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, Mar 23, 2009
OD BLINKING. WE HAVE THREE 2002 FORD EXPLORER WHICH ALL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND WE HAVE REPLACED EVERYTHING IN THE TRANSMISSION WITH NEW. THIS IS BOLOGNA. SAME AS EVERYONE ELSE'S SHIFTING PROBLEMS! *TR
Suspension, Mar 23, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOWER TO THE GROUND THAN USUAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND A FORD DEALER AND THEY BOTH VERIFIED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS FAILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 21, 2009
LEFT REAR BLINKER AND BRAKE LIGHT QUIT WORKING. BULBS AND FUSES WERE CHANGED BUT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM WAS FOUND IN TILT STEERING COLUMN. A WIRE PULLED ITSELF FREE OF THE WIRE CONNECTION HARNESS DUE TO USAGE OF THE TILT STEERING FEATURE. THIS PROBLEM COULD HAVE LED TO A VERY SERIOUS TRAFFIC ACCIDENT SINCE DRIVERS BEHIND THE VEHICLE HAD NO IDEA THE VEHICLE WAS PREPARING TO MAKE AN LEFT HAND TURN AND IT COMPOUNDED THE PROBLEM BECAUSE ONLY ONE BRAKE LIGHT WORKED. MY HUSBAND TOOK THE STEERING COLUMN OFF AND REINSERTED THE WIRE INTO THE HARNESS AND APPLIED EPOXY TO SECURE IT. *TR
Structure, Mar 21, 2009
THE REAR PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED. WHILE IN THE CAR WASH, TWO THIRDS OF THE REAR PANEL FELL OFF THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE REPLACEMENT AND THAT FORD HAS BEEN MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. MY CONCERN IS IF IT FELL OFF IN A CAR WASH WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF IT FELL OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING 55-65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY? ALSO, I AM NOT THRILLED ABOUT THE IDEA OF HAVING TO SPEND $500 TO FIX A PIECE OF MY VEHICLE THAT SHOULD REMAIN INTACT. *TR
Power train, Mar 21, 2009
THERE HAS NOT BEEN A TOTAL FAILURE YET, BUT FROM WHAT I HAVE READ FROM OTHERS IT IS NOT TOO FAR OFF. I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND THE TRANSMISSION IS STARTING TO FAIL. FROM WHAT THE REPAIR SHOP TELLS ME THERE IS A DEFECTIVE PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE. FROM WHAT THE FORUM TELLS ME THAT IS THE BEGINNING OF THE END. FORD MUST KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BY NOW, BUT AS I FAR AS I CAN TELL THEY HAVE NO INTENTION OF FIXING THIS POTENTIALLY SERIOUS ISSUE. I USE THIS VEHICLE TO TRANSPORT MY FAMILY AND DO NOT WANT TO HAVE A TOTAL FAILURE WHILE DRIVING, OR LEAVING MY WIFE AND KIDS STRANDED. THE OVER DRIVE OFF LIGHT BEGINS TO FLASH AND THE FOURTH AND FIFTH GEARS WILL NO LONGER ENGAGE. *TR
Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 21, 2009
MY SUV WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. I PUSHED THE REAR WINDOW RELEASE BUTTON TO OPEN THE REAR WINDOW AND IT EXPLODED. GLASS FRAGMENTS WERE FOUND UP TO 12 FEET IN ALL DIRECTIONS. THE NOISE IT MADE WAS LOUD, LIKE A SHOT GUN HAD GONE OFF. A PROFESSIONAL AUTO MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT MY REAR WINDOW REGULATOR MUST HAVE MALFUNCTIONED. CLEARLY THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW THAT FORD SHOULD RECTIFY AND FEAR FOR THE SAFETY OF ANYONE OWNING/USING THIS VEHICLE. I'M CURRENTLY SEARCHING FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS. *TR
Power train, Wheels, Mar 21, 2009
WHEEL HUBS ESPECIALLY THE REAR - CONSTANTLY GOING BAD USUALLY 12 MONTHS OR LESS- REAR DIFFERENTIAL VENTED WITH HOSE OVER REAR TIRE. CAUSES WATER TO GET INTO GEARS - MAJOR PROBLEM. I KEEP CATCHING THE PROBLEM BUT ONLY BECAUSE I NOW LOOK FOR THEM BUT IT HAS BEEN CLOSE - RECENTLY I HAD TO HAVE IT TAKEN TO THE REPAIR SITE AS IT WAS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. *TR
Wheels, Mar 20, 2009, crash
