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, Structure, Jun 18, 2009
I TOOK A TRIP FROM HOME IN OK TO CANTON, TX ON RETURN HEARD LOUD NOISE WHEN I STOPPED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED I FOUND OUT THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT WAS COMING OUT. IN MARCH OF 2008 I NOTICED A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE EXPLORER. WHEN I HAD IT INSPECTED I WAS TOLD THE REAR END NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS COST ME OVER $2000.00. MY TRANSMISSION IS NOW SLIPPING AND AFTER READING OTHER COMPLAINTS I FEAR THE WORSE IF I HAVE MY TRANSMISSION CHECKED. WHO DO WE CONTACT TO HAVE A LAWSUIT STARTED? MY TRUCK NOW HAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000 MILES. I HAVE REPLACED THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT, REAR END ASSEMBLY. MY AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON AND THE REAR PANEL BELOW THE BACK WINDOW HAS CRACKED. I HAVE ALL THE COMPLAINTS LISTED EXCEPT FOR THE GEAR SHIFTER BREAKING OFF IN MY HAND. *TR
Suspension, Jun 17, 2009
BROKEN REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE DISCOVERED DURING ROUTINE BRAKE REPLACEMENT. TRUCK HAD BEEN HANDLING POORLY, WAS BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP FOR BRAKES & SHOCKS. SERVICE ADVISOR ADVISED OF DISCOVERY OF CRACKED SPRINGS, HAD TO KEEP VEHICLE OVERNIGHT FOR REPAIR/REPLACEMENT. *TR
Power train, Jun 16, 2009
WHEN I GO TO OR FROM PARK THE CAR JERKS AND HAS ALMOST CAUSE ME TO GET INTO SEVERAL CRASHES. THIS HAPPENS AT LEAST A COUPLE TIMES A WEEK. *TR
Suspension, Jun 15, 2009
DRIVING FROM PARKING LOT, HEARD A LOUD THUMP FROM THE REAR. UPON INSPECTING, THE REAR COIL SPRING IS BROKEN IN TWO PLACES. *TR
Steering, Power train, Jun 15, 2009
OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORERS GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF IN MY HAND WHILE TRYING TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE. WE HAD SOME TROUBLE WITH THE LOCKOUT IN THE PAST, BUT THIS LEFT US STRANDED AND REQUIRED A TOW. *TR
Power train, Jun 13, 2009
I HAVE HAD MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION FOR 4 YEARS. THE ENTIRE TIME OF OWNING THIS VEHICLE IT SOUNDS LIKE THE ENGINE SLIPS AND LATELY IT SEEMS LIKE IT IS GETTING WORSE. I HAVE TALKED TO A FEW CAR REPAIRMEN AND THEY SAID THAT THIS MAKE AND MODEL IS KNOWN FOR THIS COMPLAINT. I FEEL LIKE SINCE THERE IS AN OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE TRANSMISSION, SOMEONE SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS. *TR
Fuel system, Other, Electrical system, Seat belts, Jun 13, 2009
WHEN I TRIED TO REMOVE MY KEY FROM THE IGNITION, THE ENTIRE IGNITION CYLINDER CAME OUT!! MY CAR HAD TO BE TOWED AND HAVE A NEW CYLINDER INSTALLED! A YEAR LATER, IT HAPPENED AGAIN!!! SO I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY FORD IGNITION CYLINDER TWICE AND MY CAR ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES ON IT NOW---SO PROBABLY HAD ONLY ABOUT 40,000 MILES THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED AND 50,000 THE SECOND TIME. ALSO-- NOW MY FUEL GAUGE SAYS EMPTY ALL THE TIME, EVEN AFTER I JUST FILLED IT WITH GAS! AND IT'S TOO EXPENSIVE TO FIX! I DID GET THE DRIVER SEATBELT FIXED, BECAUSE IT DIDN'T TIGHTEN, BUT NOW IT'S TOO HARD TO PULL OUT AND USE! LASTLY, BOTH INSIDE MIRROR COVERS HAVE JUST CRACKED OFF WHEN LIFTING OPEN, AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO REPLACE BOTH OF THE ENTIRE VISORS! WE HAVE 3 FORDS AND THIS IS THE ONLY ONE THAT'S EVER HAD PROBLEMS. DATES ARE SPREAD OUT SO IT'S TOO HARD TO COMPLETE THAT PART OF THE FORM BELOW. *TR
Suspension, Jun 12, 2009
PASSENGER SIDE REAR COIL SPRING BROKEN IN HALF NEAR TOP PORTION. APPARENTLY IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR OF EXPLORER, BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN FIXED YET. *TR
Air bags, Jun 12, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 35 MPH, BOTH THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED WITH CHEMICALS AND MADE A VERY LOUD SOUND THAT SHOCKED THE DRIVER. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL PRIOR TO THE DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND IT WAS REQUESTED THAT THE COMPUTER BE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. FORD COULD NOT OFFER A SOLUTION NOR GUARANTEE THAT THE FAILURE WOULD NOT RECUR. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 120,000.
