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, 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, Tires, Aug 24, 2006
I PURCHASED A 2002 FORD TAURUS SES ON JULY 31,2005. HOWEVER I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A LOUD SOUND WHEN DRIVING LIKE THE WHEEL IS WOBBLING, AND THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO DRIFT SUDDENLY ALMOST CAUSING A ACCIDENT. I'VE BEEN ALSO EXPERIENCING A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE VENTS IN THE VEHICLES WHEN THE HEAT WAS NOT IN USE. *JB
Suspension, Aug 7, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SOUNDED AS IF SOMETHING WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND INSPECTED. THE REAR END WAS OBSERVED TO BE RIDING LOW. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THE REAR SPRINGS WERE FRACTURED AND THEY WERE REPLACED.
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Jul 30, 2006
EXPLORER MAKES WHINING NOISE IN REAR END AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 45 AND 70 MPH. THE ABS LIGHT STAYS LIT CONTINUOUSLY EVEN AFTER HAVING THE BRAKE SYSTEM SERVICES. HAVE ALSO HAD FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED ALL THIS SINCE THE VEHICLE REACHED 60,000 MILES IT NOW HAS 86,000 AND MECHANIC SAYS IT NEED A NEW REAR END. *JB
Suspension, Power train, Visibility, Equipment, Jul 23, 2006
BOUGHT 2002 EXPLORER IN 2003 WITH 12,000 MILES. SERVICNG DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION AND TORQUE CONVERTER UNDER WARRANTY @ 32,000 MILES AFTER O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. NOW NEEDS ANOTHER TRANSMISSION @ 54,000 MILES. CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED, DRIVEN LIGHTLY, NEVER TOWED, NEVER ABUSED. DEALER WILL NOT PAY OR HELP OUT ONE BIT. FORD KNOWS 2002 EXPLORERS HAVE DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS AND REAR ENDS, IS IGNORING PROBLEM, LEAVING CONSUMER TO ABSORB COST! HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER, REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY, AIR CONDITIONING UNIT UNDER WARRANTY. FRONT AND REAR WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED REPLACING- OUT OF WARRANTY. REAR END IS MAKING CLASSIC "HUMMING" SOUND THAT FORD IS ALSO IGNORING-PINION GEARS. *NM
Suspension, Jul 20, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE HUB BEARINGS ARE WEARING OUT LOCKING THE WHEEL UP CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL ON THE ROAD. THE FRONT AND REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ARE BOTH WEARING OUT. THE DEALER DETERMINED THERE WAS NO WAY OF CHECKING THE HUB BEARINGS. BECAUSE HUB BEARINGS ARE SEALED, THEY CAN'T BE GREASED, OR SERVICED. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THAT THE VEHICLE CAN'T BE SERVICE FOR THE HUB BEARINGS, THEREFORE THERE IS NO WAY TO DETERMINE WHEN THIS MIGHT HAPPEN AGAIN, AND CREATE A POTENTIALLY FATAL ACCIDENT.*AK
Suspension, Jul 20, 2006
BEARINGS. NOTICED A CLUNKING COMING FROM THE FRONT. WAS TOLD I NEED NEW BEARINGS AND IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $1200. ONLY 55K MILES. *NM
Suspension, Jun 21, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH, SUDDENLY CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOST. THE CONTACT THOUGHT THE VEHICLE'S TIRE BLEW OUT, BECAUSE BOTH REAR TIRES BEGAN WOBBLING. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ON A NORMAL FLAT SURFACE AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, AND WAS DRIVEN ABOUT 20 MILES TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, THE CONTACT OBSERVED A LOW GRADE DEEP DRUM NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT AND THE DEALER NOTIFIED THE CONTACT THAT BOTH REAR BEARINGS WERE WEARING OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND DETERMINED THAT BOTH BEARINGS WERE SHOT AND THE REAR DRIVER SPRING WAS BROKEN. BOTH REAR BEARINGS AND THE REAR DRIVER SPRING ARE PERMANENTLY DAMAGED AND MUST BE REPLACED.
