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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 3,613

Of the 2002 reports, 163 involved a crash and 71 involved a fire. 213 people were injured and 6 people died.

Primary concernPower train1,575 reports · 44% of complaints
Owner complaints3,613Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship10 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train1,575
  2. Structure532
  3. Suspension445
  4. Engine and engine cooling194
  5. Vehicle speed control181
  6. Electrical system179
  7. Air bags171
  8. Steering162

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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.

  1. Visibility, Mar 10, 2008

    POWER WINDOW OPENER ON DRIVERS SIDE QUIT. *TR

  2. Structure, Mar 10, 2008

    REAR LIFT GATE CRACKED IN THE MIDDLE. *TR

  3. Power train, Mar 8, 2008

    TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHEEL BEARING FAILURE (3 TIMES). *TR

  4. Suspension, Mar 7, 2008

    I HAVE HAD THE REAR BEARINGS REPLACED 4 TIMES AND THE COMPLETE REAR HUB ASSEMBLIES AND BEARINGS REPLACED ONCE (TOTAL 5 TIMES) THE CAR IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND SWAYS GOING DOWN THE ROAD. THE SWAY LINKS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE PROBLEMS KEEPS RECURRING. I HAVE ALL PARTS BILLS DATING BACK TO 11/2005 WHEN PROBLEMS STARTED AND CONTINUE TO DATE. *TR

  5. Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Mar 7, 2008

    DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 63 MPH AND VALVE SPRING BROKE. VALVE DROPPED INTO PISTON CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE. CHECK ENGINE CODE CALLED FOR RANDOM ENGINE MISFIRE AND CODE WAS TRIGGERED AT AROUND 2600 RPM. PRIOR TO ENGINE FAILURE I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A SHUDDER WHEN TRANSMISSION SHIFTS INTO OVERDRIVE. THERE IS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE CLUTCH PACK IN THE LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL THAT IS CAUSING A SHUDDER WHEN TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT FROM A DEAD STOP. (DEALERSHIP CALLED IT THE PARKING LOT SHUDDER) I HAVE A 02 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH 4.6 AND 4X4 THAT HAS BAD ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL. (ENGINE REPLACED). *TR

  6. Power train, Mar 7, 2008

    TRANSMISSION IS/HAS GONE OUT ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS 4X4. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OTHERS THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION, SOLENOID B GOING OUT AND REQUIRING A TRANSMISSION REBUILD OR A NEW ONE!! IF ALL THESE PEOPLE ARE HAVING A PROBLEM, THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL! FORD NEEDS TO FACE THEIR MISTAKE SO THAT LOYAL FORD CONSUMERS WILL RETURN. I HAVE OWNED 3 FORDS, AND NEVER AGAIN AFTER THIS. FORD REALLY DID THEMSELVES IN WITH THIS ONE! *TR

  7. Suspension, Power train, Mar 6, 2008

    REAR DIFFERENTIAL GEARS HAD WHINING NOISE REPLACED GEARS THREE TIMES...STILL WHINING. FRONT HUB BEARINGS MAKING GRINDING NOISE AT 80,000 MILES, TOLD THEY ARE 1500 TO REPLACE, CANT AFFORD REPAIR. TOLD IF THE BEARINGS FAIL WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS COULD BE A SERIOUS SAFTY ISSUE. BEARING SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AT 80K. HAVE RESEARCHED ON THE WEB AND FOUND THIS TO BE A PATTERN ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ON THIS ISSUE. *TR

  8. Suspension, Equipment, Mar 5, 2008

    THIS IS MY SECOND FORD VEHICLE WITH ONLY 80K MILES AND ON BOTH, ALL WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE HAD FAILURE. AND ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION FOR A SINGLE BEARING. IT IS VERY COSTLY TO REPAIR THESE DEFECTS AT APPROXIMATELY $500 PER WHEEL, AND IS AN OBVIOUS MECHANICAL AND SAFETY HAZARD. TWICE I HAVE BEEN STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY WITH A CHILD IN THE CAR BECAUSE THE WHEEL HAS ALMOST CAME OFF. CONSUMERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO REPAIR THESE DEFECTS AT THEIR EXPENSE TO HAVE THEM CONTINUALLY FAIL OVER AGAIN. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST FORD IF THEY CANNOT AGREE TO A RECALL, SINCE THERE ARE CERTAINLY WELL ENOUGH PEOPLE WITH THESE PROBLEMS. I HAVE LOST ANY AND ALL INTEREST IN THIS MANUFACTURER AND WILL NOT CONSIDER AN AMERICAN MADE CAR IN THE FUTURE. *TR

  9. Steering, Power train, Mar 5, 2008

    SHIFTER BROKE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN MY TRUCK WAS IN PARK AND I WENT TO PUT IT IN REVERSE AND IT SNAPPED. AFTER ONLY SIX MONTHS AND ONE WEEK IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON 03-04-2008. *TR

