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 22, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BODY MOUNT BUSHINGS WERE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BODY MOUNT BUSHINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
Suspension, Structure, Jul 29, 2012
I AM EXPERIENCING A LOUD CLANKING AND CRASHING SOUND EMITTING FROM UNDER VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS WITH MINIMAL BUMPS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH INCREASED ROLL MOVEMENT WHILE CORNERING. AFTER INVESTIGATION, I FOUND THE BODY MOUNTS TO BE CRUMBLING APART, BODY MOUNTS MISSING LARGE CHUNKS OF MATERIAL AND OTHER BODY MOUNTS ARE SOFT AND JELLY LIKE WHEN TOUCHED. THESE FORD BODY MOUNTS HAVE BEEN ENGINEERED IMPROPERLY AND HAVE REACHED A PREMATURE FAILED STATE. THIS AFFECTS THE ROLL OF THE VEHICLE AND MAY POSE GRAVE DANGER TO VEHICLE PASSENGERS WHEN PERFORMING A LANE CHANGE OR ANY VEHICLE ROLL MANEUVER AND AFFECTS VEHICLE CONTROL. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. AFTER A INTERNET SEARCH, I HAVE DISCOVERED THIS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THOUSANDS OF FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC OWNERS AND OTHER FORD TRUCKS AS WELL. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN FLORIDA FROM 2002-2010, AND IN GEORGIA FROM 2011-PRESENT AND HAS NEVER BEEN EXPOSED TO SALT, SNOW OR ANY ABNORMAL ENVIRONMENT TO CAUSE THIS FAILURE. THIS VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN MODIFIED IN ANY WAY. *JS
Suspension, Jul 28, 2012
REAR COIL SPRINGS ARE RUSTED AND CRACKING, PIECE FELL OFF. IT APPEARS THAT INADEQUATE OR DEFICIENT METAL WAS USED. MECHANIC SAYS VERY RARE FOR COIL SPRINGS TO RUST LIKE THIS, SPRINGS LOOK AS THOUGH THEY HAVE BEEN IN A JUNK YARD FOR 30 YEARS.THIS VEHICLE IS A FAMILY CAR, NOT USED FOR OFF-ROADING AND KEPT IN A GARAGE. ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE, SOME HAVE EVEN HAD THE PIECES PUNCTURE TIRES CAUSING A BLOWOUT WHILE DRIVING. I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT FORD IS NOT CONCERNED WITH CONSUMER SAFETY, BUT ONLY WITH THEIR OWN PROFITS AND ARE WAITING FOR PEOPLE TO DIE BEFORE TAKING RESPONSIBILITY. THIS IS JUST ONE OF MANY ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL AND FORD NEEDS TO STEP UP. *TR
Suspension, Jul 23, 2012
FORD DEALERSHIP AND LOCAL MECHANIC HAVE WITNESSED DOZEN OF CASES WITH FORD IN WHICH THE VEHICLE IS VIBRATING AT HIGHER SPEEDS. WE HAVE TRIED REPLACING TIRES, BALANCING, AND WHEEL ALIGNMENTS. I HAVE READ HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS ISSUE ONLINE, BUT FORD HAS DONE NOTHING TO EDUCATE THEIR STAFF OR PUBLIC ABOUT THIS ISSUE. MOST COMMON IDENTIFIED ISSUE HAS BEEN THE REAR DIFFERENTIALS, BUT THOSE WHO HAVE HAD THEM REPLACED HAS HAD THE VIBRATION COME BACK AFTER TIME. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Wheels, Equipment, Dec 15, 2011
MY NAME IS[XXX] AND I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT (V6). I HAVE OWNED IT FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW (WILL BE IN JAN 2012) AND LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT UNTIL RECENTLY. ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO, I HEARD A STRANGE LOUD WHINING NOISE. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND FOUND THAT REAR WHEEL BEARING WAS GOING. