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.
Power train, Oct 8, 2008
CHECK TRANSMISSION MESSAGED APPEARED AND OD OFF LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. *TR
Power train, Oct 8, 2008
I BOUGHT MY 2002 EXPLORER WITH 80,000 MILES ON IT FROM A RESPECTED LOCAL FORD DEALER. 20,000 MILES LATER, MY O/D LIGHT WON'T GO OFF AND MY GEARS WON'T ENGAGE PROPERLY. THIS HAPPENS FOR 2 DAYS BEFORE I SPUTTER INTO A DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. I'M NOW BEING TOLD THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF $2,500. THE KELLEY BLUE BOOK TRADE-IN VALUE IS ONLY $2,100 AND I STILL OWE $4,000! I FEEL DUPED AND SCAMMED BY FORD: A COMPANY MY FATHER HAS WORKED FOR 34 YEARS. FORD INSISTS THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT THIS COST. MY QUESTION IS: WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL WHEN I'VE FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS FILED ABOUT THE VERY SAME PROBLEM I'M HAVING? WHY AM I JUST SUPPOSED TO EAT THIS COST WHEN IT'S AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT?! HELP!!! *TR
Steering, Oct 8, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER SHIFTER BROKE OFF IN HAND WHILE AT GAS PUMP. THE PART THAT BROKE IS WHAT THE SHIFT HANDLE CONNECTS TO AND IS NOT REPLACEABLE. FORD SAYS I MUST PURCHASE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN IN THE AMOUNT OF $871.70. I HAVE READ ALL OVER THE INTERNET THAT THOUSANDS OF OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCE THAT SAME PROBLEM. FORD LIST THE PART NUMBER. 3C529. *TR
Structure, Oct 7, 2008
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORERS HOOD IS CORRODING. IT'S BEEN OVER A YEAR SINCE THE FIRST SPOT APPEARED. I REALLY DIDN'T PAY MUCH ATTENTION TO IT BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST FROM WEAR AND TEAR, BUT THEN 2 MONTHS AGO 2 MORE SPOTS APPEARED. ON 10/3/08 I WENT TO A BODY SHOP TO SEE HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST TO PAINT, AND I SURPRISED TO HEAR HIM TELL ME THAT THE PROBLEM IS REALLY A FORD PROBLEM BECAUSE IT LOOKED LIKE THE HOOD IS MADE OF ALUMINUM AND THE PAINT ISN'T STICKING. THAT SAME DAY, I WENT TO THE FORD DEALER NEAREST TO ME AND I WAS TOLD THAT INDEED THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THESE HOODS AND CONFIRMED WHAT THE GUY AT THE BODY SHOP SAID. HE THEN TOLD ME THAT SINCE MY CAR IS A 2002, 5 YEARS HAS PASSED AND I CANNOT HAVE IT REPLACED FOR FREE. THIS IS UNFAIR. I WAS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, AND NO ONE AT FORD INFORMED US. HAD I KNOWN THAT IT WAS THEIR PROBLEM, I WOULD HAVE HAD IT REPLACED WHEN THE FIRST SPOT APPEARED. *TR
Suspension, Oct 7, 2008
NORMAL DRIVING CAR WITH VERY LITTLE LIGHT TOWING HAD REAR COIL SPRING FAILURE. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR TO THE MECHANICS TO GET FIXED HOWEVER THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON THIS PART SHOULD FAIL AT ONLY 80,000 MILES. I HAVE DRIVEN CARS WITH FACTORY SPRINGS THAT HAD 200K ON THEM. AND SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN HURT, INCLUDING MYSELF. *TR
Suspension, Oct 7, 2008
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS BROKEN REAR SUSPENSION SPRINGS. MY VEHICLE HAS 75,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS CUSTOMERS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. THIS MAY BE DUE TO BAD STEEL OR HEAT TREATMENT OF THE PARTS. I AM REQUESTING ACTION ON THIS ITEM. I DO NOT DO ANY HAULING OR TOWING TO CAUSE THE PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Oct 6, 2008, crash
PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AHEAD OF MY WIFE'S CAR. STARTED THE FORD EXPLORER AND PUT IT IN REVERSE, NOTHING HAPPENED, IT DID NOT ENGAGE. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT ENGAGED AND LEAPED BACKWARDS INTO MY WIFE'S CAR. SINCE THIS IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL MORE TIMES. I HOPE THAT A PERSON ISN'T STANDING BEHIND ME WHEN IT HAPPENS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 3, 2008
