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, Nov 11, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION STARTED FAILING AT 80,000 MILES. OVERDRIVE LIGHT CONSTANTLY FLASHES, TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT INTO OD, HARD SHIFTS BETWEEN 2-3, 3-4, SOMETIMES MISSES 3RD, CLUNKS IN REVERSE. ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE WAS PERFORMED ON TRANSMISSION. *TR
Suspension, Nov 9, 2007
HAVE REPLACED 3 WHEEL BEARINGS AT THE COST OF $400 A PIECE. *TR
Power train, Nov 8, 2007
TRANSMISSION SEIZED AFTER APPROXIMATELY 75K ON CAR 5 YEARS OLD. LUCKILY MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING SLOWLY ON LOCAL STREETS WHEN IT OCCURRED SO HE WAS UNINJURED. TRANSMISSION WAS REPAIRED AT DEALER COSTING $3546.23 THIS HAPPENED TO OUR PREVIOUS FORD EXPLORER AND IF YOU LOOK ONLINE AT CARCOMPLAINTS.COM SEEMS TO BE AN EXTREMELY COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. FORD DOESN'T SEE A NEED TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM SINCE IT CONVENIENTLY HAPPENS AFTER WARRANTY IS UP. *TR
Suspension, Nov 8, 2007
WHEEL BEARING DEFECTIVE. *TR
Power train, Nov 3, 2007
MY 2002 EXPLORER TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AS SHIFTING AND PUTTING IN REVERSE AND DRIVE. THIS VEHICLE HAS 76000 MILES ON IT. TOOK TO THE FORD GARAGE, ALL TEST CAME OUT OK, TECH STATED I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF 3500.00. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH AND READING COMPLAINTS OF OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS, I FEEL THIS EXPENSE SHOULD BE COVERED BY FORD. *TR
Power train, Nov 1, 2007
FAX FROM RE THE PROBLEM WITH A DEFECTIVE GEAR SHIFT IN HER 2002 FORD EXPLORER, GEAR SHIFT LEVER HAS BROKEN OFF TWICE. *KB THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE FOR THE SECOND TIME ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2007. *JB
Power train, Nov 1, 2007
REAR DIFFERENTIAL DRIVETRAIN FAILURE. VEHICLE MILEAGE 25,000 MILES ON ODOMETER. 4 WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE, REAR DIFFERENTIAL WHINE/HUM AT HIGHWAY SPEED. FORD HAS A TSB 05-23-3 ON REAR AXLE NOISE REPAIR. TOOK TO HALDELMAN FORD, HAMILTON N.J. FOR SERVICE/REPAIR. COST OF REPAIR WAS $3,600.00. *TR
Power train, Nov 1, 2007
BEGINNING OF 2006, I PURCHASED MY USED 2002 FORD EXPLORER. AROUND 70,000 MILES, ABOUT 9 MONTHS LATER, THE ROARING NOISE IN THE REAR WAS UNBEARABLE. I PUT ALL NEW TIRES,I PUT ALL NEW BRAKES THINKING THIS WAS CAUSING THE NOISE. FINALLY I WENT ONLINE TO FIND THE MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE REAR END NOISE. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALLS, EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE, BECAUSE IT IS NOT CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE. THEY SUGGESTED I HAVE IT DIAGNOSED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP. ON 10/20/07, I HAD THIS DIAGNOSIS DONE, AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL AND WAS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE, OR DRIVE AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE IT COULD CEASE UP WHILE DRIVING, AND CAN BE A SAFTEY ISSUE IF UNIT FAILS. THE COST OF THIS REPAIR, PARTS AND LABOR IS ABOUT $1200. IS FORD WAITING FOR THIS TO CEASE UP, CAUSING INJURIES OR DEATHS BEFORE THEY DEEM IT A SAFTEY ISSUE, AND RECALL THESE VEHICLES FOR REPAIR. I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE AT THIS TIME AND NEED MY VEHICLE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 1, 2007
