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, May 8, 2007
CONSTANT RUBBING/GRINDING SOUND FROM REAR AXLE SOUNDING LIKE VERY LOUD ROAD NOISE. INITIALLY HAD SPRING KITS , BUT ON REAR EMERGENCY BRAKES WHICH DID NOT HELP. FINALLY, HAD TO HAVE THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY REBUILT BY A KIT THAT THE MANUFACTURER MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, SHOWING THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK
Power train, May 8, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER / TRASNMISSION FAILURE. *AK
Power train, May 7, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER, REAR END HUMMING AND MADE A GREAT DEAL OF NOISE. MECHANIC SAID REAR END NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CLAIMED THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM, WHERE WAS THE RECALL?? NOW I AM SUPPOSED TO EAT THE $3000.00 TO REPAIR, I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT THE HIGHLANDER. I TRIED TO SUPPORT USA AND GOT BURNED, NOT AGAIN!! *AK
Power train, May 7, 2007
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, NO 3RD GEAR. *AK
Power train, May 3, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS FLASHING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE REPLACED. THEY FURTHER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH OR THE SOLENOID PACK. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 88,000. *AK
Visibility, May 1, 2007
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THEY OPENED THE HATCH AND THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WINDOW DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. SHE ATTEMPTED TO PLACE THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WINDOW BACK INTO THE HINGE. WHILE DRIVING TO THE DEALER THE LEFT WINDOW DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HINGES DETACHED FROM THE WINDOW SEAL WHICH HELD THE WINDOW IN PLACE. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR A RESPONSE FROM THE DEALER. SHE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER, AND WILL SUBMIT THE CASE NUMBER WITH THE HARD COPY OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 44,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,989. *AK
Suspension, Apr 30, 2007
PASSENGER SIDE REAR COIL SPRING BROKE. *AK
Power train, Apr 30, 2007
DURING NORMAL DRIVING WITH A TOTAL OF 55,000 MILES UNTIL DELAY SHIFTING IN 2ND AND 3RD GEARS. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY THE OVERDRIVE OFF LIGHT FLASHING AND THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. TOWER FORD DEALERSHIP SAID THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE OVERHAULED FOR $3,000 ALL OUT OF MY POCKET. *AK
Visibility, Apr 29, 2007
I AM PRESENTLY HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOWS ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE MOTOR AND/OR WINDOW TRACK SYSTEM. AT PRESENT, I AM NOT ABLE TO OPERATE NEITHER OF THE WINDOWS. IN FACT, WHEN AND IF I ATTEMPT TO DO SO, ALL THAT IS HEARD IS THE MOTOR ATTEMPTING TO MANEUVER THE WINDOW. NEITHER ONE OF THE WINDOWS COME DOWN WHEN I ATTEMPT TO DO SO OPERATIONALLY. ON THE OTHER HAND, THEY COME DOWN ON THERE OWN (SLIDES DOWN EVERYDAY). UNFORTUNATELY, I HAVE TO WEDGE AN OBJECT ON THE SIDE OF THE WINDOW, SO THAT ONE OF THE WINDOWS COULD STAY IN PLACE (TO NO AVAIL, IT CONTINUES TO COME DOWN). I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO REACH OUT TO WINNER FORD IN CHERRY HILL, N.J., (WHERE I PURCHASED THE SUV, NEVERTHELESS, THEY CLAIM THAT THERE ARE NO KNOWN RECALLS, AND INSTRUCTED ME TO CALL THE FORD MANUFACTURING COMPANY ). IN TAKING THEIR ADVICE, I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO CALL FORDS COMPLAINT DEPARTMENT, JUST TO BE TOLD THAT THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO DO ANYTHING. IT IS APPARENT THAT THEY ARE JUST TOSSING THE PROBLEM BACK ON THE CONSUMER. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON THE ABOVE MENTIONED PROBLEM AND HAVE NOTICED THAT THERE ARE OTHER OWNERS WHO ARE HAVING THE SAME, IF NOT, SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOWS. HENCE, AS A RESULT OF AN INCIDENT WITH WINNER FORD A LITTLE OVER A YEAR OR TWO AGO, I AM NOT WILLING TO INVEST MONEY INTO A PROBLEM THAT IS OBVIOUSLY MANUFACTURER RELATED. I HAD PURCHASED A WINDOW CONTROL (DRIVER'S SIDE) THAT HAD BEEN RECALLED AND WAS TOLD THAT SINCE I PURCHASED THE CONTROL PRIOR TO THE RECALL, I WAS NOT ENTITLED TO A REFUND. YOUR ASSISTANCE IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. AN UNHAPPY CONSUMER, ARMANDO ANDUJAR P.S. THE INCIDENT DATE IS A ESTIMATE. *TR
