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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 3,613

Of the 2002 reports, 163 involved a crash and 71 involved a fire. 213 people were injured and 6 people died.

Primary concernPower train1,575 reports · 44% of complaints
Owner complaints3,613Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship10 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train1,575
  2. Structure532
  3. Suspension445
  4. Engine and engine cooling194
  5. Vehicle speed control181
  6. Electrical system179
  7. Air bags171
  8. Steering162

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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.

  1. Steering, Sep 16, 2008

    WAS PUTTING VEHICLE INTO DRIVE WHEN GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF OF STEERING COLUMN, LATER FOUND THAT CHEAP ALUMINUM CONNECTING PIECE BROKE NOT THE SHIFT HANDLE. *TR

  2. Visibility, Structure, Sep 15, 2008

    SAME AS NOTED FROM OTHER FORD EXPLORE 02 OWNERS.....THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR WINDOW IS CRACKED SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE IN 03. I HAVE NOW ATTACHED A SIGN USING STICK ON LETTERS THAT READ ON THE BACK PANEL "FORD QUALITY' WITH AN ARROW POINTING TO THE CRACK AS THE DEALER AND FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT AS EVIDENT BY ALL THE COMPLAINTS. I THINK FORD NEEDS THIS TYPE OF PUBLICITY! *TR

  3. Suspension, Power train, Sep 12, 2008

    REAR SPRING BROKEN ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 80,000 MILES. *TR

  4. Power train, Sep 11, 2008

    THE O/D OFF LIGHT CAME ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER 2 DAYS AGO. IT HAS 75,880 MILES ON IT.THIS SEEMS TO BE A TYPICAL PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES.HOW CAN FORD MOTOR CORP NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM?WHO CAN AFFORD TO PAY $2600 TO $3500 FOR A TRANSMISSION REPAIR!!!!!LIKE ALWAYS THE MIDDLE CLASS GETS THE SHORT END OF THE STICK AGAIN..... *TR

  5. Power train, Sep 11, 2008

    CAR HAD NO ACCIDENTS OR UNUSUAL USAGE. I HAD BOTH CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING WITH PREDOMINANTLY CITY DRIVING, NO HAULING HEAVY LOADS OR OFF ROAD DRIVING. THE SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF AND THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED, CAR COULD NOT BE STARTED, GEARS ENGAGED OR MOVED AND HAD TO BE TOWED. THIS EVENT OCCURRED DURING HURRICANE EVACUATION AS WELL. AFTER RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET THERE SEEMS TO BE A LARGE NUMBER OF THE SAME (SIMILAR)COMPLAINT. IF THIS OCCURRED DURING HIGHWAY OR HIGH TRAFFIC DRIVING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT MOST LIKELY WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. *TR

  6. Power train, Sep 10, 2008

    2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. FORD IS AWARE THAT THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID THEY USE IN THEIR TRANSMISSIONS ARE FAULTY.*TR

  7. Power train, Sep 10, 2008

    I PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY AT MY HOUSE AND WENT TO PUT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT INTO PARK WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF IN MY HAND. I STILL CANNOT BELIEVE THAT ANYONE WITH ANY SENSE WOULD ENGINEER AND/OR DESIGN A PRODUCT THAT GETS SO MUCH USE OUT OF SUCH SHODDY MATERIAL. IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHY OUR AUTO COMPANIES ARE GOING OUT OF BUSINESS - ASK FORD ENGINEERS. *TR

  8. Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 9, 2008

    WHEN I WOULD MAKE A SHARP LEFT HAND TURN AND USE THE BRAKES THE BRAKES WOULD PULSATE AND WOULD NOT STOP THE TRUCK RIGHT AWAY. IT WOULD ACT LIKE IT HAD HIT ICE AND ITS WAS THE MIDDLE OF SUMMER. IT WOULD STILL MOVE ABOUT A FOOT. I TOOK IT TO A SHOP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT AND WAS TOLD HE GETS ALOT OF FORD'S THAT DO THIS AND THEY DON'T HAVE A RECALL ON THIS. THE SHOP REPLACED THE PART IN THE HUB OR WHEEL NOT SURE AND NOW ITS FINE BUT IT COST ME OVER 500.00 AND I ONLY HAVE 50,000 MILES ON IT. I KNOW THAT PARTS WEAR BOUT BUT THIS WAS A FAILURE OF A PART THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE BAD. ALSO THE ELECTRIC DOOR LOCK BUTTON IN THE TRUCK STOPS WORKING, THE OPEN SECTION WORKS BUT NOT THE LOCK BUTTON. *TR

