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: suspension
445 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, May 6, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING AN OIL CHANGE, THE MECHANIC FOUND A CRACK IN THE REAR COIL SPRINGS. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY PRIOR FAILURES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 106,000. UPDATED 6/9/08 *CN
Suspension, Power train, Wheels, Equipment, May 1, 2008
TRANSMISSION SHIFTED HARD INTO 2ND GEAR FROM DAY ONE, TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL, WHINING IN REAR END ALSO SAID NORMAL. HAD TO REPLACE 2 WHEEL BEARINGS, 2 MORE BAD NOW, REPLACED WHEEL HUB, NOW TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT. *TR
Suspension, Apr 30, 2008
FAILURE OF WHEEL BEARINGS, CAUSING LACK OF CONTROL AND POSSIBLE WHEEL LOSS. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Apr 30, 2008
WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE LEFT REAR OUTER TIE ROD AND WHICH THE MECHANIC SAYS DISPLAYS EXCESSIVE WEAR AND MOVEMENT. ALSO REPLACING REAR GAS CHARGED STRUTS (DISPLAYS EXCESSIVE WEAR AND MOVEMENT), REAR COIL SPRINGS (BENT, CRACKED, AND LOOSE), AND REAR STRUT MOUNTS. $1100.00 ON A CAR WITH 61109 MILES ON IT. THIS VEHICLE IS NEVER USED TO HAUL OR TOW ANYTHING. WE HAVE TRUCKS FOR THAT. I'M SICK TO SEE ALL OF THESE COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME PROBLEM - IT CAN'T BE A COINCIDENCE. *TR
Suspension, Parking brake, Apr 30, 2008
AT 51,894 WE WERE SURPRISED TO FIND THAT OUR REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AND HUB ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED THIS STARTED AS A WHINE AND CLICKING NOISE TOTAL CHARGE TO FIX APPROX 750.00 -- ACCORDING TO OTHERS ON THIS SITE THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. AT THIS TIME WE ALSO HAD A VERY LOOSE PARKING BRAKE, BUT WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT IT COULDN'T BE TIGHTENED UNTIL THE GROOVES WORE OUT? *TR
Suspension, Apr 29, 2008
WHEEL BEARING FAILURE ON FORD EXPLORER 2002. *TR
Suspension, Parking brake, Power train, Visibility, Air bags, Seat belts, Equipment, Apr 28, 2008
ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SUV I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 3 OF THE 4 WHEEL BEARINGS AND HUB ASSEMBLIES(APPROX $250 EACH), WITH THE 4TH NOT FAR BEHIND. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE MODULE(APPROX $400-$500). I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR WINDOW MOTORS GOING BAD AND HAVING TO REPLACE THESE TOO. THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT HAS STOPPED WORKING. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DUMMY LIGHT HAS COME ON FOR NO REASON. THE SEAT BELT WARNING CHIME OFTEN COMES ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF, EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVE BUCKLED YOUR SEAT BELT. YOU HAVE TO SLAM THE BUCKLE INTO PLACE FOR IT TO GO OFF AND SOMETIMES THIS DOES NOT WORK EITHER. THE TRANSMISSION IS NOW MAKING A LOVELY CLUNKING SOUND WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE AND WHEN YOU TRY TO PUT IT BACK INTO PARK, IT DOES NOT WANT TO. YOU HAVE TO PUT IT UP TO PARK AS FAR AS IT WILL GO THEN GO BACK TO NEUTRAL AND THEN INTO PARK FROM THERE. WE HAVE REPLACED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SHOES ON BOTH SIDES BECAUSE THEY WERE COMPLETELY WORN OFF EVEN THOUGH WE DO NOT USE THE E-BRAKES. THESE PROBLEMS ARE JUST PILING UP ONE AFTER ANOTHER. I WENT TO AN INTERNET SITE THAT HAS COMPLAINTS ABOUT VEHICLES AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS ON THEIR 2002 FORD EXPLORERS OF ALL KINDS (XL, EDDIE BAUER, SPECIAL EDITION, ETC.). WHY HASN'T FORD DONE ANY RECALLS FOR THESE PROBLEMS? DOES IT REQUIRE MULTIPLE INJURIES OR EVEN DEATH FOR THEM TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY??? *TR
Suspension, Apr 26, 2008
