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, Aug 21, 2005
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER APPEARS TO HAVE REAR-END PROBLEMS. HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS AND IT STARTED OUT WITH A WHINING NOISE IN THE REAR-END AND HAS PROGRESSED TO A HARD SHIFT AND ON OCCASION A CLUNKING WHEN THE VEHICLE SHIFTS AROUND THIRD GEAR.
Power train, Aug 19, 2005
LOUD NIOSE COMING FROM THE REAR END OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4X4 THAT HAS NOT BEEN FIXED AFTER REPEATED COMPLAINTS OR TAKEN SERIOUSLY BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP IN SIMI VALLEY, CALIFORNIA.
Other or unspecified, Aug 19, 2005
1) CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. 2) DPFE SENSOR WAS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE 3) DPFE SENSOR WAS REPLACED AT MY COST EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A RECALL FOR VEHICLES WITH SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL
Suspension, Aug 19, 2005
BROKEN REAR SPRINGS
Suspension, Power train, Structure, Aug 18, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR END. THE REAR END MADE AN EXTREMELY LOUD ROARING SOUND. TOOK THE VEHICLE THE VEHICLE TO THREE DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOPS. ONE SAID IT WAS THE TIRES, AND THE OTHER TWO MAINTAINED THAT IT WAS AN EXPENSIVE REAR END PROBLEM. SHE TALKED TO OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE AND THEY ALL HAD THIS PROBLEM. ALSO, HAD A RING AND PINION REPLACED IN THE REAR END NOT LONG AFTER SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. CURRENTLY, THEY TOLD HER THAT THIS WHAT WAS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN ALONG WITH OTHER PARTS , INCLUDING THE REAR AXLE. THIS NOISE ORIGINALLY STARTED AT 55-65 MPH, AND NOW IT WAS MAKING NOISE AT 40-70 MPH. AFTER GOING OVER 70 MPH COULD NOT HEAR IT AS BADLY. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FLUID FROM THE RING AND PINION. A STRANGE SOUND THAT WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, LIKE A BUZZING SOUND THAT SOUNDS LIKE TRANSMISSION. IN ADDITION, THE HATCHBACK GLASS FELL ON THE CONTACT'S HEAD. IT JUST POPPED OUT. THIS HAPPENED TWICE. THEY DO NOT EVEN ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE GLASS IN THE HATCH. THE DEALERSHIP WHERE SHE PURCAHSED HER VEHICLE STILL HAS RECORDS OF WHAT WAS REPLACED ON VEHICLE.*AK
Electrical system, Visibility, Air bags, Equipment, Aug 18, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER WAS NO LONGER WORKING. THE SERVICE DEALER DID NOT STATE WHY THE PANEL WAS NO LONGER WORKING. THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FAILED, SUCH AS THE RADIO, BLOWERS, WINDOWS, AIRBAGS, AND ALL OF THE SAFETY EQUIPMENT. THE DEALER STATED IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITHIN THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. THE PART TO REPAIR WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER; THEY REFERRED HIM TO THE DEALER TO FIND AN AFTERMARKET PRODUCT TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM.*AK
Power train, Aug 18, 2005
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. FOR THE PAST 2 MONTHS THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT HAS COME ON PERIODICALLY AND BLINKS UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF. I TOOK IT TO LINDSAY FORD IN WHEATON, MD AND THEY CHARGED ME $180 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. THEY CALLED TO TELL ME I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. MY VEHICLE IS 4 YEARS OLD AND ONLY HAS 63,000 MILES ON IT. I THINK IT'S RIDICULOUS THAT I HAVE TO SPEND ALMOST $3,000 FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION WITH THIS LOW MILEAGE ON MY CAR. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION TO ME. *NM
