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, Jan 30, 2008
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS 3 YEARS OLD, THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT IN IT. ONE DAY IT WASN'T DRIVING RIGHT, AND BY THE NEXT DAY THE TRANSMISSION WAS OUT. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR WARRANTY (IT WAS STILL UNDER 100K MILES) I ENDED UP SHELLING OUT OVER $2000 FOR THIS TO BE REPAIRED. I HAVE HAD ALOT OF PEOPLE TELL ME THAT THEY HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR EXPLORER. THE SHOP THAT REPAIRED THE CAR HAD LOTS OF TROUBLE WITH THE TRANSMISSION AS WELL. IT TOOK THEM A MONTH TO GET IT RUNNING PROPERLY. I STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE THIRD GEAR. IT DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY AND WILL SOMETIMES SKIP THE GEAR ALL TOGETHER. I AM PROUD TO OWN AN AMERICAN MADE CAR, BUT IT RUNS LIKE CRAP AND I WISH THAT FORD WOULD DO SOMETHING TO CORRECT THIS. IT IS NOT OLD ENOUGH TO HAVE THIS KIND OF PROBLEM, AND MANY PEOPLE ARE IN THE SAME BOAT AS ME WITH THEIR EXPLORER. I AM STILL TRYING TO PAY THIS OFF AS WELL AS CONTINUE TO MAKE THE CAR PAYMENT. *TR
Power train, Jan 29, 2008
I BOUGHT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER USED IN 2005 WITH ABOUT 60,000 MILES ON IT. IN 6 MONTHS THE ENTIRE CAR WOULD SHAKE IF I WENT ABOVE 50 MILES PER HOUR. ABOUT A WEEK LATER, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I FELT THE CAR SHIFT EXTREMELY HARD. I TOOK IT TO A SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT 3RD GEAR WAS ALREADY GONE AND THAT I WAS GOING TO SOON LOSE 2ND AND SO ON. I HAD TO SPEND $2000 ON A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. HOWEVER, ALMOST 2 1/2 YEARS LATER THIS REBUILT TRANSMISSION IS FAILING AGAIN. THIS TIME THE OD LIGHT STARTED TO BLINK; I HAD A GARAGE GET THE CODE IMMEDIATELY. IT SAID THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER. I HAD THEM LOOK AT THE TRANSMISSION CLOSER AND THEY FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS BURNT AND THERE WERE METAL SHAVINGS IN IT. THE TRANSMISSION IS FRIED AGAIN, AND IT WILL COST APPROXIMATELY $3200 TO FIX IT THIS TIME. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE THESE PROBLEMS OFTEN COME WITH NO WARNING. BOTH INCIDENTS I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WITH MY FAMILY IN THE CAR. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE. THIS IS DEFINITELY A DEFECT IN THE SEALED TRANSMISSIONS PUT IN THE 2002 EXPLORERS!!! *CN
Structure, Jan 28, 2008
STRESS FRACTURE RUNNING VERTICALLY ALONG PLASTIC PANEL OF LIFTGATE DIRECTLY UNDER BACK WINDOW APPEARED. THE CRACK IS LOCATED TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM RUNNING FROM THE GLASS THE LENGTH OF THE PANEL. NO FORCE OF ANY KIND WAS APPLIED TO THE AREA TO CAUSE THIS CRACK. I LIVE IN A COLD WEATHER CLIMATE WITH RAIN AND SNOW AND AM NOW WORRIED ABOUT WATER GETTING INSIDE AND EFFECTING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SINCE THIS IS A COMMONLY DOCUMENTED PROBLEM, THAT COULD LEAD TO FURTHER MORE SERIOUS PROBLEMS, FORD SHOULD REPLACE THE PANEL. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Jan 28, 2008
THE REAR WINDOWS WAS RECALLED AND THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. NOW THE BACK WINDOW FAILED AS I AM TOLD BY THE FORD DEALER HAS CRACKED. AFTER SOME SEARCHING I SEE THIS IS PRETTY COMMON AFTER THE REPAIR. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/WINDOWS_WINDSHIELD/REAR_LIFT_GATE_WINDOW_EXPLODED.SHTML *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 28, 2008
NO DECERNABLE EVENTS LED UP TO THE TOTAL FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE'S KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM. THE REMOTES CEASED TO FUNCTION. REPLACING BATTERIES DID NOT HELP. REMOTE CAPABILITY TO LOCK DOORS FROM OUTSIDE OR INSIDE CEASED AT APPROXIMATELY 45K MILES. KEYPAD CEASED TO DUNCTION AT SAME TIME. DEALER WANTS $75/HR TO 'LOOK AND SEE; WHAT PROBLEM MIGHT BE. I SUSPECT ABRASION IN THE WIRING HARNESS CONTAINED WITHIN DRIVER'S DOOR. *CN
Power train, Jan 27, 2008
REAR END DIFFERENTIAL PROBLEM ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER. *TR
