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, Jul 8, 2008
REAR BEARINGS ON 02 FORD EXPLORER XLS DEFECTIVE. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 7, 2008, fire
PARKED MY SUV IN THE DRIVEWAY AFTER A SHORT TRIP AND THE HORN BEGAN TO BLOW. AS I INVESTIGATED THE NOISE I OPENED MY DOOR TO FIND SMOKE ROLLING OUT UNCONTROLLABLY. I RAN INSIDE TO CALL 911, BY THE TIME I HUNG UP THE PHONE MY ENTIRE TRUCK WAS ENGULFED WITH FLAMES. THIS JUST HAPPENED TODAY, SO I DO NOT KNOW WHAT WILL BE DONE ABOUT IT. BUT THIS WAS CAUSED BY SOME DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 7, 2008
PROGRESSIVELY WORSE, STARTING IN JUNE 08. DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLY WHEN DRIVING, PLUS THE INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON AND OFF (FLICKER, DANGEROUS IF DRIVING AT NIGHT), BELLS GO ON/OFF, AND THE DOORS LOCK AND UNLOCK (NEVER SURE WHICH THEY ARE). IF NOT DRIVING, THE ALARM GOES OFF RANDOMLY. *TR
Suspension, Jul 6, 2008
LEFT REAR SPRING BROKEN APPROXIMATELY 3" FROM TOP OF SPRING. SPRING PROTECTIVE COATING ONLY 20% REMAINING AND ESSENTIALLY NON FUNCTIONAL. EXTREMELY HEAVY RUST IN THIS REGION OF SPRING. *TR
Power train, Jul 5, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER O/D LIGHT GOES OFF AND THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ACTIVATED. THE TRANSMISSION SHORTLY THEREAFTER, STARTS SLIPPING. THE O/D LIGHT, IS BLINKING OUT OF CONTROL. EXCESSIVE COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER FORD CONSUMERS WHO BOUGHT A FORD EXPLORER. *TR
Air bags, Structure, Service brakes, Electric, Equipment, Jul 5, 2008
PAINT IS BLISTERING AND CHIPPING ON THE HOOD AND FENDER OF MY 2002 EXPLORER. ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON. *TR
Power train, Jul 3, 2008
THE OD LIGHT ON MY 2002 EDDIE BAUER FORD EXPLORER BEGAN BLINKING ACCOMPANIED BY CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT. WE TRAVELED SLOWLY HOME AMIDST WHIRRING AND CRUNCHING SOUNDS. THE CAR IS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND OBVIOUSLY THE TRANSMISSION IS SHOT. THE FORD MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WOULD CLOSE $2800 TO FIX THE TRANSMISSION AND IN RESPONSE TO MY QUESTIONS REGARDING POWER TRAIN, SUGGESTED THAT WE FIX THE REAR POWER TRAIN FOR $1600. JUST A WEEK AGO, ON THE WAY TO MY DAUGHTER'S WEDDING, 4 HOURS FROM HOME, THE LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING WITH WARNING SOUNDS. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A FORD DEALER AND REPAIRED. WE PICKED IT UP A WEEK LATER DRIVING 4 HOURS ON BUSY THROUGH WAYS AND HIGHWAYS, WHEN THE TRANSMISSION LIGHTS, AS NOTED ABOVE, STARTED BLINKING. ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO, WE HAD THE WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED AS WELL AS OTHER REPAIRS. HOWEVER, THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND UPCOMING POWER TRAIN FAILURE MAKE THE CAR UNRELIABLE AND DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. *TR
Power train, Jul 3, 2008
MY WIFE DRIVES A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WHICH AS ALREADY HAD EXTENSIVE REAR END REPAIR. IT MAKES A ROARING SOUND WHENEVER THE CAR IS MOVING AND IT IS LEAKING WHAT I BELIEVE IS TRANSMISSION FLUID FROM THE REAR END. FORD DENIES HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THAT PARTICULAR CAR THOUGH I HAVE FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINS ON LINE ABOUT TRANSMISSION AND DRIVE TRAIN FAILURES IN THIS PARTICULAR MODEL. A RELIABLE MECHANIC HAS TOLD ME THAT THE DRIVE TRAIN CAN SEIZE UP AN ANY TIME. IF THIS HAPPENS ON AN INTERSTATE DOESN'T THIS QUALIFY AS A SAFETY CONCERN? *TR
Steering, Power train, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 2, 2008
