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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 3,613

Of the 2002 reports, 163 involved a crash and 71 involved a fire. 213 people were injured and 6 people died.

Primary concernPower train1,575 reports · 44% of complaints
Owner complaints3,613Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship10 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train1,575
  2. Structure532
  3. Suspension445
  4. Engine and engine cooling194
  5. Vehicle speed control181
  6. Electrical system179
  7. Air bags171
  8. Steering162

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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.

  1. Structure, Feb 13, 2004

    I AM THE OWNER OF A 2002 EXPLORER THAT FOR A YEAR STARTED WITH A SQUEAK NOISE COMING FROM THE CHASSIS SUPPORTS. EVERY TIME THAT I TOOK MY VEHICLE FOR AN OIL CHANGE TO THE DEALER I COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, AND IT WAS ALWAYS MENTIONED TO ME THAT THIS TYPE OF CAR DO NOT HAVE ANY LUB POINTS FOR THE CHASSIS SUPPORTS. THEY COULD NOT FIND THE SQUEAK NOISE FROM WHERE IT WAS COMING. *AK THE SQUEAK NOISE STARTED TO BE SO BAD, THAT I WENT UNDERNEATH THE CAR AND FOUND BY MYSELF FROM WHERE THE NOISE WAS COMING. THE CHASSIS SUPPORTS PARTS OF THE BACK WERE REPLACED. THE SAME SQUEAK NOISE STARTED TO HAPPEN ON THE FRONT END AND PARTS WERE CHANGED. WELL SURPRISE, I GOT MY CAR AFTER REPAIR AND AFTER CHECKING IT ONE MORE TIME BY ROCKING THE VEHICLE THERE STILL A SQUEAK NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT AREA. IMAGINE THAT THIS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS EXPLORER 2002 FLEET, I HAD A '98 EXPLORER THAT NEVER DEVELOPED THIS PROBLEM.

  2. Tires, Feb 13, 2004

    WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED RIGHT REAR TIRE FELL OFF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD,AND CALL FOR A TOW TRUCK. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. *AK

  3. Visibility, Feb 12, 2004

    WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAME ON AND WENT OFF INTERMITTENTLY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. WINDSHIELD WIPER STAYED IN THE UP POSITION WHILE IN OPERATION . CONSUMER INFORMED THE DEALER ABOUT THE PROBLEM ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

  4. Structure, Feb 9, 2004

    CONSUMER WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING A CUSTOMER'S VEHICLE BECAUSE THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED WHEN HE OPENED THE REAR HATCH. WHEN HE CLOSED THE HATCHBACK THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW EXPLODED. A RECALL WAS ISSUED. BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BECAUSE OF VIN, PER MANUFACTURER. *AK PE04045.PCO DOB IS 12/02_061704_PCO

  5. Structure, Feb 4, 2004

    UPON CLOSING THE HATCHBACK THE STRUT LOCKED UP AND THE GLASS SHATTERED. PIECES OF GLASS LANDED IN CONSUMER'S EYES. CONSUMER WAS NOT INJURED SINCE HE WORE GLASSES. VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF WHEN THIS OCCURRED.*AK PE04045.PCO DOB IS 10/01_061704_PCO

  6. Vehicle speed control, Feb 1, 2004

    STICKING THROTTLE CABLE. CAUSED ENGINE TO IDLE HIGH. *JB

  7. Power train, Jan 30, 2004

    AUTO-TRANSMISSION STARTED OUT WITH DELAYED ENGAGEMENT IN TO REVERSE AND HARD SHIFTS 25-30 MPH. STARTED TO SLIP OUT OF DRIVE WITH NO POWER TO THE WHEELS. THIS HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES, ONCE WHEN PULLING OUT ACROSS TRAFFIC AND COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. REPAIRS ARE ESTIMATED TO EXCEED $2500.

  8. Power train, Equipment, Jan 27, 2004

    THE REAR AXLE SEALS AT THE GEAR CASE HAVE FAILED TWICE CAUSING AXLE FLUID TO LEAK. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED EACH TIME SAYING THAT "FORD HAS AN ISSUE" WITH THESE SEALS BUT THEY DO NOT HAVE A LASTING REPAIR. NOT ALL 2002 FORD EXPLORERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. *JB

