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, Dec 16, 2004
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 04V442000 FOR THE REAR WINDOW, AND AFTER NUMEROUS CALLS THE PARTS HAVE NOT BEEN RECEIVED BY THE DEALERS. *AK
Power train, Dec 16, 2004
WHILE TRAVELING AT 25 MPH DRIVER'S GEAR POPPED OUT, AND VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO MOVE. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION WHEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Dec 16, 2004
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE THROTTLE CABLE BECAME STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO INCREASE SPEED TO DANGEROUS LEVELS. APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES DID LITTLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AT SERVICE STATION WHICH IDENTIFED THE PROBLEM AS THE THROTTLE CABLE, NOTING THE THERE WAS AN EXISITING SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. NEW PARTS WERE ORDERED AND REPAIR WAS EFFECTED - COST APPROX $200.00. *AK
Power train, Dec 15, 2004
WITH NORMAL DRIVING, THE DIFFERENTIAL OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS PROGRESSED FROM HUMMING TO A LOADER ROAR WHILE DRIVING AT ALL SPEEDS, WHICH I WAS TOLD WAS 'NORMAL FOR FORDS'. 5,000 MILES LATER I AM LOOKING AT $1,300.00 TO REPLACE THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AT MY OWN COST, SINCE FORDS WARRANTY RAN OUT AT A MEASLY 36,000 MILES. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD IN THE FACT THAT IF YOU LISTEN TO WHAT DEALERS AND MECHANICS TELL YOU, YOU CAN BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND HAVE YOUR WHOLE REAR END BUST OUT ON YOU, LEAVING THE CAR WITHOUT ANY CAPABILITIES TO MOVE ANYWHERE. FOR SOMEONE WHO IS NOT THE MOST CONFIDENT DRIVER OR DOES NOT NOW HOW TO REACT, THIS CAN LEAD TO SOME VERY ERRATIC BEHAVIOR.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Structure, Dec 10, 2004
THIS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE PROBLEMS, AND THE DEALER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS. CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. VEHICLE SWAYED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, DOOR RUBBER PANEL FAILED TO STAY ATTACHED TO THE DOOR. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED,AND VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. HOWEVER, THE RUBBER PANEL WAS ADJUSTED PROPERLY BY THE MECHANIC. CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THIS PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED. *AK
Power train, Seats, Equipment, Other or unspecified, Dec 9, 2004
MY FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION IT WAS AT 36000 MILES, MY CAR WAS TUNED AND SERVICED AS SHUDULE, AND IT COST A TOTAL OF $1700.00 TO FIX. WHICH THE CAR IS ONLY 2 YEAR OLD. THE AIR CONDITION STOP WORKING IN DECEMBER OF 2003 AND AT THE TIME MY CAR WAS BARELY 1 YEAR OLD THIER HAS BEEN MANY OTHER CONCERN WITH MY EXPLORER THAT I AM MAKING $500.00 PAYMENT ON. I BELIVED I HAVE PURCHASE A DEFECTED CAR. *AK
Fuel system, Other, Dec 6, 2004, fire
1. DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES ON THE EVENING (7:30 PM) OF 12-4-04 TO A HOLIDAY PARTY WITH JUST MYSELF AND MY WIFE. UPON ARRIVING WITHIN SECONDS OF THE LOCATION AN ANONOYMOUS DIRVER STOPPED OUR VEHICLE AND MADE US AWARE THAT THERE WAS A FIRE COMING FROM UNDER OUR VEHICLE, A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. AS WE JUMPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND SAW THE FIRE A NEIGHBOR WATCHING CALLED THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT. WITHIN MINUTES THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND TRIED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. BEING UNSUCCESFUL IT TOOK THE FIRE DEPARTMENT APPROXIMATELY AN HOUR TO STOP THE FIRE AT WHICH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WAS NOTHING TO BE REPAIRED AS THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. AND THERE HAD BEEN NO INDICATION THAT THERE WAS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT.*AK
