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.
Seat belts, Feb 15, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER FRONT OUT SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT IN COLD TEMPERATURES. I TOOK THE VEHICLE MULTIPLE TIMES TO THE FORD DEALER AND CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECTLY REMEDY THE SITUATION. AT ONE POINT THE DEALER TO GET RID OF ME HE INSTALLED LOW-FRICTION TEFLON TAPE ON THE D-RING BUT THAT DID NOT HELP AT ALL. THE RETURN SPRING IS TOO WEAK TO CARRY THE LOAD. THIS IS A SAFETY ITEM BECAUSE THE WEBBING IS CATCHING ON TO THE DOOR AS IT IS CLOSING CAUSING THE SEAT BELT WEBBING TO FRITTER AND EVENTUALLY TO TEAR INTO PIECES. PLEASE LOOK AND INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER IMMEDIATELY. IF THIS COMPLAINT DOES NOT REQUIRE FULL FLEDGED RECALL, I AM WILLING TO GET THE DEALER TO REPLACE FRONT SEAT BELTS AT FORD EXPENSE. *TR
Visibility, Feb 15, 2010
I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT IN 43 DEGREE WEATHER WITH NO TEMPERATURE CONTROLS BEING USED WHEN MY REAR WINDSHIELD SHATTERED INTO THE VEHICLE. I THEN PULLED OVER TO A SAFE LOCATION AND INSPECTED THE BROKEN GLASS. THERE WERE NO FOREIGN OBJECTS IN THE BACK OF MY VEHICLE INDICATING MALICE. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH IT SEEMS THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THAT A 2000-2004 FORD VEHICLE HAS HAD THIS KIND OF AN ISSUE. AGAIN, THE TEMPERATURE WAS ONLY 43 DEGREES, MY VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP, AND NO TEMPERATURE CONTROLS WERE BEING USED. *TR
Power train, Feb 14, 2010
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER HOME LAST WEEK WHEN SHE WAS APPROACHING A RED LIGHT. SHE NOTICED THE O/D LIGHT BEGAN TO BLINK VERY FAST AND WHEN SHE WENT TO PULL AWAY, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED TO 2ND BUT WOULD NOT SHIFT TO 3RD GEAR AND THE RPM'S WOULD GO REAL HIGH. COULD NOT GO ABOVE 30 MPH. DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE TO GET FORD TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. MAYBE IT WILL HAVE TO FAIL TO SOMEONE ON THE FREEWAY AND SOMEONE GETS HURT. VEHICLE HAD 115K MILES. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE INSTEAD OF RECALLING CHEAP FIXES. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. WE ALSO HAD BROKEN REAR COIL SPRINGS THAT I HAD TO FIX 3-4 YEARS AGO. PLUS THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL RECALLS ALREADY ON THIS VEHICLE. SOUNDS TO ME LIKE THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE SCRAPPED. *TR
Power train, Feb 14, 2010
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 59,000 MILES ON IT. MY SUV HAS NEVER BEEN USED FOR TOWING OR UNUSUAL FAST DRIVING. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NOW RANDOMLY ALLOWS FOR UNUSUALLY HIGH RPMS BEFORE CHANGING GEARS. THIS RESULTED SEVERAL TIMES IN REAR WHEEL SLIPPING AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN MAKING A U-TURN, THE REAR END OF THE CAR SPUN OUT INTO AN UNINTENDED ADJACENT LANE AND NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. ALSO, A SIMPLE LEFT TURN ONTO A TWO LANE ROAD RESULTED IN THE REAR END OF THE CAR GOING OFF OF THE ROAD. THE TRANSMISSION IS NOW MAKING NOISES AND CHANGING GEARS SLOWLY. FROM RESEARCHING ONLINE, IT IS APPARENT THAT THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED THOUSANDS OF TIMES WITH THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. ESTIMATED COSTS TO REPAIR DESIGN FLAW RANGE FROM $2700 TO $4000. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 12, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED ELECTRICAL ISSUES: 1)WHEN I PUSH THE REAR DEFROSTER BUTTON THE 'DOOR AJAR ' NOTICE COMES ON 2)WHEN THE REAR DEFROSTER IS ON THE MIRROR ADJUSTMENT SWITCH DOES NOT WORK 3)IF I LEAVE THE AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON AND I SHUT THE CAR DOWN AND LOCK IT WITH THE KEY FARB THE HORN BEEPS TWICE (INDICATING THE DOOR IS AJAR) AND THE INTERIOR LIGHT STAYS ON. I HAVE TO EITHER SWITCH THE AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHT SWITCH TO OFF OR MANUALLY TURN THE INTERIOR LIGHT OFF. 4)THE BACK UP BEEPER SWITCH SOMETIMES GOES OFF WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE. THANKS FOR HELPING ME OUT. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Equipment, Feb 11, 2010
