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, Aug 20, 2009
I AM SORRY I AM NOT A GOOD SPELLER I WAS PULLING OUT OF THE GAS STATION PULLED UP A LITTLE SO I COULD SEE THEN A LITTLE MORE AND SEEN A CAR SO I WENT TO PUT IT IN REVERSE BUT THE GEAR SHIFT STICK BROKE RIGHT IN MY HAND I ALMOST GOT HIT BUT THANK GOD THERE WAS SOMEONE WITH ME THAT PUT HIS LIFE ON THE LINE GOT UNDER THE CAR AND CHANGED IT MANUALLY THE USED PART I HAVE TO GET IS 250.00 DOLLARS AND LABOR IS LIKE 300.00 I HAVE TO HAVE A HOLE NEW STEERING COLUMN PUT IN THE CLIP THAT MAKES IT CHANGE BROKE I JUST DON'T THINK IT IS RIGHT TO HAVE SOMETHING AS WEEK AS THAT PART ON THERE WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED AND WHEN I LOOKED IT UP ON THE INTERNET THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE THIS SAME THING HAS HAPPENED. *TR
Steering, Aug 12, 2009
I WAS HAVING TROUBLE PLACING MY CAR IN PARK. THE GEAR SHIFT WOULD NOT WORK UNLESS I FORCED IT. MANY OF TIMES I WOULD PLACE IN PARK AND IT WOULD ROLL. I THOUGHT IT WAS MY FAULT. ON JUNE 10, 2009 I PLACED MY CAR IN PARK AND THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE. I WAS TOLD THAT "IT HAPPENS"WITH THIS TRUCK AND THAT THERE HAD NOT BEEN A RECALL EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY $700-1200 DOLLARS TO GET THIS REPLACED. IT IS A DISGRACE THAT FORD DOES NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR TRUCKS. I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Aug 4, 2009
STARTED CAR AND WHEN I PUT CAR IN DRIVE, SHIFT GEAR ON 2002 EXPLORER JUST FELL OFF THIS IS HAPPENING ALL OVER THE USA I COULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING AND THIS COULD HAVE HAPPEN. MY WIFE AND CHILD COULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING. DO PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE TO MAKE THIS A RECALL WHY ISN'T THIS A RECALL. *TR
Steering, Jul 11, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER APPROX.77,000 MILES SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE GEAR SHIFTER BROKE OF AT THE BASE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE STUCK IN REVERSE. AFTER CONTACTING FORD HEADQUARTERS WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET. THE DEALERSHIP CHARGES SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS TO REPAIR BECAUSE THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN HAS TO BE REPLACED. PART IS CURRENTLY ON ORDER. *TR
Steering, Power train, Jun 15, 2009
OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORERS GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF IN MY HAND WHILE TRYING TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE. WE HAD SOME TROUBLE WITH THE LOCKOUT IN THE PAST, BUT THIS LEFT US STRANDED AND REQUIRED A TOW. *TR
Steering, Jun 10, 2009
ABOUT A YEAR AGO, THE GEAR SHIFTER IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER STARTED GETTING HARDER TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK ESPECIALLY ON INCLINES. AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, I TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR THEM TO LOOK AT IT. THEY SAID THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG BUT THAT IT DID STICK A LITTLE. GRADUALLY OVER SEVERAL MONTHS IT GOT WORSE. EVENTUALLY, IT GOT STUCK IN PARK AND I ACTUALLY BROKE OFF THE GEAR SHIFTER TRYING TO GO FROM PARK TO REVERSE. WE HAD TO PAY ALMOST $1,200 TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN AND SHIFTER. WE WERE THEN TOLD THAT WE MIGHT PUT ON THE EMERGENCY BREAK BEFORE SHIFTING INTO PARK ON HILLS. I TOLD THEM THAT IT DIDN'T MATTER IF YOU WERE