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, Sep 16, 2003
VEHICLE'S HATCHBACK GLASS SHATTERED.*MR TWO INCIDENTS OCCURRED WHERE THE CONSUMERS HATCH BACK GLASS SHATTERED.THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THEM TWICE BUT THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING DEFECTIVE IN THE MANUFACTURE OF THE HATCHBACK DOOR/GLASS. AND MAYBE MEASURES NEED TO BE TAKEN FOR A RECALL ISSUED. *CB PE04045.PCO
Suspension, Sep 16, 2003
STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DEALER ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. DEALER DID NOT INFORM THE CONSUMER OF THE REPAIRS THAT WERE MADE. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Sep 15, 2003
WHILE DRIVING, AND AFTER SETTING THE CRUISE CONTROL, VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE BEYOND THE SET SPEED. PROBLEM OCCURRED FIVE TIMES. MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE PROBLEM.*AK
Structure, Sep 15, 2003
CONSUMER STATED AFTER HER HUSBAND HAD DRIVEN FORD EXPLORER FOR ABOUT A HALF HOUR, PARKED/ WENT IN THE HOUSE AND ATE, THEN DECIDED TO GO BACK OUT AND UNLOAD THE STUFF HE HAD IN THE TRUCK. WINDOW IN THE BACK EXPLODED. WINDOW EXPLODED WHILE HE WAS CLOSING IT. ALSO, FRAME WAS ALSO BLOWN OUT. SHE STATED THAT HER HUSBAND FORTUNATELY WAS NOT HURT ALTHOUGH HE DID GET GLASS INTO HIS FACE AND HAIR. *AK THE LIFT GATE GLASS EXPLODED WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND DAMAGED THE LIFT GATE AND BUMPER COVER. *SCC PE04045.PCO
Structure, Sep 11, 2003
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THIS MORNING MY WIFE OPENED THE TOP PORTION OF THE REAR TAIL GATE, AS SHE CLOSED IT, THE GLASS SHATTERED GIVING HER MINOR CUTS ON BOTH ARMS. THE OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE WAS 62 DEGREES F AND SUNNY. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF TAMPERING. I'VE TRIED TO CONTACT FORD REPS AND HAVE HAD NO LUCK!! PE04045.PCO
Seats, Sep 10, 2003
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BACK AND SEAT WERE NOT ATTACHED. DRIVER HAD TO CONNECT THE SEAT TO THE BACK UPON ENTRY. DEALER SAID THAT BOLT ATTACHED TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME FRACTURED. THIS COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF DRIVER LOST STEERING CONTROL OR TOOK FOOT OF PEDAL WHILE DRIVING. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 10, 2003
ABS SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE ON 2002 EXPLORERS. ABS LIGHT CAME ON MANY MANY TIMES WITHIN A 1 YEAR SPAN SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES AND THEY STATED THE FAULT WAS FROM THE REAR SPEED SENSOR ASSEMBLY AND REPLACED IT EVERY TIME. *AK OTHER PROBLEMS ENCOUNTER INCLUDE HOSE DISCONNECT ON REAR WASHER (REPAIRED BY DEARLER), CRACKED THIRD BRAKE LIGHT (REPLACED BY DEALER), DEFECTIVE REAR VIEW MIRROR (3 INCIDENTS, EVENTUALLY REPLACED IT MYSELF WITH AN AFTERMARKET PART), REAR SEAT BELT WOULD NOT STAY BUCKLED (ASSEMBLY REPLACED BY DEALER), CLIMATE CONTROL LEAK TO LOWER EVEN IF SET TO UPPER VENT (DESIGN FLAW, DEALER STATED THIS WAS NORMAL), STEREO WILL INTERMITTENTLY NOT TURN ON (CANNOT GET DEALER TO VERIFY), BRAKE PETAL LOCATION RELATIVE TO ACCELARATOR PETAL CAUSES UNDUE STRAIN ON LEG, FLOOR VENT EXPELLS HOT AIR DIRECTLY AT CALF, FIT AND FINISH IS HORRIBLE ON A $30K+ VEHICLE! I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN FORD'S PRODUCT OR THERE SERVICE NETWORK. I CAN SAFELY SAY THIS WILL BE THE LAST FORD I WILL EVER BUY.
