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, Jul 20, 2011
TRANSMISSION HAS GONE OUT AT 85,300 MILES, MUST HAVE IT REBUILT. *KB
Steering, Jul 18, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON SHIFTING THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE, THE GEAR SHIFTER SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 183,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jul 18, 2011
2002 FORD EXPLORER-TRANSMISSION FAILURE-130,000 MILES-JULY 12, 2011 TRANSMISSION REBUILT AT 119,000 MILES ON JAN. 13, 2010 BY A LOCAL FORD DEALER- BOTH FAILURES CONSISTED OF THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING IN AND OUT OF GEAR DURING NORMAL DRIVING. IN HEAVY TRAFFIC THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOSES SPEED AND PASSENGERS ARE SUBJECT TO REAR END IMPACT OR SUDDEN SURGES OF SPEED WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS BACK INTO GEAR, CAUSING A POSSIBLE REAR END IMPACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE TRANSMISSION STICKS IN ONE GEAR AND WILL NOT SHIFT. FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS BEEN AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THIS TYPE OF TRANSMISSION SINCE 2002. MY LOCAL DEALER SAYS THAT FMC FIGURES REVEALED THAT 30% OF VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THIS TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCED FAILURE OF SOME TYPE. HOWEVER FMC OFFERED VERY LITTLE RELIEF TO ITS CUSTOMERS. I BELIEVE THAT IT IS TIME FOR AN IMMEDIATE FORCED RECALL OF THIS TRANSMISSION. *KB
Power train, Jul 12, 2011
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSON SLIPPING GEARS, HARD TO SHIFT, AND NOT ACCELERATING IN APRIL 2008 AT 100K MILES. REPLACED WITH A REBUILT TRANSMISSION AND SAME THING IS HAPPENING AGAIN AFTER ONLY 40K MORE MILES AND ONLY 2 MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY FOR THE REBUILT TRANSMISSION. THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION AND SOMEBODY IS GOING TO GET SERIOUSLY HURT. *TT
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 12, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND A CLAIM WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING FURTHER INSTRUCTION BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Power train, Jul 11, 2011
I OWN A 2002 XPLORER, RECENTLY THE O.D LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING AND THE TRUCK STARTED JERKING VIOLENTLY. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME TRANSMISSION PROBLEM.I HAVE AN EIGHT YEAR OLD WHO WAS IN THE TRUCK WITH ME AT THE TIME.THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WITH FORD AND SHOULD DEFINATELY BE LOOKED INTO. *TT
Power train, Jul 11, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE MORE THAN 20 MPH, AND THE OVER DRIVE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. DUE TO THE TYPE OF WARNING LIGHT, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTIES, AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Suspension, Jun 30, 2011
REAR CRACKED/CRUMBLING STRUT SPRINGS BOTH SIDES. *TR
Steering, Jun 29, 2011
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. I ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF IN MY HAND. I NOW HAVE TO PAY $1360 FOR A REPLACEMENT (USED) STEERING COLUMN. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON WITH 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD VOLUNTARILY DO A RECALL, BEFORE A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT IS BROUGHT AGAINST THEM. *TR
Other or unspecified, Jun 27, 2011, fire
I WAS RIDING ALONG THE HIGHWAY IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH MY TWO KIDS ON VACATION. WE HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT 4 HOURS . I WAS USING THE CRUISE CONTROL. I CAME TO A RED LIGHT THEN CONTINUED ON FOR ABOUT 2 MILES THAN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CHECK TEMP GAUGE CAME ON AND THE GAUGE WAS ALL THE WAY HOT. I WAITED FOR A SAFE PLACE ON THE SIDE OF THE RODE TO PULL OVER. AS SOON AS THE TRUCK WAS PUT IN PARK SMOKE STARTED COMING IN THROUGH THE GLOVE BOX AND THE HOOD. MY SON WHO WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT SAID HIS LEGS FELT HOT. A PASSERBY PULLED OVER AND YELLED GET YOUR STUFF AND GET OUT OF THE TRUCK. WE HAD ENOUGH TIME TO GET WHAT WE COULD AND RUN. THE TRUCK STARTED TO BURN AND ALL WE COULD DO WAS WATCH. WE WERE STRANDED 4 HOURS FROM HOME. LUCKILY FOR US THE GOOD SAMARITANS PROBABLY SAVED OUR LIVES. THE TRUCK WENT FROM HOT TO FULLY INVOLVED IN A MATTER OF A FEW MINUTES. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPT. CAME THE TRUCK WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Jun 26, 2011
I WAS OPENING THE REAR GLASS ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT WHEN THE HINGE BROKE AND THE GLASS FELL ON MY ARM. I WAS LUCKY TO CATCH IT BEFORE IT HIT THE GROUND. I NOW HAVE A HUGE BRUISE ON MY ARM. I CONTACTED FORD THE SAID MY TRUCK WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BECAUSE OF WHERE IT WAS BUILT. *TR
Steering, Power train, Jun 22, 2011
