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, Oct 19, 2009
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK THE ODLIGHT BEGAN TO BLINK AND THEN THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP, AND WOULD NOT MOVE! I HAD TO CUT THE CAR ON AND OFF MANY TIMES BEFORE IT ACTUALLY BEGAN TO MOVE AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HE SAID THAT I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THIS IS AN INCONVENIENCE BECAUSE I AM SIX MONTHS PREGNANT, AND THAT CAN BE SCARY DRIVING AND YOUR CAR WILL NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR . *TR
Power train, Oct 19, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 83,000 MILES ON IT'S THIRD TRANSMISSION FROM FORD. *TR
Wheels, Oct 17, 2009
WE HAVE OWNED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS NOW. ON OCTOBER 13, 2009 MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING ON A SIDE STREET, THANKFULLY AT A SLOW SPEED, HE TURNED A CORNER AND REALIZED THAT SOMETHING WAS SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH THE CAR, THOUGHT IT WAS A FLAT TIRE. SO HE SLOWED DOWN AND STARTED TO PULL OVER, HE THEN LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW TO SEE THE TIRE ROLLING OFF THE CAR AND DOWN THE STREET. THE REAR DRIVER-SIDE TIRE FELL OFF THE CAR. IT HAD SHEARED ALL THE LUG NUTS OFF. IF THE TIRE WERE TO FALL OFF AT HIGH SPEEDS THIS TYPE OF INCIDENT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATH TO THE PEOPLE IN THE VEHICLE AND POSE A THREAT TO OTHER DRIVERS AS WELL. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME IT HAS HAPPENED EITHER. ABOUT A YEAR AGO THE LUG NUTS SHEARED OFF OF THE SAME WHEEL, WE THOUGHT THE FIRST TIME WAS A FREAK ACCIDENT BUT IT WAS UNDER SIMILAR CONDITIONS - SLOW SPEED, TURNED AT A STOPLIGHT, THOUGHT SOMETHING WAS SERIOUSLY WRONG, THEN PULLED OVER TO DISCOVER THE REAR DRIVER-SIDE TIRE FALLING OFF OF THE VEHICLE, ALL LUG NUTS WERE SHEARED OFF. WE HAD NO RECENT WORK ON THE TIRES OR THE VEHICLE THAT COULD HAVE POSSIBLY LOOSEN THE LUG NUTS FOR EITHER OCCURRENCE. TO FIX THIS FAILURE WE ARE HAVING THE CAR TOWED AND THE LUG NUTS REPLACED, AGAIN, ALONG WITH A PANEL THAT WAS DAMAGED BY THE TIRE COMING OFF. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR ESPECIALLY WITH OUR CHILDREN AS THE TIRE CAN JUST COME OFF WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, AS I SEARCHED THE NHTSA WEBSITE THERE ARE EIGHT OTHER COMPLAINTS FILED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM FOR 2002 MODEL EXPLORERS AND SEVEN SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FOR THE 2003 EXPLORER YEAR AND TWO FOR THE 2004 YEAR AS WELL. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED! I ALSO FOUND ON THE WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM WEBSITE OTHER PEOPLES EXPERIENCES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM IN FORD EXPLORERS FOR THE YEARS 2002, 2003, AND 2004. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS, IT IS A SERIOUS DEFECT! - *TR
Power train, Oct 15, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER V6 4X4, HAD SHIFTING ISSUES OCCURRED RANDOMLY AT FIRST WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP AT LIGHTS OR PULLING INTO INTERSECTION. THE FIRST DAY OR SO IT HAPPENED SPORADICALLY SO WENT TO 2 DIFFERENT MECHANICS BOTH STATED DO NOT NEED REPAIRED AND SHOWS NO CODES. THIS HAS BEEN VERY FRUSTRATING SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW IN DEC. 2001 AND HAVE TAKEN GOOD CARE WITH ALL ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN EVEN MORE WORRISOME DRIVING WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR. AFTER SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS AND ALMOST ACCIDENTS, THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. NEW MECHANIC LOOKED IT OVER, DROVE IT AND SUGGESTED I TAKE TO A TRANSMISSION PLACE. AS I DROVE IT TO TRANSMISSION SHOP, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED. MECHANIC STATED TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REBUILT/REPLACED-THIRD GEAR BAND IS BROKEN. HE ALSO INFORMED ME THAT MANY FORD 2002 EXPLORERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. EACH TIME IT OCCURRED THERE WAS HESITATION WHEN YOU PRESS THE GAS, RPM'S INCREASE BUT SLOW OR NO ACCELERATION. FROM ALL INFO I HAVE SEEN IN MY RESEARCH AND BASED ON EXPERIENCED MECHANICS I SPOKE TO THERE WERE DESIGN FLAWS IN THESE 2002 VEHICLE TRANSMISSIONS (ONLY USED BY FORD FOR LESS THAN TWO YEARS). THERE WAS NO WARNING, THE PROBLEM JUST STARTED HAPPENING. I HAVE HAD MANY OTHER COSTLY REPAIR PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE--THIS BEING THE MOST DANGEROUS AND EXPENSIVE. I AM A SINGLE MOM-GRANDMOM AND CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX THIS $2500-$3000 PROBLEM. WHAT DO I DO NOW?! *TR
Power train, Oct 15, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION STUTTERS AND SHIFTS HARD. I HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES AND PAID FOR NOTHING AS NOTHING HAS CHANGED - THE SITUATION HAS BEEN WORSENING OVER TIME. THEY HAVE CHANGED FLUIDS, REPROGRAMMED A CHIP AND TEST DRIVEN IT MANY TIMES - SAYS THEY DON'T FEEL ANYTHING WRONG. IT IS HAPPENING EVERY DAY NOW. *TR
Power train, Air bags, Oct 15, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED EDITION WHILE IDLING AT A STOP LIGHT, THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. SHE HAD EXPERIENCED BETWEEN 5-6 MAJOR COLLISIONS/CRASHES WITH THE VEHICLE AND SUSPECTS THAT THE FAILURE OF THE AIRBAGS WERE DUE TO THE INCIDENCES. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT SPECULATE THAT THE PREVIOUS CRASHES CAUSED THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT TAKE ANY LIABILITY FOR THE FAILURE, AND REPAIRS COST OVER $3,000.00. NO REPAIRS HAD BEEN MADE TO THE VEHICLE TO DATE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 131,000. UPDATED 11/23/09. *LJ THE REAR PINION SEAL WAS LEAKING. UPDATED 11/24/09
Power train, Oct 14, 2009
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEAVER AND LINKAGE PULLED OVER ON SIDE OF ROAD TO CHECK TRAILER GOT BACK IN WENT TO PUT CAR IN DRIVE LEAVER FELL OFF NOW I'M PART WAY ON HIGHWAY HAD TO BE TOWED LUCKY I WAS NOT HIT SOME IS GOING TO GET HURT OR KILLED COST 1200.00. *TR
Power train, Oct 14, 2009
TRUCK SLOWS DOWN WHEN I HIT 20 TO 30, AND LEADS WITH A VIOLENT JERK. TOOK IT TO SHOP THEY SAID ITS MY TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Oct 13, 2009
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, O/D SIGNAL STARTED TO FLASH ON AND OFF. NOW TRANSMISSION IS SLOW AND HARD SHIFTING. WE REPLACED THE PRESSURE SWITCH SOLENOID AND CHANGED TRANSMISSION FILTER AND FLUID. WE HAD IT PUT ON A COMPUTER TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND THAT IT WHAT IT SAID, PRESSURE SENSOR SOLENOID. SPENT ALMOST $400. AND IT DIDN'T WORK. IT HAS 73,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Power train, Oct 12, 2009
