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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 3,613

Of the 2002 reports, 163 involved a crash and 71 involved a fire. 213 people were injured and 6 people died.

Primary concernPower train1,575 reports · 44% of complaints
Owner complaints3,613Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship10 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train1,575
  2. Structure532
  3. Suspension445
  4. Engine and engine cooling194
  5. Vehicle speed control181
  6. Electrical system179
  7. Air bags171
  8. Steering162

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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.

  1. Seats, Jun 28, 2010

    DRIVERS SEAT IS DETACHED FROM FLOOR, MAKING IT HARD TO DRIVE SAFELY. AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON, LOCKS DON'T WORK, DANGEROUS. *TR

  2. Electrical system, Seats, Jun 28, 2010

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER'S SEAT DETACHED FROM THE FLOOR BOARD. THE ELECTRICAL GAUGES AND COMPONENTS WERE ALSO INOPERABLE AND THE POWER DOOR LOCKS HAD FAILED. NEITHER THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 90,000.

  3. Power train, Jun 27, 2010

    JUST OUT OF THE BLUE O/D LIGHT STARTED BLINKING AND TRANSMISSION MAKING VERY ROUGH SHIFTS INTO 4TH. THIS HAPPENED 3 YEARS AGO AND I HAVE BEEN DRIVING AS IS AS CAN'T AFFORD A NEW TRANSMISSION. CAR HAD 70,000 MILES ROUGHLY WHEN PROBLEM OCCURRED. *TR

  4. Power train, Equipment, Jun 26, 2010

    MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED 4X4 HAD A CHIMING NOISE FOLLOWED BY A O/D BLINKING LIGHT ON WED. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND HIT THE BUTTON FOR O/D A COUPLE OF TIMES IT THEN WENT OUT. I DROVE IT STRAIGHT HOME. I WAS ONLY TWO MINUTES FROM MY HOUSE. THE NEXT DAY I DROVE IT AND IT ACTED LIKE IT WOULDN'T OR COULDN'T SHIFT RIGHT. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW A CAR THAT IS PAMPERED COULD GO SO WRONG. I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FOUR WHEEL DRIVE MOTORS THIS WINTER AND I HARDLY USE IT. THE FOUR WHEEL WOULD NOT ENGAGE. NOW I AM TOLD THAT I PROBABLY NEED A NEW TRANNY AND THAT IT IS VERY EXPENSIVE.I DON'T HAVE ALOT OF MONEY. I HAVE ALWAYS OWNED FORD BUT NEVER AGAIN! I THINK FORD SHOULD RECALL ALL THESE TRANNYS AND FIX THEM JUST LIKE TOYOTA FIXED THEIR PROBLEMS. MAYBE I SHOULD BY TOYOTA. *TR

  5. Visibility, Structure, Jun 23, 2010

    RE NHTSA # 04V-442. 2002 FORD EXPLORER. LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE SHEARED AND GLASS FELL ON ME. I WAS TOLD BY SERVICE DEPT THAT FORD RECALL 04S20 (PERFORMED IN 2004) WAS ONLY WARRANTEED FOR 1 YEAR, SO I PURCHASED NEW HINGE KIT (2L2Z-78420A68-AA) AND INSTALLED MYSELF. AFTER EXAMINING OLD PARTS, I NOTICED SIGNIFICANT REDESIGN. AFTER DISCUSSION WITH A FORD SERVICE MANAGER IT APPEARS THAT INITIAL RECALL REPAIRS WERE INSUFFICIENT AND BY HIS ESTIMATE THE HINGES LAST ABOUT 3 YEARS. THERE WERE SEVERAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RECALLED PARTS AND PROCEDURES SINCE 12/04. MY VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED 12/20/04 SO THE MOST RECENT PROCEDURE WAS NOT FOLLOWED AT THE TIME AND MOST RECENT PARTS WERE NOT INSTALLED. FORD WILL NOT COMPENSATE FOR ADDITIONAL EXPENSES ONCE ANY RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. I WAS NOT INJURED BECAUSE I WAS OPENING THE HATCH SLOWLY AND HAD NOT LET GO BEFORE THE HINGE BROKE AND THE GLASS FELL. I BELIEVED THAT THE SAFETY DEFECT HAD BEEN REPAIRED. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. THE DANGER STILL EXISTS. I SUGGEST A WARNING NOTICE BE SENT TO ALL OWNERS THAT HAD RECALL PERFORMED BEFORE THE FINAL PROCEDURES (RCRIT-04V442-7848) WERE DEVELOPED. IT WOULD ALSO ENCOURAGE FORD TO COVER THE COST OF REPAIRS FOR THE DEFECTIVE RECALL REPAIR - INCLUDING GLASS BREAKAGE - AS THEY DID FOR THE ORIGINAL RECALL. *TR

