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, Power train, Feb 17, 2009
O/D LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING DIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY - RPM'S RAN AT 3RPM'S NO MATTER WHAT SPEED I TRAVELED. TRANSMISSION SHIFTS VERY HARD AND I AM EXPERIENCING A TERRIBLE CLUNKING NOISE - PIECE OF'!@#$% TRANSMISSION - WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION ACCORDING TO THE DEALER AND I HAVE HEARD IT IS HAPPENING VERY FREQUENTLY WITH THE 2002 EXPLORERS. *TR
Suspension, Feb 16, 2009
LOOKS LIKE THIS IS A FAIRLY COMMON COMPLAINT. I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, WITH 84K MILES. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT BOTH REAR COILS ARE BROKEN. BASED ON WHAT I AM READING ON MISC BLOG SITES, A GREAT NUMBER OF 2002 FORD EXPLORERS HAVE HAD THESE ISSUES. OBVIOUSLY THERE IS A DEFECT ON THESE REAR COILS AND IT SEEMS LIKE FORD SHOULD STEP UP AND OFFER FREE REPLACEMENTS. I AM GOING TO TRY TO REPLACE MYSELF AS THE GARAGE WANTED $850 FOR THE WORK, BUT, AFTER SEEING THE WORK INVOLVED, I'M NOT WONDERING IF IT MIGHT BE EASIER TO SELL THE TRUCK AND GET A RELIABLE VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Feb 16, 2009
AS I WAS PUTTING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN REVERSE THE SHIFT HANDLE BROKE OFF THE STEERING COLUMN AND IS NOW JUST HANGING BY THE CRUISE CONTROL WIRING. UNLIKE OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS I WAS "LUCKY" ENOUGH TO GET STUCK ON PARK AND NOT DRIVE OR REVERSE WHERE THERE'S A POTENTIAL OF SOMEONE GETTING HURT. AS MANY OTHERS HAVE STATED BEFORE ME, THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT WHICH IF NOT TAKEN SERIOUSLY WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD TO INJURIES AND/OR DEATHS. PLEASE DON'T WAIT UNTIL REPORTS START COMING IN WITH NUMBERS OTHER THAN ZEROS ON THE "NUMBER OF DEATHS" & "NUMBER OF PERSONS INJURED" FIELDS FOR YOU TO HOLD FORD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS. THANK YOU. *TR
Structure, Equipment, Feb 15, 2009
WE HAVE A FORD EXPLORER XLT 2002. THE REAR WINDOW LIFT GATE WOULD NOT STAY UP ON ITS OWN, SO MY SON PUSHED IT UP, AND THE REAR WINDOW GLASS EXPLODED. HE AND MY HUSBAND RECEIVED MINOR CUTS AND IT CAME VERY CLOSE TO MY SONS EYES. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND THAT OTHERS HAD VERY SIMILAR EXPERIENCES AT WWW. CARCOMPLAINTS.COM IN 2004 WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER SECONDARY TO A RECALL REGARDING THE SHOCKS ON THE REAR WINDOW. WE TOOK IT IN AND THEY SUPPOSABLY FIXED IT. I DON'T KNOW WHY IT MY WINDOW EXPLODED, BUT WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IT THE GLASS HAD GOTTEN IN MY SONS EYES WE WILL BE CALLING THE DEALERSHIP IN THE MORNING TO SEE WHAT THEY SAY. BY THE WAY IT IS GOING TO COST 1400 DOLLARS TO GET IT REPAIRED. *TR
Structure, Feb 14, 2009
CRACK IN HATCHBACK DIRECTLY BELOW WINDOW. *TR
Structure, Feb 13, 2009
BROKEN TAILGATE PANEL ON EXPLORER MY 2003 AND 2002. *TR
Suspension, Feb 12, 2009
AFTER FAILING INSPECTION BECAUSE BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. VEHICLE HAS NEVER TOWED OR CARRIED HEAVY LOADS. *TR
Steering, Feb 12, 2009
AS I WAS PUTTING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN PARK THE COLUMN SHIFT HANDLE CAME OFF IN MY HAND. I COULD NOT MOVE THE VEHICLE. I HAD TO HAVE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND THIS IS NOT AN UNUSUAL PROBLEM. IN FACT IN SOME CASE IT HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE TOT HE SAME VEHICLE SO THERE IS NO GUARANTEED PERMANENT SOLUTION. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND I THINK SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE BEFORE SOME GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. SOME PEOPLE'S CARS HAVE BEEN STUCK IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. I WAS LUCKY. MY REPAIR PLACE TOLD ME THIS WAS THE SECOND FORD LINCOLN MERCURY WITHIN A MONTH THEY SAW THIS HAPPEN IN. THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS A MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE SITUATION AND YOU HAVE MANY COMPLAINTS ON YOUR SITE ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE. I WOULD SOME ACTION TAKEN NOW. IT IS NOT ONLY INCONVENIENT AND EXPENSIVE, IT IS DANGEROUS. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Feb 11, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE VIBRATED EXCESSIVELY. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL BEARING WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. RECENTLY, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BEARING EXHIBITED A CRACK. IN ADDITION, THE OVERDRIVE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY. ALSO, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR. THE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
Power train, Feb 11, 2009
WHILE DRIVING O/D LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH AND CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON. ORIGINAL OWNER WITH 59K MILES. DEALER STATES I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS TRANSMISSION ONLINE. NHTSA NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE THIS TYPE OF CLOSED SYSTEM TRANSMISSION DESIGN. LOSS OF DRIVE POWER DURING ENTRY TO HIGHWAY OR LANE CHANGES COULD RESULT IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 11, 2009
I HAVE A FORD EXPLORER SPORT 2 DR. .. I HAVE NOTICED THAT IT LIKES TO SLIDE ALOT ESP. AROUND CORNERS. I ACTUALLY WENT AROUND A CORNER ABOUT NOT EVEN 10 MILES PER HOUR AND LOST CONTROL LUCKILY CARS ON OTHER SIDE STOPPED AHEAD WHEN THEY SAW THIS. I WAS NOT HURT BUT ALMOST HIT A TREE AND TELEPHONE POLE.. ALSO MY HINGES BROKE ON REAR WINDOW LEFT SIDE AND THEY SAID MINE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL!!! OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE AROUND 140.00. *TR
Power train, Feb 10, 2009
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT CURRENTLY HAS 79,000 MILES. LOUD GRINDING NOISES COULD BE HEARD AND A GRABBING SENSATION COULD BE FELT FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. I THOUGHT THE TIRES WERE CUPPED SO I PURCHASED NEW TIRES AND HAD THE VEHICLE ALIGNED. THE NOISE WAS STILL EVIDENT. A CERTIFIED MECHANIC STATED TO ME THAT BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED AND THEY NEED TO BE REPAIRED. ALONG WITH THAT, HE STATED MY DIFFERENTIAL NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED. LASTLY, BOTH REAR COIL SHOCKS WERE BROKE INTO PIECES. I HAD THEM REPLACED AT 78,500. *TR
Structure, Feb 9, 2009
NOTICED WHAT APPEARED TO BE A SMALL SCRATCH JUST BELOW THE GLASS ON THE PLASTIC PORTION OF 200 EXPLORER LIFTGATE. ON FRIDAY FEB 6, 2009 THERE WAS A SPLIT FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. FORD IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH IT SEEMS TO POSSIBLY BE RELATED TO THE LIFTGATE HINGE RECALL ALREADY ISSUED BY THE NHTSA. *TR
Power train, Feb 9, 2009
THE O/D LIGHT IS BLINKING FAST AND NOW IT IS BEGINNING TO SHIFT GEARS VERY ROUGH. ALL THE WEBSITES I HAVE SEEN MAKES THIS A COMMON ATTRIBUTE WITH THIS YEAR OF CAR. NOTHING REALLY LEAD UP TO THIS, IT JUST STARTED BLINKING ON MY WAY TO WORK. *TR
Power train, Feb 8, 2009
ACCELERATING FROM 0, FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR, ENGINE REVS TO 4000 RPM AND FAILS TO ACCELERATE OR SHIFT. *TR
Suspension, Feb 7, 2009
FOUND PART OF MY REAR SPRING FOR MY 2002 EXPLORER LYING ON THE FLOOR OF THE GARAGE. UPON INSPECTION I SEE THE DRIVER'S SIDE SPRING AND THE TOP THAT HOLDS THE SPRING ARE BROKEN AND CRUMBLING. THE PASSENGER SIDE SPRING AND TOP HAS SEVERAL CRACKS. THIS IS AT 101,000 MI, NEVER DRIVEN OFF ROAD AND ONLY LIGHT TOWING. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT COULD VERY WELL FAIL WITH A FULLY LOADED VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY LEADING TO LOSS OF CONTROL. *TR
