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, Apr 14, 2007
THE REAR COIL SPRINGS ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER FELL APART! PIECES OF THE COIL ARE BREAKING APART WITH RAZOR SHARP EDGES. I'VE NEVER SEEN SPRINGS FALL APART LIKE THIS,THE METAL HAS TO BE DEFECTIVE. I HAVE FOUND PARTS OF THE COILS IN MY DRIVEWAY, SO I'M SURE THERE HAS TO BE SOME COMING OFF ON THE ROAD. I HAVE PICTURES IF YOU WOULD LIKE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.*AK
Suspension, Apr 13, 2007
BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS DEFECTIVE PARTS. FORD WAS WILLING TO HELP ME WITH THIS COST OF THE REPAIR. *AK
Suspension, Mar 29, 2007, crash
2002 FORD EXPLORER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF WHEEL BEARING PROBLEMS**NAR**CC TRANSFERRED TO DAD **CG THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE WHEEL BEARING FAILED DUE TO WEAR, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO NOISE PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. *JB
Suspension, Parking brake, Mar 19, 2007
TL*-THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH IN THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR A WHEEL BEARING REPAIR WHEN THE ODOMETER REACHED 10,300 MILES, AND WAS INFORMED THAT BOTH THE REAR SPRING AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE WERE FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TRIED TO GET A RESOLUTION FOR REPAIRS ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNLESS THE CONTACT PAID FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM WENTWORTH MOTORS , AND THEY TOLD THE CONTACT THAT HE HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,600.*AK THE REAR SPRINGS FAILED. UPDATED 04/12/07. *JB
Suspension, Mar 19, 2007
REAR COIL SPRING ON 2002 FORD TAURUS BROKE AND DAMAGED THE LEFT REAR TIRE. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR ACCIDENT.
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 16, 2007
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS. THE MECHANIC WAS ROTATING BOTH REAR TIRES AND CHANGING BRAKE PADS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS SHEARED OFF. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,600. *AK THE CONSUMER HAS PROVIDED BOTH THE INVOICE AND PICTURES OF THE BROKEN COIL SPRINGS. UPDATE 4/23/07 *TR
Suspension, Mar 15, 2007
REAR COIL SPRING ON FORD 2002 EXPLORER BROKE. TOOK CAR IN FOR ANNUAL INSPECTION AND MECHANIC DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM. WHILE IT WAS REPLACED WITH A DEALER PART, I WAS INFORMED THAT ALL IT WOULD HAVE TAKEN FOR THE SPRING TO PIERCE A TIRE OR BRAKE LINE WAS TO HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. WHO KNOWS HOW LONG I WAS DRIVING AROUND WITH THIS PROBLEM AND IN DANGER OF A POSSIBLE FATAL INCIDENT. *JB
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Mar 11, 2007
CAR STARTED MAKING HUMMING NOISE WHEN GOING 30-45 MPH, TOOK TO A MECHANIC WHO REF ME TO THE DEALERSHIP TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION AND THEN FOR TRANSMISSION FLUSH, STILL THE SAME ISSUE, I WAS ADVISED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, I HAVE 4X4 WHICH REQUIRES THE SAME 4 TIRES OR THE CAR WILL JERK. THE BRAKE PEDAL VIBRATES, AND THE 4X4 GAUGE DOESN'T WORK, REPLACED THE COMPONENT AND STILL THE SAME ISSUE. ANY WHO TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, NOW I AM HEARING A CLINKING AND RUBBERY SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I AM NOW FORCED TO TAKE THE CAR IN... AND OF COURSE BE CHARGED A RIDICULOUS FEE, FOR THEM TO RUN DIAGNOSTICS ON THE TRUCK TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE, AND THEN OF COURSE PAY FOR PARTS AND LABOR.... MY NEXT CAR WILL BE A FOREIGN CAR.. THEY BREAK DOWN LESS, AND THE COST OF MAINTENANCE AND EQUIVALENT OR LESS THEN THE COST OF MAINTAINING A GOOD OLE' AMERICAN MADE FORD VEHICLE. (LEXUS, KIA, AND I BELIEVE EITHER MAZDA OR TOYOTA ARE OWNED BY FORD.. SO STEER CLEAR OF THOSE BRANDS). TIMELINE REFLECTS THE LATEST ISSUE, AND THE AMOUNT OF PREVIOUS PROBLEMS.. AMOUNT TO MANY. *JB
Suspension, Power train, Mar 8, 2007
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS BEEN REPAIRED FOR MAJOR TRANSMISSION AND REAR END PROBLEMS APPROX. 15 TIMES IN THE PAST 3 YEARS. THE TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO SLIP BETWEEN 2ND-3RD AND 3RD-4TH GEAR. IN REVERSE THE CLUTCH BINDS UP. THE REAR END ROARS AND WAS REPLACED AT 35,000 MILES (AFTER NUMEROUS FIX ATTEMPTS) AND AT 66,000 MILES REAR WHEEL BEARINGS, RING GEAR & PINION WERE REPLACED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS ALMOST OVERHAULED AT 35,000, RE-PROGRAMMED APPROX 3 TIMES AND NEEDS TO BE DONE AGAIN NOW. THE COMPASS HAS FAILED TWICE. *JB
Suspension, Wheels, Mar 6, 2007
REAR WHEEL BEARING FAILURE AT 80,000 MILES, BOTH REAR BEARINGS. *JB
Suspension, Mar 1, 2007
BROKEN REAR COIL SPRINGS. VEHICLE NEVER USED OFF ROAD OR ANYTHING OTHER THAN NORMAL ROADWAY DRIVING. WENT FOR NEW TIRES AND MECHANIC FOUND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKEN. THE DRIVERS SIDE SPRING WAS BROKEN INTO MULTIPLE PIECES. *JB
Suspension, Feb 21, 2007
PURCHASED A USED 2002 EXPLORER IN 12/2005. IN 2/2007, A GRINDING NOISE APPEARED WHEN I WOULD ACCELERATE. TOOK IT IN THE SAME DAY (I WAS ON THE EXPRESSWAY WHEN IT OCCURRED). THEY TOLD ME THE BEARING WAS BAD AND THAT I NEEDED ABOUT $1100 IN PARTS AND $600 IN LABOR TO REPLACE, AND THAT I WAS LUCKY THAT THE WHEEL DID NOT FALL OFF. HE STATED THAT, "THIS IS COMMON ON MOUNTAINEERS AND EXPLORERS," AND THAT HE HAS DONE SIMILAR WORK OTHER TIMES. HE RECOMMENDED THAT I REPLACE THE OTHER BEARINGS, BECAUSE THEY WERE ALL GOING TO GO AT SOME TIME. I FEEL THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. *JB
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Feb 7, 2007
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN IT STARTED TO GET VERY COLD, MY EXPLORER, THAT I JUST BOUGHT, STARTED TO NOT WANT TO GO INTO GEAR. IT WOULD GRIND AND SLIP. THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE DASH. IT WAS FROM THE COMPUTER THAT RUNS THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE. THE 4 LOW BUTTON WOULD JUST KICK IN BY ITS SELF. THEN IT WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. AFTER A WHILE OF TRYING TO GET IT INTO GEAR IT WOULD GO. IT WOULD ONLY ACT UP WHEN IT WAS VERY COLD OUT (10 TO -5 DEGREES) IT DID THIS TO ME FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND THEN IT JUST STUCK INTO 4 LOW AND NOW WON'T COME OUT. THERE WAS A SMELL THIS LAST TIME OF BURNING ELECTRICAL WIRE AND SMOKE. NOW MY EXPLORER WON'T DRIVE AND HAS A ELECTRICAL SMOKE SMELL STUCK IN IT. I NOW HAVE TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A FORD DEALER TO GET IT FIXED. IT ALSO MAKES A REALLY LOUD POPPING SOUND WHEN I GO TO TURN OR HIT A BUMP. SOUND COMES FROM THE FRONT OF THE EXPLORER DRIVERS SIDE. *JB
