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, Apr 15, 2007
ALMOST HIT SOMEONE DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION NOT DOWN SHIFT COMING TO A STOP AND THEN SHIFTING BACK INTO DRIVE AFTER BEING STOPPED FOR A GOOD 10 15 SECONDS THEN WHEN IT DOES, IT LURCHES . *AK
Electrical system, Apr 15, 2007
RATTLE OR THUMMING SOUND FROM REAR OF INSTRUMENT PANEL SOUNDS LIKE SPEDOMETER CABLE NOT LUBRICATED. SOUND CHANGES IN FREQUENCY AND VOLUME WITH SPEED OF VEHICLE. *AK
Suspension, Apr 14, 2007
THE REAR COIL SPRINGS ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER FELL APART! PIECES OF THE COIL ARE BREAKING APART WITH RAZOR SHARP EDGES. I'VE NEVER SEEN SPRINGS FALL APART LIKE THIS,THE METAL HAS TO BE DEFECTIVE. I HAVE FOUND PARTS OF THE COILS IN MY DRIVEWAY, SO I'M SURE THERE HAS TO BE SOME COMING OFF ON THE ROAD. I HAVE PICTURES IF YOU WOULD LIKE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.*AK
Suspension, Apr 13, 2007
BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS DEFECTIVE PARTS. FORD WAS WILLING TO HELP ME WITH THIS COST OF THE REPAIR. *AK
Power train, Apr 13, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT ENGAGE IN THE REVERSE POSITION AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE VEHICLE TURNED, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE PRODUCED A LOUD THUMPING SOUND AND ALMOST STALLED. THE CONTACT BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO FIX THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 123,196.*AK
Power train, Apr 11, 2007
VEHICLE MADE A WHINNING NOISE WHEN IDLING. THERE WAS A PAUSE WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE, FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE, AND FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE. THE PAUSE CAUSED VEHICLE TO NOT MOVE FORWARD OR REVERSE UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGED.*AK
Steering, Apr 11, 2007
SLIDING PROBLEM EXISTS IN THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT, 2 DOOR, EVEN THOUGH I DROVE 30-35 MILES SOMETIMES. WHEN SLIDING THE STEERING WAS OUT OF CONTROL. FORTUNATELY, NO CAR FOLLOWED ME CLOSELY WHEN SLIDING HAPPENED.*AK
Power train, Apr 10, 2007
ONLY 58,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING WHEN GOING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. I BABIED THIS CAR SO IT HAS TO BE A DEFECT.*AK
Power train, Apr 10, 2007
DRIVE TRAIN PROBLEMS, HOLING NOISE FROM UNDER VEHICLE, REAR DIFFERENTIAL PROBLEMS AND TRANSFER CASE NOISES, ROUGH SHIFTING FROM 2WD TO 4WD. HAVE CHECKED ON LINE FOR A LONG TIME AND HEARD NOTHING BUT THE SAME PROBLEMS, WHY WASN'T ANYTHING DONE TO FORD TO GET THESE THINGS PUT ON A RECALL. WE BUY THEIR PRODUCT AND NOW THEY DIDN'T CARE ABOUT ANY OF OUR PROBLEMS. SOMETHING HAS GOT TO BE DONE.*AK
Power train, Apr 9, 2007
I WAS TOLD THAT THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS REAR SEALS LEAKING. I NEED TO GET THESE REPLACED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE DRIVE TRAIN IF IT FAILS. I HAVE 119,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, BUT I ALWAYS HAD IT SERVICED WITH FORD. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND APPARENTLY THE SEALS HAVE BEEN FAILING AT LOW MILES. I FELT THE SEALS WERE DEFECTIVE BECAUSE THERE WERE SOME WITH THIS PROBLEM WITH LOW MILES. APPARENTLY THE DEALERS WAITED UNTIL THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. I FELT IF THE VEHICLE FAILSED THIS WOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. FORD HAS PRODUCED MORE DEFECTIVE EXPLORERS. I AM NOW FACED WITH A LARGE REPAIR BILL.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 9, 2007
