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, Service brakes, Air, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Feb 13, 2003, crash
WHILE PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE (RIGHT) IN PARKING GARAGE MY EXPLORER EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ACCLERATION-AT FULL THROTTLE (SNAPPING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT) (EXTREMELY LOUD REVVING, WHINING AND ANOTHER SOUND LIKE A BAD BELT SCREECH ALL AT THE SAME TIME) BEFORE THE CRASH. NO BRAKES (PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR). CRASHED INTO STEEL I-BEAM BENDING IT AND CRACKING CONCRETE PILLARS. NO AIRBAG ON IMPACT.
Steering, Suspension, Oct 23, 2002
THE OWNER STATES THE TRUCK VEERS SIDE TO SIDE NOT KEEPING A STRAIGHT DIRECTION. TRUCK HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP (8) TIMES FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT END OR STEERING. THE PARTS WERE REPLACED FROM THE STEERING TO A COMPLETE RACK AND PINION WITH DEFECT NOT CORRECTED. AN ENGINEER FROM FORD HAS ALSO INSPECTED THE TRUCK AND HAS DETERMINED THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP IS INSISTING THAT THE OWNER COME PICK THE TRUCK UP IN THE SAME CONDITION. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. MR
Steering, Aug 23, 2002
IM COMPLAINED THAT THE STEERING WAS TOO SENSITIVE. I SWERVED TO AVOID A TIRE IN THE ROAD AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICEL. TOOK CAR TO DEALED WHO FOUND NO PROBLEM. DAYS LATER I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALER THAT THEY HAD A FACTORY REP COMING TO TEST MY CAR. (WHY IF THERE IS NOTHING WRONG) THE FACTORY MAN SAID HE ROAD TESTED THE CAR AND PUT IT ON A LIFT. HE FOUND NO PROBLEM THAT IS THE WAY A SHORT WHEEL BASE SHOULD DRIVE. FORDS BIG EXCUSE WAS THERE IS A STICKER ON THE SUN VISOR THAT READS "AVOID ABRUPT MANOUVERS" THE REP EVEN WROTE ON MY SERVICE TICKET THAT THE LABLE WAS IN PLACE. THE CAR CAN FLIP OVER BUT WE TOLD YOU SO. I DONT THINK THIS IS SAFE AND IT IS NOT RIGHT FOR FORD TO KNOW THEY HAVE ANOTHER PROBLEM AND WASH IT AWAY WITH A LABLE. DRIVE DOWN A HIGHWAY AND TELL ME IF YOU CAN AVOID ABRUPT MOVES. HOW COME AIRLINES DONT PUT STICKERS ON THE SEATS THAT THIS PLANE MIGHT FALL FROM THE SKY. FORD HAS A PROBLEM AND THE PUBLIC WILL PAY WITH THEIR LIVES.*AK
Steering, Aug 6, 2002
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 70 MPH SWERVED TO AVOID A TIRE IN ROAD CAR OVER STEERS, YOU MUST TURN BACK THE OPPOSITE WAY THEN YOU ARE OUT OF CONTROL IN THAT DIRECTION. ANY SUDDEN MANUVER YOU ARE OUT OF CONTROL. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO FORD SERVICE THEY SAID "YOU HAVE A SHORT WHEEL BASE, THAT WILL GET YOUR ATTENTION"*AK
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Jul 25, 2002
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER IS NOT ABLE TO UNLOCK STEERING WHEEL AND VEHICLE WILL NOT START.*JB
Steering, May 13, 2002
WHILE TRAVELING AT 25 MPH STEERING BECAME IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN IN ANY DIRECTION. TOOK TO DEALER, AND THEY STATED THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH A DEFECTIVE SEAL. CONSUMER FEELS CONSUMERS LIFES WERE PUT INTO DANGER BECAUSE OF A KNOWN PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Steering, Mar 12, 2002, crash, fire
ICE AND SLUSH ENTER THE DOOR PANELS FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE CAUSING, DOORS TO FREEZE SHUT. *AK
Steering, Mar 11, 2002
WHEN DRIVING STEERING WILL LOCK UP FOR ABOUT 5 TO 7 SECONDS. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER CONTACTED. PLEASE ADD VIN. *AK
Steering, Suspension, Feb 3, 2002
THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT 3 TIMES SINCE SEPTEMBER 2001. THE STEERING COLUMN HAS BEEN REPLACED, THE WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED(THIS WAS SUPPOSE TO ELIMINATE STEERING COLUMN RATTLE) AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAS BEEN REPLACED. I STILL HEAR AND FEEL A METALLIC RATTLE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. IN MY REVIEW OF YOUR WEBSITE OTHER 2002 EXPLORER OWNERS ARE EXPERINCING THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE TALKED TO AT LEAST THREE OTHER OWNERS THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. MY DEALER HAS DONE EVERYTHING RECOMMENDED BY FORD, BUT NOTHING HAS SOLVED THE PROBLEM. FORD IS "WORKING ON IT". THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING ON IT SINCE SEPTEMBER 2001. MY SAFETY CONCERN IS THIS. IF SOMETHING IS LOOSE THAT IS CAUSING THIS NOISE IT HAS TO BE PROGRESSING. WHAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER MORE MILEAGE BUILDS ON THIS VEHICLE? WILL I BE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY ONE DAY AND LOSE CONTROL DUE TO STEERING FAILURE? THERE IS TO MUCH SMOKE HERE FOR THAT NOT TO BE FIRE SOONER OF LATER BY MY EXPLORER OR SOME OTHER OWNER. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A COMPANY THE SIZE OF FORD TO SOLVE A PROBLEM?*AK
Steering, Suspension, Dec 11, 2001
WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER WOULD HEAR POPPING NOISES COMING FROM LEFT FRONT END. DEALER CHECKED AND REPAIRED STEERING COLUMN SHAFT. PROBLEM NOT RESOLVED. TOOK BACK TO DEALER AND STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. TOOK VEHICLE BACK AGAIN AND LEFT FRONT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. NOTHING SOLVED THE PROBLEM. MECHANIC COULD NOT RESOLVE IT. MANUFACTURER IS WORKING ON SOLUTION.*AK *JB
Steering, Suspension, Dec 5, 2001
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPT 3 TIMES SINCE PURCHASE ON 8/01. UPPER & LOWER STEERING SHAFT HAS BEEN REPLACED ON 9/14/01. THE FRONT END RATTLES WHEN I AM OPERATING THE VEHICLE OVER NORMAL TERRAIN. STEERING WHEEL HAS A POPPING FEEL WHEN I GO OVER A BUMP OR TURN RIGHT, FEELS LIKE TH E CAR IS GOING OUT OF CONTROL (AT SLOW SPEED). THE VEHICLE WILL BE BACK AT FORD ON 12/6/01 FOR FURTHER TESTING TO DETECT/CORRECT THESE PROBLEMS. AFTER LOOKING AT YOUR WEBSITE, I HAVE DISCOVERED SIMILAR COMPLAINTS EXIST. I WILL TAKE COPIES WITH ME TO THE DEALERSHIP SUPERVISOR TODAY.*AK
Steering, May 30, 2001
THERE IS A NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE IN STEERING COLUMN. MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH DEALER , AND DEALER REFUSED TO FIX VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS NOT PURCHASED THERE. *AK