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.
Air bags, Jul 9, 2005
AIRBAG LIGHT LIGHTS UP OFF AND ON WITH NO REASON. DEALERSHIP WAS NO HELP.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 8, 2005
DRIVING AND HEARD ENGINE NOISE ENGINE STALLED WOULDN'T START IN THE MIDDLE OF RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC...I WAS GOING DOWNHILL AND ABLE TO ROLL TO THE SIDE OUT OF TRAFFIC AND TO SAFETY. ENGINE FROZE WHILE DRIVING WITH NO WARNING, NO SIGNS...IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC ENDANGERING MYSELF AND MY DAUGHTER. MY CAR SAT 2 WEEKS AT THE FORD DEALER AS THEY RECEIVED 5 CARS WITH ENGINES FROZEN AND COULDN'T GET TO MY CAR UNTIL 7/8/05 CAUSE THEY HAD TO REPLACE ENGINES. WHEN ENGINE WAS TORN DOWN I WAS ADVISED A VALVE SPRING BROKE AND DROPPED INTO THE CYLINDER TEARING UP THE ENGINE AND NOW I NEED A NEW ENGINE. FORD MOTOR WILL NOT BACK UP THEIR PRODUCT.
Power train, Tires, Jul 8, 2005
2002 4X4 EXPLORER LIMITED WITH V8. AT 7390 MILES (3/12/03, INVOICE # W40836) TWO ISSUES; THE TRANSMISSION NEVER SHIFTED PROPERLY AND IT STARTED LEAKING FLUID EVERYWHERE. TWO WEEKS LATER THE DEALER ADMITTED THEY DIDN''T KNOW THE CAUSE AND REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW ONE. ENGINE SEVERELY OVERHEATED (INVOICE 3W47852). AT 20K MILES THE TRUCK WILL ONCE IN A WHILE STOP (AS IF I HIT SOMETHING) AS I START TO BACK OUT OF THE GARAGE - PROBLEM DISCOVERED AT 31K BRAKE JOB - REAR SHOES ON PARKING BRAKE BROKE LOOSE ON DRIVERS SIDE (BOTH) AND ONLY ONE ON PASSENGER SIDE. LOOSE SHOE ON PASS. SIDE WOULD WEDGE WITH GOOD ONE AND LOCK UP WHEELS WHEN MOVING SLOW. LOT'S OF ARGUMENTS AND FORD FINALLY REPLACED SHOES (4/25/05 INVOICE # 99323). AT 26K (11/05, NO INVOICE) ONE TIRE WENT FLAT AND UPON INSPECTION BY A TIRE SHOP, THAT TIRE AND A SECOND TIRE HAD TREAD SEPARATION - RUNNING GOODYEAR''S. FORD QUICKLY REPLACED BOTH TIRES WITHOUT ANY QUESTIONS. AT 29K, MY FAMILY AND I MOVED FROM MI TO GA. EACH TIME I STOPPED FOR GAS THE EXPLORER SOUNDED LIKE THE FRONT END WAS GRINDING METAL TO METAL ON THE GEARS. THE 4X4 WAS IN AUTO FOR THE TRIP AND ONCE I GOT BACK ON THE HIGHWAY ABOVE 20 MPH THE NOISE WENT AWAY. HOWEVER, IT CONTINUED TO SHIFT POORLY AND IT STARTED TO SURGE (SHAKE) OR THUMP LIKE SOMETHING WAS CATCHING IN THE DRIVE TRAIN EVERY TIME I WOULD LET OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND ALLOWED THE TRUCK TO DECELERATE WITHOUT BRAKING. EVEN AFTER NEW BRAKES AND ROTORS, THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE AND WORSE - NOW AT 34K, (5/30/05, INVOICE # W50821) THE TRUCK IS IN THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE 3RD TIME ON THIS ISSUE. THE FIRST TIME, THEY REPLACED THE "MODULE-TRANSFER SH" WHICH DID PRETTY MUCH ELIMINATE THE SHIFTING ISSUE. THEY ALSO REPLACE THE "DRIVE SHAFT FLANGE PER SSM 16824" WHATEVER THAT MEANS. BUT A MAJOR PROBLEM IN THE DRIVE TRAIN STILL EXISTS AND IT STILL UNRESOLVED. HERE'S MY POINT, FORD HAS A MAJOR DRIVE TRAIN PROBLEM WITH THE REDESIGNED 2002 EXPLORER.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 8, 2005
DT: THE CALLER SAW AN NEW REPORT ON 48 HOURS ABOUT FORDS BURNING UP AND HAS CONCERNS ABOUT HIS VEHICLE. THE DEALER SAID TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER TO SEE WHAT THEY SAY. THE MANUFACTURER SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL ON IT. THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THIS WAS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND FORD SHOULD REPLACE THE PART BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE HAPPENS. *AK THE CONSUMER IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AND IT'S POTENTIAL TO CAUSE A FIRE. *SC *JB