THERE IS FORD TSB 02M01 AND NTSB 10007207 FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE EGR SENSOR ON 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. THE EXPLORER NEEDED THAT SENSOR REPLACED, BUT THE WARRANTY CLAIM WAS DENIED ALTHOUGH MY VEHICLE FELL WITHIN AGE AND MILEAGE GUIDLINES. I WOULD LIKE FORD TO COMPENSATE ME FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIR.*AK
Power train, Apr 8, 2007
I PURCHASED AN 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT V6 WITH PUSH-BUTTON 4X4. FIRST THE REAR PASSENGER-SIDE AXLE AND HUB BROKE. THIS OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE GOING DOWN A HIGHWAY. I WAS SLUNG INTO ONCOMMING TRAFFIC, BUT LUCKILY AN ACCIDENT WAS AVOIDED. I REPLACED THE AXLE AND HUB ASSEMBLY.*AK ABOUT ONE MONTH LATER THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR AXLE BEGAN MAKING A HUMMING NOISE. ONE DAY LATER IT MADE A LOUD BANG AND BROKE. I REPLACED THE AXLE AND HUB ASSEMBLY. WITHIN THREE WEEKS IT BROKE AGAIN. I REPLACED IT AGAIN. IT LASTED ONE MONTH. REPLACED AGAIN. LASTED TWO DAYS. REPLACED THE AXLE/HUB ASSEMBLY FOR THE 4TH TIME. A LITTLE OVER 1 MONTH LATER IT IS NOW MAKING THE LOUD NOISES. I PUT THE VEHICLE UP ON A RACK. I WAS ABLE TO SLIDE THE WHEEL IN AND OUT AND LEFT TO RIGHT WITH THE SLIGHT PUSH OF A FINGER. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL MECHANICS LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. THEY HAVE TOLD ME THE REAR END IS NOT MESSED UP. ONE MECHANIC SAID THEIR MAY BE AN ISSUE WITH THE HOUSING BUT HE CANNOT 'SEE' ANYTHING WRONG. I WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE THE REAR END. WHICH IS ESTIMATED AT AROUND $1500-$2000. I HAVE ALREADY SPENT UPWARDS OF $4000 ON AXLES/HUBS/AND EARLIER BRAKE PROBLEMS.
Electrical system, Apr 6, 2007
2002 EXPLORER HAS 83,500 MILES. DISCOVERED THAT THE 4X4 SYSTEM WOULD NOT ENGAGE. GANLEY FORD REPLACED THE CONTROL MODULE THAT COMMUNICATES WITH THE 4X4 SYSTEM AT A TOTAL COST OF $577.00. THE PART ALONE WAS $293.00. EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THE BALANCE OF THE LABOR WAS SO HIGH WAS "THE CONTROL MODULE IS DIFFICULT TO REACH UP UNDER THE DASH". WHY IS THAT MY PROBLEM? I HAD ALSO PURCHASED THE GOLD PLAN WARRANTY AND THIS PART WAS NOT COVERED. FORD'S GOLD PLAN IN MY OPINION IS USELESS. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT AGAIN! *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 3, 2007
EGR SENSOR FAILURE OBD2 CODE P0401. *JB
Wheels, Mar 31, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4X4, I HAVE BEEN GETTING A HUMMING SOUND. I HAVE REPLACED ONE FRONT WHEEL HUB BEARING AND BOTH REAR WILL BEARING HUB. ONE AT A TIME, COULDN'T AFFORD TO DO ALL. HUMMING STILL BEING HEARD. I HAVE 125,000 MILES AND ITS IN GOOD SHAPE. I BOUGHT IT IN 2002 A CERTIFIED VEHICLE. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL REAR OF 2002 EXPLORER. *JB
Electrical system, Mar 30, 2007, fire
I WAS DRIVING WHEN MY CAR START SMOKING, WHEN I STOPPED IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CAR IS TOTALED. THE FIRE ORIGINATED AT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT NEAR THE SPARK PLUGS. *JB
Suspension, Mar 29, 2007, crash
2002 FORD EXPLORER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF WHEEL BEARING PROBLEMS**NAR**CC TRANSFERRED TO DAD **CG THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE WHEEL BEARING FAILED DUE TO WEAR, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO NOISE PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. *JB
Power train, Mar 29, 2007
NOISE IN DIFFERENTIAL. *JB
Steering, Mar 29, 2007, crash
MY FORD EXPLORER LOST CONTROL WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. WHILE CHANGING LANES THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STRAIGHTEN. THE TRUCK FISHTAILED SEVERAL TIME BEFORE SPINNING OUT. VEHICLES CRASHED INTO RETAINING WALL. TIE ROD WAS BROKEN ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE.*AK
