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.
Structure, Jul 6, 2004
WHILE CLOSING THE REAR WINDOW REAR GLASS UNEXPECTEDLY SHATTERED. NO INJURIES REPORTED. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER FOR AN APPOINTMENT. *AK PE04045.PCO
Structure, Jul 6, 2004
REAR HATCH BACK WINDOW SHATTERED WHEN OPENED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK DUP OF 10079152.PCO
Electrical system, Jul 6, 2004
THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM PARK TO DRIVE. IT TURNS OUT THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSING FUSES TO BLOW WHILE DRIVING. THE FUSE THAT HAD BLOWN MOST WAS THE FUSE FOR MY BRAKE LIGHTS. I WAS DRIVING WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS SEVERAL TIMES, UNKNOWINGLY. THE FIRST DEALERSHIP THAT I TOOK THE VEHICLE HAD THE TRUCK FOR 3 DAYS AND SAID THAT THE ALARM SYSTEM WAS CAUSING THE SHORT. THE ALARM SYSTEM WAS INSTALLED BY THE SELLING DEALERSHIP. I WAS SENT AWAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP WITH BIGGER (HIGHER AMP) FUSES IN MY FUSE BOX, A FEW EXTRA FUSES, AND THE KNOWLEDGE OF HOW TO OVER-RIDE THE SHIFTER LOCK IF THE FUSE WAS BLOWN. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO AND A HALF WEEKS, MOST OF THE TIME WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS, I WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM. THIS DEALERSHIP HAPPENS TO BE ABOUT 90 MILES FROM MY CURRENT RESIDENCE. THE OTHER DEALERSHIP FOUND THE REAL PROBLEM. THE WIRING HARNESS HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE APPARENTLY, SOME OF THE WIRES GOT TOO HOT, MELTED THE INSULATION, AND FUSED THEMSELVES TOGETHER. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE SHOP FOR 9 DAYS. FORD ALSO CLAIMS THAT I SHOULDN'T WORRY ABOUT ANY DAMAGE THAT MAY HAVE BEEN DONE TO THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN MY VEHICLE DUE TO THE SHORT AND ONE OF THE DEALERSHIPS PUTTING BIGGER FUSES IN THE FUSE BOX. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 6, 2004
ABS LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY, THE BRAKES SEEM TO STICK AND SMELL LIKE THEY ARE BURNING. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE 3 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM BUT THE PROBLEM HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY, SO 2 OF THE 3 DEALERSHIPS SAID THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. MY BRAKE PADS ARE NOW PRE-MATURELY WORN AND THE LATEST DEALERSHIP HAS CLAIMED TO HAVE REPLACED A SENSOR ON THE DIFFERENTIAL THAT WILL "FIX" THE PROBLEM. AFTER BEING TOLD THAT THERE WASN'T A PROBLEM, NEXT THAT THE REAR BRAKES WERE WORN OUT, AND THEN THAT THE SENSOR WAS BAD. MY VEHICLE HAS 25,000 MILES ON IT AND ABOUT 30% LEFT ON THE REAR BRAKES AND 40% ON THE FRONT BRAKE PADS. I HAVE MADE 4 ROUND TRIPS FROM CHICAGO TO NEW ORLEANS, AND 1 ROUND TRIP FROM CHICAGO TO LAS ANGELES TOTALING ABOUT 13,000 OF THE 25,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I HAVE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE THAT NEEDED BRAKE PADS REPLACED AFTER 25,000 LET ALONE A VEHICLE WITH OVER HALF OF ITS MILES FROM INTERSTATE DRIVING. FORD REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PRE-MATURE WEAR OF MY BRAKES. AFTER READING SEVERAL OF THE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE, I DOUBT THAT FORD DEALERS HAVE A CLUE ABOUT WHAT THE ACTUAL PROBLEM IS AND HOW TO FIX IT. *JB
Power train, Jul 6, 2004
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT THAT HAS 68000 MILES ON IT. SINCE WE HAVE HAD IT THE TRANSMISSION HAS DONE NOTHING BUT SHIFT HARD AND WASHBOARD FROM 2ND TO 3RD AND 3RD TO OVERDRIVE. THIS VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN 2 TIMES, AND BOTH TIMES WE WERE TOLD THAT IT WAS NORMAL . I HAVE HAD ISSUE GOING UP HILL IN MINE BECAUSE OF THE SHIFTING, AFRAID TO PASS BECAUSE I AM NOT SURE IF THE VEHICLE WILL SHIFT. I FINALLY TOOK IN MY EXPLORER LAST WEEK AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE COMPUTER SAID THAT THE BEARINGS WERE BAD IN MY TRANSMISSION AND THAT I HAD TO PAY $3000 TO REPLACE IT. THIS SAME ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE I FIRST COMPLAINED ABOUT IT AT 16000 MILES. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Jul 6, 2004
