2002 Ford Crown Victoria

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/30/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFire

  I HAD DRIVEN UP A STEEP MOUNTAIN DIRT ROAD TO SERVE SOME LEGAL PAPERS, AFTER REACHING THE TOP, I CONTINUED DOWN THE OTHER SIDE TO THE ADDRESS I WAS LOOKING FOR. I THOUGHT I STARTED SMELLING SOMETHING BURNING, IT SMELLED ELECTRICAL. WHEN I ARRIVED AT THE ADDRESS, I STOPPED THE CAR AND SHUT IT OFF WHILE I WAS SPEAKING WITH THE RESIDENT. MY WIFE YELLED AT ME THAT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE, IT STARTED FILLING UP WITH SMOKE FAST, MY WIFE AND DOGS WERE STILL IN THE CAR. I OPENED THE DRIVERS DOOR TO POP THE HOOD WHILE MY WIFE STARTED GETTING THE DOGS OUT, I THEN NOTICED IT WAS MY FLOOR THAT WAS BURNING, JUST ABOUT UNDER THE GAS PEDDLE, A HOLE HAD BURNED THROUGH AND THE METAL WAS GLOWING RED WHERE THE PADDING HAD BURNED AWAY. I POURED A CUP OF COFFEE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WHILE THE RESIDENT GOT SOME WATER FOR ME. THE PADDING AND RUBBER MAT HAD BURNED AWAY AND A HOLE ABOUT 3 INCHES LONG HAD MELTED AWAY FROM THE FLOOR BOARD. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS DIRECTLY BENEATH THE HOLE BUT THERE DOESN'T SEEM TO BE ANY HOLES IN THE CONVERTER AND THERE IS A EMPTY SPACE ABOUT 1.5 - 2 INCHES FROM THE MELTED HOLE TO THE CONVERTER. WE LET EVERYTHING COOL DOWN BEFORE DRIVING HOME, HOWEVER THE ENTIRE WAY HOME, (49 MILES) WE WERE AFRAID THE CAR WAS GOING TO BURST INTO FLAMES. ONCE WE WERE BACK ON THE PAVED ROADS AND WERE ABLE TO DRIVE THE NORMAL SPEED LIMIT, THERE WERE NO MORE ISSUES NOR ANY FURTHER BURNING, JUST THE LINGERING SMELL. I LOOKED UP AND FOUND A RECALL FOR AN ISSUE IN THE SAME LOCATION HOWEVER THAT WAS FOR 2003 - 2005 VEHICLES. *JS

• 12/21/2004· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  REPLACED SPARK PLUGS AT 75000 MILES WITH BOSCH PREMIUM PLUGS. APPROXIMATELY 3 MONTHS LATER SPARK PLUG NUMBER 7 (3RD FROM FRONT ON PASSENGER SIDE) BLEW OUT, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE CYLINDER THREADS. HELICOIL WAS INSTALLED AND NEW SPARK PLUG INSTALLED. APPROXIMATELY 3 MONTHS LATER SPARK PLUG NUMBER 6(SECOND FROM FRONT PASSENGER SIDE) BLEW OUT CAUSING THE SAME DAMAGE.*AK

• 12/19/2001· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  BRAKES OPERATE ERRATICALLY, WHEN APPLYING BRAKES THEY ARE HARD TO PRESS AND PEDAL DOES NOT MOVE. *AK *JG