  9. Vehicle speed control, Sep 9, 2008

    ERRATIC OPERATION OF CRUSE CONTROL. *TR

  10. Power train, Sep 9, 2008

    O/D OFF LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. DEALER STATED THAT THIS IS AN INDICATION OF TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. CHECKED ON LINE FOR WARRANTY INFORMATION, AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD'S 2002 TRANSMISSIONS. FORD WILL NOT ASSIST IN THE COST OF REPAIRS BECAUSE THE PROBLEM OCCURS AFTER THE 36,000 MILES OR 3 YEAR WARRANTY PERIOD. EVERY THING POINTS TO A $ 2,000 / 3,000 REPAIR JOB. I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK IN 10/08 AND NOW I HAVE TO LOOK FORWARD TO A MAJOR REPAIR BEFORE OWNING IT FOR A YEAR. I REALLY THINK THAT FORD SHOULD IN SOME WAY COMPENSATE ITS VEHICLE OWNERS FOR A DEFECT THAT THEY ARE APPARENTLY WELL AWARE OF. *TR

  11. Suspension, Sep 8, 2008

    I PURCHASED A 2002 FORE EXPLORER XLT 10/2004 WITH 69,500 MILES. I NOW HAVE 17,500.00 MILES. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR APPROX 4 YEARS AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE WHEEL BEARINGS FOR ALL 4 WHEELS. THE FIRST TIME WAS 12/05. ALL FOUR TIMES THE REPAIRS WERE DONE AT A FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY OFFER NO REASON WHY THIS MIGHT HAPPEN. THIS WAS MY FIRST FORD VEHICLE. *TR

  12. Suspension, Sep 4, 2008

    BROKEN REAR SPRINGS, TWO UPPERMOST COILS COLLAPSED ON BOTH DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SIDES. I NOTICED IT WHEN I WAS CHANGING THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS IN AUGUST 2007. FROM THE RUST, IT APPEARS THAT THE SPRINGS HAVE BEEN BROKEN FOR A WHILE. HAVE YET TO REPLACE SINCE IT DOESN'T SEEM TO HAVE EFFECTED HANDLING, BUT INTEND TO DO IT THIS FALL JUST TO BE SAFE. *TR

  13. Suspension, Sep 2, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING AN OIL CHANGE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS FAILED. THE FAILURE DID NOT RUPTURE THE TIRES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 140,000. UPDATED 10/14/08 *BF UPDATED 10/24/08. *JB

  14. Power train, Sep 2, 2008

    2002 FORD EXPLORER! GETTING ON INTERSTATE, ON THE RAMP, HIT 30 MPH'S, AND NOTHING! THE RPM'S SHOOT STRAIGHT UP, AND THE CAR ACTS LIKE ITS IN NEUTRAL!! I HAVE 2 CHILDREN IN THE CAR WITH ME, AND ALMOST CREATE A PILE-UP BECAUSE THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE ON ENTRANCE RAMP! COME TO FIND OUT, A NEW TRANSMISSION IS NEEDED. I COULD NOT BELIEVE THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS TOPIC. SOMEBODY IS GOING TO GET KILLED WITH THIS MESS UP. I WAS ABOUT RAN OVER!! RIDICULOUS! *TR

  15. Electrical system, Sep 1, 2008

    READING THE FORUMS AND MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR EXPLORERS 4X4. I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. SEEMS LIKE IF YOU DISCONNECT THE BATTERY OR YOUR BATTERY DIES SO DOES YOUR CONTROL MODULE FOR THE 4X4. MINE STOPPED WORKING WHEN THAT HAPPENED. THAT IS WHEN MY 4X4 SELECTOR SWITCH LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING AND MY 4X4 WAS NOT ENGAGING. SEEMS LIKE FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THIS PART. I GOT A NEW CONTROL MODULE AND IT STARTED WORKING AGAIN. COULD BE DANGEROUS IN WINTER TIME FOR THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE TO HAVE NO 4X4. *TR

