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.
Seat belts, Oct 4, 2005
DT: 2002 FORD EXPLORER. ON VEHICLE THE SHOULDER HARNESS ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WEAR THROUGH THE PLASTIC TRIM ON THE PILLAR, AND IT CAUSED THE EDGE OF THE SEAT BELTS TO FRAY. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE SEAT BELT AND TRIM, AND IT RECURRED WITHIN A FEW WEEKS. CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, AND CURRENTLY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. WHEN THE EDGES OF THE SEAT BELT FRAYED THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE SEAT BELT WILL TEAR ALL THE WAY. *AK (11/08/05) *SC
Power train, Oct 3, 2005
DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONSUMER SAID THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, AND THEN WOULD ACCELERATE QUICKLY UP TO O 80 MPH. THE TRUCK WOULD DECELERATE AND ACCELERATE RANDOMLY. THE TRANSMISSION KNOCKED WHEN GOING INTO GEAR. THE OWNER HAD REQUESTED THAT THE TRANSMISSION BE CHECKED PRIOR TO THE WARRANTY EXPIRING ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. AT THIS POINT, THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 25,000 MILES ON IT. THE CONSUMER WAS OUT OF TOWN AND HAD A COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHICH RESULTED IN THE INSTALLMENT OF A NEW TRANSMISSION WHEN REACHING HOME. CURRENTLY, THE NEW TRANSMISSION WAS HAVING PROBLEMS GOING INTO GEAR. THERE WAS A KNOCKING SOUND IN THE TRANSMISSION WHEN THE GEARS WERE CHANGING. THE CONSUMER WAS CONSTANTLY DEALING WITH THE DEALERSHIP GENERAL MANAGER, WHO IN RETURN, WAS DEALING WITH THE FORD REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE. THIS HAS BEEN ON GOING FOR THE PAST TWO WEEKS. THE DEALERSHIP TESTED THE OLD TRANSMISSION WITH DIAGNOSTICS AND FOUND NOTHING. THE CONSUMER FOR DEALING WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD SIMULTANEOUSLY CONCERNING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIR EXPENSES. *AK
Power train, Sep 30, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER, 5R55W TRANSMISSION. 84K ON VEHICLE, TRANSMISSION NO-SHIFT/LATE SHIFT BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND. OD LIGHT ON INTERMITTENTLY, OCCASIONALLY NO POWER, TRANSMISSION SLIPS BETWEEN 1-2 AND 2-3. *NM
Power train, Sep 29, 2005
THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAS HAD AN INCREASINGLY LOUD WHINE AT SPEEDS ABOVE 45 MPH. IT WAS FIRST NOTICEABLE AT MILEAGE OF 30,000. NOW AT 55,000 MILES IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE. I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE DIFFERENTIAL SOON, BUT FORD HAS NOT ENGINEERED AN IMPROVED REAR-END. THEREFORE THE PROBLEM WILL PROBABLY REOCCUR. MANY FORD EXPLORERS (2002-2005 ) HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. THIS REPAIR SHOULD BE PAID FOR BY FORD AS A KNOWN DEFECT. *NM
Power train, Sep 28, 2005
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT IS NOW HAVING ITS TRANSMISSION REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE FIRST TIME I WAS AT 77000 MILE, JUST OUTSIDE THE EXTENDED 75000 MILE WARRANTY THAT I PURCHASED, WHEN THE CAR BEGAN SHIFTING WITH A HARD JERK OR SLIP WHEN IT WAS TRYING TO CHANGE FOR SECOND TO THIRD GEAR. AFTER FURTHER DRIVING THE O/D LIGHT BEGAN TO FLICKER ON AND OFF AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER, WHICH DID NOT SEEM TO BE SURPRISED THAT I HAD THIS PROBLEM, AND TOLD ME IT WOULD TAKE A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND COST ME $3600. HE SAID HE COULD TAKE IT DOWN THE ROAD TO A TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP THAT THEY USED SO THAT MAYBE HE COULD GET IT DONE FASTER. WELL, I DECIDED TO TAKE IT THERE MYSELF. I GOT THE SAME REPORT, BUT THEY COULD FIX IT, WITH ALL NEW PARTS, FOR $2000. SO, I LET THEM FIX IT. AFTER ONE YEAR AND 44000 MILES I AM HAVING THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM AND IT IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING FIXED. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT IT WILL COST ME THIS TIME AROUND. I HAVE MADE A COMPLAINT WITH FORD MOTOR CUSTOMER SERVICE. I JUST WANT SOMEONE TO KNOW BASED ON WHAT I AM HEARING AND READING THAT THIS ALONG WITH THE REAR DIFF. PROBLEM, WHICH I ALSO HAVE, SEEMS TO BE COMMON IN THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. IN THE LAST TEN YEARS I HAVE OWNED 5 FORDS AND THIS IS THE SECOND EXPLORER. I DO NOT THINK I WILL BE BUYING ANOTHER ONE UNLESS FORD CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM THEY SEEM TO HAVE. *NM
Power train, Sep 27, 2005
1.) NO INDICATION OF IMPENDING FAILURE 2.) TRANSMISSION IS COMPLETELY GONE. 3.) $4000 LATER A NEW TRANSMISSION IS BEING INSTALLED. *NM
Power train, Sep 26, 2005
2002 4 DOOR EXPLORER 4X4 EDDIE BAUER TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT 40,000 MILES NOW THE REAR END HAS A HUMMING NOISE AT 50,000 MILES. *NM
Power train, Sep 24, 2005
THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL LEAKS. *NM
Exterior lighting, Sep 24, 2005
THE BREAK LIGHTS ON MY CAR GET STUCK ON, I HAVE HAD IT HAPPEN TO ME THREE TIMES, I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER WHEN I WAS IN PENSACOLA AND HAD TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED...IT SEEMS TO BE THE SENSOR ATTACHED TO THE BREAK PEDAL. *NM
Power train, Sep 23, 2005
TRANSMISSION 3RD GEAR SLIPPING CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO HAVE TO BE COMPLETELY RE BUILT. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN #03254 . HOW COME FORD HAS NOT DONE ANY THING? BECAUSE THIS IS A WELL KNOWN FACT . FORD SHOULD HAY TO PAY FOR ITS MISTAKE OR HELP THE CONSUMER IN SOME WAY. THEY NEW IN 12/13/24 THERE IS FAILURE IN THIS TRANSMISSION # 5R55W . I CHECKED ON THIS AT WWW.CAR REVIEW.COM AND THERE WAS MANY COMPLAINTS THANKS. JB
Power train, Sep 23, 2005
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILING IN 2ND GEAR. SEEMS TO BE A WIDELY KNOWN PROBLEM IN THE V-6 2002 EXPLORER. STARTED ACTING UP AT 60K, AS SOON AS THE WARRANTY WAS OUT.*JB
Power train, Sep 21, 2005
2002 EXPLORER REAR AXLE MAKES HOWLING\NOISES WHEN ACCELERATING. FORD WILL NOT REPAIR REAR AXLE. REAR AXLE NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED BY INDEPENDENT SHOP.
Air bags, Sep 20, 2005
AIRBAG LIGHT SWITCHED ON, AS A RESULT OF PRE-TENSIONER FAILURE FROM MOVEMENT OF THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS ALSO HAPPENED TWICE TO A FRIEND OF MINE WITH A 2002 EXPLORER. ABS LIGHT SENSOR FAILED. ** JB
Vehicle speed control, Sep 20, 2005, crash
DT: CONTACT'S WIFE ON STATES ON 9-17-05 WAS DRIVING THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND SHE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON A HILL. SHE TOOK FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKES AND THE CAR SURGED VERY HIGH AND LUNGED FORWARD, RESULTING IN A REAR END COLLISION. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CONTACT'S WIFE DID NOT HAVE THE CRUISE CONTROL ON AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE DEALER DID NOT THINK THIS HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THIS WAS THE FIRST INCIDENT OF THIS KIND. THE CONTACT REPORTED OF HAVING NO PROBLEMS WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL PRIOR TO THIS ACCIDENT. *AK.