PURCHASED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER FOR MY 17 YR OLD DAUGHTER. A FEW WEEKS LATER SHE DROVE HOME FROM COLLEGE AND SAID SHE THOUGHT IT NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT BECAUSE CAR VIBRATING. SHE HAD SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THIS DONE. A COUPLE DAYS LATER SHE WAS DRIVING AT 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN HER AND THE PASSENGER HEARD A LOUD NOISE IN THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. THE CAR THAN BEGAN TO SHAKE VERY HARD AND LOOSE CONTROL. SHE COULD NOT KEEP ON THE ROAD AND ROLLED ACROSS THE INTERSTATE AND INTO THE MEDIAN. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE HAD BROKEN OFF THE CAR. THANKFULLY THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC AND THE TWO SURVIVED THE CRASH WITH NON LIFE THREATENING INJURIES. I CAN ONLY HOPE THE NEXT PERSON THIS HAPPENS TO IS AS LUCKY. UPON RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET I REALIZED THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON CAUSE OF ACCIDENTS WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE TO MAKE FORD RECALL AND FIX THIS ISSUE. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO BE HURT OR KILLED? I HOPE THIS IS ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE IS INJURED.*TR
Power train, Mar 20, 2009
MY OD LIGHT STARTING BLINKING. THEN I STARTED HEARING A CLICKING NOISE. CAR SHUTTERED NUMEROUS DAYS, THEN WOULD NOT GO ANY FASTER THEN 25 MPH. HAD TO GET THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY REBUILT. HAD 92,000 MILE ON IT. EVIDENTLY FORD IA AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND WILL DO NOTHING. *TR
Power train, Wheels, Mar 20, 2009
I RECENTLY HAD TO HAVE THE BEARINGS REPLACED DUE TO PROBLEMS THAT MANY HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH THE SAME MAKE, MODEL, AND RESPECTIVE YEARS. ONCE THE BEARINGS WERE REPLACED I NOTICED MORE ISSUES WITH THE "SLIPPING" TRANSMISSION THAT MANY MANY MANY MORE HAVE ALREADY LODGED COMPLAINTS AGAINST. WHAT IS BEING DONE? WHEN CAN WE EXPECT ANSWERS? *TR
Power train, Mar 19, 2009
THE GEAR SHIFT (PRNDL) FELL OFF THE STEERING COLUMN FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE METAL THAT HOLD THE SHIFT GEAR FAILED. THIS IS HAPPENING TO MANY PEOPLE! VERY DANGEROUS! LUCKILY IT HAPPENED IN THE DRIVEWAY OR IT MAY HAVE LEAD TO INJURY/DEATH. IT IS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE IN THE GEAR SHIFTER THAT LEADS TO THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE INVESTIGATE! HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/TRANSMISSION/GEAR_SHIFT_PRNDL_FELL_OFF.SHTML. *TR
Power train, Mar 19, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP BETWEEN SECOND AND THIRD GEARS. WHILE SHIFTING GEARS, THE RPMS WOULD ACCELERATE VERY HIGH AND THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK AND PERFORM AS IF IT WERE IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION. A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED AND INDICATED THAT THE SOLENOIDS WERE FAULTY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 99,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 19, 2009
SEVERE CRACKS IN BACK WINDOW HOUSING. CRACK IS SO SEVERE, CONSIDERATION OF WINDOW FALLING OUT IS POSSIBLE. INFORMATION PANEL REGISTERS DOOR AJAR WHICH CONSEQUENTLY FLASHES INTERNAL LIGHTS, RE-LOCKS DOORS, SETS WARNING BELLS TO GO OFF. OFTEN, DOOR AJAR DOES NOT REGISTER, BUT ELECTRIC LOCKS LOCK RE-LOCK AND LOCK MANY TIMES WITH WARNING BELLS GOING OFF, INTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKERING,MANY TIMES IN ONE INSTANCE. ALL ACTIVITIES HAPPEN INTERMITTENTLY, WITHOUT CAUSE OR REASON CAUSING SEVERE DISTRACTION TO DRIVER. THEFT ALARM GOES OFF AFTER VEHICLE HAS BEEN LOCKED SEVERAL HOURS; FOR NO APPARENT REASON. WHEN UNLOCKED AND RE-LOCKED, CONTINUES TO GO OFF INTERMITTENTLY. I BELIEVE THE REAR WINDOW HOUSING BREAK IS THE ROOT OF ALL THIS ACTIVITY. *TR
