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 3, 2008
TRANSMISSION ERROR CODES, OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLICKERS SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON. *TR
Power train, Apr 3, 2008
LEAKING REAR AXLE SEAL. *TR
Suspension, Apr 2, 2008
THIS IS MY WIFE'S VEHICLE SO I DO NOT DRIVE IT OFTEN. WHEN I DID I NOTICED THE LOUD ROAR AND ASKED HOW LONG IT HAD BEEN THERE. SHE SAID A COUPLE MONTHS. I REPLACED 3 OF THE 4 WHEEL BEARINGS. HAD I NOT DROVE IT MYSELF THE WHEELS COULD HAVE FALLEN OFF!!! SHE HAS MY TWO CHILDREN IN THERE ALSO. THANKS FORD!! THIS IS NOT AN OLD VEHICLE. LESS THAN 80,000 MILES. IF THERE IS NO RECALL ON THESE BEARINGS AND SOMEONE GETS KILLED I HOPE FORD IS SUED SO BAD THEY GO UNDER. RECALL YOUR PIECE OF CRAP BEARINGS LIKE YOU SHOULD. *TR
Suspension, Apr 2, 2008
FAILURE OF BOTH REAR SPRINGS ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER. 95,000 MILES, NORMAL DUTY (NEVER OVERLOADED). SPRINGS LITERALLY BREAKING APART STARTING AT TOP. SUSPECT DESIGN OR MATERIAL FLAW. INTERNET SEARCH INDICATES THIS IS NOT ISOLATED INCIDENT. SUSPECT FURTHER SPRING FAILURE COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF CONTROL/ROLL OVER. PLEASE INVESTIGATE -- IN MY OPINION THIS SHOULD BE SERIOUS SAFETY RECALL ITEM. *TR
Power train, Apr 2, 2008
WHEN I START MY EXPLORER FIRST THING IN THE MORNING, THE 4 WHEEL LOW AND 4 WHEEL HIGH LIGHTS WILL COME ON AND THE EXPLORER WILL NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE. IT'S LIKE THE CAR IS NEUTRAL AND WHEN I GO TO PUT IT BACK INTO PARK, THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE GRINDING GEARS. *TR
Power train, Apr 2, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER. PULLING OUT ONTO MAJOR HIGHWAY AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT GET OUT OF 2ND GEAR. VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AND SERVICED UP TO FACTORY SUGGESTED STANDARDS. TAKEN TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY DID NOTHING EXCEPT SUGGEST A REBUILT FORD TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Apr 2, 2008
I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE WITH 34,000 MILES ON IT IN 2003 AND STILL HAVE IT. BEFORE THE FACTORY WARRANTY WAS UP AT 36,000 MILES AND HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANS AND THAT THEY WOULD FIX IT. WITHIN A YEAR LATER I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND TOOK IT BACK TO THE SAME DEALER AND THEY FIRST SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. I COULDN'T DO WITHOUT A VEHICLE SO I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO TAKE IT BACK. ONCE AGAIN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AND I TOOK IT BACK. THIS TIME THEY DID A COMPLETE REHAUL OF THE TRANS AND SAID EVERYTHING SHOULD BE FINE. THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME ABOUT 900 DOLLARS BECAUSE THERE WAS NO MORE WARRANTY ON IT AND THE YEAR WARRANTY THEY GAVE ME ON THE FIRST JOB HAD EXPIRED. LUCKILY THEY WORKED WITH ME AND ONLY CHARGED ME A DEDUCTIBLE OF 100. I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER THAT THERE WAS A REASON A 1 YEAR OLD CAR WITH 34K MILES ON IT WAS TRADED IN AND AFTER THIS INCIDENT I FOUND OUT. CURRENTLY THE CAR HAS 107,000 MILES ON IT AND THE SAME PROBLEM STILL OCCURS AND I JUST DON'T WANT TO TAKE IT IN TO SEE WHAT EXACTLY IS THE PROBLEM BECAUSE LABOR ALONE JUST TO LOOK AT IT WILL COST OVER 100 DOLLARS. I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED IN FORD AND I JUST FOUND ABOUT THIS SITE BECAUSE I WAS ONLINE LOOKING UP A PANEL FOR THIS SAME VEHICLE AND NOTICED I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS THIS SAME PROBLEM. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
