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.
Visibility, Structure, Jun 1, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE. THREE DAYS LATER, SHE DISCOVERED A CRACK BELOW THE WINDOW OF THE REAR DOOR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAVE THREE OTHER VEHICLES ON LOCATION WITH THE SAME FAILURE. THE FORD MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE HER VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND IT WAS NOT SERVICED WITH FORD. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 59,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,750. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 30, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH IN DRY CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS NOR ON THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AAA FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE AS NOTED IN RECALL # 06E056000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 106,000.
Suspension, May 29, 2007
FRONT STRUT SPRING BROKE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 28, 2007
THE FORD DEALER HAS REPLACED THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS TWICE IN 4 YEARS DUE TO RUSTING ROTORS. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THE RUST WAS TOO DEEP FOR THE ROTORS TO BE TURNED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE FIRST REPLACEMENT WAS AT 15,857 MILES AND THE SECOND REPLACEMENT OF THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS AT 29701 MILES. I DRIVE THIS VEHICLE UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, IT IS NOT USED OFF-ROAD OR ANY OTHER WAY TO CAUSE THE RUST. THE FIRST TIME, FORD PAID FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF ROTORS BUT NOT THE BRAKE PADS. THE SECOND TIME, I HAD TO PAY $401.00 FOR THE ENTIRE ROTOR AND BRAKE REPLACEMENT. FURTHERMORE, AT TIMES, THERE IS A METAL GRINDING SENSATION WHEN APPLY THE BRAKES. IT CREATES THE SOUND OF METAL GRINDING ON METAL. I HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKES TO STOP THE GRINDING SENSATION. THANK YOU *TR
Visibility, Structure, May 28, 2007
THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS FELL OFF THE HINGES. THE FALLING GLASS DAMAGED THE REAR DEFROSTER WIRES (CAN NO LONGER BE USED) THE HINGE HOLDING THE GLASS BROKE OFF FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE GLASS TO FALL TO THE GROUND. IT COST $130 AT THE FORD DEALER. NHTSE RECALL 04V442 INVESTIGATED THIS EXACT COMPLAINT AND A RECALL WAS ISSUED BUT FORD INFORMED ME THAT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE IT WAS BUILT IN A FACTORY NOT AFFECTED BY THE RECALL. THE NHTSE SHOULD CONSIDER RE-OPENING THIS CASE AS IT IS THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM AS THE RECALL ON THE SAME EXACT MAKE AND MODEL. ALL INCIDENTS OF THIS FAILURE OF THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HINGES SHOULD BE COVERED BY FORD. THANK YOU *TR
Power train, May 26, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR END WHINES. *AK
Power train, May 25, 2007
TRANSMISSION BROKEN FORD DOESN T CARE BROUGHT IT TO SAM GALLOWAY FORD IN FORT MYERS AT LEAST 20 TIMES THEY FINALLY REFUSE TO TAKE VEHICLE INTO REPAIR WITH THE WORDS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT TRANSMISSION SHIFTING HARD FROM 2-3 GEAR CAR IS SLOWER THEN A 4 CYLINDER NO POWER WHINING NOISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD IN THE MEAN TIME TRANSMISSION SLAMMING GEARS STILL NOTHING WRONG WITH IT HESITATING WHILE ACCELERATING GRINDING NOISES WHILE ACCELERATING WHINING FROM REAR END FORD STILL SAYS NOTHING WRONG TRANSMISSION WENT IN 1ST GEAR WHILE DRIVING 45 WIPED OUT ALOMST HIT A TREE STILL NOTHING WRONG CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON FROM TIME TO TIME ERROR CODE SAYING FUEL SYSTEM BANK 2 HIGH VOLTAGE SYSTEM TOO RICH BROUGHT IT TO FORD ERROR CODES ERASED CAME BACK COUPLE DAYS LATER FORD SAYS THERE WHERE NO ERROR CODES
Seat belts, May 25, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT HAS A DEFECT. THE BELT ITSELF BECOMES LOCKED AND CANNOT BE ADJUSTED AND EVEN BECOMES TIGHTER ON THE PASSENGER WHEN PULLED. I HAD TO HAVE THE PERSON SLIDE OUT FROM UNDER THE BELT TO BE RELEASED. THIS HAS HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY 10 TIMES BUT THIS LAST TIME WAS THE WORSE AS TO THE "TIGHTENING" ON THE PASSENGER. IT IS ONLY THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT.
Visibility, May 24, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT LIFTED THE TAILGATE AND NOTICED THAT THE LIFT CYLINDER HAD DETACHED FROM THE SOCKET, CAUSING THE TAILGATE TO STRIKE HIM ON THE TOP OF HIS HEAD. THE FAILURE RESULTED IN A BUMP ON HIS HEAD. THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THERE WAS RECALL # 01I010000 (VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR). THE DEALER DID NOT VERIFY TO DETERMINE IF HIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 78,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,500.
