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 2, 2005
NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V442000; FORD ISSUED A REAR LIFTGATE GLASS RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT THERE WERE NO AVAILABLE PARTS IN ORDER TO REPAIR.*AK
Structure, Feb 1, 2005
NHTSA RECALL 04V442000 CONCERNING REAR LIFTGATE GLASS. NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE.*AK
Power train, Structure, Feb 1, 2005
ORIGINALLY INFORMED FORD DEALER OF LOUD SHUDDER IN VEHICLE UPON STARTING WHEN COLD AT ABOUT 11,000 MILES AND WAS TOLD THAT IS "NORMAL" FOR THIS TRANSMISSION AND THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSES IT--"KEEP ON DRIVING IT." TRANSMISSION OVER-DRIVE LIGHT BEGAN TO FLICKER AT ABOUT 69,400 MILES. FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT LOOKED INTO THE PROBLEM AND HAD THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR FOR OVER THREE WEEKS. REPORTED BROKEN SEAL IN TRANS AND WORN TORQUE CONVERTER. TROUBLE "LOCKING OUT" AFTER REPAIR SO THEY REPLACED THE WARPED VALVE BODY.
Structure, Feb 1, 2005
PANEL DIRECTLY BELOW REAR WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. FORD DELORSHIPS AND THE FORD MOTOR CORPORATION REFUSE TO REPAIR IT. I WAS TOLD BY THE DELORSHIP AND FORD THAT THIS WAS HAPPENING TO HUNDREDS 2002 EXPLORERS NATIONWIDE. SOME HOW, THEY STILL BELIEVE ITS NOT NECESSARY TO RECALL. THEY HAVE, HOWEVER, ISSUED A TECHINICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO DELORSHIPS NATIONWIDE WITH INTRUCTIONS ON EXACTLY HOW TO FIX IT.*AK
Structure, Jan 31, 2005
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. HOWEVER, CONSUMER WAS STILL WAITING FOR PARTS, AND RECALL REPAIRS HAD NOT BEEN PERFORMED. *AK
Structure, Jan 29, 2005
BY THE FORD SYMBOL IN THE BACK THERE IS A CRACK ABOUT 6-8 INCHES LONG. NO DENTS OR DEBRIS AROUND CRACK. THE CRACK JUST HAPPENED.*AK
Structure, Jan 25, 2005
THE PARTS TO PERFORM THE REAR LIFTGATE RECALL 04V442000 HAS'NT BEEN AVAILABLE FOR 3 MONTHS, AND THE DEALERSHIP DIDN'T KNOW WHEN THEY WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. *JB
Structure, Jan 25, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 6 INCH CRACK UNDER WINDOW. *NM
Structure, Jan 21, 2005
PART THAT HOLDS THE BACK WINDOW IN THE FORD EXPLORER HAS DEVELOPED A CRACK. ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***.*MR
Structure, Jan 21, 2005
NO PARTS FOR TAILGATE. NHTSA'S RECALL # 04V442000. *NM
Structure, Jan 21, 2005
CONSUMER HAS RECEIVED RECALL LETTER/RECALL NUMBER 04V442000. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN WAITING FOR ALMOST 4 MONTHS NOW. THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THERE ARE NO PARTS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *NM
Structure, Jan 21, 2005
CRACK IN REAR LIFTGATE DUE TO THE MISALIGNMENT OF THE HINGES WHICH LED TO THE WINDOW NOT BEING ABLE TO CLOSE CORRECTLY. *NM
Visibility, Structure, Jan 21, 2005
REAR LIFT GLASS ASSEMBLY. SHATTERED UPON OPENING, LIFT GLASS SUPPORT BRACKET TWISTED OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING THE FAILURE. 2 INJURED, AN ADULT AND A CHILD. *NM
Structure, Jan 19, 2005
RECALL CAMPAIGN: THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON THE STRUT MOUNTING BRACKETS (04S20) BUT HASN'T BEEN ABLE TO HAVE THEM REPLACED DUE TO LACK OF PARTS. *NM *TC (RECALL# 03V094000) *JB
