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, Aug 19, 2004
LEASED NEW '02 EXPLORER IN MAR 02. HAVE HAD A WARPED DRIVESHAFT REPLACED, CLUNKING NOISE IN REAR END AREA WAS "NORMAL', AND NOW AT 65K MILES HAVE TO REPLACE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. FMC OF COURSE CLAIMS NO RESPONSIBILITY- VEHICLE ISN'T UNDER WARRANTY AND I SHOULD TAKE IT UP WITH DEALER. DEALER SAYS 3000 DOLLARS TO FIX. ALSO HAD THE STALLING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH SPEEDOMETER READING BETWEEN 5 AND 95 MPH APPROXIMATELY 1 1/2 YEARS AGO. DEALER FOUND NOTHING WRONG.*AK
Structure, Aug 19, 2004
THE REAR WINDOW GATE ON OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS SHATTERED TWICE FROM THE SIMPLE ACT OF CLOSING THE WINDOW.1.) MY WIFE ON BOTH OCCASIONS WAS LOADING THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. THE GLASS IN THE WINDOW SHATTERS AND SPRAY BITS OF GLASS TO A 5 -8 FT RAIDUS. 2) THIS LAST INCIDENT SHE WAS IN A CROWDED PARKING LOT. SHE WAS CLOSING THE WINDOW GATE WHEN THE GLASS SHATTERED AT ABOUT THE HALF CLOSED POSITION. THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDOW GATE FELL TO THE GROUND, GLASS HIT THE CARS ON BOTH SIDES OUR CAR. GLASS HIT HER IN THE FACE AND ALL OVER HER UPPER BODY. LUCKILY SHE HAD HER SUN GLASSES ON, SO NO GLASS WAS THROWN INTO HER EYES. IT COULD HAVE BEEN ALOT WORSE HAD MY 7 YEAR OLD SON BEEN HELPING HER LIKE HE NORMALLY DOES. 3.) FORD MOTOR COMPANY REFUSES TO AKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM CAUSING US TO INCURR OVER $1500 IN REPAIR COSTS OR AN INSURANCE CLAIM. THE FORD DEALERSHIP WE USE SAYS THAT IT IS A COMMON OCCURANCE AND THEY HAVE NUMEROUS REPAIRS OF THIS TYPE ON 2002 EXPLORERS. PARTS ARE READILY AVAILABLE BUT IT INVOLVES BODY WORK SO IT TAKES UP TO A WEEK TO GET IT FIXED. *AK PE04045.PCO
Power train, Aug 17, 2004
PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR IT'S 60000 MILE SERVICE AND AT THAT TIME THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT THE VIBRATION WHEN THE VEHICLE SHIFTED GEARS. THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG. FOUR DAYS LATER THE SERVICE TRANSMISSION AND O/D LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN HAD TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED. SINCE THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER IT'S WARRANTY THE CONSUMER FEELS THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF A NEW TRANSMISSION. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 17, 2004
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP FROM ANY SPEED BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED. AS A RESULT, CONSUMER HAS TO STAND ON THEM IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE DEALER STATED THE ROTORS HAD BEEN CUT AND HOT SPOTS DEVELOPED. *AK
Structure, Aug 16, 2004
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE REAR HATCH WINDOW EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. NO INJURIES REPORTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB PE04045.PCO
Fuel system, Other, Electrical system, Visibility, Equipment, Aug 14, 2004
13JAN03-REAR WINDSHIELD WASHER INOPERATIVE REINSTALL REAR WASHER HOSES. 5NOV03-CLICKING NOISE FROM REAR A/C; REPLACE MOTOR ASSEMBLY TEMPERATURE BLEND. 5NOV03&13NOV03-L/R POWER MIRRORS INOP; FUSE BLOWS; REPLACED MIRROR REAR VIEW OUTSIDE SAIL MOUNT 13NOV03-FUEL GUAGE INOP READ 1/2 TANK BUT TANK WAS FULL; 20NOV03-INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FUEL GAUGE INOP; 24NOV03-REMOVED AND REPLACED INSTRUMENT CLUSTER; 18MAR04-FUEL GUAGE INOP & L/R POWER MIRRORS INOP, FUSE BLOWS; COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM AT THIS TIME ABOUT FUEL GUAGE; TESTED BCE FOR SHORT, TRACED TO MIRROR SWITCH, REPLACED SWITCH AND BLOWN FUSE; 20 JULY 04-L/R POWER MIRRORS INOP; REPLACED FUSE; 20 JULY 04 - REAR WINSHIELD WASHER INOP; ACCESS WASHER HOSE AND RECONNECT; 20 JULY 04- AIR CONDITIONER NOT COOLING PROPERLY; REPLACED BLOWER MOTOR FOR POOR OPERATION; MOTOR ASSEMBLY-HEATER-A/C BLOWER REPLACED. 20 JULY 04 - MECHANICS BROKE THE DRIVERS DOOR SWITCH COVER- 23 JULY 04 -REORDERED DOOR PANEL AND REPLACED DRIVERS DOOR SWITCH COVER.*AK
