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.
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Mar 11, 2009
3/4/08 MOTOR SIZED NO STEERING NO BRAKES AT 62000 MI. BHT REBUILT MOTOR FROM FORD 3YR/75000MI WARRANTY 2/8/09 MOTOR SIZED NO STEERING NO BRAKES AT 71000MI -11MOS /9000MI LATER 2/16/09 TOWED TO MALOUF FORD S.B.NJ NEED OTHER MOTOR NO REBUILT MOTORS AVAILABLE FROM FORD I HAVE NO CAR-FORD WILL NOT GIVE LOANER OR RENTAL. *TR
Suspension, Mar 11, 2009
HAVE HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS WITH MY FORD EXPLORER ATTEMPTING TO RUN OFF PARKWAY AT 65 MPH AFTER WHEEL BEARING FAILURE. HAVE HAD TO REPLACE WHEEL BEARINGS 6 TIMES FROM 100,000 TO 102,000 MILES.THIS PROBLEM IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DUE TO FAILURE OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE WITH NO PRIOR NOTICE OF ANY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS CONCERNING THE BEARINGS UNTIL COMPLETE FAILURE . EVEN THE REPLACEMENT PARTS AFTER INSTALLATION HAVE FAILED AFTER LESS THAN 1000 MILES. *TR
Power train, Mar 10, 2009
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH APPROXIMATELY 91000 MILES. I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WHEN O/D LIGHT BEGAN TO BLINK. RESEARCHED PROBLEM ON INTERNET AND SEEMS TO BE A BIG PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN 2002 FORD EXPLORERS AND I AM ONE OF MANY DEALING WITH THIS. TYPICAL SOLUTION IS TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT WHICH WILL COST ALOT OF MONEY. FORD REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM AS THERE OWN (CLEARLY POOR WORKMANSHIP IN BUILDING VEHICLE) AND REFUSES TO OFFER HELP. PRESENTLY, THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THESE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS . HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO SHELL OUT THERE HARD EARNED MONEY BEFORE THIS PROBLEM IS ADDRESSED. PLEASE HELP. *TR
Power train, Mar 10, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED V-8, FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WITH 47,100 MILES. I STARTED TO NOTICE A CLATTERING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE TRUCK. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND HE SAID IT WAS THE TORQUE CONVERTER. IT COST $1,200 TO FIX. HE TOLD ME HE SEES A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT 47,000 MILES IS VERY PREMATURE FOR A PROBLEM LIKE THIS. I SEE THAT MANY OTHERS ON THE INTERNET HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 9, 2009
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM A FRIENDS CAME TO A STOP SIGN. BEGAN TO ACCELERATE, I WAS GOING 25 MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SOUNDED LIKE MY 4 WHEELER. MY SPARK PLUG HAD SHOT OUT OF ITS THREADS AND BLEW THE COIL TO PIECES. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS. *TR
Power train, Mar 9, 2009
THE LAST FEW MONTHS THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SLUGGISH IN POWER AND SHIFTING AT THE WRONG TIMES. WE BROUGHT IT INTO THE FORD DEALERSHIP. WE HAD THEM DO A TRANSMISSION FLUSH SINCE IT WAS TIME, THE VEHICLE HAD 37,000 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THEY COULD HEAR AND FEEL THE PROBLEM BUT COULD NOT GIVE US ANY ANSWERS. I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE AFTER HAVING THE FLUSH DONE. ON THE WAY HOME THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. THIS WAS NEW. I TURNED IT AROUND AND BROUGHT IT RIGHT BACK. AFTER 2 WEEKS OF GOING AROUND WITH THEM, THEY FINALLY FIND METAL SHAVINGS INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION AND TELL US WE NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION! THIS IS A WEEKEND CAR WITH ONLY 37,000 MILES ON IT. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! I CONTACTED FORD DIRECTLY THEY SAID THEY WOULD LOOK INTO IF THERE WAS ANY PROGRAM OUT THERE FOR US. NOW AGAIN 2 WEEK LATER I SPOKE TO THE FORD SERVICE MANAGER AND HE SAID THAT HE IS UNAWARE OF ANY PROGRAM THAT CAN HELP US. HE SAID THERE WAS A PROGRAM WHERE FORD WAS REPAIRING THE TRANSMISSIONS AS A GOOD FAITH REPAIR BUT THAT ENDED LAST YEAR. NOW I AM STUCK HAVING TO PAY $4000 TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION ON A PRACTICALLY NEW VEHICLE. *TR
Air bags, Mar 9, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATES INTERMITTENTLY. HE HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND THEY HAVE REPLACED SEVERAL COMPONENTS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE DEALERS WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDE A REMEDY. THERE WERE NO RECALLS AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
Wheels, Mar 7, 2009
FELT A WOBBLE WHILE DRIVING, FOUND OUT THAT THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING IS OUT. HAD TO ORDER A FRONT WHEEL BEARING AND HUB ASSEMBLY. IF BEARING WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING, THE WHEEL WILL COME OFF. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT AND POSSIBLE DEATH. FORD IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT DECLINES TO TAKE ACTION.114 OTHER COMPLAINTS LISTED AT CARCAMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/WHEELS_HUBS/WHEEL_BEARING_FAILURE.SHTML. *TR
Steering, Mar 6, 2009
GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF THE STEERING COLUMN OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. TRUCK WAS RENDERED INOPERABLE, BUT COULD HAVE THE POTENTIAL OF BEING STUCK IN GEAR IF THE SHIFT BREAKS OFF AT ANYTHING OTHER THAN PARK OR NEUTRAL. *TR
Structure, Mar 5, 2009
MY WIFE OPENED THE REAR HATCH TO GET GROCERIES OUT. IT STARTED FALLING ON HER. HER FRIEND REACHED TO LIFT IT UP AND IT EXPLODED ON MY WIFE WHEN SHE TRIED TO LIFT IT OFF MY WIFE. I AM DEBBIE'S HUSBAND. WE BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2004. THEY RECALLED IT IN 2006 TO PUT THE NEW HINGES ON, THAT WERE SUPPOSED TO BE FORD'S RECALL FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. IT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. IT APPEARS THAT PEOPLE ARE STILL HAVING THE ISSUE AFTER THEIR SO CALLED FIX. ITS TIME FOR FORD TO REALLY FIX THE PROBLEM OR PAY CONSUMERS FOR THEIR LOSS THROUGH A CLASS ACTION SUIT. I TRIED TO TELL MY WIFE TO STICK WITH GM SUV'S. THE FORD HAS BEEN A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT IN MANY AREAS. IT NEVER GOT THE MILEAGE WE WERE TOLD IT WOULD GET. WE GET 16 TO 17 ON THE HIGHWAY. WE WERE TOLD WE COULD GET 24. THE CHEVY VORTECH DOES GET THE 24 MPG AND OUR SAFARI VAN DOES IT DAILY. *TR
Suspension, Mar 3, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN BOUNCING ABNORMALLY. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER COIL SPRING WAS FRACTURED. SHE IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AND NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 91,000.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 2, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE DRIVER APPLIED MAXIMUM PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, WHICH SLOWED DOWN AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Power train, Mar 1, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER 4.0L SOHC V6 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. IT HAS A PROBLEM SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC, CAR WILL NOT ACCEL UP TO SPEED AND DOESN'T SHIFT OUT OF 2ND GEAR INTO 3RD. HAVE HAD A FEW NEAR ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF CAR NOT ABLE TO SPEED UP. *TR
