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, Dec 8, 2005
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH ONLY 45,000 MILES HAS GONE OUT. I STARTED TO NOTICE PROBLEMS WHEN IT HARD SHIFTED BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR. ON NOVEMBER 24, 2005, THE OVERDRIVE OFF LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND THE VEHICLE NO LONGER SHIFTED INTO 3RD GEAR. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTED TO FIX IT AT THE DEALERSHIP, THEY FINALLY DETERMINED THE PROBLEM HAD TO DO WITH AN ALUMINUM CASE AROUND A STEEL MOVING PART. THE PART IS WEARING AWAY THE ALUMINUM CASE. THIS SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING AT ONLY 45,000 MILES. THIS WILL COST ME APPROXIMATE $2000 TO FIX. ABSOLUTELY ABSURD! I'VE TALKED TO FORD AND THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. MULTIPLE POSTS ON CARREVIEW.COM HAVE THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 7, 2005
SUV IN SERVICE FOR 40 MTHS & 33K MILES WHEN AC EVAPORATOR WENT. NO WARRANTY COVERAGE. THEN SEVERAL MONTHS LATER WITH JUST OVER 36K MILES A REAR TIMING CHAIN WENT. FORD PROVIDED SOME AFTER WARRANTY ASSISTANCE, BUT THESE FAILURES COST CONSUMER OVER $2K FOR A VEHICLE THAT WAS JUST OUT OF WARRANTY AND HAS BEEN BABIED ITS WHOLE LIFE. *NM
Power train, Dec 7, 2005
BOUGHT 2002 EXPLORER XLT 4X4 NEW. HAS BEEN IN FOR TRANSMISSION-RELATED PROBLEMS MULTIPLE TIME DURING WARRANTY AND EXTENDED WARRANTY. A COUPLE TIMES, THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND DID NOTHING. # OTHER TIMES, THEY FOUND THING WRONG AND 'SUPPOSEDLY' FIXED THEM. WENT BACK INTO THE DEALER AGAIN TODAY WITH O/D OFF LIGHT FLASHING. WARRANTY HAS NOW EXPIRED. I AM WAITING FOR A CALL BACK FROM THEM TO TELL ME WHAT'S WRONG 'THIS TIME'. I'M RELATIVELY CERTAIN I HAVE KEPT ALL THE DEALER STATEMENTS FROM ALL THE TIMES IT HAS WENT IN FOR SERVICE. *NM
Structure, Dec 7, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE PLASTIC ON THE HATCHBACK UNDER THE WINDOW CRACKED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO FREE REMEDY. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. *AK
Structure, Dec 6, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT HAD NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 01I010000 REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS IN FEBRUARY 2005. THEN, THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS SHATTERED WHEN HE SHUT THE LIFTGATE. HE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER, AND THEY OFFERED NO FREE REMEDY. *AK
Power train, Dec 5, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER - OD LIGHT FLASHING AND ENGINE OVER-REVVING WHEN GOING FM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. WHEN IT DOES FINALLY SHIFT INTO GEAR, IT IS VERY HARD AND JOLTING. 73,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND IT WAS PURCHASED NEW. I'M BEING TOLD BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP THAT THE TRANSMISSION WILL HAVE TO BE "OVERHAULED" AT A COST OF $1500-MINIMUM. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS A HISTORY OF THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM WITH THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. IS THE NHTSA LOOKING INTO IT?*JB
Suspension, Power train, Dec 5, 2005
I BOUGHT MY EXPLORER BRAND NEW IN MAY 2002. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR END DIFFERENTIAL TWICE, REAR END SENSOR, AND MY LATEST PROBLEM IS THE REAR END SEALER (PINION). ALL WITHIN 3 YEARS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE. *JB