Power train, Aug 17, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATED 2002, FORD EXPLORER HAS BEEN HAVING SHIFTING PROBLEMS. HE NOTICED THE PROBLEM OCCURRING AT 26,000 MILES . IT WAS SHIFTING VERY HARD. HE WILL BE DRIVING WHEN THE CAR WILL NOT SHIFT INTO SECOND OR THIRD GEARS, IT WILL SLIP INTO NEUTRAL, THE CAR WILL SLOW DOWN IN TRAFFIC AND CAUSE A SAFETY HAZARD. HE HAD THE TRANSMISSION RE PROGRAMMED. IT HELPED IT TWICE; BUT THEN IT STARTED DOING THE SAME THING. THE THIRD TIME THE CONTACT WENT BACK TO DEALER AND THEY WOULD NOT REPROGRAM IT AGAIN. HE THOUGHT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. SECOND AND THIRD GEARS GEAR WERE NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. FOUND IDENTICAL PROBLEMS ON THE INTERNET. THERE WAS 62,000 MILES ON THE CAR. IT STARTED HAPPENING AROUND 2003 AND HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE.*AK
Power train, Aug 17, 2005, crash
DT: THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING THE OWNER'S CAR AND PULLED OVER TO PARK. HE SWITCHED THE CAR INTO DRIVE JUST TO PULL UP A FEW FEET AND THE CAR LEAPED FORWARD. HE HIT THE BRAKE AS HARD AS HE COULD BUT COULD NOT STOP THE CAR, AND HIT THE BUMPER OF THE CAR IN FRONT. THIS HAPPENED ON 8-5-05. THE OWNER OF THE CAR NOR THE CONTACT HAD ANY PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. THE CONTACT STATED HE HAD NO FURTHER PROBLEMS SINCE 8-5-05.*AK
Steering, Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 17, 2005
ABS LIGHT CAME ON AT 19,518 MILES, 22,071 MILES, AND 27,078 MILES. MORE IMPORTANTLY, HOWEVER, ARE MY ISSUES WITH THE 2002 EXPLORER REAR END. 10/1/03: 27,078 MILES ABS LIGHT CAME ON, THE DEALER REPLACED THE ASSEMBLY. REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS LEAKING, DEALER REPLACED THE SEALS. 7/28/04: 40,541 MILES REAR END LEAKING AGAIN. HALF SHAFTS WERE WORN. REAR LOCKING DIFF WAS SLIPPING. THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE BOTH HALFSHAFTS, SEALS, AND CLUTCH PACKS. 9/22/04: 43,203 MILES REAR AXLE CHATTERING. REPLACED WHOLE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY. 2/25/05: 54,960 MILES REAR DIFF MAKING MORE NOISE. LEFT REAR AXLE BEARING WAS NOISY. REPLACED LEFT REAR AXLE HUB AND ASSEMBLY. ON TEST DRIVE, THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE BEARING THEY JUST INSTALLED WAS BAD, SO THEY HAD TO REPLACE IT AGAIN. 8/11/05: 68,000 MILES LEAKING FLUID FROM REAR END. THE DEALER PERFORMED THE FOLLOWING MAINTENANCE: REPLACED DIFF SEALS, REPLACED TIMING CHAIN, REPLACED RIGHT FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY, REPLACED RING AND PINION, REPLACED FRONT END TIE RODS, REPLACED BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS, PERFORMED FRONT END ALIGNMENT. ALL TOLD, I HAVE HAD MY EXPLORER IN THE SHOP AT LEAST 10 TIMES. MY WARRANTY IS ABOUT TO EXPIRE (7,000 MORE MILES) AND I'M GOING TO TRY TO GET FORD TO BUY THE VEHICLE BACK. FROM WHAT I'VE HEARD, THIS IS NOT AN EASY PROCESS AND APPARENTLY DOESN'T HAPPEN OFTEN WITH SUCH 'HIGH MILEAGE' VEHICLES. IF THEY DON'T BUY IT BACK I WILL BE FORCED TO TAKE A HUGE LOSS ON THE VEHICLE. I WILL THEN PURCHASE ANYTHING BUT A FORD. *JB
Power train, Aug 16, 2005, crash
MY WIFE WAS UNLOADING TWO GRANDSONS FROM OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER. SHE HAD REMOVED THE YOUNGEST ONE WHEN THE FOUR YEAR OLD GOT INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT ON HIS KNEES AND PRETENDED TO DRIVE. THE IGINITION WAS OFF AND TRANSMISSION IN PARK. HE PULLED ON THE SHIFT LEVER, THE AUTOMOBILE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS. MY WIFE OPENED THE DRIVERS DOOR TO STOP THE VEHICLE. IT BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS FASTER AND THE OPEN DOOR STRUCK HER KNOCKING HER TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE STRUCK TWO TREES SHHORTLY AFTER THAT CAUSING $5675.77 IN DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE. I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY 0N AUGUST 5, 2005AND SPOKE TO TIFFANY EXPLAINING THAT THE "BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK' HAD FAILED CAUSING THE INCIDENT DESCRIBED ABOVE. HER QUESTION TO ME WAS, "WHAT DO YOU WANT FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO DO ABOUT THIS." I REPLIED THAT I WANTED COMPENSATION FOR DAMAGES AND THE DEFECT CORRECTED. SHE SAID THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY WOULD NOT INVESTIGATE THIS DEFECT, NOR MAKE ANY COMPENSATION FOR DAMAGES AND THAT I SHOULD HANDLE EVERYTHING THROUGH MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I CALLED AGAIN ON AUGUST,09,05 AND SPOKE TO DAMIAN WHO GAVE ME THE SAME REPLY AS YIFFANY.*JB