Power train, Apr 27, 2007
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT BEGAN MAKING EXCESSIVE ROAD NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THE SEALS ON THE DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE BECOME AWARE THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. *JB
Tires, Apr 26, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. HE NOTICED DEEP WORN AREAS ON THE TIRE. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE WAS 104,000. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE THE TIRE DETAILS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. *AK
Suspension, Apr 25, 2007
REAR WHEEL AXLE BEARINGS. I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT HAD 85,000 MILES ON IT. I HAD TO HAVE THE REAR WHEEL AXLE BEARINGS REPLACED. I DROVE THE VEHICLE ABOUT 20,000 AND IT WAS JUST OVER A YEAR AND THE REAR BEARINGS WENT OUT AGAIN. FORD WOULD NOT COVER THESE. I HAD TO PAY FULL PRICE AGAIN TO HAVE THEM REPLACED. NUMEROUS PEOPLE I HAVE SPOKEN WITH SAID THERE HAVE BEEN MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE BEARINGS. ALSO A VERY CLOSE FRIEND OF MINE ALSO HAS A 2002 EXPLORER AND SHE HAS HAD TO HAVE HER BEARINGS REPLACED TOO. *TR
Power train, Apr 24, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION BROKE THE 3RD GEAR BAND. THIS IS THE SECOND REBUILD WITH ONLY 40K MILES ON IT. I FEEL THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND THIS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE LEMON LAW. I FEEL THESE VEHICLES SHOULD LAST AT LEAST 80,000 MILES BEFORE NEEDING A REBUILD. *TR
Structure, Apr 24, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASTIC PORTION ON THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR LIFTGATE CRACKED VERTICALLY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 78,000, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.*AK
Structure, Apr 23, 2007
NOTICED CRACKED PANEL (APPLIQUE) BELOW REAR HATCHBACK WINDOW ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT (SUV) 1ST THOUGHT WAS SOMEONE HIT ME WHILE I WAS PARKED. THEN REALIZED THAT THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF THAT TEMP WAS 19 DEGREES OUTSIDE. AFTER GOING ONLINE TO CAR COMPLAINTS FOUND MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS. CONTACTED FORD CO. THEY TOLD ME TO GET AN ESTIMATE. METRO FORD GAVE ME ESTIMATE OF $302.89, CALLED FORD CO. BACK THEY SAID THEY WON'T PAY. I CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY FOR THIS FIX, EVEN IF I DID, BET IT WILL CRACK AGAIN WHEN TEMP IS BELOW FREEZING AGAIN. IT HAS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW IN THE PART. ONLINE COMPLAINTS SAY FORD KNOWS IT'S A FLAW BUT THEY ARE NOT HELPING US CONSUMERS. *TR
Air bags, Apr 20, 2007
AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REMAINS ON AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE. *JB
Structure, Apr 20, 2007
REAR LIFTGATE OF 2002 FORD EXPLORER DEVELOPS CRACK ON PIECE BELOW GLASS. *JB
Suspension, Apr 19, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. ON FEBRUARY 21, 2007, THE CONTACT REPLACED THE REAR DRIVER SIDE HUB ASSEMBLY. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE IS IN THE SHOP A SECOND TIME FOR THE PASSENGERS SIDE HUB ASSEMBLY. ON APRIL 18, 2007, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD RUMBLING NOISE WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OPERATE AS IF THE ALIGNMENT HAD FAILED. SOMEONE DRIVING BESIDE THE CONTACT INFORMED HER THAT THE REAR WHEELS APPEARED AS IF THEY WERE ABOUT TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 65,000.
