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, Mar 24, 2008
AT 85K MILES, UNDER NORMAL DRIVING USE/CONDITION, THE TRANSMISSION AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAVE FAILED ON MY 2002 EXPLORER. THERE ARE FORD TSBS THAT IDENTIFY AND ACKNOWLEDGE THESE PROBLEMS AS EVIDENT IN MANY OF THEIR VEHICLES, YET REFUSE TO ABSORB ANY COST OF THE $3200 IT WILL TAKE TO REPAIR THEM. THE WHEEL BEARINGS ALSO CONTINUALLY FAIL AT A COST OF $500 EACH, AND HAVE BEEN REPAIRED AT LEAST 3 TIMES AT MY OWN EXPENSE. THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND BUSHINGS NEED REPLACED, AND THE TRANSMISSION COOLER IS WORN. MY MECHANIC EXPLAINED THESE SHOULD NOT WEAR AS QUICKLY AS 85K MILES, AND FROM THE CURRENT STATE OF ITS CONDITION, RECOMMENDED A COMPLETE TRANSMISSION REBUILD/REPLACE, ALONG WITH A NEW REAR DIFFERENTIAL GEAR SET. I HAVE COME INTO CONTACT WITH HUNDREDS OF FORD OWNERS, OF NEW AND USED VEHICLES ALIKE, WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND AM SEEKING ALL RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO INITIATE A SUIT AGAINST FORD FOR ITS EVIDENT MANUFACTURE DEFECTS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 24, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO DRIVE, BUT THE NOISE DID NOT STOP. HE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE BECAUSE HE BEGAN TO SMELL FUEL. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE NUMBER THREE SPARK PLUG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAD THE ORIGINAL SPARK PLUGS. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE AND RETHREAD THE SPARK PLUG, IT WOULD NOT GRIP AND TIGHTEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SHOP AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS A COMMON FAILURE. THE REPAIR SHOP PERFORMED A QUICK REPAIR BY FORD, BUT IT DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. FORD STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND COULD NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE SHOP AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 86,214.
Power train, Mar 23, 2008
MY WIFE CALLED ME TO TELL THE O/D LIGHT WAS FLASHING AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. I THINK IT WAS BETWEEN 3RD AND 4TH GEAR. WE TOOK IT TO OUR MECHANIC AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACED. AFTER LOOKING AT YOUR WEB SITE, AND OTHER SITES, THIS IS A VERY COMMON AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM. I ALSO HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL THAT HAS A SERIOUS RUBBING NOISE WITH A SERIOUS VIBRATION AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A BAD WHEEL BEARING. THIS IS ANOTHER ISSUE WITH THE EXPLORER THAT IS POSTED NUMEROUS TIMES ON YOUR SITE. BOTH OF THE ISSUES SHOULD BE HONORED BY FORD DUE TO THE EXPENSE AND POSSIBLE CHANCE OF INJURY. *TR
Structure, Equipment, Mar 23, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT REAR WINDOW LIFT PANEL CRACKED (DEALER REPLACED ONCE DUE TO SMALL STRESS FRACTURES WAS THE EXPLANATION GIVEN ME) REPLACEMENT PANEL CRACKED WITHIN 6 MONTHS, SAME PLACE AS FIRST CRACK, BUT EXTENDING ALL THE WAY THROUGH PANEL. DEALER AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY CONTACTED AND REFUSED TO REPLACE. THIS POSSES A DANGER IF THE PANEL FLIES OFF DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER FORDS WITH THE SAME DEFECT AND FORD SHOULD OFFER A RECALL. PLEASE ADVISE. *TR
Power train, Tires, Mar 21, 2008
REAR END IS MAKING A HORRIBLE RUBBING NOISE....THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE THE TIRES BUT I JUST REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES WITH THE SAME EXACT TIRES THEY COME FROM FACTORY WITH AND STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Mar 20, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILURE 96,000 MILES. NO APPARENT WARNING. *TR
Suspension, Mar 20, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT- ALL FOUR WHEEL BEARING HAVE GONE BAD WITHIN 1 YEAR. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH OWNERS AND DEALERS. THIS YEAR AND MODEL OF FORD EXPLORER HAS BAD BEARINGS AND HUB ASSEMBLIES. FORD IS HAPPY TO COLLECT THE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS IT COST OWNERS TO REPLACE THESE FAULTY PARTS BUT WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO FIX THE ISSUE. ONE BEARING ACTUALLY BROKE ON MY VEHICLE AND NOW I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE I DO NOT WANT TO BE STRANDED SOMEWHERE. I HAVE A FRONT AND REAR BEARING OUT AGAIN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 19, 2008