Power train, Sep 10, 2003
WHEN MOVING THE DRIVE SELECTOR FROM PARK TO REVERSE, OFTEN THERE IS A LONG DELAY BEFORE THE GEAR ENGAGES. WHEN IT ENGAGES, THE TRANSMISSION MAKES A LOUD BANG AND THE VEHICLE LUNGES BACKWARD AT HIHG SPEED.*AK
Structure, Sep 9, 2003
WHEN DRIVING MY 2002 EXPLORER, THE CABIN HAS A POUNDING SOUND WHEN DRIVING OVER ANY UNEVEN SURFACE, JUST LIKE A BOOMING STEREO. IT DOESN'T EVEVN HAVE TO BE A LARGE BUMP OR BUMPS. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES OF THIS NOISE, I END UP GETTING A HEADACHE. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE IN ANY OTHER VEHICLE. I CAN ATTACH A LETTER I SENT TO FORD WITH NO REPLY. *AK
Structure, Sep 8, 2003
ON TWO OCCASIONS THE HYDRAULIC CYLINDER THAT SUPPORTED REAR WINDOW SLIPPED OUT OF THE BRACKET THAT WAS DESIGNED TO SECURE IT. THE THIRD TIME THE INCIDENT OCCURRED THE CYLINDER POPPED OUT OF THE BRACKET AND SHATTERED THE WINDOW. *AK PE04045.PCO
Power train, Sep 8, 2003
VEHICLE PURCHASED NEW, HAD A PINION NOICE IN REAR DIFFERENTIAL SINCE PURCHASED. DEALER CHANGED REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND A WEEK LATER IT DEVELOPED A LEAK DUE TO BLOWN AXLE SEAL. REAR DIFFERENTIAL THEN DEVELOPED A NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING INTO A TURN FROM A STOPED POSITION. DEALER ADDED AN ADDITIVE TO REAR FOR LIMITED SLIP UNIT. NOISE IS STILL THERE ON TURNS BUT IS VERY LIGHT. ALL THIS HAS OCCURED SINCE PURCHASED NEW AND 14,000 MILES. *AK
Structure, Sep 4, 2003
WHEN LOWERING THE LIFTGATE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED.*AK PE04045.PCO DOB IS 11/01_061604_PCO
Structure, Sep 4, 2003
THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW SHATTERED INTO PIECES. *AK CONSUMER REACHED TO CLOSE THE WINDOW AND IT MOVED APPROX. SIX INCHES WHEN IT SHATTERED. *PH *JB PE04045.PCO GLASS SHATTERED WHEN CLOSING. WILL CK. DOB AND DESIGN VERSION.
Power train, Sep 3, 2003
DRIVESHAFT AREA/REAR NOISE-SINGING/HUM. *AK
Suspension, Sep 2, 2003
WHILE TURNING AROUND CORNERS VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE, MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR CONSUMER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DRIVER HAD CONTACTED DEALER ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM WAS STILL RECURRING.*AK
Suspension, Sep 2, 2003
WHILE DRIVING (65 MPH) ON I 95 THROUGH RICHMOND VIRGINIA, AT 12:30 AFTER MIDNIGHT, MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER (62,000 MILES) DEVELOPED A VIBRATION. I MADE IT TO THE FORD DEALER AND LEFT IT FOR REPAIRS. THE REAR END BEARING, AXLE SHAFT, CV JOINT FAILED. FOUR (4) DAYS LATER I WAS ON THE ROAD. IT WAS A VERY FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE. FORD WOULD NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. THERE IS NO MAINTENANCE ON THE REAR AXLE BEARINGS. THIS IS A NEW DESIGN AND I BOUGHT AN EARLY UNIT.*AK
Suspension, Sep 2, 2003
THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO STEER AND CONTROL WHEN IT WAS DRIVEN AT SPEEDS AT AR OVER 70 MPH. THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE REAR SWAY BAR LINKS WERE WORN. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE REAR SWAY BARS, REAR SPRINGS AND REAR SHOCKS. *AK *NLM
Fuel system, Other, Sep 2, 2003
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE DIES OUT, BUT WILL RESTART. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE FUEL SYSTEM. *AK THE FIRST TWO FAILURE, THE VEHICLE STARTED UP IN 3 TO 5 MIN. THE THIRD FAILURE, THE MOST SERIOUS, IT TOOK APPROX. 10 MIN. TO START IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. CONSUMER TOOK TO DEALER. TWO MONTHS LATER, VEHICLE QUIT RUNNING AT 45 MPH. CONSUMER LIMPED HOME AT 5 MPH, LET IDLE FOR 10 MIN. THEN IT RAN FINE AGAIN. *PH
Structure, Tires, Aug 26, 2003, crash
