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, Sep 16, 2008
WAS PUTTING VEHICLE INTO DRIVE WHEN GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF OF STEERING COLUMN, LATER FOUND THAT CHEAP ALUMINUM CONNECTING PIECE BROKE NOT THE SHIFT HANDLE. *TR
Steering, Jul 28, 2008
THE STEERING WHEEL LEVER BROKE OFF MY FORD EXPLORER 2002. THIS OCCURS OFTEN ON FORD EXPLORERS BECAUSE IT IS MADE OF ALUMINUM. THE REPAIR IS TO CHANGE THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN AND THAT COSTS BETWEEN $800-1300 DOLLARS. *TR
Steering, Power train, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 2, 2008
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT FROM DRIVE TO PARK, THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO CHANGE GEARS. THE ENGINE REMAINED RUNNING WITH IT IN DRIVE. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF & IT COULD NOT BE RESTARTED (IE, IGNITION/INTERLOCK SYSTEM). THE STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T TURN EITHER. THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN (NOT JUST SMALL BROKEN PIECE) HAD TO BE REPLACED (COST=$1372, $897 FOR PARTS). AS OF 7/2/08, 61 EXACTLY THE SAME INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED VIA COMPLAINTS FILED WITH NHTSA WEBSITE. SOME VEHICLES COMPLAINED ABOUT HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PART FAILURE TWICE. THESE COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED UNDER THE COMPONENTS - STEERING: COLUMN, POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL), POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: LEVER AND LINKAGE: COLUMN SHIFT, STEERING: GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION), STEERING: GEAR BOX: SHAFT SECTOR, STEERING: WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR, OTHER OR UNKNOWN THIS IS AN OBVIOUS DESIGN AND/OR MFG/MATERIAL DEFECT & IT CORRELATES (IN MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS) WITH ANOTHER DEFECT - VERY DIFFICULT SHIFTING OF GEAR LEVER TO OR FROM ?PARK? & ?REVERSE?. 61 REPORTED INCIDENTS OF THE PARTS FAILURE ARE SIGNIFICANT, BUT THERE ARE OBVIOUSLY FAR MORE THAN HAVE BEEN REPORTED VIA NHTSA COMPLAINTS. THE DEFECTIVE GEAR SHIFT PART POSES SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS. IF THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER BREAKS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS ON A STREET OR EXPRESSWAY (BUT STOPPED MOMENTARILY BY NECESSITY), THE DRIVER WOULD BE UNABLE TO CHANGE GEARS OR PUSH AND/OR STEER IT TO SAFETY, THEREBY CREATING A DANGEROUS TRAFFIC SITUATION WITH A HIGH POTENTIAL FOR BODILY INJURY. NHTSA HAS MORE THAN ADEQUATE DATA TO INITIATE A DEFECT INVESTIGATION & SHOULD IMMEDIATELY REQUIRE FORD TO PROVIDE A FULL DISCLOSURE OF THE NUMBER OF STEERING COLUMNS THAT IT HAS SOLD AS A RESULT OF THIS DEFECT. I HAVE THE OLD STEERING COLUMN (AND THE BROKEN PIECE) AS WELL AS SEVERAL PICTURES OF THEM. *TR
Steering, Jun 25, 2008
THE GEAR SHIFT ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER BROKE OFF THE STEERING COLUMN. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS BEFORE THIS OCCURRED. I WAS IN THE CAR WITH MY 3 YEAR OLD SON & MY WIFE WHO IS 8 MONTHS PREGNANT. I PULLED OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AT A FRIEND'S HOUSE IN REVERSE, WHEN I PROCEEDED TO PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF THE STEERING COLUMN. MY CAR WAS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD ON REVERSE. I HAD TO TURN OF THE ENGINE TO BE ABLE TO PUSH IT OUT OF HARMS WAY AND COULD NO LONGER TURN IT ON BECAUSE IT WAS STUCK ON THE REVERSE GEAR. I HAD TO GET THE CAR TOWED TO MY HOUSE, FIND A MECHANIC THAT COULD HELP ME BECAUSE MY CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND THEN HAVE IT TOWED TO THE MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC HAD TO CHANGE THE STEERING COLUMN BECAUSE FORD DOES NOT SELL THE SINGLE PART TO FIX THE GEAR SHIFT, THEY ONLY SELL THE ENTIRE COLUMN. THE MECHANIC GOT ME A GOOD DEAL ON THE COLUMN AND THE TOTAL COST OF THE REPAIR WAS $360 AS OPPOSED TO THE $850 THAT FORD WANTED TO CHARGE FOR THE PART. THERE IS A DATABASE ONLINE OF NUMEROUS FORD EXPLORER 2002 OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. HERE IS THE LINK: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/STEERING/GEAR_SHIFT_BROKE_OFF.SHTML THIS IS A DEFECT THAT THREATENS THE SAFETY OF DRIVERS AND THEIR FAMILIES AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED, RECALLED AND THE VICTIMS OF THIS DILEMMA SHOULD BE REIMBURSED BY FORD FOR THEIR EXPENSES. *TR
