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, Sep 9, 2005
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR END STARTED WHINING AROUND 45000 MILES. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THE REAR END NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WITH A COST OF $2000. I DECIDED NOT TO HAVE THE WORK DONE AT THAT TIME. THEY SAID THAT IT WOULD GET LOUDER AS TIME GOES BY. IT NOW HAS 65920 MILES AND THE WHINE IS A LITTLE LOUDER. I HAVE OWNED A LOT OF AUTOMOBILES , MOSTLY FORDS AND THIS IS THE 1ST ONE THAT HAD THE REAR END WEARING OUT WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. IN READING 2002 EXPLORER COMPLAINTS THERE ARE MANY WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. MY NEXT CAR MAY NOT BE A FORD.*JB
Power train, Sep 8, 2005
2002 EXPLORER, 50,000 MILES LOUD NOISE COMING FROM REAR END (DIFFERENTIAL) AT SPEED ABOVE 40 MPH. FROM INTERNET RESEARCH I'VE READ WHERE MANY OTHERS ARE REPORTING SIMILAR NOISES. DEALER QUOTES $1500-1700 TO REPLACE REAR END. *JB
Suspension, Wheels, Sep 7, 2005
1. I NOTICED A HUMMING TYPE SOUND THAT WOULD INCREASE AS I SPED UP. I THOUGHT I HAD A WHEEL OUT OF ALIGNMENT, OR TIRE OFF BALANCE. I WAS DUE FOR MY 36,000 MILE MAINTENANCE CHECK, SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT. THEY PERFORMED A $400.00 MAINTENANCE PACKAGE TO MY VEHICLE ON MAY 4, 2004, OF WHICH I THOUGHT INCLUDED INSPECTING TIRES, WHEELS, ETC. THEY RETURNED MY VEHICLE TO ME AND AS I DROVE HOME, NOTICED THE HUMMING SOUND WAS STILL OCCURRING, BUT I JUST HAD EVERYTHING CHECKED, AND THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A NOISE THAT WAS NORMAL. 2. THE NOISE CONTINUED ON, GETTING WORSE (LOUDER) AND WAS BOTHERSOME, SO I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR A SECOND OPINION. UPON REVIEW OF MY VEHICLE, HE SUGGESTED REPLACING THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY AND BEARINGS. 3. ON JULY 3, 2004 THE RR HUB ASSEMBLY AND BEARINGS WERE REPLACED AT A COST OF $360.52. THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED. I DON'T BELIEVE THE OLD PART IS STILL AVAILABLE. BUT, AFTER SPEAKING WITH OTHER MECHANICS, I HAVE HEARD THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH SEVERAL VEHICLES OF THIS TYPE AND WANTED TO LET SOMEONE KNOW I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THIS TOO.
Steering, Suspension, Sep 7, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BEARING WENT OUT ON 9-6-05. THE CONSUMER IS UNSURE IF IT WAS ON THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT. SHE DID NOT HEAR A NOISE PRIOR TO THIS BUT REPORTED THAT THE VEHICLE FELT SLUGGISH. THE CONTACT SAID THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT STEERING PROPERLY AND IT WAS PULLING ALL OVER THE ROAD. SHE REPORTED THAT STEERING WAS VERY SLOPPY AND SHE COULD NOT CONTROL THE VEHICLE. SHE CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THEY TOOK A COMPLAINT FROM HER AND SAID THEY WOULD EVALUATE IT WITHIN 3-5 DAYS.*AK *MR
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 6, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS. AT 24,000 MILES, TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR:TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. AT 26,000 MILES, LOAD WHINING HEARD FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP ON THREE OCCASIONS TO COMPLAIN AND WAS TOLD THEY "COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE NOISE" AND "IT IS HOW IT IS SUPPOSED TO SOUND". ON THE THIRD RETURN , I PRODUCED SEVEN PAGES OF DOCUMENTED COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER OWNERS FOUND ON THIS WEB SITE AND OTHERS. THEY DECIDED THAT NOW THEY