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.
Structure, Dec 14, 2008
MY DOOR WAS FROZEN SHUT, I PULLED IT OPEN AND NOW I CANT CLOSE IT. IT "BOUNCES" OFF THE DOOR HINGES WHEN I TRY. IT HAPPENED WHEN I GOT OUT OF WORK AT MIDNIGHT AND I DROVE ALL THE WAY HOME WITH MY CAR DOOR OPENING AND CLOSING AS I WAS DRIVING. GOOD THING IT HAPPENED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT BECAUSE NO ONE WAS DRIVING AROUND. IF SOMEONE WAS I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE HIT THEM WITH MY DOOR. I HAD TO HOLD MY DOOR SHUT WITH THE WINDOW DOWN WHILE DRIVING. I HAD TO DRIVE 10 MPH THE WHOLE WAY TO MY HOUSE. TAKING TURNS WAS VERY HARD BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH I WAS HOLDING THE DOOR, IT STILL WAS OPENING. WHAT HAPPENED TO ME WAS VERY DANGEROUS. I COULD'VE HURT MYSELF AND OTHERS. HOPEFULLY THIS IS SOMETHING TO GET FIXED QUICKLY BECAUSE I HAVE FINALS THIS WEEK AND I WONT BE ABLE TO GET THE SCHOOL WITHOUT MY CAR. *TR
Power train, Dec 13, 2008
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF. I WAS GOING TO PICK UP MY SON FROM SCHOOL, AND WHEN I PULLED IT OUT OF PARK TO PUT IT IN REVERSE THE SHIFTER BROKE OFF. I FOUND 26 COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME ISSUE AT HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/STEERING/GEAR_SHIFT_BROKE_OFF.SHTML IF THIS IS A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR OF VEHICLE I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. ON THIS SITE IT STATES THAT AT AN AVERAGE THIS ISSUE OCCURS AT 91,000 MILES, AND HAS A COST OF AN AVERAGE OF $950.00 TO FIX. MANY OF THE PEOPLE WHO POSTED COMMENTS SAID THEY HAD TO PAY $1,300.00 TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED. *TR
Power train, Dec 13, 2008
I REPLACED MY TRANSMISSION IN 2005 WITH A BRAND NEW ONE. I OWN A FORD EXPLORER JEEP 2005 AND IT NOW NEEDS ANOTHER TRANSMISSION. I SPOKE WITH SEVERAL PERSONS AND FORD HAS A HISTORY OF NEEDING TRANSMISSIONS, WHAT CAN I DO? *TR
Exterior lighting, Dec 12, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIGHT SWITCH THAT CONTROLS THE HEADLIGHTS HAS BEEN REPLACED FOUR TIMES. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. HE FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE LIGHT SWITCH MAY NOT WORK WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 22,000. UPDATED 01/06/09. *LJ UPDATED 01/06/09. *JB
Seat belts, Dec 11, 2008
THE REAR RESTRAINING DEVICE (SEAT BELT) ON THE DRIVERS SIDE STOPPED WORKING, IN THAT IT NO LONGER HAS THE LOCKING MECHANISM/ACTION. THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD WITH THE SEAT BELT BEING USED BY MY INFANT SON'S CAR SEAT BASE. *TR
Power train, Dec 11, 2008
FIRST THE CAR WOULD NOT ENGAGE INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE, THEN THERE IS A HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING, THE O/D LIGHT COMES ON AND REVS THE ENGINE WHILE TRAVELING, SOMETIMES IT LURCHES FORWARD WHILE SITTING AT A LIGHT. *TR
Structure, Dec 11, 2008
A CRACK APPEARED ON THE REAR HATCH DOOR UNDER THE REAR WINDOW. THE CRACK JUST APPEARED ONE MORNING WITHOUT ANY DIRECT ACTION. NOW I HAVE 2 CRACKS. A SEARCH ON THE INTERNET SHOWED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS HAPPENING TO MANY 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. *TR
Power train, Dec 10, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND AT LESS THAN 90,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILING. IT TAKES 5-10 SECONDS TO ENGAGE AND THEN 'CLUNKS' AND JUMPS BADLY. ROUGH SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS. AFTER SOME WEB RESEARCH I SEE THAT THIS IS IN FACT A COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS MODEL. THIS IS CRAZY. THE ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIR/REPLACEMENT IS OVER $3,000. *TR
Tires, Dec 10, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE HAS NEXEN HT SUV OWL TIRES (NA), SIZE 235/70R/16 (NA). THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A LOCAL TIRE SHOP FOR INSPECTION AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MECHANIC REBALANCED, ROTATED, AND PLACED FOUR NEW NEXEN TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. A WEEK LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES WERE MAKING A HIGH PITCHED NOISE AND ALSO HYDROPLANED DURING WET ROAD CONDITIONS. THE DEALER CALLED THE MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER ON HIS BEHALF. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET BEEN NOTIFIED. THE TIRES HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000. UPDATED 01/09/09.*LJ UPDATED 01/12/09. *JB
