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, Nov 16, 2008
WAS HEARING A BANGING NOISE IN THE HOOD, MY HUSBAND FOUND OUT THAT THE SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT AND STRIPPED THE HEAD. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 15, 2008
INTAKE MANIFOLD IS MADE OF BURNED TWO HOLES IN ITSELF DUE TO PLASTIC CONSTRUCTION NOT ABLE TWO WITHSTAND HEAT WITCH CAUSED A CASCADING AFFECT AND CATALYTIC CONVERTERS ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED. I HAD TO REPLACE THE CONVERTERS AND THE MANIFOLD TO CORRECT PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Nov 14, 2008
REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION TWO TIMES IN 30,000 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. O/D BAND. *TR
Structure, Nov 13, 2008
FORD 2002 EXPLORER HAS LARGE CRACK ON LIFTGATE PANEL RUNNING FROM JUST OF THE LEFT OF THE FORD INSIGNIA TO THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR WINDOW. FORD WILL NOT HELP WITH REPLACEMENT DESPITE THE OBVIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS AND THE ADMISSION THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH EXPLORERS. THE LIFTGATE WAS RECALLED A FEW YEARS AGO FOR AN UNRELATED PROBLEM WITH THE CYLINDERS. *TR
Structure, Nov 11, 2008
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT I WAS LIFTING MY REAR GLASS WINDOW NOT THE WHOLE LIFTGATE JUST THE GLASS I WAS ABOUT 3/4 OF THE WAY UP WHEN I HEARD THIS LOUD NOISE AND WAS SHOWERED BY FALLING GLASS AND THEN EVENTUALLY STRUCK BY THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR. I CALLED FORD THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING THEY WILL DO TO FIX THIS ISSUE I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON THIS AND IT SEEMS THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 10, 2008
FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS DURING THE COLDEST PART OF THE WINTER, THE DOORS ON MY VEHICLE REFUSE TO LATCH. I HAVE TRIED WARMING THE CAR UP LONGER, SPRAYING THE INSIDES OF THE DOOR WITH SOLUTION THAT IS SUPPOSED TO UNFROZEN WINDSHIELDS AND LOCKS (EVEN THOUGH THERE NEVER IS ICE OR WATER SEEN) & NOTHING WORKS. LAST YEAR, IT EVEN REFUSED TO LATCH AFTER LETTING MY DAUGHTER OFF AT SCHOOL, EVEN THOUGH IT HAD LATCHED WHEN WE LEFT THE HOUSE A MILE EARLIER. WHEN I TURNED THE CORNER OUT OF THE SCHOOL PARKING LOT, THE DOOR FLEW OPEN & ALMOST TOOK OUT A MAILBOX. I HAVE CALLED FORD REGARDING THIS CONCERN, & THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING THEY WILL DO SINCE IT HAS 119,000 MILES ON IT & THE WARRANTY IS OVER, EVEN THOUGH I BELIEVE IT IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN! AS IT IS GETTING COLDER HERE, I AM VERY WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING THIS VEHICLE, AS MY DAUGHTER AND YOUNG GRANDSON ARE USING THIS VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. I SPOKE WITH SOMEONE WHO ACTUALLY WORKS AT THE FORD FACTORY & HE SAID THIS PROBLEM IS DUE TO THE DOORS NOT BEING FITTED CORRECTLY & IN THE WINTER THE SEAL IS. *TR
Power train, Nov 10, 2008
I BOUGHT MY EXPLORER USED WITH 67000 MILES ON IT I HAD IT CHECKED OUT BY A MECHANIC BEFORE I BOUGHT IT BUT HE DIDN'T DO A VERY THOROUGH JOB. AFTER ABOUT 3 WEEKS I HAD A HARD TIME PUTTING INTO REVERSE BUT THEN SLAMMED INTO GEAR AND I DID NOT HAPPEN AGAIN FOR AWHILE THIS LASTED ON AND OFF FOR A YEAR AND HALF WHEN ONE DAY IT WOULDN'T GO INTO REVERSE AT ALL AND NO OTHER GEARS EITHER I HAD IT REPAIRED AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE TRANSFER CASE THEN MY 4 WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT FLASHED AND STOPPED WORKING THAT WAS SOMETHING ELECTRICAL , 1ST , 2ND AND REVERSE GEARS STARTED SLIPPING I HAD THOSE REPAIRED NOW MY OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHES ON AND OFF AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS DEFINITELY MY TRANSMISSION AND PROBABLY ALWAYS HAS BEEN. I KNOW SOMEONE ELSE HAVING THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR 02 FORD AND SPEAKING TO THE MECHANICS THEY WERE NOT SURPRISED AT ALL AND IT SEEMS AS THOUGH LOTS OF 02 FORD EXPLORER OWNERS ON LINE ARE HAVING THE SAME OR SIMILAR PROBLEMS. HOW MANY VEHICLES DOES IT TAKE TO TURN INTO A RECALL??? *TR
