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.
Suspension, Sep 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT TIRES WERE WEARING EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER COIL SPRING WAS FRACTURED, CAUSING THE EXCESSIVE TREAD WEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS ALSO FRACTURED SINCE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Power train, Air bags, Sep 6, 2011
I BOUGHT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN 2005. AT ABOUT 85000 MILES I NOTICED THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP AND OFTEN JERKS REAL HARD WHEN SHIFTING INTO 3RD. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED BY AN AUTHORIZED FORD DEALER IN MY AREA AND THEY TOLD ME THERE ARE NO METAL SHAVINGS IN THE FLUID, HOWEVER, THEY DID TELL ME THAT THE 2002 FORDS ARE WELL KNOWS FOR HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND THEY SEE IT ALL THE TIME IN THIS MAKE MODEL AND YEAR. I CALLED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THE TRANSMISSION, HOWEVER, READING ALL THE PROBLEMS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT OWNERS WHO HAVE COMPLAINED, I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE! *TR
Steering, Sep 3, 2011
IN THE EVENING, I WAS ABOUT HALF AN HOUR FROM HOME WHEN I PULLED UP TO A GAS PUMP AT A STATION AND ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK. I DID NOT DO ANYTHING DIFFERENT THAN NORMAL. THE STEERING GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF INTO MY HAND. IT WAS ATTACHED BY A WIRE. I COULD NOT TELL WHAT HAPPENED EXCEPT THAT IT WAS BROKEN OFF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF THE DEALERSHIP WAS CLOSED BUT THE RECEPTIONIST SAID THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE LEFT AT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT LOT OVERNIGHT AND THEY WOULD TAKE A LOOK AT IT THE NEXT DAY. I DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP HOLDING THE PIECE IN MY RIGHT HAND AS I DID NOT KNOW WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF IT BECAME UNATTACHED FROM THAT WIRE. I FELT SCARED THAT SOMETHING WAS GOING TO HAPPEN SUCH AS A FIRE, TURN COMPLETELY OFF IN TRAFFIC, ETC. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT. I GOT TO THE DEALERSHIP, SET THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. I COULDN'T GET THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO LEAVE MY VEHICLE THERE WITH KEY IN THE IGNITION. I EMPTIED AS MUCH OF MY STUFF FROM THE CAR AS I COULD AS I WAS WORRIED THAT THERE COULD BE SOME TYPE OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY OVERNIGHT. THANKFULLY, IT WAS THERE THE NEXT MORNING BUT UNFORTUNATELY THE COST OF REPAIR IS OVER $1,500. THE SERVICE ADVISOR SAID THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THIS IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. THIS IS ALL OUT OF POCKET COSTS. I AM THANKFUL THAT THE DEALERSHIP DOES PROVIDE FREE LOANERS AND THAT THIS HAPPENED IN A PLACE WHERE I COULD EXIT THE LOCATION AND MAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE COST TO REPAIR, THE STRESS THAT THIS CAUSED, THE FACT THAT THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECTIVE PART, AND THE POSSIBILITY OF THIS HAPPENING AGAIN ARE ALL NOT GOOD. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 2, 2011
2002 FORD EXPLORER AT 15000 MILES; BOUGHT TRUCK USED FROM MY BROTHER. HE NEVER DROVE IT BECAUSE HE HAD A COMPANY CAR. FUEL PUMP WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING IT HOME, DOOR AJAR LIGHT NEVER WENT OUT, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON(SHOULD HAVE TAKEN IT RIGHT BACK TO MY BROTHER).$650.00 TO REPLACE FUEL PUMP, $100.00 TO FIX DOOR AJAR LIGHT(FIXED MYSELF), $600.00 TO FIX CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THAT PROBLEM WAS DIFFERENT DEPENDING ON WHICH PLACE CHECKED THE ERROR CODES. NOW THE FUEL GAGE IS GOING ALL OVER THE PLACE AND VERY POOR MPG. WAS TOLD THE SENDING UNIT IS PROBABLE CAUSE. NOW THIS 2002 EXPLORER STILL UNDER 20,000 MILES. WHAT NEXT!! *TR
Steering, Aug 30, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE FRONT AND REAR END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS SEVERE VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH CAUSED DIFFICULTY IN STEERING THE VEHICLE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Visibility, Aug 29, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE ENTIRE GLASS ON ALL FOUR DOORS EXHIBITED PERMANENT STREAKS WHICH DISTORTED HIS VISIBILITY. IN ADDITION, THERE WERE SIMILAR STREAKS ON THE FRONT AND REAR WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO SPECIALIZED IN AUTO GLASS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO ACID. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3. ALL GLASS HAS A FOG TYPE FILM AND STREAKS WHICH OBSCURES VISION DURING NIGHT TIME AND INCLEMENT WEATHER DRIVING. UPDATED 09/29/2011 *LN *TR