Steering, Jun 8, 2008
MY STEERING COLUMN SHIFTER BROKE WHILE TRYING TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK. IT WAS STUCK IN REVERSE SO I HAD TO TAKE THE COLUMN APART AND FIGURE HOW TO CHANGE GEARS AND GET MY KEYS OUT. FOUND OUT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO NUMEROUS PEOPLE WITH THIS STEERING COLUMN/GEAR SHIFT. WHY MAKE TWO THINGS THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH EACH OTHER BE TOGETHER ON THE SAME HARDWARE IS BEYOND ME. THIS PART SHOULD'VE BEEN BOLTED ON SO IT CAN BE REPLACED EASILY. *TR
Steering, Suspension, May 29, 2008
NEEDED LOWER TIEROD ENDS REPLACED AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE RUSTED AND BROKEN. *TR
Steering, May 13, 2008
GEAR STICK BROKE OFF IN MY HAND WHEN SHIFTING TO REVERSE IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER, IT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS IT HAPPENED TODAY, BUT WILL PROBABLY REQUIRE A NEW STEERING COLUMN. *TR
Steering, May 13, 2008
THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE AWAY FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN I TRIED TO PUT IT IN PARK FROM DRIVE. IT JUST SNAPPED VERY EASY. THE BROKE COMPONENT IS THE PIECE THAT CONNECTS THE LEVER TO THE ROD AND THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN COMPONENT HAD TO BE REPLACE BECAUSE THE LEVER AND ROD IS A SINGLE PIECE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Apr 30, 2008
WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE LEFT REAR OUTER TIE ROD AND WHICH THE MECHANIC SAYS DISPLAYS EXCESSIVE WEAR AND MOVEMENT. ALSO REPLACING REAR GAS CHARGED STRUTS (DISPLAYS EXCESSIVE WEAR AND MOVEMENT), REAR COIL SPRINGS (BENT, CRACKED, AND LOOSE), AND REAR STRUT MOUNTS. $1100.00 ON A CAR WITH 61109 MILES ON IT. THIS VEHICLE IS NEVER USED TO HAUL OR TOW ANYTHING. WE HAVE TRUCKS FOR THAT. I'M SICK TO SEE ALL OF THESE COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME PROBLEM - IT CAN'T BE A COINCIDENCE. *TR
Steering, Apr 21, 2008
I WENT TO PUT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER INTO PARK AND THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF. I HAD TO CALL A WRECKER AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY MECHANIC. THE TOTAL COST WAS $1100 BECAUSE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE METAL BASED ON THE BROKEN PART AND ALSO POOR DESIGN THAT YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN FOR. *TR
Steering, Power train, Mar 5, 2008
SHIFTER BROKE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN MY TRUCK WAS IN PARK AND I WENT TO PUT IT IN REVERSE AND IT SNAPPED. AFTER ONLY SIX MONTHS AND ONE WEEK IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON 03-04-2008. *TR
Steering, Power train, Feb 8, 2008
FORD EXPLORER 2002 CLUTCH PACK IN REAR DIFF WENT OUT CAUSING RACK AND PINION TO GO OUT. FORD DEALER STATES THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR. HAD REAR DIFF REBUILT BY DEALERSHIP WITH FORD PARTS AND 24,000 MILES LATER THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT NEEDS REPLACED AGAIN. AT $1300 TO OVER $1500 EACH TIME THIS IS CRAZY AND NEITHER FORD NOR THE DEALERSHIP WILL ASSIST IN THE COST. AFTER CALLING FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE MY AGGRAVATION INCREASED BECAUSE THEY REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM. NOW SAME PROBLEM ON OUR 03 EXPEDITION. IF THE DIFF LOCKS UP I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT WILL HAPPEN. *TR
Steering, Jan 2, 2008
I PUT MY KEY IN, TURNED IT ON AND WENT TO SHIFT IN TO DRIVE AND THE SHIFTER CAME RIGHT OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS IN BETWEEN GEARS.*CN
