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, Mar 19, 2007
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AT 51,000. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR SEALS AXLE SEALS ON BOTH SIDES AND THEY BOTH NEED IT AGAIN.
Power train, Mar 19, 2007
I PURCHASED A NEW 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN OCTOBER 2002. IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, I HAVE REPLACED ALL OF THE FOUR BALL BEARING JOINTS, AND ALTERNATOR AND NOW A TRANSMISSION WITH TOTAL COSTS TO EXCEED $7000. I AM WRITING NOW BECAUSE I FELT THAT THE OTHER EXPENSES WERE WEAR AND TEAR, AS I HAVE HAVE 98,000 MILES. BUT NOW IT IS GOING TO COST $3600 TO REPLACE MY TRANSMSSION. LAST THURSDAY 3/15 MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR, AS MY RPM REACHED 3000. THEN IT WOULD SHIFT INTO GEAR AS I MADE MY WAY HOME FROM MY JOB 100 MILES AWAY. MY O/D LIGHT FLASHED AND THEN MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON.
Suspension, Parking brake, Mar 19, 2007
TL*-THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH IN THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR A WHEEL BEARING REPAIR WHEN THE ODOMETER REACHED 10,300 MILES, AND WAS INFORMED THAT BOTH THE REAR SPRING AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE WERE FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TRIED TO GET A RESOLUTION FOR REPAIRS ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNLESS THE CONTACT PAID FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM WENTWORTH MOTORS , AND THEY TOLD THE CONTACT THAT HE HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,600.*AK THE REAR SPRINGS FAILED. UPDATED 04/12/07. *JB
Suspension, Mar 19, 2007
REAR COIL SPRING ON 2002 FORD TAURUS BROKE AND DAMAGED THE LEFT REAR TIRE. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR ACCIDENT.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 19, 2007
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER LTD. THE ABS LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58800. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PART TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE WHAT WAS CAUSING THE ABS LIGHT TO STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY. THE DEALER CALLED FORD , AND THEY WERE RESEARCHING THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60000. *AK
Power train, Mar 18, 2007
AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO DIAGNOSE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WHILE UNDER WARRANTY, FORD FINALLY FOUND A PROBLEM AT 46,XXX MILES (NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT FORD OFFERED A $1000 DEDUCTIBLE). BURT FORD OF ARAPAHOE FORD INC. CENTENNIAL, COLORADO REPLACED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITH A REMANUFACTURED SERIAL# 0302462W AND REPLACED THE REAR AXLE RING AND PINION GEAR SET, BEARINGS, AND SEALS (SEPT. '06). WE RECEIVED A FORD POWERTRAIN SERVICE PART WARRANTY UNTIL 06/17/2008 (7YRS FROM ORIGINAL OWNERS DATE OF PURCHASE). WE ARE TAKING THE VEHICLE BACK TO SERVICE NOW (MAR. '07) FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS TO CHAMPION FORD OF SANDY, UTAH AFTER 6,000 MILES OF USE.
Power train, Mar 17, 2007
2002 EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER AWD, VEHICLE MILEAGE JUST UNER 100K. VEHICLE (W.O WARNING) WOULD NOT SHIFT THRU 3RD GEAR. SYMPTONS ARE WHEN VEHICLE GETS TO 3RD, ENGINE REVS AS IF IN NEUTRAL, CHECK TRANS LIGHT COMES ON, OD INDICATER FLASHES. BACKING OFF ON THROTTLE ALLOWS HARD SHIFT INTO 4TH AND VEHICLE PROCEEDS OK. FORD DEALER SAYS 3RD GEAR BAND IS GONE. WHEN I ASKED THE DEALERSHIP IF THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM THEY CLAIM NO. AFTER RESEARCH ONLINE I FOUND MANY OTHER OWNERS WITH THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM. ALSO FOUND OLD FORD TSB OUTLINING THE IDENTICAL SYMPTONS. IS THERE ANY RECALL ON THIS ISSUE, DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE WITH FORD SINCE IT SEEMS TO BE A FAIRLY COMMON EXPLORER PROBLEM
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 16, 2007
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS. THE MECHANIC WAS ROTATING BOTH REAR TIRES AND CHANGING BRAKE PADS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS SHEARED OFF. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,600. *AK THE CONSUMER HAS PROVIDED BOTH THE INVOICE AND PICTURES OF THE BROKEN COIL SPRINGS. UPDATE 4/23/07 *TR
Structure, Mar 16, 2007
IN DECEMBER, 2006, FOUND CRACK IN HATCHACK DOOR JUST BELOW THE WINDOW. CALLED MY DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY TO EXPLAIN WHAT I SAW AND WHAT THEY WOULD DO TO TAKE CARE OF THIS. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS ONLY COSMETIC AND THEREFORE WOULD NOT PAY TO REPLACE, THAT WOULD BE MY RESPONSIBLILITY
Exterior lighting, Mar 16, 2007
EVERY TIME IT RAINS WATER LEAKS THROUGH THE REAR TAIL LIGHT ON THE TOP REAR OF THE VEHICLE. ON SOME OCCASIONS, THE BULBS SHORT OUT. VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AT 72,000 MILES. WATER ALWAYS POOLS IN THE REAR AREA.