• 12/17/2002· FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

  FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR SAFETY. TS

• 12/04/2007· AIR BAGS

  2002 EXPLORER XLT PURCHASED 1/03 WITH 37,995 MILES. NOW ONLY 39,996 I AM DISABLED AND DON'T DRIVE MUCH. HAD VEHICLE IN DUE TO WARRANTY OVER 11/26/07 TO CHECK THINGS OVER. WHEN I PICKED UP CAR AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHING. THOUGH IT WAS DUE TO THEIR WORK BECAUSE IT STOPPED. NEXT TIME USED VEHICLE LIGHT FLASHING THEN STAYED ON PERMANENTLY. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY CLAIM IT THROWS A CODE #B2292, THEY ALSO SAID A BULLETIN OUT FROM FORD ON THIS #TSB03-11-03 ISSUED TO ALL MECHANICS - THAT THE PRETENSIONER SAFETY HARNESS BOTH NEED TO BE REPLACED (DEFECT). I ADVISED THEM I WILL DISPUTE THIS DUE TO THE FACT THEY ALSO STATED FORD MAY BE DOING A RECALL. I CLAIM VEHICLE FINE TILL THEY WORKED ON IT. PART COMES IN TOMORROW, THEY SAY IT SHOULD BE READY IN A FEW HOURS, AND COST IS AROUND $295.. PLUS TAXES. ALSO HAD TO HAVE A REBUILT TRANY DONE LAST YR. ON THE AIR BAG LIGHT - I READ ALL THESE COMPLAINTS AND I AM SHOCKED THAT FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. THIS IS NUTS. WHAT IS SCARY IS ALL THE FIRE REPORTS. *TR

• 11/29/2007· SUSPENSION

  ALL FOUR WHEELS BEARINGS ON A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH ONLY 70,000 MILES HAD TO BE REPLACED. ONE INCIDENT INCLUDED A WHEEL FALLING OFF DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THESE BEARINGS. *TR

• 11/28/2007· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLFire

  VEHICLE PARKED IN PARKING LOT AT 9:30P.M. SHERIFF WOKE US UP 2:00 A.M. BANGING ON WINDOWS STATING SUV WAS ON FIRE. 3 OTHER VEHICLES WERE DAMAGED BECAUSE OF FIRE. I AM BLESSED MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN WERE NOT IN SUV AT THAT TIME. ALSO DAMAGED PARKING AREA. *TR

• 11/26/2011· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE DRIVING, FOR NO APPARENT REASON. DRIVER (MY RETIRED MOTHER, AGE 72) HAD TO GET CAR OFF ROAD AND RESTART CAR TO CONTINUE. THE POWER STEERING DISABLED WHEN THE CAR ENGINE STALLED. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES (2-3) OVER THE PAST MONTH, AND THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP CANNOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND IS UNABLE TO CORRECT IT. ON ANOTHER OCCASION THERE WAS A THUMPING NOISE AND THE CAR SLOWED CONSIDERABLY, BUT THEN PICKED BACK UP AGAIN. THE "ENGINE HEAT/THERMOMETER" LIGHT HAS FLASHED ALSO, BUT THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE HEAT IS NORMAL. I CONSIDER THIS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR MY MOTOR IF IT WOULD HAPPEN IN A HEAVILY CONGESTED, HIGH TRAFFIC AREA AND COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASHES. IT IS A VERY STRESSFUL SITUATION.

• 11/25/2003· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFire

  COMPLAINT REGARDING COUNTY OF TUOLUMNE CALIFORNIA SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT FOUR NEW CROWN VICTORIAS.*MR (NAR) *CB

• 11/20/2003· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  FLEET OF 15 POLICE CARS, CROWN VICTORIA HAD THE FRONT BRAKE, ROTORS AND PADS REPLACED EVERY 20,000 MILES. THERE IS A PREMATURE WEAR OF BRAKE PARTS. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE SUBMITTED OTHERS VIN#.

• 11/13/2007· POWER TRAIN

  VEHICLE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 75,000- WE HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP CONCERNING THE TRANSMISSION BUT WAS ADVISED NOTHING WRONG. *TR

• 11/13/2007· STRUCTURE

  THE FIBERGLASS PIECE ON THE HATCHBACK OF THE VEHICLE IS CONSTANTLY CRACKING AND FALLING OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING. THIS IS A ROAD AND SAFETY HAZARD, AS MY PIECE CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING 55MPH. I AM CONTINUOUSLY SEEING OTHER EXPLORERS OF THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. FORD NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT AND CONDUCT A RECALL. FURTHERMORE, THIS FAULTY PIECE IS OFFERED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR REPLACEMENT AT OVER $300! *TR

