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, Feb 28, 2008
AT 105K MILES THE CAR JUST DIED. NEW TRANSMISSION NEEDED. THEY INSTALLED/REINSTALLED THE NEW TRANSMISSION THREE TIMES BEFORE IT WORKED PROPERLY. *TR
Power train, Feb 27, 2008
BOUGHT MY 2002 EDDIE BAUER 4X4 WITH TOW PACKAGE AND V-6 NEW FROM THE DEALER IN AUGUST 2001. AT 45K HAD TO HAVE THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL REPLACED AS THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING THE USUAL "WHINING" SOUNDS AT BOTH LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS. WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THEIR MECHANIC WOULD INSTALL THE PART WITH "TIGHTER SPECS" AND THAT IT SHOULD LAST LONGER THAN THE ORIGINAL. YEAH RIGHT!! AT AROUND 75K, THE REAR DIFF STARTED LEAKING. HAD THE LEAK FIXED AND AS YOU MAY SUSPECT AT AROUND 80K THE "WHINING" SOUND TYPICAL OF REAR DIFF FAILURE CAME BACK. HAD IT REPLACED AGAIN ALONG WITH THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS THIS TIME WHICH WERE ALSO WORN TO THE POINT OF NEEDING REPLACEMENT. I DO USE THIS VEHICLE OFF AND ON THE ROAD AND HAVE USED 4WD PROBABLY MORE THAN THE NORMAL EXPLORER OWNER. ALSO DO SOME OCCASIONAL TOWING BUT AM ALWAYS CAREFUL TO STAY WITHIN THE WEIGHT LIMITS AND TAKE IT EASY ON THE SPEED WHILE TOWING. I'VE TAKEN EXCELLENT CARE OF THIS VEHICLE FOLLOWING THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE EXACTLY. IT IS JUST TERRIBLE THAT FORD KEEPS INSTALLING THESE PARTS EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW THEY ARE DEFECTIVE AND WON'T LAST MORE THAN 40 - 80K. SOME COMPENSATION WOULD BE NICE, MAYBE THROUGH A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. ONE THING FOR SURE. NO MORE FORDS FOR ME! *TR
Suspension, Feb 27, 2008
I FOUND AN ~3" LONG PIECE OF UNKNOWN STEEL IN MY GARAGE. NOTICED THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS ABOUT 2" LOWER THAN LEFT. THE UNKNOWN STEEL WAS PART OF THE TOP OF THE COIL SPRING. ALSO, THE BOTTOM OF THE SPRING WAS BROKEN AND THE SPRING HAD COME TO REST ON THE LOWER SWING ARM. TOTAL OF 3 BREAKS ON THE RIGHT SIDE SPRING. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED ON A LIFT THE RIGHT SIDE WAS FOUND TO HAVE TWO BREAKS, ALSO NEAR THE OPT OF THE SPRING. CALLED LOCAL DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY HAVE REPAIRED 'A FEW OF THEM'. REPAIR GARAGE COULD NOT OBTAIN AFTERMARKET SPRINGS, THEY WERE TOLD THEY WERE ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. LOCAL DEALER WAS OUT AND RECEIVED 2 TODAY, WHICH WERE INSTALLED. I HAVE PLACED ~95% OF THE ~62,000 MILES AND VEHICLE WAS NOT ABUSED IN ANY FORM. OLD PARTS AND PICTURES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. *TR
Power train, Feb 26, 2008
TRANSMISSION MAKING A HORRIBLE WHINING NOISE IN BOTH THE FRONT AND BACK. FROM ALL THAT I HAVE READ THE TRANSMISSION AND REAR END IS GOING TO HAVE TO BE OVERHAULED. WITH AS MANY COMPLAINTS AS THERE ARE ON THIS VEHICLE FORD REALLY NEEDS TO DO A RECALL AND FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE THERE IS A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS BUT CHOOSE NOT TO DO ANYTHING UNTIL THE GOVERNMENT FORCES THEM TO DO SOMETHING. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Feb 25, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR GLASS WAS CRACKED FROM THE TOP TO THE BOTTOM OF THE GLASS. HE NOTICED ANOTHER CRACK BEGINNING TO FORM AT THE TOP AS WELL. ONE CRACK IS IN THE CENTER AND THE OTHER IS ON THE TOP RIGHT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD ASSUME A SMALL PORTION OF THE COST TO HAVE THE GLASS REPLACED, BUT DID NOT STATE WHETHER THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,700. UPDATED 04-02-08 *BF