Power train, Jan 27, 2008
PURCHASED '02 EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER BRAND NEW IN AUG '01. FROM BRAND NEW, EXPLORER WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY ENGAGE WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT AND PRESSING THE GAS. AFTER MULTIPLE VISITS TO FORD, AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG, THEY FINALLY GOT A SERVICE NOTICE THAT TOLD THEM HOW TO FIX IT. NOW AT JUST 86K MILES, YOUNG FOR GENTLY DRIVEN, FULLY MAINTAINED VEHICLES, I AM BEING TOLD THAT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. O/D OFF LIGHT REPEATEDLY COMES ON, GOES OFF WHEN I TURN OFF THE EXPLORER. ALSO, STRANGE VIBRATIONS AT HIGHWAY SPEED (NOT ROUGH ROAD), AND LOUD/FIRM SHIFT IN AND OUT OF REVERSE. YESTERDAY O/D OFF LIGHT CAME ON WITH SERVICE ENGINE SOON. FORD SERVICE SAYS THAT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR $3K+ AND THAT IT CAN GO OUT ANY DAY NOW. AFTER RESEARCH, THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A VERY COMMON ISSUE AND RELATED TO A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION, WHICH SHOULD NOT BE AN EXPECTED COST OF AUTO OWNERSHIP. HAVE NOT DECIDED WHO TO HAVE REPAIR IT YET. *TR
Power train, Jan 26, 2008
OH WHERE TO START!! I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS, MOSTLY THE TRANSMISSION. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE AROUND 75K MILES AND I'M ON MY 4TH TRANSMISSION, INCLUDING THE ONE THAT CAME WITH THE CAR. NOW, ONE A COLD DAY MY PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW HAS BROKEN. I AM VERY UPSET WITH THE QUALITY OF THIS VEHICLE. ONE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WHILE I HAD MY KIDS IN THE CAR WITH ME. IT WAS FINE ONE MOMENT AND THEN THE NEXT MOMENT I COULDN'T DO ANYTHING. THAT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS THE #1 PROBLEM WITH FORD CARS, OR EXPLORERS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT THAT. *TR
Structure, Jan 26, 2008
2 LARGE VERTICAL CRACKS IN BACK PANEL OF TAILGATE EXTENDING DOWN FROM WINDOW. *TR
Power train, Jan 24, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN WHICH IT ONLY HAS 70,000 MILES ON IT AN THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINS ON THIS AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 24, 2008
1) I NOTICED THAT MY RPMS WERE NOT RETURNING TO NORMAL AND MY VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO STOP COMPLETELY. 2) I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS 4X4 WITH THE SOHC 4.0 LITER ENGINE. THE THROTTLE CABLE STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SURGE UNCONTROLLABLY AT APPROXIMATELY 5000 RPMS. I HAD TO TURN OFF MY IGNITION TO AVOID CRASHING THE VEHICLE INTO NEARBY TRAFFIC. OTA HAS RECEIVED REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM, NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE05037, BUT CLOSED THE CASE ON NOVEMBER 2, 2005. THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS CRASH. I BELIEVE THAT OTA SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM AS IT DID FOR CAMPAIGN #03V280000. 3) I WILL BE CONTACTING FORD TOMORROW TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Structure, Jan 23, 2008
2002 EXPLORER REAR WINDOW EXPLODED WHEN MY 14 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER CLOSED THE TOP LIFT GATE. REAR WINDOW RECALL WAS PERFORMED IN 8/2007 FORD WILL NOT COVER COST ($1,400.00) FOR REPAIR. *TR
Power train, Jan 23, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND LIKE NUMEROUS OTHER PEOPLE, I HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE O/D LIGHT BLINKS OFF AND ON AND IT DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY WHEN THIS HAPPENS. IF YOU TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEN BACK ON, IT USUALLY SHIFTS OK FOR A WHILE BEFORE IT STARTS ALL OVER AGAIN. I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD RECALL THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY THE LARGE MAJORITY OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE THIS OR SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL, SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE, THEN RESTART BEFORE IT SHIFTS PROPERLY AGAIN! THIS IS DANGEROUS! *TR