Structure, Aug 15, 2005
REAR HATCH WINDOW LIFT FAILED AND CAUSED REAR GLASS TO SHATTER (LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT). THE WINDOW WAS LIFTED TO REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE REAR AND THE LIFT ARM APPARENTLY WAS WEDGED UNDER THE GLASS AND IT EXPLODED SO LOUDLY THAT NEIGHBORS 2 HOUSES AWAY RAN OVER AND PEOPLE WALKING DOWN THE STREET CAME TO MAKE SURE NO ONE WAS INJURED. WE HAD THE GLASS REPLACED BY A GLASS COMPANY--THIS TOOK 4 DAYS DUE TO THE UNAVAILABILITY OF THE GLASS. THEY ALSO INDICATED THEY HAD JUST (THE SAME DAY) REPLACED ANOTHER WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND THEY HAD SEEN SEVERAL IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS. THE STRUTS WERE NOT REPLACED AND WE WERE ADVISED NOT TO USE THE HATCH DOOR UNTIL THEY ARE. OUR DEALER WAS NOT RESPONSIVE ON THIS MATTER BUT I BELIEVE THERE NEEDS TO BE AN INVESTIGATION. THE GLASS CO SAID THAT THE WINDOW DESIGN WAS CHANGED IN OR AFTER 2002 SO THE STRUTS ARE LOWER AND SUPPORT THE GLASS CORRECTLY. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Aug 14, 2005, fire
I HAD JUST LEFT WORK WITH MY MOTHER AND NOTICED A SMELL OF BURNING RUBBER OR WIRES. WE DROVE FOR APPROX. 4 BLOCKS STILL SMELLING THIS. WE ROLLED DOWN THE WINDOWS THINKING IT WAS COMING FROM OUTSIDE. I EVEN TURNED OFF MY AIR CONDITIONING THINKING IT WAS PULLING THE ODOR IN FROM OUTSIDE. WE THEN DECIDED WE SHOULD TURN AROUND AND GO BACK TO MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT AND HAVE THE MECHANICS CHECK IT OUT. I TURNED THE CORNER AND SMOKE STARTING COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WE THEN PULLED OVER TO CALL OUR WRECKER. THE SMOKE GOT WORSE, SO WE GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND MOVED AWAY. WE THEN CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES FLAMES STARTED COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THEN, THERE WAS A SMALL EXPLOSION AND THERE WAS A HOLE BLOWN IN THE CENTER OF THE HOOD CLOSE TO THE WINDSHIELD. THE FLAMES WERE THEN SHOOTING ABOUT 6 TO 8 FT IN THE AIR. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND PUT THE FIRE OUT. WE HAVE NOT YET HEARD IF IT IS A TOTAL LOSS, BUT I'M SURE IT IS. *NM
Power train, Equipment, Aug 13, 2005
I HAVE HAD MY TRANSMISSION IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER REBUILT BY A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AT 53,000 MILES AND A FORD RE-MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION INSTALLED AT THIS DEALERSHIP AT 69,000. THIS LOCAL DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED THE TRANSFER CASE TWICE, DRIVE AXLE, AND UNIVERSAL JOINTS BETWEEN 69,000 AND 74,000 TO CORRECT AN ONGOING REPORTED SHIFTING PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. MY TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 109,000, AGAIN, MUCH TO MY DISMAY. THE DEALERSHIP RESPONDED THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURER'S ISSUE AND SUGGESTED THAT I CONTACT FORD. UPON CONTACTING FORD MOTOR COMPANY, I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A DEALERSHIP ISSUE AS THE DEALERSHIP HAD INSTALLED THE TRANSMISSION AND MAY HAD DONE SO INCORRECTLY. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST WHO REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION AND INDICATED THAT THE PREVIOUS TRANSMISSION WAS, IN FACT, DEFECTIVE. *JB
Power train, Equipment, Aug 13, 2005
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE AIR CONDITIONER QUIT WORKING. I HEARD THE COOLANT AND COMPRESSOR STILL WORKING, BUT NO FAN BLOWER ON LEVELS 1,2 AND 3 LEVEL 4 STILL WORKED LUCKILY. I ALSO HAVE A HOWLING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR END UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION AND HARD SHIFTING WHEN ACCELERATING AND LETTING OFF OF THE GAS DURING A SHIFT. THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS CAUSED BY A FAULTY RESISTOR, THE REST HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. I NOTICE A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE FOR THE SAME SYMPTOMS, A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED.*JB
