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, Jun 16, 2003

    DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE. CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO CLOSE DOOR 4-5 TIMES TO LOCK DOOR. *AK

  2. Vehicle speed control, Jun 16, 2003

    THE ACCELERATOR CABLE BROKE WHEN PUSHED SHARPLY TO GET AROUND A HAZARD. CAR WAS ONLY NINE MONTHS OLD. *NLM

  3. Power train, Jun 16, 2003

    HIGH PITCH WHINNING NOISE IN REAR END OF 2002 FORD EXPLORER. DEALER SAYS REAR DIFFERENTIAL GEARS HAVE DEFECT AND I HAVE TO PAY $1200. BECAUSE WARRANTY EXPIRED! *NLM

  4. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 11, 2003

    CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALER FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE, AND AND DEALER INDICATED ROTORS WERE WARPED. CONSUMER INDICATED THAT VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, SO HE HAD TO PAY FOR THIS. VEHICLE ONLY HAD 18,000 MILES. *AK

  5. Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Jun 9, 2003

    ON ONE OCCASION THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION, AND THE SECOND OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE VEHICLE ALL OF A SUDDEN SHUT DOWN. *MR *TS *JB

  6. Vehicle speed control, Jun 5, 2003

    WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, THE THROTTLE BECAME STUCK IN THE IDLE POSITION. *JB

  7. Structure, Jun 5, 2003

    THIS WAS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT WAS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. 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. THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *JB PE04045.PCO

  8. Structure, Jun 4, 2003

    ON JUNE 1ST, 2003 I HAD THE REAR GLASS HATCH OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER OPEN BRIEFLY TO REMOVE GROCERIES. MY DAUGHTER WAS IN REAR 3RD SEAT. I STEPPED BACK FROM VEHICLE TO ASSIST DAUGHTER IN GETTING OUT AND GLASS IN REAR HATCH EXPLODED (WITHOUT BEING TOUCHED OR MOVED). I WAS HIT BY GLASS SHARDS AND IF I HAD NOT JUST STEPPED BACK, THE 4 X 6 METAL ATTACHMENT WOULD HAVE HIT ME IN THE HEAD AS IT IS ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE ONLY BY THE GLASS AND DEFROST CABLES. MY DAUGHTER WAS SHAKEN BUT FORTUNATELY NOT HIT BY THE EXPLODING GLASS. A NEIGHBOR ACROSS THE STREET HEARD THE EXPLOSION AND THOUGHT IT WAS A GUN SHOT. GLASS SHARDS/PIECES WERE STREWN THROUGHOUT OUR 3 CAR GARAGE, SOME LANDING ON THE TOP OF OUR OTHER VEHICLE PARKED NEXT THE EXPLORER. THE LOCAL DEALER TOLD US IT WAS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT BUT AS THERE WAS NOT A RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR AREA, THEY WOULD NOT BE 100% RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF REPLACEMENT AS WE WERE 2,000 MILES OUT OF OUR WARRANTY. FORD COMPANY IN DEERBORNE, MI THREATENED TO REVOKE ANY ASSISTANCE AS WE "DID NOT SEEM APPRECIATIVE" OF THE 80% THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP OFFERED. WE STRONGLY FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE (NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE) THAT FORD SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR. THIS TYPE OF GLASS EXPLOSION COULD SERIOUSLY INJURE OR KILL SOMEONE. *NLM PE04045.PCO

  9. Air bags, May 28, 2003

    AIR BAG SERVICED 3X, BUT AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. DEALER REPAIRED A LOOSE WIRE CONNECTION, DELETED A CODE IN HISTORY AND REPAIRED THE PASSENGER SIDE WIRING HARNESS. *TT

  10. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, May 24, 2003

    1. ENGINE STALLS ERRATICALLY WHEN UNDER ACCELERATION IE: WHEN ENTERING FREEWAY, ETC. FORD ACKNOWLEDGES THE PROBLEM, STATES DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX IT. 2. BRAKE FAILURE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. VEHICLES CURRENTLY HAS LESS THAN 10,000 MILES ON THEM. BOTH HAVE SAME PROBLEMS. *NLM

