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. Power train, Dec 5, 2009

    THREE MONTHS AFTER BUYING A 2002 FORD EXPLORER I EXPERIENCED MY O/D OFF LIGHT BLINKING, AND MY SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT COME ON. I'M SCARED TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE NOW AFTER READING ALL THE HORROR STORIES ON A WEBSITE. I HAVE NO MONEY AND THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME. I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT AFFORD TO PUT A TRANSMISSION IN MY VEHICLE. THE PEOPLE WE BOUGHT IT FROM REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION A YEAR AGO AND THAT SHOULD HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM, BUT IT DIDN'T. NOW IT'S MESSED UP AGAIN. THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE PEOPLE'S TRANSMISSIONS GO OUT ON THEM. THE CAR JUMPS IN AND OUT OF GEAR. OUR FAMILIES ARE IN THESE VEHICLES, DOESN'T THAT MATTER TO YOU GUYS. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE FORD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS ISSUE, A DEATH TO OCCUR, WELL THEN IT'S TOO LATE AND THERE WOULD BE MORE PAYOUT ON FORDS PART IF A LIFE IS LOST. I'M SURE THE FAMILY WOULD SUE AND ESPECIALLY KNOWING THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSIONS IN THE 2002 EXPLORERS. YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO PROTECT US BEFORE A DEATH OR ACCIDENT OCCURS. YOU NEED TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND MAKE FORD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR DANGEROUS TRANSMISSIONS. I CAN TELL YOU I WILL OWN THE FORD COMPANY IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO MY FAMILY. I WILL ALSO HAVE A COPY OF THIS TO SHOW THE COURT THAT I TRIED TO TELL YOU TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT BEFORE IT CAME TO A DEATH OR ACCIDENT. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. NOW, NOT LATER. *TR

  2. Power train, Dec 4, 2009

    I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND MY TRANSMISSION BAND BROKE. I HAVE KEPT UP MAINTENANCE WITH THIS VEHICLE AND NOW I HAVE OVER $4,000 WORTH OF REPAIR. I CAN'T SHIFT INTO 3RD GEAR AND MY O/D LIGHT IS BLINKING. I'VE SEEN HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE AND FORD NEED TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR PRODUCT. *TR

  3. Wheels, Dec 3, 2009

    FAULTY BEARINGS AND HUB IN 2002 FORD EXPLORER. APPARENTLY, A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. *TR

  4. Vehicle speed control, Dec 2, 2009, fire

    I CURRENTLY OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. DURING THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY, WHILE MY VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THERE WAS A SPARK, THEN A FIRE UNDER MY HOOD. THE FLAME IGNITED AND MELTED THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH. AFTER SPEAKING TO MY REGULAR MECHANIC HE MENTIONED THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS PIECE AND WE SHOULD HAVE IT LOOKED AT BY FORD. UPON HAVING IT TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL LIST AND THEREFORE WOULD NOT BE COVERED. I SPOKE TO A REPRESENTATIVE WITH FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE WHO CONFIRMED WHAT THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAD STATED. WHEN I ASKED HOW MY VEHICLE COULD HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AS RECALL #09S09 (SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH RECALL) BUT NOT BE INCLUDED, ALL THE REPRESENTATIVE WOULD REPEAT IS THAT THE RECALLS ARE VIN SPECIFIC AND THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE SHE COULD DO. MY QUESTION IS THAT IF THIS IS THE SAME ITEM/ISSUE AS THE RECALL, THEN WHY ISN'T MY VEHICLE COVERED IN THE RECALL? CAN YOU PLEASE PROVIDE ME ANY ASSISTANCE ON RESOLVING THIS ISSUE? THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AWAITING AN ESTIMATE AND BEING REPAIRED AT ANCIRA FORD IN FLORESVILLE, TX. *TR