Power train, Feb 5, 2009
I BOUGHT A 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN 2004 AND THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING BAD. THE OD OFF LIGHT IS BLINKING AND THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 95000 MILES. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER TO FIND OUT THE PROBLEM, THEY TOLD ME THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REBUILT OR REPLACE. THE COST IS BETWEEN $2400 - $3700. I HAD THE CAR FOR 4 YEARS AND STILL OWE ON THE CAR. I GOOGLED FOR OD OFF LIGHT AND FOUND THAT MANY FORD OWNERS WITH THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS, EVERYONE CAN'T BE WRONG. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS ISSUE RESOLVED. I JUST WANT MY CAR FIXED. *TR
Structure, Feb 4, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE HATCH BELOW THE WINDOW IS CRACKED IN THREE PLACES..... AND LOOKS LIKE IT IS NOT GOING TO LAST MUCH LONGER. I HAVE NOTICED THIS ON MANY OF THE SAME MAKES AND SOME IN THE SAME YEAR AND NEW YEARS. I AM VERY CONCERNED AND THINK THAT THIS ISSUED NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED AND RECALLED ASAP. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT OTHER STEPS I MIGHT TAKE TO HELP ME RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. I AM EMBARRASSED OF IT AND THINK THAT FORD NEEDS TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE. *TR
Power train, Feb 3, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4.0L V6. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT 10 DAYS AGO. I HAVE HAD TO TAKE MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE TRANSMISSION SHOP NOW FOR THE THIRD TIME IN 10 DAYS DUE TO PROBLEMS THAT THE SHOP SAYS ARE CHRONIC WITH, AND KNOWN BY, FORD. FORD NEEDS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS INHERENT WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THIS YEAR MODEL. CONSUMERS ARE CONTINUING TO SHOULDER THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF A PROBLEM OF WHICH FORD AND THE NHTSA ARE BOTH AWARE AND ABOUT WHICH NEITHER ARE ADDRESSING. THERE HAVE BEEN THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN FOR THE NHTSA TO SUPPORT CONSUMERS ON THIS ESTABLISHED AND KNOWN ISSUE? *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 2, 2009, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25-50 MPH ON WET PAVEMENT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A DIRT EMBANKMENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT RECENTLY RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL FAILURE AND THE POSSIBILITY THAT A FIRE COULD OCCUR. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,522. UPDATED 03/09/09. *LJ THE COSNUMER STATED HE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON, HE APPROACHED A VURB, HE WENT TO HIT THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN, BECAUSE THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT RELEASE. UPDATED 03/12/09. *JB
Power train, Feb 2, 2009
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN JUNE OF 2004 AND SHORTLY AFTER THE O/D LIGHT WAS BLINKING SETTING OFF THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT. WHEN I TOOK IT TO FORD, THEY CLAIMED IT WAS A SOLENOID THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT MY COST BECAUSE IT WAS NOT COVERED IN THE WARRANTY. AFTER A HIGH PRICED REPAIR, THE O/D LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN WITHIN A MONTH'S TIME. I RETURNED TO HAVE THEM REPAIR IT AGAIN ON THE REPAIR WARRANTY FROM THE PRIOR FIX AND THE O/D LIGHT CAME ON STILL AGAIN. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN A MAJOR DRAIN ON MY FINANCES AND NOW I HAVE SEEN THAT THE O/D LIGHT IS THE SECOND-HIGHEST COMPLAINT ON THIS MODEL AND MAKE OF VEHICLE. FORD CONTINUES TO CLAIM THAT IT IS AN ODDITY AND UNRELATED TO THE MAKE AND MODEL. CAN ANYTHING BE DONE THAT WILL GET FORD TO MAKE GOOD ON EITHER REPAIRING OR OFFERING RECOMPENSE IN SOME WAY TO CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE BEEN STRUGGLING WITH THIS NONSENSE? R. FRANCIS *TR
