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, Jul 25, 2005
BOUGHT FORD EXPLORER (2002) USED FROM TOYOTA DEALER. DROVE FINE FOR OVER 6 MONTHS. BEGINNING IN MARCH (2005), UPON ACCELERATION (ESP. ON HILLS), VEHICLE LURCHES/SHUDDERS AS IT GAINS SPEED. HAVE TAKEN IT TO 3 DIFFERENT FORD DEALERS, WITH NO RESOLUTION (INITIALLY SAID THAT MY NEW TIRES WERE 1/4-INCH DIFFERENT IN SIZE...TIRES WERE REPLACED AND PROBLEM CONTINUED). CONTINUOUS LURCHING FINALLY FRIED THE GEM MODULE (AND FRONT/REAR SPEED SENSORS). FORD STILL DID NOT HAVE AN ANSWER. TOOK IT TO REPUTABLE LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT IT WAS NOT THE TIRES, NOR SENSORS, BUT A PROBLEM WITH "SLOP" IN THE TRANSFER CASE. THIS SLOP MADE THE 4X4 AUTO SENSE SLIPPAGE AND COMPENSATE, BUT MORE SLOP MEANT MORE SLIPPAGE AND MORE COMPENSATION, HENCE THE REPEATED LURCHING FEELING. GRAPHICAL ELECTRICAL CHART INDICATED THAT 4X4 WAS ENGAGING AND DISENGAGING APPROXIMATELY 40X A SECOND. AFTER-MARKET WARRANTY WOULDN'T COVER REPAIR AT LOCAL MECHANIC, SO BROUGHT CAR TO FORD DEALER (6TH TIME), WHO "THINK" PROBLEM IS IN THE TRANSFER CASE.
Power train, Jul 24, 2005
DIFFERENTIAL FAILED; REPAIRED UNDER ORIGINAL FACTORY NEW VEHICLE WARRANRTY. DIFFERENTIAL FAILED AGAIN, 9000 MILES LATER, WHEN VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ORIGINAL WARRANTY. DEALER WANTS $825.00 TO REPLACE THE EXACT SAME PARTS AGAIN IN THE DIFFERENTIAL.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 24, 2005
AFTER A SHORT DRIVE TO AND FROM THE GAS STATION I NOTICED A STRONG FUEL SMELL FROM OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER. NOTICED WET SPOT ON THE DIVEWAY THE FOLLOWING DAY. A SHORT 6 DRIVE CONSUMED NEARLY A QUARTER TANK OF GAS. NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN AS OF YET. HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR SINCE. ARE ANY OTHER REPORTS OF SUCH FAILURES? IS IT SAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR?
Vehicle speed control, Jul 23, 2005
THE ACCELLERATOR ON OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT STICKS INTERMITTENTLY.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 23, 2005, crash
VEHICLE STUMBLED WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY I FED IT GAS TO KEEP IT FROM STALLING AND IT ACCELERATED RAPIDLY INTO MY GARAGE DOOR. WHILE UNDER WARRANTY THIS PROBLEM REPORTED TO DEALER BUT THEY CLAIMED THEY WERE NEVE ABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. THE LAST SERVICE UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY SAID SAME PROBLEM REPORTED AND THIS TIME I WAS CHARGED FOR THE TEST BUT ONCE AGAIN THEY FOUND NOTHING I COMPLAINED TO FORD VIA THEIR WEB SITE BUT THEY NEVER REPLIED TO MY EMAILI
Vehicle speed control, Jul 22, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER ACCELERATOR BECAME STUCK OPEN.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE. *JB
Power train, Jul 22, 2005
VEHICLE MADE INCREASINGLY LOUD NOISE AT RIGHT REAR WHEEL AREA. SOUNDED LIKE AIRPLANE TAKE-OFF OR TUNNEL SOUND AT REAR WHILE DRIVING. NOISE INCREASED ON WIDE TURNING ROADS AS IF SOME KIND OF PRESSURE EXERTED ON RIGHT REAR WHEEL. THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE TIRE PRESSURE PROBLEM. BEFORE HAVING TIRE CHECKED THE VEHICLE BECAME NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE ON A STRAIGHT-AWAY AT 25 MPH WITH SERIOUS NOISE IN THE REAR THAT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING WOULD FALL APART SOON. FORTUNATELY I WAS VERY CLOSE TO A AUTO SERVICE CENTER IN A 25 MPH AREA. CAR COULD NO LONGER BE USED. THE RIGHT REAR HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. THE OTHER 3 WERE CHECKED AND WERE FINE. I DO NOT HAVE ANY OF THE PARTS.