Structure, Mar 16, 2007
REAR HATCH ON 2002 EXPLORER TRIM PIECE AT BOTTOM CRACKS..THSI IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND FORD KNOWS ABOUT IT BUT WILL NOT FIX
Visibility, Mar 15, 2007
THE REAR WINDOW ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER EXPLODED WHEN I OPENED IT. UNFORTUNATELY A FRIEND WAS STANDING NEAR AND RECEIVED A COUPLE MINOR CUTS. NO IDEA WHAT SO EVER WHAT CAUSED THE WINDOW TO SHATTER INTO A MILLION PIECES, THE LOCAL FORD MOTOR FOLKS SAID THIS WAS STRANGE AND HAD NEVER HEARD OF IT BEFORE. THE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 40 DEGREES, SO IT WASN'T THAT COLD OUT. IT HAD BEEN CLOSED JUST MINUTES BEFORE WITHOUT ANY INDICATION OF A PROBLEM. *JB
Suspension, Mar 15, 2007
REAR COIL SPRING ON FORD 2002 EXPLORER BROKE. TOOK CAR IN FOR ANNUAL INSPECTION AND MECHANIC DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM. WHILE IT WAS REPLACED WITH A DEALER PART, I WAS INFORMED THAT ALL IT WOULD HAVE TAKEN FOR THE SPRING TO PIERCE A TIRE OR BRAKE LINE WAS TO HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. WHO KNOWS HOW LONG I WAS DRIVING AROUND WITH THIS PROBLEM AND IN DANGER OF A POSSIBLE FATAL INCIDENT. *JB
Power train, Mar 14, 2007
EXPLORER XL, V6, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, WITH 88,000 MILES. DIFFERENTIAL PROBLEM. OUR MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE BOLT BROKE ON A PIECE OF METAL HOLDING THE PINION IN PLACE. WE WERE GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE, 70 MPH, THE SPEED LIMIT. ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HEARD A NOISE. THE SOUND RESEMBLED A FLAT TIRE. WE PULLED OFF ON THE SHOULDER AND LOOKED AT ALL 4 TIRES. NO FLAT. WE THEN CALLED AAA TO TOW TO OUR FIRST MECHANIC. HE LOOKED AND DISCOVERED OUR PARKING BRAKE SHOE, YES, PARKING BRAKE SHOE, HAD FALLEN OFF. HE REPLACED IT, $130. HE DROVE IT OUT, AND STILL HEARD THE NOISE. HE SUSPECTED THE REAR END. HE COULDN'T FIX THAT TYPE OF PROBLEM. WE TOOK IT TO OUR SECOND MECHANIC. IT TOOK A WEEK TO GET THE LENGTHY REPAIR DONE, TO GET IT TO FIT INTO HIS SCHEDULE. AFTER THE REPAIR WAS DONE, ($885) THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM KICKED IN WHENEVER WE STOPPED. THE PEDAL THUMPED!SO WE TOOK IT BACK AND HE SAID WHEN THE PINION WAS DAMAGED, THAT ALSO RUINED THE SPEED SENSOR IN THE REAR END. HE FIXED IT FOR FREE, FEELING SORRY FOR US THAT WE HAD TWO EXPENSIVE CAR REPAIRS ON OUR FORD WITHIN 2 DAYS. THE MECHANIC SAID IF WE HAD DRIVEN MUCH LONGER WITH THAT PROBLEM, THE CAR COULD HAVE SEIZED (MY WORDS), AND "THROWN US THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD." (YES, WE WEAR SEAT BELTS.) *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 13, 2007
ENGINE DEVELOP ROUGH IDLE. SUDDEN EXPLOSION SOUND REVEALED THAT NUMBER THREE SPARK PLUG WAS DISCHARGED FROM THREADS. DEALER CLAIMED ZERO RESPONSIBILITY YET ADMITTED THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 4.6 AND 5.4 LITER ENGINES. SELF REPAIR WITH INSERT TO REPAIR DAMAGED THREADS CAUSED BY EXPLODING SPARK PLUG. *JB
Steering, Mar 13, 2007
DEFECTIVE RACK AND PINION BOX ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED WITH 43K MILES - HAS ANYONE HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THEIR SAME YEAR EXPLORER WITH THE RACK AND PINION AND/OR ANY SUCCESS WITH FORD FIXING THE PROBLEM? *JB
Structure, Mar 13, 2007