Power train, Dec 3, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FROM THE BEGINNING. TOOK THE VEHICLE IN PRIOR TO THE 36K WARRANTY EXPIRING AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TROUBLE WAS DUE TO A NEW TYPE OF TRANSMISSION THAT WAS USED IN THIS MODEL. WAS TOLD IT WAS A "MEMORY TRANSMISSION" AND THAT WAS WHY IT SHIFTED SO HARD AND MADE NOISES. PROBLEM NEVER WENT AWAY AND HAD TO GET THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT IN 12/05 BECAUSE THE PROBLEM BECAME SO SEVERE. FROM RESEARCH WE HAVE DONE THIS IS NOT A RANDOM CASE BUT RATHER A RECURRING PROBLEM FOR OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE. FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FIXING THE TRANSMISSIONS BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT THEY ARE NOT RELIABLE. *JB
Structure, Dec 2, 2005
IN MAY, 2005, FORD DEALER PERFORMED FIX FOR NHTSA RECALL 04V442000. THIS RECALL IS INTENDED TO PREVENT THE REAR TAILGATE GLASS FROM FAILING. THE ALARMING ISSUE IS THAT 5 MONTHS AFTER THE RECALL FIX WAS PERFORMED, THE REAL TAILGATE GLASS EXPLODED WHILE THE TAILGATE GLASS WAS IN THE OPEN POSITION. THIS OCCURRED INSIDE A CLOSED GARAGE SO WIND WAS NOT AN ISSUE. THE FORCE OF THE EXPLOSION SENT THOUSANDS OF PIECES A GLASS FLYING AS FAR AS 15 FEET. THIS COULD HAVE INJURED ANYBODY STANDING NEAR THE REAR OF THE CAR. IN THIS CASE, NOBODY WAS NEAR THE GLASS WHEN IT EXPLODED. PERHAPS THERE IS A DESIGN DEFECT IN THE RECALL FIX, OR PERHAPS THE RECALL FIX WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY. BOTH THE FORD DEALER AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAVE REFUSED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIRS COSTS. *NM
Power train, Dec 2, 2005
THE BAND IN MY TRANSMISSION BROKE, IT WOULD NOT SHIFT TO THIRD GEAR, I HAVE SEEN IN FORUMS THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM, I THINK FORD SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL AND FIX THIS PROBLEM, THE MINIMUM CHARGE TO REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION IS ABOUT $2500.*JB
Suspension, Dec 2, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE. *JB
Power train, Wheels, Dec 1, 2005
WE OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. IT WAS RECENTLY IN THE SHOP AT 45K MILES FOR A WHINING NOISE FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. THE SERVICE GUY SAID THAT THEY HAVE HAD QUITE A FEW VEHICLES WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID HE WAS SURPRISED IT DIDN'T START AT 12K. WE WERE TOLD WE NEEDED TO REPAIR THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL RING AND PINION IN ORDER TO FIX A LEAK AND WHINING NOISE FROM THE AREA. HE SAID WE WOULD NOT NECESSARILY SEE LEAKING FLUID BECAUSE IT WOULD LEAK WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND COST OF 1300. WE WERE ALSO TOLD THAT THE REAR WHEEL BEARING IS GOING OUT. 250.00 TO REPAIR THIS. THE SERVICE GUY ALSO TOLD ME THAT UNTIL FORD CAME OUT WITH A DIFFERENT REPAIR PART HE HAD NEEDED TO REPLACE IT SEVERAL TIMES ON AT LEAST ONE EXPLORER. THEY HAD ONE IN THAT DAY TO REPAIR OTHER THAN MINE IF I AM NOT MISTAKEN. *JB
Structure, Dec 1, 2005
CRACK BELOW REAR WINDOW. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Nov 30, 2005
