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, Air bags, Seat belts, Oct 28, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT LATCH SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK AND THEY ARE CHARGING HIM TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD THAT THE SEAT BELT DOES NOT WORK. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 47,600. UPDATED 12/10/08 *CN BOTH OF THE REAR SPRINGS BROKE AND THE REAR AXLE BEARING WAS BAD. UPDATED 12/16/08. *JB
Structure, Oct 27, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT MANUALLY CLOSED THE LIFTGATE, THE REAR GLASS EXPLODED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 011010000; HOWEVER, IT FAILED TO SUFFICIENTLY CORRECT THE SAFETY DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,249 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,259.
Suspension, Oct 25, 2008
VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER FOR STATE INSPECTION. BOTH REAR SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS WERE CRACKED THROUGH. PARTS ARE BEING REPLACED BY DEALER. OLD PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. *TR
Air bags, Oct 24, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT NEEDS A PRETENSIONER REPAIR KIT INSTALLED FOR $650. I DECLINED SERVICE. I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND THEIR ARE LOTS OF COMPLAINTS; IN JULY 2001, FORD ISSUED A SPECIAL SERVICE MESSAGE ANNOUNCING THAT SOME AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING DEVICES MAY PRODUCE NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED FULL LEFT OR RIGHT. FORD WAS AWARE THAT SOME CLOCKSPRINGS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION MAY ALSO CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. STARTING WITH VEHICLES PRODUCED IN SEPTEMBER 2001, FORD ADDING LENGTH TO THE CLOCKSPRING WIRE TO REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF DAMAGE FROM IMPROPER INSTALLATION. *TR
Structure, Oct 21, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HINGES IN THE LIFTGATE WERE UNSCREWING. HE LOCKED THE WINDOW TO PREVENT IT FROM FALLING. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE WINDOW FELL DOWN AND SHATTERED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS). HE ALSO EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH THE ARMREST. IT WOULD NOT OPEN UNLESS HE FORCED IT, WHICH EVENTUALLY CAUSED IT TO FAIL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,015 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,000. UPDATED 11/17/08 *BF UPDATED 11/18/08. *JB
Power train, Oct 21, 2008
TRANSMISSION SLIPPED GEARS AND "CHECK TRANSMISSION" MESSAGE CAME UP ON DASH. BOLT WAS LOOSE INSIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION AND PIECES OF METAL THROUGHOUT. THIS LED TO FULL TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT AND CLOSE TO $3500 IN REPAIR BILLS AT 64K MILES. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 20, 2008
BATTERY DIED ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER. INSTALLED NEW BATTERY AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE MODULE QUIT WORKING. BOUGHT NEW PART FOR $202.00. FIXED PROBLEM WITH NEW PART. OBVIOUSLY THE REALIZED THE DEFECT AND REFUSE TO DO RECALL. *TR
Fuel system, Other, Power train, Oct 19, 2008