PURCHASED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN 2003 WITH 30,000 MILES ON IT. ALMOST INSTANTLY A HUMMING NOISE CAME FROM WHAT I THINK IS THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE, MAY BE MORE AREAS, AND WAS UNSURE WHAT TO DO WITH IT. REPLACED BRAKES A FEW YEARS LATER AND MECHANIC TOLD ME BEARINGS WERE WARPED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I ASKED THE MECHANIC WHAT THE CONSEQUENCE WOULD BE IF NO REPAIRS WERE MADE AND HE STATED NONE. I READ A MESSAGE BOARD ABOUT THE 2002 EXPLORER AND THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE FOR MANY OWNERS. I ALSO RESEARCHED THE CONSEQUENCE OF A BEARING NOT BEING REPLACED AND THE CONSEQUENCES CAN RESULT IN DEATH. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO RESEARCH THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE REALLY GETS HURT. *TR
Suspension, Oct 2, 2008
PREMATURE FAILURE OF ALL FOUR WHEEL BEARINGS IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER AS WELL AS THE PINION GEAR AND CLUTCH PACKS WITH LESS THAN 50,000 MILES. *TR
Suspension, Air bags, Oct 2, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER, WHEEL BEARINGS WENT OUT (PRE-MATURELY AS ON THOUSANDS OF THIS MODEL CAR)AND AIRBAG DISCONNECTED (FORD MADE CABLE TOO SHORT UNDER DRIVER'S SEAT.) LUCKY WE CAUGHT IT BEFORE WHEEL FLEW OFF AND AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY! *TR
Steering, Oct 2, 2008
SHIFTER BROKE OFF. *TR
Suspension, Oct 1, 2008
BROUGHT OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT INTO THE DEALER WITH 75,000 MILES ON IT TO CHECK OUT A NOISE IN THE REAR END. WAS TOLD IT NEEDED A NEW WHEEL BEARING. THIS IS THE SECOND WHEEL BEARING THAT WE'VE HAD TO REPLACE. THE DEALER ALSO FOUND THAT BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. SAID THEY MAY HAVE BEEN BROKEN FOR SOME TIME. WILL COST $250 FOR THE WHEEL BEARING AND $500 FOR NEW SPRINGS. WAS TOLD FORD WILL NOT PAY FOR THE DEFECTIVE SPRINGS. HAVE NEVER TOWED ANYTHING WITH THE VEHICLE. HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET ABOUT LOTS OF OTHER PEOPLE EXPERIENCING REAR SPRING FAILURES AS WELL. *TR
Steering, Oct 1, 2008
WENT TO PUT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN REVERSE AND THE SHIFT LEVEL BROKE OFF FROM THE STEERING COLUMN, LEAVING THE VEHICLE UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THIS APPARENTLY HAS HAPPENED TO MANY OTHERS AND THE ONLY REPAIR IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN WHICH COSTS OVER $1,000. *TR
Suspension, Sep 30, 2008
BROUGHT MY 2002 EXPLORER (59K MILES) TO DEALER FOR REPAIR AND WAS INFORMED I HAD A BROKEN REAR SPRING. ON DISCUSSION BOARD ON-LINE FOUND ALLOT OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH SAME PROBLEM. VERY COSTLY TO FIX CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY SPRING WOULD BREAK ON LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Sep 26, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR
Suspension, Sep 25, 2008
REAR COIL SPRING BROKE AND DAMAGED THE STRUT. DEALER REPAIRED BOTH AT COST TO CONSUMER, ALSO SUGGESTED I REPLACED THE OTHER SIDE BEFORE IT FAILS. THIS FORD EXPLORER HAS NEVER TOWED ANYTHING OR HAS NEVER BEEN OFF ROAD. ALL FOUR WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED ON TRUCK AT 50,000 MILES. BUT TRUCK WAS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. *TR
Power train, Sep 24, 2008
MY FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING, IT IS STARTING TO FAIL. IT SEEM THAT THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES, THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS FOR LESS. *TR
Power train, Sep 24, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SWITCHED TO A LOWER GEAR. IN ADDITION, THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE CONTROL SLIGHTLY WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE OCCURS EVERYTIME THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.