Structure, Jul 7, 2005
DT: CONSUMER STATED HE RECEIVED A RECALL 04520 IN 10-04. CONSUMER CALLED THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES. THEY PUT HIM ON A LIST AND INDICATED THEY WOULD CALL HIM BACK. IN 2-05 HE RECEIVED A CARD FROM FORD STATING DEALER COULD NOW ORDER PARTS FOR HIS VEHICLE. HE CALLED THE DEALER, AND THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS, AND THEY WILL ORDER THEM. THE DEALER SAID AGAIN HE WOULD BE PUT ON A WAITING LIST. THE RECALL WAS ON LIFTGATE BACK WINDOW BRACKETS. THAT WAS SIX MONTHS AGO AND THEY STILL HAVEN'T CALLED CONSUMER. *AK *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 5, 2005
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 60K MILES ON IT. IT RECENTLY BLEW A SPARK PLUG OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER AND ALARMING NOISE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE CHESAPEAKE BAY BRIDGE AND COULD HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT DOES AFFECT SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE WITH FORD V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES THAT HAS NOT BEEN PROPERLY ADDRESSED BY FORD. ESTIMATES TO REPAIR THIS DEFECT IN THE CYLINDER HEAD THREADS RANGE FROM 2500 TO 3500.
Power train, Jul 4, 2005
DRIVE TRAIN AND REAR AXLE HAVE PERSISTENT SHUDDER AND BINDING WHEN SHIFTING GEARS 2-3 AND UPON ACCELERATION DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND WILL NOT RESOLVE PROBLEMS THAT HAVE BEEN ID'D W/ SERVICE BULLETINS FOR THE 5355-RW ASSEMBLY AND THE REAR-GEAR LUBRICANT RATIO MIX-UP INTHE SEALED REAR HOUSING EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE REC'D PROTOCAL FROM MFG. ON THE PROCEDURE AND/OR REPLACEMENT PARTSAS BEING AVAILABLE SINCE MAR 2001 THIS HAS BEEN NOTED IN OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT HAVE RESULTED IN SEVERE DAMAGE DONE TO THE REAR AXLE AND WHEEL COMPONENTS BUT THEY DO NOT SEE THIS AS A PROBLEM WHEN IN FACT IT CAN RESULT IN VEHICLE FAILURETHAT MAY RESULT IN INJURY OR EVEM DEATH. I PERSONALLY SEE THIS AS BLATANT NEGLIGENCE ON THE DEALERAND MFG. PART OF RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. MY EXPLORER EXHIBITED TROUBLE SINCE JULY'04 AND WAS MFGD. IN THE TIME FRAME THAT A DEFECT WAS BROUGHT TO FORD'S ATTENTION IN THIS MATTER. WHAT DO THEY WANT A CERTAIN NUMBER OF DEATHS OR INJURIES?
Power train, Jul 1, 2005
RIGHT REAR AXLE AND BEARING
Vehicle speed control, Jun 29, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS HE HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH CRUISE CONTROL. AND IF THE TRUCK WERE JUST IDLING ,AND IF CONSUMER DID NOT HAVE FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE WOULD REV UP ALL THE WAY FOR ABOUT 10-15 SECONDS. IF HE DID NOT HAVE FOOT ON THE BRAKE HE COULD HAVE HIT SOMEONE. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT UNLESS THEY COULD DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM THEY COULD NOT FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. ACCORDING TO THE REPORT IT SOUNDED LIKE THE PROBLEM WAS CRUISE CONTROL . *AK
Structure, Jun 29, 2005
REAR HATCH HINGES POPPED OFF OF BOLTS, KNOWN PROBLEM, RECALLED SOME VEHICLES, DID NOT NOTIFY EVERY OWNER. WILL NOT PAY FOR REPAIRS.
Power train, Jun 26, 2005
REAR END ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER IS ROARING AND LEAKING FLUID.
