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.
Suspension, Power train, Jan 11, 2007
THUMPING NOISE FROM DRIVERS SIDE FRONT END IN THE WHEEL AREA. THE NOISE IS MOST NOTICEABLE AT BETWEEN 40 AND 60 MPH DURING ACCELERATION. IT ALSO BECOMES A HUMMING NOISE AS THE GAS PEDAL IS RELEASED AND THE CAR IS COASTING OR DECELERATING. HAD NEW TIRES PUT ON THEN NEW BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. NOTHING FIXED THE PROBLEM. TALKED TO MY BROTHER, ANOTHER LOYAL EXPLORER OWNER, AND HE HAD SAME PROBLEM DIAGNOSED AS A BEARING NEEDING REPLACING. HE ALSO TOLD ME ABOUT A LEAK ON HIS GARAGE FLOOR IN THE REAR MIDDLE OF THE CAR WHERE THE REAR AXLE IS. I TOLD HIM I HAVE SAME EXACT SPOT OF SOMETHING LEAKING ON MY GARAGE FLOOR. WE READ ABOUT ALL THE SEAL PROBLEMS WITH THE AXLE AND NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. HE SPENT OVER $1000 ON THE FRONT BEARINGS AND NOW IN FOR ANOTHER BIG BILL FOR THE SEAL PROBLEM. I SEE WE ARE NOT ALONE IN OUR EXPLORER DISAPPOINTMENTS. ALL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. COME ON FORD, BACK UP YOUR VEHICLE AND PAY FOR THESE DEFECTS TO YOUR SUVS. *JB
Power train, Jan 11, 2007
IN MAY OF 2005 THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT AT THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAD 34,767 MILES. IN MAY OF 2006 THE REBUILT TRANS CONVERTER FAILED WITH ABOUT 47,000 MILES. THIS WAS JUST A FEW HUNDRED MILES OUT OF THE 12 MONTH, 12,000 FORD SERVICE WARRANTY. THERE WAS AN AFTERMARKET WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE THAT COVERED IT. UPON WRITTEN NOTIFICATION TO THE DEALER AND FORD WE SET AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AND TEST DRIVEN AGAIN DUE TO MORE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED THEN THE SHIFT LEVER LOCKED UP BETWEEN PARK AND REVERSE AND HAD TO BE SERVICED WITHIN HOURS OF PICKUP. THEN A COOLANT GASKET WAS DISCOVERED TO HAVE BEEN REMOVED AND A ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR DAMAGED AND GLUED TOGETHER AND TIE WRAPPED TO THE TRANS. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED IN WRITING OF THE DISCOVERIES. THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED INDEPENDENTLY. A SHOP DIAGNOSED A POOR SHIFT, SHORT SHIFT, LONG SHIFT, AND CLUNKING WITH VIBRATION CONDITION IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER WAS CALLED TWICE WITH NO RESPONSE. ON DECEMBER 20, 2006 THE TRANS FAILED FOR THE THIRD TIME AT 57,231 MILES. THE AFTER MARKET WARRANTY WAS NOTIFIED AND DIRECTED US TO THE FORD SERVICE WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP DUE TO A CERTIFIED LETTER THAT WAS RECEIVED BY THE FIRST STATING THAT OUR TRANS PROBLEMS WERE "PERCEIVED" AND THAT THEY WERE ENDING OUR "BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP." THE NEXT DEALERSHIP PERFORMED THE EEC CODE CHECK. A TSB HAD BEEN ISSUED,CODES 733 AND 745. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US THAT WE MUST GUARANTEE THEIR FEE TO TEAR DOWN THE TRANSMISSION AND THAT THE REPAIR MAY NOT BE COVERED. THEY ALSO STATED THAT WE HAD "NO WARRANTY" ON THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE MANAGER AFTER SOME DISCUSSION STATED "WE ARE NOT INVOLVED IN YOUR TRUCK REPAIR AT ALL." WE IMMEDIATELY HAD OUR VEHICLE REMOVED FROM THEIR DEALERSHIP. ANOTHER SHOP STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAS IN FACT FAILED AGAIN. WE ARE WAITING FOR A POSSIBLE COVERAGE DETERMINATION FROM THE AFTER MARKET COMPANY. FORD WAS NOTIFIED.*JB