Suspension, Dec 10, 2008
I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE STRUTS LOOKED AT AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING WAS IN NEED OF REPAIR AND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. I HAVE NOTICED ON OTHER CHAT ROOMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE FOR THIS MAKE/MODEL OF VEHICLE AND I WAS REFERRED TO THIS SITE. *TR
Power train, Dec 9, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORE 4L SIX, STARTING IN 2006 I BEGAN TO HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, MY INITIAL PROBLEM DEVELOPED WHEN THE EXPLORER HAD AROUND 57,000 MILES, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT TO DRIVE. IN NOVEMBER 2008, NOW WITH ABOUT 74,000, MILES THE TRANSMISSION HAS DEVELOPED MORE PROBLEMS IT CURRENTLY JUMPS FORWARD WHEN I SHIFT TO DRIVE. AFTER CHECKING AUTOBEEF.COM, WITH OVER 500 COMPLAINTS POSTED, I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A RE-OCCURRING PROBLEM WITH 2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSIONS. THE INITIAL REPAIR COST OVER $700.00 AND I DO NOT KNOW WHAT IT IS GOING TO COST THE SECOND TIME. I BELIEVE THAT THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM SHOULD BE CHECKED BY YOUR AGENCY FOR POSSIBLE RECALL BECAUSE OF THE BURDEN IT PLACES ON CONSUMER TO KEEP REPAIRING THE PROBLEM. THIS MAY ALSO A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. *TR
Structure, Dec 7, 2008
1. DUE TO A RECALL (FORD RECALL NO. 04S20. ), THE LIFTGATE GLASS OPERATION SYSTEM WAS REPLACED IN 2005. SINCE EARLY 2007, THE SAME GLASS STRUTS AND HINGES ARE APPARENTLY HAVING PROBLEM -- FIRST IT TOOK EXTRA EFFORT TO RAISE THE GLASS TO THE FULLY OPENING POSITION, THEN WHILE THE GLASS IS LIFTED OPEN, IT UNEXPECTEDLY DROPPED DOWN. I GOT HIT 3 TIMES AT MY HEAD OR HANDS BY THE SUDDEN DROPPED GLASS AND FRAME; IT COURSED BLEEDING ON MY HAND ONCE. THIS IS CERTAINLY OF SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. I REALLY DOUBT IF THE FORD DEALER (GAINESVILLE FORD IN GAINESVILLE, FL) CORRECTLY PERFORMED THE RECALL JOB IN 2005, AS THEY HAVE A REPUTATION OF LOW STANDARDS OF SERVICE AND TECHNIQUE . BUT, FORD, AS THE MANUFACTURER, SHOULD HAVE ALSO TAKEN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ENFORCING THE RECALL JOB MEET THE STANDARD. OTHERWISE, WHAT IS POINT OF GOING THROUGH THE RECALL? 2. SINCE JULY OF 2008, I STARTED TO NOTICE THAT THE BACK LIFTGATE PANEL START HAVING CRACKING UNDER THE REAR WINDOW. I SUSPECT THAT THIS IS RELATED TO THE MALFUNCTION OF THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUTS OR HINGES, THE SAME SYSTEM THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY RECALLED. NONETHELESS, THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL, SINCE THE CRACK APPEARING REFLECTS THE LIFTGATE BEING UNSTABLE AND THE GLASS HAVING MUCH HIGHER RISK OF ACCIDENTALLY BREAKING, THEREFORE COURSING INJURY. THIS VEHICLE, WITH ONLY 60 K MILES, HAS BEEN TAKEN GOOD CARE. THROUGH SEARCHING INTERNET, I FOUND THIS APPEARS TO BE A QUITE COMMON ISSUE FOR EXPLORER 2002 MODEL. IT IS ABSOLUTELY NOT ACCEPTABLE TO HAVE THIS KIND SAFETY ISSUE IGNORED BY FORD FOR SO LONG. PLEASE HELP TO GET FORD TO TRULY REALIZE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY AND GIVE THE MASSIVE AFFECTED PUBLIC JUSTICE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH! *TR J. JAMES JIA
Power train, Dec 5, 2008
TRANSMISSION LIGHT BLINKING. TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. *TR
Power train, Dec 1, 2008
AFTER BUYING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER USED IN 2006, I HAD NO PROBLEMS UNTIL AUG. OF 2008 WHEN O/D LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. AT THIS POINT, VEHICLE WAS JUST UNDER 80,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ROUGH BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEARS. WHEN TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP, WAS TOLD THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND WOULD NEED TO SPEND $2000 FOR A TRANSMISSION REBUILD. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I WAS SURPRISED TO SEE MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME NATURE REGARDING THE EXPLORER TRANSMISSIONS. THIS IS RIDICULOUS CONSIDERING I STILL HAVE 3 1/2 YEARS LEFT ON MY LOAN. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THIS AND FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Nov 29, 2008