  10. Power train, Mar 4, 2008

    TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 88,000 MILES. *TR

  11. Vehicle speed control, Mar 4, 2008

    WHILE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY MY CRUISE CONTROL WAS ACTING UP, IT KEPT TURNING ITSELF OFF, AND NOT KEEPING A SET SPEED. I GOT IT TO TURN BACK ON AND SET THE SPEED TO 80 MPH. AFTER A FEW MINUTES IT FELT LIKE WE WERE GOING FASTER THAN WE THOUGHT , I LOOKED DOWN AND NOTICED THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD SURGED FROM 80MPH TO 105MPH ON ITS OWN. THIS REALLY FRIGHTENED MY AND I IMMEDIATELY PUT THE BRAKES ON TO SLOW DOWN AND TURNED OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL FEATURE FOR THE REMAINDER OF MY TRIP. I HAD MY HUSBAND AND MY THREE YOUNG DAUGHTERS IN THE CAR AND WAS PRETTY SHAKEN UP ABOUT HOW QUICKLY THINGS COULD HAVE GONE TERRIBLY WRONG AND SOMEONE OR ALL OF US COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IF WE WERE TO CRASH BECAUSE OF THIS INCIDENT. *TR

  12. Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Mar 4, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A HOWLING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HE IGNORED THE SOUND AND DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE FOLLOWING DAY, WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR PROPERLY AND HESITATED. THE DAY AFTER THAT NONE OF THE GEARS WOULD SHIFT AND THE VEHICLE LOST ALL TORQUE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 140,000.

  13. Suspension, Mar 4, 2008

    REAR COIL SPRING BROKE LAST WEEK WITH ONLY 65K MILES ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. IT HAS NEVER BEEN OFF ROAD. I'M TOLD BY SEVERAL MECHANICS ITS A COMMON FORD PROBLEM. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL? I HAVE PIECE OF OLD SPRING SHOWING RUST. IT COST ME $500 TO REPAIR. FORD SAYS NO RECALL OR CUST SAT PROGRAM. *TR

  14. Power train, Mar 4, 2008

    I HAVE AN 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND IT ONLY HAS 81,000 MILES AND I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION SINCE IT HIT 77,000 MILES. IT HAS BEEN IN SHOP, A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST, AT LEAST 10 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION OVERHAULED AND THE SAME PARTS KEEP WEARING DOWN. THIS IS CAUSING THE TRANNY TO SLIP AND SLAM INTO GEAR. I AM NOW TAKING IT BACK INTO THE SHOP AFTER 6 MONTHS. FORD NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING TO HELP THE AMERICAN PEOPLE IF THEY STILL WANT US TO BUY AMERICAN.

  15. Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 4, 2008

    REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCKS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH EITHER THE FRONT DOOR LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTONS OR THE WIRELESS KEY. *TR

  16. Vehicle speed control, Mar 4, 2008

    SPEED CONTROL DOES NOT ENGAGE EVEN THOUGH IT SHOWS THAT IT IS ON, ON THE DASH BOARD. ONCE ENGAGED AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS, THE SPEED WILL THEN INCREASE ON ITS OWN. *TR

  17. Suspension, Power train, Visibility, Mar 4, 2008

    THE NOISE WAS THE INDICATION OF A PROBLEM, TOOK THE CAR IN FOR NOISE COMING FROM THE WHEELS. WAS TOLD BY FORD GARAGE ALL FOUR WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED I WAS VERY SHOCKED. WHEN FORD MECHANIC SAID THIS WAS A RECURRING PROBLEM AND COMMON IN THIS YEAR AND MODEL I WAS ANGRY. NOT SOON AFTER THAT THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE MODULE WENT OUT AND NEEDED REPLACED. THIS CAR IS FIVE YEARS OLD WITH AT THE TIME 82,000 MILES ON IT. NOW THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. EARLIER WE HAD TO REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC DRIVER'S WINDOW POWER MOTOR WHICH WAS ALSO EXPENSIVE. HAD TO REPLACE REAR AXEL BUSHINGS TOO. *TR

  18. Suspension, Mar 2, 2008

    I HAVE FORD EXPLORER AND HAVE REPLACED THREE OF FOUR WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES IN 3 YEARS. EACH TIME I TOOK THE CAR TO A REPAIR SHOP I WAS TOLD THE WHEEL WAS CLOSE TO COMING OFF THE CAR BECAUSE OF THE POOR CONDITION OF THE WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY( BEARINGS). *TR