WHEN WE FIRST BOUGHT OUR 2002 EXPLORER XLT FROM FINKS USED CAR LOT IN ZANESVILLE OHIO IT HAD ABOUT 22 OR SO THOUSAND MILES ON IT AND WE REQUESTED A CHECK UP ON THE VEHICLE. THE BACK HATCH BRACKETS WAS REPLACED, AND THE BACK WHEEL BRAKES WERE STICKING AND BURNING, LOCKING UP. THAT PROBLEM SEEMED TO BE FIXED. THEN THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT STARTED COMING ON AND THE FRONT BRAKES SEEMED TO BE GRABBING....JUST LAST MONTH. I HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL SET ON THE VEHICLE ONCE AND IT SMELLED LIKE SOMETHING SMOLDERING SO I SHUT IT OFF AND IT HASN'T BEEN ON SINCE. I CALLED THE FORD GARAGE TO ASK IF MY CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON THE FIRE HAZARD LIST BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT IN 2001. I WAS TOLD IF I DID NOT RECEIVE A LETTER IN THE MAIL IT WOULDN'T BE REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY WHEN I BOUGHT IT. SO FAR I AM GETTING NOTHING BUT THE BACK HATCH BRACKETS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND IT NOW HAS 29,956.0 MILES ON IT. I AM DRIVING MY 1995 AUTO WITH 122,000 MILES ON IT WAITING FOR WINTER AND GRADUATION FROM COLLEGE. I AM AFRAID THE BRAKES ARE GOING TO LOCK UP IN THE WINTER AND SEND ME SAILING. I WANT TO KNOW IF THERE HAVE BEEN ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS EXPLORER BUILT IN 2001 THAT IS A 2002 EXPLORER. *NM
Power train, Nov 30, 2005
TRANSMISSION BAND BROKEN -- ONLY 50,000 MILES FORD HAS PERFORMED ALL SERVICE REPAIRS INCLUDING OIL CHANGES EVER DONE ON THIS VEHICLE. ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING, I HEARD A POP AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE SPEED WOULD ONLY GO UP TO 30 MPH AND WOULD JERK AGAIN. I HAVE NOW BEEN TOLD IT WOULD COST 2500 DOLLARS TO FIX. AFTER RESEARCHING THE ISSUE, I FOUND OUT INFORMATION THAT THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON TO A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO OWN THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL. THE PROBLEMS OCCURS AT THE SAME APPROXIMATE MILEAGE. *JB
Visibility, Nov 29, 2005
SAFETY CONCERN: 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. DEFECTIVE APPLIQUE LOCATED BELOW TAILGATE GLASS HAS DEVELOPED A CRACK FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. THE LOCATION OF THIS CRACK IS APPROXIMATELY 3 INCHES TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. THE DEALER SENT ME TO THE BODY SHOP, WHICH PROVIDED ME WITH AN ESTIMATE OF $334.68 TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART. ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP WAS FAMILIAR WITH THIS PROBLEM, MY VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 105,000 MILES AND AS A RESULT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT PURSUE THIS A WARRANTABLE REPAIR. THEY ESSENTIALLY IGNORED MY GRIEVANCE. AS A LEFT THE DEALERSHIP, I HAPPEN TO NOTICE A BLUE 2002 EXPLORER SIMILAR TO MINE ON THE USED CAR LOT. AS I APPROACHED THE VEHICLE I NOTICED IT HAD THE IDENTICAL CRACK (FROM TOP TO BOTTOM), LOCATED IN THE SAME POSITION (3 INCHES TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM). THIS VEHICLE; VIN #[XXX] HAD ONLY 56,069 MILES ON IT. I CONTACTED FORD AT 800 392-3673 AND SPOKE WITH [XXX]. THE REFERENCE NUMBER FOR MY COMPLAINT IS; REF #[XXX]. [XXX] INVESTIGATED AND CONFIRMED THAT A BULLETIN HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS COMPLAINT WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR ITS REPAIR. HOWEVER, FORD HAS NOT YET AGREED TO PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS OR TO REIMBURSE THE CONSUMER FOR ANY REPAIRS ALREADY MADE. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AS THIS APPLIQUE COULD BREAK OFF AND CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE TO ANOTHER VEHICLE OR PASSERBY. I MADE THIS CONCERN KNOW TO [XXX], BUT WAS ASSURED THAT IT HAD NOT BEEN DEEMED A RECALL REPAIR. *NM INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Nov 29, 2005
OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAD ISSUES ALMOST FROM THE BEGINNING, WHEN PUTTING IT INTO DRIVE IT SOMETIMES WOULD HESITATE AND THEN LURCH FORWARD, EVEN WITH THE BRAKE APPLIED. LATELY, AFTER 65,000 MILES, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO 3RD GEAR, THE ENGINE WOULD REV., BUT NOT SHIFT. IF YOU LEFT YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS, IT MIGHT SHIFT. THEN THE O/D LIGHT WOULD BLINK. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO A TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP. *NM
Suspension, Nov 28, 2005
1) COULD HEAR HIGH PITCH NOISE WHILE DRIVING. 2) JACKED UP REAR OF EXPLORER AND REAR WHEEL(S) COULD WOBBLE ON THE AXLE. 3) BY 70,000 MILES, BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE NOW FAILED AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY A FORD DEALER. I NOW HAVE 77000 MILES ON THE EXPLORER AND I AM BEGINNING TO HEAR THE HIGH PITCH SOUND AGAIN. *JB
Power train, Nov 26, 2005
REAR-END WHINES EXCESSIVELY WHEN DRIVING AT 45-65 MPH. VERY LOAD. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE AS I RESEARCHED IT ON THE INTERNET IT IS APPARENT THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE SUFFERING FROM THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. *NM
Power train, Nov 26, 2005
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. HAVE HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SINCE ABOUT 58000 MILES AND HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 5 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM OF HARD SHIFTING TO TRANSMISSION HAVING PROBLEMS FINDING THE CORRECT GEARS TO FINALY, 3RD GEAR BAND FINALY BROKE AT 68000 MILES. JUST GOT FIXED BUT STILL HAVING ISSUES. NOW I HAVE A SHUTTER AND THIRD GEAR STILL SLIPS SLIGHTLY. THIS IS JUST FRUSTRATING!! *NM
Power train, Tires, Nov 24, 2005
2002 EXPLORER, STARTED TO NOTICE A BIT OF A LAG FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR, THEN A BIG LAG AND LURCH, FOLLOWED BY O/D LIGHT FLASHING FOLLOWED BY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. HAD SOLENOID PACK REPLACED FOR $320 LASTED FIVE WEEKS AND FAILED AGAIN, WITH O/D FLASHING AND CAR LURCHING AND GRABBING HARD BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD SHIFT ON AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. ALSO NOTICED AFTER FIRST REPAIR , HARD TO SHIFT FROM DRIVE TO PARK, WOULD HANG UP TRYING TO GET IN PARK. *JB
Structure, Nov 24, 2005
FORD REPLACED HINGES ON BACK WINDOW 3 TIMES PER SAFETY RECALL BEFORE GETTING IT RIGHT. NOW, THE PANEL ON THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDOW IS CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CLAIMS IT IS NOT RELATED. FORD BODY SHOP SAYS IT IS. *JB
Power train, Nov 23, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH TOWING PACKAGE, TWO WHEEL DRIVE. REAR-END WHINE AT 55-60 MPH. MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND FORD IS NOT HELPING FIX IT. *JB
Power train, Nov 16, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAS ALREADY FAILED. I AM HAVING IT REPLACED BY MY MECHANIC. *JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Nov 16, 2005
DANGEROUS CRACK OCCURRED IN 2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR LIFTGATE IN DEC. 2002, WAS REPAIRED. RECURRED IN SEP. 2005, AND FORD REFUSED TO REPAIR 2 WEEKS AFTER WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED, EVEN THOUGH PART WAS DEFECTIVE AND VEHICLE HAD ONLY 28,000 MILES. APPLIQUE MAY COME OFF, THREATENING STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF LIFTGATE AND GLASS. INTERNET SHOWS DOZENS OF CUSTOMERS HAD EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM. *JB