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.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 15, 2011
2002 4 X 4 FORD EXPLORER, WHILE DRIVING IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC THE TIMING CHAINS WENT ON THIS TRUCK. OF COURSE THE ENGINE STOPPED WORKING AND I HAD THE HUGE PROBLEM OF PUSHING IT OFF THIS 3 LANE BUSY HIGHWAY. DID GET IT OFF AND NOW WAITING TO RAISE ENOUGH MONEY FOR REPLACEMENT ENGINE. YES THE OIL WAS CHANGED EVERY 3200 - 3400 MILES, DEFAULT WITH THE FORD ENGINES, PLASTIC SPROCKS. SO I AM WITHOUT A TRUCK UNTIL MONEY IS RAISED OR FORD DOES A RECALL. I KNOW! THERE WAS NO SIGN OTHER THAN A SLIGHT NOISE STARTING AND CALLED THE GARAGE AND NEVER GOT THERE. MY TRUCK IS IN GREAT SHAPE, NO RUST, NO ACCIDENTS AND I LOVE TO DRIVE IT! THE GAS IS NOT BAD AT ALL IF YOU DON'T HORSE IT! *TR
Structure, Feb 15, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE LIFT GATE PANEL WAS CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS AND OFFERED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ENTIRE LIFT GATE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 154,000.
Power train, Feb 14, 2011
I AM ANOTHER VICTIM OF THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND ITS TRANSMISSION WOES. ALERTED BY A FLASHING OD YELLOW WARNING LIGHT, AFTER A TRIP TO THE GARAGE AND RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I DISCOVER THIS IS A SIGN THAT I WILL NEED A $3000 TRANSMISSION REBUILD ON A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 99K MILES THAT WAS CAREFULLY USED AND DEALER SERVICED. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY FORD AND HAVE DONE NOTHING TO RECTIFY IF WITH CONSUMERS. *TR
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 12, 2011
FORD EXPLORER SPORT-TRAC 2001-2005 THE BODY MOUNTS ARE CRUMBLING, KNOWN DEFECT ON ALL THESE VEHICLES, INFERIOR RUBBER - CAUSING EXPOSURE OF BODY TO FRAME. POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE - COULD VERY LIKELY CAN CAUSE ROLL-OVERS AS THE RUBBER DISINTEGRATES THERE IS NO SUPPORT BETWEEN THE BODY AND THE FRAME. FORD IS AWARE OF THIS DEFECT BUT HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM.
Structure, Feb 12, 2011
FORD EXPLORER CRACKED REAR PANEL. *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Feb 10, 2011
O/D LIGHT FLASHES FOR A FEW DAYS THEN AT AROUND 25 MPH THE GEAR SWITCHES INTO NEUTRAL AND RUNS VERY ROUGH THEN THE CAR IS THROWN FORWARD. HAD A REBUILT TRANSMISSION (WE WERE TOLD WE WERE GETTING A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION AND PAID EXTRA FOR IT!) AT 83K MILES ON OCT 15, 2010 THEN FEB 5, 2011 THE SAME EXACT THING HAPPENS. THE DEALER CANNOT TAKE THE TRUCK FOR ANOTHER 5 DAYS AND REFUSED TO GIVE ME A LONER CAR BECAUSE IT IS NOT UNDER THE WARRANTY. PLEASE NOTE: BELOW I PUT IN THE FIRST INCIDENT DATE, FEB 2011 IS THE SECOND INCIDENT DATE. IN MAY OF 2009 I WAS TOLD MY ENGINE FAILED AT ABOUT 76,000 MILES. WE DID BUY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND WE WERE COVERED. THE FORD DEALERSHIP TOLD US WE WERE NOT COVERED. THEY HAD OUR TRUCK FOR 3 WEEKS UNTIL THE WARRANTY PEOPLE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND LET THEM KNOW IT SHOULD BE FIXED. WE ALSO HAD A RENTAL CAR OR A LONER CAR UNDER THE WARRANTY. THEY REFUSED TO PAY FOR A RENTAL CAR AND SAID THEY DID NOT HAVE A LOANER CAR AVAILABLE. IT TOOK 4 MORE WEEKS (IN TOTAL 7 WEEKS) TO GET THE TRUCK BACK AND NEVER PAID FOR THE RENTAL. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 9, 2011
DOORS WILL NOT SHUT IN THE FREEZING COLD WEATHER. WENT OUT TO THE EXPLORER TONIGHT, GOT IN, SHUT THE DOOR AND PROCEEDED TO DRIVE. I TAKE THE HIGHWAY ON RAMP AND MY DRIVERS DOOR FLEW OPEN. I STOPPED AND TRIED TO SHUT IT AND IT JUST BOUNCED OPEN AGAIN AND AGAIN BECAUSE THE LATCH WAS FROZEN. I FINALLY GET IT TO STAY CLOSED, DROP MY PASSENGER OFF AND THEN THE PASSENGER'S DOOR WOULDN'T CLOSE EITHER. I DROVE ALL THE WAY HOME HOLDING MY PASSENGER'S DOOR CLOSED. THIS TRUCK IS THE ABSOLUTE BIGGEST PIECE OF GARBAGE I HAVE EVER DRIVEN IN MY LIFE. IF YOU ARE READING THIS COMPLAINT AND HAVE NOT YET PURCHASED AN EXPLORER I STRONGLY URGE YOU TO RECONSIDER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 7, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT(NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO HELP BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 107,000.
