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.
Visibility, Jun 9, 2005
WE RECIEVED A RECALL NOTICE ON TWO OF OUR FORD EXPLORERS. IT WAS CONCERNING THE GLASS IN THE LIFT GATE. THE RECALL STATED THAT THE GLASS COULD FALL OUT AND INJURE THE PERSON OPENNING THE WINDOW. WE HAD THE RECALL DONE ON TWO OF OUR VEHICLES. ABOUT 90 DAYS AFTER WE HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED THE GLASS DID FALL OUT ON ONE OF OUR DETECTIVES. WE HAD THE WINDOW FIXED AND FORD CHARGED US 1029.67 FOR THE REPAIR. OUR CONCERN IS TWO FOLD. OBVIOUSLY THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM STILL PERSIST AND THE SAFTY ISSUE IS A FACTOR. ALSO WE FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD KNOW THAT THE PROBLEM IS STILL PRESENT AND STAND BEHIND THE REPAIR AND FIGURE OUT ANOTHER FIX. I HAVE GOTTEN NO WHERE WITH FORD LOCALLY OR AT THEIR CUSTOMER RELATIONS CENTER
Suspension, Jun 8, 2005
DT: VEHICLE HAD TO HAVE THE REAR END BREPLACED 3 TIMES , VEHCILE HAD TO BE TAKEN BACK AGAIN A 4TH TIME, DEALERSHIP WILL NOT HELP WITH PAYMENT, CONSUMER HAD TO PAY TWICE FOR REPAIRS. *AK
Fuel system, Other, Jun 8, 2005
I PURCHASED THIS 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORTTRAC IN OCTOBER OF 2003, WITH 25,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THERE HAVE BEEN FOUR OCCASIONS THAT MY VEHICLE HAS RUN OUT OF GAS, WITH THE GASOLINE GAUGE READING BETWEEN 1/4 AND 1/2 TANK READING ON THE GAUGE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DONLEY FORD IN GALION, OHIO AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE COMPUTER. I WAS WONDERING WHY THIS ITEM WASN'T COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. AND I NEED TO KNOW WHAT I MUST DO TO GET THIS PROBLEM RESOLVED? THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION AND I WILL HOPEFULLY HEAR FROM YOU.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 8, 2005, crash, fire
IN MID APRIL 2005, AS I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HOME (HAD@32,000 MILES), THE CAR JUST DIED WITHIN 2 SECONDS. NO WARNING AT ALL. I LOST ALL POWER, THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHTENED AND THAT WAS IT. FORD TOWED THE CAR (AS IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY) AND SAID THAT THE FUEL PUMP WENT AND THAT CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE EVEN STARTED FOR ME. THANK GOD MY 3 YOUNG CHILDREN WERE NOT IN THE CAR WITH ME AND THAT I WASN"T HIT FROM BEHIND. AFTER THEY "FIXED " THE CAR AND AFTER WE PAID $600 FOR A 30,000 MILE MAINTENANCE, 6 WEEKS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPPENS TO MY HUSBAND. HE'D JUST DRIVING ALONG, THE CAR LOSES POWER WITHIN SECONDS AND COMPLETELY DIES WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR EVEN ANY TIME TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD!!! (THE CAR NOW HAS 33,500 MILES). IT IS CURRENTL STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP BEING "FIXED". EE FEEL LIKE WE'VE ESCAPED SERIOUS ACCIDENTS TWICE NOW, AS WE COULD HAVE SO EASILY BEEN HIT FROM BEHIND BOTH TIMES. NEEDLESS TO SAY, WE WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD AGAIN.
