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.
Structure, Nov 6, 2010
BODY MOUNT BUSHINGS HAVE DETERIORATED. THE CAR IS ONLY 8 YRS OLD. I LOOKED TODAY AFTER HEARING A CRACKING/POPPING NOISE AND THE DRIVERS' SIDE FRONT BUSHING (THERE ARE TWO ON EACH SO, TECHNICALLY, BUSHINGS) ARE ALMOST COMPLETELY GONE. THE PASSENGER SIDE AND 2 MIDDLE MOUNT BUSHINGS ARE ALSO CRACKED AND DETERIORATING. I HAVE CONFIRMED THAT THIS IS EXCEEDINGLY PREMATURE AND ESSENTIALLY UNHEARD OF IN CARS THIS AGE. IN FACT, I'VE BEEN TOLD IN CARS 20 YRS OLD THAT OFTEN THE BUSHINGS ARE STILL FINE. EARLY DETERIORATION IS UNSAFE AND, APPARENTLY, NOT UNCOMMON IN THESE TRUCKS. THUS, I WANTED TO REPORT IT. *TR
Seats, Nov 5, 2010, crash
ON 8/15/09, [XXX]WAS OPERATING HIS 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN HOUSTON, TX WHEN THE EXPLORER WAS STRUCK FROM THE REAR BY A PICKUP TRUCK. DURING THE COLLISION, [XXX]SEAT BACK COLLAPSED AND, ALTHOUGH HE HAD BEEN WEARING HIS SEAT BELT, HE WAS EJECTED THROUGH BROKEN-OUT REAR WINDOW GLAZING. [XXX] SUSTAINED MULTIPLE BLUNT FORCE INJURIES FROM WHICH HE DIED. THE SEAT BACK IN THE 2002 EXPLORER IS ATTACHED TO A RECLINER MECHANISM ON EACH SIDE OF THE SEAT. THE RECLINER MECHANISMS ARE ATTACHED TO THE SEAT CUSHION FRAME BY SPIRAL COIL PINS. WHEN THE EXPLORER WAS STRUCK FROM THE REAR, THE VEHICLE MOVED FORWARD IN RELATION TO [XXX] BODY, CAUSING HIS BODY TO LOAD THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK. AS THIS OCCURRED, THE FORCE OF THE SEAT BACK BEING MOVED REARWARD BY [XXX] BODY CAUSED THE RECLINER MECHANISMS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE SEATS TO MOVE FORWARD; AS THEY DID SO, THEY CONTACTED THE SPIRAL COIL PINS, AND FRACTURED THOSE PINS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE SEAT. WHEN THE SPIRAL COIL PINS FAILED, THE SEAT BACK COLLAPSED ONTO THE REAR SEAT CUSHION, AND [XXX] WAS EJECTED INTO THE CARGO AREA OF THE EXPLORER AND THEN OUT OF THE REAR WINDOW GLAZING. [XXX] SUFFERED MUTLIPLE BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA INJURIES, WHICH TOOK HIS LIFE. UPON INVESTIGATION, INCLUDING COMPARISON OF A NUMBER OF OTHER, EXEMPLAR DRIIVER'S SEATS FROM 2002 EXPLORERS, IT HAS BECOME CLEAR THAT THE SPIRAL COIL PINS ARE DEFECTIVELY INSTALLED IN MANY EXPLORER SEATS. THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT IS MANIFESTED BY THE SPIRAL COIL PINS BEING INSERTED THROUGH MATING HOLES ON THE SEAT CUSHION FRAME TO INCONSISTENT DEPTHS, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE PINS NOT TO SEAT PROPERLY IN THOSE HOLES. IN THE CASE OF [XXX], BECAUSE THE SPIRAL COIL PINS WERE NOT INSERTED FAR ENOUGH INTO THE MATING HOLES WHEN MANUFACTURED, THE PINS ON HIS SEAT WERE FRACTURED BY THE RECLINER MECHANISMS AND FAILED TO HOLD HIS SEAT BACK UPRIGHT IN THE COLLISION. THIS FAILURE MECHANISM IN THE PINS ALLOWED FOR [XXX]EJECTION. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air bags, Equipment, Nov 4, 2010
I AM SO DISGUSTED AFTER READING ALL THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I TOO HAVE THE AIRBAG PROBLEM, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE AIRBAG PRETENTIONER AND IT IS $650.00, NOW MY AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE THE EXTENDED DELUXE WARRANTY THAT WONT COVER IT. I ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR TEMP AND MODE ACTUATORS THAT FAILED AND BINDING AGAIN NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY THAT IS $510.00 TO REPAIR. I TRULY THINK FORD SHOULD RECALL THESE SAME PROBLEMS. *TR
Power train, Equipment, Nov 3, 2010
TRANSMISSION ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER FAILED FOR THE 2ND TIME IN 2009 OF DECEMBER. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPEN AND COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Power train, Nov 3, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO THIRD GEAR. THE CONTACT NOTICED A RECALL FOR THE POWER TRAIN TRANSMISSION. DUE TO THE VIN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD EXTEND THE RECALL TO MORE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS SINCE THIS WAS A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
Power train, Nov 2, 2010
I HAVE FORD EXPLORER 2002 O/D LIGHT IS BLINKING AND HAVING PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION. *TR
Structure, Nov 2, 2010