WE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL SINCE BUYING OUR VEHICLE IN 2003. THE FIRST TIME WE HAD IT FIXED WAS TWO WEEKS AFTER BUYING IT. IT HAS BEEN FIXED 3 TIMES AND WE ARE ABOUT TO FIX AGAIN. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I FOUND THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH HUNDREDS OF OWNERS OF 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. THERE IS NO RECALL BECAUSE THEY SAY IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, HOWEVER; THE MECHANIC SAID IF NOT FIXED THE REAR WHEELS COULD LOCK UP CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE, ESPECIALLY WHEN MY CHILDREN ARE IN THE CAR. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Apr 23, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER 4L V6 AUTO TRANS I HAD MY EXPLORER INTO THE DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE LAST JANUARY AND THEY MENTIONED THAT MY RIGHT REAR WHEEL SEAL WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE CHANGED BUT NOT RIGHT AWAY. I WAITED FOR THE NEXT OIL CHANGE IN APRIL AND SCHEDULED IT IN FOR A WHEEL SEAL REPLACEMENT -- $190. NO MENTION OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR END. NOT 90 MILES LATER I HEAR A LOUD CRUNCHING SOUND AND MANAGED TO LIMP BACK TO THE DEALER TO FIND OUT THAT THE SAME RIGHT REAR HUB THEY JUST REPLACED THE SEAL ON HAS A BAD BEARING/HUB. THEY REPLACED THE HUB AND BEARING AT A COST OF $899 ($533 PARTS). GIVEN THE EXPLORERS HISTORY OF PROBLEMS WITH THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL (FIRESTONE BLOWOUTS) CAUSING ROLLOVER ACCIDENTS I THINK FORD WOULD TAKE THIS PROBLEM SERIOUSLY. IF HAVING A TIRE FAIL CAN LEAD TO ROLLOVER ACCIDENTS IMAGINE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LOSE THE ENTIRE WHEEL! *TR
Suspension, Apr 21, 2008
HEARD LOUD ROARING NOISE COMING FROM BACK REAR TIRES. HAD EXPLORER CHECKED TO FIND OUT THAT RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS ALMOST READY TO COME OFF EXPLORER. HUBS/BEARINGS WEARING OUT . THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE EXPLORERS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. *TR
Suspension, Apr 20, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH SLIGHTLY LESS THAN 130,000 MILES WITH NEAR INCIDENT OF REAR PASSENGER WHEEL FALLING OFF AT HIGHWAY SPEED. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Apr 17, 2008
WHEEL HUB AND BEARING BAD. *TR
Suspension, Apr 17, 2008
I PURCHASED MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER FROM A FORD DEALER IN APRIL 2005, WITH APPROXIMATELY 45,000 MILES ON IT. I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED A HUMMING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR AND THOUGHT THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TIRES. AFTER PURCHASING ALL FOUR NEW TIRES, THE NOISE CONTINUED TO WORSEN. BY 60,000 MILES THE NOISE WAS UNBEARABLE AND I WAS TOLD BY A LOCAL GARAGE THAT THE RIGHT REAR HUB SEAL WAS THE PROBLEM AND THAT THE WHEEL COULD FALL OFF IF I DIDN'T REPLACE IT. THE ENTIRE HOUSING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, DUE TO RUST FUSING THE PARTS TOGETHER. SURPRISINGLY, THE NOISE CONTINUED (ALTHOUGH SOMEWHAT MORE MUFFLED THIS TIME), BUT I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. I DO ALOT OF LOCAL ON AND OFF HIGHWAY DRIVING AND I WAS AFRAID OF LOSING A WHEEL AT HIGHER SPEEDS. I TOOK IT INTO A FORD DEALER AND BOTH REAR HUBS NEEDED TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED. I NOW HAVE 105,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT RE-OCCURRED. I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE THOUGH THAT FORD HAS NOT OWNED UP TO THIS WIDE-SPREAD PROBLEM BY MAKING THESE FORD-OWNERS WHOLE AFTER THEY'RE MADE TO SPEND ANYWHERE FROM $500 TO $1500 (LIKE I DID) TO REPAIR A PROBLEM THAT SURELY THEY MUST KNOW COULD POTENTIALLY COST THEM ANOTHER HEADLINE!
