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.
Suspension, Feb 15, 2008
1. HUMMING NOISE COMING FROM VEHICLE, WENT TO DEALER GOT IT LOOKED AT DEALER SAID IT WAS HUB ASSEMBLY IN 3 OF FOUR WHEELS THAT NEEDED REPLACED. 2. ASKED IF I COULD DRIVE IT UNTIL I HAD THE MONEY, WAS TOLD IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED BECAUSE (IF) (WHEN) IT FAILS COMPLETELY IT COULD DAMAGE THE BRAKING SYSTEM OR THE WHEEL COULD FALL OFF, SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND CAR-COMPLAINTS.COM AND DISCOVERED NUMEROUS EXPLORER DRIVERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING ABOUT THE WHEEL FALLING OFF. 3. WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLES WILL BE REPLACED, I COULD GET THE OLD PARTS BACK IF REQUESTED. JUST KIND OF SCARY THAT THE WHEEL COULD FALL OF WHEN THIS PART FAILS, AND IT FAILED ON 3 OUT OF 4 WHEELS. *TR
Power train, Feb 15, 2008
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS IN THE 2002 EXPLORER WITH A 4.6L V8. *TR
Suspension, Feb 14, 2008
02 FORD EXPLORER, BAD WHEEL BEARING, GO ON INTERNET AND FIND OUT VERY HIGH FAILURE RATE OF THESE BEARINGS THAT COULD CAUSE WHEEL TO COME OFF AND POTENTIALLY KILL SOMEONE. FORD WILL NOT RECALL THESE BEARINGS. *TR
Power train, Feb 13, 2008
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING WHEN IT WAS SHIFTING IN TO 3RD GEAR SO A TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP TWO DAYS LATER THEY CALL ME AND TELL ME THAT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION IT WOULD BE AROUND 3,300.00 .WELL I GO ON LINE TO RESEARCH AND TRY TO FIND A TRANSMISSION COME TO FIND OUT THERE'S HUNDRED OF PEOPLE WHO OWN THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH THE SAME THING HAPPEN TO IT I KNOW THINGS DO WEAR OUT BUT IT'S A LITTLE FUNNY FOR IT DO BE THE SAME YEAR AND MODELS AND THE SAME MILEAGES I GOT IT USE AND IT HAD 90,000 MILES ON IT BUT THE TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN REBUILT ALREADY. *TR
Suspension, Feb 13, 2008
THE HUB ON THE DRIVER SIDE WENT BAD, CAUSING DAMAGE TO MY AXEL, ROTOR, AND BRAKES. ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. *TR
Suspension, Feb 13, 2008
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, AND I HAVE HAD IT FOR NEARLY 3 YEARS. I RECENTLY STARTED HEARING A FAMILIAR NOISE FROM MY TRUCK, ANOTHER WHEEL BEARING NEEDS REPLACING! THIS IS THE THIRD ONE OVER THE PAST YEAR AND A HALF! FORD HAS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, THERE IS NO REASON A VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE THIS MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE BEARINGS! *TR
Power train, Feb 12, 2008
TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE WHEN LOUD NOISE CAME FROM THE TRANSMISSION. RPM'S WENT UP DRASTICALLY. TRANNY LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN STARTING AND STOPPING THE TRUCK THE TRANSMISSION WOULD MAKE A HORRIBLE METAL SOUND. HAVE NOT DRIVEN IT FOR 1 MONTH DUE TO HAVING TO GO GET A LOAN TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. TOOK TO AAMCO WHICH STATED TODAY THAT THE TRANNY NEEDS TO BE TOTALLY OVERHAULED AT $2400. *TR
Structure, Feb 12, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. AFTER THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND THE DOOR WAS CLOSED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE. SHE NOTICED THAT THE LIFTGATE GLASS SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER, BUT NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000(STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) IN MAY OF 2007. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000. UPDATED 03-04-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS THOUGHT TO BE FIXED BACK IN APRIL 2007, HOWEVER THE REAR GLASS SHATTERED AGAIN. TL THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BRACKETS WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE GLASS BROKE AND SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR 21 DAYS TO HAVE THE GLASS INSTALLED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY $948 TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAS THE BRACKETS THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN INSTALLED. SHE ALSO SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY DIDN'T OFFER HER ANY ASSISTANCE.