WHILE MY WIFE WAS BACKING UP IN MY SON'S DRIVEWAY, THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CHARGE TO REPAIR BY A FORD DEALER WAS ROUGHLY $2,000.00 (INCLUDING TOW CHARGES). AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE, IT APPARENTLY IS WAY TOO COMMON, HOWEVER FORD REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE RESPONSIBILITY OR ISSUE A RECALL. *TR
Power train, Jun 22, 2011
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER'S TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THAT IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION IN THESE MODEL AND YEAR VEHICLES. THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME RECALL FOR THIS. *TR
Power train, Jun 21, 2011
WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO PARK THE SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF IN MY HAND. TO RESEARCH THIS PROBLEM PLEASE LOOK AT WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM AND LOOK UNDER THE 2002 EXPLORER AND UNDER THE SUB HEADING INTERIOR ACCESSORIES PROBLEMS. OF THE 180 COMPLAINTS UNDER THIS SUB HEADING, 126 ARE FOR THE BROKEN SHIFT LEVER PROBLEM AND THESE WERE ALL REPORTED SINCE 2008. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS SAFETY PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS CLEARLY DUE TO FAULTY DESIGN AND FAULTY PARTS. *TR
Other or unspecified, Jun 20, 2011
MY VEHICLE SURGES FORWARD WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES THIS MONTH. *TT
Power train, Jun 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR DETACHED FROM THE HINGE WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE GEARS. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE BUT THE KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ONCE BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,797 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 75,846. UPDATED 07/27/11*LJ
Wheels, Jun 14, 2011
YOU NEED TO SERIOUSLY LOOK INTO RECALLING ALL 2002 FORD EXPLORERS FOR POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS WHEEL AND HUB ASSEMBLIES. THIS HAPPENED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, IT HAPPENED IN AUGUST 2008. I JUST MOVED INTO MY DORM, AND I HAD TO GO HOME FOR A LITTLE WHILE. I WAS ON THE PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE, AND MY TRUCK BEGAN SWERVING TO THE POINT THAT I HAD NO CONTROL OVER IT, AND I HAD TO PULL OVER. WHEN I GOT OUT, I PULLED THE LUG COVER OFF THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL TO FIND THAT FOUR OF THE FIVE LUGS WERE SNAPPED. I HAD TO PAY $400 TO HAVE IT TOWED, AND WHEN IT GOT TO THE GARAGE, THEY FOUND THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND HUB WERE DAMAGED. THE NEXT TIME IT HAPPENED, IT HAPPENED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL, AND, AGAIN, THE LUGS SNAPPED AND THEY FOUND THE HUB AND WHEEL BEARINGS TO BE THE CAUSE OF IT. THIS WAS ABOUT A MONTH AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT. THE THIRD INCIDENT INVOLVED BOTH FRONT WHEELS, BUT LUCKILY ONLY THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND HUBS WERE DAMAGED AND MY WHEELS STAYED IN PLACE. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT NOVEMBER OF 2010. IN JANUARY OF 2011, THE REAR WENT AGAIN. THIS TIME IT WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A SNOW STORM, SO I HAD TO WAIT IN THE FREEZING COLD FOR TWO HOURS UNTIL THE TOW TRUCK COULD COME. CURRENTLY, MY VEHICLE IS SITTING IN A GARAGE TO HAVE YET ANOTHER WHEEL BEARING REPLACED BECAUSE IT HAS FAILED. IN TOTAL, IN THE LAST TWO YEARS, THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES EACH AND THE FRONT WHEELS HAVE NOW BEEN REPLACED TWO TIMES EACH. EVERY TIME IT HAPPENS, IT FEELS AS THOUGH YOU ARE DRIVING ON ICE, AND THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY GETS TO THE POINT WHERE IT CANNOT BE CONTROLLED ANY LONGER. I'VE HAD NUMEROUS INCIDENTS WHERE I'VE BEGAN TO FISHTAIL. EVERY TIME IT GOES TO THE GARAGE, THEY PUT IT ON THE LIFT AND THE WHEELS JUST DANGLE THERE. THE MECHANIC, ONE TIME, KICKED IT AND IT FELL OFF. HE DID THIS TO SHOW HOW CLOSE I WAS TO A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THESE VEHICLES NEED TO BE RECALLED AND EQUIPPED WITH SUPERIOR PARTS. FORD WILL EVENTUALLY KILL SOMEONE. *TR
Suspension, Jun 12, 2011
UPON TAKING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE. I WAS INFORMED BY THE FORD DEALER THAT MY LEFT REAR SPRING WAS BROKEN. MY EXPLORER ONLY HAS 26,116 MILES, HOW COULD THE SPRINGS BREAK? I NEVER CARRY ANYTHING HEAVY, USUALLY ONLY ONE PERSON IS IN THE VEHICLE. IV'E BEEN READING ON THE INTERNET AND THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY HASN'T NHTSA LOOKED IN THIS ISSUE SINCE IT IS A SAFETY PROBLEM? FORD MOTOR CO. KNOWS THIS IS A DEFECT SINCE THEY CHANGED THEIR DESIGN AFTER IT WAS DISCOVERED. CAN NHTSA RE-EXAMINE THIS ISSUE AND ORDER A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE JETS INJURED. *TR
Power train, Jun 8, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOMETER BEGAN TO FLASH AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN HOME AND PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 84,000.