WHILE RAISING THE GLASS SECTION OF THE LIFTGATE ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER, THE LEFT STRUT BECAME DISENGAGED, AND THE BACK GLASS EXPLODED. WE WERE VERY LUCKY THAT NO ONE WAS HURT, AS MY BROTHER LITERALLY HAD THE GLASS IN HIS HANDS WHEN IT EXPLODED, AND MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE STANDING RIGHT NEXT TO HIM. PLEASE NOTE, THE GLASS DID NOT MERELY SHATTER. IT EXPLODED. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM CARMAX LAST YEAR, AND FOUND THAT THERE WERE A COUPLE OF RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE THAT HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN CARE OF, ONE OF WHICH INCLUDED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE STRUT BRACKETS AND HINGES ON THE LIFTGATE. UPON REVIEWING MY SERVICE INVOICE, I FOUND THAT ONLY THE LIFTGATE HINGES WERE REPLACED; THE STRUT BRACKETS WERE NOT. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHO PERFORMED THE RECALL SERVICE ORIGINALLY, AND THEY NOTIFIED FORD. FORD CLAIMED THAT THE STRUTS HAD BEEN REPLACED IN 2002 ~ WHICH WAS TWO YEARS BEFORE THE RECALL EVEN OCCURRED. THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT COVER ANY OF THE REPAIR. HOW DO I KNOW THAT FAULTY STRUTS WERE NOT INSTALLED IN 2002, SINCE THE RECALL DIDN'T EVEN OCCUR UNTIL 2 YEARS LATER? I HAVE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS, AND IT IS AMAZING THAT FORD GETS AWAY WITH THIS! THIS IS MY LAST FORD, THAT'S FOR SURE! THIS IS MY SECOND EXPLORER, AND I HAVE BEEN A VERY LOYAL CUSTOMER, BUT NO MORE! FORD DOES NOT STAND BEHIND IT'S PRODUCT AND THEY APPARENTLY DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. *TR
Power train, Nov 1, 2010
FORD EXPLORER WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF 2ND GEAR. THE VEHICLE IS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH 4.0 L V-6, AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. TOOK IN TO MY MECHANIC AND HE ADVISED ME TO TAKE IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP SINCE THE READOUT FAULT CODES INDICATED MAJOR FAILURE. VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 80,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN WELL TAKEN CARE OF SINCE IT WAS NEW. *TR
Power train, Oct 29, 2010
TRANSMISSION IS FAILING IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4X4. A LOCAL TRANSMISSION SHOP CONFIRMED THAT MY FEAR THAT THE GEARS WERE NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY WAS DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION FAILING. IT WILL COST $2400 TO $2800 TO REPAIR. BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION IS SEALED IT WILL COST EXTRA. ONLY THROUGH THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR OF 2002 WERE THE EXPLORERS MADE WITH THIS TRANSMISSION AND MINE WAS MANUFACTURED IN MAY 2001. *TR
Power train, Oct 26, 2010
TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN 2007 AT 88,000 MILES AND 2010 AT 140,000 MILES. FIRST TIME OD LIGHT CAME ON, I DROVE IT HOME 3 MILES AND THEN WAS NOT DRIVEABLE. SECOND TIME NO WARNING OR LIGHT AND IT SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR AS I WAS CROSSING THE BOULEVARD. ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION AND REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION ARE NOT QUALITY AND FAILED. FIRST TIME I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND ABLE TO COAST HOME AND THE SECOND TIME CROSSING A BOULEVARD WHEN IT SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR. IT'S AS IF FORD PUT ON DISPOSABLE PARTS FOR CONSUMERS TO REPLACEMENT EVERY SEVERAL YEARS CONVENIENTLY AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRES. I SPENT OVER $5,600 THE FIRST TIME AND OVER $3,400 THE SECOND TIME. *TR
Power train, Oct 25, 2010
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT IN 2005. WE'VE ONLY AVERAGED ABOUT 10,000 MILES PER YEAR SINCE THE REBUILD. *TR
Steering, Power train, Oct 25, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD ISSUES SHIFTING GEARS AND WHEN SHE WOULD TURN CORNERS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT OUT OF GEAR. OTHER TIMES, SHE HAD ISSUES SHIFTING INTO DRIVE AND MOVING FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED IN 2008 AT A REPAIR SHOP. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. WHEN THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK (WITH THE ENGINE ON) AND WENT INTO A STORE, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND HIT A BUILDING AND THEN MOVED BACK AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A COMPONENT OF THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NOT ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO LOCK INTO GEAR. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, AFTER THE REPAIR, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. UPDATED 10/21/11*LJ
