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, Apr 29, 2008
OVER THE PAST MONTH MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED HAS BEGUN TO KNOCK VERY HARD WHEN PUT INTO REVERSE AND IT ALSO SHIFTS BADLY ONCE ROLLING FORWARD, KNOCKING AND JERKING. *TR
Power train, Apr 28, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER NO PRIOR WARNING O/D LIGHTS STARTS TO FLASH THEN SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT SOON CAME ON NOW TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT INTO THIRD UNLESS I LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR ONLY 66,000 MILES AND 1 DAY OUT OF WARRANTY I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON WEB SITES ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FORD REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM BUT MANY MECHANICS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE AWARE OF IT FORD SAYS IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE NOT A SAFETY ISSUE A TRANSMISSION WHEN MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER RIDE IN THIS VEHICLE EVERY DAY AND GOD FORBID THEY GET STUCK AND END UP IN AN ACCIDENT THEN WHAT IT STILL ISN'T A SAFETY ISSUE!!!! *TR
Suspension, Parking brake, Power train, Visibility, Air bags, Seat belts, Equipment, Apr 28, 2008
ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SUV I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 3 OF THE 4 WHEEL BEARINGS AND HUB ASSEMBLIES(APPROX $250 EACH), WITH THE 4TH NOT FAR BEHIND. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE MODULE(APPROX $400-$500). I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR WINDOW MOTORS GOING BAD AND HAVING TO REPLACE THESE TOO. THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT HAS STOPPED WORKING. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DUMMY LIGHT HAS COME ON FOR NO REASON. THE SEAT BELT WARNING CHIME OFTEN COMES ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF, EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVE BUCKLED YOUR SEAT BELT. YOU HAVE TO SLAM THE BUCKLE INTO PLACE FOR IT TO GO OFF AND SOMETIMES THIS DOES NOT WORK EITHER. THE TRANSMISSION IS NOW MAKING A LOVELY CLUNKING SOUND WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE AND WHEN YOU TRY TO PUT IT BACK INTO PARK, IT DOES NOT WANT TO. YOU HAVE TO PUT IT UP TO PARK AS FAR AS IT WILL GO THEN GO BACK TO NEUTRAL AND THEN INTO PARK FROM THERE. WE HAVE REPLACED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SHOES ON BOTH SIDES BECAUSE THEY WERE COMPLETELY WORN OFF EVEN THOUGH WE DO NOT USE THE E-BRAKES. THESE PROBLEMS ARE JUST PILING UP ONE AFTER ANOTHER. I WENT TO AN INTERNET SITE THAT HAS COMPLAINTS ABOUT VEHICLES AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS ON THEIR 2002 FORD EXPLORERS OF ALL KINDS (XL, EDDIE BAUER, SPECIAL EDITION, ETC.). WHY HASN'T FORD DONE ANY RECALLS FOR THESE PROBLEMS? DOES IT REQUIRE MULTIPLE INJURIES OR EVEN DEATH FOR THEM TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY??? *TR
Power train, Apr 27, 2008
O/D LIGHT STARTED TO BLINK AND CAR IS REVVING AND DOES NOT SHIFT INTO 3RD GEAR. *TR
Suspension, Apr 26, 2008
WE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL SINCE BUYING OUR VEHICLE IN 2003. THE FIRST TIME WE HAD IT FIXED WAS TWO WEEKS AFTER BUYING IT. IT HAS BEEN FIXED 3 TIMES AND WE ARE ABOUT TO FIX AGAIN. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I FOUND THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH HUNDREDS OF OWNERS OF 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. THERE IS NO RECALL BECAUSE THEY SAY IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, HOWEVER; THE MECHANIC SAID IF NOT FIXED THE REAR WHEELS COULD LOCK UP CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE, ESPECIALLY WHEN MY CHILDREN ARE IN THE CAR. *TR
Power train, Apr 25, 2008
THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS FAILED. THE O/D LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. TOOK IT TO AAMCO AND THEY SAID I NEED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THEY SAID THEY HAVE DEALT WITH MANY 2002 FORD EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR UPDATED 05/19/08 *BF
Structure, Apr 25, 2008
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A USED 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE MIDDLE SECTION OF THE HATCH CRACKED DOWN THE MIDDLE. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH I FOUND THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH EXPLORERS OF THIS YEAR MODEL. IT'S OBVIOUS TO ALL THOSE WHO OWN ONE THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A DEFECT IN MATERIAL FROM THE MANUFACTURER. FORD REFUSES TO FIX IT OR EVEN MAKE PARTIAL RESTITUTION FOR HAVING IT REPAIRED. *TR
Power train, Apr 25, 2008
I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 02/02/2007 IN A USED CONDITION THE 4X4 WAS NOT WORKING I REPLACED THE CM 4X4 AND THE 4X4 SWITCH IN LESS THEN 4 MONTHS IT WENT OUT I REPLACED THE 4X4 CONTROL MODULE AGAIN AND THIS MONTH IT WENT OUT FOR THE THIRD TIME ONLY THIS TIME IT IS STUCK IN THE 4X4 LO CHANGED THE MODULE WITH A FORD PART #2C54-7H473-BF SO I CAN GET AWAY FROM THE ONE DEFECTED ONES 1L24-7H473-AH BUT I THINK THE DAMAGE IS ALL DONE IN THE 4X4 DRIVING CASE MY CAR IS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER PLEASE CHECK THE WEB SITE HTTP://WWW.EXPLORERFORUM.COM/FORUMS/FORUMDISPLAY.PHP?F=101 AND YOU WILL SEE MOST OF COMPLAINTS ARE ABOUT THE 4X4 MORE THEN 3900 ALL HAVING THE SAME DEFECT PLEASE CHECK IT OUT AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS ALOT OF PEOPLE TOLD FORD ABOUT THEIR DEFECT BUT FORD WILL NOT DO NOTHING ABOUT IT THAT IS WHEY I AM DOING THIS COMPLAINT I AM SICK OF FORD NOT TAKING THIS ISSUE SERIOUSLY. *TR
Power train, Apr 23, 2008
DROVE INTO THE CARWASH WENT TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND THE GEARSHIFT GOT STUCK AND BROKE OFF IN REVERSE, HAD TO BACK CAR OUT OF CARWASH WITH MANY CARS BEHIND ME TOWED THE CAR TO DEALERSHIP WAS TOLD THE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED WHICH COST $1,200.00 AFTER RESEARCH TODAY I SEE THAT ALOT OF EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN AND I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT IN THE CAR THAT FORD SHOULD HAVE PAID TO HAVE FIXED AND RECALLED SO THAT THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN TO OTHERS. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Apr 23, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER 4L V6 AUTO TRANS I HAD MY EXPLORER INTO THE DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE LAST JANUARY AND THEY MENTIONED THAT MY RIGHT REAR WHEEL SEAL WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE CHANGED BUT NOT RIGHT AWAY. I WAITED FOR THE NEXT OIL CHANGE IN APRIL AND SCHEDULED IT IN FOR A WHEEL SEAL REPLACEMENT -- $190. NO MENTION OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR END. NOT 90 MILES LATER I HEAR A LOUD CRUNCHING SOUND AND MANAGED TO LIMP BACK TO THE DEALER TO FIND OUT THAT THE SAME RIGHT REAR HUB THEY JUST REPLACED THE SEAL ON HAS A BAD BEARING/HUB. THEY REPLACED THE HUB AND BEARING AT A COST OF $899 ($533 PARTS). GIVEN THE EXPLORERS HISTORY OF PROBLEMS WITH THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL (FIRESTONE BLOWOUTS) CAUSING ROLLOVER ACCIDENTS I THINK FORD WOULD TAKE THIS PROBLEM SERIOUSLY. IF HAVING A TIRE FAIL CAN LEAD TO ROLLOVER ACCIDENTS IMAGINE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LOSE THE ENTIRE WHEEL! *TR
Power train, Apr 22, 2008
TRANSMISSION WON'T GO INTO GEAR SOMETIMES WHEN PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP. IT ALSO SLIPS OCCASIONALLY WHEN ACCELERATING. *TR
Power train, Apr 22, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATES INTERMITTENTLY AND THEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT IS BLINKING, IT CANNOT BE SHUT OFF WITH THE OVERDRIVE SWITCH UNLESS THE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF AND THEN RESTARTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING GEARS. THE FAILURE OCCURS RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH OR GREATER. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Structure, Apr 22, 2008