Power train, Jun 2, 2005
THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A CLUNKING NOISE WHICH THE DEALER REPORTED ORIGINATED FROM THE DRIVESHAFT. SOME OF THE DRIVE SHAFT MOUNTING BOLTS WERE MISSING AND SOME WERE LOOSE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE MOUTNING BOLTS. THERE WAS NO WARNING OF THE DRIVESHAFT HAVING MISSING BOLTS. *AK *TT THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THE DEALER SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE ORIGINAL BOLTS THAT HAD COME LOOSE. THE CONSUMER ALSO FELT THAT FORD SHOULD COVER THE COST OF REPAIRS. *SC *JB
Structure, Jun 1, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER SAFETY BAR TO THE TAIL GATE CRACKED. *MR THE SAFETY BAR CRACKED AND CAUSED THE BACK WINDOW TO FLEX. THE CONSUMER SUGGESTED THAT THIS SAME PROBLEM MAY OCCUR ON HIS 2003 MODEL AS WELL. *SC *JB
Power train, Jun 1, 2005
WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THE OD LIGHT STARTED FLASHING THEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED COMPLETELY. HAVING NEW TRANSMISSION INSTALLED. MANY OTHER THINGS HAVE FAILED TOO. THREE WEEKS PRIOR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF IN MY HANDS WHEN I SHIFTED FROM PARK TO REVERSE. HAVE CHANGED RIGHT REAR BEARING WHICH "BLEW OUT". THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE QUIT WHILE THE TRUCK WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. WHEN I FIRST GOT THE TRUCK AND COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ABOUT THE WAY THE TRANSMISSION WORKED HE GAVE ME A PRINTOUT FROM FORD STATING THE TRANSMISSION WAS PROGRAMMED TO ADJUST TO THE DRVERS STYLE OF DRIVING.
Power train, Jun 1, 2005
LOUD THUMPING NOISES COMING FROM FRONT END OF 2002 FORD EXPLORER. FORD SAYS THEY ARE NORMAL. IT DIDN'T DO THIS WHEN WE BOUGHT IT. ALSO THERE IS A LOUD WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END. REAR END HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCED. PROBLEM DISAPPEARED FOR ABOUT 10K MILES AFTER IT WAS REPLACED. WIFE IS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR AS WE HAVE THREE NEWBORN BABIES.
Power train, Jun 1, 2005
I NOTICED SOME VIBRATION/SHUTTERING WHEN ACCELERATING IN THE REAR END OF MY 2002 EXPLORER IN APRIL, 2005. THE LOCAL DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS NEEDING TO REPLACE THE CLUTCH PACK FOR THE REAR AXLE (WHICH THEY SAID WOULD CAUSE SHUTTERING WHEN TURNING) AND TO REPLACE THE TIRES. I PUT NEW TIRES ON THE REAR WHICH DID NOTHING FOR THE SHUTTERING AND IN ADDITION I COULD NOW HEAR A LOUD HUMMING UPON DECELARATION FROM SPEEDS OVER 50 MPH APPROXIMATELY. THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPT. RECHECKED IT AND TOLD ME IN ADDITION TO THE CLUTCH PACK, I ALSO NEEDED TO REPLACE THE RING AND PINION AT A TOTAL COST OF OVER $1,500.00. THE ODOMETER READING ON THE INITIAL SERVICE DATE WAS 43893 MILES (WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 36000). I SUBSEQUENTLY HAD A INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP LOOK AT IT AND THEY TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. I'M NOT SURE WHAT TO DO AS I DON'T WANT TO HAVE MY WIFE DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT IS A POTENTIAL DANGER, BUT I DON'T WANT TO UNNECESSARILY SPEND $1500.00.
Power train, May 31, 2005
REAR END NOISE (GRINDING) IN OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER DURING DE-ACCELERATION. FIRST TIME TO DEALER 8/25/03 MILEAGE 30,901, NOTHING DONE, 2ND TIME TO DEALER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM 11/03/03, MILEAGE 36,930 COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM. PROBLEM SEEMS TO GO AWAY, CAME BACK AROUND 75,000 MILES. TOOK VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER AND COMPLETE REAR END WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $2600.00. NOT SURE WHY IT WAS NOT DETECTED WITH THE FIRST TIME TO THE DEALER?