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 12, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A LIFTGATE PROBLEM. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY APPLIED GLUE ON THE LIFTGATE CABLE. HOWEVER, BECAUSE THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL THEY DID NOT ADMINISTER ANY MORE ASSISTANCE OTHER THAN WHAT WAS DONE. CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR OTHER REPAIRS. *AK THE LIFTGATE BRAKE CAME LOOSE AND CAUSED THE SHOCK TO COME OFF AND RESULTED IN A DENT IN THE VEHICLE . THE GLUE TO DEALER PUT ON THE CABLE LASTED 4-5 HOURS . *NM
Structure, Aug 10, 2004
THE LIFTGATE BRACKET CRACKED AND THE GLASS SHATTERED. WHEN THIS OCCURRED DRIVER WAS STANDING AGAINST THE LIFTGATE, AND SUSTAINED CUTS FROM THE PIECES OF GLASS. RECALL 01I01000 WAS ISSUED FOR THIS COMPONENT, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK PE04045.PCO
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 9, 2004
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS AND IT HAS BEEN INTO THE FORD SERVICE-REPAIR SHOP A TOTAL 0F 37 WORK HOURS -10 DOCUMENTED SERVICE DAYS FOR AN ANNOYING TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DASH-CONSOLE-ENGINE AREA THAT CAN NOT SEEM TO BE REPAIRED. IT DOESN'T MATTER WHETHER OR NOT THAT THE ENGINE IS COLD OR WARM, THE WEATHER CONDTIONS HOT-DRY OR HUMID AND WET, IT STILL TICKS INTERMITENTLY FOR SOMETIMES AROUND 8 MINUTES OR CAN GO ON FOR 20 AT THAT MOMENT. WHEN IT STARTS IT SOUNDS LIKE A TOGGLE SWITCH GOING ON AND OFF AND THEN MAKES A RUBBING ,SQUEAKING , TICKING NOISE THAT STARTS OFF LOW AND THEN GETS SO LOUD THAT YOU CAN HEAR IT WITH THE RADIO ON SET AT A SLIGHTLY HIGH VOLUME. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHETHER THE AIR IS ON OR OFF, THE RADIO-CD IS ON OR OFF OR THE HEAT IS ON OR OFF. ALL CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN TESTED . THE FRONT DASH HAS BEEN REMOVED NUMEROUS TIMES AND REINSULATED, A NEW RADIO HAS BEEN PUT IN, THE WINSHIELD REPLACED, VENTS AND GLOVE BOX REMOVED AND WIRING CHECKED. ONCE THE SOUND STARTS, BUMPINESS IN THE ROAD SEEMS TO PRODUCE THE SOUND LOUDER AND MORE OFTEN. ALSO WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL ON A WINDING ROAD THAT IS SOMEWHAT BUMPY ALSO PRODUCES THE SOUND. IT IS NOT A PLEASURE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AND IT HAS BEEN SERVICED AS I STATED FOR THIS PROBLEM EVER SINCE 2002. IT WAS PURCHASED IN JULY OF 2001. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANY DIFFFERENT TECHS. CA NOT FIND OR REPAIR THE PROBLEM. I WOULD GET RID OF IT IF IT WASN'T FOR THE FACT THAT I COULD NOT HONESTLY SELL A LEMON IN GOOD FAITH. THIS VEHICLE BODY WISE IS IS EXCELLENT CONDITION AND ONLY HAS 27,000 MILES ON IT. AS I SEE IT, I HAVE ONLY HAD A PERFECT VEHICLE FOR 1 YEAR OUT OF THE 3 YEARS I HAVE OWNED IT. I HAVE BEEN FAITHFUL TO FORD AND THAT IS ONLY WHAT I HAVE OWNED THE LAST 28 YEARS AND CURRENTLY OWN 3 OTHER FORD VEHICLES. MY FATHER WORKED AND RETIRED FROM FORD MOTOR CO. HIS WHOLE LIFE AND NONE OF US HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED SUCH DISAPPOINTMENT IN ONE OF THEIR PRODUCTS. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 9, 2004
