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, Jun 26, 2006
TRANSMISSION WENT BAD WHEN ONLY 3 YEARS OLD, FORD TOLD ME THAT IT'S A KNOWN PROBLEM. *JB
Power train, Jun 26, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT, 56,000 MILES. WHINING FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN 40-60 MPH. WHINING GOES AWAY IF PRESSURE IS REDUCED FROM ACCELERATOR OR IF SPEED IS GREATER THAN 60 MPH. SOME LEAKING OF REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID AROUND DRIVESHAFT PINION SEAL. ALSO HAD TRANSMISSION REBUILT AT 54,000 MILES DUE TO ROUGH SHIFTING FROM 3 TO 4. TRANSMISSION WAS NOT COVERED UNDER 36,000 MILE WARRANTY. IN MY RESEARCH, I HAVE UNCOVERED MANY OTHER 2002/2003 EXPLORER OWNERS WITH SIMILAR WHINING REAR DIFFERENTIAL ISSUES. WOULD SEEM THAT SINCE THERE ARE MANY OTHERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE THAT THERE IS SOME DESIGN/MATERIALS FLAW IN THE REAR END GEARBOX CAUSING THIS ISSUE. I WILL BE FORCED TO REPLACE THE REAR END IN ADDITION TO THE TRANSMISSION IF THERE IS NO REMEDY FROM FORD. *JB
Structure, Jun 22, 2006
CRACKING IN PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I FEAR THE NATURE OF THE CRACK HAS INCREASED THE POSSIBILITY FOR THE REAR WINDOW TO FALL OUT DURING DRIVING. CRACK HAS JUST APPEARED DUE TO NO CONSEQUENCE OR MISUSE. THIS APPARENTLY IS BECOMING A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS VEHICLE. *NM
Power train, Jun 22, 2006
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4WD EDDIE BAUER AT 85450 MILES - 3RD GEAR CLUTCH OUT AND REQUIRES REBUILD. *JB
Air bags, Jun 21, 2006
AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON DASHBOARD, THUS DISABLING AIRBAGS IN VEHICLE. THE FORD DEALER SUPPOSEDLY REPAIRED THE SENSOR. LESS THAN ONE YEAR LATER, THE SAME ISSUE RECURRED, WITH THE SAME DIAGNOSTIC CODE, AND THE DEALER IS REFUSING TO HONOR THE REPAIR WARRANTY. AIR BAGS ARE NOW DISABLED. *JB
Power train, Jun 21, 2006
REAR DIFFERENTIAL ON 2002 EXPLORER STARTED HUMMING AT ~45K MILES AND BEGAN ROARING ~60K MILES. REAR DIFFERENTIAL STARTED LEAKING AROUND THE TIME THE NOISE WAS FIRST HEARD. DIFFERENTIAL NOW LEAKS BAD AND ROARING IS GETTING SEVERE AT 68K MILES. ODD THING IS, ALL THIS LEAKING AND THE LUBE LEVEL HAS NEVER BEEN LOW. THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD PROMPT A SAFETY RECALL DUE TO POTENTIAL OF THE DIFFERENTIAL LOCKING UP ON PEOPLE THAT ARE OBLIVIOUS TO THEIR VEHICLE MAKING ODD NOISES. *JB
Suspension, Jun 21, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH, SUDDENLY CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOST. THE CONTACT THOUGHT THE VEHICLE'S TIRE BLEW OUT, BECAUSE BOTH REAR TIRES BEGAN WOBBLING. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ON A NORMAL FLAT SURFACE AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, AND WAS DRIVEN ABOUT 20 MILES TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, THE CONTACT OBSERVED A LOW GRADE DEEP DRUM NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT AND THE DEALER NOTIFIED THE CONTACT THAT BOTH REAR BEARINGS WERE WEARING OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND DETERMINED THAT BOTH BEARINGS WERE SHOT AND THE REAR DRIVER SPRING WAS BROKEN. BOTH REAR BEARINGS AND THE REAR DRIVER SPRING ARE PERMANENTLY DAMAGED AND MUST BE REPLACED.
