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.
Steering, Suspension, Oct 23, 2002
THE OWNER STATES THE TRUCK VEERS SIDE TO SIDE NOT KEEPING A STRAIGHT DIRECTION. TRUCK HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP (8) TIMES FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT END OR STEERING. THE PARTS WERE REPLACED FROM THE STEERING TO A COMPLETE RACK AND PINION WITH DEFECT NOT CORRECTED. AN ENGINEER FROM FORD HAS ALSO INSPECTED THE TRUCK AND HAS DETERMINED THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP IS INSISTING THAT THE OWNER COME PICK THE TRUCK UP IN THE SAME CONDITION. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. MR
Air bags, Oct 21, 2002
CONSUMER STATES OF HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINING ON WHILE DRIVING. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. TS
Equipment, Oct 15, 2002
CONSUMER STATES OF HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. MR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 15, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND NO WARNING THE VEHICLE JERKS AND WILL LOSE POWER AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED. MR
Air bags, Oct 15, 2002, crash
MY TRUCK ROLLED AT 35 MPH 2 TIMES AND DID A 180 THE AIRBAGS NEVER WENT OFF. CAUSING ME TO SUFFER INJURIES TO MY HEAD CHEST AND LEGS. MR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 14, 2002
BRAKES FAILED!!. THE BRAKE PEDAL MOVED OVER AND ON TOP OF THE GAS PEDAL. THE PRESSURE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL CAUSED THE EXPLORER TO MOVE ON IT OWN, TOWARDS A GROUP OF PEOPLE IN THE DALLAS CONVENTION CENTER PARKING LOT.S. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKES, FAST AND HARD, AND THEN THE EXPLORER STOPPED. MOREOVER, THE EXPLORER PICKED UP SPEED UNTIL I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES. THE 2002 EXPLORER WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY BY PRESTIGE FORD IN GARLAND TEXAS . I ASKED A REASON FOR THE BRAKE TO FAIL IN A NEW EXPLORER. I STATED THAT MY FAMILY ARE AFRAID FOR LIVES AND NO LONGER WANT THE SUV. RICK BAKER AT PASADENA FORD OFFERED SAFETY INSPECTION, I IN TURN TOOK TO SUV IN FOR AN SAFETY INSPECTION, NOW SAFE .PER FORD , I ALSO STATED MY FAMILY I ARE AFRAID OF EXPLORER, AND WANT OTHER EXPLORER DRIVERS WARNED BEFORE LIVES ARE LOST. PASADENA FORD DEALER, BRAD WILSON SAID THAT HE WILL SUBMIT MY COMPLAINT TO FORDS MOTORS CORP. AND MAIL A COPY TO ME. TO DATE NOT A NO COPY OF THE LETTER, OR REMIBURSMENT FOR OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE. THE TRIP CAUSED EXTREME FINANCIAL HARDSHIP UNABLE TO PAY LEASEING COMPANY. TO THE LEASING COMPANY IS TAKING THE EXPLORER FOR NONE PAYMENT. PLEASE HELP. I MAILED NHTSA A CERTIFIED LETTER AUG.28, 2002, NO RESPONSE TO AS OCT. 14, 2002 MR
Power train, Oct 8, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT TRANSMISSION HESITATES EXCESSIVELY AND VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS. *MR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 2, 2002
THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE DESIGN OF THE FUEL TANK/VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL FUEL SPLASHES INTO THE VAPOR RECOVERY CANISTER AND CAUSES THE CAR TO STALL. THERE IS NO FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. FORD ENGINEERS HAVE BEEN CONTACTED AND ARE WORKING ON THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE 60-90 DAYS FOR A SOLUTION. IN THE MEANTIME I WAS TOLD TO KEEP THE TANK 3/4 FULL OR LESS. THE PROBLEM IS THAT I WAS NOT TOLD OF THIS DESIGN PROBLEM WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. IF IT IS A DESIGN PROBLEM THEN EVERY SPORT TRAC SHOULD BE EFFECTED. IT IS A SAFETY PROBLEM BECAUSE THE 4 TIMES THE VEHICLE STALLED ON ME THREE OF THEM WERE IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN. ALL OF A SUDDEN I HAD NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. EVEN FOR MYSELF , A LARGE MALE, I HAD TROUBLE COMPLETING THE TURN. I SHUDDER TO THINK BOUT WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF MY 105 POUND DAUGHTER HAD BEEN DRIVING THE CAR AND IT HAD STALLED DURING A TURN. IF THIS IS A DESIGN PROBLEM, THEN PEOPLE NEED TO BE WARNED WHEN THEY PURCHASE THE VEHICLE. NOT FILLING THE GAS TANK COMPLETELY DOES WORK, NO STALLS OCCUR. THANK YOU. TIM COLE. *NLM *NLM **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*768014
