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, Mar 20, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT- ALL FOUR WHEEL BEARING HAVE GONE BAD WITHIN 1 YEAR. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH OWNERS AND DEALERS. THIS YEAR AND MODEL OF FORD EXPLORER HAS BAD BEARINGS AND HUB ASSEMBLIES. FORD IS HAPPY TO COLLECT THE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS IT COST OWNERS TO REPLACE THESE FAULTY PARTS BUT WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO FIX THE ISSUE. ONE BEARING ACTUALLY BROKE ON MY VEHICLE AND NOW I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE I DO NOT WANT TO BE STRANDED SOMEWHERE. I HAVE A FRONT AND REAR BEARING OUT AGAIN. *TR
Suspension, Mar 18, 2008
FRONT DRIVER WHEEL BEARING REPLACED TWICE IN 1.5 YEARS. RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING REPLACED ONCE ALREADY NEED TO REPLACE AGAIN. *TR
Suspension, Mar 17, 2008
TOOK MY 02 EXPLORER TO DEALER FOR PA STATE INSPECTION ON 2-26-08. VEHICLE LOGGED 79,000 MILES. DEALER FOUND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKEN AT VERY TOP OF EACH SPRING. THIS FAILURE RESULTED IN THE FAILURE OF BOTH REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS WHICH ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS, IN TURN, REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT OF BOTH REAR INSULATORS AND BRACKETS. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT UTILIZED FOR TOWING OR "OFF ROAD" ACTIVITIES. *TR
Suspension, Mar 10, 2008
I OWN A 2002 EXPLORER, WITH ONLY 74K MILES ON IT. I BEGAN MAKING A SEVERE HUMMING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. TOOK INTO DEALER AND I WAS TOLD THAT MY RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING WAS BAD AND THIS I NEED TO GET THIS FIXED RIGHT AWAY. I HAD IT IN WITHIN A DAY, WHILE THEY FIXED MY RIGHT REAR, THEY NOTICED THAT ONE OF MY FRONT WHEEL BEARING IS GOING BAD. FROM WHAT I AM HEARING FORD IS AWARE THAT ON THE 2002 EXPLORERS THERE ARE ISSUES WITH THE WHEEL BEARINGS. I AM GLAD FORD RECOGNIZES THAT.....CONSIDERING THIS SEEMS TO BE A DANGEROUS SCENERIO, ESPECIALLY AS I TRAVEL WITH MY 5 YEAR OLD IN THE VEHICLE. FORD NEEDS TO DO A RECALL ON 02 EXPLORER'S WHEEL BEARINGS. *TR
Suspension, Mar 7, 2008
I HAVE HAD THE REAR BEARINGS REPLACED 4 TIMES AND THE COMPLETE REAR HUB ASSEMBLIES AND BEARINGS REPLACED ONCE (TOTAL 5 TIMES) THE CAR IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND SWAYS GOING DOWN THE ROAD. THE SWAY LINKS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE PROBLEMS KEEPS RECURRING. I HAVE ALL PARTS BILLS DATING BACK TO 11/2005 WHEN PROBLEMS STARTED AND CONTINUE TO DATE. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Mar 6, 2008
REAR DIFFERENTIAL GEARS HAD WHINING NOISE REPLACED GEARS THREE TIMES...STILL WHINING. FRONT HUB BEARINGS MAKING GRINDING NOISE AT 80,000 MILES, TOLD THEY ARE 1500 TO REPLACE, CANT AFFORD REPAIR. TOLD IF THE BEARINGS FAIL WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS COULD BE A SERIOUS SAFTY ISSUE. BEARING SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AT 80K. HAVE RESEARCHED ON THE WEB AND FOUND THIS TO BE A PATTERN ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ON THIS ISSUE. *TR
Suspension, Equipment, Mar 5, 2008
THIS IS MY SECOND FORD VEHICLE WITH ONLY 80K MILES AND ON BOTH, ALL WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE HAD FAILURE. AND ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION FOR A SINGLE BEARING. IT IS VERY COSTLY TO REPAIR THESE DEFECTS AT APPROXIMATELY $500 PER WHEEL, AND IS AN OBVIOUS MECHANICAL AND SAFETY HAZARD. TWICE I HAVE BEEN STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY WITH A CHILD IN THE CAR BECAUSE THE WHEEL HAS ALMOST CAME OFF. CONSUMERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO REPAIR THESE DEFECTS AT THEIR EXPENSE TO HAVE THEM CONTINUALLY FAIL OVER AGAIN. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST FORD IF THEY CANNOT AGREE TO A RECALL, SINCE THERE ARE CERTAINLY WELL ENOUGH PEOPLE WITH THESE PROBLEMS. I HAVE LOST ANY AND ALL INTEREST IN THIS MANUFACTURER AND WILL NOT CONSIDER AN AMERICAN MADE CAR IN THE FUTURE. *TR