Power train, Oct 25, 2010
THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING,CLUNKING AND THE O/D LIGHT IS FLASHING. JUST PAID THIS PIECE OF JUNK OFF AND NOW WAITING TO HERE FROM THE DEALER WHERE WE BOUGHT IT FOR THAT OH FAMILIAR QUOTE OF 3000 TO 4000 TO FIX. *TR
Power train, Oct 22, 2010
FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION IN 2002 FORD EXPLORER - KNOWN PROBLEM OF MANY VEHICLES MADE MY FORD ESPECIALLY THIS MODEL/YEAR. BUT NO RECALLS OR HELP IN FIXING THIS PROBLEM. HAD TO REPLACE MINE COSTING $2600 IN PARTS AND LABOR. *TR
Seat belts, Oct 22, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER. THE FIRST THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY; YET, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY RISK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24963 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80000.
Power train, Oct 22, 2010
TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE WHEN PUT IN DRIVE UNTIL 3000 RPMS. I WAS PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC AND WAS ALMOST HIT BY ANOTHER CAR BECAUSE MINE WAS NOT ENGAGING TO MOVE THE CAR. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. *TR
Power train, Oct 21, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OVERDRIVE WARNING LIGHT WOULD CONTINUOUSLY FLASH. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR SPORADICALLY WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OVER DRIVE OR NOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN PLACED IN PARK, THE VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUE TO ROLL FURTHER THAN USUAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE OR GENERATE A FAILURE CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
Electrical system, Visibility, Oct 21, 2010
HEATER FAILED CAUSING WINDOWS TO "FOG" OVER AND DECREASED ABILITY TO SEE OUT WINDSHIELD. *TR
Power train, Oct 20, 2010
TROUBLE REMOVING VEHICLE FROM PARK ON INCLINE OVER FEW WEEK PERIOD. TRANSMISSION CHANGING GEARS IN ROUGH MANNER OVER A FEW DAY PERIOD. OD LIGHT FLASHING DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING AND THEN ODOR OF SOMETHING BURNING ON OCTOBER 10, 2010. DIAGNOSED AS "FRIED TRANSMISSION" BY DEALER. COST TO REPLACE $3887 PLUS $125 FOR DIAGNOSIS. NOT YET REPAIRED - DECIDING OUR NEXT ACTION. VEHICLE PURCHASED NEW, ALWAYS MAINTAINED ACCORDING TO DEALER RECOMMENDATIONS. VEHICLE NEVER ABUSED, ONLY TOWED VERY LIGHT UTILITY AND SNOWMOBILE TRAILERS. *TR
Steering, Oct 18, 2010
I WAS PICKING UP A FAMILY FRIEND, AN WHILE WAITING FOR HER TO COME TO MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER, I PUT MY TRUCK INTO PARK, WHEN SHE GOT IN, I THEN ATTEMPTED TO PUT IT BACK INTO DRIVE, AN THE GEAR SHIFT HANDLE BROKE OFF INTO MY HAND, IT BASICALLY DANGLED THERE AN I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO CALL A TWO TRUCK DRIVER. I GOT AN ESTIMATE FOR OVER $600 FOR A USED COLUMN, CAUSE APPARENTLY FORD DOESN'T MAKE THE LITTLE PIECE THAT BROKE OFF. I HAVE BEEN ONLINE FOR AWHILE TO FIND ANOTHER WAY OF GETTING THIS FIXED AN I HAVE SEEN HUNDREDS AN HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE VERY SAME THING, WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN RECALLED YET? WHAT DO I OR WE HAVE TO DO TO GET FORD ON THE BALL WITH THIS CONTINUING PROBLEM? THANK GOD IT IS STUCK IN PARK, AN UNFORTUNATELY SO ARE MY KEYS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 18, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE RPMS WOULD RISE WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN TWO ACCIDENTS. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AS A RESULT. NO POLICE REPORTS WERE FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP SO THE DEALER COULD INSPECT THE BRAKES BUT THE DEALER COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 43,500. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.