Seats, Jan 22, 2008, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLID ON A PATCH OF ICE AND STRUCK A HARD SURFACE. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER. THE REAR CENTER SEAT BELT BUCKLE BECAME UNDONE AND THE CHILD WAS THROWN AROUND AND INJURED INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 45,000. UPDATED 02-14-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT BROKE OPEN WHEN THE EXPLORER FLIPPED UPSIDE DOWN. UPDATED 02/14/08 *TR
Suspension, Jan 21, 2008
NOISE LIKE UNBALANCED TIRE COMING FROM LEFT FRONT TIRE/WHEEL. NOISE INCREASES UNTIL IT BECOMES A ROAR LIKE AN AIRPLANE TAKING OFF. STEERING WHEEL BEGINS TO VIBRATE. FEELS LIKE WHEEL IS GOING TO FALL OFF CAR. MECHANIC TELLS ME LEFT FRONT HUB AND BEARINGS MUST BE REPLACED. THE THREE OTHER WHEELS ARE ALSO SYMPTOMATIC BUT NOT AS IMMEDIATELY PRESSING AS LEFT FRONT HE DOES NOT THINK BUT WON'T KNOW UNTIL REPAIR IS COMPLETED LATER TODAY. REPAIR BALL PARK COST AT THIS TIME IS $600-$700. STILL, OTHER THREE WHEELS BEARINGS/HUBS WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. CAR HAS 70,000 MILES, HAS RECEIVED ALL RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE AND HAS HAD CITY DRIVING. FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. THEY HAVE ISSUED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ABOUT IT. THEY SAY THAT ONLY YOU CAN ISSUE A RECALL. THERE IS AN INTERNET BOARD AT THIS LINK HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/WHEELS_HUBS/WHEEL_BEARING_FAILURE.SHTML WHERE 47 OTHER CONSUMERS OF THIS ISSUE MODEL HAVE FACED THE SAME ISSUE....REPETITIVE FAILURE OF WHEEL BEARINGS/HUBS...TO THE POINT WHERE WHEELS HAVE FALLEN OFF. EVEN WHEN REPLACED THE NEW FACTORY MADE REPLACEMENT BEARINGS WEAR OUT! PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS BEFORE SOMEBODY IS KILLED WHEN A WHEEL FLIES OFF ON A HIGHWAY! *TR
Structure, Jan 19, 2008
WENT TO OPEN LIFTGATE WHEN PARKED IN THE DARK AND CUT HAND ON CRACKED PANEL. CALLED FORD, THEY ARE AWARE THAT THE PLASTIC PANELS ARE CRACKING IN THE COLD/HOT TEMP CHANGES BUT ARE NOT RECALLING THEM. WE TAPED THE CRACK SO OUR CHILDREN WON'T GET HURT. PLEASE HELP. IF YOU GO TO WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM THERE ARE LOTS OF PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. THANK YOU *TR
Suspension, Jan 19, 2008
VEHICLE MILEAGE: 69,000. LOUD GRINDING NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. NO PREVIOUS WARNING. REQUIRED TOW. REPLACED 2 CRACKED REAR SPRINGS, 2 DAMAGED STRUTS, 2 REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. UNUSUAL AND DANGEROUS INCIDENT FOR THIS MILEAGE. WE NOW KNOW IT IS A "NOTORIOUS PROBLEM" - OLD PARTS AVAILABLE. *TR
Suspension, Jan 18, 2008
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AFTER HAVING MY FRONT BEARINGS DONE ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER I HEARD A GRINDING NOISE FROM THE BACK OF MY TRUCK. IT FELT AS THOUGH MY LEFT REAR WHEEL WAS GOING FALL OFF. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $705 DOLLARS. I COULD HAVE DIED FROM THIS AND THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE BEARINGS. WITH A VERY LIMITED BUDGET I AM NOT ABLE TO HAVE THE PART FIXED AND THIS WILL LEAD TO ME MISSING TIME AT WORK. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE FORD REFUSES TO DO SO AND THERE IS GOING BE A SERIOUS INJURY FROM THIS. PLEASE LETS NOT WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE LOSES THEIR LIFE WHEN WE CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. *TR
Suspension, Equipment, Jan 13, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER V6 AND IN THE PAST 2 YEARS I HAVE REPLACED BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING AND ABOUT TO REPLACE THE ONE ON THE RIGHT SIDE AGAIN. I CALLED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD ONLY RECALL A VEHICLE IF YOU LADIES AND GENTLE CALL FOR A RECALL. I HAVE SPENT OVER $1200 DOLLARS ON THIS PROBLEM AND ABOUT TO SPEND ANOTHER $600. I CHECKED ON LINE AND REALIZED I WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. HUNDREDS OF OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THE EXPLORER BUT STILL NO RECALL. I WAS JUST WONDERING WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT MY PROBLEM. I'M TIRED OF SPENDING MONEY ON A TRUCK THAT BARELY SIX YEARS OLD AND HAD LESS THAN 70,000 MILES WHEN THIS PROBLEM FIRST OCCURRED. *TR