Parking brake, May 30, 2005
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000 MILES. I BROUGHT IT IN TO HAVE THE REAR BRAKES REPLACED AT SUPERIOR FORD IN PLYMOUTH, MINNEASOTA IN MAY OF 2005. WHILE THE BRAKES WERE BEING REPLACED, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE PADS ON THE PARKING BRAKES HAD "FALLEN APART". THE ADHESIVE HAD FAILED AND THE ASPHAULT PADS HAD FALLEN OFF THE METAL BACKING AND WERE LOOSE IN THE DRUM. I TOLD THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT I HAD RARELY USED THE PARKING BRAKE. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS FREQUENTLY HAPPENED ON EXPLORERS AND EXPEDITIONS, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE BRAKES HAVEN'T BEEN USED MUCH. IT CONCERNS ME THAT A SAFETY FEATURE LIKE AN EMERGENCY BRAKE COULD FAIL AFTER THREE YEARS WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT USE. I WOULD HAVE HAD NO IDEA THAT THE PADS HAD FALLEN OFF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IF I HADN'T BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FOR REGULAR BRAKE SERVICE. THE MECHANICS AND FORD'S CUSTOMER SERVICE PEOPLE DIDN'T SEEM TO BOTHERED BY THIS. THE SUPERVISOR TOLD ME THAT PARTS ARE ONLY MADE TO LAST 36,000 MILES (THE WARRANTY PERIOD). THE FORD PEOPLE SAID THAT THEY DON'T TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR BRAKES AFTER 12,000 MILES.
Power train, May 30, 2005
THERE IS A WHINING NOISE IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER COMING FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. I OCCURS BETWEEN 40-65 MPH. IT QUITS WHEN I LET OFF THE GAS. I AM WORRIED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL (THE SOURCE OF THE NOISE) WILL SOON LOCKUP WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, POSSIBLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.
Power train, May 24, 2005
4 WHEEL DRIVE WILL NOT ENGAGE. HAS BEEN USED ONE OTHER TIME SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2002
Power train, May 24, 2005
TRANSMISSION FAILED. HAD TO BE REPLACED. ONLY 50,300 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. SERVICE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THIS IS THE 5TH FORD EXPLORER HE'S HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION ON THIS MONTH ALONE. HE SAID THE TRANSMISSIONS ON THE EXPLORERS ARE FAILING BETWEEN 50K AND 60K MILES.
Power train, May 23, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER GEAR SHIFT FELL INTO THE CONSUMER'S LAP WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. *MR *SC *JB
Power train, May 23, 2005
DT: TRANSMISSION WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE, AND THERE IS NO NEUTRAL. THERE IS ONLY 57,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND CHECKUPS. TRANSMISSION WAS MAKING CLANKING NOISE WHEN PUT INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAKING NOISE SINCE 2002. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND IT WAS CHECKED. DEALERSHIP DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE WAS PUT IN REVERSE, AND IT STARTED JUMPING. THEN IT WENT AND STOPPED IN REVERSE. THEN, VEHICLE WAS PUT IN PARK AND T SWITCHED TO REVERSE. THERE WAS NO REVERSE. IT WAS PUT INTO NEUTRAL, AND IT WENT FORWARD. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO DRIVE, IT WOULD GO FORWARD.*AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Equipment, May 20, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE 4WD, THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE VEHICLE IS GIVING OFF A ROTTEN EGG SMELL. *MR THERE WERE FRONT END PROBLEMS. THE 4WD MODULE WASN'T WORKING. THE DRIVESHAFT AND BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED. THE ROTORS WERE OUT OF ROUND. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ALONG WITH THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT. THE TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM ON TWO OCCASIONS AND POSSIBLY A THIRD TIME. A LARGE PUDDLE OF TRANSMISSION WAS FOUND UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS NOISY. THE ACCELERATION PEDAL WOULD PULL BACK. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATED, IT WOULD WHINE. THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING WAS GONE AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE AXLE, BRAKES AND THE TIRE WAS BARELY HOLDING ON. THE ERROR CODE FOR THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WAS DUE TO THE SOLENOID WHICH HAD BEEN CHANGED BEFORE. THE A/C WAS INOPERATIVE. *SC *JB
