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/propulsion system, Aug 1, 2012
WHILE TRYING TO FILL THE GAS TANK AT THE FUEL PUMPS, IT TAKES SOMETIMES UP TO 20 MINUTES TO COMPLETELY FILL THE TANK. I CAN ONLY SQUEEZE THE HANDLE ON THE GAS PUMP HOSE LINE SLIGHTLY YET IT KEEPS SHUTTING OFF AS IF THE TANK IS FULL. I KNOW THAT IT TAKES NEARLY 20 GALLONS TO FILL MY TANK YET THE NOZZLE KEEPS SHUTTING OFF EVERY 10 - 12 SECONDS. *TR
Seats, Jul 30, 2012
WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVERS SEAT RECLINED INTO THE BACK SEATING AREA CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER PULLING OFF THE ROAD AND INSPECTING THE SEAT, THE FRAME OF THE DRIVERS SEAT FRACTURED CAUSING THE BACKREST TO SEPARATE FROM LOWER PORTION OF THE SEAT AND OVERRIDE THE RECLINER HANDLE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jul 29, 2012
I AM EXPERIENCING A LOUD CLANKING AND CRASHING SOUND EMITTING FROM UNDER VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS WITH MINIMAL BUMPS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH INCREASED ROLL MOVEMENT WHILE CORNERING. AFTER INVESTIGATION, I FOUND THE BODY MOUNTS TO BE CRUMBLING APART, BODY MOUNTS MISSING LARGE CHUNKS OF MATERIAL AND OTHER BODY MOUNTS ARE SOFT AND JELLY LIKE WHEN TOUCHED. THESE FORD BODY MOUNTS HAVE BEEN ENGINEERED IMPROPERLY AND HAVE REACHED A PREMATURE FAILED STATE. THIS AFFECTS THE ROLL OF THE VEHICLE AND MAY POSE GRAVE DANGER TO VEHICLE PASSENGERS WHEN PERFORMING A LANE CHANGE OR ANY VEHICLE ROLL MANEUVER AND AFFECTS VEHICLE CONTROL. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. AFTER A INTERNET SEARCH, I HAVE DISCOVERED THIS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THOUSANDS OF FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC OWNERS AND OTHER FORD TRUCKS AS WELL. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN FLORIDA FROM 2002-2010, AND IN GEORGIA FROM 2011-PRESENT AND HAS NEVER BEEN EXPOSED TO SALT, SNOW OR ANY ABNORMAL ENVIRONMENT TO CAUSE THIS FAILURE. THIS VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN MODIFIED IN ANY WAY. *JS
Suspension, Jul 28, 2012
REAR COIL SPRINGS ARE RUSTED AND CRACKING, PIECE FELL OFF. IT APPEARS THAT INADEQUATE OR DEFICIENT METAL WAS USED. MECHANIC SAYS VERY RARE FOR COIL SPRINGS TO RUST LIKE THIS, SPRINGS LOOK AS THOUGH THEY HAVE BEEN IN A JUNK YARD FOR 30 YEARS.THIS VEHICLE IS A FAMILY CAR, NOT USED FOR OFF-ROADING AND KEPT IN A GARAGE. ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE, SOME HAVE EVEN HAD THE PIECES PUNCTURE TIRES CAUSING A BLOWOUT WHILE DRIVING. I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT FORD IS NOT CONCERNED WITH CONSUMER SAFETY, BUT ONLY WITH THEIR OWN PROFITS AND ARE WAITING FOR PEOPLE TO DIE BEFORE TAKING RESPONSIBILITY. THIS IS JUST ONE OF MANY ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL AND FORD NEEDS TO STEP UP. *TR
Steering, Power train, Engine, Jul 25, 2012
WHEN ACCELERATING ON A START, CAR DOESN'T SHIFT INTO 2ND AND 3RD GEAR....UNLESS THERE IS A PUSH OR JUMP INTO IT. *TR
Suspension, Jul 23, 2012
FORD DEALERSHIP AND LOCAL MECHANIC HAVE WITNESSED DOZEN OF CASES WITH FORD IN WHICH THE VEHICLE IS VIBRATING AT HIGHER SPEEDS. WE HAVE TRIED REPLACING TIRES, BALANCING, AND WHEEL ALIGNMENTS. I HAVE READ HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS ISSUE ONLINE, BUT FORD HAS DONE NOTHING TO EDUCATE THEIR STAFF OR PUBLIC ABOUT THIS ISSUE. MOST COMMON IDENTIFIED ISSUE HAS BEEN THE REAR DIFFERENTIALS, BUT THOSE WHO HAVE HAD THEM REPLACED HAS HAD THE VIBRATION COME BACK AFTER TIME. *TR
Air bags, Jul 6, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK AND HAPHAZARDLY DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AS OPPOSED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A BUILDING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES AS A RESULT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,705.
Power train, Jul 6, 2012
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING FROM 2-3 GEAR AND I FOUND OUT WITH MY 2YR AND 3YR KIDS IN THE CAR IF I NEED TO PULL OUT ON TO A HIGHWAY WITH CARS COMING THE SUV DON'T WANT TO DO SO AND WILL REV UP AND MIGHT SLAM INTO GEAR WHEN YOU LET OFF THE GAS. I LOVE MY EXPLORER GREAT FAMILY CAR BUT WITH THIS PROBLEM I WILL NOT HAVE MY KIDS IN IT AT ALL. AND NOT KNOWING IF IT WILL MAKE IT OR NOT. FORD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. IM NOT THE ONLY ONE. *TR
Power train, Engine, Jun 27, 2012
WHILE DRIVING CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT PASSED 3RD GEAR. I HAD TO PULL OVER ON A BUSY HIGHWAY BECAUSE I WAS AFRAID THE ENGINE WOULD EXPLODE. I LATER FOUND OUT, AFTER RESEARCHING, THAT THE RISK OF IT SHIFTING INTO REVERSE IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE PO745 ERROR CODE IN 2002 EXPLORERS. *TR
Power train, Jun 25, 2012
FORD IS A GREAT COMPANY. I LOVE THEIR F-350, MUSTANGS, AND VANS. BUT THE MAIN PROBLEM IS THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION. I HAVE SEEN AND RESEARCHED THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS THE CITIZENS HAVE SENT TO FORD AND THROUGH YOURSELVES. AND YET TO NOW PREVAIL? WHAT RIGHT DOES A PERSON HAVE TO CREATE A VEHICLE AND NOT OWN UP TO ITS COMPLICATION. NOW I'M NOT SAYING THEIR ARE PERFECT CARS BUT A FORD EXPLORER HAS THEM. NOW I CAN SEND YOU A LIST OF WHAT I WANT. BUT I'M NOT GOING TO RANT LIKE SOME 5 YEAR OLD IN A CANDY STORE. BUT CHANGE NEEDS TO HAPPEN. HUNDREDS OF THESE INNOCENT PEOPLE WHO GO THROUGH OUT THEIR DAY DRIVING THIS VEHICLE NEED A BREAK. ACTUALLY THEY NEED A FIX. A "SHIFT"INTO THE RIGHT DIRECTION. AND HUNDREDS MORE ARE FILING LAWSUIT AGAINST EVERYONE THEY CAN ABOUT IT. YOUR CANT TRADE THIS CAR BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM AND WHO HAS THE MONEY TO DISH OUT ALMOST OVER $3,000 FOR A HEADACHE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED FROM THE START. ALL I NEED IF YOU. YES YOU IS TO SEND THIS MESSAGE TO ANYBODY. OR EVERYBODY AND HELP PUSH FOR A NEW TOMORROW A SUNNY DAY. A FIXED PROBLEM. BUT I AM FILING A LAWSUIT FOR EVERYTHING THEIR WORTH. OR AT LEAST A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR ALL EXPLORER OWNERS. REGARDLESS OF THE YEAR OR SUB MODEL. *TR
Power train, Jun 23, 2012, fire
THIS IS AN UPDATE TO COMPLAINT NO. 10459987. AFTER LOOKING AT THE CAR RECORDS, WE DISCOVERED THAT DURING A SERVICE OF MY TRANSMISSION, FORD FACTORY REQUIRED THE DEALERSHIP TO CUT THE METAL TRANSMISSION LINE AND INSTALLED A RUBBER LINE WITH A FILTER. IF THEY DID NOT INSTALL THE FILTER, THEN THE WARRANTY WOULD HAVE BEEN VOID. AFTER INSTALLING, NO ONE EVER INSPECTED OR REPLACED THE LINE OR FILTER. IT WAS SIMPLY FORGOTTEN. 75,000 MILES LATER THE RUBBER LINE WAS RESTING ON THE EXHAUST, WHICH BURNED A HOLE AND CAUSED TRANSMISSION FLUID TO LEAK AND SPRAY ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND CAUGHT FIRE. WE WERE LUCKY IN THAT WE SAW THE SMOKE EARLY AND NO ONE WAS INJURED. I AM CONCERNED THERE ARE MORE CARS OUT THERE WITH THIS RETRO-FIT FILTER ON THE TRANSMISSION THAT NO ONE IS INSPECTING OR MAINTAINING BECAUSE IT IS NOT ON AN OFFICIAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE. *TT
Steering, Jun 21, 2012
I WAS BACKING UP IN A COSTCO PARKING LOT AND THE STEERING COLUMN WHERE YOU SHIFT GEARS BROKE IN HALF. THERE WAS NO WAY TO DRIVE OR SHIFT THE CAR. THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL AND THERE WERE PEDESTRIANS IN FRONT OF ME AND CARS BEHIND ME. I YELLED FOR EVERYONE TO STAY CLEAR, HAD A FEW MEN HELP PUSH ME BACK TO A PARKING BIN AND PULLED THE EMERGENCY BREAK. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF, I HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED TO MY HOUSE. I CHECKED ON LINE AND THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OVER 1,000 FORD 2002 OWNERS. IT IS DUE TO A FAULTY MANUFACTURER PART IN THE COLUMN SHIFT, A METAL PIECE THAT BROKE OFF. *TT
Other or unspecified, Jun 19, 2012
I JUST HAD MY CAR SERVICED FOR A RECALL AT CHEROKEE FORD IN WOODSTOCK GA. JUST 3 DAYS LATER, MY VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF A VERY BUSY STREET AND I WAS UNABLE TO RESTART IT. I WAS VERY LUCKY NOT TO BE HIT. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAGIC. *JS
Power train, Jun 16, 2012
I BOUGHT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT AND WITHIN 1 WEEK THE TRANSMISSION HAD GONE OUT....HAVE HAD IT REPAIRED AND STILL NO GOOD. *JB
Electrical system, Jun 13, 2012
FORDS TAILLIGHT/STOP SWITCH ILLUMINATES THE BRAKE LIGHTS, IS USED TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL AND IS USED TO ENABLE THE OPERATOR TO BE ABLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR ONCE THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. ROUGHLY A YEAR AGO I HAD SOME INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH TRYING TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE WHEN USING THE BRAKES PLUS I HAD TROUBLE TAKING THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK WITHOUT HAVING TO STEP ON THE BRAKE MULTIPLE TIMES. LASTLY HAVING A FRIEND FOLLOW ME HOME I WAS TOLD MY BRAKES LIGHTS DID NOT ALWAYS ILLUMINATE WHEN I WAS SLOWING DOWN OR AT A COMPLETE STOP! GOING BACK TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER I BOUGHT A REPLACEMENT SWITCH THAT HAD INSTRUCTIONS TO CUT THE OE'S PLUG OFF OF THEIR HARNESS AND TO HARD WIRE THE NEW SWITCH IN IT'S PLACE AS FORD HAD EXPERIENCED SOME "ISSUES" WITH THOSE ORIGINAL COMPONENTS. JUST 13 MO'S LATER I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM BUT THIS TIME IT FAILED COMPLETELY SO THE VEHICLE WAS LOCKED IN PARK IN MY DRIVEWAY. HAVING SEEN RECALLS ON SEVERAL OTHER FORD AND MERCURY PRODUCTS FOR A SIMILAR PROBLEM AND EXPECTED FORD TO GIVE ME A FREE REPLACEMENT. HOWEVER, AFTER ENTERING MY VIN # THEY SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS BUT THEY WOULD REDUCE THEIR NORMAL PRICE FROM $93.44 TO $76.00 AS THEIR COMPENSATION. CONTACTING MY LOCAL NAPA SUPPLIER I BOUGHT ANOTHER SWITCH FROM THEM FOR JUST $44.49 WHICH RESOLVED MY PROBLEM FOR EVEN LESS MONEY. I RETURNED TO THE DEALER TO REPORT MY FINDING AND STRONGLY SUGGESTED THAT THEY CONTACT THEIR FORD REP. AS I BELIEVE THIS BRAKE SWITCH ISSUE IS A BIGGER PROBLEM THEN FORD IS AWARE OF OR HAS OWNER UP TO KNOWING ABOUT. I WAS ACTUALLY LUCKY TO HAVE THE SWITCH FAIL AT MY HOME AS HAD I BEEN ON THE ROAD I COULD VERY WELL HAVE BEEN REAR-ENDED DUE TO MY BRAKES LIGHTS NOT COMING ON. I QUESTION IF FORD WILL EVER TAKE MY WARNING SERIOUSLY SO I FELT OBLIGATED TO PASS THIS INFORMATION ALONG TO AN INDEPENDENT SOURCE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 30, 2012, fire
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN I LOOKED BACK IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR AND NOTICED SMOKE BILLOWING OUT THE BACK OF MY CAR. I PULLED OVER. MY HUSBAND GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND LOOKED UNDER THE FRONT. I SMELLED FIRE AND HE SAID IT'S ON FIRE. MY HUSBAND SAW A LIQUID DRIPPING FROM THE CAR THAT WAS CLEARLY ON FIRE. I TURNED THE CAR OFF. WE IMMEDIATELY GOT OURSELVES AND OUR 2 YOUNG CHILDREN, AGES 7 AND 5, OUT OF THE CAR. THE FIRE STOPPED ONCE THE CAR WAS OFF. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE WAS INJURED. I WAS TOLD BY THE TOW TRUCK OPERATOR AND THE MECHANIC THAT FIXED THE CAR THAT A TRANSMISSION HOSE WAS SITTING ON THE EXHAUST PIPE, CAUSING A LEAK IN THE HOSE AND THE RESULTING FIRE. I AM ALSO CONCERNED THAT MY CAR MAY BE SUBJECTED TO A RECALL REGARDING A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL AFTER READING ON THE INTERNET. *TR
Steering, Fuel system, Other, Service brakes, Engine, May 15, 2012
AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK MY FUEL GAUGE WENT FROM FULL TO EMPTY AND THE CHECK GAUGE LIGHT CAME ON THEN THE VEHICLE DIED AND I LOST POWER STEERING AND THE POWER BRAKES. *JS
Fuel/propulsion system, May 11, 2012
FUEL GAUGE OFF - DID NOT WANT TO START - DEALER FIXED UNDER WARRANTY , CHANGED FUEL PUMP 20 DAYS LATER TOOK BACK AGAIN , STILL HAD TROUBLE START , BAD FUEL READING - CHANGED PUMP AGAIN, TOOK BACK 45 DAYS LATER , FUEL GAUGE NOT WORKING - 3 DAYS LATER , FOUND BAD FUEL SENDER CARD [BOARD] ORDERING NEW BOARD AS I WRITE THIS. COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE EXPLORER GAUGES SODIUM BUILDUP ON UNIT DUE TO THE CRAP 10% ETHANOL ADDED . ALL BEING FIXED UNDER WARRANTY , THANK GOD! MY DAUGHTERS 2005 EXPLORER STARTING TO HAVE FUEL GAUGE PROBLEMS ALSO 69,000 MILES. *TR
Power train, May 11, 2012
THE O/D LIGHT FLICKERS ON AND OFF AND THERE APPEARS TO BE NO THIRD GEAR, ACCORDING TO THREE MECHANICAL TRANSMISSION INSPECTIONS. RESEARCHING WEBSITES INDICATES THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PREVALENT PROBLEM FOR THIS VEHICLE. NEED TO KNOW: 1. WAS THERE A RECALL? 2. WHAT, IF ANYTHING, FORD IS WILLING TO DO TO FIX OR COMPENSATE FOR THE CONSIDERABLE EXPENSE INVOLVED TO REPAIR THIS OBVIOUS DEFECT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 10, 2012, crash
WENT TO BACK OUT CARPORT, WHEN GAS PEDAL WAS PUSH IT WENT TO FLOOR AND STUCK !, AUTO TRAVELED OUT DRIVE WAY CIRCLED A FIELD COME BACK AND HIT TREE, AFTER TRAVELING APPROX 1500 FT MORE OR LESS, KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS, BROKE DENTURES, NECK AND BACK INJURIES , CONCUSSION , TOTAL THE AUTO A 2002 FORD EXPLORER ... *TR
Power train, Apr 19, 2012
TRANSMISSION FAILURE - STUPID DESIGN DOESN'T ALLOW YOU TO CHECK FLUID LEVEL, LEAK AT TRANSFER CASE SEAL SEEMS TO HAVE CAUSED LOSS OF FLUID AND CANNOT BE ADDED WITHOUT SOME SPECIAL PUMP TO FILL TRANSMISSION BACK UP BECAUSE IT'S A SEALED UNIT. DESIGNED SO ONLY FORD DEALERS CAN DO SERVICE AND THEN IT JUST GOES OUT AND YOU'RE DRIVING 65 MPH DOWN THE MOUNTAIN AND UNABLE TO CONTROL SPEED. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE PIECE OF CRAP TRANSMISSIONS YET WON'T EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE THERE'S A PROBLEM ALTHOUGH EVERY DEALER & TRANNY MECHANIC KNOWS OF THE ISSUES. *JS
Electrical system, Apr 18, 2012
DOOR AJAR LIGHT AND BEEPING SENSOR IS ALWAYS GOING OFF, CAUSING THE DOORS TO UNLOCK WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO CAUSING THE INSIDE DOME LIGHT TO TURN ON AND OFF. MUST DRIVE AT NIGHT WITHOUT INSTRUMENT LIGHTS, INCLUDING SPEEDOMETER, AS DOME LIGHT STAYS ON. *JS
Structure, Apr 17, 2012
ABOUT A YEAR AFTER I PURCHASED MY EXPLORER LTD, THE REAR LOGO PANEL STARTED COMING LOOSE. I USED SPECIAL ADHESIVE TO ATTACH IT, BUT IT JUST WOULDN'T STICK. I TRIED PULLING IT OFF, BUT IT WOULDN'T BUDGE ON THE OTHER SIDE, SO I TRIED A DIFFERENT ADHESIVE. IT STUCK FOR A WHILE, BUT AS I WAS GOING DOWN A BUSY STREET, IT FLEW OFF ALMOST HITTING THE CAR BEHIND ME. THIS VERY EASILY COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AND SERIOUS INJURY. *JS
Power train, Apr 17, 2012
VEHICLE TRANSMISSION HAS SUDDENLY QUIT AT ONLY 120,000 MILES. BECAUSE OF A CODE P0775 "PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID". SHOPPED THE FIX (WHICH ALL REPAIR SHOPS SAY IS VERY COMMON ON EARLY 2000 FORD'S) AND IT WILL NEED A $2500 REBUILD. DID SOME ONLINE RESEARCH AND FOUND MORE COMPLAINTS ON THIS THAN I CAN ACCOUNT FOR. I CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SUPPORT LINE AND WAS TRANSFERRED TO MY LOCAL DEALER. LOCAL DEALER SAID I FALL OUTSIDE OF ANY CUSTOMER APPRECIATION PROGRAMS AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO THAN FIX IT FOR ME FOR $3200. WITH THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE ALONG WITH THE CRACKED TAILGATE THAT I SEE ON ALL FORD EXPLORERS I DRIVE BY, THERE SHOULD BE SOME SORT OF FORCED RECALL. *JS
Power train, Apr 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE GEAR SHIFT DETACHED WHILE SHIFTING GEARS FROM THE PARK TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 121,000.