EVENT/SITUATION: HESITATES AND CHOKES AT 40-45 MILES PER HOUR WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE, ALONG WITH A SLIGHT RUBBING SENSATION FELT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL AND GAS PEDDLE. THEY ADVISED REPLACING THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. THEY ALSO STATED A WEAK BATTERY WHICH WAS REPLACED. THIS DID SEEM TO FIX VARIOUS FAULTY FALSE ELECTRICAL ISSUES: INTERIOR LIGHTS STAYING ON AND FALSE LIGHT/DASHBOARD READINGS. FAULTY TRANSMISSION, EMISSIONS OR PLUGS/WIRING HAVE BEEN POSSIBILITIES. I'VE TAKEN IT TO GOODYEAR WHO RECOMMENDED CHANGING OUT THE PLUGS AND WIRES, ALONG WITH A FLUSH. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT FLUSHES CAN RUIN PARTS ON OLDER VEHICLES AND CAUSE OTHER EXPENSIVE PROBLEMS. I FOUND A FEW WEBSITES WERE THERE ARE MANY OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVING THESE SAME ISSUES WITH THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. FORD HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND AWARE OF THESE TRANSMISSION ISSUES AND EXPENSIVE PROBLEMS, COVERING UP WITH OTHER LITTLE RECALLS LIKE THE WIRING HARNESS. I, LIKE MANY, ARE BEING FORCED TO PAY FOR FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS. I BELIEVE THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND MAKE FORD PAY FOR RECALLS AND REPAIRS. IT HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP FOR ITS OIL CHANGE AND A WIRING RECALL APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS AGO, IN JANUARY 2010. HERE IS THE WEBSITE WITH MANY OTHER FORD EXPLORER OFFICIAL COMPLAINTS WHO DEMAND A RESPONSIBLE/RELIABLE RECALL FIX FROM FORD. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/TRANSMISSION/O_D_LIGHT_IS_BLINKING.SHTML. *TR
Power train, Feb 11, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER V6 AND THE O/D LIGHT HAS BEEN FLASHING PERIODICALLY FOR THE PAST YEAR. THE 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT ALSO COMES ON AT VARIOUS TIMES. RECENTLY, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS 'ROUGH' AND AT ABNORMAL TIMES. *TR
Power train, Feb 11, 2010
FAULTY TRANSMISSION ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER. OD LIGHT FLASHES AND TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT. IF CONTINUED TO BE DRIVEN TRANSMISSION WILL FAIL. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME ON THE SAME VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 11, 2010
ON DEC 4TH 2009, MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WAS DRIVING FINE ONE MINUTE AND THE NEXT THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE O/D LIGHT BLINKING WENT AWAY. THE VERY NEXT DAY AGAIN, WITH THE LIGHT ONCE AGAIN FLASHING, THE VEHICLE REFUSED TO MOVE FORWARD WHEN GAS PEDAL WAS ENGAGED; HOWEVER THE RPM REVVED UP BETWEEN 3 AND 4. THROUGHOUT THAT SAME DAY, I ATTEMPTED TO GET VEHICLE INTO DRIVE MODE...EVENTUALLY THE VEHICLE JUST INCHED FORWARD AND FINALLY STOPPED MOVING ALTOGETHER. AFTER A CONSULTATION WITH MY LOCAL TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP.. I WAS DISHEARTEN TO LEARN THAT IN ORDER TO REPAIR, WHAT HE DESCRIBED AS A BAD TRANSMISSION, WHICH IS VERY COMMON WITH THE 2002 FORD EXPLORERS..I'D HAVE TO PAY $2868....SINCE THIS INCREDIBLE REVELATION, I'M DISCOVERING FORD KNOWS ALL ABOUT BUT REFUSES TO DO THE CONSCIONABLE THING AND RECALL THESE