Power train, Jun 24, 2005
THE REAR SEAL ON THE AXLE ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED 5 TIMES ON THE CONSUMERS 2002 FORD EXPLORER. *JB THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *SC *JB
Suspension, Jun 24, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATES THERE WAS A HUMMING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL BEARING WAS BAD, THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THIS WAS A SAFETY CONCERN, AND TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN RIGHT AWAY. THE WHEEL BEARING HAS BEEN REPLACED. *AK
Visibility, Jun 23, 2005
HATCH FELL OF HITTING MY WIFE ON BACK AND NECK
Air bags, Jun 22, 2005, crash
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION ON 6-4-2005 WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE OCCUPANTS WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS. SRS LIGHT WAS ON PRIOR TO THE CRASH. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER AND FIXED ONCE BECAUSE THE LIGHT WAS ON, AND A WEEK LATER IT WAS REPLACED, AND THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AGAIN. POLICE REPORT AND PHOTOGRAPHS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ANALYSIS. *AK
Power train, Jun 21, 2005
MY HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT AROUND MID JULY/EARLY AUGUST 2002. IN AUGUST OF 2003 I NOTICE THAT MY CAR WAS EXPERIENCING SOME CLUNKING IN THE TRANSMISSION. I DON'T KNOW THE FULL DETAIL OF THAT PROBLEM BUT THEY GAVE ME AN EXTRA 5 YEAR WARRENTY ON MY VEHICLE. LAST YEAR MY FAMILY AND I TOOK A TRIP TO FLORIDA AND MY CAR WOULD GET THIS LOUD ROARING SOUND AT 45 MILES PER HOUR. WHEN WE RETURNED FROM MY TRIP I CALLED TO COMPLAIN ABOUT IT. THEY ASKED ME TO BRING IT TO THEM BUT THEY SAID THAT IT WAS MY TIRES. MY HUSBAND REPLACED THE TIRES HOPING THAT THIS WOULD RESOLVED THE PROBLEM. (EVEN BEFORE THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY REQUESTED US TOO). A WEEK LATER MY HUSBAND AND I WENT TO TEXAS AND THE SOUND GOT WORSE. UPON RETURNING FROM OUR TRIP I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS MY AXEL. MY FAMILY AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED BECAUSE OF THEIR MISTAKE. I 'VE HAD MY FRONT AND REAR WHEEL BEARINGS, AXEL, AXEL BOOT, HUBS BEARINGS, EMERGENCY BRAKE (WHICH THEY SAY WAS SPLIT) REPLACED. I STILL HEAR A PROBLEM WITH MY TRANSMISSION BUT THEY KEEP TELLING ME THAT MY CAR IS SAFE TO RIDE IN. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE. I'VE GONE TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, FILED A COMPLAINT FOR ABITRATION. MY (PREPAID) ATTORNEY HAS EVEN SENT THEM TWO LETTERS ADVICING THEM TO TAKE THIS SITUATION SERIOUSLY. THEY NEVER REPLIED BACK TO ME OR MY ATTORNEY. I'M FORD PLAN AND I REALLY THOUGHT THAT I WOULD BE TREATED WITH A LITTLE MORE RESPECT. I WANT THEM TO BE RESPONSIBLE AND SEE THAT THEY SOLD ME A "LEMON". I REALLY NEED SOME HELP. THANK YOU.
Structure, Jun 21, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE LIFTGATE STRUT, AND REPAIRS WERE DONE. BUT ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THE PART POPPED OFF, ON THE FOURTH OCCASION THE PART BROKE AGAIN. FORD REFUSED TO PAY FOR ANOTHER REPAIR. *AK
Power train, Jun 20, 2005
THE "O/D" LIGHT OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIT UP WITHOUT WARNING WHILE I WAS TURNING. ENGINE "REVVED" BUT DIDN'T ACCELERATE. ONCOMING CARS SWERVED TO AVOID ME. THIS WAS AN UNSAFE SITUATION, AS I EXPECTED THE VEHICLE TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE TOTALLY REBUILT, FOR $2,400, SINCE I WAS 4000 MI OUT OF WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH <3 YEARS. I ASKED THE SERVICE MANAGER IF FORD WOULD COVER IT. THE ZONE PERSON, ADVISED NO. I PHONED CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE, AND WAS TOLD THERE WERE DEALER/FIELD DISCRETIONARY FUNDS TO PAY FOR REPAIRS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY, BUT ONLY FOR "LOYAL" CUSTOMERS. I WAS TOLD THAT I SHOULD HAVE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW AND HAD MY MAINTENANCE DONE AT THE DEALER. I ASKED WHAT MAINTENANCE SHOULD BEEN DONE ON THE TRANSMISSION. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NONE. I SPOKE WITH A GENTLEMAN IN THE QUALITY DEPARTMENT AT A LOCAL TRANSMISSION PLANT, WHO SAID THIS WAS A COMMON FAILURE, BUT THAT FORD WOULDN'T OFFER ANY HELP BECAUSE "MONEY IS TIGHT". HE SAID THAT THE BANDS IN MY TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN SUPERCEDED TWICE DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, AND A TECH BULLETIN EXISTED, EXPLAINING THIS TO DEALERSHIPS. I READ MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE! I FAIL TO UNDERSTAND WHY FORD HONORS A SECRET WARRANTY FOR "LOYAL" CUSTOMERS YET OFFERS NO RECOURSE FOR CUSTOMERS WHO WERE PUT IN THE SAME UNSAFE SITUATION, JUST BECAUSE THEY BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED. I HAD THE REPAIR DONE AT AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY. FORD ADVISES THEY WILL NOT TAKE ANY FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY BECAUSE THE REPAIR WAS DONE AT AN INDEPENDENT. I AM ONE OF MANY CONSUMERS WHO MUST DRIVE IN A DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS VEHICLE, DUE TO THIS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. IT FAILED ME ONCE WITHOUT WARNING, I PAID $1,200 FOR REPAIR, AND APPROACH INTERSECTIONS WITH TREPIDATION DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF MY TRANSMISSION UNEXPECTEDLY SLIPPING AGAIN. I WOULD WELCOME CONTACT AT 248.808.1279 TO DISCUSS RESOLUTION OF THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 20, 2005, fire
FORD EXPLORER CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. *BF THE CONSUMER HAS A REPORT WHICH STATED THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A GAS LEAK. *JB *NM
Vehicle speed control, Jun 17, 2005
DT: CONSUMER STATES THAT AT APPROXIMATELY 3,500 MILES THE VEHICLE STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE WILL GO FROM 60-3 MPH INSTANTLY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED ,AND ON JUNE 6 AND 15, 2005. THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT.*AK
Power train, Jun 15, 2005
THE GEAR SHIFTER BROKE OFF WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE. THE SHIFTER COMPLETELY SNAPPED OFF THE ASSEMBLY RENDERING THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. MILEAGE WAS ONLY 56,000 MILES AND BEEN DRIVEN FOR ONLY 4 YEARS. THE CAR HAS TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER'S LOCATION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY (PART # FMC4L2Z 3C 529 DA) AT A COST OF $706.20 TO THE VEHICLE OWNER.
Suspension, Power train, Jun 15, 2005
DT: PROBLEM WITH BACK END, TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER,AND DEALER SAID THEY FIXED AXLE, THEN, TOOK BACK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND THEY FIXED HUB, AND REPLACED THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. IN LAST 3 MONTHS VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN SHOP 3 TIMES. CURRENTLY, IN THE SHOP. WENT TO GET OIL CHANGE LAST FRIDAY, AND MECHANIC NOTICED OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE AXLE. CURRENTLY VEHICLE IN SHOP TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. THIS HAPPENED BEFORE. THEY GAVE CONSUMER AN EXTRA 5 YR WARRANTY BECAUSE OF THE TRANSMISSION, AND THIS WAS 8 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP KEPT SAYING VEHICLE WAS SAFE EVEN THOUGH DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. *AK
Power train, Jun 14, 2005
DT: GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF. CONSUMER SAID SHIFTER BROKE OFF AND LANDED IN HIS LAP. CONSUMER WAS SHIFTING INTO GEAR WHEN THIS HAPPENED. NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS. VEHICLE IS SERVICED REGULARLY. CONSUMER HAD HIGHTECH AUTO CENTER FIX PROBLEM, THEY REPLACED THE WHOLE COLUMN. FORD REFUSED TO DO REPAIRS, SAID WARRANTY EXPIRED. *AK
Power train, Jun 13, 2005, crash
DT: CONSUMER STATES THAT TRANSMISSION WENT FROM PARK TO DRIVE. WHILE SHE WAS AT HER DAUGHTER'S SCHOOL SHE STEPPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO TALK TO SOMEONE AND THE CAR JUMPED FROM PARK TO DRIVE AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. SHE HAD SEVERAL OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. SHE WAS NEVER NOTIFIED ANYTHING FROM FORD ABOUT ANY TYPE OF PROBLEM. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT PRINTED OUT A TSB FOR HER, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING NUMBERS; TRANSMISSION: 03-25-4 DATED 12-22-03, AND GEAR SELECTOR:04-22-12 DATED 11-15-04. THE VEHICLE IS REGULARLY MAINTAINED.*AK
Electrical system, Jun 13, 2005, fire
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE BECAUSE OF FORD SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH ALSO CALLED BRAKE PRESSURE SWITCH.I KNOW THAT THEY DO HAVE A RECALL ON 97-02 FORD EXPEDITION NAVIGATOR AND F-150,SAME SWITCH ON 97-02 FORD EXPLORER.