Structure, Apr 2, 2008
AFTER SEEING OTHER 2002-2006 FORD EXPLORERS ON THE STREET WITH THE SAME PROBLEM OF HAVING A CRACK IN THE REAR PANEL RIGHT BELOW THE REAR WINDOW I DECIDED TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANYTHING WE COULD DO ABOUT IT. I KNOW THERE WAS A RECALL TO REPLACE THE HINGES BECAUSE THE DOOR WOULD SLAM SHUT WHICH I BELIEVE CAUSED THE CRACK. I TALKED TO FORD WHEN IT FIRST OCCURRED AND THEY SAID BASED ON MY MILEAGE THEY WOULD NOT FIX IT AND IT WOULD COST ABOUT 500. MY QUESTION TO FORD WAS WHAT DOES THE MILEAGE HAVE TO DO WITH WHAT I BELIEVE WAS A RECALL DEFECT THAT ULTIMATELY CAUSED THIS PROBLEM? I NOTICED ON THE NEW MODEL EXPLORERS THEY REDESIGNED THEM SO THE GLASS OPENS UP WITHOUT THE PANEL. AFTER READING OTHER COMPLAINTS I AM NOW CONCERNED THAT THE WINDOW COULD ACTUALLY FALL OUT IF THE DOOR IS SHUT AND COULD BREAK AND CAUSE AN INJURY. I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A FORMAL COMPLAINT AND HOPEFULLY GET THIS RESOLVED SOON. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Parking brake, Visibility, Tires, Apr 1, 2008
PROBLEMS WITH THIS EXPLORER OVER MY OWNERSHIP INCLUDE: -REAR GLASS REPLACED -FRONT BRAKES REPLACED -REAR WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE REQUIRED REPLACEMENT, -PARKING BRAKE ISSUES, -NEW TIRES, ETC. *TR
Suspension, Mar 31, 2008
FAILED REAR WHEEL BEARING. CAR SWAYING SIDE TO SIDE, POSSIBLE ROLLOVER IF AT HIGH SPEED. *TR
Power train, Mar 31, 2008
MY TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED DUE TO THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILING CATASTROPHICALLY, SENDING BITS OF BRASS AND METAL SHAVINGS EVERYWHERE INSIDE AND DESTROYING THE ASSEMBLY. THE SYMPTOMS OF THIS FAILURE WERE AS FOLLOWS: SHIFTING HARD BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR, AND THE O/D LIGHT FLASHING VERY RAPIDLY AFTER 10 TO 15 MINUTES OF DRIVE TIME. UPON AN EXTREMELY SIMPLE INVESTIGATION (GOOGLE SEARCH), I FIND THAT THIS IS A SUSPICIOUSLY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE TRANSMISSIONS, EVEN THOUGH MY OWN DEALER SAYS HE'S NEVER HEARD OF IT BEFORE NOW, WHICH WAS ALSO A COMMON THREAD IN THESE COMPLAINTS I FOUND ONLINE. THE CORRECTIVE ACTION SUGGESTED BY THE DEALER IS THE SAME AS EVERYONE ELSE I'VE FOUND: NEW TRANSMISSION. THEY SAY IT IS TOTALLY DESTROYED INSIDE, THE PIECES OF TORQUE CONVERTER HAVE RUINED VIRTUALLY EVERY PART OF THE TRANNY. *TR
Power train, Mar 30, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER HAD INITIAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 101,000 MILES. CAR WAS SERVICED REGULARLY, RUNNING FINE UNTIL O/D INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO 3RD GEAR. REBUILT TRANSMISSION WAS INSTALLED AND NOW HAS FAILED AT 151,000 MILES. RESEARCH CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM SHOWS THAT MANY CONSUMERS OF FORD 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAVE HAD SIMILAR ISSUES. *TR
Wheels, Mar 30, 2008
I HEARD LIKE A AIRPLANE RIGHT OVER THE HEAD OF MY TRUCK AND IT ENDED UP BEING MY HUB BEARINGS, THE FORD DEALER SAID WE HAVE ALOT OF THESE PROBLEMS WITH THE 2002 FORD XLT EXPLORER. HE TOLD ME AS MANY AS THESE THAT HE GETS IN IT SHOULD BE A RECALL. HE PROCEEDS TO TELL ME YOUR TIRE CAN FALL OFF AND THERE CAN BE SERIOUS ACCIDENT SOMEONE CAN GET KILLED OR HURT REALLY BAD. NOW I HAD TO SHELL OUT 1,0000. AT A LOCAL DEALER TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIX. I FINALLY GOT DONE PAYING FOR THE [XXX] CAR AND NOW I HAVE TO THROW MONEY IN CONSTANTLY FIRST IT WAS MY REAR END 10 DAYS AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED NOW ITS HUB BEARING WHAT'S NEXT MAYBE FORD WOULD BE # 1 IF THEY MADE A BETTER TRUCK. THAT IS WHY THE AMERICAN CONSUMER ARE BUYING