Suspension, Feb 25, 2008
NOISE COMING FROM REAR END OF VEHICLE. MECHANIC STATES BOTH REAR BEARINGS ARE BAD. ALSO STATES THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. COST ESTIMATE OF 700.00-800.00. PROBLEM CAN LEAD TO WHEEL FALLING OFF VEHICLE WHILE UNDER WAY. *TR
Power train, Equipment, Feb 24, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS, WITH 86,000 MILES. O/D LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING. 4 DAYS LATER COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. CAR TOWED TO TRANNY MECHANIC. ENTIRE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Power train, Feb 24, 2008
TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY FAILED AT 86,200 MILES. REPAIRED COST A RIDICULOUS $3,936.18. FORD KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM BUT REFUSES TO ISSUE A RECALL. *TR
Power train, Feb 22, 2008
I PURCHASED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER USED IN 2003 WITH APPROXIMATELY 35,000 MILES. BEFORE I HIT 80,000 MILES I HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED DUE TO A SHIFTING/CLUNKING PROBLEM. JUST RECENTLY I HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED AGAIN DUE TO ERRATIC SHIFTING AND MALFUNCTION. THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND LOCAL TRANSMISSION SHOP BOTH SAID THAT THIS WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT IT BUT REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING. *TR
Power train, Feb 22, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT I HAVE NOT EVEN HAD A YEAR. I AM PAYING A LOAN FOR IT AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE IT FOR 3 MONTHS. SURPRISE IT NEEDS A TRANSMISSION! APPARENTLY THIS IS NOTHING NEW FOR THIS VEHICLE. IF YOU TYPE IN A SEARCH YOU WILL FIND A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX AND SINCE IT WAS MY FAMILIES MAIN TRANSPORTATION IT HAS BEEN A HUGE INCONVENIENCE. MY WIFE HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO WORK BECAUSE SHE HAS NO WAY TO GET THERE. HOW MANY PROBLEMS AND COMPLAINTS WITH THIS VEHICLE DOES IT TAKE TO GET A RECALL OR SOMETHING? THIS IS RIDICULOUS IT IS OBVIOUSLY A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM SO WHY NOT DO SOMETHING TO HELP PEOPLE FIX IT? ESPECIALLY SINCE IT IS SUCH AN EXPENSIVE PROBLEM! *TR
Suspension, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 21, 2008, fire
2002 FORD EXPLORER CAUGHT FIRE. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE HIS MOTHER WAS VISITING HIS SISTER IN A DIFFERENT STATE. NO ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO REPAIR HER VEHICLE AND RENTAL COST THEM $600.00 OUT OF POCKET. *KB PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THE CONSUMER ASKED THE MECHANIC TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, BECAUSE WARNING LIGHTS WERE COMING ON AND GOING OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONSUMER HAD A LIST OF DOCUMENTATION RELATING TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THE VEHICLE HAD TO GET A JUMP SEVERAL TIMES, THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE WHEN FIRST STARTING UP. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE STUCK, THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKE PEDAL SWITCH. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERABLE SO THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE ALTERNATOR AND WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED. *JB
Suspension, Feb 21, 2008, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE RIGHT WHEEL TURNED OUTWARDS AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED IN A DITCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STABILIZER BAR FAILED. HE SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 160,000.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 21, 2008
