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, Aug 9, 2003
VEHICLE DEVELOPED A LOUD WHINING NOISE IN THE REAR END AT APPROX 25000 MILES. NOISE OCCURRED AT ALL SPEEDS. IT WENT AWAY WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS RELEASED. DEALER REPLACED THE DIFFERENTIAL. NOISE RETURNED IMMEDIATELY, BUT ONLY AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 48MPH AND 68MPH. DEALER IS NOW REPLACING THE ENTIRE DRIVESHAFT. ONE SERVICE ASSISTANT INDICATED OTHER EXPLORERS HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS. ACCORDING TO DEALER, FORD HAS ISSUED SERVICE MESSAGES. SOUNDS LIKE A RECALL. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 7, 2003
THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE OIL PAN GASKET BUT THE LEAKING PERSISTED. THE DEALER THEN REPLACED THE OIL PAN BUT OIL CONTINUED TO LEAK. THE DEALER EVENTUALLY HAD TO GLUE THE SCREWS TO THE OIL PAN TO SOP THE LEAKING. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THIS REPAIR. *AK *PH *NLM
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 6, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE WILL STALL, AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Structure, Aug 6, 2003
NHSTA#01I010000 REF. 2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR WINDOW LIFT ARM TWISTING AND CAUSING THE REAR WINDOW TO BREAK. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR 1.5 YEARS AND THE WINDOW HAS BROKEN TWICE AND THE ARM TWISTED A THIRD TIME. WHEN WE GOT THE VEHICLE BACK THE SCREWS WERE STRIPPED AND THE LIFTGATE WAS DAMAGED. MY DAUGHTER WAS STANDING BELOW THE WINDOW WHEN IT BROKEN AND GLASS FELL ALL OVER HER. LUCKILY NO GLASS GOT INTO HER EYES OR MOUTH BUT I BELIEVE THE REAR WINDOW BRACKET IS A SAFETY HAZARDS WHICH DEMANDS CORRECTING. I KNOW THAT FORD DID RE-ENGINEER THE REA WINDOW FRAME AND LIFT BRACKETS. BECAUSE THERE HAS NOT BEEN A FORMAL RECALL, I CAN NOT GET THE NEW REAR LIFT GATE BUT RATHER THAY KEEP REPLPACING THE BROKEN WINDOWS. MEANWHILE I KEEP PAYING FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE IN THEIR SHOP. PLEASE HELP! PE04045_PCO
Visibility, Aug 5, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT ON 07/03/03 HIS WIFE ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE REAR DOOR TO THE VEHICLE AND REAR WINDOW EXPLODED IN HER FACE. THE CONSUMER'S WIFE SUFFERED MINOR SCRATCHES, AND A HAND LACERATION.*AK
Power train, Aug 1, 2003
THE REAR AXLE LEAKED. WHICH WAS CAUSED BY THE RUBBER SEAL EATING INTO THE METAL OF THE AXLE PER MECHANIC. *AK THE REAR AXLE FAILED BETWEEN 17K MILES AND 30K MILES AND HAD TO BE REPLACED 3 TIMES. *SCC *JB
Equipment, Jul 30, 2003
VEHICLE RUNS AT IDLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 WITH AC ON EITHER AUTO OR RECYCLED AIR. THE EXTERNAL TEMPERATURE STARTS TO COUNT DOWN TO 50 DEGREES AND STAYS THERE UNTIL VEHICLE IS TRAVELING AGAIN. THIS CAUSES THE AUTO TEMP TO ADJUST.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 29, 2003
