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, Feb 18, 2012
THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHIFT ODDLY FROM SECOND TO THIRD. THE OVERDRIVE OFF LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING. SHIFTING THEN BEGAN TO BE ROUGH. I PROMPTLY TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO FOUND IT NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A REBUILT UNIT. SECOND GEAR CASING HAD FAILED. *TR
Power train, Feb 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE GEAR SHIFTER DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Power train, Feb 16, 2012
ASIDE FROM CONTINUING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, THE HATCH OF THIS FORD EXPLORER WAS RECALLED SOME YEARS AGO. HOWEVER, THE AREA BELOW THE WINDOW OF THE HATCH ON MANY EXPLORERS MADE IN OR AROUND 2002, HAS BEGUN TO CRACK AND EXTEND TO THE EDGE OF THE HATCH AREA. WHEN CLOSED, THIS CAN BE A HAZARD THAT LEADS TO FURTHER CRACKING, WHICH CAN FURTHER LEAD TO MORE CRACKING AND THEN BREAKING OF THE AREA. THIS CAN LEND ITSELF TO MATERIAL PROJECTING INTO SOMEONE'S EYE OR PROJECTING INTO A PART OF THE BODY THAT REQUIRES SURGICAL REMOVAL. PLEASE RECALL OR ISSUE A WARNING. FORD HAS BEEN CONTACTED VIA THEIR 1-800 NUMBER AND THIS CONCERN WAS DOCUMENTED. PLEASE RECALL... *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Visibility, Feb 11, 2012
I BOUGHT A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC NEW. SHORTLY AFTER HAVE ELECTRIC WINDOW PROBLEMS DRIVERS DOOR BACK PASSENGER WINDOW AND NOW THE PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW, BAD BODY MOUNTS,AND IDLES BAD WHEN IN PARK OR STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. RPM'S 500 TO 1000 BACK DOWN TO 500-400. 2002 HAD A BABY GIRL 1 1/2 YEARS AND ANOTHER ON THE WAY NEEDED A 4 DOOR AND ALSO FOR WORK. I KICK MY SELF EVERY DAY THAT I HAVE OWNED IT BUT HAD NO CHOICE MONEY WAS TIGHT AND STILL IS COULD NOT AFFORD EVERY TIME GETTING THINGS FIXED SO I LIVED WITH IT!!!! UNTIL I FOUND THIS WEB PAGE I AM FED UP I HAVE ALWAYS OWNED FORD BUT AFTER THIS IM NOT SO SURE ANYMORE! AND READING OTHER PEOPLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS THE SPORT TRAC IS ONE BIG LEMON!!!!!! *TR
Air bags, Feb 8, 2012
FORD HAS INFORMED DEALERS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAGS ON 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. IF YOU MOVE THE SEAT TOO MUCH IT DISCONNECTS WITH THE AIR BAG. ALL FORD DEALERS ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT FORD IS NOT WILLING TO ISSUE RECALL. SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD REQUIRE ACTION. IT WOULD BE A SIMPLE FIX OF THE PRETENSIONER LOCATED UNDER THE SEATS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Wheels, Feb 6, 2012
I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY DOING 65 AS POSTED, I STARTED TO FEEL SHAKING FROM THE TIRES AND IT GOT TO THE POINT I COULDN'T CONTROL THE VEHICLE, LUCKY I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND CALL AAA FOR A TOW, A STATE POLICE OFFICER PULLED BEHIND ME AND SAID LET ME GUESS HUB BEARING. THE POLICE DEPT ALSO HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS MY 8TH REPAIR I AM DOING AND NEXT WEEK I AM DOING THE OPPOSITE SIDE. IT IS COSTING ME 600.00 DOLLARS FOR EVERY SIDE I AM DOING. I MADE A COMPLAINT TO FORD COMPANY AND THEY TOLD ME THERE IS NO RECALL. THEN WHY IS MY MECHANIC TELLING ME HE GETS NUMEROUS REPAIR JOBS ON THE SAME VEHICLES. PLUS I SPOKE TO A CO WORKER THAT HAS THE SAME YEAR AND VEHICLE DOING THE SAME THING. WHEN IS SOMETHING GOING TO GET DONE. OR IS THE COMPANY GOING TO WAIT TILL SOMEONE GETS KILLED. BBB AND BLUMINTHAU WAS TOLD ABOUT AND STILL NO RESPONSE FROM NO BODY. *TR
Power train, Feb 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND IMMEDIATELY, THE 4WD HIGH AND 4WD LOW WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SHIFT INTO THE NEUTRAL GEAR, AS SPECIFIED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL HOWEVER, THE WARNING INDICATORS FAILED TO DISENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING UPON A RESPONSE PERTAINING TO THE MALFUNCTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Jan 31, 2012
COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. SLIPPING IN-AND-OUT OF GEAR, FAILURE TO SHIFT BETWEEN GEARS, UNABLE TO STAY AT IDLE WITHOUT SHIFTING TO PARK. ALMOST CAUSED A COLLISION WHEN GEAR SLIP OCCURRED IN THE MIDDLE OF A MAJOR INTERSECTION. *TT
Structure, Jan 31, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT TWO CRACKS DEVELOPED UNDER THE HATCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Power train, Jan 30, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHIFTER HANDLE FRACTURED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT A PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 187,000. UPDATED 03/05/12*LJ UPDATED 03/06/12
Vehicle speed control, Jan 30, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE OVER-DRIVE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO UNEXPECTEDLY INCREASE ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED SEVERAL TIMES, AS A RESULT THE CONTACT LOSS CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE LOCATION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TOWED OR REPAIRED FOR THE EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.