DEFECTIVE, DANGEROUS BUT COSTLY VEHICLES. I REGRETTABLE PAID THE $2868 REPAIR CHARGE FOR A REBUILT TRANNY WITH ABSOLUTELY NO ASSISTANCE FROM FORD. MY VEHICLE IS PAID OFF AND I REALLY CANT AFFORD TO JUST INVEST CLOSE TO 3K IN A VEHICLE THAT SHOULD'VE BEEN RECALLED AND FIXED ESPECIALLY SINCE THE FORD CORPORATION IS FULLY AWARE BUT DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO STILL BUY AMERICAN AND WANT TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING AMERICAN MADE PRODUCTS. BUT SINCE FORD REFUSES TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT, IT MAY FORCE A LOYAL CUSTOMER TO GO ELSEWHERE IN THE FUTURE WHEN PURCHASING A NEW VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY REPAIRED ON 2/8/10.. SO FAR I'VE DRIVEN IT ONCE... SO FAR SO GOOD...I RECEIVED A BETTER WARRANTY FROM MY TRANNY SHOP THAN THE FORD COMPANY WAS WILLING TO STAND BEHIND. THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AJAR ALARM CHIMES WHILE DOOR IS SECURELY CLOSED. THE LOCKING MECHANISM OPENS AND CLOSES. THIS ISSUE IS ALSO KNOWN AND A PROBLEM FOR THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND YET STILL NO RECALL... THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO MY COMPLAINT. *TR
Power train, Feb 10, 2010
I HAD TO GO INTO TOWN. SOME ROADS WERE SNOW AND ICE COVERED. ON A SMALL HILL MY VEHICLE STARTED SPINNING AND FISH TAILING TRYING TO GET UP. I HAD NOT EXPERIENCED THIS TYPE OF TRACTION AND HANDLING PROBLEM BEFORE AND IT WAS UNEXPECTED. I MANAGED TO TURN AROUND IN TRAFFIC AND TOOK ANOTHER ROUTE. SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. I REALIZED THAT THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE WAS NOT WORKING. I TRIED TO MANUALLY ENGAGE IT WITHOUT SUCCESS. I EVENTUALLY MADE IT TO A FORD DEALER. AFTER CHECKING THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE 4X4 MODULE WAS BAD. AFTER DOING SOME INTERNET CHECKING, I HAVE FOUND THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. MANY CLAIM THAT THE FAILURE HAPPENS AFTER THE BATTERY IS DISCONNECTED FOR SOME REASON. MY VEHICLE HAD A RECALL TO REMEDY A SPEED CONTROL DEFECT ABOUT A MONTH EARLIER. THE PROBLEM ALSO SEEMS TO AFFECT 2002 EXPLORERS MORE THAN OTHER MODELS. THE LOSS OF THE AUTOMATIC 4 WHEEL DRIVE CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AFFECTING NOT ONLY THE EXPLORER BUT OTHER VEHICLES ALSO. THIS TYPE OF FAILURE IS UNEXPECTED AND NO PANEL LIGHT INDICATES THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN AUTOMATIC 4 WHEELED DRIVE. THE ONLY INDICATION IS THE LIGHT IN THE SELECTION PUSHBUTTON WHICH CAN NOT BE SEEN IN DAYTIME DRIVING WITH THE HEAD LIGHTS ON WHICH DIMS THE PANEL LIGHTS. NO FAILURE INDICATION AND THE LOSS OF THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE WHEN YOU EXPECT IT TO BE THERE CAUSES A DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
Power train, Feb 10, 2010
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED. THIS PAST MAY MY EXPLORER'S O/D LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. I NEARLY IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE, AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS WRECKED TO THE TUNE OF $2,500. AFTER MUCH INTERNET RESEARCH IS SEEMS AS THOUGH MANY THOUSANDS OF OTHER CONSUMERS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE AND FORD SEEMS TO BE DOING NOTHING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR MISTAKES THE WAY THAT TOYOTA HAS! *TR
Power train, Feb 9, 2010
O/D OFF LIGHT SUDDENLY STARTED FLASHING IN 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WAS JUST DRIVING AND THE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. ALSO, THERE IS HARD SHIFTS WHEN PLACING THE SUV IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. *TR
Power train, Feb 9, 2010