FUEL SYSTEM HAS A LEAK THAT RESULTS IN FUEL SPILLS, ALLOWING FUMES TO ENTER PASSENGER'S COMPARTMENT. DEALERSHIP CANNOT FIX PROBLEM.*AK
Suspension, Jul 29, 2003
SUDDEN LOSS OF FLUID FROM LEFT REAR SHOCK, DETECTED BY POOL OF FLUID ON GARAGE FLOOR.2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 37500 MILES OF NORMAL HIGHWAY DRIVING. FAILURE WAS SUDDEN AND PREMATURE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN VEHICLE INSTABILITY IF NOT DETECTED BY CAREFUL INSPECTION. DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO HOLD PART FOR FORD FAILURE MODE ANALYSIS? WITH SUV HISTORY OF SUSPENSION CONCERNS, THIS DEALER RESPONSE SEEMS INAPPROPRIATE? I SAVED THE SHOCK THEY REPLACED.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Jul 29, 2003
WHEN I AM TRYING TO PUT THE EXPLORER INTO PARK I HAVE A HARD TIME. IT TAKES ME SEVERAL MINUTES AND MUCH FRUSTRATION TO GET IT INTO PARK. IT SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE, HARDER TO GET INTO PARK. THIS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. *AK
Power train, Jul 25, 2003
2002 FORD EXPLORER PURCHASED FEB. 2002 NEW. VEHICLE NOW HAS 17,000 MILES. SEVERAL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. WHEN SHIFTING OUT OF PARK INTO DRIVE THE SHIFT LEVER POPS AS IF IT NEVER ENGAGED. THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD OR BACKWARD 1-2 FEET AFTER SHIFTING INTO PARK, ENGAGING EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND GETTING OUT OF CAR. VEHICLE DRIFTS BACKWARD SEVERAL FEET WHEN STOPPED ON A HILL AND TRYING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOPPED POSITION. AT 17,000 MILES, AND ABOUT 1 MONTH AFTER A NORMAL SCHEDULED SERVICE, STARTED TO EXPERIENCE A LOUD WHINING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE AND ONLY ON ACCELERATION (NOT WHEN COASTING). THE WHINING WOULD COME AND GO. THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED TO FLICKER AND THEN WHEN OUT. THE NEXT DAY, TRANSMISSION STARTED SEVERE SLIPPING, ESPECIALLY AT LOW SPEEDS. IMMEDIATLELY TOOK IT TO FORD GARAGE AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED A TOTAL TRANSMISSION OVERHAUL. THEY ALSO EXPLAINED THAT FORD WILL NOT REPLACE WITH NEW TRANSMISSION IF IT CAN BE OVERHAULED FOR UNDER $2100. ALSO, THERE IS NO PLACE TO CHECK TRANSMISSION FLUID. MANUAL STATES THAT IT SHOULD BE CHECKED PERIODICALLY BY FORD DEALER AND ESPECIALLY IF SLIPPING OR OTHER PROBLEMS ARE NOTICED.*AK
Structure, Jul 23, 2003
THE REAR LIFTGATE CYLINDER BROKE WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. *AK PE04045_PCO DOB=12/01. OLD STYLE MOUNT. GLASS OPENED AND WHEN CLOSING, HEARD "POP" NOISE AND GLASS ASSEMBLY CAME DOWN. NO INJURY. 06/14/2004. WILL TAKE PICS OF "ROTATED MOUNTS" AND EMAIL TO ME.
