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, Nov 20, 2003
THE EXPLORER HAS DONE ABOUT 21,000 MILES IN 2 AND 1/2 YEARS. ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO, IT STARTED HAVING BIG CLUNKS IN THE TRANSMISSION WHEN COLD AND EVEN A GRINDING SOUND. SEEMED TO BE WHEN VEHICLE WAS BEING TURNED IN EITHER DIRECTION AT LOW SPEED. THE DEALER REPLICATED THE PROBLEM AND ORDERED AND INSTALLED A "NEW CLUTCH" IN THE TRANSFER CASE -THERE WAS SOME KIND OF "FLUID LEAKAGE." PROBLEM IS NOW WORSE, WAS REPLICATED WITH THE MECHANIC IN THE CAR AND THE DEALER HAS IT BACK IN FOR ANOTHER ATTEMPT AT FIXING IT. MY WIFE WON'T DRIVE IT ANYMORE. A FEW MONTHS AGO IT USED TO HAVE A LOUD SQUEAK WHEN THE VEHICLE WENT OVER SPEED BUMPS SLOWLY AND THIS WAS EVENTUALLY FOUND AND "FIXED." I WONDER IF THE CLUNK IN THE TRANSFER CASE IS NOT THAT AT ALL, BUT A LOOSE/WORN FRONT SUSPENSION PART GIVING WAY OR LOSING TENSION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED IN EITHER DIRECTION. PERHAPS ASSOCIATED WITH THE STRUT ON THE RIGHT SIDE BUT NOT SURE. DEALER HAS TRIED TO BE RESPONSIVE AND IS NOT THE PROBLEM. ANY ONE ELSE HAVE A SIMILAR PROBLEM? *LA
Power train, Nov 19, 2003
FROM PURCHASE THERE WAS A KHKHHHKH NOISE THAT MY BROTHER NOTICED. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND NOTHING WAS FOUND. ON THE 3RD TRIP BACK TO THE DEALER, I WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION SHIELD WAS LOOSE SO THEY TIGHTENED IT. THE NOISE CONTINUED SO I HAD MY NEIGHBOR WHO HAS A TRANS SHOP LISTEN AND HE SAID HAVE THEM LOOK AT THE TORQUE CONVERTOR. THE DEALER DID (34,000 MILES), HAD THE CAR FOR 14 DAYS AND FIXED?? IT. ITS BACK IN THE SHOP NOW (16 DAYS) (37,000 MILES) AND 1ST GEAR AND MY FORWARD CLUTCHES ARE BEING REPLACED. DID I GET A LEMON?*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 18, 2003
WHILE CHANGING THE OIL IN THE VEHICLE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT SEVERAL DRIVER SIDE MOTOR MOUNT BOLTS WERE LOOSE. MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE PROBLEM, AND INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT MAYBE THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AT THE FACTORY. *AK *NLM
Steering, Nov 17, 2003
STEERING WHEEL WAS JERKING HARD LEFT AND RIGHT WHEN PARKING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THE DEALER REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP WITH A USED PUMP. CONSUMER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE DEALER USING, USED PARTS TO CORRECT A RECALLED ITEM. *AK
Seats, Nov 13, 2003
THE SEAT COMPONENTS THAT ARE UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SIDE HAVE A SEVERE AMOUNT OF RUST ON THEM. *LA
Air bags, Nov 12, 2003
VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH THE AIRBAGS. THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON. OWNER SAYS THAT "IF VEHICLE IS IN AN ACCIDENT, AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY." VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY WANT TO CHARGE OWNER $378.00 DOLLARS TO REPAIR BECAUSE VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *PH
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 12, 2003
WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK, THE ABS LIGHT WOULD APPEAR INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONSUMER HAS MADE CONTACT WITH THE DEALERSHIP ON SIX SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. PLEASE ADD ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *PH VEHICLE HAS EXPERINCED SEVEN OCCURENCES WHERE ABS LIGHT HAS ILLUMINATED ON DASHBOARD AFTER SLIGHTLY ENGAGING BRAKE EQUIPMENT. ABS LIGHT HAS ALSO ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED.*MR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 12, 2003
THE VEHICLE MUST BE DRIVEN WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN BECAUSE CHEMICAL FUMES ENTER INTO THE PASSENGER'S COMPARTMENT. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED AND RESET BUT THE PROBLEM REMAINED THE SAME. *SCC *JB
Structure, Nov 10, 2003
THE REAR TAILGATE HAS A WINDOW AND THERE IS A PART OF THE DOOR THAT GOES UP WITH THE WINDOW. CONSUMER NOTICED A CRACK FROM THE GLASS DOWN, AND ANOTHER CRACK STARTING TO FORM. CONSUMER IS AFRAID THE WHOLE WINDOW MAY FALL OUT WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 10, 2003
THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED. AS A RESULT THE ABS SENSOR LIGHT CONTINUED TO STAY ON. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 7, 2003
WHILE HAVING FRONT BRAKE PADS REPLACED MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE ROTORS RUSTED AND CRACKED. ALSO, THE REAR ROTORS ARE STARTING TO RUST . THE FRONT ROTORS WERE REPLACED. THE CAUSE OF THE RUST WAS UNDETERMINED.*AK
Service brakes, Air, Nov 7, 2003
ABS LIGHT ON. IT HAS BEEN REPAIRED 3 TIMES UNDER WARRANTY AND NOW IS ON AGAIN. THE LIGHT CAME ON AT 43,000 MILES.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 7, 2003
