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, Power train, Feb 17, 2009
O/D LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING DIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY - RPM'S RAN AT 3RPM'S NO MATTER WHAT SPEED I TRAVELED. TRANSMISSION SHIFTS VERY HARD AND I AM EXPERIENCING A TERRIBLE CLUNKING NOISE - PIECE OF'!@#$% TRANSMISSION - WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION ACCORDING TO THE DEALER AND I HAVE HEARD IT IS HAPPENING VERY FREQUENTLY WITH THE 2002 EXPLORERS. *TR
Suspension, Feb 16, 2009
LOOKS LIKE THIS IS A FAIRLY COMMON COMPLAINT. I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, WITH 84K MILES. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT BOTH REAR COILS ARE BROKEN. BASED ON WHAT I AM READING ON MISC BLOG SITES, A GREAT NUMBER OF 2002 FORD EXPLORERS HAVE HAD THESE ISSUES. OBVIOUSLY THERE IS A DEFECT ON THESE REAR COILS AND IT SEEMS LIKE FORD SHOULD STEP UP AND OFFER FREE REPLACEMENTS. I AM GOING TO TRY TO REPLACE MYSELF AS THE GARAGE WANTED $850 FOR THE WORK, BUT, AFTER SEEING THE WORK INVOLVED, I'M NOT WONDERING IF IT MIGHT BE EASIER TO SELL THE TRUCK AND GET A RELIABLE VEHICLE. *TR
Suspension, Feb 12, 2009
AFTER FAILING INSPECTION BECAUSE BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. VEHICLE HAS NEVER TOWED OR CARRIED HEAVY LOADS. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Feb 11, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE VIBRATED EXCESSIVELY. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL BEARING WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. RECENTLY, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BEARING EXHIBITED A CRACK. IN ADDITION, THE OVERDRIVE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY. ALSO, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR. THE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
Suspension, Feb 7, 2009
FOUND PART OF MY REAR SPRING FOR MY 2002 EXPLORER LYING ON THE FLOOR OF THE GARAGE. UPON INSPECTION I SEE THE DRIVER'S SIDE SPRING AND THE TOP THAT HOLDS THE SPRING ARE BROKEN AND CRUMBLING. THE PASSENGER SIDE SPRING AND TOP HAS SEVERAL CRACKS. THIS IS AT 101,000 MI, NEVER DRIVEN OFF ROAD AND ONLY LIGHT TOWING. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT COULD VERY WELL FAIL WITH A FULLY LOADED VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY LEADING TO LOSS OF CONTROL. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Jan 28, 2009
HAD TO HAVE BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED. *TR
Suspension, Jan 26, 2009
DURING A SERVICE THE REAR SPRING WAS FOIND TO BE BROKEN IN TWO PLACES. THE FIRST TWO COILS OF THE RIGH REAR COIL SPRING WERE BROKEN. *TR
Suspension, Jan 11, 2009
BROKEN COIL SPRINGS-CAR IS NOT USED FOR TOWING OR OTHER ACTIVITIES. MANY SUCH REPORTS OF PREMATURE COIL BREAKAGE. MY CAR HAS 66K MILES ON IT--NO THIRD SEAT. BOTH COILS BROKEN. *TR
Suspension, Parking brake, Power train, Other or unspecified, Jan 1, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH BROKEN COIL SPRING, CRACK UNDER REAR WINDOW, AND TRANSMISSION SLIP, BROKEN PARKING BRAKE SHOES IN ASSEMBLY. SAME COMPLAINTS THAT SEEM TO BE COMMON. AND SAME WITH EVERYONE ELSE, NO HELP FROM FORD. *TR
Suspension, Dec 29, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. WHEN HAVING BRAKES REPLACED MECHANIC INFORMED ME BOTH REAR SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. IN CHECKING WEB THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH VARIOUS FORD PRODUCTS. APPROX. MILEAGE 78,000. MECHANIC SAID THE SPRINGS CAN BREAK APART WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING A BLOWOUT. AGAIN, IF THIS IS A KNOWN, COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORDS, WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN ANY RECALL REGARDING THIS? LUCKILY NO ACCIDENT/INCIDENT BECAUSE THE PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED PRIOR TO ONE OCCURRING. *TR