Steering, Jan 2, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHIFT GEAR DETACHED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN BEING SHIFTED OUT OF PARK. IN ADDITION, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AS OF JANUARY 2, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 69,000. UPDATED 01-29-08. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS SEVERAL TIMES AND INFORMED TO BRING TO A FORD DEALERSHIP IN TURN FORD INFORMED THE CONSUMER THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO DUE TO THE FACT THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. UPDATED 01/29/08 *TR
Steering, Dec 5, 2007
I WAS LEAVING WORK..CRANKED MY CAR AND WENT TO SHIFT FROM PARK INTO REVERSE AND THE GEAR SHIFT LEAVER "BROKE" LOOSE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. IT WAS JUST "FLOPPING AROUND". I CALLED MY DEALERSHIP AND THEY SENT A TOW TRUCK SINCE I COULDN'T SHIFT INTO GEAR AND DRIVE IT. I ALSO COULD NOT GET THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SINCE THE CAR COULDN'T TELL IT WAS IN PARK. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER SAID IN 20 YEARS HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. THIS MORNING THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT MY DEALERSHIP SAID "YOU SURE EXERTED A LOT OF FORCE ON THE SHIFT HANDLE BECAUSE YOU BROKE THE STEERING COLUMN". I EXERTED NO FORCE...IT WAS VERY EASY. AND MY COMMENT TO THE SERVICE COORDINATOR WAS "I'M A 60 YEAR OLD WOMAN...I COULDN'T POSSIBLE EXERT ENOUGH FORCE TO BREAK THE STEERING COLUMN!". THEY ARE NOW TELLING ME IT WILL COST IN EXCESS OF $1700.00 TO FIX IT AND THEY CAN'T TELL ME HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE BECAUSE "WE DON'T STOCK STEERING COLUMNS, AND SINCE YOU USED ENOUGH FORCE TO BREAK IT, WE HAVE TO HAVE ONE SHIPPED IN. WHEN WE KNOW HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE TO GET THE PART, WE'LL TELL YOU WHEN YOU CAN GET YOUR CAR BACK." *TR
Steering, Nov 21, 2007
MY WIFE WAS STARTING THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE WHEN THE GEAR SHIFTER BROKE OFF. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP WHERE MECHANIC STATED THAT HE HAD NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE. HE ATTEMPTED TO FIND PARTS BUT FORD HAD NO PARTS NATIONWIDE TO REPAIR DUE TO CHANGE IN MANUFACTURERS. MUST HAVE BEEN A DEFECT WITH THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER WHICH FORCED THEM TO FIND A NEW MANUFACTURER FOR THIS PART. HAD TO REPLACE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY. TOOK OVER 1 MONTH TO GET PART AND COST OVER $900 TO REPAIR. *TR
Steering, Oct 25, 2007
GEAR SHIFT MECHANISMS BROKE APART AND SEPERATED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN LEAVING THE VEHICLE IN PARK POSITION. TOWED TO DEALER. PART NOT AVAILABLE FOR 1 MONTH. PREVIOUSLY HAD VEHICLE TO DEALER STATING THERE WAS A NOISE EMANATING FORM THE STEERING COLUMN. COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING. AM TOLD THE PART IS $700 + AND $200+ TO INSTALL. MY CONTENTION IS THIS WAS A FAULTY PART. IF THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING, IT COULD HAVE DEPLOYED THE AIR BAG CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. EVEN THE DEALER HAS NEVER HEARD OF THE MECHANISMS BREAKING APART AS THIS ONE DID. *TR
Steering, Other or unspecified, Oct 24, 2007
PULLING OUT OF A NEIGHBOR'S DRIVEWAY, MY SHIFT ROD CRACKED OFF AND DANGLED, LEAVING THE TRUCK IMMOBILE. NOTHING HAD PRECEDED THIS. DUE TO TOWING FEES, I CONTACTED A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO WAS ABLE TO BRING IT TO HIS SHOP, A MILE AWAY, VS. TO FORD, WHICH WOULD HAVE REQUIRED A $200 FLATBED TOW. THIS PROVIDER TRIED FOR 3 WEEKS TO GET A PART, # 5L2C36529A, TOLD THAT FORD HAD 1300 VEHICLES WITH THIS ISSUE. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE STREET, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. SEVERAL CALLS TO FORD AND LOCAL DEALERSHIPS HAVE BEEN NOT ONLY UNPRODUCTIVE BUT FRUITLESS AND DEMEANING. WE ARE CONCERNED FOR OTHERS THAT HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE, WHICH FORD (WHICH I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN LOYAL TO PRIOR TO NOW) HAS GONE OUT OF ITS WAY TO DENY, ARE GOING TO BE ENDANGERED AND WOULD LIKE A RECALL INVESTIGATION, PLEASE! *TR
