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 23, 2006
REAR LIFT HATCH ,THE PIECE OF BODY UNDER THE GLASS, STARTED OUT AS A SMALL CRACK. NOW HAS SPLIT AND SEPARATED ALL THE WAY DOWN. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP HOPING TO BE TREATED WITH A LITTLE FAIRNESS. WRONG..IT CAN BE FIXED, BUT AT MY EXPENSE.. DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT. IT HAPPENED ON IT'S OWN AND I'M FINDING OUT I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE IT'S HAPPENED TO. THE NUMBERS SHOULD SHOW THERE IS A PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE DEALT WITH BY THE FORD COMPANY.*JB
Structure, Feb 17, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE'S LIFT GATE STRUT DISENGAGED, IT FRACTURED THE GLASS AND THE GLASS SHATTERED. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN #04V442000, CONCERNING THE LIFT GATE AND ATTACHMENTS. THE RECALL WORK WAS PREFORMED; ALTHOUGH, THE REMEDY DID NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND REPAIR.
Structure, Feb 9, 2006
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS (45K MILES) THAT WAS RECALLED IN SEPTEMBER 2004 FOR THE BACK LIFTGATE. I HAD THE RECALL WORK DONE IN AUGUST IN 2005 AT A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. IN JANUARY OF 2006, THE LIFTGATE SUDDENLY DEVELOPED A CRACK (3-4 INCHES IN LENGTH)RIGHT BELOW THE BACK WINDOW, JUST TO THE RIGHT OF CENTER. AFTER TAKING IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY ARE CLAIMING THAT SINCE IT IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY, I WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COSTS OF REPAIR (ABOUT $300). THEY ARE CLAIMING THAT FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS DEFECT BECAUSE FORD DOES NOT CONSIDER IT A "SAFETY ISSUE". I BELIEVE IT IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE CRACK IS DIRECTLY UNDER THE REAR WINDOW AND WILL PROBABLY GROW IN SIZE THE LONGER IT GOES UNREPAIRED. A NOTICEABLE CRACK THAT SUDDENLY DEVELOPS UNDER THE BACK WINDOW WOULD SEEM TO BE AN OBVIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. FURTHERMORE, IT IS A "CUSTOMER SERVICE" ISSUE WHICH FORD SHOULD ADDRESS. ALSO, I HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH CRACKING IN THE LIFTGATE UNTIL AFTER THE RECALL WORK WAS DONE. THESE APPEAR TO BE DIRECTLY RELATED. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND WOULD SEEM TO BE A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND I AM NOT THE ONLY FORD CUSTOMER HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THE 2002 EXPLORER. I AM EXPECTING FORD TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM AND ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DEFECT IN THE 2002 EXPLORER. *NM
Structure, Feb 6, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS A CRACK BY THE FORD SYMBOL IN THE BACK. THERE ARE NO DENTS OR DEBRIS AROUND THE CRACK. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WERE ALERTED.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Structure, Feb 2, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR STATE INSPECTION, THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED ALL FOUR ROTORS WERE CORRODED AND FLAKED OFF WHEN TOUCHED. THERE IS CORROSION ON THE ENTIRE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED IT LOOKS AS THOUGH THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS SUBMERGED IN SALTWATER. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED.
