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, Oct 20, 2007
TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, GEARS SLIPPAGE, O/D LIGHT FLASHING, ALL EQUALS A NEW TRANSMISSION AT PRICE OF $3100. ONLY REACHED 80,000 MILES AN MAINTAINED PROPERLY AT ALL TIMES! *TR
Power train, Oct 19, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH BROKEN GEAR SHIFT LEVER. CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE WHEN THEY WERE PUTTING THE CAR INTO REVERSE. SHE COULD TURN OFF THE IGNITION BUT THE KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT. *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
Electrical system, Oct 19, 2007, fire
WAS USING THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE IN WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED SMOKING AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE, THEN THE CAB STARTED BURNING AND THEN THE WHOLE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE AND EXPLODED.
Power train, Oct 18, 2007
LOUD NOISE COMING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. LET OFF GAS AND IS FINE. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND HAVE TO HAVE A NEW REAR END AND NEW HOUSING. I AM SORRY BUT A 2002 VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THESE PROBLEMS. IT IS THE WORST VEHICLE FORD HAS EVER DESIGNED. THEY JUST LOST ANOTHER CUSTOMER. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Oct 18, 2007
I HEARD A WHINING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT OF MY SUV. TOOK IT TO A FRIEND WHO WORKS ON FORDS AND HE SAID IT WAS THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING. HE FIXED THAT AND THE SOUND CONTINUED, SO HE REPLACED THE RIGHT FRONT. THE SOUND WENT AWAY. TWO DAYS LATER SAME SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR. MY SUV ONLY HAS 51,000 MILES ON IT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY SINCE I AM DRIVING WITH 3 CHILDREN. I SEE THAT THIS IS WAY TOO COMMON. I AM LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT DRIVING MY KIDS WHEN THE BEARINGS TOTALLY FAILED AND A TIRE FELL OFF. I STILL HAVE TO OLD PARTS, I AM CONSIDERING SENDING THEM TO FORD. THEY TOLD ME IN ORDER FOR THEM TO ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A PROBLEM I MUST PUT THE BAD PARTS BACK ON MY CAR AND TAKE IT TO A DEALERSHIP. RISK MY LIFE AND THE LIVES OF MY CHILDREN SO I CAN TAKE IT TO A DEALERSHIP? NO THANKS. I WILL SEND THEM THE PARTS SO THEY CAN SEE HOW BAD THEY ARE. *JB
Structure, Oct 17, 2007
THE REAR WINDOW LIFTGATE HAS CRACKED VERTICALLY FROM THE GLASS ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PANEL FOR NO APPARENT REASON (I.E. HAPPENED OVERNIGHT WHILE REAR WINDOW WAS COMPLETELY CLOSED). I HAVE NOTICED THAT MOST EXPLORERS IN MY AREA WITH THE SAME LIFTGATE HAVE THE SAME VERTICAL CRACK IN THE SAME LOCATION. CONCERNED WITH POTENTIAL GLASS BREAKING DUE TO SOME STRUCTURAL DEFECT IN THE WINDOW LIFTGATE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 16, 2007, fire
CAR FIRE - 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED
Vehicle speed control, Oct 15, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL IN AUGUST OF 2007. HE TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRED AND THEY STATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL NOVEMBER. HE CALLED ANOTHER DEALER AND THEY CURRENTLY DO NOT HAVE ANY PARTS AS WELL. HE ATTEMPTED TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER, BUT WAS UNABLE TO SPEAK WITH A REPRESENTATIVE DIRECTLY. THE CONTACT HAS NOT HAD THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH DEACTIVATED. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 13, 2007, crash
WHILE PULLING INTO A GAS STATION SLOWING TO A STOP THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. STRIKING THE BARRIER IN FRONT OF THE GAS PUMP. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP. *TR
Seats, Oct 10, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHEN THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE, THE BACK OF THE SEAT RECLINED AND WOULD NOT REMAIN UPRIGHT. THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V281000 (SEATS: FRONT ASSEMBLY: RECLINER). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,477 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. UPDATED 10/31/07. *JB
Suspension, Oct 9, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE REAR COIL SPRINGS AND THERE HAD BEEN NO FURTHER OCCURRENCES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 61,000. THE DEALER INFORMATION IS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 11/06/07 *TR