Power train, Sep 23, 2008
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORERS TRANSMISSION JUST COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING AT 94,000 MILES. READING FORUMS ONLINE LED ME TO THIS SITE, AFTER READING MANY, MANY OTHERS' EXACT SAME EXPERIENCES WITH THIS CAR. FORD WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT AND MY FAMILY DOES NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO REPLACE A TRANSMISSION! FORD NEEDS A RECALL ON TRANSMISSIONS FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL! *TR
Power train, Sep 23, 2008
THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS BLINKING, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. AFTER HAVING THE CAR SCANNED BY A MECHANIC, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE PC SOLENOID IN THE TRANNY WAS OUT. WE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER IT WAS PURCHASED AT, AND THEY PERFORMED THE SAME TEST AND FIXED IT AT A COST OF $1058.18. A WEEK LATER IT IS SHIFTING HARD. PLUS AFTER USING THE 4WHEEL DRIVE ONLY TWICE, IT WOULD NOT GO INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME THE 4X4 MODULAR HAD FAILED THIS AFTER A 140.50 CHECK, AND THEY WANTED 600.00 TO FIX, THIS WHILE PUTTING BRAKES ON IT. AND WHEN I ASKED WHAT WOULD CAUSE IT GO OUT, THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME " HOW WOULD I KNOW?" *TR
Power train, Sep 19, 2008
MY WIFE WAS IN THE LEFT LANE OF A BUSY HWY AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. THERE WAS NO SHOULDER TO SAFELY PULL OFF ON. I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR THE EXACT SAME FAILURE. HOW CAN FORD NOT RECALL THIS PROBLEM? MY WIFE WAS LUCKY THAT SHE WAS NOT SERIOUSLY HURT. IT COULD HAVE BEEN ALOT WORSE. *TR
Service brakes, Electric, Sep 17, 2008
DEFECTIVE BRAKE CALIPER 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC WITH LESS THAN 6000 MILES AT TIME OF INCIDENCE APPROXIMATELY NOVEMBER 2002. A BRAKE CALIPER WAS STUCK ON AFTER PUTTING ON THE BRAKES WHILE IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A GARAGE. THE CALIPER WAS REPLACED AND THE ROTOR WAS DAMAGED BUT STILL USABLE. I ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS MALFUNCTIONING WHERE THE BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE(SUMMER, DRY ROADS). THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION SLAVE AND MASTER CYLINDERS WERE REPLACED (DO HAVE THESE PARTS). THE ABS AND TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS OCCURRED BETWEEN AUG 2007 AND DECEMBER 2007. THE VEHICLE HAD 38000-40000 MILES AND LIGHTLY DRIVEN. CURRENTLY THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 470000 MILES AND HAS BEEN DRIVEN 6.5 YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER USED FOR TOWING. IT WAS USED PRIMARILY FOR TAKING CHILDREN TO SCHOOL, ACTIVITIES, AND FAMILY VACATIONS. *TR
Parking brake, Power train, Sep 17, 2008
MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND PARKING BRAKE 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC 39800 SLAVE AND MASTER CYLINDERS REPLACED AT 700.00 IN JANUARY 2008. FIRST INCIDENCE OCCURRED DECEMBER 24, 2007. I WAS ACTUALLY PULLING INTO GRANDMA'S DRIVE ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND TRIED TO BACK UP INTO A SPACE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN PLACE BLOCKING EVERYONE IN. IT DID FINALLY WORK. THEN AT A SHOPPING CENTER IT WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD WHEN STOPPING FOR PEDESTRIANS TO CROSS AND THEN GOING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION WHEN SHIFTING IT JUST STOPPED BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD WOULDN'T MOVE INTO ANY GEAR. IT WAS STUCK BETWEEN GEARS AND WOULD NOT MOVE. I WAS BLOCKING AN INTERSECTION WHEN I NOW HAD A RED LIGHT. EVENTUALLY, I DID GET IT MOVING TO MY HOME, BUT HAD IT TOWED TO THE MECHANIC SINCE IT JUST WOULD NOT MOVE AT ALL ONCE RESTARTED. I WONDER IF THE ABS FAILURE IN AUGUST 2007 CAUSED THIS PROBLEM. THE MALFUNCTION OF THE ABS WOULD CAUSE STRESS ON THE TRANSMISSION WITH THE ABS COMING ON RANDOMLY AT ANY SPEED. PLEASE SEE MY BRAKE FAILURE COMPLAINT AND ALSO DEFECTIVE CALIPER COMPLAINT(CALIPER OCCURRED AT ONLY A FEW THOUSAND MILES). THE PARKING BRAKE RELEASE IS STILL A PROBLEM. YOU MUST PUT YOUR FOOT UNDER THE FOOT PEDAL OF THE PARKING BRAKE TO GET IT TO RELEASE COMPLETELY. THE LIGHT MAY GO OFF BUT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS STILL ENGAGED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 17, 2008
BRAKE FAILURE 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC ONLY 38000 MI WHEN THIS OCCURRED IN AUG 07. I ALMOST HIT THE BACK OF A SCHOOL BUS WHEN DROPPING MY CHILDREN OFF AT SCHOOL. THE BRAKES WOULD GRIND AND NOT STOP THE VEHICLE AND SOMETIMES PULSATION WOULD OCCUR AT ANY SPEED. IT WAS LIKE THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WAS COMING ON WHEN IT SHOULDN'T(SUMMER DRY ROADS) AND THEN GETTING STUCK IN THE BRAKE RELEASE STATE. SO WHEN TRYING TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITH THE FOOT PEDAL, THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WAS WORKING AGAINST YOUR BRAKING ACTION. THIS CAUSES A VERY SCARY FEELING WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR FOOT TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE STILL REMAINS IN MOTION. THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED, BUT NOT THE PROBLEM. THE NEXT INCIDENCE OCCURRED IN A BUSY INTERSECTION WHEN WE WERE ALMOST HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T STOP AT A RED LIGHT. WHEN TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC I ALMOST HIT 2 PEDESTRIANS IN A CROSSWALK AT A STOP SIGN. THE VEHICLE JUST KEPT ON GOING AND I QUICKLY BEEPED THE HORN FOR A NEAR MISS OF A MAN AND HIS LITTLE BOY. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WHICH CAUSES THE BRAKES TO MALFUNCTION. HE SENT US TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND HE SAID THIS IS A DEFECT IN CERTAIN FORD EXPLORER MODELS. THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SENSORS, ALONG WITH THE LOCATION OF THEM IS THE PROBLEM. HE SAID TO FIX THIS IT WOULD COST ANYWHERE BETWEEN 300-600 DEPENDING ON WHAT ELSE WAS DAMAGED, BUT HE STRESSED DRIVING THE VEHICLE LIKE THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD. I WAS UPSET BECAUSE OF THE LOW MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. IT WAS ONLY OVER WARRANTY MILES BY 2000 BUT 5 YRS OLD. I COULD NOT AFFORD TO FIX THIS SO I WAS INSTRUCTED TO PULL THE FUSE ON THE ABS BECAUSE IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH THE ABS. I HAVE THREE CHILDREN AND THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION. WITH THE ABS FUSE PULLED I DO NOT HAVE THE PROBLEM, BUT LACKING ABS. FORD NEEDS TO STAND BY THERE PRODUCT AND OFFER A RECALL ON THIS COMPLETELY UNSAFE MALFUNCTION OF THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM. *TR
Suspension, Sep 17, 2008
HEARD GRINDING NOISE WHICH MECHANIC DIAGNOSES AS RUSTED AND BROKEN REAR COIL SPRING. SHORTLY AFTER, THE OTHER REAR COIL SPRING BROKE INTO SEVERAL PIECES. METAL USED IN COIL SPRINGS SEEM TO BE DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AFTER 5 YEARS. NO OFF ROAD DRIVING. NORMAL USE. *TR