THIS IS TO ADD INFORMATION TO A PREVIOUS COMPLAINT. ODI NUMBER 10207581. THERE WAS A SUDDEN FAILURE OF THE ENGINE THAT RESULTED IN SUDDEN LOCKUP OF THE ENGINE, RESULTING IN COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER AND CONTROL. THIS HAPPENED ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AT LOW SPEED. HOWEVER A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION WITH HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC HAD JUST BEEN NAVIGATED. IF THE FAILURE HAD HAPPENED AT THAT INTERSECTION, THE FAILURE WOULD HAVE PROBABLY RESULTED IN SEVERE INJURIES OR LOSS OF LIFE. THE ENGINE FAILURE WAS SUDDEN AND WITHOUT WARNING. BY SUDDEN, MY WIFE DESCRIBED THE NOISE AS RATTLE, CRUNCH, BANG WITH EVERYTHING LOCKING UP IN LESS THAN 5 SECONDS. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING PERFECTLY UP TO THE TIME OF FAILURE. THE CAR BEGAN SMOKING FROM THE EXHAUST IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FAILURE AND MY WIFE FEARED THE VEHICLE WAS CATCHING ON FIRE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED, A LARGE QUANTITY (1 TO 2 QUARTS)OF ENGINE COOLANT DRAINED FROM THE MUFFLER. THIS INDICATES TO ME THAT A SUDDEN FAILURE OF AN INTERNAL ENGINE SEAL, GASKET, MANIFOLD, ETC. IF A PART FAILS THIS SUDDENLY, THE PART WAS EITHER DEFECTIVE, IMPROPERLY DESIGNED, OR IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED. *TR
Structure, Oct 31, 2007
DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLY, TURNING ON INTERIOR LIGHTS AND LOCKING AND UNLOCKING DOORS WHILE DRIVING. IN ADDITION TO BEING DISTRACTING, IT IS PARTICULARLY UNSAFE AT NIGHT TO SUDDENLY HAVE THE INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON AND UNABLE TO KEEP DOORS LOCKED. FORD SAYS ISSUE IS A DOOR SENSOR, BUT CANNOT TELL WHICH ONE IS BAD. THIS USED TO HAPPEN OCCASIONALLY, NOW IT HAPPENS AT LEAST EVERY OTHER DAY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 31, 2007
SUDDEN FAILURE OF THE ENGINE THAT RESULTED IN SUDDEN LOCKUP OF THE ENGINE, COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER, AND CONTROL. THIS HAPPENED ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AT LOW SPEED. HOWEVER A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION WITH HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC HAD JUST BEEN NAVIGATED. IF THE FAILURE HAD HAPPENED AT THAT INTERSECTION, THE FAILURE WOULD PROBABLY HAVE RESULTED IN SEVERE INJURIES OR LOSS OF LIFE. THE ENGINE FAILURE WAS SUDDEN WITHOUT WARNING AND THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING PERFECTLY UP UNTIL THE TIME OF FAILURE. THE CAR STARTED SMOKING FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM IMMEDIATELY AFTER FAILURE. *TR
Suspension, Oct 30, 2007
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. VEHICLE HAS @ 57K MILES ON IT. WHEEL BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED. MY UNDERSTANDING THIS IS FACTORY SEALED AND SHOULD NOT NEED REPLACING THIS QUICKLY. NORMAL LIFETIME OF WHEEL BEARINGS SHOULD BE OVER 100K? *TR
Power train, Oct 30, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 65-70 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE ENGINE REVVED, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE CHECK ENGINE, ODOMETER, AND TRANSMISSION LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SHOP AND THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED AT THE SHOP. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 70,000. UPDATED 01/11/08. *LJ
Power train, Oct 30, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC; HOWEVER, THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE OIL PUMP FAILED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT TWICE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000. UPDATED 11/20/07 *TR
Suspension, Air bags, Oct 29, 2007