THROTTLE STUCK AND CAR WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN, ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL BUT ENGINE KEPT ON RACING, SEARCHED INTERNET ON FOUND THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE IS DEFECTIVE, FORD CHANGED DESIGN FROM 12 TO 9 WIRE DESIGN, SAW ALOT OF POSTS ON INTERNET WITH SIMILAR EXPERIENCES, CAN'T BELIEVE NO RECALL. CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. *TR
Power train, Oct 18, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS 4.0L V6, THESE TRANSMISSIONS NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED, YOU CANT CHECK THE FLUID LEVEL IN THEM WHICH IS NOT RIGHT ONLY TO BE DESIGNED TO BENEFIT FORD WHEN IT TEARS UP WITH HIGH REPAIR COSTS, MY EXPLORER HAD ONLY ABOUT 60000 MILES WHEN TRANS WENT OUT. I HAD IT REBUILT AT A LICENSED TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP FOR ABOUT $3000.00 IT DROVE GOOD FOR ABOUT THE SAME MILES AND STOP PULLING IN THE MIDDLE OF BUSY TRAFFIC WITH CARS TAILGATING ME LUCKILY NO ACCIDENT. PLEASE HOW CAN THIS TRANS BE INVESTIGATED. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Oct 18, 2008
ON 10-14-2008, TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR ROUTINE NYS VEH INSPECTION. MIDAS MECH INFORMED ME THAT A 5 INCH PIECE SNAPPED OFF AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PASS SIDE REAR COIL SPRING . YOU COULD SEE THAT THE COIL SPRING WASN'T SEATED RIGHT ANYMORE. VEHICLE MILEAGE WAS APPROX 66,400. NEVER USED OFF ROAD. MECH INFORMED ME THAT 2002 FORD EXPLORERS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR DEFECTIVE WHEEL HUBS (WHICH IS TRUE BECAUSE I RECENTLY JUST REPLACED BOTH ABOUT 1000 MI AGO AT $1400) AND FOR THE STRUT COIL OVER SPRINGS SNAPPING. ENOUGH ALREADY!! WHEN WILL THE GOV MAKE FORD OWN UP TO DESIGN AND SAFETY FAILURES !!!??? I COULD HAVE BEEN TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS COIL SPRING PIECE SNAPPED OFF AND COULD HAVE PUNCTURED THE TIRE OR THE BRAKE LINE OR THE FUEL TANK!! *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 17, 2008
1) 2002 FORD EXPLORER WILL CRANK BUT NOT START WHEN WEATHER IS HOT (2) MANY TIMES AT HOME WHEN WEATHER IS HOT. CONSEQUENCES: UNABLE TO USE CAR FOR A MONTH. (3) FORD DEALER ($250) CHANGED FUEL IDLE BOX. DID NOT CORRECT PROBLEM.(4) FORD NOW WANTS TO CHANGE FUEL PUMP FOR $1000.00 MILEAGE IS 12000 . *TR .
Power train, Oct 17, 2008
ON THE DAY IN QUESTION I WAS PULLING OUT OF THE STAFF PARKING LOT FROM THE PRISON THAT I WORK AT AS AN ADULT CORRECTIONS OFFICER, UPON SHIFTING THE AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFT STICK FROM PARK TO DRIVE THE SHIFTER SNAPPED AND BROKE RIGHT INTO MY HAND HANGING BY A WIRE. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME AND PARK IT BUT HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TERMINALS TO GET MY KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. UPON REMOVAL OF THE UNDER STEERING COLUMN COVER I COULD SEE WHERE THE CONNECTING BOLT THAT CONNECTS THE GEAR SHIFT STICK TO THE STEERING COLUMN HAD BROKEN OFF. THE MENTAL CONNECTING PIECE APPEARS TO BE MADE OF SOFT ALUMINUM. THE COST TO REPAIR I KNOW WILL BE EXPENSIVE !!! I THINK ITS A DEFECT AND THERE SHOULD DEFINITELY BE A RECALL ON THIS AND FORD SHOULD COVER THE REPAIR AND OR REPLACEMENT COST FOR ITS LOYAL FORD CUSTOMERS, THANKYOU !!!! *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 16, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM A HOSE AFTER REFILLING THE VEHICLE WITH FUEL. SHE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ASSEMBLY LINE CONNECTED TO THE FUEL TANK WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE DEALER ADVISED HER TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,085.