I WAS DRIVING MY EDDIE BAUER FORD EXPLORER 4.6L V8 WHEN I HEARD A LARGE EXPLOSION SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND CALLED FOR HELP. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO A SHOP WHERE THEY TOLD ME THE SPARK PLUG SHOT OUT OF THE ENGINE AND THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN. APPARENTLY THE COIL WHERE IT THREADS INTO WAS MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY SO IT NEVER SAT ALL THE WAY ON LIKE IT SHOULD. OVER TIME THIS IS THE RESULT. I NOW NEED A NEW CYLINDER HEAD COSTING $1800, AND MAYBE A 2ND ONE DOWN THE ROAD. THAT'S $4,000 FOR FORD'S MISTAKE! FORD SAID THEY CAN'T HELP. THERE IS NO RECALL. I WAS STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF A BUSY ROAD IN TRAFFIC RISKING MY SAFETY FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT! THIS IS HIGHWAY ROBBERY! (LITERALLY). *TR
Suspension, Mar 18, 2008
FRONT DRIVER WHEEL BEARING REPLACED TWICE IN 1.5 YEARS. RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING REPLACED ONCE ALREADY NEED TO REPLACE AGAIN. *TR
Suspension, Mar 17, 2008
TOOK MY 02 EXPLORER TO DEALER FOR PA STATE INSPECTION ON 2-26-08. VEHICLE LOGGED 79,000 MILES. DEALER FOUND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKEN AT VERY TOP OF EACH SPRING. THIS FAILURE RESULTED IN THE FAILURE OF BOTH REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS WHICH ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS, IN TURN, REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT OF BOTH REAR INSULATORS AND BRACKETS. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT UTILIZED FOR TOWING OR "OFF ROAD" ACTIVITIES. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Mar 17, 2008
WHERE TO START... BROKEN CRUISE CONTROL, HEADLIGHT SWITCH HAS A SHORT, DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER WINDOW DOESN'T ROLL DOWN, TROUBLE GOING INTO GEAR, CAR SUDDENLY DIES AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS, LOUD GRINDING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE BAY (LIKE AN ELECTRIC KNIFE SHARPENER) THAT IS GETTING INCREASINGLY MORE FREQUENT, SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF, BRAKES SQUEAL AND DON'T STOP THE VEHICLE PROPERLY, SUPPORT FOR THE HATCH (WHICH IS CRACKED 8 INCHES OR SO IN TWO PLACES) DOESN'T LIFT HATCH COMPLETELY, AND THE FUEL ECONOMY IS DOWN TO 4-6 MPG IN THE CITY. I HATE IT! I DON'T FEEL LIKE MY GIRLFRIEND IS SAFE DRIVING IT, AND I THINK FORD SHOULD BE FORCED TO MAKE THEIR WRONGS INTO RIGHTS! *TR
Structure, Mar 17, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE BACK HATCH WAS PARTIALLY OPENED, AND WHEN OPENED ALL THE WAY IT SHATTERED. THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL 04V442000 - STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. KG
Power train, Mar 17, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR
Power train, Mar 17, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHED AND REMAIND ILLUMINATED WHEN THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE TRANSMISSION JUMPED INTO GEAR. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. MIDAS STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 93,330.
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 17, 2008
I HAVE A CRACKED REAL PANEL ON TAILGATE. I UNDERSTAND FROM OTHER CUSTOMERS THAT THIS IS A DANGER BECAUSE THE ACTUAL GLASS CAN DISLODGE FROM THE PANEL AND HURT SOMEONE. I HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN. 1 STANDS AT A HEIGHT BELOW THAT GLASS LEVEL! *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 17, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE ON AUGUST 20, 2007 FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH WAS DISCONNECTED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2007. HE HAS CALLED FORD EACH MONTH UP UNTIL MARCH OF 2008 AND WAS INFORMED EACH TIME THAT THE PART WILL BE AVAILABLE THE FOLLOWING MONTH. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE PURCHASE DATE AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,500. UPDATE 04-02-08 *BF
Power train, Mar 15, 2008
O/D LIGHT WENT ON THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, LOST THIRD AND FIFTH GEAR. *TR
Power train, Mar 14, 2008
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 85K MILES. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 14, 2008
