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, Aug 12, 2005
DT: THE VAN WAS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD AND ONLY HAD 32,000 MILES ON IT AND THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING HAS ALREADY FAILED. IT WAS MAKING A ROARING NOISE EVERY SINCE PURCHASING THE CAR. TOOK IT TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND THEY TOLD HER THE BEARING WAS BAD. *AK
Suspension, Aug 12, 2005
DT: CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE HAS DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARINGS, MAINLY IN THE REAR, BUT HE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE ONE ON THE FRONT. THE VEHICLES WHEELS STARTED GRINDING AND THEY BECAME LOOSE ON THE AXLE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT ALL OF THE WHEEL BEARINGS ON THIS PARTICULAR MODEL WERE GOING BAD. THE CONSUMER TRIED TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER BUT THEY WERE UNRESPONSIVE.*AK *JB
Suspension, Equipment, Aug 2, 2005
WHILE TURNING VEHICLE, HEARD A POPPING NOISE & FRONT LEFT TIRE SUDDENLY COLLAPSED INWARD. LEFT FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARM, LOWER BALL JOINT, SHOCK & CAM BOLTS & WASHERS WERE REPLACED. VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY, HOWEVER FORD DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO COVER STATING THIS WAS THE RESULT OF VANDALISM. NO PROOF OF THIS WAS EVER SUBMITTED TO ME DESPITE CERTIFIED LETTER SENT TO THEM REQUESTING. VEHICLE WAS KEPT IN LOCKED GARAGE AT NIGHT & PARKED IN SECURE, GATED LOT AT WORK DURING THE DAY. THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE ON 5/21/04, BUT WAS BEING DRIVEN STRAIGHT. INS REFUSED TO COVER AS NO PROOF OF VANDALISM. *NM
Suspension, Jul 10, 2005
1. INSPECTION OF VEHICLE 2. REAR COILS SPRINGS BROKEN 3. REPALCEMENT
Suspension, Jun 24, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATES THERE WAS A HUMMING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL BEARING WAS BAD, THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THIS WAS A SAFETY CONCERN, AND TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN RIGHT AWAY. THE WHEEL BEARING HAS BEEN REPLACED. *AK
Suspension, Power train, Jun 15, 2005
DT: PROBLEM WITH BACK END, TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER,AND DEALER SAID THEY FIXED AXLE, THEN, TOOK BACK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND THEY FIXED HUB, AND REPLACED THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. IN LAST 3 MONTHS VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN SHOP 3 TIMES. CURRENTLY, IN THE SHOP. WENT TO GET OIL CHANGE LAST FRIDAY, AND MECHANIC NOTICED OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE AXLE. CURRENTLY VEHICLE IN SHOP TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. THIS HAPPENED BEFORE. THEY GAVE CONSUMER AN EXTRA 5 YR WARRANTY BECAUSE OF THE TRANSMISSION, AND THIS WAS 8 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP KEPT SAYING VEHICLE WAS SAFE EVEN THOUGH DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. *AK
Suspension, Jun 8, 2005