• 11/07/2014· SEAT BELTS

  TL** THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT BECAME UNLATCHED SPORADICALLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE COULD HAVE BEEN DIRECTLY RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V227001 (SEAT BELTS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

• 11/01/2007· POWER TRAIN

  BEGINNING OF 2006, I PURCHASED MY USED 2002 FORD EXPLORER. AROUND 70,000 MILES, ABOUT 9 MONTHS LATER, THE ROARING NOISE IN THE REAR WAS UNBEARABLE. I PUT ALL NEW TIRES,I PUT ALL NEW BRAKES THINKING THIS WAS CAUSING THE NOISE. FINALLY I WENT ONLINE TO FIND THE MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE REAR END NOISE. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALLS, EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE, BECAUSE IT IS NOT CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE. THEY SUGGESTED I HAVE IT DIAGNOSED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP. ON 10/20/07, I HAD THIS DIAGNOSIS DONE, AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL AND WAS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE, OR DRIVE AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE IT COULD CEASE UP WHILE DRIVING, AND CAN BE A SAFTEY ISSUE IF UNIT FAILS. THE COST OF THIS REPAIR, PARTS AND LABOR IS ABOUT $1200. IS FORD WAITING FOR THIS TO CEASE UP, CAUSING INJURIES OR DEATHS BEFORE THEY DEEM IT A SAFTEY ISSUE, AND RECALL THESE VEHICLES FOR REPAIR. I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE AT THIS TIME AND NEED MY VEHICLE. *TR

• 10/31/2007· STRUCTURE

  DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLY, TURNING ON INTERIOR LIGHTS AND LOCKING AND UNLOCKING DOORS WHILE DRIVING. IN ADDITION TO BEING DISTRACTING, IT IS PARTICULARLY UNSAFE AT NIGHT TO SUDDENLY HAVE THE INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON AND UNABLE TO KEEP DOORS LOCKED. FORD SAYS ISSUE IS A DOOR SENSOR, BUT CANNOT TELL WHICH ONE IS BAD. THIS USED TO HAPPEN OCCASIONALLY, NOW IT HAPPENS AT LEAST EVERY OTHER DAY. *TR

• 10/29/2007· SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS

  I AM AN OWNER OF A 2002 FORD EXPLORER 2WD. AT THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER THE VEHICLE STARTING MAKING A HORRIBLE NOISE. THE LOUD NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL. COME TO FIND OUT, THIS IS A MAJOR WHEEL BEARING ISSUE. I HAVE RECENTLY GOTTEN ONLINE AND DISCOVERED HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE ALSO HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. WHAT CAN WE DO TO GET THE FORD COMPANY TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT IN THEIR PRODUCT THAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO TRUST NOT ONLY YOUR LIFE BUT THE LIVES OF ALL YOUR PASSENGERS. HOW CAN COMPANIES CONTINUE TO SELL THEIR UNSAFE VEHICLES TO THE PUBLIC. IT IS ENOUGH TO HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT GETTING MY 1 YEAR OLD TO AND FROM HER NANA'S WITHOUT HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT GETTING HIT BY SOMEONE, BUT TO WORRY THAT ANY MOMENT YOUR VEHICLE CAN CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT WITHOUT YOU EVEN BEING AT FAULT BECAUSE OF FAULTY PARTS. PLEASE, CAN SOMEONE WITH ANY KIND OF DECENCY DO SOMETHING TO GET THIS COMPANY TO RECALL EVERY VEHICLE WITH FAULTY PARTS. COMMON SENSE WOULD SAY IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO. *TR

• 10/23/2007· POWER TRAIN

  WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE, THE GEAR SHIFTER ON THE COLUMN BROKE IN 1/2 WHILE PASSING INTO THE NUETRAL POSITION. BROKEN PIECE IN POSSESSION. TRUCK WAS THEN STUCK IN NUETRAL WITH SHIFTER HANGING BY A WIRE. FOUND 2ND 2002 EXPLORER AT DEALER # 2 WITH GEAR SHIFTER BREAKING IN 1/2. *TR

