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.
Air bags, Jun 16, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIR BAGS DID NOR DEPLOY. NO INJURIES REPORTED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 15, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH THE CONSUMER BEGAN TO HEAR A PINGING SOUND IN THE ENGINE. AFTER THE VEHICLE PICKED UP SPEED THE PINGING SOUND WENT AWAY. THE DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE TIMING CHAIN HAD TOO MUCH PLAY IN IT. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THERE IS AN IMPROVED PART BUT, IT COST NINE HUNDRED DOLLARS. *LA
Vehicle speed control, Jun 14, 2004
WHILE DRIVING SPEEDOMETER WOULD BE OFF BY 6 MPH. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW 49 CFR CHAPTER III SECTION 393.82 FOR THE SPEEDOMETER WHICH STATES REASONABLE ACCURACY IS WITHIN +/- 5 MPH AT A SPEED OF 50 MPH. THE CONSUMER NOTIFIED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE OF THE PROBLEM AND ASKED THEM TO COMPLY WITH THE ABOVE CODE. THE CUSTOMER WAS DENIED THIS SERVICE.
Power train, Jun 11, 2004
WHILE DRIVING IT WAS HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO SHIFT GEARS MANUALLY. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK
Structure, Jun 11, 2004
THE LIFTGATE LATCH APPEARED TO BE FAULTY. IT BROKE WHILE MY WIFE WAS CLOSING THE LIFTGATE AND THE LIFTGATE CAME CRASHING DOWN, SHATTERING GLASS EVERYWHERE. DEALER WOULDN'T WARRANTY, SUGGESTED THAT TRY TO USE MY CAR INSURANCE TO COVER THE COSTS. *AK PE04045.PCO
Electrical system, Jun 11, 2004, fire
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN PUBLIC LOT WHILE VISITING LOCAL STORE. ORIGINAL DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO START VEHICLE BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL DUE TO APPARENT LOSS OF ALL ELECTRICAL. ORIGINAL DRIVER NOTICED SOME SMOKE AND/OR SMELL OF SMOKE FROM BEHIND CONSOLE. DRIVER IMMEDIATELY TURNED KEY TO OFF POSITION AND CALLED SPOUSE TO REPORT FAILURE. SPOUSE INSPECTED BATTERY CABLES AND BATTERY VIEWING EYE WITH NO FINDINGS OF FAILURE OR LOOSE CABLES. SPOUSE ENTERED VEHICLE INSPECTING POSITION OF GEAR SHIFT LEVER AND TRANSMISSION INDICATOR FOR PROPER PARK POSITION WITH NO UNUSUAL FINDINGS. SPOUSE TURNED KEY TO START POSITION WHICH PRODUCED WHAT APPEARED WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT UNDER CENTER CONSOLE DIRECTLY UNDER BEVERAGE AND MISC HOLDER. SPOUSE TURNED KEY BACK TO OFF POSITION IMMEDIATELY THEN SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THAT AREA OF CENTER CONSOLE. SPOUSE REMOVED RUBBER LINER WITH SCREWDRIVER WHICH EXPOSED PIN HOLE WITH SPARKS SHOOTING OUTWARD WHICH IN TURN PRODUCED A FIRE IN THE CENTER CONSOLE. SPOUSE ATTEMPTED TO STOP FIRE WITH NO SUCCESS THEN EXITED VEHICLE TO BREAK OFF RED CABLE AT BATTERY TERMINATION IN ATTEMPT TO STOP FIRE. ORIGINAL DRIVER CALLED ON HELP AT UPS STORE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF VEHICLE PARKED LOCATION. EMPLOYEE FROM UPS REACHED VEHICLE WITH FIRE EXTINGIUSHER AND STOPPED FIRE FROM SPREADING TO OTHER AREAS OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CHAMPION FORD DEALERSHIP WITHIN 1 1/2 HOURS AFTER INCIDENT. DEALER REPORTED FINDINGS ON JUNE 10TH TO VEHICLE OWNERS. DEALER INVESTIGATION CLAIMS UNSUCCESSFUL IN IDENTIFING CAUSE OF FIRE. ESTIMATED COST IS 1,500 $. VEHICLE OWNERS ARE ATTEMPTING TO CONTACT FORD MANAGEMENT TO COVER FULL COST OF DAMGED DUE TO DEFECTIVE VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *AK
Structure, Jun 11, 2004
MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT WITH PAINT. FAILURE TO PROPERLY APPLY UNDER COAT RESULTING IN PAINT CHECKING AND OXIDATION. ENTIRE CAR WILL NEED TO BE REPAINTED.*AK
Power train, Jun 10, 2004
MY FORD TRUCK BEGAN MAKING A WHINING NOISE AND DIDN'T SHIFT OUT CORRECTLY. THE FORD TECHNICIAN STATED THAT IT WAS THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND THEY DIDN'T SUGGEST THAT I FIX IT, AND THAT "IT WAS ONLY A GAS SAVER, AND THE TRUCK WOULD BE OKAY WITHOUT IT." AFTER 2 WEEKS THE TRUCK GOT WORST. AFTER RETURNING IT TO THE FORD SERVICE CENTER. I WAS TOLD I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 67,000 MILES ON IT. TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION COST $2700.00. THE TRUCK IS OFF OF WARRANTY AND FORD WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH ANY TYPE OF HELP DESPITE THE FACT THAT THIS TRUCK SHOULD NOT BE HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SO SOON.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 8, 2004
