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, May 29, 2008
HAD TO HAVE TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED AND NOW OR STILL HAVE A WHINE THAT I FEAR IS COMING FROM THE REAR END. *TR
Steering, Suspension, May 29, 2008
NEEDED LOWER TIEROD ENDS REPLACED AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE RUSTED AND BROKEN. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Vehicle speed control, May 29, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED APPROXIMATELY 1.5 YEARS AGO, SHE HAS HAD TO TAPE THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR SHUT TO KEEP IT FROM OPENING WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE OCCURS AT SPEEDS OF 35 MPH OR LOWER. THE DEALER CLAIMED THAT THEY WOULD REPAIR THE DOOR AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Suspension, May 28, 2008
REAR COIL SPRINGS (LEFT & RIGHT) HAVE BOTH RUSTED THROUGH AND ARE ONLY HELD IN PLACE BY THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Suspension, May 28, 2008
REAR BEARINGS IN 2002 FORD EXPLORER. MAJOR GRINDING AND LOUD SCRATCHING NOISES COMING FROM DRIVERS SIDE REAR END. I SEE THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER, AND THAT POSSIBLE FATALITIES COULD OCCUR BY THE TIRE FALLING OFF. I HAVE 3 CHILDREN, ALL UNDER 10 YEARS OLD, AND THIS IS MY PRIMARY VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, May 27, 2008
AT 75,000 MILES, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE AN EXTREME GRINDING NOISE IN THE REAR. TOOK TO A CAR REPAIR SHOP AND THEY INDICATED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS SHOT. ALL THE BEARINGS IN ALL FOUR WHEELS WERE SHOT. THE CAR REPAIRMAN INDICATED THAT HE HAS SEEN MANY OF EXPLORERS COME IN WITH THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM. TO MAKE MATTERS EVEN WORSE, THE PARTS ARE NOT ENGINEERED TO REPAIR ECONOMICALLY. YOU MUST BUY ALL NEW ASSEMBLIES JUST TO REPAIR BEARINGS. THE TOTAL COST OF THE REPAIR IS $2,500. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 27, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH AND ACCELERATING TO 60 MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY ROARED AND BEGAN RACING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED OTHER VEHICLES TO SWERVE AROUND HER TO AVOID CRASHING. SHE ACTIVATED THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND PULLED OFF THE ROAD. SHE ATTEMPTED TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE, BUT EVEN WITH THE KEYS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION, THE ENGINE STILL RACED FOR APPROXIMATELY ANOTHER 30 SECONDS UNTIL IT FINALLY STOPPED. THE CONTACT GRABBED HER CHILDREN, EXITED THE VEHICLE, AND WAITED FOR SOMEONE TO COME PICK HER UP. SHE LATER CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HER HOUSE. THE VEHICLE REMAINS AT HER RESIDENCE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 51,761. UPDATE 06/10/08 *BF
Power train, May 27, 2008
WITH IN THE FIRST YEAR OF HAVING MY VEHICLE I HAD TO HAVE 2 TRANSMISSION REPAIRS. WITHIN THE NEXT YEAR IT WAS DONE AGAIN AND THEN I STARTED TO COMPLAIN ABOUT NOISES AND A THUMPING COMING FROM THE REAR DURING ACCELERATION. I NOW KNOW THAT THE THUMPING IS DUE TO THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND AXLE NEEDING REPAIRS. NOW THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THIS IS GOING TO COST ME ABOUT $1,000.00 NOT TO MENTION THAT I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION DONE ALSO AT A COST OF $400.00 THERE ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME COMPLAINT THAT I HAVE NOTICED ON THE INTERNET AND I THINK THAT SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE. *TR
Visibility, May 27, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO OPEN THE LIFT GATE SHE WAS ABLE TO OPEN IT, AS A RESULT, THE HINGE BROKE AND THE BAR THAT HELD THE GLASS BROKE THEN THE GLASS SHATTERED. AS OF MAY 27, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 101,000.