Suspension, Aug 12, 2005
DT: THE VAN WAS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD AND ONLY HAD 32,000 MILES ON IT AND THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING HAS ALREADY FAILED. IT WAS MAKING A ROARING NOISE EVERY SINCE PURCHASING THE CAR. TOOK IT TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND THEY TOLD HER THE BEARING WAS BAD. *AK
Suspension, Aug 12, 2005
DT: CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE HAS DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARINGS, MAINLY IN THE REAR, BUT HE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE ONE ON THE FRONT. THE VEHICLES WHEELS STARTED GRINDING AND THEY BECAME LOOSE ON THE AXLE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT ALL OF THE WHEEL BEARINGS ON THIS PARTICULAR MODEL WERE GOING BAD. THE CONSUMER TRIED TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER BUT THEY WERE UNRESPONSIVE.*AK *JB
Air bags, Aug 11, 2005, crash, fire
DT: THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ON DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER'S SIDES. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 5, 2005. NOT CONTACTED FORD. *AK
Power train, Aug 11, 2005
TRANSMISSION CASE WEARING TO THE POINT WHERE IT HAS TO BE REPLACED FOR APPROXIMATELY $3000. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Air bags, Aug 10, 2005
APRIL 04 PURCHASED 2002 FORD EXPLORER; JUST OVER 60,000 MILES. NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY;SOLD AS IS. DAY AFTER PURCHASE, NOTICED KNOCKING SOUND. RETURNED TO DEALER. STATED SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR AC. REPAIRED, DID NOT HEAR AFTER REPAIR. APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK AFTER PURCHASE, NOTICED DELAY IN GEARS ENGAGING WHEN GOING FROM PARK TO DRIVE , PARK TO REVERSE ALSO GEAR SHIFT SEEMED TO BE LOOSE. RETURNED TO DEALER; TOLD IT WAS NORMAL FOR THIS MODEL. ADVISED TO KEEP IN OVERDRIVE. LATE JULY 2004, NOTICED DELAY SEEM TO BE GETTING LONGER AND JERKING SUDDENLY WHEN FINALLY ENGAGED. WHILE DRIVING ,OD LIGHT FLASHED ON AND OFF ERRATICALLY. PROBLEM WITH OD LIGHT INTERMITTENT. SPOUSE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER; TOLD THAT IT WASN'T UNDER WARRANTY, BUT WE COULD MAKE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. SPOUSE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A SHOP HAD DONE BUSINESS IN THE PAST. THOUGHT THAT IT COULD NEED TRANSMISSION FLUID. CHECKED FLUID LEVELS NOT DEFICIENT. PROBLEMS CONTINUED; HAD THEM LOOK AT IT A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER. COULD NOT DETERMINE PROBLEM, ADVISED TO TAKE TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST IF CONTINUED. PROBLEM PERSISTED. SEEMED TO GET WORSE AS THE WEATHER TURNED COLDER. LATE DECEMBER 04, DELAYS IN ENGAGING GEARS WORSENED; NOW MAKING A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE AND LUNGES WHEN ENGAGES, OD LIGHT FLASHED ERRATICALLY ON A FREQUENT BASIS AND ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT ON AND GEAR SHIFT SEEMED TO BE COMING OUT. JANUARY 2005, SPOUSE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP FOR DIAGNOSTIC. TRANSMISSION SHOT. REBUILT AT A COST OF $2900. FOUND OUT THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED TWICE BEFORE, WHILE UNDER WARRANTY FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS DESCRIBED. ITS OBVIOUS FROM THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN DESIGN DEFECT. WHEN A COMPANY SELLS DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS THEY SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY DO SO KNOWINGLY. I STOPPED MAKING PAYMENTS ON THIS JUNK AND WILL NOTIFY THE LENDER SO THAT THEY AND FORD CAN FIGHT IT OUT. ANY OWNER WHO WISHES MAY CONTACT ME AT 703-998-5510. *JB
Power train, Aug 9, 2005