• 10/07/2002· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  THE CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT THE FUEL TANK MAY EXPLODED IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN REAR END COLLISION. *SCC

• 10/06/2007· POWER TRAIN

  I BOUGHT A USED 2002 FORD ESCAPE 2 MONTHS AGO AND IT WAS CARFAXED AND ALL AND NOTHING WAS WRONG. THREE WEEKS AGO THE ENGINE WOULD STALL OUT WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE OR WHEN I WAS DRIVING, I THOUGHT IT WAS BAD GAS, SO I FIXED IT. THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND I THOUIGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY, SO I FIXED IT. I WAS FRUSTRATED AND WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON OCT. 3RD, 2007 IN THE MIDDLE OF A 7 LANE HIGHWAY. I WAS SCARED AND UPSET, AND I ENDED UP TAKING IT IN AGAIN! WE FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON 2002 FORD ESCAPES WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES FOR THE PCM ON DECELERATIONS BELOW 40 MPH BECAUSE OF FUEL-AIR MIXTURES BEING SENT TO THE ENGINE. IT WAS ISSUED IN APRIL OF 2004. I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY, MY DEALER THAT I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM, AND ANOTHER DEALER CLOSE TO ME; THEY ALL SAID THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON MY ESCAPE. I LOOKED IT UP MYSELF AND THEY WERE CORRECT, BUT IF THIS RECALL WAS ALREADY FIXED THEN IT WAS OBVIOUSLY NOT FIXED CORRECTLY BECAUSE THE EXACT DEFINIATION OF THE RECALL IS WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH MY ESCAPE. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT I THINK FORD NEEDS TO ACKNOWLEDGE MY EXCEPTION AND KNOW THAT THIS IS NOT BECAUSE THE ENGINE NEEDS TO "RE-PROGRAM" ITSELF FOR A FEW WEEKS. IT IS A RECALL AND I THINK IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED FOR FREE, LIKE IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE. I DON'T LIKE TO BE IN THE MIDDLE OF A 7 LANE HIGHWAY AND LOOSE CONTROL OF MY STEERING AND EVERYTHING WITHIN MY CAR. *JB

• 10/06/2005· SUSPENSION

  WE NOTICED A SLIGHT RUBBING WHEN VEHICLE WAS TURNING TO RIGHT WHILE ON VACATION. WITHIN 2 DAYS IT BECAME WORSE, THE THUMPING AND RUBBING SOUND WERE VERY LOUD AND FELT IN THE CAR. WE OPTED TO LEAVE THE CAR. LUCKILY WE DID, AS THE REPAIR SHOP INFORMED US THAT THE WHEEL BEARING WAS COMPLETELY CRACKED, AND NOTED THIS IS NOT COMMON. WE WERE TOLD THAT HAD WE ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE HOME, THE WHEEL WOULD HAVE FALLEN OFF ON THE HIGHWAY, AS IT WAS EXTREMELY LOOSE. THIS IN TURN DAMAGED OUR BACK BRAKES, RESULTING IN NEW ROTORS AND PADS, AND THE SHOP WAS UNABLE TO GET THE EMERGENCY BRAKES BACK ON AS THEY WERE RUSTED ON THE CAR. *NM

• 10/06/2003· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE A NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FUEL TANK AREA. DEALER FOUND A LEAK IN THE NECK OF THE FUEL TANK WHICH LEAKED GASOLINE ONTO THE TIRES, AND THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKES. ALSO, FUEL PUMP WAS FAULTY. *AK