Power train, Jan 30, 2012
I WAS PUTTING MY CAR IN GEAR WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT SNAPPED OFF IN MY HAND. *TT
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jan 29, 2012
I AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF 4 DRIVING 55MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON A 4 LANE HIGHWAY, WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE WHEN THE O/D LIGHT FLASHED A FEW TIMES AND THEN THE TRANSMISSION JUST STOPPED WORKING, AS THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEUTRAL I COASTED SAFELY TO A STOP THANK GOD. I TOOK IT TO A FORD SERVICE CENTER AND THEY SAID IT WAS CAUSED BY THE SERVO BOAR????? NEVER HERD OF THIS. IT USED TO BE A SEPERATE LINE THAT COULD BE REPLACED NOW IT IS BUILT INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPLACED. IS WHAT I WAS TOLD TO ME BY THE CERTIFIED FORD SERVICE MAN AND THAT THERE WAS NOT A PROBLEM WITH THE OLD STYLE LINES BUT HE HEARS OF THIS OFTEN WITH THE NEWER TRANSMISSIONS. WAS THIS CHANGED JUST FOR PROFIT BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY? BECAUSE WITH THIS HAPPENING WITHOUT WARNING SOMEONE COULD GET INTO AN ACCIDENT AND BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED DEPENDING ON THE SITUATION. I AM VERY UPSET THAT MY FAMILY WAS PUT IN THIS SITUATION BUT WE GOT LUCKY. IF WE WERE ONLY LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX IT NOW, IT IS $2,400 FOR THE NEW TRANSMISSION AND LABOR. *TT
Seat belts, Jan 28, 2012
THE SEAT BELTS ON THE FRONT DRIVERS & PASSENGERS SIDES DO NOT RETRACT . THE SEAT BELTS CONSTANTLY GET CAUGHT IN THE DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY . THIS ACTUALLY RUINED MY DOOR LOCKS ONCE ALREADY , WHICH I HAD TO REPLACE AT MY EXPENSE . I HAVE READ NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Jan 25, 2012
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND I NOTICED THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP. I DROVE ABOUT 10 MILES MORE TO MAKE IT HOME AND IT COMPLETELY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE TOWED. I TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM IN 2002 EXPLORERS. OVER $2000 LATER I THOUGHT IT WAS FINALLY FIXED AND NOW NOT EVEN 2 YEARS LATER THE TRANSMISSION WENT AGAIN. THIS TIME IT WAS THE OVERDRIVE. AS A COLLEGE STUDENT I CAN'T AFFORD TO GET IT FIXED AGAIN. THERE DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON FORD'S TRANSMISSIONS FOR THAT YEAR. I HAVE BEEN DOING RESEARCH AND THERE IS WAY TOO MANY COMPLAINTS FOR FORD NOT TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD AGAIN. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jan 20, 2012
AT A STOP, BEGAN ACCELERATING TO ENTER HIGHWAY, ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UP TO 90 MPH AT FULL THROTTLE BEFORE I SHUT VEHICLE OFF AND PUT IT IN NEUTRAL. HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, ALL EXACTLY THE SAME. VEHICLE ACCELERATES AT FULL THROTTLE AND HAS TO BE SHUT OFF BEFORE AN ACCIDENT OCCURS. ONLY WAY TO CORRECT PROBLEM IS TO EXIT VEHICLE AND PUSH GAS PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES; START VEHICLE AND SEE IF ENGINE IS STILL AT FULL THROTTLE.