MIGHT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND REPLACED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND DRIVE SHAFT. PROBLEM WAS FIXED FOR THE NEXT 30,000 MILES BUT IS NOW DISPLAYING THE SAME NOISE AND IS "CLUNKING" IN TO DRIVE AND REVERSE. SEPARATE PROBLEM WITH THE DAYLIGHT RUNNING LIGHTS, THEY FLASH LIKE AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE TILL I TURN THE HEAD LIGHTS ON. I DID NOT NOTICE TILL I WAS PULLED OVER BY A SHERIFF AND QUESTIONED AS TO WHY I HAD EMERGENCY LIGHTS INSTALLED ON MY VEHICLE. ON A POSITIVE NOTE, I DO GET THROUGH TRAFFIC JAMS A LOT FASTER NOW. *NM
Air bags, Sep 6, 2005
I HAVE HAD TO HAVE MY VEHICLE SERVICED FOR THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYING ON TWO TIMES IN THE PAST. BOTH TIMES I WAS TOLD IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SENSOR FOR THE AIRBAG. THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN ABOUT ONE MONTH AGO AND I TOOK IT TO BE SERVICED AGAIN LAST WEEK. THIS TIME I WAS TOLD IT WAS AN "ELECTRICAL WIRING PROBLEM" WITH MY FORD 2002 EXPLORER THAT WAS CAUSING THE LIGHT TO STAY ON. REPAIR WAS A WHOPPING 487.00. FIRST, I AM WONDERING WHY THEY DIDN'T DISCOVER THIS PROBLEM ON THE PRIOR TWO OCCASIONS AND SECONDLY, I HAVE SINCE DISCOVERED THAT A CO-WORKER HAS ALSO HAD TO HAVE HER FORD ESCAPE SERVICED 4 TO 6 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE LAST TIME, SHE WAS TOLD IT WAS THE SENSOR. HER AIRBAG LIGHT HAS SINCE CAME ON AGAIN. IS THIS A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM WITH THE FORD FAMILY OF SUVS?*JB
Power train, Sep 3, 2005
5 SPEED AUTO TRANSMISSION ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT FAILED AT 43000 MILES. TRANSMISSION WAS FLUSHED AT 40000 AND PROBLEMS BEGAN AFTER FLUSH. NO FINANCIAL HELP FROM DEALER. SERVICE REP TOLD ME PISTON STRIKING TRANSMISSION CASE WAS COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS TRANSMISSION AND WARNED ME NOT TO REPLACE IT WITH A USED 2002 FORD 5 SPEED AUTO TRANNY. *JB
Power train, Sep 1, 2005
HARD SHIFTING OF TRANSMISSION. ESPECIALLY GOING INTO 3RD GEAR. SOUNDS & FEELS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING TO BREAK DOWN AT ANY TIME. IN TURN, LEAVING ME & MY CHILDREN STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. *NM
Power train, Sep 1, 2005
TRANSMISSION FAILURE TO SHIFT PROPERLY INTO REVERSE AND BETWEEN 3RD AND 4TH GEARS AFTER NORMAL USAGE FOR 38 MONTHS AND 66,00 MILES. REPAIR FACILITY STATES THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM FOR THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR BETWEEN 60 AND 80K MILES. TRANSMISSION REBUILD AND REMILLING OF TRANSMISSION CASE IS REQUIRED. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Aug 30, 2005, crash
WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND BRAKING, MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A SURGE IN ACCELERATION THAT THE BRAKING COULD NOT CONTROL. VEHICLE WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH. IN AN ATTEMPT TO AVOID A CONCRETE ABUTMENT, THE PASSENGER FRONT FENDER CLIPPED THE DRIVER REAR FENDER OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. WHEN I QUESTIONED FORD ABOUT PROBLEM, THEY SAID THEY HAD NO RECALLS AND I SHOULD GET IT LOOKED AT. THE PROBLEM HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. *NM
Power train, Aug 29, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER, REAR END WHINING, REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME. FIRST TIME AT 48K MILES. NOW AGAIN AT 57K. SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. *JB
Power train, Aug 28, 2005
