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, Jun 18, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AT 128,000 MILES. CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR PROPERLY. $3500 TO REPLACE AT DEALER. *TR
Suspension, Jun 18, 2008
SEVERE WHEEL BEARING ISSUES SINCE DAY ONE. HUB ASSEMBLY MADE LOUD NOISE AND THE WHEELS MAY HAVE FELL OFF BECAUSE OF POOR DESIGN OF BEARING ASSEMBLY. MATHEWS FORD ASSURED US IT WAS NORMAL FOR 4X4 EXPLORERS TO MAKE SUCH NOISE, AND HAVE NOT REVISITED THE PROBLEM FROM 2002 UNTIL NOW. BEARINGS WERE CHECKED ON ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON JUNE 17 2008 AND WERE FOUND TO BE FAILING ACCORDING TO MATHEWS FORD MECHANIC. AT 52,000 MILES THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS AND SPINDLE WERE REPLACED DUE TO THIS DEFECT. *TR
Power train, Wheels, Jun 18, 2008
TRANSMISSION IN 2002 FORD EXPLORER FAILED W/O WARNING. DIRECTLY (3 DAYS) AFTER GETTING IT BACK FROM TRANSMISSION SHOP, BOTH REAR HUB ASSEMBLIES WENT. AGAIN, SEEMINGLY OVERNIGHT. MY WIFE SAID, "IT FEELS LIKE THE WHEELS ARE GOING TO FALL OFF." SERVICE SHOP SAID, "IT'S A WONDER THE WHEELS DIDN'T FALL OFF." DID THIS THING JUST SELF-DESTRUCT OR WHAT? FORD NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THESE UNTIMELY FAILURES. I HAVE THREE SMALL CHILDREN. UPDATED 06/25/08
Suspension, Visibility, Equipment, Jun 18, 2008
WE OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT WE PURCHASED USED WITH 40,000 MILES ON IT. SINCE PURCHASE WE HAVE HAD 3 POWER WINDOW MOTORS GO BAD, BOTH REAR BEARINGS REPLACED, THE BACK DOOR PANEL IS CRACKED, THE A/C DOESN'T WORK, AND NOW IT LOOKS AS IF THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING BAD. IF SO MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS VEHICLE HAVE ALL THE SAME PROBLEMS HOW CAN THERE BE NO RECALL? *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Interior lighting, Jun 16, 2008
DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON. RECYCLED ENGINE CHECKED ALL DOORS AND AGAIN LIGHT COMES ON. OR WHILE DRIVING, THE DOORS AUTOMATICALLY UNLOCK. THE ALARM SOUNDS FOR NO REASON SOMETIMES. SOMETIMES THE INTERIOR LIGHTS COMES ON AND STAYS ON USUALLY WHEN I HAVE TROUBLE WITH THE DOOR AJAR ISSUES. *TR
Power train, Jun 16, 2008
TRANSMISSION SLIPPED WHILE SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD. AT NEXT LIGHT, WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM 2ND TO 3RD UNTIL I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS. VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT LEFT THE GROUND AS IT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT FROM 2ND TO 3RD. NOTICED OD/OFF LIGHT FLASHING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I HAVE BEEN QUOTED NEW TRANNY FOR 3,814.18, REAR BRAKES, REAR END NOISE, EGR SYSTEM CODE A 5,000.00 REPAIR AND THE SUV IS ONLY WORTH 7 GRAND. *TR
Power train, Jun 12, 2008
DRIVING WHEN THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. THE CAR WOULDN'T GO INTO 3RD GEAR, CAUSING THE CAR TO REV REAL HIGH AND SLOW DOWN. TOTAL REPAIR FOR A REBUILT TRANSMISSION $2,500.00. *TR
Suspension, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Visibility, Jun 12, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER- A NIGHTMARE OF PROBLEMS THAT KEEP GETTING WORSE. IT HAS 56K MILES ON IT AND I AM ABOUT TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. FUEL PUMP , 2 REAR SPRINGS, 2 WHEEL BEARINGS AND THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW MOTOR HAVE ALREADY BEEN REPLACED. NEITHER OF THE 2 REAR WINDOWS ROLL DOWN AND THE BACK HATCH LIFT REPLACE ON RECALL IS BROKEN YET AGAIN. THIS IS THE BIGGEST HUNK OF JUNK ON 4 WHEELS. FORD NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING. THANK GOD I DIDN'T BUY IT NEW BECAUSE THAT REALLY WOULD HAVE BEEN A RIP OFF. *TR
Suspension, Jun 11, 2008
ALL FOUR WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED REPLACED ON MY 02' FORD EXPLORER PREMATURELY IN MY OPINION AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT ON INTERNET CHAT ROOMS AND WEB SITES. THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS CAN BE DANGEROUS WHEN THEY FAIL DUE TO THE TIRE WOBBLING ON THE AXLE WITHOUT WARNING. THESE REPAIRS ARE EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE ALSO AND HARD TO DO FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON IF THEY WANT TO SAVE MONEY. *TR
Power train, Jun 11, 2008
INDICATOR LIGHTS FLASHING ON AND OFF ,TRANSMISSION RATTLING NOISE AND FAILURE AT 99,000 MILES. *TR
Structure, Jun 10, 2008
LAST SUMMER 2007, I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC PANEL BENEATH THE REAR WINDOW IN MY FORD EXPLORER. I TOOK IT INTO A BODY SHOP TO ASK HOW THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD SEEN SEVERAL FORD EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME DEFECT AND THAT THE PART HAD BEEN RECALLED BY THE MANUFACTURER. I LOOKED UP ONLINE THE RECALL AND SAW THAT IT WAS FOR THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL OF MY EXPLORER SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY RAN THE VIN NUMBER AND SAID THAT MY PARTICULAR CAR WASN'T A PART OF THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE SAME EXACT PART AND CAR. I THEN CALLED THE FORD NATIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE AND FILED A COMPLAINT AND THEY DID NOTHING ABOUT IT. I WAS TOLD BY 2 AUTOSHOPS THAT IF I DON'T GET THE PART REPLACED IT COULD CRACK COMPLETELY AND THE WINDOW CAN FALL OUT OF THE CAR. *TR *DT*JB *DT *TR
Air bags, Jun 10, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE SIDE AIR BAGS SUDDENLY DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE FORD MANUFACTURER SHOULD REPLACE THE AIR BAGS FOR FREE DUE TO THE FAILURE BEING TECHNICAL IN NATURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,544 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,400.