Electrical system, Jul 20, 2003
I'VE OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR APPROX. 10 MONTHS. THE VEHICLE HASN'T STARTED 7 DIFFERENT TIMES. I'VE HAD MINOR HESITATIONS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM AN IDLE. THE VEHICLE HAS FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL SEVERAL TIMES WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. THE HORN, ON OCCASION, HAS NOT MADE THE PROPER SOUND. THE DOOR LOCKS DO NOT ALWAYS LOCK OR UNLOCK WITH THE REMOTE. I'VE HAD A BURNING SMELL EMINATING FROM VENTS WITH HEAT ON. I'VE BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, JIM KEIM FORD, 3+ TIMES, HAD A DIAGNOSTIC EXAM DONE, HAD THE FORD FLIGHT RECORDER INSTALLED TO ATTEMPT TO REGISTER PROBLEMS. NOTHING EVER FOUND. I'VE DOCUMENTED EVERYTHING FROM THE TIME OF THE INITIAL PROBLEM, JUST WENT THROUGH THE DISPUTE SETTLEMENT BOARD AND HAVE BEEN AWARDED A REFUND OF MONEY OR REPLACEMENT OF VEHICLE. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING AND DON'T GIVE UP!!*AK
Power train, Jul 19, 2003
VEHICLE HAS A RESONANCE HUMMING/RINGING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL THAT INCREASES WITH SPEED. ALSO HAS WHAT APPEARS TO BE SLIGHT DRIVETRAIN VIBRATION AS WELL. THIS PROBLEM WAS ALSO NOTED IN AN EDITORS REVIEW OF THE 2002 EXPLORER FOR EDMUNDS. REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS REPLACED IN MAY 2003, BUT THE PROBLEM HAS PERSISITED. WAS TOLD BY THE REAR END TECHNICIAN AT THE FORD DEALER THAT IT WAS BEING CAUSED BY THE GEARS NOT MESHING PROPERLY. APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT.*AK
Power train, Jul 17, 2003
I PURCHASED MY '02 EXPLORER NEW. FROM THE BEGINING THE SAME PROBLEM PERSISTS. WITH YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE, IF YOU PLACE THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND REMOVE YOUR FOOT FROM THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE WILL ROLL FOWARD APPROX 1-2 FT. IT CONCERNS ME. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY INSTANCES WHEN PURCHASING FUEL THAT I HAVE NEARLY ROLLED INTO A PEDESTRIAN FROM A DEAD STOP. I HAVE ASKED THE DEALER ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ONLY TO BE TOLD IT IS NOMAL FOR THIS VEHICLE. I DON'T THINK ANY VEHICLE SHOULD MAKE THAT PRONOUNCED A ROLL WHEN REMOVING YOUR FOOT FROM THE BRAKE. *AK
Suspension, Power train, Jul 8, 2003
VIBRATION AND DRONE/ROAR SOUND AT SPEEDS OF 64MPH AND GREATER. 4 ATTEMPTS MADE TO REPAIR, PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. REAR END ASSEMBLY REPLACED AS WELL AS TWO AXLE SHAFTS AND DRIVE SHAFT REINDEXED. *AK
Power train, Wheels, Jul 2, 2003
NOTED "CLICKING" NOISE WHEN WHEEL TURNED AT SLOW SPEED, ASSUMED CV JOINTS WERE GOING BAD. HOWEVER, DEALER SAID THAT LUG NUTS WERE LOOSE, AND WHEN TIGHTENED THE NOISE STOPPED. WHAT IS NOTABLE IS THAT THE WHEELS HAVE NEVER BEEN OFF, SO THIS CONDITION ORIGINATED AT THE FACTORY. DEALER SAYS OWNER AT FAULT AND CHARGED FOR THE REPAIRS. OWNER SAYS THIS A FACTORY DEFECT AND A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ITEM AND INSIST IT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. AT IMPASS.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Jun 27, 2003, crash
THE CONSUMER WAS SLOWLY MERGING WHEN THE GAS PEDAL HAD GOTTEN STUCK AND THE SPEED INCREASED. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ON. THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE FROM DRIVING FORWARD. THE CONSUMER SHIFTED TO REVERSE BUT THAT DIDN'T STOP THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. LATER I LIFTED THE GAS PEDAL UP WITH MY FOOT.