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT IF I WOULD HAVE TOOK THE INTERSTATE TO WORK THAT EVENING I COULD HAVE POSSIBLY DIED OR CAUSED SERIOUS INJURIES TO OTHERS ON ROAD. VERY SCARY! MIND YOU THIS BEARING WENT WITH NO WARNING. IMMEDIATELY AFTER I HEARD THE NOISE I TOOK IT IN. WELL THE BEARING GOT FIXED AND I COULDN'T HAVE BEEN HAPPIER. HOWEVER, ABOUT A MONTH AGO I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE WITH MY TWO YEAR OLD DAUGHTER DOING ABOUT 70MPH WHEN MY TRUCK BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. I ASSUMED I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING A TIRE BLOW-OUT AND BEGAN SLOWLY BREAKING AND LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. LUCKILY I MADE IT ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE INTERSTATE. MY TIRE HOWEVER WAS NOT AS LUCKY. ALL 5 STUDS ON MY RIGHT REAR TIRE SNAPPED CAUSING THE TIRE TO COMPLETELY FLY OFF AND PROCEED DOWN THE ROAD AT A FAST SPEED JUST PASSING THE TURN RAMP AND MISSING SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLES. IN THE PROCESS OF LOSING THE TIRE, IT ALSO CAUSED DAMAGE TO REAR END OF MY SUV. IT LOOKED AS IF THE TIRE GOT CAUGHT AND CAUSED THE REAR TO DENT IN.REPLACED STUDS AND EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. TODAY (DEC.15TH) NOT EVEN AN ENTIRE MONTH LATER, VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING AGAIN. OH HOW I REMEMBERED THAT SCARY SHAKE. EXAMINED TIRE AND ONCE AGAIN, STUDS SNAPPED. 2 THIS TIME WITH A THIRD ONE MISSING THE CAP. THE TIRE WAS ONLY HELD BY 2 STUDS. THANK THE LORD I NOTICED THIS PROBLEM BEFORE GOING ONTO THE INTERSTATE AND ONCE AGAIN HAVING MY TIRE FLY OFF! I HAVE BEEN DOING RESEARCH THIS EVENING TO FIND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 02-04 EXPLORERS. PLEASE MAKE A RECALL FORD AND OTHERS HELP ME TO GET ONE MADE! THIS IS A SCARY AND DANGEROUS SITUATION! IT CAN CAUSE THE LOSS OF MANY LIVES AS IT HAS ALMOST DONE MINE AND MY DAUGHTERS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Dec 14, 2011
I AM A MECHNICAL ENGINEER, AND DO A LOT OF MY OWN CAR REPAIRS, WHEN I WAS ADJUSTING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE I NOTICED THAT MY REAR COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN IN 2 PLACES AND RUSTED THROUGH, I WENT ONLINE TO BUY REPLACEMENT SPRINGS AND STRUTS, AND I CAME UPON A WEBSITE WITH OTHERS ALSO WITH THIS ISSUE OF BROKEN SPRINGS ON THIS FORD MODEL. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD DROP AND PUNCTURE THE TIRE. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THIS COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY AND FATALITIES. THE NHTSA SHOULD HOLD FORD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS SERIOUS MANUFACTURING FLAW I AM LEAD TO BELIEVE THAT THE SPRINGS WHERE MANUFACTURED IN CHINA. THE NHTSA SHOULD GET SOME GUTS AND EXPOSE THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. AS A PERSONAL NOTE THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN OFF-ROAD . *TR
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Dec 6, 2011
REAR SPRING CRACKED AT 100,000 MIL TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 120,000 MIL BODY ELECTRICAL NOT SEALED WELL AND KEEPS SHORTING IN DIFFERENT PLACES CRUISE GETS STUBBORN AND SCARED TO USE IT , IM AFRAID OF IT GETTING STUCK IN CRUISE. *TR
Suspension, Nov 1, 2011
I WENT TO PERFORM BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT AND FOUND PASSENGER SIDE REAR COIL SPRING BROKEN. WHEN I GOT AROUND TO THE DRIVERS SIDE TO NO AVAIL THAT REAR COIL SPRING IS BROKEN AS WELL. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Oct 29, 2011