Power train, Mar 1, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. IT APPEARS THEY ARE SELLING CARS WITH A DEFECT GEAR SHIFT. YESTERDAY AS I SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF. IT SIMPLE CAME OFF. I'VE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A PROBLEM. APPARENTLY THIS IS A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM AND FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AND REPORTED IT ON INTERNET AUTO COMPLAINT BLOGS. ACCORDING TO THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER HE HAS PICKED UP 6 OR 7 EXPLORERS IN THE SAN ANTONIO AREA WITH THE SAME PROBLEM IN RECENT MONTHS. BASED ON INTERNET REPORTS I HAVE TO SPEND A $1000 I REALLY CAN SPARE AT THIS TIME TO FIX FORD'S PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Feb 28, 2009
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER START SHAKING AND VIBRATING WHILE DRIVING ON A ROAD. THIS WAS DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION GOING OUT WHILE TRAVELING AT ABOUT 30 MPH. THE TRUCK WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM 2ND TO THIRD 3RD GEAR WHICH MADE THE VEHICLE RPMS RUN AT ABOUT 5000 THEN THE CAR STARTED TO SMELL AND BEGAN TO GET REALLY HOT DOWN TOWARD THE FLOOR BOARD. AFTER THIS THE O/D LIGHT BEGAN TO BLINK ON AND OFF CONSTANTLY. I THEN PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO CHECK THE PROBLEM WHILE PULLED THERE I PUT MY TRUCK INTO REVERSE SO THAT I COULD BACK UP INTO A PARKING LOT. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BREAK AND PUSHED THE GAS AND MY TRUCK ROLLED INTO THE ROAD. THE REVERSE WOULD NO LONGER ENGAGE. I HAD MY WHOLE FAMILY IN THE CAR, LUCKILY THERE WERE NO CARS COMING AT THAT EXACT TIME. I HAVE FOUND A WEBSITE WHERE OVER 200 PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM ON GOOGLE SEARCH, BUT STILL NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO RECALL THIS ISSUE. JUST BECAUSE WE FOUND ALL OF OURSELVES IN A LUCKY SITUATION WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND NO ONE WAS INJURED, DOES NOT MAKE THIS ANY LESS OF A CONCERN. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Feb 27, 2009
THIS IS MY WIFE"S 02' 4X4 V8 EXPLORER,WE BROUGHT IT NEW AND NOW HAVE 78,000 MILES IN IT,AT FIRST I HEARD SOME NOISE I THOUGHT IT CAME FROM THE TIRES THAT PRETTY WORN OUT SO I WENT TO CHANGE OUT THE NEW TIRES WHILE I WAS IN THE SHOP AND WAIT I ASK THE GUY CAN I GO IN THERE TO CHECK OUT THE BRAKE PADS I NOTICE THE REAR SPRINGS BROKE???? THE MORE SEARCHING I DID THE MORE THING I FIND OUT, WHEEL BEARING??? NO MORE FORD....... *TR
Visibility, Feb 27, 2009
I OPEN UP MY BACK HATCH TO GET MY BAGS OUT AND AS I WAS GETTING MY BAGS OUT OF THE BACK THE WINDOW EXPLODED ALL OVER ME.. CLASS GOT IN MY NECK AND ON MY BACK THANK GOD I HAD A HAT ON OR MY FACE WOULD OF GOT ALL CUT UP.. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE THIS HAS HAPPEN TO MANY PEOPLE. THERE IS NOT REASON FOR THIS, SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT VERY BAD.. WHAT HAS TO HAPPEN SOMEONE LOSE A EYE BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE.. I AM NOT WAITING I AM GETTING A LAWYER. *TR
Suspension, Feb 25, 2009