  6. Suspension, Jun 23, 2010

    REAR COIL SPRING FOUND BROKEN DURING ROUTINE BRAKE INSPECTION. *TR

  7. Engine and engine cooling, Jun 22, 2010

    SPARK PLUG BLOWN OUT OF 2002 FORD EXPLORER. *TR

  8. Power train, Jun 20, 2010

    2002 FORD EXPLORER SHIFTER BROKE WHILE PUTTING VEHICLE IN DRIVE LOOKED AT PART MADE OUT OF SOME TYPE OF GRANULATED ALUMINUM. CAN'T BELIEVE SUCH A UNSAFE METAL COULD BE USED IN A VEHICLE PART WILL CALL FORD FOR ESTIMATE READ OVER 50 COMPLAINTS ON CARCOMPLAINTS.COM COULDN'T BELIEVE THAT THE DOT HAS LET THIS GO ON FOR SO LONG. I WILL BE CONTACTING MY LOCAL NEWS TEAM AND OTHER MARINES WHO HAVE FORD EXPLORERS AND TELLING EVERYONE THAT HAS AN EXPLORER. *TR

  9. Electrical system, Interior lighting, Jun 19, 2010

    I BOUGHT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER USED BUT ALSO HAVE A FATHER-IN-LAW WITH A FORD AND HE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. WHEN WE BOUGHT IT THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT WAS ON ALL THE TIME AND THE DOME LIGHT WOULD STAY ON BUT AS WE DROVE THE LIGHT WOULD TURN OFF BUT THE LIGHT WOULD STAY ON. RECENTLY LAST WEEK THE LIGHT STAYS ON LIKE NORMAL BUT NOT THE LIGHTS GOES ON AND OFF, IT DINGS CONSTANTLY, AND THE DOORS LOCK AND UNLOCK WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD. IT IS VERY DISTRACTIVE AS WELL AS ANNOYING. WE GOT ONLINE TO SEE WHAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE DONE AND THERE WERE LOTS OF COMPLAINTS. WE TRIED THE WD40 BUT THEY SAY THAT ONLY WORKS FOR A DAY OR SO. *TR

  10. Power train, Jun 18, 2010

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT 60 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN DECREASING IN SPEED AND BECOME SLUGGISH.THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE, HE COASTED INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED HAVING THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 142,957.

  11. Power train, Jun 17, 2010

    2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO NEED REPAIR. I'VE REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION TWICE AND IT HAS GONE OUT AGAIN. IT BEGAN WITH THE O/D LIGHT FLASHING, THEN, WITHOUT WARNING, IT SLIPS OUT OF GEAR, NEVER TO RETURN. I SPEND ABOUT $2,000 WITH EACH REBUILD. I CAN NO LONGER AFFORD THE COST. HAVING READ THE VOLUMINOUS REPORTS OF THE IDENTICAL FAILURE, I BELIEVE IT'S TIME FOR A RECALL BY FORD! *TR

  12. Steering, Power train, Jun 17, 2010

    WENT TO LEAVE A BASEBALL GAME AND ATTEMPTED TO PUT MY CAR IN REVERSE ONLY TO HAVE THE GEAR SHIFT COME LOOSE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND WAS JUST DANGLING THERE. OF COURSE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT FORD COULD NOT HELP. *TR

  13. Power train, Jun 15, 2010

    TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR

  14. Engine and engine cooling, Jun 14, 2010, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATE SPEEDS OF 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. SHE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING AND CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED ON SCENE HOWEVER; THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM IF A FIRE OR POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 145,000. UPDATED 8/2/10 *CN UPDATED 08/09/10*JB

  15. Engine and engine cooling, Jun 14, 2010

    MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS BLOWN THE TIMING CHAINS IN THE ENGINE. PLASTIC PARTS THAT WEAR OUT EASY AND CAUSED THE CHAINS TO FAIL. NOW I AM LOOKING FOR A REPLACEMENT ENGINE. THE ENGINE IS V6 AND IT ONLY HAD 95,000 MILES ON IT. THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN WELL CARED FOR AND THIS SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED. FORD IS USING FAULTY PARTS AND CAUSING THIS DAMAGE TO THEIR PRODUCT AND NOW THE CONSUMER WILL HAVE TO PAY BIG BUCKS FOR REPAIRS DUE TO THEIR CHEAP AND SHOTY PARTS USED BY FORD. THE TRUCK STARTED MAKING NOISE AND THOUGHT THAT IT WAS THE CONVERTER AND A VERY SHORT TIME AFTER THAT FIRST NOISE THE ENGINE FROZE AND STOPPED RUNNING. THEIR REALLY WAS NOT ALOT OF TIME FROM NOISE TO FAILURE OF ENGINE. THE OIL WAS CHANGED EVERY 3,000 MILES, SO IT WAS NOT FROM FAILING TO CHANGE THE OIL, IT WAS CHANGED REGULARLY. I LOVE THIS TRUCK, IT DRIVES GREAT, COMFORTABLE AND FOR ME NOT BAD ON GAS AT ALL. I WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE SOMEHOW. THE COST OF ANY NEW TRUCK IS OUT OF MY RANGE, SO I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO TRY AND FIX IT. DOES ANYONE HAVE ANYTHING TO OFFER ME ON THIS SUBJECT? THANKS *TR

