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.
Fuel system, Other, Equipment, Feb 26, 2003
DRIVING IN THE RAIN CAUSES DEBRIS AND WATER TO GET INTO THE FUEL TANK WHICH LEADS TO A FUELING PROBLEM. IF YOU TRY TO FUEL THE CAR AT ANY SPEED OF THE GAS PUMP, GASOLINE SPITS BACK AT TREMENDOUS PRESSURE. IT COVERS THE CAR, THE FUELING PERSON AND FORD IS NOT LETTING THIS SECRET OUT TO THE PUBLIC. I TALKED TO TWO MECHANICS AT THE DEALERSHIP MY CAR IS IN (THE CAR HAS BEEN THERE FOR A MONTH, THIS TIME) AND THEY SAID IT'S A FACTORY DEFECT CAUSED BY TWO CANISTERS THAT ARE TO KEEP RAIN AND FEUL OUT. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION!!!!!!!!!!! I'VE SEEN PEOPLE WITH CIGARETTES IN THEIR HAND WHILE REFUELING. IF THIS HAPPENS TO THEM THEY ARE GOING TO DIE BECAUSE OF THE AMOUT OF FUEL THAT SPITS BACK. I'VE FILED FOR THE LEMON LAW BECAUSE I DON'T WANT A CAR THAT DOES THIS BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT ADDRESSING THE ISSUE ONLY REPLACING THE SAME PART.*JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 25, 2003
SPITS OUT GAS WHEN I START TO FILL IT UP. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 7 TIMES BETWEEN 8/02-2/03 FOR A CUMLATIVE TOTAL OF 35 DAYS! IT'S RUNNING NOW, BUT FOR HOW LONG BEFORE IT GOES BACK IN THE SHOP IS ANYBODY'S GUESS. I ASKED ONE OF THE SERVICE ADVISORS IF THERE WERE ANY OTHER SPORT TRACS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, HE SAID NO. IF THAT WAS THE CASE, WHY WAS THE PART HE NEEDED TO FIX MY TRUCK ON NATIONAL BACKORDER? THIS NEEDS TO BE BROUGHT TO EVERYONES ATTENTION THAT HAS A SPORT TRAC. GAS SPITTING OUT IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN THAT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED IN TO BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED! *JB
Structure, Feb 24, 2003
HYDROLIC ARM ON BACK LIFTGATE BROKE 3 TIMES AND WAS "REPAIRED" AT THE DEALER. IT BROKE A FOURTH TIME, CAUSING THE LIFTGATE WINDOW TO SHATTER. THE GLASS AND FALLING DEBRIS SCRATCHED THE PAINT ON THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL. PE04045.PCO
Power train, Feb 24, 2003
CONSUMER WAS UNAWARE OF HOW TO CHECK TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL OR HOW TO ADD TRANSMISSION FLUID.*AK *JB
Suspension, Feb 20, 2003
THE LIFT GATE ON THE RIGHT SIDE SHOCK BROKE. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 18, 2003
2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC-DURING FUELING GAS SPITS OUT OF THE FILLER. SERVICE MANAGER SAID TO ME THAT LOTS OF SPORT TRACS HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND FORD CAN'T FIND THE ANSWER TO IT. THEY ARE NOT LETTING THIS OUT TO THE PUBLIC OR ON A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SOMEONE SHOULD LOOK INTO IT! MY SPORT TRAC HAS BEEN IN THEIR FOR OVER A MONTH AND THEY HAVEN'T RESOLVED THIS YET!!!!!!!
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 15, 2003, fire
CANNOT PUT GAS IN VEHICLE. GAS POURS ALL OVER VEHICLE, GROUND, AND PERSON IF STANDING CLOSE TO GAS INLET. PH
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 15, 2003
I WAS DRIVING MY TRUCK AND ALL OF A SUDDEN BRAKES STARTED GRINDING AND TRUCK WOULD BARELY STOP. PH
Steering, Service brakes, Air, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Feb 15, 2003, crash
WHILE PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE (RIGHT) IN PARKING GARAGE MY EXPLORER EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ACCLERATION-AT FULL THROTTLE (SNAPPING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT) (EXTREMELY LOUD REVVING, WHINING AND ANOTHER SOUND LIKE A BAD BELT SCREECH ALL AT THE SAME TIME) BEFORE THE CRASH. NO BRAKES (PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR). CRASHED INTO STEEL I-BEAM BENDING IT AND CRACKING CONCRETE PILLARS. NO AIRBAG ON IMPACT.
