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, Dec 13, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, SHE NOTICED A LARGE CRACK FROM THE REAR LIFTGATE PANEL GOING DOWN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 65,916.
Structure, Dec 9, 2010
VEHICLE RECALLED FOR A PART CAUSING ENGINE FIRES. TRANSMISSION FAILURE, MAKES THE VEHICLE UNABLE TO SHIFT COST OF REPAIR I CANNOT AFFORD AT THIS TIME ( NEW IS $ 3000 ). *TR
Structure, Dec 8, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN SHE NOTICED A LARGE CRACK IN THE REAR LIFT GATE, DIRECTLY BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 92,000. UPDATED05/04/11 *BF UPDATED 05/09/11
Structure, Nov 23, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN USING THE REAR LIFTGATE, IT WOULD NOT STAY OPEN AND IT WOULD CLOSE UNEXPECTEDLY. THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED ACCORDING TO RECALL 04V442000 STRUCTURE BODY HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE, HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE REPAIRS HAD BEEN DONE ACCORDING TO THE RECALL AND HE HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 82,000.
Structure, Nov 15, 2010
MY FORD 2002 EXPLORER HAS EXCESSIVE BUBBLING AND PEELING OF PAINT ON THE FRONT EDGE OF THE HOOD. REPORTED THREE TIMES TO FORD ONLY TO BE TOLD, "NOT COVERED BY MY WARRANTY". SEEN HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON INTERNET. *TR
Structure, Nov 6, 2010
BODY MOUNT BUSHINGS HAVE DETERIORATED. THE CAR IS ONLY 8 YRS OLD. I LOOKED TODAY AFTER HEARING A CRACKING/POPPING NOISE AND THE DRIVERS' SIDE FRONT BUSHING (THERE ARE TWO ON EACH SO, TECHNICALLY, BUSHINGS) ARE ALMOST COMPLETELY GONE. THE PASSENGER SIDE AND 2 MIDDLE MOUNT BUSHINGS ARE ALSO CRACKED AND DETERIORATING. I HAVE CONFIRMED THAT THIS IS EXCEEDINGLY PREMATURE AND ESSENTIALLY UNHEARD OF IN CARS THIS AGE. IN FACT, I'VE BEEN TOLD IN CARS 20 YRS OLD THAT OFTEN THE BUSHINGS ARE STILL FINE. EARLY DETERIORATION IS UNSAFE AND, APPARENTLY, NOT UNCOMMON IN THESE TRUCKS. THUS, I WANTED TO REPORT IT. *TR
Structure, Nov 2, 2010
WHILE RAISING THE GLASS SECTION OF THE LIFTGATE ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER, THE LEFT STRUT BECAME DISENGAGED, AND THE BACK GLASS EXPLODED. WE WERE VERY LUCKY THAT NO ONE WAS HURT, AS MY BROTHER LITERALLY HAD THE GLASS IN HIS HANDS WHEN IT EXPLODED, AND MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE STANDING RIGHT NEXT TO HIM. PLEASE NOTE, THE GLASS DID NOT MERELY SHATTER. IT EXPLODED. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM CARMAX LAST YEAR, AND FOUND THAT THERE WERE A COUPLE OF RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE THAT HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN CARE OF, ONE OF WHICH INCLUDED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE STRUT BRACKETS AND HINGES ON THE LIFTGATE. UPON REVIEWING MY SERVICE INVOICE, I FOUND THAT ONLY THE LIFTGATE HINGES WERE REPLACED; THE STRUT BRACKETS WERE NOT. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHO PERFORMED THE RECALL SERVICE ORIGINALLY, AND THEY NOTIFIED FORD. FORD CLAIMED THAT THE STRUTS HAD BEEN REPLACED IN 2002 ~ WHICH WAS TWO YEARS BEFORE THE RECALL EVEN OCCURRED. THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT COVER ANY OF THE REPAIR. HOW DO I KNOW THAT FAULTY STRUTS WERE NOT INSTALLED IN 2002, SINCE THE RECALL DIDN'T EVEN OCCUR UNTIL 2 YEARS LATER? I HAVE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS, AND IT IS AMAZING THAT FORD GETS AWAY WITH THIS! THIS IS MY LAST FORD, THAT'S FOR SURE! THIS IS MY SECOND EXPLORER, AND I HAVE BEEN A VERY LOYAL CUSTOMER, BUT NO MORE! FORD DOES NOT STAND BEHIND IT'S PRODUCT AND THEY APPARENTLY DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. *TR
Structure, Oct 16, 2010
CRACK IN REAR WINDOW SURROUND, NEAR CENTER AT A BOTTOM. *TR
Structure, Oct 15, 2010
BODY MOUNT CAB BUSHINGS ARE DETERIORATING SO BADLY THEY FLAKE OFF IN YOUR HAND IF YOU TOUCH THEM. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 8, 2010
2002 FORD SPORT TRAC 8 YEAR OLD CHILD BROKE DOOR HANDLE WHEN TRYING TO OPEN DOOR WITH CHILD LOCK ON. 5 YEAR OLD CHILD BROKE THE OTHER DOOR HANDLE THE SAME WAY. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS. THESE HANDLES ARE NOT HEAVY DTY ENOUGH FOR THE WEIGHT THAT IS FORCED ON THEM WHEN TRYING TO OPEN EVEN WITH THE CHILD LOCK OFF. THESE AUTOMAKERS SHOULD BE FORCED TO STOP USING THE PUBLIC AS GUINEA PIGS TO FIND OUT WHAT PROBLEMS THEY HAVE AND THEN NEVER ISSUE RECALLS. THEY JUST MODIFY IT ON THE NEXT MODEL AND BLOW OFF PRIOR OWNERS. THE HANDLES ACTUALLY CUT MY DAUGHTERS HAND WHEN IT BROKE. IT IS UTTERLY RIDICULOUS. ALSO THE BRAKES ON THE SAME VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE CALIPER ON THE PASS SIDE TWICE AND THEY EAT BRAKE PADS UP LIKE MAD. IT IS NOT DRIVING HABITS THAT CAUSED THIS IT IS A DESIGN FLAW. NO WONDER THEY WENT TO 4 WHEEL DISC BRAKES( ANOTHER WAIT AND MODIFY ROUTINE) I'M SURE THIS WAS THEIR FIX FOR THAT PROBLEM AND THEY AVOIDED ANOTHER RECALL. WE PAY THOUSAND OF DOLLARS FOR THESE VEHICLES THEY SHOULD PAY THE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX THEIR ENGINEERING AND QC DEPARTMENTS LACK OF DETAIL WHEN TESTING THESE VEHICLES. THANK YOU FOR ANYONE CARING. *TR
Structure, Sep 24, 2010
FORD EXPLORER 2002 REAR PANEL CRACKED, AND I TRAVELED AROUND THE COUNTRY AND I SAW SEVERAL CARS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I VISITED TOO MANY WEBSITES AND THERE'S MORE PEOPLE COMPLAINING ON THAT ISSUE. THE BACK DOOR PANEL IS CRACKED AND GETTING WORSE EVERYDAY, AND SOMEDAY THE GLASS IS GOING TO EXPLODE. *TR
Structure, Sep 20, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HINGE IN THE REAR LIFTGATE WAS FRACTURED AND THE LIFTGATE WOULD NOT REMAIN IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) YET THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HE WOULD BE LIABLE FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 115,000.