THE ABS ACTIVATED WHILE ON A DRY PAVEMENT ANDTHE VEHICLE LOST BRAKING POWER. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER, WHO KEPT INSISTING THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER FELT DIFFERENTLY ABOUT THE DEALERS EVALUATION. *AK THE CONSUMERS BROTHER VERIFIED THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG, BUT COULD NOT TAKE IT APART TO CHECK IT OUT BECAUSE OF WARRANTY ISSUES AND THE ENGINE EXPERIENCED A MISS. THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS FOUND BAD. *SC *JB
Structure, Jul 5, 2004
HINGE ON LIFTGATE GLASS BROKE AND PARTIALLY FELL OFF, CAUSING MINOR BRUISES FINGER & HEAD INJURIES. PE04045.PCO. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 5, 2004
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT APPROXIMATELY 39000 MILES. DIAGNOSTIC CODE P0174. NO LEAKS PRESENT. CODES CLEARED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT RECURRED AT 42000 MILES. DIAGNOSED AS FAILURE OF BOTH EXHAUST GAS OXYGEN SENSOR 063028 AND SENSOR ASSY 021675. FORD MOTOR REFUSED REIMBURSEMENT FOR DEFECTIVE PARTS.*AK
Structure, Jul 1, 2004
FORD 2002 EXPLORER. I HAD MY ONE YEAR OLD IN A GROCERY CART, POPPED OPEN THE HATCH, OPENED IT AND THE GLASS SHATTERED ALL OVER THE CART WITH THE BOTTOM OF THE HATCH SWINGING OUT TOWARD THE CART. THANKFULLY MY CHILD WAS NOT HARMED. I WENT TO FORD, THEY SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL AND THAT IT WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. THEY SAID THEY HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS AND THAT IT WAS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX. *NM PE04045.PCO
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 1, 2004
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC STALLS WHEN GOING DOWN THE ROAD. IT'S LIKE YOU'RE TAKING YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS AND BACK ON IT AGAIN EXCEPT THAT ISN'T WHAT I'M DOING. TODAY IT DID THAT AND THEN WENT DEAD WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD PLACE BUT THEY SAID WITH NO LIGHTS ON IT WOULDN'T DO ANY GOOD TO HOOK IT UP TO A MACHINE. THEY SAID IT COULD BE ANYTHING FROM ELECTRONICS, FUEL PUMP, ETC. MY WARRANTY RUNS OUT IN ABOUT 4,500 MILES. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT A YEAR WITH THE STALLING OUT BUT THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME IT ACTUALLY WENT DEAD WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I WOULD ESTIMATE THAT OVER THE PAST YEAR THAT IT HAS STALLED AT LEAST 25 SEPARATE OCCASIONS BUT ONLY 1 TIME SO FAR DID IT GO DEAD. *NM
Fuel system, Other, Jun 30, 2004
WHEN DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWED THE WRONG GAS MEASUREMENTS. *AK
Tires, Jun 30, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED AND DURING RAIN OR SNOW VEHICLE HYDRO PLANED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO KEEP CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER INDICATED THAT GOODYEAR TIRES CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HYDRO PLANE. CONSUMER WILL CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS ISSUE. GOODYEAR, SIZE 255/70R/16, DOT NUMBER T301936GRF70M4MWS. *AK
Service brakes, Air, Jun 29, 2004
MY CAR WAS SERVICED IN JAN'03 INCLUDING FRONT/REAR BRAKES. I NOTICED THE SAME DAY OF THE SERVICE A NOISE WHENVER YOU WOULD APPLY THE BRAKES. I TOOK THE TRUCK BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES ONLY TO HAVE THE GESTIMATE THE PROBLEM TO HAVING THEM TAKE CAR RIDES W/ME TO HEAR THE NOISE ONLY TO DATE NOT BEING ABLE TO IDENTIFY OR DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. IT IS NOW ALMOST A YEAR AND A HALF LATER AND MY TRUCK IS STILL MAKING THE SAME NOISE.