  5. Wheels, Dec 2, 2009

    I PURCHASED A NEW 2002 EXPLORER SPORT 4X4, AND DROVE IT CONSERVATIVELY UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS; NO OFF-ROAD, NEVER TOWED, GARAGED, ETC. WITH THE ORIGINAL TIRES AND SUSPENSION SYSTEM, AT 27,000 MILES, THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING (REFERRED TO AS A JOINT IN THE FORD SHOP MANUAL) AND HUB ASSEMBLY (A SINGLE, SEALED UNIT) FAILED SO BADLY THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THIS WAS REPLACED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP, BUT AS I WAS OVER THREE YEARS SINCE PURCHASE, THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY, AND COST $500.00. AFTER THE REPAIR, AT 65 MPH, A FAIRLY BAD VIBRATION WAS PRESENT IN THE FRONT-END. AT 36,000 MILES, THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING AND HUB ASSEMBLY ALSO COMPLETELY FAILED, AND REQUIRED A TOW TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP FOR REPLACEMENT. THE VIBRATION IS GONE, SO WAS CAUSED BY THE RIGHT BEARING, BUT NOT CAUGHT BY THE TECHNICIAN WHEN THE LEFT SIDE WAS REPLACED. AS FORD WILL ADMIT, THEIR PARTS ARE NOW MANUFACTURED IN CHINA AND MEXICO. PREMATURE PART FAILURE IS RAMPANT, SO OBVIOUSLY THERE IS LITTLE QUALITY CONTROL. ADDITIONALLY, CHINA HAS A HUGE COUNTERFEIT AUTO PARTS PROBLEM, AND IT SEEMS REASONABLE THESE PARTS ARE BEING USED IN NEW AMERICAN VEHICLES. I DO HAVE THE LEFT FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY, WHICH FAILED AT 27,000 MILES. THIS PART FAILURE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. *TR

  6. Power train, Dec 2, 2009

    O/D LIGHT FLASHING ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. *TR

  7. Power train, Dec 1, 2009

    MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT IS HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. IT SLIPS ALL OF THE TIME, MAKES GRINDING NOISES AND AT TIMES DOES NOT LET ME DRIVE (GOES NO WHERE WHILE STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL. SIMILAR TO WHAT IS HAPPENING TO A LOT OF PEOPLE OUT THERE WITH THIS SAME MAKE AND MODEL OF CAR. IT HAPPENS ON AND OFF, IT STARTED A COUPLE OF MONTHS BACK. *TR

  8. Suspension, Nov 30, 2009

    2002 FORD EXPLORER DRIVER SIDE REAR COIL SPRING BROKEN. *TR

  9. Air bags, Nov 30, 2009, crash

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH SHE LOST VEHICLE CONTROL, AND THEN THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THE NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAGS WERE NORMAL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 174,000.

  10. Power train, Nov 30, 2009

    MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION WENT AND NO RECALL AS THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE TO MANY OWNERS. THERE SEEMS TO BE A VERY LARGE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THERE TRANSMISSIONS ONCE, TWICE AND POSSIBLY THREE TIMES !!!! FORD WILL DO NOTHING FOR YOU AT ALL AND THEY ARE VERY AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TR

  11. Air bags, Nov 28, 2009, crash

    MY SUV HIT A CONCRETE WALL ON THE I-94 EASTBOUND FREEWAY, THE IMPACT TORN MY FRONT END A PART. A HIGHWAY PATROLMEN SAID THAT THE IMPACT SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED BOTH MY FRONT AIRBAGS, BUT IT DIDN'T, NOW I AM CONCERNED. *TR

  12. Power train, Nov 25, 2009

    IM ANOTHER SAD STORY OF A 2002 EXPLORER. THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING,CLUNKING AND THE O/D LIGHT IS FLASHING. JUST PAID THIS PIECE OF JUNK OFF AND NOW WAITING TO HERE FROM THE DEALER WHERE WE BOUGHT IT FOR THAT OH FAMILIAR QUOTE OF 3000 TO 4000 TO FIX. *TR

  13. Power train, Nov 23, 2009

    I BOUGHT A 2002 EXPLORER 4X4 V6 AUTOMATIC. AFTER DRIVING IT FOR A WHILE I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT DRIVE TRAIN PROBLEMS, TO INCLUDE WHEEL BEARINGS GOING OUT RIGHT AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN FIXED AT LOCAL FORD DEALER. THE WHEELS ALMOST FELL OFF. NOW, THE TRANSMISSION IS GONE OUT AND I FIND OUT THAT IT IS A NORMAL THING TO HAVE THAT HAPPEN. SAFETY, THINK ABOUT MY 2 EIGHT YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN A BUSY TRAFFIC ON A BRIDGE OVER THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER AND THE TRUCK JUST STOPPED. RIGHT IN RUSH HOUR! SOUNDS LIKE ANOTHER THING WHERE SOMEONE SHOULD STEP UP AND REPLACE AND THINK OF THE SAFETY OF THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS. *TR

  14. Vehicle speed control, Nov 23, 2009

    VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL REACTIVATION PROBLEMS TO FORD TRUCK. *TR

  15. Power train, Nov 23, 2009

    VEHICLE HANGS UP IN PARK ALMOST EVERY TIME IT IS USED; VERY DIFFICULT TO GET IT INTO A DRIVE OR REVERSE GEAR; GENERALLY MUST BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED IN N TO GET MOVING AGAIN. *TR

