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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 3,613

Of the 2002 reports, 163 involved a crash and 71 involved a fire. 213 people were injured and 6 people died.

Primary concernPower train1,575 reports · 44% of complaints
Owner complaints3,613Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship10 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train1,575
  2. Structure532
  3. Suspension445
  4. Engine and engine cooling194
  5. Vehicle speed control181
  6. Electrical system179
  7. Air bags171
  8. Steering162

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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: structure

532 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Structure, Jun 18, 2007

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFTGATE IS CRACKED AND LEAKING. HE NOTIFIED FORD WHO STATED THAT COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 65,590 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000.

  2. Visibility, Structure, Jun 1, 2007

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE. THREE DAYS LATER, SHE DISCOVERED A CRACK BELOW THE WINDOW OF THE REAR DOOR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAVE THREE OTHER VEHICLES ON LOCATION WITH THE SAME FAILURE. THE FORD MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE HER VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND IT WAS NOT SERVICED WITH FORD. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 59,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,750. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR

  3. Visibility, Structure, May 28, 2007

    THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS FELL OFF THE HINGES. THE FALLING GLASS DAMAGED THE REAR DEFROSTER WIRES (CAN NO LONGER BE USED) THE HINGE HOLDING THE GLASS BROKE OFF FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE GLASS TO FALL TO THE GROUND. IT COST $130 AT THE FORD DEALER. NHTSE RECALL 04V442 INVESTIGATED THIS EXACT COMPLAINT AND A RECALL WAS ISSUED BUT FORD INFORMED ME THAT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE IT WAS BUILT IN A FACTORY NOT AFFECTED BY THE RECALL. THE NHTSE SHOULD CONSIDER RE-OPENING THIS CASE AS IT IS THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM AS THE RECALL ON THE SAME EXACT MAKE AND MODEL. ALL INCIDENTS OF THIS FAILURE OF THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HINGES SHOULD BE COVERED BY FORD. THANK YOU *TR

  4. Structure, May 11, 2007

    2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT, PLASTIC TRIM PIECE BELOW REAR WINDOW GLASS CRACKED ALL THE WAY. THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE GLASS COULD FALL OUT WITHOUT PROPER STRUCTURAL SUPPORT. FORD ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE REAR GLASS HINGE POSTS, BUT THE WILL NOT FIX THE PLASTIC WHICH BROKE AS A RESULT OF NORMAL CLOSING OF THE HATCHBACK. I FOUND A FORUM WITH 129 POSTINGS ON IT TODAY CLAIMING THE SAME ISSUE. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/BODY_PAINT/CRACKED_PANEL_BELOW_THE_REAR_WINDOW.SHTML I WOULD LIKE FORD TO FIX THIS PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE AS IT WAS A SAFETY HAZARD AND DEFECT. *AK

  5. Structure, Apr 24, 2007

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASTIC PORTION ON THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR LIFTGATE CRACKED VERTICALLY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 78,000, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.*AK

  6. Structure, Apr 23, 2007

    NOTICED CRACKED PANEL (APPLIQUE) BELOW REAR HATCHBACK WINDOW ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT (SUV) 1ST THOUGHT WAS SOMEONE HIT ME WHILE I WAS PARKED. THEN REALIZED THAT THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF THAT TEMP WAS 19 DEGREES OUTSIDE. AFTER GOING ONLINE TO CAR COMPLAINTS FOUND MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS. CONTACTED FORD CO. THEY TOLD ME TO GET AN ESTIMATE. METRO FORD GAVE ME ESTIMATE OF $302.89, CALLED FORD CO. BACK THEY SAID THEY WON'T PAY. I CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY FOR THIS FIX, EVEN IF I DID, BET IT WILL CRACK AGAIN WHEN TEMP IS BELOW FREEZING AGAIN. IT HAS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW IN THE PART. ONLINE COMPLAINTS SAY FORD KNOWS IT'S A FLAW BUT THEY ARE NOT HELPING US CONSUMERS. *TR

  7. Structure, Apr 20, 2007

    REAR LIFTGATE OF 2002 FORD EXPLORER DEVELOPS CRACK ON PIECE BELOW GLASS. *JB

  8. Structure, Mar 27, 2007

    2002 FORD EXPLORER, CRACK IN REAR PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW. FORD WILL NOT REPAIR, IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG MANY 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. *JB