MULTIPLE DEFECTS WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND THE DRIVE TRAIN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STOP OPERATING CAUSING A HUGE SAFETY RISK TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. I HAVE READ ONLINE THAT THIS IS A HUGE ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL AND FORD REFUSES TO ISSUE A RECALL. *TR
Suspension, Feb 8, 2010
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4.0 ENGINE. REAR COIL SPRING FAILURE. THE VEHICAL HAS NEVER BEEN USED OFF-ROAD AND THE SPRINGS DO NOT HAVE SURFACE RUST BUT BOTH ARE BROKEN. CAR IN FOR RECALL ON CRUISE CONTROL AND FORD "FOUND" ISSUE. TURNS OUT IT IS VERY COMMON IN THIS MODEL AND FORD DEALERS FIND IT A GREAT WAY TO MAKE EXTRA DOLLARS. U-HAUL WILL NOT RENT TRAILERS TO OWNERS OF FORD EXPLORERS. THEY SAY THAT THERE ARE TOO MANY CLAIMS BUT WILL NOT REVEAL NATURE OF CLAIMS. FORD SAID THAT THEY HAVE NO COMMENT ON ISSUE. I CAN FORWARD E-MAILS FROM BOTH U-HAUL AND FORD STATING SUCH. *CN
Power train, Feb 7, 2010
WHEEL BEARINGS AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL BEARINGS WHERE IDENTIFIED AS BEING WORN OUT (DANGEROUSLY) TO THE POINT WHERE THE WHEELS COULD HAVE COME OFF THE VEHICLE DURING NORMAL OPERATION. THIS WAS ON A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH JUST UNDER 55,000. THIS INCLUDED ALL WHEEL BEARINGS AND BEARINGS LOCATED IN THE REAR END (DIFFERENTIAL) CAUSING A LOUD WHINING NOISE. *TW
Suspension, Feb 7, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH ABOUT 75,000 MILES. I TOOK IT TO MY DEALER DUE TO A RECALL NOTICE, AND THEY PERFORMED A MULTI-POINT INSPECTION. DURING THIS INSPECTION, THEY SAID THAT BOTH OF MY REAR SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. I FOUND THIS HARD TO BELIEVE BECAUSE I DON'T TOW ANYTHING AND I DRIVE CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS. THROUGH INVESTIGATION ON THE INTERNET, IT SEEMS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. I WILL NEED TO REPLACE THE SPRINGS AS THEY COULD PUNCTURE A TIRE LEADING TO AN ACCIDENT. THE COST OF THE SPRINGS SEEMS TO BE ABOUT $125 PLUS LABOR. *TW
Power train, Feb 7, 2010
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION LIGHT AND O/D LIGHT IS BLINKING AND MY TRANSMISSION NEXT TO BE REPLACED OR REBUILT. I'VE HEARD OF MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM 2002 EXPLORER OWNER LIKE ME. IS THERE ANY RECOURSE FOR ME IF KNOWS ABOUT THIS WHY DON'T THEY STEP TO THE PLATE AND OFFER A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. FORD IS ENJOYING A LOT OF SUCCESS AND IT'S A SHAME THEY CAN'T TAKE CARE OF THEIR LOYAL CUSTOMERS LIKE ME AND OTHERS. *TW
Power train, Feb 5, 2010
I HAVE A FORD EXPLORER XLT 2002, AND AT 160 000KLM THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO HAVE A HARD TIME GETTING THROUGH P-R-N-D-1-2-3, WITHOUT GOING THROUGH A HARD "CLUNK" AFTER LOOKING AT UNIVERSAL JOINTS, BUSHINGS, CROSSMEMBERS AND DIFF SLAKE I REALIZED ITS THE TRANSMISSION. AFTER 2000 KLM THE OD LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, AND IT'S GETTING WORST... THIS TRUCK IS LIKE A GM , WHEN PROBLEMS START THEY ALL FOLLOW THROUGH ONE AFTER THE OTHER. WHAT A LEMON. HAD TO GO 2000 KLM FOR A CHRISTMAS GATHERING WITH ALL FAMILY AND KIDS, AND ALL CAME FROM PARTS OF THE WORLD CAUSE PARENTS ARE GETTING VERY OLD. SO I HAD TO PUT MY FAMILY THROUGH SAD TIME AND NOT GO TO THE GET TOGETHER OF THE LIFETIME. FORD DIDN'T COME THROUGH FOR US. *TR
Power train, Feb 5, 2010
THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AND THE "O/D OFF" STARTED BLINKING. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. *TR
Power train, Feb 5, 2010