ON A HILL OR NOT, IT STILL WOULD GET STUCK. AFTER FIRST REPLACING THE COLUMN, IT WAS EASIER TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THEN, OVER A FEW MONTHS IT BECAME INCREASINGLY HARDER TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK AGAIN, UNLESS I PUT ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. I DID USE THE BRAKE ON HILLS AND INCLINES MOSTLY BUT THEN SOMETIMES IT WOULD GET HARD TO SHIFT ON JUST FLAT SURFACES. I CONTACTED THE FORD DEALER AND ASKED THEM TO LOOK AT IT AGAIN. THEY SAID THAT I WOULD ALWAYS JUST HAVE TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BEFORE SHIFTING INTO PARK. I ASKED THEM WHY - IT DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT. THEY SAID, "THAT IS JUST NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURE". I, OF COURSE, ARGUED THAT WAS NOT NORMAL AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. I ASKED THE FORD COMPANY WEBSITE AND THEY SAID THEY CONSULTED WITH OUR DEALER AND THAT THEY CONCUR WITH THEM. *TR
Steering, Jun 1, 2009
I TURNED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND PUT MY EXPLORER INTO PARK THE SHIFTER BROKE OFF AND THE CAR WAS NOT IN PARK. THANKFULLY I WAS HOME AND IT IS NOW SITTING WITH THE KEY STILL IN THE IGNITION AND EMERGENCY BRAKES ON. TRIED TO BUY THE GEAR SHIFT PLUNGER ON STEERING COLUMN AND THE FORD DEALER SAID I CAN ONLY BUY THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. $1200.00 THEY SHOWED ME THE COLUMN IT HAS A DIFFERENT PLUNGER THAT REINFORCED THIS SUGGEST THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, May 29, 2009
WHEN I TRIED TO PUT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER INTO REVERSE THE GEAR SHIFTER SNAPPED OFF IN MY HANDS. I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN BEFORE BUT HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THIS ON THE INTERNET AND IT SEEMS TO BE A REAL ISSUE WITH THE FORD EXPLORER DESIGN OF THE SHIFTER MECHANISM. MY VEHICLE HAS 90,000 MILES ON IT. THIS ALSO SEEMS TO BE CONSISTENT AS TO WHEN MOST BREAK. *TR
Steering, May 26, 2009
SATURDAY I TRIED TO PUT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT IN PARK AND THE GEAR SHIFT SNAPPED OFF. I WASN'T TRYING TO JAM IT IN PARK, JUST SIMPLY TRIED TO PUT IT IN PARK. IT IS RIGHT NOW STUCK IN REVERSE WITH THE KEY STUCK IN THE IGNITION. I HAD MY CHILDREN WITH ME AND NO CLUE THAT THERE WAS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. PLEASE NOTE THAT WHILE I WAS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON, THE CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS A BIT. AFTER, DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET TO SEE IF FORD HAD ANY RECALLS FOR THIS I FOUND THAT MANY MORE PEOPLE JUST LIKE ME HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING. THE PICTURES THAT THE OTHERS HAVE UPLOADED OF THE METAL/ALUMINUM PIECE IS THE SAME EXACT PIECE THAT IS BROKEN ON MINE. PLEASE BELIEVE ME I AM NOT AN EXTRA STRONG PERSON AS TO WHERE I COULD HAVE DONE THIS MYSELF (BROKE THE PIECE OF METAL). PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS FOR IT IS A VERY COSTLY REPAIR THAT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO AND TAKEN CARE OF BY FORD. *TR
Steering, Power train, May 8, 2009