Power train, Jun 20, 2006
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT 65,000 MILES. NOW ITS COSTING ME $3500 PLUS TAX TO HAVE A REFURBISHED ONE INSTALLED. TRANSMISSIONS SHOULD LAST MUCH LONGER THAN THIS AND I HAVE SEEN A HUGE NUMBER OF FORD TRANSMISSION FAILURES FOR THIS VEHICLE. FORD NEEDS A RECALL AND TO REIMBURSE US THAT HAVE ALREADY PAID. *NM
Power train, Jun 16, 2006
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT WAS MAKING LOUD REAR END NOISES. I TOOK IT TO A FRIEND WHO REBUILDS REAR ENDS AND HE HAD TO REPLACE MOST OF THE PARTS IN THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. UNFORTUNATELY, THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, BUT I AM COMPLAINING AS THIS IS A TYPICAL PROBLEM WITH THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. *JB
Steering, Electrical system, Jun 14, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE GEAR SHIFT DETACHED FROM THE COLUMN WHILE TRYING TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO ALERTED OF THE PROBLEM. AFTER THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED THE KEY WOULD NOT FIT IN THE IGNITION PROPERLY AND THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RETURNED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION TODAY.
Structure, Jun 11, 2006
THE BACK GLASS LIFT GATE WHICH HAD BEEN REPLACED ONCE BEFORE DUE TO A RECALL BROKE. THE GLASS DOOR OPENED WITH THE BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB, AND AS I REACHED INTO THE CAR TO PUT A STROLLER IN THE DOOR, IT SLAMMED DOWN AND HIT THE BACK OF MY HEAD FORCING MY CHIN TO ALSO SLAM INTO THE FRAME OF THE DOOR. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Tires, Equipment, Jun 10, 2006
ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 3, 2005, I PURCHASED A BREAK MODEL USED FORD EXPLORER XLT 2002 FROM NORM REEVES HONDA CAR DEALER IN CERRITOS, CA. THE CAR HAD 78,000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. I SIGNED THE PAPERS AND TOOK THE POSSESSION OF THE CAR. IT HAS NOT BEEN MORE THAN 2 MONTHS THAT THE CAR STARTED GIVING ME TROUBLE ON THE PICK UP OF THE SPEED, TRANSMISSION, GEAR ADJUSTMENT, OVER USE OF THE GAS, DIFFICULT HIGH ALTITUDE DRIVING EVEN AFTER CHANGE OF GEARS, AIR SUCTION INTO THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ACCELERATOR AND SIGNS LIKE SERVICE ENGINE SOON ON THE FRONT PANEL, ALTHOUGH I HAVE BEEN GETTING REGULAR LUBE AND TUNE ON THE CAR AFTER EVERY 3000 MILES. WHILE DRIVING THE, OCCASIONALLY, THE CAR GIVES A THUNDERING NOISE ON THE TIRES AS IF IT IS DRAGGING ITSELF AND RUNNING ON THE ROAD. THIS MAKES ME FEAR THAT MY CAR IS NOT SAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE! THE NORM REEVES HONDA SUPER STORE CAR DEALER KNEW THAT THE CAR IS DEFECTIVE AND THEY SIMPLY WANTED TO GET RID OF A USED 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT VEHICLE FROM THE FLEET AS THEY PRIMARILY SELL HONDA CARS AND SIMILAR VEHICLES. DESPITE REPEATED REQUESTS, THE NORM REEVES HONDA SUPER STORE AND THEIR SISTER COMPANY FORD OF CERRITOS REFUSED TO PROVIDE SERVICE ON THE CAR SINCE I STOPPED PAYMENTS ON THE CAR LOAN. OTHER FORD CAR DEALERS HAVE TEST DRIVEN THIS CAR AND OBSERVED THE SAME DEFECTS AS I HAVE MENTIONED. MY PURPOSE OF WRITING THIS COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSA IS TO REQUEST THE INTERVENTION OF NHTSA IMMEDIATELY AS THE QUESTIONED VEHICLE IS LIKELY TO ENDANGER MY LIFE ON THE LOCAL ROADS AND/OR ON HIGHWAY/FREEWAYS. DUE TO MAJOR DEFECTS IN THE CAR, I CAN MEET WITH A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND CAN BE CRIPPLED OR SUFFER SUCH PECUNIARY LOSSES THAT ARE IRREPLACEABLE AND/OR I CAN DIE ALSO WITH OUT ANY FAULT OF MINE. PLEASE RECALL FIRESTONE TIRES V. FORD MOTOR COMPANY CASE LAW. CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST NORM REEVES HONDA, FORD OF CERRITOS AND THEIR CEOS TO FOLLOW. PLEASE CONTACT ME AND THE DEALERS ASAP. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, AMARDEEP SINGH GILL. *NM