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT FROM DRIVE TO PARK, THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO CHANGE GEARS. THE ENGINE REMAINED RUNNING WITH IT IN DRIVE. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF & IT COULD NOT BE RESTARTED (IE, IGNITION/INTERLOCK SYSTEM). THE STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T TURN EITHER. THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN (NOT JUST SMALL BROKEN PIECE) HAD TO BE REPLACED (COST=$1372, $897 FOR PARTS). AS OF 7/2/08, 61 EXACTLY THE SAME INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED VIA COMPLAINTS FILED WITH NHTSA WEBSITE. SOME VEHICLES COMPLAINED ABOUT HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PART FAILURE TWICE. THESE COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED UNDER THE COMPONENTS - STEERING: COLUMN, POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL), POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: LEVER AND LINKAGE: COLUMN SHIFT, STEERING: GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION), STEERING: GEAR BOX: SHAFT SECTOR, STEERING: WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR, OTHER OR UNKNOWN THIS IS AN OBVIOUS DESIGN AND/OR MFG/MATERIAL DEFECT & IT CORRELATES (IN MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS) WITH ANOTHER DEFECT - VERY DIFFICULT SHIFTING OF GEAR LEVER TO OR FROM ?PARK? & ?REVERSE?. 61 REPORTED INCIDENTS OF THE PARTS FAILURE ARE SIGNIFICANT, BUT THERE ARE OBVIOUSLY FAR MORE THAN HAVE BEEN REPORTED VIA NHTSA COMPLAINTS. THE DEFECTIVE GEAR SHIFT PART POSES SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS. IF THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER BREAKS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS ON A STREET OR EXPRESSWAY (BUT STOPPED MOMENTARILY BY NECESSITY), THE DRIVER WOULD BE UNABLE TO CHANGE GEARS OR PUSH AND/OR STEER IT TO SAFETY, THEREBY CREATING A DANGEROUS TRAFFIC SITUATION WITH A HIGH POTENTIAL FOR BODILY INJURY. NHTSA HAS MORE THAN ADEQUATE DATA TO INITIATE A DEFECT INVESTIGATION & SHOULD IMMEDIATELY REQUIRE FORD TO PROVIDE A FULL DISCLOSURE OF THE NUMBER OF STEERING COLUMNS THAT IT HAS SOLD AS A RESULT OF THIS DEFECT. I HAVE THE OLD STEERING COLUMN (AND THE BROKEN PIECE) AS WELL AS SEVERAL PICTURES OF THEM. *TR
Power train, Jul 1, 2008
THE GEARSHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF WHILE SHIFTING INTO PARK. NO EXCESSIVE PRESSURE WAS EXERTED AT THIS TIME OR ANY OTHER TO MY KNOWLEDGE. FORTUNATELY THIS OCCURRED IN MY DRIVEWAY BUT I FEAR THIS FAILURE COULD HAVE HAPPENED DURING A GEAR CHANGE ON THE ROAD (FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE, OR VICE VERSA IN A TRAFFIC SITUATION). MY REPAIR SHOP SAID THE PARTS TO REPAIR THIS WERE BACK ORDERED, APPARENTLY DUE TO FREQUENT FAILURES. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Jun 29, 2008
NOISE AND FLUID LEAKAGE IN REAR DIAGNOSED BY LOCAL MECHANIC AS FAILING WHEEL BEARING AND DIFFERENTIAL SEAL. REPLACED DIFFERENTIAL SEAL AND ONE REAR WHEEL BEARING AT 57,000 MILES. AT 69,000 REPLACED ONE FRONT WHEEL BEARING BECAUSE OF NOISE. AT 80,000 MECHANIC REPORTED THAT BOTH REAR SPRINGS HAD CORRODED AT THEIR UPPER ENDS AND CRACKED THROUGH. BOTH THESE ISSUES ARE COMMON ON 2002 MODELS BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS IN THE DATA BASE. *TR
Structure, Jun 28, 2008
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME MY REAR PANEL BELOW THE WINDOW HATCH ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS CRACKED. THIS TIME IT CRACKED AND FLEW OFF ON THE HIGHWAY. 2 VEHICLES BEHIND ME HAD TO DODGE THE DEBRIS, AND FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO ACCIDENTS. *TR
Power train, Jun 27, 2008
O/D LIGHT CAME ON IN CAR,,, ACORDING TO FORDS DRIVERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM,,,NOTHING IS BRING DONE ABOUT THIS,, WHICH LEAVES ON BIG PROBLEM FOR THE COSUMERS LIKE MY SELF ! AND FORD IS FULL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM !
Power train, Jun 27, 2008
I BOUGHT A 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN JULY OF 2007 IN JAN OF THE NEXT YEAR OUR O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND WE LOST 3RD GEAR. SO WE NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. AFTER GETTING ONLINE AND SEEING HUNDREDS OF OTHER PROBLEMS THAT ARE ALMOST EXACTLY THE SAME ITS HARD TO UNDERSTAND WHY FORD WON'T ISSUE A RECALL, THIS IS OUR ONLY VEHICLE TO DRIVE 3 KIDS AROUND IN AND WE ARE STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON SOMETHING THAT JUST SITS BECAUSE WE CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX IT.
Power train, Jun 26, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED, 4WD, 4.6L - 84,000 MILES: REAR DIFFERENTIAL UNIT WHINING/ROARING FOR A FEW MONTHS AND GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. I HAVE MECHANICAL BACKGROUND AND LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE ON RACK WITH MECHANIC. REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS OBVIOUSLY VERY BAD AND I AM LUCKY I DID NOT TAKE MY FAMILY ON VACATION WITH THIS PROBLEM AS IF THE WHEELS WOULD HAVE LOCKED AT HIGHWAY SPEED IT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT/INJURY. I HAVE NOT HEARD OF PROBLEMS SUCH AS THESE WITH REGULAR/EASY USE AT SUCH LOW MILES AND WITH PROPER MAINTENANCE (AS I HAVE DONE). I HAVE ALSO REPLACED LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING AND AM SUSPICIOUS OF RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING, WHICH WILL BE EVALUATED AFTER REPAIR OF REAR DIFFERENTIAL. *TR
Power train, Jun 26, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Structure, Jun 26, 2008
MARCH '07: REAR GATE SPLIT UNDER WINDOW DECEMBER '07 THROUGH JAN '08: REAR DIFFERENTIAL REBUILT TWICE, REAR AXEL HUBS AND BEARINGS REPLACED; DIFFERENTIAL NOISE STILL LOUD JUNE '08: TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED. *TR
Power train, Latches/locks/linkages, Service brakes, Electric, Jun 25, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER, O/D LIGHT IS BLINKING, CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT STAYS ON CONTINUOUSLY. REAR END MAKES NOISE, ABS LIGHT STAYS ON. TRUCK SHIFTS HARD FROM REVERSE TO FORWARD. SHIFTS HARD AND MAKES CLUNCKING SOUND FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR AND WILL NOT GO IN TO OVER-DRIVE AT ALL. *TR
Steering, Jun 25, 2008
THE GEAR SHIFT ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER BROKE OFF THE STEERING COLUMN. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS BEFORE THIS OCCURRED. I WAS IN THE CAR WITH MY 3 YEAR OLD SON & MY WIFE WHO IS 8 MONTHS PREGNANT. I PULLED OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AT A FRIEND'S HOUSE IN REVERSE, WHEN I PROCEEDED TO PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF THE STEERING COLUMN. MY CAR WAS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD ON REVERSE. I HAD TO TURN OF THE ENGINE TO BE ABLE TO PUSH IT OUT OF HARMS WAY AND COULD NO LONGER TURN IT ON BECAUSE IT WAS STUCK ON THE REVERSE GEAR. I HAD TO GET THE CAR TOWED TO MY HOUSE, FIND A MECHANIC THAT COULD