Power train, Oct 6, 2007
I BOUGHT A USED 2002 FORD ESCAPE 2 MONTHS AGO AND IT WAS CARFAXED AND ALL AND NOTHING WAS WRONG. THREE WEEKS AGO THE ENGINE WOULD STALL OUT WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE OR WHEN I WAS DRIVING, I THOUGHT IT WAS BAD GAS, SO I FIXED IT. THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND I THOUIGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY, SO I FIXED IT. I WAS FRUSTRATED AND WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON OCT. 3RD, 2007 IN THE MIDDLE OF A 7 LANE HIGHWAY. I WAS SCARED AND UPSET, AND I ENDED UP TAKING IT IN AGAIN! WE FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON 2002 FORD ESCAPES WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES FOR THE PCM ON DECELERATIONS BELOW 40 MPH BECAUSE OF FUEL-AIR MIXTURES BEING SENT TO THE ENGINE. IT WAS ISSUED IN APRIL OF 2004. I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY, MY DEALER THAT I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM, AND ANOTHER DEALER CLOSE TO ME; THEY ALL SAID THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON MY ESCAPE. I LOOKED IT UP MYSELF AND THEY WERE CORRECT, BUT IF THIS RECALL WAS ALREADY FIXED THEN IT WAS OBVIOUSLY NOT FIXED CORRECTLY BECAUSE THE EXACT DEFINIATION OF THE RECALL IS WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH MY ESCAPE. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT I THINK FORD NEEDS TO ACKNOWLEDGE MY EXCEPTION AND KNOW THAT THIS IS NOT BECAUSE THE ENGINE NEEDS TO "RE-PROGRAM" ITSELF FOR A FEW WEEKS. IT IS A RECALL AND I THINK IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED FOR FREE, LIKE IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE. I DON'T LIKE TO BE IN THE MIDDLE OF A 7 LANE HIGHWAY AND LOOSE CONTROL OF MY STEERING AND EVERYTHING WITHIN MY CAR. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Oct 3, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH A RECALL FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL. CUSTOMER STATES HE HAS TRIED TWICE TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED. HE SAYS THE DEALER TOLD HIM THEY WERE OUT OF PARTS AND WERE NOT GETTING ANY IN UNTIL MID-DECEMBER. *KB
Structure, Oct 3, 2007
THE PANEL JUST BELOW THE BACK LIFT GATE WINDOW ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS CRACKED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM IN TWO PLACES. I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE EXACT SAME CRACKS AND THERE ARE 100'S OF REPORTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT. FORD CORPORATE SAID TO CONTACT A DEALER ABOUT THE PROBLEM SO THEY OFFERED NO HELP WITH THE SITUATION. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE HOFFMAN FORD DEALERSHIP IN EAST HARTFORD, CT AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD SPLIT THE REPAIR COST WITH ME. THEY NEVER FOLLOWED THRU WITH THE OFFER. THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO CALL ME WHEN THEY HAD THE PART BUT THAT NEVER HAPPENED. IT IS OBVIOUS FORD CORPORATE KNOWS THIS IS A PROBLEM AND THAT THIS IS A DEFECT. THE OUTSIDE OF A CAR SHOULD NEVER CRACK FOR NO REASON. *TR
Power train, Oct 3, 2007
PULLED 2002 FORD EXPLORER INTO COVERED SPACE AT APARTMENT COMPLEX AND PROCEEDED TO PUT THE CAR INTO PARK. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PUT THE CAR INTO THE PARK THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. I COULD NOT BELIEVE WHAT HAD JUST HAPPENED. EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS NOT USED AND NEVER IN MY WILDEST DREAMS DID I EVER IMAGINE THIS TYPE OF FAILURE ON A CAR. LATER I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I CAN'T START THE CAR SINCE IT IS NOT IN PARK OR NEUTRAL. HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED AND ACCORDING TO THE INTERNET THE REPLACEMENT PART IS BACK ORDERED UNTIL MID NOVEMBER. SO, FORD IS OK WITH HAVING A PRODUCT ON THE ROAD THAT I CANNOT DRIVE FOR 1.5 MONTHS BECAUSE OF A BAD PART? IT APPEARS THE BAD PART IS MADE OF ALUMINUM WHICH IS SHOCKING. WILL HAVE TO GET A RENTAL FOR THE ENTIRE TIME I AM WITHOUT THE CAR. THIS KIND OF FAILURE IS UNACCEPTABLE AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Oct 2, 2007
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 2WD, IT STARTED TO DO THIS GRINDING NOISE IN TRANNY,/D LIGHT FLASIHNG, COULDNT SHIFT,TOOK IT TO DEALER IN MEXICO, YEAH MIDDLE OF VACATION, SAID COULNT DO ANYTHING TO SAVE IT. CAR IS SITTING IN MEXICO. THANKS FORD *TR