Power train, Jun 3, 2011
TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF STEERING COLUMN AS THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN PARK. COULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE HAD I BEEN ANYWHERE OTHER THAN MY HOME AND SHIFTING INTO ANY OTHER GEAR THAN PARK. THOUGHT THIS WAS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT ONLY TO FIND INFORMATION ONLINE THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THE 2002 EXPLORERS (OVER 100 REPORTED ON ONE WEBSITE ALONE). OTHER ISSUES I'VE EXPERIENCED SINCE DAY 1 OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE NEW ARE TRANSMISSION LUNGING, VEHICLE ROCKING WHEN PUT IN PARK, AND DIFFICULTY SHIFTING INTO PARK.
Electrical system, Jun 3, 2011
SPARKPLUG WAS EJECTED FROM HEAD WHILE DRIVING. THE PLUG WAS MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATION AND PROPERLY INSTALLED TO THE CORRECT TORQUE. SPARKPLUG HOLE WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE MACHINED FOR A NEW PLUG. CREATES A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE DRIVING AS WELL AS A FIRE HAZARD AS THE EMPTY CYLINDER FORCES AIR/FUEL MIXTURE INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHERE EJECTED SPARK PLUG COULD IGNITE IT. *TR
Power train, Jun 3, 2011
TODAY I DROVE MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER OUT AND UPON RETURNING HOME I COULD NOT SHIFT IT INTO PARK. I SWITCHED IT OFF THINKING THAT IF I CRANK IT UP AND TURN THE WHEELS IT WOULD GO INTO PARK BUT I COULDN'T EVEN CRANK IT UP BECAUSE I WAS NOT IN THE PARK GEAR. I PLAYED WITH IT FOR 20 MINUTES AND IT FINALLY WENT INTO PARK. I LET IT SIT FOR A COUPLE HOURS AND WENT BACK OUT AND CRANKED IT, IT WENT INTO GEAR. I DROVE IT AROUND THE BLOCK CAME BACK AND PARKED. CRANKED IT UP ABOUT 10 MINUTES LATER TO GO OUT AND IT WOULD NOT COME OUT OF PARK GEAR. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE PROBLEM BUT IF IT'S SOMETHING SERIOUS THE DEALER CAN HAVE IT BACK. SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE TO MAKE FORD REPAIR THEIR MALFUNCTIONS, WE ARE TALKING SOME SERIOUS MONEY ON THESE REPAIRS AND A LOT OF PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF IS LOOKING FOR WORK NOW. PEOPLE WE NEED TO START PROTESTING OUT SIDE THESE DEALERSHIPS. THEY ARE GETTING RICH AND WE ARE SUFFERING AT THEIR MISHAPS. *TR
Suspension, Jun 1, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS THE CONTACT HEARD A BUZZING NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED, THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND WOBBLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE HUB AND THE WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Power train, May 31, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE GEAR SELECTOR LEVER FRACTURED WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK INTO DRIVE. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
Power train, Latches/locks/linkages, May 31, 2011, crash
THIS REQUESTED RECALL INVOLVES A 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAVING AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. DURING NORMAL USE, THE SHIFT LEVER BREAKS OFF AT A CAST ROTATING CYLINDER THAT TRANSMITS THE TORQUE FROM THE GEAR SHIFTER TO PUSH AND PULL THE CABLE THAT PUTS THE VEHICLE IN PARK, DRIVE, NEUTRAL, AND REVERSE. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD A TENDENCY TO JUMP OUT OF PARK EVEN BEFORE THE PART BROKE WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL BACK AND ALMOST PINNED ME BETWEEN ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACK AND CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE PARKED DOWNHILL. THIS WAS A NEAR MISS ACCIDENT. FORD WANTS TO CHARGE $1500 TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. WE ELECTED TO JUNK THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME UNTIL ANOTHER SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND. VEHICLE STILL DRIVES IF YOU REACH YOUR HAND AND PUSH/PULL THE TRANSMISSION CABLE TO SHIFT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION INTO GEAR. WE CAN SEND THE BROKE OFF SECTION OF THE PART IF YOU WILL RETURN IT. ON THE INTERNET, THERE ARE MANY REPORTS OF THE SAME FAILURE FOR YEARS 2002 THROUGH 2005 FORD EXPLORERS. *TR