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, May 4, 2010
TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON A 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4 DOOR. TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 78,000 MILES AND WAS REBUILT BY CONDIT FORD IN NEWTON NJ AROUND JULY 2006. TRANSMISSION FAILURE AGAIN AT 128,000 MILES ON APRIL 9, 2010 AND WAS REBUILT BY FOXWORTH'S AUTO SERVICE IN GREENSBORO, NC. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 4, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING COOLANT DUE TO A FAILURE WITHIN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET WHICH WAS CRACKED AND CORRODED. THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS ALSO FAULTY DUE TO THE GASKET PROBLEM. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION SUIT FOR THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 74,225.
Power train, May 4, 2010
MY 2002 EXPLORER SPORT O/D LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING WHEN I BOUGHT IT IN FEB 09. THE CAR HAS ABOUT 104,000 MILES ON IT. SOON AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. ABOUT A YEAR LATER, 4/29/10, THE O/D LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING AGAIN. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION SERVICED AND A DIAGNOSTIC TEST RAN ON THE TRANSMISSION. THIS COST ABOUT $300. ON 5/3/10 I TOOK MY EXPLORER IN AGAIN BECAUSE THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. THEY RAN ANOTHER TEST AND TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO GET THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED OR REBUILT BUT IT SHOULD LAST ME A LITTLE WHILE LONGER. THAT SAME EVENING MY CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR. I HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON TO GET IT INTO GEAR. I COULD NOT GO OVER 5MPH AND MY RPM'S WERE UNNATURALLY HIGH FOR THE SPEED I WAS TRAVELING. BY THE TIME I GOT UP THE HILL I WAS ON I COULD GO NO FURTHER. MY CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO ANY GEAR. I FINALLY HAD TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND WALK HOME. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS (OVER 300) ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION AND THEIR POOR PERFORMANCE OR LACK THEREOF. A RECALL WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED, AS THIS DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION IS DUE TO POOR VEHICLE CONSTRUCTION, NOT TYPICAL WEAR AND TEAR. ALL MY FAMILY DRIVES IS FORD, HOWEVER AFTER THIS INCIDENT I DO NOT HAVE MUCH FAITH IN FORD. GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY, I WOULD RATHER GO WITH A FOREIGN CAR NEXT TIME. *TR
Wheels, May 3, 2010
DISCOVERED THE REAR HUB BEARINGS ON MY FORD 2002 EXPLORER WERE TOTALLY GONE, IN JANUARY 2010, STARTED WITH A LOUD ROAR IN THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. THE AUTO MECHANIC STATED THAT THE WHEEL WAS VERY DANGEROUS AND WAS ABOUT TO COME OFF THIS CAR. I HAD THE REPAIR WORK DONE IMMEDIATELY, THEN TODAY, MAY 3 2010 NOTICED THE SAME ROAR, THE AUTO SHOP DEEMED IT THE SAME ISSUE, THE REAR HUB BEARINGS WERE REPLACED AGAIN ON MAY 3. THIS HAS TO BE STOPPED, THIS PROBLEM COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS. FMC NEEDS TO OWN UP TO THE PROBLEM. I WAS LUCKY TODAY, THE JAN 2010 REPAIR WAS UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, BUT I MIGHT NOT BE AS LUCKY THE NEXT TIME. I JUST PRAY IT'S A SAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE. *TR
Suspension, May 3, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A SHARP LEFT TURN AND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SWERVED OUT OF CONTROL. HE WAS ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP WITHOUT INCIDENT AND NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR TIRE WAS SHREDDED WHICH CAUSED HIM TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TWO REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE FRACTURED WHICH SHREDDED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE MECHANIC ALSO REPLACED THE TWO REAR TIRES, SPRING SET WITH STANDARD SUSPENSION, PINION SHAFT SEAL, TWO REAR RIMS AND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS. ALL REPAIRS WERE MADE AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,898. UPDATED 06/29/10. *LJ UPDATED 09/21/10
Engine and engine cooling, May 3, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED 4.6L V8. SPARK PLUG EJECTED FROM HEAD UPON START-UP. THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. *TR
Power train, Apr 30, 2010
I HAVE 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 6CYL FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. I LIKE THE VEHICLE BUT THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT HAD BEEN FLASHING ON IT FOR AWHILE AND THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY WENT OUT COMPLETELY. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. IT WOULD COST AT LEAST $2000 TO GET A REBUILT TRANSMISSION PUT IN WHICH FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND DOESN'T LAST VERY LONG ANYWAYS AND 5000 FOR A NEW ONE THAT WONT LAST A WHOLE LOT LONGER. I THINK FORD DID A VERY POOR JOB OF STANDING BEHIND THEIR VEHICLES. THEY HAVEN'T EVEN OFFERED A REDESIGNED TRANSMISSION OR ANYTHING SO IF IT HAPPENS TO YOU MITE AS WELL SCRAP THE VEHICLE CUZ IT WILL COST TOO MUCH TO FIX AND ITS NOT GOING TO LAST ANY WAYS. I THINK FORD NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Power train, Apr 26, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE DEALER REPAIRED THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 89,930.