Structure, Mar 18, 2009
2 CRACKS IN THE HATCHBACK ABOVE THE LOGO. *TR
Power train, Mar 17, 2009
I HAVE AN 02 EXPLORER WITH 70K MILES ON IT AND THE O/D LIGHT AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ARE BOTH ON. I WAS TOLD THAT 2ND AND 5TH SHIFTS ARE GONE AND THAT I SHOULD REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION. I WAS READING DIFFERENT ARTICLES AND IT SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH THE EXPLORERS. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THIS CAR! *TR
Power train, Equipment, Mar 17, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED THAT HAS HAD CONTINUOUS REAR AXLE LEAKING AND OPERATING ISSUES. I HAVE HAD THE BEARINGS REPLACED THREE TIMES, THE SHAFT AXLE SEAL REPLACED, THE KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY REPLACED AND THE SPINDLE REPLACED. I HAD THIS WORK DONE AT CORTESE AUTO GROUP IN HENRIETTA NY (585-475-1211) IN JUNE OF 2007 AND APRIL OF 2008. I JUST NOTICED DIFFERENTIAL FLUID LEAKING FROM THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY AREA ON MARCH 16, 2009 AND CALLED THE CORTESE GROUP TO SEE IF THEY WOULD HONOR THEIR PREVIOUS REPAIR. THEY ADVISED ME THAT I WAS BEYOND THE "ORIGINAL PROBLEM" 2007 REPAIR DATE AND THE COST WAS ON MY OWN. TO REPAIR THIS LEAKY AXLE SEAL WILL COST ME IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF $400 AND CONSIDERING THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE, I FEEL FORD MOTOR COMPANY OR CORTESE SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH NO COST TO ME. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND IT APPEARS THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON AMONG FORD EXPLORERS (HAD I KNOWN THAT AT THE TIME OF MY PURCHASE, I WOULD HAVE RECONSIDERED BUYING FROM FORD). IF THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON AMONG FORD EXPLORERS AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE, WHY IS IT NOT CONSIDERED A RECALL AND REPAIRED BY THE MANUFACTURER OF THE VEHICLE? PLEASE ADVISE ME WHAT MY RIGHTS ARE AND IF ANYTHING CAN BE DONE ON BEHALF OF OTHER AFFECTED CONSUMERS. AFTER ALL, IN THIS TOUGH ECONOMY, WHO HAS $400 TO THROW AT A PROBLEM THAT WAS A KNOWN DEFICIENCY TO FORD AND ONE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED BY THE COMPANY... *TR
Seats, Mar 16, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V281000 (SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER) AND HAD THE BOLTS REPLACED. A FEW WEEKS AGO, THE SEAT RECLINED ALL THE WAY BACK AND NOT FORWARD. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE SEAT CUSHION AND NOTICED THAT THE BOLT IN THE MECHANISM WAS IN PLACE; HOWEVER, THE FRAME FAILED. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THE FRAME FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPAIR IT AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT WHEN THE DEALER REPAIRED THE BOLT, THEY MAY HAVE WEAKENED THE FRAME, WHICH MEANS THE REPAIR SHOULD BE PERFORMED FOR FREE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO PURCHASE A NEW SEAT. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Suspension, Mar 16, 2009
I WAS DRIVING HOME WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A LOUD CLANG FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. I FELT THE BACK OF THE CAR DROP. LUCKILY, I WAS ONLY ABOUT 100 YARDS FROM HOME SO I DROVE IT HOME. LOOKING UNDER THE CAR ONCE I GOT IT HOME IT WAS IMMEDIATELY NOTICEABLE THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR COIL SPRING HAD JUST SNAPPED. THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN USED FOR TOWING OR GOING OFF ROAD; IT IS STRICTLY A HIGHWAY VEHICLE. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE PROBLEM, HAD I BEEN ON A HIGHWAY OR THE TURNPIKE IT COULD HAVE BLOWN OUT MY BACK TIRE CAUSING A WRECK. BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS AND STRUTS WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED NOW. *TR
