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, Jul 14, 2008
WHEEL BEARING PROBLEMS WITH MOST 2002 MODEL FORD EXPLORERS ALL TRIM LEVELS. *TR
Suspension, Jul 9, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER 4.0 HAS EXCESSIVE WHEEL BEARING NOISE. I HAVE READ OF MANY WHEEL BEARING ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL WHICH SIGNIFIES A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. A RECALL SHOULD BE INSTITUTED. *TR
Suspension, Jul 6, 2008
LEFT REAR SPRING BROKEN APPROXIMATELY 3" FROM TOP OF SPRING. SPRING PROTECTIVE COATING ONLY 20% REMAINING AND ESSENTIALLY NON FUNCTIONAL. EXTREMELY HEAVY RUST IN THIS REGION OF SPRING. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Jun 29, 2008
NOISE AND FLUID LEAKAGE IN REAR DIAGNOSED BY LOCAL MECHANIC AS FAILING WHEEL BEARING AND DIFFERENTIAL SEAL. REPLACED DIFFERENTIAL SEAL AND ONE REAR WHEEL BEARING AT 57,000 MILES. AT 69,000 REPLACED ONE FRONT WHEEL BEARING BECAUSE OF NOISE. AT 80,000 MECHANIC REPORTED THAT BOTH REAR SPRINGS HAD CORRODED AT THEIR UPPER ENDS AND CRACKED THROUGH. BOTH THESE ISSUES ARE COMMON ON 2002 MODELS BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS IN THE DATA BASE. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Structure, Jun 26, 2008
MARCH '07: REAR GATE SPLIT UNDER WINDOW DECEMBER '07 THROUGH JAN '08: REAR DIFFERENTIAL REBUILT TWICE, REAR AXEL HUBS AND BEARINGS REPLACED; DIFFERENTIAL NOISE STILL LOUD JUNE '08: TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED. *TR
Suspension, Jun 23, 2008
REAR HUB BEARINGS SHOT AND VERY COSTLY TO REPAIR. THIS IS HAPPENING ON 2002 FORD EXPLORERS IN GREAT NUMBERS AND SHOULD BE RESOLVED BY A RECALL. PLEASE REFER TO HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/WHEELS_HUBS/WHEEL_BEARING_FAILURE.SHTML WHERE AMONG OTHERS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS ISSUE ARE POSTED. *TR
Suspension, Jun 19, 2008
I WAS DRIVING HOME AND TURNED THE CORNER AND THIS CLANKING NOISE BEGAN COMING FROM THE REAR WHEEL OF MY TRUCK. I TOOK THE TIRE OFF TO CHECK THE BRAKE CALIPERS AND AND WERE SPINNING THE HUB AND GOT RESISTANCE AND CLANKING SOUNDS. I WENT TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THE LEFT REAR BEARINGS HAD GONE OUT. *TR
Suspension, Jun 18, 2008
REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WORN OUT ON FORD EXPLORER. LOOKS TO BE A HUGE PROBLEM WITH THEM. IT SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM TO BE FIXED. LUCKILY NO ACCIDENT/OR INJURIES!!! *TR
Suspension, Jun 18, 2008
SEVERE WHEEL BEARING ISSUES SINCE DAY ONE. HUB ASSEMBLY MADE LOUD NOISE AND THE WHEELS MAY HAVE FELL OFF BECAUSE OF POOR DESIGN OF BEARING ASSEMBLY. MATHEWS FORD ASSURED US IT WAS NORMAL FOR 4X4 EXPLORERS TO MAKE SUCH NOISE, AND HAVE NOT REVISITED THE PROBLEM FROM 2002 UNTIL NOW. BEARINGS WERE CHECKED ON ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON JUNE 17 2008 AND WERE FOUND TO BE FAILING ACCORDING TO MATHEWS FORD MECHANIC. AT 52,000 MILES THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS AND SPINDLE WERE REPLACED DUE TO THIS DEFECT. *TR
Suspension, Visibility, Equipment, Jun 18, 2008
WE OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT WE PURCHASED USED WITH 40,000 MILES ON IT. SINCE PURCHASE WE HAVE HAD 3 POWER WINDOW MOTORS GO BAD, BOTH REAR BEARINGS REPLACED, THE BACK DOOR PANEL IS CRACKED, THE A/C DOESN'T WORK, AND NOW IT LOOKS AS IF THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING BAD. IF SO MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS VEHICLE HAVE ALL THE SAME PROBLEMS HOW CAN THERE BE NO RECALL? *TR