Power train, Apr 26, 2010
O/D LIGHT CONTINUES TO BLINK. THE BLINKING AS OCCURRED BEFORE AND NO ONE KNOWS HOW TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I ALREADY SPEND A COUPLE THOUSANDS DOLLARS TO FIXED THE TRANSMISSION B/C TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. *TR
Power train, Apr 26, 2010
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE OD LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO GRIND , SLIP, THEN JUST STOPPED WORKING WITHOUT ANY WARNING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 25, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT EJECTED A SPARK PLUG. THE SPARK PLUG WAS ORIGINAL (IT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE AND HAD NEVER BEEN CHANGED). MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO CHURCH WHEN THE SPARK PLUG WAS COMPLETELY EJECTED AND BROKE THE COIL MOUNT. THIS ALLOWS FUEL VAPOR TO ESCAPE FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD AND COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE FIRE. LUCKILY, MY WIFE DIDN'T EXPERIENCE AN ENGINE FIRE SINCE SHE WAS PULLING INTO HER DESTINATION WHEN IT HAPPENED AND SHUT OFF THE MOTOR. THE SPARK PLUG EJECTION STRIPPED THE THREADS FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD. *TR
Structure, Apr 23, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE REAR WINDOW FELL OFF TRACK. HE ATTEMPTED TO KEEP THE WINDOW IN PLACE BY USING DUCT TAPE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000, STRUCTURE BODY, HATCHBACK/LIFT GATE, HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS WHICH WAS RELATED TO HIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE; HOWEVER, HE WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM IF HIS VIN WAS INCLUDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 112,000.
Steering, Power train, Apr 22, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT SUDDENLY BROKE OFF IN THE CONTACTS HAND AND THE VEHICLE BECAME STUCK BETWEEN PARK AND REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER REPLACEMENT KIT WOULD REPAIR THE FAILURE OR THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 92,000.