Steering, Service brakes, Air, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Feb 13, 2003, crash
WHILE PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE (RIGHT) IN PARKING GARAGE MY EXPLORER EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ACCLERATION-AT FULL THROTTLE (SNAPPING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT) (EXTREMELY LOUD REVVING, WHINING AND ANOTHER SOUND LIKE A BAD BELT SCREECH ALL AT THE SAME TIME) BEFORE THE CRASH. NO BRAKES (PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR). CRASHED INTO STEEL I-BEAM BENDING IT AND CRACKING CONCRETE PILLARS. NO AIRBAG ON IMPACT.
Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 10, 2003
LAST SUMMER (JULY 2002) DURING A MILITARY MOVE FROM GA TO AZ I NOTICED THAT MY WINDSHIELD HAD A LARGE PIECE OF GLASS MISSING ON THE OUTTER RIGHT EDGE THAT YOU COULD NOT SEE UNTIL YOU ACTUALLY GOT RIGHT UP ON THE WINDSHIELD. PART OF IT WAS VISIBLE TO AND PART OF IT WAS HIDDEN BEHIND THE RUBBER SEAL THAT IS AROUND THE WINDSHIELD. THIS WINDSHIELD WAS ACTUALLY INSTALLED WITH THIS PIECE MISSING FROM IT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT AND SENT TO THE DEALERSHIP. ALSO, THE REAR GLASS HATCH, GAS SHOCK TWISTED FROM ITS ORIGINAL POSITION AND CAUSED THE WINDOW TO BE OFF CENTER BY ABOUT AN INCH OR MORE. AFTER FIXING IT THREE TIMES IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. BOTH OF THESE PROBLEMS (THE WINDSHIELD AND THE GAS SHOCK) HAVE BEEN FIXED BY MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THUS FAR HAVE HELD UP. THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT I HAVE ON MY VEHICLE THAT INCLUDE THE ELECRICAL SYSTEM NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. WHEN YOU TURN THE TRUCK ON SOMETIMES ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS STAY ON AS WELL AS THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND YOU HAVE TO SHUT THE TRUCK DOWN AND BACK ON SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER FOR THEM TO GO OUT. THE TRUCK WILL SOMETIMES STALL AT TAKE OFF OR WILL LURCH WHILE SHIFITING INTO A HIGHER GEAR AND HAS TOTALLY SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON A FEW OCCASIONS. THE TRIM PAINT ON THE DOORS, BOTH FRONT AND PASSENGER HAS FADED THERE ARE RUSTED SPOTS IN THE PAINT ON THE TOP OF THE VEHICLE, AND THE HOOD HAS A VERY BAD ORANGE PEEL EFFECT ON IT WITH GRIT IN THE PAINT. THE LEFT REAR SPEAKER HAS BUSTED AND THE PANEL ON THE REAR HATCH BELOW HAS BROKEN LOOSE AS WELL AS ONE OF THE PLASTIC BRACKET COVERS ON THE BACK OF THE PASSENGER SEATS. PE04045.PCO
Power train, Feb 6, 2003
THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIPPING. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT NEW/REBUILT TRANSMISSION IS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. PH SCC
Vehicle speed control, Feb 6, 2003
CONSUMER IS HAVING SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. *DT
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 31, 2003
2002 FORD EXPLORE BOUGHT NEW IT HAS A SHAKING IN PARK OR IN WHILE YOU ARE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR STUCK IN TRAFFIC NOW IT CUTS OFF WHEN YOU ARE READY TO GO THE WHOLE CAR SHAKES THE CALL IT RUNS ROUGH ITS BEEN BACK TO THEM 4 TIMES THEY SAY ITS NORMAL FIRST TIME THE SAID THEY PUT FORDS FIX,TO THE PROBLEM BUT THAT DID NOT FIX ?!@#$% .I ONLY GET 156 MILES TO THE TANK FULL,THEY SAID WHEN IT GETS 10,000 MILES ON IT THEN IL GET BETTER MILEAGE LIKE I BELIEVE THIS BS, IT ONLY HAD 503 MILES ON IT WHEN THEY SAID THAT SEEMS THE MORE MILES I GO THINGS GET WORSE. NOW THERE'S 5,345 MILES ON IT. *TR