Power train, Jul 19, 2005
REAR AXLE HAS HAD RECURRENT LEAKS. THESE WERE REPAIRED 3 TIMES UNDER WARRANTY. ON THE FOURTH OCCASSION THE DEALER REPLACED THE AXLE. THIS WAS ALSO DONE UNDER WARRANTY. PROBLEM WAS FIRSTED NOTED AT JUST UNDER 30,000 MILES. AXLE REPLACEMENT WAS AT 58,OOO MILES
Electrical system, Jul 18, 2005
DT: THE CONSUMER STATES 2002 FORD EXPLORER QUIT WHILE GOING 60 MPH. STARTEDS BACK UP. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THIS OCCURRED ON JULY 2, 2005. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN RUNNING FINE ALTHOUGH CONSUMER TOOK IT BACK AFTER HE PURCHASED IT TO HAVE THE IDLE LOOKED AT. HE NEVER THOUGHT IT RAN QUITE RIGHT. DEALERSHIP STATED THE PMC, MAIN COMPUTER, WAS THE PROBLEM. THIS WAS REPLACED BUT, THE MANUFACTURER HAD TO BE CALLED TO GET IT PROGRAMMED CORRECTLY. CONSUMER STATED THAT IT LOOKED LIKE THEY HAD TO TRY TWO DIFFERENT COMPUTERS IN THE VEHICLE, AND FORD HAD TO BE CALLED 3 TIMES.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Jul 18, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATES WHEN TAKING FOOT OFF OF THE THROTTLE IT CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES. THE LAST TIME WAS LESS THAN 30 DAYS AGO. IT HAS ONLY BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE LAST THREE MONTHS. IT HAS HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY. IT DOES NOT HAPPEN AT A LOW SPEEDS; BUT AT OTHER SPEEDS ABOVE 35 MPH. ROAD CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN PERFECT AT EVERY INCIDENT.*AK
Other or unspecified, Jul 16, 2005
FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW (AUTOMATIC WINDOWS) STOPPED WORKING. MY EXPLORER WAS JUST A LITTLE OVER THE MILEAGE LIMIT ON THE WARRANTY. I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD COST OVER $300 TO REPAIR. THE MODULATOR IN THE WINDOW HAD FAILED. I CALLED FORD AND THEY AGREED TO THE REPAIR FOR $100. THAT SATISFIED ME. NOW, THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED WITH THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW. IF I USED THESE TWO WINDOWS EXCESSIVELY, I COULD SEE SOMETHING POSSIBLY HAPPENING. BUT, I DON'T - I'M THE ONLY OCCUPANT OF THIS VEHICLE 98% OF THE TIME. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT I CAN DO TO GET FORD TO REPAIR THIS OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE PART?
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 15, 2005
DT: CALLER HAS HAD TO REPLACE THE ROTORS ON HER VEHICLE TWICE. THE FIRST TIME WAS AT 26000 MILES AND THE SECOND TIME WAS AT 53000 MILES. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING BOTH TIMES. DEALER FIXED THEM THE FIRST TIME. CALLER SAID YESTERDAY SHE HEARD A NOISE AND TOOK IT IN AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE ROTOR. TODAY BELL TIRE CO. IS FIXING THE SECOND MISHAP. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. CALLER DOES NOT REMEMBER WHEN THE FIRST TIME WAS. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Jul 15, 2005, crash
DT: CONTACT STATES SHE PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT THAT WAS IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONSUMER PLACED THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE THERE WAS SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING VEHICLE TO HIT A TELEPHONE POLE. THE CONSUMER THEN PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE, AND IT STAYED IN FULL THROTTLE, CAUSING THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE TO HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DAY THAT THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED IT WAS SLIGHTLY RAINING. THE CONSUMER NO LONGER HAS THE VEHICLE, SO SHE DOES NOT HAVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THE VEHICLE AVAILABLE.*AK
Other or unspecified, Jul 15, 2005
I BOUGHT A USED 2002 FORD EXPLORER (USED) ON 2/8/03, WITH @43,000 MILES, AND AT TIMES, I EXPERIENCED A LURCHING IN MY CAR, WITH BANGING BETWEEN SHIFTS MOST OFTEN WHEN SWITCHING FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE, BUT SOMETIMES WHEN STRICTLY IN DRIVE, EVEN AT COMPLETE STOPS, SUCH AS RED LIGHTS. AS IT WAS BECOMING REPETITIVE, I BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE WITH THE DEALER I PURCHASED IT FROM - LARSON FORD IN LAKEWOOD, NJ. THE FIRST SERVICE WAS ON 5/24/04, IN WHICH THEY SAID IT WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, AND REPLACED THE DRIVESHAFT AND YOLK, WITH A COST OF $879.75 TO ME. AS THE PROBLEM WAS NOT CORRECTED, I BROUGHT MY CAR BACK ON 8/2/04, AT WHICH TIME THEY TOLD