Suspension, May 20, 2005
DT: CONTACT TOOK VEHICLE TO A SERVICE DEALER, AND THEY INFORMED HIM THAT THE REAR COIL SPRING BROKE. *AK
Vehicle speed control, May 19, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER CONCERNS REGARDING CRUISE CONTROL FIRES. *MR *SC *JB
Tires, May 19, 2005
PROBLEMS WITH DEFECTIVE MICHELIN TIRES ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR ON TWO OCCASIONS, NOISE WAS HEARD WHILE GOING SPEEDS OF 40-45 MPH. THE BRAKES FELT HEAVY AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. ON ONE OCCASION, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS UNCONTROLLABLE AND A FEW MINUTES LATER, THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AGAIN. THE CONSUMER FOUND THAT THE TIRE TREADS AND WIRE WERE SEPARATED AS IF THEY WERE CUT. RECALL CAMPAIGN #01V171000. *SC *JB
Structure, May 18, 2005
DT: THE COMPLAINED STARTED IN 10/04. RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND PARTS WERE ON BACK ORDER. CALLED THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES TO CHECK ON THE PARTS. THE LIFTGATE BUSTED ON THE VEHICLE DUE TO NOT HAVING THE PARTS INSTALLED. DEALER DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS ON 12-30-2004. DECEMBER 31, 2004 CONSUMER WENT TO THE DEALER, AND THE DEALER WOULDN'T GET THE CONSUMER A RENTAL CAR .SO THEY STAPLED PLASTIC OVER THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER MADE SEVERAL PHONE CALLS TO FORD ASKING FOR A RENTAL CAR. THEY WOULDN'T GIVE ONE TO CONSUMER. THE GLASS WAS REPLACED IN MARCH, BUT STILL WAS NOT FIXED CORRECTLY. A LIGHT APPEARED INDICATING A DOOR WAS AJAR, AND IT WAS ALWAYS THE LIFTGATE. AND COULDN'T OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. CONSUMER COULD NOT GET THE DEALER TO HELP FIX THE VEHICLE CORRECTLY BECAUSE IT COST THE DEALER TOO MUCH TO FIX THE VEHICLE THE FIRST TIME.*AK
Power train, May 17, 2005
LOUD WHINING NOISE IN THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL .. THE BEARINGS ARE BAD AND THE SEALS ARE LEAKING
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 16, 2005
GAS GUAGE WILL DROP TO EMPTY AND THE DIGITAL READOUT WILL SAY THAT THERE ARE 0 MILES TO EMPTY EVEN THOUGH I HAVE A QUARTER OF A TANK LEFT. IF I WAIT A LITTLE NIT IT WILL SLOWLY GO BACK UP TO WHERE IT BELONGS. I CALLED DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY KNOW NOTHING OF THIS DEFAULT AND DON;T KNOW HOW TO FIX IT.
Wheels, May 16, 2005
I NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS PULLING TO THE SIDE WHILE DRIVING AND WAS MAKING A STRANGE NOISE COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO HAVE THE BRAKES CHECKED THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING WAS GOING BAD AND HAD ALMOST A.5 INCH OF PLAY. HE WAS CONCERNED THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON. WE CALLED OUR FORD DEALER TO ARRANGE TO HAVE IT FIXED AND THEY INFORMED US THAT THE TIRE COULD COME OFF AND AND THAT THEY KEEP THREE OF THE REPLACEMENT PART IN STOCK BECAUSE IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. MY HUSBAND CALLED AROUND TO OTHER DEALERS TO GET MORE INFORMATION AND EVERY DEALER KNEW EXACTLY WHICH WHEEL WAS HAVING THE PROBLEM BEFORE MY HUSBAND EVEN TOLD THEM. THEY SAID IT COULD DEFINITELY COME OFF AND THAT I SHOULDN'T DRIVE OVER 20 -25 MPH ON IT. WE ARE HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT FIXED TODAY.
Power train, May 14, 2005
VEHICLE HAS 78,000 MILES, REAR AXLE HALF SHAFT SEAL LEAKS AT DIFFERENTIAL AND THERE IS A LOUD "WHINE' OR "HUM" WHILE ACCELERATING, NOISE STOPS WHEN YOU LET OFF GAS. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND FEEL THIS IS A MANUFACTERS DEFECT.