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, Oct 25, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD ISSUES SHIFTING GEARS AND WHEN SHE WOULD TURN CORNERS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT OUT OF GEAR. OTHER TIMES, SHE HAD ISSUES SHIFTING INTO DRIVE AND MOVING FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED IN 2008 AT A REPAIR SHOP. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. WHEN THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK (WITH THE ENGINE ON) AND WENT INTO A STORE, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND HIT A BUILDING AND THEN MOVED BACK AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A COMPONENT OF THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NOT ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO LOCK INTO GEAR. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, AFTER THE REPAIR, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. UPDATED 10/21/11*LJ
Steering, Oct 18, 2010
I WAS PICKING UP A FAMILY FRIEND, AN WHILE WAITING FOR HER TO COME TO MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER, I PUT MY TRUCK INTO PARK, WHEN SHE GOT IN, I THEN ATTEMPTED TO PUT IT BACK INTO DRIVE, AN THE GEAR SHIFT HANDLE BROKE OFF INTO MY HAND, IT BASICALLY DANGLED THERE AN I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO CALL A TWO TRUCK DRIVER. I GOT AN ESTIMATE FOR OVER $600 FOR A USED COLUMN, CAUSE APPARENTLY FORD DOESN'T MAKE THE LITTLE PIECE THAT BROKE OFF. I HAVE BEEN ONLINE FOR AWHILE TO FIND ANOTHER WAY OF GETTING THIS FIXED AN I HAVE SEEN HUNDREDS AN HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE VERY SAME THING, WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN RECALLED YET? WHAT DO I OR WE HAVE TO DO TO GET FORD ON THE BALL WITH THIS CONTINUING PROBLEM? THANK GOD IT IS STUCK IN PARK, AN UNFORTUNATELY SO ARE MY KEYS. *TR
Steering, Oct 14, 2010
MY WIFE AND I AND OUR 8 YEAR OLD TWIN BOYS WERE ON VACATION THIS SUMMER DRIVING THROUGH THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS IN A RAIN STORM. IT WAS AUGUST 13TH, 2010. THERE WAS A HUGE SINGLE LANE TRAFFIC JAM BECAUSE OF AN ACCIDENT. WE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BECAUSE MY WIFE NEEDED TO GET OUT AND STRETCH. WHEN I PUT THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER BACK INTO DRIVE, THE SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF IN MY HAND LIKE IT WAS MADE OF BUTTER. NEEDLESS TO SAY, WE WERE IN SHOCK AND SCARED BECAUSE WE WERE STUCK AT THE TOP OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS IN A RAINSTORM. THE FORD WAS STUCK IN DRIVE SO I DECIDED TO DRIVE IT ALL THE WAY TO OUR HOTEL IN RIFE, COLORADO. WE WERE VERY SCARED THE WHOLE WAY. WE MADE IT TO OUR HOTEL. THE LOCAL FORD DEALER COULD NOT GET A PART UNTIL THE FOLLOWING WEEK. A LOCAL MECHANIC RIGGED IT SO WE COULD GET HOME TO CALIFORNIA IN TIME FOR JOBS AND SCHOOL. WE FELT VERY UNSAFE THE WHOLE WAY. WHEN WE GOT HOME TO CALIFORNIA, THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN AND SHIFT LEVER FOR $1,300. I HAVE A 2ND 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. WHEN I GOT HOME FROM WORK TODAY, I PARKED MY FORD EXPLORER IN THE DRIVEWAY, PUT THE SHIFT LEVER INTO DRIVE AND IT BROKE OFF! AGAIN, LIKE IT WAS MADE OF BUTTER. THIS IS EXACTLY TWO MONTHS AFTER THE OTHER ONE BROKE. TODAY IS OCTOBER 13, 2010. I AM VERY CAREFUL WITH MY VEHICLES. MY WIFE AND I ARE BOTH TEACHERS IN OUR MID 40'S. NOW, I AM LEFT WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL WITH THE EXACT SAME DEFECT AND I WILL BE CALLING FORD AND ASKING THEM TO TREAT ME FAIRLY AND REPAIR THIS DEFECT AT THEIR COST. CAN YOU HELP ME? *TR
