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, Jul 28, 2008
A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, IN WHICH I HAVE FOLLOWED ALL THE MAINENTANCE SCHEDULES, NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. *TR
Suspension, Jul 28, 2008
1. ROARING NOISE IN REAR END 2. LEFT AND RIGHT REAR BEARINGS SHOT 3. REPLACE LEFT AND RIGHT BEARINGS AND HUBS. *TR
Suspension, Jul 27, 2008
BOTH REAR SPRINGS ARE BROKEN AT THE TOP. ALSO, DRIVER REAR TIRE BLEW OUT ON INSIDE SIDEWALL WITH ABOUT 50% TREAD LEFT (SUSPECT BROKEN SPRING GOUGED THE TIRE). ALSO HAD TO REPLACE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING (NOISY AND WOBBLY) AND PARKING BRAKE SHOES (COMPLETELY WORN OFF FROM TILTED AXEL HUB). 110,000 MILES. ALSO BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED AT 95K MILES (MAKING NOISE). WHERE IS THE SAFETY RECALL? *TR
Suspension, Jul 26, 2008
WHEEL BEARINGS ERODED AFTER ONLY 75K MILES; TIRES IN DANGER OF FALLING OFF. *TR
Suspension, Jul 24, 2008
RIGHT REAR WHEEL MAKING NOISE AND IS LOOSE. WHEEL HUB/BEARING IS LOOSE AND WOBBLY. PARKING BRAKE PADS WORN COMPLETELY OFF FROM WHEEL BEING TILTED. FAILED WHEEL BEARING!!! 106,000 MILES. 2002 FORD EXPLORER. ALSO REPLACED BOTH FRONT WHEEL HUBS FOR SAME REASON AT ABOUT 95,000 MILES (NOISY AND ROUGH BEARING). *TR
Air bags, Jul 23, 2008, crash
MY DAUGHTER WAS IN A COLLISION IN 2003 IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I HAD IT ONLY A COUPLE OF WEEKS. THE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY, AND NOW THAT IT IS 5 YEARS LATER,THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON,BUT I HAVE NOT BEEN IN A CRASH. I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN HOUSTON, BUT THEY WERE OF NO HELP! *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Jul 23, 2008
I HAVE SEVERAL ISSUES, BOTH BACK DOOR WINDOWS HAVE FALLEN OFF TRACK AND WON'T STAY UP. THIS HAPPENED IN SEPTEMBER OF 07 AND A FEW MONTHS LATER THE SECOND REAR WINDOW DID THE SAME. I HAVE TO USE CLEAR PACKAGING TAPE TO HOLD THEM UP. THE KEY TO THE IGNITION WILL NOT TURN UNLESS I USE SOMETHING WITH A HARD END AND TAP IT SEVERAL TIMES. WHEN THE IGNITION PROBLEM FIRST HAPPENED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2006 I CALLED FORD ROAD SIDE SERVICE AND THEY RECOMMENDED TAPPING THE KEY SEVERAL TIMES AND SAID THEY HAD A GROWING COMPLAINT OF THIS. MY TRUNK LOCK LATCH OFTEN GETS STUCK TOO. JAN OF 2003 THE RADIO SHORTS IN AND OUT, I NEVER KNOW IF IT'S GOING TO STAY ON. LASTLY THE PASSENGER REAR DOOR LOOK DOESN'T LATCH, I THINK THIS HAPPENED IN LATE 2003 OR EARLY 2004. *TR
Power train, Jul 23, 2008
PURCHASED 2002 EXPLORER NEW, HAVE HAD MULTIPLE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SINCE. SOMETIMES DEALERS COULD FIND THE PROBLEM AND WOULD REPAIR, OTHER TIMES THEY COULDN'T. CAR NOW NEEDS NEW TRANS AGAIN, FORD WON'T COVER SINCE OUT OF WARRANTY. PER MULTIPLE TRANSMISSION SHOPS, THE DESIGN OF THE TRANNY ITSELF IS POOR. HAS METAL PIN THAT SLIDES BACK AND FORTH AT AN ANGLE (RATHER THAN STRAIGHT), SO PIN IS PUSHED UP AGAINST ALUMINUM PLATE, CAUSING A HOLE. SHOPS SAY THIS IS VERY COMMON FOR 2001 & 2002 EXPLORERS. *TR
Suspension, Jul 22, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. AFTER A ROUTINE INSPECTION, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS FAILED. AFTER BEING INFORMED OF THE DIAGNOSIS, THE CONTACT REMEMBERED HEARING CLUNKING NOISES AND ODD SUSPENSION-RELATED BEHAVIOR. HE CALLED FORD TO FIND OUT IF HIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NONE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,552 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,500.
