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, May 13, 2005
DRIVER NOTICED WHILE SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION FORWARD OR BACKWARD THE GEARS ARE HARD AND A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE STARTED COMING FROM THE FRONT. DRIVER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE PLACED ON A DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE FOR ANALYSIS. *AK THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM HAS BEEN ON GOING SINCE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE GEAR SHIFTER BECAME STUCK IN REVERSE GEAR UNLESS IT WAS PULLED FIRMLY TOWARDS THE DRIVER. *BF *NM
Power train, May 11, 2005
TRANSMISSION AND REAR-END. SEALED TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED AT DEALERSHIP AT 29,000 MILES. SINCE THEN TRANSMISSION HAS A WHIRR AND THEN A CLUNK WHILE DECELERATING BACK INTO FIRST GEAR. WHINING NOISE FROM REAR-END SINCE 12,000 MILES. FORD REPLACED FAULTY REAR-END SEAL 6 MONTHS AGO, WHINING STILL THERE. I FEEL THAT FORD IS STRINGING ME ALONG UNTIL WARRANTY EXPIRES. FORD KNOWS THERE ARE PROBLEMS BUT WONT FIX UNTIL PART FAILS COMPLETELY.
Structure, May 10, 2005
CONSUMER EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS GETTING THE DEALERSHIP TO PERFORM RECALL LIFTGATE REPAIRS ON VEHICLE.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER BUT THEY REFUSED TO DO THE RECALL WORK BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PURCHASED THERE. *NM
Air bags, May 10, 2005
APRIL 04, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON FLASHING 3 TIMES (3 BLINKS EACH TIME) AND THEN WOULD REMAIN ON. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP HERE AT FREEPORT JET WASH WHILE THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND THE WARRANTY WAS FINISHING IN JUNE. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR IN THEY HOOKED IT UP TO THE COMPUTER THEN SIMPLY SAID WE HAVE RESETTED THE CONTROL SYSTEM IN THE CAR AND IF THE LIGHT COMES BACK ON TO BRING IT BACK!~~~ WELL, DIDN'T LAST TOO LONG AND IT CAME BACK ON BUT THIS IS A COUPLE WEEKS LATER AND NOW THEY TELL ME MY WARRANTY IS UP BUT I TOLD THEM THEY WERE AWARE OF THIS BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED - LONG STORY SHORT THEY CHANGED IT AT NO COST TO ME AND SAID FORD APPROVED IT TO BE FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. BUT, THAT DIDN'T SEEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM, THE AIRBAG CAME ON AGAIN A COUPLE WEEKS LATER WHEN THEY HOOKED IT UP AGAIN THEY SAID IT WAS THE SAME CODE AND RESET THE CONTROL SYSTEM IN THE CAR AND TOLD ME TO BRING IT BACK IF IT TURNS ON...WE ALL KNOW WHAT HAPPENED...IT CAME BACK ON...SO THEY SAID THEY WILL CHANGE IT AGAIN BUT THIS TIME NOT ONLY DID IT TAKE 4 MONTHS TO HEAR BACK FROM THEM (ONLY BECAUSE I FINALLY GOT TIRED OF WAITING AND CALLED THEM BACK) ABOUT THE PART BUT NOW THEY TELL ME THAT THE PART WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND THE GUY WHO DID IT SHOULDN'T OF (HE IS NO LONGER WITH THE DEALERSHIP) AND THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE 3RD PRETENSIONER TO BE PUT IN MY CAR AFTER I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED A YEAR AND A HALF!
Power train, May 9, 2005
THERE IS A LOUD DRONING SOUND FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR AND VIBRATIONS IN THE FLOORBOARDS.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, May 8, 2005
CAR WAS PARKED. WHEN MY WIFE WAS WALKING TO THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED A LARGE CRACK DOWN THE BACK DOOR (HATCH AREA) OF VEHICLE WHICH IS DIRECTLY BELOW THE GLASS. TAKE NOTE THAT IF THIS PANEL FALLS OFF (AND COULD WITH THE CRACK), IT COULD FALL ONTO ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING HARM OR TRAGEDY. IF THE PANEL ALSO FALLS OFF, THE GLASS IS NO LONGER SUPPORTED WHICH ALSO CAN RESULT IN IT FALLING OFF ONTO ANOTHER VEHICLE OR ONTO THE HIGHWAY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.
Vehicle speed control, May 6, 2005, crash
WHILE PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE VEHICLE ACCELARATED AND CRASHED THROUGH WALL OF A DOCTORS OFFICE. VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER SHIFTING INTO PARK AND FRONT END WAS INSIDE BUILDING. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION. FOUND THROTTLE BODY STICKING WHICH MADE GAS PEDAL STICK CAUSING ENGINE TO ACCELARATE OUT OF CONTROL. DEALER FILED CLAIM WITH FORD. STILL WAITING FOR FORD TO RESPOND.
