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
3,613 reports, newest first.
Power train, Apr 7, 2006
TRANSMISSION WENT BAD AT 68,000 MILES. IT WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT FROM SECOND TO THIRD GEAR. PREVIOUS TO THAT MAKE VERY HARD NOISES WHEN SHIFTING FROM THIRD TO SECOND. *JB
Power train, Apr 6, 2006
TOOK 02 FORD EXPLORER IN DUE TO CAR NOT SHIFTING WHEN IT SHOULD. ACCORDING TO FORD, I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE EXPLORER ONLY HAS 34,000 MILES. FREEDOM FORD IN HAMPTON, VA INSTALLED A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR $3600.00. *NM
Power train, Apr 6, 2006
WHINING NOISE IN REAR DIFFERENTIAL OF 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. *JB
Suspension, Apr 4, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR COIL SPRING WAS DEFECTIVE, CONSUMER WANTS TO BE REIMBURSED. *TS *NM
Power train, Apr 4, 2006
LOUD TIRE ROAR WHEN I REACH SPEEDS OVER 45 MPH. TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE. DEALER NOTICED THE NOISE BUT DIDN'T ACKNOWLEDGE HOW TO FIX IT. VERY LOUD, ALMOST MAKES YOU NOT WANT DRIVE. THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE ENGINEERING OF THE VEHICLE. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 31, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH THE BRAKES FAILED. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS USED TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INCIDENT. THERE WERE NO INDICATOR LIGHTS ON PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED.
Power train, Mar 31, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NO PARTICULAR SPEED, THE REAR WHEELS SHOOK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL UNIT SHOWN SIGNS OF EXTREME WEAR AND WOULD NEED REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. *AK
Power train, Mar 30, 2006
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (5R55W) HAS FAILED AT 30,300 MILES 10 MONTHS PAST LOUSY 3YR/36K BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY EXPIRATION! 1 MONTH PRIOR TO FAILING THERE WAS A SECOND OR SO DELAY SHIFTING INTO REVERSE OR A HARSH BUMP UPON ENGAGEMENT. ON 2/26/06 AFTER A 30 MINUTE DRIVE ON THE INTERSTATE AND THEN DOING AN IN-TOWN ERRAND, THE OVERDRIVE OFF LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. AFTER PARKING IT IN OUR GARAGE THERE WAS A BURNED FLUID SMELL. DUE FOR THE 30K TRANSMISSION SERVICE, I ALSO ASKED FOR A COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC TEST AT AN INDEPENDENT TRANS. SPECIALIST. THE MECHANIC CAME TO ME WITH THE PAN ASKING DO YOU POSSIBLY HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. (NO! I SHOULDN'T NEED ONE FOR A MAJOR COMPONENT SUCH AS A TRANSMISSION.) THE FLUID WAS COMPLETELY BLACK WITH NO HINT OF RED. ADDITIONALLY THE MAGNET WAS COVERED WITH A 1/2" THICK LAYER OF METAL SHAVINGS! THE COMPUTER CODE (P1783) REVEALED THAT THE FLUID HAD HEATED TO GREATER THAN 270 DEGREES F. THE TRANSMISSION IS FRIED AND HIS BEST ESTIMATE TO REBUILD IT WAS AROUND $3,000! LET ME STATE THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NEVER DRIVEN UNDER ANY HARSH CONDITIONS, EVEN THOSE YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO ACCORDING TO FORD ADVERTISEMENTS SUCH AS TOWING, OFF-ROAD OR USING THE 4 X 2 LOW GEAR. AFTER DOING AN INTERNET SEARCH AND READING HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE REPEATED FAILURES WITH THE REBUILT AND/OR NEW 5R55W'S INSTALLED, WHAT IS THE CONSUMER SUPPOSED TO DO? WE HAVE TO PAY FOR FORD'S MANUFACTURING DEFECT BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR POOR ENGINEERING ON THEIR VEHICLES. AS MANY OTHERS HAVE EXPRESSED, THIS VEHICLE IS NOT EVEN PAID FOR SO THIS IS A HUGE FINANCIAL BURDEN FOR OUR FAMILY. I RECOGNIZE THAT THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE EXACTLY, BUT IT SURE IS HURTING THE POCKETBOOK OF CONSUMERS WHO HAVE NO PROTECTION FROM CONSUMER LAWS ONCE IT'S PAST THE 1 YR FOR LEMON LAW OR THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. HOW DO WE GET SUPPORT AS A GROUP TO GET A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT STARTED? NOT BUILT FORD TOUGH!
