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, Dec 30, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE WHEEL BEARINGS ON THREE OF THE WHEELS HAVE TO BE REPLACED. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE MANUFACTURER STATED SINCE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, HE WAS INELIGIBLE FOR A FREE REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000. UPDATED 01/12/10 *BF UPDATED 01/14/10.*JB
Suspension, Dec 20, 2009
I TOOK MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 67K MILES ON IT TO THE DEALER FOR A RECALL. THEY OFFERED A FREE INSPECTION OF WHICH THEY INFORMED ME THE RIGHT REAR SPRING WAS BROKEN. THERE WAS NO INDICATION IT WAS BROKEN WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, SO THERE IS NO WAY OF KNOWING WHEN IT BROKE. THE PROBLEM WILL BE CORRECTED BY REPLACING THE SPRING. NO IMPROVED SPRING PART NUMBER WAS AVAILABLE FOR FORD, SO I EXPECT IT TO BREAK AGAIN IN ABOUT 70K MILES IF I BUY A NEW FORD SPRING. *TR
Suspension, Nov 30, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER DRIVER SIDE REAR COIL SPRING BROKEN. *TR
Suspension, Nov 18, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR SPRINGS BROKE , PUNCTURED THE TIRE. *TR
Suspension, Nov 15, 2009
BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE ON 2002 EXPLORER. THIS WAS NOTICED DURING INSPECTION WHILE HAVING THE OIL CHANGED. IT APPEARS TO BE BAD STEEL AS THERE HAVE BEEN MANY REPORTS OF THIS ON THE INTERNET. FORD SHOULD RECALL AND PAY FOR ANYONE WHO HAS ALREADY HAD TO HAVE THESE REPLACED. MY TAKE ON THIS IS IT NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTN.(IN THE FORM OF A RECALL FROM FORD) TO SAVE LIVES. *TR
Suspension, Nov 11, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT REAR COIL SPRINGS . I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH MANY EXPLORER OWNERS AND THEY REPORT THAT THEIR REAR COIL SPRINGS ARE BREAKING AND CRACKING PREMATURELY! AS OF NOW, NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM AND AS I CHECKED UNDER THE REAR END OF MY EXPLORER TODAY, BOTH REAR COILS ARE BROKEN AND WILL NEED REPLACEMENT. AS I UNDERSTAND, THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT ONLY EXIST IN 2002 MODELS, BUT OTHERS ALSO. *TR
Suspension, Nov 10, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. HER REAR PASSENGER COIL SPRING HAS FRACTURED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. SINCE THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED, SHE WAS INELIGIBLE FOR A FREE REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 47,600.
Suspension, Nov 4, 2009
UPON INSPECTING OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER FOR STATE INSPECTION, I DISCOVERED THE RIGHT REAR COIL SPRING TO BE BROKEN. THIS IS ONE OF TWO BROKEN ON THIS VEHICLE TO DATE, THE FIRST WAS THE LEFT REAR DISCOVERED BY THE LOCAL FORD DEALER WHEN IN FOR A ROUTINE CHECK, THEY REPLACED THAT SPRING, I REPLACED THE RIGHT SIDE & STILL HAVE THE PIECES (3 TO BE EXACT) IN MY POSSESSION. WE HAVE ALSO HAD ALL FOUR AXLE BEARINGS REPLACED. ONE OF WHICH BECAME SO HOT, THE LEFT SIDE REAR HUB CAP MELTED & FELL OFF THE WHEEL. ALL FOUR BEARINGS WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALER. NONE OF THE BEARINGS OR HUB CAP WERE UNDER WARRANTY SO WE WERE STUCK WITH THOSE & THE RR SPRING EXPENSE. KNOWING THE TYPE