Suspension, Feb 12, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND REPLACED THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING IN 2004, AGAIN IN OCT. OF 2006, AND NOW IN FEB. OF 2008. THE RIGHT FRONT WAS ALSO REPLACED IN DEC. OF 2006. *TR
Structure, Feb 12, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND A CRACK APPEARED OVERNIGHT IN THE REAR LIFT GATE PANEL. THIS SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING DEFECT IN FORD EXPLORERS AND FORD SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE TO FIX THE DEFECT. *TR
Structure, Feb 12, 2008
I DRIVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, EDDIE BAUER MODEL, 4 DOOR. THE ARMS (4) WHICH HOLD BOTH THE BACK DOOR UP WHEN OPEN AND THE BACK GLASS UP WHEN OPEN DO NOT RAISE UP FULLY. I FIND MYSELF CONSTANTLY BUMPING MY HEAD ON EITHER THE DOOR OR THE GLASS. LAST NIGHT AFTER A BASEBALL PRACTICE FOR MY 10-YEAR OLD SON I POPPED OPEN THE BACK GLASS TO PUT HIS BASEBALL BAG IN THE CAR. THE GLASS WENT UP PART WAY AND UNTHINKINGLY I HIT MY HEAD ON THE GLASS. I PUSHED THE GLASS UP SO I COULD PLACE THE BAG IN THE VEHICLE AND THE GLASS PANE EXPLODED. IT SHOWERED GLASS SHRAPNEL OVER THE TWO OF US. WE WERE BOTH SHOCKED THAT THE GLASS WINDOW WOULD JUST CATASTROPHICALLY EXPLODE. WE ARE VERY LUCKY WE WERE NOT INJURED. I FEEL THAT THIS ACCIDENT IS A PUBLIC HAZARD. I WILL AVOID A POOR DESIGN LIKE THIS WHEN LOOKING FOR A NEW CAR. WHEN I REPORTED IT TO PAYTON WRIGHT FORD IN GRAPEVINE, TEXAS, THE SERVICE ADVISER SHRUGGED IT OFF AND STATED YES I'VE SEEN THAT HAPPEN, LIKE IT WAS AN EVERYDAY OCCURRENCE. I WAS TOLD TO REPORT IT TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND THAT FORD WOULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. *TR
Power train, Feb 11, 2008
O/D LIGHT FLASHING, TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 11, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER FUEL FILTER REPLACEMENT FIRE HAZARD. FUEL LINE RETAINING CLIPS (50 CENT PART) ARE ONLY AVAILABLE FROM FORD IN A $200 FUEL LINE ASSEMBLY. NOT USING THESE CLIPS CAUSES TO MUCH SLACK IN THE FUEL LINE TO FILTER CONNECTION. THEIR INTENT TO ROPE THE CONSUMER INTO A $200 PURCHASE MAY CAUSE ALTERNATE, READ:UNSAFE SOLUTIONS BY THE CUSTOMER. THE FEELING IS THAT FORD IS EXTREMELY NEGLIGENT IN NOT MAKING THESE 'LOCKING R-CLIPS' AVAILABLE SEPARATELY AT THE DEALERSHIP PARTS COUNTER, OR IN THE AFTERMARKET FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF A REGULAR MAINTENANCE ITEM. (FUEL FILTER). FORD HAS BEEN CONTACTED TWICE REGARDING THIS OVERSIGHT ON THEIR PART AND REFUSE TO OFFER THE CLIPS BY THEMSELVES. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 11, 2008
MY FAMILY AND I WENT TO MY FAMILY MEMBERS HOUSE AND AFTER PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND UNLOCKING THE DOORS MY DAUGHTER'S DOOR (REAR PASSENGER) WOULD NOT UNLOCK NOR OPEN FOR THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE, BY SWITCH NOR MANUALLY. FOR MY DAUGHTER TO EXIT THE VEHICLE SHE HAD TO CLIMB IN THE FRONT SEAT TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, WE HAVE A BABY THAT RIDES IN A CAR SEAT SO SHE COULDN'T EXIT ON THE DRIVER PASSENGER SIDE. I'VE DISCOVERED THAT THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THIS IS TAKE THE PANEL OFF AND TAKE THE ONE SCREW OFF THAT HOLDS THE HANDLE MECHANISM AND PULL IT A FEW TIMES TO FINALLY RELEASE THE LATCH. I JUST READ ABOUT A FORD RECALL ON FAULTY LATCHES. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IN THIS RECALL AND MY LATCH ISSUE IS MY LATCH WILL NOT RETURN TO AN OPEN STATE. I FEEL THAT MY ISSUE IS RELATED IN THE SAME CONTEXT, AND FEEL THAT THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IF SOMETHING HAPPEN MY DAUGHTER COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Suspension, Feb 11, 2008