Structure, Jan 27, 2003
THERE IS A HOLE IN FRONT BUMPER WITHOUT A FRILL OR GUARD WHICH ALLOWS DEBRIS TO ENTER DIRECTLY INTO VEHICLE'S RADIATOR.*AK
Visibility, Jan 27, 2003
THERE IS A "LINE OF SEPARATION" BETWEEN HEADLINER ALONG THE TOP OF FRONT WINDSHIELD. CAN FEEL AIR COMING INTO INTERIOR CABIN. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED GLASS MAY ENTER INTERIOR IF HIT.*AK
Power train, Jan 25, 2003
SINCE THE VEHICLE PURCHASE, THE TRANSMISSION HAS PERFORMED ERRATICALLY, AND HAS DEGRADED OVER TIME. THERE ARE THREE MAIN ISSUES, FIRST THE VEHICLE TENDS TO FUNCTION LIKE IT DROPS INTO NEUTRAL DURING LIGHT ACCELERATION. SECONDLY, AND MORE OF A CONCERN, THE VEHICLE CREEPS MANY FEET WHEN PLACED INTO 'PARK', WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, WHEN PARKED ON A GRADE. FINALLY, IT TAKES UPWARDS OF 30 SECONDS WHEN SHIFTING FROM 'PARK' TO ANY GEAR FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO ENGAGE. WHEN IT DOES FINALLY ENGAGE, IT GIVES THE FEELING OF 'SLAMMING' INTO GEAR. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN ON THE ROAD SINCE 5/01, AND HAS BEEN BROUGHT BACK TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES FOR THESE COMPLAINTS. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THIS BEHAVIOR IS NORMAL. THE CONCERN IS THAT THERE IS A STRONG POTENTIAL FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE AND PERSONAL INJURY SHOULD THIS VEHICLE CREEP DOWNWARD.
Equipment, Jan 21, 2003
CONSUMER STATED THAT EVERY TIME HE CUTS ON THE AIR CONDITION, IT BLOWS OUT A BAD SMELL. PH
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Seats, Jan 20, 2003
I BOUGHT A 2002 EXPLORER ON MAY 23,2002. IN THE PAST 8 MONTHS, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOWED IN BECAUSE IT WOUDN'T START--ACOMPUTER CHIP WAS REPLACED. MY A/C MADE A HIGH PITCH SQUEAL AND AFTER AT LEAST FIVE TIMES OF TRYING TO REPAIR THE EXISTING A/C CLUTCH, A NEW ONE WAS FINALLY PUT ON. MY FRONT END SUSPENSION HAS BEEN FIXED. MY MIDLIFT GATE CRACKED IN NOVEMBER AND A NEW ONE WAS PUT ON. I HAVE HAD DAILY PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT NOT FULLY GOING INTO POSITION WHEN I START MY TRUCK AND THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED AS THE SERVICE DEPT. THAT I DEAL WITH NEVERS SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO SEE THE PROBLEM. FUNNY HOW IT DOES IT EVERY DAY FOR ME, THOUGH. MY BLINKERS WILL SOMETIMES STICK AND STAY ON WITHOUT BLINKING--THIS ALSO HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. AT THE BEGINNING OF JANUARY,2003, ON THE WAY HOME FROM A TRIP, MY HUSBAND AND I NOTICED THAT EVERY TIME WE SLOWED THE TRUCK DOWN, THERE WAS A BLAST OF AIR FROM THE UPPER VENTS IN THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED NO MATTER WHAT SETTING WE HAD IT IN (IE. DEFROST OR FLOOR VENTS). THIS PAST THURSDAY, JAN.16, THE SUSPENSION WAS REPAIRED AND SUPPOSEDLY THE HEATING SYSTEM WAS AS WELL. NOW THE AIR DOESN'T SEEM TO LEAK OUT THE TOP VENTS, BUT CONTINUOSLY COMES OUT OF THE FLOOR VENT, NO MATTER WHAT SETTING THE HEAT IS ON. I HAVE A RENTAL VEHICLE ONCE AGAIN, WHILE THEY KEEP THE VEHICLE OVERNIGHT TONIGHT TO SEE IF THEY CAN HOPEFULLY FIX THIS PROBLEM. NEEDLESS TO SAY, WE ARE CURRENTLY CHECKING INTO THE LEMON LAW FOR OUR STATE!!!
