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, Apr 2, 2005
FORD EXPLORER IS 2002. HAD TO REPAIR TRANSMISSION AT FORD SERVICE TRANSMISSION IN JUNE 2004. THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION FAILED SUDDENLY APRIL 1, 2005. WE DO NOT BELIEVE THIS IS ACCEPTABLE TO HAV TO PUT $3700 ON ONE MAJOR REPAIR AND ONE COMPLETE REBUILD OF THE TRANSMISSION INSIDE OFTHREE YEARS ON THE TRANSMISSION OF A NEW VEHICLE.*AK
Air bags, Apr 1, 2005
AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Structure, Mar 31, 2005
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF THE RESIDENCE AND DRIVER LIFTED UP THE LIFTGATE AND GLASS SHATTERED. DRIVER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE LIFTGATE GLASS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Air bags, Mar 31, 2005
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHEN MY WIFE STARTED THE CAR MY 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS IN THE CAR ALSO . WE HAVE A POLICE REPORT. MY WIFE IS TERRIFIED TO GET BACK IN THE CAR NOW. THE PEOPLE AT FORD WANT TO CHARGE ME TO FIX THE CAR, WHICH IS CRAZY. I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED BEFORE.
Power train, Mar 30, 2005
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND I HAVE ONLY HAD IT ONE YEAR I GOT IT USED FROM A DEALERSHIP IT WAS A ONE OWNER AND IN THE TIME THAT I HAVE HAD IT I HAVE PUT OVER $800 WORTH OF WORK IN TO IT WITH BRAKES,HUBS,AND ONE AUTO LOCK HUB THE HUBS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE LET GO ONE MONTH AGO AND A WEEK AGO THE PASENGER SIDE REAR HUB LET GO IT HAS BEEN SITING EVER SENCE THES ARE VERY EXPENSIV THINGS TO REPLACE AND SHOLD NOT NEED TO BE DONE ON AVEHICAL THAT IS ONLY THREE YEARS OLD.*AK
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 30, 2005
THE REAR AUTOMATIC DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE THE CONSUMER HAS CHECKED THE CHILD LOCKS, AND THEY ARE NOT ON. THE MANUFACTURE AND DEALER STATES NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *NM CONSUMER PURCHASED NEW INSIDE REAR DOOR HANDLES FROM THE DEALER AND REPLACED THEM. *BF *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 30, 2005, fire
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE UNEXPECTEDLY. THE SOUNDS OF FIRE TRUCKS AT ABOUT 3:15 AM BEFORE CONSUMER KNEW THEIR GARAGE WAS THE ONE ON FIRE. THE FORD EXPLORER WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AS WELL AS THE OTHER 1992 GMC. THE FIRE CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE FORD EXPLORER. *BF
Structure, Mar 30, 2005
RECALL CAMPAIGN: THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE(04V442000) REAR LIFTGATE GLASS. NO PARTS AVAILABLE. *NM *BF *NM
Structure, Mar 29, 2005
RECALL 04V442000 WAS ISSUED FOR THE LIFTGATE IN OCTOBER 2004. DEALER STATED THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *AK
Power train, Mar 28, 2005
GEARS BEGAN TO SLIP AT 59,000 MILES ON THREE YEAR OLD VEHICLE. ONE DAY OD LIGHT WENT OFF AND TRANSMISSION WAS COMPLETELY BURNED UP. WE HAD GIVEN VEHICLE REGULAR SERVICE. THERE WAS NO WARNING UP UNTIL THE DAY THE TRANNY WENT OUT. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN OUTSIDE SOURCE WHO CONCLUDED THAT THE SEAL LOOKED LIKE IT HAD NEVER BEEN BROKEN ON THE TRANSMISSION PLUG. THIS LEADS US TO BELIEVE THAT FORD NEVER EVEN CHECKED OUR FLUID WHEN WE DID TAKE IT IN FOR SERVICE. THIS CONSTITUTES FRAUD IN MY OPINION, ALTHOUGH WE HAVE NO PROOF. *JB
Seats, Mar 28, 2005
INVESTIGATED AFTER PASSENGER SEATED IN THE RIGHT REAR SEAT, MENTIONED UNUSUAL SEAT MOVEMENT AFTER A MODERATE TO HEAVY BRAKING OCCURRENCE. REAR WASHER HEAD ANCHOR BOLT/NUT WAS BROKEN/SHEERED OFF FLUSH AT THE FLOOR PAN, LEAVING THE SEAT TO TIP SLIGHTLY FORWARD. HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND UNKNOWN AS TO THE EXTENT OF REPAIR NEEDED. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 27, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC PREMATURE FRONT BRAKE PAD WEAR, PARTICULARLY THE FRONT INSIDE PAD WORE DOWN TO ROTOR. HAD 30,000 FORD INSPECTION AND WAS ONLY 50% WORN ON FRONT, AT 34,000 MILES THE PADS WAS WORN OUT AND THE LOCAL DEALER BILL ALEXANDER FORD SAID THATS NOMINAL.