Steering, Jun 10, 2009
ABOUT A YEAR AGO, THE GEAR SHIFTER IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER STARTED GETTING HARDER TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK ESPECIALLY ON INCLINES. AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, I TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR THEM TO LOOK AT IT. THEY SAID THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG BUT THAT IT DID STICK A LITTLE. GRADUALLY OVER SEVERAL MONTHS IT GOT WORSE. EVENTUALLY, IT GOT STUCK IN PARK AND I ACTUALLY BROKE OFF THE GEAR SHIFTER TRYING TO GO FROM PARK TO REVERSE. WE HAD TO PAY ALMOST $1,200 TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN AND SHIFTER. WE WERE THEN TOLD THAT WE MIGHT PUT ON THE EMERGENCY BREAK BEFORE SHIFTING INTO PARK ON HILLS. I TOLD THEM THAT IT DIDN'T MATTER IF YOU WERE ON A HILL OR NOT, IT STILL WOULD GET STUCK. AFTER FIRST REPLACING THE COLUMN, IT WAS EASIER TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THEN, OVER A FEW MONTHS IT BECAME INCREASINGLY HARDER TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK AGAIN, UNLESS I PUT ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. I DID USE THE BRAKE ON HILLS AND INCLINES MOSTLY BUT THEN SOMETIMES IT WOULD GET HARD TO SHIFT ON JUST FLAT SURFACES. I CONTACTED THE FORD DEALER AND ASKED THEM TO LOOK AT IT AGAIN. THEY SAID THAT I WOULD ALWAYS JUST HAVE TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BEFORE SHIFTING INTO PARK. I ASKED THEM WHY - IT DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT. THEY SAID, "THAT IS JUST NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURE". I, OF COURSE, ARGUED THAT WAS NOT NORMAL AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. I ASKED THE FORD COMPANY WEBSITE AND THEY SAID THEY CONSULTED WITH OUR DEALER AND THAT THEY CONCUR WITH THEM. *TR
Suspension, Jun 10, 2009
I DRIVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 86,000 MILES. THE DRIVER SIDE REAR COIL SPRING BROKE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 5, 2009, fire
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER - 4.6 V8 HAS THE POPULAR BLOWN SPARK PLUG ISSUE WHICH HAS CAUSED ME A LOT OF PROBLEMS ON PRETTY MUCH THE WORST WEEKEND OF MY LIFE THAT THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED IN. THIS IS APPARENTLY A VERY POPULAR COMPLAINT ABOUT FORDS W/ THIS ENGINE AND I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. IT IS AN OBVIOUS DESIGN FLAW W/ THE ALUMINUM AND METAL HEATING ISSUES CAUSING THE SPARK PLUGS TO BREAK OFF OR JUST SHOOT OUT OF THE ENGINE. I BELIEVE THAT THERE WAS A SMALL FIRE UNDER MY HOOD FOR A SHORT TIME AS WELL. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY FORD. IN MY CASE, I DID HEAR THE INFAMOUS "CLICKING" NOISE THAT HAPPENS JUST BEFORE THE PLUG BLOWS AND THEN RIGHT AFTER, IT BLEW, SOUNDING LIKE SOMEBODY WAS STARTING A HARLEY UNDER MY TRUCK. I WAS UNDER MY HOOD LOOKING AND HEARING FOR THE NOISE THAT I THOUGHT WAS A BELT ISSUE WHEN THIS BLEW. THIS THING SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO BLOW MY HEAD OFF WHILE I WAS UNDER THE HOOD AND LUCKILY I WAS NOT HURT, OR FORD WOULD HAVE A LAW SUIT ON THEIR HANDS. WE WERE ABLE TO REMOVE THE BROKEN PLUG AND GET A NEW ONE TO THREAD MAYBE ONE THREAD DEEP TO GET ME HOME SAFELY. THERE IS ONLY ONE THREAD GRABBING AND I WILL MORE THAN LIKELY HAVE TO HAVE THE $1500 - $2000 JOB DONE OR TRADE THIS PILE IN BEFORE IT HAPPENS TO THE OTHER PLUGS, WHICH I HEAR IS INEVITABLE, DUE TO FORD NEVER ADDRESSING OR REMEDYING THIS ISSUE. THIS BEING MY SECOND EXPLORER W/ SEVERE ISSUES THAT FORD SHOULD HAVE TAKEN CARE OF, THIS WILL BE MY LAST. THANKS. *TR