Steering, Power train, Jul 26, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DIFFERENTIAL FAILED ON HIS VEHICLE. THE COMPONENT WAS REPLACED IN JULY OF 2004. THE GEARS IN THE DIFFERENTIAL WERE WEARING OUT QUICKLY AND THE DIFFERENTIAL BEGAN TO LEAK FLUIDS OUT OF THE PINION SEAL. THE CONTACT HEARD A HOWLING AND GROANING SOUND WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE 55 MPH. HE STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER LOCKED UP ON MANY OCCASIONS. THE FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE ALSO LOCKED UP IN APRIL OF 2007 WHILE MAKING A U-TURN. THE PURCHASE DATE AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,200. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED REPAIR INVOICES PERTAINING TO THE DEFECT. UPDATED 09/05/07 *TR
Steering, Jul 3, 2007
GEAR SHIFT BROKE WHILE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AND VEHICLE WAS IN PARK. KEY COULD NOT BE REMOVED. COULD THIS OCCUR WHILE VEHICLE IS MOVING? REPLACEMENT OF ENTIRE GEAR SHIFT WAS REQUIRED. OLD GEAR SHIFT ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN KEPT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.*AK
Steering, Jun 12, 2007
MY WIFE WAS GOING TO WORK ON 6/12/07 WHEN SHE ARRIVED IN THE PARKING LOT. SHE WENT TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK WHEN THE COLUMN SHIFTER BROKE OFF IN HER HANDS. SHE WAS NOT ABLE TO TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. I DISMANTLED THE STEERING COLUMN AND FOUND THAT A METAL PIECE HAD SHEERED OFF THAT ATTACHES THE SHIFT LEVER TO THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN. THIS PIECE OF METAL IS MADE OUT OF POT METAL AND IS OF A POOR QUALITY DESIGN. THE TRUCK IS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY AS WE DO NOT HAVE $500 TO BUY ANOTHER STEERING COLUMN. THIS POSES A SAFETY RISK IN THE FACT THAT A PARENT COULD GET STRANDED WITH KIDS AND COULD PUT THEM IN DANGER BY NOT ALLOWING THE KEY TO BE REMOVED.
Steering, Apr 11, 2007
SLIDING PROBLEM EXISTS IN THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT, 2 DOOR, EVEN THOUGH I DROVE 30-35 MILES SOMETIMES. WHEN SLIDING THE STEERING WAS OUT OF CONTROL. FORTUNATELY, NO CAR FOLLOWED ME CLOSELY WHEN SLIDING HAPPENED.*AK
Steering, Mar 29, 2007, crash
MY FORD EXPLORER LOST CONTROL WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. WHILE CHANGING LANES THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STRAIGHTEN. THE TRUCK FISHTAILED SEVERAL TIME BEFORE SPINNING OUT. VEHICLES CRASHED INTO RETAINING WALL. TIE ROD WAS BROKEN ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE.*AK
Steering, Mar 13, 2007
DEFECTIVE RACK AND PINION BOX ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED WITH 43K MILES - HAS ANYONE HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THEIR SAME YEAR EXPLORER WITH THE RACK AND PINION AND/OR ANY SUCCESS WITH FORD FIXING THE PROBLEM? *JB
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Mar 11, 2007
CAR STARTED MAKING HUMMING NOISE WHEN GOING 30-45 MPH, TOOK TO A MECHANIC WHO REF ME TO THE DEALERSHIP TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION AND THEN FOR TRANSMISSION FLUSH, STILL THE SAME ISSUE, I WAS ADVISED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, I HAVE 4X4 WHICH REQUIRES THE SAME 4 TIRES OR THE CAR WILL JERK. THE BRAKE PEDAL VIBRATES, AND THE 4X4 GAUGE DOESN'T WORK, REPLACED THE COMPONENT AND STILL THE SAME ISSUE. ANY WHO TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, NOW I AM HEARING A CLINKING AND RUBBERY SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I AM NOW FORCED TO TAKE THE CAR IN... AND OF COURSE BE CHARGED A RIDICULOUS FEE, FOR THEM TO RUN DIAGNOSTICS ON THE TRUCK TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE, AND THEN OF COURSE PAY FOR PARTS AND LABOR.... MY NEXT CAR WILL BE A FOREIGN CAR.. THEY BREAK DOWN LESS, AND THE COST OF MAINTENANCE AND EQUIVALENT OR LESS THEN THE COST OF MAINTAINING A GOOD OLE' AMERICAN MADE FORD VEHICLE. (LEXUS, KIA, AND I BELIEVE EITHER MAZDA OR TOYOTA ARE OWNED BY FORD.. SO STEER CLEAR OF THOSE BRANDS). TIMELINE REFLECTS THE LATEST ISSUE, AND THE AMOUNT OF PREVIOUS PROBLEMS.. AMOUNT TO MANY. *JB