SO I BOUGHT A USED 2002 FORD EXPLORER (V6) AND IMMEDIATELY HAD A LOUD VIBRATION COMING FROM THE REAR END. THE MECHANIC KNEW WHAT IT WAS BEFORE I FINISHED THE FIRST SENTENCE. HE INFORMED ME THAT I WAS HIS FOURTH 02 EXPLORER THIS YEAR FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. HE FURTHER INDICATED THAT, IN HIS OPINION, USING LIGHT WEIGHT ALUMINUM ALLOY FOR THE REAR END WAS A VERY POOR DESIGN CHOICE. THE REPAIRS WERE MADE, AND, JUST OUT OF CURIOSITY, I JUMPED ON THE INTERNET TO SEE IF I WAS THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. I KEYWORD SEARCHED "2002 FORD EXPLORER" (YEAH, JUST THAT) AND HIT NUMBER ONE WAS A TWO PAGE TIRADE FROM QUITE A FEW OWNERS INDICATING THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO, EVERY 02 EXPLORER OWNER I KNOW (6 OF EM) SAID THEY HAVE OR HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. HOW IS THERE NOT A RECALL? THAT '!@#$% COST ME 1200 DOLLARS. THAT WAS SIX MONTHS AGO. THERE'S ANOTHER VIBRATION IN THE REAR AGAIN. STATISTICALLY, THIS SURE SEEMS LIKE A COVER-UP BY FORD TO ME. *JB
Suspension, Aug 28, 2005
BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS ARE BROKEN - MILEAGE 50,000. JUST NOTED WHILE DOING UNDERCARRIAGE INSPECTION. *JB
Power train, Aug 27, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS TRANSMISSION SHIFTING PROBLEMS AND WHINE FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL. OUT OF FACTORY WARRANTY. DEALER HAS TO REPLACE REAR END AT MY COST. NO WAY A DIFFERENTIAL SHOULD GO OUT AT 48,000 MILES. DO NOT KNOW IF TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WILL BE SOLVED AT THIS TIME. *JB
Power train, Aug 26, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4X4 CONTROL MODULE GOES OUT. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF POSTS TALKING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IN FORUMS. THEY REMADE THE PART 3 TIMES BECAUSE THEY KNEW THEY HAD A PROBLEM. I GOT STUCK 2 MILES ON A BEACH WITH MY WIFE AND 2 CHILDREN BECAUSE THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE WOULDN'T KICK IN. THERE IS NO WARNING THAT IT IS BROKE UNTIL YOU TRY TO USE IT. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 25, 2005
2002 FORD SPORT TRAC- VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 40,000 MILES ON IT. HAD TO HAVE BRAKES AND ROTORS REPLACED. BRAKES WERE REPLACED AND ROTORS TURNED FIRST TIME AT 21,532 MILES ON 01-19-04. COMPLAINED SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT EXCESSIVE BRAKE DUST, ROTORS WERE TURNED AGAIN AT 26,885 ON 08-27-05. ON AUGUST 23, 2005 WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE JUST STOPPED, HAD TOWED TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE AIR FLOW VALVE. ASKED FORD TO FIX AND ALSO CHANGE OIL, SERVICE CALLED BACK TO SAY I NEEDED NEW BRAKES AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE TURNED. GAVE PERMISSION TO FIX. RECEIVED ANOTHER PHONE CALL SHORTLY AFTER SAYING ROTORS COULD NOT BE TURNED THEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE IN MICHIGAN AS WAS TOLD THAT BRAKES WERE ONLY UNDER WARRANTY FOR 12,000 MILES. HAVING HAD THE ROTORS TURNED TWICE AND THEN REPLACED AND HAVING LESS THAN 40,000 MILES ON VEHICLE SEEMED EXCESSIVE.
Wheels, Aug 24, 2005
WE HAVE HAD THE WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED TWICE, BEGINNING IN 11/04 @ 61,528MILES, THAN IT NEEDED IT AGAIN ON 8/05 AT 79,000 MILES. WE ALSO HAD TO OVERHAUL THE TRANSMISSION AT 79000 MILES!
Power train, Aug 24, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS ORIGINAL OWNER 72,000 MILES. HAVE NOTICED A WHINING HUMMING ,NOISE COMING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 50-70 MILES PER HOUR. BEEN DOING IT SINCE 30,000 MILES. DEALER SAYS POSSIBLE RIGHT WHEEL BEARING?