Structure, Jan 13, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR HATCH PLASTIC PANEL CRACKED COMPLETELY THROUGH, TOP TO BOTTOM DIRECTLY ABOVE AND BELOW THE OVAL FORD EMBLEM. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE RAN THE VIN. NO. AND TOLD ME THIS PANEL HAD BEEN REPLACED ONCE ALREADY. *TR
Tires, Jan 11, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE HAS GOODYEAR WRANGLER RT/S, SIZE P265/70/R16 TIRES. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 45-50 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE FAILED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WERE SEVERE CRACKS AROUND THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRES AND THEY ALL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FIRST TIRE THAT FAILED HAD SEVERE TREAD SEPARATION. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,481 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,562. UPDATED 02-12-BF08 * THE CONSUMER STATED FORD REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES WITH WRANGLER GOODYEAR RT/S DOT MD70 D5HR, MTS P245/75R16 AND CHARGED $100 FOR THE NEW TIRES. UPDATED 02/12/08 *TR
Power train, Jan 11, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM WHAT SHE BELIEVED TO BE THE MIDDLE OF THE VEHICLE. SHE PARKED THE VEHICLE FOR A WHILE AND THEN RESTARTED THE ENGINE. THE NOISE WENT FROM A LOUD HUMMING NOISE TO A LOUD WHISTLING NOISE. THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER, AND BEGAN TO PULL. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND REALIZED THAT THE REAR AXLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER RESIDENCE BECAUSE SHE COULD NOT AFFORD THE REPAIR. FORD WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THERE WERE NO RECALLS AVAILABLE AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Jan 9, 2008
THIS 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER ABRUPTLY STOPS WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED WITHOUT ANY NOTICE OR INDICATION THAT THE IGNITION WILL FAIL TO KEEP THE CAR RUNNING. THIS CAR HAS BEEN TO TWO FORD DEALERSHIPS AND ONE REPUTABLE AND ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENT AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOP. THIS CAR WAS AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR ALMOST 30 DAYS AND THIS CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME WITH THIS POTENTIALLY FATAL DEFECT STILL UNDIAGNOSED. NONE OF THE AFOREMENTIONED DEALERSHIPS COULD DETERMINE THE TRUE UNDERLYING PROBLEM. AT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP A BRAND NEW STARTER WAS INSTALLED BECAUSE OF A NO START CONDITION SHOWING NO POWER TO THE STARTER AND BLOWN FUSES FOR THE INJECTORS, FUEL PUMP, AND THE COMPUTER. THE SAME DEFECT SHOWED ITSELF ONE DAY LATER AFTER TRAVELING OVER 70 MILES WITH NO SIGN OF FAILURE. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 9, 2008
2002 FORD EXPLORER FRONT AND REAR WHEEL BEARING REPLACEMENT. BACK RIGHT WHEEL BEARING FAILED CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE AXLE, BREAKS AND WHEEL DRUM. FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING FAILED. IN BOTH OCCASIONS NOISES WERE HEARD. IN REGARDS TO BE BACK WHEEL BEARING THE TIRE ALMOST CAME OFF AND THE WHEEL FROZE. THIS OCCURRED WHILE ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF 65 MILES AN HOUR. BACK WHEEL BEARING, AXLE, DRUM AND BRAKES REPLACED AT A FORD DEALER, COSTING OVER $1700 DOLLARS. FRONT WHEEL BEARING BEGAN MAKING A THUMPING NOISE AND WAS REPLACED AT A LOCAL MECHANIC COSTING $500. IN CONTACTING FORD I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 9, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IN AUGUST OF 2007. HE HAS BEEN INFORMED EVERY MONTH THEREAFTER THAT THE PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE THE FOLLOWING MONTH. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,000. UPDATED 3/4/08 *CN