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, Feb 13, 2007
ON A 10 DEGREE NIGHT, I WOKE UP TO FIND A NASTY CRACK IN THE REAR LIFTGATE UNDER THE GLASS. IT NOT ONLY CRACKED, BUT SEPARATED AND MADE ABOUT AN 1/8" GAP. ANOTHER CRACK BESIDE IT FORMING A TRIANGULAR SHAPE AS WELL. LOOKS LIKE IT WILL FALL OUT ANY TIME. MY INSURANCE WON'T COVER THIS BECAUSE IT IS A KNOWN FORD ISSUE!!!!!!! TELL ME HOW THAT IS FAIR, THAT WE PAY THE MONEY FOR THESE VERY EXPENSIVE VEHICLES, AND THERE IS A WELL KNOWN DEFECT IN THEM, BUT WE HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. I CAN'T BLAME THE INSURANCE COMPANIES FOR DENIAL. IT IS FORDS PLACE TO PAY FOR THIS. IT IS UNETHICAL FOR FORD TO TREAT THEIR CUSTOMERS LIKE THIS AND VERY BAD FOR BUSINESS. I CAN'T USE MY BACK HATCH ANYMORE FOR FEAR THAT IT WILL CRACK AGAIN AND PIECES FALL OUT. I CARRY FULL COVERAGE INSURANCE AND DO MY PART TO TAKE CARE OF MY VEHICLE, NOW I CAN'T AFFORD TO COVER SOMETHING THAT IS FORDS FAULT!!!!!! COME ON FORD, CUT US SOME SLACK. CH . *NM
Structure, Feb 12, 2007
THE BACK PANEL OF OUR FORD EXPLORER HAS CRACKED THE VERTICAL LENGTH OF THE TO PANEL. HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME DEFECT. *JB
Structure, Feb 11, 2007
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS A CRACK IN THE REAR WINDOW AS A RESULT OF A RECALL THAT OCCURRED TWO YEARS AGO. I HAVE PERSONALLY SEEN 5 OTHERS WITH IDENTICAL CRACKS. FORD IS AWARE OF IT BUT REFUSES TO TAKE ANY ACCOUNTABLE ACTIONS. *JB
Power train, Feb 8, 2007
I BEGAN HEARING AN ODD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO OUR MECHANIC AND REQUESTED THAT HE CHECK THE BRAKES. HE SAID OUR BRAKES WERE OK, HOWEVER WE HAD A REAL PROBLEM WITH THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. WE WERE ON THE VERGE OF LOSING OUR WHEELS. BECAUSE OF THE SEVERITY OF THIS ISSUE AND THE POSSIBILITY OF INJURY HAD WE NOT DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM, WE REQUESTED THAT OUR MECHANIC KEEP THE OLD PARTS. *JB
Structure, Feb 8, 2007
I WALKED AROUND THE BACK OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER TODAY TO FIND THE PANEL DIRECTLY BELOW MY REAR WINDOW WAS SEVERELY CRACKED IN 3 PLACES. I HAD A MINOR CRACK WHICH I REPAIRED ON MY OWN BEFORE. IN NEITHER INSTANCE DID I HAVE AN ACCIDENT OR ANYTHING ALONG THOSE LINES TO CAUSE THE CRACKS. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND CONTACTING A FEW FORD DEALERSHIPS, I'VE DISCOVERED THAT HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS OF OTHER 2002 EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE HAD THE MISFORTUNE OF EXPERIENCING SIMILAR PROBLEMS. THE PHANTOM SPLITTING OF A BODY PANEL ON A MODERN VEHICLE IS A MAJOR DESIGN FLAW. MY VEHICLE'S SAFETY IS NOW IN QUESTION; I AM CONCERNED THAT THE HATCH-BACK GLASS IS NOW NOT ADEQUATELY SUPPORTED DUE TO THE MULTIPLE CRACKS BELOW IT. PLEASE, FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL 2002 EXPLORER DRIVERS AND THE TRAVELERS BEHIND THEM ON THE ROAD, SEE TO IT THAT THIS DEFECT IS REMEDIED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY WITH A PRODUCT RECALL. *JB
Structure, Feb 8, 2007
I HAVE A CRACKED PANEL IN MY FORD EXPLORER 2002. THIS PANEL COULD BREAK IN HALF WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. FORD REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *NM
Power train, Feb 8, 2007
GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF COLUMN, WHERE IT ATTACHES TO TOP OF SHIFT CABLE. WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT VEHICLE INTO OR OUT OF ANY GEAR. HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR WHICH IS COSTING $1300.00, SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED THEY COULD NOT REPLACE PART THAT BROKE, BUT HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE COLUMN. *NM
Structure, Feb 7, 2007
TWO LARGE CRACKS IN BACK BODY PANEL BELOW BACK WINDOW. APPEARED SPONTANEOUSLY AND HAVE STEADILY WORSENED. TWO SEPARATE DEALERS HAVE STATED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, BUT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $400-500 TO HAVE IT FIXED. HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM IN MANY OTHER 2002 EXPLORERS AND HAVE NEVER HEARD OF FORD OWNING UP TO THE PROBLEM OR FIXING THESE CARS. *JB
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Feb 7, 2007
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN IT STARTED TO GET VERY COLD, MY EXPLORER, THAT I JUST BOUGHT, STARTED TO NOT WANT TO GO INTO GEAR. IT WOULD GRIND AND SLIP. THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE DASH. IT WAS FROM THE COMPUTER THAT RUNS THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE. THE 4 LOW BUTTON WOULD JUST KICK IN BY ITS SELF. THEN IT WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. AFTER A WHILE OF TRYING TO GET IT INTO GEAR IT WOULD GO. IT WOULD ONLY ACT UP WHEN IT WAS VERY COLD OUT (10 TO -5 DEGREES) IT DID THIS TO ME FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND THEN IT JUST STUCK INTO 4 LOW AND NOW WON'T COME OUT. THERE WAS A SMELL THIS LAST TIME OF BURNING ELECTRICAL WIRE AND SMOKE. NOW MY EXPLORER WON'T DRIVE AND HAS A ELECTRICAL SMOKE SMELL STUCK IN IT. I NOW HAVE TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A FORD DEALER TO GET IT FIXED. IT ALSO MAKES A REALLY LOUD POPPING SOUND WHEN I GO TO TURN OR HIT A BUMP. SOUND COMES FROM THE FRONT OF THE EXPLORER DRIVERS SIDE. *JB
Wheels, Feb 6, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED VIBRATING AND PULLING TO THE RIGHT. A LUG NUT HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP BECAUSE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS LODGED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE NEW LUG NUT AND STEMS AND REPAIR THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000. THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON TOW OCCASIONS.*AK
Wheels, Feb 5, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT TOOK THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER TO GET NEW TIRES WHERE SHE OBSERVED THAT TWO OF THE RIMS WERE CRACKED, THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AND THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CRACK ALMOST DISSECTED THE RIM. KMC THE SPECIFIC WHEEL SHE HAD WAS THE KING PIN 20 INCH CHROME WHEEL. SHE CALLED THE DISTRIBUTORS FOR KMC WHEELS AND THEY STATED IF SHE DIDN'T HAVE THE ORIGINAL RECEIPT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THEY FAXED HER THE WARRANTY. STRUCTURAL DAMAGE WOULD ONLY BE COVERED IF SHE HAD A RECEIPT. THE NAME OF THE DISTRIBUTORS WASWHEEL PROS 562-921-1237. *AK
Structure, Feb 5, 2007
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED. IT IS A VERTICAL CRACK THE HEIGHT OF THE PANEL TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY SUCCESS IN GETTING FORD OR MY DEALERSHIP TO MAKE A REPAIR TO MY VEHICLE. THE ESTIMATED COST OF THE REPAIR IS $571.20. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS CRACK MAY AFFECT THE STABILITY OF MY REAR WINDOW. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 5, 2007