I WENT TO PUT VEHICLE IN PARK AND SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF INSIDE STEERING COLUMN. HAD TO REPLACE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN FOR 1 LITTLE PIECE OF CAST WHITE METAL WHICH I FOUND OUT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. AFTER REPAIR WAS COMPLETE ,OD OFF LIGHT STARTED BLINKING AND SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. CODE PO755 ON ENGINE SCANNER WHICH ACCORDING TO CARCOMPLAINT WEB SITE AND MY MECHANIC IS ALSO A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Power train, May 7, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PLACE TRUCK IN GEAR. I HAVE HEARD THROUGH BLOGS THAT THIS IS NOW BECOMING A COMMON PROBLEM. MY TRUCK WAS PLACED IN PARK WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE ON PRIOR TO SHIFTING THE LEVER INTO PARK, WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE TRUCK IN REVERSE THE LEVER SNAPPED AND I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE TRUCK NOR REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER SHOWED ME HOW TO PLACE THE TRUCK IN DRIVE MANUALLY UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK IN ORDER TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. THIS IS NOT SAFE CONSIDERING THE FACT THAT ONE IS UNDERNEATH A RUNNING VEHICLE AND THE PROBABLITY OF BEING RAN OVER IS HIGH. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF FORD IS BEING PRESSURED IN RECALLING THIS PART CONSIDERING THE FACT THAT THE PIECE THAT BREAKS IS NOT SOLD INDIVIDUAL, THE CUSTOMER IS OBLIGATED TO BUY A COMPLETE STEERING COLUMN JUST TO OBTAIN THE PIECE THAT BREAKS. *TR
Steering, Apr 24, 2009
WENT TO SHIFT VEHICLE TO DRIVE FROM PARK POSITION, SHIFT LEVER WENT DOWN WITHOUT SHIFTING VEHICLE INTO GEAR., UPON INSPECTION THE BOTTOM OF THE CASE WHERE THE SHIFT LEVER IS HELD BY A PIN HAD BROKEN OFF, THE ONLY WAY TO REPAIR THIS SITUATION IS TO CHANGE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN ACCORDING TO TWO (2) FORD DEALERS I VISITED. UPON SEARCHING THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET, I FIND IT AMAZING OF HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. IT COST $1265.00 TO REPLACE THE UNIT NOT INCLUDING LABOR COST. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS FATIGUE ON THAT PIECE OF METAL. FORD SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF THIS AS A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT AND A RECALL SHOULD TAKE PLACE. *TR
Steering, Power train, Apr 24, 2009
COMPLAINANT HAS HAD DIFFICULTY SHIFTING INTO PARK SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED IN DECEMBER 2007. DECEMBER 2008 JUST AFTER CHRISTMAS VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS DOWN A SLIGHT INCLINED DRIVEWAY. THE COMPLAINANT PARKED THE VEHICLE AND WAS IN THE HOME FOR APPROXIMATELY 35-45 MINUTES WHEN THE COMPLAINANTS WIFE ASKED WHERE WAS THE VEHICLE WHY WASN'T IT IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONSUMER WENT OUTSIDE AND FOUND THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AND CAME TO REST IN THE YARD (GRASS). THE COMPLAINANT ALSO NOTED AND ADDITIONAL INCIDENT WHERE THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE COMPLAINANT COULD NOT GET THE VEHICLE IN PARK. *TR
Steering, Mar 6, 2009
GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF THE STEERING COLUMN OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. TRUCK WAS RENDERED INOPERABLE, BUT COULD HAVE THE POTENTIAL OF BEING STUCK IN GEAR IF THE SHIFT BREAKS OFF AT ANYTHING OTHER THAN PARK OR NEUTRAL. *TR
Steering, Feb 16, 2009