Wheels, Jul 21, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE NOISE WAS DUE TO THE ROUTERS FROM THE BRAKES, AND ADVISED THE CONTACT NOT TO WORRY. AS THE CONTACT LEFT THE MECHANIC, THE SOUND FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE WHEELS WERE BEING HELD ON BY THE BRAKES AND THE BEARINGS WERE DESTROYED. AFTER HAVING THE WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED ONE YEAR LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TIRES HAD POOR TREAD MARKS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR A WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT TWO OF THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE DESTROYED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Suspension, Jul 21, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER - BOTH REAR SPRINGS RUSTED AND CRACKED. ONE IN 2006 AND THE OTHER IN 2007. THIS VEHICLE DRIVEN BY WIFE AND NOT OFF ROAD OR FOR TOWING. ON THE NET THERE ARE MANY, MANY OWNERS WITH SAME EXACT PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP SAYS IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN BUT MANUFACTURE WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR
Power train, Jul 21, 2008
THE TRANSMISSION FAILS WITHOUT ANY WARNING, IN MY CASE WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AND ALMOST GOT MYSELF HIT! THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE. I CHECKED CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ON SEVERAL ONLINE RESOURCES AND FOUND THAT TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER IS AN EPIDEMIC! *TR
Power train, Jul 19, 2008
THE VEHICLE IS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER .THE REAR TRANSFER CASE BEARINGS WEAR OUT PREMATURELY AND CAN SEIZE UP WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND IS DUE TO MANUFACTURER DEFECT. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 18, 2008
MY DASHBOARD HAS DIGITAL MILEAGE/ TEMP AND TRIP....HOWEVER, SINCE I GOT THE SUV IN DECEMBER OF 2007, THE CLUSTER THAT SHOWS THAT INFORMATION HAS NOT BEEN UP. THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT THE SUV FROM REFUSED TO HAVE IT FIXED AND I NEED TO KNOW WHAT I CAN DO WITHOUT SPENDING ALOT OF MONEY. *TR
Suspension, Jul 16, 2008
FRONT WHEEL BEARING ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 65,000 MILES. SHOP SAID IF IT HAD BEEN DRIVEN MUCH FURTHER THE WHEEL WOULD HAVE COME OFF. MY EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED LAST YEAR AND FORD WILL NOT HELP. THIS IS EVIDENTLY A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL YEAR AND COULD LEAD TO DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL BEFORE ANYONE GETS HURT. *TR
Suspension, Jul 16, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4X4 REAR COIL SPRING BROKEN. *TR
Structure, Jul 15, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT LIFTED THE REAR HATCH AND OPENED THE GLASS DOOR. THE HINGE ON THE GLASS DOOR LOOSENED AND CAUSED IT TO FALL AND INJURE THE CONTACT'S THUMB. THE HINGE SHOULD BE SECURED IN PLACE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE AFTER HE WAS INJURED. THE RECALL APPLIED TO THE FORD EXPLORER AND FORD EXPLORER SPORTS. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 93,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 14, 2008
MY WIFE'S 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAD A WHINE IN THE REAR END SINCE IT WAS NEW AND IT CONTINUED TO GET WORSE WITH TIME. AT ABOUT 55K MILES IT WAS SO BAD THAT WE HAD TO HAVE THE ENTIRE DIFFERENTIAL REBUILT AT A COST OF OVER $1,000. AT 65K MILES THE ENGINE HAD BEGUN TO MAKE NOISE AND IT BECAME MUCH LOUDER RAPIDLY. THE ENTIRE CAM DRIVE (TIMING CHAIN, SPROCKETS, TENSIONERS) HAD BEEN GROUND UP. THE TENSIONER PADS HAD 3/8" DEEP GROOVES WORN INTO THEM AND THERE WERE METAL SHAVINGS EVERYWHERE. THE BILL THIS TIME WAS ALMOST $1,300. IT IS INTERESTING THAT ALL THE PARTS THAT WERE REPLACED WERE A DIFFERENT DESIGN THAN THE ORIGINALS. IF THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE ORIGINAL DESIGN, WHY SPEND THE MONEY TO CHANGE THEM? OF COURSE FORD WOULD NOT ADMIT THAT THEY HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE TIMING CHAIN FOR THE CAMS. AFTER THE TIMING CHAIN WAS FIXED THERE WAS STILL A NOISE SO WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE SHOP THAT DID THE WORK. WITH A STETHOSCOPE THE NOISE WAS ISOLATED TO THE BELLHOUSING/TORQUE CONVERTER AREA. WE TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP WE TRUST AND HE THOUGHT IT WAS A CRACKED FLEX PLATE BECAUSE THAT HAPPENS FREQUENTLY ON THESE VEHICLES AND IT CAUSES THAT KIND OF NOISE. THE FLEX PLATE WAS FINE AS WAS THE FRONT PUMP ON THE TRANSMISSION AND THE STARTER DRIVE. THE ONLY THING LEFT IN THAT AREA WAS THE TORQUE CONVERTER SO WE REPLACED THAT. THE NOISE WAS STILL THERE. HE SAID THAT THE NOISE HAD TO BE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION AND THAT WOULD BE A $2,000 REPAIR. I'VE HAD IT WITH FORD AND THEIR "QUALITY IS JOB ONE" OR WHATEVER THEIR CURRENT ADVERTISING LIE IS. THIS CAR IS A LEMON AND THEY WON'T ADMIT TO A SINGLE THING BEING WRONG WITH IT. EVERY DRIVELINE COMPONENT HAS HAD TO BE FIXED AND IT ONLY HAS 67K MILES ON IT. FORD SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THE WAY THEY HANG THEIR CUSTOMERS OUT TO DRY. EVEN THOUGH I HAD TO IDENTIFY A PARTICULAR DATE BELOW, THIS CAR HAS HAD MAJOR PROBLEMS SINCE IT WAS NEW IN 2002. *TR
Suspension, Jul 14, 2008
WHEEL BEARING PROBLEMS WITH MOST 2002 MODEL FORD EXPLORERS ALL TRIM LEVELS. *TR
Power train, Jul 14, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PLACE THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE, THE GEAR SHIFT COMPLETELY FELL OFF OF THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES IN THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 145,000.