Power train, Jan 11, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER - 58,000 ORIGINAL MILES. NO INDICATION OF PROBLEM, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR. LOCAL FORD DEALER SAYS THE 3RD GEAR IS GONE AND WILL COST $1800 TO FIX. *JB
Air bags, Jan 9, 2007
AIR BAG DISABLED DUE TO DESIGN DEFECT IN 2002 EXPLORER. A CABLE HARNESS RUNNING UNDER THE FLOOR TO THE DRIVERS SEAT IS TOO SHORT. MOVING THE SEAT BACK CAUSES THE CABLE TO DISCONNECT AND DISABLES THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG. *JB
Structure, Jan 8, 2007
THERE ARE NO IDENTIFIABLE EVENT LEADING UP TO THE DISCOVERY OF THE PROBLEM. IT WAS COLD AT NIGHT WHEN I FOUND THE PROBLEM, BUT THE CAR IS IN THE GARAGE. PROBLEM: FORD EXPLORER 2002 REAR TAILGATE CRACK. THE TAILGATE HAS A CLEAN CRACK FROM TOP TO BOTTOM UNDER AND TO THE RIGHT OF THE FORD OVAL. I HAVE NOT YET REPLACED THE TAILGATE. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME PROBLEM ALL OVER NORTH AMERICA. *NM
Structure, Jan 8, 2007
(1) EXCELLENT CARE OF VEHICLE, NO ACCIDENTS (2) REAR PANEL ON HATCH CRACKED ALL THE WAY THROUGH ON FIRST COLD DAY OF FALL 2006 (APPEARS TO BE STRESS FROM THERMAL EXPANSION/CONTRACTION) (3) DEALER SAID $350 TO REPLACE PANEL AND PAINT AND WAS NOT UNDER ANY WARRANTY FROM FORD
Structure, Jan 6, 2007
THE TAILGATE UNDER THE GLASS THAT LIFTS UP IS CRACKED ALL THE WAY DOWN FROM THE GLASS TO THE PART WHERE YOU CAN LIFT THE WHOLE TAILGATE RIGHT BY THE KEY HOLE. I HAVE NOTICED A FEW OTHERS CRACKED IN THE EXACT SAME PLACE WHILE DRIVING AROUND TOWN. I HAVE INFORMED MITSIBISHI WHERE I BOUGHT IT USED BUT THEY SAY I HAVE TO CONTACT FORD. WHAT DO I DO? *NM
Structure, Jan 4, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER V6 4X4 REAR WINDOW LOWER PLASTIC PANEL COMPLETELY CRACKED THROUGHOUT. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Structure, Jan 3, 2007
AT 74000 MILES OUR TRANSMISSION WENT OUT COMPLETELY WHILE WE WERE ON VACATION! THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, SAID THAT "WE WERE THE ONLY ONE'S WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM" (YEAH RIGHT!) IT COST US $6000 OUT OF OUR POCKET TO FIX. AT 86000 MILES THE REAR WINDOW CRACKED RIGHT BELOW THE WINDOW. FORD AND THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO FIX IT. AGAIN, STAYTON FORD TOLD US THAT,"WE WERE THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE." AT AROUND 85000, 95000 AND 105000 MILES, THE REAR SEALS LEAKED. WE WERE PROMISED EACH TIME THAT THEY WOULD LAST "FOR AT LEAST 50000 MILES." WE WERE ALWAYS A FEW MILES AWAY FROM GETTING THEM REPLACED FOR FREE SINCE THEY'RE LIMITED WARRANTY IS ONLY GOOD FOR 10000 MILES. AT 111000 MILES THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WENT "HAYWIRE." EVEN WHEN ALL OF THE DOOR AND HATCH ARE CLOSED, THE DOME LIGHT CONTINUES TO GO ON AND OFF (MAKING IT HARD TO DRIVE AT NIGHT) BECAUSE IT SENSES THAT A "DOOR IS A JAR." SOMETIMES, THE KEY PAD THAT'S LOCATED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW SETS OFF THE ALARM WHEN WE PUSH THE FIRST NUMBER ON THE KEY. TOTALLY UNRELIABLE VEHICLE THAT I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE! *NM
Power train, Jan 3, 2007
2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED, O/D LIGHT FLASHING AND TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 72,000 MILES. *NM
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 2, 2007
CRACKED ON THE BACK PANEL, BETWEEN THE WINDOW GLASS AND FORD LOGO. *JB