I BOUGHT A FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC IN AUG. OF 2002. EVER SINCE IT WAS A YEAR OLD I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH IT. I HAD IT 6 TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUE, THEY REPLACED THE SAME PART 4 TIMES, THAT DID NOT HELP. THEY FINALLY CALLED THE FORD HELP LINE AND FOUND OUT THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE WHOLE GAS TANK. MY TRUCK THE FIRST TIME LOST ALL POWER WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, I SHUT IT OFF AND IT RESTARTED FINE. I TOOK INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAD TO RE-PROGRAM THE MAIN COMPUTER CHIP. NEXT, MY TRUCK WOULDN'T START UNLESS HOLDING DOWN THE GAS PEDAL THEN FINALLY IT WOULD START AND THERE WOULD BE A BLACK SMOKE CLOUD THAT WOULD COME OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE EACH TIME. THE NEW GAS TANK FINALLY FIXED THIS PROBLEM! NOW I HAVE OTHER ISSUES WITH A NOISE IN THE ENGINE AND WHEN I FIRST START IT UP AND BACK OUT OF THE GARAGE OR PARKING SPACE IT SPUTTERS THEN ONCE IN DRIVE IT IS OK, ALSO WHEN SHIFTING AFTER 40MPH IT HAS A HARD SHIFT INSTEAD OF A SMOOTH ONE. STILL TRYING TO GET IT FIXED.*AK
Power train, Jun 7, 2004, crash
I AM THE OWNER OF 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. I PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND EXITED THE VEHICLE, I TOOK ITEMS OUT OF THE BACK HATCH AND LEFT THE VEHICLE AREA. WITHIN A 5 TO 10 MINUTE PERIOD OF TIME, THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF PARK AND BEGAN ROLLING, THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN AN EMBANKMENT, FLIPPED OVER ON IT'S ROOF THEN LANDED ON ANOTHER VEHICLE PARKED DOWN IN THE YARD. *AK THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE TOTALLED. I AM THANKFUL THAT NO ONE WAS IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THIS MALFUNCTION BECAUSE THEY SURELY WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION MAY OCCUR TO OTHERS WHO MAY NOT BE SO FORTUNATE AND INJURIES MAY OCCUR.
Fuel system, Other, Visibility, Jun 4, 2004
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4 DOOR. THE REAR LEFT WINDOW WAS FAILING TO GO DOWN, AND WHEN IT DID IT WOULD TAKE TIME FOR IT TO GO BACK UP AGAIN. MY MOTHER PURCHASED A 2003 FORD EXPLORER AS WELL AND MY NIECE AND THEY TOO EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. I ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY AIR LEAKING AND WAS INFORMED THAT SOME FORM OF AN INVISIBLE GAS WAS LEAKING INTO MY VEHICLE. I HAVE AN INFANT DAUGHTER AND WAS CONCERNED THAT SHE WAS BREATHING THIS.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 4, 2004, crash
THE ABS ENGAGED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO JERK, AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED. NO INJURIES REPORTED. *AK THIS WOULD OCCUR EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKES WERE NOT TOUCHED. *SC *JB
Seats, Jun 3, 2004
THE RECLINING BOLT FOR THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HAS BROKE. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE PART, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
Structure, May 31, 2004
REAR WINDOW WAS IN THE UP/OPEN POSITION FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES AND SHATTERED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE IT. IT SEEMED TO BOW SLIGHTLY PRIOR TO EXPLODING. UPON INSPECTION, THE HYDRAULIC STRUTS SEEM TO HAVE LOCKED IN PLACE, WITH THE RESULTING PRESSURE ON THE GLASS CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE RIGHT HINGE ALSO SHEARED OFF. SHATTERED GLASS SPREAD OVER A FEW FEET TO THE INTERIOR AND SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. WAITING FOR DEALERSHIP TO REOPEN AFTER HOLIDAY WEEKEND TO DISCUSS THE MATTER.*AK PE04045_PCO
Engine and engine cooling, May 28, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *LA
Vehicle speed control, May 27, 2004
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLESURGED FORWARD. THIS ALSO OCCURS WHEN THE ACCEERATOR PEDAL IS BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
Power train, May 25, 2004
THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED. AS A RESULT, WHEN APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE VEHICLE REVVED AND ROLLED INTO A BUSY INTERSECTION. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Power train, May 19, 2004
DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AT 39,500 MILES. DEALER AND CONSUMER SPLIT THE EXPENSES. *AK
Air bags, May 19, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND NO AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT APPEARED PRIOR TO THE CRASH. *AK
Electrical system, May 18, 2004
WHEN USING THE TURN SIGNALS THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT, THE TURN SIGNALS WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY, ALSO THE HAZARDS WOULD DO THE SAME. THE CONSUMER HAD MADE CONTACT WITH THE DEALER ABOUT THIS ISSUE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Structure, May 17, 2004
ON MAY 15, 2004 WHILE AT A WALMART IN NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK, THE REAR HATCH HINGE BOLT ON MY WIFE'S 2002 FORD EXPLORER SHEARED OFF AND FELL ON HER HEAD CAUSING A CONCUSSION AND OTHER RELATED INJURIES. *AK PE04045_PCO
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 11, 2004
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I JUST READ THE ARTICLE ON THE FORD ESCAPE (4/13/04) RECALL AT CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM. I BOUGHT MY TRUCK IN SEPTEMBER 2002. THIS ENGINE STALLING/STUTTERING AND DYING IS EXACTLY WHAT MY FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC HAS BEEN DOING SINCE THE 2ND DAY (30 MILES) OF OWNERSHIP. I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES, WITH DOCUMENTATION, AND THEY SAY THEY CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG. I HAVE SENT SEVERAL LETTERS TO THE FORDS DISPUTE SETTLEMENT BOARD. THEY STATED IN THEIR SUMMARY THAT I COULD NOT BE HELPED BECAUSE I HAVE NOT BEEN INCONVENIENCED ENOUGH. I HOPE I CAN GET SOME ASSISTANCE WITH THIS. FORD HAS REFUSED TO ASSIST ME. MY VEHICLE, JUST TODAY, AGAIN HESITATED AND CHUGGED FOR SOME TIME. IT IS LIKE THE FUEL IS NOT GETTING TO THE CARBURETOR. THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS. LUCIUS (BUD) ANGELL
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 10, 2004, fire
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY FOR TWO HOURS. THE DRIVER STOPPED AT A TOLL BOOTH. SUDDENLY WHITE SMOKE STARTED EMITTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD FOLLOWED BLACK SMOKE. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WITHIN SECONDS AND WAS A TOTAL LOST. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAYS THE GAS LINE MAY HAVE MELTED THE MANIFOLD. PLEASE DESCRIBE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *JB
Air bags, Structure, May 10, 2004, crash
I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS THE RIGHT PLACE TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT BUT ITS WORTH A SHOT. MY MOTHER OWNED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. MY BROTHER WAS DRIVING IT HOME TO KANSAS CITY FROM ST. LOUIS MISSOURI. THE WEATHER WAS PERFECT, THE ROADWAYS WERE PERFECT, THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, HE WASN'T SPEEDING. HOWEVER, HE DROVE OFF THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, OVER CORRECTED IT TO GAIN CONTROL AND FISH-TAILED. WITNESSES SAY THAT IT LOOKED LIKE HE HAD CONTROL AGAIN AND THEN IT ROLLED, KILLING HIM. HIM AND THE PASSENGER WERE BOTH WEARING SEAT BELTS; HOWEVER, THE TOP CRUSHING HIM IN IS WHAT KILLED HIM. THESE VEHICLES LIKE OTHER SUV'S HAVE A HIGH ROLL-OVER RATE YET PEOPLE KEEP BUYING THEM. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO PREVENT ANY OTHER FAMILIES FROM EXPERIENCING THIS TRAGEDY. NOW OBVIOUSLY WHATEVER HAPPENS WON'T BRING ME BACK MY BROTHER BUT I'D HATE TO SEE THIS HAPPEN TO SOMEONE ELSE. WHY CAN'T THE TOPS BE MADE OUT OF A DIFFERENT MATERIAL? SOMETHING THAT MAKES THEM NOT TOP HEAVY AND SOMETHING THAT WON'T BUCKLE IF IT DOES ROLL? OR WHY NOT TAKE THEM OFF THE MARKET? I KNOW THAT IS A LITTLE DRASTIC SINCE WE KNOW THE DANGER BUT WE KEEP BUYING THEM, ITS KIND OF LIKE SMOKING A CIGARETTE. I JUST WANTED TO SPEAK MY VOICE IN HOPES WE CAN PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING TO SOMEONE ELSE. *LA
Seats, May 8, 2004, crash
VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATS BROKE SENDING FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS BACK. REAR SEAT PASSENGER WAS HIT BY FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SEAT AND BROKE HER JAW IN 3 PLACES. FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS SUFFERED SPLITS IN THEIR HEADS, DRIVER HAD A FRACTURED BACK, AND PASSENGER SUFFERED DIZZINESS AND NECK INJURIES.*AK