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, Electrical system, Oct 27, 2011
THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP IN MAY OF 2011. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION SERVICED AND IT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I AM UNABLE TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AS IT IS A SEALED UNIT NO DIP STICK. WE DROVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT NO LONGER MOVES. THE COST TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION IS 2800.00 PLUS... THERE WAS NO REASON WHY THIS SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED. *TT
Power train, Oct 26, 2011
TRANSMISSION (5R55) SOLENOID PACK AND SERVO BOTH WENT OUT AT SAME TIME SERVO IS TERRIBLE DESIGN. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FROM FORD ON THESE PROBLEMS ON THIS TRANSMISSION. *TT
Power train, Oct 25, 2011
TRANSMISSION DIED FORD WOULD NOT WARRENTY. *TR
Suspension, Oct 25, 2011
REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED FORD WOULD NOT WARRENTY. *TT
Power train, Oct 24, 2011
WHEN SHIFTING INTO PARK THE SHIFT LINKAGE COUPLER SNAPPED AND THE SHIFTER CAME OFF IN MY HAND. UPON INSPECTION THE COUPLER IS A CHEAP RESIN AND SHOULD NOT SNAP WITH NORMAL WEAR USAGE. THIS IS A LINK TO A FORUM WITH 129 COMPLAINTS OF SIMILAR ISSUES. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/ACCESSORIES-INTERIOR/GEAR_SHIFT_LEVER_PRNDL_FELL_OFF.SHTML. *TR
Power train, Oct 18, 2011
PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE TODAY AND ON WAY HOME THE TRANSMISSION "OD OFF" LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. RESEARCH SHOWS THIS IS A MAJOR COMMON PROBLEM WITH A FAILED TRANSMISSION IN THIS MODEL. I AM ON SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY AND CANNOT AFFORD THE $3,000 PLUS TO FIX. *TR
Power train, Oct 12, 2011
WHILE SHIFTING FROM DRIVE INTO PARK, THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF IN MY HAND AND WAS STUCK IN REVERSE. I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED AS WE COULDN'T GET THE CAR TO GO INTO PARK. *KB
Visibility, Oct 11, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDOW HINGE WAS BROKEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES PRIOR TO THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDOW HINGE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Wheels, Oct 10, 2011
FOR THE SIXTH TIME SINCE 2009, I WAS DRIVING AND HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A POP. MY BOYFRIEND NOTICED MY RIGHT REAR TIRE WOBBLING. I KNEW IMMEDIATELY A STUD OR STUDS HAD BROKEN. WHEN HE POPPED OFF THE CAP, TWO STUDS WERE LITERALLY SNAPPED AT THE BOLT, CLEAN BREAK. THIS HAS HAPPENED SIX OTHER TIMES, ONE IN WHICH MY TIRE WAS HANGING ON BY ONE STUD AND NEARLY CAUSED ME TO WRECK INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. I THOUGHT IT WAS MY MECHANIC MAKING ERROR AFTER ERROR BUT COULD NEVER FIND AN ISSUE. NOW, AFTER DOING SOME EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, I SEE IT IS FORDS ERROR. THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING ISSUE. I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS GETTING NEW ROTORS, NEW TIRES, ETC. THINKING THIS WAS IT. CLEARLY IT'S NOT. FORD NEEDS TO EITHER REIMBURSE OR RECALL THE VEHICLES. I'M DONE. *KB
Power train, Oct 5, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OVERDRIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED ABNORMAL NOISES. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND PERFORMED THE REPAIRS IN NOVEMBER 2008 HOWEVER, IN OCTOBER 2011 THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.