Structure, Jan 2, 2007
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS WITH 51,300 MILES. ON 11/23/06 TWO LONG CRACKS DEVELOPED IN MY LIFT GATE PANEL JUST TO THE RIGHT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. ONE CRACK EXTENDS THE FULL LENGTH OF THE PANEL. THE OTHER EXTENDS FROM THE TOP OF THE PANEL AND EXTENDS TO THE TOP OF THE FORD EMBLEM. THESE CRACKS DEVELOPED COMPLETELY WITHOUT ANY DAMAGE OR FORCE BEING APPLIED TO THE PANEL. THE TRUCK WAS PARKED IN THE CARPORT. I RESEARCHED MY DAMAGE AND FOUND OTHERS WITH THE SAME MODEL EXPLORER WITH THE SAME DAMAGE IN THE SAME LOCATION. SEVERAL OF THEM ADVISED THAT FORD WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE OR REPAIR THE DAMAGE. THE LOCATION OF THE DAMAGE POSES A REAL DANGER IF THE PANEL COMPLETELY SEPARATES. IF SEPARATION OCCURS THE GLASS CAN POSSIBLY SHATTER CAUSING DEATH OR INJURY. I AM CONVINCED THE DAMAGE IS CAUSED BY A STRUCTURAL DEFECT IN THE PANEL WHICH IS IN NO WAY MY RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR. I AM REQUESTING THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY REPAIR THE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLY ISSUE A RECALL ON THE PANEL FOR THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU SOON TO DISCUSS THE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. *JB
Power train, Jan 2, 2007
REGULAR DRIVING OF A FORD EXPLORER 2002 XLT, VERY EARLY TRANSMISSION FAILURE THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION JUST GIVES OUT O/D LIGHT STARTS FLASHING ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE DOES NOT GO IN TO GEAR ALL OF THIS WHILE DRIVING. CHECKED ONLINE TURNS OUT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE, CALLED FORD THEY SAID THAT IT WOULD COST ABOUT $4000.00 TO REPAIR. *JB
Suspension, Power train, Jan 2, 2007
FIX FOR CHATTERING AND REAR WHINE ON 02 EXPLORER. WHEN THE CAR WAS NEW 25,000 THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR PUMPKIN, VERY LOUD WHINE.. LAST MONTH WITH 85,000 MILES ON THE CAR, DURING A TURN THE REAR WOULD CHATTER AND SHAKE THE CAR. I WAS TOLD THE REAR NEEDED A SPECIAL LUBE FOR THE REAR TO KEEP THE REAR CLUTCHES FREE, I HAD A LOCAL SHOP REPLACE THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL OIL WITH A SPECIAL BLEND AND IT HAS BEEN FINE SINCE. *JB
Structure, Jan 2, 2007
THE PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW GETS VERTICAL CRACKS. IT HAPPENED THE FIRST TIME AT ABOUT 60,000. THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED IT REPLACED THE REAR PANEL AS PART OF THE HINGE WARRANTY RECALL. AT THE TIME, IT HAD 1 VERTICAL CRACK. I NOW HAVE 100K ON MY CAR AND THE CRACKS HAVE HAPPENED AGAIN. I NOW HAVE 3 VERTICAL CRACKS. THIS IS DEFINITELY A DEFECT. MY DAUGHTER HAS THE SAME CAR AND HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. ON CARCOMPLAINTS.COM THERE ARE 48 PEOPLE WHO HAVE REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM. THE FORD DEALER SAID THAT FORD DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT AND WILL NOT COVER REPAIR OF THIS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE WITH THE CRACKS THE UPPER REAR PANEL HAS LOST IT'S INTEGRITY AND THE WINDOW COULD DISLODGE. *JB
Power train, Dec 29, 2006
REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAS TO BE REPLACED AT 63000 MILES. ALL MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN DONE EVERY 3000 MILES! ALREADY REPLACED TRANSFER CASE. ALSO IMPOSSIBLE TO GET INTO 4WD HIGH.
Suspension, Dec 28, 2006
HUMMING/WHINNING SOUND COMING FROM REAR-END ESPECIALLY WHEN ACCELERATING. BROUGHT IN TO DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES, REPAIRED 2 TIMES WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. REAR-END COMPLETELY CHANGED 2ND TIME. MAKING THE WHINNING SOUND AGAIN NOW EVEN LOUDER, DROWNS OUT RADIO. NOT UNDER WARRANTY ANYMORE BUT OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT WITH THE 2002 MODEL, CONSIDERING ALL THE COMPLAINTS WITH THE EXACT PROBLEM I HAVE READ UPON RESEARCH. WILL A RECALL BE ISSUED TO PREVENT ANY ACCIDENTS THAT COULD OCCUR FROM A REAR-END GOING OUT WHILE DRIVING? MY EXPLORER IS A FAMILY HAULER, HATE TO PUT MY BABIES AT RISK... *NM
Vehicle speed control, Dec 28, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER- SPOUSE ALMOST SERIOUSLY INJURED WHEN THE GAS PEDAL THROTTLE WAS STUCK AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. CAR LUNGED OUT OF CONTROL. SLAMMING BRAKES ONLY SLOWED IT BUT DID NOT STOP IT. *NM
Power train, Dec 22, 2006
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS A REAR DIFFERENTIAL WHICH HAS WORN OUT. THE VEHICLE BOARDS ONLINE ARE FILLED WITH COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM, IF THERE IS ANY RELIEF AVAILABLE BY FORD FOR THIS PROBLEM, I WOULD LIKE TO BE MADE AWARE. *NM
Visibility, Dec 22, 2006
TL* - THE CONTACT STATES THAT ON JANUARY OF 2005 HER 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAD A DEFECTIVE APPLIQUE LOCATED BELOW TAILGATE GLASS HAD DEVELOPED A CRACK FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. THE LOCATION OF THIS CRACK IS APPROXIMATELY INCHES TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THAT THE CRACK WAS A STRESS CRACK, PROBABLY DUE TO TEMPERATURE EXPAND. ON OCTOBER OF 2006 CONTACT EXPERIENCE THE SAME CRACK THIS TIME IT CRACKED INTO TWO PIECES. CONTACT STATES THAT SHE CAN PROVIDE PICTURES IF NEEDED.
Steering, Dec 21, 2006
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 102,000 MILE ON IT. FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS, ONCE A YEAR, I'VE HAD TO HAVE THE REAR END WORKED ON. THIS LAST WEEK IT STARTED MAKING A WHINING NOISE AGAIN. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP THIS MORNING AND THEY STATED THAT THE RING AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE BEARINGS. I JUST HAD ALL THAT DONE 11 MONTHS AGO. THEY SAY THE WARRANTY IS OUT ON IT BY 4K MILES. AGAIN, THIS IS THE THIRD TIME I'VE HAD THIS PROBLEM. EVERY YEAR IT SEEMS I HAVE TO SPEND $1500+ ON THE SAME ISSUES. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH, I SEE THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM IN THE 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. *NM
Power train, Dec 16, 2006
02 FORD EXPLORER, REAR DIFFERENTIAL CHATTERS AT LOW RPM/ LOW SPEEDS, HOWLS AT HIGHER SPEEDS. OUT OF WARRANTY, ONLY 4 YEARS OLD. FORD SAID IT WAS HARMONIC VIBRATION, WOULD BE FINE. *NM
Suspension, Dec 14, 2006
AFTER NOTICING PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR SUSPENSION, IT WAS DISCOVERED BY MY DEALER THAT BOTH REAR SPRINGS WERE CRACKED, AND ALSO THE SHOCKS WERE FROZEN IN PLACE. I ASKED FOR THE OLD PARTS AND IT IS OBVIOUS FROM SEEING THE SPRINGS THAT THE BREAKAGE RESULTED FROM BAD STEEL. DEALER ADVISED ME IT IS NOT CURRENTLY UNDER RECALL. *NM
Structure, Dec 12, 2006
CRACKED PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW (FORD CALLS THIS AN APPLIQUE). *NM
Structure, Dec 12, 2006
CRACK APPEARED UNDER BACK GLASS ON DRIVERS SIDE ALL THE WAY THROUGH PANEL DOWN PAST FORD EMBLEM, ANOTHER CRACK IS ON PASSENGER SIDE BACK ALL THE WAY THREW , BUT NOT DOWN QUITE AS FAR. *NM