Power train, Mar 27, 2006
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, MY O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND MY CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT. I ENDED UP HAVING TO DRIVE AT 25 MPH AND AT 5000 RPMS IN ORDER TO GET HOME. I HAVE HEARD OF MORE THAN SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH 2002 EXPLORERS. FORD DID NOTHING TO HELP ME. *JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 24, 2006
CRACK IN LIFTGATE THAT OCCURRED SPONTANEOUSLY WHEN WEATHER BECAME WINTER--REAR WIPERS WERE USED AND CRACK OCCURRED. RECALL WAS DONE AT THIS AREA DEALER SUMMER 2005 PRIOR TO CORRECT LIFTGATE RECALL.....WE INQUIRED ABOUT POSSIBLE OVER TIGHTENING DURING RECALL SERVICE AND IT WAS DENIED. WE HAVE HAD THIS CAR SINCE THE SUMMER OF 2002 AND HAVE HAD IT IN COLD WEATHER BEFORE AND UP UNTIL THE RECALL FIX IT NEVER CRACKED. CONCERNED ABOUT GLASS FALLING OUT SINCE THE TAILGATE IS CRACKED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. THE DEALER ASSERTED THAT IT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH CRACKS IN LIFTGATE... SINCE WE ARE NOT UNDER WARRANTY WE HAD TO PAY $600 TO GET THIS FIXED. MILEAGE ON THE CAR IS ONLY 23000!!!!! IT IS THE SAFETY ISSUE OF GLASS FALLING OUT WHILE DRIVING OR FALLING INTO THE CAR UPON MY CHILDREN THAT CONCERNS ME. MANY INTERNET WEBSITES I HAVE BEEN TO DISCUSS OTHER SUCH CRACKS OCCURRING IN THE TAILGATE I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY SOME DEALERS ARE WILLING TO HELP AND OTHERS DON'T. THE PRICES VARY TOO WHICH AMAZES ME. *JB
Power train, Mar 23, 2006
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 3-4 TIMES FOR REAR END NOISE / VIBRATION. IT HAS BEEN REPLACE, RE LUBRICATED AND ADJUSTED. THE CAR HAS 85000 MILES ON IT AND THE NOISE IS BACK AGAIN. ANY TIME YOU ARE ACCELERATING AND REACH 55-60 MPH, THERE IS LOUD WHINE THE COMES FROM THE REAR END. LET OFF THE GAS AND IT GOES AWAY.*JB
Power train, Mar 22, 2006
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE SUDDEN. *NM
Power train, Mar 22, 2006
VEHICLE OUT OF WARRANTY NOW AT 114K MILES. TRANSMISSION JUST REPLACED AT MY COST AND NOW THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS MAKING A BAD HOWLING NOISE. I SUPPOSE THAT WILL END UP NEEDING REPLACEMENT OUT OF WARRANTY. I'M HAVING A REAL PROBLEM UNDERSTANDING WHY THE VEHICLE IS HAVING SUCH BAD/EXPENSIVE PROBLEMS AT JUST OVER 100K MILES. ARE THEY REALLY BUILDING GARBAGE ??? *JB
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 20, 2006
2002 EXPLORER REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE AT 76,000 MILES. *TS THE FRONT BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED. *JB
Power train, Mar 20, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER EXHIBITING TRANSMISSION AND REAR END PROBLEMS FORD SHOULD RECALL ALL 2002 FORD EXPLORERS FOR THIS PROBLEM. IT APPEARS TO BE VERY WIDE SPREAD. COST ESTIMATED TO BE $6000 FOR REPAIR. *NM
Power train, Mar 20, 2006
REAR DIFFERENTIAL SEALS LEAKING OIL AND WHINE AT ROAD SPEED ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 51000 MILES. VIN [XXX]. *JB UPDATED 07/16/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Suspension, Power train, Mar 19, 2006