Structure, Jan 18, 2005
THIS STARTED IN OCTOBER 2004 AND WE STILL ON JANUARY 19TH HAVEN'T GOTTEN ANY REPAIRS MADE TO OUR VEHICLE. I HAVE A WRITTEN STATEMENT THAT WOULDN'T FIT HERE THAT I WOULD LOVE TO SEND YOU WITH ALL THE DETAILS. PLEASE ALLOW ME TO FAX OR MAIL IT IN. *NM
Structure, Jan 17, 2005
1. NO EVENT LEADING TO FAILURE. 2. REAR HATCH APPLIQUE PANEL IS DAMAGED AND CRACKED. 3. NOTHING. I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR SINCE THE VEHICLE HAS 45K MILES. 9000 MILES BEYOND THE WARRANTY. *JB
Structure, Jan 14, 2005
THE PARTS HAVE NOT COME IN FOR THE LIFTGATE REAR GLASS BRACKETT NHTSA RECALL 04V442000. MANUFACTURER DOES NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE. *AK
Structure, Jan 14, 2005
AFTER RECEIVING THE RECALL FOR THE TAILGATE LIFT CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE SERVICED BECAUSE THERE WERE NO PARTS. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER.*AK RECALL CAMPAIGN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 04V442000. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE REPAIR COULD NOT BE PREFORMED UNTIL THE WEATHER WARMED. *TC
Structure, Jan 13, 2005
RECALL CAMPAIGN: NO PARTS AVAILABLE FOR RECALL#04S20 REAR LIFTGATE. FREEWAY FORD 281-588-5000. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *NM
Structure, Jan 13, 2005
THE KIT FOR THE LIFT GATE REPAIR IS NOT AVAILABLE TO MAKE THE REPAIR. NHTSA RECALL LIFT GATE 04V442000. *NM
Structure, Jan 12, 2005
PLASTIC BODY PIECE UNDER REAR GLASS ON DOOR CRACKED DUE TO STRESS. BROKE WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD. NO IMPACT. *AK
Structure, Equipment, Jan 9, 2005
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS BOUGHT NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED IN OCTOBER 2004 FOR THE REAR LIFT GLASS HINGE (04S20). I HAVE BEEN WAITING OVER 2 MONTHS FOR PARTS TO BE AVAILABLE. IT WAS FINALLY REPAIRED ON 1/6/05 AT KEATING FORD DEALERSHIP. TODAY 1/9/05 MY WIFE HAD DRIVEN TO THE GYM AND WAS CALLED TO THE FRONT DESK. CRACKLING HAD BEEN HEARD BY FELLOW GYM MEMBERS PRIOR TO THE REAR GLASS SHATTERING TO PIECES AND METAL FRAME IS BUCKLED. NO EVIDENCE OF VANDALISM WAS PRESENT. THE NEW PARTS MUST HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE OR INSTALLED IMPROPERLY. I HAVE FILED A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY, LIBERTY MUTUAL. THE REPRESENTATIVE STATED SHE HAD A CALL A FEW DAYS AGO ABOUT A SIMILAR INCIDENT FROM ANOTHER FORD EXPLORER OWNER. I HAVE CONTACTED MY DEALER AND LEFT A MESSAGE BUT UNFORTUNATELY, BEING A SUNDAY, IT IS CLOSED. *AK
Structure, Jan 5, 2005
NHTSA RECALL 04V442000 ON THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS. DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL BECAUSE THE COMPUTER SHOWED THAT THE VIN NUMBER WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. HOWEVER, CONSUMER RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE . *AK
Visibility, Structure, Jan 5, 2005
RECALL 04V442000 CONCERNING REAR LIFTGATE GLASS. AFTER RECALL REPAIRS WERE MADE THE REAR GLASS SHATTERED WHILE OPENING THE LIFTGATE. THE VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALER.*AK
Structure, Jan 5, 2005
END GATE CRACKED, NO APPEARANT REASON. *AK