  9. Engine and engine cooling, Jan 26, 2004

    DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY, WHEN WE GOT OFF & WE TRIED TO STOP MY HUSBAND HEARD A REVVING NOISE THE CAR DID NOT WANT TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. HE SHUT THE CAR OFF AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. WE HAD TO SHUT THE CAR OFF & COAST TO A STOP BECAUSE THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING EITHER. WE WERE LUCKY NOT TO REAR-END SOMEONE & THAT NO ONE IN THE CAR INCLUDING MY 2 SMALL CHILDREN WERE HURT. THE SAME THING HAPPENED 4 DAYS EARLIER. I WAS ALSO THANKFUL MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. I HAVE TAKEN THIS CAR IN 5 OTHER TIMES FOR RELATED PROBLEMS. THEY CAN NEVER SEEM TO FIND A PROBLEM. THIS IS A LEASE CAR & I HAVE HAD IT FOR 1YR 9MTHS. IT WAS FIRST SERVICED 1 MONTH AFTER I GOT IT FOR A RELATED PROBLEM. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY FAMILY OR SELF ANYMORE IN THIS CAR, IT IS SO UNPREDICTABLE. *LA

  10. Vehicle speed control, Jan 26, 2004

    ON OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN INCHING FORWARD AT STOPS WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. THEN ABOUT A WEEK LATER, WHILE TRAVELING AT ABOUT 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DECELERATE. MY HUSBAND SHIFTED THE GEAR IN NEUTRAL AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ADMITTED THAT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE HOUSING WAS DEFECTIVE. I FINALLY TRADED IN THE VEHICLE.

  11. Steering, Jan 24, 2004, crash

    STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE DRIVING ON 495 CAPITOL BELTWAY, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOOSE CONTROL AND COLLIDE INTO GUARDRAIL AND UTILITY POLE. COLLISION CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE AND INJURY TO DRIVER. *LA

  12. Power train, Jan 23, 2004

    02 EXPLORER XLT, AROUND 28000 MILES START HAVING PROBLEM WITH OVERDRIVE GOING OUT. WHILE DRIVING, OVERDRIVE LIGHT START BLINKING AND OVERDRIVE NOT ENGAGES. HAD ONE REPAIR, TOOK OVER 10 DAYS TO FIX. IT'S BEEN TWO WEEKS SINCE I GOT MY CAR BACK AND DRIVING HOME FROM WORK YESTERDAY SAME THING HAPPENS AGAIN. I'M TAKING THE CAR BACK FOR REPAIR AGAIN BUT NOT SURE THEY KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING. IF THERE OTHER SIMILAR PROBLEM? IS THERE A FIX OR DO I HAVE A LEMON? *LA

  13. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 21, 2004

    OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS THE ABS INDICATOR LIGHT HAS APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM HAS STOPPED FUNCTIONING. *PH (NAR) *CB

  14. Power train, Jan 21, 2004

    WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING TRANSMISSION FAILED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY. DRIVER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. *AK

  15. Power train, Jan 21, 2004

    ROARING NOISE IN REAREND.TOOK TO DEALER ON 01/12/04 AT 22,810 MILES.TECH CHECK AND SAID FORD ENGINEERS WERE INVESTIGATING THAT I SHOULD CALL BACK IN A MONTH TO SEE IF PROBLEM SOLVE BY ENGINEERS.FIRST NOTICE NOISE IN JUNE 2003.VIN#[XXX]. *AK *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  16. Power train, Jan 19, 2004

    POWER TRAIN...TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED....TRANSFER CASE WAS REPLACED BEFORE WARRANTY RAN OUT...HAVE 40,000 MILES ON TRUCK. WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST $3350 TO FIX, I ASKED FOR HELP FROM MY SALESMAN AND FORD KNOCKED OFF $1700.00 LEAVING ME TO PAY $1650.00. I HAD NO WARNING SIGNS UNTIL THE SPEEDOMETER STATED 30 MILES PER HOUR WHILE THE I WAS GOING 5 MILES PER HOUR. THEN THE HIGH PITCHED WHINING NOISE STARTED. THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD NOT GIVE OUT AT 40,000 MILES. *CB

  17. Air bags, Jan 16, 2004, crash

    THE CONSUMER REAR ENDED ANOTHER MOTORISTS WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THIS RESULTED IN SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGE UPON IMPACT. THE INTERIOR PANEL WAS ALSO CRUSHED. NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, SHOULDER, BACK, AND KNEE. *NM

  18. Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 15, 2004

    SEPTEMBER 2002: FUEL INJECTOR FOR #3 CYLINDER FAILED, CAUSING GASOLINE TO BE SPRAYED OVER ENGINE. DISCOVERED IN DRIVEWAY DURING VEHICLE WARM-UP. NO INDICATION OF PROBLEM EXCEPT FOR SMELL. OCTOBER 2003: FUEL INJECTOR FOR #3 CYLINDER FAILED, CAUSING GASOLINE TO BE SPRAYED OVER ENGINE. FAILURE OCCURED AT SOME POINT DURING DRIVING. DISCOVERED ONLY DUE TO FUEL SMELL. NO OTHER INDICATION. DEALER FIXED BOTH TIMES. CONCERNED ABOUT OCCUPANT SAFETY -APPEARS AS THOUGH FIRE COULD EASILY IGNITE, AND LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. NO WARNING THAT SYSTEM HAS FAILED.