Power train, Feb 6, 2011
AT APPROXIMATELY 60,000 MILES, MY TRANSMISSION ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER FAILED. THERE ARE THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS ISSUE. FORD HAS NOT RECOGNIZED THE DEFECT. THIS POSES SEVERAL HAZARDS SUCH AS A LOCKING TRANSMISSION ON THE HIGHWAY, SLIPPING TRANSMISSION WHEN IN PARK, NO ABILITY TO MOVE WHEN IN TRAFFIC. *TR
Power train, Feb 3, 2011
THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED SHIFTING CORRECTLY, STARTED MAKING BAD NOISES, WON'T SHIFT OUT OF SECOND GEAR, AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT IS FLASHING SPASTIC. THE VEHICLE IS ALMOST UNDRIVEABLE, AND THIS APPEARS TO BE A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM FROM WHAT I HAVE READ. I AM ABOUT TO TAKE IT INTO A TRANSMISSION SHOP FOR DIAGNOSIS. *TR
Power train, Feb 1, 2011
TRANSMISSION FAILURE
Wheels, Feb 1, 2011
I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL CHANGED AND BOTH WHEEL BEARINGS. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AT 80000 MILES FOR ME BUT IS SO WIDE SPREAD IN THIS MAKE AND MODEL THAT IT OCCURS OVER AND OVER. *LN
Equipment, Feb 1, 2011
WATER AND MELTING SNOW LEAK INTO THE VEHICLE ONTO THE DOME LIGHTS, GARAGE DOOR OPENER, AND SUNROOF SWITCH AND MOTOR DUE TO THE SUNROOF DRAIN HOSES BECOMING CLOGGED OR DEVELOPING HOLES IN THEM. WATER COMING IN CONTACT WITH THESE ITEMS CAN SHORT THEM OUT OR START A FIRE. *LN
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Jan 31, 2011
WHILE INSPECTING THE LEFT, REAR WHEEL BEARING A BROKEN SPRING WAS FOUND. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE WHEEL BEARING WAS ALSO IN A STAGE OF FAILURE. A LOAD NOISE LIKE THE VEHICLE HAD "TRUCK TIRES" WAS COMING FROM THE REAR. THE SPRING WAS FRACTURED AT THE TOP IN MULTIPLE PLACES AND PARTIALLY COLLAPSED
Power train, Structure, Jan 28, 2011
I HAVE 2 ISSUES WITH MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER..THE FIRST ISSUE IS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I BOUGHT THIS LAST YEAR AND TOOK IT BACK TO WHERE I BOUGHT IT 2 DAYS LATER AND THEY HAD THE TRANSMISSION SHOP THEY DEAL WITH LOOK AT IT AND WAS TOLD THERE'S NOTHING WRONG. WHEN I GO TO PUT IT IN DRIVE OR REVERSE THE VEHICLE WONT MOVE. ONCE I START DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION KEEPS SLIPPING AND WHEN STOPPED AT RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN I HAVE TO BE VERY CAUTIOUS BECAUSE IT WONT GO AND WANTS TO DRIFT BACKWARDS AND WANTS TO STALL AND I DON'T WANT TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BY DRIFTING INTO SOMEONE. I HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS EVERYDAY AND IT'S GETTING OLD NOW. THE SECOND ISSUE IS THE REAR HATCH/DOOR.. TODAY I TOOK NOTICE THAT THERE IS A CRACK RIGHT UNDER THE WINDOW WHERE THE REAR FORD EMBLEM IS LOCATED. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 27, 2011
MY LEFT TURN SIGNAL WENT OUT. REPLACED BULB...NO CHANGE. WENT TO DEALERSHIP. THEY REPAIRED STEERING WHEEL HARNESS ISSUE. WORKED UNTIL I DROVE MY AUNT TO DET. METRO FOR A FLIGHT TO DALLAS. SPENT THE WHOLE DRIVE TRYING TO MAKE OTHER DRIVERS REMEMBER HAND SIGNALS FROM THERE TO CENTER LINE, MI ON FREEWAYS. THIS TIME THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMED THE WIRES NEEDED TO BE COVERED WITH A MELT-WRAP TO STOP THE TILT WHEEL FROM PINCHING THE WIRES. I THINK IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RIGHT FROM DAY 1 AND FORD'S SHOULD PAY US BACK FOR BOTH THE BRAKES AND THE LIGHTS. RECALL AND FIX THIS! I HAVE NEVER HAD TO PUT THIS MUCH INTO BRAKES/LIGHTS BEFORE. I'VE BEEN DRIVING FOR 44 YEARS. ALL FORD