I HAVE TWO OR THREE ISSUES; THE FIRST ONE IS MY TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER BROKE AND CAME UP THROUGH THE HEAD GASKET COVER. IT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT FORD HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH MANY OF IT'S 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. I AM JUST RETURNING FROM IRAQ (AIR FORCE) I HAVE JUST HAD IT TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP IT HAS NOT BE FIXED. I HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS WERE IT JUMPS INTO GEAR AND I HAVE A WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END. I SPOKE WITH GANLEY FORD IN BARBETON AND THEY TELL ME THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS HOWEVER, A LOT OF CUSTOMERS COMPLAIN. *JB
Structure, Feb 5, 2007
THE PLASTIC APPLIQUE PANEL BELOW THE GLASS ON THE LIFTGATE HAS DEVELOPED TWO VERTICAL CRACKS, APPROX 1/8TH" IN DIAMETER RUNNING THE LENGTH OF THE PANEL (APPROX 5 INCHES) TO THE LEFT AND TO THE RIGHT OF THE 'FORD' EMBLEM. THESE DEVELOPED SPONTANEOUSLY OVER TIME, ONE AFTER ANOTHER. THERE WAS NO COLLISION OR OTHER TRAUMA TO TRIGGER THESE CRACKS. RESEARCH REVEALS THAT _MANY_ OTHER 2002 EXPLORER OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME DEFECT. I NOTICED THE SAME CONDITION ON SEVERAL OTHER 2002 FORD EXPLORERS SIMPLY DRIVING AROUND TOWN. FORD WILL NOT REPAIR THIS PROBLEM WHICH IS MOST OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Feb 5, 2007
AFTER DRIVING ON A COLD WEATHER NIGHT AT SINGLE DIGIT TEMPERATURES, THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN EVEN WITHOUT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PUT INTO PARK OR NEUTRAL, THE RPM WAS ABOVE 4000. FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. WHEN BRAKING THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO STILL WANT TO MOVE. *JB
Electrical system, Feb 4, 2007
VEHICLE IS A 2002 FORD SPORT TRAC WITH APPROX 42K MILES. BEGAN WITH RAPID FLASHING OF LEFT TURN SIGNAL. REAR TURN AND BRAKE LAMP WERE INOPERABLE. REPLACING BULB HAD NO EFFECT. FOUND POSITIONING STEERING COLUMN TO A HIGHER TILT POSITION CORRECTED MALFUNCTION. REMOVED STEERING COLUMN COVER AND FOUND 4 WIRES PULLED OUT OF CONNECTOR ON MULTI-FUNCTION (TURN SIGNAL SWITCH). WIRES MOVE IN AND OUT AS COLUMN IS MOVED THROUGH TILT RANGE. WIRES OUT AT BOTTOM OF TILT AND IN AT TOP OF TILT RANGE. REMOVED CONNECTOR PART # E6DB-14489-DA. 3 CONNECTOR PIN RETAINERS FELL OUT AND WERE RECOVERED. A FOURTH WAS FOUND TO BE IN THE CONNECTOR BUT NOT RETAINING IT'S PIN. CONNECTOR MUST BE REPLACED TO CORRECT PROBLEM. ALSO THE WIRING HARNESS IS SECURED ABOVE THE TILT PIVOT POINT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. I BELIEVE THE HARNESS IS SECURED WITH INSUFFICIENT SLACK TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE STRESS ON THE CONNECTOR AT THE LOWER POSITIONS OF THE STEERING COLUMN TILT RANGE. I BASE THIS ON THE FACT THAT THE 3 PINS WITH BROKEN RETAINERS ARE ON THE TOP ROW OF THE CONNECTOR AND WOULD BE THE MOST STRESSED IN A LOWER POSITION OF THE STEERING WHEEL. ALSO I HAVE OVER 20 YEARS OF AIRCRAFT ELECTRONICS EXPERIENCE AS AN AVIONICS TECHNICIAN AND FULLY UNDERSTAND PROPER WIRE ROUTING PROCEDURES. DIGITAL PICTURES OF THE CONNECTOR ARE AVAILABLE. *JB
Structure, Feb 4, 2007
