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, Sep 5, 2010
O/D LIGHT IS BLINKING AND TRANSMISSION MIGHT BE GOING OUT. *TR
Power train, Sep 5, 2010
2002 EXPLORER XLT 2WD (47,000 MILES) AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT TO 3RD GEAR WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THE ENGINE REVVED SO I ROLLED TO A STOP LUCKILY ON A GRASS SHOULDER WITH NO ONE HITTING MY VEHICLE. FORD REBUILT THE TRANS FOR $2500. THE DISTRICT FORD REP WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR EVENTHOUGH I KNEW OF THE PROBLEM OCCURRING IN CINCINNATI AND FORD PAID. RESEARCH SHOWS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL OF TRANSMISSION. THE FIX IS A $20 SEAL BUT THEY WILL ONLY REBUILD OR REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 5, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF WHILE IN DRIVE. THE LEVER IS CONNECTED TO A SOFT ALUMINUM CYLINDER THRU A U SHAPED END AND A PIN. THE CYLINDER SHEARED AT THE BASE OF THE U AS A RESULT LEAVING NO WAY TO SHIFT OR GET THE KEY OUT AFTER TURNING THE MOTOR OFF WHEN I FINALLY GOT STOPPED. REPAIR COST IS $1400 FOR A NEW STEERING COLUMN PLUS LABOR. CANNOT BUY SMALL PART THAT BROKE SEPARATELY SO EXPLORER IS NOT FIXED. A PICTURE OF THE PROBLEM CAN BE SEEN AT THIS URL HTTP://WWW.EXPLORERFORUM.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=188761&PAGE=4. *TR
Power train, Sep 4, 2010
DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION IN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER AFTER ONLY 117K MILES. TRANSMISSION FAILS SHIFTING BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEARS. SOME TIMES GETS STOCK IN PARKING. COMPLETE FAILURE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST $3600 TO $4000. *TR
Power train, Sep 3, 2010
IT HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR YEARS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER YET FORD DOESN'T WISH TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE BY CALLING THE VEHICLE BACK. I HAVE MY TRANSMISSION NOW GONE AFTER ONLY 150000 MILES. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY FORD TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR A FAULTY TRANSMISSION. *TR
Wheels, Sep 1, 2010
CHROME WHEELS DISINTEGRATING. WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT IT WAS COSMETIC AT THE TIME. NOW THE ALUMINUM HAS BECOME POROUS AND I BELIEVE IT TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Structure, Sep 1, 2010
I HAVE PURCHASED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT WAS IN MINT CONDITION ON THE OUTSIDE AND FAIR ON THE INSIDE, WELL AFTER HAVING THE TRUCK A FEW MONTHS ONE DAY I NOTICED A HUGE CRACK BY THE FORD EMBLEM ON THE BACK OF THE TRUCK. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF TAMPERING, AND I HAD NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS, SO THIS TROUBLED ME KNOWING THAT THIS CRACK HAD JUST ALL OF A SUDDEN APPEARED ON MY TRUCK. WELL I WENT TO THE STORE LATER THAT DAY AND PASSED ANOTHER CONSUMER ON MY WAY OUT OF THE STORE AND NOTICED THEY WERE DRIVING THE SAME KIND OF TRUCK, AND LO AND BEHOLD THEY HAD THE SAME CRACK IN THE SAME PLACE. I GOT THEIR ATTENTION AND ASKED IF THERE WAS SOME KIND OF INCIDENT THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED IT, AND THEY RESPONDED BY SAYING THAT IT TOO JUST APPEARED ON THEIR TRUCK, I HAVE NOTICED MANY FORD EXPLORERS RANGING FROM 2002- 2005 HAVING THIS SAME CRACK, KEEP IN MIND THESE ARE NICE VEHICLES THAT HAVE NOT BEEN DAMAGED. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS COULD BE A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE OR NOT, BY IT BEING SO CLOSE TO THE REAR WINDOW, BUT IT DOES CONCERN ME THAT I PAY MONEY FOR A NICE VEHICLE AND THERE ARE DEFECTS THAT THE COMPANY WILL NOT ADDRESS. I HAVE BEEN OUT ON THE INTERNET AND THERE ARE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME MYSTERIOUS CRACK WITH PICTURES IN THE SAME PLACE ON THE TRUCK, AND I THINK FORD SHOULD RECALL THIS DEFECTIVE PLASTIC AND REPAIR THE CRACKS. PLEASE HELP US , THE CONSUMERS IN RESOLVING THIS MATTER. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. *TR
Seats, Aug 31, 2010