Structure, Sep 1, 2010
I HAVE PURCHASED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT WAS IN MINT CONDITION ON THE OUTSIDE AND FAIR ON THE INSIDE, WELL AFTER HAVING THE TRUCK A FEW MONTHS ONE DAY I NOTICED A HUGE CRACK BY THE FORD EMBLEM ON THE BACK OF THE TRUCK. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF TAMPERING, AND I HAD NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS, SO THIS TROUBLED ME KNOWING THAT THIS CRACK HAD JUST ALL OF A SUDDEN APPEARED ON MY TRUCK. WELL I WENT TO THE STORE LATER THAT DAY AND PASSED ANOTHER CONSUMER ON MY WAY OUT OF THE STORE AND NOTICED THEY WERE DRIVING THE SAME KIND OF TRUCK, AND LO AND BEHOLD THEY HAD THE SAME CRACK IN THE SAME PLACE. I GOT THEIR ATTENTION AND ASKED IF THERE WAS SOME KIND OF INCIDENT THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED IT, AND THEY RESPONDED BY SAYING THAT IT TOO JUST APPEARED ON THEIR TRUCK, I HAVE NOTICED MANY FORD EXPLORERS RANGING FROM 2002- 2005 HAVING THIS SAME CRACK, KEEP IN MIND THESE ARE NICE VEHICLES THAT HAVE NOT BEEN DAMAGED. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS COULD BE A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE OR NOT, BY IT BEING SO CLOSE TO THE REAR WINDOW, BUT IT DOES CONCERN ME THAT I PAY MONEY FOR A NICE VEHICLE AND THERE ARE DEFECTS THAT THE COMPANY WILL NOT ADDRESS. I HAVE BEEN OUT ON THE INTERNET AND THERE ARE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME MYSTERIOUS CRACK WITH PICTURES IN THE SAME PLACE ON THE TRUCK, AND I THINK FORD SHOULD RECALL THIS DEFECTIVE PLASTIC AND REPAIR THE CRACKS. PLEASE HELP US , THE CONSUMERS IN RESOLVING THIS MATTER. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. *TR
Structure, Aug 24, 2010
1. I TOOK OUR 2002 EXPLORER IN FOR THE RECALL OF THE BACK WINDOW. WHEN THEY INSTALLED IT THEY PUT A SMALL CRACK IN PANEL IN THE BACK BELOW THE WINDOW. 2. THE CRACK GREW UNTIL FINALLY THE WHOLE PANEL CRACKED IN HALF. THE EDGE IS QUITE SHARP AND THE PANEL IS A BIT LOOSE NOW. 3. FORD REFUSED TO FIX IT. WE TRACK 2002 EXPLORERS WITH THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE FOUND THAT 1/6 HAVE IT. I SAW ANOTHER TODAY PROMPTING ME TO SEND THIS. HERE ARE RELATED ARTICLES: WWW.FORDPROBLEMS.COM/EXPLORER/CRACKED-REAR-PANEL.SHTML WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2003/BODY_PAINT/CRACKED_PANEL_BELOW_THE_REAR_WINDOW.SHTML. *TR
Structure, Aug 17, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE HINGES FAILED AND CAUSED THE WINDOW TO FALL. THE DEALER MADE REPAIRS AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,800. UPDATED 11/16/10*BF THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE TAILGATE WINDOW WAS OPENED, THE HINGES FAILED AND THE WINDOWS CAME OUT OF THE TAILGATE THE WINDOW THEN FAILED WHEN ONE OF THE CYLINDERS CAME OFF THE TAILGATE. THE WINDOW DID NOT BREAK. UPDATED 11/23/10. *JB
Structure, Aug 14, 2010
2002 EXPLORER'S PANEL ON THE BACK GATE BETWEEN THE WINDOW AND THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE GATE IS CRACKED IN TWO DIFFERENT SPOTS. I AM AFRAID THAT THIS WILL COME OFF AND CAUSE A TRAFFIC CRASH OR WORSE. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 6, 2010
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT AND REAR GLASS HINGE FRACTURED/BROKE AND CAUSED GLASS TO FALL ON ONE SIDE AND HURT DAUGHTERS WRIST. TOOK TO LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID NO RECALL AND IT WOULD COST $300-$400 TO FIX AND THEN HYDRAULICS PROBABLY WOULD NOT WORK AND GLASS COULD BREAK INCREASING THE COST TO $700 - $800 OR MORE. I SEARCHED AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON WEB. I CONTACTED FORD BY PHONE AND WAS TOLD NO RECALL SO TO HAVE FIXED AND KEEP RECEIPT IN CASE THERE WAS A RECALL. THEY SAID NOTHING THEY COULD DO BECAUSE NO RECALL. NO CONCERN FOR SAFETY WAS SHOWN. *TR