THE UPPER REAR WINDOW LIFTGATE WAS OPENED TO ACCESS CARGO AND AS SOON AS IT WAS IN THE UP POSITION, THE GLASS EXPLODED SENDING SHARDS OF GLASS WITHIN THE VEHICLE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. HUSBAND WAS SHOWERED WITH GLASS AND JUST MISSED BEING HIT BY THE ATTACHED LOWER PANEL THAT FELL ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE CAR. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. IF PASSENGERS WERE SITTING IN THE THIRD ROW SEATS, THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN SHOWERED IN GLASS. IF THIS HAPPENED WHILE A PARENT IS HOLDING A CHILD WHILE RETRIEVING ITEMS FROM THE BACK, THEY COULD INCUR SERIOUS INJURIES. GLASS SHATTERING OVER YOUR HEAD FOR NO APPARENT REASON IS EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS. THIS IS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW. THE VEHICLE DID GO IN FOR THE RECALL SENT OUT A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO TO REPLACE A BRACKET. OBVIOUSLY, THIS DID NOT DO A THING TO PREVENT THIS WINDOW FROM BREAKING, FORD KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM AND TRIED TO DO THE CHEAPEST THING POSSIBLE TO FIX IT, INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE ENTIRE REAR LIFTGATE ASSEMBLY. FORD SHOULD BE TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DEFECT AND ALBEIT MY OPINION, I BELIEVE THAT A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT SHOULD BE ON THE HORIZON. WE WILL BE CONTACTING THE DEALER TOMORROW AND FINDING OUT WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY. WITH ALL THE INFORMATION THAT IS ON THE INTERNET ON THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM, THIS IS CLEARLY AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND RESOLVED BEFORE IT CAUSES A DEATH OR LIFE CHANGING INJURY. *JB
Structure, Feb 2, 2007
THERE IS A PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW GATE THAT HAS A VERTICAL CRACK.. INITIALLY, THE REAR WINDOW WAS A RECALL, NOW THE PANEL BELOW THE WINDOW HAS CRACKED. THE REAR WINDOW WAS REPLACED, AT NO COST, BUT FORD WILL NOT REPLACE THE DEFECT/CRACK ON THE BACK PANEL. *JB
Tires, Feb 2, 2007
I BOUGHT A USED 2002 FORD EXPLORER FROM EVERGREEN FORD IN ISSAQUAH WASHINGTON. THE SALESMEN TOLD ME THE CAR HAD GREAT TIRES AND THEY WOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR A WHILE. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO GET SERVICED FOR THE FIRST TIME (ABOUT A MONTH AFTER I BOUGHT IT) I WAS TOLD THE TIRES WERE BALD AND THE CAR WAS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE - THEY COULD NOT BELIEVE I WAS DRIVING AROUND WITH SUCH BAD TIRES. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY WERE ABUSIVE AND EXTREAMLY RUDE OVER THE PHONE, THEY WOULD TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY. *NM
Structure, Feb 1, 2007
CRACK IN THE PLASTIC PANEL UNDER THE REAR GLASS. 02 FORD EXPLORER. WENT TO PICK UP KIDS FROM MOTHERS HOUSE, AND WALKED AROUND TRUCK, AND SAW IT. CRACKED ALL THE WAY FROM THE BOTTOM TO THE TOP, IN AN UPSIDE DOWN FASHION. ALL THE WAY THROUGH FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. LOTS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET, AND AROUND TOWN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. AFRAID IT IS ALSO A REAR GLASS PROBLEM, AS THE REAR GLASS IS ATTACHED TO THE CRACKED PEICE. ALSO HEARD THERE WAS AT ONE TIME A RECALL ON THE REAR GLASS OF THE 02. *NM
Structure, Jan 31, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. NOTICED A CRACK IN THE REAR PANEL LOCATED BELOW TAILGATE GLASS THE CRACK IS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. THE LOCATION OF THIS CRACK IS APPROXIMATELY 3 INCHES TO THE RIGHT OF THE FORD EMBLEM UNDER THE REAR TAILGATE WINDOW.
