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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 3,613

Of the 2002 reports, 163 involved a crash and 71 involved a fire. 213 people were injured and 6 people died.

Primary concernPower train1,575 reports · 44% of complaints
Owner complaints3,613Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship10 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train1,575
  2. Structure532
  3. Suspension445
  4. Engine and engine cooling194
  5. Vehicle speed control181
  6. Electrical system179
  7. Air bags171
  8. Steering162

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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.

  1. Service brakes, Oct 30, 2019

    IN THE MORNING OR WHENEVER DAMP MY FRONT BRAKES LOCK UP WHEN DRIVING, THEN STOPPING..

  2. Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 27, 2019

    I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY I WENT TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN WHEN SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE GRILL, SO I PULLED OVER TO CHECK UNDER THE HOOD, SMOKE STARTED BOILING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD

  3. Structure, Oct 21, 2019

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE UPPER HINGE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. PERRY FORD OF SANTA BARBARA (440 HITCHCOCK WAY, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93105, (805) 682-2411) WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 204,000.

  4. Power train, Sep 30, 2019

    THE CAR GETS STUCK IN PARK AND WILL NOT INTO REVERSE, NEUTRAL OR DRIVE. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN OFTEN BUT HAS BEEN HAPPENING AT INFREQUENT PERIODS SINCE 2007. IT'S A NUISANCE WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN BUT AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS, DEPRESSING THE BRAKE AND REPEATEDLY ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT; SHUTTING DOWN THE ENGINE AND RESTARTING AND REPEATING THE PROCESS; USUALLY DOES SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE LAST INCIDENT WAS MORE THAN 4 YEARS AGO. NOW SINCE SATURDAY, 9/28/19; CAN'T SHIFT OUT OF PARK. I NEVER REPORTED THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT WAS ALWAYS RESOLVED AND I FORGOT TO REPORT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I WAS ALWAYS IN A RUSH TO GET TO MY DESTINATION. MY CAR IS IN GOOD RUNNING CONDITION. ORIGINAL OWNER. 93964MI. ALWAYS SERVICED AT DEALERSHIP.

  5. Electrical system, Equipment, Sep 4, 2019, fire

    THE CONSUMER STATED THE HOME FIRE HAZARD CREATED BY FAULTY DESIGN OF NON UL APPROVED PERSONAL SNOW PLOW USE FOR SUV MANUFACTURED BY WESTERN PRODUCTS. SNOW PLOW ELECTRIC MOTOR WAS UNFUSED AND OVERHEATED NOT RESPONDING TO THE COMMAN CONTROLLER SHORTING OUT AND CAUSING A SERIOUS EXPENSIVE FIRE. *JS

  6. Seats, Aug 31, 2019

    RE: 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. IT APPEARS THAT THE UPPER BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HIGH BACK SEAT, THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME, HAS FRACTURED AND THE SEAT BACK IS PERMANENTLY IN THE RECLINED POSITION. THIS MAKES DRIVING VERY CUMBERSOME SINCE I HAVE NO BACK SEAT SUPPORT WHILE I AM DRIVING. I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED. LUCKILY, AN ACCIDENT WAS AVOIDED. I JUST DISCOVERED THAT A RECALL EXISTS FOR THIS PROBLEM SO I CONTACTED FORD AT 1-800-392-3673 AND ENTERED THE RECALL ID 03S04 AND THE RESPONSE WAS THAT THE RECALL ID DID NOT EXIST. CAN I STILL GET MY SEAT FIXED VIA THIS RECALL? NOTE THAT THE DATE SUBMITTED FOR THE INCIDENT IS AN APPROXIMATE ESTIMATE.