Suspension, Power train, Wheels, Apr 22, 2010
FORD 2002 EXPLORER XLT LIMITED. I HAVE HAD A MYRIAD OF ISSUES, WHICH UPON RESEARCH APPEAR COMMON TO THE EXTREME. FRONT & REAR BEARINGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES. SPRINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED. NOW THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING -- O/D LIGHT BLINKS, SES LIGHT ACTIVATES, AND VEHICLES OVER-REVS, SLIPS, AND WILL NOT OPERATE IN OVERDRIVE. THE TRANSMISSION DESIGN IS COMPLETELY SEALED, SO I CANNOT EVEN CHECK FOR FLUID LEVELS, NOR DO ANY PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE WHATSOEVER. THERE IS NO WARNING, JUST FAILURE. ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL YEAR ARE SO PREVALENT THAT LOCAL MECHANICS NEED ONLY ASK THE MODEL AND YEAR AND CAN ITEMIZE THE PROBLEMS I HAVE EXPERIENCED, AND PUBLIC FORUMS ARE FULL OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THIS MODEL YEAR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 20, 2010
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER 2002 FORD EXPLORER TO CHURCH SUNDAY MORNING 4-18-10 WHEN THE ENGINE BLEW WITHOUT WARNING !! BITS OF A PISTON AND ROD CAME RIGHT THRU THE BLOCK, LEAVING A HOLE BIG ENOUGH TO PUT YOUR FIST IN ! THIS EXPLORER ONLY HAS 63,000 MILES ON IT, AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY SINCE I BOUGHT IT WITH ONLY 25,000 MILES ON IT FROM A FORD DEALER. WITH ALL THE PROBLEMS THIS YEAR AND MODEL HAVE HAD, WHY HAS FORD NOT HAD A RECALL??? IT IS ABSOLUTELY A LEMON - AND I FEEL LIKE SUING THEM !! CAN YOU HELP ME?? *TR
Suspension, Apr 20, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHEN THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING HAD FRACTURED. THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS PRIOR TO THE DEALER'S DISCOVERY OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,000. UPDATED 11/9/10 *CN UPDATED 11/16/10*JB
Power train, Apr 19, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FAILURE DUE TO FAULTY MACHINING OF PISTON PATHWAYS IN THE TRANSMISSION CASING. MY EXPLORER WILL NOT SHIFT INTO THIRD GEAR BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE AND IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE OUT ON THE INTERNET AND YET FORD WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR A RECALL. *TR
Power train, Apr 19, 2010
THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS STARTING SLIPPING AND FAILING TO GET OUT OF FIRST GEAR. THE CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT WASN'T ON THEN COMES ON AND GOES OUT - DEPENDING ON WHICH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. IT APPEARS TO NEED A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION NOW. IN LOOKING UP INFORMATION ON THIS I NOTICED A RATHER LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT 2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSIONS AND PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THEM. I REGARDED FORD AS A SUPERIOR BRAND AND DIDN'T THINK I'D HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. IT IS WELL MAINTAINED AND DOES NOT HAVE AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF MILES. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Apr 19, 2010
DOOR AJAR LIGHT AND BEEPING SENSOR IS ALWAYS GOING OFF. CAUSING THE DOORS TO UNLOCK WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO CAUSING THE INSIDE DOME LIGHT TO TURN ON AND OFF. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND ALOT OF FORD EXPLORERS ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Apr 19, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER. ONLY OWNER 115,000 MILES, MOSTLY HIGHWAY, WELL MAINTAINED. O/D LIGHT FLASHES, WARNING MESSAGE TO CHECK TRANSMISSION. IMMEDIATELY TAKEN INTO FORD SERVICE SHOP. CHARGED $90 FOR DIAGNOSIS: SLIPPING TRANSMISSION. DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THAT THEY WILL REQUIRE APPROVAL OF $720 TO FURTHER DIAGNOSE PROBLEM. WHEN ASKED FURTHER QUESTIONS, I WAS TOLD THAT IT COULD RANGE FROM THE $720 - $3,000 + . I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE AND HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A LOCAL TRANSMISSION SHOP TODAY. WAS TOLD BY THE MAN AT THE SHOP THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS VEHICLE. HE ACTUALLY WAS ASKING ME IF IT DID THIS OR THAT....YES. HIS PRICE FOR REPAIR WAS THOUSANDS LESS THAN FORD'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND I AM NOT BEING ASKED TO PRE-PAY HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND IT APPEARS THAT THIS TRANSMISSION ISSUE IS HIGHLY COMMON ON THE 02 EXPLORER. I HAD JUST LEFT THE FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHERE I HAD GONE FOR REGULAR OIL CHANGE AND MULTI-POINT INSPECTION. THEY TOLD MY THAT THEY VEHICLE WAS IN GREAT SHAPE. LITERALLY 5 MINUTES AFTER I LEFT THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING HOME. *TR
