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.
Steering, Suspension, Sep 11, 2009
HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS, BUT WHILE I WAS OUT DRIVING TODAY MY CAR BEGAN TO POP AS I TURNED THE WHEEL. I HAVE GOTTEN MY TIE RODS REPLACED AND THERE SEEMS TO CONTINUE TO BE A PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE. MY HUSBAND DROVE THE CAR HOME FOR ME SLOWLY BUT WILL NOT DRIVE FOR FEAR THAT THE WHEEL MAY POP OFF. CONTACTED FORD AND AM WAITING ON A RESPONSE, THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN NOTED ON THE INTERNET BY SEVERAL OWNERS OF THIS MODEL AND YEAR. THIS IS A SUSPENSION PROBLEM AND I WOULD LIKE THIS FURTHER INVESTIGATED SO THAT NOONE IS RIDING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH THEIR CHILDREN IN VEHICLE AND THE WHEEL POP OFF. I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT MY CHILD WAS NOT IN THE TRUCK WITH ME AT THE TIME THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED. *TR
Power train, Sep 9, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER, O/D LIGHT ON, TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, ENGINE LIGHT ON. CAR HAS 67,000, ONLY DRIVEN TO WORK. ONE OWNER, BROUGHT NEW FORD FROM DEALER. *TR
Power train, Sep 4, 2009
FORD EXPLORER REAR END DIFFERENTIAL CONSTANTLY NEEDS REPLACING. FORD DEALER CHARGER ME $1800 AND USED SALVAGE PARTS EVENTHOUGH I TOLD THEM NOT TOO. *TR
Power train, Sep 1, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND I HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED. WHEN IT WAS REPLACED BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP I HAD TO TAKE IT BACK THE VERY NEXT MORNING DUE TO IT LEAKING. WHEN I GOT IT BACK I WAS NEVER SATISFIED SO I EVENTUALLY TOOK IT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY TOLD ME THEY REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION. NOW MY O/D LIGHT IS BLINKING LIKE SO MANY OTHER OWNERS BUT I HAVEN'T GOTTEN ANYWHERE WITH FORD. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 30, 2009, fire
MY WIFE AND I OWNED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH 4WD. AND A 4.0L ENGINE. ON THE NIGHT OF 1-15-2009 ,I PICKED MY WIFE UP FROM WORK AT 11:35PM WE WENT TO THE GROCERY STORE AND AFTERWARDS PROCEEDED TO OUR HOME , THIS WHOLE TRIP TOOK A TOTAL OF TWENTY TO TWENTY FIVE MINUTES AND A DISTANCE OF ABOUT ONE MILE OF DRIVING ROUND TRIP TO MY WIFE'S WORK THE GROCERY STORE AND THEN TO OUR HOUSE.WE ARRIVED HOME ,PARKED THE VEHICLE BEHIND OUR RESIDENCE AND PREPARED TO GO TO BED . AROUND 2:00AM I GOT UP FROM MY SLEEP TO GET A GLASS OF WATER IN OUR KITCHEN, WHICH FACES THE AREA THAT WE PARK IN , AS I WAS FILLING MY GLASS I NOTICED AN ORANGISH RED GLOW IN THE BACK YARD , UPON LOOKING OUT THE WINDOW , I SAW THAT THE FRONT END OF OUR VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE . MY WIFE CAME DOWN FROM OUR BEDROOM CRYING AS I CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT . I WENT OUT WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO SEE IF I COULD PUT THE FIRE OUT MYSELF BUT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING TOO MUCH FOR ME TO BE ABLE TO DO ANYTHING .THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT THE FIRE OUT AND MY VEHICLE WAS TOWED . THERE WAS HARDLY ANYTHING LEFT OF THE FRONT END, JUST THE FRAME,MOTOR,RIMS AND SOME OTHER PARTS . THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD A FIRE INVESTIGATOR OF THEIRS DO AN INSPECTION OF MY VEHICLE AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE HAD STARTED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AROUND THE MASTER CYLINDER , PROBABLY AS A RESULT OF THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH LOCATED ON IT . DO TO THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE FROM THE FIRE AND THE FACT THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE SWITCH BECAUSE THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD MELTED , THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROCEED ANY FURTHER IN CONTACTING FORD . THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS , UNREPAIRABLE ! ABOUT 1 - 2 MONTHS BEFORE THE FIRE, I HAD CHECKED WITH DEALERS AND ONLINE MYSELF AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY VEHICLE FOR THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM ,THE SAD PART ABOUT THIS WHOLE MESS IS WE ONLY HAD ABOUT SIX MORE MONTHS AND THE VEHICLE WAS PAID FOR , NOW WE HAVE TO START ALL OVER AGAIN . *TR
Electrical system, Aug 30, 2009, fire
MY WIFE AND I OWNED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH 4WD. AND A 4.0L ENGINE. ON THE NIGHT OF 1-15-2009 ,I PICKED MY WIFE UP FROM WORK AT 11:35PM WE WENT TO THE GROCERY STORE AND AFTERWARDS PROCEEDED TO OUR HOME , THIS WHOLE TRIP TOOK A TOTAL OF TWENTY TO TWENTY FIVE MINUTES AND A DISTANCE OF ABOUT ONE MILE OF DRIVING ROUND TRIP TO MY WIFE'S WORK THE GROCERY STORE AND THEN TO OUR HOUSE.WE ARRIVED HOME ,PARKED THE VEHICLE BEHIND OUR RESIDENCE AND PREPARED TO GO TO BED . AROUND 2:00AM I GOT UP FROM MY SLEEP TO GET A GLASS OF WATER IN OUR KITCHEN, WHICH FACES THE AREA THAT WE PARK IN , AS I WAS FILLING MY GLASS I NOTICED AN ORANGISH RED GLOW IN THE BACK YARD , UPON LOOKING OUT THE WINDOW , I SAW THAT THE FRONT END OF OUR VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE . MY WIFE CAME DOWN FROM OUR BEDROOM CRYING AS I CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT . I WENT OUT WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO SEE IF I COULD PUT THE FIRE OUT MYSELF BUT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING TOO MUCH FOR ME TO BE ABLE TO DO ANYTHING .THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT THE FIRE OUT AND MY VEHICLE WAS TOWED . THERE WAS HARDLY ANYTHING LEFT OF THE FRONT END, JUST THE FRAME,MOTOR,RIMS AND SOME OTHER PARTS . THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD A FIRE INVESTIGATOR OF THEIRS DO AN INSPECTION OF MY VEHICLE AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE HAD STARTED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AROUND THE MASTER CYLINDER , PROBABLY AS A RESULT OF THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH LOCATED ON IT . DO TO THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE FROM THE FIRE AND THE FACT THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE SWITCH BECAUSE THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD MELTED , THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROCEED ANY FURTHER IN CONTACTING FORD . THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS , UNREPAIRABLE ! ABOUT 1 - 2 MONTHS BEFORE THE FIRE, I HAD CHECKED WITH DEALERS AND ONLINE MYSELF AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY VEHICLE FOR THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM ,THE SAD PART ABOUT THIS WHOLE MESS IS WE ONLY HAD ABOUT SIX MORE MONTHS AND THE VEHICLE WAS PAID FOR , NOW WE HAVE TO START ALL OVER AGAIN . *TR
Tires, Aug 27, 2009
NEW TIRE BLOWS OFF AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT 5,000 TO 7,000 MILES. *TR
Suspension, Aug 25, 2009
I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A SIMPLE OIL CHANGE AND INSPECTION AND THEY NOTICED 2 REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKEN AND BAD REAR RIGHT WHEEL BEARING. I FEEL THIS IS A MAJOR REPAIR/RECALL FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD TAKE CARE OF BEFORE SOMEONE SERIOUSLY GETS INJURED OR DIES. I DRIVE THIS VEHICLE TO AND FROM WORK LOCALLY WITH 2 SMALL CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 6. I'M GLAD WE DIDN'T GET INTO A MAJOR ACCIDENT WITH THIS HAPPENING. *TR
Power train, Aug 24, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAS STARTED TO FAIL ON, AFTER CHECKING ONLINE I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Aug 22, 2009