TOOK VEHICLE IN TO HAVE NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE03020 - BOLT REPLACE DUE TO BACK OF SEAT FALLING BACKWARDS DURING DRIVING. BOLT BROKE ALLOWING THE SEAT BACK TO FALL BACKWARDS. WAS INFORMED BY AIRPORT FORD (DEALERSHIP) THAT DUE TO THE BROKEN BOLT THAT THE SEAT FRAME WAS DAMAGED AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $350 TO GET THE FRAME FIXED. FORD DEALER INDICATED THAT THEY COULD NOT REPLACE BOLT DUE TO DAMAGE TO SEAT FRAME - WHICH WAS CAUSED BY THE BOLT BREAKING. CALLED FORD MOTOR CO AND THEY SAID THAT AS FAR AS THEY KNEW THE DAMAGED SEAT FRAME CAUSED THE BOLT (WHICH WAS ON THE RECALL) TO BREAK. SO THE DEALER RETURNED THE VEHICLE WITHOUT REPLACING THE BOLT WITH THE SEAT IS STILL BROKEN. WORDING FROM DEALERSHIP "INSPECT- FOUND UNABLE TO REPLACE BOLT-SHEERED OFF INSPEC CONDITION OF MOUNTING AREA INTO SEAT BOTTOM FRAME SEAT BACK ARE BOTH DAMAGED. - FORD DECLINE REPLACED BOTH FRAME SECTIONS DUE TO TIME LENGTH OF OPEN RECALL OPEN SINCE 2003. CUST DECLINE REPAIRS - NO ACTION TAKEN - RETURN VEH TO CUSTOMER IN CONDITION VEHICLE CAME HERE WITH. FORD IS WANTING ME TO PAY $350.00 TO FIX SOMETHING THAT THEIR $2.00. DEFECTIVE BOLT DAMAGED. *TR
Suspension, Aug 31, 2010
REAR SPRINGS BOTH CRACKED-FRONT & REAR WHEEL BEARINGS BAD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FORD SHOULD RECALL THESE VEHICLES BEFORE SOMEONE SERIOUSLY IF NOT ALREADY HAS BEEN HURT OR KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Power train, Aug 31, 2010
1. REPEATED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. O/D LIGHT BLINKING, EXPENSIVE SERVICE, REPEATS EVERY 12 MONTHS OR SO. 2. APPROXIMATELY EVERY 12 MONTHS. THE VEHICLE REQUIRES SERVICE EACH TIME. THE SERVICE RUNS FROM $300 - $1100. 3A. 01/07/05 57,424 MILES: O/D LIGHT LITE. NO CODE WHEN SERVICED. CHANGED $88.00. 3B. 02/02/09 159,777 MILES: CODE P0796. O/D LIGHT BLINKS. REQUIRED SERVICE. REPLACE SHIFT SOLENOID BODY, FLUID AND FILTER ($1,179.85). 3C. 10/13/09 172,769 MILES: O/D LIGHT BLINKS. REQUIRED SERVICE.REPLACED SERVO. $366.40. 3D. 10/14/2010 172,779: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. REQUIRED SERVICE. O2 SENSOR WAS UNPLUGGED DURING PREVIOUS SERVICE. $00.00. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 31, 2010
PART # E6DB-14489-DA. THIS IS A WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR LOCATED IN THE STEERING COLUMN THAT BECOMES UNPLUGGED WHEN YOU TILT STEERING DOWNWARD. RESULT IS BRAKES LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS NO LONGER FUNCTION. ** MY SISTER-IN-LAW WAS NEARLY REAR-ENDED WHILE WAITING TO MAKE A TURN. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH SAME ISSUE. ALSO, HAVE SEEN SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FOR OTHER FORD VEHICLES (TAURUS). SERIOUS ACCIDENTS WILL HAPPEN IF PUBLIC IS NOT NOTIFIED. DEALERS CHARGING $200+ TO FIX. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Visibility, Aug 31, 2010
I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I STARTED GETTING THE CRACK IN MY HATCH BY THE REAR WINDOW IN 2005. IT HAS SPREAD AND GOTTEN WORSE AND I STILL HAVE NOT FIXED IT. LAST YEAR IN 2009 OUR ABS LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON AND OFF AND WHEN I GO TO BRAKE AT TIMES IT FEELS LIKE THEY KICK ON AT IRREGULAR TIMES, BUT I ALSO FEEL I DO NOT HAVE THE BRAKING POWER I SHOULD. IN JUNE 2010 I WAS DRIVING THE EXPLORER AND THE O/D LIGHT STARTING BLINKING AND THE EXPLORER WAS SHIFTING OUT OF CONTROL. WE HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACE AND THE U-JOINTS AND THE REAR AXLE FIXED FOR AROUND $2900. WE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY IN JULY 2010. I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND TOLD THEM ALL OF MY ISSUES AND THEY TOLD ME THAT SINCE THEY DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH COMPLAINTS THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. TO THIS POINT I WAS AGGRAVATED AND COULDN'T BELIEVE THE WAY THEY HAD TREATED ME AND LET ALONE OTHERS WHO I AM SURE MADE THE SAME CALL. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE EVEN NOW WHEN IT IS IN GEAR IN PARK THE CAR SEEMS TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH. *TR