Suspension, Mar 4, 2008
REAR COIL SPRING BROKE LAST WEEK WITH ONLY 65K MILES ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. IT HAS NEVER BEEN OFF ROAD. I'M TOLD BY SEVERAL MECHANICS ITS A COMMON FORD PROBLEM. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL? I HAVE PIECE OF OLD SPRING SHOWING RUST. IT COST ME $500 TO REPAIR. FORD SAYS NO RECALL OR CUST SAT PROGRAM. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Visibility, Mar 4, 2008
THE NOISE WAS THE INDICATION OF A PROBLEM, TOOK THE CAR IN FOR NOISE COMING FROM THE WHEELS. WAS TOLD BY FORD GARAGE ALL FOUR WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED I WAS VERY SHOCKED. WHEN FORD MECHANIC SAID THIS WAS A RECURRING PROBLEM AND COMMON IN THIS YEAR AND MODEL I WAS ANGRY. NOT SOON AFTER THAT THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE MODULE WENT OUT AND NEEDED REPLACED. THIS CAR IS FIVE YEARS OLD WITH AT THE TIME 82,000 MILES ON IT. NOW THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. EARLIER WE HAD TO REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC DRIVER'S WINDOW POWER MOTOR WHICH WAS ALSO EXPENSIVE. HAD TO REPLACE REAR AXEL BUSHINGS TOO. *TR
Suspension, Mar 2, 2008
I HAVE FORD EXPLORER AND HAVE REPLACED THREE OF FOUR WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES IN 3 YEARS. EACH TIME I TOOK THE CAR TO A REPAIR SHOP I WAS TOLD THE WHEEL WAS CLOSE TO COMING OFF THE CAR BECAUSE OF THE POOR CONDITION OF THE WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY( BEARINGS). *TR
Suspension, Power train, Mar 1, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER WHEEL BEARING FAILURE WITH UNDER 80,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I HAVE REPLACED THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING AND NOW BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS DUE TO FAILURE. THE FIRST WAS A REAR HUB ASSEMBLY IN 06 THEN A FRONT IN 07 AND NOW THE DRIVER SIDE REAR IN 08. I WAS TOLD BY A FORD DEALER THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH A TSB ADDRESSING IT. THE DEALER TOLD ME IF NOT CAUGHT SOON ENOUGH THE TIRES COULD ACTUALLY COME OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING. WHILE THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED IN MY CASE THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT. ALSO THIS VEHICLE HAS A KNOWN DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION WHICH FORD HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION AT UNDER 70,000 MILES AND MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD WITH MY VEHICLE AS FOUND BY SEARCHING THE WEB FOR THESE PROBLEMS. *TR
Suspension, Feb 29, 2008
LOUD GRINDING NOISE FROM FRONT AND REAR WHEELS, THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILED ALONG WITH THE FRONT CARRIER BEARINGS WERE SPUN REPLACED THEM AT 82,000 MILES AND AT 86,000 MILES THE REAR DID THE SAME THING BUT THE REAR DID NOT SPIN THE CARRIER BEARINGS (NOT YET ANYWAYS) THE FRONT REPAIR COST ME AND MY WIFE OVER 600 DOLLARS (WOULD HAVE BEEN OVER 900.00 IF I DIDN'T DO THE WORK MY SELF) THE REAR WE HAD TO BUY THE PARTS FROM THE INTERNET TO SAVE MONEY AND IT COST US 350 FOR THE NEW WHEEL ASSEMBLY'S AND 62 DOLLARS TO HAVE THE NEW BEARINGS INSTALLED TO THE SPINDALS. AGAIN IF I WOULD HAVE HAD FORD DO THE WORK IT WOULD HAVE COST US AROUND A 1,000.00 THAT IS A TOTAL OF 1,025.00 TO DO IT MY SELF AND 2,000.00 TO HAVE FORD DO THE WORK. I DO STILL HAVE ONE OLD WHEEL BEARING THE REST HAVE BEEN DISCARDED FOR SCRAP TO HELP PAY FOR THE DAMAGES. ON OTHER THING MY WIFE DRIVES THIS TRUCK TO WORK EVERY DAY AND WHEN THE REAR WHEEL BEARING LET LOOSE THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL NEARLY FELL OFF THE WHEEL WAS SITTING ABOUT 15DEG INWARD. *TR
Suspension, Feb 29, 2008
FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS SHOT AT 80K MILES. *TR
Suspension, Feb 27, 2008
I FOUND AN ~3" LONG PIECE OF UNKNOWN STEEL IN MY GARAGE. NOTICED THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS ABOUT 2" LOWER THAN LEFT. THE UNKNOWN STEEL WAS PART OF THE TOP OF THE COIL SPRING. ALSO, THE BOTTOM OF THE SPRING WAS BROKEN AND THE SPRING HAD COME TO REST ON THE LOWER SWING ARM. TOTAL OF 3 BREAKS ON THE RIGHT SIDE SPRING. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED ON A LIFT THE RIGHT SIDE WAS FOUND TO HAVE TWO BREAKS, ALSO NEAR THE OPT OF THE SPRING. CALLED LOCAL DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY HAVE REPAIRED 'A FEW OF THEM'. REPAIR GARAGE COULD NOT OBTAIN AFTERMARKET SPRINGS, THEY WERE TOLD THEY WERE ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. LOCAL DEALER WAS OUT AND RECEIVED 2 TODAY, WHICH WERE INSTALLED. I HAVE PLACED ~95% OF THE ~62,000 MILES AND VEHICLE WAS NOT ABUSED IN ANY FORM. OLD PARTS AND PICTURES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. *TR
Suspension, Feb 25, 2008
NOISE COMING FROM REAR END OF VEHICLE. MECHANIC STATES BOTH REAR BEARINGS ARE BAD. ALSO STATES THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. COST ESTIMATE OF 700.00-800.00. PROBLEM CAN LEAD TO WHEEL FALLING OFF VEHICLE WHILE UNDER WAY. *TR
Suspension, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 21, 2008, fire
2002 FORD EXPLORER CAUGHT FIRE. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE HIS MOTHER WAS VISITING HIS SISTER IN A DIFFERENT STATE. NO ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO REPAIR HER VEHICLE AND RENTAL COST THEM $600.00 OUT OF POCKET. *KB PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THE CONSUMER ASKED THE MECHANIC TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, BECAUSE WARNING LIGHTS WERE COMING ON AND GOING OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONSUMER HAD A LIST OF DOCUMENTATION RELATING TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THE VEHICLE HAD TO GET A JUMP SEVERAL TIMES, THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE WHEN FIRST STARTING UP. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE STUCK, THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKE PEDAL SWITCH. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERABLE SO THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE ALTERNATOR AND WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED. *JB
Suspension, Feb 21, 2008, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE RIGHT WHEEL TURNED OUTWARDS AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED IN A DITCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STABILIZER BAR FAILED. HE SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 160,000.
Suspension, Power train, Feb 21, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT, CAR WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF 2ND GEAR. OVER DRIVE OFF LIGHT FLASHES AND SHIFTING STALLS. NO REPLACEMENT HAS HAPPENED YET, BUT SEEMS LIKE EVERYONE ELSE WHO HAS HAD THIS HAPPEN TO THEM NEEDED A TRANSMISSION REBUILD. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO SHELL OUT FOR A REBUILD. ALSO 5 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR, I HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR BALL BARING HUBS AND BEARINGS. THE TOTAL COST WAS 1,000 DOLLARS USD. WE NEED FORD TO RECALL THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 19, 2008