  11. Air bags, May 22, 2003

    AIRBAG LIGHT WAS STAYING ON. DEALERSHIP STATES THEY DEACTIVATED THE AIRBAG SYSTEM AS THEY INDICATE NO REPAIR IS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. THE CONNECTOR IS GETTING MOVED AROUND AND THE PINS ARE BEING SPREAD CAUSING POOR CONTACT DRIVERS SIDE. *NLM

  12. Power train, May 21, 2003

    I BOUGHT A 2002 EB EXPLORER IN JULY 2002 AND HAVE BEEN HAVING CHRONIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SINCE OCT/NOV 2002. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS BETWEEN 2-3 AND 3-4 ARE ROUGH AND IT JERKS INTO GEAR. THE FIRST TIME INTO THE DEALER, THEY "VERIFIED" MY CONCERN AND DID ABOUT $1,000 IN REPAIRS. IT WAS OK FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS AND STARTED AGAIN. IT HAS GRADUALLY GOTTEN WORSE, AND THE DEALER CLAIMS THEY CAN NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THEY HAVE UPDATED AND REPROGRAMMED THE SYSTEM MANY TIMES, AND NOTHING HELPS. I AM NOW ON MY THIRD TRIP TO THE DEALER FOR THIS. WITH ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS AND FORD'S SERVICE BULLETINS THAT LIST THE EXACT PROBLEMS I AM HAVING, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY FORD IS NOT DOING SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!! *JB

  13. Power train, May 18, 2003

    I OWN A 2002 SPORT TRAC, AT ABOUT 46000 MILES MI TRANSMISSION STARTED TO MISS SHIFTS FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR, IT TOOK ABOUT 3 TO 4 SECONDS FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO GET INTO THE NEXT GEAR, SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHERE I USUALLY HAVE THE TRUCK SERVICED THINKING THAT IT JUST NEEDED A FLUID CHECK DUE TO THE FACT THEY PERFORMED A TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGE AT ABOUT 30000. WHEN I WENT BACK TO THE DEALER I WAS ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD A PROBLEM ON THE FLUID LINES AND THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE TAKEN OUT TO BE REBUILT, SO I ASKED WHY WAS THIS HAPPENING AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE GASKETS BEEN WORN OUT INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION. BUT THEY COULDN'T SPECIFY IF THIS WAS A FACTORY PROBLEM OR A OWNER ABUSE PROBLEM, SO WHEN I ASKED IF THERE WAS A TRANSMISSION RECALL BY THE MANUFACTURER (FORD) ON THIS TYPE OF TRUCKS THE ANSWER WAS NO. THEN I WAS ADVISED THAT MY TRUCK WAS OUT OF FACTORY WARRANTY WHICH IS 3 YEARS OR 36000 MILES AND IF I WANTED TO HAVE THE JOB DONE IT HAD TO BE SELF FINANCED, SO I ASKED FOR AN ESTIMATE WHICH WAS ABOUT 18 HOURS LABOR @ $100 P/H AND $500 IN PARTS TOTALING $2300 AND FINALLY AFTER CALLING FORD AND COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS $30000 TRUCK HAVING A FAULTY TRANSMISSION AND GETTING A "YOUR TRUCK IS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND WE DON'T HAVE ANY OTHER TRUCKS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM" I FINALLY PAID THE REPAIRS OUT OF MY POCKET WHICH I PERSONALLY THINK SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING ON A ALMOST BRAND NEW TRUCK. *JB