Power train, Sep 19, 2005
THERE HAS BEEN A LOAD HUMMING NOISE FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL SINCE 42000 MILES. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 19, 2005
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 52,000 MILES. I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THROUGH FORD ESP. IN AUGUST, A SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE LEFT HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER AUTHORIZED WARRANTY WORK THAT WOULD REPLACE THE HEAD ON THE LEFT SIDE. I HAD THE VEHICLE BACK FOR 2 WEEKS AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED ON THE RIGHT HEAD. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN AND THE DEALER SAID THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE FAULT. THEIR REASON IS THAT THERE WERE AUTOLITE SPARK PLUGS IN THE VEHICLE INSTEAD OF MOTORCRAFT SPARK PLUGS. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY DID THE PREVIOUS REPAIR WITHOUT REALIZING THAT. FURTHERMORE, THEY ONLY REPLACED THE ONE PLUG ORIGINALLY THAT BLEW OUT, RE-USING THE OTHER 3 PLUGS (AUTOLITES) THAT WERE IN THE VEHICLE. I HAVE TALKED WITH FORD IN MICHIGAN AND THEY ARE LOOKING INTO IT. FIRST, THE FACT THAT THEY ARE NOT HONORING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY BECAUSE OF SPARK PLUG BRAND IS SOMETHING I CANNOT FIND WRITTEN ANYWHERE. SECOND, IF THOSE PLUGS ARE SO BAD, THEN ARE THEY NEGLIGENT IN PUTTING THOSE PLUGS BACK IN. THIRD, THE FACT THAT THIS HAPPENED AND COULD HAVE PIERCED A FUEL LINE IS VERY HAZARDOUS. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR HALF DAY TRIP IN A DESOLATE AREA. SHOULD SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAVE HAPPENED WHILE SHE WAS OUT THERE, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN HORRIBLE. DOES FORD HAVE THE RIGHT TO DENY COVERAGE WITH EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS REASON? IS IT NEGLIGENT ON FORD'S PART TO SIMPLY TELL ME AFTER THE FACT THAT THE PLUGS THAT ARE IN THERE ARE NON-STANDARD AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE WORK?*JB
Structure, Sep 19, 2005
I HAVE DEVELOPED A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC APPLIQUE BENEATH THE LIFTGATE WINDOW. IT APPEARED AS A SCRATCH AND HAS MORPHED INTO A FULL BLOWN CRACK ABOUT SIX INCHES LONG. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 18, 2005
ON JUNE 29, 2005, DURING ANNUAL STATE INSPECTION MY 2002 EXPLORER HAD TO HAVE NEW REAR BRAKE ROTORS INSTALLED FOR THE 2ND TIME DUE TO RUST. MILEAGE WAS 24,713 MILES. PURCHASED VEHICLE NEW ON MARCH 29, 2002. AUGUST 14, 2003, APPROXIMATELY 10,250 MILES, HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR ROTORS DUE TO RUSTING. FORD DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED THE BRAKE LININGS BE REPLACED AS WELL. FORD COVERED THIS COMPLETE COST. IN THIS 2ND INSTANCE, FORD WILL COVER NOTHING SINCE VEHICLE IS BEYOND ITS 36 MONTH WARRANTY, & BRAKES ARE CONSIDERED WEAR ITEMS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AS THE RUSTING OF THE REAR ROTORS PREVENTED MY VEHICLE FROM PASSING THE STATE SAFETY INSPECTION. ADDITIONALLY, THIS IS MY 3RD EXPLORER, ALL PURCHASED