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, Jul 25, 2010
I HAVE A 02 FORD EXPLORER DRIVING ON THE ROAD WHEN THE OD LIGHT FLASHING LOST POWER IT HARD TO SHIFT IN GEAR AM NOT THE ONLY 1 WIT THIS PROBLEM THERE THOUSAND OF FORD OWNER WIT THIS SAME PROBLEM WHY CANT U GUYS MAKE FORD RECALL THIS PROBLEM TOYOTA MAKE THEY RECALL THEY MANUP TO THEIR PROBLEM WHY CANT FORD DO THAT. *TR
Power train, Jul 24, 2010
LAST NIGHT, THE O/D OFF LIGHT ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER STARTED BLINKING. TODAY, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT DRIVE IN NORMAL DRIVE MODE OR REVERSE. IN DOING SOME INVESTIGATING, APPARENTLY, THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH FORD EXPLORERS. PARTICULARLY THE 2002 MODELS. THIS IS NOT ONLY DANGEROUS, BUT UNFAIR THAT FORD HAS NOT TAKEN RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS VERY COMMON ISSUE. I'M AWAITING AN ANSWER ON WHAT EXACTLY IS WRONG WITH MY EXPLORER. BASED ON MY RESEARCH, THE MOST COMMON CAUSE IS A FAULTY TRANSMISSION. I HOPE FORD DOES THE RIGHT THING AND INSTITUTES A RECALL TO THE MANY DRIVERS OF 2002 EXPLORERS THAT HAVE SUFFERED WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Jul 24, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN I NOTICED THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHING. THEN THE PASSENGER ASKED ME IF I COULD SMELL TRANSMISSION FLUID AND I HAD SAID YES. THIS ENDED UP COSTING ME $2800 AND MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS FAILING AND SENSE HE HAD IT APART HE SHOULD GO AHEAD AND REBUILD IT. *TR
Power train, Jul 23, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FAILS. *TR
Visibility, Jul 21, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND FOR THE PAST 5 YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED IT, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAVE BEEN ERRATIC! THE FRONT ONES WILL COME ON WHENEVER THEY WANT AND ALOT WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL IS USED. AS OF LATE THEY COME ON VERY OFTEN AND IS VERY DISTRACTING WHILE DRIVING. TODAY THEY WERE SO UNPREDICTABLE THAT THEY ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WITH ME AND MY 2 SMALL CHILDREN IN THE CAR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 21, 2010
TIMING BELT PLASTIC GEARS WAS SLUNG OFF AND CRACKED A REAR VALVE. HAD TO REPLACE VALVE AND HAVING TO REPLACE THE PLASTIC GEARS. COST APPROXIMATELY $2000-3500, MOSTLY IN PART BECAUSE ENGINE REMOVAL IS NECESSARY TO ACCESS THE TIMING CHAIN. MANY DEALERSHIPS SUGGEST BUYING A NEW ENGINE. IF NOT FIXED, COULD POTENTIALLY HARM SHAFTS, AND/OR OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE TIMING BELT/CHAIN COMPARTMENT AND FURTHER REPLACEMENT PARTS WILL NEED TO BE PURCHASED. *TR
Power train, Jul 20, 2010
DRIVING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH MY DAUGHTER IN THE BACK SEAT, WHEN THE O/D LIGHT STARTS TO FLASH AND THE CAR BECOMES JERKY, THEN LOCKS INTO GEAR SO I BRAKE PUT IT IN PARK AND TURN THE CAR OFF FOR A BIT , TURN IT BACK ON AND THE O/D FLASHES AND I MANAGED TO MAKE IT HOME BUT ONLY GOING SLOW AS CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MYSELF AND MY CHILD. I LET THE CAR SIT FOR A FEW DAYS AND HAD MY HUSBAND DRIVE IT AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND IT GOT STUCK IN GEAR ON HIM TWICE. WE'VE CONTACTED A TRANSMISSION SHOP AND THEY SAID IN THIS YEAR AND MODEL IT HAS BEEN VERY COMMON FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO BE REBUILT OR REPLACED. THEY RECOMMENDED TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AND EITHER PUT THE CAR UP FOR SALE OR REPAIR IT AS IN THEIR EXPERIENCE THEY TRANSMISSION WILL PROBABLY GO AGAIN IN A YEAR OR 2.. FORD NEED TO ACCEPT THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE AND OWN UP TO THEIR MISTAKES, THEY CAN'T EXPECT PEOPLE TO JUST SIT BACK AND ACCEPT IT. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THE ISSUE, IF I WAS TRAVELING AT A HIGHER SPEED WHEN IT FIRST STARTED WHO KNOWS WHAT COULD OF HAPPENED, I MAY NOT OF BEEN ABLE TO KEEP CONTROL AND SOMETHING SERIOUS MAY OF BEEN BUT LUCKILY IT WASN'T, BUT WE DON'T WANT TO READ ABOUT THE PERSON WHO COULDN'T KEEP CONTROL. *TR
Power train, Jul 19, 2010
O/D AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY SUV EVERYTIME I DRIVE IT AS SOON AS THE LIGHTS GO ON THE SUV TANS STARTS ACTING UP AND SLIP CALLED FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT, HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED SO IT WILL COST 2,300.00 PLUS LABOR. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF 4 . WHY IS IT THERE ARE SO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS YEAR FORD BUT, YET NOTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT IT ! I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR IN FEB OF THIS YEAR AND NOW I AM HAVING THIS PROBLEM ! I PULLED OUT FROM A GREEN LIGHT THE OTHER DAY AND ALMOST GOT IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE TRANS SLIPPED HAD ALL 4 CHILDREN IN THE CAR WITH ME ! MAYBE I SHOULD NOT BE DRIVING THIS BUT,THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE AND I NEED TO DRIVE ! AND I SURE DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO REPLACE THIS PROBLEMS THAT EVERYONE IS HAVING BESIDES ME ! FORD NEEDS TO FIX THERE PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE ENDS UP IN A REALLY BAD ACCIDENT OR ENDS UP WORSE DEAD !! *TR
Power train, Jul 16, 2010
THE O/D LIGHT STARTED BLINKING, FOLLOWED BY A CHECK TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT. THE TRUCK BEGAN TO SHIFT ERRATICALLY. I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE SAFELY IN TRAFFIC AND HAD TO PULL THE TRUCK TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE IT REMAINS UNTIL IT CAN BE TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP. THIS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED 4 X 4 V-8. FROM READING ABOUT THIS YEAR OF FORD EXPLORER'S, I SEE THAT IT THE MOST COMMON CAR COMPLAINT ON THE INTERNET. I HOPE YOU WILL FORCE A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. THANK FOR YOU HELP. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR
Seat belts, Jul 16, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED HER CHILD WAS SEATED AND PROPERLY SEATED IN A CHILD RESTRAINT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE CHILD RESTRAINT BEGAN TIPPING FORWARD. SHE FOUND THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT LATCH. THE CONTACT THEN INSPECTED THE REMAINING SEAT BELTS AND FOUND THAT ALL OF THE SEAT BELTS IN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT LOCK INTO PLACE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THERE WAS NOT A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE AND DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
Visibility, Jul 16, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD INDEPENDENTLY ENGAGE INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR DURING ANY TYPE OF WEATHER CONDITION. THE WIPERS ALSO FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO FRICTION CAUSED BY THE DRY WINDSHIELD. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2010
I BOUGHT A FORD EXPLORER, V-6 4X4 AND THE TRANSMISSION LIGHT STARTED FLICKERING AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SHIFTING HARD WHEN I TRIED TO DRIVE IT HOME. *TR
Power train, Jul 13, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE, THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER FRACTURED IN HER HAND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 122,000.
Wheels, Jul 12, 2010
WE OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 56,000 MILES ON IT TO DATE. WE TOOK IT INTO THE MECHANIC FOR AN ANNUAL INSPECTION AND WERE TOLD THAT 3 OF THE 4 WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLIES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WE HAD BEEN HEARING A LOUD, ALMOST GRINDING NOISE, WHILE DRIVING. THESE ASSEMBLIES, BEING OF POOR QUALITY, MEAN 3 OF THE 4 WHEELS ON OUR VEHICLE WERE LOOSE. I SEE A VERY LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE REGARDING THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE. VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Power train, Jul 11, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER OD LIGHT BLINKING TRANSMISSION SLIPS. *TR
Power train, Jul 10, 2010
1. WAS DRIVING IN TOWN EXPLORER SHIFTED INTO 2ND HARD AND THEN 3RD GEAR SLOWED THE CAR DOWN THEN SHIFTED LIKE A HARD JERK 2.WAS OCCURRING SEEMS WHEN CAR GET WARMED UP THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD AND THE OD LIGHT BLINKS AND NOW EVEN COLD THE OD LIGHT BLINKS ALL THE TIME NOW TOOK TO TRANSMISSION SHOP TOLD ME I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION JUST BOUGHT IT 4 MONTHS AGO 3 CALLED FORD DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME TO THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL THIS IS HOW I WILL CORRECT THE PROBLEM WITH MY COMPLAINT SO WE CAN ALL GET FIX BY FORD. *TR
Power train, Jul 9, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER - THE O/D LIGHT IS FLASHING AND NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW HOW TO FIX IT; IT APPEARS THERE ARE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Jul 9, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED HER THAT SHE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AT HER OWN EXPENSE AND TO FILE A CLAIM. THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS OR WARRANTIES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 45,000. UPDATED 10/21/10. *LJ UPDATED 10/25/10
Suspension, Jul 9, 2010
VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE TERRIBLE GRINDING/RUBBING NOISE WHILE 50 MILES FROM HOME. ON EXIT RAMP TO MY CITY, IT SWAYED... THE NEXT MORNING MY COUSIN EXAMINED THE VEHICLE FINDING THE RIGHT REAR SPRING BROKEN, AND THE LEFT IN TERRIBLE CONDITION AS WELL. I AM JUST THANKFUL NOTHING BAD HAPPENED ON MY WAY HOME. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS VEHICLE OFF ROAD NOR USED IT TO PULL ANYTHING. AFTER VIEWING ALL THE COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME ISSUE ON THE "CAR COMPLAINTS" WEB SITE, I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHAT HAS TO HAPPEN B/F FORD IS FORCED TO MAKE A RECALL ON THIS ITEM????? I HAD TO HAVE THE PARTS REPLACED, AND I DO HAVE THE OLD SPRINGS! GOOD THING I DID NOT HIT A HUGE BUMP OR POT HOLE ON MY WAY HOME OR HAVE TO SWERVE QUICKLY, I HATE TO THINK OF WHAT MIGHT HAVE OCCURRED! *TR
Structure, Jul 8, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE REAR HATCH UPPER GLASS PLASTIC TRIM CRACKED NEXT TO THE FORD EMBLEM. THIS ALLOWED WATER INTO THE TRIM THAT CAUSED THE BOLTS HOLDING THE LATCH TO RUST THROUGH AND COMPLETELY FAIL. I REPLACED THE ENTIRE GLASS LAST SPRING (2009). THE REPLACEMENT PART ALSO CRACKED IN TWO PLACES AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF MICHIGAN WINTER. THE LATCH BOLTS IN THIS UNIT ARE NOW RUSTING AS WELL. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE PLASTIC TRIM EXPANDS AND CONTRACTS AT A DIFFERENT RATE THAN THE GLASS. SINCE THEY ARE BONDED TOGETHER, THE WEAKER PLASTIC FAILS. THE CRACKS CONTRACT AND EXPAND DEPENDING ON THE TEMPERATURE. *TR
Power train, Jul 7, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OVERDRIVE BUTTON CONTINUED TO BLINK AND FLASH. THE GEAR SHIFT BUTTON DOES NOT TURN THE LIGHT OUT AS IT'S DESIGNED TO. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 98,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 117,000.
Power train, Jul 6, 2010
O/D DRIVE FLASHING AND CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT IS ON, VERY NOISE ON THE BACK OF VEHICLE,THE TRUCK ONLY 58,000 ON IT. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 6, 2010
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. AS I DROVE THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT I HEARD A CLANKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER I PARKED THE VEHICLE, I LOOKED AT THE LIFT GATE AND SAW NO DAMAGE. I OPENED THE BACK DECK OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN I CLOSED IT, THE REAR WINDOW FELL OUT. THE HINGES ON THE REAR GLASS SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE REAR GAS TO FALL OUT. I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALER, FEARING THAT DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD CAUSE THE REAR GLASS TO BREAK. THE DEALER TOLD ME THE COST OF REPAIR WOULD BE $407.00. ALSO INFORMED ME THAT AN EARLIER RECALL HAD BEEN DONE ON THE SAME YEAR REGULAR FORD EXPLORER (02-03) FOR EXACTLY THE SAME ISSUE BUT THEY DID NOT RECALL THE EXPLORER SPORT, EVEN THOUGHT THE SAME PARTS WERE USED ON BOTH VEHICLES. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Jun 29, 2010
O/D LIGHT BLINKING AND IRREGULAR SHIFTING DURING ACCELERATION. 2002 FORD EXPLORER DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. EVERYTIME I LEAVE A STOP SIGN OR TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE RPM'S BECOME VERY HIGH (OVER 5,000) AND WILL NOT SHIFT. TO KEEP THE ENGINE FROM RACING, I HAVE TO LIFT MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL TO GET IT TO SHIFT. THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO SLOW DOWN QUICKLY AND WITH A LINE OF CARS BEHIND ME THAT DO NOT ANTICIPATE ME SLOWING DOWN JUST AS I AM ACCELERATING, THIS FORCES THEM TO SLOW DOWN QUICKLY UNEXPECTEDLY SO THEY DO NOT RUN INTO THE BACK OF THE TRUCK. THIS IS DANGEROUS. *TR
Power train, Jun 28, 2010
JUST BOUGHT THE TRUCK RECENTLY THE PREVIOUS OWNER TOOK VERY GOOD CARE OF IT LOOKS JUST LIKE NEW EVEN THE ENGINE AND INSIDE PARTS LOOK LIKE NEW. BUT RECENTLY THE TRUCK WOULDN'T REVERSE WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THE ESTIMATE SCARED US IT WAS RIDICULOUS. WE TOOK IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND HE JUST CHANGED THE OIL AND FILTER BUT HE TOLD US THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD SOME DAMAGED ALREADY. AFTER WE BROUGHT IT BACK FROM THE MECHANIC IT WORKED FINE FOR TWO DAYS THEN THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN AND THE YELLOW LIGHT KEEPS ON BLINKING. WE HAVEN'S USED IT SINCE THE PROBLEM DOESN'T HAPPEN ALL THE TIME BUT WE'RE AFRAID OF IT HAPPENING WHILE DRIVING IT OR IN A PARKING LOT OR SOMETHING. *TR