AFTER NORMAL DRIVING I BEGAN TO HEAR A LOUD GRINDING AND HUMMING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE TIRE OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. AFTER GOING TO MY MECHANIC HE HAD SAID MY REAR BEARING AND HUB ARE BAD WHICH ALSO MADE MY REAR TIRE UNSTABLE. HE BEGAN TO TELL ME IT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THE BEARINGS, HUBS, AND BRAKES WERE DEFECTIVE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THEY CANNOT HANDLE THE BRAKING LOAD OF THIS VEHICLE. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM ONLINE IT WOULD SEEM HE IS CORRECT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM IN THAT ALL THE BEARINGS AND HUBS EVENTUALLY GO BAD AND CAN FAIL AT ANYTIME MAKING THE TIRES UNSTABLE AND COULD FALL OFF DURING DRIVING. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECTIVE DESIGN AND /OR PARTS INSTALLED IN THIS VEHICLE. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME EVENTS HAPPENING TO OTHER OWNERS. SINCE THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND A VERY EXPENSE FIX FOR UNSUSPECTING OWNERS I HOPE YOU LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE AND MAKE FORD ISSUE A RECALL. THANK YOU. *TR
Suspension, Feb 18, 2008
I, TOO AM APPARENTLY A FORD EXPLORER LOOSE WHEEL BEARING VICTIM. UNLIKE MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS I'VE READ, I ONLY HAVE 42,000 MI. ON MY TRUCK. MY MECHANIC ALSO INDICATED THAT HE'S SEEING MANY OF THESE CASES AND THAT FORD SHOULD BE STEPPING UP IN THE NAME OF SAFETY TO RECALL THIS DEFECTIVE ITEM BEFORE SERIOUS INJURY OCCURS AND THE TSA SHOULD BE FORCING THEM TO DO SO. IT IS OUTRAGEOUS THAT A PART THAT SHOULD LAST A MINIMUM OF 100,000 MI IS GOING TO COST ME IN EXCESS OF $700! IS FORD SIMPLY USING LESS EXPENSIVE PARTS BECAUSE MOST PEOPLE DO NOT CARRY AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AFTER 5 YEARS? IN ADDITION TO FILING A COMPLAINT HERE, I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY. THEY ARE A MUCH LOUDER VOICE SINCE THEY DO NOT WANT TO PAY OUT UNNECESSARY CLAIMS. FORD DOES NOT WANT TO ALERT THE PUBLIC TO A SAFETY ISSUE PRIOR TO SOMEONE BEING KILLED, NOR DO THEY VOLUNTARILY WISH TO ASSUME THIS EXPENSE IF THE PUBLIC SIMPLY GOES OUT AND PAYS $700 TO FIX IT. I'M SO FIRED UP, I MAY ATTEMPT TO REACH OUT TO THE MEDIA. FORD & TSA. MY INSURANCE COMPANY JUST CALLED BACK AND THEY ARE CONCERNED THAT CLAIMS ARE BEING PAID OUT ON THIS AND IT'S NEITHER THE OWNER'S NOR THE INSURANCE COMPANIES FAULT. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT HERE. *TR
Suspension, Feb 15, 2008
1. HUMMING NOISE COMING FROM VEHICLE, WENT TO DEALER GOT IT LOOKED AT DEALER SAID IT WAS HUB ASSEMBLY IN 3 OF FOUR WHEELS THAT NEEDED REPLACED. 2. ASKED IF I COULD DRIVE IT UNTIL I HAD THE MONEY, WAS TOLD IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED BECAUSE (IF) (WHEN) IT FAILS COMPLETELY IT COULD DAMAGE THE BRAKING SYSTEM OR THE WHEEL COULD FALL OFF, SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND CAR-COMPLAINTS.COM AND DISCOVERED NUMEROUS EXPLORER DRIVERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING ABOUT THE WHEEL FALLING OFF. 3. WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLES WILL BE REPLACED, I COULD GET THE OLD PARTS BACK IF REQUESTED. JUST KIND OF SCARY THAT THE WHEEL COULD FALL OF WHEN THIS PART FAILS, AND IT FAILED ON 3 OUT OF 4 WHEELS. *TR
Suspension, Feb 14, 2008
02 FORD EXPLORER, BAD WHEEL BEARING, GO ON INTERNET AND FIND OUT VERY HIGH FAILURE RATE OF THESE BEARINGS THAT COULD CAUSE WHEEL TO COME OFF AND POTENTIALLY KILL SOMEONE. FORD WILL NOT RECALL THESE BEARINGS. *TR
Suspension, Feb 13, 2008
THE HUB ON THE DRIVER SIDE WENT BAD, CAUSING DAMAGE TO MY AXEL, ROTOR, AND BRAKES. ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. *TR
Suspension, Feb 13, 2008
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, AND I HAVE HAD IT FOR NEARLY 3 YEARS. I RECENTLY STARTED HEARING A FAMILIAR NOISE FROM MY TRUCK, ANOTHER WHEEL BEARING NEEDS REPLACING! THIS IS THE THIRD ONE OVER THE PAST YEAR AND A HALF! FORD HAS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, THERE IS NO REASON A VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE THIS MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE BEARINGS! *TR
Suspension, Feb 12, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND REPLACED THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING IN 2004, AGAIN IN OCT. OF 2006, AND NOW IN FEB. OF 2008. THE RIGHT FRONT WAS ALSO REPLACED IN DEC. OF 2006. *TR