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, Jun 25, 2008
I HAVE PROBLEMS CLOSING THE BACK WINDOW. YESTERDAY I WAS SIMPLY TRYING TO CLOSE THE BACK WINDOW, THEN ABOUT 1/3 WAY DOWN OUT OF NO WHERE THE BACK WINDOW SHATTERED ALL OVER ME FOR THE SECOND TIME! VERY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY AROUND CHILDREN. (GOOD THING MY CHILDREN WERE ABOUT 15FT AWAY, BUT THEY WITNESS THE WHOLE THING). THE FIRST TIME THE WINDOW SHATTERED, IT WAS MAYBE AROUND 2004-05. (I CAN VERIFY UPON REQUEST). SUPPOSEDLY DEALERSHIP FIXED THE PROBLEM. (YEAH RIGHT!) VERY DISAPPOINTED IN FORD!! *TR
Visibility, Structure, Jun 23, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE REAR TAILGATE HATCH WINDOW WAS A QUARTER OF THE WAY DOWN, THE CONTACT'S SON RETRIEVED ITEMS FROM THE TRUNK AND THE MIDDLE PIECE OF THE REAR END WAS LITERALLY HANGING OFF. THE WINDOW GLASS SHATTERED EVERYWHERE. HIS SON WAS UNINJURED, BUT THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED IF NO PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE WINDOW ITSELF. THE CONTACT DROVE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, NOR A RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 136,739.
Structure, Jun 10, 2008
LAST SUMMER 2007, I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC PANEL BENEATH THE REAR WINDOW IN MY FORD EXPLORER. I TOOK IT INTO A BODY SHOP TO ASK HOW THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD SEEN SEVERAL FORD EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME DEFECT AND THAT THE PART HAD BEEN RECALLED BY THE MANUFACTURER. I LOOKED UP ONLINE THE RECALL AND SAW THAT IT WAS FOR THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL OF MY EXPLORER SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY RAN THE VIN NUMBER AND SAID THAT MY PARTICULAR CAR WASN'T A PART OF THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE SAME EXACT PART AND CAR. I THEN CALLED THE FORD NATIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE AND FILED A COMPLAINT AND THEY DID NOTHING ABOUT IT. I WAS TOLD BY 2 AUTOSHOPS THAT IF I DON'T GET THE PART REPLACED IT COULD CRACK COMPLETELY AND THE WINDOW CAN FALL OUT OF THE CAR. *TR *DT*JB *DT *TR
Structure, May 22, 2008
I WAS LOADING GROCERIES INTO THE BACK OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WHEN THE LIFTGATE WINDOW EXPLODED. THE HINGE ON THE LIFTGATE HAD ACTUALLY BROKEN, SHATTERING GLASS EVERYWHERE. MY HAND WAS CUT AND I WAS HIT IN THE HEAD BY THE LIFTGATE. WHILE DEVASTATING, IT COULD HAVE BEEN TRAGIC. I HAD THE HINGES AND LIFTGATE SERVICED AND REPAIRED SEVERAL YEARS AGO DUE TO A RECALL ISSUED BY FORD FOR A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. APPARENTLY, THE PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED WITH OTHER DEFECTIVE PARTS OR WASN'T REPAIRED AT ALL. WHEN I CONTACTED FORD, THEY REFUSED TO PAY FOR REPAIRS AND REFERRED ME TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY, WHO SAID IT WAS A FORD PROBLEM. I AM STUCK WITH THE 1,400.00 BILL BUT FORD LOSES MY BUSINESS. *TR
Structure, May 21, 2008
CRACK ON REAR HATCH OF VEHICLE, THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT IT HAS HAPPENED. FIRST TIME IT WAS REPLACED AT OUR COST. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, May 20, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT, A COUPLE WEEKS AGO I WENT TO OPEN THE BACK LIFT GLASS, AND THE WINDOW FELL, AND COMBUSTION IN THOUSANDS OF LITTLE PIECES, RIGHT IN MY FACE! I HAVE PICTURES, ANYWAY I PROCEEDED TO TAKE MY VEHICLE TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY IN HORSEHEADS, NY, THEY REPLACED THE WINDOW DUE TO THE EXPLOSION, AND I HAVE HAD MY TRUCK BACK THERE 4 TIMES BECAUSE THEY WIRED IT WRONG, AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, IF MY WIRING FROM THE BACK WINDSHIELD TO THE DASH OF MY TRUCK DOES NOT GET FIXED I AM SORRY TO SAY THAT I WILL BE FORCED TO OBTAIN AN ATTORNEY FOR FORD! PLEASE HELP!!!!!! *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Structure, May 5, 2008