DAUGHTER CAME OUT OF SCHOOL TO FIND CRACK BENEATH REAR WINDOW. THOUGHT TO BE RESULT OF HIT AND RUN IN PARKING LOT. TOOK TO DEALER WHO SAID IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT. REPAIRED AT NO COST TO US, NO PROBLEM. GOOD DEALER! WE ARE VERY GOOD FORD CUSTOMERS, HAVING BOUGHT EXCLUSIVELY FORDS FOR 20+ YEARS. THIS WILL NOT DETER US FROM BUYING FORD AGAIN. *JB
Structure, Mar 13, 2007
ON A COLD DAY, I DISCOVERED THAT THE BODY PANEL BELOW THE GLASS ON THE REAR GATE OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED. NOTHING HIT THE VEHICLE TO CAUSE THE CRACK. THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS AROUND 32 DEGREE F AT THE TIME. *JB
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Mar 11, 2007
CAR STARTED MAKING HUMMING NOISE WHEN GOING 30-45 MPH, TOOK TO A MECHANIC WHO REF ME TO THE DEALERSHIP TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION AND THEN FOR TRANSMISSION FLUSH, STILL THE SAME ISSUE, I WAS ADVISED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, I HAVE 4X4 WHICH REQUIRES THE SAME 4 TIRES OR THE CAR WILL JERK. THE BRAKE PEDAL VIBRATES, AND THE 4X4 GAUGE DOESN'T WORK, REPLACED THE COMPONENT AND STILL THE SAME ISSUE. ANY WHO TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, NOW I AM HEARING A CLINKING AND RUBBERY SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I AM NOW FORCED TO TAKE THE CAR IN... AND OF COURSE BE CHARGED A RIDICULOUS FEE, FOR THEM TO RUN DIAGNOSTICS ON THE TRUCK TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE, AND THEN OF COURSE PAY FOR PARTS AND LABOR.... MY NEXT CAR WILL BE A FOREIGN CAR.. THEY BREAK DOWN LESS, AND THE COST OF MAINTENANCE AND EQUIVALENT OR LESS THEN THE COST OF MAINTAINING A GOOD OLE' AMERICAN MADE FORD VEHICLE. (LEXUS, KIA, AND I BELIEVE EITHER MAZDA OR TOYOTA ARE OWNED BY FORD.. SO STEER CLEAR OF THOSE BRANDS). TIMELINE REFLECTS THE LATEST ISSUE, AND THE AMOUNT OF PREVIOUS PROBLEMS.. AMOUNT TO MANY. *JB
Power train, Mar 10, 2007
I JUST HAD TO REPLACE THE GEAR AND PINION ASSEMBLY, AXLE DIFFERENTIAL GEAR ON MY 02 EXPLORER, A VERY COSTLY REPAIR ON A 02, 47K MILES VEHICLE. BUT THE REASON WHY I'M MAKING A COMPLAINT IS BECAUSE I FOUND OVER 100 COMPLAINTS OVER THE INTERNET FOR THE SAME YEAR/MAKE VEHICLE. I TALKED TO A COUPLE OF DIFFERENT MECHANICS THAT TOLD ME THAT IF I DIDN'T NOTICE THE NOISE AND REPLACED THE PARTS, MY REAR WHEELS COULD LOCK WHILE DRIVING AND I COULD HAVE FOUND MYSELF IN A VERY DANGEROUS ACCIDENT. SO I CONTACTED FORD ABOUT IT, THEY RESPONDED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT SINCE THE NHTSA DIDN'T FIND THIS TO BE A LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM FORD DECIDED NOT TO ISSUE A RECALL. POSSIBLY LOCKING THE REAR WHEELS ON A 4X4 VEHICLE IS NOT LIFE THREATENING???? HUNDREDS OF CONSUMERS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE? IF THERE ARE NO FATAL ACCIDENTS FROM THIS PROBLEM YET IS BECAUSE PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF WILL SPEND THE $1100 TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM BEFORE THEY RISK THEIR FAMILIES...IS IT WORTH RISKING SOMEONE DYING SO FORD CAN SAVE SOME MONEY? I'M OUTRAGED!. *JB
Suspension, Power train, Mar 8, 2007