  16. Power train, Nov 21, 2009

    PREMATURE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR

  17. Fuel system, Other, Nov 21, 2009

    ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS WHEN WIDE OPEN THROTTLE SCENARIO PRESENTS ITSELF IN REAL WORLD APPLICATION ! 2002 FORD EXPLORER AUTOMATIC,TRANNY, FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. *TR

  18. Electrical system, Nov 20, 2009

    THE RADIO IN MY TRUCK BEGAN TO CHANGE STATIONS WITHOUT THE BUTTON BEING PRESSED. NEXT IT WOULD NOT RELEASE CD'S AND WOULD SWITCH FROM AM TO FM TO CD AND NOT ALLOW ME TO POWER IT OFF. NOW THE DISPLAY IS COMPLETELY GONE, TWO CD'S ARE STUCK INSIDE, AND THE RADIO DOESN'T WORK MORE THAN 5 MINUTES WITHOUT GOING CRAZY. MY PASSENGER SIDE LIGHTS IN THE REAR DON'T WORK MOST OF THE TIME BUT THE BULB HAS BEEN CHANGED. WHEN YOU MOVE THE WIRE A LITTLE IT WORKS BUT THEN STOPS AGAIN. I BELIEVE THE WIRING IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RADIO PROBLEMS. I CAN'T REMEMBER HOWEVER, IF THIS HAS STARTED BEFORE OR AFTER THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN IN FOR A RECALL FOR SOMETHING ELSE. *TR

  19. Vehicle speed control, Nov 19, 2009

    RECALL NOTICE 09S09 ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER. *NJ

  20. Power train, Nov 19, 2009

    SUDDEN TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON HIGHWAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. TRANSMISSION LOST 2ND GEAR AND STARTED SLIPPING, JERKING CAUSING US TO OBSTRUCT AN INTERSECTION WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAY. CAUSED A NEAR MISS THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A FATALITY. THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER (V8) IS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. I HAVE SCHEDULED A TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT WITH A LOCAL SHOP. FORD WON'T DO ANYTHING EXCEPT CHARGE ME FULL PRICE TO REPLACE A TRANSMISSION. KNOWING OF INHERENT EXISTING ISSUES WITH THESE TRANSMISSIONS, THEY SOLD THIS USED VEHICLE TO MY 18 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER 4 MONTHS AGO. COME ALREADY! *TR

  21. Suspension, Nov 18, 2009

    2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR SPRINGS BROKE , PUNCTURED THE TIRE. *TR

  22. Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Nov 18, 2009

    2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT: REC'D RECALL NOTICE ABOUT CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WITH FIRE HAZARD AND BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE DRIVING OR IN PARK. CALLED DEALER 'ARMSTRONG FORD IN HOMESTEAD FORD TWICE. ONCE SENT TO VOICE MAIL OF SERVICE MANAGER WITH NO RETURN CALL. FOLLOWING DAY 11/17 SPOKE WITH SERVICE ADVISOR WHO STATED TO CALL BACK ON FRI OR MON 11/20 OR 11/23 AS PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. I FIND THIS UNACCEPTABLE. IN ADDITION I HAVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT CONSISTENTLY CREATE SHORTS WITH PARTS OR DISPLAYS IN CONSOLE WHICH THIS DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO RESOLVE THUS COSTING ME HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS EACH TIME. THANK YOU. *TR

  23. Steering, Power train, Nov 17, 2009

    RECENTLY PURCHASED 2002 FORD EXPLORER. SHORTLY AFTER, WITHIN ONE TO TWO DAYS I ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE BY SHIFTING INTO PARK AND OPENING THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. ALTHOUGH VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN I EXITED IT BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS CAUSING ME TO FALL BESIDE ALONGSIDE THE DRIVER SIDE WITH LOWER RIGHT EXTREMITIES STILL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IMMEDIATE ASSISTANT WAS AVAILABLE SO MINIMAL DAMAGE WAS DONE. CURRENTLY REQUIRES CAUTION WHEN SHIFTING INTO PARK DO TO ADDITIONAL MANEUVERING TO SHIFT INTO PARK. *TR

  24. Power train, Nov 15, 2009

    IT WOULDN'T SHIFT INTO THIRD GEAR. IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME, AND LOOKING TO GET IT FIXED. *TR UPDATED 11/25/09

  25. Suspension, Nov 15, 2009

    BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE ON 2002 EXPLORER. THIS WAS NOTICED DURING INSPECTION WHILE HAVING THE OIL CHANGED. IT APPEARS TO BE BAD STEEL AS THERE HAVE BEEN MANY REPORTS OF THIS ON THE INTERNET. FORD SHOULD RECALL AND PAY FOR ANYONE WHO HAS ALREADY HAD TO HAVE THESE REPLACED. MY TAKE ON THIS IS IT NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTN.(IN THE FORM OF A RECALL FROM FORD) TO SAVE LIVES. *TR