THE FUEL SYSTEM ON MY FORD EXPLORER WENT OUT COMPLETELY AT 40,000 MILES. ALSO, THE BLACK PANELS BETWEEN THE WINDOWS ARE FADED AND PEELING. *TR
Structure, Apr 25, 2008
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A USED 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE MIDDLE SECTION OF THE HATCH CRACKED DOWN THE MIDDLE. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH I FOUND THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH EXPLORERS OF THIS YEAR MODEL. IT'S OBVIOUS TO ALL THOSE WHO OWN ONE THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A DEFECT IN MATERIAL FROM THE MANUFACTURER. FORD REFUSES TO FIX IT OR EVEN MAKE PARTIAL RESTITUTION FOR HAVING IT REPAIRED. *TR
Structure, Apr 22, 2008
A CRACK APPEARED ON THE REAR HATCH DOOR UNDER THE REAR WINDOW. THE CRACK JUST APPEARED ONE MORNING WITHOUT ANY DIRECT ACTION. A SEARCH ON THE INTERNET SHOWED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS HAPPENING TO MANY 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. *TR
Structure, Apr 22, 2008
CRACK APPEARED IN WINTER 2006 IN HATCH BELOW REAR WINDOW. THIS WAS A FLORIDA CAR UP TO JUNE 2006. ALL WAS FINE IN FLORIDA. I SUSPECT COLD HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THESE CRACKS. NO REPAIR HAS BEEN MADE AS I AM HOPING FOR A RECALL. *TR
Structure, Apr 22, 2008
REAR TAILGATE ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WAS RECALLED FOR THE HINGES TO BE EXPOSED SINCE THEN THE TAILGATE WOULD EXHIBIT RANDOM DOOR AJAR INDICATIONS. RECENTLY THE PLASTIC PANEL ON THE OUTSIDE UNDER THE GLASS HAS SPLIT VERTICALLY IN THE MIDDLE. *TR
Structure, Apr 17, 2008
THE PAINT ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WAS PEELING OFF THE PANELS BETWEEN THE WINDOWS AFTER 3 YEARS (AND IT'S PRIMARILY PARKED IN MY GARAGE). AFTER CONTACTING FORD AND APPEALING TO 2 DIFFERENT DEALERS FOR ASSISTANCE, I DECIDED I COULD LIVE WITH IT BECAUSE IT WAS COSMETIC FLAW EVEN THOUGH THE DEALERS ADMITTED THAT THIS WAS "NORMAL" FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. HOWEVER, ON DEC 26, 2007, I WENT OUT TO MY CAR IN THE MORNING WHILE OUT OF TOWN,AND NOTICED A THREE INCH CRACK IN THE BODY OF THE REAR HATCH, JUST TO THE RIGHT OF THE FORD LOGO. THIS DID NOT HAPPEN AS A RESULT OF BEING CLOSED TOO HARD OR ANY OTHER LOGICAL CAUSE. IT JUST CRACKED ON ITS OWN. I CALLED FORD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND THEY SAID THAT I WOULD NEED TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER FOR AN ESTIMATE. I COMPLIED WITH THIS REQUEST AND TOOK IT IN. THE DEALERS SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT AT ONE TIME, THERE HAD BEEN FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR THIS REPAIR, BUT NOT ANYMORE. I WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT SINCE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, THEY COULD NOT HELP ME. SO FORD IS WELL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT WILL DO NOTHING TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENED AS A RESULT OF A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT, BUT SINCE I TOOK CARE OF MY VEHICLE BY PARKING IT OUT OF THE ELEMENTS, IT DID NOT MANIFEST UNTIL THE CAR WAS OUT OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD. I ALSO BELIEVE THIS POSES A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE CRACKED PLASTIC IS A BIT SHARP AND I DO NOT WISH TO CUT MY HAND WHEN CLOSING THE DOOR. *TR