• 10/03/2007· POWER TRAIN

  PULLED 2002 FORD EXPLORER INTO COVERED SPACE AT APARTMENT COMPLEX AND PROCEEDED TO PUT THE CAR INTO PARK. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PUT THE CAR INTO THE PARK THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. I COULD NOT BELIEVE WHAT HAD JUST HAPPENED. EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS NOT USED AND NEVER IN MY WILDEST DREAMS DID I EVER IMAGINE THIS TYPE OF FAILURE ON A CAR. LATER I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I CAN'T START THE CAR SINCE IT IS NOT IN PARK OR NEUTRAL. HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED AND ACCORDING TO THE INTERNET THE REPLACEMENT PART IS BACK ORDERED UNTIL MID NOVEMBER. SO, FORD IS OK WITH HAVING A PRODUCT ON THE ROAD THAT I CANNOT DRIVE FOR 1.5 MONTHS BECAUSE OF A BAD PART? IT APPEARS THE BAD PART IS MADE OF ALUMINUM WHICH IS SHOCKING. WILL HAVE TO GET A RENTAL FOR THE ENTIRE TIME I AM WITHOUT THE CAR. THIS KIND OF FAILURE IS UNACCEPTABLE AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. *TR

• 10/01/2003· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEFire

  PROBLEMS WITH FUEL INJECTORS CAUSED VEHICLE FIRE.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS SERVICING THE R.V WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A SOUND UNDER THE ENGINE COVER AND THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. IT WAS DETERMINED THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE LEAKING. (CHATEAU MOTORHOME ON A FORD CHASSIS) *JB

• 09/30/2002· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  CONSUMER STATES PURCHASED VEHICLE ON 09/17/02. SAW NEWS REPORT REGARDING FUEL TANK COLLISION EXPLOSION. CONTACTED MFR WHO ADVISED ONLY MAKING MODIFICATIONS FOR VEHICLE BEING USED IN A POLICE FLEET. NLM *YH

• 09/21/2005· POWER TRAIN

  2002 EXPLORER REAR AXLE MAKES HOWLING\NOISES WHEN ACCELERATING. FORD WILL NOT REPAIR REAR AXLE. REAR AXLE NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED BY INDEPENDENT SHOP.

• 09/15/2005· SUSPENSION

  SUDDEN FAILURE OF FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM CAUSED COLLAPSE OF SUSPENSION MAKING THE CAR UNCONTROLLABLE AND AFTER COMING TO A STOP, IMMOBILE. RIGHT FRONT WHEEL TURNED INWARD AT THE FRONT UPON FAILURE AND LEFT FRONT WHEEL REMAINS POINTING STRAIGHT AHEAD. RIGHT FRONT WHEEL ALSO SHIFTED TOWARD THE REAR CONTACTING THE REAR PORTION OF THE WHEEL/FENDER OPENING CAUSING CRUMPLING OF BODY SHEET METAL TO THE EXTENT THAT FENDER WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO BE REPLACED AUTO IS AT DEALER AWAITING ANALYSIS. *NM

• 09/09/2014· STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES

  BOUGHT THE CAR FROM A FELLOW FRIEND HE ADVISED ME THAT THE CAR HAS HAD A ISSUE WITH THE STEERING WHERE THE STEERING WHEEL HAS PLAY TO IT AND ITS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN I DRIVE OVER 50MPH IM SCARED I MAY CRASH CAUSE THE CAR MOVES LEFT TO RIGHT, AND THE ABS BRAKES HAVE A PROBLEM THE BRAKE JUMP WHEN I HIT THEM IDK WHAT TO DO IM LOW ON FUNDS AND I WANT TO KNOW IF THIS IS A DEFECT THESE CARS ARE KNOWN FOR STEERING AND BRAKES DEFECTS..... *TR

• 09/03/2013· STEERING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING FAILED AND THE WHEEL BECAME TIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE CONTACT AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

