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: structure
532 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Feb 11, 2007
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS A CRACK IN THE REAR WINDOW AS A RESULT OF A RECALL THAT OCCURRED TWO YEARS AGO. I HAVE PERSONALLY SEEN 5 OTHERS WITH IDENTICAL CRACKS. FORD IS AWARE OF IT BUT REFUSES TO TAKE ANY ACCOUNTABLE ACTIONS. *JB
Structure, Feb 8, 2007
I WALKED AROUND THE BACK OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER TODAY TO FIND THE PANEL DIRECTLY BELOW MY REAR WINDOW WAS SEVERELY CRACKED IN 3 PLACES. I HAD A MINOR CRACK WHICH I REPAIRED ON MY OWN BEFORE. IN NEITHER INSTANCE DID I HAVE AN ACCIDENT OR ANYTHING ALONG THOSE LINES TO CAUSE THE CRACKS. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND CONTACTING A FEW FORD DEALERSHIPS, I'VE DISCOVERED THAT HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS OF OTHER 2002 EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE HAD THE MISFORTUNE OF EXPERIENCING SIMILAR PROBLEMS. THE PHANTOM SPLITTING OF A BODY PANEL ON A MODERN VEHICLE IS A MAJOR DESIGN FLAW. MY VEHICLE'S SAFETY IS NOW IN QUESTION; I AM CONCERNED THAT THE HATCH-BACK GLASS IS NOW NOT ADEQUATELY SUPPORTED DUE TO THE MULTIPLE CRACKS BELOW IT. PLEASE, FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL 2002 EXPLORER DRIVERS AND THE TRAVELERS BEHIND THEM ON THE ROAD, SEE TO IT THAT THIS DEFECT IS REMEDIED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY WITH A PRODUCT RECALL. *JB
Structure, Feb 8, 2007
I HAVE A CRACKED PANEL IN MY FORD EXPLORER 2002. THIS PANEL COULD BREAK IN HALF WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. FORD REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *NM
Structure, Feb 7, 2007
TWO LARGE CRACKS IN BACK BODY PANEL BELOW BACK WINDOW. APPEARED SPONTANEOUSLY AND HAVE STEADILY WORSENED. TWO SEPARATE DEALERS HAVE STATED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, BUT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $400-500 TO HAVE IT FIXED. HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM IN MANY OTHER 2002 EXPLORERS AND HAVE NEVER HEARD OF FORD OWNING UP TO THE PROBLEM OR FIXING THESE CARS. *JB
Structure, Feb 5, 2007
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED. IT IS A VERTICAL CRACK THE HEIGHT OF THE PANEL TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY SUCCESS IN GETTING FORD OR MY DEALERSHIP TO MAKE A REPAIR TO MY VEHICLE. THE ESTIMATED COST OF THE REPAIR IS $571.20. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS CRACK MAY AFFECT THE STABILITY OF MY REAR WINDOW. *JB
Structure, Feb 5, 2007
THE PLASTIC APPLIQUE PANEL BELOW THE GLASS ON THE LIFTGATE HAS DEVELOPED TWO VERTICAL CRACKS, APPROX 1/8TH" IN DIAMETER RUNNING THE LENGTH OF THE PANEL (APPROX 5 INCHES) TO THE LEFT AND TO THE RIGHT OF THE 'FORD' EMBLEM. THESE DEVELOPED SPONTANEOUSLY OVER TIME, ONE AFTER ANOTHER. THERE WAS NO COLLISION OR OTHER TRAUMA TO TRIGGER THESE CRACKS. RESEARCH REVEALS THAT _MANY_ OTHER 2002 EXPLORER OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME DEFECT. I NOTICED THE SAME CONDITION ON SEVERAL OTHER 2002 FORD EXPLORERS SIMPLY DRIVING AROUND TOWN. FORD WILL NOT REPAIR THIS PROBLEM WHICH IS MOST OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. *JB
Structure, Feb 4, 2007