Structure, Apr 10, 2008
A CRACK FROM TOP TO BOTTOM, ON THE FIBERGLASS PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS 2WD, 4.0 FI. I TOOK THE CAR IN AT ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF OLD, WHILE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY FOR THE SAME ISSUE AND IT WAS "TAKEN CARE OF" AT FORD'S COST. ABOUT 3-6 MONTHS AFTER THE 36 MONTH WARRANTY EXPIRED I NOTICED THE SAME CRACK START TO REAPPEAR AND WITH IT BEING OUT OF WARRANTY, THE FORD DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO REPAIR/REPLACE AT THEIR COST. AS OF 4/10/08 I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE ANY RECALL NOTICES FOR MY VEHICLE. *TR
Structure, Apr 9, 2008
2002 CRACK ON HATCHBACK PANEL UNDER REAR WINDOW. ON DECEMBER 26, 2007 I WENT INTO MY GARAGE AND NOTICED 2 CRACKS, ONE ON EACH SIDE OF THE FORD EMBLEM, EACH ABOUT 3 TO 4 INCHES LONG. I KNOW FOR SURE THEY WERE NOT THERE THE NIGHT BEFORE BECAUSE WE HAD TAKEN SOME PACKAGES OUT OF THE HATCHBACK, AND THERE WERE NO CRACKS. IT IS EVIDENT THAT THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS A FAULTY MANUFACTURED HATCHBACK. WHEN I SEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON THE WEB, IT WAS SURPRISING TO FIND OUT THAT IT HAD THE HIGHEST AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS THAN ANY OTHER EXTERIOR COMPLAIN. THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. ONCE THE CRACKS RUN DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PANEL THERE IS BIG POTENTIAL THAT THE WINDOW WILL FALL OUT. THIS LEAVES THE WINDOW AT RISK TO FALL OUT AND INJURE SOMEONE. *TR
Structure, Apr 9, 2008
ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO I NOTICED A CRACK ON THE FIBERGLASS PIECE OF THE REAR HATCH LID OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I DIDN'T THINK MUCH ABOUT IT UNTIL TODAY WHEN I GOT TO LOOKING FOR THE PRICE OF A REAR WINDOW. WHILE SEARCHING I SEEN THAT THERE WAS ALOT OF PEOPLE THAT HAD THIS PROBLEM AND THAT SOME HAD EVEN HAD THE WINDOW SHATTER ON THEM. WELL I AM NOW ONE OF THEM. TODAY AS I OPENED MY REAR HATCH THE PASSENGER SIDE PIECE THAT SECURES THE WINDOW TO THE BODY OF THE EXPLORER JUST FELL OFF CAUSING THE WINDOW TO SHATTER AND GLASS TO CUT MY ARMS, AND FACE, AND ALSO SENT PIECES OF GLASS INTO MY EYE. *TR
Structure, Apr 7, 2008
CRACKED LIFT GATE/ UPPER HALF. *TR
Structure, Apr 2, 2008
AFTER SEEING OTHER 2002-2006 FORD EXPLORERS ON THE STREET WITH THE SAME PROBLEM OF HAVING A CRACK IN THE REAR PANEL RIGHT BELOW THE REAR WINDOW I DECIDED TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANYTHING WE COULD DO ABOUT IT. I KNOW THERE WAS A RECALL TO REPLACE THE HINGES BECAUSE THE DOOR WOULD SLAM SHUT WHICH I BELIEVE CAUSED THE CRACK. I TALKED TO FORD WHEN IT FIRST OCCURRED AND THEY SAID BASED ON MY MILEAGE THEY WOULD NOT FIX IT AND IT WOULD COST ABOUT 500. MY QUESTION TO FORD WAS WHAT DOES THE MILEAGE HAVE TO DO WITH WHAT I BELIEVE WAS A RECALL DEFECT THAT ULTIMATELY CAUSED THIS PROBLEM? I NOTICED ON THE NEW MODEL EXPLORERS THEY REDESIGNED THEM SO THE GLASS OPENS UP WITHOUT THE PANEL. AFTER READING OTHER COMPLAINTS I AM NOW CONCERNED THAT THE WINDOW COULD ACTUALLY FALL OUT IF THE DOOR IS SHUT AND COULD BREAK AND CAUSE AN INJURY. I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A FORMAL COMPLAINT AND HOPEFULLY GET THIS RESOLVED SOON. *TR
Structure, Mar 28, 2008