Power train, Oct 17, 2010
I HAVE AN 02 FORD EXPLORER EB EDITION. NOT TOO LONG AGO, MY OD LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING AND MY TRANSMISSION WAS HESITATING. I WAS 1.5 HRS FROM HOME AT 9PM (SUNDAY). CALLED MY HUSBAND, HE MADE A COUPLE OF SUGGESTIONS AND I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME. SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED TWICE THE NEXT DAY (MONDAY). CONTACTED MY FORD DEALERSHIP AND DROPPED THE TRUCK OFF FOR A SOLUTION TO MY PROBLEM. WAS TOLD IT WAS A SOLENOID BODY GOING BAD. THOUGHT MY TRUCK WOULD BE REPAIRED IN A DAY, BUT THEY HAD MY TRUCK FOR THE ENTIRE WEEK. I REC.'D A CALL ON FRIDAY OF THAT WEEK AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAD DROPPED THE PAN ON MY TRANSMISSION AND FOUND A "GEAR" LAYING IN THE PAN. I WAS TOLD I WOULD NEED MY TRANSMISSION REPLACED. THE FOLLOWING MONDAY, I TOOK THE TRUCK BACK (AS IS) AND TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP FOR A SECOND OPINION. A BROKEN WIRING HARNESS IN MY STEERING COLUMN WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE PROBLEM AND IT WAS REPAIRED FOR $230.88. I REC.'D MY TRUCK BACK ON A THURSDAY. IT DROVE FINE THAT DAY. I DROVE IT OUT OF TOWN THAT FRIDAY AND RETURNED HOME SATURDAY. TWO WEEKS AFTER THIS PROBLEM BEGAN, I LEFT MY HOME ON A MID-SUNDAY MORNING AND THE PROBLEM STARTED AGAIN WITH THE FLASHING OD LIGHT AND A HESITANT TRANSMISSION. I WAS ABLE TO RUN MY FEW ERRANDS AND GET BACK HOME. I, JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE WHO HAS ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM, THINKS FORD SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. THIS IS THE FIRST FORD I'VE EVER OWNED AND I, PERSONALLY, DON'T WANT TO GET RID OF MY TRUCK. I REC.'D AN EXCEPTIONAL DEAL ON IT AND I TRULY BELIEVE IT STILL HAS A LOT OF GOOD LEFT IN IT. I HAVE NO BLAME TO PLACE ON MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP OR THE TRANSMISSION SHOP. THE RESPONSIBILITY LIES WITH FORD ITSELF. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ISSUED SO THAT THEIR DEALERSHIPS CAN MAKE THE PROPER REPAIRS TO THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE A 2YR DAUGHTER AND I SPEND ABOUT 75% OF MY TIME IN THAT VEHICLE WITH HER. I NEED PEACE OF MIND THAT MY VEHICLE IS GOING TO BE THERE FOR ME AS I TAKE CARE OF IT WITH PROPER SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE. THANK YOU. *TR
Structure, Oct 16, 2010
CRACK IN REAR WINDOW SURROUND, NEAR CENTER AT A BOTTOM. *TR
Suspension, Oct 16, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER LTMD...90K MILES FRONT WEAR BEARINGS COMPLETELY BLEW OUT, REAR STRUTS LEAKING MASSIVE OIL AND REAR SPRINGS FRACTURED....HAD FRONT BEARINGS REPLACED WHEN IT DISABLES BRAKE USAGE FROM TIRES BEING CROOKED IN NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS NEED TO HAVE REAR END DONE WITH STRUTS, SPRINGS AND BUSHINGS....ALL NEW PARTS NO CHOICE AND $2600.00 LATER IN ALL THE SPRINGS ARE THE BIGGEST ISSUE, THEY SHOULD NOT BREAK. *TR
Structure, Oct 15, 2010
BODY MOUNT CAB BUSHINGS ARE DETERIORATING SO BADLY THEY FLAKE OFF IN YOUR HAND IF YOU TOUCH THEM. *TR