Suspension, May 26, 2008
PURCHASED VEHICLE USED IN APRIL 2007 - VEHICLE WAS CERTIFIED BY THE DEALER PRIOR TO THE PURCHASE, I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND TEST DROVE IT. THERE WERE NO ISSUES AT THIS TIME. OVER THE LAST 3 MONTHS, BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS ARE BROKEN. THE RIGHT SIDE IS BROKEN IN MULTIPLE PIECES AND DAMAGED THE STRUT. I HAVE DONE ZERO TOWING / HAULING ANYTHING OTHER THAN PEOPLE. THE VEHICLE IS DIFFICULT TO HANDLE WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD - FEELS LIKE YOU ARE GOING TO LOSE CONTROL. I HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THEY ORIGINALLY CRACKED/BROKE. I NOTICED A LOUD NOISE IN THE REAR AND FINALLY DID SOME ONLINE RESEARCH AND THEN TOOK IT TO A SHOP. A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 24, 2008
WHILE DRIVING OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER IT STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING AND WOULD NOT START. CAR HAD TO BE PUSHED OFF TO THE SIDE AND TOWED TO DEALER. THE MECHANIC SAID IT PROBABLY BROKE A VALVE SPRING WHICH CAUSED MASSIVE INTERNAL ENGINE DAMAGE. THE TRUCK HAS ONLY 49,000 MILES ON IT AND FORD BASICALLY TOLD US IT'S OUR PROBLEM. THEY REFUSE TO CONTRIBUTE ANYTHING TO THE ESTIMATED REPAIR OF $4,800.00. *TR
Parking brake, May 23, 2008, fire
WAS DRIVING MY 2002 FORD EXPLODER, WHEN I EXCITED THE VEHICLE I SAW SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL. I GRABBED MY SON AND GOT HIM FROM THE VEHICLE. A PASSERBY CAME OVER TO HELP GET MY SON FROM THE VEHICLE. HE INFORMED ME THAT MY EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD SEIZED ON. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW THIS HAPPENED WHEN I HAVE NOT USED MY EMERGENCY BRAKE. FIRE DEPT CALLED AND VEHICLE IS NOW SITTING IN A PARKING LOT. UNTIL I CAN GET THE MONEY TO REPAIR IT. *TR
Visibility, May 23, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. SHE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME FOR THE GLASS ON THE REAR WINDOW WAS CRACKED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NO LONGER PROVIDE A FREE REMEDY FOR THE VISIBILITY: GLASS, SIDE/REAR (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #01I010000). AS OF MAY 23, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 73,000.
Structure, May 22, 2008
I WAS LOADING GROCERIES INTO THE BACK OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WHEN THE LIFTGATE WINDOW EXPLODED. THE HINGE ON THE LIFTGATE HAD ACTUALLY BROKEN, SHATTERING GLASS EVERYWHERE. MY HAND WAS CUT AND I WAS HIT IN THE HEAD BY THE LIFTGATE. WHILE DEVASTATING, IT COULD HAVE BEEN TRAGIC. I HAD THE HINGES AND LIFTGATE SERVICED AND REPAIRED SEVERAL YEARS AGO DUE TO A RECALL ISSUED BY FORD FOR A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. APPARENTLY, THE PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED WITH OTHER DEFECTIVE PARTS OR WASN'T REPAIRED AT ALL. WHEN I CONTACTED FORD, THEY REFUSED TO PAY FOR REPAIRS AND REFERRED ME TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY, WHO SAID IT WAS A FORD PROBLEM. I AM STUCK WITH THE 1,400.00 BILL BUT FORD LOSES MY BUSINESS. *TR