OF PART FAILURES ON OUR EXPLORER IT BRINGS UP A MORE CRUCIAL QUESTION OF, COULD ANY OF THEM HAVE RESULTED IN SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. ROLLOVER,SWERVING OFF OF THE ROAD TO POSSIBLY HIT SOMETHING OR SOMEONE,ETC. WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE AROUND THE SAME TIME? I'VE ALWAYS ENJOYED FORD PRODUCTS, REPAIRED MANY,HOPE THEY WILL TAKE THIS AND APPLY IT TO TOUGHER TEST STANDARDS. VEHICLES' CURRENT MILEAGE IS OVER 120,000 I UNDERSTAND OTHER FORD MODELS HAVE HAD OTHER COIL SPRING CONCERNS ALSO, SUCH AS A NOTICE WE RECEIVED WHEN WE OWNED OUR '95 WINDSTAR. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Oct 28, 2009
THIS COMPLAINT IS CONCERNING THE WHEEL BEARINGS ON ALL 2002 FORD EXPLORERS AND THE FREQUENCY IN WHICH THEY BREAK OR COME LOSE CAUSING LOSE OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MY VEHICLE ON 5 OCCASIONS, THE LAST OF WHICH FORD REFUSES TO REPLACE AT THEIR COST DUE TO IT BEING OUT OF WARRANTY. THE FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED IN FEBRUARY 2007 WHEN MY RIGHT FRONT BEARING BROKE WHILE I WAS ON AN HIGHWAY OVERPASS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE AS THE WHEEL NEARLY COMES OFF WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND THE VEHICLE JERKS. THE TRUCK WAS TOWED INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THE SECOND INCIDENT HAPPENED IN JANUARY 2008 WHEN MY LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING BROKE. THIS TIME I WAS THANKFULLY NOT ON THE EXPRESSWAY BUT ONCE AGAIN THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR AS IT WAS NOT DRIVABLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN FOR REPAIR THIS TIME I REQUESTED THAT THE REAR BEARINGS BE CHECKED AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY AND IT WAS FOUND THAT THOSE TWO BEARINGS ALSO NEEDED REPLACEMENT. NOW, IN OCTOBER 2009, ONCE AGAIN MY FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING IS LOSE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I CALLED FORD REGARDING THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE BEARINGS ARE FAULTY AND THAT SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE KILLED DUE TO THIS ISSUE BUT THE CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER JUST SAYS TO MAKE A COMPLAINT. THEY ALSO WILL NOT COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR AS IT IS OUT OF THEIR 12 MONTH OR 12,000 MILE WARRANTY PERIOD. I HAVE STARTED RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE AND HAVE FOUND 28 PAGES OF COMPLAINTS FROM PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AND THIS IS JUST ONE WEBSITE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THE BEARINGS ON 2002 EXPLORERS. THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE A SEALED FACTORY PART THAT USUALLY DOES NOT REQUIRE REPAIR AND I AM ON MY FIFTH REPAIR. I AM CONCERNED FOR MY OWN SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS. *TR
Suspension, Oct 6, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER . WHILE CHANGING THE BRAKE PADS, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A FORD DEALER, AND THE AXLES BEARINGS,THE RACK AND PINION, AND THE REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE REPLACED AT AN EXPENSE OF $2140.56. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90000.