Structure, Jun 25, 2003
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS AND THE BACK LIFT GATE HATCH HAS BROKEN ON BOTH SIDES AND COULD CAUSE INJURY IF FALLS ON EITHER ME, MY DAUGHTER, OR ANYONE ELSE WHO OPENS THE GLASS HATCH. WITH THE SIDE THAT IS NOW BROKEN IT IS PUTTING A LOT OF STRAIN ON MY HINGES WHERE CONNECTS TO THE CAR AND IS PULLING MY GLASS OFF AND HAS DENTED MY CAR. *NLM PE04045_PCO
Structure, Jun 24, 2003
PROBLEMS WITH REAR GLASS HATCH SUPPORTS. *MR THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON 4 OCCASIONS TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. *TS *JB IT ALSO FELL ON WIFE'S HEAD BUT NO INJURY. ON 3RD OCCASION (1/02), LT STRUT DETACHED AGAIN AND STRUCT GLASS AND SHATTERED GLASS. DEALER REPLACED "ENTIRE" LIFTGATE ASSEMBY. FAILURE MILEAGE WAS AROUND 5,000 MILES. OWNER GAVE PERMISSION TO RELEASE INFO TO MFR. OWNER WILL CK. DESIGN VERSION OF LIFTGATE DURING REPLACEMENT. 061704_PCO PE04045.PCO
Power train, Jun 23, 2003
CONSUMER STATES WHILE PARKED VEHICLE JUMPED INTO GEAR AND ROLLED DOWN A HILL.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Jun 22, 2003
MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING HOME AND THE CAR STARTED ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. THE GAS PEDAL WAS STUCK AND HE TRIED BRAKING AND IT WOULD NOT STOP. HE EVEN TRIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND IT WOULD NOT STOP. IT FINALLY POPPED UP AND STOPPED. HE WAS VERY FRIGHTENED BY THE INCIDENT. WE HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND HE REFUSED TO LET THEM RIDE IN IT AGAIN. THEN NEXT DAY WE TRADED IT IN ON A NEW CAR AT A HUGE LOSS TO US. I NOW FIND OUT THAT FORD HAS THIS PROBLEM AND REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE RUG DID NOT CATCH IT WAS NOWHERE CLOSE TO IT. THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING UNTIL MANY PEOPLE DIE AND THEY GET SUED. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS BEFORE OTHERS ARE HURT. *NLM
Power train, Jun 21, 2003
4 FAILURES OF THE TRANSMISSION. COMMON PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN MISS SHIFTS FROM 2-3 AND 3-4, DELAYED SHIFTS FROM 2-3 AND 3-4, AND SEVERELY HARD SHIFTS IN ALL GEARS. TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REBUILT TWICE AND REPLACED ONCE. FORD HAS BOUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK AFTER ARBITRATION UNDER THE LEMON LAW. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAS SEVERE PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND RIGHT HALF SHAFT. I HAVE HAD 6 TOTAL FAILURES OF THE REAR END. WARNING SIGNS HAVE BEEN A WHINE FROM THE RIGHT REAR THE GROWS LOUDER OVER TIME AND THEN A VIBRATION IN THE RIGHT REAR. FORD KNOWS OF THESE PROBLEMS AS THEY HAVE ISSUED MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS TO THE SERVICING DEALERS OF THE ORDER OF REPAIR ATTEMPTS TO BE MADE. A RECALL MAY IN ORDER. *NLM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 20, 2003
REPEATED FAILURE OF ABS SYSTEM ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER. ABS HAS BEEN REPAIRED 5 TIMES SINCE JANUARY 2002. LATEST FAILURE INCLUDED WATER IN REAR DIFFERENTIAL WITH NO KNOW REASON. FAILURE OF ABS HAS BEEN REAR SENSOR CABLE AND ONCE A COMPUTER MODULE. LATEST DATE SHOWN. *NLM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Jun 17, 2003
NAR 06/19/2003. *MR THERE IS A RECCURRING PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES ON THE CONSUMERS 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE SERIES OF INCIDENTS OCCURRED NOV 2, 2002, FEB, 2003, MAY 5, 2003, AND THE LAST TIME WAS MAY 17, 2003 TO DATE. IT IS EVIDENT TO THE CONSUMER THAT THERE IS AN CONSISTENT PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE FIXED. THE DEALERSHIP CAN'T SEEM TO FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE DO FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS. *CB THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKES T HE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD *JB