Suspension, Jun 9, 2006
THE REAR WHEEL BEARING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE LOCKED UP WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM 150 MILES AWAY. LUCKY SHE HEARD A WEIRD NOISE AND SLOWED DOWN PRIOR TO IT SEIZING THE TIRE UP. *JB
Suspension, Service brakes, Air, Power train, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 7, 2006
MY 2002 EXPLORER IS ALSO HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WHICH HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY NOTED BY OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS. THE WHINING WHEN REACHING 50-60 KM/HR, WHICH GOES AWAY WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS, THE SLIPPING AND SHUDDERING OF GEARS AND SOMETIMES PASSING GEAR NEVER KICKS IN, THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON (USUALLY AFTER THE TRUCK HAS WARMED UP AND IT DOESN'T SEEM TO HAPPEN WHEN THE WEATHER IS REALLY COLD), THE ABS IS NOW STARTING TO ACT UP, WHEREIN IT RANDOMLY ACTIVATES ITSELF EVEN WHILE ON DRY PAVEMENT AND THE BRAKES FEEL MUSHY WHEN THIS HAPPENS. NOW THE LOCKS ARE RANDOMLY NOT WORKING. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE ONE INSTANCE ABOUT THE PASSING, SHUDDERING, SLIPPING WAS WHEN I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY KIDS, I PULLED OUT TO PASS, AND WHEN I STEPPED ON IT THE TRUCK SHUDDERED SO HARD, THAT MY DAUGHTER, WHO WAS COLORING A MOTHER' DAY CARD, ACTUALLY SCRIBBLED WHEN IT SHUDDERED, IF THAT MAKES ANY SENSE. SHE WAS PO'D AT ME ASKING ME WHY DID I DO THAT AND NOW HER CARD WAS RUINED. WE HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION IN FOR SERVICE AND WERE TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG. WE HAD THE TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED AND THE TRUCK WORKED FINE FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS AND THEN BACK TO THE SAME OLD PROBLEMS. MY HUSBAND AND I ARE SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING TRADING THIS PIECE OF CRAP VEHICLE OFF AND WE HAVE DECIDED THAT IT WILL ONLY BE IMPORTS FROM NOW ON. FORD NEEDS TO WAKE UP AND START FIXING ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS OR THEY WILL BE FINDING THEMSELVES BANKRUPT IN NO TIME. I WAS BROUGHT UP AS A KID IN FORDS; 67 T-BIRD, FORD LTD, 1/2 TON TRUCK, 3/4 TON TRUCK, 78 FORD T-BIRD, FORD TAURUS, MY FIRST CAR BEING A MERCURY LYNX, THEN A 93 FORD FESTIVA, HUBBY OWNED A 93 FORD RANGER 4X4, 98 WINDSTAR, MY MOM OWNS A 96 EXPLORER AND SO ON. MY FRIEND JUST GOT RID OF HER 2000 EXPLORER WHICH SHE LOVINGLY NAMED HER 'FORD EXPLODER'. THANKS FOR LISTENING TO MY RANT AND I REALLY HOPE THAT WITH EVERYONE'S INPUT THAT SOMETHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS. *NM
Suspension, Jun 1, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER'S REAR SPRINGS CRACKED. *TS *NM
Suspension, Power train, May 31, 2006
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE BEARINGS IN THE REAR END DIFFERENTIAL ARE GOING OUT. THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM SHOULD NOT BE OCCURRING IN A VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 100,000 MILES. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, MANY FORD EXPLORERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM FORD SHOULD TAKE A SECOND LOOK AT THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. I DON'T HAVE A WARRANTY, BUT STILL THIS IS TOO COMMON OF A DEFECT IN THE FORD EXPLORERS FOR IT TO NOT BE A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM. *JB
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Tires, May 24, 2006