Power train, Aug 24, 2011
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT HAS 120,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS RECENTLY DRIVING BACK HOME FROM A TRIP IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA TO SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA. TWO DAYS AFTER HAVING MY CAR FULLY SERVICED AND MY OVER DRIVE LIGHT CAME ON AND AS SOON AS THAT HAPPENED MY CAR STARTED TELLING ME I NEED TO GET MY TRANSMISSION CHECKED. I SAT THERE THINKING TO MYSELF HOW CAN THIS BE HAPPENING I JUST SPENT 800 DOLLARS TO HAVE ALL OF MY FLUIDS FLUSHED, BRAKES CHECKED, EVERYTHING. I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO THE AUTO REPAIR STORE AND THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION AND AFTER LABOR IT WOULD BE AROUND 5000 (I THINK I WAS QUOTED THAT PRICE BECAUSE I'M A YOUNG FEMALE, I WAS LOOKING ONLINE AND MOST PEOPLE WERE QUOTED AROUND 3000). I'M A FULL TIME COLLEGE STUDENT PAYING FOR MY CLASSES WITH STUDENT LOANS AND GRANTS. I DON'T HAVE A FEW THOUSAND DOLLARS SITTING AROUND AT MY DISPOSAL TO FIX MY CAR. I ALSO CAN'T HAVE MY CAR IN THE SHOP FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME DUE TO THE FACT IF I MISS MORE THAN 3 CLASSES MOST OF MY PROFESSORS WILL DROP ME. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND MANY OTHER CONSUMERS NOT JUST MYSELF HAVE HAD THIS INCIDENT HAPPEN TO THEM, I BELIEVE FORD IS IN THE WRONG FOR HAVING FAULTY MANUFACTURING, THEY HAVE MADE IT SO ANY TRANSMISSION WORK HAS TO BE DONE BY THE DEALER, YOU CAN'T EVEN CHECK YOUR OWN TRANSMISSION FLUID. I FEEL AS IF FORD NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THEIR TRANSMISSIONS OR OFFER SOME KIND OF HELP TO PAY FOR THESE UNACCEPTABLE INCIDENTS. *TR
Suspension, Aug 23, 2011
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORE WITH 47,000 MILES. WAS TOLD BOTH REAR SPRINGS WERE BROKE DURING VEHICLE INSPECTION. DON'T KNOW WHEN THEY BROKE. DAILY DRIVER ONLY, NO TOWING. SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AT 47,000 MILES SHOULD HAVE A RECALL WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS WITH SPRINGS. *TR
Power train, Aug 22, 2011
TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN 2010, ALMOST CAUSED VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY; WAS REBUILT IN MARCH 2011, BUT TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AGAIN AND IT IS NOW AUGUST 2011. I HAVE BEEN CHECKING SEVERAL DIFFERENT WEBSITES AND I RECEIVED 1 RECALL LETTER IN THE MAIL BUT HAPPENED TO NOTICE THERE IS ANOTHER RECALL. IF ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS ARE CONTINUING TO HAPPEN, WHY IS A RECALL ON THE ENTIRE TRUCK NOT DONE? IT IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. I HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN, ONE WITH A MEDICAL ISSUE THAT HAS TO TRAVEL FOR HER DOCTOR VISITS. THESE PROBLEMS ARE GETTING OUT OF HAND. I CAN NOT BELIEVE IT HAS GONE THIS LONG AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT IT. THERE IS ALSO THE ISSUE WITH THE NON WORKING AIR COMPRESSOR AND THE BAD ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AS WELL AS THE ROARING IN THE BACK TIRES. AS MUCH AS I TRAVEL WITH MY CHILDREN AND GET FROM POINT A TO B, IM SURPRISED THIS THING HAS NOT FALLEN APART. I WAS A SUCKER FOR A PRETTY TRUCK!! *TR
Power train, Aug 19, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH SHE NOTICED SMOKING IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THERE WAS A MINOR DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE MECHANIC REPAIRED THE DEFECT AND WITHIN TWO WEEKS THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE CONTACT TOWED THE VEHICLE TO HER HOME AND NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD SINCE THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE CONTACT STATED IF THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, A CRASH COULD OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Structure, Aug 19, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THE REAR LIFT GATE AND WINDOW WOULD NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY AND IT WOULD ALSO WOBBLE. THE ELECTRONIC POWER DOOR LOCKS WOULD NOT WORK BECAUSE THEY WOULD DETECT THE LIFT GATE WAS NOT CLOSED ENGAGING AND A WARNING SOUND ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Power train, Aug 18, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT SHE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 131,000.