REAR END HUM AND LEAK BACK TIRE WAS LOOSE DUE TO REAR WHEEL BEARINGS DETERIORATING, TOOK IT APART AND BEARINGS FELL APART. THERE WAS NO GREASE ON THEM. THIS '02 EXPLORER HAS 30,000 MILES ON IT. *JB
Suspension, Wheels, Mar 16, 2006
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, WITH 69.000 MILES ON IT. IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE EVER WHEEL BEARING ON MY CAR, THE WHEEL HAVE COME LOOSE, AND THE BEARING WERE SCRAPING. THE COST FOR THE BEARING AND THE LABOR WAS OVER $1,400 , I AM ALSO HAVE TO REPLACE MY TIRES BECAUSE OF THIS, WHEN I CONTACTED FORD ON THIS MATTER, THERE COMMIT WAS "THAT IS YOUR PROBLEM IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY, THERE IS NO REASON ALL 4 WHEEL BEARING WOULD HAVE GONE BAD WITH NO MORE MILES THAN THERE IS ON THE CAR. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE NEXT PERSON MAY NOT KNOW IN TIME THAT THERE IS FLAW IN THE BEARINGS AND MAY HAVE A WHEEL COME OFF. THIS SHOULD BE A VERY BIG SAFETY CONCERN. THIS COULD CAUSE SOMEONE THERE LIFE. I HOPE I CAN GET SOMEONE TO LISTEN BEFORE IT IS TO LATE AND CAUSES A CHILD'S LIFE. THANK YOU. *JB
Power train, Mar 13, 2006
2002 EXPLORER TRANSMISSION IS BAD AFTER ONLY 33,000 MILES. *JB
Power train, Equipment, Mar 13, 2006
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN LESS THEN TWO YEARS I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT. IT WAS BOUGHT ON 8/14/04 AS IS NO WARRANTY FROM A DEALER (DEMO) UNIT IT HAD 38547 MILES ON IT, 10/13/04 THE TRANSMISSION BLEW WITH 41675 MILES ON IT. THE DEALER WOULDN'T GIVE ME NO HELP AS WELL AS FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE, I PAID 2181.03 TO HAVE IT REBUILT INCLUDING THE TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED, AND THE SOLENOID PAK (WHICH WAS REPLACED 2 MORE TIMES SHORTLY AFTER BEING INSTALLED EACH TIME) IT NEEDED A LS KIT, BAS HING KIT, 5 FORWARD STEELS, FILTER AND FLUIDS. MARCH 8TH 2006 I FIND MYSELF SPENDING ANOTHER 1412.56 TO HAVE IT REBUILT YET AGAIN NOW ONLY HAVING 64460 MILES ON IT, IT NEEDED AN OVERHAUL KIT, FILTER AND TRANS FLUIDS, INTERMEDIATE BAND, OD SERVO PISTON, INT SERVO PISTON AND ANOTHER SOLENOID PAK AS WELL AS THE TRANSMISSION CASE REPAIRED. I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL CARS IN MY LIFE TIME AND NEVER HAD TO REPLACE A TRANSMISSION ESPECIALLY TWICE IN LESS THEN TWO YEARS, THIS IS MY FIRST FORD AND WILL BE THE LAST FORD I OWN! I CAN'T AFFORD TO SPEND THIS MUCH MONEY EVERY TWO YEARS AND SHOULDN'T HAVE TO THE WAY I SEE IT!*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Structure, Mar 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SHIFTING GEARS, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MADE A CLUNKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE DISPLAYED A JERKING MOTION. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER AND THE SOLENOID HOUSING OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. AFTERWARDS, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND THE SOLENOID HOUSING WAS AGAIN REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THE FRONT PADS WERE REPLACED. THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WOULD POP OPEN. THERE WAS A DELAY WHEN SHIFTING GEARS, AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD SLAM INTO GEAR. UPDATED 04/06/06. *JB