ME THAT THE SOLENOID WAS NOT RESPONDING, THEY REPLACED IT, AND TRIED TO CHARGE ME ANOTHER $900.00, WHICH I REFUTED, BECAUSE I HAD ALREADY PAID FOR THIS TO BE "FIXED". UNFORTUNATELY, THE LURCHING WHEN SWITCHING FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE (WITH BRAKE ON)STILL OCCURS, ALTHOUGH NOT AS VIOLENTLY; HOWEVER, I HAVE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN RISES IN RPM FOR NO APPARENT REASON, EVEN AT COMPLETE STOPS WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THIS HAPPENED AS RECENTLY AS LAST WEEK, BUT SINCE IT DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME I AM STOPPED, I AM HESITANT TO BRING IT FOR SERVICE, BECAUSE IT WILL PROBABLY NOT BE APPARENT DURING A TEST DRIVE SINCE IT IS A SPORADIC OCCURRENCE. THE CAR IS A 2002 FORD EXLPORER, 4.0 LITER, V6 ENGINE, AUTOMATIC WITH O/D.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 14, 2005
DT: THE CONSUMER STATES THAT ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER THE THROTTLE STUCK. HE HAD A HARD TIME STOPPING THE VEHICLE IN A WORK ZONE. CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKE EXTREMELY HARD AND PUT THE PARKING BRAKE ON AND ENGINE CONTINUED TO ROAR. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT HE HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING. THIS OCCURRED IN SEPTEMBER 2, 2004, AND HAS NOT HAPPENED SINCE. HE READ AN ARTICLE IN THE JULY 13, 2005 WASHINGTON POST STATING THAT OTHER CONSUMERS WERE HAVING A SIMILAR PROBLEM. WHEN HE STARTED VEHICLE AGAIN THE ROAR STOPPED, AND HE PUSHED ON THE THROTTLE, WHICH CAUSED IT TO OPERATE AGAIN. CONSUMER HAD LEFT FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND TAPPED THE ACCELERATOR.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Jul 14, 2005
WHILE STARTING TO MOVE FORWARD, THE ACCELERATOR STUCK TWICE IN THE LAST MONTH. ONCE I NEARLY WENT THROUGH A CLOSED GARAGE DOOR. UNTIL NOW I THOUGHT SOMETING GOT IN THE WAY OF THE ACCELERATOR. HEARD THAT THIS WAS AN EQUIPMENT PROBLEM. NOW I WILL SEEK TO HAVE THE DEFECT REPAIRED.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 14, 2005
AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, I APPLIED THE ACCELORATOR AND IT STUCK IN THE INCREASED ACCELERATION POSITION. AFTER A FEW FRANTIC SECONDS (10 - 15 APPROX), I MANAGED TO RELEASE IT BY KICKING IT. AT THE TIME, I FELT THAT IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT THE FLOORMAT OR CARPETING MAY HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THE PROBLEM, BUT WAS NOT SURE. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO A SHOP BECAUSE OF THAT UNCERTAINTY. HOWEVER, THE CURRENT ODI INVESTIGATION CONVINCED ME OF THE STRONG POSSIBILITY THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 13, 2005
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, I SAW ON THE NEWS THERE HAS BEEN REPORTS OF IDDLE PROBLEMS. I HAVE NOTICED WHEN I REVERSE AT TIMES IT REVS UP EVEN WHEN MY FOOT IS NOT ON THE GAS. I ALSO HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM WHEN I DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY AT A CONSTANT SPEED THE ENGINE RPM ALL THE SUDDEN IDDLES FAST ANS REVS THE ENGINE UP I HAVE TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS. THIS PROBLEMS HAS ONLY LASTED A FEW SECONDS THEN GOES BACK TO NORMAL. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR IDDLE FAST ONCE ON THE HIGHWAY AND I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM TWICE WHEN THE CAR IS PUT IN TO REVERSE.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 13, 2005
DT: CONSUMER STATES HER 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAD THE THROTTLE STICK LAST WEEK. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD HER THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE UNTIL FORD ORDERED THEM TO OR THEY HEARD FROM THE NHTSA. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON IT S OWN AND SHE HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND TAKE THE KEY OUT. *JB
Air bags, Jul 13, 2005, crash
DT: THE CONSUMER'S FATHER WAS IN ACCIDENT YESTERDAY, JULY 12, 2005 AT ABOUT 10:00 AM. CONSUMER SAYS THAT VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVER'S REAR CORNER PANEL BREAKING OFF THE REAR WHEEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Jul 13, 2005
TWO DIFFERENT TIMES, BOTH STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE ACCELERATOR KEPT GOING. STOMPED ON THE BRAKE AS HARD AS POSSIBLE, FINALLY HAD TO TURN OFF THE KEY. TOOK THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG.