  19. Structure, Jan 15, 2004

    ON MAY 8, I WAS PLACING SOME ITEMS IN THE REAR OF MY 2002 EXPLORER THROUGH THE HATCHBACK (THE GLASS PART, NOT THE ENTIRE REAR DOOR). I HEARD A POP WHEN THE GLASS RAISED UP. SINCE IT WAS DARK AND I WASN'T SURE WHAT THAT NOISE WAS, I SLOWLY STARTED TO CLOSE THE GLASS WHEN IT EXPLODED. AS IT TURNS OUT, THE RIGHT PNEUMATIC SHOCK MOUNT HAD BROKEN OFF THE GLASS AS IT LIFTED. THE GLASS MUST HAVE BEEN BROKEN BY A PORTION OF THAT SHOCK MOUNT IN THE PATH DURING CLOSING. LUCKILY, I ONLY RECEIVED A CUT ON MY HAND AS GLASS WAS EVERYWHERE; IN MY SHOES, HAIR, PURSE, ETC. I AM VERY THANKFUL THAT MY THREE-YEAR-OLD WAS NOT WITH ME, AS SHE NORMALLY WOULD BE STANDING BY MY SIDE IN THAT SITUATION. I CAN ONLY IMAGING WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED. MY HUSBAND DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY, ANTICIPATING THE WORST, BUT THEY FIXED THE VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE. THEY CLAIMED THAT WAS THE FIRST TIME THEY HAD HEARD OF THAT HAPPENING, BUT THEY WERE VERY QUICK TO GIVE HIM A LOANER AND GET HIM OUT OF THERE. WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN AUGUST OF 2002. IT HAD APPROXIMATELY 14,000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. I HOPE THIS INFO HELPS. PE04045_PCO

  20. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment, Jan 15, 2004

    THE ROOF RACK (WHICH WAS FACTORY EQUIPMENT) SEPARATED FROM THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THE RACK WAS LIABLE TO COME OFF AND CAUSE DAMAGE TO MOTORIST DRIVING BEHIND HIS VEHICLE. ALSO THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY AND STAYED ON. THE CONSUMER HAD THE ABS PROBLEM REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES ALREADY. THE MANUFACTURERS WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *JB

  21. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment, Jan 15, 2004

    THE ROOF RACK (WHICH WAS FACTORY EQUIPMENT) SEPARATED FROM THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THE RACK WAS LIABLE TO COME OFF AND CAUSE DAMAGE TO MOTORIST DRIVING BEHIND HIS VEHICLE. ALSO THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON INTERMITTENTLY AND STAYED ON. THE CONSUMER HAD THE ABS PROBLEM REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES ALREADY. THE MANUFACTURERS WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *JB

  22. Structure, Jan 15, 2004

    TAILGATE WINDOW SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE IT. DEALER STATED THE HYDRAULIC CYLINDER TWISTED AWAY FROM THE BRACKET. *AK *JB *NM PE04045.PCO

  23. Seat belts, Jan 13, 2004

    FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELTS ARE RUBBING AGAINST THE MOLDING WHERE THE SHOULDER HARNESS IS MOUNTED. THE EDGE OF THE SEAT BELT IS CUTTING INTO THE MOLDING CREATING GROOVES IN THE MOLDING AND POSSIBLY DAMAGING THE SEAT BELT.

  24. Structure, Jan 12, 2004

    I HAVE A CRACK DOWN THE BACK HATCH OF MY EXPLORER. IT EXTENDS FROM UNDERNEATH THE BACK WINDOW TO THE LATCH OF THE BACK DOOR. IT DEVELOPED WITHOUT INCIDENT AND STEADILY WIDENS ON A DAILY BASIS. *LA

  25. Structure, Jan 11, 2004

    FOUND STRESS CRACK IN REAR HATCH...GOES FROM THE BOTTOM OF GLASS TO THE BOTTOM OF THE HATCH...THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT SOMEONE ELSE REPORTED TO YOU ON YOUR SITE. THIS IS A DEFECT THAT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR INJURY SINCE THE GLASS MAY DISLODGE AND CREATE A ACCIDENT...BRINGING TO DEALER TO GET FIXED.*AK PANEL CRACKED (VERTICAL) DOWN TRIM PLATE. COLD TEMP CONTRACTION. PURCHASED 08/02. 04/02 DOB. NEW DESIGN