Power train, Nov 9, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 140,000 HIGHWAY MILES. BOUGHT BRAND NEW BY OWNER IN 2005, AT 90,000 MILES TRANSMISSION WAS MAKING LOUD CLUNKING NOISES. TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED, BUT STILL CLUNKING NOISES. NOW AT 140,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AND NOT GOING INTO 1ST OR SECOND GEAR. I HAVE BEEN ON NUMEROUS WEBSITES, AND HAVE SEEN THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME EXACT PROBLEM WITH FORD'S ENCLOSED TRANSMISSIONS ON THEIR EXPLORERS AND OTHER VEHICLES. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS A REDESIGNED TRANSMISSION AND FAILING FOR THOUSANDS OF FORD'S CUSTOMERS. I OWNED A JEEP CHEROKEE FOR TEN YEARS, AND HAD OVER 350,000 MILES ON IT, AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM LIKE THIS. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT I AM ONLY ONE OF THOUSANDS OF CONSUMERS WHO HAS THIS PROBLEM. OUR ECONOMY IS NERVOUS BECAUSE OUR AMERICAN CAR MANUFACTURERS ARE FALLING APART. THIS IS THE REASON WHY. *TR
Power train, Nov 8, 2008
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER APPROXIMATELY 69,000 MILES. FORD HAS REFUSED TO PROVIDE ME WITH ANY COMPENSATION. *TR
Structure, Nov 7, 2008
ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER I HAVE A CRACK ON THE BACK PANEL UNDER THE LIFT GATE. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCHING AND FIND THAT THIS IS NOT UNCOMMON. I BELIEVE IT HAS TO DO WITH THE LIFTGATE HINGE RECALL. I AM AFRAID THAT THE PANEL BEING BROKEN MAY CAUSE IT TO COME OFF AND HIT A CAR BEHIND ME. I FEEL THAT THIS CRACK MAY CAUSE SERIOUS PROBLEMS IF I WAS IN A WRECK. I FEEL THAT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WHO ARE OUT THERE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO REPLACE THIS PART. THEY HAVE RECEIVED MANY COMPLAINTS AS I CAN SEE FROM THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE. *TR
Structure, Nov 7, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE LIFTGATE ON THE VEHICLE, THE REAR GLASS SUDDENLY SHATTERED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES; HOWEVER, A PIECE OF GLASS LANDED IN THE CONTACT'S HAIR. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT BRACKETS FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS). THE RECALL REMEDY HAS NOT CORRECTED THE SAFETY DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 63,000. UPDATED 12/15/08. *LJ UPDATED 12/15/08. *JB
Power train, Nov 7, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND WOUND UP REBUILDING MY TRANSMISSION - LIKE THOUSANDS OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME CAR. THIS COST ME OVER $3000. WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN ANY INVESTIGATION INTO FORD AND ALL THE 2002 EXPLORERS WITH FAILED TRANSMISSIONS? *TR
Visibility, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 5, 2008
CRACK DEVELOPED IN AREA BELOW LIFT GATE GLASS. NOW THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF, AS WELL AS THE BUZZER. THE GLASS DOES NOT SHUT PROPERLY AND IS INOPERABLE AND THE AREA BELOW THE GLASS HAS COMPLETELY FALLEN AWAY. *TR
Power train, Nov 5, 2008