I RECEIVED A RECALL ON MY FORD VEHICLE FOR THE SPEED CONTROL. IT MAY LEAK CAUSING AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. I NEED TO HAVE A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INSTALLED INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM. ACCORDING TO FORD DEALERSHIPS THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH ME DUE TO THE FACT THAT I PARK MY TRUCK IN MY GARAGE THAT IS ATTACHED TO MY HOME. I DO NOT WANT MY HOME TO BURN DOWN AND DO NOT WANT A FIRE TO START UNDER MY HOOD WHILE DRIVING EITHER. PLEASE HELP IT HAS BEEN 6 MONTHS SINCE I RECEIVED THE RECALL. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 21, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED FORD RECALL NOTICE NUMBER 05S28 FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IN AUGUST OF 2007. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WILL BE AVAILABLE IN JUNE OF 2008. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL HAS GONE BEYOND A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR TO PERFORMED. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
Suspension, Power train, Feb 21, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT, CAR WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF 2ND GEAR. OVER DRIVE OFF LIGHT FLASHES AND SHIFTING STALLS. NO REPLACEMENT HAS HAPPENED YET, BUT SEEMS LIKE EVERYONE ELSE WHO HAS HAD THIS HAPPEN TO THEM NEEDED A TRANSMISSION REBUILD. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO SHELL OUT FOR A REBUILD. ALSO 5 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR, I HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR BALL BARING HUBS AND BEARINGS. THE TOTAL COST WAS 1,000 DOLLARS USD. WE NEED FORD TO RECALL THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 19, 2008
AFTER NORMAL DRIVING I BEGAN TO HEAR A LOUD GRINDING AND HUMMING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE TIRE OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. AFTER GOING TO MY MECHANIC HE HAD SAID MY REAR BEARING AND HUB ARE BAD WHICH ALSO MADE MY REAR TIRE UNSTABLE. HE BEGAN TO TELL ME IT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THE BEARINGS, HUBS, AND BRAKES WERE DEFECTIVE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THEY CANNOT HANDLE THE BRAKING LOAD OF THIS VEHICLE. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM ONLINE IT WOULD SEEM HE IS CORRECT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM IN THAT ALL THE BEARINGS AND HUBS EVENTUALLY GO BAD AND CAN FAIL AT ANYTIME MAKING THE TIRES UNSTABLE AND COULD FALL OFF DURING DRIVING. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECTIVE DESIGN AND /OR PARTS INSTALLED IN THIS VEHICLE. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME EVENTS HAPPENING TO OTHER OWNERS. SINCE THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND A VERY EXPENSE FIX FOR UNSUSPECTING OWNERS I HOPE YOU LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE AND MAKE FORD ISSUE A RECALL. THANK YOU. *TR
Power train, Feb 18, 2008
OVERDRIVE INDICATOR ON MY WIFE'S 2002 FORD EXPLORER WAS FLASHING AND EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS. REPAIR FACILITY SAYS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WAS THIS TRANSMISSION. SOLUTION IS TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT OR REPLACED WITH ANOTHER TRANSMISSION. INTERNET GOOGLE RETURNS TONS OF SUPPORTING OWNERS WITH SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Feb 18, 2008