Latches/locks/linkages, May 4, 2005
NHTSA RECALL ID 01I010000 FORD EXPLORER 2002 LIFTGATE DEAR SIR/MADAM, I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT THAT THE FORD DEALERSHIP (JOE MYERS FORD IN HOUSTON, TEXAS) AS WELL AS FORD AS LESS THAN HELPFUL IN GETTING THIS RECALL TAKEN CARE OF. I AM BEING TOLD THAT I WOULD HAVE TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE THERE FOR AN ENTIRE DAY, YET I DO NOT HAVE ANY RIGHT TO A LOANER CAR. THEY ALSO WOULD NOT ACCEPT THE VEHICLE ON A SATURDAY ALTHOUGH THEY ARE OPEN UNTIL 3 PM. I DON'T THINK THAT I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING A RENTAL CAR OR HAVING TO TAKE A VACATION DAY SO THAT FORD CAN REPAIR A DEFECT THAT IS DUE TO FAULTY MANUFACTURING. RGDS, CHRIS ROM
Engine and engine cooling, May 3, 2005
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4.6L V8. WITHIN THE LAST MONTH 3 SPARK PLUGS HAVE BEEN BLOWN OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEADS. EACH TIME ITS A DIFFERENT CYLINDER. FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS DENIED OUR CLAIM TO REPAIR THE STRIPPED OUT THREADS IN THE CYLINDERS, WITH A 75,000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY.
Power train, May 3, 2005
THE TRANSIMIISON BEGAN TO SLIP AAT 30 MPH, 37, 000 MILES. ON 10/02/03- WAS SERVICED, BUT PROBLEM RETURNED FROM TIME TO TIME. IN 2005 PROBLEM WORSENED AT 48, 000 MILES. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR TRANSMISSION SERVICE. $DEALER REPORTED NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED @ COST OF 3,222. THE REPAIR WAS DONE ON 4/22/05.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 29, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH BAD ROTORS. *MR THE BRAKES MADE A POPPING NOISE. THE ABS HAD COME ON AND GONE OFF. *SC
Electrical system, Apr 28, 2005
THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL COMING OUT OF THE AIR CONDITIONER VENTS IN THE WARM MONTHS. THAT I DESCRIBE AS A URINE ODOR. THE DEALERSHIP INSTALLED A FAN IN THE AIR CONDITIONER THAT COMES ON 15 MINUTES AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED OFF TO DRY OUT THE AIR UNIT.
Suspension, Apr 28, 2005
BOUGHT THE CAR IN JULY 2004 AT AROUND 50,000 MILES. HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM REAR OF THE TRUCK. CURRENTLY, THE NOISE HAS PROCEEDED TO THE FRONT. I HAVE NOT REPLACED ANYTHING BECAUSE I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT I AM GOING TO HAVE TO CHANGE. I WAS WONDERING IF THERE IS GOING TO BE A RECALL ON THIS TRUCK. *AK
Power train, Apr 26, 2005
1.TRANSMISSION BEGAN SLIPPING, BANGING IN REVERSE, PROBLEMS GETTING THE VEHICLE TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE. . VEHICLE BECAME UNABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF 2ND, TRANS LIGHT AND OVERDRIVE LIGHT CAME ON AND FLICKERING. . TAKEN TO MILLER FORD, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING NO 3RD GEAR AT ALL, BOTH BANDS, SERVOS AND SOLENOID NEED REPLACE. 4.SPENT 2 DAYS IN SERVICE, RENTED A VEHICLE AT A COST OF $50. WORK WAS COMPLETED AT A COST OF $1523.28. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Apr 21, 2005
1. REAR END HOWLING NOISE (3/18/2005) - HEAR NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 40 AND 65 MPH. WHEN LETTING OFF OF ACCELERATOR, NOISE GOES AWAY, COMES BACK AGAIN WHEN ACCELERATOR IS PUSHED AGAIN. DEALER SERVICE DEPT REPLACED REAR CARRIER BEARINGS, CUP, SEALS, AND SPACER IN REAR DIFFERENTIAL. NOISE NOW OCCURS BETWEEN 65 AND 70 MPH. WAS TAKEN BACK TO DEALER SERVICE DEPT ON 4/11/2005. WAS INFORMED 4/20/2005 THAT REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS ADJUSTED WITH NEW SPACER, BUT NOISE IS STILL THERE. SERVICE MANAGER HAS ANOTHER FORD EXPLORER ON LOT AND TEST DROVE IT. THIS EXPLORER HAS SAME NOISE BETWEEN 40 AND 65 MPH. ONE OF THE TECHS (WHO USED TO WORK AT A FORD DEALERSHIP) TOLD SERVICE MANAGER THAT ALOT OF 2002 FORD EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM. FORD HAS NO SOLUTION OR CURE. 2. NOISE IN TIMING CHAIN AREA. FORD HAS A TSB ON THIS. I CAN HEAR THIS RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THIS AREA AND TOLD DEALERSHIP TO LOOK INTO IT. THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE NOISE, ALTHOUGH WHEN TEST DRIVING IT WITH ASSIST. SERVICE MANAGER, I COULD STILL HEAR THE NOISE, BUT HE COULD NOT. I HAD MY LOCAL MECHANIC CHECK THIS OUT, AND THEY CAN HEAR THE NOISE THAT I'M TALKING ABOUT. THIS PROBLEM HAS YET TO BE FIXED. 