I WAS DRIVING IN TOWN AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN I DROVE OVER A CRACK AND IT FELT LIKE A LARGE POTHOLE. I HEARD A GRINDING NOISE AND PULLED OVER. MY REAR SPRINGS WERE BOTH BROKEN. THE DRIVER SIDE ONE AT THE TOP AND THE PASSENGER SIDE ONE AT THE TOP IN 3 PLACES. WHEN I TURN NOW IT FEELS LIKE MY VEHICLE IS GOING TO ROLL OVER. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AS STATED BY MANY OTHERS ON MANY INTERNET SITES. THIS IS GOING TO CAUSE A SERIOUS IF NOT DEADLY ACCIDENT. FORD NEEDS TO DO A RECALL ON THIS PART AND REPLACE THEM FOR FREE, SINCE THEY WERE THE ONES WHO USED BAD PARTS IN THEIR VEHICLES. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS SUCH. *TR
Suspension, Oct 25, 2011
REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED FORD WOULD NOT WARRENTY. *TT
Suspension, Oct 4, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WHEN THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE FRACTURED AND WOULD HAVE NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Suspension, Sep 30, 2011
I RECENTLY HAD THE DEALER INSTALL 2 NEW REAR WHEEL BEARINGS (2ND TIME IN 2 YEARS) AND WAS TOLD THAT BOTH REAR SPRINGS ARE BROKEN. I WAS TOLD THAT THE BROKEN PIECES CAN COME OUT WHILE DRIVING AND PUNCTURE THE TIRE. I DID AN INTERNET SEARCH AND FOUND OVER 100 COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME BROKEN SPRINGS ON OTHER EXPLORERS. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Structure, Sep 7, 2011
I JUST PURCHASED A USED 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT ON 08/06/2011 SO THAT I HAD A VEHICLE THAT I COULD TAKE THE KIDS ON CAMPING TRIPS. ON 09/04/2011 ON OUR WAY TO DAYTONA BEACH I NOTICED THE CAR WAS PUSHING AND SWERVING IN BOTH DIRECTIONS, I HAD JUST PUT BRAND NEW TIRES ON IT AND REPLACED BOTH THE UPPER CONTROL ARMS AND ALL 4 BALL JOINTS AND HAD AN ALIGNMENT DONE, I THOUGHT THAT IT'S A BIGGER VEHICLE THAN WHAT I'M USED TO AND HAD BEEN A SLIGHTLY WINDY. ON THE WAY HOME ON MONDAY 09/05/2011 IT WAS EVEN WORSE, I COULD FEEL THE BODY ROLLING THE CAR PUSHING ECT.. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THERE APPEARED TO BE NOTHING WRONG. I CRAWLED HOME A NERVOUS WRECK. WHEN WE UNLOAD THE CAR AT HOME I NOTICED THE CAR WAS SAGGING IN THE LEFT REAR.I CRAWLED UNDER THE VEHICLE. I NOTICED 2 BIG ISSUES, 1ST THE COIL SPRING IS BROKEN WERE LUCKY IT DIDN'T POP OUT AND SHRED A TIRE, AND 2ND ALL OF THE BODY MOUNT BUSHINGS ARE COMPLETELY CRUMBLING OR JUST PLAIN GONE. TALK ABOUT DANGEROUS. I WENT ONLINE AND THERE SEEMS TO BE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE 2002 EXPLORERS ON BLOGS AND FORD FORUMS AND TONS OF SITES FOR COMPLAINTS FOR AUTOMOBILES FOR ALL MODELS OF THIS VEHICLE FOR THE EXACT SAME THINGS. I HAVE ALSO SEEN NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS VEHICLE FOR OTHER EQUIPMENT FAILURES ONE OF THEM BEING A WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAREND OF THE CAR WHICH I THOUGHT WAS THE TIRES, BUT APPARENTLY IT IS AN IMPROPERLY ENGINEERED DIFFERENTIAL THAT FORD WILL NOT FIX OR ADMIT THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH ALTHOUGH THERE ARE A COUPLE OF TECHNICAL BULLETINS OUT ON IT. THEY ARE JUST LUCKY THAT MY CHILDREN WERE NOT INJURED. HOW DARE THEY NOT ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY TO TAKE CARE OF THESE VEHICLES THAT THEY ENGINEERED AND SOLD, USED OR NOT. IF YOU MANUFACTURE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE AND A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE YOU SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE. IS IT GONNA TAKE A FATHER AND HIS CHILDREN BEING KILLED. *TR
