TO ACCEPT THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR DRAGGING IT ONTO THE FLAT BED TRUCK. THE PIECE THAT BROKE WAS JUST A SMALL ALUMINUM CAST PIN. WHEN THE FORD DEALERSHIP CALLED ME THE NEXT DAY WITH A QUOTE FOR REPAIR, I WAS SHOCKED AT THE PRICE, $2145.00. I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A WHOLE NEW STEERING COLUMN BECAUSE THE PART THAT'S BROKEN COULDN'T BE REPAIRED WITH IN THE COLUMN ITSELF. THAT'S WHEN I WENT ON LINE AND SEARCHED FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS. I WAS AGHAST TO FIND HUNDREDS WITH SIMILAR OR EXACT SAME PROBLEMS I HAD. MY QUESTION IS, WHY ISN'T THERE A RE-CALL FOR THIS PARTICULAR DEFECT SINCE SO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THIS SMALL PIN? IF NO RECALL, WHY CAN'T FORD HELP FINANCIALLY OR AT LEAST, PARTIALLY TO HELP OFFSET THIS HIGH EXPENSE FOR SUCH A SMALL FIX? I AM ON A FIXED INCOME AND A SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLAR REPAIR SETS US BACK SIGNIFICANTLY. DOES ANYBODY HAVE A SOLUTION? DOES ANYBODY HAVE ANY OTHER OPTIONS TO GET FORD TO HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM, I'M DESPERATE. THANK YOU ALL. *TR
Steering, Power train, Nov 25, 2010
THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER FELL OFF THE STEERING COLUMN WHILE PUTTING THE CAR INTO PARK. IT IS HELD ON ONLY BY THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION. *TR