Steering, Aug 18, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE MOVING THE GEAR SHIFTER FROM PARK TO REVERSE, THE GEAR SHIFTER FRACTURED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 8, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE FUEL GAUGE READING BEGAN TO FLUCTUATE ERRATICALLY . THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIANS STATED SUGAR WAS FOUND IN THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE TECHNICIANS REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP,CLEANED THE FUEL TANK, AND REPLACED THE FUEL FILTER. AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE FUEL GAUGE CONTINUED TO READ EMPTY CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000. UPDATED 09/20/2011 *LN *TR
Suspension, Aug 4, 2011
2002 FORD EXPLORER HAD ALL COIL SPRINGS BROKEN AND SOME MAY HAVE BEEN FOR QUITE SOME TIME. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT FORD WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE. I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND I HEARD SOMETHING CLUNK IN THE BACK AND SURE ENOUGH IT WAS COMPLETELY CRACKED. TOOK IT INTO GET REPAIRED ALONG WITH STRUTS AND BALL BEARING PLATE. TOTAL COST FOR THE FAILURE OF THESE SPRINGS = $1750! *TR
Power train, Aug 3, 2011
OVERDRIVE LIGHT BEGAN TO FLICKER ON AND OFF, AND THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. WOULD STAY IN A LOWER GEAR DURING ACCELERATION AS THE RPM CONTINUED TO CLIMB. HAD STORED CODES DIAGNOSED WITH THE FOLLOWING: P0732 (GEAR 2 INCORRECT RATIO), P0733 (GEAR 3 INCORRECT RATIO), P0734 (GEAR 4 INCORRECT RATIO). WAS ADVISED NOT TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE VEHICLE. REQUIRED COMPLETE TRANSMISSION REBUILD (BY AN INDEPENDENT INCLUDING UPGRADES) INCLUDING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TORQUE CONVERTER DUE TO EXCESSIVE METAL FILINGS THROUGHOUT. TOTAL COST $2581.60. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN USED FOR TOWING (NO HITCH) AND IS NOT ABUSED. . INVESTIGATION ON THE WEB REVEALS THIS TRANSMISSION FAILURE TO BE QUITE COMMON, CITING WEAKNESSES IN THE ORIGINAL DESIGN. CREATES A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITION BECAUSE THE FAILURE CAN OCCUR AT ANY TIME AT WHICH POINT THE ERRATIC BEHAVIOR COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 1, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO PULL THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL UP WITH HER FOOT BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A FEW SMALL TREES IN A WOODED AREA. THE DRIVER PREVIOUSLY SUFFERED FROM SPINAL INJURIES AND EXPERIENCED BACK AND HIP PAIN. THE DRIVER WAS TREATED BY A DOCTOR FOR THE INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. UPDATED 09/21/11*LJ UPDATED 10/05/11
Seat belts, Jul 27, 2011
2002 FORD EXPLORER LF SEATBELT BUCKLE PRETENSIONER BAD. AIRBAG LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE AFTER TWO REPLACEMENTS OF OVER 300.00 EA. SAFETY ISSUE? *TR
Suspension, Jul 27, 2011
BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS (STRUT ASSEMBILES) BROKEN ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. BREAKS IN STEEL COIL SPRINGS DISCOVERED DURING DEALER INSPECTION IN 2010. VEHICLE IS USED FOR STANDARD DAILY DRIVING ON PAVED ROADS. RESULTED IN SAGGING REAR OF VEHICLE AND DEGRADED VEHICLE CONTROL IN BUMPY TERRAIN. PARTS LIKELY BROKEN FOR SOME TIME BEFORE DETECTION. REPLACEMENT PARTS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED TO CORRECT PROBLEM. PHOTOS OF BROKEN PARTS AVAILABLE. *TR
Power train, Jul 27, 2011
I NEVER HAVE ANY WARNING BEFORE MY TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. MY TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHEN IT SHIFTS FROM 2ND GEAR INTO 3RD GEAR, AFTER THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS MY OD DASH LIGHT BEGINS FLASHING; THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THE FIRST MONTH I THAT I HAVE OWNED (APRIL 2007, WITH 77,000 MILES). I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO GET THE DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY WILL NOT TOUCH IT UNLESS I PAID $195. I CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE THAT DONE UNLESS THE COST GOES TOWARDS A REPAIR. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND I FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS TRANSMISSION ISSUE HAPPENING. *TR
Suspension, Jul 26, 2011