Power train, Equipment, Jun 10, 2008
WHEEL BEARINGS AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 9, 2008
VEHICLE ID NO. 05S28 (FORD EXPLORER TRAM SPORT 2002) FORD RECALL FUEL CURRIER. THEY STILL NOT REPLY ME IN EMAIL SO LONG ALMOST ONE YEAR AND I HAD CONTACT THEM THREE TIMES AND THEY SAID THEY DON'T HAVE PARTS. I DON'T KNOW WHO WILL AUTHORIZE TO FIX MY TRUCK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I AM HEARING IMPAIRED AND I HAVE HARD TO CONTACT THEM. I GIVE YOU INFORMATION NAME OF DEALER AND LOCATION AS FOLLOW: SAM PACK'S FIVE STAR FORD JONATHAN PANKREZ HIS EMAIL IS JONATHAN.PANKREZ@5STARFORD.COM PLEASE CONTACT ME MY EMAIL SUBMARINE54@AOL.COM THANKS, DAVID *TR
Power train, Equipment, Other or unspecified, Jun 9, 2008
FORD EXPLORER REAR DIFFERENTIAL - REPLACED 3 X'S OVER 6 YEARS. *TR
Steering, Jun 8, 2008
MY STEERING COLUMN SHIFTER BROKE WHILE TRYING TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK. IT WAS STUCK IN REVERSE SO I HAD TO TAKE THE COLUMN APART AND FIGURE HOW TO CHANGE GEARS AND GET MY KEYS OUT. FOUND OUT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO NUMEROUS PEOPLE WITH THIS STEERING COLUMN/GEAR SHIFT. WHY MAKE TWO THINGS THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH EACH OTHER BE TOGETHER ON THE SAME HARDWARE IS BEYOND ME. THIS PART SHOULD'VE BEEN BOLTED ON SO IT CAN BE REPLACED EASILY. *TR
Suspension, Jun 5, 2008
WELL, THE WIFE BOUGHT THIS PRE OWNED 2002 FORD EXPLORER. 10 MONTHS AGO. WE STARTED GETTING ROAD NOISE AFTER AN OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION. I THOUGHT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR TIRES BEING CUPPED, AND PLACED ON THE FRONT. WE LET THAT GO, I THEN TOLD THE WIFE TO GO GET NEW TIRES. THEY TELL HERE AFTERWARDS, THAT BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS ARE BROKEN, AND WOULD BE $660.00 DOLLARS TO FIX. SO I TOLD HER, TO JUST BRING THE EXPLORER TO ME, ILL FIX IT. SO AFTER A DAY OF WEB SEARCHES I FIND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL, JUST LIKE THE MAN AT TIREMAN SAID. AND THESE COIL SPRINGS ARE OF COURSE MADE IN CHINA. THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS, I ALWAYS FELT THE REAR END SWAY WHEN GOING OVER SPEED BUMPS AT 10 MPH. AND NEVER KNEW THE SPRINGS WERE BROKEN FOR ALMOST A YEAR. AND NOBODY ELSE I READ ABOUT ONLINE KNEW, UNTIL A MECHANIC TOLD THEM AFTER OTHER REPAIRS WERE BEING DONE. I JUST HOPE THIS DOESN'T COST SOMEONE THEIR LIFE CHANGING LANES ONE THE EXPRESSWAY, GOING 65 MPH FROM THE REAR END GETTING SLOPPY AND ROLLING OVER. ALL BECAUSE FORD PUT CHEAP REAR COIL SPRING ON THEIR EXPLORERS. IF U SEARCH FORD COIL SPRINGS, IT LOOKS LIKE ALL THEIR MAKES AND MODELS HAVE THIS MAJOR PROBLEM. THIS COULD BE FIRESTONE TIRES ALL OVER AGAIN FOR FORD. *TR
Wheels, Equipment, Jun 4, 2008
I HAVE HAD 4 WHEEL BEARING/HUB ASSEMBLY UNITS FAIL ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLOYER. THE FIRST TO GO WAS AFTER ONLY 20K MILES. THE CAR NOW HAS ~70K MILES AND IN THE SHOP NOW FOR THE SAME REPAIR. A VERY COSTLY REPAIR AND VERY DANGEROUS SITUITION. FORD WILL NOT EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE IT IS A PROBELM BUT UNDERSTAND IS HAS BEEN AN ON-GOING PROBLEM WITH MANY CUSTOMERS.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 4, 2008