  16. Structure, Jun 14, 2010

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE CONTACT STATED THE LIFT GATE WINDOW HINGE SUPPORT BOLT BROKE DUE TO RUST CORROSION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

  17. Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 13, 2010

    CAME HOME TO FIND STOING GASOLINE FUMES AND A STREAM OF GAS LEAKING ON THE DRIVEWAY FROM UNDER THE EXPLORER. CLIMBED UNDERNEATH IT TO FIND A HOSE LEAKING. *TR

  18. Power train, Jun 12, 2010

    I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND WENT TO PUT MY VEHICLE INTO PARK AND THE GEAR SHIFT WAS LIKE A BROKEN LIMB IN MY HAND. I CHECKED WITH SEVERAL AUTO PART STORES AND THE REPLACEMENT PART IS A DEALER ONLY PART. FORD WILL NOT SELL THE PART TO CUSTOMER FOR PERSONAL REPAIR. PLUS THE COST TO REPAIR IS VERY COSTLY. I WAS SEEKING INFORMATION AND FOUND SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ON AUTOBEEF-CAR COMPLAINTS.COM. SEEMS LIKE FORD NEEDS TO RECONSIDER THIS AS RECALL. *TR

  19. Power train, Jun 12, 2010

    2002 FORD EXPLORER DIFFERENTIAL SUBJECT TO INCREASED WHINING @ 85000 MILES AND RAPIDLY FAILED OVER THE COURSE OF ONE WEEK @ 99,000 MILES. R SIDE WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE FAILED AT SAME TIME. DIFFERENTIAL HAS LOCKED UP AND DRIVE GEAR JUMPS GEAR TEETH DURING ANY TURN. DEALER CLAIMS THEY'VE NEVER SEEN SUCH A FAILURE BUT LOCATED A FORD 'FIX KIT' VERY QUICKLY SO AM VERY SUSPICIOUS OF THEIR STATEMENT. I PULLED THE EXPLORER FROM THE DEALER FOR SECOND OPINION AND REP TOLD ME TO 'PARK IT' AND NEVER TO DRIVE IT UNTIL REPAIRED DUE TO POTENTIAL OF HIGHWAY LOCKUP WITH EXTREME CONSEQUENCES. FORD IS HIDING THIS DEFECT FROM THE PUBLIC. HAVE JUST FILED COMPLAINT WITH FORD ONLINE WHO ARE REPLYING WITH FORM LETTER EMAIL REFUSALS TO HELP . DRIVE GEAR FAILURE ON ANY VEHICLE IS UNHEARD OF, AND SHOULD NEVER FAIL. VEHICLE SITS ON A TRUCK CHASSIS AND SHOULD BE STURDIER THAN IT IS. *TR

  20. Power train, Jun 11, 2010

    THE SUV, WHICH IS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. JUST STARTED TO DRIVE REALLY SLOWLY AND AN O/D LIGHT CAME ON WHICH TELLS ME THAT I PRETTY MUCH NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE THE VERY EXPENSIVE PRICE ON FIXING THE PROBLEM. THE FIRST 2 TIMES FORD FIXED IT WITH A REBUILT TRANSMISSION AND NOW THEY WANT ME TO PAY AGAIN. SORRY NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE PLEASE MAKE FORD RECALL THESE VEHICLES. *TR

  21. Air bags, Jun 7, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AT HIS EXPENSE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 121,000.

  22. Visibility, Jun 7, 2010, fire

    AFTER STARTING THE IGNITION ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER, MY HUSBAND AND I NOTICED AN OBNOXIOUS SMELL IN THE CAR. MY HUSBAND PULLED OVER AND LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AND DID NOT SEE ANYTHING. I LOOKED AT THE DRIVER'S DOOR AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE POWER WINDOW BUTTONS. MY HUSBAND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. HE FELT THE BUTTONS AND THEY WERE VERY HOT. EVENTUALLY THE SMOKE SUBSIDED. HE LATER ON REMOVED THE FUSE THAT CORRELATED WITH THE POWER WINDOWS. HE DROVE THE CAR HOME WITHOUT INCIDENT. *TR

  23. Power train, Jun 3, 2010

    1. TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WHEN I STOPPED FAST 2. TRANSMISSION GOES INTO NEUTRAL AND TAKES ABOUT 10 SECONDS TO POP BACK INTO GEAR. 3. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS TOLD THEY COULD REPLACE A $1,000 PART. *TR

  24. Power train, Jun 2, 2010

    O/D LIGHT KEEPS FLASHING AND TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 80 THOUSAND MILES. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE BY FORD PLEASE DO SOMETHING THEY ARE TAKING WE THE CONSUMERS FOR GRANTED. *TR

  25. Power train, Jun 2, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED MOVING FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE HAD NOT OCCURRED SINCE THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK, THE GEAR SHIFTER BROKE OFF OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THAT MODEL. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,997. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.