Power train, Jan 19, 2012
4X4 MODULE NOW THE TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTING INTO 2 GEAR HARD. *TT
Air bags, Jan 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Power train, Jan 16, 2012
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT SUDDENLY BEGAN TO REV HIGHER THAN NORMAL. THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT INDICATOR ON THE DASH BEGAN TO FLASH AND 2ND AND 5TH GEAR SEEMED TO HAVE STOPPED WORKING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jan 9, 2012
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT IS IN THE SHOP RIGHT NOW WITH A TORN DOWN ENGINE. I WENT OUT TO START IT ONE MORNING AND IT HAD A HARD START THEN IT STARTED TICKING. COME TO FIND OUT IT THE TIMING CHAIN. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ ONLINE IT IS A VERY COMMON COMPLAINT AND I AM REALLY SURPRISED THAT THIS TRUCK HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED AGAIN FOR THIS PROBLEM. I AM HAVING TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT FORD MADE A MISTAKE ON. THE PULLEY ON THE TRUCK IS PLASTIC, AND IT IS FAILING. I ALSO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY ELECTRICAL PARTS ON IT. THE LIGHTS INSIDE WILL STAY ON AFTER I TURN IT OFF AND GET OUT AND IF I TURN ON MY REAR DEFROST MY TRUCK DINGS AND SAYS DOOR AJAR..... THIS TRUCK IS AWFUL. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 4, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AND APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE PEDAL DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE SURGED BACKWARD. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND WERE IN THE PROCESS OF ASSISTING THE CONTACT WITH AN INVESTIGATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 184,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Power train, Dec 30, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE, THE GEAR SHIFTER FRACTURED. A LOCAL MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE GEAR HOUSING UNIT. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER HOUSING WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED.THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
Air bags, Dec 29, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER MADE FOUR ATTEMPTS TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE BY REPLACING THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 01/10/12*LJ
Power train, Structure, Dec 28, 2011
THE BODY MOUNTS HAVE DETERIORATED TO A POINT THAT THEY ARE CRUMBLING AND ARE NOT SUPPORTING THE FRAME TO THE BODY AND NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR SAFETY REASONS. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT ANY WARNING AND HAD TO BE REBUILT. NEITHER OF THESE PROBLEMS SHOULD EXIST ON A VEHICLE THAT IS WELL MAINTAINED AND HAS ONLY 52,000 MILES. THESE PROBLEMS APPEAR TO BE COMMON WITH THIS VEHICLE AND NEED TO BE ADDRESSED BY FORD. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Dec 19, 2011
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK, I CAME TO A STOP SIGN AT THE END OF MY ROAD, LIKE I DO EVERY MORNING. HOWEVER, ON THIS MORNING, AS I TRIED TO ACCELERATE FROM A COMPLETE STOP, MY CAR BOGGED DOWN WHICH LEFT ME IN THE ROAD FOR SECONDS LONGER THEN WAS SAFE. THERE WAS A CAR SPEEDING AROUND THE CURVE, AND MY CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE LIKE IT SHOULD. FINALLY, AND THANK GOD, IT JAMMED INTO GEAR, AND ME AND MY ONE YEAR OLD SON WERE NOT INJURED. ALSO, ON THAT SAME DAY, MY CAR STARTING SKIPPING WHILE IN FIRST GEAR, WHICH ALSO WAS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IT WAS JERKING SO HARD, IT WAS HARD TO KEEP IN UNDER CONTROL, PLUS IT ALSO SLOWED MY PROGRESSION ACROSS HIGHLY CONGESTED AREAS DOWN, WHICH ALSO PUT MY SAFETY AT RISK. WE TOOK MY CAR TO THE SHOP, AND THE REPAIRMAN STATED THAT MY TRANSMISSION WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH FIRST GEAR AND OVERDRIVE. THERE HAD BEEN NO PREVIOUS WARNING OR INDICATORS THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH MY TRANSMISSION UNTIL THE DAY OF. WE HAD THE FLUID CHECKED AND THE ENGINE CHECKED. NOTHING WAS WRONG THAT WE COULD HAVE PREVENTED. *TR