  9. Structure, Mar 16, 2007

    IN DECEMBER, 2006, FOUND CRACK IN HATCHACK DOOR JUST BELOW THE WINDOW. CALLED MY DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY TO EXPLAIN WHAT I SAW AND WHAT THEY WOULD DO TO TAKE CARE OF THIS. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS ONLY COSMETIC AND THEREFORE WOULD NOT PAY TO REPLACE, THAT WOULD BE MY RESPONSIBLILITY

  10. Structure, Mar 16, 2007

    REAR HATCH ON 2002 EXPLORER TRIM PIECE AT BOTTOM CRACKS..THSI IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND FORD KNOWS ABOUT IT BUT WILL NOT FIX

  11. Structure, Mar 13, 2007

    DAUGHTER CAME OUT OF SCHOOL TO FIND CRACK BENEATH REAR WINDOW. THOUGHT TO BE RESULT OF HIT AND RUN IN PARKING LOT. TOOK TO DEALER WHO SAID IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT. REPAIRED AT NO COST TO US, NO PROBLEM. GOOD DEALER! WE ARE VERY GOOD FORD CUSTOMERS, HAVING BOUGHT EXCLUSIVELY FORDS FOR 20+ YEARS. THIS WILL NOT DETER US FROM BUYING FORD AGAIN. *JB

  12. Structure, Mar 13, 2007

    ON A COLD DAY, I DISCOVERED THAT THE BODY PANEL BELOW THE GLASS ON THE REAR GATE OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED. NOTHING HIT THE VEHICLE TO CAUSE THE CRACK. THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS AROUND 32 DEGREE F AT THE TIME. *JB

  13. Structure, Mar 8, 2007

    THERE IS A LARGE CRACK IN MY TAILGATE THAT STARTS AT THE BACK WINDSHIELD GLASS AND RUNS HALFWAY DOWN MY TAILGATE. I GUESS THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THESE CRACKS AND FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE IN PAYING FOR THESE REPAIRS. I SPOKE WITH THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT THEY DO NOT WANT TO FIX IT. I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN IF THEY ARE GOING TO TREAT THEIR CUSTOMERS LIKE THIS...PLEASE HELP US GET THEM TO RECALL THIS. THANKS. *JB

  14. Structure, Mar 6, 2007

    I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. ON FEB 3RD THE LIFT GATE SPLIT IN 2 PIECES. MANF. DEFECT. FORD IS AWARE OF THIS HAPPENING AND HAS NEITHER OFFERED ANY KIND OF MONTEREY ASSISTANCE OR ISSUED A RECALL. THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED TO PAY THE REPAIR OUT OF MY POCKET BECAUSE IT IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THEY UNDERSTAND THIS IS A HAZARD BUT ARE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE ONLY THING HOLDING MY LIFTGATE CLOSED IS THE 2 PUMPS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE GATE. OBVIOUS HAZARD!! THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF VEHICLES JUST LIKE MINE WHERE THE TAIL GATES ARE FAILING. DOES SOMEONE NEED TO DIE BEFORE FORD DOES ANYTHING ABOUT IT??? *JB

  15. Structure, Mar 6, 2007

    WHILE CLOSING REAR TAILGATE WINDOW OF 2002 FORD EXPLORER,FIBERGLASS PORTION OF THE TAILGATE SHATTERED. NO INJURY WAS INCURRED; HOWEVER, THE POTENTIAL DOES EXIST. INQUIRED MANUFACTURE, AND WAS TOLD THEY DID NOT HAVE A RECALL ON THIS PART THEREFORE, THEY FELT NO LIABILITY TO REPLACE THE PART. SINCE THE INCIDENT, I HAVE NOTICED 5 EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME DEFECT. *JB