Power train, Equipment, Jun 4, 2009
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER V8 HAS REQUIRED A TRANSMISSION AT 35K & 85K MILES. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN WHEN THE CAR FAILS WITHOUT WARNING!!!! I'M NOT ALONE IN DEALING WITH THIS INCREDIBLY COSTLY & DANGEROUS PREDICAMENT. PLEASE TAKE ACTION! I'M READING THAT THE DESIGN OF THE TRANSMISSION IS APPARENTLY BAD. QUOTING ANOTHER'S DESCRIPTION: "AFTER LOTS OF RESEARCH IT APPEARS THE MOST LIKELY CAUSE IS WORN CASE BORE, WHERE THE PIN FOR THE 2ND GEAR & OVERDRIVE BAND SERVO ACTUATOR PASSES THROUGH THE CASE. IF THE PEOPLE DESIGNING THESE MACHINES SPENT EVEN A BIT OF TIME IN THEIR LIVES WORKING WITH THEIR HANDS ON REAL PARTS THEY WOULD KNOW BETTER THAN TO PASS A HARD STEEL PIN IN A WEAR POINT FASHION THROUGH A SOFTER ALUMINUM CASTING. IT IS NO WONDER SO MANY TRANSMISSIONS EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM." YOU WOULD THINK WHEN MY TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED THE 1ST TIME THAT FORD WOULD HAVE BEEN REQUIRED TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM BY PUTTING BRASS CASINGS ON THE PINS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. NOW, I'M HAVING TO GET A 2ND TRANSMISSION, & SINCE I DIDN'T TAKE IT TO FORD, THEY ARE REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION WITH THIS FIX IMPLEMENTED. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BEAR THE $3500 NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. FORD SHOULD STAND BY THEIR PRODUCTS, BUT SINCE THEY WON'T, I HOPE THAT YOU CAN REQUIRE THEM TO DO SO! THANKS! I IDENTIFIED THIS AS AN EQUIPMENT FAILURE BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION THAT CAME WITH THE CAR WAS OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE TO REQUIRE A NEW ONE AT 35K MILES. MY CAR IS DEAD AT A SHOP SO I CAN'T LOOK AT THE TRANSMISSION TO GIVE YOU ANY PRODUCT INFORMATION. THE DATE I PROVIDED FOR EQUIPMENT IS THE DATE THE 1ST TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER & PURCHASED THE CAR NEW. I AM ASSUMING THAT THE 1ST TRANSMISSION FAILED DUE TO THE PINS. THERE'S NO WAY TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID BECAUSE IT'S A CLOSED SYSTEM, WHICH HAS ALSO BEEN A PROBLEM. THE SITE DETAILING THESE PROBLEMS IS: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/. *TR
Power train, Jun 4, 2009
O/D OFF LIGHT FLASHING, FIND OUT SOLENOID PACK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ALSO NEEDS ALL 4 BALL JOINTS REPLACED. FOUND OUT THESE ARE VERY COMMON PROBLEMS TO 02 EXPLORERS. NOT SURE IF WE WILL REPAIR BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE WE'LL END UP DOING IT AGAIN OR THE TRANSMISSION WILL GO OUT. WE'VE ALREADY REPLACED REAR END, WINDOW MOTOR AND HAVE FADED WINDOW PANELS AND A CRACKED BACK PANEL ON LIFT GATE. WHY IS THE GOV'T NOT ADDRESSING THESE PROBLEMS. THIS WAS NOT A CHEAP CAR - WHY IS IT ACCEPTABLE TO HAVE THIS MANY PROBLEMS WITH A VEHICLE? *TR
