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, Jun 24, 2013
MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY. I STARTED THE VEHICLE, DEPRESSED THE BRAKE, AND ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE GEARSHIFT LEVER INTO REVERSE. THE GEARSHIFT LEVER WOULD NOT MOVE. AGAIN, I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE AND ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE GEARSHIFT LEVER INTO REVERSE. THE LEVER BROKE OFF AT THE JOINT WHERE IT COMES OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. I HAD TO HIRE A TOW TRUCK. THE DRIVER HAD TO DISENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION TO LOAD IT ONTO THE BED OF THE TOW TRUCK. THIS HAS BEEN A MASSIVE INCONVENIENCE BOTH FINANCIALLY AND STRATEGICALLY. I EXPECTED THIS ISSUE TO BE IN THE RECALL MODE AS THERE ARE MANY INCIDENTS NOTED ON THIS SITE. I FEEL THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE FOR ALL MY COSTS AS THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A FLAWED METAL JOINT THAT SHOULD NOT FAIL WITH NORMAL USE. WE RESIDE IN A MOUNTAINOUS STATE AND USE THE GEARSHIFT LEVER TO DOWN SHIFT ON THE SAME ROADS. THIS OCCURRENCE WOULD HAVE BEEN DISASTER ON FLOYD HILL OUTSIDE OF DENVER. I GUESS I WAS LUCKY! *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 17, 2013, fire
LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN SHIMKUS ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE WIRING HARNESS FIRE ON HER RECALLED FORD VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE CALLED THE DEALER TO INQUIRE ABOUT A RECALL, SHE WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A RECALL. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HAD ALREADY BEEN REPAIRED IN ANOTHER STATE IN DECEMBER 2010. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN NO FURTHER THAN WEST THAN MISSOURI. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL # 09V399000.
Suspension, Jun 12, 2013
THEY WERE ROTTEN AND FALLING APART, I WAS LOOKING ONLINE AND EVERYBODY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THAT SHOULD BE A MANUFACTURED RECALL. IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Power train, May 20, 2013
THE DREADED GEARSHIFT IN HAND SO WELL KNOWN BY FORD AND ANYONE WITH THIS MODEL,AND FORD WANTS BIG MONEY FROM THE CONSUMER,FOR A TERRIBLY ENGINEERED PART. HAVE YOU DRIVEN A FORD LATELY? *TR
Steering, May 10, 2013
I HAD JUST PULLED IN TO MY CUSTOMERS LOT AND WENT TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK, AS I DID THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND WAS JUST DANGLING. I PUT THE PARKING BRAKE ON AS THE SUV WAS ROLLING, I COULD NOT GET THE KEYS OUT. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO INTERSTATE FORD IN DAYTON. OH. *TR
Other or unspecified, May 6, 2013, crash
CAR RECK
Power train, Apr 30, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE, THE GEAR SHIFTER FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT THE TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 167,000. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Apr 19, 2013
THE INTERIOR LIGHTS OCCASIONALLY FLICKER WHEN ALL DOORS ARE SHUT SECURELY. ALSO THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT WILL FLICKER AT TIMES AS WELL. THE ALARM GOES OFF FOR NO REASON AND USUALLY IT IS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND I AM PRETTY SURE IT IS RELATED TO THE DOOR AJAR MALFUNCTION. THERE IS NO WAY TO DISABLE THE FACTORY ALARM SO I HAVE HAD TO LEAVE MY CAR UNLOCKED AT NIGHT JUST TO KEEP IT FROM GOING OFF AND WAKING UP THE NEIGHBORS. ALSO WE HAVE A CRACK ON THE LIFT GATE JUST BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. YOU CAN SEE THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE BY LOOKING AT OTHER EXPLORERS AROUND TOWN. I HAVE REALLY ENJOYED THE EXPLORER UP UNTIL NOW BUT IT DOES BOTHER ME THAT THESE TWO ISSUES ARE VERY COMMON YET FORD WON'T ISSUE A RECALL TO FIX THESE ISSUES. *TR
Structure, Apr 6, 2013
LIFT GATE WINDOW HINGE BROKE SCRATCHING THE PAINT AND HURTING MY HAND CATCHING IT SO IT WOULD NOT BREAK THE OTHER HINGE. CALLED FORD THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPEN AND THEY SAY ITS NOT PART OF THE RECALL WHICH I CANT FIGURE OUT SINCE THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPEN TO ME SINCE I'M THE OWNER OF MY 02 EXPLORER SPORT AND FOUND OUT THIS HAPPEN TO THE ORIGINAL OWNER ONCE.SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE! I RESEARCH THIS ON LINE AND SEE MANY OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS AND THE SAME STORY COME ON LETS DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!!!! *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 3, 2013
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, ATTEMPTED TO PASS A SLOWER MOVING CAR. AS I DID SO THE GAS PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOOR. CAUSING ME TO BRAKE TO SLOW VEHICLE..FINALLY ABLE TO FREE GAS PEDAL BY LIFTING IT UP WITH MY FOOT...MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE..FORD SAID NO RECALL. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Wheels, Mar 23, 2013
BEARING KEEP HAVE TO BE REPLACED, AN THE REAR COIL SPRING IS CRACKED AN THE TIRE CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING MY TRUCK, HAVE REPLACED THE WHEEL BEARING 3 TIMES ALREADY. AN I HAVE REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION 2 TIMES. *TR
Wheels, Mar 22, 2013
I HAVE ONLY OWNED MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AND I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS 3 TIMES. JUST TODAY I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING IS GOING AGAIN AND I JUST REPLACED BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS A MONTH AGO. THIS IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND I'M AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE QUALITY. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 21, 2013
WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND WE HEARD A CLUNK AND SO WE PULLED OVER RIGHT AWAY AND LOOKED AND THOUGHT IT LOOKED LIKE THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WAS SAGGING BUT WASN'T SURE, WE DROVE HOME AND THEN REALIZED IT WAS DEF SAGGING. I TOOK IT TO THE CAR LOT I BOUGHT IT AT AND THEIR GOING TO CHECK IT ALL OUT TO SEE WHAT'S GOING ON.. JUST BE LOOKING AT IT THE CAR LOT MECHANIC SAID LOOKS LIKE SUSPENSION ISSUE AS IF SOMETHING BROKE. ALSO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WE HAD IT CHECKED OUT A FEW TIMES AND IT APPEARS TO HAVE O2 SENSOR ISSUES LOCATED ON THE EXHAUST WHICH SEEMS TO BE A ISSUES WITH ALOT OF FORD EXPLORERS WHICH MAKES GAS MILEAGE TERRIBLE AND VEHICLE STALLS OUT AND DIES, NOT TO MENTION THE PIECE OF PLASTIC UNDER THE REAR HATCH WINDOW THAT ALWAYS BREAKS. *TR
Suspension, Mar 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
Air bags, Engine, Mar 15, 2013, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION UNDER THE HOOD. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE GEARS SLIPPING WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE CONTACT AND TWO PASSENGERS SUFFERED INJURIES BUT THEY WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 291,000.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Mar 12, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFT GATE WINDOW WAS SHATTERED ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. AFTER DIAGNOSIS THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE HINGES FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,738. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 149,229. *TR
Engine, Mar 5, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RATTLING NOISE HEARD FROM THE ENGINE AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN PLASTIC TENSIONER WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 28, 2013
LIKE MANY OTHER FRUSTRATED FORD OWNERS, I HAVE HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH MY EXPLORER. ITS REALLY FRUSTRATING WHEN YOU TAKE IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THEY DON'T EVEN NEED TO SEE IT TO KNOW THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REBUILT, DUE TO THE TRACK RECORD OF THE FAULTY PARTS FORD HAS USED. ITS REALLY SAD WHEN THEY KNOW THE TRANSMISSION WHERE NOT GOOD AND CONTINUED TO INSTALL THEM FOR MORE YEARS. I HOPE SOONER OR LATER THEY OWN UP TO THEIR FAULTS AND DO THE RIGHT THING AND RECALL THE FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS. WE SPENT GOOD MONEY FOR A QUALITY AMERICAN MADE CAR AND DID NOT EXPECT TO HAVE TO INVEST ALMOST $3,000 IN A NEW TRANSMISSION THE NEXT YEAR. FORD WILL LOSE A LOT OF LOYAL CUSTOMERS OVER THIS AND NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 28, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR UNRELATED REPAIRS HE WAS INFORMED THAT BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE CORRODED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,550.
Structure, Feb 21, 2013
REAR PANEL BELOW WINDOW CRACKED FROM COLD WHILE SITTING IN DRIVEWAY. *TR
Structure, Feb 18, 2013
THE BACK DOOR IS CRACKED BETWEEN THE WINDOWS THE THE LATCH. THIS MORNING THE LATCH STOPPED WORKING AND I CAN'T KEEP THE REAR LATCH CLOSED. *TR
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Feb 11, 2013
WE OPENED THE REAR WINDOW TO GET SOMETHING OUT OF THE TRUNK, LIFTED THE WINDOW AND THE WINDOW EXPLODED AND CRASHED ON MY HUSBAND'S HEAD. IT SEEMS AS IF THE HYDROLICS FAILED ON EACH SIDE OF THE REAR WINDOW. GLASS JUST SHATTERED AND WAS EVERYWHERE. MY HUSBAND'S HANDS WERE CUT AND HIS HEAD WAS BANGED UP. *TR
Engine, Feb 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD POPPING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK. THE ALSO CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, OVER DRIVE, AND MESSAGE CENTERS LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER OR A MECHANIC. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 126,000.
Power train, Feb 5, 2013
BOUGHT A USED 2002 EXPLORER WITH 116,000 MILES ON IT, WENT THROUGH ALL THE WARE ITEMS AND REPLACED WITH NEW. I DROVE THIS VEHICLE TO WORK FOR A WHILE, ENOUGH TO GET THE MILEAGE TO 140,010 MILES THEN SUDDENLY STARTED TO SLIP INTO 3RD OR MISS ALL TOGETHER 3RD GEAR. 1ST TO 2ND WORKS FINE, 2ND TO 3RD IS GONE (ENGINE RAVES LIKE IT WENT INTO NEUTRAL) WHEN YOU LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR IT GOES INTO 4TH GEAR ON WILL PULL AGAIN, O/D WORKS ALSO. DANGEROUS FOR ANYONE IN VEHICLE, THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN, IF SOMEONE WAS TO HAVE TO GET INTO TRAFFIC AND THIS VEHICLE WAS TO THIS THEY COULD VERY EASILY BE RUN OVER BY A VEHICLE THEY ARE TRYING TO STAY AHEAD OF OR HAD PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF. FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR YEARS NOW AND IS DOING NOTHING TO MAKE IT GO AWAY ARE REMEDY THE POORLY DESIGNED TRANSMISSION AND IT JUST TICKS ME OFF THAT THE FEDERAL HIGHWAY SAFETY PEOPLE DON'T MAKE FORD DO A RECALL TO FIX THE AFFECTED VEHICLES BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. *TR
Structure, Feb 1, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN EXTENDED CRACK ON THE LIFTGATE EXTERIOR PANEL. THE DEFECT BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER A PERIOD OF TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.