2 OF MY COUSINS WERE INVOLVED IN A FORD EXPLORER TIRE BLOW OUT OUTSIDE OF RALEIGH NC ON AUGUST 16TH. AMAL MUARAKA, A PEDIATRIC SURGEON WAS KILLED INSTANTLY AND SUMMEET MURARKA WAS PLACED IN ICU AS THE NON-BRIDGESTONE TIRE BLEW OUT ON THE FORD EXPLORER AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED 5 TIMES WHEN THE TIRE BLEW OUT. WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ACT ON FORD'S MALICIOUS DECEIT. FORD'S HISTORY IS PLAGUED WITH SERIOUS ISSUES SUCH AS THE PINTO THAT BLEW UP AND THIS TIME IT WAS THE GOVERNMENTS INACTION AND FORDS COVER-UP THAT PREVENTED MY COUSIN FROM LIVING A FULL LIFE AT ONLY THE AGE OF 33. I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL IMMEDIATELY RECALL THE FORD EXPLORER LINE EVEN IF IT CAUSES SERIOUS COSTS AND FINANCIAL BURDEN TO FORD TO SAVE LIVES AND PREVENT SO MANY FROM THE PAIN OF TRAGEDIES SUCH AS THE ONE THAT WE HAVE EXPERIENCED. AGAIN - IT IS MY BELIEF THAT IT IS THE FATAL DESIGN FLAWS IN THE FORD EXPLORER THAT CAUSED THIS WRECK AND THE DEATH OF MY COUSIN - HE IS SURVIVED BY HIS WIFE, AND 2 DAUGHTERS. PLEASE STOP FORD FROM MURDERING OTHERS!!!! *NLM
Power train, Aug 25, 2003
SERIOUS SAFETY AND OPERATION ISSUE WITH THE 2002 YEAR FORD EXPLORERS SUV, THE REAR DRIVE DIFFERENTIAL IS FAILING, VIN#[XXX] IS AN EXAMPLE AT 12,700 MILES, SERIOUS INTERSTATE CRASH NARROWLY AVOIDED DUE TO THE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL.*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Aug 20, 2003
BOUGHT FROM DEALER, USED WITH 15000 MILES. AFTER 300 MILES HAD TO HAVE TRANSMISSION REBUILT (TRANNY WARNING LIGHT AND VIBRATION UNDER ACCELERATION, UPSHIFT 1ST TO 2ND OR 2ND TO 3RD). ONLY HAPPENED OCCASIONALLY. THREE WEEKS AFTER REBUILD NOTICED VIBRATION AT SLOW SPEEDS, BUT COULD NOT REPLICATE ON DEMAND. DEALER COULD NOT REPEAT VIBRATION AND RETURNED IT WITH NO ACTION. ONE WEEK LATER TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON 2 DIFFERENT DAYS. TAKEN TO DEALER FOR EVALUATION TODAY. I'M CONCERNED THAT THERE MAY BE AN INHERENT PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 18, 2003
I HAVE BEEN SMELLING ANTI-FREEZE. I JUST NOTICED THAT MY RADIATOR HOSE HAS BEEN RUBBING ON THE OIL FILL AND MADE A NICE BIG HOLE ON THAT SIDE AS WELL AS ON THE OTHER SIDE FROM ANOTHER MECHANISM UNDER THE HOOD. NICE ASSEMBLY. I OWNED MY TRUCK FOR 8 MONTHS NOW.*AK
Structure, Aug 17, 2003
2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR WINDOW EXPLOSION. UPON SLOWLY CLOSING THE REAR GATE WINDOW, THE GLASS EXPLODED IN MY WIFE'S FACE WITH THE BRACKETS AND FRAME FALLING DOWN CAUSING REAR GATE BODY DAMAGE. PERSONAL INJURY RESULTED (CUT ON WIFE'S HAND). BRACKET PARTS WERE FOUND AS FAR 8 TO 10 YARDS FROM THE ORIGINAL LOCATION AND BROKEN GLASS THROUGHOUT VEHICLE. FORD HAS BEEN VERY DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH AND APPEARS TO BE POSTURING DEFENSIVELY. CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS BEEN VERY BAD. FORD REPLACED THE WINDOW BUT WOULD NOT REPAIR BODY DAMAGE WITHOUT SIGNING A GENERAL RELEASE OF LIABILITY. WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED OF POTENTIAL PROBLEMS IN THEIR CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM OR "SOFT RECALL". DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THEY SAW A FEW MORE VEHICLES JUST RECENTLY WITH SAME PROBLEM UPON FURTHER DISCUSSION. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND ENCOURAGE A RECALL OF THESE VEHICLES. IF FORD DOES'NT PUT CONSUMER SAFETY FIRST, I ENCOURAGE THE NHTSA'S INTERVENTION. ALL 2003 FORD EXPLORER CUSTOMERS NEED TO BE EDUCATED ON THIS ISSUE .*AK PE04045.PCO
Structure, Aug 15, 2003
PROBLEMS WITH 2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR WINDOW HATCH.*MR THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES FOR THE BROKEN REAR WINDOW HATCH AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED YET. PLEASE RESPOND PROMPTLY IN RESOLVING MATTERS. *CB THE REAR WINDOW HATCH FAILED WHEN THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDERS ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE HATCH LITERALLY FLEW OFF WHEN THE HATCH WAS OPENED. ONE OCCASION WHEN THE CYLINDER FLEW OFF, THE CYLINDER FLEW OFF AND HIT THE CONSUMER IN THE BACK OF HIS HEAD NECK, SHOULDER AND SPINE AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE CONSUMER HAD TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL FOR HIS INJURIES. *JB MULTI-INCIDENTS PE04045.PCO
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 14, 2003
WHILE DRIVING FOR EXTENED POINT OF TIME VEHICLE WOULD OVERHEAT WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING CONSUMER TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. CONSUMER HAD CONTACTED THE DEALER ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS, AND THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *AK