Air bags, Seat belts, Jan 31, 2007
RECENTLY THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING A PROBLEM WITH THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. ALSO, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT WHEN THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE ONBOARD COMPUTER INDICATED A CODE OF 33 IN MEMORY. THIS INDICATED THAT THE MECHANISM UNDER BOTH FRONT SEATS WAS FAULTY. THIS PROBLEM WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY UNNECESSARILY OR NOT DEPLOY AT ALL. THE FAULTY SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WOULD NOT HAVE PREVENTED THE DRIVER FROM BEING THROWN FORWARD IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION. THE WARNING LIGHT WAS INTERMITTENT AT FIRST AND EVENTUALLY STAYED ON SO THERE WAS 55,000 MILES RECORDED WHEN I FINALLY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO OUR DEALERSHIP. THE OWNER'S MANUAL REVEALED THAT THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) IS WARRANTED FOR 5YEARS/50,000 MILES, SO I REALIZE THAT IT WAS BEYOND THE WARRANTY PERIOD. HOWEVER, THIS IS MY CONCERN AND COMPLAINT. THE SRS IS PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT SAFETY SYSTEM IN A VEHICLE AND SHOULD NOT REQUIRE THESE TYPES OF REPAIRS JUST 6 MONTHS AND 5,000 MILES AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRES. THIS SYSTEM SHOULD LAST FOR THE LIFE OF A VEHICLE UNLESS THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO BE CONCERNED THAT THEIR SRS SYSTEM WILL FAIL AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRES. I AM NOT A MECHANICAL ENGINEER, BUT THESE PARTS MUST NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED PROPERLY. IF THEY WERE, THEY WOULD NOT HAVE FAILED. AS WAS STATED ABOVE, THIS EXPLORER WAS TOTALLY REDESIGNED AND SENT TO THE DEALER SHOWROOMS PRIOR TO THE START OF THE 2002 MODEL YEAR. WERE THINGS OVERLOOKED OR NOT DONE PROPERLY JUST TO RUSH THIS TOTALLY REDESIGNED EXPLORER TO THE DEALER SHOWROOMS? IF THIS WAS THE CASE, SHOULD THERE BE A RECALL FOR THIS MODEL YEAR IN ORDER TO CHECK THIS PROBLEM AND ENSURE THERE ARE NO SAFETY CONCERNS? THE COST OF THESE REPAIRS IS THE MINOR ISSUE OF MY COMPLAINT. THE MAJOR ISSUE IS THE SAFETY OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. SAFETY PROBLEMS WITH A VEHICLE WILL CAUSE SERIOUS REPERCUSSIONS FOR THE COMPANY.
Structure, Jan 30, 2007
I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM BUT I BELIEVE IT IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE. I AM (SORRY 'WAS') THE PROUD OWNER OF A 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER V8 AUTO TRANSMISSION. IT HAS SUDDENLY DEVELOPED 2 STRESS CRACKS IN THE PANEL UNDER THE REAR WINDOW - ONE ACTUALLY GOES RIGHT THROUGH THE PANEL FROM END TO END!. THEY WERE MOST CERTAINLY NOT THERE THIS MORNING WHEN I PARKED MY VEHICLE OUTSIDE MY OFFICE BUT IT WAS EXTREMELY COLD IN ATLANTA TODAY, I'VE READ NUMEROUS ARTICLES ON THE INTERNET THIS EVENING AND I AM ABSOLUTELY ALARMED TO DISCOVER THAT THE CRACKING IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE IN THIS YEAR/MODEL EXPLORER IN COLD CONDITIONS - WHY IS FORD NOT DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT?? *NM
Structure, Jan 30, 2007
THE BACK LIFTGATE OR HATCH BACK OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED HAS A LARGE VERTICAL CRACK THAT HAS JUST MAGICALLY APPEARED. THE CRACK IS ABOUT 4 INCHES LONG AND ANOTHER 1 INCH BESIDE IT. IT IS LOCATED DIRECTLY UNDER THE REAR GLASS. I WAS ON A WEBSITE THAT HAS ABOUT 65 OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS FOR THIS YEAR'S MODEL OF EXPLORER. I FEEL THAT FORD HAS AN OBLIGATION TO PAY FOR THIS SINCE THEY DID HAVE A RECALL. *NM
Power train, Jan 30, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SINCE SHE PURCHASED IT IN FEBRUARY 2002. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS AT A FORD DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE MAY NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REPAIR SHOP TOLD HER THE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE WAS INTERNAL. *AK