I PURCHASED A FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC IN DEC. 2002. I HAVE BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT A NUMBER OF TIMES. THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF ITEMS THAT I'VE HAD REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY: 1.) FRONT BRAKES: A LOUD RUBBING/GRIDING SOUND BECAME INCREASINGLY LOUDER. THE FIRST TIME THE SERVICE DEPT. FOLKS SAID THAT IT WAS NORMAL. THE NEXT TIME I BROUGHT THE CAR IN, THEY COULD DENY THE NOISE AND THEY SUBSEQUENTLY REPLACE ONE ROTOR AND RESURFACED THE OTHER. 2.) REAR AXLE: A BROKEN SEAL ALLOWED HYDROULIC FLUID TO COVER INSIDE OF THE REAR WHEEL CAUSING DIFFICULTY IN BRAKING. THE SERVICE DEPT. REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY 3.) THE TRANSFER CASE FOR THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE WAS LEAKING FLUID. THE SERVICE DEPT. REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. 4.) THE VEHICLE STALLS A NUMEROUS AMOUNTS OF TIMES (10-15 TIMES) SINCE I'VE OWNED IT. IT STALLS WHILE I'M DRIVING AT 35 MILES PER HOUR, IN REVERSE, DAY OR NIGHT. WHEN I GO FOR AN ERRAND AND PARK, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. AN HOUR LATER, WHEN THE TOW TRUCK IS THERE, THE VEHICLE START. IT DRIVES ME CRAZY!! THE SERVICE DEPT. SAYS THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING BECAUSE NOTHING REGISTERS ON THE COMPUTER AND THEY CANNOT SIMULATE THE PROBLEM. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED (08-04-04) MERGING ON TO THE FREEWAY IT STALLED. UPON START-UP, BLACK SMOKE POURED OUT OF THE EXHAUST AND IDLING WAS EXTREMELY ROUGH. I HAD IT TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. THE SERVICE DEPT REPLACED A MASS AIRFLOW METER UNDER WARRENTY. THE VEHICLE RUNS...I'LL CROSS MY FINGERS!! MY CURRENT PROBLEM IS THAT THE FRONT TIRES ARE SEVERLY CUPPING AND THE FRONT END VIBERATES AT 60 MPH AND OVER. THE VEHICLE HAS 25K MILES AND THE TIRES HAVE BEEN ROTATED 5 TIMES ABOUT EVERY 5K MILES. I HAD THE WHEELS CHECKED FOR ALIGNMENT AND BALANCE AND IT IS TO SPECIFICATIONS. THE SERVICE DEPT SAYS ITS NORMAL AND TO CONTINUE WITH THE ROTATIONS. THE TIRES ARE WEARING UNEVENLY AND PREMATURELY. THE TIRE SHOP RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHOCKS AND STRUTS BE REPLACED. THE SERVICE DEPT DOES NOT.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 5, 2004
ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. SPEED SENSOR FOUND DEFECTIVE. THIS OCCURRED TWICE, FIRST ON 9OCT03 @ 29607 MILES, SECOND ON 3AUG04@44202 MILES.*AK
Power train, Aug 4, 2004
CONSUMER STATED REAR AXLE SEALS WERE LEAKING. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Power train, Aug 3, 2004
WE PURCHASED A 2002 EXPLORER IN AUG.2002. FROM DAY ONE IT HAD A NOISE IN THE REAR END THAT WAS AUDIBLE WHEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, BUT WOULD STOP WHEN RELEASED. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WITHIN A FEW WEEKS OF THE PURCHASE AND THEY TOLD US IT WAS ROAD NOISE AND NORMAL. SINCE THEN THE NOISE HAS GOTTEN LOUDER AND WE TOOK IT TO A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP TODAY. WE WERE TOLD OUR DIFFERENTIAL IS GOINGN BAD AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT $970 AND WE WOULD HAVE TO WAIT FOR THEM TO ORDER THE PART. WE TOLD HIM IT HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE WE BOUGHT IT AND HE SAID PROBABLY SO THERE IS A PRESS RELEASE ABOUT IT. HE ALSO SAID IT WILL CONTINUE TO GET LOUDER UNTIL IF FAILS AND IT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WHEN THE REAR END LOCKS UP. UNFORTUNATLY WE ARE NO LONGER COVERED BY THE WARANTEE AND HAVE TO PAY FOR IT OURSELVES. I HAVE READ ON THIS WEBSITE AND OTHERS AND IT SEEMS TO BE A FORD TREND TO TELL PEOPLE THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THEIR CARS UNTIL IT IS NO LONGER UNDER WARANTEE AND THEN ADMIT THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM. I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY AS WELL AND WAS TOLD THAT IF THEY GET ENOUGH COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM THEY WILL LOOK INTO IT BECOMING A RECALL ISSUE WHERE I "MIGHT" GET A REFUND.*AK