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 87,000 MILES. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOPLIGHT, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO THIRD GEAR. NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION. I TOOK IT TO AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION REPAIR FACILITY AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REBUILT AS THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ROADWORTHY. *TR
Structure, Nov 5, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER - REAR APPLIQUE (PLASTIC TRIM) UNDER THE REAR WINDOW CRACKED, AND A PORTION OF IT FELL OFF THE VEHICLE TRAVELING 70MPH. SAME PROBLEM AS REPORTED AT HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/BODY_PAINT/CRACKED_PANEL_BELOW_THE_REAR_WINDOW.SHTML. FORD HAS SAID IT WAS TEMP RELATED, HOWEVER, I'M IN FLORIDA, THE VEHICLE NEVER SAW ANY TEMP BELOW 40, FREEZING WASN'T CONSIDERED. TSB 0485 IF I'M READING IT CORRECTLY. *TR
Structure, Nov 4, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOLDING ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Air bags, Nov 3, 2008
FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT WENT ON WHEN MY SON SAT IN THE SEAT. TOOK CAR TO DEALER TO SEE IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THEY SAID SOMETHING WAS FAULTY. EXTENDED WARRANTY WON'T COVER IT. ISN'T THIS REQUIRED BY LAW IF IT IS A DEFECT THAT THE DEALER FIX IT AT NO CHARGE? *TR
Power train, Nov 3, 2008
WE HAVE 02 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH A FAULTY TRANSMISSION THAT HAS FAILED. I REVIEWED CAR COMPLAINTS.COM REGARDING THE 02 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FAILURES AND THE COMPLAINTS ARE ENORMOUS BUT YET THERE HAS BEEN NO SAFETY RECALL REGARDING THIS FAULTY TRANSMISSION WHICH FORD HAS DISCONTINUED USE AFTER 2 YEARS. THIS TRANSMISSION OBVIOUSLY HAS PROBLEMS AS FAILURE IS BEING SEEN WITH 80,000 MILES OR LESS WHICH IS RIDICULOUS AND THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE ACTUALLY INJURES OR KILLS THEMSELVES DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 3, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND APPROACHING A TURNING LANE, THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND SHE HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT IN ORDER TO AVOID A REAR END CRASH. THE VEHICLE JUMPED THE CURB AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. AN HOUR LATER, WHILE EXITING THE FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AGAIN. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE IN ORDER FOR IT TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. A MECHANIC INFORMED HER TO PARK THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,450 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,337. UPDATED 11/25/08. *LJ UPDATED 11/25/08. *JB
Air bags, Oct 31, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER, 125K MILES. AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON. MECHANICS DIAGNOSED AS A BAD PRE-SEATBELT TENSIONER CONTACT, MECHANIC SAID THAT MOVING DRIVERS SEAT BACK AND FORTH DEGRADES THE CONTACT AND WOULD NOT ALLOW THE AIR BAG TO FUNCTION IN A CRASH. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Oct 31, 2008