WHILE PARKING MY CAR BETWEEN TWO OTHER CARS, I SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO FORWARD TO ADJUST MY CAR TO THE MIDDLE OF THE PARKING SPACE. I HAD MY FOOT LIGHTLY ON THE BRAKE SO THAT THE IDLE SPEED WOULD INCH MY CAR FORWARD A LITTLE. WHEN I SHIFTED TO FORWARD, MY CAR LUNGED FORWARD 2 TO 3 FEET. BECAUSE MY FOOT WAS ALREADY ON THE BRAKE, I WAS ABLE TO HIT THE BRAKE HARD. THE CAR STOPPED WITHIN A FEW INCHES OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Jun 4, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE OXYGEN SENSOR CAUSED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE AND THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED AT 40,000 MILES. THE DEALER PROMISED OVER THE PHONE TO REPAIR BOTH THE RECALL AND THE ENGINE LIGHT, BUT LATER DENIED SERVICE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS 24,000 MILES OVER THE LIMIT TO REPAIR THE OXYGEN SENSOR. THE TECHNICIAN DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH TO PREVENT A FIRE FROM OCCURRING UNTIL THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL WERE AVAILABLE. A YEAR HAS PASSED AND THE DEALER STILL DOES NOT HAVE THE PARTS FOR THE REPAIR. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Power train, Jun 4, 2008
MY WIFE AND I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE VEHICLE O/D LIGHTS STARTED BLINKING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AS WELL. THE SUV THEN JUST QUIT. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND IT HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. AFTER READING MANY OTHER WEB SITES THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE AND MODEL YEAR. FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, EVEN GOING SO FAR AS ISSUING A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ABOUT IT. IF IT HAS BECOME STANDARD PRACTICE FOR THESE TRANSMISSIONS TO FAIL THEN FORD NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIRS. *TR
Seats, Jun 3, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT DETACHED FROM THE BASE, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO FALL BACK AGAINST THE REAR SEATS. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, HE NOTICED THAT THE SEAT WOULD ONLY RECLINE IN ONE VERTICAL POSITION. THERE WAS NO CRASH INVOLVED AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 85,000.
Suspension, May 30, 2008
MY VEHICLE HAS 79K MILES ON IT AND I HAVE ALL FOUR OF THE WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED ONCE AND THE LEFT REAR BEARING REPLACED TWICE. I HAVE NEVER TOWED A TRAILER, DRIVEN THROUGH STANDING WATER OR OVERLOADED THE VEHICLE AT ANY TIME. THE COMMENTS ON THE INTERNET WOULD INDICATE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE 2002 EXPLORER. THIS PROBLEM COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE NOT HAD TO REPLACE WHEEL BEARINGS ON OTHER VEHICLES AND I SUSPECT THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS WELL AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE DEALER WAS VERY GOOD. I DO NOT HOLD JOE COTTON FORD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DEFICIENCIES WITH MY VEHICLE. *TR
Suspension, May 30, 2008
THERE IS A LOUD WHINING SOUND FROM BACK END AND GET LOUDER THE MORE YOU ACCELERATE. THE REAR END OR BEARINGS NEED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Power train, May 29, 2008
WE OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH A V6 ENGINE. IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 149,000 MILES BUT HAS BEEN WELL-MAINTAINED. ON 5/24/08 WE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF OUR TRANSMISSION WHEN DRIVING IN DOWNTOWN SEATTLE. THE O/D LIGHT WOULD BLINK AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. ATTEMPTS TO RESOLVE THIS FOUND THAT FIRST GEAR WAS AVAILABLE IF WE WOULD ONLY GO FOR ABOUT 100 YARDS AT BEST. WE ENDED UP HAVING IT TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED IT AS A TOTAL FAILURE AND REQUIRED A FULL REBUILD. HE ALSO FOUND THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN MAINTAINED TO SPEC AND THERE WERE NO SERVICE-RELATED ISSUES. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHEN WE WERE ON I-5 OR GOING UP A STEEP HILL (OF WHICH THERE ARE MANY IN SEATTLE) THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM. AS IT WAS, A FAMILY OF 5 WAS LEFT STRANDED ON A LONG HOLIDAY WEEKEND BY A PROBLEM THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED. *TR