Suspension, Jun 9, 2006
THE REAR WHEEL BEARING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE LOCKED UP WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM 150 MILES AWAY. LUCKY SHE HEARD A WEIRD NOISE AND SLOWED DOWN PRIOR TO IT SEIZING THE TIRE UP. *JB
Power train, Jun 7, 2006
REPEATED REAR AXLE AND SEAL FAILURE, TRANSMISSION ISSUES. *JB
Power train, Jun 7, 2006
AT 43000 MILES ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4X4 THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL STARTED MAKING A LOUD WHIRRING WHINING NOISE. I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE REAR END NEEDED REBUILT. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY THE DEALER AND LEARNED VIA INTERNET BULLETIN BOARDS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR AT VERY LOW MILES, AS THE LOCAL DEALER HAS HAD TO REBUILD QUITE A FEW. *JB
Structure, Jun 7, 2006
CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V442000 DATE: 2004-SEP-13 COMPONENT: STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS THE FORD EXPLORER HAD THE RECALL WORK PERFORMED FALL OF OCT 11,2005. ON JUNE 3,2006, ABOUT 8 MONTHS, THE EPOXY/TAR USED TO "SECURE" THE STRUT BRACKET ON THE GLASS FAILED IN 90+DEGREE WEATHER (MODERATE SUNNY DAY, IT WILL GET HOTTER). FROM OBSERVATION, USING ADHESIVE TO PREVENT THE BALL JOINT FROM PIVOTING WAS A BAD DESIGN. I OPENED THE GLASS LIFTGATE AND STARTED TO REACH IN AND THE GLASS LIFT GATE SLAMMED DOWN ON MY HEAD. DUE TO LOCAL TEMPERATURE AND REGULAR VIBRATION FROM DRIVING AND THE LOAD FROM THE STRUT, THE ADHESIVE YIELDED AND THE BALL JOINT ROTATED CAUSING THE STRUT TO POP OFF CAUSING THE GLASS LIFTGATE TO COME DOWN ABRUPTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. HAD THIS HAPPEN TO MY WIFE, SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED BEING PETITE. I NOTIFIED THE FORD COMPANY AND THE DEALER, BOTH DECLINE TO REPAIR THE REPAIR PERFORMED UNDER RECALL AS IT WAS PASS THEIR WARRANTY OF 12 MONTH OR 12,000 MILES. IT WAS OVER THE 12,000 MILES. SO I GUESS AFTER 12 MONTH OR 12000 MILES, FORD IS NO LONGER LIABLE IF THE RECALL REPAIR INJURES OR KILLS SOMEONE AS IT WAS A REPAIR UNDER A RECALL. *JB
Power train, Jun 7, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SHIFTING GEARS, THE COLUMN SHIFT FRACTURED INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE THE GEAR SHIFT WAS REPLACED.
Suspension, Service brakes, Air, Power train, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 7, 2006
MY 2002 EXPLORER IS ALSO HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WHICH HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY NOTED BY OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS. THE WHINING WHEN REACHING 50-60 KM/HR, WHICH GOES AWAY WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS, THE SLIPPING AND SHUDDERING OF GEARS AND SOMETIMES PASSING GEAR NEVER KICKS IN, THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON (USUALLY AFTER THE TRUCK HAS WARMED UP AND IT DOESN'T SEEM TO HAPPEN WHEN THE WEATHER IS REALLY COLD), THE ABS IS NOW STARTING TO ACT UP, WHEREIN IT RANDOMLY ACTIVATES ITSELF EVEN WHILE ON DRY PAVEMENT AND THE BRAKES FEEL MUSHY WHEN THIS HAPPENS. NOW THE LOCKS ARE RANDOMLY NOT WORKING. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE ONE INSTANCE ABOUT THE PASSING, SHUDDERING, SLIPPING WAS WHEN I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY KIDS, I PULLED OUT TO PASS, AND WHEN I STEPPED ON IT THE TRUCK SHUDDERED SO HARD, THAT MY DAUGHTER, WHO WAS COLORING A MOTHER' DAY CARD, ACTUALLY SCRIBBLED WHEN IT SHUDDERED, IF THAT MAKES ANY SENSE. SHE WAS PO'D AT ME ASKING ME WHY DID I DO THAT AND NOW HER CARD WAS RUINED. WE HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION IN FOR SERVICE AND WERE TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG. WE HAD THE TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED AND THE TRUCK WORKED FINE FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS AND THEN BACK TO THE SAME OLD PROBLEMS. MY HUSBAND AND I ARE SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING TRADING THIS PIECE OF CRAP VEHICLE OFF AND WE HAVE DECIDED THAT IT WILL ONLY BE IMPORTS FROM NOW ON. FORD NEEDS TO WAKE UP AND START FIXING ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS OR THEY WILL BE FINDING THEMSELVES BANKRUPT IN NO TIME. I WAS BROUGHT UP AS A KID IN FORDS; 67 T-BIRD, FORD LTD, 1/2 TON TRUCK, 3/4 TON TRUCK, 78 FORD T-BIRD, FORD TAURUS, MY FIRST CAR BEING A MERCURY LYNX, THEN A 93 FORD FESTIVA, HUBBY OWNED A 93 FORD RANGER 4X4, 98 WINDSTAR, MY MOM OWNS A 96 EXPLORER AND SO ON. MY FRIEND JUST GOT RID OF HER 2000 EXPLORER WHICH SHE LOVINGLY NAMED HER 'FORD EXPLODER'. THANKS FOR LISTENING TO MY RANT AND I REALLY HOPE THAT WITH EVERYONE'S INPUT THAT SOMETHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS. *NM
Power train, Jun 7, 2006
O/D OFF LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING ON DASH, FOLLOWED BY SERVICE ENGINE SOON. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO FORD WHERE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REBUILT WITH ONLY 53,000 MILES ON IT. KNOWN DEFECT ACCORDING TO FORD TSB. *NM
Exterior lighting, Jun 6, 2006
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILS TO ACTIVATE UNTIL MODERATE BRAKE PEDAL FOOT PRESSURE IS APPLIED; RESULTING IN DELAYED/INADEQUATE BRAKE LIGHT ACTIVATION AND DIFFICULTY DISENGAGING GEAR SELECTOR FROM PARK. ALSO, SPEED CONTROL WILL NOT TURN OFF UNTIL PRESSING HARD ENOUGH TO ENGAGE SECONDARY/BACKUP DISCONNECT ON SPEED CONTROL. INITIAL APPLICATION OF BRAKE WILL RESULT IN VEHICLE ATTEMPTING TO MAINTAIN SPEED, INCURRING INCREASED THROTTLE APPLICATION AND AUTO TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTING. REMOVAL AND OBSERVATION OF THE SWITCH ACTION APPEARS TO SHOW THE MECHANICAL INTERFACE BETWEEN PLUNGER AND CONTACTS RESULTS IN CONTACTS OPENING WIDER IN THE INITIAL TRAVEL OF THE SWITCH BEFORE ACTUALLY CLOSING, RESULTING IN DELAYED CLOSING OF THE SWITCH. *JB
Power train, Jun 5, 2006
1.) MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4WD TENDS TO SURGE IN 1ST,2ND, AND 3RD GEAR. IT FEELS AS THOUGH THERE SOME SLIPPAGE ISSUES. 2.) NO "FAILURE", YET. 3.) NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THE ISSUE YET. *JB
Air bags, Jun 5, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, SPUN AROUND AND FLIPPED SIDE TO SIDE SEVERAL TIMES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH SIDE CURTAIN AND FRONTAL AIR BAGS. SEAT BELTS WERE IN USE HOWEVER MINOR INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED. UPDATED 7/13/2006 - *NM
Suspension, Jun 1, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER'S REAR SPRINGS CRACKED. *TS *NM
Suspension, Power train, May 31, 2006
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE BEARINGS IN THE REAR END DIFFERENTIAL ARE GOING OUT. THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM SHOULD NOT BE OCCURRING IN A VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 100,000 MILES. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, MANY FORD EXPLORERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM FORD SHOULD TAKE A SECOND LOOK AT THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. I DON'T HAVE A WARRANTY, BUT STILL THIS IS TOO COMMON OF A DEFECT IN THE FORD EXPLORERS FOR IT TO NOT BE A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM. *JB
Power train, May 30, 2006
2002 FORD EXPLORER - 60,000 MILES - TOOK TO DEALERSHIP FOR NOISE IN REAR OF VEHICLE- DEALERSHIP WANT TO REBUILD REAR END FOR $1,300. NEVER CHECKED FLUID OR ASKED ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS. I BELIEVE FORD HAS BIG PROBLEM - WITH EXPLORERS - I WOULD LIKE FORD TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. NM