Structure, Jun 28, 2004
I OPENED ONLY THE WINDOW PORTION OF MY BACK HATCH AND NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE HYDRAULIC ARMS WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE GLASS SO I BEGAN LOWERING IT AND THE GLASS SHATTERED IN MY HANDS. CONSEQUENT REPAIRS ARE GOING TO COST OVER $700 BEING AS IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY THOUGH JUST OVER 2 YEARS OLD. *AK PE04045.PCO
Power train, Jun 28, 2004
HARSH SHIFTING OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 24, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH AND COMING INTO A TURN CONSUMER STARTED TO BRAKE. THE BRAKES GRABBED SEVERELY, AND CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHICH COLLIDED WITH A GUARD RAIL ON THE RIGHT SIDE, AND BOUNCED TO THE LEFT, COLLIDING WITH AN EMBANKMENT. CONSUMER STRUCK HER HEAD ON THE LEFT WINDOW, AND THEN DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. CONSUMER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES FROM THE GLASS, AND BURNS FROM THE AIR BAGS. THE POLICE DID ARRIVED, AND CONSUMER WAS CITED. *AK
Structure, Jun 24, 2004
LIFTGATE GLASS APPLIQUE CRACKED. I NOTIFIED THE FORD DEALERSHIP, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT BECAUSE MY CAR WAS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, FORD WOULD NOT REPLACE THIS ITEM. I EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT THIS WAS A STRUCTURAL DEFECT, AND THAT I DID NOTHING TO CAUSE THE PLASTIC TO CRACK. THEY WERE VERY UNSYMPATHETIC TO MY NEEDS. THIS IS A TWO YEAR-OLD CAR, AND I FEEL THAT IF THEY DO NOT FIX THIS PROBLEM, BY BACK WINDOW WILL NOT BE SECURE, THEREFORE CAUSING YET ANOTHER PROBLEM FOR ME. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT HE HAS SEEN A NUMBER OF EXPLORER'S COME IN WITH THE EXACT SAME DEFECT. THIS CRACK HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MILEAGE OR ABUSE TO THE CAR. I FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD REPLACE AND REPAIR THIS DEFECT AT NO CHARGE TO ME, AND ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS MODEL.*AK
Visibility, Jun 23, 2004
PROBLEMS WITH THE MATERIAL ON THE MOON ROOF. *MR THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD ONLY COVER THE PROBLEM IF THE VEHICLE WAS WITHIN IT'S WARRANTY 36000 MILES/36 MONTHS, THE VEHICLE HAD 45000 MILES. THE CONSUMER CAME ACROSS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN WHICH EXPLAINED THE TYPE OF PROBLEM THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING SB620978. *NM
Structure, Jun 23, 2004
AFTER I PARKED THE EXPLORER AT THE MALL, I OPENED THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS TO TAKE OUT THE STROLLER. AFTER I SET THE STROLLER UP, I REACHED UP TO CLOSE THE LIFTGATE GLASS. AT THIS POINT, WHILE MY HAND IS STILL ON THE LIFTGATE, THE GLASS SHATTERED AND EXPLODED WITH GLASSES FLEW EVERYWHERE. THE BABY STROLLER IS COVERED WITH GLASSES. UNFORTUNATELY, I HAD NOT PUT MY 8 MONTHS OLD BABY IS THE STROLLER OR ELSE HIS FACE WOULD BE COVERED WITH GLASSES. AT THIS POINT, I FELT A SHARP PAIN ON MY RIGHT HAND AND SAW THAT THERE WERE TWO CUTS AND I WAS BLEEDING EVERYWHERE. AFTER DROPPING THE EXPLORER AT A DEALER NEARBY, I WENT TO THE URGENT CARE AND GOT 12 STITCHES FOR THE CUTS. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER ON MONDAY TO REPORT THE INCIDENT AND WAS TOLD TO WAIT FOR 2 BUSINESS DAYS FOR THE FORD CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO CALL ME BACK. AFTER TWO DAYS OF WAITING, I CALLED BACK AND THIS TIME I WAS TOLD THAT IT MIGHT TAKE UP TO 7 DAYS BEFORE THEY CAN CALL ME BACK. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FILED WITH NHTSA REGARDING THIS PROBLEM AND THERE IS AN OPEN INVESTIGATION BY ODI (OPENED ON 06/02/2004). APPARENTLY, SHORTLY AFTER THE INTRODUCING THE 2002 EXPLORER FOR SALE, FORD ISSUED A SPECIAL SERVICE INSTRUCTION (SSI 01I-010) IN APRIL OF 2001 TO CORRECT A LIFTGATE LIFT CYLINDER MOUNT ISSUED IN 56,000 VEHICLES BUILT FROM 2/5/2001 TO 3/30/2001. ALL VEHICLES BUILT AFTER THAT PERIOD WERE TO HAVE AN IMPROVED LIFT CYLINDER MOUNTING DESIGN. MY EXPLORER WAS BUILT ON 04/20/2001. HOWEVER, I AM VERY SUSPICIOUS THAT THIS BUILD DATE MIGHT BE WRONG SINCE I KEPT THE WINDOW STICKER AND THE DEALER'S INVOICE WHEN I BOUGHT THE EXPLORER AND THE DATES ON THOSE IS 04/09/2001. WHY IS THIS DATE (04/09/2001) BEFORE MY EXPLORER'S PRODUCTION DATE (04/20/2001)? MY EXPLORER MIGHT HAVE BEEN BUILT DURING THIS 2/5/2001 - 3/20/2001 PERIOD SINCE THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THIS PROBLEM WITH KNOWN BUILD DATES AFTER APRIL 2001 PERIOD. *AK PE04045.PCO
Service brakes, Air, Equipment, Jun 23, 2004
2002 FORD EXPLORER 1. ABS SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON IN MARCH 2003. TOOK CAR TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED IT. ABS LIGHT WENT OUT FOR A SHORT TIME. THEN, AUG, 2003, ABS LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. TOOK INTO A DEALERSHIP, THEY REPLACED THE SENSOR. ABS LIGHT WENT OUT. BUT IT CAME BACK ON AGAIN SOON AFTERWARD. IN THE MEANTIME, MY WARRANTY EXPIRES. 2. FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY DIAGNOSE THIS PROBLEM IN THE FIRST PLACE HAS LEAD TO A BAD REAR HUB ASSEMBLY. NOW I HAVE A REPAIR OUTSIDE MY WARRANTY THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF IN THE FIRST PLACE. 3. FORD REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR FAULTY PROBLEM. THEY REQUIRE THAT I PAY FOR A DIAGNOSIS TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. BEING THAT THIS IS RELATED TO SOMETHING THAT THEY HAVE A HISTORY ON DURING MY WARRANTY PERIOD, THEY SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS AND COSTS. *AK
Power train, Jun 23, 2004
IN AUGUST 2003, REPORTED TO DEALER THAT THE TRUCK WAS GROANING WHEN TURNING. SERVICE ADVISED THAT I WAS TURNING THE WHEEL TOO FAR AND RUBBING THE TIRES ON THE WHEEL WELLS. THIS WAS NOT POSSIBLE SINCE THE TIRES WERE THE ORIGINAL FACTORY INSTALLS. BY NOVEMBER, THE TRUCK WOULD HARDLY TURN WITHOUT DRAGGING THE BACK TIRES AND THE DEALER FOUND THERE WAS NO FLUID IN THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL REQUIRING A COMPLETE OVERHAUL. THEN, IN JUNE 2004, THE "NEW" SEALS FAILED ALLOWING THE FLUID TO, AGAIN, DRAIN OUT. DEALER IS CURRENTLY REPAIRING. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Exterior lighting, Jun 23, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 65 AND ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE FAILED TO GO INTO PASSING GEAR. ENGINE STALLED AND CONSUMER HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. ONCE OFF THE ROAD CONSUMER RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND CONTINUED DRIVING. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT THE TECHNICIAN COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TOT HE DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, GAS TANK AND AIR FLOW SENSOR. SO FAR THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RUNNING AS IT SHOULD. THE HEAT SHIELD UNDER THE VEHICLE RATTLED. THE DEALER ADJUSTED IT. THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH WOULD NOT LOCK IN PLACE WHEN USING THE TURN SIGNALS. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 22, 2004