Power train, Jul 14, 2008
AS I WAS SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER MY SHIFTER BROKE OFF IN MY HAND!!! ON FURTHER INSPECTION I SAW THAT THE SHIFT LINKAGE WAS MADE OF CAST ALUMINUM AND HAD SHEARED OFF AT THE PIVOT POINT. I AM NOT ALONE IN THIS AS I HAVE READ HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON LINE AT HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/STEERING/GEAR_SHIFT_BROKE_OFF.SHTML. *TR
Power train, Jul 14, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON FORD EXPLORER. SELF ENCLOSED TRANSMISSION, NO DIPSTICK FOR CHECKING FLUID LEVELS, POORLY DESIGNED CONCEPT. HERE IS WEBSITE WITH 428 COMPLAINTS AGAINST THIS PARTICULAR MODEL/YEAR. ALL THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
Structure, Jul 12, 2008
A CRACKED REAR PANEL ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. TO DATE, I HAVEN'T HAD ANY SAFETY ISSUES, BUT I'VE CHECKED OTHER ONLINE SITES AND SEEN QUITE A FEW SUBMISSIONS FROM OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. I CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE IT REPLACED, AND ACCORDING TO OTHER OWNERS, THE PROBLEM WILL PROBABLY REOCCUR (IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN DURING COLD WEATHER). FORD HAS NOT LISTED IT ON THEIR RECALL SITE. *TR
Suspension, Jul 9, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER 4.0 HAS EXCESSIVE WHEEL BEARING NOISE. I HAVE READ OF MANY WHEEL BEARING ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL WHICH SIGNIFIES A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. A RECALL SHOULD BE INSTITUTED. *TR
Structure, Equipment, Jul 9, 2008
MY HUSBAND OPENED THE LIFTGATE TO MY 2002 EDDIE BAUER FORD EXPLORER TO BRING OUR HURRICANE SUPPLY KIT INTO THE HOUSE. AFTERWARDS, HE WENT TO CLOSE THE LIFTGATE, JUST AS NORMAL, AND THE GLASS, WITHOUT ANY WARNING, EXPLODED INTO HUNDREDS OF PIECES AND THE FRAME BELOW THE GLASS CRASHED TO THE GROUND. GLASS WAS FOUND HALFWAY DOWN THE DRIVEWAY, UNDER THE CAR, INSIDE THE CAR, AND ON TOP OF THE CAR. THE HINGES WERE CLEARLY BOTH BROKEN AND WIRES WERE SEPARATED FROM THE LIFTGATE. MY HUSBAND WAS STANDING TO THE SIDE OF THE CAR WHEN HE CLOSED THE LIFTGATE AND LUCKILY ONLY HAD A MINOR CUT ON HIS TOE. THE LIFTGATE DID NOT TOUCH ANYTHING AND WAS NOT HIT BY ANYTHING OR FORCED TO CLOSE IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO IT EXPLODING. I ESSENTIALLY HAVE A THREE-SIDED CAR RIGHT NOW. FORD ISSUED A RECALL (04S20) ON THE LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE AND BALL STUD BRACKET EARLIER AND I HAD THAT REPAIR COMPLETED ON 09/25/07. THE DESCRIPTION OF THE EXPLOSION IS VERBATIM OF WHAT WAS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL, HOWEVER FORD CUSTOMER CARE DENIES ANY RESPONSIBILITY STATING THAT PART IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AS DOES THE DEALER WHO ORIGINALLY REPAIRED THE RECALLED PART. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY DISASTROUS IF MY HUSBAND HAD NOT BEEN STANDING OFF TO THE SIDE OR IF ANYONE HAD BEEN INSIDE THE CAR, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN. FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY FOR ANY INCIDENTS THAT HAPPEN INVOLVING THE HINGE AND BALL BRACKET EVEN IF THE REPAIR WAS MADE AS THEY REQUESTED PER THE RECALL. DOORS DO NOT JUST 'COME OFF' FOR NO REASON. THEIR METHOD OF 'REPAIRING' THE RECALL IS NOT SUFFICIENT AS THERE ARE BLOGS ONLINE WITH MANY OTHER EXACT COMPLAINTS. *TR