  19. Power train, Mar 2, 2008

    TRANSMISSION FAILURE AS WELL AS DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE ON VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 90K,CAR HAS BEEN DEALER SERVICED, THIS IS ONE OF MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS VEHICLE. AT WHAT POINT WILL YOU INITIATE AN INVESTIGATION? FORD DESIGNED THIS TRANSMISSION AS A SEALED UNIT. CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO CHECK THE FLUID. FLASHING O?D LIGHT VIOLENT SHIFTING, LOSS OF POWER IN 3RD GEAR. *TR

  20. Power train, Mar 2, 2008

    TRANSMISSION AND BEARING FAILURE. OD LIGHT ON TRANNY FLASHING. TOOK TO DEALER FOR NOISE AND OD LIGHT. THEY REPLACED BEARINGS AND ASSOCIATED PARTS TO A COST OF 1130.00 TO FIX TRANNY PROBLEM THEY WANT TO REPLACE TRANNY AND TORQUE CONVERTER FOR A COST OF 3500. TRUCK WAS PURCHASED NEW AND MAINTAINED ON A REGULAR BASIS. I'VE CHECKED FORD RECALLS AND TSB'S AND THEY ARE NUMEROUS REFERRING TO BEARING AND TRANNY FAILURE. *TR

  21. Suspension, Power train, Mar 1, 2008

    2002 FORD EXPLORER WHEEL BEARING FAILURE WITH UNDER 80,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I HAVE REPLACED THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING AND NOW BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS DUE TO FAILURE. THE FIRST WAS A REAR HUB ASSEMBLY IN 06 THEN A FRONT IN 07 AND NOW THE DRIVER SIDE REAR IN 08. I WAS TOLD BY A FORD DEALER THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH A TSB ADDRESSING IT. THE DEALER TOLD ME IF NOT CAUGHT SOON ENOUGH THE TIRES COULD ACTUALLY COME OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING. WHILE THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED IN MY CASE THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT. ALSO THIS VEHICLE HAS A KNOWN DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION WHICH FORD HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION AT UNDER 70,000 MILES AND MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD WITH MY VEHICLE AS FOUND BY SEARCHING THE WEB FOR THESE PROBLEMS. *TR

  22. Suspension, Feb 29, 2008

    LOUD GRINDING NOISE FROM FRONT AND REAR WHEELS, THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILED ALONG WITH THE FRONT CARRIER BEARINGS WERE SPUN REPLACED THEM AT 82,000 MILES AND AT 86,000 MILES THE REAR DID THE SAME THING BUT THE REAR DID NOT SPIN THE CARRIER BEARINGS (NOT YET ANYWAYS) THE FRONT REPAIR COST ME AND MY WIFE OVER 600 DOLLARS (WOULD HAVE BEEN OVER 900.00 IF I DIDN'T DO THE WORK MY SELF) THE REAR WE HAD TO BUY THE PARTS FROM THE INTERNET TO SAVE MONEY AND IT COST US 350 FOR THE NEW WHEEL ASSEMBLY'S AND 62 DOLLARS TO HAVE THE NEW BEARINGS INSTALLED TO THE SPINDALS. AGAIN IF I WOULD HAVE HAD FORD DO THE WORK IT WOULD HAVE COST US AROUND A 1,000.00 THAT IS A TOTAL OF 1,025.00 TO DO IT MY SELF AND 2,000.00 TO HAVE FORD DO THE WORK. I DO STILL HAVE ONE OLD WHEEL BEARING THE REST HAVE BEEN DISCARDED FOR SCRAP TO HELP PAY FOR THE DAMAGES. ON OTHER THING MY WIFE DRIVES THIS TRUCK TO WORK EVERY DAY AND WHEN THE REAR WHEEL BEARING LET LOOSE THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL NEARLY FELL OFF THE WHEEL WAS SITTING ABOUT 15DEG INWARD. *TR

  23. Suspension, Feb 29, 2008

    FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS SHOT AT 80K MILES. *TR

  24. Vehicle speed control, Feb 28, 2008

    CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT ALWAYS ENGAGE, EVEN WHEN INDICATOR LIGHT SHOWS IT IS ON. INITIAL FAILURES WERE FAILURE TO ENGAGE OR UNEXPECTED DISENGAGEMENT. WHEN IT DOES ENGAGE, THE SPEED CONTINUALLY ACCELERATES AND DOES NOT DISENGAGE WITH BRAKE PEDAL, MUST USE OFF BUTTON ON STEERING COLUMN. ALL BUTTONS ARE FREE. CONTACTED DEALER AND MANUFACTURER, AND THEY REPORT NO RECALL ON THIS VIN. SEARCH OF NHTSA SITE SHOWS 3 SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. *TR

  25. Electrical system, Feb 28, 2008

    AT 110,000 MILES BOTH REAR PASSENGER WINDOWS STOPPED WORKING. A TRIP TO THE DEALER SAID BOTH WINDOWS NEEDED NEW CABLES AND IT WOULD COST $1,000. WINDOWS WON'T GO UP OR DOWN. *TR