THE UPPER REAR WINDOW LIFTGATE WAS OPENED TO ACCESS CARGO AND AS SOON AS IT WAS IN THE UP POSITION, THE GLASS EXPLODED SENDING SHARDS OF GLASS WITHIN THE VEHICLE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. HUSBAND WAS SHOWERED WITH GLASS AND JUST MISSED BEING HIT BY THE ATTACHED LOWER PANEL THAT FELL ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE CAR. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. IF PASSENGERS WERE SITTING IN THE THIRD ROW SEATS, THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN SHOWERED IN GLASS. IF THIS HAPPENED WHILE A PARENT IS HOLDING A CHILD WHILE RETRIEVING ITEMS FROM THE BACK, THEY COULD INCUR SERIOUS INJURIES. GLASS SHATTERING OVER YOUR HEAD FOR NO APPARENT REASON IS EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS. THIS IS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW. THE VEHICLE DID GO IN FOR THE RECALL SENT OUT A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO TO REPLACE A BRACKET. OBVIOUSLY, THIS DID NOT DO A THING TO PREVENT THIS WINDOW FROM BREAKING, FORD KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM AND TRIED TO DO THE CHEAPEST THING POSSIBLE TO FIX IT, INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE ENTIRE REAR LIFTGATE ASSEMBLY. FORD SHOULD BE TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DEFECT AND ALBEIT MY OPINION, I BELIEVE THAT A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT SHOULD BE ON THE HORIZON. WE WILL BE CONTACTING THE DEALER TOMORROW AND FINDING OUT WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY. WITH ALL THE INFORMATION THAT IS ON THE INTERNET ON THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM, THIS IS CLEARLY AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND RESOLVED BEFORE IT CAUSES A DEATH OR LIFE CHANGING INJURY. *JB
Structure, Feb 2, 2007
THERE IS A PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW GATE THAT HAS A VERTICAL CRACK.. INITIALLY, THE REAR WINDOW WAS A RECALL, NOW THE PANEL BELOW THE WINDOW HAS CRACKED. THE REAR WINDOW WAS REPLACED, AT NO COST, BUT FORD WILL NOT REPLACE THE DEFECT/CRACK ON THE BACK PANEL. *JB
Structure, Feb 1, 2007
CRACK IN THE PLASTIC PANEL UNDER THE REAR GLASS. 02 FORD EXPLORER. WENT TO PICK UP KIDS FROM MOTHERS HOUSE, AND WALKED AROUND TRUCK, AND SAW IT. CRACKED ALL THE WAY FROM THE BOTTOM TO THE TOP, IN AN UPSIDE DOWN FASHION. ALL THE WAY THROUGH FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. LOTS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET, AND AROUND TOWN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. AFRAID IT IS ALSO A REAR GLASS PROBLEM, AS THE REAR GLASS IS ATTACHED TO THE CRACKED PEICE. ALSO HEARD THERE WAS AT ONE TIME A RECALL ON THE REAR GLASS OF THE 02. *NM
Structure, Jan 31, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. NOTICED A CRACK IN THE REAR PANEL LOCATED BELOW TAILGATE GLASS THE CRACK IS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. THE LOCATION OF THIS CRACK IS APPROXIMATELY 3 INCHES TO THE RIGHT OF THE FORD EMBLEM UNDER THE REAR TAILGATE WINDOW.
Structure, Jan 30, 2007
I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM BUT I BELIEVE IT IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE. I AM (SORRY 'WAS') THE PROUD OWNER OF A 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER V8 AUTO TRANSMISSION. IT HAS SUDDENLY DEVELOPED 2 STRESS CRACKS IN THE PANEL UNDER THE REAR WINDOW - ONE ACTUALLY GOES RIGHT THROUGH THE PANEL FROM END TO END!. THEY WERE MOST CERTAINLY NOT THERE THIS MORNING WHEN I PARKED MY VEHICLE OUTSIDE MY OFFICE BUT IT WAS EXTREMELY COLD IN ATLANTA TODAY, I'VE READ NUMEROUS ARTICLES ON THE INTERNET THIS EVENING AND I AM ABSOLUTELY ALARMED TO DISCOVER THAT THE CRACKING IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE IN THIS YEAR/MODEL EXPLORER IN COLD CONDITIONS - WHY IS FORD NOT DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT?? *NM
Structure, Jan 30, 2007
THE BACK LIFTGATE OR HATCH BACK OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED HAS A LARGE VERTICAL CRACK THAT HAS JUST MAGICALLY APPEARED. THE CRACK IS ABOUT 4 INCHES LONG AND ANOTHER 1 INCH BESIDE IT. IT IS LOCATED DIRECTLY UNDER THE REAR GLASS. I WAS ON A WEBSITE THAT HAS ABOUT 65 OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS FOR THIS YEAR'S MODEL OF EXPLORER. I FEEL THAT FORD HAS AN OBLIGATION TO PAY FOR THIS SINCE THEY DID HAVE A RECALL. *NM