Power train, Jun 4, 2009, crash
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT PARKED NOSE DOWN ON AN INCLINED DRIVEWAY. NO KEYS IN IGNITION BUT VEHICLE SLIPPED AWAY AND HIT A LIGHTPOST 50 METERS DOWN THE STREET. *TR
Visibility, Jun 3, 2009
ON MONDAY JUNE 1ST WE WERE LOADING ITEMS INTO MY EXPLORER FOR A GARAGE SALE AND MY HUSBAND WENT TO CLOSE THE DOOR AND WHEN HE WENT TO CLOSE IT JUST EXPLODED EVERYWHERE. LUCKILY BY THE GRACE OF GOD MY GRANDSON WAS NOT AROUND THE VEHICLE AT THAT TIME. I JUST FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS REPAIR BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH I WAS NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER WHENEVER THE RECALL WAS POSTED, THEY SHOULD STILL HONOR IT. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Jun 1, 2009
FLAT TIRE; AFTER TAKING TIRE OFF I NOTICED THAT THE COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN IN HALF AND THE WHEEL BEARING WAS BAD, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO WOBBLE. THERE WAS NO APPARENT REASON FOR THE PART FAILURES. AFTER CONSULTING OTHERS WITH THE SAME VEHICLE TYPE THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR 2002 FORD EXPLORERS - WHEEL BEARINGS AND COIL SPRING FAILURE. FORD MAY WANT TO RECALL THESE BEFORE IT CAUSES ACCIDENTS. *TR
Steering, Jun 1, 2009
I TURNED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND PUT MY EXPLORER INTO PARK THE SHIFTER BROKE OFF AND THE CAR WAS NOT IN PARK. THANKFULLY I WAS HOME AND IT IS NOW SITTING WITH THE KEY STILL IN THE IGNITION AND EMERGENCY BRAKES ON. TRIED TO BUY THE GEAR SHIFT PLUNGER ON STEERING COLUMN AND THE FORD DEALER SAID I CAN ONLY BUY THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. $1200.00 THEY SHOWED ME THE COLUMN IT HAS A DIFFERENT PLUNGER THAT REINFORCED THIS SUGGEST THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, May 29, 2009
WHEN I TRIED TO PUT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER INTO REVERSE THE GEAR SHIFTER SNAPPED OFF IN MY HANDS. I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN BEFORE BUT HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THIS ON THE INTERNET AND IT SEEMS TO BE A REAL ISSUE WITH THE FORD EXPLORER DESIGN OF THE SHIFTER MECHANISM. MY VEHICLE HAS 90,000 MILES ON IT. THIS ALSO SEEMS TO BE CONSISTENT AS TO WHEN MOST BREAK. *TR
Suspension, May 29, 2009
JUST LIKE THOUSANDS OF OTHER 2002 FORD EXPLORER OWNERS BOTH OF MY REAR COIL SPRINGS ARE BROKEN AT THE TOP OF THE SPRING AND NEED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT (POOR QUALITY) I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. OBVIOUSLY THIS YEAR VEHICLE HAS REAR END ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED BY FORD. I JUST CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE IS NO COIL SPRING RECALL? FORD MUST KNOW THERE'S A PROBLEM WITH THEM, ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS SEARCH THE WEB TO SEE THAT SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR END. THIS SHOULD BE DEALT WITH BECAUSE IT'S CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE HELP GET THIS ISSUE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOME FAMILY WHO ISN'T AWARE OF THE ISSUE GETS INJURED OR KILLED. *TR