MY COMPLAINT IS THAT I'VE HAD TO REPLACE ALL FOUR WHEEL BEARINGS ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER....IT ONLY HAS 90,000 MILES ON IT AND IT IS A VERY COSTLY REPAIR. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THESE BEARING ARE DEFECTIVE AND IF I DON'T REPLACE THEM THE CAR WOULD BE IN SERIOUS JEOPARDY OF AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Suspension, Feb 11, 2008
WHEEL BEARING FAILURE FOR THIRD TIME ALMOST FLIPPED TRUCK I HAVE HAD IT REPAIRED AGAIN. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Feb 10, 2008
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAD REAR AND FRONT HOWLING NOISES SIMILAR TO A JET DURING TAKE OFF. ALSO WAS VERY UNSTABLE AT HIGHER SPEEDS. FORD DEALERSHIP FOUND BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL BEARINGS NEED REPLACING. THEY ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR HAD SUCH A WOBBLE THAT IT WOULD DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION. JUST THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS COST ME ALMOST $600. ON FURTHER INVESTIGATION THEY FOUND THE FRONT HUBS AND RING AND PINION NOISY AND ALSO IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. THE TOTAL FOR THESE REPAIRS IS NEARING $3000. NO WONDER FORD IS HEADING INTO BANKRUPTCY! THIS VEHICLE STILL HAS WELL UNDER 100,000 MILES, HAS NEVER TOWED, PLOWED OR USED OFF-ROAD, ALL HIGHWAY MILEAGE. IS THIS WHY THEY SAY FORD IS FIX OR REPAIR DAILY? MY NEXT VEHICLE WILL NOT BE FORD FOR SURE. FORD NEEDS TO HAVE THESE ISSUES RECALLED AND FIXED BEFORE SOMEBODY GETS HURT. *TR
Power train, Feb 9, 2008
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. IT HAS 99,000 MILES ON IT. I DROVE THIS VEHICLE VERY GENTLY AND HAVEN'T HAD ANY PRIOR PROBLEMS. THEN ONE DAY OUT OF NOWHERE, THE TRANSMISSION WENT. IT WENT WITHOUT WARNING. NO PRIOR SLIPPAGE, NO JERKING, NO ENGINE LIGHTS, NOTHING. NOW I HAVE TO DISH OUT MONEY I DON'T HAVE TO GET IT FIXED. I SEE I'M NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS PROBLEM. FORD NEEDS TO RECOGNIZE THE FACT THAT THEY MESSED UP SOMEWHERE ALONG THE WAY WITH THIS VEHICLE. IT HAS A NICE BODY, A NICE LOOK AND FEEL. THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM JUST NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF. I'M WAITING FOR A RECALL SO I CAN GET MY MONEY BACK. I'VE BEEN A FAITHFUL FORD DRIVER, AND THEY SHOULD BE THERE FOR EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTS THEM BY BUYING THEIR VEHICLES. IF I DON'T GET ANY RESOLUTION, I'LL BE SURE TO NEVER EVEN LOOK AT A FORD AGAIN. I'LL TELL EVERYONE I KNOW TO STAY CLEAR OF FORD. *TR
Power train, Feb 9, 2008
CHANGING GEARS (PARK TO DRIVE) IN ORDER TO DRIVE CAR. GEAR SHIFT LEVER CAME OFF CAR. HAVE FOUND OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS MODEL ON WEB WHERE GEAR SHIFT LEVER FALLS OFF STEERING COLUMN. WHAT CAR HAS A GEAR SHIFT LEVER THAT FALLS OFF???? *TR
Power train, Feb 9, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON HIGHWAY, IN A CONSTRUCTION ZONE, ALMOST RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM W/ 2002 EXPLORERS. ASK ANY TRANSMISSION SHOP. ALSO CHECK OUT CARCOMPLAINTS.COM - IT IS THEIR #1 WORST VEHICLE. I COUNTED 10 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ON THIS TRANSMISSION, BUT NO RECALL !?! *TR