Air bags, Mar 10, 2006
PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DEPLOYED UPON CLOSING REAR DOOR OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS NOT IN MOTION, NOR WAS IT PARKED NEAR ANOTHER VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP RAN DIAGNOSTIC, COMPUTER CODE INDICATED VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. MANUFACTURER INITIALLY DECLINED REPAIR VIA CONVERSATION WITH MECHANIC, AFTER I PURSUED CLAIM, WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THAT VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED AND I WOULD HAVE AN EXPENSE TO DO SO OF $300. I CONTACTED SVC MANAGER FOR EXPLANATION OF $300, TOLD CONSUMER ALWAYS SHARES IN EXPENSE OF REPAIR FOR OUT OF WARRANTY ITEMS. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER AGAIN, ASKED FOR REVIEW AS NHTSA WEBSITE STATES SAFETY ISSUES SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AT NO EXPENSE TO VEHICLE OWNER. YET TO BE RESOLVED. *NM
Suspension, Mar 10, 2006
FUNNY THING, MY EXPLORER ONLY HAS 30,000 MILE, THERE WAS NO EVENT, ONE DAY IT WAS FINE THE NEXT DAY COME THE WHINE AND GRIND. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 9, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH A V6 ENGINE, PURCHASED NEW, MAINTAINED, HAS 77,000 MILES. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IT BECAME ERRATIC, AS IF WATER IN TANK, DROVE ABOUT 1/2 MILE WHEN IT DIED. NOW THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED: ACCORDING TO WARRANTY INSPECTOR THE "CASSETTE FAILED DUE TO THE HYDRAULIC TENSIONER AND IT IS CLOGGED WITH SLUDGE, SLUDGE IS GETTING THICKER AND IT HAS CLOGGED A PIN HOLE IN THE TENSIONER AND CAUSED A LOSS OF PRESSURE". GEICO WILL NOT COVER THE ENGINE REPLACEMENT BECAUSE THEY CLAIM IT WAS CAUSED BY LACK OF MAINTENANCE; HOWEVER, I PROVIDED THEM WITH RECORDS OF THE MILEAGE AND DATE OF OIL CHANGES AT INTERVALS BETWEEN 3K AND 5K MILES, PROBLEM I HAVE RECEIPTS FOR ONLY 75% OF THOSE CHANGES. THE HIGHEST GAP BETWEEN A RECEIPT BACKED CHANGE AND NON RECEIPT CHANGE IS 7000 MILES. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS AWFULLY SIMILAR TO THE 1996 - 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY ENGINES. I THINK FORD HAS A LOT OF EXPLAINING TO DO. PREVIOUSLY, THIS SUV HAD TO HAVE A TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT 50K MILES AND A REAR DIFFERENTIAL AT 65K MILES, THANK GOODNESS THEY WERE COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. *NM
Power train, Mar 8, 2006
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BEGAN HAVING SHIFTING DIFFICULTIES SHIFTING UP AND DOWN BETWEEN GEARS. THE OCCASION THAT PROMPTED THIS OCCURRED AS I ATTEMPTED TO PLACE THE CAR IN REVERSE AND IT DID NOT ENGAGE IMMEDIATELY. I WAS ALMOST BROADSIDED BY AN APPROACHING VEHICLE BEFORE REVERSE ENGAGED AND I WAS ABLE TO AVOID THE COLLISION. IT SEEMS IT TOOK APPROXIMATELY UP TO 1 MINUTE FOR REVERSE TO ENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE LURCHED BACKWARDS ONCE ENGAGED. *NM