HELP ME BECAUSE MY CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND THEN HAVE IT TOWED TO THE MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC HAD TO CHANGE THE STEERING COLUMN BECAUSE FORD DOES NOT SELL THE SINGLE PART TO FIX THE GEAR SHIFT, THEY ONLY SELL THE ENTIRE COLUMN. THE MECHANIC GOT ME A GOOD DEAL ON THE COLUMN AND THE TOTAL COST OF THE REPAIR WAS $360 AS OPPOSED TO THE $850 THAT FORD WANTED TO CHARGE FOR THE PART. THERE IS A DATABASE ONLINE OF NUMEROUS FORD EXPLORER 2002 OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. HERE IS THE LINK: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/STEERING/GEAR_SHIFT_BROKE_OFF.SHTML THIS IS A DEFECT THAT THREATENS THE SAFETY OF DRIVERS AND THEIR FAMILIES AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED, RECALLED AND THE VICTIMS OF THIS DILEMMA SHOULD BE REIMBURSED BY FORD FOR THEIR EXPENSES. *TR
Structure, Jun 25, 2008
I HAVE PROBLEMS CLOSING THE BACK WINDOW. YESTERDAY I WAS SIMPLY TRYING TO CLOSE THE BACK WINDOW, THEN ABOUT 1/3 WAY DOWN OUT OF NO WHERE THE BACK WINDOW SHATTERED ALL OVER ME FOR THE SECOND TIME! VERY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY AROUND CHILDREN. (GOOD THING MY CHILDREN WERE ABOUT 15FT AWAY, BUT THEY WITNESS THE WHOLE THING). THE FIRST TIME THE WINDOW SHATTERED, IT WAS MAYBE AROUND 2004-05. (I CAN VERIFY UPON REQUEST). SUPPOSEDLY DEALERSHIP FIXED THE PROBLEM. (YEAH RIGHT!) VERY DISAPPOINTED IN FORD!! *TR
Visibility, Structure, Jun 23, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE REAR TAILGATE HATCH WINDOW WAS A QUARTER OF THE WAY DOWN, THE CONTACT'S SON RETRIEVED ITEMS FROM THE TRUNK AND THE MIDDLE PIECE OF THE REAR END WAS LITERALLY HANGING OFF. THE WINDOW GLASS SHATTERED EVERYWHERE. HIS SON WAS UNINJURED, BUT THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED IF NO PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE WINDOW ITSELF. THE CONTACT DROVE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, NOR A RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 136,739.
Suspension, Jun 23, 2008
REAR HUB BEARINGS SHOT AND VERY COSTLY TO REPAIR. THIS IS HAPPENING ON 2002 FORD EXPLORERS IN GREAT NUMBERS AND SHOULD BE RESOLVED BY A RECALL. PLEASE REFER TO HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/WHEELS_HUBS/WHEEL_BEARING_FAILURE.SHTML WHERE AMONG OTHERS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS ISSUE ARE POSTED. *TR
Power train, Jun 22, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 36,000 MILES. *TR
Suspension, Jun 19, 2008
I WAS DRIVING HOME AND TURNED THE CORNER AND THIS CLANKING NOISE BEGAN COMING FROM THE REAR WHEEL OF MY TRUCK. I TOOK THE TIRE OFF TO CHECK THE BRAKE CALIPERS AND AND WERE SPINNING THE HUB AND GOT RESISTANCE AND CLANKING SOUNDS. I WENT TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THE LEFT REAR BEARINGS HAD GONE OUT. *TR
Suspension, Jun 18, 2008
REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WORN OUT ON FORD EXPLORER. LOOKS TO BE A HUGE PROBLEM WITH THEM. IT SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM TO BE FIXED. LUCKILY NO ACCIDENT/OR INJURIES!!! *TR