Power train, Mar 14, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND MY O/D LIGHT IS FLASHING ALONG WITH MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. THIS SEEMS TO BE COMPLAINT #1 WITH THIS VEHICLE IN SEARCHING THE INTERNET. I SEEM TO HAVE A TRANSMISSION REBUILD COMING MY WAY. IT'S ALWAYS BEEN TOUGH TO SWITCH FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE. NOW MY LIGHTS ARE FLASHING AND IT HAS A HECK OF A TIME SWITCHING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. I HAVE 70,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I ALSO HAVE ISSUE #2 FROM THE INTERNET COMPLAINTS ON THIS VEHICLE. MY TAILGATE MOLDED PLASTIC BENEATH MY REAR WINDOW SPLIT IN HALF AND FELL OFF. *TR
Power train, Mar 14, 2009
SAME PROBLEM EVERYONE ELSE HAS. I HAVE A 2002 EXPLORER TRANS WENT HAD TO GET IT REBUILT. ONLY HAD THIS EXPLORER 11 MONTHS. *TR
Suspension, Mar 14, 2009
REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE ON 2002 EXPLORER FOR UNKNOW REASON. *TR
Suspension, Mar 14, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. WHINING FROM THE REAR HAS GROWN TO A LOUD ROAR AT ANY SPEED OVER 10MPH. WE DON'T DRIVE THIS CAR VERY OFTEN, SO WE IGNORED THE PROBLEM THINKING IT WAS THE TIRES. FROM ALL I HAVE READ AND HEARD, THIS CAN ONLY END IN A BAD SITUATION SINCE IT INVOLVES THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND WHEEL BEARINGS. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE LABELED AS A RECALL AND FORD SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY RECALL ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Mar 13, 2009
I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH MY TRANSMISSION IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CAR HAS 76,000 MILES AND THE O/D LIGHT FLASHES AND 2ND GEAR IS A MESS. IT STARTED OUT OF NO WHERE. I GOOGLED THE PROBLEM AND CAME ACROSS THIS WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/TRANSMISSION/O_D_LIGHT_IS_BLINKING.SHTML IT IS A SHAME THAT OVER 100 PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE AND THAT'S JUST THE PEOPLE WHO FOUND THAT SITE. I AM A HARD WORKING SELF EMPLOYED MAN WHO TRY'S TO STAND BY AMERICAN MADE, BUT I AM ABSOLUTELY FURIOUS THAT FORD HAS LET THIS ISSUE GO. I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR 2 YEARS AND THE TIRE ROD AND BARRING HAVE ALREADY WENT BAD. AS WELL AS THE TRANSFER CASE FOR THE 4X4 HAS WENT OUT AS WELL. BOTH OF THOSE ISSUES WHERE ALSO REPORTED BY OTHERS ON THE ABOVE WEBSITE. HOW IN THE WORLD CAN FORD ASK THE GOVERNMENT TO BAIL THEM OUT WHEN THE VERY PEOPLE WHO PURCHASED THEIR PRODUCT KEEP GETTING STUCK WITH THE BILL COMING AND GOING. I WILL TAKE THIS COMPLAINT TO MY STATE REPRESENTATIVE IN AN EFFORT TO HOLD FORD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS BEFORE GETTING ONE TAX DOLLAR FROM HONEST HARD WORKING AMERICANS. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Mar 13, 2009
36,006 MILES REAR AXLE SEALS STARTED LEAKING, HAD NEW SET PUT ON. NOT EVEN 10,000 MILES & THAT SET STARTED LEAKING. HAD THIRD SET PUT ON. 61,500 MILES & LEAKING AGAIN! MECHANIC SAYS I HAVE A BROKEN REAR COIL SPRING. COULD THE SPRINGS HAVE BEEN FAULTY ALL LONG CAUSING THE REAR AXLE SEALS TO LEAK? *TR
Electrical system, Mar 11, 2009
PART # E6DB-14489-DA. I'VE GOOGLED THE ISSUE AND FOUND NUMEROUS OTHER PEOPLE WITH SAME ISSUE. FAULTY CONNECTOR CAUSING THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS NOT TO WORK. THE WIRING COMES OUT OF THE CONNECTOR (IT'S IN THE STEERING COLUMN). *TR