Equipment, Oct 1, 2002
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 15MPH THE SPARE TIRE CABLE SPLIT AND THE TIRE COLLAPSE, DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. NLM
Seats, Sep 27, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE REAR SEAT IS NOT LOCKED ON TRACK CAUSING THE SEAT TO MOVE BACKS AND FORTH WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. *MR
Air bags, Sep 25, 2002, crash
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL INJURIES. *AK *YH
Seat belts, Sep 22, 2002
THE SEAT BELT ARRESTOR CHARGE INADVERTENTLY FIRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO REVERSE. THE FIRING OF THE CHARGE FILLED THE VEHICLE INTERIOR WITH SMOKE AND HAS RENDERED THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT UNUSABLE UNTIL REPAIR CAN BE MADE.*AK
Power train, Sep 17, 2002
WHEN TRANSMISSION SHIFTING, JERKY, VIBRATING FEEL. VEHICLE IS IN FOR IT'S 8TH VISIT. TOTAL DOWN TIME HAS BEEN IN EXCESS OF 6 WEEKS. NUMEROUS ATTEMPT TO REPAIR AS FOLLOWS: DOWNLOAD OF PROGRAM- 3 TIMES, FLUSH OUT TRANSMISSION, REPLACE FILTERS, ADJUST TRAMSMISSION, REPLACE SPRING IN TRANSMISSION, REPLACE TORCH CONVERTER, TEAR DOWN TRANSFER CASE, REPLACE GEARS. I AM IN PROCESS OF NEGOTIATING WITH FORD TO HAVE THEM BUY BACK VEHICLE.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 10, 2002
THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE VEHICLE STARTED MOVING ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER PRESSED ON THE BRAKES FAST AND IT WAS HARD TO STOP VEHICLE. WHEN CONSUMER CHECKED THE BRAKES, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL MOVED OVER ON TOP OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE PRESSURE FORM THE BRAKE PEDAL CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO MOVE ON ITS OWN. THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ON AND IN TURN DAMAGED THE BATTERY. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE FOR FORD TO BUY BACK THE VEHICLE. *JG
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Sep 8, 2002
CAR WAS ON A FAMILY TRIP WHEN ABS LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO REASON. DEALERSHIP CAN NOT GET THE LIGHT BACK ON. CAR WAS STARTED IN THE MORNING AND AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHED AND THEN STAYED ON AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS DUE TO A SHORT. DAY AFTER IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR THE AIR BAG LIGHT THE CAR WOULD NOT START. WOULD NOT TURN OVER. IT WILL BE IN THE SHOP AGAIN. FOR THE THIRD TIME IN 6 MONTHS.*AK
Structure, Sep 4, 2002
REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW EXPLODED IN CONSUMER'S FACE. CAUSE OF EXPLOSION IS UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK PE04045.PCO
Electrical system, Sep 3, 2002
FAULTY ANTI-THEFT MODULE(SHORTING) MAKING VEHICLE UNABLE TO OPERATE. AT THIS TIME FORD IS UNABLE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE MODULE LEAVING OWNER STRANDED. FORD HAS TOLD US THAT THEY ARE WORKING ON A SOLUTION BUT AT THIS TIME THERE IS NOT ONE. HOW MANY OTHERS ARE DRIVING WITHT HIS UNSAFE MODULE?
Visibility, Aug 29, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AT 35MPH AND WITH NO WARNING FRONT WINDSHIELD SHATTERED, AND CAUSED CONSUMER TO HAVE VISUAL PROBLEMS. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK CONSUMER STATES THE THE REAR WINDOW OPENS ON ITS OWN, HAS HAS DONE SO ON 3 OCCASIONS.*JB
Visibility, Aug 26, 2002
REAR WINDOW ON HATCH DOOR SUDDENLY EMPLODED WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHED AUTOMATIC BUTTON. GLASS SHATTERED IMMEDIATELY WITH METAL MOLDING FLYING INSIDE COMPARTMENT ALL THE WAY UP FRONT TO DRIVER. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 26, 2002
THIS VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT YET BUT I HAVE TOLD THE FORD CO. THAT IT IS DANGEROUS AND THEY IGNORE ME. WHEN YOU COME TO A STOP AT A STOP SIGN AND START TO PULL OUT THE VEHICLE WILL ROLL INTO MOVING TRAFFIC AND HESITATE 4-5 SECONDS BEFORE THE GAS FINALLY CATCHES AND THE VEHICLE GOES ON. MEAN WHILE YOU HAVE TRAFFIC BEARING DOWN ON YOU. WE HAVE COME CLOSE TO GETTING HIT SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. I THINK THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AS A POTENTIAL PROBLEM FOR OTHER CONSUMERS BESIDES MYSELF.