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE, INABILITY OF FORD TO REPAIR. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT COMES ON, SECOND TIME IT HAS BEEN TO DEALER FOR REPAIR. DEALER TELLS ME THEY HAVE NO FIX, I CALLED TO FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE, THEY SAY THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT DON'T HAVE A FIX. VEHICLE IS DRIVABLE BUT I DON'T HAVE THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES, LIGHT IS STILL ON. A CHECK WITH A TROUBLESHOOTING WEB SITE: HTTP://WWW.FORD-AUTO-AND-PARTS.COM/TROUBLESHOOTING/ANSWERS/ID-1224.HTML INDICATES THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE EXPLORERS. NHSTA NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS AND FORCE A REPAIR OR RECALL. *LA
Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 5, 2003
THE REAR DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. ALSO, THE REAR WINDOWS WILL NOT GO UP OR DOWN. DEALER MADE REPAIRS THAT TEMPORARILY FIXED THE WINDOWS. THE PROBLEM RETURNED ABOUT TWO MONTHS AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE DONE. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 5, 2003
ABS SENSOR LIGHT STAYED ON. DEALER STATED OIL LEAKED ONTO THE SENSOR. THERE WAS NO SOLUTION, AND ABS SYSTEM DISENGAGED. *AK
Structure, Nov 5, 2003
REAR WINDOW FELL OFF THE HINGES. *AK PE04045_PCO
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 5, 2003
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE'S ABS LIGHT WOULD COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONSUMER HAD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE DEALERSHIP. *AK THE FIRST TIME THE ABS LIGHT HAD COME THERE WAS NO UNUSUAL EFFECT. THE SECOND TIME THE ABS LIGHT HAD COME, THERE WAS A DIFFERENCE IN BEING ABLE TO BRAKE SMOOTHLY. THE THIRD OCCASION OCCURRED AT THE LIGHT WHEN THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED AND THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. *SCC *JB
Air bags, Nov 5, 2003
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT SIDE AIR BAG PROBLEMS. WHILE DRIVING THE THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF IMPACT ON THE ROAD. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REPLACED THE AIR BAGS UNDER THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY.*AK NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER EXPLAINED THE CAUSE OF THE THE FAILURE . *TS *NLM
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 4, 2003
VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER ON FOUR PREVIOUS OCCASIONS TO ADDRESS AN OVERHEATING PROBLEM THAT OCCURRED SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING. TEMPERATURE GAUGE WOULD SPIKE AND THEN RETURN TO ALMOST NORMAL LEVELS. ON THE FIFTH TRIP TO THE DEALER 10/24/03, WAS THEN TOLD THE PROBLEM IS A CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD., THIS WAS LATER DIAGNOSED AS A PISTON PROBLEM. VEHICLE IS STILL WITH DEALER WITH COMPRESSION PROBLEMS. *AK
Structure, Oct 30, 2003
CONSUMER WAS ABOUT TO START VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A MESSAGE ON THE DASHBOARD THAT REAR HATCH DOOR WAS AJAR. WHEN CONSUMER WENT TO CLOSE THE DOOR, THE GLASS EXPLODED OUT OF THE FRAME, WHICH FELL APART. THE HYDRAULIC PISTON HAD A BENT INSERT WHICH CAUSED THE INFRACTION. *AK PE04045.PCO
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 28, 2003
WHILE MERGING ONTO A FREEWAY, COULDN'T GET OVER 2,000 RPM AND THUS COULDN'T GET ENOUGH SPEED TO MERGE ON AT OVER 25MPH. VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE TRYING TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY. NEW VEHICLE HAS 10812 MILES. FORD MAINTENANCE DEPT STATED THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG, IT RAN FINE FOR THEM. MY HUSBAND WENT TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE AND IN DRIVE IT RAN, IN NEUTRAL COULDN'T GET MORE THAN 2,000 RPM, MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THE GOVERNOR, NEEDLESS TO SAY, MY HUSBAND SAID FIX THE CAR. THEY STILL HAVE MY TRUCK.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Structure, Seats, Oct 27, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS BLACK SMOKE WOULD CAME FROM THE TAIL PIPE. CONSUMER COULD SMELL GAS FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. .*AK DRIVERS REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. DRIVERS SIDE SEAT MOLDING IS FALLING OFF. CENTER DUCT LOOSE ON DASH. DRIVERS SEAT CUSHION LOST ITS FORM. *TS
Vehicle speed control, Oct 21, 2003
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND PRESSING ON GAS PEDAL THERE WAS A LOUD THUMPING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. WHEN THE VEHICLE HEATED UP THERE WAS A STRONG SULFUR ODOR. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF THIS PROBLEM. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 20, 2003
FAX FOLLOW-UP LTR FM LANDY JOHNSON III (CA) SUBMISSION OF 20 COPIES OF COMPLAINTS FILED W/NHTSA RE BRAKE PROBLEMS W/THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER; REPLY TO PASADENA DIST OFC.*MR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. THE CONSUMER RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. *TS *NLM
Structure, Oct 17, 2003
THE HALF WAY CARGO GLASS EXPLODED WHILE CONSUMER OPENED THE DOOR. TECHNICIAN STATED IT WAS RELATED TO NHTSA RECALL 01I010000. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND MERCURY MOUNTAINEER 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. THIS WAS NOT A SAFETY RECALL; HOWEVER, IT WAS DEEMED AS A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY NHTSA. *AK DUP_PCO