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, Jun 23, 2010
REAR COIL SPRING FOUND BROKEN DURING ROUTINE BRAKE INSPECTION. *TR
Suspension, May 3, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A SHARP LEFT TURN AND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SWERVED OUT OF CONTROL. HE WAS ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP WITHOUT INCIDENT AND NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR TIRE WAS SHREDDED WHICH CAUSED HIM TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TWO REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE FRACTURED WHICH SHREDDED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE MECHANIC ALSO REPLACED THE TWO REAR TIRES, SPRING SET WITH STANDARD SUSPENSION, PINION SHAFT SEAL, TWO REAR RIMS AND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS. ALL REPAIRS WERE MADE AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,898. UPDATED 06/29/10. *LJ UPDATED 09/21/10
Suspension, Power train, Wheels, Apr 22, 2010
FORD 2002 EXPLORER XLT LIMITED. I HAVE HAD A MYRIAD OF ISSUES, WHICH UPON RESEARCH APPEAR COMMON TO THE EXTREME. FRONT & REAR BEARINGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES. SPRINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED. NOW THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING -- O/D LIGHT BLINKS, SES LIGHT ACTIVATES, AND VEHICLES OVER-REVS, SLIPS, AND WILL NOT OPERATE IN OVERDRIVE. THE TRANSMISSION DESIGN IS COMPLETELY SEALED, SO I CANNOT EVEN CHECK FOR FLUID LEVELS, NOR DO ANY PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE WHATSOEVER. THERE IS NO WARNING, JUST FAILURE. ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL YEAR ARE SO PREVALENT THAT LOCAL MECHANICS NEED ONLY ASK THE MODEL AND YEAR AND CAN ITEMIZE THE PROBLEMS I HAVE EXPERIENCED, AND PUBLIC FORUMS ARE FULL OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THIS MODEL YEAR. *TR
Suspension, Apr 20, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHEN THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING HAD FRACTURED. THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS PRIOR TO THE DEALER'S DISCOVERY OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,000. UPDATED 11/9/10 *CN UPDATED 11/16/10*JB
Suspension, Apr 16, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE UNDER THE DRIVERS REAR SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE COIL SPRINGS WERE BREAKING OFF IN PIECES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 96,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 93,000.
Suspension, Power train, Apr 14, 2010
WHILE IN TRAFFIC TODAY, MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SUDDENLY LOST DRIVE POWER. FORTUNATELY, THE DRIVER BEHIND ME WAS NOT TAILGATING AND NOTICED MY VEHICLE SLOW DOWN RAPIDLY. I NOW FIND THIS TRANSMISSION FAILURE IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD 2002 EXPLORER. IN FACT ON ONE WEB SITE ALONE, WWW.AUTOBEEF.COM I SEE OVER 861 COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE ALONE ALL WITH 2002 EXPLORERS. TRANSMISSION FAILURES IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND AT HIGHER SPEED COULD CERTAINLY BE A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. ALSO LAST YEAR REPLACED BOTH REAR SPRINGS THAT HAD FAILED AND BROKE COMPLETELY AFFECTING BRAKING. *TR
Suspension, Apr 13, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE REAR COIL SPRINGS ON THE VEHICLE BROKE WHICH THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF DURING A BRAKE INSPECTION. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE COIL SPRINGS WERE THE SAME USED ON THE FORD TAURUS MODEL AND THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURES WITH THE SPRINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 250,000.
Suspension, Apr 1, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS ARE COMPLETLY RUSTED AND BROKE IN SEVERAL PLACES..I REALIZE THAT MY VECHILE IS NOW 8 YEARS OLD AND HAS 100,000 MILES BUT I'VE READ ONLINE THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THESE SPRINGS BREAKING AND BLOWING TIRES. NOW IM PAYING CLOSE TO 400 DOLLARS TO HAVE THIS REPLACED. I THINK FORD NEEDS TO TAKE ACTION AND STOP NEGLECTING THEM BUYING CHEAP MATERIAL AND PLAYING WITH PEOPLE LIVES AND SAFETY. THEY SHOULD REIMBURSE THOSE WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND FIX ALL VECHILES OF THIS YEAR...