Power train, Mar 25, 2005
THREE MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING MY 02 EXPLORER, AND AT 39000 MILES, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN SLIPPING JUST A BIT. A WEEK LATER, THIRD GEAR COULD NOT ENGAGE AT ALL, AND I WAS FORCED TO DRIVE TO THE REPAIR SHOP IN SECOND GEAR, WITH MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON, AND WITH SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN IN THE CAR. MY REPAIR PERSON DROVE THE CAR FOR ABOUT 15 SECONDS AND KNEW IMMEDIATELY WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. HE KNEW BECAUSE HE HAD JUST FIXED THE SAME PROBLEM LAST MONTH ON AN 02 EXPLORER WITH LESS MILES THAN MINE. HE STATED THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT WITH THE ADVENT OF EXTENDED WARRANTIES, THEY WOULD NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. I DID NOT PURCHASE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY BECAUSE WHO WOULD EXPECT THAT A TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE REBUILT AT 39000 MILES (INCIDENTALLY 3000 MILES PAST MY WARRANTY COVERAGE). LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED BECAUSE I PARKED THE TRUCK ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. BUT NOW I AM FACED WITH THE COST OF REBUILDING THIRD GEAR INTO MY TRUCK, WITH NO ONE ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILTY FOR THE DEFECT.*AK
Structure, Mar 25, 2005
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. ON 3/20/05 I NOTICED A CRACK ON THE BACK PANEL JUST BELOW THE UPPER LIFT GATE. THE CRACK IS TO THE RIGHT OF THE FORD EMBLEM AND EXTENDS FROM THE TOP TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS PLASTIC PANEL. UPON CONTACTING MY DEALER, I WAS INFORMED BY THEIR BODY SHOP THAT THIS REPAIR WAS COVERED BY THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY. WHEN I WENT TO THE BODY SHOP AT THE DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD THAT THE ORGINAL WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED, MY ORIGINAL WARRANTY STARTED 6/29/01. I HAVE ONLY JUST REACHED 36,128 MILES TO DATE. I HAD PURCHASED AN ESP PREMIUM CARE CONTRACT, BUT WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR MY VEHICLE REQUIRED EVEN THOUGH I WAS TOLD AT THE TIME I PURCHASED THE ESP THAT IT OFFERED "BUMPER TO BUMPER COVERAGE." IF I WANT THIS CRACK REPAIRED IT WILL HAVE TO BE OUT OF MY POCKET TO THE TUNE OF $450. IN ANY EVENT, I FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM AS IT SEEMS AS THOUGH IT WILL INEVITABLY WEAKEN THE UPPER LIFTGATE WINDOW FRAME. I ONLY LEARNED ABOUT THE UPPER LIFTGATE HINGE RECALL WITH THIS VISIT TO THE BODY SHOP. I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALL INFO. FROM FORD. THIS CRACK SEEMS AS THOUGH IT COULD ONLY ADD TO THE DANGEROUS SITUATION ONLY READY IMPOSED BY THE UPPER LIFTGATE. AT THE VERY LEAST, I FEEL THAT MY EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN SHOULD COVER THIS REPAIR ENSURING THE SAFETY OF MY UPPER LIFT GATE WINDOW. I PAID OVER $900 FOR THE ESP COVERAGE.*AK
Engine, Mar 24, 2005