WE HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON AND STAYS ON. IT'S BEEN LIKE THIS FOR A WHILE NOW. I NEVER THOUGHT MUCH OF IT UNTIL I GOT ONLINE RESEARCHING IT AND FOUND THAT NOT ONLY THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM, BUT A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. APPARENTLY THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT EVEN WORK. FROM WHAT I FOUND THE PROBLEM HAS TO DO WITH A CABLE THAT CONNECTS THE SEATBELT LOCKING MECHANISM TO THE SRS SYSTEM IS TO SHORT ALSO A POSSIBLE PROBLEM WITH A CLOCKSPRING. BY DOING SOMETHING AS LITTLE AS MOVING THE DRIVERS SEAT ALL THE WAY BACK CAN TRIGGER THE WARNING LIGHT BECAUSE THE CABLE IS TO SHORT. I LEARNED THIS MOSTLY THROUGH PEOPLE OVER THE INTERNET WHO TOOK THERE VEHICLES TO FORD DEALERSHIPS AND WAS TOLD THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. I CALLED FORD TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON IT OR IF THEY WOULD FIX IT. NO RECALL AND WON'T PAY TO FIX. FORD KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND KNOWS WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I READ THAT FORD SENT A MEMO OUT TO IT'S DEALERSHIPS TELLING THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM HAD A MEMO NUMBER FORGOT TO WRITE IT DOWN. THIS VEHICLE IS A FAMILY VEHICLE AND THAT'S THE PRIMARY REASON WE BOUGHT IT. I WOULD THINK THAT THIS BEING SUCH A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD WOULD FIX NO PROBLEM, BUT AT THE VERY LEST SOMEBODY SHOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE THEM FIX THIS. I DON'T KNOW WHAT ARE THE PARAMETERS FOR A RECALL TO BE ISSUED, BUT I DO KNOW THAT IF THIS DOES NOT CALL FOR ONE THEN WHO OR WHAT IS THE NHTSA FOR. I GUESS IT TAKES A LOT OF PEOPLE GETTING HURT OR DYEING FOR SOMETHING TO BE DONE. *TR
Power train, Oct 31, 2008
WAS DRIVING AND TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS. O/D LIGHTS STARTED TO BLINK. VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO ANYMORE THEN 5 MPH. WAS TAKEN HOME AND RESEARCH WAS DONE AND FOUND MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AAMCO AND TRANSMISSION WAS REPAIRED AT A COST OF $2748.69. *TR
Power train, Oct 30, 2008
TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLAM INTO GEAR. TRANSMISSION FAILURE. HAD TO HAVE A COMPLETE REBUILD/OVERHAUL OF TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Oct 29, 2008
REAR DIFFERENTIAL. *TR
Visibility, Oct 28, 2008
MY HUSBAND AND I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. FRIDAY, OCT. 24TH, 2008 WE HAD TRAVELED OUT OF TOWN ABOUT 2 HOURS AWAY FROM OUR HOME. WE WERE ON OUR WAY HOME AND WE WERE COMPLETELY STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HEARD A HUGE BOOM AND THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS SHATTERED. WE DID HAVE THE POLICE COME OUT AND INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR ANY INDICATIONS AS TO WHAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THE GLASS TO SHATTER. THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE PROBLEM. WHEN MY HUSBAND AND I GOT HOME WE DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE TO FIND OUT IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. WE DID FIND THAT IN 2001 FORD RECALLED THOUSANDS OF FORD EXPLORERS FOR A SIMILAR ISSUE. WE CONTACTED FORD AND WERE TOLD THAT OUR VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THAT RECALL. THEY DIRECTED US TO NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT DUE TO OUR ISSUE BEING ALMOST IDENTICAL TO THIS RECALL. WE FEEL THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND THAT OUR VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. WE HAVE THE VEHICLE IN THE SHOP RIGHT NOW AND AT THIS TIME WE BELIEVE THAT THE GLASS, HINGES, REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER MECHANISM, STRUTS AND ANY OTHER PARTS AFFECTED ARE BEING REPLACED. WE HAVE A $500 DEDUCTIBLE AND OUR INSURANCE IS COVERING THE BALANCE OF THE COST AT THIS TIME, WHICH IS OVER $1000. WE WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT AT THIS TIME BECAUSE WE DO FEEL THAT OUR VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME MALFUNCTIONS AS THE 2001 RECALL. *TR