  7. Air bags, Aug 25, 2019, crash

    I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND GOT INTO A ACCIDENT. TOTALED MY VEHICLE AND MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY

  8. Engine, Jul 3, 2019

    MOTOR IS OVER HEATING AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT 30 MINS ON HIGHWAY

  9. Air bags, Jun 18, 2019, crash

    TL* THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT A FATAL CRASH WHICH INVOLVED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VICTIM'S VEHICLE WAS FOUND THREE HOURS AFTER THE CRASH AND THE VEHICLE HAD FLIPPED UPSIDE DOWN. THE VICTIM WAS FOUND, WEARING THE SEATBELT BUT NO AIR BAGS HAD DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED (CASE NUMBER: 19-11405). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CITY OBSERVED A CURFEW WHEREBY THE CORONER'S REPORT STATED THAT 'DEATH WAS CAUSED BY A MULTIPLE BLUNT FORCE INJURY TO THE HEAD". THE STREET LIGHTS WERE TURNED OFF FROM 12 MIDNIGHT TO 5 AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRASH MIGHT HAVE OCCURRED AT ABOUT 3AM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED TO THE APD (ANCHORAGE POLICE DEPARTMENT) IMPOUND. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED.

  10. Air bags, Apr 9, 2019, crash

    ON JANUARY 21, 2019 I WAS HIT HEAD-ON BY A DRIVER WHO FELL ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL. TOTALLED MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER! MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING THE ACCIDENT! I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND THE OTHER DRIVER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON A CITY STREET.

  11. Air bags, Jan 14, 2019, crash

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 24 MPH, A VEHICLE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S DOOR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LOWER AND UPPER BACK INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND HAD TO PRY THE DRIVER'S DOOR OFF THE VEHICLE AFTER THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED, BUT IT WAS NOT DETERMINED WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000.

  12. Power train, Sep 7, 2018

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD AFTER IT WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 232,160.

  13. Structure, Aug 6, 2018

    THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED. IT WAS UNOCCUPIED PARKED IN THE CARPORT.

  14. Steering, Jul 24, 2018

    GEAR SHIFT IN STEERING COLUMN FELL OFF AS I WAS BEGINNING TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 95K MILES ON IT.

  15. Suspension, Latches/locks/linkages, Service brakes, Jun 19, 2018

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR AJAR AND BRAKE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED EVEN WHEN THE DOORS WERE CLOSED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS NOTIFIED AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE WHEEL BEARING FAILURE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT NHTSA WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL RECALLS. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED. *JS

  16. Vehicle speed control, May 29, 2018

    VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO MAXIMUM RPM'S ON A CITY STREET AND WOULD NOT STOP, EVEN AFTER BRAKE APPLIED. TRIED DOWNSHIFTING, WOULD NOT WORK. RAN THROUGH A RED LIGHT, FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF US OR GOING THE OTHER DIRECTION. HAD TO PUT IT INTO NEUTRAL AND TURN THE KEY OFF TO GET IT TO STOP. MERGED OVER AND PARKED. WHEN RESTARTED, RPM'S STILL AT MAXIMUM UNTIL HOOD WAS OPENED AND THROTTLE CABLE WAS MOVED AROUND. SCARY SITUATION AS WON'T DRIVE IT UNTIL IT IS FIXED. APPOINTMENT SCHEDULED WITH MECHANIC. SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS WITH AS MANY COMPLAINTS AS I HAVE READ ABOUT WITH THIS VERY SITUATION. WE COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE OR BEEN KILLED.

  17. Structure, Apr 28, 2018

    REAR HATCH PANEL APPLIQUE CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON

  18. Service brakes, Apr 27, 2018, crash

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN COLLISION FACILITY AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

  19. Electrical system, Apr 4, 2018

    BLINKERS AND GAUGES WON'T WORK ALSO BRIGHT LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. EVERYTHING ELSE WORKS FINE INCLUDING EMERGENCY FLASHERS. I'VE CHANGED RELAY AND CHECKED FUSES.