Suspension, Mar 30, 2010
BROKEN REAR SPRINGS CAUSING STRUTS TO FAIL
Suspension, Mar 21, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER BEARING AND HUB FAILURE. *TR
Suspension, Mar 17, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH, THE CONTACT COULD HEAR A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER FOUND THAT BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS SIDE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WERE FAILING. THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED ACCORDINGLY. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE . THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT WAS 80,000.
Suspension, Mar 17, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE WHEEL BEARING FAILED ON THE VEHICLE CAUSING HER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO BARELY AVOID CRASHING WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. SHE STATED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS HAD BEEN REPLACED FIVE TIMES. THE MOST RECENT FAILURE WAS THE SIXTH FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Suspension, Mar 11, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEELS NEARLY FELL OFF DUE TO FAULTY WHEEL BEARINGS. NEEDED REPLACED AT ONLY 70,000 MILES. A RECALL IS NEEDED FOR PUBLIC SAFETY. *TR
Suspension, Mar 2, 2010
WHEN I TOOK MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER V8 INTO THE SHOP TO GET NEW TIRES I WAS TOLD THAT MY REAR COIL SPRING IS BROKE AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE NEVER BEEN OFF ROAD WITH MY VEHICLE AND ONLY DRIVE MOSTLY HIGHWAY. I WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THIS IS COMMON FOR MY VEHICLE AND I SHOULD FILE A COMPLAINT. I HAD NO IDEA IT BROKE OR HOW IT DID BUT MY CAR STARTED LEANING TO ONE SIDE. I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN THAT NEED TO BE IN A SAFE AND DEPENDABLE VEHICLE. THERE NEEDS TO BE A REALL DONE FOR THIS ISSUE BEFORE THERE IS SERIOUS INJURIES. MY VEHICLE HAS 115K MILES.
Suspension, Feb 24, 2010
THE BROKEN REAR SPRINGS (BOTH) ON OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4X4 CAUSED A NEAR ACCIDENT ON VETERANS PARKWAY IN BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS. THE SPRINGS COMPLETELY SHATTERED AND WERE BROKEN ON BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT REAR MAKING THE SUV MUCH LESS STABLE IN LANE CHANGES. WHEN TRAFFIC SUDDENLY SLOWED, WE ALMOST LOSS CONTROL WHEN WE TRIED TO CHANGE LANES. IT WAS A MIRACLE THERE WAS NOT AN ACCIDENT. FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT THE BAD STEEL IN THESE SPRINGS FOR YEARS AND THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF REPORTS ON THE INTERNET OF THIS SAME PROBLEM ON 2002 TO 2005 FORD EXPLORERS. WE ARE HAVING TO PAY OUT OF OUR POCKETS ABOUT $700 FOR VEHICLE REPAIRS EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A FORD SERVICE BULLETIN ON THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Feb 23, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I BOUGHT TI USED WITH 64,000 MILES ON IT. REPLACED BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED ALL STRUTS AND COILS SPRINGS. I HAVE AN ENGINE LIGHT ON FOR A INTAKE GASKET PROBLEM. THEN ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK TODAY MY O/D LIGHT CAME ON. MY TRUCK HAS 130,000 MILES ON IT. BEFORE I PURCHASED EXPLORER I FOUND OUT IT WAS IN A REAR END ACCIDENT. *TR