Suspension, Apr 12, 2008
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT MADE A LOUD TINGING, SCREECHING NOISE ON A TUESDAY MORNING ,ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. IT WAS NOT A CONSISTENT SOUND. MY HUSBAND LUBRICATED THE BUSHINGS THAT NIGHT, THINKING THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. NEXT DAY, THE SOUND WAS PROGRESSIVELY WORSENING, I EVEN HEARD IT WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT PATH, BUT THE NOISE STILL WAS NOT CONSISTENT. IT DID SEEM LOUDER WITH A CLANKING SOUND IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THAT DAY ON THE HIGHWAY COMING HOME FROM WORK THE NOISE WAS INTERMITTENT UNTIL I HAD SLOWED DOWN FOR TRAFFIC AND IT BEGAN TO VIBRATE AND SHAKE. FORTUNATELY, I WAS AT MY EXIT AND WAS TWO BLOCKS FROM HOME. I WAS ABSOLUTELY FRIGHTENED. THERE WAS A RUBBING SOUND NOW THAT WAS AT THE REAR RT SIDE OF THE CAR. LATER, THAT EVENING WE WERE TOLD IT WAS PROBABLY THE BEARING. FIRST MY HUSBAND WENT OUT AND PURCHASED THE BEARING FROM A FORD DEALER. THEN HE CAME TO FIND OUT THAT THE ENTIRE KIT WAS NEEDED, AS WELL AS, A SPECIAL TOOL TO GET THE BOLT OFF WHICH TOOK HOURS TO LOOSEN AND RELEASE. TODAY HE IS STILL TRYING TO REPLACE THE RT REAR WHEEL BEARING WITH THE KIT FROM AN AUTO STORE SINCE FORD IS NOT OPEN AND THIS IS OUR ONE MEANS OF TRAVEL FOR THE FAMILY. PLEASE INCLUDE THIS COMPLAINT WITH ANY OTHERS AS A "NEAR MISS" FOR AN ACCIDENT THAT COULD HAVE OCCURRED ON THE BELTWAY IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE. I FEEL VERY LUCKY, BUT I WANT FORD TO KNOW ABOUT THIS INCIDENT AND TO CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY RECALL FOR OTHERS. AS I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS IS HAPPENING FAR TOO OFTEN AND IS A SERIOUS HAZARD TO OTHER FORD EXPLORER OWNERS AND THE PUBLIC. THE CAR WHEEL COULD HAVE COME OFF AS WELL AS THE DRIVE SHAFT COULD HAVE BROKEN. I HAVE ALSO READ THAT THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD OCCUR ON A 2002 VEHICLE. THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF THE LEFT SIDE HAVING PROBLEMS NOT TOO LONG AFTER THE RT OR VICE VERSA. PLEASE NOTIFY ME OF ANY UPDATES ON THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU. *TR
Suspension, Apr 10, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE MAKES A GRINDING AND ROARING SOUND. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN. AS OF APRIL 10, 2008, THREE WHEEL BEARINGS AND HUBS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,306 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
Suspension, Apr 8, 2008
DRIVERS SIDE REAR COIL SPRING SNAPPED AND PASSENGER SIDE REAR COIL SPRING SNAPPED IN 4 PLACES. MECHANIC AT MIDAS TOLD ME THEY ARE SEEING ALOT OF THESE ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WONDERING IF FORD IS DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. I CALLED THERE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND DIDN'T GET ANYWHERE WITH THEM. *TR
Suspension, Apr 6, 2008
I BOUGHT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN JAN 08, IT IS NOW APRIL 08 AND I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED THE R FRONT WHEEL BEARING, AND BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. IT HAS COST ME AROUND $1,200.00 AND IT ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES ON IT. ONCE A MONTH I AM PUTTING MORE MONEY INTO SOMETHING THAT I BELIEVE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL. I CAN COUNT MORE THAN 60 COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ON THIS PARTICULAR YEAR AND MODEL OF VEHICLE AND IT AMAZES ME THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS SO NAIVE TO SUCH A DANGEROUS PROBLEM. ARE THEY REALLY INSENSITIVE ENOUGH TO WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE DIES OR GETS INJURED FROM THIS? I BELIEVE THAT WHATEVER PARTS THEY USED WHEN MANUFACTURING THESE VEHICLES WERE DEFECTIVE AND I AM TO DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO MAKE THEM SEE, EVEN IF IT MEANS GETTING A LAWYER. BETWEEN ALL OF US OUT THERE I BELIEVE WE WOULD HAVE A PRETTY GOOD CASE IF WE ALL GET TOGETHER. SO ANYONE WHO SEES THIS MOST RECENT COMPLAINT AND AGREES WITH ME, I CAN BE CONTACTED AT (865)-585-6874 WHICH IS MY CELL NUMBER, OR YOU CAN E-MAIL ME AT DYLLIE@VERIZON.NET AND MY NAME IS FAYANN MANNING. AWAITING EVERYONE ELSE'S CALL WHO FEEL LIKE THEY HAVE BEEN SCREWED OVER!!! *TR