  20. Suspension, Mar 5, 2018

    "TAKATA RECALL" I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 10 MILES TOOK A RIGHT INTO THE LIBIARY PARKING LOT AND MY FRONT SIDE DRIVERS TIRE SNAPPED THE BALL JOINT COMPLETELY SNAPPED AND IT BROKE THE SPRING, UPPER CONTROL ARM, SWAY BAR AND TYIROD

  21. Electrical system, Mar 5, 2018, fire

    WELL I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. IT HAS THE TRAILER BRAKE WHICH I NEVER HAVE USED YET. I HAVE A COUPLE ISSUES WITH IT. THE THEFT LIGHT BLINKS AS LONG AS THE VEHICLE AIN'T RUNNING. SOME TIMES IT DOESN'T LIKE TO START AND HAS A BRAND NEW BATTERY. SOMETIMES WHEN PUT IN GEAR WHILE RUNNING IT WILL SHUT IT'S SELF OFF. I ALSO NOTICED WHEN I BOUGHT IT FROM ANOTHER PRIVATE SELL THAT WHEN I WAS DRIVING THE EXPLORER THAT I KEPT SMELLING A BURNING SMELL LIKE PLASTIC AND WIRES AS WELL AS SMOKE AND HEAT ADMITTING FROM THE CENTER CONSOLE AREA. I DROPPED A PIECE OF PLASTIC IN THE CENTER CONSOLE AREA. I PULLED UP THE CENTER CONSOLE AREA PLASTIC AND WITNESSED THE FACTORY WIRING THAT RUNS TO THE CENTER CONSOLE LIGHTER AND ELSE WHERE SPARKING AND SMOKING. I GOT IT TO STOP AND NOTICED THAT THE FIBERGLASS CLOTH THING THE FACTORY PUT AROUND IT WAS BADLY BURNED AS WELL AS ALMOST HALFWAY THROUGH ALL THE CENTER CONSOLE ARE WIRES ABOUT AN INCH LONG AS WELL AS THE PLASTIC BOTTOM AREA TO THE CENTER CONSOLE CUP AREA. THE BURNED PLASTIC AREA IS ALSO STARTED TO MELT. I HAVE PICTURES ON MY CELL PHONE. I SHOWED THE PICTURES TO THE RECEPTION GUY AT THE JAMESTOWN NY 14701 FORD DEALER SERVICE DESK. HE GASPED AND LOOKED GENUINELY SCARED THAT , THAT HAPPENED. I'M SCARED THAT THIS HAPPENED. I DON'T WANT IT TO CATCH FIRE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY KIDS AND NEWBORN BABY IN IT. THIS IS A MANUFACTURE ISSUE WHICH I FEEL SHOULD BE FIXED AT FORDS EXPENSE NOT OURS.

  22. Structure, Feb 20, 2018

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE ON THE REAR DOOR HANDLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK BETWEEN THE DOOR HANDLE AND GLASS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

  23. Electrical system, Feb 11, 2018

    HAD A BAD BATTERY AND NOW 4X4 WON'T WORK

  24. Other or unspecified, Jan 2, 2018

    AFTER JUMPING THE VEHICLE DUE TO DEAD BATTERY GEAR SHIFTER SNAPPED WHEN SHIFTING CAR INTO DRIVE. VEHICLE STUCK IN REVERSE ALSO NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. FORM CARS ARE WORTHLESS! DON'T BUY A FORD!!

  25. Steering, Power train, Nov 15, 2017

    THE SHIFT LEVER LITERALLY SNAPPED OFF AT THE STEERING COLUMN WHILE PUTTING THE CAR INTO DRIVE. CAR COULDN'T BE SHIFTED INTO PARK, STILL RUNNING. KEYS COULDN'T EVEN BE REMOVED TO TURN THE CAR OFF. VERY DANGEROUS. SEEMS LIKE A FAIRLY COMMON PROBLEM AMONG 2002 FORD EXPLORER OWNERS. MANY COMPLAINTS FILED HERE: HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/ACCESSORIES-INTERIOR/GEAR_SHIFT_LEVER_FELL_OFF-2.SHTML