Suspension, Power train, Jan 14, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER TWO ISSUES 1/1/07 - GRINDING OF REAR WHEEL. 1/2/07 - O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, WITHIN 7 MILES SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE UNTIL LETTING OFF THE GAS. 1/2/07 - CALL AAA TO HAVE CAR TOWED TO LOCAL FORD DEALER. FORD QUOTED $5,100 FOR REPAIRS. WE DENIED REPAIR AT FORD. DUE TO OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES WE HAD A LOCAL TRANSMISSION SHOP DO THE REPAIRS. WE DID NOT WANT TO GIVE FORD ANY MORE MONEY SINCE WE WERE TOLD BY SEVERAL REPAIR SHOPS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD EXPLORERS. THE LOCAL SHOP INDICATED THERE WERE TSBS PUBLISHED AND THEY HAD TO BUY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT FROM FORD TO FIX THE PROBLEMS. IF COMPANIES ARE BUYING SPECIAL TOOLS BECAUSE THE PROBLEM IS SO COMMON, ISN'T THERE A PROBLEM? WE ALSO INVESTIGATED MANY NUMEROUS WEBSITES TO READ ABOUT MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. TO REPAIR THE CAR WE PURCHASED REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AND THE TRANSMISSION SHOP PURCHASED AN OVERHAUL TRANSMISSION KIT. THEY REPAIRED BOTH PROBLEMS FOR LESS THAN $5,100. UNFORTUNATELY, A CO-WORKER HAD THE EXACT PROBLEM WITH HER CAR JUST LAST WEEK. SHE CAME TO WARN ME OF THE PROBLEM WITH HER CAR ONLY TO FIND OUT I PICKED MINE UP FROM THE SHOP THE SAME DAY! *NM
Suspension, Power train, Jan 11, 2007
THUMPING NOISE FROM DRIVERS SIDE FRONT END IN THE WHEEL AREA. THE NOISE IS MOST NOTICEABLE AT BETWEEN 40 AND 60 MPH DURING ACCELERATION. IT ALSO BECOMES A HUMMING NOISE AS THE GAS PEDAL IS RELEASED AND THE CAR IS COASTING OR DECELERATING. HAD NEW TIRES PUT ON THEN NEW BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. NOTHING FIXED THE PROBLEM. TALKED TO MY BROTHER, ANOTHER LOYAL EXPLORER OWNER, AND HE HAD SAME PROBLEM DIAGNOSED AS A BEARING NEEDING REPLACING. HE ALSO TOLD ME ABOUT A LEAK ON HIS GARAGE FLOOR IN THE REAR MIDDLE OF THE CAR WHERE THE REAR AXLE IS. I TOLD HIM I HAVE SAME EXACT SPOT OF SOMETHING LEAKING ON MY GARAGE FLOOR. WE READ ABOUT ALL THE SEAL PROBLEMS WITH THE AXLE AND NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. HE SPENT OVER $1000 ON THE FRONT BEARINGS AND NOW IN FOR ANOTHER BIG BILL FOR THE SEAL PROBLEM. I SEE WE ARE NOT ALONE IN OUR EXPLORER DISAPPOINTMENTS. ALL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. COME ON FORD, BACK UP YOUR VEHICLE AND PAY FOR THESE DEFECTS TO YOUR SUVS. *JB
Suspension, Power train, Jan 2, 2007
FIX FOR CHATTERING AND REAR WHINE ON 02 EXPLORER. WHEN THE CAR WAS NEW 25,000 THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR PUMPKIN, VERY LOUD WHINE.. LAST MONTH WITH 85,000 MILES ON THE CAR, DURING A TURN THE REAR WOULD CHATTER AND SHAKE THE CAR. I WAS TOLD THE REAR NEEDED A SPECIAL LUBE FOR THE REAR TO KEEP THE REAR CLUTCHES FREE, I HAD A LOCAL SHOP REPLACE THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL OIL WITH A SPECIAL BLEND AND IT HAS BEEN FINE SINCE. *JB
Suspension, Dec 28, 2006