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH A V8 AUTO TRANSMISSION. THIS TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN HAVING ISSUES SINCE I REACHED 60,000 MILES. IT WOULD TAKE OVER 5 SECONDS TO ENGAGE INTO GEAR WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF ON A STOPPED AND SWITCHING GEARS. THEN ONE DAY I AM DRIVING AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT BEGINS TO FLASH. I WENT HOME AND SINCE IT WAS A SATURDAY NIGHT , I DECIDED TO DO A GOOGLE SEARCH ON 2002 OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHING. OH BOY DID I WISH I KNEW THAT ALL 2002 FORD EXPLORERS ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE BEFORE I BOUGHT IT. FORD HAS PUT A SEALED TRANSMISSION IN THIS VEHICLE WHICH IS FLAT OUT DANGEROUS!! HOW CAN THEY PUT A TRANSMISSION INTO A VEHICLE THAT YOUR NOT EVEN ABLE TO CHECK YOUR FLUID LEVEL. YOUR TRANSMISSION COULD BE LOW CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO GO OUT, AND THE OWNER WOULD NEVER KNOW. NOT ONLY ARE THERE MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF EXPLORERS WITH THIS ISSUE, BUT WITH THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. BETWEEN 20 TO 30 MPH (GOING FROM 2ND TO 3RD) THE TRANSMISSION WILL SLIP ALLOWING THE VEHICLE RPM'S TO SOAR TO 5000 + AND THEN SLAMS INTO GEAR. IF YOU DO A INTERNET SEARCH THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME EXACT ISSUE. SOME VEHICLES REPORT AS LOW AS 20,000 MILES WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILS. FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR PUTTING TRANSMISSIONS THAT ARE OBVIOUSLY FAULTY. READ THE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS OUT THERE FROM THE HARD WORKING CONSUMER, AND I THINK YOU WILL AGREE. I HOPE TO HEAR BACK FROM YOU SOON ABOUT THIS ISSUE. *TR
Structure, Nov 28, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT CLOSED THE REAR HATCH, THE LEFT HINGE FAILED AND THE GLASS SHATTERED. NHSTA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) WAS REFERENCED. THE INSURANCE AGENCY WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 124,996.
Power train, Nov 26, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 81,000 AND TRANNY IS ALREADY ON THE WAY OUT. *TR
Structure, Nov 26, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE LIFTED THE LIFTGATE ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD ONLY HOLD FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE COMING BACK DOWN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, ONE OF WHICH INJURED THE CONTACT'S BACK. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THE FAILURE WAS NOT DEEMED AS A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 25, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE ENGINE IDLED ROUGHLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE INDICATOR REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS STARTED, THE ENGINE WOULD AUTOMATICALLY IDLE WITHOUT ACCELERATION. THE FAILURES OCCURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND CANNOT BE DRIVEN. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
Power train, Nov 24, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 XLT EXPLORER WITH THE 4WD NOT WORKING. DURING MY RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT WHEN THE BATTERY IS DISCONNECTED FOR REPLACEMENT THE 4X4 CM UNIT FAILS AND THE 4WD SYSTEM BECOMES INOP. FORD HAS RECOGNIZED THIS PROBLEM AND HAS UPGRADED THE MOTOROLA UNIT WITH THE END RESULT COSTING THE CONSUMER $500 FOR THE REPAIR. THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE RUNS IN 4X4 AUTO ADJUSTING THE DRIVETRAIN TO WEATHER CONDITIONS OPTIMIZING THE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.. THIS COMPONENT REPLACEMENT SHOULD BE QUALIFIED AS A RE-CALL BY FORD AND THE COST SHOULD NOT EFFECT THE CONSUMER. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2002 EXPLORER VEHICLES AND IS MORE SERIOUS THEN THE FIRESTONE TIRE COMPLAINT. SINCE FORD RECOGNIZES THIS DEFECTIVE MODULE THEY SHOULD PAY FOR THE REPAIR. I'M SHOCKED THAT THIS DEFECTIVE PART THAT CONTROLS THE SAFETY PERFORMANCE OF THE 2002 EXPLORES HAS NOT ALREADY REGISTERED A RECALL. *TR
Power train, Nov 20, 2008