Suspension, Dec 17, 2008
ONLY 83,000 MILES ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND I AM FACED WITH A BILL OF AROUND $2,500 FOR REPAIRS. THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AND HUBS NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE REAR STRUTS NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR BUSHINGS NEED TO BE REPLACED. WHEN THE CAR IS DRIVEN YOU CAN HEAR NOISES LIKE A WHINING SOUND. IT SOUNDS ALMOST LIKE A PLANE IS LANDING IN MY BACK SEAT. *TR
Suspension, Dec 16, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER 4X4 EDDIE BAUER. LEFT REAR SUSPENSION HUB/BEARING FAILURE. VEHICLE LOCATED AND DRIVEN IN SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN (DETROIT AREA) WHERE ROADS ARE SALTED IN WINTER. VEHICLE IN SERVICE DATE (12/12/2001). INCIDENT DATE (12/10/2008 - 108845 MILES). RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION HUB/BEARING FAILURE AT AN EARLIER DATE. *TR
Suspension, Dec 16, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER 4X4 EDDIE BAUER. RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION HUB/BEARING FAILURE. VEHICLE LOCATED AND DRIVEN IN SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN (DETROIT AREA) WHERE ROADS ARE SALTED IN WINTER. VEHICLE IN SERVICE DATE (12/12/2001). INCIDENT DATE (03/08/2006 - 69216 MILES). LEFT REAR SUSPENSION HUB/BEARING FAILURE AT A LATER DATE. *TR
Suspension, Dec 16, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER 4X4 EDDIE BAUER. LEFT REAR SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE. VEHICLE LOCATED AND DRIVEN IN SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN (DETROIT AREA) WHERE ROADS ARE SALTED IN WINTER. VEHICLE IN SERVICE DATE (12/12/2001). INCIDENT DATE (12/10/2008 - 108845 MILES). RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURED AT AN EARLIER DATE. *TR
Suspension, Dec 16, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER 4X4 EDDIE BAUER. RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE. VEHICLE LOCATED AND DRIVEN IN SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN (DETROIT AREA) WHERE ROADS ARE SALTED IN WINTER. VEHICLE IN SERVICE DATE (12/12/2001). INCIDENT DATE (03/08/2006 - 69216 MILES). LEFT REAR SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURED AT A LATER DATE. *TR
Suspension, Dec 10, 2008
I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE STRUTS LOOKED AT AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING WAS IN NEED OF REPAIR AND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. I HAVE NOTICED ON OTHER CHAT ROOMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE FOR THIS MAKE/MODEL OF VEHICLE AND I WAS REFERRED TO THIS SITE. *TR
Suspension, Air bags, Seat belts, Oct 28, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT LATCH SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK AND THEY ARE CHARGING HIM TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD THAT THE SEAT BELT DOES NOT WORK. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 47,600. UPDATED 12/10/08 *CN BOTH OF THE REAR SPRINGS BROKE AND THE REAR AXLE BEARING WAS BAD. UPDATED 12/16/08. *JB
Suspension, Oct 25, 2008
VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER FOR STATE INSPECTION. BOTH REAR SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS WERE CRACKED THROUGH. PARTS ARE BEING REPLACED BY DEALER. OLD PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Oct 18, 2008