Suspension, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Visibility, Jun 12, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER- A NIGHTMARE OF PROBLEMS THAT KEEP GETTING WORSE. IT HAS 56K MILES ON IT AND I AM ABOUT TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. FUEL PUMP , 2 REAR SPRINGS, 2 WHEEL BEARINGS AND THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW MOTOR HAVE ALREADY BEEN REPLACED. NEITHER OF THE 2 REAR WINDOWS ROLL DOWN AND THE BACK HATCH LIFT REPLACE ON RECALL IS BROKEN YET AGAIN. THIS IS THE BIGGEST HUNK OF JUNK ON 4 WHEELS. FORD NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING. THANK GOD I DIDN'T BUY IT NEW BECAUSE THAT REALLY WOULD HAVE BEEN A RIP OFF. *TR
Suspension, Jun 11, 2008
ALL FOUR WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED REPLACED ON MY 02' FORD EXPLORER PREMATURELY IN MY OPINION AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT ON INTERNET CHAT ROOMS AND WEB SITES. THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS CAN BE DANGEROUS WHEN THEY FAIL DUE TO THE TIRE WOBBLING ON THE AXLE WITHOUT WARNING. THESE REPAIRS ARE EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE ALSO AND HARD TO DO FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON IF THEY WANT TO SAVE MONEY. *TR
Suspension, Jun 5, 2008
WELL, THE WIFE BOUGHT THIS PRE OWNED 2002 FORD EXPLORER. 10 MONTHS AGO. WE STARTED GETTING ROAD NOISE AFTER AN OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION. I THOUGHT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR TIRES BEING CUPPED, AND PLACED ON THE FRONT. WE LET THAT GO, I THEN TOLD THE WIFE TO GO GET NEW TIRES. THEY TELL HERE AFTERWARDS, THAT BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS ARE BROKEN, AND WOULD BE $660.00 DOLLARS TO FIX. SO I TOLD HER, TO JUST BRING THE EXPLORER TO ME, ILL FIX IT. SO AFTER A DAY OF WEB SEARCHES I FIND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL, JUST LIKE THE MAN AT TIREMAN SAID. AND THESE COIL SPRINGS ARE OF COURSE MADE IN CHINA. THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS, I ALWAYS FELT THE REAR END SWAY WHEN GOING OVER SPEED BUMPS AT 10 MPH. AND NEVER KNEW THE SPRINGS WERE BROKEN FOR ALMOST A YEAR. AND NOBODY ELSE I READ ABOUT ONLINE KNEW, UNTIL A MECHANIC TOLD THEM AFTER OTHER REPAIRS WERE BEING DONE. I JUST HOPE THIS DOESN'T COST SOMEONE THEIR LIFE CHANGING LANES ONE THE EXPRESSWAY, GOING 65 MPH FROM THE REAR END GETTING SLOPPY AND ROLLING OVER. ALL BECAUSE FORD PUT CHEAP REAR COIL SPRING ON THEIR EXPLORERS. IF U SEARCH FORD COIL SPRINGS, IT LOOKS LIKE ALL THEIR MAKES AND MODELS HAVE THIS MAJOR PROBLEM. THIS COULD BE FIRESTONE TIRES ALL OVER AGAIN FOR FORD. *TR
Suspension, May 30, 2008
MY VEHICLE HAS 79K MILES ON IT AND I HAVE ALL FOUR OF THE WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED ONCE AND THE LEFT REAR BEARING REPLACED TWICE. I HAVE NEVER TOWED A TRAILER, DRIVEN THROUGH STANDING WATER OR OVERLOADED THE VEHICLE AT ANY TIME. THE COMMENTS ON THE INTERNET WOULD INDICATE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE 2002 EXPLORER. THIS PROBLEM COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE NOT HAD TO REPLACE WHEEL BEARINGS ON OTHER VEHICLES AND I SUSPECT THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS WELL AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE DEALER WAS VERY GOOD. I DO NOT HOLD JOE COTTON FORD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DEFICIENCIES WITH MY VEHICLE. *TR
Suspension, May 30, 2008
THERE IS A LOUD WHINING SOUND FROM BACK END AND GET LOUDER THE MORE YOU ACCELERATE. THE REAR END OR BEARINGS NEED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Steering, Suspension, May 29, 2008
NEEDED LOWER TIEROD ENDS REPLACED AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE RUSTED AND BROKEN. *TR
Suspension, May 28, 2008
REAR COIL SPRINGS (LEFT & RIGHT) HAVE BOTH RUSTED THROUGH AND ARE ONLY HELD IN PLACE BY THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Suspension, May 28, 2008
REAR BEARINGS IN 2002 FORD EXPLORER. MAJOR GRINDING AND LOUD SCRATCHING NOISES COMING FROM DRIVERS SIDE REAR END. I SEE THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER, AND THAT POSSIBLE FATALITIES COULD OCCUR BY THE TIRE FALLING OFF. I HAVE 3 CHILDREN, ALL UNDER 10 YEARS OLD, AND THIS IS MY PRIMARY VEHICLE. *TR
