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, Equipment, Aug 19, 2008
I AM VERY CONCERNED AT ALL OF THE TRANSMISSIONS COMPLAINTS THAT THE NHTSA HAS HAD ON THE FORD 2002 EXPLORER AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT THIS. I HAVE SENT IN 1 OF MANY COMPLAINTS BECAUSE OF COURSE I AM ONE OF THE UNLUCKY CITIZENS OF THE U.S. WHO BELIEVED THAT THE FORD EXPLORER WAS A VERY DEPENDABLE VEHICLE. HELLO IS IT GOING TO TAKE SOMEONE ACTUALLY GETTING KILLED FOR THIS VEHICLE TO BE RECALLED FOR THE TRANSMISSION. I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED AND JUST IN THE PAST 4 MONTHS THERE HAS BEEN COMPLAINTS OF PEOPLE GOING IN DITCHES, RUNNING OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, DO YOU THINK THAT SOMEONE COULD REALLY RESEARCH THIS [XXX] ISSUE AND GET THIS [XXX] VEHICLE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE DOES GET HURT OR AT LEAST MAKE FORD REPLACE THE TRANSMISSIONS AND REIMBURSE ANYONE WHO HAS HAD THEIR TRANSMISSION REPLACED. OH THEY MIGHT AS WELL JUST GIVE EVERYONE A NEW VEHICLE BECAUSE FROM WHAT I AM READING ALL 2002 FORD EXPLORERS HAVE HAD TRANSMISSIONS PROBLEMS. WHY ISN'T ANYONE DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. *TR INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Tires, Aug 19, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE HAS TECH INTERNATIONAL, MODEL TR413 VALVE STEMS. AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT HIS FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY FLAT. A REPLACEMENT BRIDGESTONE DUELER HT TIRE WAS PURCHASED AND THE VALVE STEM WAS REPLACED IN OCTOBER OF 2007. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE VALVE STEM BECAUSE IT WAS SPLIT AT THE POINT WHERE IT MEETS THE RIM. THE SERIAL AND PART NUMBERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,500. UPDATED 09/10/08. *LJ UPDATED 09/16/08. *JB
Electrical system, Aug 19, 2008, crash
DOOR AJAR CONSTANTLY ON. INTERIOR DOME LIGHT FRONT AND CARGO COME ON AND OFF FOR MINUTES AT A TIME. BEEPS AND CHIMES SPORADICALLY FOR NO GIVEN TIME OR REASON WHILE DRIVING, STOPPING, TURNING OR ANY OTHER ACTION. A DISTRACTION TO DRIVING; ESPECIALLY DOME LIGHTS AT NIGHT AND BEEPS/CHIMES WHICH CAN ALSO INTERFERE WITH RADIO SOUND OUTPUT AND ATTENTION. HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF DEALER WITH NO RESULT. HAVE PROVIDED OTHER ONLINE COMPLAINTS TO SERVICE MANAGER REGARDING SAME ISSUE WITH NO RESULT. *TR
Power train, Aug 18, 2008, crash
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH JUST UNDER 78,000 MILES. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WITH NO WARNING AT ALL. CAUSING THE TRUCK TO SHAKE AND SLOW DOWN VERY FAST. IN THE RESULT OF THAT. I JUMPED AND HIT THE CURB AND POPPED ON TIRE. I COULD HAVE DIED OR MY KIDS. IF I HAD BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE OR HIGHWAY. *TR
Suspension, Aug 18, 2008
REAR SPRING BREAKAGE BOTH REAR SPRINGS WERE BROKEN VEHICLE NOT USED FOR ROUGH DUTY THE DEALER IT WAS PURCHASED FROM SAID THERE WAS NO RECALLS OR CAMPAIGNS BUT PARTS MANAGER STATED HE HAS SOLD SEVEN SETS OF SPRINGS FOR THESES VEHICLES I BELIEVE THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEING IT IS A SAFETY AND HANDLING ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Aug 17, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH APPROXIMATELY 98,700 MILES ON IT. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THERE IS A WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END. WHEN I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER IN MCCONNELLSBURG PA I WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR END WAS FAILING, AS WELL AS THE FRONT BEARINGS OF THE SUV WERE FAILING. THE BEARINGS HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPLACED 2 YEARS AGO. I WAS ALSO ADVISED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT FORD MOTOR CO, KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM WITH THE REAR DRIVE TRAIN AND ALL ITS COMPONENTS, AS THEY HAVE PUBLISHED SEVERAL SERVICE ADVISORY ON IT. FORD MOTOR CO, HOWEVER WILL NOT RECALL THE VEHICLE(S) TO FIX THE PROBLEM WHICH CAN COST THE CONSUMER OUT OF POCKET ANYWHERE FORM $1,200 TO $1,800. FORD MOTOR CO, DOES NOT FEEL THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE AND REFUSES TO ADDRESS IT AS SUCH. I GUESS THEY WILL WAIT UNTIL PEOPLE START DYING FROM ACCIDENTS THAT THEY KNOW CAN HAPPEN. *TR
Power train, Aug 14, 2008, crash
1.NOTHING LEADING UP TO. 2. 2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FAILED ON HIGHWAY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VIBRATE HORRIBLY CAUSING US TO GO OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH. 3.TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACED ON VEHICLE ESTIMATE OF $2800 ON A 2002 MODEL YEAR. I COME TO FIND OUT THIS HAS HAPPEN TO MANY I.E. THOUSANDS 2002 FORD EXPLORERS OWNERS AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE? FORD MOTOR COMPANY BASICALLY TOLD ME TOO BAD AND THEY WONDER WHY THEY ARE HAVING DIFFICULTY. A FORD SERVICE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT FORD KNOWS THIS TRANSMISSION WAS NOT BUILT PROPERLY AND SOLD IT TO THIS PUBLIC ANYWAY. IF THERE HAS EVER NEEDED TO BE A RECALL THIS IS IT AFTER READING ABOUT ALL THE SEE INCIDENTS HAPPENING TO OTHERS WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Structure, Aug 12, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT HAS SEVERAL CRACKS ON THE LIFTGATE THAT JUST APPEARED ONE DAY. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND AM NOT SURE WHY THIS HAS NOT BECOME A RECALL. *TR
