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, Dec 11, 2006
VERTICAL CRACK ALL THE WAY THROUGH REAR-PANEL BELOW REAR GLASS ABOUT 2 INCHES TO THE RIGHT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. HAVE SEEN OTHER EXPLORERS AROUND WITH THE SAME CRACK.
Structure, Dec 8, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKED, THE REAR HATCH WAS LIFTED UP, AND THE HYDRAULIC SUPPORT DEVICE FAILED. THIS CAUSED THE REAR HATCH TO CLOSE FORCEFULLY ON THE ARM OF THE CONTACT. THE LEFT ARM OF THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HUGE BRUISE, AND WAS WEARING 3 LAYERS OF CLOTHING AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE DEALER SHOULD BE CONTACTED FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND THE SUPPORT DEVICE WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT A CHILD COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED IF THE REAR HATCH FAILED WITH A CHILD PRESENT.
Structure, Dec 7, 2006
REAR LIFTGATE ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER HAS A CRACK IN IT. I WORKED FOR FORD FOR 2 1/2 YEARS AND CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT THEY WILL NOT FIX THIS PROBLEM. I PERSONALLY HAVE SEEN HUNDREDS OF THE SAME THING HAPPEN TO OTHER PEOPLE. WITH FORD HURTING FOR BUSINESS YOU WOULD THINK THAT THEY WOULD REPAIR THESE TO KEEP THEIR CUSTOMERS. I PERSONALLY OWN TWO FORD PRODUCTS AND UNLESS THEY FIX THIS PROBLEM THEN I WILL PURCHASE MY NEXT VEHICLES FROM A DIFFERENT MANUFACTURER. *JB
Visibility, Structure, Dec 6, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND BEING WASHED BY HAND, THE LIFTGATE GLASS BECAME UNFASTENED AND FRACTURED WHEN THE GATE WAS OPENED. THIS MALFUNCTION CAUSED PERSONAL INJURIES. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNALS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP.
Power train, Dec 1, 2006
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. MY COMPLAINT IS HAVING THIS CAR FOR ONLY 2 YEARS AFTER BUYING IT FROM THE RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA FORD DEALER, NOW THE CAR HAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. I HAVE LOOKED UP A LOT OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM WITH 2002 FORD EXPLORER. AND THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS AS MINE.. AND WE GET STUCK WITH $4K FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION. I THINK THEY SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE IT'S A COMMON PROBLEMS WITH THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE.. CONSUMERS SHOULDN'T BE PAYING $4K FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION AFTER ONLY 4 YEARS HAVING THE VEHICLE..SOME PEOPLE COMPLAINTS EVEN HAPPENS AFTER 2 YEARS BUYING THE VEHICLE. I THINK YOU SHOULD INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM AND MAKE SURE FORD COMPANY IS NOT MAKING MONEY FROM CONSUMERS THROUGH REPAIRS OF A NEW TRANSMISSION. *JB
Suspension, Dec 1, 2006
WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITHIN THE CITY, I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN WHEN I HEARD A POPPING SOUND AND THE CAR'S RIGHT REAR TIRE DEFLATED. I MOVED OUT OF TRAFFIC, CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE RIGHT COIL SPRING HAD BROKEN OFF AND PUNCTURED THE REAR TIRE (WHICH BY THE WAY WAS BRAND NEW). IT WAS VERY FORTUNATE THAT I WAS NOT TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE FORD DEALER REPLACED THE RIGHT SPRING, BUT SAW NO NEED TO REPLACE THE LEFT. SOUNDS LIKE DEFECTIVE HEAT TREATING TO ME. *NM
Power train, Nov 30, 2006
PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM CROSSROADS FORD , RALEIGH NC JUNE 24,06 WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC NOV 22,06 CHECK TRANSMISSION APPEARED ON MESSAGE CENTER, ODO LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT INCREASE SPEED WHILE ENGINE RPM WERE INCREASING. VEHICLE GAVE NO PRIOR WARNING OF IMPENDING PROBLEM FROM JUN TO NOV AND HAD BEEN DRIVEN LOCALLY FOR THE PERIOD OF OWNERSHIP. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER CLOSE TO MY HOME I WAS INFORMED THAT AFTER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REFERRING TO FORD TSB THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE, THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS AN UNFORTUNATE SITUATION, BUT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR ME AND TO CALL THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. CALLED CROSSROADS FORD AND LEFT A MESSAGE FOR MIKE BEVAN (SERVICE ADVISOR) HE FAILED TO RETURN MY CALLS. MY HUSBAND CALLED MIKE BEVAN AND WAS ABLE TO SPEAK WITH HIM, MIKE INFORMED MY HUSBAND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND IF WE WOULD BRING THE VEHICLE TO HIM THEY WOULD LET US KNOW THE COST TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND WAS SURPRISED AT THE LARGE NUMBER OF OWNERS LISTED ON CARREVIEW.COM WITH THE SAME SITUATION. IF THIS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY ANOTHER VEHICLE COULD HAVE REAR ENDED MY VEHICLE CAUSING DAMAGE AND INJURY. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 30, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKES FAILED, WHICH CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THE BRAKES WERE INSPECTED ABOUT ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, AND THE PADS AND BRAKES WERE DID NOT DISPLAY ANY PROBLEMS. THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TO A SERVICE DEALER TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN, AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED.