Steering, Aug 28, 2010
WHILE PUTTING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER INTO PARK AT A DRIVE UP ATM MACHINE, MY GEAR SHIFT JUST FEEL INTO MY HANDS. I WAS STUCK BLOCKING THE DRIVE WAY AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO A SHOP WHERE THEY SAY THE FORD DEALERSHIP WANTED ABOUT 1500.00 TO REPLACE STEERING COLUMN. THE SHOP TOLD ME THAT WAS TOO MUCH FOR JUST A SMALL PART THAT WAS BROKEN. THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT COULD NOT REPLACE JUST THE SMALL PART THAT WAS BROKEN. MY SHOP TOLD ME THAT IT COULD NOT FIND THE SMALL PART AND THEY SEE IT THEY CAN GET CERTIFIED WELDER TO WELD THE PART AND IT WOULD COST WAY LESS THEN 1500.00. AS I RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON LINE I CAME ACROSS MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEMS I AM HAVING; THE SAME YEAR MODEL, MAKE AND SAME PROBLEM. I AM STILL WAITING TO HEAR FROM THE SHOP ABOUT HOW MUCH IT WILL BE AND HOW SOON I CAN GET MY CAR REPAIRED AND BACK TO ME. *TR
Power train, Aug 27, 2010
TRANSMISSION FAILURE WITH NO WARNING, ENGINE REVED INSTEAD OF ACCELERATING, RESULTING IN NEAR ACCIDENT WHILE PULLING OFF AN INTERSTATE RAMP. HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED. ESTIMATE TO REPAIR IS APPROX $4000. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 112K MILES ON IT! *TR
Steering, Aug 26, 2010
VERY LOUD NOISE IN TIRES WHILE DRIVING AND IN STEERING COLUMN WHEN DRIVING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER . IT IS MOST LIKELY A WHEEL BEARING ISSUE. THIS ISSUE IN THIS TRUCK SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM. *TR
Power train, Aug 26, 2010
O/D LIGHT STARTED TO BLINK WHILE ACCELERATING. TRANSMISSION STARTS TO SLIP. THIS A PERMANENT FAILURE. TOOK TO FORD SERVICE AND WITHOUT INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, I WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 25, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ALARM ON THE VEHICLE WOULD INDEPENDENTLY ENGAGE SPORADICALLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESET THE ALARM YET THE FAILURE WOULD ONLY RECUR. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THEY COULD REPLACE ALL OF THE SENSORS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO GUARANTEE THAT THE REPAIR WOULD RESOLVE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,000.UPDATED 11/19/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE SUCH AS THE DOORS, DOME LIGHTS, WINDOWS. RADIO AND POWER SEATS. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WOULD THE GET PROBLEM FIXED, BUT IT WOULD SOON RETURN. UPDATED 12/01/10
Structure, Aug 24, 2010
1. I TOOK OUR 2002 EXPLORER IN FOR THE RECALL OF THE BACK WINDOW. WHEN THEY INSTALLED IT THEY PUT A SMALL CRACK IN PANEL IN THE BACK BELOW THE WINDOW. 2. THE CRACK GREW UNTIL FINALLY THE WHOLE PANEL CRACKED IN HALF. THE EDGE IS QUITE SHARP AND THE PANEL IS A BIT LOOSE NOW. 3. FORD REFUSED TO FIX IT. WE TRACK 2002 EXPLORERS WITH THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE FOUND THAT 1/6 HAVE IT. I SAW ANOTHER TODAY PROMPTING ME TO SEND THIS. HERE ARE RELATED ARTICLES: WWW.FORDPROBLEMS.COM/EXPLORER/CRACKED-REAR-PANEL.SHTML WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2003/BODY_PAINT/CRACKED_PANEL_BELOW_THE_REAR_WINDOW.SHTML. *TR
Power train, Aug 22, 2010
MY 2002 FORD EDDIE BAUER EXPLORER IS MALFUNCTIONING. THE TRANSMISSION APPEARS TO BE FAILING AS IT WILL NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY AFTER BEING IN A STOPPED POSITION, FOR EXAMPLE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THIS IS BECOMING A SAFETY ISSUE IN THAT IN AN INTERSECTION SHOULD MY VEHICLE NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY I MAY BE HIT BY ANOTHER CAR! I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE MY CAR REPAIRED TWICE BY TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS IN A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR AND HAS COST ME $1400.00. THE REPAIRS SEEM TO WORK FOR A BRIEF PERIOD OF TIME THEN THE SAME SYMPTOMS OCCUR! I CAN NOT AFFORD TO INVEST ANY MORE MONEY ON THIS VEHICLE FOR REPAIRS. I FEEL FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD RECALL THIS FAULTY TRANSMISSION, FOR THE GOOD OF THEIR NAME, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY FOR THE SAFETY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS AND THE FAMILIES THAT RELY ON THEIR VEHICLES! *TR
Power train, Aug 21, 2010
WE OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH THE 4.0 V6 4X4 , THE TRANSMISSION WE BELIEVE HAS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD TO OCCUPANTS AND PEDESTRIANS WITH VEHICLE SERGE FROM A LONG DELAY ENGAGING THE TRANSMISSION ETHER FORWARD OR REVERSE POSSIBLY CAUSING INJURY TO DRIVER/PASSENGERS AND /OR NEARBY OBJECTS/PERSONS AND OR RUNAWAY VEHICLE FROM THE TRANSMISSION NOT DISENGAGED FROM GEAR OR FROM A SUDDEN VEHICLE LAUNCH IF THE DRIVER IS ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THINKING THE TRANSMISSION "IS' IN GEAR ,FORD HAS TAKEN A BLIND EYE TO THE PROBLEM IN OUR OPINION FOR FEAR OF PUBLIC BACKLASH/ PUBLIC RELATIONS AND OR DISLIKE FOR THERE TRUCKS/SUV'S. FORD IS NOT DOING ENOUGH TO ENSURE PUBLIC SAFETY FROM ACCIDENTS THIS COMMON TRANSMISSION ISSUE CAN CAUSE AND I UNDERSTAND FROM RESEARCHING COMPLAINT FORUMS , FORD HAS BEEN AWARE OF THE PROBLEM FOR YEARS. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Parking brake, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Seats, Aug 21, 2010
PURCHASED 2002 EXPLORER XLT V6 4.0L ALREADY TRANSMISSION SLIPPING SOLENOID OR WHATEVER OUT.. I HAVE READ REPORTS AND WONDER WHY THIS TRANSMISSION IS NOT RECALLED? I HAVE IT IN SHOP NOW HAVING TO HAVE IT REBUILT AND EVERYTHING CHANGED. ALSO RIGHT WHEEL BEARINGS BAD, UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS BAD, SUSPENSION SHOT. AND THE RECORDS SHOW THE PREVIOUS OWNERS MAINTAINED EVERYTHING WELL. BUT ALSO HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED AND HAD PROBLEMS AT 99,000MILES. PLEASE DOING SOMETHING FOR ALL OF US OUT HERE. ALSO COOLANT LEAK, ENGINE LEAK, POWER SEAT FAILURE, AND ON. *TR
Power train, Aug 20, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS. I WAS SHIFTING FROM DRIVE TO PARK AND THE SHIFTER BROKE IN MY HAND. NOT A GOOD THING. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH IT SEEMS THIS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD EXPLORERS DUE TO THE CAST ALUMINUM THAT IS USED IN THE PART. FORD SHOULD HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS, SEEING AS HOW IT HAPPENS DUE TO THE WAY IT WAS MADE NOT DUE TO DRIVER ERROR. *TR
Power train, Aug 20, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION KEPT SLIPPING, WOULDN'T SHIFT, AND THE O/D LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER IN WASILLA, AK THREE TIMES AND EACH TIME THEY KEPT IT FOR 3-4 WEEKS WHILE "REPAIRING" IT. THE FOURTH TIME IT WENT OUT (MAY 2008), IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, SO I HAD TO PURCHASE A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. IN AUGUST 2012, THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AGAIN; IT SIMPLY WOULDN'T ENGAGE IN ANY GEAR. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS HAD I BEEN STRANDED (1) IN THE DEAD OF WINTER (WHICH, IN ALASKA, CAN BE 35 BELOW AND LIFE&DEATH SITUATION) OR (2) IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE NOW BEEN INFORMED THAT COOLANT GOT INTO THE TRANSMISSION (WHICH IS SUPPOSEDLY SEALED?) AND THE TRANSMISSION MUST BE REPLACED AGAIN; BUT THE WARRANTY IS VOID. I SEE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS TRANSMISSION. WHY HASN'T ANYTHING BEEN DONE - A RECALL?? *TR
Electrical system, Aug 18, 2010
DOOR AJAR LIGHT REMAINS ON ALTHOUGH ALL DOORS ARE SECURELY CLOSED AND LOCKED. DRIVERS SIDE LOCKS ARE INOPERABLE. *TR
Power train, Aug 18, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE IGNITION WAS STARTED AND THE GEAR SELECTOR WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE CONTACT STATED THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER FRACTURED INSIDE OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE DEALER WAS IN THE PROCESS OF LOCATING THE PART FOR REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 117,000.