BOUGHT CAR IN JANUARY 2003, WAS A DEALER VEHICLE. WE HAD 54,000 MILES ON IT WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT HOME FROM WORK AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THE SAME TIME THE EXPLORER STARTED ALMOST BUCKING. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING SO BAD THAT I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AS BEST AS I COULD. I CALLED AAA AND AS THEY HAD ME TURN THE VEHICLE AROUND SO IT COULD BE PUT ON THE TRUCK THE ENGINE STOPPED ALL TOGETHER, AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. AFTER BRINGING IT TO MY MECHANIC I WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED UP. I CALLED MY LOCAL FORD DEALER WHERE I HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED BECAUSE MY WARRANTY WAS FOR 36,000. I HAVE HAD THE OIL CHANGED ALWAYS ON TIME AND ALSO HAD THE VEHICLE IN FOR ITS FULL MAITENCE CHECK JUST MONTHS BEFORE. COME TO FIND OUT, THE VALVE SPRING IN THE MOTOR BROKE AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SEIZE. I HAD TO ORDER A NEW ENGINE FROM FORD AND BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND LABOR IT COST ME CLOSE TO $3,900. WHEN I CALLED THE FORD COMPANY, BECAUSE I GOT NOWHERES WITH MY LOCAL FORD DEALER I WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING FOR ME. IF A RECALL WAS TO EVER COME ABOUT THEN I SHOULD SAVE MY RECEIPTS. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE ENGINE TO PROVE WHAT HAD HAPPENED IF I EVER NEED THEM. THE WAY I LOOK AT IT, I HAVE MORE MILES, BECAUSE OF MY JOB, THAN OTHERS DO ON A 2002. IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL OTHERS HAVE THIS HAPPEN. MY LOCAL FORD COMPANY SAYS ITS A FLUKE. NICE REASON HAH? TO ME A $3,900. FLUKE IS NOTHING TO LAUGH ABOUT!*AK
Structure, Jun 21, 2004
RETURNING HOME ONE SUNDAY EVENING FROM GROCERY SHOPPING WITH MY GRAND-DAUGHTERS(AGES 4 AND 5),I REMOVED THEM FROM THE VEHICLE AND SENT THEM IN THE HOUSE, WHILE MY TEENAGE SON AND I UNLOADED THE GROCERIES. AFTER THE LAST OF THE GROCERIES WERE REMOVED, MY SON STARTED TO CLOSE THE LIFTGATE GLASS. AS I STOOD NEXT TO HIM, THE LIFTGATE GLASS HAD ONLY MADE IT HALFWAY DOWN ,WHEN THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION .THE LIFTGATE GLASS HAD DISINTEGRATED AS IF SHOT WITH A GUN. AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIDENT, I HAD THE EXPLORER BACKED INTO THE GARAGE. SO WHEN THE GLASS EXPLODED,IT FLEW OUTWARD TOWARDS US ,AS WELL AS INWARD INTO THE VEHICLE. THE NEXT DAY, I DROVE THE EXPLORER BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH THE LIFTGATE GLASS MISSING. I WAS FORTUNATE TO STILL BE UNDER WARRANTY, BUT WHEN I ASKED THE FORD SERVICE ADVISOR TO CONFIRM THAT THIS PROBLEM WILL BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY, HE WAS NOT REASSURING. NOT HAVING THAT CONFIRMATION THAT THE DEALERSHIP WAS GOING TO COVER THIS UPSET ME GREATLY. I WAS CALLED BY THE DEALERSHIP LATER THAT DAY (MONDAY), ONLY TO TRY TO PERSUADE ME TO AGREE TO $500 DOLLARS WORTH OF MAINTENANCE, UNRELATED TO THE LIFTGATE PROBLEM. IN THIS SAME CALL, THE SERVICE ADVISOR DID CONFIRM THAT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM.TWO DAYS HAVE GONE BY, AND I HAVEN'T HEARD FROM THE DEALERSHIP SO I CALLED AND FOUND OUT THEY HAD ORDERED A NEW LIFTGATE GLASS AND WOULD REPLACE IT. HOWEVER, BY THE END OF THE WEEK (FRIDAY), I CALLED THEM AGAIN,SINCE NO ONE WAS CALLING ME WITH UPDATES AND WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE ADVISOR THAT THEY WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE LIFTGATE DOOR. AND BECAUSE OF THIS THEY WILL HAVE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FOR A FEW MORE DAYS, SINCE THEY NOW WILL HAVE TO PAINT THE NEW LIFTGATE DOOR TO MATCH THE COLOR OF THE VEHICLE. AT THIS WRITING,THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD THE VEHICLE FOR OVER A WEEK NOW. I DON'T HAVE AN ACCURATE ACCOUNT OF WHAT WAS SPECIFICALLY CHANGED (I.E. PARTS), BUT I WILL INSIST ON A DETAILED LIST OF WHAT WAS DONE AND WHY. PE04045. *AK
Structure, Jun 18, 2004
WHEN UNLOADING THE VEHICLE LIFTGATE GLASS SHATTERED. *AK PE04045.PCO