Power train, May 22, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILED IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER..I WISH I WOULD HAVE RESEARCHED THE 2002 BEFORE I PURCHASED THE CAR. IF I KNEW THEN WHAT I KNOW NOW I WOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT THIS TRUCK. THIS IS THE SECOND ISSUE I'VE HAD WITH FORD, MY 1996 FORD EXPLORER HAD THE ISSUES WITH THE TIRES AND IT TOOK PEOPLE LOSING THEIR LIVES BEFORE FORD AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FINALLY RECALLED THE TIRES ON THE TRUCKS. I GAVE FORD ANOTHER CHANCE AND PURCHASED MY SECOND FORD EXPLORER..NEVER AGAIN WILL I EVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD EXPLORER OR ANY OTHER FORD PRODUCTS. I WILL NOT EVEN GET THE TRANS FIXED , I TRADED THE TRUCK IN FOR A CHEVY AND WILL NEVER PURCHASE FORD AGAIN. IF YOU LOOK ALL THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE TRANS , WHY WOULD FORD AND FEDS WAIT TO RECALL THESE CARS? *TR
Suspension, Power train, May 22, 2008
TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP WITH NO WARNING AND COMPLETELY WENT OUT ON MY WIFE'S WAY TO WORK. THIS HAPPENED AT 98,000 MILES. NOW THERE IS A ISSUE WITH THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE MODULE TWO YEARS EARLIER. *TR
Structure, May 21, 2008
CRACK ON REAR HATCH OF VEHICLE, THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT IT HAS HAPPENED. FIRST TIME IT WAS REPLACED AT OUR COST. *TR
Suspension, Parking brake, May 21, 2008
BOTH REAR SPRING CRUMBLED. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, May 20, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT, A COUPLE WEEKS AGO I WENT TO OPEN THE BACK LIFT GLASS, AND THE WINDOW FELL, AND COMBUSTION IN THOUSANDS OF LITTLE PIECES, RIGHT IN MY FACE! I HAVE PICTURES, ANYWAY I PROCEEDED TO TAKE MY VEHICLE TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY IN HORSEHEADS, NY, THEY REPLACED THE WINDOW DUE TO THE EXPLOSION, AND I HAVE HAD MY TRUCK BACK THERE 4 TIMES BECAUSE THEY WIRED IT WRONG, AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, IF MY WIRING FROM THE BACK WINDSHIELD TO THE DASH OF MY TRUCK DOES NOT GET FIXED I AM SORRY TO SAY THAT I WILL BE FORCED TO OBTAIN AN ATTORNEY FOR FORD! PLEASE HELP!!!!!! *TR
Power train, May 19, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER, I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE TRUCK JUST STARTED STALLING AND THE O/D LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. I ALMOST WAS HIT FROM BEHIND, AND THE VEHICLE ALMOST LOST CONTROL. AFTER PULLING OVER, AND PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK, AND TURNING THE O/D BACK ON, THE TRUCK HESITATED TO GO INTO 1ST GEAR. NOW IT WON'T DRIVE NORMAL, AND I KEEP GETTING THE STAGGERED SHIFTING. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY FAILURE I BELIEVE, AS IT MAY EASILY CAUSE A CRASH. *TR
Power train, May 19, 2008
I BOUGHT MY FORD EXPLORER XLS ON FEB 5 2005. COMPLAINED ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION AT TIME OF PURCHASE AND THEY SAID THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG. ABOUT 6 MONTHS LATER I HAD IT CHECKED AT ANOTHER DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE SHIFTER SOLENOID WAS BAD. I HAD IT REPLACED FOR A PRICE OF 2100.00 TO GO 50 MILES DOWN THE ROAD AND SAME THING STARTED AGAIN. THEY THEN SAID IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION ITSELF. NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS FROM DAY ONE AND NO ONE AT FORD CARES. NOW I AM PAYING FOR SOMETHING THAT I CANT DRIVE CAUSE I CANT AFFORD TO HAVE IT FIXED. PLEASE HELP ME. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, May 17, 2008