PRODUCTS. WHAT'S THE PROBLEM WITH THIS ONE????? I NEGLECTED TO SAY THAT MY ROTORS WENT AT 12000 MILES. CAR TURNED INTO A DEATH TRAP SHORTLY AFTER. KEPT TAKING IT TO DEALERSHIP COMPLAINING THAT IT TOOK OFF AND PULLED RIGHT WHEN I BRAKED. THEY REPLACED EVERYTHING THEY COULD TALK ME INTO PAYING FOR TO THE TUNE OF $1100 AND WHEN IT DIDN'T FIX IT THEY STILL CLAIMED THAT THEIR CHARGE WAS TAKING CARE OF "OTHER" PROBLEMS. I MADE THE TECH. DRIVE WITH ME AND REPEAT WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM (SLOW BRAKING AS IF AT A STOP SIGN/TRAFFIC LIGHT) AND HE ACTUALLY YELPED WHEN THE TRUCK TOOK OFF AGAIN AND TURNED RIGHT ON HIM. TURNS OUT IT WAS A BAD RIGHT FRONT ANTI-LOCK SENSOR THAT COST ME A FORTUNE. TOO BAD FORD DOESN'T HAVE MORE CAPABLE TECH'S TO FIND THE PROBLEM. ALSO TOO BAD THAT THE SENSOR WASN'T WORKING WELL IN THE FIRST PLACE. BRAKE MODULE REPLACEMENT, ROTORS, PADS...STILL UNDER 30000 AND HAVE NO CONFIDENCE. ALL MY OTHER CARS/TRUCKS WENT WAY BEYOND 70000 MILES WITHOUT ROTOR PROBLEMS. I'M A "LIGHT" BRAKER. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I EVER HAD TO DO THE BRAKES LIKE THIS. I'M BEGINNING TO THINK IT'S A CHEAP-DOWN, MORE WORK FOR THE DEALERS ISSUE. SHAME ON SOMEBODY! *TR
Structure, Jan 26, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE CONTACT NOTICED A LARGE CRACK ON THE REAR LIFT GATE. THE CRACK WAS LOCATED DIRECTLY UNDER THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,000.
Power train, Jan 25, 2011
I WAS DRIVING MY EXPLORER YESTERDAY AND IT WAS ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT GEARS AND INSTEAD SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION OR A TIRE GETTING BUSTED. THE O/D LIGHT CAME ON AND START FLASHING. IT WOULD RESET ITSELF EVERYTIME THE CAR WAS RESTARTED BUT IMMEDIATELY CAME BACK ON. LATER IN THE EVENING, THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. I'M NOT ONE TO WAIT AND LET SOMETHING TERRIBLE HAPPEN TO MY VEHICLES SO I TOOK IT TO AAMCO AFTER FORD TOLD US THEY WERE TOO BUSY TO RUN DIAGNOSTICS ON IT. AAMCO EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS EITHER THE TRANSMISSION OR THE SOLENOID PACK. UPON OPENING THE PAN UNDERNEATH, THEY EXPLAINED THAT IF THERE WERE METAL CHUNKS IT WOULD BE THE TRANSMISSION; IF NOT, THE SOLENOID PACK. SURE ENOUGH, THERE WERE BIG METAL CHUNKS. NOW, AFTER HAVING THE CAR ONLY TWO MONTHS, I'M HAVING TO COME UP WITH MONEY TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION IN A CAR THAT APPEARED TO BE IN STELLAR CONDITION. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH TODAY, APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON AND WELL KNOWN ISSUE IN THE FORD EXPLORER. FORD NEEDS TO STEP UP THEIR QUALITY OF EQUIPMENT USED IN THEIR VEHICLES. IT IS SCARY TO KNOW I COULD HAVE BEEN IN TRAFFIC OR SOMEWHERE ELSE AND THE CAR DIE AND LEAVE ME STRANDED OR HURT. *TR
Visibility, Jan 24, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT WAS STANDING UNDER THE REAR LIFT GATE WHEN IT CLOSED ON ITS OWN AND THE GLASS SHATTERED. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE SEVERE INJURIES BUT SUSTAINED A HEADACHE AND CUTS ON HER HEAD. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07E104000 (COMPONENT: VISIBILITY: GLASS, SIDE/REAR) ON THE VEHICLE. THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THE VEHICLE COULD BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND IF THE TECHNICIANS DETERMINED THE REPAIRS WERE NOT PERFORMED CORRECTLY, THEY WOULD COVER THE COSTS OF THE GLASS BUT IF THEY WERE DONE CORRECTLY, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO COVER THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,263.