FORD SAFETY RECALL NOTICE RECEIVED APPROX 6 MONTHS AGO. APPARENTLY THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM LIKES TO START FIRES. I CONTINUE TO BE TOLD BY THE DEALER THE PARTS NECESSARY TO PREVENT THE FAILURE ARE 'NOT AVAILABLE'. THIS IS INCREDIBLE. HOW IS FORD ALLOWED TO GET AWAY WITH THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES ON THE ROAD THAT CAN CATCH FIRE AT ANY TIME? OBVIOUSLY, GIVEN HOW MUCH TIME HAS GONE BY, FORD IS THUMBING THEIR NOSE AT BOTH THE CONSUMER AND THE GOVERNMENT. *TR
Power train, Mar 14, 2008
FORD 2002 XLT EXPLORER 4WHEEL DRIVE I AM ON MY 3RD TRANSMISSION AT UNDER 100K MILES. LUCKILY I TRAVEL CLOSE TO HOME WHEN THE OCCURRENCES HAPPEN. BUT OTHERS I HAVE SPOKE TO WITH SAME VEHICLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, LOOKED UP ALSO CAR STATS.COM AND TOO NUMEROUS TO MENTION, FORD SHOULD HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND RECALLED. *TR
Power train, Mar 13, 2008
STARTED VEHICLE. DEPRESSED BRAKE AND RELEASED PARKING BRAKE. SHIFTED FROM PARK AND GEAR SHIFT, INCLUDING COVER, SIMPLY FELL OFF THE STEERING COLUMN. PICTURES OF DEFECT ARE AVAILABLE. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED AND ESTIMATE IS FOR $1000 TO REPAIR GEAR SHIFT AND ASSEMBLY. *TR
Structure, Mar 12, 2008
THE REAR LIFTGATE APPLIQUE CRACKED IN THE MIDDLE RESULTING IN THE RIGHT SIDE COMPLETELY FALLING OFF THE VEHICLE. THE PART THAT IS STILL ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE IS LOOSE ON THE EDGES DUE TO INEFFICIENT ADHESIVE. APPARENTLY THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS EXACT DEFECT OCCURRING TO OTHER OWNERS OF 2002 EXPLORERS. THIS IS ALSO A COMPLETELY REPLACED REAR WINDOW FOLLOWING THE SHATTERING OF THE ORIGINAL ONE IN MARCH 2004 DUE TO BAD STRUTS. AFTER HAVING THE SHATTERED WINDOW REPLACED, IT COMPLETELY FELL OFF THE FOLLOWING YEAR DUE TO THE FAULTY HINGE (WHICH WAS RECALLED). I HAVE AN ESTIMATE OF OVER $700 FROM THE FORD DEALER TO FIX THIS APPLIQUE. I FEEL THAT WITH THIS MANY COMPLAINTS IT'S INEXCUSABLE FOR FORD TO NOT ISSUE A RECALL. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE A FORD AGAIN AFTER THIS NOR WILL ANYONE IN MY FAMILY WITH THIS TYPE OF CUSTOMER SERVICE. *TR
Power train, Mar 12, 2008
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAD BEEN MAKING AN ELECTRONIC DINGING SOUND THAT TYPICALLY IS TO BRING THE DRIVERS ATTENTION TO THE DISPLAY SCREEN, BUT NO MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED, FOR ABOUT A WEEK. THEN ON THE MORNING OF 3/12/08 THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING OUT OF THIRD GEAR. WE TOOK THE CAR TO FORD FIRST AND THEY DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING, BUT WHEN I TOOK IT TO AAMCO, THEY TOLD ME THAT MY CAR WAS THE THIRD THIS WEEK WITH THE SAME EXACT ISSUE, AND THAT THE REAL ISSUE WAS A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE TRANSMISSION SINCE ALL THREE CARS HAD MILEAGE UNDER 100,000 MILES. THE COST TO REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION WAS QUOTED AT $2,500. *TR
Power train, Structure, Mar 10, 2008
THE BODY PANEL BELOW THE BACK WINDOW IS CRACKED FOR NO REASON WHEN I TOOK MY TRUCK INTO A FORD DEALER THEY SAID THAT IS NORMAL AND FORD KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND THERE ISN'T ANYTHING THEY COULD DUE. SO I CALLED THE FORD SERVICE NUMBER IN MY FORD HANDBOOK AND THE MANAGER CONFIRMED THEY KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT ITS NOT A RECALL OUT BECAUSE ITS NOT A MAJOR PROBLEM AND IF I WANTED IT FIXED I WOULD HAVE TO PAY. SO I ALSO ASKED ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE RATE AND I WAS ALSO TOLD THEY KNEW ABOUT THAT TOO (THE TRANSMISSIONS FAIL UNDER 100,000 MILES) BUT THERE ISN'T A RECALL AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO GET THE TRANSMISSION FIXED AS WELL. *TR
Suspension, Mar 10, 2008
I OWN A 2002 EXPLORER, WITH ONLY 74K MILES ON IT. I BEGAN MAKING A SEVERE HUMMING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. TOOK INTO DEALER AND I WAS TOLD THAT MY RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING WAS BAD AND THIS I NEED TO GET THIS FIXED RIGHT AWAY. I HAD IT IN WITHIN A DAY, WHILE THEY FIXED MY RIGHT REAR, THEY NOTICED THAT ONE OF MY FRONT WHEEL BEARING IS GOING BAD. FROM WHAT I AM HEARING FORD IS AWARE THAT ON THE 2002 EXPLORERS THERE ARE ISSUES WITH THE WHEEL BEARINGS. I AM GLAD FORD RECOGNIZES THAT.....CONSIDERING THIS SEEMS TO BE A DANGEROUS SCENERIO, ESPECIALLY AS I TRAVEL WITH MY 5 YEAR OLD IN THE VEHICLE. FORD NEEDS TO DO A RECALL ON 02 EXPLORER'S WHEEL BEARINGS. *TR