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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 26, 2011
FUELING SYSTEM/FUEL PUMP FAILURE. THIS IS MY SECOND 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND I'M HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THE FIRST EXPLORER I HAD I REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND CONTINUED TO HAVE THE SAME. NOW THE CURRENT 2002 EXPLORER I HAVE NOW IS EXPERIENCE THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. I'M JUST AMAZED AT HOW MANY COMPLAINTS THERE ARE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FROM OTHER BUYERS AND IT STILL ISN'T CONSIDERED A RECALL. VERY FRUSTRATED! *TR
Structure, May 24, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFTGATE GLASS SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. ONE YEAR LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED A FRACTURE THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF THE LIFTGATE AND THE LIFTGATE WOULD NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT WERE ONLY MANDATED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE UNDER THE RECALL ONCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, May 23, 2011
AFTER STARTING THE CAR (LEAVING MY SON'S BASEBALL GAME WITH MY 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN CAR!), I ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF IN MY HANDS. THE KEY WAS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND COULD NOT BE REMOVED. IT REQUIRED A SPECIAL TOW TRUCK TO GET THIS TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY QUOTED ME $1600 TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. IF YOU SEARCH ONLINE THERE ARE LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS LIKE THIS. WHY HAS A RECALL NOT BEEN ISSUED? THIS IS RIDICULOUS, AND EXTREMELY UNSAFE. WHAT IF YOU WERE GOING IN REVERSE AND TRIED TO SHIFT TO DRIVE AND THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF? YOU COULD CASE MAJOR ACCIDENTS. NOT TO MENTION GETTING STRANDED WITH SMALL CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND NO WAY TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION! FORD SHOULD BE ASHAMED - THIS PART THAT BROKE IS MADE OF CHEAP POT METAL, AND FORD DOES NOT MANUFACTURE OR SELL A REPLACEMENT PART FOR THE SMALL PIECE THAT BROKE, INSTEAD THEY MAKE YOU BUY A $1200 STEERING COLUMN! SHAME ON FORD! *TR
Steering, Power train, May 19, 2011
WHEN PUTTING CAR INTO PARK OR REVERSE, CAR WOULD SOMETIME STILL BE IN DRIVE FOR SECONDS AFTER PUTTING CAR IN GEAR. SEVERAL TIMES NOW, OCCASIONALLY CAR WILL SIMPLY SHUT OFF. RECENTLY, THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO PARK AND SHIFTER SEPARATED FROM STEERING COLUMN. *TR
Suspension, May 18, 2011
REAR SPRINGS ARE CRACKED AND MY MECHANIC AND FRIENDS SAID ITS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG 2002 EXPLORERS. ALSO SAW MANY COMPLAINTS AND PHOTO'S OF THE SAME PROBLEM ONLINE. *TR
Structure, May 17, 2011
VERTICAL CRACK REAR LIFE WINDOW ASSEMBLY NEAR 2002 FORD EXPLORER LOGO. VERTICAL CRACK GOES BETWEEN WINDOW GLASS AND BOTTOM OF LIFT WINDOW. I FEEL THE WHOLE REAR WINDOW GLASS WILL FAIL ON THE HIGHWAY AND SERIOUSLY EFFECT OTHER DRIVERS WITH THE HAIL OF GLASS. RECALL OF HINGES HAD BEEN COMPLETED RIGHT AFTER ORIGINAL NEW PURCHASE. *TR
Visibility, May 15, 2011
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT I PURCHASED 8 MONTHS AGO. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE SWITCH THAT CONTROLS THE WINDOWS 8 TIMES NOW. THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW GOES DOWN WHILE NOONE IS TOUCHING IT AND WILL NOT GO BACK UP. I HAVE JUMPED THE WINDOW UP AND DISCONNECTED THE PLUG UNTIL I COULD AFFORD IT EVERY TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED. THE COST IS ABOUT $200 TO REPAIR. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT IS SO FREQUENT AND UNTIL A PERSON CAN AFFORD TO FIX THE PROBLEM YOU HAVE TO JUMP YOUR WINDOW AND DISCONNECT THE PLUG, ALLOWING NONE OF THE WINDOWS TO GO DOWN. WHAT IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT AND PUTTING A WINDOW DOWN WAS THE ONLY WAY FOR AN ADULT OR A CHILD TO GET OUT OF THIS VEHICLE? TO ME THAT IS DANGEROUS! AND TERRIFYING! IN 8 MONTHS OF OWNING A VEHICLE THAT I PAID $6,500 FOR I HAVE NOW PUT $1,600 INTO ON TOP OF IT! AND I WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE TO DO SO IF THIS PROBLEM IS NOT RECALLED. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO 4 DIFFERENT GARAGES AND THE ONLY "FIX" OPTION I AM GETTING IS TO REPLACE THE SWITCH! THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING MORE THAN THIS IF THE SWITCH IS GOING BAD EVERY MONTH OR MORE! THIS LAST TIME IT TOOK A WHOLE 3 DAYS FOR THE SWITCH TO GO BAD AGAIN! I UNDERSTAND THAT SOME PEOPLE MAY FEEL AS THOUGH THIS IS NOT DANGEROUS OR IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT LETS BE REAL HERE.....IF THE PLUG IS NOT CONNECTED THE WINDOWS CANNOT GOT DOWN. SO IF THERE IS A FIRE OR AN ACCIDENT AND THIS IS THE ONLY WAY OUT PEOPLE MAY DIE!! SOME PEOPLE MAY SAY TO JUST KEEP PAYING TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED, HOWEVER IT IS GETTING EXPENSIVE AND IT IS NOT TRULY FIXING WHATEVER THE PROBLEM IS! FORD MADE THIS VEHICLE AND SHOULD HAVE TO FIX THIS ISSUE!! *TR
Steering, Power train, May 14, 2011
WHILE BACKING UP, THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. IT WAS GOOD THAT I WAS NOT IN TRAFFIC BECAUSE I COULD NOT GET THE CAR BACK IN GEAR AND COULD HAVE GOTTEN HIT AND OR CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED AND THE PARTS WERE IN MY OPINION OVER PRICED. MY FEAR IS THAT IT MAY HAPPEN AGAIN BECAUSE IT MAY HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH THE SAME DEFECTIVE PART. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 13, 2011
2002 FORD EXPLORER SPARK PLUG EJECTION ISSUE ON V8 4.6L ENGINE. THIS IS NOW THE SECOND TIME THAT I HAVE HAD SPARK PLUGS EJECT FOR THE ENGINE. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND FORD REDUCED THE NUMBER OF THREADS FOR THE SPARK PLUGS TO SAVE MACHINING TIME AND COSTS IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THE ENGINE. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE. THE FIRST TIME I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO GET THE SPARK PLUG THREADED BACK IN AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT SOMEWHERE FOR PROPER REPAIR. I AM NOT SO LUCKY THE SECOND TIME AS THE THREADS IN THE HEAD ARE DESTROYED. NOW I HAVE THE EXTRA COST OF TOWING THE TRUCK FOR REPAIR. I HAVE READ MANY FORUMS ON THIS ISSUE YET FORD CONTINUES TO IGNORE THE SAFETY OF IT'S CUSTOMERS. IT IS TIME FOR THEM TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR DESIGN DEFECTS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 12, 2011
EXPLORER GAS WILL NOT PUMP. CLICKS EVERY FEW SECONDS . *TR
Power train, May 11, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED AND WAS REPLACED AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. TWO YEARS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC SHOP WHO ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED OR REBUILT A SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Power train, May 10, 2011
TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 60K MILES. HARD SHIFTING, JERKING, SUDDEN SHIFTS INTO 4X4 HIGH. REPLACEMENT COST OF 2800 DOLLARS. THREE VISITS LATER AND IT STILL ISN'T RIGHT. *TR
Power train, May 4, 2011
TRANSMISSION HAS HAD PROBLEMS SINCE CAR WAS BOUGHT. HAVE HAD WORK DOWN ON IT AND FINALL Y HAD TO REPLACE IT IN MAY 2011, COST $5000. *TR
Power train, May 2, 2011, crash
FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSIONS SLIPPING AND GOING OUT WILL GET U KILLED IF U PULL OUT IN TRAFFIC AND IT STARTS SLIPPING AND WANT GO SOMEONE MAY HIT U AND GET U KILLED. *TR
Power train, Apr 28, 2011
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS A REAR END NOISE IT IS REALLY LOUD I'VE NOTICED MANY EXPLORERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE REPLACE REAR AXLE THE WHOLE REAR END AND THE NOISE COMES BACK I THINK ITS RIDICULOUS THAT I HAVE TO PAY ALL THIS MONEY TO FIX IT WHEN ITS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM FOR FORD EXPLORERS. FORD SHOULD HAVE A SOLUTION BY NOW AND SHOULD FIX IT FOR FREE.THE NOISE IS A CONSTANT WHEN DRIVING. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 27, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE AND THEN SHIFTING THE GEAR IN PARK, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARD AND CRASHED INTO A FENCE. NO ONE WAS INJURED BUT THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MINOR SCRATCHES ON THE REAR PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDES. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,900.
