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.
Structure, Mar 6, 2007
WHILE CLOSING REAR TAILGATE WINDOW OF 2002 FORD EXPLORER,FIBERGLASS PORTION OF THE TAILGATE SHATTERED. NO INJURY WAS INCURRED; HOWEVER, THE POTENTIAL DOES EXIST. INQUIRED MANUFACTURE, AND WAS TOLD THEY DID NOT HAVE A RECALL ON THIS PART THEREFORE, THEY FELT NO LIABILITY TO REPLACE THE PART. SINCE THE INCIDENT, I HAVE NOTICED 5 EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME DEFECT. *JB
Power train, Mar 6, 2007
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CONTACT WAS ACCELERATING AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO IDLE. THE CONTACT WAS THROWN FORWARD INTO THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING THE DRIVER TO STEER TO THE RIGHT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,350. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE THIRD GEAR BANG OR THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,350.
Suspension, Wheels, Mar 6, 2007
REAR WHEEL BEARING FAILURE AT 80,000 MILES, BOTH REAR BEARINGS. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 3, 2007, fire
I WAS ONLY ABOUT 1 MILE FROM HOME, THE VEHICLE HAD NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS, I HEARD A STRANGE SOUND THEN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING PROPERLY, I COULD SMELL FUEL OR SOME SORT OF ODOR, AS I ATTEMPTED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER, THERE WAS NO BRAKES OR STEERING, I ALSO COULD SEE SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, I MANAGED TO GET THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO STARTING TO FILL WITH SMOKE INSIDE VERY QUICKLY. I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. IT WOULD NOT ENGAGE IN PARK, AND ROLLED WHILE I WAS TRYING TO EXIT. I CALLED 911, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS ALREADY ENTIRELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *JB
Structure, Mar 2, 2007
REAR HATCH CRACKED TWO SPOTS. *JB
Power train, Mar 1, 2007
TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING WHILE SHIFT GEARS AROUND 35-40 MPH. ENGINE WOULD REV HIGH. DEALER SAID I LOST 3RD SPEED. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION AT COST OF $2565.77 PLUS $1020 IN LABOR. DEALER ALSO REPLACED REAR AXLE SEALS ($265.48). EXPLORER HAD 89,449 MILES ON IT. FRIENDS AND WEB SAY REAR DIFF AND TRANSMISSIONS ARE NOTORIOUSLY BAD. WHEN WILL FORD RECALL THESE VEHICLES? WILL THE CONSUMER EVER GET THEIR MONEY BACK? *NM
Suspension, Mar 1, 2007
BROKEN REAR COIL SPRINGS. VEHICLE NEVER USED OFF ROAD OR ANYTHING OTHER THAN NORMAL ROADWAY DRIVING. WENT FOR NEW TIRES AND MECHANIC FOUND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKEN. THE DRIVERS SIDE SPRING WAS BROKEN INTO MULTIPLE PIECES. *JB
Structure, Feb 27, 2007
THE FIBERGLASS PANEL ON THE BACK HATCH OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS CRACKED FROM THE GLASS STRAIGHT DOWN APPARENTLY DUE TO COLD WEATHER. I CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT FOR SOME REASON THIS HAD HAPPENED A LOT THIS WINTER. I WAS TOLD TO BRING IT IN TO BE LOOKED AT BY THE SERVICE MANAGER AND THAT IT WOULD PROBABLY BE TAKEN CARE OF OR AT LEAST A 50/50 SPLIT. WHEN I TOOK IT IN THE MANAGER TOLD ME BECAUSE OF THE MILES ON MY VEHICLE THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO FOR ME. I HAVE SINCE NOTICED THAT A LOT OF THE FORD EXPLORERS THAT HAVE THE 2 PIECE FIBERGLASS PANELS ARE CRACKED ALSO THAT ARE DRIVING AROUND. CAN FORD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS? I HAVE NO OTHER DAMAGES TO MY VEHICLE AND TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF IT. BUT THIS IS VERY NOTICEABLE AND YOU CAN BET WHEN I GO TO TRADE IT IN FORD WILL DISCOUNT FOR THIS DEFECT. *JB
Power train, Feb 27, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE DEALER TOLD HIM THAT HE HAD LOST THE THIRD GEAR. THE GEAR WOULD SLIP INSTEAD OF ENGAGING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE THE STEERING WHEEL REALLY BADLY, AND FEEL AS IF IT WAS PULLING AWAY FROM HIM. THIS NORMALLY HAPPENED BETWEEN 0 -29 MPH, AND THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE REACHED 30 MPH IT WOULD LEVEL OUT AND DRIVE NORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DOING THIS FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE MONTHS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WEATHER WAS NOT A FACTOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS HAPPENED EVERY DAY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WERE BOTH 40000.*AK
Power train, Feb 27, 2007