NEW, & THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. INITIAL 1991 EXPLORER DRIVEN 9 YEARS & OVER 70,000 MILES; 2ND EXPLORER A 2000 MODEL STILL DRIVING, OVER 54,000 MILES, HAD THE REAR ROTORS & BRAKE PADS REPLACED AFTER 44 MONTHS, 33,692 MILES. HAVE LIVED IN THE SAME AREA & DRIVEN THE SAME ROADS WITH ALL 3 VEHICLES. HAVE HAD ESSENTIALLY ALL SERVICE WORK DONE BY THE SELLING FORD DEALER IN ALL 3 INSTANCES. IF THE BRAKE PADS WERE WEARING OUT, & THE ROTORS WERE BEING DAMAGED DUE TO THE WORN PADS, I COULD UNDERSTAND HOW THIS CONDITION WAS DUE TO MY NEGLIGENCE IN NOT ATTENDING TO THE BRAKING SYSTEM. HOWEVER, THE BRAKE PADS HAVE NOT BEEN WORN OUT IN EITHER REPLACEMENT SITUATION. THE SERVICE ADVISER & SERVICE MANAGER BOTH CLAIM THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO, AS THE ROTORS CANNOT BE TURNED, RUST IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH BRAKE ROTORS, AND FORD REGARDS BRAKE ROTORS AS WEAR COMPONENTS. CORRESPONDENCE THRU FORD'S INTERNET SITE REPEATED ROTORS ARE CONSIDERED A WEAR ITEM & CANNOT BE COVERED, REGARDLESS OF THE REASON FOR REPLACEMENT. NO ONE WILL PROVIDE ANY FORD REGIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION FOR DISCUSSION. IT APPEARS TO BE A NO WIN SITUATION WHERE THE MANUFACTURER CAN CLASSIFY A COMPONENT AS A WEAR ITEM & HAVE NO CONSEQUENCES WHEN THE COMPONENT FAILS FOR OTHER NON-WEAR REASONS. *NM
Power train, Sep 18, 2005
THE COMPLAINT IS DIRECTED AT A WIDELY KNOWN MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN 2002 FORD EXPLORERS INVOLVING THE DRIVE TRAIN. THE PROBLEM SURFACES JUST BEFORE THE 36K WARRANTY PERIOD AND BEGINS AS A WHINE IN THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. THE WHINE GETS WORSE OVER TIME AND AT THIS WRITING MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP HAS HAD PARTS ON ORDER FOR 3 WEEKS WITH NO DEFINITIVE DELIVERY DATE. MY EXPLORER HAS 40K MILES AND JUST RAN OUT OF THE 3YR WARRANTY IN MAY 2005. EVEN WITH NEW PARTS INSTALLED THESE 2002 MODELS HAVE THE SAME RESULTS RE-OCCUR IN 10-20K MILES. THIS IS, BY ALL ACCOUNTS, NOT A DEFECT THAT WILL LIKELY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY TO ANY THING BUT YOUR WALLET, BUT IT IS OF SUCH PROPORTION IN THE MARKETPLACE THAT THE CONSUMER SHOULD HAVE SOMEBODY TO GO TO BAT FOR THEM. THESE FORD EXPLORERS ARE LEMONS IF YOU CAN'T GET 40K OUT OF THE DRIVE TRAINS. I HAVE A 1993 EXPL THAT HAS 200K AND NO ISSUE. A RECALL SHOULD BE A MANDATE FOR THE CONSUMER. AT THIS WRITING I HAVE PARKED THE VEHICLE TO AVOID ANY MORE MILES AND I AM WAITING FOR ARRIVAL OF PARTS. PLEASE LISTEN TO US, THE INDIVIDUAL, AND HELP US AS WE FIGHT FOR WHAT IS RIGHT WIT THE CORPORATION AND IT'S CLOUT. *NM
Parking brake, Sep 15, 2005
RUBBING NOISE HEARD ON REAR WHEEL. FOUND PARKING BRAKE PADS HAD DIS-BONDED FROM BRAKE SHOE. SAFETY SYSTEM THAT FORD MOTOR DEALER, CHANTILLY, VA INDICATED IT WOULD NOT REPLACE EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A DEFECT. *NM
Suspension, Sep 15, 2005