Suspension, Oct 4, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WHEN THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE FRACTURED AND WOULD HAVE NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Power train, Oct 3, 2011
MY WIFE WAS PICKING UP HER MOTHER AND SHE WENT TO PUT THE EXPLORER INTO REVERSE AND THE SHIFTER BROKE OFF IN HER HAND. SHE COULD NOT GET THE CAR INTO GEAR SO WE HAD IT TOWED HOME. I FOUND THE PIECE HOLDING THE SHIFTER WAS BROKEN OFF. FORD WANTED $1,000 FOR THE PIECE TO FIX IT. *TR
Power train, Oct 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO REVERSE THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER COMPLETELY DISENGAGED FROM THE HOUSING AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Power train, Oct 1, 2011
[XXX] GOT BEHIND THE WHEEL OF HER 2002 FORD EXPLORER, INTENDING TO PICK UP HER SON FROM SCHOOL. WHEN SHE TRIED TO SHIFT THE CAR INTO REVERSE, SHE SAYS THE ENTIRE GEAR SELECTOR BROKE OFF AND FELL IN HER LAP. IT TURNS OUT SHE'S NOT ALONE. TEAM 4 INVESTIGATOR JIM PARSONS REPORTED THAT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION SAFETY ADMINISTRATION HAS BEEN INVESTIGATING SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AROUND THE COUNTRY -- SOME OF WHICH INVOLVED VEHICLES SLIPPING INTO GEAR AND CRASHING -- FOR MORE THAN TWO YEARS. NHTSA'S OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION SAYS IT HAS IDENTIFIED 200 ALLEGED INCIDENTS OF UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT AFTER CONSUMERS BELIEVED THEY HAD SHIFTED THE SUVS INTO PARK, RESULTING IN 85 ALLEGED CRASHES AND 32 ALLEGED INJURIES. EARLIER THIS YEAR, NHTSA UPGRADED ITS INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS FOR 2002-2005 FORD EXPLORERS AND MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS. [XXX] SAYS FORD TOLD HER SHE WOULD NEED TO REPLACE HER ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN TO FIX THE BROKEN GEAR SELECTOR AT A COST OF MORE THAN $1,500. INSTEAD, SHE WORKED WITH HER LOCAL MECHANIC TO FIND AN AFTER-MARKET REPLACEMENT PART THAT RETAILS FOR $30. SO FAR, FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL ON THE GEAR SELECTOR. MORE INFORMATION: NHTSA WEBSITE DETAILS ON EXPLORER INVESTIGATION (TYPE IN ACTION NUMBER EA09013) READ MORE: HTTP://WWW.WTAE.COM/NEWS/29353127/DETAIL.HTML#IXZZ1ZYUBPJEG INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Sep 30, 2011
I RECENTLY HAD THE DEALER INSTALL 2 NEW REAR WHEEL BEARINGS (2ND TIME IN 2 YEARS) AND WAS TOLD THAT BOTH REAR SPRINGS ARE BROKEN. I WAS TOLD THAT THE BROKEN PIECES CAN COME OUT WHILE DRIVING AND PUNCTURE THE TIRE. I DID AN INTERNET SEARCH AND FOUND OVER 100 COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME BROKEN SPRINGS ON OTHER EXPLORERS. *TR
Other or unspecified, Sep 27, 2011
THE TRANSMISSION HAS A 5 SECOND DELAY WHEN GOING INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE. THE CAR TRANSMISSION JERKS FORWARD SUDDENLY AND RANDOMLY SHIFTS INTO A HIGHER OR LOWER GEAR WHILE DRIVING. THERE IS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WHILE THE CAR IS RUNNING AND WHILE THE GEARS ARE SHIFTING. *TT
Power train, Sep 24, 2011
GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF IN MY HANDS. *TR
Steering, Power train, Sep 20, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING INTO PARK, THE GEAR SHIFTER FRACTURED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE SHIFTER SO THE CONTACT TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,957. UPDATED 11/03/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF. THE DEALER STATED THE STEERING COLUMN WHERE THE SHIFTER ATTACHED AND IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER CAME APART. THE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 03/08/12
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 19, 2011
#3 CYCLINDER PLUB BLEW. HAD TOWED TO DEALER. DEALER SAID THEY COULD FIX EASILY BY INSTALLING A HELIX COIL ADAPTER & COULD HAVE CAR READY NEXT DAY. DEALER CALLS BACK AND SAYS THEY FIXED IT BUT IT WAS REALLY RUNNING BAD AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT RECOMMEND DRIVING IT. I ASKED WHAT THE SOLUTION WAS AND THEY SAID THEY COULD PULL THE HEAD AND REFINISH IT BUT THAT THEY WOULD NOT RECOMMEND DOING SUCH. I ASKED ABOUT A JASPER AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD NOT RECOMMEND AS JASPER HAS A POOR WARRANTY (12 MONTHS+LIMITED MILEAGE & NO LABOR) WHILE A NEW FORD ENGINE WOULD HAVE 3 YEARS, NO MILEAGE LIMIT & BE WARRANTED FOR BOTH LABOR AND PARTS. AS I NEEDED THE VEHICLE - AS IT IS I HAD TO RENT A VEHICLE. AFTER GETTING THE VEHICLE BACK AND TALKING WITH SEVERAL OTHER FORD DEALERS - IT WOULD SEEM THAT THERE IS A STRONG POSSIBILITY THAT THE FORD DEALER INSTALLING THE HELIX COIL MAY HAVE DROPPED DEBRIS INTO THE ENGINE - AS NONE OF THE OTHER DEALERS SAID THEY HAVE EVER HAD TO REPLACE AN ENGINE FOR A BLOWN SPARK PLUG. PS: THE PLUGS WERE THE ORIGINALS FROM THE FACTORY. I HAVE TRIED TO WORK WITH THE DEALER TO GET SOME SORT OF REDUCTION IN WHAT I HAD TO PAY BUT THEY HAVE BEEN LESS THAN INTERESTED IN TALKING WITH ME. SO AM TRYING FIGURE OUT WHAT MY NEXT STEP SHOULD BE. ALL ADVISE WOULD BE APPRECIATED AS APPARENTLY THE PLUG BLOWING PROBLEM IS COMMON! THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD - THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A FIRE. *KB