Steering, Power train, Oct 13, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE 5 MPH THE GEAR SHIFT CAME APART FROM THE COLUMN AND FELL IN HIS LAP WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT IT WOULD COST $1,500 TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN. THERE WERE NO WARRANTIES RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000. UPDATED 02/07/11 *BF UPDATED 04/20/11
Steering, Aug 28, 2010
WHILE PUTTING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER INTO PARK AT A DRIVE UP ATM MACHINE, MY GEAR SHIFT JUST FEEL INTO MY HANDS. I WAS STUCK BLOCKING THE DRIVE WAY AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO A SHOP WHERE THEY SAY THE FORD DEALERSHIP WANTED ABOUT 1500.00 TO REPLACE STEERING COLUMN. THE SHOP TOLD ME THAT WAS TOO MUCH FOR JUST A SMALL PART THAT WAS BROKEN. THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT COULD NOT REPLACE JUST THE SMALL PART THAT WAS BROKEN. MY SHOP TOLD ME THAT IT COULD NOT FIND THE SMALL PART AND THEY SEE IT THEY CAN GET CERTIFIED WELDER TO WELD THE PART AND IT WOULD COST WAY LESS THEN 1500.00. AS I RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON LINE I CAME ACROSS MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEMS I AM HAVING; THE SAME YEAR MODEL, MAKE AND SAME PROBLEM. I AM STILL WAITING TO HEAR FROM THE SHOP ABOUT HOW MUCH IT WILL BE AND HOW SOON I CAN GET MY CAR REPAIRED AND BACK TO ME. *TR
Steering, Aug 26, 2010
VERY LOUD NOISE IN TIRES WHILE DRIVING AND IN STEERING COLUMN WHEN DRIVING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER . IT IS MOST LIKELY A WHEEL BEARING ISSUE. THIS ISSUE IN THIS TRUCK SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Parking brake, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Seats, Aug 21, 2010
PURCHASED 2002 EXPLORER XLT V6 4.0L ALREADY TRANSMISSION SLIPPING SOLENOID OR WHATEVER OUT.. I HAVE READ REPORTS AND WONDER WHY THIS TRANSMISSION IS NOT RECALLED? I HAVE IT IN SHOP NOW HAVING TO HAVE IT REBUILT AND EVERYTHING CHANGED. ALSO RIGHT WHEEL BEARINGS BAD, UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS BAD, SUSPENSION SHOT. AND THE RECORDS SHOW THE PREVIOUS OWNERS MAINTAINED EVERYTHING WELL. BUT ALSO HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED AND HAD PROBLEMS AT 99,000MILES. PLEASE DOING SOMETHING FOR ALL OF US OUT HERE. ALSO COOLANT LEAK, ENGINE LEAK, POWER SEAT FAILURE, AND ON. *TR
Steering, Power train, Aug 11, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND THIS MORNING I WAS GOING AT WORK WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT ARM BROKE OFF IN MY HAND. I HAD TO CALL MY WIFE FOR GO AT WORK AND I WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE MY KEYS FROM THE IGNITION. MY CAR IS COMPLETELY UN-DRIVABLE. *TR
Steering, Power train, Jun 17, 2010
WENT TO LEAVE A BASEBALL GAME AND ATTEMPTED TO PUT MY CAR IN REVERSE ONLY TO HAVE THE GEAR SHIFT COME LOOSE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND WAS JUST DANGLING THERE. OF COURSE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT FORD COULD NOT HELP. *TR
Steering, Power train, Apr 26, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE DEALER REPAIRED THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 89,930.
Steering, Power train, Apr 22, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT SUDDENLY BROKE OFF IN THE CONTACTS HAND AND THE VEHICLE BECAME STUCK BETWEEN PARK AND REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER REPLACEMENT KIT WOULD REPAIR THE FAILURE OR THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 92,000.