Power train, Dec 6, 2004
WHINING NOISE COMING FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 44,000 MILES. POSSIBLE CRASH IF DIFFERENTIAL LOCKS UP AT HIGHWAY SPEED. FORD SAYS I NEED TO REPLACE ENTIRE DIFFERENTIAL, YET NOT WILLING TO PAY PART OF THE COST. INTERNET RESEARCH SHOWS THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2002 EXPLORER.*AK
Fuel system, Other, Dec 6, 2004
EVEN WITH A FULL TANK OF GAS THE GAS GAUGE WILL GO TO "0" AND THE "CHECK GAUGE" LIGHT COMES ON BECAUSE THE SENDER ASSEMBLY UNIT OF THE GAS GAUGE DOES NOT WORK. WHEN WE TOOK OUR EXPLORER TO DUB MILLER FORD IN ROSENBERG ON NOV. 19TH, THERE HAD BEEN ANOTHER 2002 EXPLORER BROUGHT IN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM THAT MORNING. THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE AND IS ON BACK ORDER. THE PART COST $76.79 BUT THE LABOR WILL BE $270! THIS IS A LOT OF MONEY FOR US TO PAY DUE TO AN FORD'S EGINEERING PROBLEM. ARE MANY OTHER 2002 EXPLORERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS? THANKS! SHELLEY AND GALE TOWNS. *AK
Power train, Equipment, Dec 6, 2004
1.EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE -ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION WHILE HAVING MY CAR AT THE DEALER WHILE IN WARRANTY I MADE NOTE TO THE SERVICE INDIVIDUAL,THAT SOME THING FELT WRONG WHEN MY CAR WOULD SHIFT IN TO ANOTHER GEAR WHILE MOVING .NOTHING WAS EVER FOUND WRONG OR ANY DOCUMENTATION WAS MADE. 2.FAILURE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES-AS MY VEHICLE REACHED 43,900 MILES MY TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SHIFT EVEN MORE HARDER AND SOMETIMES WOULD NOT GO IN TO GEAR.THE REAR WOULD VIBRATE TO THE POINT WHERE IT SHOOK THE VEHICLE HARD. 3.WHAT WAS DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE-WHEN VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER IT WAS QUICKLY BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARANTY AND AFTER DIAGONOSING THE PROBLEM THAT THE TRANS ASSY SOLENOID HAD TO BE REPLACED. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS UP ON A LIFT . THIS COST ME A TOTAL OF $976.91. I FEEL THAT I WAS LED ON UNTIL MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THAT FORD SHOULD COVERED THE COST OF THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THIS IS A FAIRLY NEW VEHICLE AND IT WAS NOT MY FAULT THAT THIS PART WENT BAD.THIS PART SHOULD BE RECALLED.*AK
Air bags, Dec 3, 2004
WHILE DRIVING OUT OF A GARAGE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. IN MAY 2004 THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY THE DEALER DUE TO AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATING. CURRENTLY, SIX MONTHS LATER, WHILE DRIVING OUT OF A GARAGE AT 5 MPH THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 3, 2004
I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK ON FEBRUARY 20TH, 2004 WITH A LITTLE OVER 20,000 MILES. ON FEBRUARY 24TH, 2004, AFTER LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP MY TRUCK DIED ON A BUSY STREET ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE SALESMAN TOLD ME THAT THE TRUCK HAD FLOODED. ON JUNE 10TH, AUGUST 12TH, NOVEMBER 19TH, AND AGAIN ON DECEMBER 2ND, 2004 (THE ONLY ONES I WROTE DOWN IT DOES HAPPEN MORE OFTEN) MY TRUCK ALSO DIED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THESE HAVE ALL BEEN VERY SERIOUS INCIDENTS WHERE I FELT LUCKY TO NOT ONLY BE ALIVE BUT THAT I HADNT HIT ANYTHING OR ANYONE ELSE. THE TECHNICIANS FROM THE DEALERSHIP HAVE LOOKED AT MY TRUCK ON ALL THESE OCCASIONS AND GAVE ME LITTLE OR NO EXCUSE FOR THE TRUCK TO DIE. AT THIS TIME IVE ASKED FOR A REASONABLE REFUND WITH NO SUCCESS&&IM AT A LOSS&&&PLEASE HELP!!!!*AK
Structure, Dec 3, 2004
NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE FOR RECALL 04V442000 CONCERNING LIFTGATE GLASS. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. MALLEN, 440-442-8000. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 2, 2004