WE RECENTLY LEARNED FROM HTTP://WWW.NHTSA.GOV/ THAT FORD COIL SPRING PROBLEMS MAY NOT BE LIMITED TO WINDSTAR MINIVANS. " FORD COIL SPRING PROBLEMS MAY NOT BE LIMITED TO WINDSTARS WASHINGTON, JAN. 31, 2001 -- THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) HAS UPGRADED ITS INVESTIGATION OF 926,000 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVANS AFTER REPORTS THAT A SPRING IN THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM CAN BREAK AND PUNCTURE A TIRE. " WE OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, [XXX], WHICH HAS TWO (2) BROKEN REAR COIL SPRINGS, BOTH OCCURRING AT THE SAME TIME. THE SPRINGS BROKE FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND THE TRUCK IS SELDOM USED FOR HAULING; HAS NEVER BEEN OVERLOADED. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP ADMITTED HE HAS SEEN THIS BEFORE ON WINDSTAR AND OTHER FORD VEHICLES, BUT WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT, OTHER THAN REPAIR IT AT MY COST. THE COST FOR THE REPAIRS & REPLACEMENT COIL SPRING(S) WAS $ 535.00. THE TRUCK WAS OUT OF COMMISSION FOR THREE DAYS. THE FORD DEALERSHIP IS: IRWIN MOTORS UNION & BISSON AVENUE LACONIA, NH 03246 THANK YOU FOR ACCEPTING THIS INFORMATION AND FOR ANY ASSISTANCE YOU MAY PROVIDE IN FORCING THE MANUFACTURER TO STAND UP TO THIS ISSUE, AN ISSUE WORTHY OF A RECALL DUE TO THE SAFETY HAZARD - THE BROKEN COILS CAN CUT THE TIRES DURING TRAVEL. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] . *NM UPDATED 07/18/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Sep 14, 2005
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4X4 AND WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE O/D LIGHT BEGIN TO FLASH AND AT A STOP LIGHT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ENGAGED TO DRIVE. FINALLY AFTER TURNING OF THE VEHICLE AND RE STARTING IT AND PROCEEDED TO GO. TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO DROP THE PAN AND IF THERE WAS METAL IN IT I WOULD NEED A WHOLE NEW TRANSMISSION. THEY CALLED ME A FEW HOURS LATER TO INFORM ME THAT THE TECHNICIAN SAW LOTS OF METAL AND THE COST OF A NEW TRANSMISSION WOULD BE 3400.00 DOLLARS. I SAID ARE YOU SURE THAT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED PROPERLY WITH A TRANSMISSION WITH 50,000 MILES AND HE SAID THE TESTS DON'T LIE. WELL, I SAID I WOULD BE UP TO THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE THIS METAL AND 2 MINUTES LATER HE CALLED SAYING THAT THE TECH. DIDN'T ACTUALLY PULL THE PAN DOWN. I PICKED UP MY EXPLORER AND THEY WERE SO VERY NICE TO GIVE ME THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON IT TOO; THINK THAT WAS A MISTAKE. TOOK IT TO COTTMANS TRANSMISSION RIGHT DOWN FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HOOKED IT UP TO A COMPUTER AND CODES P0733 AND P0745 WERE FLASHING: PROBLEM A BROKEN INTERMEDIATE BAND AND O/D BAND. THEY SAID THAT IT COULD HAVE MORE DAMAGE BUT WOULD SEE WHEN TRANSMISSION WAS DOWN. THEY WEREN'T SURPRISED BY THE DEALERSHIPS CLAIM; IT IS ALL ABOUT MONEY TO THEM. AFTER 2 DAYS THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE 2 BANDS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED, A TORQUE CONVERTER, TRANSMISSION REBUILD KIT AND A LITTLE THING CALLED A PLANET GEAR WAS CAUSING THE WHOLE PROBLEM IT SEEMS. THE BEARING IN THE GEAR WAS DESTROYED. THEY ORDERED THE PLANET GEAR FROM THE KENTUCKY PLANT AND LOW AND BEHOLD THAT BEARING IN THE GEAR WAS DESTROYED AS WELL. I BELIEVE THAT THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS THAT PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING IS COMING FROM THE DEFECT. THE COST OF THIS LITTLE REPAIR WAS 1500.00 DOLLARS MORE THAN HALF OF WHAT THEY SAID AND THEY HAVE THE SAME TSB REPORT ON THE PROBLEM. CROWN FORD IS THE DEALER. *JB