TRIED TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE FROM PARK AND THE COLUMN SHIFTER BROKE OFF. VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN AND WAS TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION BUSINESS. COST TO REPAIR IS $1300. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN 2004 USED. I'VE HAD THE REAR TRANSMISSION SEALS, SHOCKS, TIRES, FRONT WINDOW AND THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED. *JB
Suspension, May 23, 2006
ON NEW YEARS EVE 2005-2006 THE WHEEL BEARING ON THE DRIVER'S REAR BROKE WHILE I HAD MY FAMILY WITH ME. THE WHEEL BEARING HAD TO BE REPLACE. THE VEHICLE IS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT V6 WITH 80000 MI. ON IT. NO WARRANTY. ON 5/21/06 WHILE DRIVING INTERSTATE SPEEDS, THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL BEARING BROKE AND STEERING WHEEL JERKED TO THE RIGHT. I WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL AND GET OFF THE INTERSTATE. I REMOVED THE WHEEL AND FOUND ALL BUT ONE STUD HAD BEEN SHEARED OFF. THE WHEEL NEARLY FELL OFF A 65 MPH. I HAD HEARD A NOISE EARLIER AND STOPPED TO CHECK, BUT FOUND NOTHING. I THOUGHT SOMETHING HAD FALLEN FROM THE ROOF. MY FAMILY WAS AGAIN WITH ME. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE, BUT WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING EXCEPT ENTER IT INTO THE FILE. I MADE A COMPLAINT AND REQUESTED A SUPERVISOR CALL ME BACK EVEN THOUGH I WAS TOLD REPEATEDLY THAT NOTHING MORE COULD BE DONE AND THE OPERATOR COULDN'T EVEN GIVE ME ANOTHER PERSON WHOM I COULD TALK WITH CONCERNING THE MATTER. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND OBVIOUSLY A FORD PROBLEM. I PAID $150 FOR A TOW AND I'M WAITING FOR THE WHEEL TO BE FIXED. *NM
Suspension, May 18, 2006
MAJOR NOISE FROM REAR END ESCALATED QUICKLY REQUIRING SERVICE. INDEPENDENT SERVICE GARAGE DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED RIGHT REAR WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY AND LEFT REAR TIE ROD. THIS WAS THE THIRD OF THE FOUR WHEEL HUBS REPLACED ON THIS VEHICLE BETWEEN 70,000 AND 86,000 ACTUAL ODOMETER MILES. THE OTHER TWO WERE BOTH THE FRONTS. VERY HONEST MECHANIC SHOWED ME FAILED PARTS AND THREE OTHER EXPLORERS IN THE SHOP THAT SAME DAY WITH THE SAME WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT REQUIREMENT. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECTIVE DESIGN ON THIS VEHICLE. VEHICLE IS A HIGHWAY DRIVEN CAR ONLY, NOT OFF ROAD. *NM
Suspension, Power train, Equipment, May 17, 2006
HORRIBLE WHINING NOISE COMING FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED EDITION. REPLACED TWICE ALREADY AND NOW IT'S WHINING LOUDER AND LOUDER EVERYDAY. I REFUSE TO PAY FOR THE SAME REPAIR A 3RD TIME. I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, ALONG WITH MANY OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. OTHER POPULAR DEFECTS FOR THE NEW FORD EXPLORER ARE CRACKED REAR COIL OVER SPRINGS, ALONG WITH TRANSMISSION AND A/C PROBLEMS, ETC, ETC. HOW MANY MORE COMPLAINTS IS IT GOING TO TAKE BEFORE FORD STANDS UP TO THEIR DESIGN FLAWS...???? *NM
Suspension, Wheels, May 16, 2006
IN FEB OF 2006 WITH 65,995 MILES ON MY CAR I HEARD A WHIRRING/GRINDING NOISE FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE WHILE DRIVING. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY MECHANIC FOR LATER IN THE WEEK (~4 DAYS) TO HAVE THE NOISE LOOKED INTO. 1 DAY PRIOR TO TAKING MY CAR TO THE MECHANIC THE NOISE GOT MUCH WORSE AND I TOOK IT IN IMMEDIATELY. I WAS TOLD THAT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING EXPLODED AND DAMAGED THE BRAKE AND EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM. I HAD THIS REPAIRED AND CHALKED IT UP TO BAD MICHIGAN ROADS. IN MAY OF 2006 THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING ALSO ERODED/WORE OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (ONLY 68,368 MILES AT THE TIME). THE