3. VIBRATION COMING FROM FRONT END ON INTERSTATE THAT STARTS AT AROUND 70+ MPH. WHEN CLIMBING A STEEP HILL ON INTERSTATE AND TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTS, CAN FEEL A GRINDING NOISE IN POWERTRAIN. DEALER BELIEVES THAT THE FLUID IN THE TRANSFER CASE MIGHT NEED TO BE CHANGED,CAUSING CLUTCHES INSIDE TO STICK. WILL FIND OUT TOMORROW (4/21/2005). *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 19, 2005
CONCERNING 2002, FORD, EXPLORER, EDDIE BAUER: WE WERE DRIVING ON 09/19/2004 WHEN A CAR DROVE UP NEXT TO US AND DRIVER STATED THAT REAR BRAKES WERE SMOKING. NO BRAKES WERE ON. WE PULLED OVER, AND SAW THAT THEY WERE SMOKING AND SMELLED BADLY. CALLED FORD ROADSIDE ASSISTANT TO TOW US TO LANDMARK FORD, IN TIGARD, OREGON. UPON INSPECTION ON 09/20/04, PARTS WERE REPLACED. TWO WEEKS LATER ON OCTOBER 3,2004, WE WERE AGAIN DRIVING AND WHEN WE GOT HOME, AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR LEFT BRAKES WERE SMOKING AND SMELLED BADLY. WE CALLED FORD ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE ,AND HAD THE CAR TOWED AGAIN TO LANDMARK FORD. UPON INSPECTION ON 10/4/04 WE WERE TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM AND THEREFORE WOULD NOT REPLACE ANY PARTS. WE SPOKE WITH SERVICE MANAGER LARRY BAKER CONCERNING THIS ISSUE. HE ASKED US TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME, AND IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN TO CALL AND BRING THE CAR DOWN. ON FRIDAY APRIL 15,2005 WE WERE DRIVING WITH OUR TWO NIECES WHEN WE NOTICED THE LEFT REAR BRAKES STARTED SMOKING AND SMELLING BADLY. WE WERE CLOSE ENOUGH TO HOME AND MADE IT. THE ENTIRE WHEEL ON THE LEFT SIDE WAS TOO HOT TO TOUCH, THE RUBBER ON THE TIRE WAS ALSO VERY HOT. WE CALLED FORD ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AGAIN TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED DOWN TO LANDMARK FORD. WE RECEIVED A CALL ON TUESDAY 04/19,2005 FROM SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. WE WERE ASKED AGAIN TO PICK UP THE CAR, AND CALL IF ANY PROBLEMS AROSE. THREE TIMES THE SAME EXACT THING HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING. SMOKING AND SMELLING BRAKES IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD, AND WE ARE CONCERNED THAT ONE TIME IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN THE CAR COULD CATCH ON FIRE. IT APPEARS TO BE AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT MANAGER MIKE WALKER STATED PREVIOUSLY THAT THEY HAVE HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH THIS BEFORE, BUT NOT ENOUGH TO PUT OUT A RECALL. WE WOULD APPRECIATE SOME INVESTIGATION INTO THIS MATTER AS WE ARE CONCERNED FOR OUR SAFETY, AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS ON THE ROAD. *AK
Suspension, Apr 15, 2005
I TOOK MY 2002 EXPLORER IN FOR RECALL ON REAR DOOR. THEY TOLD ME THAT BOTH REAR SPRINGS BROKE. THIS VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 44,000 MILES ON IT, AND HAS THE TOW PACKAGE ALTHOUGH NOTHING WAS EVER TOWED. THE SPRINGS THAT BROKE ARE AT THE VERY TOP AND HARD TO FIND. MECHANIC WOULD HAVE HAD TO KNOW TO LOOK THERE TO FIND IT. THIS LED ME TO BELIEVE THAT THERE HAVE BEEN OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.*AK
Power train, Apr 13, 2005