THIS COMPLAINT IS IN REGARDS TO THE 2002-2005 FORD EXPLORER/MERCURY MOUNTAINEER MODELS (4 DOORS). I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4 DOOR XLS WITH 150,000 MILES. RECENTLY MY VEHICLE BECAME VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. WHEN I ACCELERATE AND THEN RELEASE THE PEDAL THE VEHICLE WOULD "PUSH" TO ONE SIDE OR ANOTHER. ALSO GOING AROUND CURVES I WOULD GET A "DEATH WOBBLE" WHERE THE VEHICLE WOULD "PUSH" FROM SIDE TO SIDE IN ALMOST A SWINGING MOTION AND WHEN YOU ATTEMPT TO CORRECT IT, IT CONTINUES TO SWING EXCESSIVELY BACK AND FORTH. TONIGHT I WENT TO CHECK MY WHEEL BEARINGS THINKING THIS WAS THE PROBLEM, AND I FOUND 3 OUT OF THE 4 COIL SPRINGS ON THE STRUTS WERE BROKEN. BOTH REAR COILS WERE SHATTERED (EASIEST WAY TO DESCRIBE IT) AT THE TOP OF THE SPRING. I COULD LITERALLY PULL PIECES OF COIL SPRING OUT OF THE COIL. THE FRONT RIGHT SPRING WAS ALSO CRACKED ALL THE WAY THROUGH, NEAR THE BOTTOM OF THE COIL. I HAVE SPENT ALOT OF TIME WORKING ON CARS AND I HAVE NEVER SEE 3 COIL SPRINGS FAIL AT THE SAME TIME ESPECIALLY SINCE THEY ARE LESS THAN 10 YEARS OLD!!! I ALSO DID A GOOGLE SEARCH AND READ WHERE OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD SPRING FAILURES AS LOW AS 75,000 MILES!! PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE THERE ARE SO MANY OF THESE ON THE ROAD. I WORK IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THIS I FEEL IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY RISK AFTER EXPERIENCING THE LOSS OF CONTROL YOU HAVE WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IN THE ILLINOIS WINTER WITH ICE ON THE ROADS IT COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS. I WILL BE REPLACING THE ENTIRE STRUT/COIL SPRING ASSEMBLY SING THE REAR SPRINGS HAVE COLLAPSED IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE SPRING IS RUBBING ON THE STRUT BODIES. ONE OF THE ISSUES IS, WITH EXCEPTION OF THE HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS, THE VEHICLE SITS LEVEL AND CLOSE TO ITS NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT AND ITS IS VERY DIFFICULT TO TELL 3 SPRINGS ARE BROKEN. I WILL BE TAKING PICTURES TO DOCUMENT THIS FAILURE AND I WILL BE WILLING TO PROVIDE THIS TO YOU. I MAY ALSO SAVE THE OLD PARTS IF YOU WOULD LIKE. *TR
Power train, Jul 25, 2011
WAS DRIVING HOME FROM GETTING GROCERIES AND THE CAR FAILED TO ACCELERATE. WAS AT A INTERSECTION SO IT WAS A UNPLEASANT SITUATION AS THEIR WAS ONCOMING CARS. PULLED THE CAR OVER AND SHUT OFF.. CHECKED FOR TRANSMISSION FLUID.. THERE WAS NONE. STARTED CAR AND IT WOULD ONLY DRIVE ABOUT 15 MPH THE REMAINDER OF THE TRIP. THE OVERDRIVE CONTROL ON THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED. 2200 REPAIR.. CHECKED THE RECALLS AND THERE CURRENTLY IS NOT ONE EVEN THOUGH THIS SPECIFIC TRANSMISSION HAS THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINS (NOT OVER EXAGGERATING) THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATIONS CONSIDERING I COULD HAVE BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE OR A ON RAMP. THIS VEHICLE IS SITTING IN MY GARAGE AWAITING A RECALL OF WHEN MY FAMILY GETS THE FINANCIAL STABILITY TO REPAIR IT IN A NON FORD DEALERSHIP/REPAIR SHOP. THIS SUV GETS REGULAR FLUID FILLS/CHANGES AT THE CORRECT INTERVALS WITH DOCUMENTATION.. THIS TRANSMISSION IS "SEALED" WHICH MEANS IT CANNOT BE CHECKED FOR FLUID LOSS OR BAD FLUID. "BAD ENGINEERING" WHICH SHOULD REQUIRE A REPAIR AT FORDS EXPENSE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 22, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE TIMING CHAIN WAS FRACTURED AND THE ENGINE WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 177,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Power train, Jul 22, 2011
2002 FORD EXPLORER , HAD REAR END REPAIRED AT 75000.0 MILES BY FORD DEALER AND AGAIN IT'S MAKING A GRINDING NOISE AT 101000.0...LIKE ALL OTHERS, THEY STATE OUT OF WARRANTY AND WANT CUSTOMER TO PAY. *TT
Exterior lighting, Jul 21, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS AND BOTH TURN SIGNALS STOPPED ILLUMINATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO INSPECTED THE LIGHTS AND STATED THAT THE WIRES WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MECHANIC PERFORMED THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY THREE WEEKS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, AND OFFERED ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.