VEHICLE PURCHASED IN JULY OF 07 FROM DEALER WITH 75,000K. CURRENTLY HAS 86,000K, AND TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACED. VEHICLE BEGAN SLIPPING A MONTH AGO, AND NOW SLAMS INTO GEAR. I'M AFRAID TO TAKE IT OUT OF THE DRIVE WAY. I WENT TO THE FORD DEALER TO HAVE THE FLUIDS CHECKED, AND THEY REFUSED UNLESS I WOULD PAY FOR THE SERVICE INSPECTION. THESE TRANNY'S ARE MADE SO AS I CANNOT CHECK THEM MYSELF DUE TO THE ENCLOSED CASING. AFTER RESEARCHING, I FOUND OVER 300 INDIVIDUALS ON ONE WEB SITE WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. CALLED DEALER ABOUT SERVICE INSPECTION AND THEY WANT $100+ TO DO A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK BEFORE THEY WILL EVEN TALK ABOUT THE PROBLEMS. CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY DIRECTLY AND THEY INFORMED ME VIA EMAIL THAT THEY COOPERATE FULLY WITH THE NHTSA DURING INVESTIGATIONS AND I SHOULD TAKE MY VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER TO HAVE IT SERVICED AND HAVE THEM CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THEY ALSO SUGGESTED I SHOULD DEAL DIRECTLY WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. I DO NOT WANT TO DEAL WITH ANYONE. I WANT FORD TO BE MADE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE THOUSANDS OF INDIVIDUALS WHO PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON A PAYMENT PLAN AND ARE NOW STUCK WITH A LEMON THAT THEY CAN NEITHER AFFORD TO FIX OR REPLACE. I TOOK A LOAN ON THIS VEHICLE FOR OVER $10,000, AND THE FORD DEALERSHIP OFFERED ME $3000 TRADE-IN VALUE FOR IT LESS THAN A YEAR AFTER PURCHASE. WHAT DOES THAT TELL YOU ABOUT THE VEHICLE ITSELF. IF THEY KNOW IT ISN'T WORTH ANYTHING, THEY SHOULD BE MADE TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION. I AM CURRENTLY MAKING A MONTHLY PAYMENT ON A VEHICLE THAT IS NOT ABLE TO BE MOVED FROM MY DRIVE-WAY. AFTER RESEARCHING AND SPEAKING WITH OTHERS WITH THE SAME VEHICLE YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL, I HAVE NOT FOUND ONE THAT HAS NOT HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS. *TR
Structure, Nov 20, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR HATCH HAS A CRACK IN IT. *TR
Steering, Nov 18, 2008
THE GEAR SHIFTER BROKE AWAY FROM THE STEERING COLUMN ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE SHIFTER ITSELF DID NOT BREAK, BUT RATHER A PIECE OF METAL ATTACHED TO THE COLUMN, REQUIRING THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN BE REPLACED AT $1100. THE REQUIRED COST TO GET YOUR VEHICLE FIXED IS EXTREME AND CAUSED BY A DESIGN FLAW. I GOOGLED BROKEN GEAR SHIFT ON '02 EXPLORER AND FOUND AN UNLIMITED NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME ISSUE. FORD CLEARLY SHOULD RECALL THIS PART AND COVER EXPENSES INCURRED TO REPAIR THEIR PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENED IN MY DRIVEWAY, BUT THE OWNERS MANUAL SUGGESTS SWITCHING GEARS WHILE DRIVING WHICH COULD CLEARLY BE DANGEROUS AND POSSIBLY CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH TO THE DRIVER. *TR
Structure, Nov 18, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR LIFTGATE PANEL CRACKING BELOW GLASS. *TR
Power train, Nov 16, 2008
WHEEL BEARING ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER IS COMPLETELY SHOT AND CAUSES VEHICLE TO LOOSE CONTROL AND SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. WELL SIMPLE WEAR AND TEAR AND EXTREMELY POORLY MANUFACTURED PARTS ON A 2002 FORD EXPLORER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE. ON MOST VEHICLES THESE PROBLEMS DON'T OCCUR UNTIL WELL AFTER 160+ THOUSAND MILES I HAVE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH THIS PROBLEM RIGHT NOW AND FROM WHAT I HAVE READ THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM ON ALL FORD EXPLORER BETWEEN 2002 AND 2004. I HAVE READ THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THAT THE WHEEL ON THE VEHICLE WOULD COME TO THE POINT OF FALLING OFF. AS FOR REPLACEMENT AND CORRECTION YOU COULD REPLACE ALL FOUR BEARING AND BETWEEN 8 AND 24 THOUSAND MILES THEY WOULD HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. TYPICAL REPAIR COST RANGE FROM $500- $2500 WHICH REALLY ISN'T TOO AFFORDABLE WHEN IT OCCURS MORE THAN TWICE IN A 12 MONTH PERIOD. I ALSO READ THAT NUMEROUS PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO FORD AND ALL FORD SAYS SOME ONE MAY CALL YOU OR THAT ITS NOT UNDER RECALL SO WE CAN'T DO NOTHING FOR YOU. *TR