OUTSIDE COVER ON HATCH LID CRACKED JUST BELOW THE GLASS. HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I TALKED TO THE OWNERS AND THEY ALSO HAVE HAD NO RESPONSE FROM THE DEALERSHIPS IN OUR AREA. I HAVE TALKED TO 15 OTHER OWNERS AND HAVE SEEN MANY MORE CARS WITH THIS CRACK. *TR
Structure, Equipment, Mar 23, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT REAR WINDOW LIFT PANEL CRACKED (DEALER REPLACED ONCE DUE TO SMALL STRESS FRACTURES WAS THE EXPLANATION GIVEN ME) REPLACEMENT PANEL CRACKED WITHIN 6 MONTHS, SAME PLACE AS FIRST CRACK, BUT EXTENDING ALL THE WAY THROUGH PANEL. DEALER AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY CONTACTED AND REFUSED TO REPLACE. THIS POSSES A DANGER IF THE PANEL FLIES OFF DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER FORDS WITH THE SAME DEFECT AND FORD SHOULD OFFER A RECALL. PLEASE ADVISE. *TR
Structure, Mar 17, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE BACK HATCH WAS PARTIALLY OPENED, AND WHEN OPENED ALL THE WAY IT SHATTERED. THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL 04V442000 - STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. KG
Structure, Mar 12, 2008
THE REAR LIFTGATE APPLIQUE CRACKED IN THE MIDDLE RESULTING IN THE RIGHT SIDE COMPLETELY FALLING OFF THE VEHICLE. THE PART THAT IS STILL ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE IS LOOSE ON THE EDGES DUE TO INEFFICIENT ADHESIVE. APPARENTLY THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS EXACT DEFECT OCCURRING TO OTHER OWNERS OF 2002 EXPLORERS. THIS IS ALSO A COMPLETELY REPLACED REAR WINDOW FOLLOWING THE SHATTERING OF THE ORIGINAL ONE IN MARCH 2004 DUE TO BAD STRUTS. AFTER HAVING THE SHATTERED WINDOW REPLACED, IT COMPLETELY FELL OFF THE FOLLOWING YEAR DUE TO THE FAULTY HINGE (WHICH WAS RECALLED). I HAVE AN ESTIMATE OF OVER $700 FROM THE FORD DEALER TO FIX THIS APPLIQUE. I FEEL THAT WITH THIS MANY COMPLAINTS IT'S INEXCUSABLE FOR FORD TO NOT ISSUE A RECALL. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE A FORD AGAIN AFTER THIS NOR WILL ANYONE IN MY FAMILY WITH THIS TYPE OF CUSTOMER SERVICE. *TR
Power train, Structure, Mar 10, 2008
THE BODY PANEL BELOW THE BACK WINDOW IS CRACKED FOR NO REASON WHEN I TOOK MY TRUCK INTO A FORD DEALER THEY SAID THAT IS NORMAL AND FORD KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND THERE ISN'T ANYTHING THEY COULD DUE. SO I CALLED THE FORD SERVICE NUMBER IN MY FORD HANDBOOK AND THE MANAGER CONFIRMED THEY KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT ITS NOT A RECALL OUT BECAUSE ITS NOT A MAJOR PROBLEM AND IF I WANTED IT FIXED I WOULD HAVE TO PAY. SO I ALSO ASKED ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE RATE AND I WAS ALSO TOLD THEY KNEW ABOUT THAT TOO (THE TRANSMISSIONS FAIL UNDER 100,000 MILES) BUT THERE ISN'T A RECALL AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO GET THE TRANSMISSION FIXED AS WELL. *TR
Structure, Mar 10, 2008
REAR LIFT GATE CRACKED IN THE MIDDLE. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Feb 25, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR GLASS WAS CRACKED FROM THE TOP TO THE BOTTOM OF THE GLASS. HE NOTICED ANOTHER CRACK BEGINNING TO FORM AT THE TOP AS WELL. ONE CRACK IS IN THE CENTER AND THE OTHER IS ON THE TOP RIGHT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD ASSUME A SMALL PORTION OF THE COST TO HAVE THE GLASS REPLACED, BUT DID NOT STATE WHETHER THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,700. UPDATED 04-02-08 *BF
Structure, Feb 18, 2008
REAR LIFTGATE GLASS SHOCKS WERE NO LONGER HOLDING UP THE WINDOW WHEN OPEN. REPLACED BOTH SHOCKS, CLOSED THE LIFTGATE GLASS AND THE WINDOW EXPLODED, RESULTING IN THE BOTTOM TRIM PIECE FALLING AND SHATTERED GLASS FLYING EVERYWHERE. FORTUNATELY THEIR WERE NO INJURIES. *TR