NONE - JUST DRIVING AND ENGINE STOPS WITHOUT A SPUTTER ON HIGHWAY AT 55-65 MPH OR JUST IDLING, 2/3 DEALER DETERMINES IDLE AIR BYPASS DEFECTIVE, 2/3 - DRIVING HOME FROM DEALER IT DOES THE SAME THING, 2/8 - DEALER GETS VEHICLE BACK AND REPROGRAMS POWER CONTROL MODULE, NOW IT RUNS ROUGHER THAN BEFORE AND DIES OUT MORE FREQUENTLY. 2002 FORD EXPLORER 49K MILES [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air bags, Mar 24, 2005, crash
I PURCHASED A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR 4 DOOR VAN, AND UPON IMPACT OF CRASHMY FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THIS IMPACT WAS AT 50-55MPH. I WAS TOLD THE REASON MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WAS DUE TO MY SEATBELT LOCK WHICH BROKE FROM THE IMPACT. ALSO NOW MY TRANSMISSION IS STALLING AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE MADE BUT THEY SAY NO RECALLS HAVE BEEN MADE ON THIS PROBLEM EITHER, BUT ACCORDING TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY IT IS A PROBLEM NOT ONLY WITH MY VEHICLE BUT SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED TOO.
Power train, Mar 24, 2005
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS, 4.0 ENGINE, THAT HAS TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 59,000 MILES. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE AND HAVE NOTICED A HIGH NUMBER OF TRANSMISSION FAILURES AT LOW MILEAGE SUCH AS MY VEHICLE. I CALLED FORD TO SEE IF THEY WOULD PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR THE REPAIR AND THEY SAID NO AND DENY ANY MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THOSE TRANSMISSIONS. I AM NOW FACED WITH HAVING TO PAY $1500 - $2000 FOR A MAJOR REPAIR OF A LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS DIAGNOSED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP UNDER THE ADVICE OF FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE. I AM NOW GOING TO REMOVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND TAKE IT TO AN OUTSIDE REPAIR STATION BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP WANTS $600 TO TEAR DOWN THE TRANSMISSION AND DO FURTHER DIAGNOSIS. I AM UPSET AT THE POOR QUALITY OF THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS A MAJOR INVESTMENT FOR ME AND THE ADDITIONAL EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VECHICLE.
Structure, Mar 23, 2005
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED CONSUMER SAW THE TAILGATE FRAME CRACKED AROUND THE GLASS WINDOW. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Power train, Mar 23, 2005
THE LUGS: BOLTS ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL HAVE BROKEN OFF TWICE CAUSING THE WHEEL TO COME OFF. THE FIRST TIME WAS IN OCTOBER 2004 AND SECOND TIME WAS IN JANUARY 2005. 1ST TIME I WAS GETTING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND THE 2ND TIME I WAS JUST GETTING OFF THE EXPRESSWAY. THIS PROBLEM HAS COST ME OVER $2000 IN REPAIRS, TIME LOST ON MY JOB, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY - IT COULD HAVE COST ME MY LIFE OR THE LIVES OF OTHERS. WHEN I SPOKE WITH A FORD REPRESENTATIVE, I WAS TOLD, " SORRY" AND SENT A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY. I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS HAS NOT OCCURRED TO OTHERS. I AM RELUCTANT TO EVEN DRIVE THIS THING ANYMORE BUT OWE TOO MUCH ON IT TO GET RID OF IT. IF NOTHING IS DONE TO MAKE ME FEEL SAFE IN MY EXPLORER, THEN IT WILL BE THE LAST FORD PRODUCT I WILL EVER OWN AND WILL ENCOURAGE EVERYONE I COME IN CONTACT WITH TO AVOID FORD PRODUCTS AS WELL AND I'M GOING TO PUT A SIGN ON THE BACK FOR EVERYONE TO SEE LETTING THEM KNOW THAT THE EXPLORERER IS AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. ALL I WANT IS PEACE OF MIND WHEN DRIVING MY VEHICLE. *AK
Power train, Mar 22, 2005
2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS HAD 2 REBUILT TRANSMISSIONS AND OVER $1,800 IN TRANSMISSION WORK NOT RELATED TO THE REBUILT TRANSMISSIONS. *AK
Power train, Mar 21, 2005
TRANSMISSION FAILED DURING ORDINARY DRIVING. TRANSMISSION REQUIRED NEARLY THREE WEEKS TO REPAIR AT A COST OF $2,800.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Mar 19, 2005
VEHICLE IS A 2002 FORD EDDIE BAUER EXPLORER. VEHICLE WAS DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY WHEN WILL CHANGING LANES TO PASS A SLOWER MOVING VEHICLE, OUR VEHICLE BEGAN TO UNCONTROLLIBLY EXCELLERATE AND CONTINUE TO EXCELLERATE PUSHING THE CAR TOWARD SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 70 MILES PER HOUR. ENGINE CONTINUED TO RACE. AN EMERGENCY STOPPING OF THE VEHILCE WAS BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL AFTER PUTTING CAR INTO NEUTRAL, APPLYING BRAKES AND GETTING OFF OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO WESTFILED FORD DEALER SHIP WHERE THEY ARE INSPECTING THE THRODDLE AND OTHER PARTS ESTIMATED COST TO REPAIR $400. HAVE NOT PICKED UP VEHICLE YET FOR FULL DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM. *AK
Power train, Mar 18, 2005
1ST TIME WAS THE REAR HOWLING NOISE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, PRIMARILY DURING ACCELERATION. IT WAS REMEDIED ONCE FOOT WAS OFF THE GAS PEDAL. INNER/OUTER AXLE BEARINGS, RACERS, PINION SEAL WERE REPLACED. 2ND INCIDENT OCCURED LESS THAN 30 DAYS, AND 3000 MILES LATER, WHEN THE TRUCK DECIDED TO PULL ME FROM 75 MPH TO 25 MPH IN SECONDS. THERE WAS A MAJOR LEAK UNDER THE REAR AXLE, AND THE TRUCK REQUIRED TOWING. THERE WAS A MAJOR REPLACEMENT TO THE REAR END, DO NOT HAVE THE DOCUMENTATION AT HAND, BUT IT WAS EXPENSIVE. NOW, 2 YEARS LATER, 30000 MILES LATER, THE REAR END NEEDS AN EXPENSIVE PART FOR REPLACEMENT. WHEN I MADE SHARP RIGHT/LEFT HANDED TURNS, THERE WAS A SHUDDER, A GRIND, THAT WAS COMING FROM THE REAR. FORD SERVICE NOTIFIED ME SAME DAY THAT A PACK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FOR $725, ABOUT THE SAME REGION WHERE ORIGINAL PROBLEMS HAVE OCCURRED. SHOULD I EXPECT TO SEE SIMILAR PROBLEMS CONTINUING DURING THE NEXT 30K MILES? I FEEL THAT I HAVE BEEN PRETTY CARING TO THE VEHICLE BY HAVING IT SERVICED EVERY 3K MILES. DIDN'T SEE THIS COMING. HOW MANY MORE COMPLAINTS UNTIL RECALL?*AK
Seats, Mar 17, 2005
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 03V281000 CONCERNING HIGH BACK SEAT. NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. *AK
Electrical system, Mar 15, 2005, fire
THE CONSUMER'S 2002 FORD EXPLORER WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. *NM *JB