Structure, Jan 29, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR LIFT GATE PANEL BELOW THE WINDOW CRACKED AT AROUND 65,000 MILES. TWO WEEKS LATER IT CRACKED AGAIN. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND A LARGE NUMBER OF PROBLEMS REPORTED ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. *JB
Structure, Jan 27, 2007
THE PROBLEM IS MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR WINDOW LIFTGATE, MY PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW IS CRACKING FOR NO REASON, I DO NOT USE IS PART OF THE LIFTGATE, AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I FOUND OVER 100 OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A DESIGN AND ENGINEERING SAFETY PROBLEM THAT WILL ALLOW THE REAR WINDOW TO FALLOUT OR EXPLODE WHEN OPERATING THE DOOR OR NORMAL DRIVING OF THE VEHICLE . FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD REPLACE THE PANELS AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER OF 2002 AND UP FORD EXPLORER WITH THIS TAILGATE DESIGN. *NM
Visibility, Structure, Jan 26, 2007
TL *- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE REAR WINDOW HAS A CRACK NEAR THE WINDOW MOLDING. NO INCIDENT OCCURRED WHICH WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE WINDOW TO CRACK. THE CONTACT ALSO OBSERVED ANOTHER VEHICLE, SAME MAKE AND MODEL WITH AN IDENTICAL PROBLEM. *AK UPDATED 03/07/07*JB
Steering, Fuel system, Other, Structure, Jan 26, 2007
THE MIDDLE PANEL UNDER THE GLASS IN THE BACK OF THE CAR HAS CRACKED. I SUSPECT IT WAS DUE TO COLD WEATHER. I HAVE SINCE SEEN OTHER EXPLORERS WITH THIS PROBLEM AND NOTICE THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS. IN ADDITION, THIS PAST SUMMER MY SHIFTER SNAPPED OFF THE BARREL. I HAD 4 KIDS IN THE CAR AT THE TIME. FORD RESPONDED BY TELLING ME THAT I HAD 75K MILES AND NO WARRANTY AND I DIDN'T TYPICALLY GET MY CAR SERVICED THERE SO THEY WEREN'T GOING TO BE WILLING TO "WORK WITH ME" TO GET IT RESOLVED. WHEN I TOLD HIM I HAD MY 'REGULAR' MECHANIC LOOK AT IT HE SAID THAT THE LABOR RATE WAS PROBABLY CHEAPER WITH HIM THAN AT FORD. WELL - NOW TELL ME WHY I WOULD SERVICE MY CAR AT A FORD DEALERSHIP? OH YEAH...IN CASE I GET CRACKS OR SHIFTERS FALL OFF AND MAYBE THEY'LL 'WORK WITH ME' ON THE PRICE. BIG INCENTIVE. OH YEAH, MY FUEL GAUGE DOESN'T WORK - ANOTHER COMMON PROBLEM. MY PREVIOUS EXPLORER (ABOUT 10 YEARS BACK) HAD THE SAME PROBLEM . THE GUY UP THE STREET HAS AN EXPLORER (2003) AND IT DOESN'T WORK EITHER. *JB
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Jan 15, 2007
FORD REPLACED THE LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE ON THIS EXPLORER PER YOUR RECALL NOTICE ON SEPT. 1, 2005. ON JANUARY 13, AS I CLOSED THE LIFTGATE (GENTLY, NOT SLAMMING IT) IT EXPLODED INTO SHARDS OF GLASS THAT WENT ALL OVER THE GARAGE AND CUT MY FACE. GLASS FLEW IN FRONT OF THE CAR. I HAD ONLY CLOSED THE LIFTGATE APPROXIMATELY 2 INCHES FROM ITS FULL OPEN POSITION WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THERE WAS NOTHING TO IMPEDE THE CLOSURE, AND THE LIFTGATE DID NOT STRIKE ANYTHING ON ITS WAY DOWN. *NM
Structure, Jan 12, 2007
MY LIFT GATE ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER JUST CRACKED LAST NIGHT AND UPON RESEARCH I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR EXPLORER. IT IS A DEFECT WITH THE REAR LIFT GATE AND FORD NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS I HAVE THAT I FOUND WHILE DOING A QUICK SEARCH. THIS PIECE IS GOING TO NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THEN PAINTED TO MATCH THE COLOR OF THE VEHICLE WHICH IS GOING TO COST $500 OR MORE WHICH SHOULD BE FORDS RESPONSIBILITY. *JB
Structure, Jan 8, 2007