Suspension, Apr 2, 2008
THIS IS MY WIFE'S VEHICLE SO I DO NOT DRIVE IT OFTEN. WHEN I DID I NOTICED THE LOUD ROAR AND ASKED HOW LONG IT HAD BEEN THERE. SHE SAID A COUPLE MONTHS. I REPLACED 3 OF THE 4 WHEEL BEARINGS. HAD I NOT DROVE IT MYSELF THE WHEELS COULD HAVE FALLEN OFF!!! SHE HAS MY TWO CHILDREN IN THERE ALSO. THANKS FORD!! THIS IS NOT AN OLD VEHICLE. LESS THAN 80,000 MILES. IF THERE IS NO RECALL ON THESE BEARINGS AND SOMEONE GETS KILLED I HOPE FORD IS SUED SO BAD THEY GO UNDER. RECALL YOUR PIECE OF CRAP BEARINGS LIKE YOU SHOULD. *TR
Suspension, Apr 2, 2008
FAILURE OF BOTH REAR SPRINGS ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER. 95,000 MILES, NORMAL DUTY (NEVER OVERLOADED). SPRINGS LITERALLY BREAKING APART STARTING AT TOP. SUSPECT DESIGN OR MATERIAL FLAW. INTERNET SEARCH INDICATES THIS IS NOT ISOLATED INCIDENT. SUSPECT FURTHER SPRING FAILURE COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF CONTROL/ROLL OVER. PLEASE INVESTIGATE -- IN MY OPINION THIS SHOULD BE SERIOUS SAFETY RECALL ITEM. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Parking brake, Visibility, Tires, Apr 1, 2008
PROBLEMS WITH THIS EXPLORER OVER MY OWNERSHIP INCLUDE: -REAR GLASS REPLACED -FRONT BRAKES REPLACED -REAR WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE REQUIRED REPLACEMENT, -PARKING BRAKE ISSUES, -NEW TIRES, ETC. *TR
Suspension, Mar 31, 2008
FAILED REAR WHEEL BEARING. CAR SWAYING SIDE TO SIDE, POSSIBLE ROLLOVER IF AT HIGH SPEED. *TR
Suspension, Mar 29, 2008
MY REAR PASSENGER WHEEL BEARING IS GOING OUT... THIS HAD HAPPENED TO MANY OTHER EXPLORERS DRIVERS AND I DO NOT THINK IT IS SAFE..... WHEEL COULD FALL OFF TO UNKNOWN DRIVER. *TR
Suspension, Mar 27, 2008
I PURCHASED MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER IN 2006, THERE IS A ROARING SOUND AND FROM OTHER RESPONSES FROM THE INTERNET I SEE THAT ALOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM AND A MECHANIC THAT WORKS FOR FORD SAID THAT IT COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS AND THE BACK WHEELS COULD LOCK UP AT ANYTIME THAT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO ME. PLEASE CONSIDER A RECALL ON THIS FOR IT VERY IMPORTANT TO ME AND ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE. THE REAR END (AXLE) IS VERY IMPORTANT. *TR
Suspension, Mar 26, 2008
BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS ARE CRACKED/FRACTURED COMPLETELY THROUGH. SPRING COILS ARE COLLAPSED ONTO EACH OTHER AT THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE. THIS IS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. SPRINGS/STRUTS SHOULD LOSE TENSION OVER TIME BUT SHOULD NOT COMPLETELY FAIL TO THE POINT THEY COMPLETELY CRACK INTO TWO PIECES. SOME QUICK RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM WITH THE 2002 EXPLORER. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR
Suspension, Mar 24, 2008
THE BACK COIL SPRINGS ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAVE BROKEN. MY SISTER'S, NEPHEW'S AND A FRIENDS HAS ALSO BROKEN ON THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL AS MINE. I WOULD THINK THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG FOR ALL OF US TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE BACK COIL SPRINGS. I AM NOT FOR SURE IF ANY ONE ELSE HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM OR NOT? WILL THERE BE A RECALL ON THESE SPRINGS? WE HAVE ALL HAD TO HAVE THESE SPRINGS REPLACED AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN CHEAP. *TR