A CRACK APPEARED ON THE REAR HATCH DOOR UNDER THE REAR WINDOW. THE CRACK JUST APPEARED ONE MORNING WITHOUT ANY DIRECT ACTION. A SEARCH ON THE INTERNET SHOWED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS HAPPENING TO MANY 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. *TR
Structure, Apr 22, 2008
CRACK APPEARED IN WINTER 2006 IN HATCH BELOW REAR WINDOW. THIS WAS A FLORIDA CAR UP TO JUNE 2006. ALL WAS FINE IN FLORIDA. I SUSPECT COLD HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THESE CRACKS. NO REPAIR HAS BEEN MADE AS I AM HOPING FOR A RECALL. *TR
Structure, Apr 22, 2008
REAR TAILGATE ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WAS RECALLED FOR THE HINGES TO BE EXPOSED SINCE THEN THE TAILGATE WOULD EXHIBIT RANDOM DOOR AJAR INDICATIONS. RECENTLY THE PLASTIC PANEL ON THE OUTSIDE UNDER THE GLASS HAS SPLIT VERTICALLY IN THE MIDDLE. *TR
Steering, Apr 21, 2008
I WENT TO PUT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER INTO PARK AND THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF. I HAD TO CALL A WRECKER AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY MECHANIC. THE TOTAL COST WAS $1100 BECAUSE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE METAL BASED ON THE BROKEN PART AND ALSO POOR DESIGN THAT YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN FOR. *TR
Suspension, Apr 21, 2008
HEARD LOUD ROARING NOISE COMING FROM BACK REAR TIRES. HAD EXPLORER CHECKED TO FIND OUT THAT RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS ALMOST READY TO COME OFF EXPLORER. HUBS/BEARINGS WEARING OUT . THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE EXPLORERS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. *TR
Power train, Apr 21, 2008
TRANSMISSION MAKING NOISE WHEN SHIFTING INTO 3RD GEAR. OD LIGHT BLINKS AND CHECK TRANSMISSION MESSAGE COMES ON. *TR
Suspension, Apr 20, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH SLIGHTLY LESS THAN 130,000 MILES WITH NEAR INCIDENT OF REAR PASSENGER WHEEL FALLING OFF AT HIGHWAY SPEED. *TR
Power train, Apr 20, 2008
REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND ALSO THE TRANSMISSION. PLEASE DO A RECALL ON THIS BEFORE SOMEONE DIES. YOU MAKE TONS OF MONEY OFF YOUR LOYAL COSTUMERS, NOW DO SOMETHING FOR THEM AND FIX AN OBVIOUS PROBLEM THAT MECHANICS, DEALERSHIPS AND OWNERS OF 2002 FORD EXPLORERS KNOW ABOUT. THANK YOU *TR
Power train, Apr 20, 2008
BLINKING O\D LIGHT, TRANSMISSION WILL ONLY SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE UNDER NO LOAD, LATE AND HARD SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND (OR ACCEL TO ABOUT 20 MPH THEN BACK OFF TO MINIMIZE JAR TO DRIVE LINE COMPONENTS), AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE WILL NOT ENGAGE. SAFETY ISSUES: (1) PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC, CAN'T ACCELERATE UNTIL SHIFTS INTO 2ND GEAR (HAVE TO BACK OFF IN 1ST BEFORE IT SHIFTS) (2) 4-WHEEL TRACTION LOCK DOES NOT FUNCTION. FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT THIS EXPLORER NEW, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED LATER AND HARDER THAN I THOUGH APPROPRIATE. THEN AT ABOUT 80 TO 85K MILES THE OD AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE STOPPED WORKING AND SHIFTS BETWEEN 1ST TO 3RD BECAME MUCH WORSE. THE TORQUE CONVERTER LOCK UP STILL SEEMS TO BE WORKING (CAN TELL WHEN IT'S RUNNING ROAD SPEED IN 3RD GEAR). AFTER SOME RESEARCH USING FORD SHOP MANUALS, THERE SEEMS TO BE DIRECT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN 1ST TO 2ND LATE/HARD SHIFTS AND THE OVERDRIVE PROBLEM BUT I CAN;T FIND AN OFFICIAL FORD POSTING OR TECH BULLETIN TO PROVIDE DETAILS. INTERNAL PRESSURES CONTROL THE SHIFTING AND THERE ARE SEVERAL VALVES, ORIFICES, SOLENOIDS, ETC THAT CAN CAUSE IMPROPER CONTROL PRESSURES. FORD MUST KNOW OF THE PROBLEM AND