Power train, Mar 28, 2007
I HAVE A 2022 FORD EXPLORER WITH 82000 MILES, AND TRANSMISSION FLUID REPLACED AT LEAST TWICE SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. AT 74,000 WAS MILES FLUID AND FILTER REPLACED AT DEALER. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS WARM THE VEHICLE WILL ONLY TRAVEL 2-3 YARDS IN REVERSE, AND THEN LOCK. DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS TRANSMISSION. DEALER WANTED TO TEAR THE TRANSMISSION DOWN AND DETERMINE THE CAUSE. IT COULD REQUIRE A COMPLETE REBUILD AT $3,500. THIS WAS A 5 SPEED AUTOMATIC WITH OD. NO TOWING AND NO PLOWING. NORMAL TO/FROM WORK WITH VEHICLE. I NOTICED HUNDREDS OF TRANSMISSION ALERTS VIA A GOOGLE SEARCH, SOME SPECIFIC TO THIS VEHICLE AND PROBLEM. ALSO, HAD PROBLEMS WITH UPSHIFTING /DOWNSHIFTING ON HILLS. PREVIOUSLY REPORTED THIS TO DEALER.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 27, 2007
EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE: BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE FAILURE AND CONSEQUENCES: FORD ACKNOWLEDGES ISSUES INTERNALLY WITH THE TIMING CARTRIDGES ON THE 2002 E CODE 4.0L V6 SOHC ENGINE THROUGH SEVERAL TSB'S, HOWEVER DOES NOT NOTIFY THE PUBLIC THAT THIS ISSUE EXISTS. I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE ISSUE AFTER APPARENTLY BLOWING THE ENTIRE ENGINE ON MY 2006 FORD EXPLORER. NOW, INSTEAD OF HAVING A REPAIR DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP THAT COULD COST A LITTLE, I HAVE TO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY TO HAVE IT FIXED. I AM GREATLY THANKFUL THAT THIS HAPPENED AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND NOT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. APPARENTLY, FORD USED SEVERAL PLASTIC GUIDE WAY PARTS TO TENSION THE CHAIN, AND THESE PARTS FAIL EASILY BECAUSE THEY ARE OIL STARVED AT ENGINE STARTUP. BECAUSE THEY ARE PLASTIC, THEY CAN FATIGUE AND BREAK AT ANY TIME, CAUSING SEVERE VALVE AND PISTON DAMAGE, AND LEAVING THE OPERATOR OF THE CAR WITH NO CONTROL OF THE AUTOMOBILE BECAUSE OF LOSS OF VACUUM FOR BREAKS, AND AUTOMATIC STEERING. CORRECTION OF FAILURE: FORD REFUSES TO PAY ANYTHING TO HELP REPAIR OR REPLACE PARTS EVEN WITH KNOWN ISSUES. *JB
Structure, Mar 27, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER, CRACK IN REAR PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW. FORD WILL NOT REPAIR, IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG MANY 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. *JB
Visibility, Mar 23, 2007
CRACK ON PANEL BELOW THE REAR GLASS WAS ABOUT 4 INCHES LONG. IF THE CRACK CONTINUES IT COULD BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. PART OF THE PANEL COULD DETACH.*AK
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 23, 2007
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS THAT WAS PURCHASED NEW. APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR AFTER PURCHASE STARTED DEVELOPING A CRACK ON THE PANEL BENEATH THE REAR WINDOW. SINCE THEN, WHEN IT IS HOT, I GET A DOOR OPEN WARNING LIGHT. NO DOOR IS OPENED, BUT THE DOORS REFUSE TO LOCK, AND THE WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON. I BELIEVE WATER ENTERS THE PANEL BENEATH THE WINDOW DUE TO THE CRACK. I HAD IT LOOKED AT BY DEALERS FOR THE WARNING LIGHT-THEY CANNOT FIGURE IT OUT.*AK
Air bags, Seat belts, Mar 20, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONTACT THE DRIVER'S FRONT SEAT PRETENTIONER UPGRADE HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP MADE THE REPAIR. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT NO LONGER ILLUMINATED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73,000. *AK UPDATE 4/23/07 *TR