VEHICLE WAS RUNNING LIKE IT WAS OUT OF GAS. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT TIMING CHAIN WAS DEFECTIVE.*AK
Structure, Dec 2, 2004
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE REAR HATCH . THE CYLINDER WAS DEFECTIVE. DEALER HAD NO PARTS FOR THE RECALL. *AK
Power train, Dec 2, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTED HARD WHEN CHANGING GEARS,AND SLOW IN REVERSE. CONSUMER HEARD A GRINDING NOISE WHEN THE GEAR WENT INTO OVERDRIVE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK
Power train, Dec 2, 2004
I BOUGHT MY 2002 EXPLORER IN MAY OF 04. IT ONLY HAS 40,000 MILES AND THERE IS A SEVERE WHINING NOISE IN THE REAR-END. IT WILL ALSO JERK AND SLAP SOMETIMES WHEN I LET OFF OF THE GAS. I ALSO PUT IT IN 4-WHEEL DRIVE AND IF FEELS AND IT SLAPS AND JERKS LIKE THE WHOLE UNDERNEATH IS GOING TO FALL OUT.*AK
Interior lighting, Dec 2, 2004
DASHLIGHT ILLUMINATES, DOOR CHIME SOUNDS AND AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS ENGAGE INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO MULTIPLE DEALERS AND HAVE HAD MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO RECTIFY YET THE ISSUE HAS YET TO BE RESOLVED.*AK
Structure, Dec 1, 2004
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 04V442000 CONCERNING REAR LIFTGATE GLASS. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PERFORM RECALL REPAIRS BECAUSE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *AK.....*AK
Power train, Nov 28, 2004
2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR DIFFERENTIAL NOISY AND LEAKING. I HAVE HAD MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN FOR REPAIR 5 TIMES IN 2 YEARS FOR NOISY (ROARING) REAR DIFFERENTIAL AT SPEEDS OF 55-65MPH IT ONLY MAKES THE NOISE WHEN GAS PEDAL IS APPLIED. COASTING NO NOISE. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS ALSO LEAKING OIL. INION SEALS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 5 TIMES, GEARS. HE NOISE GOES AWAY AFTER EACH REPAIR BUT COMES BACK AFTER 5-10K MILES. CURRENTLY HAVE 108K000 MILES. I SEE VIA INTERNET SEARCHES FORD IS HAVING LOTS OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL 2002-2004 FOR THE SAME EXPACT PROBLEM.*AK
Power train, Nov 25, 2004
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2002 FORD EXPLORER (EDDIE BAUER). AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 50-70 THERE IS SIGNIFICANT NOISE (ROARING) FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. WHEN I LET OFF THE GAS, THE NOISE GOES AWAY. CURRENTLY HAVE 60K MILES, BUT NOISE STARTED SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF WARRANTY (36K). THINKING THAT IT MIGHT BE THE TIRES, I REPLACED ALL AT 40K. TIRES MADE NO DIFFERENCE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THE RING AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1200. TO INCUR THIS COST GIVEN THE MILAGE IS REDICULOUS.*AK
Power train, Nov 25, 2004
COMPLETE FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION WITHOUT ANY WARNING AT LOW MILEAGE.*AK
Power train, Nov 25, 2004
MY TRANSMISSION SHIFTER HARD A FEW TIMES ( LOUD "CLUNK") FOR SOME TIME NOW. I THEN LOST 4 WHEEL DRIVE. I AM UNABLE TO SELECT HIGH FOUR OR EVEN LOW. THE LOW BUTTON NO LONGER ELUMINATES AND SHIFTS TO LOW. I DISCOVERED I LOST 4X4 MODE WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP IN THE RAIN AND MY REAR WHEELS SPUN WILDLY. I AM OUT OF WARRANTY..WHAT DO I DO. FORD DEFINATELY HAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. I HAVE ABOUT 48.000 MILES ON VEHICLE. IT WAS PURCHASED USED 3 MONTHS AGO.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Nov 24, 2004
TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, TIMING CHAIN GUIDE FAILURE (4.0L PREVIOUS FORD RECALL) FORD REPLACED TRANS. NOW THAT TRANS IS FAILING. REPLACED TIMING CHAIN AND GEAR SET. *NM
Power train, Nov 23, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE SHIFTING GEARS THE VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB