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.
Suspension, Aug 4, 2009
AFTER HEARING SEVERAL DIFFERENT NOISES COMING FROM THE EXPLORER, I TOOK IT IN TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE FRONT STRUTS WERE BROKEN AND NEEDED REPLACED. I PAID TO HAVE THOSE REPLACED. AFTER LEAVING, I CONTINUED TO HEAR A SECOND NOISE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT AGAIN. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEM. AFTER ANOTHER WEEK I DIDN'T HEAR THE NOISE ANYMORE. I THEN STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A CHUGGING OCCURRING IN THE ENGINE. WHILE HAVING THIS SERVICED, I WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR SPRINGS WERE BROKEN AND THE STRUTS ALSO NEED REPLACED. THE FIRST ESTIMATE FOR THE REAR SPRINGS AND STRUTS WAS $780! SO FAR ON THE 2002 EXPLORER I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT (50K MILES), OD SENSOR REPLACED (45K MILES), ABS SENSOR REPLACED (45K MILES), REAR CONTROL ARM REPLACED (75K MILES), FRONT STRUTS (78K MILES), AND REAR LATCH REPLACED (RECALL). THE EMERGENCY BRAKE (75K MILES) ALSO NEEDED REPLACED. WHEN THE CONTROL ARM WAS REPLACED, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CRUMBLED APART. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT I AM LUCKILY THE BROKEN SPRING DID NOT PIERCE THE TIRE AND CAUSE A BLOWOUT. THE SPRINGS/STRUTS AND THE TRANSMISSION ARE COMMON PROBLEMS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. BETWEEN PAYING OUT OF POCKET AND THE ISSUES COVERED BY AN AFTER MARKET WARRANTY, OVER $5000 HAVE BEEN SPENT ON A VEHICLE 7 YEARS OLD WITH ONLY 79000 MILES. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER TOWED ANYTHING OR BEEN DRIVEN OFF ROAD. *TR
Steering, Aug 4, 2009
STARTED CAR AND WHEN I PUT CAR IN DRIVE, SHIFT GEAR ON 2002 EXPLORER JUST FELL OFF THIS IS HAPPENING ALL OVER THE USA I COULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING AND THIS COULD HAVE HAPPEN. MY WIFE AND CHILD COULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING. DO PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE TO MAKE THIS A RECALL WHY ISN'T THIS A RECALL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 30, 2009
SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED. I'VE HAD TWO FORD VEHICLES BLOW A SPARK PLUG THIS YEAR. *TR
Power train, Jul 27, 2009
TRANNY SLIPS ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAD MY KIDS IN CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE ALMOST GOT HIT IN AN INTERSECTION. CHANGED SOLENOID WAS GOOD FOR COUPLE MONTHS THEN STARTED SLIPPING AND MAKING CLUNKING NOISE NEW TRANNY COST ME $2400 @ YRS LATER STARTING AGAIN WITH THE BLINKING O/D LITE. *TR
Power train, Jul 27, 2009
FAULTY TRANSMISSION. WAS REPLACED AT 58,049 MILES WITH A RE-MANUFACTURED ONE DIRECT FROM FORD. 85,374 MILES AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. LESS THAN 20 DAYS AFTER THE THREE YEAR WARRANTY, BUT MILEAGE IS STILL UNDER. THIS MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE, AND WAS DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING IN TRAFFIC ON THE INTERSTATE. I HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN THAT RIDE IN THIS VEHICLE AND DO NOT APPRECIATE THAT THIS HAS BEEN A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE MODEL YEAR, THERE IS A PART OF THE SOLENOID THAT COULD LITERALLY BLOW A HOLE IN THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE, AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO HOLD FORD ACCOUNTABLE BY OUR GOVERNMENT. WE WANT PEOPLE TO BUY AMERICAN, YET AREN'T HOLDING THE MANUFACTURERS ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE QUALITY OF THE PRODUCTS THEY PUT OUT, NOR WILL THEY THEMSELVES STAND BEHIND A KNOWN ISSUE AND MAKE IT RIGHT FOR THE THOUSANDS OF CONSUMERS THAT GAVE THEM OUR HARD EARNED MONEY AND PURCHASED FROM THEM. I'VE OWNED FIVE OTHER BRANDS OF VEHICLES, WHICH HAD MORE MILEAGE ON ALL OF THEM THAN I CURRENTLY HAVE ON THIS VEHICLE, AND NEVER HAD ISSUES WITH A TRANSMISSION ON ANY OF THEM. YOU ASK SEVERAL QUESTIONS BELOW RELATING TO FIRE, DAMAGE, CRASH, DEATH OR INJURIES. IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE A FIRE OR CRASH OCCURS BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. A FAULTY TRANSMISSION COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC BECAUSE OF NON-PERFORMANCE, NOT TO MENTION THAT THE NOISE IT MADE WAS VERY SCARY AND I'M LUCKY THAT NOISE ALONE DID NOT CAUSE ME TO LOSE FOCUS AND HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THE GOVERNMENT JUST PROVIDED MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN "BAIL-OUT" MONEY TO THIS COMPANY (AGAIN - CONSUMER'S HARD EARNED MONEY). PERHAPS IF THEY PUT OUT A HIGHER QUALITY PRODUCT AND STOOD BEHIND IT THEIR SALES WOULD'VE BEEN BETTER AND WE WOULDN'T HAVE TO GIVE THEM MORE MONEY TO KEEP SELLING US PRODUCTS THAT ARE NOT OF THE QUALITY I EXPECT FROM AMERICAN MADE. *TR
Suspension, Jul 27, 2009
I WAS CHANGING THE REAR BRAKES ON MY MOTHERS 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND FOUND THAT THE LEFT REAR COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN IN 2 PLACES AND CRACKED QUITE SOME DISTANCE THROUGH THE CENTER OF THE SPRING. I LOOKED ONLINE TO SEE IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND IT TURNS OUT IT IS A HUGE PROBLEM. THE FIRST LINK I CLICKED ON LEAD ME TO A FORUM WITH 92 THREADS WERE PEOPLE HAVE HAD BROKEN SPRINGS ON THEIR 2002 EXPLORER. THIS IS CLEARLY A WIDESPREAD ISSUE. I DO HAVE THE OLD SPRING, BUT AM MISSING ONE PART BECAUSE IT MUST HAVE FALLEN OUT WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Power train, Jul 24, 2009
BEING DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE ABOUT THE "O/D" LIGHT BLINKING ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. FROM WHAT I FOUND, THE RESULTS HAVE BEEN ASTOUNDING. EVERY ISSUE I FOUND ON BLINKING O/D IN MY RESEARCH LED TO HAVING TO REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION; AVG. COSTS BEING AROUND $2600. EVEN AFTER THE REPAIRS, THEY STATE THAT THE ISSUES STILL CONTINUE AND SPEND OVER $1000 ON SOMETHING ELSE THE DEALERS SAY IS WRONG. ONE SITE, AUTOBEEF.COM, HAD APPROXIMATELY 740 COMPLAINTS (I STOPPED READING AFTER 150) ON THIS ISSUE. BEFORE I PAY OUT OVER $3000, I JUST WANT TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS ISSUE PLAGUING THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER LINE. *TR
Suspension, Jul 22, 2009
I TOOK MY CAR TO HAVE THE TIRES REPLACED. WHEN THE MECHANIC PUT THE CAR ON THE LIFT HE INFORMED ME THAT BOTH OF MY REAR SPRINGS WERE CRUMBLING. ONE OF THE SPRINGS WAS BROKEN IN 3 PLACES, THE OTHER WAS BROKEN IN TWO PLACES. THE MECHANIC CLAIMS IN HIS 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE HE HAS NEVER SEEN A BROKEN SPRING AT 51,000 MILES, WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ONLY USED AS A FAMILY CAR AND HAD NOT BEEN A RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT. HE SAID HOW LUCKY I WAS THAT THE SPRING DID NOT COME APART KILLING MYSELF AND MY FAMILY ON THE HIGHWAY. WE CONTACTED FORD, HOPING THAT THEY HAD RECALLED THIS FAULT AFTER WE SAW HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET. FORD SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL AND WE WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS. THIS REPAIR IS GOING TO COST OVER $500. I GUESS IT IS A SMALL PRICE WHEN MY FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I AM HOPING THE GOVERNMENT CAN CONTACT ALL FORD EXPLORER CUSTOMER TO WARN THEM OF THIS PROBLEM AND HOPEFULLY PREVENT A CERTAIN DEATH. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Jul 17, 2009
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, NO DEBRIS, AND OUR SUNROOF EXPLODED. AS THE SCREEN WAS CLOSED NO INJURIES, BUT POTENTIAL FOR CUT AND EYE INJURIES BY RAZOR SHARP GLASS. NO ONE BEHIND US AFFECTED. HUGE NOISE VERY STARTLING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 17, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON AND CHECK GAS CAP INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF. IN ADDITION, THE GAS TANK WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO FILL UP WHILE PLACING FUEL IN THE TANK. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THESE ISSUES. HE FEELS THAT IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD FOR THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 171,000.
Tires, Jul 17, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE HAS CONTINENTAL SPORTIVA TIRES, SIZE 275-60-R17 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TIRES WERE NOT BALANCED PROPERLY. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE HAD A BUBBLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT HE WAS SOLD AN OLD TIRE. THE TIRE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 140,000.
Power train, Jul 14, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS SHIFTING ISSUE AS A RESULT OF TRANSMISSION NOT WORKING PROPERLY. OCCURS RANDOM WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP AT LIGHTS OR PULLING INTO INTERSECTION. HAVE BEEN TO 2 DIFFERENT MECHANICS AND REPAIRED ONCE AND HAS STARTED TO OCCUR AGAIN ALTHOUGH MECHANICS STATE DO NOT NEED REPAIRED AND SHOWS NO CODES. ALSO, THE FLUID CANNOT BE CHECKED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AS IT IS LOCATED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. EACH OIL CHANGE I HAVE THEM CHECK AND THE LEVEL IS OK. SINCE HAPPENS RANDOMLY DOES NOT ALWAYS HAPPEN WHEN THE MECHANICS LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. HAS BEEN FRUSTRATING SINCE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT NEW AND TAKEN CARE OF WITH ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. ALL MECHANICS ARE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND JUST STATE TO DRIVE IT UNTIL IT FAILS COMPLETELY AND NEEDS A REBUILD OR SELL IT BEFORE THE REBUILD IS NEEDED. EACH TIME IT OCCURS USUALLY THERE IS NOT AN ISSUE JUST A HESITATION WITH A SLOW ACCELERATION. ALTHOUGH, SEVERAL TIMES THIS HAS OCCURRED RECENTLY WHEN PULLING OR MERGING INTO TRAFFIC NEARLY CAUSING ACCIDENTS WITH THE WIFE AND KIDS IN THE CAR. FROM ALL INFO I HAVE SEEN AND BASED ON EXPERIENCED MECHANICS THEY FEEL THERE WERE DESIGN FLAWS IN THESE 2002 VEHICLE TRANSMISSIONS. THEY ALL RECOMMEND EITHER TO SELL THE VEHICLE OR BE PREPARED TO DRIVE UNTIL THEY COMPLETELY FAIL AND NEED REBUILT. SOME STATE THEY HAVE WORKED ON THESE VEHICLES AND THAT I AM ACTUALLY LUCKY THAT I HAVE ONLY HAD THESE PROBLEMS AS MANY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS HAVE HAD ACCIDENTS AND ISSUES THROUGH OUT THEIR ENTIRE OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE ONLY HAD THIS ISSUE FOR APPROX THE LAST 2-3 YEARS SINCE PURCHASED NEW IN 2002. ALTHOUGH, A NEAR COLLISION WITH MY FAMILY AND ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THIS ISSUE IS A SERIOUS CONCERN. *TR
Suspension, Jul 11, 2009
WHEN IN A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR LUBE, OIL & FILTER CHANGE, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. *TR
Steering, Jul 11, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER APPROX.77,000 MILES SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE GEAR SHIFTER BROKE OF AT THE BASE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE STUCK IN REVERSE. AFTER CONTACTING FORD HEADQUARTERS WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET. THE DEALERSHIP CHARGES SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS TO REPAIR BECAUSE THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN HAS TO BE REPLACED. PART IS CURRENTLY ON ORDER. *TR
Structure, Jul 10, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT LIFTED THE HATCH ON THE VEHICLE, THE GLASS STUART BRACKETS POPPED OFF AND CUT HIS HEAD AND WRIST. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS FAILURE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 139,000.
Suspension, Jul 10, 2009
REAR COIL SPRINGS FAILED ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 4,100 MILES ON IT. THIS WAS FOUND WHILE OIL WAS BEING CHANGED AT THE DEALER. IT APPEARS THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. FORD NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE WITH THIS MANY VEHICLES HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. NOW I'M FACING A 500.00 REPAIR BILL. *TR
Power train, Jul 4, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4.0L V6 AND WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST THAT AN INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED INTO THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION. THE OTHER DAY, AS I WAS TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, THE O/D OFF INDICATOR BEGAN BLINKING AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE CHECK ENGINE SOON INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. IN DOING MY RESEARCH, AFTER READING NUMEROUS ONLINE COMPLAINTS RELATED TO THIS ISSUE, I HAVE CHOSEN TO SEEK YOUR ASSISTANCE AS A MEANS TO HELP OFFSET THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS WIDE-SPREAD, VERY WELL KNOWN AND DOCUMENTED PROBLEM. BASICALLY, THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REBUILT OR REPLACED, AT COSTS THAT RANGE FROM $2,000 TO $4,000. *TR THANK YOU!
Air bags, Jul 3, 2009
ISSUE IS WITH THE AIRBAG WARNING LAMP COMING ON AND DISABLING THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. PER THE ERROR CODE LFC 34 THE ISSUE IS THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT PRETENSIONER, THOUGH THIS ALSO HAPPENS WITH THE DRIVER SIDE. THERE IS CURRENTLY A TSB OUT ARTICLE NO 03-11-3. FOR MY VEHICLE THE REPLACEMENT PART# IS 1L2Z-78610E22-AAC. THIS FAILURE IS CURRENT EVERYTHING THE VEHICLE IS TURNED ON. *TR
Suspension, Jul 2, 2009
WHILE ROTATING THE TIRES ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER I FOUND THAT BOTH REAR SPRINGS ARE BROKEN. I BELIEVE THIS IS CAUSED DUE TO SUB STANDARD MATERIALS AS MY CAR HAS NEVER BEEN USED FOR OFF ROAD OR TOWING. MY CAR HAS ONLY 62,000 MILES. BOTH SPRINGS AND STRUTS WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Power train, Jun 29, 2009
THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER STOPPED WORKING AT APROX. 95000 MILES ,JUST LIKE THE HUNDREDS OF OTHER EXPLORERS IN 2002 HAVE AND FORD REFUSES TO RECALL THE VEHICLE. *TR
Wheels, Jun 28, 2009
I HAD BEEN TOLD THAT MY DRIVERS SIDE BEARING WAS GOING BAD AND HAD IT FIXED AND MY CAR WAS STILL MAKING A FUNNY NOISE BUT WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT IT WAS MY BRAKES GOING BAD AND THAT THEY WOULD NEED REPLACED, SO WE WENT AND BOUGHT BRAKES AND ROTORS TO PUT ON OURSELVES. AS WE WERE PUTTING THEM ON WE NOTICED THAT MY WHEEL WAS CLOSE TO FALLING OFF!!! NOW WE HAVE TO REPLACE THE BEARING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR AND ALSO THE AXEL SHAFT. WHAT IF MY WHEEL HAD CAME OFF AND KILLED MY 3 SMALL CHILDREN AND MY HUSBAND AND I? *TR
Suspension, Jun 24, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. UPON REACHING HIS DESTINATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY INOPERABLE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 96,000.
Power train, Jun 21, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, I LOVE THIS CAR AND HAS BEEN PERFECT EXCEPT FOR 1 MAJOR THING THE PIECE OF '!@#$% TRANSMISSION, WHAT A JOKE HAVE HAD 2 REPLACED AT 48,000 MILES AND 115,000 MILES,THERE NEEDS TO A BE A RECALL ON THESE JUNK TRANSMISSIONS THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM FOR THESE CARS. I HAVE OTHER FORDS AND THEY ARE AWESOME THIS 2002 EXPLORER IS A COMPLETE LEMON. ITS A HAZARD WHEN YOUR GOING 68 MPH DOWN A HIGHWAY AND YOUR TRANSMISSION BLOWS OUT, GOING ON A ROADTRIP TO THE WHITE MOUNTAINS OF NH. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 19, 2009
DOOR AGAR LIGHT. ALL THE DOORS WILL BE SHUT AND WHILE DRIVING THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT AND BEEPING NOISE WILL COME ONE. WHICH RESULTS ALSO IN THE INTERIOR LIGHTS TO FLICKER ON AND OFF. IT DOES IT EVERYDAY AND KEEPS GOING TILL THE VEH IS IN PART. ALSO WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED THE LIGHTS WILL COME ON AND OFF, I CANT EVEN LOCK MY DOORS ANYMORE. *TR
Suspension, Parking brake, Seat belts, Jun 19, 2009
BROKEN REAR COIL SPRINGS ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT, 85000 MILES. ALSO NEED FRONT AND REAR WHEEL BEARINGS, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, EMERGENCY BRAKE REPAIR. *TR