Steering, Mar 16, 2010
I WAS REVERSING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AND THEN SHIFTED INTO DRIVE WHEN THE LEVER WENT LIMP. IT WAS STUCK IN REVERSE AND I HAD MY TWO YOUNG KIDS IN THE BACKSEAT! I WAS SCARED OUT OF MY MIND!!! I SAT IN THE CAR WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE FOR 45 MINUTES WAITING FOR MY COUSIN TO TOW THE CAR TO MY DAD'S HOUSE. ACCORDING TO ALL THE CASES I'VE READ ABOUT, AND THE FORD DEALER PARTS GUY, I NOW HAVE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN. THERE'S ONLY TWO JUNK YARDS HERE ON GUAM AND NEITHER ONE HAS THE PART SO I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO BUY FROM THE DEALER AND THE PART ALONE IS $1500!!! I'M GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE OUT A LOAN JUST TO FIX THE CAR THAT I'M STILL PAYING OFF. IT'S UNBELIEVABLE THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL OR THAT FORD HAS MADE IT SO THAT WE HAVE TO GET THE WHOLE COLUMN INSTEAD OF THE ONE LITTLE PART THAT BROKE. *TR
Steering, Mar 11, 2010, crash
VEHICLE WAS WESTBOUND ON OHIO TURNPIKE WHEN THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROADWAY, STRUCK A SIGN AND CAME TO A REST IN THE GORE*CW LETTER UPDATED 03/18/10 *BF OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0076-89. *JB
Steering, Mar 8, 2010
I AM ASKING YOU CONSIDER AN INVESTIGATION FOR THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT STEERING COLUMN. MINE BROKE AND RATHER EASILY AND IT COST ME $1,400.00 TO FIX. FORD TOLD ME THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS TO MY SURPRISE. AFTER DOING MY OWN ONLINE RESEARCH, I SEE 45+ OTHER FOLKS HAD SIMILAR OR SAME ISSUES AS I DID. SEE THE LINK: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/STEERING/GEAR_SHIFT_BROKE_OFF.SHTML PLEASE GIVE THIS THE ATTENTION IT SO DESIRES. I CALLED FORD YESTERDAY 2/19/10 AND THEY BASICALLY SAID, WE ARE DOING NOTHING UNLESS YOU FOLKS WHO WORK WITH THEM CONSIDER THIS A RECALL SITUATION. PLEASE LET ME HEAR FROM YOU. LEN PACE THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000....MW
Steering, Feb 26, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND WHILE TRYING TO PUT MY TRUCK IN PARK THE GEAR SHIFT ARM BROKE OFF IN MY HAND. I HAD TO LEAVE MY CAR IN REVERSE AND I WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE MY KEYS FROM THE IGNITION. MY CAR IS COMPLETELY UN-DRIVABLE. I HAVE HAD IT TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, BUT THEY ARE CHARGING ME $550 TO REPLACE THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN WITH A USED STEERING COLUMN. *TR
Steering, Power train, Feb 25, 2010
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) 2002 FORD EXPLORER [XXX] - GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF OF STEERING COLUMN WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK INTO REVERSE. *TR
Steering, Feb 22, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER BALL CRANK BROKE*CW THE CONSUMER STATED THE BALL CRANK BROKE WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE. THE CONSUMER'S MECHANIC MADE NUMEROUS CALLS IN SEARCH OF THE PART NEEDED, ONLY TO DISCOVER THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE PURCHASED AT A COST OF $1,395.00. *JB
Steering, Power train, Feb 17, 2010
I WAS LEAVING A FRIEND'S HOUSE... PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE AND THE SHIFTER BROKE OFF INTO MY HAND; ONLY CONNECTED BY THE RUBBER AND THE WIRE INSIDE. THE METAL CONNECTION ACTUALLY JUST SNAPPED IN HALF! I WAS GLAD I WASN'T STUCK IN DRIVE OR ANYTHING I HAD MY 20 MONTH OLD NIECE IN THE CAR! THIS COULD HAVE ENDED REALLY REALLY BAD! IF FORD KNOWS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL WHY HAS NOTHING BEEN DONE!?! I GOT ONE ESTIMATE FROM THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO; $1795+7% SALES TAX! I CALLED AROUND AND FOUND A PLACE TO GET A USED STEERING COLUMN PUT IN FOR $1000+TAX BUT I HAVE TO HAVE IT TOWED ANOTHER 40 MILES TO GET IT TO THAT SHOP... SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE SOMEONE DIES FROM THIS PARTS FAILURE! IT'S SEEMS SENSELESS FOR FORD TO SIT BY AND DO NOTHING IF THEY CAN ACT NOW AND SAVE LIVES! *TR