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Oct 3, 2009
2002 EXPLORER FIRST REAR END WENT AND WAS REPLACE ONLY TO FIND ITS GONE AGAIN AFTER 20,000 MILES, THEN 4.6 V8 ENGINE HAS A KNOCK IN IT, FORD IS AWARE OF IT BUT WONT REPLACE OR FIX IT, NOW BOTH REAR SPRINGS ARE BROKE WHICH FORD ALSO KNOWS AND WONT REPLACE. *TR
Suspension, Oct 2, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THIS SUV HAS A THIRD SEAT, THAT'S SELDOM USED. HAS A TOWING PACKAGE THAT'S BEEN RARELY USED. REAR COIL SPRINGS THAT TELL ME NONE OF THESE EXTRA OPTIONS CAN BE USED. WITHOUT ENDANGERING EVERYBODY IN THE CAR, AS WELL AS EVERYBODY ON THE ROAD. THIS CAR WAS DRIVEN DAILY, TO AND FROM WORK, AND SELDOM USED ON THE WEEKENDS. PARKED ON PAVEMENT, NOT GRAVEL, OR GRASS, AND NEVER OFF ROAD. WHY ARE THEY BREAKING? DOES THE GENERAL PUBLIC HAVE TO BE WARNED TO AVOID DRIVING PAST ONE OF THESE SUV'S BECAUSE THEY MAY RANDOMLY VEER OFF THE ROAD WITH A TIRE BLOWOUT? THIS IS TYPICAL OF FORD TO SEND OUT RECALLS ON THE HATCH, BUT NOT THE MUCH MORE SERIOUS (LIFE SAFETY) PROBLEM WITH IT'S REAR COIL SPRINGS. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Sep 20, 2009
I HAVE HAD TROUBLES WITH THE WHEEL ENDS ON MY FORD SINCE I BOUGHT IT IN 2005. I DIDN'T REALIZE THE PROBLEMS THAT I AM HAVING ARE COMMON IN THIS VEHICLE. I STARTED NOTICING MORE BRAKE DUST ON SOME OF THE WHEELS THAN OTHERS. THEN ON MY REAR/PASSENGERS TIRE I HEAR A SQUEAKING, GRINDING NOISE WITH A LITTLE WABBLE IN THE WHEEL. TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER -SAID THEY GRINDED SOMETHING DOWN. DIDN'T HEAR THE NOISE ANYMORE. MY ABS LIGHT KICKS ON WON'T GO OFF HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH DEFECT IN WHEEL END ASSEMBLY APPARENTLY. PAID $150 TO GET IT OFF COMES RIGHT BACK ON WEEKS LATER!! MY ENTIRE WHEEL END ALMOST FALLS OFF WHILE ON THE HWY. PULL OVER ALL 4 STUDS HAD COME COMPLETELY OFF OF THE WHEEL EXCEPT 1, THE WHEEL WAS LITERALLY HANGIN. HAD TO HAVE ALL STUDS REPLACED. HAVE HAD TO HAVE WHEEL STUDS REPLACED FREQUENTLY AT SOME POINT ON ALL FOUR TIRES. PAID TO HAVE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED FINALLY $300+. FRONT, DRIVERS WHEEL BEARINGS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING 70-80 MPH ON HWY, LOSS CONTROL, BARELY MADE IT OFF HWY IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE! 1-2MONTHS LATER FRONT PASSENGERS WHEEL BEARINGS GO BAD HAVE TO BE REPLACED-$300+ EACH TIME. HAD FRONT BRAKES & ROTORS REPLACED MARCH '07, REAR BRAKES & ROTORS JAN '08. THIS MONTH SEPT '09 HAD TO HAVE REAR BRAKES & ROTORS REPLACED. COULD ONLY AFFORD TO HAVE BRAKE PADS REPLACED. ONLY PUT 30,000MILES ON IT SINCE HAD B/R CHANGED IN '08. WHY AM I HAVING TO HAVE THEM BOTH CHANGED A YEAR LATER. SOMETHING IN THE WHEEL END ASSEMBLY IS CAUSING INCREASED WEAR & TEAR ON REAR BRAKES, ROTORS AND EVERYTHING ELSE! NOW MY BRAKE PADS ARE BURNING INSANELY CRAZY, ALOT OF SMOKE COMES FROM THE WHEEL. NEW BRAKE PADS SHOULDN'T BURN THAT FAST EVEN WITH SOMEWHAT BAD ROTORS. (THAT SHOUDN'T BE BAD), HAVE TO GO BACK TO THE SHOP THIS WEEK. ALL ARE COMMON ISSUES APPARENTLY. PLEASE REVIEW LINK W/COMPLAINTS ON THIS '02 MODEL. & THEY TELL ME MY BALL JOINTS ARE GOING OUT! THANK YOU. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/WHEELS_HUBS/WHEEL_BEARING_FAILURE.SHTML. *TR
Suspension, Sep 16, 2009
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE HAVING MY TIRES ROTATED THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT MY REAR DRIVERS SIDE COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN. I AM WAITING FOR THE DEALER TO ORDER NEW SPRINGS AS IT APPEARS BOTH NEED TO BE CHANGED. I WAS MADE AWARE OF THIS ON 9-9-09. SO I DON'T KNOW WHEN IT BROKE. I DID NOT HEAR ANY NOISE OR NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCE IN HANDLING. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Sep 11, 2009
HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS, BUT WHILE I WAS OUT DRIVING TODAY MY CAR BEGAN TO POP AS I TURNED THE WHEEL. I HAVE GOTTEN MY TIE RODS REPLACED AND THERE SEEMS TO CONTINUE TO BE A PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE. MY HUSBAND DROVE THE CAR HOME FOR ME SLOWLY BUT WILL NOT DRIVE FOR FEAR THAT THE WHEEL MAY POP OFF. CONTACTED FORD AND AM WAITING ON A RESPONSE, THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN NOTED ON THE INTERNET BY SEVERAL OWNERS OF THIS MODEL AND YEAR. THIS IS A SUSPENSION PROBLEM AND I WOULD LIKE THIS FURTHER INVESTIGATED SO THAT NOONE IS RIDING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH THEIR CHILDREN IN VEHICLE AND THE WHEEL POP OFF. I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT MY CHILD WAS NOT IN THE TRUCK WITH ME AT THE TIME THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED. *TR
Suspension, Aug 25, 2009
I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A SIMPLE OIL CHANGE AND INSPECTION AND THEY NOTICED 2 REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKEN AND BAD REAR RIGHT WHEEL BEARING. I FEEL THIS IS A MAJOR REPAIR/RECALL FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD TAKE CARE OF BEFORE SOMEONE SERIOUSLY GETS INJURED OR DIES. I DRIVE THIS VEHICLE TO AND FROM WORK LOCALLY WITH 2 SMALL CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 6. I'M GLAD WE DIDN'T GET INTO A MAJOR ACCIDENT WITH THIS HAPPENING. *TR
Suspension, Aug 19, 2009
NOTICED A NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, I FOUND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. SPRINGS WERE REPLACED WITH NEW. OLD PARTS HAVE BEEN DISPOSED OF BUT DO HAVE PHOTOS. *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 13, 2009
IN MAY 2005, THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE. THE O/D LIGHT HAD BEEN GOING ON AND OFF FOR A NUMBER OF DAYS. TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $4500. CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 60000 MILES. IN JANUARY OF 2008, THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO BECAUSE THE TIMING BELT WENT AT A COST OF $3000. CAR HAD 75000 MILES. IN AUGUST 2009, BOTH REAR SPRING WERE DISCOVERED TO BE BROKEN WHEN THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR A WHINING IN THE REAR, WHICH WAS THE REAR AXLE BEARING. THE CAR HAD 94000 MILES, COST OF REPAIR WAS $1200. *TR
Suspension, Aug 4, 2009
AFTER HEARING SEVERAL DIFFERENT NOISES COMING FROM THE EXPLORER, I TOOK IT IN TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE FRONT STRUTS WERE BROKEN AND NEEDED REPLACED. I PAID TO HAVE THOSE REPLACED. AFTER LEAVING, I CONTINUED TO HEAR A SECOND NOISE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT AGAIN. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEM. AFTER ANOTHER WEEK I DIDN'T HEAR THE NOISE ANYMORE. I THEN STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A CHUGGING OCCURRING IN THE ENGINE. WHILE HAVING THIS SERVICED, I WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR SPRINGS WERE BROKEN AND THE STRUTS ALSO NEED REPLACED. THE FIRST ESTIMATE FOR THE REAR SPRINGS AND STRUTS WAS $780! SO FAR ON THE 2002 EXPLORER I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT (50K MILES), OD SENSOR REPLACED (45K MILES), ABS SENSOR REPLACED (45K MILES), REAR CONTROL ARM REPLACED (75K MILES), FRONT STRUTS (78K MILES), AND REAR LATCH REPLACED (RECALL). THE EMERGENCY BRAKE (75K MILES) ALSO NEEDED REPLACED. WHEN THE CONTROL ARM WAS REPLACED, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CRUMBLED APART. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT I AM LUCKILY THE BROKEN SPRING DID NOT PIERCE THE TIRE AND CAUSE A BLOWOUT. THE SPRINGS/STRUTS AND THE TRANSMISSION ARE COMMON PROBLEMS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. BETWEEN PAYING OUT OF POCKET AND THE ISSUES COVERED BY AN AFTER MARKET WARRANTY, OVER $5000 HAVE BEEN SPENT ON A VEHICLE 7 YEARS OLD WITH ONLY 79000 MILES. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER TOWED ANYTHING OR BEEN DRIVEN OFF ROAD. *TR
Suspension, Jul 27, 2009
I WAS CHANGING THE REAR BRAKES ON MY MOTHERS 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND FOUND THAT THE LEFT REAR COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN IN 2 PLACES AND CRACKED QUITE SOME DISTANCE THROUGH THE CENTER OF THE SPRING. I LOOKED ONLINE TO SEE IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND IT TURNS OUT IT IS A HUGE PROBLEM. THE FIRST LINK I CLICKED ON LEAD ME TO A FORUM WITH 92 THREADS WERE PEOPLE HAVE HAD BROKEN SPRINGS ON THEIR 2002 EXPLORER. THIS IS CLEARLY A WIDESPREAD ISSUE. I DO HAVE THE OLD SPRING, BUT AM MISSING ONE PART BECAUSE IT MUST HAVE FALLEN OUT WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Suspension, Jul 22, 2009
I TOOK MY CAR TO HAVE THE TIRES REPLACED. WHEN THE MECHANIC PUT THE CAR ON THE LIFT HE INFORMED ME THAT BOTH OF MY REAR SPRINGS WERE CRUMBLING. ONE OF THE SPRINGS WAS BROKEN IN 3 PLACES, THE OTHER WAS BROKEN IN TWO PLACES. THE MECHANIC CLAIMS IN HIS 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE HE HAS NEVER SEEN A BROKEN SPRING AT 51,000 MILES, WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ONLY USED AS A FAMILY CAR AND HAD NOT BEEN A RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT. HE SAID HOW LUCKY I WAS THAT THE SPRING DID NOT COME APART KILLING MYSELF AND MY FAMILY ON THE HIGHWAY. WE CONTACTED FORD, HOPING THAT THEY HAD RECALLED THIS FAULT AFTER WE SAW HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET. FORD SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL AND WE WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS. THIS REPAIR IS GOING TO COST OVER $500. I GUESS IT IS A SMALL PRICE WHEN MY FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I AM HOPING THE GOVERNMENT CAN CONTACT ALL FORD EXPLORER CUSTOMER TO WARN THEM OF THIS PROBLEM AND HOPEFULLY PREVENT A CERTAIN DEATH. *TR
Suspension, Jul 11, 2009
WHEN IN A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR LUBE, OIL & FILTER CHANGE, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. *TR
Suspension, Jul 10, 2009
REAR COIL SPRINGS FAILED ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 4,100 MILES ON IT. THIS WAS FOUND WHILE OIL WAS BEING CHANGED AT THE DEALER. IT APPEARS THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. FORD NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE WITH THIS MANY VEHICLES HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. NOW I'M FACING A 500.00 REPAIR BILL. *TR
Suspension, Jul 2, 2009
WHILE ROTATING THE TIRES ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER I FOUND THAT BOTH REAR SPRINGS ARE BROKEN. I BELIEVE THIS IS CAUSED DUE TO SUB STANDARD MATERIALS AS MY CAR HAS NEVER BEEN USED FOR OFF ROAD OR TOWING. MY CAR HAS ONLY 62,000 MILES. BOTH SPRINGS AND STRUTS WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Suspension, Jun 24, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. UPON REACHING HIS DESTINATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY INOPERABLE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 96,000.