Suspension, Sep 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT TIRES WERE WEARING EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER COIL SPRING WAS FRACTURED, CAUSING THE EXCESSIVE TREAD WEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS ALSO FRACTURED SINCE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Suspension, Aug 23, 2011
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORE WITH 47,000 MILES. WAS TOLD BOTH REAR SPRINGS WERE BROKE DURING VEHICLE INSPECTION. DON'T KNOW WHEN THEY BROKE. DAILY DRIVER ONLY, NO TOWING. SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AT 47,000 MILES SHOULD HAVE A RECALL WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS WITH SPRINGS. *TR
Suspension, Aug 4, 2011
2002 FORD EXPLORER HAD ALL COIL SPRINGS BROKEN AND SOME MAY HAVE BEEN FOR QUITE SOME TIME. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT FORD WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE. I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND I HEARD SOMETHING CLUNK IN THE BACK AND SURE ENOUGH IT WAS COMPLETELY CRACKED. TOOK IT INTO GET REPAIRED ALONG WITH STRUTS AND BALL BEARING PLATE. TOTAL COST FOR THE FAILURE OF THESE SPRINGS = $1750! *TR
Suspension, Jul 27, 2011
BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS (STRUT ASSEMBILES) BROKEN ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. BREAKS IN STEEL COIL SPRINGS DISCOVERED DURING DEALER INSPECTION IN 2010. VEHICLE IS USED FOR STANDARD DAILY DRIVING ON PAVED ROADS. RESULTED IN SAGGING REAR OF VEHICLE AND DEGRADED VEHICLE CONTROL IN BUMPY TERRAIN. PARTS LIKELY BROKEN FOR SOME TIME BEFORE DETECTION. REPLACEMENT PARTS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED TO CORRECT PROBLEM. PHOTOS OF BROKEN PARTS AVAILABLE. *TR
Suspension, Jul 26, 2011
THIS COMPLAINT IS IN REGARDS TO THE 2002-2005 FORD EXPLORER/MERCURY MOUNTAINEER MODELS (4 DOORS). I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4 DOOR XLS WITH 150,000 MILES. RECENTLY MY VEHICLE BECAME VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. WHEN I ACCELERATE AND THEN RELEASE THE PEDAL THE VEHICLE WOULD "PUSH" TO ONE SIDE OR ANOTHER. ALSO GOING AROUND CURVES I WOULD GET A "DEATH WOBBLE" WHERE THE VEHICLE WOULD "PUSH" FROM SIDE TO SIDE IN ALMOST A SWINGING MOTION AND WHEN YOU ATTEMPT TO CORRECT IT, IT CONTINUES TO SWING EXCESSIVELY BACK AND FORTH. TONIGHT I WENT TO CHECK MY WHEEL BEARINGS THINKING THIS WAS THE PROBLEM, AND I FOUND 3 OUT OF THE 4 COIL SPRINGS ON THE STRUTS WERE BROKEN. BOTH REAR COILS WERE SHATTERED (EASIEST WAY TO DESCRIBE IT) AT THE TOP OF THE SPRING. I COULD LITERALLY PULL PIECES OF COIL SPRING OUT OF THE COIL. THE FRONT RIGHT SPRING WAS ALSO CRACKED ALL THE WAY THROUGH, NEAR THE BOTTOM OF THE COIL. I HAVE SPENT ALOT OF TIME WORKING ON CARS AND I HAVE NEVER SEE 3 COIL SPRINGS FAIL AT THE SAME TIME ESPECIALLY SINCE THEY ARE LESS THAN 10 YEARS OLD!!! I ALSO DID A GOOGLE SEARCH AND READ WHERE OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD SPRING FAILURES AS LOW AS 75,000 MILES!! PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE THERE ARE SO MANY OF THESE ON THE ROAD. I WORK IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THIS I FEEL IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY RISK AFTER EXPERIENCING THE LOSS OF CONTROL YOU HAVE WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IN THE ILLINOIS WINTER WITH ICE ON THE ROADS IT COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS. I WILL BE REPLACING THE ENTIRE STRUT/COIL SPRING ASSEMBLY SING THE REAR SPRINGS HAVE COLLAPSED IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE SPRING IS RUBBING ON THE STRUT BODIES. ONE OF THE ISSUES IS, WITH EXCEPTION OF THE HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS, THE VEHICLE SITS LEVEL AND CLOSE TO ITS NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT AND ITS IS VERY DIFFICULT TO TELL 3 SPRINGS ARE BROKEN. I WILL BE TAKING PICTURES TO DOCUMENT THIS FAILURE AND I WILL BE WILLING TO PROVIDE THIS TO YOU. I MAY ALSO SAVE THE OLD PARTS IF YOU WOULD LIKE. *TR