YET, ANOTHER 2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FAILURE. OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, LOST POWER AND DELAY ON SHIFTING, HAD TO HAVE TRANSMISSION REBUILT. FORD NEEDS TO OWN UP TO THIS PROBLEM. LUCKILY I'M UNDER A CRAPPY EXTENDED WARRANTY. OR I WOULD BE 3,400 DOLLARS WORSE IN THE HOLE ON THIS 86,000 MILE 02 EXPLORER. ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE REAR SEALS REPLACED AND CONTROL ARM SAME OLD STUFF I HERE EVERYWHERE..... *TR
Power train, Feb 18, 2008
MY OVERDRIVE LIGHT IS BLINKING ON AND OFF FOR ABOUT A MONTH..AND BASED ON WHAT I HAVE READ, MY TRANSMISSION IS ABOUT TO GO. ON ONE WEBSITE ALONE THERE WERE OVER 100 COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION NEEDING TO BE COMPLETELY OVERHAULED. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SOMEONE IS DRIVING ON A FREEWAY, THE TRANSMISSION GOES AND DOZENS OF PEOPLE ARE KILLED BECAUSE OF A MASSIVE ACCIDENT?????? FORD SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND BE MADE TO RECALL THE TRANSMISSION ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER!!! *TR
Suspension, Feb 18, 2008
I, TOO AM APPARENTLY A FORD EXPLORER LOOSE WHEEL BEARING VICTIM. UNLIKE MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS I'VE READ, I ONLY HAVE 42,000 MI. ON MY TRUCK. MY MECHANIC ALSO INDICATED THAT HE'S SEEING MANY OF THESE CASES AND THAT FORD SHOULD BE STEPPING UP IN THE NAME OF SAFETY TO RECALL THIS DEFECTIVE ITEM BEFORE SERIOUS INJURY OCCURS AND THE TSA SHOULD BE FORCING THEM TO DO SO. IT IS OUTRAGEOUS THAT A PART THAT SHOULD LAST A MINIMUM OF 100,000 MI IS GOING TO COST ME IN EXCESS OF $700! IS FORD SIMPLY USING LESS EXPENSIVE PARTS BECAUSE MOST PEOPLE DO NOT CARRY AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AFTER 5 YEARS? IN ADDITION TO FILING A COMPLAINT HERE, I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY. THEY ARE A MUCH LOUDER VOICE SINCE THEY DO NOT WANT TO PAY OUT UNNECESSARY CLAIMS. FORD DOES NOT WANT TO ALERT THE PUBLIC TO A SAFETY ISSUE PRIOR TO SOMEONE BEING KILLED, NOR DO THEY VOLUNTARILY WISH TO ASSUME THIS EXPENSE IF THE PUBLIC SIMPLY GOES OUT AND PAYS $700 TO FIX IT. I'M SO FIRED UP, I MAY ATTEMPT TO REACH OUT TO THE MEDIA. FORD & TSA. MY INSURANCE COMPANY JUST CALLED BACK AND THEY ARE CONCERNED THAT CLAIMS ARE BEING PAID OUT ON THIS AND IT'S NEITHER THE OWNER'S NOR THE INSURANCE COMPANIES FAULT. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT HERE. *TR
Power train, Feb 18, 2008
THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AND SHIFTING ROUGH BETWEEN GEARS. HAD IT OVERHAULED AT 38,000 MILES. SAME PROBLEMS NOW OCCURRING AT 120,000. *TR
Structure, Feb 18, 2008
REAR LIFTGATE GLASS SHOCKS WERE NO LONGER HOLDING UP THE WINDOW WHEN OPEN. REPLACED BOTH SHOCKS, CLOSED THE LIFTGATE GLASS AND THE WINDOW EXPLODED, RESULTING IN THE BOTTOM TRIM PIECE FALLING AND SHATTERED GLASS FLYING EVERYWHERE. FORTUNATELY THEIR WERE NO INJURIES. *TR
Power train, Feb 17, 2008
TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED. O/D LIGHT IS BLINKING, AND IT WON'T SHIFT INTO 3RD GEAR. *TR
Power train, Feb 16, 2008
AUTO TRANSMISSION SLIPPING BETWEEN 3RD AND 4TH GEAR. ENGINE REV HIGH TO 4K AND ABOVE WITH HARD BANG INTO NEXT GEAR. INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Feb 16, 2008
THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS FLASHING, RPM'S INCREASED AND THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION WAS MAKING LOUD NOISES AS THE GEARS SHIFTED. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST AND WAS DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING A NEW TRANSMISSION. NOT ONLY A NEW ONE, BUT TO BOAR OUT THE EXISTING HOUSING AS IT WAS DEFECTIVE BY FORD. *TR