Structure, Aug 12, 2008
REAR GATE PLASTIC THAT IS DIRECTLY BELOW THE REAR WINDOW SNAPPED DUE TO COLD WEATHER MOST LIKELY. DON'T KNOW WHY THERE IS GLASS UNDERNEATH THIS SECTION, THE WHOLE THING SHOULD BE METAL.
Suspension, Aug 12, 2008
VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN NOVEMBER 2007 WHERE A COMPLETE INSPECTION WAS MADE OF THE VEHICLE AND ITS COMPONENTS. SINCE THAT TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN OFF-ROAD, HAD ANY HEAVY LOADS, TOWED ANYTHING, OR AN UNUSUALLY HARD DRIVING. STRANGE NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION, FOUND TO BE THE REAR COIL SPRINGS BOTH SNAPPED AT THE TOP. THE VEHICLE IS KEPT OUTSIDE DURING NEW ENGLAND WINTERS.
Power train, Aug 11, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING MAKING IT VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Power train, Aug 10, 2008
MY 2002 FOR EXPLORER HAS A GROWLING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR END. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER SHIP THEY TOOK 30 MINUTES TO TELL ME THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED REBUILDING. I THOUGHT THIS WAS A BIT QUICK UNTIL I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS EXPLORER MODEL. THE COST IS 1600 AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR END COULD LOCK UP. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD WARRANT A RECALL. I DID A INTERNET SEARCH FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT MANY HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AND EVEN AFTER THE REPAIR IT DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM FOR LONG. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Structure, Aug 8, 2008
PURCHASED A 2002 FORD EXP EDDIE BAUER ED USED WITH 35,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPAIRED WITHIN 3 WEEKS DUE TO 4WD MALFUNCTION COVERED BY WARRANTY. PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW MOTOR ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE, AND WINDOW REGULATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE, AND IS IN NEED OF A SECOND REPLACEMENT. TOOK TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD WINDOW WAS NOT MEANT TO BE LOWERED HALFWAY. THE REAR HATCH HAS ALSO CRACKED COMPLETELY DOWN FROM WINDOW TO LOWER PANEL. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE ISSUES WITH THIS OCCURRING, BUT UPON FURTHER RESEARCH HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL. OVERDRIVE LIGHT BLINKS CONTINUOUSLY AND DEALERSHIP REPORTS IT TO BE A MALFUNCTIONING ELECTRICAL SWITCH REPAIR COST AT AROUND $400. HAVE CONTINUED TO DRIVE VEHICLE, BUT WILL NO LONGER DRIVE VEHICLE AFTER DISCOVERING THAT THIS IS A PRECURSOR TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. MAY POSSIBLY TRADE-IN THIS VEHICLE AND LOSE MONETARY VALUE FOR PRIVATE SALE. WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SELLING THIS VEHICLE TO A PRIVATE PARTY AND RISK INJURY TO NEXT OWNER. SHAME ON FORD FOR NOT TAKING CARE OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. *TR
Power train, Aug 6, 2008
REAR DIFFERENTIAL DOES NOT ALLOW SPEED DIFFERENCES BETWEEN WHEELS. CAR TURNS LIKE IT HAS A LOCKED OR FIXED AXLE. CAUSES A SHUDDER WHEN TURNING. COULD RESULTS IN CONTROL PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE DURING SUDDEN MANEUVERS. ISSUE IS DUE TO FAULTY CLUTCH PACK IN THE FORD FACTORY DIFFERENTIAL OR INCORRECT DIFFERENTIAL FLUID SPECIFICATION FROM FACTORY. NOT REALLY SURE WHICH. SOLUTION WAS TO REPLACE THE CLUTCH PACK. FORD HAS ALSO SPECIFIED A DIFFERENT DIFFERENTIAL FLUID FROM THE FACTORY INSTALLED FLUID IN ONE OF THEIR TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS. *TR
Power train, Aug 6, 2008
O/D LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS BUT IS NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I UNDERSTAND THAT OVER 60 OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN TO THEM . *TR
Power train, Aug 5, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO HAVE THE REAR END REPLACED FOR FREE. SHE ASKED THE DEALER TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY INFORMED HER THAT IT WAS FINE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHES INTERMITTENTLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES. THE VEHICLE STALLS AND LOSES POWER BEFORE 30 MPH, BUT AFTERWARDS THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONS PROPERLY. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE DEALER ABOUT THE FAILURE AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE THIRD GEAR BAND IN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED; THEREFORE, A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,000.