I AM AN OWNER OF A 2002 FORD EXPLORER 2WD. AT THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER THE VEHICLE STARTING MAKING A HORRIBLE NOISE. THE LOUD NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL. COME TO FIND OUT, THIS IS A MAJOR WHEEL BEARING ISSUE. I HAVE RECENTLY GOTTEN ONLINE AND DISCOVERED HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE ALSO HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. WHAT CAN WE DO TO GET THE FORD COMPANY TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT IN THEIR PRODUCT THAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO TRUST NOT ONLY YOUR LIFE BUT THE LIVES OF ALL YOUR PASSENGERS. HOW CAN COMPANIES CONTINUE TO SELL THEIR UNSAFE VEHICLES TO THE PUBLIC. IT IS ENOUGH TO HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT GETTING MY 1 YEAR OLD TO AND FROM HER NANA'S WITHOUT HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT GETTING HIT BY SOMEONE, BUT TO WORRY THAT ANY MOMENT YOUR VEHICLE CAN CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT WITHOUT YOU EVEN BEING AT FAULT BECAUSE OF FAULTY PARTS. PLEASE, CAN SOMEONE WITH ANY KIND OF DECENCY DO SOMETHING TO GET THIS COMPANY TO RECALL EVERY VEHICLE WITH FAULTY PARTS. COMMON SENSE WOULD SAY IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO. *TR
Power train, Oct 29, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER "SEALED" TRANSMISSION FAILURE. REGULAR MAINTENANCE PERFORMED, TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. *TR
Power train, Oct 29, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 55-60 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED SHIFTING. THE AFFECTED GEARS WERE SECOND AND OVERDRIVE. THE GEAR WAS ABLE TO SHIFT FROM FIRST TO THIRD GEAR WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP THE SAME DAY AND THEY DIAGNOSED A MAJOR INTERNAL FAILURE. HE PURCHASED A RECONDITIONED TRANSMISSION FROM FORD AND HAD IT INSTALLED. THE COST TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION WAS $3,100. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 145,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,835. UPDATED 01/09/08. *LJ UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
Power train, Oct 28, 2007
TRANSMISSION BEGAN SHIFTING HARD & THEN THE OD OFF LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. BEFORE I COULD GET IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT DAY, THE TRANSMISSION JUST QUIT. I PARKED AT A GROCERY STORE, RAN IN & WHEN I CAME BACK OUT TO LEAVE, IT WOULDN'T SHIFT. IT REMAINED IN PARK EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT WAS BEING MOVED THROUGH THE GEARS. I TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP & HAD THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION REBUILT. IT WAS FULL OF METAL. I WAS GOING TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION SERVICED FOR THE REGULAR MAINTENANCE BUT NEVER GOT THE CHANCE. AT 72,000 MILES, IT WAS REBUILT FOR $1800 PLUS THE $180 TOWING FEE. IF I HAD MORE WARNING, I MAY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CATCH IT BEFORE THE WHOLE THING WENT BAD, BUT THE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON UNTIL IT WAS TOO LATE. I HAVE TAKEN GOOD CARE OF THIS VEHICLE, NO OFF-ROADING, ROUGH DRIVING, OR ANYTHING. NEVER SO MUCH AS A HICCUP UNTIL THIS. *TR
Power train, Oct 27, 2007
WHINING NOISE COMING FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER. IT IS APPARENT THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIALS ON THESE VEHICLES ARE FAILING AND FORD IS AWARE OF THIS BUT REFUSES TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM AT THEIR EXPENSE. *TR
Suspension, Oct 27, 2007