  14. Structure, May 16, 2003

    HATCH WINDOW EXPLODED AND SHATTERED UPON ROUTINE CLOSING. HAD CAR INTO DEALER 3 PREVIOUS TIMES TO REPAIR HATCH, THE STRUT HAD BROKE OFF ON THE LEFT SIDE EACH TIME. EACH TIME THEY REPAIRED OR REPLACED THE STRUT AND SAID IT WOULD BE FINE. THIS TIME THE STRUT DID NOT JUST BREAK OFF THE WHOLE WINDOW EXPLODED AND LEFT CUTS ON THE CONSUMERS HANDS AS WELL AS GLASS IN HER MOUTH AND ON HER HEAD. *NLM PE04045.PCO DOB IS 06/02_061704_JF

  15. Suspension, May 7, 2003

    WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND SAID THE WHEEL BEARING SEIZED. *NLM

  16. Suspension, May 7, 2003

    DEFECTIVE 2002 FORD EXPLORER FRONT STABILIZER BAR - SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE, FIRST ON 4/15/02, AND AGAIN ON 5/6/03. I HAVE NOTICED THAT NHTSA HAS ASKED FORD TO RECALL EARLIER MODELS OF THIS VEHICLE FOR THIS SAME DEFECT, AND I AM CONCERNED THIS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE, ALTHOUGH THE SERVICING DEALER HAS NOT INDICATED IT COULD BE. *JB

  17. Other or unspecified, May 5, 2003

    REAR WINDOW/HATCH, INCLUDING HYDRAULICS AND STEEL FRAME EXPLODED WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. GLASS AND DEBRIS FLEW ABOUT 15' BEHIND MY CAR AND WAS ALL THE WAY UP TO THE FRONT SEATS. THANKFULLY I WAS ALONE IN THE VEHICLE. SOMEONE SITTING IN THE MIDDLE OR BACK SEATS WOULD HAVE BEEN HURT. A BABY IN A REAR-FACING CAR SEAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN BLINDED, OR WORSE.

  18. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 30, 2003, crash

    I'VE HAD TWO INCIDENTS WHERE THE LEFT REAR BRAKES HAS LOCKED UP: FIRST, AFTER ENTERING PARKING GARAGE FROM SNOW COVERED STREETS 02/21/03. SECOND, MAKING A LEFT TURN FROM A COMPLETE STOP WHILE RAINING. LOSES TRACTION OVER BUMPY ROAD ARES AND DIPS.

  19. Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 26, 2003

    I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE INTO THE FORD DEALER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AT LEAST 4 TIMES WITH NO SUCCESS IT IS STILL UNDER MANUFACTURER WARRANTY AND IS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. *NLM

  20. Engine and engine cooling, Apr 24, 2003

    MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SOMETIMES STALLS WHEN STARTING MY VEHICLE. IT HAS ALSO HESITATED AND ACTS LIKE IT IS STALLING WHEN DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION, I HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT FROM THE SIDE WITH 4 SMALL CHILDREN IN MY CAR WHEN IT HAS DECIDED TO HESITATE. *NLM

  21. Air bags, Apr 22, 2003

    THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH BOARD. *JB

  22. Structure, Apr 22, 2003

    THE VEHICLE WAS ON ITS FOURTH REPAIR FOR REAR THE GLASS LIFT GATE, THE BRACKET DOOR FAILED TO STAY UP. *JB *JB

  23. Power train, Apr 17, 2003

    TRANSMISSION ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4.0 LITER SLIPS AND OR JERKS AT TIMES. AT TIMES UPON ENTERING A INTERSECTION THE TRANSMISSION WILL SLIP AND THEN SEVERAL SECONDS LATER THE TRANSMISSION WILL JERK INTO GEAR. ON 03/04/03 WE HAD A CLOSE CALL UPON ENTERING THE INTERSECTION WHEN THIS SITUATION OCCURRED. THIS PROBLEM CONTINUES IN SPITE OF TAKING THE VEHICLE INTO FORD NUMEROUS TIMES. *JB

  24. Power train, Apr 16, 2003

    THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACK, WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK HIS FOOT OFF THE BRAKE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP ROLLING UNTIL THE CONSUMER PLACED HIS FOOT BACK ON THE BRAKE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. *JB

  25. Vehicle speed control, Apr 14, 2003

    WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE SURGED FOWARD INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *JB