  16. Structure, Mar 2, 2007

    REAR HATCH CRACKED TWO SPOTS. *JB

  17. Structure, Feb 27, 2007

    THE FIBERGLASS PANEL ON THE BACK HATCH OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS CRACKED FROM THE GLASS STRAIGHT DOWN APPARENTLY DUE TO COLD WEATHER. I CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT FOR SOME REASON THIS HAD HAPPENED A LOT THIS WINTER. I WAS TOLD TO BRING IT IN TO BE LOOKED AT BY THE SERVICE MANAGER AND THAT IT WOULD PROBABLY BE TAKEN CARE OF OR AT LEAST A 50/50 SPLIT. WHEN I TOOK IT IN THE MANAGER TOLD ME BECAUSE OF THE MILES ON MY VEHICLE THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO FOR ME. I HAVE SINCE NOTICED THAT A LOT OF THE FORD EXPLORERS THAT HAVE THE 2 PIECE FIBERGLASS PANELS ARE CRACKED ALSO THAT ARE DRIVING AROUND. CAN FORD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS? I HAVE NO OTHER DAMAGES TO MY VEHICLE AND TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF IT. BUT THIS IS VERY NOTICEABLE AND YOU CAN BET WHEN I GO TO TRADE IT IN FORD WILL DISCOUNT FOR THIS DEFECT. *JB

  18. Structure, Feb 26, 2007

    TAILGATE EXTERIOR APPLIQUE CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *NM

  19. Structure, Feb 23, 2007

    TL*- THE CONTACTED STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE APPLIQUE ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER WAS CRACKED. THE APPLIQUE HELD THE BACK REAR GLASS ONTO THE LIFTGATE. THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT MAY BECOME DISENGAGED IF THE REAR LIFT GATE WAS OPENED. THE CONTACT WAS UNWILLING TO OPEN THE REAR LIFTGATE DUE TO THE CRACK. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH DEALERSHIP AND FORD MANUFACTURER, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE VEHICLE HAD 67200 MILES. *AK

  20. Structure, Feb 23, 2007

    THE TAIL GATE DOOR PANEL BELOW THE GLASS HAS TO LINE CRACKS. IT BEGAN TO SEPARATE. IT ALSO HAPPEN TO MY FATHER IN-LAW. I HAVE ALSO SEEN IT IN MANY OTHER EXPLORERS. *JB

  21. Structure, Feb 21, 2007

    LEFT PANEL BELOW TAILGATE WINDOW CRACKED WITHOUT ANY CONTACT TO VEHICLE - NOTHING HIT THE CAR AND THE CAR DID NOT HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. *JB

  22. Structure, Feb 20, 2007

    THE LIFTGATE EXTERIOR CRACKED DOWN THE MIDDLE WITH NO PRESSURE BEING APPLIED, MAYBE THE WEATHER MADE IT CRACK, BUT THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. *JB

  23. Structure, Feb 13, 2007

    2002 FORD EXPLORER - PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW (APPLIQUE) CRACKED. FORD DEALER CLAIMS IT HAPPENS WHEN WEATHER IS TO HOT OR COLD. *NM

  24. Structure, Feb 13, 2007

    ON A 10 DEGREE NIGHT, I WOKE UP TO FIND A NASTY CRACK IN THE REAR LIFTGATE UNDER THE GLASS. IT NOT ONLY CRACKED, BUT SEPARATED AND MADE ABOUT AN 1/8" GAP. ANOTHER CRACK BESIDE IT FORMING A TRIANGULAR SHAPE AS WELL. LOOKS LIKE IT WILL FALL OUT ANY TIME. MY INSURANCE WON'T COVER THIS BECAUSE IT IS A KNOWN FORD ISSUE!!!!!!! TELL ME HOW THAT IS FAIR, THAT WE PAY THE MONEY FOR THESE VERY EXPENSIVE VEHICLES, AND THERE IS A WELL KNOWN DEFECT IN THEM, BUT WE HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. I CAN'T BLAME THE INSURANCE COMPANIES FOR DENIAL. IT IS FORDS PLACE TO PAY FOR THIS. IT IS UNETHICAL FOR FORD TO TREAT THEIR CUSTOMERS LIKE THIS AND VERY BAD FOR BUSINESS. I CAN'T USE MY BACK HATCH ANYMORE FOR FEAR THAT IT WILL CRACK AGAIN AND PIECES FALL OUT. I CARRY FULL COVERAGE INSURANCE AND DO MY PART TO TAKE CARE OF MY VEHICLE, NOW I CAN'T AFFORD TO COVER SOMETHING THAT IS FORDS FAULT!!!!!! COME ON FORD, CUT US SOME SLACK. CH . *NM

  25. Structure, Feb 12, 2007

    THE BACK PANEL OF OUR FORD EXPLORER HAS CRACKED THE VERTICAL LENGTH OF THE TO PANEL. HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME DEFECT. *JB