Power train, Apr 19, 2007
YET MORE LEAKING READ DIFFERENTIAL SEALS. REAR END HOWLING ALSO, HAS BEEN FOR ABOUT 15,000 MILES NOW. 79,000 MILES CURRENTLY. I WILL HAVE TO CHANGE THE REAR SEALS AGAIN, AND WILL INSPECT FOR THE HOWLING NOISE AGAIN. MAY HAVE TO CHANGE PINION BEARINGS!? AS A MECHANIC, IT IS UNBELIEVABLE TO ME THAT WE WOULD BE HAVING SEAL AND BEARING FAILURES AT SUCH LOW MILEAGES. BAD ALUMINUM HOUSING CASTINGS MAYBE? BAD MACHINING? TOO MUCH SLOP AT THE REAR HALF SHAFT, CAUSING PREMATURE WEAR ON THE SEAL FACES? WHAT EVER THE REASON, FORD IS NOT MAKING MUCH EFFORT TO REPAIR. AND THEY SEEM SURPRISED THAT FOLKS ARE BUYING FOREIGN TRUCKS. (TOYOTA TRUCKS) *TR
Power train, Apr 18, 2007
REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE. *AK
Suspension, Power train, Apr 18, 2007
REAR AXLE SEALS AND WHEEL BEARINGS. WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR AXLE SEALS ON JUNE 4, 2004 WITH 4, 000 MILES, AND ON JUN 16, 2006 WITH 69.600 MILES. ALSO HAD TO REPLACE REAR HUB BEARINGS AND ASSEMBLY ON APRIL 17, 2007 WITH 74,000 MILES. *AK THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A RECURRING ISSUE, AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD THIS IS A COMMON EXPLORER PROBLEM. ALL WORK ON THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN PERFORMED BY REPUTABLE FORD AUTHORIZED DEALERS/SERVICE, AND WOULD EXPECT WORK TO LAST LONGER THAN 1-2 YEARS.
Power train, Apr 18, 2007
I PURCHASED USED 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT ON FEBRUARY 28, 2007 FROM CLASSIC NISSAN IN MOUNT. HOLLY, NEW JERSEY. THE WEEK OF APRIL 9, 2007 MY DAUGHTER AND I TOOK A TRIP TO FLORIDA. ON APRIL 11,2007 I NOTICED THAT WHEN I WOULD HIT 55 MPH THE ODOMETER OFF LIGHT WOULD START BLINKING. I NOTIFIED CLASSIC NISSAN OF THE SITUATION. THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT WHEN I RETURNED FROM MY VACATION. ON MY WAY HOME ON APRIL 13,2007 I BROKE DOWN IN FAYETTEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA. THE TRUCK WOULD NOT DRIVE AT ALL. I WOULD PUSH ON THE GAS PEDAL AND IT WAS ACTING AS IF I WERE IN NEUTRAL POSITION. I WAS TOWED TO A SERVICE STATION THE NEXT MORNING AND THEY DIAGNOSED IT AS NEEDING A NEW TRANSMISSION. THEY STATED TO ME THAT THE PUMP FAILED IN THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH LED TO NO FLUID FLOW AND THE CLUTCHES ULTIMATELY MALFUNCTIONED. I REALIZE THAT I AM OUT OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD FOR CLASSIC NISSAN TO BE AT ANY LIABILITY AS WELL AS FORD MOTOR CORPORATION TO BE AT ANY LIABILITY, BUT I DO NOT FEEL AS IF TRANSMISSIONS SHOULD FAIL AT 36,000 MILES. I ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR A MONTH AND A HALF AND NOW HAVE TO SPEND $3,500.00 TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. IF THIS IS THE QUALITY WORK THAT FORD GIVES, THEN I WILL NOT BE PURCHASING ANY MORE FORD VEHICLES IN THE FUTURE. THANK YOU. AK
Power train, Apr 17, 2007
1. WAS JUST DRIVING, NOTHING SEEMED OUT OF THE ORDINARY, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN... 2. THE "O/D OFF" LIGHT ON THE DASH STARTED BLINKING RAPIDLY, AND THE MESSAGE PANEL IN THE DASH SAID "CHECK TRANSMISSION". BROUGHT IT INTO FORD DEALERSHIP, WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $3400. 3. NOTHING YET, BUT I'M TOLD IF I WANT TO DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN, IT WILL REQUIRE A BRAND NEW $3400 TRANSMISSION. DID A QUICK SEARCH ONLINE FOR "2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION", AND AM SEEING A LOT OF TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS... PROBABLY SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO. *JB
Suspension, Apr 17, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR WHEELS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE RUSTED AND SHOULD BE REPLACED. THE DEALER MADE THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000 MILES AT THE TIME OF THE REPAIR. THERE HAD NOT BEEN ANY OTHER OCCURRENCES SINCE THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE'S CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000 MILES. *AK UPDATED 07/03/07. *JB
Suspension, Apr 15, 2007
1. INSPECTED REAR COIL SPRINGS. 2. FOUND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKEN, CAUSING REAR OF VEHICLE TO SAG. 3. HAD BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS REPLACED, ALSO REPLACED THE REAR STRUTS. I STILL HAVE THE OLD COIL SPRINGS AND STRUTS. *AK