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Jan 18, 2003
I AM CURRENTLY INVOLVE IN A DISPUTE WITH FORD MOTOR COMPNY REGARDING REPAIRS TO MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. IN BRIEF, THE TRUCK WAS DIAGOSED BY FORD WITH INTERNAL ENGINE FAILURE, FORD CLAIMS THAT SENT THE TRUCK TO THEM WITH (5) FIVE QUARTS OF OIL MISSING, I HAVE DOUCUMENTATION SHOWING THAT FORD DID THE LAST OIL CHANGE WITHIN THE TIMELINE OF MAINTANENCE AS PER FORD MAINTANTIENCE MANUAL. FORD IS CLAIMING THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THEFULL AMOUNT VERBALLY ESTAMATED AT $5000.00.
Air bags, Jan 17, 2003, crash
CONSUMER WAS IN A ACCIDENT, AND UPON COLLISION NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. TS
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 17, 2003
BRAKE PEDAL FADES AND GOES CLEAR DOWN TO FLOORBOARD WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE. I HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER 5 TIMES AND LAST TIME THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THIS IS NORMAL. HE SAID THAT SOME OTHERS (NOT ALL)DO THE SAME THING. MINE STARTED THIS AT ABOUT 28,000 MILES. I CURRENTLY HAVE 35400 MILES ON VEHICLE. TS
Air bags, Jan 16, 2003, crash
WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 60MPH ON HIGHWAY CONSUMER WAS BLINDED BY THE SUN. CONSUMER PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND HIT AN ALUMINUM MERIDIAN STRIP. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. PH. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 15, 2003
I DRIVE A 2002 FORD SPORT TRAC WITH FOLLOWING PROBLEMS THAT CAN NOT BE CORRECTED BY THE DEALERSHIP.1) THE FUEL TANK IS NOT PROPERLY VENTED, BECAUSE THE LAST 3-4 GALLONS COULD TAKE 3-4 MINUTES TO ACCOMPLISH WHILE REFUELING. 2) WHILE DRIVING BETEEN 60-65 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE AND FOLLOWING THE DEALERSHIP'S INSTRUCTIONS, THE BEST THAT CAN BE ACCOMPLISH IS 15-16 MPG. 3) THE OVER-HEAD TEMPERATURE CAN NOT BE CALIBRATED, IT REMAINS 4-5 DEGREES OFF.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 15, 2003
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS THAT THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX. AT ANY SPEED THE ENGINE IS CONSTANTLY MAKING A TICKING NOISE. SOMETIMES WHEN MAKING A COMPLETE STOP THE TRUCK WILL STALL AND THEN JERK FORWARD WHEN I AM TRYING TO PUSH ON THE GAS TO GO. THIS HAPPENS SO MUCH AND I HAVE SENT IT IN NUMEROUS TIMES FOR THIS AND NO SOLUTION. THIS ALSO HAPPENED TWICE ON THE FREEWAY WHEN I HAD TO PRESS ON THE BRAKES TO STOP QUICKLY THE TRUCK LOCKED UP FOR ABOUT 5-10 SECONDS AND THEN JERKED FORWARD. I STILL HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS SITUATION SINCE I AM IN A LEASE AND THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I TELL THEM IT IS DANGEROUS FOR ME TO BE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. TWICE AT A STOP SIGN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE TO GO BUT THE TRUCK STARTING MOVING BACKWARDS. I PRESSED THE BRAKE AGAIN THEN RELEASED AND IT STILL MOVED BACKWARDS. I THEN PUT IT IN PARK AND THEN BACK IN DRIVE AND THEN IT MOVE FORWARDED. I TOOK THE TRUCK IN AGAIN THE NEXT DAY AND TOLD HIM THE SITUATION AND STILL NOTHING WAS DONE.