Visibility, Aug 23, 2002
DEFROSTER DOES NOT WORK AND IS CAUSING FRONT WINDSHIELD TO FOG UP DURING COLD WEATHER, AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR CONSUMER TO SEE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Steering, Aug 23, 2002
IM COMPLAINED THAT THE STEERING WAS TOO SENSITIVE. I SWERVED TO AVOID A TIRE IN THE ROAD AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICEL. TOOK CAR TO DEALED WHO FOUND NO PROBLEM. DAYS LATER I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALER THAT THEY HAD A FACTORY REP COMING TO TEST MY CAR. (WHY IF THERE IS NOTHING WRONG) THE FACTORY MAN SAID HE ROAD TESTED THE CAR AND PUT IT ON A LIFT. HE FOUND NO PROBLEM THAT IS THE WAY A SHORT WHEEL BASE SHOULD DRIVE. FORDS BIG EXCUSE WAS THERE IS A STICKER ON THE SUN VISOR THAT READS "AVOID ABRUPT MANOUVERS" THE REP EVEN WROTE ON MY SERVICE TICKET THAT THE LABLE WAS IN PLACE. THE CAR CAN FLIP OVER BUT WE TOLD YOU SO. I DONT THINK THIS IS SAFE AND IT IS NOT RIGHT FOR FORD TO KNOW THEY HAVE ANOTHER PROBLEM AND WASH IT AWAY WITH A LABLE. DRIVE DOWN A HIGHWAY AND TELL ME IF YOU CAN AVOID ABRUPT MOVES. HOW COME AIRLINES DONT PUT STICKERS ON THE SEATS THAT THIS PLANE MIGHT FALL FROM THE SKY. FORD HAS A PROBLEM AND THE PUBLIC WILL PAY WITH THEIR LIVES.*AK
Structure, Aug 22, 2002
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WAS PARKED IN AN PARKING LOT. RETURNING TO MY VEHICLE I ATTEMPTED TO PLACE MY ITEMS IN THE BACK SECTION OF THE SUV. WHEN THE HATCHBACK GLASS WAS OPENED THE LEFT HYDRAULIC LIFT SHATTERED THE REAR GLASS. THE GLASS FLEW TO THE FRONT SEAT AND 3 CAR LENGHTS OVER IN THE PARKING LOT. I HAVE TAKEN MY FORD EXPLORER BACK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE REAR PANEL WAS REPLACED AFTER A MONTH OF WAITING. BUT WE ARE NOT FULLY SATISFIED WITH THE REPAIR. FORD IS SENDING REPLACEMENT PARTS THAT HAVE A BULDGE IN THE BOTTOM PANELS. SO WE ARE ON OUR SECOND DOOR AND STILL WAITING FOR A NEW PART. IT IS FUNNY HOW YOU CAN BUY A VEHICLE THAT LOOKS PERFECT BUT WHEN YOU GET REPLACEMENT PARTS YOU GET LESS THAN PERFECT. MAKES ME WONDER IF THEY ARE REALLY FORD PARTS. THE PROBLEM WE ARE HAVING NOW IS NOT A SAFETY HAZARD, BUT IT IS A VALUE PROBLEM IF WE SELL OR TRADE IN THIS SUV. WE ARE VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT AFTER BUYING THE VEHICLE WE WHERE NEVER TOLD OF THE RECALL. THIS PROBLEM WAS RECALLED IN APRIL OF 2001.*AK PE04045.PCO
Structure, Aug 22, 2002
WHILE OPENING THE REAR TOP HATCHBACK, THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED IN MY WIFE'S FACE WHILE MY 4 YEAR OLD SAT IN THE REAR SEAT. MY WIFE RECEIVED MINOR SCRATCHES FROM THE FLYING GLASS. MY SON WAS SHAKEN BUT NOT INJURED AS THE SHATTERED GLASS FLEW APPX 15 FEET OUTWARD AND TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. SINCE THE BOTTOM PANEL OF THE TOP HALF OF THE REAR GATE IS ONLY ATTACHED TO THE CAR BY THE GLASS AND THE DEFOGGER CABLE, THIS FOUR FOOT BY SIX INCH METAL PANEL SLAMMED TO THE GROUND JUST MISSING MY WIFE'S LEGS. I WAS IN THE HOUSE AT THE TIME AND HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A SMALL EXPLOSION WHEN IT BURST. IT WAS TERRIBLY FRIGHTENING TO MY WIFE AND SON. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHO AT FIRST TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE AND I SHOULD GO TO A GLASS REPAIR SHOP. I REFUSED AND ASKED THEM TO FIX IT AND INPECT THE WORK. THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD "ONLY" THREE OR SO REPORTED INCIDENTS OF BREAKAGE IN PAST YEAR AND THAT THE PREVIOUS RECALL NOTICES I RECEIVED FOR THE REAR WINDOW HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH WHAT HAPPENED. THEY SAID MY CAR WAS FINE AFTER IT WAS CHECKED FOR THE RECALL NOTICE TWO PREVIUOS TIMES PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. I AM WAITING FOR THE CAR TO BE REPAIRED.*AK PE04045.PCO
Visibility, Aug 20, 2002
SUN ROOF WOULD RIDDLE WHILE DRIVING. DEALER CONTACTED . FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK