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, Apr 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS PROPERLY. THE OVER DRIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE FIRST AND SECOND GEARS OF THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Power train, Apr 5, 2012
O/D OFF LIGHT FLASHING AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON CONSTANT. TRANSMISSION HAS A HARD TIME SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR. IT HAD APPROXIMATELY 140,000 MILES WHEN IT FIRST HAPPENED. I AM NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER SO I AM UNSURE IF THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE. *TR
Power train, Apr 3, 2012
OUT TRANSMISSION ISN'T OUT YET, IT'S ON ITS WAY OUT. WHEN ACCELERATING IT STOPS AT 25-35 MPH AND THE RPM REV UP TO THE RED LIMIT IF YOU DON'T TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS AND IT WONT SWITCH GEARS FOR A MINUTE OR SO. SOMETIMES YOU HEAR A LOUD DROPPING SOUND AND THE ENTIRE CAR JERKS WHEN IT SWITCHES GEARS. THIS FIRST HAPPENED WHEN SPEEDING UP ON A BUSY MAIN ROAD NEAR DETROIT, ALMOST CAUSING US TO BE REAR ENDED. WE TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION GARAGE AND WERE INFORMED IT WOULD BE $2,000 OR THERE ABOUTS TO FIX. HAD THE OTHER DRIVER NOT BEEN PAYING ATTENTION OR HAD THIS HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY MYSELF, MY FIANCE, OUR FOUR CHILDREN WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR WORSE. APPARENTLY THE TRANSMISSION IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL OF VEHICLE AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE MADE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS BLATANTLY DANGEROUS DEFECT. *TR
Power train, Apr 2, 2012
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER EB AND THIS CAR IS A PIECE OF CRAP AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR THE TRANNY IS SLIPPING LIKE CRAZY AND ITS HARD TO CHANGE FROM PARK TO DRIVE. I HAVE LOOKED IT UP AND THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND IT IS A CLOSED TRANNY SO I CANT EVEN CHECK THE FLUID IN IT BUT FORD IS NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THE ISSUE I WILL NEVER OWN A FORD AGAIN. *TR
Power train, Mar 31, 2012
BEEN JERKY AND JUMPING FOR 2 YEARS BUT TODAY THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT UPSHIFT WHEN STARTING OUT OR DOWN-SHIFT WHEN SLOWING DOWN. THE ENGINE WENT TO HIGH RPM WITH LITTLE OR NO FORWARD PROGRESS.ALL THIS WAS PRECEDED BY THE OVER-DRIVE LIGHT FLASHING ON AND OFF FOLLOWED NEXT BY THE CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT. NEXT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE FORUMS ON THIS VEHICLE WILL TELL YOU THAT THIS 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON THE V-8 ENGINES ARE JUST JUNK. WAY TO MANY COMPLAINTS. WILL FORD FIX THIS ON AN OUT OF WARRANTY VEHICLE? AFTER PULLING. *JS
Power train, Mar 29, 2012
THE TRANSMISSION IS HAVING TROUBLE SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD, ENGINE LIGHT AND O/D OFF LIGHTS ARE ON. LOCAL MECHANIC SAYS THAT THE INTERMEDIATE BAND ON THE TRANSMISSION IS BROKEN. THIS IS A SEALED UNIT WITH NO WAY TO SERVICE WITHOUT A REBUILD.
Electrical system, Mar 22, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED DUE TO A WIRE UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 160,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 20, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOP WHERE A MECHANIC PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND DETECTED A MALFUNCTION IN THE EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER HAD ISSUED A VOLUNTARY RECALL FOR THE EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM HOWEVER, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,673.
Structure, Mar 19, 2012
BODY MOUNT BUSHINGS COMPLETE FAILURE. ALL MOUNTS FAIL. MOUNTS FALL COMPLETELY APART AND NOTHING LEFT EXCEPT FOR WASHERS AND BOLTS.THIS CAN CAUSES BODY TO MOVE ON FRAME..HAVE MADE FORD MOTOR AWARE BUT NO ACTION TAKEN. *JS
Power train, Mar 16, 2012
MY WIFE STARTED OUR EXPLORER AND TRIED TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND THE GEAR SHIFT HANDLE SNAPPED OFF IN HER HAND. ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED TO MANY OTHER FORD OWNERS! UNBELIEVABLE! SO NOW I HAVE TO HAVE MY VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE THIS "FORD PROBLEM" FIXED! AND ALSO SHELL OUT OVER $1000 DOLLARS JUST SO I CAN GET MY EXPLORER BACK ON THE ROAD!!! AND WHEN I CALLED THE LOCAL FORD GARAGE TO ASK ABOUT THIS DEFECT, THEY ACTED AS IF THIS PROBLEM HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE! BS! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 15, 2012
THE PROBLEM IS A SUDDEN CRACKING OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CAUSING SLOW COOLANT LOSS. WHEN THE INTAKE FAILS THE ENGINE COOLANT POURS OUT AND THE ENGINE QUICKLY OVERHEATS. *TR
Power train, Mar 15, 2012
THE TRANSMISSION IS JUNK. FORD KNOWS THIS. REBUILDING OR REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION IS INEVITABLE...AND NOT JUST ONCE, BECAUSE THERE ARE KNOWN DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING ISSUES THAT WILL ONLY CAUSE THE FAILURES TO REPEAT THEMSELVES. UNLESS THESE FAILURES ARE DEALT WITH, THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE ON THE ROADS WHO ARE AT THE MERCY OF LUCK THAT THE CAR THEY ARE DRIVING OR THE CARS THAT OTHERS ARE DRIVING NEAR THEM WONT STOP DEAD, STOPPING THEM DEAD. HOW IS THIS KNOWN PROBLEM NOT A PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE? HAVE YOU COUNTED THE NUMBER OF FORD EXPLORERS ON THE ROAD?? ITS SCARY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 14, 2012
DUE TO A DEFECT, WE HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED (THANK GOD IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY)...THEN HAD TO HAVE THE DOOR AJAR SENSOR FIXED BECAUSE ALARM KEPT GOING OFF FOR NO REASON. ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO WE WERE ABUT TO GO OUT OF TOWN FOR THANKSGIVING. I STOP AT A RED LIGHT, AND THEN WE TRY TO PULL OFF WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGES AND HEAR THE LOUDEST POPPING NOISES...WE'RE WONDERING HOW IN THE WORLD DID THE SPARK PLUG POP OUT WITH SO MUCH FORCE THAT IT ALSO RIPS THE IGNITION COIL...(FAST FORWARD TO 1YR LATER, SAME THING HAPPENS WHILE LEAVING HOME TO GO TO WORK). ONCE AGAIN, ON MARCH 12, WHILE ON MY WAY TO WORK, SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. LIGHT TURNS GREEN...I START TO PULL OFF AND BEGIN HEARING A POPPING NOISE...WTH...NOT AGAIN!!! (THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN 2 YEARS). COME ON FORD...FIX THE LEMONS!!!! *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Mar 14, 2012
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION DIED FOR THE SECOND TIME AFTER I HAD THE DEALERSHIP REPLACE IT, 75,000 MILES AGO. I AM NOW SITTING AT 156000 AND IT IS DOING THE SAME THINGS AGAIN. THIS GIVES ME SUCH A BAD TASTE TOWARD FORD, AND I HAVE BEEN A DIE HARD FORD GUY. *TR
Air bags, Mar 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE PASSENGER ATTEMPTED TO SECURE THEIR SEATBELT WHEN THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ERRONEOUSLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE AIR BAGS WERE NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE.THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V179000(AIR BAGS:SIDE WINDOW) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE RECALL WAS IRRELEVANT TO THE 2002 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 144,000.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Mar 13, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THERE SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND A JERKING MOVEMENT WHEN THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED. THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO MOVE ERRATICALLY FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE BEFORE CRASHING INTO A RETAINER WALL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE ALSO SUSTAINED HEAD AND NECK INJURIES. THE POLICE WERE CALLED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Wheels, Mar 6, 2012
REAR PASSENGER WHEEL STARTED SHAKING. STOPPED AND REMOVED WHEEL COVER AND FOUND THREE WHEEL STUDS SHEARED OFF. HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO TIRE STORE. REPLACED WHEEL, HUB AND ALL STUDS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 5, 2012
I NOTICED ONE DAY THAT MY GAS GAUGE SHOWED EMPTY WHEN I KNEW I HAD GAS, THE NEXT TIME I STARTED THE ENGINE MY GAS GAUGE WORKED. FROM THAT DAY IT WORKS SOMETIMES AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. I AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL GIVE OUT COMPLETELY ONE DAY AND CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX IT. I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND WONDER WHY THERE IS NOT A RECALL AS I FEEL FORD SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY HERE AS IT IS CLEARLY A DEFECT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Mar 2, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO THE REVERSE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE COLUMN SHIFTER HAD SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 228,000. UPDATED 04/11/12*LJ THE HEAR SHIFTER BROKE AND THE KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS CRACKED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 04/20/12
Power train, Mar 2, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE OVER DRIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SKIP GEARS. THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Visibility, Mar 2, 2012
WHEN CLOSING THE REAR HATCH GLASS, THE GLASS EXPLODED. CAR WAS PARKED INSIDE OUR GARAGE ATTACHED TO OUR HOUSE. WE WERE UNLOADING PACKAGES AND WHEN WE WERE DONE WE REACHED UP AND PULLED THE WINDOW TO CLOSE. THE GLASS SHATTERED ALL OVER. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 1, 2012
THE FACTORY ALARM WILL GO OFF RANDOMLY DURING THE NIGHT. HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET THIS ISSUE WORKED OUT WITH FORD. WE HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO GET IT RESOLVED AND EACH TIME IT IS FIXED, THE ISSUE RETURNS WITHIN A FEW WEEKS. *TR
Steering, Power train, Feb 28, 2012
SHIFTER BROKE OFF WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE,CANNOT SHIFT VEHICLE. I READ ONLINE THERE ARE NUMEROUS PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM ,THEY WERE ALL WONDERING WHY THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. HAS THERE? *TR
Power train, Feb 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT ENGINE STARTUP, THE GEAR SHIFTER DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.
Electrical system, Visibility, Structure, Feb 21, 2012
NONE OF THE WINDOWS WILL WORK, THEY WERE OPERATING PROPERLY AND JUST QUIT. THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, IN AN EMERGENCY, (SUCH AS A CRASH). THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE COULD BECOME TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT OPERATE. IF A FIRE OCCURRED THE RESULTS COULD BE TRAGIC. FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM ALONG WITH SEVERAL OTHER PROBLEMS ON THIS VEHICLE. YET THEY CHOOSE NOT TO REPAIR OR REPLACE ANY OF THE KNOWN DEFECTIVE COMPONENTS. MY VEHICLE HAS A LOT OF MILES ON IT, BUT THIS PROBLEM ALONG WITH OTHER PROBLEMS ON THIS VEHICLE HAPPENS ON LOWER MILEAGE VEHICLES ALSO. *TR