Power train, Aug 3, 2004
PURCHASED NEW FORD EXPLORER IN 4/02 IN 12/03 WITH 37100 MILES TRANSFER CASE STARTED GRINDING AND GOING INTO GEAR BECAME DIFFICULT. TRANSFEWR CASE REPLACED, IN 1/04 4X4 COMPUTER MODULE MALFUNTIONED AND WAS REPLACED. IN 4/04 GRINDING FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL CASE,HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH ALL INTERNAL COMPONENTS.IN 5/04 SENT DETAILED LETTER TO WILLIAM CLAY FORD EXPLAINING DIFFICULTIES WITH VEHICLE ALONG WITH ALL REPAIR BILLS. . ON 5/18/04 GOT A PHONE CALL FROM LYNN ARLEDGE(FORD EXECUTIVE REP). *AK
Power train, Jul 28, 2004
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, SLIPPAGE ON 2ND TO 3RD ENGINE REVS UP TO 6000 RPM, TAKEN TO DEALER 4 TIMES ALREADY THEY CAN'T FIND CAUSE OF PROBLEM. *AK
Structure, Jul 27, 2004
REAR TAILGATE HAD A FRACTURE ABOUT 10 INCHES LONG AND THE MOLD WAS TOUCHED UP WITH PAINT PRIOR TO SHIPPING OR SELLING. IT WAS CRACKED. DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAD A SERVICE BULLETIN ON THIS PROBLEM.*AK
Visibility, Jul 23, 2004
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE LIFT WINDOW ON THE LIFTGATE THE GLASS SHATTERED INTO VERY SMALL SHARP PIECES. THE DRIVER CUT HIS FINGER IN A PIECE OF GLASS. THE GLASS ALSO SCRATCHED THE TAILGATE. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE GLASS. *AK *NM PE04045.PCO
Structure, Jul 23, 2004
I OPENED THE TOP PART OF THE TAILGATE ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER LAST NIGHT AND THE RIGHT HINGE BROKE AND FELL ON MY HEAD. LUCKILY THE GLASS DIDN'T BREAK AND I WASN'T INJURED. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST CASE OF THIS HAPPENING, I HAVE COME TO FIND OUT. ONE OF THE OTHER PEOPLE THIS HAPPENED TO (SAME YEAR AND MODEL) WAS TRAPPED UNDERNEATH THE HATCH MOMENTARILY. I HAVE DOCUMENTATION FROM THIS PERSON OF THE INCIDENT THAT OCCURED TO HIM. THIS SEEMS TO BE EITHER A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT OR SOMETHING AND LUCKILY MY 3 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WHO LIKES TO CLIMB IN THE BACK WHILE I'M LOADNG THE TRUCK, WASN'T THERE OR IT WOULD HAVE HIT HER IN THE HEAD. PLEASE TELL ME WHAT I CAN DO ABOUT THIS OTHER THAN PAY AN ARM AND A LEG TO GET IT FIXED AND HOPE IT DOESN'T HAPPEN AGAIN! *AK PE04045.PCO
Structure, Jul 19, 2004
RECALL 01L010000, DRIVER'S SIDE LIFTGATE BRACKET SNAPPED, CAUSING THE GLASS TO SHATTER. DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK PE04045.PCO
Seats, Jul 16, 2004, crash
REAR ENDED , SUBSTAINED SURIOUS INJURIES, 2000 FORD EXPLORE DRIVER SEAT ROKE WHEN OTHER CAR REAR ENDED ME , IT WAS THE RECLINER BOLT. *AK
Air bags, Jul 16, 2004, crash
MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE INVOLVED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF US. I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH PRIOR TO SLAMMING ON MY BRAKES. THE EMS DRIVER ESTIMATED IMPACT AT 40 MPH. MY VEHICLE SUSTAINED $6600+ IN DAMAGES TO THE FRONT END. NEITHER THE DRIVER NOR PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE EMS DRIVER AND THE WRECKER SAID GIVEN THE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. THE EMS DRIVER ALSO SAID IT WAS TYPICAL OF A FORD TO HAVE THE AIR BAGS MALFUNCTION. I SUSTAINED NECK AND LOW BACK INJURIES INCLUDING DAMAGE TO 4 DISC IN MY SPINE ACCORDING TO THE MRI REPORT. MY DAUGHTER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER RIGHT SHOULDER, RADIOLOGICAL TESTING IS SCHEDULED FOR LATER THIS MONTH TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF HER PAIN AND LOSS OF MOTION. SHE HAS ALSO SUFFERED WITH LOW BACK PAIN. I ASKED THE MECHANIC RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS ON MY VEHICLE AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE ABOUT THE AIR BAGS AND WAS NOT GIVEN MUCH OF AN ANSWER. HE BASICALLY SAID THE DAMAGE DID NOT GO FAR ENOUGH INTO THE ENGINE AREA FOR THE SENSORS TO PICK UP THE CRASH. GIVEN THE DAMAGE TO MY FRONT END AND THE NEED FOR REPLACEMENT OF MULTIPLE PARTS UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR AND THE INJURIES SUSTAINED I DID NOT FIND THIS TO BE AN ACCEPTABLE ANSWER.