Power train, Apr 18, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER O/D OFF LIGHT BLINKING, HARD SHIFTING. OUR 2002 EXPLORER (91,000 MILES) HAS THE ALL TOO COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. I'M VERY SURPRISED TO SEE HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THIS SAME PROBLEM. FROM ALL THAT I'VE READ, THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT THAT FORD HAS IGNORED. IF YOU DO A SEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM, YOU WILL FIND THOUSANDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. I'M REPORTING THIS TO YOU IN THE HOPE THAT SOMETHING CAN BE DONE TO FORCE FORD TO DEAL WITH IT. *TR
Suspension, Apr 16, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE UNDER THE DRIVERS REAR SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE COIL SPRINGS WERE BREAKING OFF IN PIECES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 96,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 93,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Apr 15, 2010, crash
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND UNCONTROLLABLE ACCELERATOR. THE TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN SHIFTING HARD FOR MONTHS BUT IT IS CONSIDERED BY FORD TO BE A "SEALED" UNIT AND IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED THAT THE CUSTOMER MAINTAIN THE FLUID LEVEL, SO THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO. IN JAN 2010 THE ACCELERATOR STUCK WHILE ENTERING THE FREEWAY AND WE WERE OUT OF CONTROL, I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE AND HAD TO TURN OF THE CAR ON THE FREEWAY WITH NO SHOULDER AFTER BRUSHING THE GUARD RAIL AND WAS SUBSEQUENTLY REAR ENDED. THE O/D OFF LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING THAT DAY AND IT WAS TOUGH TO REACH 60MPH. SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I SHOPPED AROUND FOR DIAGNOSTIC. INDEPENDENT TRANS. GUY SAID IT NEEDS COMPLETE REBUILD, FORD DLR AGREES BUT FOR TWICE THE COST. NEW PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. IT MAKES NO SENSE WHY THIS CAR JUST STARTED TO FAIL ON ME LIKE THIS, I'M THE FIRST OWNER AND NOW ITS JUST DECIDED TO DIE AND FORD HAS BEEN NO HELP WHAT SO EVER. NOW I'M LOOKING AT A REPAIR THAT IS 80% OF THE BLUEBOOK VALUE. EACH MECHANIC I'VE BROUGHT IT TO SAYS THIS PROBLEM IS ENDEMIC TO THIS MODEL/YEAR AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. WHY WOULD THEY PUT IN A TRANS. THAT CANNOT BE REASONABLY SERVICED AND MAINTAINED AND DIES JUST AFTER 100K MI. I HAVE A VERY DIFFICULT TIME BELIEVING THIS WAS NOT PLANNED BY FORD AND I WILL NEVER BUY THEIR PRODUCTS AGAIN! MY CAR IS NO LONGER SAFE ENOUGH TO DRIVE TO THE GROCERY STORE LET ALONE THE FREEWAY. THIS IS A CLEAR CASE OF IRRESPONSIBLE MANUFACTURING PRACTICES ON FORDS PART AND WARRANTS A RECALL! *TR
Suspension, Power train, Apr 14, 2010
WHILE IN TRAFFIC TODAY, MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SUDDENLY LOST DRIVE POWER. FORTUNATELY, THE DRIVER BEHIND ME WAS NOT TAILGATING AND NOTICED MY VEHICLE SLOW DOWN RAPIDLY. I NOW FIND THIS TRANSMISSION FAILURE IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD 2002 EXPLORER. IN FACT ON ONE WEB SITE ALONE, WWW.AUTOBEEF.COM I SEE OVER 861 COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE ALONE ALL WITH 2002 EXPLORERS. TRANSMISSION FAILURES IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND AT HIGHER SPEED COULD CERTAINLY BE A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. ALSO LAST YEAR REPLACED BOTH REAR SPRINGS THAT HAD FAILED AND BROKE COMPLETELY AFFECTING BRAKING. *TR
Power train, Apr 13, 2010
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT O/D OFF LIGHT STARTED BLINKING WHILE I WAS DRIVING A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO;THEN THE TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO STICK WHEN ACCELERATING. AFTER I DRIVE FOR A FEW MINUTES, THE TRUCK SEEMS TO JERK AGAIN BEFORE GETTING IN GEAR. I WILL TAKE TO AUTO SHOP AGAIN THIS WEEK. *TR