ON 10-14-2008, TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR ROUTINE NYS VEH INSPECTION. MIDAS MECH INFORMED ME THAT A 5 INCH PIECE SNAPPED OFF AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PASS SIDE REAR COIL SPRING . YOU COULD SEE THAT THE COIL SPRING WASN'T SEATED RIGHT ANYMORE. VEHICLE MILEAGE WAS APPROX 66,400. NEVER USED OFF ROAD. MECH INFORMED ME THAT 2002 FORD EXPLORERS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR DEFECTIVE WHEEL HUBS (WHICH IS TRUE BECAUSE I RECENTLY JUST REPLACED BOTH ABOUT 1000 MI AGO AT $1400) AND FOR THE STRUT COIL OVER SPRINGS SNAPPING. ENOUGH ALREADY!! WHEN WILL THE GOV MAKE FORD OWN UP TO DESIGN AND SAFETY FAILURES !!!??? I COULD HAVE BEEN TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS COIL SPRING PIECE SNAPPED OFF AND COULD HAVE PUNCTURED THE TIRE OR THE BRAKE LINE OR THE FUEL TANK!! *TR
Suspension, Parking brake, Oct 16, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER USED FOR NON BUSINESS DRIVING. NO HEAVY LOADS OR TRAILERS. NO OFF ROAD USE. NO INCIDENTS WITH OBJECTS IN ROAD, POT HOLES, OBSTACLES ETC. BOTH REAR SUSPENSION SPRINGS BROKEN. ONE SPRING BROKEN IN 3 PLACES. NOTICED @ 56,500 MILES. SPRINGS HAD BEEN BROKEN FOR A WHILE(RUST ON BREAKS). DIDN'T NOTICE IT UNTIL RECENTLY BROKEN SPRING ON OTHER SIDE ASYMPTOMATIC. THE ONLY IMMEDIATE CONSEQUENCES TO ME WERE A LARGE REPAIR BILL. IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE IF I WAS PRESENTED WITH A NEED FOR AN EMERGENCY MANEUVER AND THE FAULTY SUSPENSION CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I REPLACED BOTH REAR SPRINGS AND STRUTS. PARTS IN REPAIR SHOP TRASH. WON'T LAST THERE TOO LONG. REPAIR SHOP REPORTS SEEING SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH EXPLORER AND RELATED FORD MODELS. INTERNET SEARCH REVEALED MANY PEOPLE HAD SAME PROBLEM WITH NO HISTORY OF ABUSE REPORTED. HAD REAR BRAKES SERVICED AT THE SAME TIME. HAD TO REPLACE SHOE PADS ON PARKING BRAKE BECAUSE THE PADS BOTH FELL OFF. USE PARKING BRAKE INFREQUENTLY. REPAIR SHOP REPORTED SEEING THIS PROBLEM PREVIOUSLY ALSO. *TR
Suspension, Oct 14, 2008
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR SPRINGS BROKE JUST THE OTHER DAY. MINE HAD RUSTED OUT AND BROKE AT THE BOTTOM AND TOP OF THE SPRINGS FROM RUSTING OUT. *TR
Suspension, Equipment, Oct 12, 2008
WHEEL BEARINGS ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER ARE WEARING OUT WITHOUT ANY NOTICE. I NEVER HAD A CAR THAT EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A SEVER PROBLEM AS I DRIVE MY SMALL CHILDREN AROUND IN. KNOWING THAT A WHEEL COULD EVENTUALLY COME OFF SCARES THE LIFE OUT OF ME. THERE IS NO RECALL FROM AS THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. *TR
Suspension, Oct 12, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER BADLY RUSTED CRACKED REAR COIL SPRINGS. WHILE DOING BRAKE JOB NOTICED HOW RUSTED AND CRACKED REAR COIL SPRINGS WHERE. CAR HAS LESS THAN 75,000 MILES ON IT NEVER TOWED NO HEAVY WEIGHT SPRINGS SHOULD NOT CRACK LIKE THAT. COULD HAVE SHOT OUT AND CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE (IE SHOT THROUGH TIRE OR GAS TANK LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE ETC.) *TR
Suspension, Oct 7, 2008
NORMAL DRIVING CAR WITH VERY LITTLE LIGHT TOWING HAD REAR COIL SPRING FAILURE. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR TO THE MECHANICS TO GET FIXED HOWEVER THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON THIS PART SHOULD FAIL AT ONLY 80,000 MILES. I HAVE DRIVEN CARS WITH FACTORY SPRINGS THAT HAD 200K ON THEM. AND SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN HURT, INCLUDING MYSELF. *TR
Suspension, Oct 7, 2008
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS BROKEN REAR SUSPENSION SPRINGS. MY VEHICLE HAS 75,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS CUSTOMERS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. THIS MAY BE DUE TO BAD STEEL OR HEAT TREATMENT OF THE PARTS. I AM REQUESTING ACTION ON THIS ITEM. I DO NOT DO ANY HAULING OR TOWING TO CAUSE THE PROBLEM. *TR