TRUTHFULLY, I THINK THE RELIABILITY OF THE TRANNY IN THE IRS EXPLORER FALLS WELL BELOW THE PUBLICS EXPECTATIONS AND SHOULD BE EVEN FARTHER BELOW FORDS ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA. DESPITE THE PREMATURE FAILURE, I WOULD PROBABLY BE CONTENT IF FORD PROVIDED THEIR EXPLORER OWNERS A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FAILURE, DEVELOPED A LONG TERM FIX, PROVIDED FORD OWNERS SOME REASONABLE OPTIONS TO INSTALL THE PARTS AND/OR MAKE THE MODIFICATIONS NEEDED FOR A LONG TERM FIX (TO INCLUDE SELF REPAIR AS AN OPTION), AND ESTABLISH A HELP DESK TO ASSIST CUSTOMERS WITH THIS EXTREMELY HIGH TRANSMISSION FAILURE RATE. *TR
Air bags, Apr 19, 2008, crash
WE GOT IN TO A HEAD ON COLLISION AND THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND WE HIT AT ABOUT 45 M.P.H. ON IMPACT AND NOTHING DEPLOY SOON AFTER THE CRASH THE AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHED FOR SEVERAL DAYS TILL WE GOT THE REPAIR AND THEY JUST RESET THE COMPUTER IN THE TRUCK AND NOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS FLASHING ONLY A WEEK AFTER THEY RESET IT AND THE FORD COMPANY HERE HAS NO REASONING OR ANSWER TO WHY THIS HAPPENED AND THEY REFUSE TO HELP US ON THIS SITUATION SO WE HAVE TO TURN TO YOU AND GET THIS PROBLEM RESOLVED QUICKLY BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 19, 2008
RECALL ON FORD CRUISE CONTROL FOR 2002 SPORT TRAC TRUCK. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD TO HAVE IT DISCONNECTED LAST AUG 2007. TO THIS DATE THEY STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY TO THE DEALERS TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. LOOKS LIKE FORD IS DRAGGING THEIR FEET. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 18, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL IN AUGUST OF 2007. HE CALLED FORD SEVERAL TIMES SINCE RECEIVING THE NOTICE. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS DISCONNECTED IN OCTOBER OF 2007. AS OF APRIL 18, 2008, THE PART IS STILL UNAVAILABLE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE RECALL NUMBER AND PURCHASE DATE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000. UPDATED 05/07/08 *BF
Structure, Apr 17, 2008
THE PAINT ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WAS PEELING OFF THE PANELS BETWEEN THE WINDOWS AFTER 3 YEARS (AND IT'S PRIMARILY PARKED IN MY GARAGE). AFTER CONTACTING FORD AND APPEALING TO 2 DIFFERENT DEALERS FOR ASSISTANCE, I DECIDED I COULD LIVE WITH IT BECAUSE IT WAS COSMETIC FLAW EVEN THOUGH THE DEALERS ADMITTED THAT THIS WAS "NORMAL" FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. HOWEVER, ON DEC 26, 2007, I WENT OUT TO MY CAR IN THE MORNING WHILE OUT OF TOWN,AND NOTICED A THREE INCH CRACK IN THE BODY OF THE REAR HATCH, JUST TO THE RIGHT OF THE FORD LOGO. THIS DID NOT HAPPEN AS A RESULT OF BEING CLOSED TOO HARD OR ANY OTHER LOGICAL CAUSE. IT JUST CRACKED ON ITS OWN. I CALLED FORD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND THEY SAID THAT I WOULD NEED TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER FOR AN ESTIMATE. I COMPLIED WITH THIS REQUEST AND TOOK IT IN. THE DEALERS SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT AT ONE TIME, THERE HAD BEEN FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR THIS REPAIR, BUT NOT ANYMORE. I WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT SINCE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, THEY COULD NOT HELP ME. SO FORD IS WELL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT WILL DO NOTHING TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENED AS A RESULT OF A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT, BUT SINCE I TOOK CARE OF MY VEHICLE BY PARKING IT OUT OF THE ELEMENTS, IT DID NOT MANIFEST UNTIL THE CAR WAS OUT OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD. I ALSO BELIEVE THIS POSES A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE CRACKED PLASTIC IS A BIT SHARP AND I DO NOT WISH TO CUT MY HAND WHEN CLOSING THE DOOR. *TR