DT: VEHICLE HAD TO HAVE THE REAR END BREPLACED 3 TIMES , VEHCILE HAD TO BE TAKEN BACK AGAIN A 4TH TIME, DEALERSHIP WILL NOT HELP WITH PAYMENT, CONSUMER HAD TO PAY TWICE FOR REPAIRS. *AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Equipment, May 20, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE 4WD, THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE VEHICLE IS GIVING OFF A ROTTEN EGG SMELL. *MR THERE WERE FRONT END PROBLEMS. THE 4WD MODULE WASN'T WORKING. THE DRIVESHAFT AND BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED. THE ROTORS WERE OUT OF ROUND. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ALONG WITH THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT. THE TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM ON TWO OCCASIONS AND POSSIBLY A THIRD TIME. A LARGE PUDDLE OF TRANSMISSION WAS FOUND UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS NOISY. THE ACCELERATION PEDAL WOULD PULL BACK. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATED, IT WOULD WHINE. THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING WAS GONE AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE AXLE, BRAKES AND THE TIRE WAS BARELY HOLDING ON. THE ERROR CODE FOR THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WAS DUE TO THE SOLENOID WHICH HAD BEEN CHANGED BEFORE. THE A/C WAS INOPERATIVE. *SC *JB
Suspension, May 20, 2005
DT: CONTACT TOOK VEHICLE TO A SERVICE DEALER, AND THEY INFORMED HIM THAT THE REAR COIL SPRING BROKE. *AK
Suspension, Apr 28, 2005
BOUGHT THE CAR IN JULY 2004 AT AROUND 50,000 MILES. HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM REAR OF THE TRUCK. CURRENTLY, THE NOISE HAS PROCEEDED TO THE FRONT. I HAVE NOT REPLACED ANYTHING BECAUSE I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT I AM GOING TO HAVE TO CHANGE. I WAS WONDERING IF THERE IS GOING TO BE A RECALL ON THIS TRUCK. *AK
Suspension, Apr 15, 2005
I TOOK MY 2002 EXPLORER IN FOR RECALL ON REAR DOOR. THEY TOLD ME THAT BOTH REAR SPRINGS BROKE. THIS VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 44,000 MILES ON IT, AND HAS THE TOW PACKAGE ALTHOUGH NOTHING WAS EVER TOWED. THE SPRINGS THAT BROKE ARE AT THE VERY TOP AND HARD TO FIND. MECHANIC WOULD HAVE HAD TO KNOW TO LOOK THERE TO FIND IT. THIS LED ME TO BELIEVE THAT THERE HAVE BEEN OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.*AK
Suspension, Power train, Jan 14, 2005
I AM THE FLEET MANAGER OF THE BUFFALO GROVE PARK DISTRICT AND WE OWN FOUR FORD EXPLORERS TWO OF THE FOUR A 2002, AND A 2003, EXPLORER 4X4 XLT HAVE HAD NUMEROUS EXPENSIVE PROBLEMS SUCH AS WHEEL BEARING FAILURES THREE FAILURES ON THE 02 EXPLORER AND ONE ON THE 03, REAR STRUT FAILURE,SEALS LEAKING CONVERTER CLUTCH FAILURE,REAR AXLE NOISE GEAR WHINE,CLUTCH PACK NOISE,ALL THESE PROBLEMS ON VEHICLES THAT ARE OUT OF WARRANTY BY MILEAGE BUT ONLY A COUPLE TWO OR THREE YEARS OLD. THIS YEAR JAN 04 TO JAN 05 3,500 IN REPAIRS FOR THESE TWO VEHICLES, NOT INCLUDING THE REAR AXLE PROBLEMS ON THE 03, THIS IS "NOT ACCEPTABLE" P.S. THE MILEAGE 72,000 ON THE 02, AND 51,000 ON THE 03 *JB
Suspension, Jan 4, 2005
AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS OF HEARING A "WHOOSHING" TIRE SOUNDS FROM THE BACK OF THE 02 FORD EXPL XLT, AND DEALERS TELLING US THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG, TOOK VEHICLE TO A LOCAL SERVICE CENTER AND HAD TO HAVE REAR SUSPENSION/AXLES REPLACED (4/04) AND ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE 2 BACK TIRES BECAUSE OF THE DAMAGE. NOW, 1/05, SAME NOISE IS PRESENT AND WEAR ON BACK TIRES, WE ARE NOW BEING TOLD THAT THE BACK SUSPENSION/AXLES ARE BAD AGAIN AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. LESS THAN ONE YEAR AND WE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. OBVIOUSLY FORD NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM. VEHICLE HAD 78K MILES ON IT. *AK
Suspension, Dec 21, 2004
REAR BEARING FAILURE OF 2002 FORD EXPLORER. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER BECAUSE OF REAR END NOISE AND WAS TOLD THE BEARING WAS ABOUT TO EXPLODE AND COULD HAVE LOST AN AXLE. *AK