Power train, Aug 24, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE CAUSES A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE JERKS FORWARD. THERE IS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 23, 2005
DT: THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD PANEL WITHOUT ANY ACCIDENT. THE OWNER'S MANUAL STATED IF THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED THE ABS WAS NOT WORKING. HAS NOT BEEN TO A DEALER FOR THIS ISSUE AT THIS TIME. NO PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES, BUT WAS CONCERNED THE LIGHT FOR THE ABS WAS ON AND COULD NOT BE WORKING. THIS HAPPENED IN THE PAST, THERE WAS A REPAIR ON THE AXLE SPEED SENSOR OF THE ABS. THIS LASTED A YEAR, AND LATER VEHICLE HAD TO BE TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THIS AND THE SENSOR MOUNT, CONTACT POINT WAS CLEANED, AND CLEARED" THE FAULT WARNING CODE ON THE COMPUTER. NOW THE ABS LIGHT WAS ON AGAIN. *AK
Power train, Aug 23, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER, EDDIE BAUER 4WD 4.0L; 83K MILES, FOR THE SECOND TIME ON VEHICLE HAS REAR AXLE SEAL LEAK. REAR AXLE SEALS AND PINION SEALS REPLACED AT 55K; HUMMING NOISE/WHINE FROM VEHICLE AT CRUISING SPEEDS. MANY SIMILAR PROBLEMS REPORTED ONLINE, AND FORD TSB'S ISSUED, BUT NO RECALLS. SEE, FOR INSTANCE: HTTP://FORUMS.CARREVIEW.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=93 FIRST REPAIR WAS OVER $700 AND THIS ONE WILL REQUIRE REAR ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT, IN EXCESS OF $1200. FIRST REPAIR USED 'UPDATED PARTS' FROM FORD, SUPPOSEDLY DESIGNED TO PREVENT PROBLEM RECURRENCE.
Power train, Aug 23, 2005
DT: THE CALLER SAID VEHICLE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. IN SEPTEMBER 2002 AT 4775 MILES WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE MADE NOISE AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. IN NOVEMBER 2003 AT 34,114 MILES THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD CAME ON. SHE COULD SMELL SOMETHING. BOTH TIMES SHE WAS TOLD NOTHING COULD BE FOUND. CURRENTLY, ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD CAME ON AGAIN. WHILE GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND WOULD ONLY GO 20 MPH. DEALER TOLD HER THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND THE CALLER WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. *AK
Power train, Aug 23, 2005
LOUD HUMMING NOISE COMING FROM READ END ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER AT SPEEDS OF 40+MPH...READ ALOT OF COPLAINTS, SEEMS TO BE A DIFFERENTIAL PROBLEM IN THE 1200-1500 DOLLAR RANGE.
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 22, 2005
DT: CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED. THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN, OPERATING AT A REDUCED SPEED, AND THEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE CAR COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. CONSUMER INSPECTED VEHICLE AND FOUND NOTHING. GOT BACK INTO VEHICLE ABOUT 10 MINUTES AFTER THE OCCURRENCE, RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE TO A DEALERSHIP ABOUT 5 MILES DOWN THE ROAD AND THE CAR WAS MAKING FUNNY NOISES. DEALERSHIP SAID THE TRANSMISSION HAD A SOLENOID PROBLEM THAT CAUSED IT TO LOCK. DEALER KEPT CAR ABOUT WEEK AND A HALF. THE SOLENOID VALVE SHIFT WAS REPLACED ALONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION PAN AND GASKET. THIS LASTED ABOUT 2 WEEKS AND AGAIN THIS PROBLEM RECURRED . THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT LOCK AT THIS TIME BUT THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT DEALER FOR AN IGNITION PROBLEM. THE DEALER COULD DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT WAS CAUSING THIS. *AK
Power train, Aug 22, 2005
MY FORD EXPLORER REAR AXKE TO DIFF. SEALS ARE LEAKING OIL, AND THE REAR END IS VERY NOISY. FORD PUT NEW SEALS IN AT THE COST OF $340.64 . THE DAY I PICKEDED UP THE VEHICLE THEY WERE STILL LEAKING 30 MILES LATER WITH THE NEW DESIGNED SEALS IN. I PUT THE 2002 EXPLORER BACK IN THE GARAGE TO GET THE SEALS CHANGED 6 DAYS LATER. STHE REAR END IS STILL VERY NOISY, BUT THE SEALS ARE NOT LEAKING FOR THE TIME BEING. I CALLED THE FORD 800 NUMBER TO COMPLAIN AND TRY TO GET MY MONEY BACK WITH NO AVAIL.