I STARTED HEARING SOMETHING THAT SOUNDED SIMILAR TO A HAVING A LOW OR BAD TIRE. TIRES WERE REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE IS STILL MAKING SOUND. AFTER HEARING THAT THIS WAS THE EXPLORER'S DOWNFALL, THE WHEEL BEARINGS, I RESEARCHED THE TOPIC ONLINE TO NOW SEE THAT IN THE NEAR FUTURE I WILL BE TRYING TO REPLACE ALL BEARINGS MORE THAN LIKELY. AS DOCUMENTED BY OTHER OWNERS, WHEN ONE BEARING GOES, THEY ALL SEEM TO GO. MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE YESTERDAY AND HE SAID THE WHEEL POPPED, GRINDED, AND STARTED SQUEAKING; ASSUMING THE BEARING WENT OUT COMPLETED, THE VEHICLE IS PARKED TO GET FIXED. I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY THAT IS SUGGESTED BY OTHER OWNERS TO FIX THIS VEHICLE. IF THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE EXPLORERS AT THIS MILEAGE, WHICH SEEMS TO HAPPENS AROUND 70,000-80,000 MILES; THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT IS AFFECTING THE LIVES OF OWNERS. WHY IS THE PRODUCT NOT RECALLED? I DRIVE THIS VEHICLE WITH MY 4 AND 6 YEAR OLD CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT, IF I DO GET THIS BEARING FIXED, WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE OTHERS GO OUT. I AM JUST VERY DISAPPOINTED IN FORD MOTOR COMPANY. MY GRANDDAD AND DAD BOTH RETIRED FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND I HAVE ALWAYS UPHELD THEIR NAME AND VALUE; BUT THIS IS A DISGRACE AND A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT. VIEW MORE OWNER COMPLAINTS AT: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/WHEELS_HUBS/WHEEL_BEARING_FAILURE.SHTML *TR
Power train, Oct 26, 2007
MY GEAR SHIFT SNAPPED OFF. I'VE NOTICED MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. THIS IS NOT AN INEXPENSIVE REPAIR AND IT APPEARS THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. I'M AN OLDER DRIVER, HANDICAPPED AND I'M THE ONLY PERSON WHO HAS DRIVEN MY VEHICLE. IT IS NOT THE RESULT OF ABUSE. *TR
Steering, Oct 25, 2007
GEAR SHIFT MECHANISMS BROKE APART AND SEPERATED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN LEAVING THE VEHICLE IN PARK POSITION. TOWED TO DEALER. PART NOT AVAILABLE FOR 1 MONTH. PREVIOUSLY HAD VEHICLE TO DEALER STATING THERE WAS A NOISE EMANATING FORM THE STEERING COLUMN. COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING. AM TOLD THE PART IS $700 + AND $200+ TO INSTALL. MY CONTENTION IS THIS WAS A FAULTY PART. IF THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING, IT COULD HAVE DEPLOYED THE AIR BAG CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. EVEN THE DEALER HAS NEVER HEARD OF THE MECHANISMS BREAKING APART AS THIS ONE DID. *TR
Steering, Other or unspecified, Oct 24, 2007
PULLING OUT OF A NEIGHBOR'S DRIVEWAY, MY SHIFT ROD CRACKED OFF AND DANGLED, LEAVING THE TRUCK IMMOBILE. NOTHING HAD PRECEDED THIS. DUE TO TOWING FEES, I CONTACTED A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO WAS ABLE TO BRING IT TO HIS SHOP, A MILE AWAY, VS. TO FORD, WHICH WOULD HAVE REQUIRED A $200 FLATBED TOW. THIS PROVIDER TRIED FOR 3 WEEKS TO GET A PART, # 5L2C36529A, TOLD THAT FORD HAD 1300 VEHICLES WITH THIS ISSUE. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE STREET, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. SEVERAL CALLS TO FORD AND LOCAL DEALERSHIPS HAVE BEEN NOT ONLY UNPRODUCTIVE BUT FRUITLESS AND DEMEANING. WE ARE CONCERNED FOR OTHERS THAT HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE, WHICH FORD (WHICH I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN LOYAL TO PRIOR TO NOW) HAS GONE OUT OF ITS WAY TO DENY, ARE GOING TO BE ENDANGERED AND WOULD LIKE A RECALL INVESTIGATION, PLEASE! *TR
Power train, Oct 23, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED WHEN PLACED INTO SECOND, THIRD GEAR AND REVERSE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE NOT PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH THE STATUS ON HIS VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 57,360. *UPDATED 12/12/2007 *BF THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE AND THE AXLE SEAL WAS LEAKING. UPDATED *JB
Power train, Oct 23, 2007
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE, THE GEAR SHIFTER ON THE COLUMN BROKE IN 1/2 WHILE PASSING INTO THE NUETRAL POSITION. BROKEN PIECE IN POSSESSION. TRUCK WAS THEN STUCK IN NUETRAL WITH SHIFTER HANGING BY A WIRE. FOUND 2ND 2002 EXPLORER AT DEALER # 2 WITH GEAR SHIFTER BREAKING IN 1/2. *TR