THE SAME THING I HAVE BEEN READING HUNDREDS UPON HUNDREDS OF TIMES ONLINE FROM OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS - O/D LIGHT FLASHING, HUMMING NOISE, RPMS REVVING UP WAY TOO HIGH WHEN ACCELERATING, SKIPPING 2ND GEAR ALTOGETHER. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO HAVE THIS FIXED, AND STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT,WITH THE THOUSANDS OF OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS THAT HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM, THIS SHOULD BE SOMETHING THAT FORD SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR. THIS IS THEFT. *JB
Structure, Feb 26, 2007
TAILGATE EXTERIOR APPLIQUE CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *NM
Electrical system, Feb 26, 2007
DIGITAL ODOMETER DISPLAY NUMBERS DO NOT LIGHT UP MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO VIEW CUMULATIVE MILEAGE AND USE OF TRIP COMPUTER AND COMPASS DOES NOT WORK. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 25, 2007, crash
IN JANUARY, 2006, MY CAR STOPPED DEAD ON THE HIGHWAY. AFTER IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WE WERE TOLD THAT A VALVE HAD BROKEN AND HAD BEEN SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE, CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE. OUR ONLY ALTERNATIVE WAS TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED - WHICH WE DID FOR OVER $5000.00. THE FOLLOWING JANUARY, (2007), AFTER THE FIRST MEASURABLE SNOW FALL OF THE YEAR (SINCE OUR ENGINE HAD BEEN REPLACED), THE CAR WENT INTO A HUGE FISHTAIL SKID ON A SNOWY ROAD AND AFTER THE FIRST SKID, WAS CAUGHT BY THE CABLE GUARD RAIL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD - CAUSING ANOTHER $5000.00+ REPAIR. WHEN BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER THE ACCIDENT, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE ELECTRONIC MONITOR HAD FAILED AND WE HAD NO 4 WHEEL DRIVE. MY CONCERN - BESIDES THE COST AND INCONVENIENCE AND SCARE OF THE ACCIDENT IS THAT THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS TO LET ME KNOW THAT THE CAR'S 4 WHEEL DRIVE HAD FAILED. I HAD GOTTEN INTO THE CAR ASSUMING THAT THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE WAS WORKING (AS THE CAR GOES INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE AUTOMATICALLY AND THERE ARE NO INDICATOR LIGHTS NORMALLY TO LET YOU KNOW THAT THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE IS WORKING). WITH NO INDICATOR LIGHTS THAT THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE IS WORKING AND NO INDICATOR LIGHTS THAT IT IS NOT WORKING, FORD PUT ME IN A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION. HAD THE CABLE GUARD RAIL NOT BEEN THERE TO CATCH THE CAR, WE WOULD HAVE GONE OVER THE EMBANKMENT AND BEEN MORE SERIOUSLY INJURED. *NM
Power train, Feb 25, 2007
TRANSMISSION FAILED AFTER HAVING BEEN SERVICED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS BY FORD DEALERSHIP. TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO BE DISABLED IN TRAVEL AREA OF THE ROADWAY. FORD DEALERSHIP STATED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THAT THERE WAS "NO PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION". VEHICLE NOW NEEDS NEW TRANSMISSION AFTER ONLY 60,000 MILES AT COST OF $2000 +. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH 2002 FORD EXPLORER SUV'S AND IMMEDIATE FAILURES ARE DANGEROUS TO PASSENGERS AND OTHER MOTORISTS. *NM
Structure, Feb 23, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACTED STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE APPLIQUE ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER WAS CRACKED. THE APPLIQUE HELD THE BACK REAR GLASS ONTO THE LIFTGATE. THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT MAY BECOME DISENGAGED IF THE REAR LIFT GATE WAS OPENED. THE CONTACT WAS UNWILLING TO OPEN THE REAR LIFTGATE DUE TO THE CRACK. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH DEALERSHIP AND FORD MANUFACTURER, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE VEHICLE HAD 67200 MILES. *AK
Structure, Feb 23, 2007
THE TAIL GATE DOOR PANEL BELOW THE GLASS HAS TO LINE CRACKS. IT BEGAN TO SEPARATE. IT ALSO HAPPEN TO MY FATHER IN-LAW. I HAVE ALSO SEEN IT IN MANY OTHER EXPLORERS. *JB
Structure, Feb 21, 2007
LEFT PANEL BELOW TAILGATE WINDOW CRACKED WITHOUT ANY CONTACT TO VEHICLE - NOTHING HIT THE CAR AND THE CAR DID NOT HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. *JB
Air bags, Feb 21, 2007