I WAS HEARING A LOUD SOUND FROM THE REAR-END, THOUGHT IT WAS THE TIRES SO I REPLACED THEM. BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN BECAUSE I BELIEVE THE BEARINGS WERE GOING, WHICH THEY WERE, AT WHICH TIME THEY STATED THE REAR SPRING WAS SNAPPED. THE CAR IS IN THE SHOP NOW GETTING REPAIRED AND I AM UNSURE HOW THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE I NEVER FELT ANYTHING THAT SEEMED LIKE A SPRING SNAPPING. I WAS ALSO INFORMED BY THE MECHANIC THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN FORDS AND MERCURYS..... *TR
Suspension, Feb 25, 2009
I TOOK MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN FOR NEW TIRES(82K MILES) AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME ONE OF MY REAR COIL SPRINGS WAS BROKEN IN 3 PLACES. I HADN'T NOTICED ANY "KNOCKING" OR NOISES AS I DROVE MY TRUCK, AND I DON'T USE IT OFF-ROAD OR TAKE IT ANYWHERE WHERE THERE'S GREAT STRESS PUT ON THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM. TO MY KNOWLEDGE THE STRUTS WEREN'T DAMAGED DUE TO THE SPRING FAILING, BUT I DIDN'T HAVE ANOTHER $300 TO REPLACE BOTH REAR SPRINGS AFTER GETTING NEW TIRES. I'VE NOTICED THAT AN ALARMING NUMBER OF PEOPLE ARE SEEING THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR '02 EXPLORERS. FORD SHOULD BE DOING SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 23, 2009
IT WAS AN EXTREMELY COLD DAY IN WISCONSIN AND MY SON WENT INTO TOWN, WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT THE GAS PEDAL ACCELERATED. HE APPLIED THE BRAKES AND IT KEPT ON ACCELERATING UNTIL HE SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN ON THE HIGHWAY, ONCE AGAIN THE WEATHER WAS COLD AND THIS TIME HE KEPT TAPPING ON THE ACCELERATOR AND PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. THIS WAS A FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE, ANY SUGGESTIONS TO RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Visibility, Feb 23, 2009
1.) MY HEATING DOES NOT WORK. THE AIR CONDITIONER WORKS, HOWEVER, WHEN YOU TURN THE KNOB FOR HEAT, IT MAKES A TICKING SOUND AND NO HEAT. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SEVERAL GARAGES, 3 IN ALL, WHO HAVE STATES THEY SEE THIS PROBLEM OFTEN WITH MY MODEL FORD EXPLORER XLT. *TR
Suspension, Feb 21, 2009
AFTER GETTING MY REAR TIRES REPLACED, THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT I HAD A CRACK IN MY RIGHT REAR SPRING FOR MY SUSPENSION. *TR
Wheels, Feb 20, 2009
REAR BEARINGS GO OUT ON VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE - NO CRASH OCCURRED, BUT IT VERY WELL COULD HAVE IN HEAVIER TRAFFIC. *TR
Wheels, Feb 18, 2009
I PURCHASED A 2002 EXPLORER NEW LATE IN 2001. EVERY WHEEL BEARING HAS FAILED AND NOW MY PASSENGER FRONT HAS FAILED A SECOND TIME SO I AM ON MY 3RD SET OF WHEEL BEARINGS IF YOU INCLUDE THE FACTORY BEARINGS AND I ONLY HAVE 112K ON THE CAR. THE BEARINGS ARE CLEARLY DEFECTIVE ON THESE CARS AND IF LEFT ALONE ARE ALSO A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Power train, Feb 18, 2009
I LIKE MANY OTHERS WAS JUST INFORMED THAT MY 2002 EXPLORER NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. IT ONLY HAS 52,000 MILES ON IT. I AM ON A FIXED INCOME, AND BOUGHT THIS CAR BELIEVING THAT IT WOULD LAST ME A LONG TIME IF I TOOK CARE OF IT WHICH I HAVE. I CANNOT AFFORD THIS EXPENSE AND VERY UNHAPPY TO FIND THAT FORD KNOWS OF THIS DEFECT, AND DOES NOTHING ABOUT IT. I AM TRULY BEGINNING TO BELIEVE THAT FORD STANDS FOR FOUND ON ROAD DEAD. THIS CLEARLY INDICATES A "LEMON" PRODUCT TO ME, AND I FEEL THAT THE CONSUMERS ARE THE ONE PAYING FOR THE CEO'S RICH LIFE AT OUR EXPENSE. WHEN IS OUR GOVERNMENT GOING TO LOOK OUT FOR THE PEOPLE WHO FINANCE THIS COUNTRY? *TR