Suspension, Feb 21, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER 4X4 LIMITED WITH 2 BROKEN COIL SPRINGS 127,000MI. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Feb 17, 2010
MY FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS APPROXIMATELY SEPT 2008 WHEN I PULLED INTO A DRIVEWAY AND FELT AN ODD BUMP UPON LEAVING THE VEHICLE WAS WOBBLING WHEN I STOPPED AND TOOK THE CAP OFF OF THE LUG NUTS I NOTICED THE STUDS WHERE BROKEN ON THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR. THOUGHT WE HAD IT FIXED BY HAVING THE STUDS REPLACED. WRONG ABOUT 2 MONTHS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN. WAS TOLD THE HUB AND BEARING NEEDED REPLACED SO WE REPLACED THEM. UPON INSPECTION THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR HAD STARTED DOING THE SAME THING. SO WE REPLACED THAT SIDE AS WELL. THAT LASTED ABOUT 4 MONTHS AND WE WENT TO HAVE NEW TIRES PUT ON THE VEHICLE THE MECHANIC SAID THAT OUR BEARINGS WERE BAD AGAIN AND NEEDED REPLACED. SO WE DID REPLACE THEM. ABOUT 4 MONTHS LATER IT STARTED ALL OVER AGAIN WITH THE STUDS BREAKING OFF. IN ONE INCIDENT I LOST ALL LUG NUTS BUT ONE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AT ONCE WITH MY KIDS IN THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM FOR MY FAMILY BEING THAT WE DEPEND ON THIS VEHICLE AND CANT AFFORD ANOTHER BUT YET CAN'T FIND WHY THIS PROBLEM ISN'T AND APPARENTLY CANT' BE FIXED. I'VE DONE EVERYTHING THE GARAGE HAS TOLD ME TO DO. THE LOCAL FORD DEALER SAYS MY PROBLEM IS THAT I'M NOT PUTTING GOOD QUALITY FORD PARTS IN THERE FROM THEM. CAN ANY ONE HELP. UPON RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT THERE ARE OTHERS WITH THE SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE NEVER OWNED A VEHICLE THAT HAS DONE THIS. *TR
Suspension, Feb 15, 2010
I BROUGHT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER TO MY MECHANIC BECAUSE I NOTICED A VERY LOUD RUBBING NOISE. UPON INSPECTION, MY MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT BOTH REAR COILS WERE CRACKED. MY VEHICLE IS A "SOCCER MOM" CAR AND HAS NEVER BEEN OFF-ROAD. HE HAD TO REPLACE THE COILS, REAR ROTORS AND REAR WHEEL BEARINGS BECAUSE OF THE DAMAGE FROM THE COILS. MY VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 124,000 MILES. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Equipment, Feb 11, 2010
EVENT/SITUATION: HESITATES AND CHOKES AT 40-45 MILES PER HOUR WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE, ALONG WITH A SLIGHT RUBBING SENSATION FELT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL AND GAS PEDDLE. THEY ADVISED REPLACING THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. THEY ALSO STATED A WEAK BATTERY WHICH WAS REPLACED. THIS DID SEEM TO FIX VARIOUS FAULTY FALSE ELECTRICAL ISSUES: INTERIOR LIGHTS STAYING ON AND FALSE LIGHT/DASHBOARD READINGS. FAULTY TRANSMISSION, EMISSIONS OR PLUGS/WIRING HAVE BEEN POSSIBILITIES. I'VE TAKEN IT TO GOODYEAR WHO RECOMMENDED CHANGING OUT THE PLUGS AND WIRES, ALONG WITH A FLUSH. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT FLUSHES CAN RUIN PARTS ON OLDER VEHICLES AND CAUSE OTHER EXPENSIVE PROBLEMS. I FOUND A FEW WEBSITES WERE THERE ARE MANY OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVING THESE SAME ISSUES WITH THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. FORD HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND AWARE OF THESE TRANSMISSION ISSUES AND EXPENSIVE PROBLEMS, COVERING UP WITH OTHER LITTLE RECALLS LIKE THE WIRING HARNESS. I, LIKE MANY, ARE BEING FORCED TO PAY FOR FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS. I BELIEVE THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND MAKE FORD PAY FOR RECALLS AND REPAIRS. IT HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP FOR ITS OIL CHANGE AND A WIRING RECALL APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS AGO, IN JANUARY 2010. HERE IS THE WEBSITE WITH MANY OTHER FORD EXPLORER OFFICIAL COMPLAINTS WHO DEMAND A RESPONSIBLE/RELIABLE RECALL FIX FROM FORD. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/TRANSMISSION/O_D_LIGHT_IS_BLINKING.SHTML. *TR
Suspension, Feb 8, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4.0 ENGINE. REAR COIL SPRING FAILURE. THE VEHICAL HAS NEVER BEEN USED OFF-ROAD AND THE SPRINGS DO NOT HAVE SURFACE RUST BUT BOTH ARE BROKEN. CAR IN FOR RECALL ON CRUISE CONTROL AND FORD "FOUND" ISSUE. TURNS OUT IT IS VERY COMMON IN THIS MODEL AND FORD DEALERS FIND IT A GREAT WAY TO MAKE EXTRA DOLLARS. U-HAUL WILL NOT RENT TRAILERS TO OWNERS OF FORD EXPLORERS. THEY SAY THAT THERE ARE TOO MANY CLAIMS BUT WILL NOT REVEAL NATURE OF CLAIMS. FORD SAID THAT THEY HAVE NO COMMENT ON ISSUE. I CAN FORWARD E-MAILS FROM BOTH U-HAUL AND FORD STATING SUCH. *CN
Suspension, Feb 7, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH ABOUT 75,000 MILES. I TOOK IT TO MY DEALER DUE TO A RECALL NOTICE, AND THEY PERFORMED A MULTI-POINT INSPECTION. DURING THIS INSPECTION, THEY SAID THAT BOTH OF MY REAR SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. I FOUND THIS HARD TO BELIEVE BECAUSE I DON'T TOW ANYTHING AND I DRIVE CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS. THROUGH INVESTIGATION ON THE INTERNET, IT SEEMS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. I WILL NEED TO REPLACE THE SPRINGS AS THEY COULD PUNCTURE A TIRE LEADING TO AN ACCIDENT. THE COST OF THE SPRINGS SEEMS TO BE ABOUT $125 PLUS LABOR. *TW
Suspension, Feb 3, 2010
ON 01/29/2010, I TOOK MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4X4 TO KILL BRAKE & WHEEL TO HAVE NEW TIRES PUT ON THE VEHICLE. THE TECHNICIAN/MECHANIC ADVISED ME THAT THE LEFT REAR SPRING FOR THE VEHICLE WAS BROKE, BUT SITTING IN THE CENTER. I CALLED TIFFIN BRAKE & WHEEL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE SPRINGS REPLACED. I WAS ADVISED BY AN EMPLOYEE THAT THE BUSINESS HAS HAD "A LOT OF EXPLORERS HAVE THEIR SPRINGS REPLACED." THE EMPLOYEE ALSO MENTIONED THAT A COMPLAINT SHOULD BE FILED, BECAUSE A RECALL MAY BE IN ORDER DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF EXPLORERS WITH BROKEN SPRINGS. I AM CONCERNED WITH THIS ISSUE, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN OFF ROADED AND/OR ABUSED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. THE ACTUAL DATE WHEN THE SPRING BROKE IS UNKNOWN. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Jan 31, 2010
TOOK THE TRUCK INTO HAVE A VIBRATION AND NOISE CHECKED OUT COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. TURNED OUT TO BE A FAILURE OF PASSENGER REAR KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY AND WHEEL BEARING. WENT ON CAR COMPLAINTS.COM TO SEE IF A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS. THERE WERE REPORT OF THE SAME TYPE OF FAILURE WITH THE WHEELS ACTUALLY COMING OFF. *TR
Suspension, Jan 13, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR COIL BREAKAGE.. WAS DRIVING AND MY BACK END DIPPED NO NOISE JUST LEANING. WENT TO MECHANIC AND REALIZED COILS HAVE JUST RUSTED OUT, ARE YOU SERIOUS. EXPLORER ONLY HAS 87K. PARTS JUST RUSTED OUT AND BROKE. *TR