I HAVE RECEIVED ONLY ONE RECALL NOTICE ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER RELATING TO PROBLEMS WITH THE TAILGATE WINDOW. TONIGHT, AFTER EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS THAT CAUSED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO JUMP TO A HIGHER RATE OF A MARKEDLY HIGHER RATE OF REVOLUTION, I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT I HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THESE PROBLEMS COST OVER $815 TO REPAIR. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO HAD TO REPLACE A SOLENOID SWITCH ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. I QUICKLY LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE RECALL DATABASE TO SEE IF OTHERS HAD EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEMS I EXPERIENCED. I WAS SURPRISED TO SEE A LARGE NUMBER OF RECALLS THAT I FAILED TO RECEIVE ANY NOTIFICATION FOR. I AM FILING THIS TO REQUEST: (I) FORD TO REQUIRE DEALERSHIPS TO NOTIFY CONSUMERS PERSONALLY IN WRITING OF RECALLS...IF NHTSA OR THE MANUFACTURER DEEMS AN ISSUE IMPORTANT ENOUGH TO ISSUE A RECALL NOTICE, SHOULDN'T THE DEALER BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER WRITTEN NOTIFICATION TO THE CONSUMER? IT IS AN UNFAIR AND DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICE TO DO LESS THAN THIS, ESPECIALLY AFTER THE CONSUMER HAS FAILED TO RECEIVE THE BENEFIT OF HIS OR HER PURCHASE AND MAY BE RISKING OF DANGER TO HIMSELF OR OTHERS; AND II. NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURES DESCRIBED ABOVE. THE CAR LITERALLY "JUMPS" INTO A MUCH HIGHER RATE OF REVOLUTION AND ACCELERATION REQUIRING THE DRIVER TO IMMEDIATELY HIT THE BRAKES. IT'S TOO DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY IN CITY TRAFFIC OR IN AREAS WHERE SMALL CHILDREN ARE PLAYING. *JB
Power train, Aug 5, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER [XXX] TRANSMISSSION NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. REAR END NOISY AT 40 MPH. NOT REPAIRED. *JB UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Suspension, Equipment, Aug 2, 2005
WHILE TURNING VEHICLE, HEARD A POPPING NOISE & FRONT LEFT TIRE SUDDENLY COLLAPSED INWARD. LEFT FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARM, LOWER BALL JOINT, SHOCK & CAM BOLTS & WASHERS WERE REPLACED. VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY, HOWEVER FORD DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO COVER STATING THIS WAS THE RESULT OF VANDALISM. NO PROOF OF THIS WAS EVER SUBMITTED TO ME DESPITE CERTIFIED LETTER SENT TO THEM REQUESTING. VEHICLE WAS KEPT IN LOCKED GARAGE AT NIGHT & PARKED IN SECURE, GATED LOT AT WORK DURING THE DAY. THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE ON 5/21/04, BUT WAS BEING DRIVEN STRAIGHT. INS REFUSED TO COVER AS NO PROOF OF VANDALISM. *NM
Power train, Aug 1, 2005
THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE OF MY VEHICLE IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSTATE WAS THAT THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH WHICH IN TURN WOULD TRIGGER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE FAILURE WAS A SHOT TRANSMISSION AT ONLY 60,000 MILES. A PROBLEM THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY KNOWS ABOUT FROM THE HUNDREDS OF TECH BULLETIN'S I'VE READ. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO ADAMSON FORD IN BIRMINGHAM,ALA. AND WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING TROUBLE CODES,P0733,P0735,P0775 AND A FAULTY POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE. AFTER RECEIVING MY CAR AND ALMOST $800.00 LATER,THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED BLINKING TRIGGERING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. AFTER RETURNING TO THE DEALER WHOM THEN INFORMS ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO BUY A REMANUFACTURER TRANSMISSION AT OVER $2200,00 PLUS LABOR. I CAN'T AFFORD THIS AND NOW I'M STUCK WITH A LATER MODEL CAR THAT I CAN'T USE, AND A HIGH CAR NOTE. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD AGAIN PERIOD. *JB
Power train, Jul 29, 2005
1) BEGAN WITH WHIRLING NOISE COMING FROM REAR END, ENDED WITH A LEAKING REAR END COMPONENT. BOTH REAR END PINION SEALS REPLACED,NEW SYNTHETIC OIL ADDED AND RE-PACKED WITH ALL NEW GASKETS.(NEW SEALS WERE ORDERED DIRECTLY FROM FORD) I WAS TOLD THAT THESE PARTICULAR PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE IN AFTERMARKET. *NM