AS I WAS PUTTING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN REVERSE THE SHIFT HANDLE BROKE OFF THE STEERING COLUMN AND IS NOW JUST HANGING BY THE CRUISE CONTROL WIRING. UNLIKE OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS I WAS "LUCKY" ENOUGH TO GET STUCK ON PARK AND NOT DRIVE OR REVERSE WHERE THERE'S A POTENTIAL OF SOMEONE GETTING HURT. AS MANY OTHERS HAVE STATED BEFORE ME, THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT WHICH IF NOT TAKEN SERIOUSLY WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD TO INJURIES AND/OR DEATHS. PLEASE DON'T WAIT UNTIL REPORTS START COMING IN WITH NUMBERS OTHER THAN ZEROS ON THE "NUMBER OF DEATHS" & "NUMBER OF PERSONS INJURED" FIELDS FOR YOU TO HOLD FORD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS. THANK YOU. *TR
Steering, Feb 12, 2009
AS I WAS PUTTING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN PARK THE COLUMN SHIFT HANDLE CAME OFF IN MY HAND. I COULD NOT MOVE THE VEHICLE. I HAD TO HAVE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND THIS IS NOT AN UNUSUAL PROBLEM. IN FACT IN SOME CASE IT HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE TOT HE SAME VEHICLE SO THERE IS NO GUARANTEED PERMANENT SOLUTION. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND I THINK SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE BEFORE SOME GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. SOME PEOPLE'S CARS HAVE BEEN STUCK IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. I WAS LUCKY. MY REPAIR PLACE TOLD ME THIS WAS THE SECOND FORD LINCOLN MERCURY WITHIN A MONTH THEY SAW THIS HAPPEN IN. THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS A MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE SITUATION AND YOU HAVE MANY COMPLAINTS ON YOUR SITE ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE. I WOULD SOME ACTION TAKEN NOW. IT IS NOT ONLY INCONVENIENT AND EXPENSIVE, IT IS DANGEROUS. *TR
Steering, Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 11, 2009
I HAVE A FORD EXPLORER SPORT 2 DR. .. I HAVE NOTICED THAT IT LIKES TO SLIDE ALOT ESP. AROUND CORNERS. I ACTUALLY WENT AROUND A CORNER ABOUT NOT EVEN 10 MILES PER HOUR AND LOST CONTROL LUCKILY CARS ON OTHER SIDE STOPPED AHEAD WHEN THEY SAW THIS. I WAS NOT HURT BUT ALMOST HIT A TREE AND TELEPHONE POLE.. ALSO MY HINGES BROKE ON REAR WINDOW LEFT SIDE AND THEY SAID MINE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL!!! OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE AROUND 140.00. *TR
Steering, Jan 2, 2009
AFTER PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT, THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER FELL OFF INTO MY HANDS WHILE TRYING TO PUT THE CAR INTO PARK. I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR; THEREFORE, IT NEEDED TO BE TOWED TO A FORD DEALER. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID HE HAD NEVER SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND PROCEEDED TO TELL ME THAT I WOULD NEED TO HAVE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED. THE ESTIMATE FOR THIS JOB WAS $1200. THE TECHNICIAN LOCATED A USED PART AND WAS ABLE TO REPLACE THE COLUMN FOR A FEW DOLLARS CHEAPER. I WAS WITHOUT A CAR FOR NINE DAYS. THERE WERE NO PREVIOUS INDICATIONS THAT THIS PROBLEM WOULD OCCUR. THE CAR (WHICH IS 6 YEARS OLD) ONLY HAS 50,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Steering, Jan 1, 2009
AS MY WIFE WAS SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE IN OUR 2002 EDDIE BAUER FORD EXPLORER THE GEAR SHIFT PRNDL JUST FELL OFF IN HER HAND. FORD DEALERSHIP IN ASHEVILLE NC TELLS ME THERE IS A SIX(6) MONTH BACK ORDER FOR THIS PART. AFTER HAVING TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AT 80,000 MILES AND REPLACING BOTH REAR CLUTCH PACKS AT 72,000 I WAS LIVID. SIX MONTHS TO GET A PART????? ARE YOU KIDDING ME. FORD IS LUCKY THIS THING DIDN'T FALL OFF WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. FORD SAYS "WE'RE SORRY" AND "WE UNDERSTAND YOUR FRUSTRATION" HOGWASH. WHERE THIS GOES FROM HERE I DON'T REALLY KNOW. THEY BEAT ME DOWN WITH THEIR INACTION AND STALLING AND TURNED ME AGAINST THEM ALL TOGETHER. I FINALLY FOUND A PART IN TEXAS FROM A JUNKED EXPLORER (NO HELP FROM THE DEALERSHIP OR MANUFACTURER) AND HAD IT FIXED FOR AROUND $1500. THE TRANSMISSION BILL CAME IN AT $2000 AND THE CLUTCH PACKS CAME IN AT $800. ALL ON A VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 100,000 MILES. *TR