Steering, Jan 14, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF WHEN PUTTING CAR IN PARK. STEERING COLUMN REPLACED BY DEALER WITH USED PARTS. DEALER RETAINED POSSESSION OF OLD PARTS. *TR
Steering, Power train, Dec 11, 2009
I PULLED UP TO THE GAS STATION WHILE ON MY WAY TO WORK AND AS SOON AS I WAS ABOUT TO SHIFT INTO PARK THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE RIGHT OFF IN MY HAND. IT WAS CAUSING SOME NOR DIFFICULTIES IN THE PAST WHERE IT WOULD SHOW SIGNS OF RESISTANCE WHEN SHIFTING GEARS BUT NEVER SOMETHING SO SERIOUS AS THIS CURRENT INCIDENT. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK WHICH APPEARED ABOUT 40 MINUTES LATER AND THEN TOOK ME HOME. I HAVE TRIED TO FIND A NEW PART BUT NO DEALER OR PARTS MANUFACTURER HAS IT IN STOCK. *TR
Steering, Power train, Nov 17, 2009
RECENTLY PURCHASED 2002 FORD EXPLORER. SHORTLY AFTER, WITHIN ONE TO TWO DAYS I ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE BY SHIFTING INTO PARK AND OPENING THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. ALTHOUGH VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN I EXITED IT BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS CAUSING ME TO FALL BESIDE ALONGSIDE THE DRIVER SIDE WITH LOWER RIGHT EXTREMITIES STILL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IMMEDIATE ASSISTANT WAS AVAILABLE SO MINIMAL DAMAGE WAS DONE. CURRENTLY REQUIRES CAUTION WHEN SHIFTING INTO PARK DO TO ADDITIONAL MANEUVERING TO SHIFT INTO PARK. *TR
Steering, Oct 25, 2009
THERE IS A COMMON THREAD WITH GEARSHIFT SELECTOR BREAKAGE ON FORD EXPLORERS WHICH INDICATES THAT RECALL IS URGENTLY NEEDED. IN THE DRIVEWAY OF MY HOUSE, WITH CAR IN PARK, I TRIED TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE TO BACK OUT. THE GEARSHIFT SELECTOR ON THE STEERING COLUMN BROKE OFF AND JUST DANGLED. I REMOVED THE RUBBER COVER ON THE STEERING COLUMN TO HAVE A LOOK, AND I COULD SEE ROUGH METAL WHERE END OF GEARSHIFT SELECTOR ROD MEETS WITH JOINT INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN, INDICATING THAT THE METAL SIMPLY BROKE THERE. CALLED SERVICE AT FORD DEALER IN HENDERSON NV, WAS TOLD THAT ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT PARTS + LABOR COST OF $1920. HAD I BEEN PARKED ON A HILLY STREET IN SAN FRANCISCO, E.G., A SERIOUS ACCIDENT MIGHT HAVE OCCURRED WITH THE CAR OUT OF CONTROL. RECALL IS URGENTLY NEEDED BEFORE PEOPLE ARE INJURED DUE TO THIS OBVIOUS DEFECT!!! *TR
Steering, Power train, Structure, Oct 6, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE STEERING COLUMN FRACTURED. SECONDLY, THE REAR LIFT-GATES PANEL SPLIT IN HALF. THIRDLY, THE TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR. NONE OF THE FAILURES HAVE BEEN REMEDIED. HE PREVIOUSLY FILED A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,000.
Steering, Suspension, Sep 11, 2009
HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS, BUT WHILE I WAS OUT DRIVING TODAY MY CAR BEGAN TO POP AS I TURNED THE WHEEL. I HAVE GOTTEN MY TIE RODS REPLACED AND THERE SEEMS TO CONTINUE TO BE A PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE. MY HUSBAND DROVE THE CAR HOME FOR ME SLOWLY BUT WILL NOT DRIVE FOR FEAR THAT THE WHEEL MAY POP OFF. CONTACTED FORD AND AM WAITING ON A RESPONSE, THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN NOTED ON THE INTERNET BY SEVERAL OWNERS OF THIS MODEL AND YEAR. THIS IS A SUSPENSION PROBLEM AND I WOULD LIKE THIS FURTHER INVESTIGATED SO THAT NOONE IS RIDING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH THEIR CHILDREN IN VEHICLE AND THE WHEEL POP OFF. I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT MY CHILD WAS NOT IN THE TRUCK WITH ME AT THE TIME THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED. *TR
Steering, Aug 20, 2009
THE GEAR SHIFT IS HARD TO GET INTO PARK. SOMETIMES AFTER IN PARK THE SUV STILLS MOVES. NO DAMAGE OR CRASH YET. BUT I MAKE SURE TO PUT ON EMERGENCY BRAKE. *TR