Electrical system, Jul 11, 2005
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM NEAR LEFT REAR WHEELWELL BEGAN CLICKING FOR NO APPARENT REASON AFTER 42 MONTHS AND ABOUT 37,000 MILES OF OWNERSHIP. CONSTANT LOUD CLICK MAKES IT IMPRACTICAL TO DRIVE VEHICLE OR RIDE IN VEHICLE. VEHICLE TAKEN TO MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED IT IS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE IN THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. MECHANIC HAS BEEN UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Jul 11, 2005
RIGHT, REAR ELECTRIC WINDOW FAILED FOR NO APPARENT REASON AFTER OWNING VEHICLE FOR 42 MONTHS AND 37,000 MILES. WINDOW WILL NOT RISE. VEHICLE TAKEN TO MECHANIC FOR REPAIR.
Suspension, Jul 10, 2005
1. INSPECTION OF VEHICLE 2. REAR COILS SPRINGS BROKEN 3. REPALCEMENT
Power train, Jul 9, 2005
TWO INSTANCES OF WHINING NOISE AT 50+ MPH AND FLUID LEAKAGE FROM REAR AXLE SEAL 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED. THE FIRST ONE CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL WHEN ACCELERATING ON HIGHWAY; RESULTING IN COMING TO REST WITHIN INCHES OF CONCRETE BARRIER AFTER JERKING ACROSS SEVERAL LANES. DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE SINCE REAR TRANSAXLE FLUID LEAKS DOWN DRIVE SHAFT TO BRAKE ASSEMBLY. I ONLY NOTICE BECAUSE I PERFORM A MONTHLY INSPECTION OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE. NOTICED SIGNIFICANT CORROSION OF BRAKE ASSEMBLY WHERE FLUID IS RUNNING INTO THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY. ONLY WHEN LEAK IS SIGNIFICANT WILL FLUID DRIP ONTO SURFACE BELOW REAR AXLE. DEALER NOTED FORD ENGINEERS ARE AWARE OF PROBLEM BUT EXPECT THE CONSUMER TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. FIRST REPLACEMENT OF REAR AXLE SEALS AT 39000 MILES; SECOND AT 50000 MILES. THESE SEALS SHOULD LAST LONGER. SECOND INSTANCE HAD VIBRATION WHEN ENGAGING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND OUD WHINING NOISE/ VIBRATION FROM REAR; THEN FLUID LEAKAGE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE FOR THE FORD EXPLORER. SEVERAL WORK COLLEAGUES HAD THE REAR AXLE SIEZE DUE TO LUBRICANT LOSS WITH SIMILIAR SYMPTOMS, ALMOST CAUSING SERIOUS ACCIDENT. MY DEALER ACKNOWLEDGES (BILL ESTES, BROWNSBURG, IN) THAT MANY EXPLORERS (2002-2005) HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY ENGINEERS ARE EVALUATING; AS A DEALER THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. FORD HAS NOT INDICATED A FIX OTHER THAN TO CHECK FLUID LEVEL, REPLACE REAR AXLE SEALS, AND/OR THE REAR UNIT. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT HAZARD SINCE IN MOST CASES THE VEHICLE OWNER WILL NOT KNOW THERE IS A PENDING FAILURE DUE TO THE FLUID LEAKING DOWN THE REAR AXLE DRIVE SHAFT TOWARD THE BRAKE/WHEEL ASSEMBLY. THE WHINING NOISE WILL INCREASE AS FLUID LEVEL DECREASES WITH RISK FAILURE AND LOSS OF CONTROL. THIS PROBLEM IS FAR MORE COMMON THAN REPORTED DUE TO THE DIFFICULT NATURE OF OBSERVATION OF LEAKAGE. ONE HAS TO CRAWL UNDER THE REAR TRANSAXLE AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE TWO AXLE SEALS TO LOOK FOR SIGNS OF CORROSION AND FLUID LEAKAGE.