Structure, Aug 2, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE HINGES ON THE REAR LIFT GATE FRACTURED IN HALF AND THE WINDOW GLASS FELL AND WAS HANGING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TIED DOWN THE GLASS TO PREVENT IT FROM FALLING AND SHATTERING. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFT GATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
Structure, Jul 8, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE REAR HATCH UPPER GLASS PLASTIC TRIM CRACKED NEXT TO THE FORD EMBLEM. THIS ALLOWED WATER INTO THE TRIM THAT CAUSED THE BOLTS HOLDING THE LATCH TO RUST THROUGH AND COMPLETELY FAIL. I REPLACED THE ENTIRE GLASS LAST SPRING (2009). THE REPLACEMENT PART ALSO CRACKED IN TWO PLACES AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF MICHIGAN WINTER. THE LATCH BOLTS IN THIS UNIT ARE NOW RUSTING AS WELL. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE PLASTIC TRIM EXPANDS AND CONTRACTS AT A DIFFERENT RATE THAN THE GLASS. SINCE THEY ARE BONDED TOGETHER, THE WEAKER PLASTIC FAILS. THE CRACKS CONTRACT AND EXPAND DEPENDING ON THE TEMPERATURE. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Jun 23, 2010
RE NHTSA # 04V-442. 2002 FORD EXPLORER. LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE SHEARED AND GLASS FELL ON ME. I WAS TOLD BY SERVICE DEPT THAT FORD RECALL 04S20 (PERFORMED IN 2004) WAS ONLY WARRANTEED FOR 1 YEAR, SO I PURCHASED NEW HINGE KIT (2L2Z-78420A68-AA) AND INSTALLED MYSELF. AFTER EXAMINING OLD PARTS, I NOTICED SIGNIFICANT REDESIGN. AFTER DISCUSSION WITH A FORD SERVICE MANAGER IT APPEARS THAT INITIAL RECALL REPAIRS WERE INSUFFICIENT AND BY HIS ESTIMATE THE HINGES LAST ABOUT 3 YEARS. THERE WERE SEVERAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RECALLED PARTS AND PROCEDURES SINCE 12/04. MY VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED 12/20/04 SO THE MOST RECENT PROCEDURE WAS NOT FOLLOWED AT THE TIME AND MOST RECENT PARTS WERE NOT INSTALLED. FORD WILL NOT COMPENSATE FOR ADDITIONAL EXPENSES ONCE ANY RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. I WAS NOT INJURED BECAUSE I WAS OPENING THE HATCH SLOWLY AND HAD NOT LET GO BEFORE THE HINGE BROKE AND THE GLASS FELL. I BELIEVED THAT THE SAFETY DEFECT HAD BEEN REPAIRED. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. THE DANGER STILL EXISTS. I SUGGEST A WARNING NOTICE BE SENT TO ALL OWNERS THAT HAD RECALL PERFORMED BEFORE THE FINAL PROCEDURES (RCRIT-04V442-7848) WERE DEVELOPED. IT WOULD ALSO ENCOURAGE FORD TO COVER THE COST OF REPAIRS FOR THE DEFECTIVE RECALL REPAIR - INCLUDING GLASS BREAKAGE - AS THEY DID FOR THE ORIGINAL RECALL. *TR
Structure, Jun 14, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE CONTACT STATED THE LIFT GATE WINDOW HINGE SUPPORT BOLT BROKE DUE TO RUST CORROSION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, May 17, 2010
REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE VEHICLE. *TR
Structure, May 16, 2010
PANEL ON THE REAR UPPER HATCH CRACKED WITH A VERY LOUD POP STARTLING ME THE PANEL HAS NOT BEEN FIXED YET FORD WANTS $500 FOR THE MINOR FIX. *TR
Structure, May 12, 2010
APPEARED OUT OF NOWHERE. LARGE CRACK IN VEHICLE BELOW REAR WINDOW POSSIBLY DUE TO PREVIOUS RECALL IN OCT 2004 - SAFETY RECALL 04S20. *TR
Structure, Apr 23, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE REAR WINDOW FELL OFF TRACK. HE ATTEMPTED TO KEEP THE WINDOW IN PLACE BY USING DUCT TAPE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000, STRUCTURE BODY, HATCHBACK/LIFT GATE, HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS WHICH WAS RELATED TO HIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE; HOWEVER, HE WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM IF HIS VIN WAS INCLUDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 112,000.