Power train, Sep 17, 2011
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER FAILED AT ABOUT 86,000 MILES AND REQUIRED $3000.00 TO REPAIR. FORD ACKNOWLEDGED THAT IT WAS A DESIGN FLAW BUT WOULD DO NOTHING TO COVER ANY OF THE REPAIR COSTS. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ONLINE AND TALKING TO MECHANICS THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF 2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSIONS THAT HAVE FAILED. THIS IS A TEXTBOOK CASE OF THE NEED FOR A RECALL REQUIRING FORD TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. *TT
Electrical system, Sep 14, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES AROUND THE RADIO CONSOLE AND THE DASHBOARD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS DETERMINED TO BE A FAILURE WITHIN THE RADIO CONSOLE WIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Power train, Sep 9, 2011
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT, MY TRANSMISSION JUST RECENTLY WENT OUT. IT HAS ABOUT 142,000 MILES. I TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST, TO GET IT FIXED, THEY TOOK IT APART, AND TOLD ME IT WAS COSTING $3,786.60 TO GET IT FIXED/REBUILT! AS OF RIGHT NOW MY TRUCK IS STILL IN THE SHOP, IT HAS BEEN THERE FOR 2 WEEKS NOW. THERE IS NO WAY CAN AFFORD TO PAY THAT, I"M JUST A STUDENT. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND IT TURNS OUT THAT THERE IS THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM; TRANSMISSIONS GO OUT AND THE MAJORITY ON THE 2002 MODEL. THEY REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION, ONLY FOR IT TO GO OUT AGAIN. SOME PEOPLE HAVE REPLACED/REBUILT THEIR TRANSMISSIONS 4 OR 5 TIMES. I ALSO READ THAT THESE TRUCKS CAN STOP AT ANY MOMENT; ANYWHERE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY IF ON THE FREEWAY. I DON'T SEE WHY FORD, DIDN'T RECALL THIS TRUCK OR THIS TRANSMISSION. THEY NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE NO IDEA, WHAT I AM GOING TO DO TO GET MY TRUCK FIXED.. OR MAYBE EVEN REPLACED. *TR
Power train, Sep 8, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH UPHILL WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT A POSSIBLE BRAKE FLUID LEAK CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
Power train, Sep 7, 2011
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Structure, Sep 7, 2011
I JUST PURCHASED A USED 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT ON 08/06/2011 SO THAT I HAD A VEHICLE THAT I COULD TAKE THE KIDS ON CAMPING TRIPS. ON 09/04/2011 ON OUR WAY TO DAYTONA BEACH I NOTICED THE CAR WAS PUSHING AND SWERVING IN BOTH DIRECTIONS, I HAD JUST PUT BRAND NEW TIRES ON IT AND REPLACED BOTH THE UPPER CONTROL ARMS AND ALL 4 BALL JOINTS AND HAD AN ALIGNMENT DONE, I THOUGHT THAT IT'S A BIGGER VEHICLE THAN WHAT I'M USED TO AND HAD BEEN A SLIGHTLY WINDY. ON THE WAY HOME ON MONDAY 09/05/2011 IT WAS EVEN WORSE, I COULD FEEL THE BODY ROLLING THE CAR PUSHING ECT.. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THERE APPEARED TO BE NOTHING WRONG. I CRAWLED HOME A NERVOUS WRECK. WHEN WE UNLOAD THE CAR AT HOME I NOTICED THE CAR WAS SAGGING IN THE LEFT REAR.I CRAWLED UNDER THE VEHICLE. I NOTICED 2 BIG ISSUES, 1ST THE COIL SPRING IS BROKEN WERE LUCKY IT DIDN'T POP OUT AND SHRED A TIRE, AND 2ND ALL OF THE BODY MOUNT BUSHINGS ARE COMPLETELY CRUMBLING OR JUST PLAIN GONE. TALK ABOUT DANGEROUS. I WENT ONLINE AND THERE SEEMS TO BE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE 2002 EXPLORERS ON BLOGS AND FORD FORUMS AND TONS OF SITES FOR COMPLAINTS FOR AUTOMOBILES FOR ALL MODELS OF THIS VEHICLE FOR THE EXACT SAME THINGS. I HAVE ALSO SEEN NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS VEHICLE FOR OTHER EQUIPMENT FAILURES ONE OF THEM BEING A WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAREND OF THE CAR WHICH I THOUGHT WAS THE TIRES, BUT APPARENTLY IT IS AN IMPROPERLY ENGINEERED DIFFERENTIAL THAT FORD WILL NOT FIX OR ADMIT THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH ALTHOUGH THERE ARE A COUPLE OF TECHNICAL BULLETINS OUT ON IT. THEY ARE JUST LUCKY THAT MY CHILDREN WERE NOT INJURED. HOW DARE THEY NOT ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY TO TAKE CARE OF THESE VEHICLES THAT THEY ENGINEERED AND SOLD, USED OR NOT. IF YOU MANUFACTURE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE AND A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE YOU SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE. IS IT GONNA TAKE A FATHER AND HIS CHILDREN BEING KILLED. *TR