Power train, Nov 29, 2006
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. I BOUGHT IT NOVEMBER OF 2004 WITH 40,000 MILES ON IT. IT NOW HAS 80,000 MILES ON IT AND SLIPS WHILE SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 1ST GEAR AND I ALSO HEAR A WHINING NOISE IN THE REAR END. IT JERKS AND SLIPS CONSISTENTLY. THE OVERDRIVE OFF LIGHT IS FLASHING, AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. THE CAR SAYS "CHECK TRANSMISSION" ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. I CALLED 4 FORD DEALERS AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THIS IS LOW MILEAGE TO HAVE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR THESE CARS, AND FORD DOESN'T CARE. I AM STUCK WITH THE CAR THAT CANNOT BE SAFELY DRIVEN NOW. OWNERS OF THESE CARS NEED HELP TO GET FORD TO ISSUE A RECALL. *JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 27, 2006
THERE WERE NO EVENTS TO CAUSE THIS ISSUE, OTHER THAN FORD'S OWN RECALL FOR THE REAR LIFT HATCH. ONCE THE HATCH WAS REPAIRED, THE WINDOW TOOK MORE FORCE TO SHUT AND EVENTUALLY DEVELOPED STRESS CRACKS. I HAVE A VERTICAL CRACK ON THE LEFT SIDE WITH A 1/4 INCH GAP FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE GLASS TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PANEL. *NM
Power train, Nov 26, 2006
WITH VEHICLE STOPPED, WHILE SHIFTING GEAR LEVER UNDER STEERING WHEEL FROM DRIVE TO PARK, THE GEAR LEVER BROKE RENDERING THE GEAR LEVER HANDLE USELESS WITH TRANSMISSION BETWEEN PARK AND REVERSE AS INDICATED BY THE INDICATOR. A CAST CYLINDRICAL PART LINKED TO GEAR LEVER BROKE. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. *NM
Power train, Nov 21, 2006
TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACING IN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, 81,000 MILES. *NM
Electrical system, Nov 13, 2006
UPON INSPECTION OF THE WIRING JUST ABOVE THE OIL FILTER DRAIN SHROUD DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE THERE WAS A WIRE HARNESS FOUND WITH EXPOSED WIRES. THE THREE WIRES WERE ENCASED IN ONE BUNDLE BUT ARE SUPPOSED TO BE ISOLATED. IT APPEARS THAT THE HARNESS HAS BEEN RUBBING AGAINST THE UPPER EDGE OF THE OIL DRAIN SHROUD SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT. THIS BUNDLE OF WIRES SHOULD BE CHECKED AND REPAIRED ON ALL 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE. *NM
Suspension, Nov 13, 2006
APPARENT MANUFACTURING DEFECT CAUSES A SIMULTANEOUS BREAKAGE OF ONE OR BOTH REAR SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS. IN MY CASE, BOTH REAR SPRINGS WERE DISCOVERED BROKEN ON A ROUTINE SERVICE VISIT. *JB
Suspension, Nov 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE RODE LOWER THAN NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE BOTH FRACTURED. THE SPRINGS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FRACTURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED. UPDATED 12/12/2006 - *NM
Power train, Structure, Nov 11, 2006
WELL....HERE IS THE 2ND COMPLAINT THAT I'M FILING ON MY VEHICLE. I PURCHASED MY EXPLORER BRAND NEW WITH ONLY 10 MILES. I THOUGHT I WOULD GET THE BRAKES CHECKED SINCE I HAD 68,000 MILES ONLY TO FIND OUT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS BAD AND NEEDING REPAIR. FORD DROPPED THE BALL ON THAT!!! NOW I DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PANEL HAS CRACKED. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD AGAIN!!! THERE NEEDS TO BE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST THEM!!! *JB
Power train, Nov 10, 2006