Power train, May 24, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE AN UNFAMILIAR NOISE. THE OVERDRIVE INDICATOR FLASHED REPEATEDLY AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP WHO REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 62,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,800.
Power train, May 21, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 75000 MILES. DURING NORMAL DRIVING BEGAN TO HEAR A HOWLING/GRINDING SOUND FROM THE REAR AXLE. SEEMED TO BE A REAR DIFFERENTIAL PROBLEM THAT WAS A VERY COMMON AMONG 2002-2004 FORD EXPLORERS. NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. *AK
Power train, May 21, 2007
PURCHASED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN NOVEMBER 2001. IN OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2004 HAD TO HAVE TRANSMISSION SERVICED WITH 30000 MILES ON IT. AT THAT TIME IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. NOW, WITH 48700 MILES THE TRANSMISSION WAS AGAIN SHIFTING VERY ROUGHLY IN 2-3 AND 3-4 SHIFTS. FORD DEALERSHIP STATED THAT REPAIRS COSTS WOULD BE $890. SPOKE WITH FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND THEY DECLINED TO ASSIST WITH THE COST OF THE REPAIR BECAUSE THEY SO GRACIOUSLY HELPED PAY FOR THE 3RD REPLACEMENT OF THE PLASTIC APPLIQUE ON THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS EVEN THOUGH THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS FILED HERE AND ON OTHER INTERNET SITES THERE WAS CLEARLY AN ENGINEERING PROBLEM WITH THIS TRANSMISSION. COMPARING THE NUMBER OF TRANSMISSION COMPLAINTS FOR THE 2001 AND 2003 EXPLORERS TO THE 2002 AND IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT THE 2002 MODEL WAS DEFECTIVE.*AK
Power train, May 20, 2007
THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2002 4WD FORD EXPLORER FAILED AT 73,000 MILES. I WAS TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT THE HIGHWAY WAS EMPTY AT THAT TIME WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED SUDDENLY AND I FEEL THAT MY LIFE COULD HAVE BEEN ENDANGERED IF MORE AUTOMOBILES WERE PRESENT ON THE HIGHWAY I WAS TRAVELING ON. I READ THAT SUDDEN TRANSMISSION FAILURE IS A VERY FREQUENT OCCURRENCE AMONG 2002 FORD EXPLORERS AND ALSO READ THAT FORD HAS NOT ADDRESSED THE PROBLEM THROUGH ANY SORT OF SAFETY RECALL PROCEDURE. WHEN I CALLED FORD TO SUBMIT A PATRON COMPLAINT FORD CONFIRMED THAT NO SAFETY RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED. *TR
Power train, May 19, 2007
FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION RATTLED AND DEALER INVESTIGATED AND INDICATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CLUTCHES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WHICH WAS COMMON ON THE EXPLORER ACCORDING TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER. I HAD TWO SALES REPRESENTATIVES, WHOSE FLEET EXPLORED, AND THEY BOTH HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS. I BELIEVED THAT IF THE NHTSA WOULD INVESTIGATE FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION REPAIRS WITH FLEET COMPANIES YOU WILL DISCOVER THAT THERE WAS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH FORD EXPLORES XLT FROM 2002 TO 2005. MOST FLEET CAR DRIVER'S DIDN'T COMPLAIN BECAUSE THE REPAIRS DID NOT COME OUT OF THEIR PERSONAL FUNDS. *AK
Suspension, May 17, 2007
GRINDING NOISE PROGRESSIVELY INCREASED OVER THE LAST SEVERAL WEEKS. TOOK THE CAR TO LOCAL MECHANIC. IN EARLY 2006 HE HAD REPLACED A REAR HUB ASSEMBLY FOR NOISE. HE DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WERE THREE BAD WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES AND THEY WERE THE SAME THREE REPLACED IN 2006. HE STATED THAT THIS WAS A VERY COMMON EXPLORER PROBLEM. I FELT 6 WHEEL HUB REPLACEMENTS IN 2 YEARS WAS EXCESSIVE AT $450 A POP, INCLUDING LABOR. THIS WAS A PROBLEM THAT FORD NEEDED TO ADDRESS. LUCKILY, TWO OF THE THREE PARTS WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY , NAPA, BUT I DID HAVE TO PAY FOR THE LABOR.*AK
Power train, May 16, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER 75000 MILES ,HAS REAR END NOISE WHEN BETWEEN 55-70 MPH. *AK
Air bags, May 15, 2007
HAD AIR BAG LIGHT COME ON. IT WAS A $44.00 HARNESS THAT THE DEALER HAD A SERVICE BULLETIN TELLING HIM OF THE PROBLEM. IT COST ME 247 DOLLARS TO GET THE VEHICLE BACK. I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL OTHER 2002 EXPLORER OWNERS AND THEY HAVE HAD THE SAME HARNESS REPLACED AT ABOUT 60000 MILES. A COMPLAINT HAS BEEN SENT TO THE DEALER FOR THE LABOR CHARGES WHICH WERE OR SEEMED EXCESSIVE. *AK