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Tires, Dec 31, 2008
IT STARTED VERY EARLY AFTER BUYING THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER...ELECTRICAL PROB..COULDN'T GET VEH STARTED...100 MILES AWAY FROM HOME DEALERSHIP....TOWED TO CLOSEST FORD DEALERSHIP...FIXED; OR SO WE THOUGHT. SAME THING HAPPENED A WEEK LATER. HOME DEALERSHIP ADVISED US THAT THE OTHER DEALERSHIP INSTALLED THE WRONG PART AND IT COULD HAVE CAUSED LIFE-THREATENING PROBLEMS....WE CONTACTED THE OTHER DEALERSHIP AND ADVISED THEM WHAT OUR HOME DEALERSHIP SAID...OF COURSE THE DEALERSHIP DENIED THIS...ANYWAY...HOME DEALERSHIP INSTALLED NEW PART...VEH OK....THEN WHEEL BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED IN FRONT 1ST LEFT SIDE-THEN RIGHT. (THIS WAS AFTER THE REAR END WAS REPLACED) BOY, WAS THAT A MAJOR FIGHT WITH THE HOME DEALERSHIP! NOW! THE TRANSMISSION IS GONE!!!!! ISN'T THERE SOMETHING WE CAN DO? FORD HAS BEEN USING DEFECTIVE PARTS!!!!AND NOW ASKING FOR GOVERNMENT MONEY???!!!!FORD SHOULD BE PAYING FOR THIS! *TR
Steering, Power train, Dec 26, 2008
GEAR SHIFTER BROKE OFF STEERING COLUMN IN 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN PUTTING VEHICLE IN PARK THE GEAR SHIFTER BROKE OFF, LEAVING THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEN DRIVEN TO OUR HOME. LEARNED FORM INTERNET SEARCH OF AT LEAST 26 SIMILAR COMPLAINTS REGARDING 2002 FORD EXPLORER AUTOMATIC. *TR
Steering, Nov 18, 2008
THE GEAR SHIFTER BROKE AWAY FROM THE STEERING COLUMN ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE SHIFTER ITSELF DID NOT BREAK, BUT RATHER A PIECE OF METAL ATTACHED TO THE COLUMN, REQUIRING THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN BE REPLACED AT $1100. THE REQUIRED COST TO GET YOUR VEHICLE FIXED IS EXTREME AND CAUSED BY A DESIGN FLAW. I GOOGLED BROKEN GEAR SHIFT ON '02 EXPLORER AND FOUND AN UNLIMITED NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME ISSUE. FORD CLEARLY SHOULD RECALL THIS PART AND COVER EXPENSES INCURRED TO REPAIR THEIR PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENED IN MY DRIVEWAY, BUT THE OWNERS MANUAL SUGGESTS SWITCHING GEARS WHILE DRIVING WHICH COULD CLEARLY BE DANGEROUS AND POSSIBLY CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH TO THE DRIVER. *TR
Steering, Oct 8, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER SHIFTER BROKE OFF IN HAND WHILE AT GAS PUMP. THE PART THAT BROKE IS WHAT THE SHIFT HANDLE CONNECTS TO AND IS NOT REPLACEABLE. FORD SAYS I MUST PURCHASE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN IN THE AMOUNT OF $871.70. I HAVE READ ALL OVER THE INTERNET THAT THOUSANDS OF OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCE THAT SAME PROBLEM. FORD LIST THE PART NUMBER. 3C529. *TR
Steering, Oct 2, 2008
SHIFTER BROKE OFF. *TR
Steering, Oct 1, 2008
WENT TO PUT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN REVERSE AND THE SHIFT LEVEL BROKE OFF FROM THE STEERING COLUMN, LEAVING THE VEHICLE UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THIS APPARENTLY HAS HAPPENED TO MANY OTHERS AND THE ONLY REPAIR IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN WHICH COSTS OVER $1,000. *TR