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SUV AND HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHING ON THE DASH, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SLIP INTO AND OUT OF NEUTRAL. I EXECUTED AN ONLINE SEARCH AS MOST DO TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AND WAS AMAZED AT THE THOUSANDS OF GOOD FOLKS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. MOST CONTACTED FORD AND WERE TOLD THAT THEY NEEDED TO GO TO THE DEALER THAT RESULTED IN CHANGING THE TRANSMISSION AT THE COST OF THE OWNER. LATER THE SAME PROBLEM AROSE AFTER THESE PEOPLE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX THIS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE TO SAY THE LEAST... A VEHICLE THAT SHIFTS GEARS ERRATICALLY, UNCONTROLLABLE RPM, AND BRAKING ISSUES VIA RECALL 09S09 (SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM MODIFICATION) IS NOT FIXING ANYTHING BUT VEHICLE FIRE SAFETY. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT NEEDS SERIOUS ATTENTION, AS A VEHICLE LIKE MY OWN SLIPPING IN AND OUT OF GEAR, MIGHT POSSIBLY HAVE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AND INJURE THE OCCUPANTS OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLE/ AND OR OTHERS. I ENCOURAGE THE INVESTIGATING OFFICER TO SEARCH THE WEB FOR O/D LIGHT FLASHING ON THE WEB TO SEE THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE....... *TR
Power train, Feb 3, 2010
TRANSMISSION FAILED SUDDENLY ON A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE READ MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH THESE ISSUES. OUR EXPLORER ONLY HAS 108,000 MILES AND I HAVE NEVER OWNED A VEHICLE THAT NEEDED A TRANSMISSION WITH THAT LOW OF MILEAGE. I WAS DRIVING DOWN AN INTERSTATE WHEN A BUNCH OF LIGHTS CAME ON SUCH AS THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT BLINKING FOLLOWED BY THE "CHECK TRANSMISSION" LIGHT AND SERVICE LIGHT. MY TRUCK STARTED GRINDING WHEN TRYING TO SHIFT AND ENDED UP SHUTTING DOWN RIGHT ON THE INTERSTATE WITH PEOPLE GOING 65+ AROUND ME HONKING. I HAD TO HAVE 2 PEOPLE PUSH ME OFF THE ROAD BECAUSE THE TRUCK WOULDN'T MOVE. IT WILL START, BUT WON'T GO INTO GEAR AND I WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION IS DESTROYED. *TR
Suspension, Feb 3, 2010
ON 01/29/2010, I TOOK MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4X4 TO KILL BRAKE & WHEEL TO HAVE NEW TIRES PUT ON THE VEHICLE. THE TECHNICIAN/MECHANIC ADVISED ME THAT THE LEFT REAR SPRING FOR THE VEHICLE WAS BROKE, BUT SITTING IN THE CENTER. I CALLED TIFFIN BRAKE & WHEEL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE SPRINGS REPLACED. I WAS ADVISED BY AN EMPLOYEE THAT THE BUSINESS HAS HAD "A LOT OF EXPLORERS HAVE THEIR SPRINGS REPLACED." THE EMPLOYEE ALSO MENTIONED THAT A COMPLAINT SHOULD BE FILED, BECAUSE A RECALL MAY BE IN ORDER DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF EXPLORERS WITH BROKEN SPRINGS. I AM CONCERNED WITH THIS ISSUE, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN OFF ROADED AND/OR ABUSED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. THE ACTUAL DATE WHEN THE SPRING BROKE IS UNKNOWN. *TR
Power train, Feb 2, 2010
O/D LIGHT IS BLINKING SO TRANSMISSION IS GOING BAD I FIGURED IT OUT OR I CAN JUST JAM MY TRANSMISSION IN MIDDLE OF HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC AND RESULT IN CRASH..... *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 2, 2010
NUMBER 8 CYLINDER SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF ENGINE TODAY ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4.6L. *TR
Power train, Feb 2, 2010
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, I NOTICED A SEVERE JERK IN THE BACK END OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. ONCE I SLOWED DOWN, THE O/D INDICATOR STARTED BLINKING AND THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T SHIFT FROM 4TH BACK INTO OVER DRIVE. I HAVE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FROM MY MECHANIC THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. I NOTICED THAT THERE ARE OVER 800 SUCH COMPLAINTS OF THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM ON A TROUBLESHOOTING WEB SITE. *TR