Structure, Jan 4, 2006
IN NOVEMBER 2005, THE REAR LIFTGATE APPLIQUE OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED OVERNIGHT. THE CRACK IS DIRECTLY IN LINE WITH THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THAT THEY HAVE SEEN SEVERAL FORD EXPLORERS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM AND IT IS CAUSED BY COLD TEMPERATURES AND WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID GETTING INTO THE PLASTIC APPLIQUE AND FORCING A CRACK. THE NIGHT THIS OCCURRED THE TEMPERATURE REACHED 10 DEGREES ABOVE ZERO. BECAUSE OF THIS CRACK, I NO LONGER CAN USE THIS PORTION OF THE LIFTGATE FOR FEAR THAT IT WILL CAUSE FURTHER DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. I CALLED THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE WHERE THE REPRESENTATIVE DID AN INVESTIGATION INTO MY CLAIM AND NO WARRANTY OR RECALL WILL COVER THIS DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE COST OF THE REPAIR IS $300.00. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THE VEHICLE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED AT FORD'S EXPENSE. THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED TO A VEHICLE THAT IS MADE FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER. *JB
Structure, Jan 3, 2006
THE BACK PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW DEVELOPED A 1/4 INCH CRACK FROM RUNNING FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. *JB
Structure, Dec 21, 2005
UPSIDE DOWN "Y" CRACK FOUND IN LIFTGATE/HATCH FROM BOTTOM OF REAR WINDOW TO BOTTOM OF HATCH DOOR, TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. BROUGHT CAR TO DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT 3 YRS AGO, BUT WAS TOLD IT WASN'T COVERED - OUT OF WARRANTY. AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE STABILITY OF THE REAR WINDOW AND LIFTGATE. THIS PRODUCT DEFECT SHOULD BE RECALLED BY FORD AND REPLACED AT NO CHARGE. *JB
Structure, Dec 20, 2005
TWO LARGE CRACKS BELOW LIFTGATE WINDOW . I TOOK TRUCK IN FOR RECALL 04S20 AND DEALERSHIP SAID CRACKS WERE NOT FORDS PROBLEM BULL ----- SHAME ON FORD I HAVE BEEN LOOKING ON INTERNET COMPLAINTS AND MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM . I THINK THEY SHOULD FIX IT CORRECTLY THE FIRST TIME. *JB
Structure, Dec 7, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE PLASTIC ON THE HATCHBACK UNDER THE WINDOW CRACKED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO FREE REMEDY. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. *AK
Structure, Dec 6, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT HAD NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 01I010000 REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS IN FEBRUARY 2005. THEN, THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS SHATTERED WHEN HE SHUT THE LIFTGATE. HE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER, AND THEY OFFERED NO FREE REMEDY. *AK
Structure, Dec 2, 2005
IN MAY, 2005, FORD DEALER PERFORMED FIX FOR NHTSA RECALL 04V442000. THIS RECALL IS INTENDED TO PREVENT THE REAR TAILGATE GLASS FROM FAILING. THE ALARMING ISSUE IS THAT 5 MONTHS AFTER THE RECALL FIX WAS PERFORMED, THE REAL TAILGATE GLASS EXPLODED WHILE THE TAILGATE GLASS WAS IN THE OPEN POSITION. THIS OCCURRED INSIDE A CLOSED GARAGE SO WIND WAS NOT AN ISSUE. THE FORCE OF THE EXPLOSION SENT THOUSANDS OF PIECES A GLASS FLYING AS FAR AS 15 FEET. THIS COULD HAVE INJURED ANYBODY STANDING NEAR THE REAR OF THE CAR. IN THIS CASE, NOBODY WAS NEAR THE GLASS WHEN IT EXPLODED. PERHAPS THERE IS A DESIGN DEFECT IN THE RECALL FIX, OR PERHAPS THE RECALL FIX WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY. BOTH THE FORD DEALER AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAVE REFUSED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIRS COSTS. *NM
Structure, Dec 1, 2005
CRACK BELOW REAR WINDOW. *NM
Structure, Nov 24, 2005
FORD REPLACED HINGES ON BACK WINDOW 3 TIMES PER SAFETY RECALL BEFORE GETTING IT RIGHT. NOW, THE PANEL ON THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDOW IS CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CLAIMS IT IS NOT RELATED. FORD BODY SHOP SAYS IT IS. *JB