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS BEEN REPAIRED FOR MAJOR TRANSMISSION AND REAR END PROBLEMS APPROX. 15 TIMES IN THE PAST 3 YEARS. THE TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO SLIP BETWEEN 2ND-3RD AND 3RD-4TH GEAR. IN REVERSE THE CLUTCH BINDS UP. THE REAR END ROARS AND WAS REPLACED AT 35,000 MILES (AFTER NUMEROUS FIX ATTEMPTS) AND AT 66,000 MILES REAR WHEEL BEARINGS, RING GEAR & PINION WERE REPLACED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS ALMOST OVERHAULED AT 35,000, RE-PROGRAMMED APPROX 3 TIMES AND NEEDS TO BE DONE AGAIN NOW. THE COMPASS HAS FAILED TWICE. *JB
Power train, Mar 8, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE GOING UP AN INCLINE AT 20 MPH IN THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER SHE STARTED FEELING A SURGE IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, AS WELL AS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WILL NEED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID PACK. SHE HAS DONE SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND SAW SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE BOTH 105031 MILES.*AK
Structure, Mar 8, 2007
THERE IS A LARGE CRACK IN MY TAILGATE THAT STARTS AT THE BACK WINDSHIELD GLASS AND RUNS HALFWAY DOWN MY TAILGATE. I GUESS THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THESE CRACKS AND FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE IN PAYING FOR THESE REPAIRS. I SPOKE WITH THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT THEY DO NOT WANT TO FIX IT. I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN IF THEY ARE GOING TO TREAT THEIR CUSTOMERS LIKE THIS...PLEASE HELP US GET THEM TO RECALL THIS. THANKS. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Mar 8, 2007
PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, I NOTICED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEEMED SOMEWHAT LOOSE. WE WERE ON THE FREEWAY IN THE L.A. AREA WHEN I NEEDED TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY. AS I DID THIS THE ACCELERATOR STUCK AND THE VEHICLE SURGED. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO AVOID REAR ENDING A SEMI AND AVOID OTHER VEHICLE ON THE CONGESTED FREEWAY. THE FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT WAS ABLE TO LEAN UNDER THE DASH AND FREE THE PEDAL. WE PULLED OVER AND FOUND OUR WAY TO A MECHANIC. HE ADVISED THAT A SMALL PLASTIC PIECE HAD BROKEN NEAR THE PEDAL. A BAR THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE SYSTEM THEN STUCK UNDER THE DASH. HE REPAIRED THIS BY BYPASSING THE MANUFACTURERS SYSTEM FOR LESS THAN $200.00. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD COST OVER $800.00 FOR LABOR AND PARTS. I DON'T REALLY WANT TO REPAIR IT WITH THE SAME PARTS IF IT COULD POSSIBLY RECUR. *JB
Structure, Mar 6, 2007
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. ON FEB 3RD THE LIFT GATE SPLIT IN 2 PIECES. MANF. DEFECT. FORD IS AWARE OF THIS HAPPENING AND HAS NEITHER OFFERED ANY KIND OF MONTEREY ASSISTANCE OR ISSUED A RECALL. THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED TO PAY THE REPAIR OUT OF MY POCKET BECAUSE IT IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THEY UNDERSTAND THIS IS A HAZARD BUT ARE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE ONLY THING HOLDING MY LIFTGATE CLOSED IS THE 2 PUMPS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE GATE. OBVIOUS HAZARD!! THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF VEHICLES JUST LIKE MINE WHERE THE TAIL GATES ARE FAILING. DOES SOMEONE NEED TO DIE BEFORE FORD DOES ANYTHING ABOUT IT??? *JB