THERE ARE NO IDENTIFIABLE EVENT LEADING UP TO THE DISCOVERY OF THE PROBLEM. IT WAS COLD AT NIGHT WHEN I FOUND THE PROBLEM, BUT THE CAR IS IN THE GARAGE. PROBLEM: FORD EXPLORER 2002 REAR TAILGATE CRACK. THE TAILGATE HAS A CLEAN CRACK FROM TOP TO BOTTOM UNDER AND TO THE RIGHT OF THE FORD OVAL. I HAVE NOT YET REPLACED THE TAILGATE. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME PROBLEM ALL OVER NORTH AMERICA. *NM
Structure, Jan 8, 2007
(1) EXCELLENT CARE OF VEHICLE, NO ACCIDENTS (2) REAR PANEL ON HATCH CRACKED ALL THE WAY THROUGH ON FIRST COLD DAY OF FALL 2006 (APPEARS TO BE STRESS FROM THERMAL EXPANSION/CONTRACTION) (3) DEALER SAID $350 TO REPLACE PANEL AND PAINT AND WAS NOT UNDER ANY WARRANTY FROM FORD
Structure, Jan 6, 2007
THE TAILGATE UNDER THE GLASS THAT LIFTS UP IS CRACKED ALL THE WAY DOWN FROM THE GLASS TO THE PART WHERE YOU CAN LIFT THE WHOLE TAILGATE RIGHT BY THE KEY HOLE. I HAVE NOTICED A FEW OTHERS CRACKED IN THE EXACT SAME PLACE WHILE DRIVING AROUND TOWN. I HAVE INFORMED MITSIBISHI WHERE I BOUGHT IT USED BUT THEY SAY I HAVE TO CONTACT FORD. WHAT DO I DO? *NM
Structure, Jan 4, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER V6 4X4 REAR WINDOW LOWER PLASTIC PANEL COMPLETELY CRACKED THROUGHOUT. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Structure, Jan 3, 2007
AT 74000 MILES OUR TRANSMISSION WENT OUT COMPLETELY WHILE WE WERE ON VACATION! THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, SAID THAT "WE WERE THE ONLY ONE'S WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM" (YEAH RIGHT!) IT COST US $6000 OUT OF OUR POCKET TO FIX. AT 86000 MILES THE REAR WINDOW CRACKED RIGHT BELOW THE WINDOW. FORD AND THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO FIX IT. AGAIN, STAYTON FORD TOLD US THAT,"WE WERE THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE." AT AROUND 85000, 95000 AND 105000 MILES, THE REAR SEALS LEAKED. WE WERE PROMISED EACH TIME THAT THEY WOULD LAST "FOR AT LEAST 50000 MILES." WE WERE ALWAYS A FEW MILES AWAY FROM GETTING THEM REPLACED FOR FREE SINCE THEY'RE LIMITED WARRANTY IS ONLY GOOD FOR 10000 MILES. AT 111000 MILES THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WENT "HAYWIRE." EVEN WHEN ALL OF THE DOOR AND HATCH ARE CLOSED, THE DOME LIGHT CONTINUES TO GO ON AND OFF (MAKING IT HARD TO DRIVE AT NIGHT) BECAUSE IT SENSES THAT A "DOOR IS A JAR." SOMETIMES, THE KEY PAD THAT'S LOCATED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW SETS OFF THE ALARM WHEN WE PUSH THE FIRST NUMBER ON THE KEY. TOTALLY UNRELIABLE VEHICLE THAT I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE! *NM
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 2, 2007
CRACKED ON THE BACK PANEL, BETWEEN THE WINDOW GLASS AND FORD LOGO. *JB
Structure, Jan 2, 2007
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS WITH 51,300 MILES. ON 11/23/06 TWO LONG CRACKS DEVELOPED IN MY LIFT GATE PANEL JUST TO THE RIGHT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. ONE CRACK EXTENDS THE FULL LENGTH OF THE PANEL. THE OTHER EXTENDS FROM THE TOP OF THE PANEL AND EXTENDS TO THE TOP OF THE FORD EMBLEM. THESE CRACKS DEVELOPED COMPLETELY WITHOUT ANY DAMAGE OR FORCE BEING APPLIED TO THE PANEL. THE TRUCK WAS PARKED IN THE CARPORT. I RESEARCHED MY DAMAGE AND FOUND OTHERS WITH THE SAME MODEL EXPLORER WITH THE SAME DAMAGE IN THE SAME LOCATION. SEVERAL OF THEM ADVISED THAT FORD WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE OR REPAIR THE DAMAGE. THE LOCATION OF THE DAMAGE POSES A REAL DANGER IF THE PANEL COMPLETELY SEPARATES. IF SEPARATION OCCURS THE GLASS CAN POSSIBLY SHATTER CAUSING DEATH OR INJURY. I AM CONVINCED THE DAMAGE IS CAUSED BY A STRUCTURAL DEFECT IN THE PANEL WHICH IS IN NO WAY MY RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR. I AM REQUESTING THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY REPAIR THE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLY ISSUE A RECALL ON THE PANEL FOR THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU SOON TO DISCUSS THE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. *JB