Suspension, Power train, Apr 25, 2011
OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH 109,000 MILES HAS SERIOUS TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEARS. THE LOCAL DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP STATE THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACED AT A COST BETWEEN $2,500 AND $3,500. IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION BECAUSE THERE ARE TIMES WHEN IT WILL NOT ACCELERATE. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND BALL BEARINGS ALSO NEED REPLACED ACCORDING TO 2 SEPARATE MECHANICS. THERE IS A RANDOM THUMPING COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE DAILY. THE COST TO REPAIR IS BETWEEN $2,000 AND $5,000. THEY CANNOT TELL US EXACTLY UNTIL THEY ACTUALLY GET IN THERE TO DO THE REPAIR. *TR
Power train, Apr 19, 2011
MY TRANSMISSION ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT WONT SHIFT INTO 3RD GEAR. *TR
Power train, Apr 18, 2011
TRANSMISSION IS WHINING AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Suspension, Apr 15, 2011
READ STRUT SPRINGS FAIL AND CRACK. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED IN THE PAST AND MANY OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON BOTH THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. FORD HAS BEEN NOTIFIED MANY TIMES WITH NO RESPONSE. I HAVE BEEN DOING A LOT OF RESEARCH INTO THIS ISSUE, AND REALIZED THAT HUNDREDS OF OWNERS AR CLAIMING THE SAME PROBLEM.
Steering, Power train, Apr 15, 2011
PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS !!!! THE EXPLORER GEAR SHIFTER IS DEFECTIVE AND UNSAFE. THERE IS A COMMON THREAD WITH GEARSHIFT SELECTOR BREAKAGE ON FORD EXPLORERS WHICH INDICATES THAT RECALL IS URGENTLY NEEDED. AFTER PARKING, I TRIED TO MOVE THE GEAR SHIFTER FROM DRIVE TO PARK TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. TO MY ABSOLUTE ASTONISHMENT THE GEAR SHIFTER BROKE LIKE A DANGLING BROKEN ARM IN THE REVERSE POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS RENDERED USELESS AND ME OPTIONLESS. I WORK AT A SECURE GOV'T FACILITY AND IT WAS NO PICNIC TRYING TO GET A TOW TRUCK DRIVER ACCESS. I FINALLY GOT THE TRUCK TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP AT $85. THE DEALER THEN INFORMED ME THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT $1,690. THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PART AND NEEDED A DAY TO GET THE TRUCK BACK TO ME. I HAD TO RENT A CAR WHICH WAS ANOTHER $102 BUCKS. MAKE FORD TAKE CARE OF THIS SAFETY HAZARD. I ASKED FOR THE PART AND CAN SHOW YOU WHAT BROKE INSIDE WHICH IS LITERALLY A WEAK METAL HOUSING THAT THE GEAR SHIFT HANDLE FITS IN.... *TR
Power train, Apr 15, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN THE OVERDRIVE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE TRANSMISSION ALSO EXHIBITED SEVERE HESITATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,071.
Power train, Apr 15, 2011
MY WIFE WAS PREPARING TO TAKE OUR 3 CHILDREN TO SCHOOL. SHE PUT OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN REVERSE AND BACKED OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY. AFTER STOPPING, SHE ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE. THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE, LEAVING HER WITH A CAR STUCK IN NEUTRAL. THE KEYS ARE LOCKED IN THE IGNITION AND CANNOT BE REMOVED. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ONLINE, I WAS VERY SURPRISED TO DISCOVER THIS IS NOT A RECALL ITEM AND THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S RECOMMENDED FIX IS CHANGING OUT THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. IS THIS REALLY TRUE? *TR
Power train, Apr 12, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF WHILE SWITCHING GEARS FROM DRIVE TO PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR A MECHANIC SINCE THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVE IT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.
Power train, Apr 11, 2011
DRIVING 2002 FORD EXPLORER WHEN O/D LIGHT FLASHED AND WARNING CAME ON TO CHECK TRANSMISSION. WILL NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. *TR