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT WARNING MY OD OFF LIGHT STARTED FLICKING AND MY CAR FELT AS IF IT SLIPPED INTO NEUTRAL. I COULD NOT KEEP UP TO SPEED AND MY CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN. I WAS VERY LUCKY TO BE IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE AND COULD PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT CAUSING A MAJOR ACCIDENT. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON AND IT WAS FINE, THE LIGHT WAS OFF AND THE GEARS WORKED AS SHOULD. AROUND 40 MILES LATER, I WAS OFF THE MAIN HIGHWAY AND AT A STOP LIGHT, AS I ACCELERATED, THE OD LIGHT STARTED BLINKING AGAIN AND SHIFTING WAS HARD, THEN AGAIN ONCE I WAS UP TO SPEED IT FELT AS IF THE GEARS SLIPPED, I COULD NOT ACCELERATE AND THE CAR SLOWED. WHAT SAVED ME THIS TIME WAS I WAS OFF THE MAJOR HIGHWAY AND ON A SIDE COUNTRY ROAD WITH VERY LITTLE TRAFFIC. THIS HAPPENED OCTOBER 10, 2009. THE CAR HAS NOT YET BEEN SERVICED AS IT WAS OVER THE WEEKEND THIS HAPPENED AND TODAY BEING A HOLIDAY, MY KIDS ARE OUT OF SCHOOL, AND I WILL NOT PUT THEIR LIVES IN DANGER TO DRIVE TO THE DEALERSHIP. LIKE I SAID THERE WAS NO WARNING TO THESE EVENTS. I FEEL VERY LUCKY THAT I WAS ABLE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Power train, Oct 8, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, AFTER DAYS OF NOT SHIFTING RIGHT,,IT FINALLY, STOPPED COMPLETELY,,,THIS HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT TROUBLE. *TR
Steering, Power train, Structure, Oct 6, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE STEERING COLUMN FRACTURED. SECONDLY, THE REAR LIFT-GATES PANEL SPLIT IN HALF. THIRDLY, THE TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR. NONE OF THE FAILURES HAVE BEEN REMEDIED. HE PREVIOUSLY FILED A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,000.
Suspension, Oct 6, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER . WHILE CHANGING THE BRAKE PADS, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A FORD DEALER, AND THE AXLES BEARINGS,THE RACK AND PINION, AND THE REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE REPLACED AT AN EXPENSE OF $2140.56. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90000.
Power train, Oct 6, 2009
TRANSMISSION SLIP WHEN ACCELERATING MOSTLY WHEN POWER IS NEEDED(PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE)FORCED TO BRAKE HARSHLY TWO TIMES WHILE PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE. ON OCCASION,TRUCK FEELS LIKE IN NEUTRAL AFTER STOPPING AT A LIGHT FOR ABOUT 4-5 SECONDS. ON OCCASION TRUCK STALLS WHEN PUTTING INTO DRIVE. TRANSMISSION HAS A LEAK BUT ALWAYS CHECKED LEVEL AND TOP UP IF NEEDED. *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Oct 3, 2009
2002 EXPLORER FIRST REAR END WENT AND WAS REPLACE ONLY TO FIND ITS GONE AGAIN AFTER 20,000 MILES, THEN 4.6 V8 ENGINE HAS A KNOCK IN IT, FORD IS AWARE OF IT BUT WONT REPLACE OR FIX IT, NOW BOTH REAR SPRINGS ARE BROKE WHICH FORD ALSO KNOWS AND WONT REPLACE. *TR
Suspension, Oct 2, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THIS SUV HAS A THIRD SEAT, THAT'S SELDOM USED. HAS A TOWING PACKAGE THAT'S BEEN RARELY USED. REAR COIL SPRINGS THAT TELL ME NONE OF THESE EXTRA OPTIONS CAN BE USED. WITHOUT ENDANGERING EVERYBODY IN THE CAR, AS WELL AS EVERYBODY ON THE ROAD. THIS CAR WAS DRIVEN DAILY, TO AND FROM WORK, AND SELDOM USED ON THE WEEKENDS. PARKED ON PAVEMENT, NOT GRAVEL, OR GRASS, AND NEVER OFF ROAD. WHY ARE THEY BREAKING? DOES THE GENERAL PUBLIC HAVE TO BE WARNED TO AVOID DRIVING PAST ONE OF THESE SUV'S BECAUSE THEY MAY RANDOMLY VEER OFF THE ROAD WITH A TIRE BLOWOUT? THIS IS TYPICAL OF FORD TO SEND OUT RECALLS ON THE HATCH, BUT NOT THE MUCH MORE SERIOUS (LIFE SAFETY) PROBLEM WITH IT'S REAR COIL SPRINGS. *TR