11/7/03 AT 20,272 MILES UNIT IN FOR REAR AXLE WHINE DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVE SHAFT BUT REAR AXLE WHINE NOT FIXED. 11/13/04 AT 34269 MILES VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER FOR REAR END HOWL AGAIN REPLACED REAR DIFFERENTIAL UNIT. NEXT MORNING WIFE WENT TO TAKE CHILD TO DAY CARE AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO OVER 35 MPH WITHOUT RESISTANCE. HAD TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE WAS TOLD A FAULTY DIFFERENTIAL UNIT. PUT THE OLD ONE BACK IN AND REORDERED ANOTHER REAR DIFFERENTIAL UNIT AND PUT THE NEW UNIT IN ON 11//17/04 AT 34,291 MILES. WHEN THE SERVICE RECORDS STATE FOUND BAD BEARING IN THE UNIT. 6/12/06 REAR END AXLE SEAL LEAKING REPLACED THE REAR END WHINE WAS STILL EVIDENT. 6/12/06 AT 62,31 MILES REAR AXLE SEAL LEAK REPAIRED. 11/09/06 AT APPROX 68,000 MILES TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED. REFERENCE TSB#16898 REAR AXLE WHINE AND TSB#03254. HAVE SEEN A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THESE TRANSMISSION FAILURES ON LINE FOR THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER'S. LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE REAR END WHINING IS BINDING THE TRANSMISSIONS AND CAUSING THEM TO FAIL. ALSO SEE TSB#06216, TSB#18466, TSB#18423. *JB
Suspension, Power train, Nov 9, 2006
A WHINING SOUND COMES FROM THE FRONT END END OF THE VEHICLE, UPON FIRST INSPECTION BY A MECHANIC A BAD TIRE WAS FOUND AND BLAMED ON THE NOISE. AS IT WAS BEARABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, WE IGNORED IT TRUSTING THE DIAGNOSIS. WE PLANNED ON PURCHASING TIRES SOON AND BELIEVED THE PROBLEM WOULD BE SOLVED. NEW TIRES WERE PURCHASED AND AN ALIGNMENT DONE AND THE SAME SOUND CAME FROM THE FRONT END MOST NOTICEABLY 45-65 MPH. NOW WE ARE TOLD IT IS A WHEEL BEARING AND THE COST FOR THE PARTS ALONE IS $350.00 NOT TO MENTION THE $55/HR. LABOR. WE ALREADY HAD THE REAR END REPLACED FOR NOISE AND NOW WE ARE TOLD THAT A DANGEROUS SITUATION INVOLVING ANOTHER PART OF THE DRIVETRAIN IS LOOMING. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND I WOULD HOPE THAT FORD WOULD ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM THAT THE VEHICLES HAVE AND REMEDY IT. I HAVE HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING TO VEHICLES WITH FAR LESS THAN MY 65,000 MILES AND THESE PARTS WERE BUILD TO LAST A WHOLE LOT LONGER AS THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO BE SEALED AND MAINTENANCE-FREE, INSTEAD THEY FAIL TOO OFTEN AND COST A FORTUNE. I BELIEVE THIS WILL BE MY LAST FORD PRODUCT IF I DO NOT RECEIVE SOME SORT OF SATISFACTORY RESPONSE FROM FORD. *NM
Power train, Nov 9, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PUT THE GEAR SHIFTER INTO PARK, THE SHIFTER DETACHED FROM THE COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP, WHERE THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS REPLACED.
Seat belts, Nov 9, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 9, 2006
LIFT GATE CAUSES THE BODY FRAME TO SPLIT. *JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 8, 2006
PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN EXCEPT FOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. *NM
Power train, Nov 6, 2006
TRANSMISSION OUT. *NM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 6, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A SMELL OF GASOLINE IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE SMELL BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE, AND THE FUEL MILEAGE DECREASED OVER TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE FUEL LINE ABOVE THE TANK. THE PARTS WERE ORDERED, AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. UPDATED 11/30/06. *JB
Structure, Nov 6, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE BRACKET CONNECTING THE RIGHT STRUT TO THE LIFTGATE ROTATED OUT OF POSITION, CAUSING THE LIFTGATE GLASS TO FALL AND SHATTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 01I010000 WHICH PERTAINED TO THE SIDE AND REAR GLASS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.