MY HUSBAND AND I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE AIRBAG. THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS STAYED LIT AND NEEDED REPAIRS ON 2 OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED WAS A YEAR AGO. AT THAT TIME, WE TOOK THE CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND WERE TOLD THE SAFETY HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THIS WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS RECENTLY COME ON AGAIN. AGAIN, WE TOOK THE CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THIS TIME ARE TOLD THAT ANOTHER HARNESS NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND A WIRE UNDER THE SEAT IS NOT WORKING AND THE REPAIRS (WHICH ARE NOT UNDER WARRANTY) WILL COST APPROXIMATELY $370. I COMPLAINED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT I FEEL I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THESE REPAIRS AS THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED PREVIOUSLY WHILE UNDER WARRANTY AND THEIR PREVIOUS REPAIR SHOULD HOLD SOME GUARANTEE. I WAS TOLD THIS IS NOT THE CASE AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THESE REPAIRS. I FIND THIS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE. I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO HAVE THE REPAIR DONE AS A NON-FUNCTIONING AIRBAG IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. I AM NOTIFYING THE NHTSA AND THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION OF THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. *JB
Suspension, Feb 21, 2007
PURCHASED A USED 2002 EXPLORER IN 12/2005. IN 2/2007, A GRINDING NOISE APPEARED WHEN I WOULD ACCELERATE. TOOK IT IN THE SAME DAY (I WAS ON THE EXPRESSWAY WHEN IT OCCURRED). THEY TOLD ME THE BEARING WAS BAD AND THAT I NEEDED ABOUT $1100 IN PARTS AND $600 IN LABOR TO REPLACE, AND THAT I WAS LUCKY THAT THE WHEEL DID NOT FALL OFF. HE STATED THAT, "THIS IS COMMON ON MOUNTAINEERS AND EXPLORERS," AND THAT HE HAS DONE SIMILAR WORK OTHER TIMES. HE RECOMMENDED THAT I REPLACE THE OTHER BEARINGS, BECAUSE THEY WERE ALL GOING TO GO AT SOME TIME. I FEEL THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. *JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 20, 2007
SUBJECT: CRACKED PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW (TAILGATE APPLIQUE) WHERE: 9 DEGREES TEMPERATURE IN SHILOH, ILLINOIS (15 MILES EAST OF ST. LOUIS). VEHICLE TYPE: 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS 4 DOOR WAGON 6 CYL 4.0 SOHC 51,101 MILES. WHAT: THE PLASTIC APPLIQUE PANEL BELOW THE GLASS ON THE LIFTGATE HAS DEVELOPED ONE VERTICAL CRACK, APPROX 1/8TH" IN DIAMETER RUNNING THE LENGTH OF THE PANEL (APPROX 4.5 INCHES) TO THE RIGHT OF THE "FORD" EMBLEM. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I FOUND OVER 75 OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS, MOST IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS (COLD WEATHER). THIS REPAIR IS NOT COVERED BY FORD EXTENDED WARRANTY (ESP). PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE LISTED BELOW FOR OTHER CUSTOMERS COMMENTS. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/BODY_PAINT/CRACKED_PANEL_BELOW_THE_REAR_WINDOW.SHTM COST/COMMENTS: AUFFENBERG BODY SHOP (BELLEVILLE, IL 618-234-0330) REPAIR COST $380.00 IF REAR WINDOW BREAKS ADD AN ADDITIONAL $1100.00. FORD DEFINITELY HAS A QUALITY PROBLEM WITH THIS COSMETIC DEFECT PART. AFTER CONTACTING FORD PRIOR APPROVAL DEPARTMENT (800-321-7790 OPTION #3) AND CUSTOMER CENTER (800-392-3673), BOTH OFFICES INFORMED ME THAT THIS DEFECT IS NOT COVER UNDER THE ESP WARRANTY. ACTION: FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD REPLACE THE PANEL AT NO CHARGE. I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR REPLY AND A RESOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. A COPY OF THIS LETTER WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE CONSUMER AFFAIRS, BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU, AND THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION. *JB
Structure, Feb 20, 2007
THE LIFTGATE EXTERIOR CRACKED DOWN THE MIDDLE WITH NO PRESSURE BEING APPLIED, MAYBE THE WEATHER MADE IT CRACK, BUT THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. *JB
Power train, Feb 20, 2007
TRANSMISSION WENT AT 66K AND CAUSED ME SAFETY CONCERNS WHEN DRIVING BECAUSE I COULD NOT ACCELERATE. *JB
Power train, Feb 19, 2007
AT 55,350 MILES MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT'S TRANSMISSION WOULD FLARE WHEN SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD THAT I HAD A SOLENOID MALFUNCTION IN MY TRANSMISSION; THEREFORE, AFFECTING OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE TRANSMISSION. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT MY TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REBUILT. MILES WISE, I STILL HAD A LITTLE UNDER 5,000 MILES UNTIL THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, YEARS WISE, I WAS AT 5 YEARS 74 DAYS. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THIS PROBLEM COST ME $2168.38. I DON'T THINK VEHICLE AT 55K MILES SHOULD NEED A REBUILDING OF A TRANSMISSION. I THINK I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED IN SOME WAY FOR THE COST.....EVEN THOUGH I WENT OVER THE WARRANTY BY 74 DAYS. *NM
Power train, Feb 17, 2007
NOISE COMING FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER. *JB
Structure, Feb 13, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER - PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW (APPLIQUE) CRACKED. FORD DEALER CLAIMS IT HAPPENS WHEN WEATHER IS TO HOT OR COLD. *NM