Power train, Sep 14, 2005
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4X4 AND WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE O/D LIGHT BEGIN TO FLASH AND AT A STOP LIGHT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ENGAGED TO DRIVE. FINALLY AFTER TURNING OF THE VEHICLE AND RE STARTING IT AND PROCEEDED TO GO. TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO DROP THE PAN AND IF THERE WAS METAL IN IT I WOULD NEED A WHOLE NEW TRANSMISSION. THEY CALLED ME A FEW HOURS LATER TO INFORM ME THAT THE TECHNICIAN SAW LOTS OF METAL AND THE COST OF A NEW TRANSMISSION WOULD BE 3400.00 DOLLARS. I SAID ARE YOU SURE THAT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED PROPERLY WITH A TRANSMISSION WITH 50,000 MILES AND HE SAID THE TESTS DON'T LIE. WELL, I SAID I WOULD BE UP TO THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE THIS METAL AND 2 MINUTES LATER HE CALLED SAYING THAT THE TECH. DIDN'T ACTUALLY PULL THE PAN DOWN. PICK UP MY EXPLORER AND THEY WERE SO VERY NICE TO GIVE ME THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON IT TOO; THINK THAT WAS A MISTAKE. TOOK IT TO COTTMANS TRANSMISSION RIGHT DOWN FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HOOKED IT UP TO A COMPUTER AND CODES P0733 AND P0745 WERE FLASHING: PROBLEM A BROKEN INTERMEDIATE BAND AND O/D BAND. THEY SAID THAT COULD HAVE MORE DAMAGE BUT WOULD SEE WHEN TRANSMISSION WAS DOWN. THEY WEREN'T SURPRISED BY THE DEALERSHIPS CLAIM; IT IS ALL ABOUT MONEY TO THEM. AFTER 2 DAYS THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE 2 BANDS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED, A TORQUE CONVERTER, TRANSMISSION REBUILD KIT AND A LITTLE THING CALLED A PLANET GEAR WAS CAUSING THE WHOLE PROBLEM IT SEEMS. THE BEARING IN THE GEAR WAS DESTROYED. THEY ORDERED THE PLANET GEAR FROM THE KENTUCKY PLANT AND LOW AND BEHOLD THAT BEARING IN THE GEAR WAS DESTROYED AS WELL. I BELIEVE THAT THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS THAT PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING IS COMING FROM THE DEFECT. THE COST OF THIS LITTLE REPAIR WAS 1500.00 DOLLARS MORE THAN HALF OF WHAT THEY SAID AND THEY HAVE THE SAME TSB REPORT ON THE PROBLEM.CROWN FORD IS THE DEALER. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 13, 2005
AFTER BRINGING MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS INFORMED THAT I NEEDED BACK BRAKES. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE INFORMED ME THAT MY BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND ROTTED. THIS COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY CAUSED THE CAR TO BECOME UNABLE TO STOP. I HAD TO REPLACE ALL FOUR BRAKES (ROUTINE), BRAKE PADS, AND ROTORS. MY CAR ONLY HAS 40,000+ MILES ON IT. *NM
Power train, Sep 10, 2005
ROAR/WHINE FROM REAR END @ 40-65 MPH. STOPS WHEN FOOT REMOVED FROM ACCELERATOR. *JB