Power train, Feb 2, 2009
GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF. WHILE PARKING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER, THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER SHEARED OFF IN THE STEERING COLUMN, LEAVING THE VEHICLE STUCK IN REVERSE GEAR. A QUICK SEARCH WITH GOOGLE REVEALS A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF IDENTICAL FAILURES, INDICATING A COMMON MANUFACTURING DEFECT. FORD HAVE NOT ISSUED ANY FORM OF RECALL OR OTHER ASSISTANCE FOR THIS PROBLEM. HAD THE FAILURE HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING (PERHAPS WHILE SHIFTING UP OR DOWN ON A MOUNTAIN ROAD) IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. GIVEN THE AGE OF THE AFFECTED 2002 MODEL VEHICLES, IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL THIS DOES OCCUR. MY VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED; THE BROKEN PART IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *TR
Structure, Jan 29, 2009
WHEN I SAW A CRACK ON THE FORD APPLIQUE, I WENT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER TO SEE WHO I SHOULD CONTACT ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I'VE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY EXPLORER; TOOK EXCELLENT CARE OF IT; NO DENTS, DINGS, ACCIDENTS. THE DEALER TOLD ME I MUST HAVE SLAMMED THE TRUNK TOO HARD IN COLD WEATHER. IF THAT WERE THE CASE, I SHOULD HAVE CRACKS IN ALL FOUR DOORS (AND THE HOOD). THEY WANTED TO GIVE ME THE NAME OF A BODY SHOP TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. I SAID, NO, THIS SHOULD BE FORD'S RESPONSIBILITY. I CONTACTED FORD'S CORPORATE OFFICE, THEY REPLIED THAT THERE'S NO RECALL NOR IS IT UNDER WARRANTY AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. I WILL NOT! THIS WAS NOT SOMETHING THAT I DID! THIS IS POOR WORKMANSHIP! I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS FORD TAURUS STATION WAGONS BEFORE THIS EXPLORER, AND HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THEM... I PLACED THIS COMPLAINT ON "AUTO BEEF". MY COMPLAINT WAS #304, THERE ARE NOW 315 COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME PROBLEM. I'M AFRAID THIS COULD FALL OF WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Structure, Jan 29, 2009
WHEN I SAW A CRACK ON THE FORD APPLIQUE, I WENT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER TO SEE WHO I SHOULD CONTACT ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I'VE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY EXPLORER; TOOK EXCELLENT CARE OF IT; NO DENTS, DINGS, ACCIDENTS. THE DEALER TOLD ME I MUST HAVE SLAMMED THE TRUNK TOO HARD IN COLD WEATHER. IF THAT WERE THE CASE, I SHOULD HAVE CRACKS IN ALL FOUR DOORS (AND THE HOOD). THEY WANTED TO GIVE ME THE NAME OF A BODY SHOP TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. I SAID, NO, THIS SHOULD BE FORD'S RESPONSIBILITY. I CONTACTED FORD'S CORPORATE OFFICE, THEY REPLIED THAT THERE'S NO RECALL NOR IS IT UNDER WARRANTY AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. I WILL NOT! THIS WAS NOT SOMETHING THAT I DID! THIS IS POOR WORKMANSHIP! I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS FORD TAURUS STATION WAGONS BEFORE THIS EXPLORER, AND HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THEM... I PLACED THIS COMPLAINT ON "AUTO BEEF". MY COMPLAINT WAS #304, THERE ARE NOW 315 COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME PROBLEM. I'M AFRAID THIS COULD FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Jan 28, 2009
HAD TO HAVE BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED. *TR