Power train, Aug 4, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT, 79,409 MILES, PLACING CAR INTO PARK FROM DRIVE AND THE GEAR SHIFT BREAKS OFF IN MY HAND. THE TRANSMISSION IS NOW BETWEEN REVERSE AND PARK WITH NO WAY OF ME BEING ABLE TO TURN THE CAR OFF. I USED THE EMERGENCY BREAK SO THAT IT WOULD NOT ROLL OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT (BECAUSE OF COURSE I WAS ON AN INCLINE) AND THE CAR RAN FOR ONE HOUR AND TWENTY MINUTES BEFORE IT GOT TO THE DEALER AND THEY WERE ABLE TO TURN IT OFF. IT IS COSTING $1000.00 TO FIX. I FOUND OUT THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. NOT FROM MY DEALER WHO SAID THEY HAVE SEEN NOTHING LIKE THIS BUT FROM CARCOMPLAINTS.COM. *TR
Power train, Aug 3, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 103,000 MILES ON IT. THE REAR END OF THE SUV HAS STARTED MAKING A HUMMING NOISE. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND THEY SAID THE ENTIRE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND WHEEL BEARINGS WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I HAVE DISCOVERED MANY MANY 2002 FORD EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM WILL COST OVER $1000 TO FIX. IF IT IS NOT FIXED IT IS AN ISSUE THAT WILL SERIOUSLY PUT MY FAMILY IN DANGER WHEN RIDING IN THIS CAR. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE MADE A RECALL. PLEASE ADVISE ME WHAT TO DO. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Aug 1, 2008
I'M READING MANY, MANY, MANY AND MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THINGS FOR THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. MAINLY THE WHEEL BEARINGS GOING WHICH CAN CAUSE THE WHEELS TO FALL OFF WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH AND THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL GOING OUT. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND FIX THIS MATTER! *TR
Power train, Jul 31, 2008
DIFFERENTIAL ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT HAS BEEN REBUILT TWICE UNDER WARRANTY,AND NEEDS RECALLED AGAIN. THIRD INCIDENT HAPPENED TWO DAYS AFTER EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED. FORD SAYS TOUGH. *TR
Power train, Jul 31, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT I HAVE TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AROUND 4 TIMES REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION. EACH TIME THEY TELL ME THEY FIXED IT AND A FEW WEEKS OR MONTHS LATER IT IS HAVING PROBLEMS AGAIN. IT SHIFTS ROUGH AND SOMETIMES FEELS LIKE IT IS SLIPPING. *TR
Power train, Jul 31, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN 2002 FORD EXPLORER. *TR
Power train, Jul 29, 2008
WHILE DRIVING MY 02 FORD EXPLORER XLT I NOTICED THE O/D LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND IT WOULD BE HARD TO SHIFT. THE WAS A RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM TRANSFER CASE WHICH HAD A BROWNISH FLUID LEAKING FROM IT. WENT TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Suspension, Jul 29, 2008
JUST FOUND OUT REAR COIL SPRINGS ARE BOTH BROKE. WITH SIMPLE SEARCH ON WEB, FOUND NUMEROUS OTHER OWNERS OF 2002 FORD EXPLORERS HAVE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT, I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. PLUS, ITS UNSAFE! *TR
Steering, Jul 28, 2008
THE STEERING WHEEL LEVER BROKE OFF MY FORD EXPLORER 2002. THIS OCCURS OFTEN ON FORD EXPLORERS BECAUSE IT IS MADE OF ALUMINUM. THE REPAIR IS TO CHANGE THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN AND THAT COSTS BETWEEN $800-1300 DOLLARS. *TR