FOREIGN CARS AND TRUCKS BECAUSE AT LEAST THEY DO RECALLS AND THE CARS AND TRUCKS LAST. MAYBE OUR ECONOMY WOULD BE BETTER IF PEOPLE BOUGHT AMERICAN STUFF BUT AS YOU SEE WHY WHEN YOU HAVE TO SHELL OUT MONEY ALL THE TIME TO FIX IT! PLUS WARRANTY'S ON FOREIGN CARS ARE BETTER TOO 10 YRS OR 100,000MILES .SEE AMERICAN COMPANIES LIKE FORD DON'T HAVE A WARRANTY LIKE THAT BECAUSE THEY KNOW THERE CRAP WILL BREAK BEFORE 10 YRS. I FEEL BAD TO COMPLAIN BUT I SUPPORTED FORD FOR ALONG TIME AND ANYTHING I BUY USUALLY HAS SOME KIND OF PROBLEM AND THE SAD THING I ALWAYS BUY NEW. THIS IS MY 3RD NEW FORD I BOUGHT JUST TO KEEP THE MONEY IN UNITED STATES. THERE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE A DEATH OR CRASH FOR A RECALL! *TR INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Mar 29, 2008
MY REAR PASSENGER WHEEL BEARING IS GOING OUT... THIS HAD HAPPENED TO MANY OTHER EXPLORERS DRIVERS AND I DO NOT THINK IT IS SAFE..... WHEEL COULD FALL OFF TO UNKNOWN DRIVER. *TR
Structure, Mar 28, 2008
OUTSIDE COVER ON HATCH LID CRACKED JUST BELOW THE GLASS. HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I TALKED TO THE OWNERS AND THEY ALSO HAVE HAD NO RESPONSE FROM THE DEALERSHIPS IN OUR AREA. I HAVE TALKED TO 15 OTHER OWNERS AND HAVE SEEN MANY MORE CARS WITH THIS CRACK. *TR
Suspension, Mar 27, 2008
I PURCHASED MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER IN 2006, THERE IS A ROARING SOUND AND FROM OTHER RESPONSES FROM THE INTERNET I SEE THAT ALOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM AND A MECHANIC THAT WORKS FOR FORD SAID THAT IT COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS AND THE BACK WHEELS COULD LOCK UP AT ANYTIME THAT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO ME. PLEASE CONSIDER A RECALL ON THIS FOR IT VERY IMPORTANT TO ME AND ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE. THE REAR END (AXLE) IS VERY IMPORTANT. *TR
Power train, Mar 27, 2008
I JUST HAD TO PURCHASE MY THIRD FORD TRANSMISSION FOR MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER AT A COST OF $3600 TO REPLACE A TRANSMISSION I ALSO HAD INSTALLED BY FORD AT A COST OF $3400 38,500 MILES PREVIOUSLY. *TR
Suspension, Mar 26, 2008
BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS ARE CRACKED/FRACTURED COMPLETELY THROUGH. SPRING COILS ARE COLLAPSED ONTO EACH OTHER AT THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE. THIS IS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. SPRINGS/STRUTS SHOULD LOSE TENSION OVER TIME BUT SHOULD NOT COMPLETELY FAIL TO THE POINT THEY COMPLETELY CRACK INTO TWO PIECES. SOME QUICK RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM WITH THE 2002 EXPLORER. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 26, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR RECALL NUMBER 05S28 FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL IN AUGUST OF 2007. AS OF MARCH 26, 2008, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR IS STILL UNAVAILABLE. SHE FEELS THAT THIS LENGTH OF TIME IS UNLAWFUL. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS DENIED TO SPEAK WITH A SUPERVISOR. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000. UPDATED 04/14/08. *LJ UPDATED 04/11/08 *TR
Power train, Mar 26, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE OD SENSOR BEGAN BLINKING AND THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND READ THE MANUAL, WHICH STATED TO IMMEDIATELY HAVE THE VEHICLE ASSESSED FOR POSSIBLE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SPECIALIST AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 85,000. UPDATED 07/08/08. *BF UPDATED *JB
Power train, Mar 26, 2008