Suspension, Nov 15, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 30 TO 40 MPH A CRUNCHING SOUND WAS HEARD. THE DEALER STATED THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB THIS IS THE SECOND FRONT WHEEL BARING FAILURE. *TC
Suspension, Apr 8, 2004
WHEN DRIVING 30 MPH VEHICLE VIBRATED IN THE REAR. ALSO, CONSUMER HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Suspension, Mar 4, 2004
INTERMITTENTLY WHEN TURNING CORNERS THERE WAS A LOUD POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED THREE TIMES IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS. CONSUMER DETERMINED THAT UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN OUT. *AK
Suspension, Sep 16, 2003
STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DEALER ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. DEALER DID NOT INFORM THE CONSUMER OF THE REPAIRS THAT WERE MADE. *AK
Suspension, Sep 2, 2003
WHILE TURNING AROUND CORNERS VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE, MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR CONSUMER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DRIVER HAD CONTACTED DEALER ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM WAS STILL RECURRING.*AK
Suspension, Sep 2, 2003
WHILE DRIVING (65 MPH) ON I 95 THROUGH RICHMOND VIRGINIA, AT 12:30 AFTER MIDNIGHT, MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER (62,000 MILES) DEVELOPED A VIBRATION. I MADE IT TO THE FORD DEALER AND LEFT IT FOR REPAIRS. THE REAR END BEARING, AXLE SHAFT, CV JOINT FAILED. FOUR (4) DAYS LATER I WAS ON THE ROAD. IT WAS A VERY FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE. FORD WOULD NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. THERE IS NO MAINTENANCE ON THE REAR AXLE BEARINGS. THIS IS A NEW DESIGN AND I BOUGHT AN EARLY UNIT.*AK
Suspension, Sep 2, 2003
THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO STEER AND CONTROL WHEN IT WAS DRIVEN AT SPEEDS AT AR OVER 70 MPH. THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE REAR SWAY BAR LINKS WERE WORN. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE REAR SWAY BARS, REAR SPRINGS AND REAR SHOCKS. *AK *NLM
Suspension, Jul 29, 2003
SUDDEN LOSS OF FLUID FROM LEFT REAR SHOCK, DETECTED BY POOL OF FLUID ON GARAGE FLOOR.2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 37500 MILES OF NORMAL HIGHWAY DRIVING. FAILURE WAS SUDDEN AND PREMATURE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN VEHICLE INSTABILITY IF NOT DETECTED BY CAREFUL INSPECTION. DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO HOLD PART FOR FORD FAILURE MODE ANALYSIS? WITH SUV HISTORY OF SUSPENSION CONCERNS, THIS DEALER RESPONSE SEEMS INAPPROPRIATE? I SAVED THE SHOCK THEY REPLACED.*AK
Suspension, Power train, Jul 8, 2003
VIBRATION AND DRONE/ROAR SOUND AT SPEEDS OF 64MPH AND GREATER. 4 ATTEMPTS MADE TO REPAIR, PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. REAR END ASSEMBLY REPLACED AS WELL AS TWO AXLE SHAFTS AND DRIVE SHAFT REINDEXED. *AK
Suspension, May 7, 2003
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND SAID THE WHEEL BEARING SEIZED. *NLM
Suspension, May 7, 2003
DEFECTIVE 2002 FORD EXPLORER FRONT STABILIZER BAR - SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE, FIRST ON 4/15/02, AND AGAIN ON 5/6/03. I HAVE NOTICED THAT NHTSA HAS ASKED FORD TO RECALL EARLIER MODELS OF THIS VEHICLE FOR THIS SAME DEFECT, AND I AM CONCERNED THIS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE, ALTHOUGH THE SERVICING DEALER HAS NOT INDICATED IT COULD BE. *JB