MALFUNCTION WITH 4X4 HIGH AND LOW SETTINGS. IT INITIATES ITSELF FROM AUTO SETTING CAUSING DIFFICULTY MAKING TURNS AND MAY ULTIMATELY CAUSE SIGNIFICANT TRANSFER CASE/TRANSMISSION DAMAGE (AS I AM TOLD). *TR
Steering, Aug 20, 2009
THE GEAR SHIFT IS HARD TO GET INTO PARK. SOMETIMES AFTER IN PARK THE SUV STILLS MOVES. NO DAMAGE OR CRASH YET. BUT I MAKE SURE TO PUT ON EMERGENCY BRAKE. *TR
Steering, Aug 20, 2009
I AM SORRY I AM NOT A GOOD SPELLER I WAS PULLING OUT OF THE GAS STATION PULLED UP A LITTLE SO I COULD SEE THEN A LITTLE MORE AND SEEN A CAR SO I WENT TO PUT IT IN REVERSE BUT THE GEAR SHIFT STICK BROKE RIGHT IN MY HAND I ALMOST GOT HIT BUT THANK GOD THERE WAS SOMEONE WITH ME THAT PUT HIS LIFE ON THE LINE GOT UNDER THE CAR AND CHANGED IT MANUALLY THE USED PART I HAVE TO GET IS 250.00 DOLLARS AND LABOR IS LIKE 300.00 I HAVE TO HAVE A HOLE NEW STEERING COLUMN PUT IN THE CLIP THAT MAKES IT CHANGE BROKE I JUST DON'T THINK IT IS RIGHT TO HAVE SOMETHING AS WEEK AS THAT PART ON THERE WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED AND WHEN I LOOKED IT UP ON THE INTERNET THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE THIS SAME THING HAS HAPPENED. *TR
Suspension, Aug 19, 2009
NOTICED A NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, I FOUND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. SPRINGS WERE REPLACED WITH NEW. OLD PARTS HAVE BEEN DISPOSED OF BUT DO HAVE PHOTOS. *TR
Power train, Aug 19, 2009
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER IS DEFECTIVE. WHEN I SLOW DOWN FOR A RED LIGHT OR TO MAKE A TURN THE VEHICLE STALLS OUT AND I LOOSE ALL POWER. I HAVE TO KEEP ONE FOOT ON THE GAS TO KEEP IT IDLING AND ONE FOOT ON THE BRAKE. *TR
Power train, Aug 18, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SHIFT WITH RESISTANCE AND THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT FLASHED CONTINUALLY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 79300.
Tires, Aug 17, 2009
TIRE STEM FAILURE ON 3 OF 4 STAMPEDE RADIAL SUV TIRES. I GOT 2 FLAT TIRES IN THE SPAN OF 5 DAYS AND CAUGHT THE 3RD STEM BEFORE A FLAT TIRE OCCURRED (IT WAS CRACKED AT THE BASE). *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 13, 2009
IN MAY 2005, THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE. THE O/D LIGHT HAD BEEN GOING ON AND OFF FOR A NUMBER OF DAYS. TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $4500. CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 60000 MILES. IN JANUARY OF 2008, THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO BECAUSE THE TIMING BELT WENT AT A COST OF $3000. CAR HAD 75000 MILES. IN AUGUST 2009, BOTH REAR SPRING WERE DISCOVERED TO BE BROKEN WHEN THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR A WHINING IN THE REAR, WHICH WAS THE REAR AXLE BEARING. THE CAR HAD 94000 MILES, COST OF REPAIR WAS $1200. *TR
Steering, Aug 12, 2009
I WAS HAVING TROUBLE PLACING MY CAR IN PARK. THE GEAR SHIFT WOULD NOT WORK UNLESS I FORCED IT. MANY OF TIMES I WOULD PLACE IN PARK AND IT WOULD ROLL. I THOUGHT IT WAS MY FAULT. ON JUNE 10, 2009 I PLACED MY CAR IN PARK AND THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE. I WAS TOLD THAT "IT HAPPENS"WITH THIS TRUCK AND THAT THERE HAD NOT BEEN A RECALL EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY $700-1200 DOLLARS TO GET THIS REPLACED. IT IS A DISGRACE THAT FORD DOES NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR TRUCKS. I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN. *TR
Power train, Aug 12, 2009
LIKE SO MANY OTHERS, I AM THE UNFORTUNATE OWNER OF A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. AND LIKE THE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS, I AM HAVING A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM - FLASHING OVERDRIVE LIGHT - HARD SHIFTING BETWEEN SECOND AND THIRD GEARS - AT TIMES DIFFICULTY GOING INTO FIRST GEAR. FORD IS FULLY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS DONE NOTHING TO RECTIFY IT. I THINK THAT SOMEONE NEEDS TO HOLD FORD ACCOUNTABLE. THE ONLINE COMPLAINTS ARE OVERWHELMING. THEY NEED TO FIX THEIR PROBLEMS JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE! *TR
Power train, Aug 12, 2009
LIKE SO MANY OTHERS, I AM THE UNFORTUNATE OWNER OF A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. AND LIKE THE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS, I AM HAVING A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM - FLASHING OVERDRIVE LIGHT - HARD SHIFTING BETWEEN SECOND AND THIRD GEARS - AT TIMES DIFFICULTY GOING INTO FIRST GEAR. FORD IS FULLY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS DONE NOTHING TO RECTIFY IT. I THINK THAT SOMEONE NEEDS TO HOLD FORD ACCOUNTABLE. THE ONLINE COMPLAINTS ARE OVERWHELMING. THEY NEED TO FIX THEIR PROBLEMS JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE! *TR
Power train, Aug 11, 2009
I PULLED UP INTO THE DRIVE AND PUT THE CAR INTO PARK. I EXITED MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND OPENED THE BACK DOOR, UNSTRAPPED MY GRANDSON FROM HIS SAFETY SEAT. HE WENT INTO THE HOUSE TO GET A GAME BOY SO I RE-ENTERED THE FRONT SEAT TO WAIT FOR HIM. I SAT THERE A FEW MINUTES AND WHEN HE CAME OUT OF THE HOUSE, I WAS EXITING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WHEN I HEARD A NOISE. THE CAR ENGAGED ITSELF INTO REVERSE. I TRIED TO PLACE MY RIGHT FOOT BACK INTO THE CAR AND PRESS ON THE BRAKE, BUT THE DOOR KNOCKED ME DOWN. I WENT UNDER THE DRIVERS DOOR AND THE FRONT LEFT TIRE BEGAN TO RUN OVER ME. I GRABBED THE UNDERNEATH OF THE DOOR AND TRIED TO HANG ON BUT THE TIRE WAS RUNNING OVER MY PELVIC AND MY LEFT LEG. THE CAR DRUG ME ON THE CONCRETE , THEN IT STOPPED. I WAS PINNED UNDER THE FRONT DRIVER'S TIRE. BEFORE THIS INJURY,I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AT 26,000 MILES SENT IT FOR REPAIRS BUT THE DEALER KEPT TELLING ME IT WAS OK. THE CAR WOULD JERK DURING TAKE OFF AND HESITATE WHEN PLACED IN REVERSE. AFTER THE ACCIDENT I TOOK IT TO OTHER DEALERS AND FINALLY ONE PUT IT ON THE TEST RACK AND TOLD ME IT HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. NOT SURE WHAT FORD HAS DONE WITH THE PARTS. *TR
Power train, Aug 10, 2009
AFTER VEHICLE HAS BEEN PUT IN PARK, IT WILL ROLL ABOUT A HALF FOOT OR SO WHEN DOOR OR HATCH IS SHUT. VEHICLE IS NOT GOING ALL THE WAY IN PARK AND YOU DON'T KNOW IT. IT HAS ROLLED TO THE POINT WHERE IT HAS BUMPED ME BUT THAN STOPS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 9, 2009
MAINTAINING A STEADY FREEWAY SPEED. A LOUD POP EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE FOLLOWED BY A SUCCESSION OF SMALL POPS IN RELATION TO THE ENGINE SPEED. IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THE NUMBER 4 SPARK PLUG (PASSENGER SIDED) HAD EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A SERVICE GARAGE. A NEW THREADED INSERT WAS INSTALLED IN THE SPARK PLUG HOLE ALONG WITH A NEW SPARK PLUG AND COIL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 9, 2009
APRIL 2007 1. JUST BRINGING THE CAR UP TO FREEWAY SPEED. 2. A POPPING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE, PASSENGER SIDE. UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM AS IT WAS DARK, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP. 3. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE 3RD PLUG HAD BLOWN OUT OF THE ENGINE AND ALSO DESTROYED THE COIL ATTACHED TO IT. A NEW THREADED INSERT WAS INSTALLED IN THE SPARK PLUG HOLE. A NEW SPARK PLUG AND NEW COIL WERE INSTALLED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 5, 2009, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE ENTERING INTO THE VEHICLE FROM THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. WHEN THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE, THE SMOKE BECAME DARKER. THE FIRE APPEARED FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED, BUT THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.