Suspension, Parking brake, Oct 16, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER USED FOR NON BUSINESS DRIVING. NO HEAVY LOADS OR TRAILERS. NO OFF ROAD USE. NO INCIDENTS WITH OBJECTS IN ROAD, POT HOLES, OBSTACLES ETC. BOTH REAR SUSPENSION SPRINGS BROKEN. ONE SPRING BROKEN IN 3 PLACES. NOTICED @ 56,500 MILES. SPRINGS HAD BEEN BROKEN FOR A WHILE(RUST ON BREAKS). DIDN'T NOTICE IT UNTIL RECENTLY BROKEN SPRING ON OTHER SIDE ASYMPTOMATIC. THE ONLY IMMEDIATE CONSEQUENCES TO ME WERE A LARGE REPAIR BILL. IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE IF I WAS PRESENTED WITH A NEED FOR AN EMERGENCY MANEUVER AND THE FAULTY SUSPENSION CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I REPLACED BOTH REAR SPRINGS AND STRUTS. PARTS IN REPAIR SHOP TRASH. WON'T LAST THERE TOO LONG. REPAIR SHOP REPORTS SEEING SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH EXPLORER AND RELATED FORD MODELS. INTERNET SEARCH REVEALED MANY PEOPLE HAD SAME PROBLEM WITH NO HISTORY OF ABUSE REPORTED. HAD REAR BRAKES SERVICED AT THE SAME TIME. HAD TO REPLACE SHOE PADS ON PARKING BRAKE BECAUSE THE PADS BOTH FELL OFF. USE PARKING BRAKE INFREQUENTLY. REPAIR SHOP REPORTED SEEING THIS PROBLEM PREVIOUSLY ALSO. *TR
Power train, Oct 14, 2008, crash
IN LATE JANUARY, 2008 SOMETHING STRUCK THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION COOLER OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I WAS NOT AWARE THAT AN OBJECT HAD PENETRATED BOTH OF THESE CAUSING COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKAGE. THE ENGINE LOCKED UP AND THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING. MY LOCAL FORD DEALER REPLACED MY ENGINE AND SOME PARTS IN MY TRANSMISSION. SINCE THEN MY TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED NUMEROUS TIMES HAVING TO BE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER. WHEN THE FAILURES OCCUR, THE VEHICLE WILL RAPIDLY SLOW TO A STOP IN MID TRAFFIC. I HAVE BEEN ALMOST STRUCK IN THE REAR EACH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. THE FORD DEALER THAT REPAIRED MY TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF $2000 WILL DO NOTHING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM ESPECIALLY NOW THAT TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE HAS OCCURRED. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THOUSANDS OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I WAS A DEPUTY SHERIFF FOR 16 YEARS. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE AND A SEVERE TRAFFIC HAZARD. PLEASE HELP ALL MOTORISTS BY FORCING FORD TO RECALL THESE TRANSMISSIONS AND REPLACE THEM. *TR
Suspension, Oct 14, 2008
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR SPRINGS BROKE JUST THE OTHER DAY. MINE HAD RUSTED OUT AND BROKE AT THE BOTTOM AND TOP OF THE SPRINGS FROM RUSTING OUT. *TR
Power train, Oct 14, 2008
THE O/D LIGHT STARTED COMING ON FOR NO REASON. THEN THE CAR STARTED SHAKE WHEN IT WAS SHIFTING GEARS. THEN IT WAS SHAKING A LOT AT ABOUT 60-65 MPH. *TR
Power train, Oct 14, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. INTERMITTENTLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE MANUAL STATED TO BYPASS THE SHIFT INTERLOCK WITH A SCREWDRIVER, BUT THEN THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY SIX TIMES REGARDING THIS SAME ISSUE, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Power train, Oct 13, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE HAD TROUBLE SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). ACCELERATING FROM 2ND GEAR, THE ENGINE WOULD REV. THEN I FEATHERED OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR, STEPPED ON PEDAL GENTLY, ACCELERATED AND VEHICLE MADE A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE AND THEN LURCHED FORWARD AS IT WENT INTO 3RD GEAR. OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. HAD VEHICLE TOWED ALMOST 100 MILES AND TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP. BAND WAS BROKEN AND PLANETARY GEARS/BEARINGS WERE DAMAGED. TRANSMISSION REBUILT FOR $2200. *TR