REPLACE REAR END IN 2002 EXPLORER 2 TIMES. FORD VENTED THE DIFFERENTIAL WITH A TUBE THAT EXITS AROUND THE REAR WHEEL WELL. THIS DESIGN ALLOWS A LOT OF WATER TO GET INTO THE DIFFERENTIAL AND RUINS ALL THE WORKINGS. I HAD IT FIXED AND IN LESS THAN A YEAR LATER EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM - I NOW HAVE TO HAVE THE TUBE REWORKED AS WELL AS FIX THE BEARINGS AGAIN. MY MECHANIC SAYS IT IS VERY DANGEROUS! *TR
Power train, Mar 26, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER, STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT ON 3/25/08 AND OD LIGHT FLASHED AND ENGINE REVVED UP. WOULD NOT GO WHEN GAS PRESSED, FINALLY GOT IT TO LIMP THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. STOPPED IN A PARKING LOT AND PUT IT IN PARK TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG AND IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING WAS RIPPING APART UNDERNEATH. DOESN'T WANT TO GO INTO GEAR. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD THE STRUTS REPLACED AND THE FRONT HEADLIGHT REPLACED TWICE DUE TO ENGINEERING PROBLEMS ON THE REDESIGN. SPOKE WITH FORD THIS MORNING AND THEY REFUSE TO ISSUE A RECALL EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE AWARE THAT THE REDESIGNED TRANSMISSIONS ARE KNOWN TO FAIL IN THIS MODEL. *TR
Power train, Mar 25, 2008
I DROVE MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER TO WORK ABOUT 445 PM AND EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE ON THE WAY THERE. I LEFT WORK AT 7 PM TO GO GET DINNER FOR ME AND THE OTHER GUYS WORKING THAT NIGHT AND I GO OUT START IT UP... SHIFT IT INTO REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE DOESN'T MOVE. I THEN SHIFT I IT INTO DRIVE AND THE IT STILL DOESN'T MOVE. GO TO CHECK THE TRANNY FLUID AND GUESS WHAT... NO DIPSTICK. THIS VEHICLE IS HORRIBLE. *TR
Power train, Mar 24, 2008
I CURRENTLY OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. SEVERAL MONTHS AGO (SEPT 07), STARTING HEARING A WHINING OR TINNING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR. AS THE WEEKS/MONTHS WENT BY, IT STARTING GETTING LOUDER AND IT STARTED SOUNDING LIKE AN AIRPLANE FLYING OVERHEAD. I TOOK IT INTO THE REPAIR SHOP, MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY. ABOUT $575 TO REPAIR. HAD THE REPAIR DONE IN DECEMBER 07/JANUARY 08. I DON'T DO ANY TOWING, THE CAR IS MAINLY USED ON THE WEEKENDS. I HAVE 62K MI. ON THE CAR, BARELY EVEN 10K A YEAR. NOW, HERE IT IS, 2 MONTHS LATER, AND THE SAME THING STARTED ALL OVER AGAIN. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP. NOW, IT'S THE LEFT REAR HUB ASSEMBLY THAT WENT BAD. ANOTHER $575 !! THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. MY MECHANIC SAID THE WHEELS COULD COME OFF AND COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I HAVE A 7 YEAR OLD (JUST TURNED 7 TODAY), AND ONE ON THE WAY !! THIS CAR IS OUR MAIN MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION FOR TRIPS AND VACATIONS AND I CANNOT RISK THE LIVES OF MY FAMILY OR THE LIVES OF OTHERS, IF THIS CAR FAILS ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE LABELED AS A RECALL AND FORD SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. *TR
Suspension, Mar 24, 2008
THE BACK COIL SPRINGS ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAVE BROKEN. MY SISTER'S, NEPHEW'S AND A FRIENDS HAS ALSO BROKEN ON THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL AS MINE. I WOULD THINK THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG FOR ALL OF US TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE BACK COIL SPRINGS. I AM NOT FOR SURE IF ANY ONE ELSE HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM OR NOT? WILL THERE BE A RECALL ON THESE SPRINGS? WE HAVE ALL HAD TO HAVE THESE SPRINGS REPLACED AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN CHEAP. *TR