Power train, May 27, 2009
GEAR SHIFT LEVER SNAPPED OFF IN THE HAND OF MY 110 LB GIRLFRIEND. SHE PUT HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE, WENT TO SHIFT THE CAR INTO REVERSE AND THE PART THAT CONNECTS THE GEAR SHIFT TO THE STEERING COLUMN BROKE OFF. THE CAR WAS ON AND LUCKILY DID NOT MAKE IT ALL THE WAY INTO REVERSE OR THE CAR WOULD HAVE BEEN STUCK IN REVERSE!! SHE QUICKLY TURNED THE CAR OFF, BUT THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT IN PARK EITHER, SO THE KEY WON'T COME OUT! I HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN AND MY NEIGHBORS HAVE LITTLE ONES AS WELL. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE. THE CAR IS NOT COMPLETELY IN ANY GEAR AND THE KEY IS IN IT. IT CAN'T BE DRIVEN SO I HAD IT TOWED, AND LIKE MANY, MANY OTHERS HAVE FOUND OUT, THIS SMALL, CHEAPLY MADE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPLACE. THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN MUST BE PURCHASED THROUGH FORD AND REPLACED. I WAS GIVEN A "DISCOUNTED" QUOTE OF $1900 FROM BERGE FORD IN AZ. HOW HAS THIS SMALL, WEAK, CHEAPLY MADE PART NOT BEEN RECALLED YET? ARE WE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO BE RUN OVER AND POSSIBLY KILLED BY A VEHICLE STUCK IN GEAR?! *TR
Steering, May 26, 2009
SATURDAY I TRIED TO PUT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT IN PARK AND THE GEAR SHIFT SNAPPED OFF. I WASN'T TRYING TO JAM IT IN PARK, JUST SIMPLY TRIED TO PUT IT IN PARK. IT IS RIGHT NOW STUCK IN REVERSE WITH THE KEY STUCK IN THE IGNITION. I HAD MY CHILDREN WITH ME AND NO CLUE THAT THERE WAS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. PLEASE NOTE THAT WHILE I WAS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON, THE CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS A BIT. AFTER, DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET TO SEE IF FORD HAD ANY RECALLS FOR THIS I FOUND THAT MANY MORE PEOPLE JUST LIKE ME HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING. THE PICTURES THAT THE OTHERS HAVE UPLOADED OF THE METAL/ALUMINUM PIECE IS THE SAME EXACT PIECE THAT IS BROKEN ON MINE. PLEASE BELIEVE ME I AM NOT AN EXTRA STRONG PERSON AS TO WHERE I COULD HAVE DONE THIS MYSELF (BROKE THE PIECE OF METAL). PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS FOR IT IS A VERY COSTLY REPAIR THAT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO AND TAKEN CARE OF BY FORD. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, May 22, 2009
ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS HAS CONTINUED TO BE ON AND CRUISE CONTROL HAS STOPPED WORKING. *TR
Power train, May 21, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE BEARINGS AND GEAR OF THE UNIVERSAL REAR DIFFERENTIAL UNIT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 21, 2009
HEARD A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, HAD BRAKES CHANGED, NOISE CONTINUED. FOUND OUT IT WAS THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BEARING AND THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT BOTH GOING BAD. REPAIRS NOT DONE TOO EXPENSIVE. *TR