Electrical system, Equipment, May 14, 2007
THE KEY IGNITION SWITCH KEEPS ON GETTING GROUND AND HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO PULL THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. THIS WILL BE THE THIRD TIME I HAVE TO REPLACE THE SWITCH. *AK
Suspension, Power train, May 13, 2007
MY PROBLEM IS WITH THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AS WELL AS THE HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY IN THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER, 60,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. TERRIBLE GRINDING SOUND IN REAR WHEELS, BOTH REAR BEARINGS IN WHEELS WERE BAD, AS WELL AS DIFFERENTIAL NOISE AND LEAKING OF FLUID, E NO RECALL ON THESE ISSUES, BUT I HAVE FOUND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS SAME ISSUE. IT WAS A SAFETY VIOLATION NOT TO RECALL THESE. IF THE REAR WHEELS LOCK IT WOULD SEND VEHICLE INTO A SPIN, OR TRAVEL OFF THE ROAD, WHY HAVE YOU NOT REMEDIED THIS WITH FORD? YOU WERE TAKING A GREAT LEGAL RISK, BY NOT LOOKING OUT FOR THE SAFETY OF CONSUMERS. *AK
Power train, May 11, 2007
I BOUGHT A 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4X4 NEW. AFTER 30,000 MILES THE REAR GASKET WAS LEAKING. WAS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. 50,000 MILES LATER IT WAS LEAKING AGAIN. CAME TO FIND OUT IT WAS THE SEALS LEAKING. AFTER TEARING INTO IT NEEDED NEW GEAR SET, TRACTION CLUTCHES AND BEARING FAILED. WAS THIS THE PROBLEM TO BEGIN WITH? WHY WITH SUCH A COMMON FAILURE WERE WE, THE OWNERS, NOT NOTIFIED? THERE WAS ALSO SLIPPING AND POPPING NOISE IN THE REAR. *AK
Suspension, May 11, 2007
DEFECTIVE FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY BEARING SEALS. *AK
Structure, May 11, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT, PLASTIC TRIM PIECE BELOW REAR WINDOW GLASS CRACKED ALL THE WAY. THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE GLASS COULD FALL OUT WITHOUT PROPER STRUCTURAL SUPPORT. FORD ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE REAR GLASS HINGE POSTS, BUT THE WILL NOT FIX THE PLASTIC WHICH BROKE AS A RESULT OF NORMAL CLOSING OF THE HATCHBACK. I FOUND A FORUM WITH 129 POSTINGS ON IT TODAY CLAIMING THE SAME ISSUE. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/BODY_PAINT/CRACKED_PANEL_BELOW_THE_REAR_WINDOW.SHTML I WOULD LIKE FORD TO FIX THIS PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE AS IT WAS A SAFETY HAZARD AND DEFECT. *AK
Power train, May 10, 2007
AFTER BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE, I PUT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN PARK TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, WHEN I RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE, I ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN REVERSE AND THE GEAR SHIFT BECAME COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, BUT COULD NOT REMOVE THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION. NO DAMAGE WAS DONE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. TWO WEEKS BEFORE THIS TIME I WAS ON THE PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE IN BAD WEATHER AND USED THE GEAR SHIFT TO SHIFT TO A LOWER GEAR ON THE STEEP DOWNHILL, WET AND POSSIBLY ICY ROAD SURFACE. THE CONSEQUENCES COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH DIFFERENT HAD THE GEAR SHIFT DETACHED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN UNDER THOSE CONDITIONS. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF THE GEAR SHIFT BEING LOOSE OR DIFFICULT TO MOVE PRIOR TO ITS FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SHOP AND THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED.*AK
Power train, May 9, 2007
NO NOTICED PROBLEMS UNTIL 68,000 MILES AND ODOMETER LIGHT CAME ON AND NOTICED REVVING PAST 4 TO GET OUT OF FIRST GEAR. TOOK TO SHOP AND TOLD NEEDED 'UPDATE KIT' , AND ALL ENCLOSED FORD TRANSMISSIONS NEEDED REPAIRS. *AK
Suspension, May 8, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. A SEARS MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS AND PERFORMED THE REPAIR. THE LEFT FRONT AND LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WERE ALSO REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 92,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE REAR COIL SPRING WERE WEAK. THE END BUSHING WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 06/08/07. *JB