Suspension, May 26, 2008
PURCHASED VEHICLE USED IN APRIL 2007 - VEHICLE WAS CERTIFIED BY THE DEALER PRIOR TO THE PURCHASE, I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND TEST DROVE IT. THERE WERE NO ISSUES AT THIS TIME. OVER THE LAST 3 MONTHS, BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS ARE BROKEN. THE RIGHT SIDE IS BROKEN IN MULTIPLE PIECES AND DAMAGED THE STRUT. I HAVE DONE ZERO TOWING / HAULING ANYTHING OTHER THAN PEOPLE. THE VEHICLE IS DIFFICULT TO HANDLE WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD - FEELS LIKE YOU ARE GOING TO LOSE CONTROL. I HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THEY ORIGINALLY CRACKED/BROKE. I NOTICED A LOUD NOISE IN THE REAR AND FINALLY DID SOME ONLINE RESEARCH AND THEN TOOK IT TO A SHOP. A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. *TR
Suspension, Power train, May 22, 2008
TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP WITH NO WARNING AND COMPLETELY WENT OUT ON MY WIFE'S WAY TO WORK. THIS HAPPENED AT 98,000 MILES. NOW THERE IS A ISSUE WITH THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE MODULE TWO YEARS EARLIER. *TR
Suspension, Parking brake, May 21, 2008
BOTH REAR SPRING CRUMBLED. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, May 13, 2008
BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN SEPT. 2007. A MONTH AND A HALF LATER, HAD TO REPLACE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL BEARING. A MONTH AFTER THAT, WE HAD TO REPLACE THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL BEARING. DRIVER DOOR WINDOW MOTOR WENT A WEEK AFTER THE WHEEL BEARINGS. ABS LIGHT IS ON. ALSO HAD TO REPLACE TWO COILS IN THE ELECTRICAL UNIT. PUT APPROXIMATELY 3,000.00 INTO CAR SINCE PURCHASE IN LESS THAN EIGHT MONTHS. *TR
Suspension, May 11, 2008
HUGE PROBLEMS WITH REAR DIFFERENTIAL ON 02 FORD EXPLORERS. FORD SHOULD TAKE ACCOUNTABILITIES FOR THERE LACK QUALITY IN TERMS OF ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING. THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A GOOD FAMILY VEHICLE. UNFORTUNATELY IT IS UNSAFE AND A DRAIN ON THE FINANCES. *TR
Suspension, Power train, May 8, 2008
I PURCHASED A PRE-OWNED 2002 FORD EXPLORER AT THE END OF 2007. AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE, THE VEHICLE HAD JUST UNDER 60,000 MILES. AROUND 65,000 I BEGAN TO HEAR A HIGH PITCHED HOWLING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I HAD THE NOISE INVESTIGATED AND HAD BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED AS A RESULT. THIS DID NOT, HOWEVER, SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE NOISE CONTINUED AND INTENSIFIED. RECENTLY, THE SOUND BEGAN TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY A LOW GRINDING SOUND AND A DEFINITELY PERCEPTIBLE 'DRAGGING' AFFECT. THIS HAPPENED JUST SHY OF 80,000 MILES. AFTER EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, MY PROBLEM HAS BEEN RE-DIAGNOSED AS A REAR DRIVE TRAIN/AXLE PROBLEM. I HAVE ALSO RECENTLY DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A PERSISTENT PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL, BUT FORD IS REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE/ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM AND THE POTENTIAL SAFETY CONCERNS ASSOCIATED WITH THE REAR AXLE SEIZING UP DURING NORMAL OPERATION. THIS LINK: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/DRIVETRAIN/REAR_DIFFERENTIAL_PROBLEMS.SHTML REPRESENTS A LIST OF ONGOING COMPLAINTS RELATIVE TO THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE. *TR
Suspension, May 7, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE CONTACT COULD HEAR A RUBBING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE BEING SERVICED, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE REAR COIL SPRINGS FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 81,979. UPDATED 06/17/08. *LJ