Power train, Oct 13, 2008
WINDSHIELD, WATER LEAKING FROM THE FRONT WINDSHIELD ON MY 02 FORD EXPLORER XLT, BESIDES THAT HAVING PROBLEMS SHIFTING GEARS, SOME TIMES GEARS GET STUCK IN BETWEEN PARK AND REVERSE. SOMETIMES I HEAR A LOUD POPPING SOUND WHEN GEARS FINALLY GO INTO REVERSE....HAVE HAD BOTH PROBLEMS CHECKED AND REPAIRED, BUT GEARS CONTINUE TO STICK. *TR
Suspension, Equipment, Oct 12, 2008
WHEEL BEARINGS ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER ARE WEARING OUT WITHOUT ANY NOTICE. I NEVER HAD A CAR THAT EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A SEVER PROBLEM AS I DRIVE MY SMALL CHILDREN AROUND IN. KNOWING THAT A WHEEL COULD EVENTUALLY COME OFF SCARES THE LIFE OUT OF ME. THERE IS NO RECALL FROM AS THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. *TR
Suspension, Oct 12, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER BADLY RUSTED CRACKED REAR COIL SPRINGS. WHILE DOING BRAKE JOB NOTICED HOW RUSTED AND CRACKED REAR COIL SPRINGS WHERE. CAR HAS LESS THAN 75,000 MILES ON IT NEVER TOWED NO HEAVY WEIGHT SPRINGS SHOULD NOT CRACK LIKE THAT. COULD HAVE SHOT OUT AND CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE (IE SHOT THROUGH TIRE OR GAS TANK LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE ETC.) *TR
Power train, Visibility, Equipment, Oct 11, 2008
WITHIN FOUR MONTHS FROM DATE OF PURCHASE MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4WD START HAVING PROBLEMS. THEY ARE: 1. VIBRATION INSIDE INCLUDING PHYSICAL MOVEMENT INSIDE WHEN DRIVING WITH REAR WINDOW CRACK OVER 30 MPH. THE FASTER YOU DRIVE THE GRATER THE VIBRATION. I TOOK THE EXPLORER TO SEVERAL DEALERS, THEY INFORM ME THAT THIS IS NORMAL AND IT'S REFER TO AS HELICOPTER EFFECT. 2. THE DIGITAL KEYPAD STOP WORKING. 2. THE KEYS DON'T OPEN THE DOOR 3. THE TRANSMISSION SLIP, KICK AND DELAYS WHEN PUT IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. 4.TRANSMISSION DELAYS GOING INTO OVERDRIVE. 5.THE PASSENGER SIDE QUARTER PANEL GLASS SHATTER TWICE, AT FIRST I TAUGHT SOMEONE HAD BROKE IT AND MY SON REPORTED IT TO THE POLICE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY REPLACE IT AND FEW MONTHS LATER IN MY GARAGE IT SHATTER AGAIN AND THAT'S WHEN IT ALL CAME TOGETHER. THIS TIME MY SON FIX IT FOR ME. 6.THERES ALSO A WINDING SOME COMING FROM UNDER THE SUV AND MY SON THINKS IT HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE DIFF, KEEPING THE VIBRATION IN MIND. 6. THE LATCH THAT SECURE THE REAR WHERE THE JACK HANDLE IS LOCATED BROKE. *TR
Power train, Oct 10, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHING AND ERRATIC SHIFTING. DEALER DIAGNOSIS IS THAT TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Structure, Oct 10, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE REAR DOOR, THE REAR LIFTGATE AND HINGE ON THE TOP LEFT SIDE BECAME LOOSE. THE REAR GLASS FELL OUT AND SHATTERED ALL OVER THE CONTACT AND HER CHILD. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HER MECHANIC AND WAS NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS). SHE CALLED FORD AND WAS INFORMED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL; THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE REPAIR SHOULD BE MADE FOR FREE SINCE THE FAILURES ARE IDENTICAL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 69,000.