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Jul 15, 2004
WHILE DRIVING, THE GAS PEDAL SEPARATED FROM IT'S LINKAGE AND FELL ONTO THE FLOOR OF THE TRUCK. THIS RESULTED IN THE DRIVER NOT BEING ABLE TO ACCELERATE. THE DRIVER THEN PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP. THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE THE GAS PEDAL CABLE HAD BROKEN AT THE CONNECTIONS. *JB
Structure, Equipment, Jul 12, 2004
THE PAINT IS BUBBLING AND PEELING FOR THE CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL. ALSO NOTICED DRIVER SEAT FEELS LOOSE. NOW TODAY NO A/C. DOES NOT GET COOL. *LA
Electrical system, Jul 11, 2004
WHEN PULLING LIGHT OR HEAVY LOAD, VEHICLE JERKS AND THEN STALLS OUT WHEN VEHICLE APPARENTLY TRIES TO SHIFT DOWN OR IS AT SPEED WHERE VEHICLE MAY BE NEAR SHIFTING DOWN. VEHICLE ACTUALLY DIES AND MUST BE RESTARTED BY TURNING OFF KEY AND THEN IT QUICKLY STARTS. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Fuel system, Other, Jul 9, 2004
THIS DISCREPANCY APPLIES TO A EXPLORER SPORT TRAC NEW FROM A DEALERSHIP IN SEPT 2001. THE VEHICLE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT ILLUMINATED JUST BEFORE THE VEHICLE REACHED 15,000 MILES. THE OWNERS MANUAL STATED THAT IF THE LIGHT DID NOT GO OUT AFTER 3 CONSECUTIVE COLD STARTS TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE WINDOW FOR SERVICING AT ITS 15,000 MILE CHECK-UP ANYWAY, SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND SHOWED THEM THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT. I EXPECTED THE VEHICLE WOULD BE FINISHED WITH ITS REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT PROBLEM FIXED IN A DAY OR TWO. I WAS WRONG, AND FROM READING SIMILAR PROBLEMS REPORTED BY OTHER OWNERS, IT APPEARS THIS COULD BE A TREND FOR THE SPORT TRAC MODEL- IF NOT FOR THE ENTIRE EXPLORER GENRE. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS LEAKING AND IT WAS WHAT WAS CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. THEN I REMEMBERED THAT I HAD OFTEN NOTICED DROPS OF FLUID ON THE DRIVEWAY EACH TIME I BACKED OUT. AT THE TIME I THOUGHT IT WAS CONDENSATION FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. I DIDN'T CARE WHAT IT TOOK TO FIX IT BECAUSE IT WAS COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. THE DEALER HAD TO ORDER A WHOLE NEW GAS TANK, BECAUSE AS IT WAS EXPLAINED TO ME, THE FUEL PUMP WAS INTEGRAL TO THE FUEL TANK. THE FUEL TANK AND PUMP ASSEMBLY WAS NOT IN STOCK AND HAD TO BE ORDERED FROM THE FACTORY. THE DEALER SUPPLIED A RENTAL CAR WHILE THE SPORT TRAC WAS BEING REPAIRED. IT TOOK 2 WEEKS FOR THE DEALER TO RECEIVE THE FUEL TANK AND PUMP. AFTER THEY RECEIVED IT, IT ONLY TOOK TOOK A COUPLE OF HOURS FOR THE TECHNICIAN TO INSTALL IT AND CHECK IT OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS PROPERLY REPAIRED AND I NO LONGER SEE ANY DROPLETS ON THE DRIVEWAY, NOR IS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. MOST OF THE TWO WEEKS THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP WAS DUE TO AWAITING PARTS. ANY FUEL LEAK SHOULD BE CONSIDERED CRITICAL FOR OBVIOUS REASONS. I ASKED THE DEALER'S REPRESENTATIVE IF THE TANK/PUMP PROBLEM WAS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE MODEL AND THEY DENIED IT. *AK