Structure, Oct 5, 2005
I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 EXPLORER AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED AND THE BACK WINDOW BLEW OUT. JUST SPONTANEOUSLY BLEW UP, SENDING GLASS THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. IN APRIL 2005, THE CAR WAS RECALLED FOR A BACK GATE GLASS PROBLEM. THE DEALER SAYS IT WAS FIXED. NOW, SIX MONTHS LATER, THE GLASS JUST BLOWS UP AND CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE BACK GATE. THIS IS ODD AND FRIGHTENING. HAD MY CHILDREN BEEN IN THE THIRD SEAT, THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN SPRAYED WITH GLASS AND INJURED. LUCKILY, I HAD JUST LEFT THEM OFF AT SCHOOL. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER FOR US. *JB
Structure, Sep 19, 2005
I HAVE DEVELOPED A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC APPLIQUE BENEATH THE LIFTGATE WINDOW. IT APPEARED AS A SCRATCH AND HAS MORPHED INTO A FULL BLOWN CRACK ABOUT SIX INCHES LONG. *NM
Suspension, Power train, Structure, Aug 18, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR END. THE REAR END MADE AN EXTREMELY LOUD ROARING SOUND. TOOK THE VEHICLE THE VEHICLE TO THREE DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOPS. ONE SAID IT WAS THE TIRES, AND THE OTHER TWO MAINTAINED THAT IT WAS AN EXPENSIVE REAR END PROBLEM. SHE TALKED TO OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE AND THEY ALL HAD THIS PROBLEM. ALSO, HAD A RING AND PINION REPLACED IN THE REAR END NOT LONG AFTER SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. CURRENTLY, THEY TOLD HER THAT THIS WHAT WAS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN ALONG WITH OTHER PARTS , INCLUDING THE REAR AXLE. THIS NOISE ORIGINALLY STARTED AT 55-65 MPH, AND NOW IT WAS MAKING NOISE AT 40-70 MPH. AFTER GOING OVER 70 MPH COULD NOT HEAR IT AS BADLY. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FLUID FROM THE RING AND PINION. A STRANGE SOUND THAT WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, LIKE A BUZZING SOUND THAT SOUNDS LIKE TRANSMISSION. IN ADDITION, THE HATCHBACK GLASS FELL ON THE CONTACT'S HEAD. IT JUST POPPED OUT. THIS HAPPENED TWICE. THEY DO NOT EVEN ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE GLASS IN THE HATCH. THE DEALERSHIP WHERE SHE PURCAHSED HER VEHICLE STILL HAS RECORDS OF WHAT WAS REPLACED ON VEHICLE.*AK
Structure, Aug 15, 2005
REAR HATCH WINDOW LIFT FAILED AND CAUSED REAR GLASS TO SHATTER (LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT). THE WINDOW WAS LIFTED TO REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE REAR AND THE LIFT ARM APPARENTLY WAS WEDGED UNDER THE GLASS AND IT EXPLODED SO LOUDLY THAT NEIGHBORS 2 HOUSES AWAY RAN OVER AND PEOPLE WALKING DOWN THE STREET CAME TO MAKE SURE NO ONE WAS INJURED. WE HAD THE GLASS REPLACED BY A GLASS COMPANY--THIS TOOK 4 DAYS DUE TO THE UNAVAILABILITY OF THE GLASS. THEY ALSO INDICATED THEY HAD JUST (THE SAME DAY) REPLACED ANOTHER WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND THEY HAD SEEN SEVERAL IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS. THE STRUTS WERE NOT REPLACED AND WE WERE ADVISED NOT TO USE THE HATCH DOOR UNTIL THEY ARE. OUR DEALER WAS NOT RESPONSIVE ON THIS MATTER BUT I BELIEVE THERE NEEDS TO BE AN INVESTIGATION. THE GLASS CO SAID THAT THE WINDOW DESIGN WAS CHANGED IN OR AFTER 2002 SO THE STRUTS ARE LOWER AND SUPPORT THE GLASS CORRECTLY. *JB
Structure, Jul 7, 2005
DT: CONSUMER STATED HE RECEIVED A RECALL 04520 IN 10-04. CONSUMER CALLED THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES. THEY PUT HIM ON A LIST AND INDICATED THEY WOULD CALL HIM BACK. IN 2-05 HE RECEIVED A CARD FROM FORD STATING DEALER COULD NOW ORDER PARTS FOR HIS VEHICLE. HE CALLED THE DEALER, AND THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS, AND THEY WILL ORDER THEM. THE DEALER SAID AGAIN HE WOULD BE PUT ON A WAITING LIST. THE RECALL WAS ON LIFTGATE BACK WINDOW BRACKETS. THAT WAS SIX MONTHS AGO AND THEY STILL HAVEN'T CALLED CONSUMER. *AK *NM
Structure, Jun 29, 2005
REAR HATCH HINGES POPPED OFF OF BOLTS, KNOWN PROBLEM, RECALLED SOME VEHICLES, DID NOT NOTIFY EVERY OWNER. WILL NOT PAY FOR REPAIRS.
Structure, Jun 21, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE LIFTGATE STRUT, AND REPAIRS WERE DONE. BUT ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THE PART POPPED OFF, ON THE FOURTH OCCASION THE PART BROKE AGAIN. FORD REFUSED TO PAY FOR ANOTHER REPAIR. *AK
Structure, Jun 1, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER SAFETY BAR TO THE TAIL GATE CRACKED. *MR THE SAFETY BAR CRACKED AND CAUSED THE BACK WINDOW TO FLEX. THE CONSUMER SUGGESTED THAT THIS SAME PROBLEM MAY OCCUR ON HIS 2003 MODEL AS WELL. *SC *JB
Structure, May 18, 2005
DT: THE COMPLAINED STARTED IN 10/04. RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND PARTS WERE ON BACK ORDER. CALLED THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES TO CHECK ON THE PARTS. THE LIFTGATE BUSTED ON THE VEHICLE DUE TO NOT HAVING THE PARTS INSTALLED. DEALER DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS ON 12-30-2004. DECEMBER 31, 2004 CONSUMER WENT TO THE DEALER, AND THE DEALER WOULDN'T GET THE CONSUMER A RENTAL CAR .SO THEY STAPLED PLASTIC OVER THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER MADE SEVERAL PHONE CALLS TO FORD ASKING FOR A RENTAL CAR. THEY WOULDN'T GIVE ONE TO CONSUMER. THE GLASS WAS REPLACED IN MARCH, BUT STILL WAS NOT FIXED CORRECTLY. A LIGHT APPEARED INDICATING A DOOR WAS AJAR, AND IT WAS ALWAYS THE LIFTGATE. AND COULDN'T OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. CONSUMER COULD NOT GET THE DEALER TO HELP FIX THE VEHICLE CORRECTLY BECAUSE IT COST THE DEALER TOO MUCH TO FIX THE VEHICLE THE FIRST TIME.*AK
Structure, May 10, 2005
CONSUMER EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS GETTING THE DEALERSHIP TO PERFORM RECALL LIFTGATE REPAIRS ON VEHICLE.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER BUT THEY REFUSED TO DO THE RECALL WORK BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PURCHASED THERE. *NM
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, May 8, 2005
CAR WAS PARKED. WHEN MY WIFE WAS WALKING TO THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED A LARGE CRACK DOWN THE BACK DOOR (HATCH AREA) OF VEHICLE WHICH IS DIRECTLY BELOW THE GLASS. TAKE NOTE THAT IF THIS PANEL FALLS OFF (AND COULD WITH THE CRACK), IT COULD FALL ONTO ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING HARM OR TRAGEDY. IF THE PANEL ALSO FALLS OFF, THE GLASS IS NO LONGER SUPPORTED WHICH ALSO CAN RESULT IN IT FALLING OFF ONTO ANOTHER VEHICLE OR ONTO THE HIGHWAY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.