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, Aug 17, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 120,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP 3RD GEAR. STALLING IN TRAFFIC. FORD DEALER COULD NOT LOOK AT IT FOR 2 DAYS SO WENT TO INDEPENDENT SHOP WHO KNEW THE PROBLEM WELL. NOT ONLY HAD TO REPLACE SOLENOID VALVES, BUT ALSO TORQUE CONVERTER AND REBUILD. HAD TO DRILL OUT ONE PORT AND INSTALL STRONGER LINKAGE PART FORD OFFERED SINCE 2006. *TR
Power train, Aug 17, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD FAIL TO ENGAGE IN THIRD AND FOURTH GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 11,250 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 11,300.
Power train, Aug 17, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE FROM DRIVE TO PARK, THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER SUDDENLY FRACTURED INTO THE CONTACTS HAND. THERE WHERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.
Structure, Aug 17, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE HINGES FAILED AND CAUSED THE WINDOW TO FALL. THE DEALER MADE REPAIRS AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,800. UPDATED 11/16/10*BF THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE TAILGATE WINDOW WAS OPENED, THE HINGES FAILED AND THE WINDOWS CAME OUT OF THE TAILGATE THE WINDOW THEN FAILED WHEN ONE OF THE CYLINDERS CAME OFF THE TAILGATE. THE WINDOW DID NOT BREAK. UPDATED 11/23/10. *JB
Power train, Aug 17, 2010
OD OFF LIGHT FLASHING, CAUSING THE 02 FORD EXPLORER NOT TO SHIFT PROPERLY, REPLACED TRANSMISSION 3 TIMES AND THE LIGHT IS STILL FLASHING. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THIS JUNK. *TR
Power train, Aug 15, 2010
HELLO, I AM COMPLAINING ABOUT A PROBLEM WITH MY 2002 FOR EXPLORER. ME AND MY FAMILY WERE DRIVING AND GETTING READY TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND SUDDENLY THE CAR JERKED AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. THEN THE RPM'S WENT UP TO ABOUT 5000. I THEN HAD TO RUN OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID A SEMI RUNNING US OVER. I HAVE 5 CHILDREN AND WE WERE LUCKY. I DON'T WANT THIS TO HAPPEN TO OTHER FAMILIES. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL! THANK YOU *TR
Structure, Aug 14, 2010
2002 EXPLORER'S PANEL ON THE BACK GATE BETWEEN THE WINDOW AND THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE GATE IS CRACKED IN TWO DIFFERENT SPOTS. I AM AFRAID THAT THIS WILL COME OFF AND CAUSE A TRAFFIC CRASH OR WORSE. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 14, 2010
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER LXT, THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT STAYS ON AND THE DOME LIGHT WILL STAY ON. EVERY ONCE AND A WHILE THE ALARM WILL SOUND FOR NO REASON. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN CAUSE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT AND HAVING THE DOME LIGHT TURN ON HINDERS YOUR VISION AND COULD CAUSE A TRAFFIC CRASH. HAVING THE LIGHT STAY ON AFTER YOU GET OUT ALSO DRAINS THE BATTERY AND CAUSES PROBLEMS WHEN YOU GO TO START IT UP. *TR
Suspension, Aug 14, 2010
LEFT REAR "PERMANENTLY SEALED" WHEEL BEARING FAILURE. *TR
Steering, Power train, Aug 11, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND THIS MORNING I WAS GOING AT WORK WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT ARM BROKE OFF IN MY HAND. I HAD TO CALL MY WIFE FOR GO AT WORK AND I WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE MY KEYS FROM THE IGNITION. MY CAR IS COMPLETELY UN-DRIVABLE. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Aug 11, 2010
MAJOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AT 106K MILES ON MY FORD EXPLORER XLT 4.0L. THIS WAS NOT DUE TO POOR MAINTENANCE OR UP KEEP! SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL GOING 75 MILES AN HR DOWN THE FREEWAY, SHIFTING OUT OF PLACE, ROUGH, SCARY SHIFTS, SHIMMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION JUMPING ALLOVER THE PLACE IS JUST THE BEGINNING. AFTER 5 TRIPS TO THE MECHANIC, FIRST I DID WIRES, THEN PLUGS, THEN UPDATED COMPUTER, FULL TRANNY FLUSH AND FINALLY HAD TO REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO THE SOLENOIDS IN THE TRANSMISSION BEING DEFECTIVE AND FAULTY PER A FORD SERVICE MANAGER IN OWATONNA, MN. THE SERVICE MANAGER INFORMED ME THAT FORD WAS LOOKING AT MAKING IT A RECALL, BUT IT WASN'T THE TOP OF THEIR PRIORITY LIST AND MAYBE THEY WOULD EVENTUALLY GET TO IT! HE HAS SEEN MANY OF THESE TRUCKS IN THE SHOP WITH THEIR "BUSY" TRANSMISSIONS, AND THE SAME ISSUES! THIS WAS THE ISSUE ALL ALONG..AFTER ALL OF THE SERVICE APPTS, AND MONEY SPENT NOTHING WAS RESOLVED, UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT! $4K LATER JUST FOR THE TRANNY REPAIR! FOR THEIR FAULTY DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION SOLENOIDS! AS IF THE TRUCK DIDN'T ALREADY COST ENOUGH! AND THE TROUBLESHOOTING "BANDAIDS" (WHICH BETWEEN THE TRANNY, DIAGNOSTICS, LABOR ETC TOTAL WELL OVER $5500!!) I CONTACTED FORD AFTER DIRECTED TO DUE SO MY (THEIR) TECHNICIAN AND EMPLOYEE OF 25 YRS. I READ ALL THE POSTS OF DUPLICATE COMPLAINTS (I SEE THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER CONSUMERS IN MY SITUATION!), TO INFORM THEM OF THE MONEY I'VE LOST, TIME INCURRED INTO THIS HEADACHE, AND ALL THE DAYS I WENT WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR MY FAMILY THAT I HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT WAS THEIR EQUIPMENT! THAT IT WAS THEIR FAULT! CURIOUS ABOUT WHAT THEIR COMPENSATION WAS, IF ANY, GOING TO BE. OR WHAT THEY PLANNED ON DOING ABOUT IT! AND AFTER SEVERAL SERVICE APPT, $5500 LOSS AND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE REP STATED BASICALLY SAID OH WELL! ITS UR PROBLEM NOT OURS!!! LOL! *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Aug 10, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD UNTIL REPEATED PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THAT PEDAL. A POP NOISE WAS ALSO HEARD COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE FIREWALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A WIRE MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE BRAKE PEDAL SWITCH. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS IN THE PROCESS OF INSTALLING A NEW BRAKE PEDAL SWITCH. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 73,000. UPDATED 10/21/10. *LJ UPDATED 10/25/10
Power train, Aug 10, 2010
ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. TRANSMISSION IS NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. O/D LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY BLINKING ON THE DASHBOARD. NEVER TOWED ANYTHING AND HAD THE TRANSMISSION SERVICED. VERY DISAPPOINTING COMING FROM A LOYAL FORD FAN. *TR
Power train, Aug 9, 2010
TRANSMISSION FAILED. *TR
Power train, Aug 7, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER, TRANSMISSION TOTAL FAIL WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 6, 2010
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT AND REAR GLASS HINGE FRACTURED/BROKE AND CAUSED GLASS TO FALL ON ONE SIDE AND HURT DAUGHTERS WRIST. TOOK TO LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID NO RECALL AND IT WOULD COST $300-$400 TO FIX AND THEN HYDRAULICS PROBABLY WOULD NOT WORK AND GLASS COULD BREAK INCREASING THE COST TO $700 - $800 OR MORE. I SEARCHED AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON WEB. I CONTACTED FORD BY PHONE AND WAS TOLD NO RECALL SO TO HAVE FIXED AND KEEP RECEIPT IN CASE THERE WAS A RECALL. THEY SAID NOTHING THEY COULD DO BECAUSE NO RECALL. NO CONCERN FOR SAFETY WAS SHOWN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Visibility, Air bags, Aug 5, 2010
LONG LIST OF REPAIRS MADE THIS SUMMER INCLUDING COMPUTER, AIRBAG SENSORS, A/C WHOLE SYSTEM, MAIN WINDOW CONTROLS AND NOW MY TRANSMISSION. *TR
Suspension, Aug 3, 2010
2002 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE PROBLEM WE WERE DRIVING ON 78E AND WERE APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES BEFORE ALLENTOWN. ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HEARD A CRACK, SMELLED SMOKE, AND HEARD METAL SCRAPING. THE CAR STARTED FISHTAILING AND MY HUSBAND VIRTUALLY HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR AS THE WINDSTAR REPEATEDLY CROSSED 2 LANES AND ALMOST HIT THE MIDDLE BARRIER AND THEN FISHTAILED TOWARD THE OTHER SIDE. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO CARS OR TRUCKS IN FRONT OR IN BACK OF US AND WE WERE AT A SLIGHT UPHILL. FINALLY, MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VAN AND PULL OVER TO THE SMALL SHOULDER WHICH WAS BARELY BIG ENOUGH TO FIT THE VAN. WE CALLED 911 AND AAA. WHILE WE WAITED ON THE SIDE, WE FEARED THAT WE COULD GET HIT IN THE EVENT THAT A TRUCK OR CAR SWERVED TO THE SIDE. WE WERE SHOCKED TO FIND OUT THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED AND THE REAR TIRES WERE CAVED IN. MY AUTO DEALER GILBOY IN WHITEHALL OFFERED TO TOW AND REPAIR THE PROBLEM, BUT ONLY AT MY EXPENSE. FORD EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THERE WAS NO COVERAGE FOR THIS SITUATION BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY AND THERE CURRENTLY IS NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. BOTH GILBOY AND FORD TOLD ME THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH THE REAR AXLE. I HAD 3 CHILDREN IN THE CAR, 2 OF WHICH WERE MY OWN. THIS WAS THE SCARIEST MOMENT OF MY LIFE AS I FEARED WHAT POTENTIALLY COULD HAPPEN. LUCKILY, SOMEONE FROM ABOVE WAS LOOKING AFTER US BUT I FEAR THE NEXT FORD WINDSTAR OWNER MAY NOT BE SO LUCKY. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO GET KILLED BEFORE TAKING ACTION. PLEASE HAVE THE PROBLEM CORRECTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND ALERT ALL FORD WINDSTAR OWNER OF THE SERIOUS POTENTIAL RISK. *TR
Structure, Aug 2, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE HINGES ON THE REAR LIFT GATE FRACTURED IN HALF AND THE WINDOW GLASS FELL AND WAS HANGING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TIED DOWN THE GLASS TO PREVENT IT FROM FALLING AND SHATTERING. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFT GATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
Power train, Jul 30, 2010
NOISE FROM REAR WHEEL HUB BEARINGS. FORD TSB 05-25-8. I HAVE ONLY 35,000 ON THIS VEHICLE AND AM CONCERNED THAT IF THERE IS A BEARING FAILURE ON A REAR WHEEL HUB YOU COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT. *TR
Power train, Jul 29, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING, CLUNKING AND SEEMS LIKE IT WON'T LAST MUCH LONGER. *TR
Suspension, Jul 28, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS ROTATING HIS TIRES WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER COIL SPRINGS HAD FRACTURED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE COIL SPRING. ONE YEAR LATER WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE REAR DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGERS SIDE COIL SPRINGS WERE ALSO FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 139,994.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 27, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET TO 70 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY BEGAN TO ACCELERATE OVER 80 MPH. THE CONTACT THEN DEPRESSED THE BRAKES TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL YET THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT THEN DROVE TO THE SHOULDER AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. WHEN RESTARTING, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS FROM 5,000 TO 6,000. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE BUT RECOMMENDED REPLACING ALL COMPONENTS OF THE CRUISE CONTROL MECHANISM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,200.
Power train, Jul 26, 2010
2ND GEAR OUT OF TRANSMISSION. IT OCCURS EVERYTIME YOU DRIVE IT. THE OD LIGHT BLINKS AND THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AS A RESULT. THE TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPLACED, THE OLD TRANSMISSION IS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME, BUT WON'T BE FOR LONG. *TR
Power train, Jul 26, 2010
DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT TURNS ON, FOLLOWED BY "O/D OFF" LIGHT FLASHING, FOLLOWED BY ERRATIC SHIFTING BY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. HAPPENS AT LEAST ONCE PER WEEK, RESETS AFTER ENGINE IS TURNED OFF AND RESTS FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. *TR