Suspension, Jun 30, 2011
REAR CRACKED/CRUMBLING STRUT SPRINGS BOTH SIDES. *TR
Suspension, Jun 12, 2011
UPON TAKING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE. I WAS INFORMED BY THE FORD DEALER THAT MY LEFT REAR SPRING WAS BROKEN. MY EXPLORER ONLY HAS 26,116 MILES, HOW COULD THE SPRINGS BREAK? I NEVER CARRY ANYTHING HEAVY, USUALLY ONLY ONE PERSON IS IN THE VEHICLE. IV'E BEEN READING ON THE INTERNET AND THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY HASN'T NHTSA LOOKED IN THIS ISSUE SINCE IT IS A SAFETY PROBLEM? FORD MOTOR CO. KNOWS THIS IS A DEFECT SINCE THEY CHANGED THEIR DESIGN AFTER IT WAS DISCOVERED. CAN NHTSA RE-EXAMINE THIS ISSUE AND ORDER A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE JETS INJURED. *TR
Suspension, Jun 1, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS THE CONTACT HEARD A BUZZING NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED, THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND WOBBLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE HUB AND THE WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Suspension, May 18, 2011
REAR SPRINGS ARE CRACKED AND MY MECHANIC AND FRIENDS SAID ITS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG 2002 EXPLORERS. ALSO SAW MANY COMPLAINTS AND PHOTO'S OF THE SAME PROBLEM ONLINE. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Apr 25, 2011
OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH 109,000 MILES HAS SERIOUS TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEARS. THE LOCAL DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP STATE THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACED AT A COST BETWEEN $2,500 AND $3,500. IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION BECAUSE THERE ARE TIMES WHEN IT WILL NOT ACCELERATE. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND BALL BEARINGS ALSO NEED REPLACED ACCORDING TO 2 SEPARATE MECHANICS. THERE IS A RANDOM THUMPING COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE DAILY. THE COST TO REPAIR IS BETWEEN $2,000 AND $5,000. THEY CANNOT TELL US EXACTLY UNTIL THEY ACTUALLY GET IN THERE TO DO THE REPAIR. *TR
Suspension, Apr 15, 2011
READ STRUT SPRINGS FAIL AND CRACK. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED IN THE PAST AND MANY OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON BOTH THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. FORD HAS BEEN NOTIFIED MANY TIMES WITH NO RESPONSE. I HAVE BEEN DOING A LOT OF RESEARCH INTO THIS ISSUE, AND REALIZED THAT HUNDREDS OF OWNERS AR CLAIMING THE SAME PROBLEM.
Suspension, Apr 9, 2011
BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS ON MY 02 FORD EXPLORER BROKE. THERE WASN'T ANY INDICATIONS PRIOR FOR US TO KNOW IT WOULD HAPPEN.WHEN IT DID IT FELL ONTO RUBBER STOPS BUT TRACTED CROOKED AND SPRING ALMOST HIT TIRE.I WENT TO DEALER THEY SAID NO RECALL CALL FORD. I CALLED FORD REP SAID NOTHING THEY COULD DO NOT ENOUGH COMPLAINTS TO JUSTIFY A RECALL OR FIX MY EXPLORER. I WENT TO LOCAL PARTS STORE AND BOUGHT MONROE QUIK STRUT.. INSTALLED MYSELF.SAVED OLD PARTS JUST IN CASE BECAUSE FORD SAID GET RID AND SAVE MY RECEIPT FOR PARTS IN CASE OF FUTURE RECALL.VEHICLE MILEAGE AT TIME WAS ABOUT 46,000 MILES. *TR