THE FORD RECALL FOR CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH IS A JOKE. I JUST HAD THE DEALERSHIP PERFORM THE REPAIR ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC AND WAS SURPRISED TO FIND THEY ONLY INSTALLED A FUSED JUMPER INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE FAILING SWITCH. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE NOT ONLY BECAUSE OF THE POTENTIAL FOR FIRE BUT ALSO THE SWITCH FAILURE COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID PRESSURE. WITH THE JUMPER INSTALLED A FAILURE WOULD BLOW THE FUSE AND REMOVE THE SWITCH FROM OVERHEATING BUT THE SWITCH COULD STILL LEAK BRAKE FLUID ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD. I TALKED WITH THE SERVICE REP AND ASKED WHY FORD DOESN'T REPLACE THE SWITCH. HE STATED " GOOD QUESTION, PROBABLY BECAUSE THE JUMPER IS CHEAPER " . AFTER SPENDING $30,000.00 FOR A VEHICLE YOU WOULD THINK REPLACEMENT OF THE SWITCH WOULD BE A MINIMAL COST TO THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY. I WAS CONSIDERING GETTING A NEW FORD SPORT TRAC BUT WILL LOOK TO ANOTHER MANUFACTURER FOR MY NEXT VEHICLE. FORDS SAFETY AWARENESS AND RESPONSIBILITY SUCKS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 15, 2008
I HAVE 2002 FORD XLT EXPLORER. 102K MILES NOW. I HAD ISSUE WITH THROTTLE CABLE STICKING BACK IN FEB 2008. WOULD NOT DECELERATE PROPERLY DRIVING HOME IN THE EVENING, THROTTLE STUCK OPEN. CAME CLOSE TO REAR ENDING ANOTHER VEHICLE. TRACED THE PROBLEM TO WHAT WAS THAT THE INNER LINER OF THE THROTTLE CABLE HAD BACKED OUT IN THE DRIVER COMPARTMENT APPRX 2 INCHES AND NOT ALLOWING THE CABLE TO RETRACT CORRECTLY. I REMOVED THAT SECTION OF THE LINER. AFTER RESEARCH FOUND THAT NHTSA ACTION NUMBER : PE05037 MATCHED MY PROBLEM EXACTLY. PLEASE NOTE HERE THAT MY ISSUE OCCURRED AFTER A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME THAN WHAT AS NOTED IN PE05037, YOU MAY HAVE TO OPEN NEW INVESTIGATION USING LONGER PERIOD. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR CUSTOMER SERVICE ABOUT THIS AND THEY OFFERED NO REMEDY FOR THIS ISSUE. *TR
Power train, May 15, 2008
I'M THE FIRST OWNER OF A 2002 EXPLORER. AT 30K MILES, HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT DUE TO SLIPPING, OD LIGHT FLASHING AND WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. AT 60K MILES, THE EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS HAVE RE-APPEARED AND FORD IS UNWILLING TO PROVIDE ANY COMPENSATION. LOOKING ON-LINE, MANY OWNERS OF THIS MODEL HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. OTHER CARS I HAVE OWNED AND HAVE MANY MORE MILES LOGGED HAVE NEVER HAD TRANSMISSION NEEDING REPLACEMENT. FORD'S IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECTIVE DESIGN/PRODUCT. *TR
Power train, Equipment, May 15, 2008
IT STARTED AROUND 78,000 MILES. MY TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP AS I WAS DRIVING UP A HILL. THE TRANNY WAS SLIPPING BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP - HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION ($3400). TRANSMISSION AGAIN AT 137,000 MILES SLIPPING BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR AGAIN - WARRANTY EXPIRED - FORD COULD ONLY GIVE ME A WARRANT FOR 36,000 MILES OR 3 YEARS - I'M UNDER MY 3 YRS BUT NOT MILEAGE. TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN, NOW ITS MY TRANSMISSION BAND ($2100) BUT WITH ALL THE WEAR ON THE TRANSMISSION AND THE COST. I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN. DURING THIS TIME THAT MY TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, I ALSO HAD THE RIGHT (I BELIEVE IT WAS THE RIGHT) REAR AXLE WENT OUT TWICE MY OVERDRIVE LIGHT CAME ON. I THINK THERE IS A CORRELATION WITH THE OVERDRIVE SYSTEM AND THE TRANNY. *TR