TRANSMISSION FAILED TO OPERATE. WOULDN'T MOVE IN DRIVE BUT IN SECOND GEAR. ENDED UP REPLACING WITH NEW TRANSMISSION. 4 MONTHS LATER REAR END WENT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. MILEAGE AT TIME OF TRANSMISSION FAILURE WAS 100,000 MILES, AND REAR END FAILURE 114,000. *AK
Power train, Apr 8, 2005
HELLO, I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORE XLT WITH 50,000 MILES V-6. IN THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE THAT IS IN A RYTHMIC PATTEREN. I HAVE SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT NEXT TUESDAY BUT WAS WONDERING IF THERE IS ANY RECALLS THAT I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT. AFTER READING SEVERAL FORMS FROM OTHER FORD EXPLORER OWNERS IT SOUNDS AS IF THERE IS A REOCCOURING PROBLEM.*AK
Power train, Apr 7, 2005
BOUGHT THE 2002 XLT 4X4 EXPLORER IN JULY OF 04 WITH 43,000 MILES ON THE CAR. AT 60,00 MILES HAD THE TRANSMISSION SERVICED. AT 63,000 MILES O/D LIGHT FLASHED. TOOK CAR INTO DEALER THE NEXT DAY AND CAR NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. THANK GOODNESS WE BOUGHT THE EXTENDED WARRENTY SO THE WORK SHOULD BE COVERED BUT AFTER READING ALL THE REPEAT PROBLEMS I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MIGHT BECOME A CONSTANT PROBLEM. ALSO EXPERIENCED THE SAME ROUGH SHIFT INTO REVERSE AND THE TRANSMISSION SLIPAGE BETWEEN GEARS. *AK
Structure, Apr 6, 2005
THE CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL CAMPAIGN #04V442000 IN OCTOBER OF 2004 REGARDING THE LIFTGATE. SHE CONTINUED TO CONTACT THE FORD DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER. THE RECALL REPAIRS HAD NOT BEEN PERFORMED AS OF YET BECAUSE THERE WERE NO PARTS. *AK *SC *JB
Vehicle speed control, Apr 6, 2005
WHILE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET AT 72 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DECELERATE. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER, RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, BUT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS STILL ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AS THE MANUAL SUGGESTED IN ORDER TO RESET, BUT IT DID NOT. THE CONSUMER SAID THAT HER HUSBAND EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM NUMEROUS TIMES. *SC *JB
Power train, Apr 5, 2005
4X4 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION COMPLETE FAILURE. LOST 3RD AND 4TH GEARS AND REVERSE. THIS TRUCK NEVER TOWED OR WAS WORKED AT ALL. 47000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION MELTED. DEALER ADVISED TO COMPLETELY REPLACE, NOTHING LEFT TO REBUILD. THE ONLY HINT WAS THE TRUCK HAD A PAUSE OF 3-4 SECONDS BEFORE IT WENT INTO A FORWARD GEAR.*AK
Power train, Apr 5, 2005
O/DLIGHT FLASHING ON PA PIKE, WAS TOLD BY SELLING DEALER TO STOP DRIVING. TOOK TO A FORD DEALER AN HOUR FROM MY HOME . HAD TO RENT A CAR FOR A WEEK AND SPENT $700 TO FIX TRANNY. 3 MONTHS LATER 4 HOURS FROM HOME HAPPENED AGAIN. LOST A WEEK WORK WHILE IT TRANSMISSION WAS TORN DOWN AGAIN, STILL UNDER 12,000 WARRANTY FROM MARCH. SINCE THEN O/D LIGHT HAS FLASHED 4 DIFERENT TIMES, FORD DEALER COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. LAST TIME WENT TO AN INDEPENDENT TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST, HAS SAID $2,000 TO FIX, ALSO THIS TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN A BIG LEMON AND FORD WILL NOT STAND BEHIND IT. I HAD ANOTHER BAUER EXPLORER THAT I TRADED IN WITH 150,000 AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH IT, THIS IS WHY AFTER A CAR I WENT BACK TO THE EXPLORER. HUGE MISTAKE. IT IS TIME TO SEEK AN ALTERNATE FORM OF JUSTICE.*AK
Air bags, Apr 4, 2005
PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR WAS SLAMMED BY THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY WENT OFF. DRIVER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, BUT A CAUSE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. *AK