Power train, Sep 29, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. REAR END HUMS AND VIBRATES. THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTING HARD FROM 2ND TO 3RD AND MADE A JERKING MOTION AROUND 40-45 MPH. THE TRANSMISSION NOW HAS THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT FLASHING AND IS STUCK IN GEAR. IT WILL NOT SHIFT. LOOKING ONLINE FOR A REMEDY, I HAVE NOTICED THAT THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AMONG THOUSANDS OF EXPLORER OWNERS. JUST TRY IT OUT YOURSELVES, GOOGLE 2002 FORD EXPLORER... VERY 1ST HIT IS PAGE AFTER PAGE OF HOW TERRIBLE THIS VEHICLE AND ITS TRANSMISSION IS. NOW I AM MAKING PAYMENTS ON A VEHICLE THAT IS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY AND IS INOPERABLE DUE TO FORDS LACK OF CONCERN ABOUT ITS PRODUCT. THEY WERE QUICK TO SELL THIS VEHICLE! QUICK TO TAKE A MULTI MILLION DOLLAR BAIL OUT! TAKE SOME OF THE BAIL OUT MONEY AND FIX THEIR PRODUCT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR
Power train, Sep 26, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 82K MILES OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHING. TRUCK TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE AND TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REBUILT. ONLINE RESEARCH SHOWS NUMEROUS OTHER PARTIES WITH SAME ISSUE. FORD MOTOR HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND FAILS TO RECALL. *TR
Air bags, Sep 24, 2009
AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, NO IMPACT. KEY WAS TURNED ON TO LISTEN TO RADIO WHILE DRIVER WAS CLEANING THE CARGO AREA. VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN TO LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP TWICE BEFORE WITH AIR BAG LIGHT AND STEERING COLUMN SPRING TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, FORD IS NOT WANTING TO PAY FOR REPAIRS EVEN THOUGH' IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY WHEN THE FIRST AIR BAG LIGHT ISSUE CAME ABOUT. WE ARE NOW WITHOUT THE VEHICLE FOR 4 MONTHS, IT IS NOT REPAIRED AND FORD WANTS TO REPLACE ALL THE AIR BAG COMPONENTS BECAUSE THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED OR CAUSED THE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY. *TR
Air bags, Sep 21, 2009, crash
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END ACCIDENT AT ABOUT 80MPH AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. AS A RESULT THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER HIT HER HEAD AGAINST THE DASH BROKE HER JAW AND RUPTURED THREE VESSELS IN HER BRAIN WHICH LEAD TO HER HAVING A STROKE AND LOST USE OF THE RIGHT SIDE OF HER BODY. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Sep 20, 2009
I HAVE HAD TROUBLES WITH THE WHEEL ENDS ON MY FORD SINCE I BOUGHT IT IN 2005. I DIDN'T REALIZE THE PROBLEMS THAT I AM HAVING ARE COMMON IN THIS VEHICLE. I STARTED NOTICING MORE BRAKE DUST ON SOME OF THE WHEELS THAN OTHERS. THEN ON MY REAR/PASSENGERS TIRE I HEAR A SQUEAKING, GRINDING NOISE WITH A LITTLE WABBLE IN THE WHEEL. TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER -SAID THEY GRINDED SOMETHING DOWN. DIDN'T HEAR THE NOISE ANYMORE. MY ABS LIGHT KICKS ON WON'T GO OFF HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH DEFECT IN WHEEL END ASSEMBLY APPARENTLY. PAID $150 TO GET IT OFF COMES RIGHT BACK ON WEEKS LATER!! MY ENTIRE WHEEL END ALMOST FALLS OFF WHILE ON THE HWY. PULL OVER ALL 4 STUDS HAD COME COMPLETELY OFF OF THE WHEEL EXCEPT 1, THE WHEEL WAS LITERALLY HANGIN. HAD TO HAVE ALL STUDS REPLACED. HAVE HAD TO HAVE WHEEL STUDS REPLACED FREQUENTLY AT SOME POINT ON ALL FOUR TIRES. PAID TO HAVE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED FINALLY $300+. FRONT, DRIVERS WHEEL BEARINGS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING 70-80 MPH ON HWY, LOSS CONTROL, BARELY MADE IT OFF HWY IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE! 1-2MONTHS LATER FRONT PASSENGERS WHEEL BEARINGS GO BAD HAVE TO BE REPLACED-$300+ EACH TIME. HAD FRONT BRAKES & ROTORS REPLACED MARCH '07, REAR BRAKES & ROTORS JAN '08. THIS MONTH SEPT '09 HAD TO HAVE REAR BRAKES & ROTORS REPLACED. COULD ONLY AFFORD TO HAVE BRAKE PADS REPLACED. ONLY PUT 30,000MILES ON IT SINCE HAD B/R CHANGED IN '08. WHY AM I HAVING TO HAVE THEM BOTH CHANGED A YEAR LATER. SOMETHING IN THE WHEEL END ASSEMBLY IS CAUSING INCREASED WEAR & TEAR ON REAR BRAKES, ROTORS AND EVERYTHING ELSE! NOW MY BRAKE PADS ARE BURNING INSANELY CRAZY, ALOT OF SMOKE COMES FROM THE WHEEL. NEW BRAKE PADS SHOULDN'T BURN THAT FAST EVEN WITH SOMEWHAT BAD ROTORS. (THAT SHOUDN'T BE BAD), HAVE TO GO BACK TO THE SHOP THIS WEEK. ALL ARE COMMON ISSUES APPARENTLY. PLEASE REVIEW LINK W/COMPLAINTS ON THIS '02 MODEL. & THEY TELL ME MY BALL JOINTS ARE GOING OUT! THANK YOU. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/WHEELS_HUBS/WHEEL_BEARING_FAILURE.SHTML. *TR
Power train, Sep 17, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION THAT IS GOING BAD. ON MY WAY BACK FROM A VACATION TRAVELING SOUTH ON INTERSTATE 5, I NOTICE THAT I'D BURN A HALF A TANK ON GAS FROM LA TO SAN DIEGO (75MILES). I DIDN'T KNOW THERE WAS A PROBLEM UNTIL MY OVERDRIVE LIGHT ON THE DASH STARTED BLINKING & THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT SOON FOLLOWED. THE RPM AND SPEED DOES NOT MATCH UP AND THERE IS ALWAYS A JERK WHEN THE CAR SHIFTS GEARS. THIS ALL HAPPENED WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING. I FEEL THE CAR IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND AM NOT SURE WHAT I AM GOING TO DO....EXCEPT I KNOW I CANNOT DRIVE IT ANYMORE. I HAVE A WIFE AND TWO YOUNG CHILDREN THAT ARE IN THIS TRUCK ALL THE TIME. NOW IT'S GOING TO COST ME OVER $3,000 TO REPAIR, WHICH IS ALMOST WHAT THE CAR IS WORTH AT THIS POINT. THE SAD PART ABOUT ALL THIS IS FORD KNOWS THAT THIS PROBLEM EXSIST AND IS WILLING TO LET ITS CUSTOMERS TAKE THE RISK OF INJURY IF THE TRANSMISSION GIVES OUT ON A BUSY INTERSTATE. LORD KNOWS WHAT'LL HAPPEN IF SOMEONE DIES IN THAT ACCIDENT. *TR
Power train, Sep 16, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS 4.0L V-6 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. AT ABOUT 90,000 MILES, VEHICLE STARTED TO SLIP WHILE CHANGING GEARS. PROBLEM WORSENED AND NOW SHUTTERS DURING UP SHIFTING. VEHICLE ALSO JUMPS FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL UNDER HARD BRAKING. VEHICLE ALSO HESITATES DURING SHIFTING. TRANSMISSION WILL ONLY SHIFT AFTER RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR. *TR
Wheels, Sep 16, 2009
I HEARD A HUMMING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT TIRES ABOUT A YEAR AGO. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE TIRES HUMMING BECAUSE I HAD A BRAKE JOB AND TIRES ROTATED AND I NOTICED THE HUMMING SOME TIME AFTER THAT. NOW I FIND OUT IT WASN'T TIRES BUT THE WHEEL HUB BEARINGS WENT BAD IN THE FRONT. IT IS AT THE DEALER NOW BEING REPAIRED. *TR
Suspension, Sep 16, 2009
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE HAVING MY TIRES ROTATED THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT MY REAR DRIVERS SIDE COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN. I AM WAITING FOR THE DEALER TO ORDER NEW SPRINGS AS IT APPEARS BOTH NEED TO BE CHANGED. I WAS MADE AWARE OF THIS ON 9-9-09. SO I DON'T KNOW WHEN IT BROKE. I DID NOT HEAR ANY NOISE OR NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCE IN HANDLING. *TR