HUMMING/WHINNING SOUND COMING FROM REAR-END ESPECIALLY WHEN ACCELERATING. BROUGHT IN TO DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES, REPAIRED 2 TIMES WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. REAR-END COMPLETELY CHANGED 2ND TIME. MAKING THE WHINNING SOUND AGAIN NOW EVEN LOUDER, DROWNS OUT RADIO. NOT UNDER WARRANTY ANYMORE BUT OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT WITH THE 2002 MODEL, CONSIDERING ALL THE COMPLAINTS WITH THE EXACT PROBLEM I HAVE READ UPON RESEARCH. WILL A RECALL BE ISSUED TO PREVENT ANY ACCIDENTS THAT COULD OCCUR FROM A REAR-END GOING OUT WHILE DRIVING? MY EXPLORER IS A FAMILY HAULER, HATE TO PUT MY BABIES AT RISK... *NM
Suspension, Dec 14, 2006
AFTER NOTICING PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR SUSPENSION, IT WAS DISCOVERED BY MY DEALER THAT BOTH REAR SPRINGS WERE CRACKED, AND ALSO THE SHOCKS WERE FROZEN IN PLACE. I ASKED FOR THE OLD PARTS AND IT IS OBVIOUS FROM SEEING THE SPRINGS THAT THE BREAKAGE RESULTED FROM BAD STEEL. DEALER ADVISED ME IT IS NOT CURRENTLY UNDER RECALL. *NM
Suspension, Dec 1, 2006
WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITHIN THE CITY, I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN WHEN I HEARD A POPPING SOUND AND THE CAR'S RIGHT REAR TIRE DEFLATED. I MOVED OUT OF TRAFFIC, CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE RIGHT COIL SPRING HAD BROKEN OFF AND PUNCTURED THE REAR TIRE (WHICH BY THE WAY WAS BRAND NEW). IT WAS VERY FORTUNATE THAT I WAS NOT TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE FORD DEALER REPLACED THE RIGHT SPRING, BUT SAW NO NEED TO REPLACE THE LEFT. SOUNDS LIKE DEFECTIVE HEAT TREATING TO ME. *NM
Suspension, Nov 13, 2006
APPARENT MANUFACTURING DEFECT CAUSES A SIMULTANEOUS BREAKAGE OF ONE OR BOTH REAR SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS. IN MY CASE, BOTH REAR SPRINGS WERE DISCOVERED BROKEN ON A ROUTINE SERVICE VISIT. *JB
Suspension, Nov 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE RODE LOWER THAN NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE BOTH FRACTURED. THE SPRINGS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FRACTURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED. UPDATED 12/12/2006 - *NM
Suspension, Power train, Nov 9, 2006
A WHINING SOUND COMES FROM THE FRONT END END OF THE VEHICLE, UPON FIRST INSPECTION BY A MECHANIC A BAD TIRE WAS FOUND AND BLAMED ON THE NOISE. AS IT WAS BEARABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, WE IGNORED IT TRUSTING THE DIAGNOSIS. WE PLANNED ON PURCHASING TIRES SOON AND BELIEVED THE PROBLEM WOULD BE SOLVED. NEW TIRES WERE PURCHASED AND AN ALIGNMENT DONE AND THE SAME SOUND CAME FROM THE FRONT END MOST NOTICEABLY 45-65 MPH. NOW WE ARE TOLD IT IS A WHEEL BEARING AND THE COST FOR THE PARTS ALONE IS $350.00 NOT TO MENTION THE $55/HR. LABOR. WE ALREADY HAD THE REAR END REPLACED FOR NOISE AND NOW WE ARE TOLD THAT A DANGEROUS SITUATION INVOLVING ANOTHER PART OF THE DRIVETRAIN IS LOOMING. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND I WOULD HOPE THAT FORD WOULD ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM THAT THE VEHICLES HAVE AND REMEDY IT. I HAVE HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING TO VEHICLES WITH FAR LESS THAN MY 65,000 MILES AND THESE PARTS WERE BUILD TO LAST A WHOLE LOT LONGER AS THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO BE SEALED AND MAINTENANCE-FREE, INSTEAD THEY FAIL TOO OFTEN AND COST A FORTUNE. I BELIEVE THIS WILL BE MY LAST FORD PRODUCT IF I DO NOT RECEIVE SOME SORT OF SATISFACTORY RESPONSE FROM FORD. *NM
Suspension, Oct 27, 2006