Tires, Oct 1, 2007, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE HAS FIRESTONE DESTINATION, SIZE LEP23570R16 XL107T TIRES (NA). WHILE CHANGING LANES AT 60 MPH, THE TIRES WOULD SWERVE AND SHAKE. HE RETURNED THE TIRES FROM WHERE THEY WERE PURCHASED AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE COULD HAVE BEEN DUE TO THE ALIGNMENT. THE TIRE SHOP MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG, HOWEVER, HE ROTATED THE TIRES. TWO DAYS LATER, THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. SHE SWITCHED LANES AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWERVE, CAUSING HER TO LOSE CONTROL. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER TWICE AND LANDED ON ITS TIRES. SHE WAS NOT INJURED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 58,200. MISSOURI POLICE REPORT. UPDATED 10/18/07 *TR
Electrical system, Oct 1, 2007
IN TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS I HAD TO JUMP START THE 2002 FOR EXPLORER, I DID A BATTERY LOAD TEST AND IT WAS FINE ALSO CHECK IT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING AND ALL THE READINGS APPEARED CORRECT AND WAS CHARGING OK. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 1, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. IN SEPTEMBER OF 2007, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL DECEMBER OF 2007. THE DEALER NEVER ADVISED HER TO DISCONNECT THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Power train, Sep 28, 2007
I HAVE BEEN DRIVING A 2002 EXPLORER FOR ABOUT 4 YEARS NOW. I AM CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING A MAJOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, AND JUST FOUND OUT LAST WEEKEND THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS GOING OUT. NOW, I DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT CARS SO I RELY ON OTHERS, BUT WHEN 3 DIFFERENT MECHANICS REPEATEDLY TOLD ME THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS GOING OUT, I THINK THAT MEANS SOMETHING IS WRONG. I WOULD NEVER HAVE GUESSED THAT A TRANSMISSION WOULD GO OUT AFTER JUST 5 YEARS, AND THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS JUST ICING ON THE CAKE. THE FACT THAT I HAVE READ SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS SAME ISSUE AND YET FORD WANTS TO DO NOTHING ABOUT IT JUST TOTALLY DISGUSTS ME. MY FAMILY ARE VERY LOYAL TO FORD, EVEN HAVE A FEW RELATIVES THAT WORK FOR THEM. FORD NEEDS TO RECOGNIZE THAT THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. HAVING YOUR TIRES LOCK UP WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING IS A VERY SCARY THING AND HONESTLY I NEVER WANT TO DRIVE THAT VEHICLE AGAIN. *JB
Power train, Sep 27, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRASTICALLY DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT EXCEED SPEEDS OF 20 MPH. SHE HEARD A LOUD WINDING NOISE, BUT NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, BUT SHE DOES NOT KNOW WHAT PARTS WERE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REIMBURSE HER FOR THE REPAIRS. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 78,000.
Power train, Sep 25, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER. VEHICLE PARKED - WENT TO PUT IN GEAR AND SHIFTER BROKE OFF IN STEERING COLUMN. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN LESS THAN 2 YEARS! *JB
Power train, Sep 25, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURES, REPORTED WELL BEFORE 100,000 WARRANTY EXPIRATION AND IGNORED BY FORD! *JB
Power train, Sep 25, 2007
I , ALONG WITH MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE LOGGED COMPLAINTS REFERRING TO A NOISY DIFFERENTIAL ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT ULTIMATELY RESULTS IN DIFFERENTIAL LOCKUP, POSSIBLY AT HIGHWAY SPEED. IF YOU SEARCH THE COMPLAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR DIFFERENTIAL LOGGED ON THIS WEBSITE YOU WILL NOTICE OVER 50 COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THIS UNIT ON THESE VEHICLES. IN ADDITION FORD HAS IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AND SELLS UPDATED KITS TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE, HOWEVER OWNERS MUST PAY FOR THIS KIT AND HAVE IT INSTALLED TO REPAIR FORD'S DEFECTIVE MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP. *JB
Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2007
REAR MIX CANISTER CAUSES A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE REAR DRIVER SIDE. THIS EQUIPMENT WAS REPLACED LAST YEAR AT THE BEGINNING OF SUMMER. FOUND A CRACK IN THE CONTAINER ALONG THE SEAM WAS THE CAUSE. COST $800 TO REPLACE. NOW MY COMPLAINT IS THE PROBLEM HAS RECURRED THIS YEAR INDICATING A DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING. *JB