  16. Power train, Aug 30, 2008

    BOUGHT MY 02 SPORT TRAC IN 04. IT HAD TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK REPAIRED BY ORIGINAL OWNER AT (20,000 MILES) IN 03. IN 05, AT 55,000 MILES, TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING IN ORIGINAL LOCATION PLUS ANOTHER. REPAIRED BY FORD AND I WAS ALLOWED A PO5 PAYMENT PROGRAM. AFTER 15,000 MILES FROM THIS REPAIR, TRANSMISSION FLUID AGAIN LEAKING. TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED, ALONG WITH REPAIR TO SEALS. FORD DISTRICT MANAGER REFUSED TELEPHONE CONTACT TO DISCUSS. FORD REFUSED ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY, INCLUDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. TRANSMISSION ON THIS TRAC NOW HAS BEEN PULLED THREE TIMES AFTER FOUR FLUID LEAKS. I AM STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON LAST REPAIR. LOCAL FORD DEALER, UPSET WITH MY AGITATION, INFORMED ME THAT AT NOW 70,000 MILES, I SHOULD EXPECT THE NEED FOR REPAIRS! HA! *TR

  17. Power train, Aug 30, 2008

    STUCK IN 4X4 MODE AND CANNOT TURN. ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *TR

  18. Power train, Aug 28, 2008

    DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 60MPH - CAR BEGAN TO SHIFT RANDOMLY AND THAN WOULD NOT SHIFT AT ALL (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) - HAD TO COAST ACROSS SEVERAL LANES OF TRAFFIC AND TRY TO PULL OUT OF DANGER. TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED FOR THE COST OF 3,400.00. *TR

  19. Power train, Visibility, Equipment, Aug 27, 2008

    2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCH PART FAILURE. CONSUMER WANTS ASSISTANCE FROM FORD TO COVER THE REPAIRS. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED NUMEROUS PARTS FAILED ON THE VEHICLE. THOSE FAILURES INCLUDED: THE DIFFERENTIAL COMPASS, HVAC BLOWER MOTOR, ONE OF THE REAR WINDOW LIFT MOTORS AND ONE OF THE SEALS ON THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILED. *JB

  20. Power train, Aug 25, 2008

    I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED THAT HAD AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 51,000 MILES. THE TRANSMISSION IS SEALED AND DOES NOT HAVE A DIPSTICK TO CHECK FLUID LEVELS, THEREFORE MAKING IT NON-SERVICEABLE BY THE OWNER. THIS TRANSMISSION APPEARS TO HAVE AN INHERENT DESIGN FLAW RESULTING IN PREMATURE FAILURE. THE CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASH AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE GEARS WHILE DRIVING. THIS CREATED A HAZARDOUS CONDITION BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING CAUSING THE ENGINE TO REV EXTREMELY HIGH. THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED BY A LOCAL FORD DEALER AT A COST OF OVER $3,500. *TR

  21. Power train, Aug 22, 2008

    OVERDRIVE LIGHT BLINKING ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THEN SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WENT TO MECHANIC WHO SAID TRANSMISSION DIED. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO A CAR WITH LESS THAN 80K MILES. FORD NEEDS TO FESS UP AND ISSUE A RECALL. THIS IS HAPPENING TO TOO MANY PEOPLE. *TR

  22. Suspension, Power train, Aug 21, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. HE EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE TIRE WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE A FRAME IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WERE TAKING A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE CV JOINT AND BEARING HUBS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 119,000.

  23. Visibility, Structure, Aug 19, 2008

    RIGHT BELOW THE REAR WINDOW CRACKED FROM WINDOW DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF DOOR. (TOP HALF) I THOUGHT AT FIRST THAT SOMEONE MUST HAVE TRIED TO BREAK IN USING A PRY BAR. WENT THROUGH THE CAR WASH AND WHEN I CAME OUT I NOTICED THE CRACK. PISSED ME RIGHT OFF..I HATE DRIVING DAMAGED CARS.. THIS WAS NOT CALLED FOR..WHY DID IT CRACK? *TR

  24. Suspension, Aug 19, 2008

    FIRST THE BACK (BOTH) WHEEL BEARINGS WENT. SOUNDED LIKE A NASTY GRINDING NOISE, VERY LOUD. I HAD THEM REPLACED AT 750.00 TO REPLACE THEM AND THAT WAS NOT INCLUDING THE FACT THAT THEY DESTROYED MY BRAKES AND THEY HAD TO BE REPLACED ALSO..VERY EXPENSIVE.. NO WARRANTY..THAN REPLACED THE DRIVERS FRONT BEARING AND NOT THE PASSENGER SIDE BEARING IS GOING..WILL REPLACE VERY SOON. *TR

  25. Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 19, 2008

    MY FUEL TANK LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, STATING THAT I NEED TO CHECK MY CAP. WHEN I CHECK THE CAP IT IS ON TIGHT AND HAVE NO IDEA WHY THE LIGHT COMES ON.. IT'S NOT ON ALL THE TIME... *TR