Other or unspecified, Jan 23, 2011
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER BACK REAR WINDOW EXPLODED THE GLASS HIT THE TOP OF MY HEAD AND CUT MY FACE AND A PIECE GOT IN MY EYE, GLASS WENT EVERY WHERE, IT WAS LIKE A BOMB WENT OFF. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THIS HAS HAPPEN TOO. I FEEL THIS REALLY NEEDS TO BE ADDRESS ASP, AND A RECALL ON IT. WHAT HAS TO HAPPEN SOME ONE LOSE A EYE FOR ANYTHING TO BE DONE. JUST CHECK THE REPORT ON THIS, ITS NOT A ONE TIME THING.. IT HAS HAPPEN TO LOST OF THEM WHY ISN'T ANY THING BEING DONE ABOUT IT ? IS FORD PAYING SOMEONE OFF. *LN
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 22, 2011
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, ORIGINAL PLUGS IN IT FROM DEALER. TODAY I HAD A PLUG EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE RESTING ON TOP OF THE HEAD. LUCKILY I KNOW ABOUT CARS AND HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP. INCIDENT IS COMMON IN FORDS AND COULD LEAD TO POSSIBLE INJURY, SINCE EJECTED PLUG COULD LEAD UP TO EXCESSIVE GASOLINE VAPORS WHICH COULD BE IGNITED BY LOOSE PLUG CAUSING FIRE. *TR
Structure, Jan 21, 2011
REAR PANEL CRACKED IN HALF, VEHICLE WAS NOT HIT IT JUST HAPPENED. *TR
Structure, Jan 19, 2011
THE PLASTIC PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW CRACKED. FOUND OUT IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND LOCAL DEALERSHIP WILL DO NOTHING TO HELP OUT. MY REPAIR COST WILL BE ABOUT $500. IT IS OBVIOUSLY A DESIGN DEFECT. FORD SHOULD REPAIR AT NO COST TO ME.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 19, 2011
2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC FUEL FILL PROBLEM.TANK WILL NOT FILL AND SPLASHES OUT EVERY TIME I TRY TO GET GAS COVERING ME WITH GAS AND SPRAYING OUT EVERY WHERE. FORUMS SHOW THIS IS VARY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE SPORT TRAC. VARY UNSAFE. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Latches/locks/linkages, Interior lighting, Jan 19, 2011
THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED UPON SIDE DOOR CLOSURE OF A FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING AFTER RE-FUELING. CONCURRENT WITH AND IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG, THE DOOR ALARM SYSTEM WAS CHIMING THAT A DOOR WAS AJAR, AND AFTER INSPECTION BY A MECHANIC IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SECURITY/DOOR WARNING SYSTEM MODULE HAS FAILED. FORD WAS SENT THE AIRBAG MODULE FOR INSPECTION, AND HAS YET TO PROVIDE THE RESULTS OF THE MODULE INSPECTION - AFTER A PERIOD OF MORE THAN 5 MONTHS. FURTHER PROBLEMS PERSIST WITH THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM. THE DOOR AJAR ALARM CONTINUES TO SOUND AT RANDOM INTERVALS, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKER ON AND OFF AT RANDOM INTERVALS, AND THE DOOR LOCKS REPEATEDLY LOCK AND UNLOCK, ALL OF WHICH CAUSE A DISTRACTING POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD WHILE DRIVING. *TR