REAR WHEEL ALMOST FELL OFF ON MY WIFE'S 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THERE WAS NO LEADING SUSPICION TO THIS PROBLEM UNTIL IT HAPPENED. VERY DANGEROUS AND WITH MY WIFE BEING PREGNANT IT MAKES IT THAT MUCH MORE FRUSTRATING. *NM
Suspension, Oct 13, 2006
IN APRIL OF 2005 MY 2002 EXPLORER WITH JUST OVER 40,000 MILES STARTED MAKING GRINDING NOISE IN THE RIGHT REAR. TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND THEN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP, BOTH SAID THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, HAD IT REPLACED ON 5/11/05. WITHIN 2 WEEKS, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING ALSO STARTED MAKING A GRINDING NOISE, HAD IT REPLACED ON 5/25/05. CALLED FORD CUSTOMER CARE WHO SAID THEY COULD DO NOTHING. IN OCTOBER, 2006, AT 80,000 MILES (MOSTLY E-WAY MILES, NO OFF-ROAD DRIVING, ONLY ONE DRIVER AND I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER), THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN AND ONE OF THE FRONT BEARINGS IS GOING AS WELL. CALLED FORD CUSTOMER CARE AGAIN TO REPORT THE FAILURES, AND THEY STILL AREN'T INTERESTED. HAVE BEEN TOLD BY SEVERAL MECHANICS THAT THIS IS A KNOW DEFECT WITH 2002 EXPLORERS, WHEEL BEARINGS SHOULD LAST WELL OVER 100K MILES. FORD HAS NO PLANS TO RECALL OR EVEN REDESIGN THE DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARINGS. AFTER READING COMPLAINTS FROM OTHERS, WHO HAVE HAD THE BEARINGS EXPLODE WHILE DRIVING, I SUSPECT THAT IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE DEATHS FROM ACCIDENTS DUE TO THE DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARINGS START GETTING REPORTED. I PERSONALLY DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. DUE TO FORD'S LACK OF CONCERN REGARDING THIS VERY EXPENSIVE AND DANGEROUS DEFECT IN THEIR VEHICLES, THE NEXT NEW VEHICLE I PURCHASE WILL NOT BE A FORD. **NM
Suspension, Oct 13, 2006
IN APRIL OF 2005 MY 2002 EXPLORER WITH JUST OVER 40,000 MILES STARTED MAKING GRINDING NOISE IN THE RIGHT REAR. TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND THEN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP, BOTH SAID THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, HAD IT REPLACED ON 5/11/05. WITHIN 2 WEEKS, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING ALSO STARTED MAKING A GRINDING NOISE, HAD IT REPLACED ON 5/25/05. CALLED FORD CUSTOMER CARE WHO SAID THEY COULD DO NOTHING. IN OCTOBER, 2006, AT 80,000 MILES (MOSTLY E-WAY MILES, NO OFF-ROAD DRIVING, ONLY ONE DRIVER AND I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER), THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN AND ONE OF THE FRONT BEARINGS IS GOING AS WELL. CALLED FORD CUSTOMER CARE AGAIN TO REPORT THE FAILURES, AND THEY STILL AREN'T INTERESTED. HAVE BEEN TOLD BY SEVERAL MECHANICS THAT THIS IS A KNOW DEFECT WITH 2002 EXPLORERS, WHEEL BEARINGS SHOULD LAST WELL OVER 100K MILES. FORD HAS NO PLANS TO RECALL OR EVEN REDESIGN THE DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARINGS. AFTER READING COMPLAINTS FROM OTHERS, WHO HAVE HAD THE BEARINGS EXPLODE WHILE DRIVING, I SUSPECT THAT IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE DEATHS FROM ACCIDENTS DUE TO THE DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARINGS START GETTING REPORTED. I PERSONALLY DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. DUE TO FORD'S LACK OF CONCERN REGARDING THIS VERY EXPENSIVE AND DANGEROUS DEFECT IN THEIR VEHICLES, THE NEXT NEW VEHICLE I PURCHASE WILL NOT BE A FORD. *NM