WAREHOUSE/RETAIL OUTLET WHERE MY MECHANICS PURCHASED THE REPLACEMENT WHEEL BEARINGS TOLD ME THE PERSON WORKING THE COUNTER COMMENTED ON HOW MANY REQUESTS FORD HAS HAD FOR WHEEL BEARINGS AS OF RECENT. MY MECHANICS (AS WELL AS FRIENDS AND FAMILY) TOLD ME I SHOULD CONTACT FORD AS WELL AS NHTSA WITH THIS INFORMATION SINCE THE COMPONENT FAILURE EFFECTED THE EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM. I AM FOLLOWING THROUGH ON THAT REQUEST AND HAVE PLACED A LETTER IN THE MAIL TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND AM AWAITING THEIR REPLY. I WOULD APPRECIATE AN INDEPENDENT 3RD PARTY'S EVALUATION OF THIS SITUATION SINCE I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MY MECHANIC AS WELL AS OTHERS THE AUTO REPAIR AND INDUSTRY THAT WHEEL BEARINGS SHOULD LAST THROUGHOUT THE LIFE OF THE AUTOMOBILE (OR AT LEAST TO 100,000 MILES. *JB
Suspension, Electrical system, May 15, 2006
NO START NO SPARK FORD COULD NOT FIGURE IT OUT, 1200.00 IT WAS A FAULTY MAIN WIRING HARNESS ALSO LOUD NOISE IN REAR END NO HELP FROM FORD, BROKEN WHEEL BEARING. SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN. *NM
Suspension, May 11, 2006
WHILE CHANGING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AT THE FORD DEALER FOR MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 60,000 MILES, THE TECHNICIAN MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE FROM MY REAR LEFT WHEEL, THE BEARING HAD TO BE REPLACED. DOING RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS OTHER 2002 FORD EXPLORER OWNERS WITH SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, THAT BEARINGS WERE GOING BAD WITH MILEAGE THAT IS BELOW THE NORMAL NEED FOR BEARING REPLACEMENT. IF YOU HEAR FROM OTHERS ON THIS PROBLEM, IT MAY BE TIME FOR A FACTORY RECALL. *NM
Suspension, Visibility, Air bags, May 10, 2006
2002 EXPLORER WITH 95K MILES: POWER WINDOWS, AIRBAG AND FRONT/REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. DEALER WAS NOT SURPRISED BY THESE PROBLEMS AT ALL. $3K ESTIMATED REPAIR COST. *NM
Suspension, Power train, May 9, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER HAVING REAR AXLE PINION SEAL REPAIRED AT A LOCAL INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP THE MECHANIC NOTICED THE REAR SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONSULTED. *AK
Suspension, Power train, May 8, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TURNING THE VEHICLE AT LOW SPEEDS, NOT EXCEEDING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATES. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE CLUTCH BASKET AND REAR AXLE SEAL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
Suspension, Power train, May 5, 2006
GRINDING NOISE SOUNDING LIKE IT IS FROM FRONT END, ESPECIALLY ON ACCELERATING AT LOW SPEEDS, AND TURNING SLOW. TOLD TO REPLACE TIRES AND FRONT HUB. BOTH DONE AND STILL MAKING SAME NOISE. CANNOT FIGURE WHAT IS WRONG. THINK THE SOUND IS FROM TRANSMISSION OR REAR END. ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE TRUCK DOES NOT SWITCH GEARS PROPERLY. IT TAKES TO LONG AND SOMETIMES REACHES 4 RPMS BEFORE FINALLY SWITCHING ON FLAT ROAD SURFACE. *JB
Suspension, Exterior lighting, Air bags, May 4, 2006
FIRST OF ALL I HAVE A HUMMING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE I NOTICE IT MOST WHEN WE ARE TRAVELING ON THE HWY AT AT LEAST 55 MPH OR MORE. IN OCT. MY BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO REASON AND NOW IN FEB. MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *NM
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Air bags, Apr 27, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER. FAILED TRANSMISSION, STARTER, REAR WHEEL BEARINGS, AIRBAG, PINION, ELECTRIC WINDOW. NOW LOUD SOUNDS FROM REAR OF CAR. *JB