Power train, Feb 8, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 103K MILES MAKES A CLUNK WHEN SHIFT ON REVERSE. TOOK IT FOR CHECK UP AND NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION WHICH WILL COST ABOUT $2500+ I ALREADY PAID $10,000 FOR SUV CANT PAY ANY MORE AND I ONLY OWNED IT FOR 10 MONTHS. AND THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM THAT CAN BE FOUND ON THIS WEBSITE. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/TRANSMISSION/TRANSMISSION_SLIPS_WHEN_SHIFTING_AND_CLUNKS.SHTML I THINK FORD SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE AND HELP US OUT. *TR
Steering, Power train, Feb 8, 2008
FORD EXPLORER 2002 CLUTCH PACK IN REAR DIFF WENT OUT CAUSING RACK AND PINION TO GO OUT. FORD DEALER STATES THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR. HAD REAR DIFF REBUILT BY DEALERSHIP WITH FORD PARTS AND 24,000 MILES LATER THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT NEEDS REPLACED AGAIN. AT $1300 TO OVER $1500 EACH TIME THIS IS CRAZY AND NEITHER FORD NOR THE DEALERSHIP WILL ASSIST IN THE COST. AFTER CALLING FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE MY AGGRAVATION INCREASED BECAUSE THEY REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM. NOW SAME PROBLEM ON OUR 03 EXPEDITION. IF THE DIFF LOCKS UP I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT WILL HAPPEN. *TR
Power train, Feb 8, 2008
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS BEEN WONDERFUL UNTIL MY TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING IT WOULD RUN FINE THEN JOLT INTO GEAR OUT OF NO WHERE THEN BE RUNNING FINE AGAIN. I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK THE OTHER DAY AND OUT OF NO WHERE MY CAR STALLS IN DRIVE I AM PUSHING ON THE GAS PEDAL AND NOTHING NO MOVEMENT IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO THE TRANSMISSION SHOP AND BANG YOU NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION, I DID NOT TAKE MY CAR TO THE SHOP THE FIRST COUPLE OF TIMES BECAUSE THE ISSUE WAS SO FEW AND FAR BETWEEN, SO I THOUGHT OK MAYBE TRANSMISSION FLUID OR OIL CHANGE DID THAT EVERYTHING WAS FINE FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS THEN I LOW AND BEHOLD I AM OUT 1000'S OF DOLLARS FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION. THEN I DECIDE TO RESEARCH MY YEAR, MAKE, MODEL VEHICLE AND FIND OUT THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS TO THROW AWAY MONEY THAT I CAN NOT AFFORD BECAUSE FORD KNEW ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM ALL ALONG. I HAVE ALWAYS BOUGHT FORD VEHICLES BUT I THINK THAT I MIGHT HAVE TO RECONSIDER WHEN I LOOK FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE UNLESS FORD WANTS TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND RECALL THIS YEAR TRANSMISSION AND REIMBURSE THOSE WHO WERE OUT MONEY GETTING THEIR VEHICLES FIXED WHEN FORD KNEW THAT THEIR WAS A PROBLEM TO BEGINNING WITH. THANK GOODNESS THAT I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WHEN MY CAR STALLED BECAUSE I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED AND THEN I WOULD BE MORE UPSET THAN I AM. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Feb 8, 2008
RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER FOR MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER, IT HAS 79,000 MILES ON IT. WITHIN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 3 OF THE 4 WHEEL BEARINGS. THE TIRE WAS PRACTICALLY FALLING OFF THE VEHICLE BY THE TIME IT MADE ENOUGH NOISE FOR ANYONE TO NOTICE. *TR
Power train, Feb 7, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH AN O/D LIGHT FLASHING AND NOW A SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ON. WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE REBUILT. ONLY 46000 MILES ON THE TRUCK. ONLY CHANGED EVERY 3000. EXTENDED WARRANTY JUST EXPIRED ON DEC 13, 2007 AFTER 5 YEARS. UPDATED *TR