• 09/03/2011· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  I HAD BEEN DRIVING 250 MILES OR SO AND DROVE DOWN A LONG WINDING INCLINE, AS THE ROAD FLATTENED OUT I HEARD A NOISE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE NOISE SOUNDED LIKE A HOLE IN THE FIRST PART OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. I FOUND A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS A SLIGHT ODOR OF NATURAL GAS AS THIS VEHICLE IS FUELED WITH NATURAL GAS. AFTER THE ODOR PASSED, I OPENED THE HOOD TO FIND THAT THE #2 IGNITION COIL MOUNT WAS BROKEN, AND THE COIL AND SPARK PLUG ASSEMBLY WERE LOOSE IN THE SPARK PLUG WELL. MY INITIAL THOUGHT WAS THE SPARK PLUG HAD LOOSENED AND EJECTED. I ATTEMPTED TO RE-INSTALL THE SPARK PLUG BUT THE THREADS IN THE CYLINDER HEAD WERE INEFFECTIVE. THE SPARK PLUG HAD BLOWN OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD. I HAVE SUBSEQUENTLY FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON DEFECT FOR THESE FORD ENGINES. THE REPAIR INVOLVED REAMING AND TAPPING THE SPARK PLUG HOLE AND PLACING AN INSERT IN THE HOLE. THE SPARK PLUG COIL HAD TO BE REPLACED TOO. THE REPAIR COST WAS $450 AND THE REPAIR SHOP WARNED THAT THIS MAY HAPPEN AGAIN. THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT THAT COULD POTENTIALLY BE DANGEROUS UNDER DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES. IF I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP IN A SAFE PLACE FAIRLY QUICKLY, THERE COULD HAVE BEEN MORE FUEL AIR MIXTURE ACCUMULATION UNDER THE HOOD AND SINCE THE SPARK PLUG WAS STILL OPERATIVE, AN IGNITION SOURCE WAS PRESENT TOO. *TR

• 08/30/2016· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN, THE TURN SIGNALS AND HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO WORK, EXCEPT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS DID NOT WORK AND THE DASHBOARD WAS BLACKED OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO SCHEDULE THE VEHICLE FOR A DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000. UPDATED 10/06/16*LJ ** UPDATED 10/19/16*LJ *TR

• 08/26/2009· SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 TO 50 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE "ABS" WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO COAST INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT AXLE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V328000 (SUSPENSION;REAR) WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THERE WERE CONCERNS OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.

• 08/24/2006· SUSPENSION,TIRES

  I PURCHASED A 2002 FORD TAURUS SES ON JULY 31,2005. HOWEVER I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A LOUD SOUND WHEN DRIVING LIKE THE WHEEL IS WOBBLING, AND THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO DRIFT SUDDENLY ALMOST CAUSING A ACCIDENT. I'VE BEEN ALSO EXPERIENCING A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE VENTS IN THE VEHICLES WHEN THE HEAT WAS NOT IN USE. *JB

• 08/20/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKESCrash

  ..

• 08/12/2004· WHEELS

  RECALL 03V279000 SUBJECT: STEEL WHEELS: AFTER HAVING ALL THE WHEELS REPLACED THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE REAR WHEELS WERE CRACKED. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE WHEELS WERE CRACK AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDED FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

• 08/04/2007· AIR BAGS

  2002 EXPLORER AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS LIT CAME ON AND NEVER WENT OFF WAS WONDERING IF THERE'S A RECALL TO HAVE FORD FIX THERE MISTAKE. *TR

• 08/03/2016· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLAMPS DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V861000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 197,000.

• 08/03/2010· SUSPENSION

  2002 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE PROBLEM WE WERE DRIVING ON 78E AND WERE APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES BEFORE ALLENTOWN. ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HEARD A CRACK, SMELLED SMOKE, AND HEARD METAL SCRAPING. THE CAR STARTED FISHTAILING AND MY HUSBAND VIRTUALLY HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR AS THE WINDSTAR REPEATEDLY CROSSED 2 LANES AND ALMOST HIT THE MIDDLE BARRIER AND THEN FISHTAILED TOWARD THE OTHER SIDE. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO CARS OR TRUCKS IN FRONT OR IN BACK OF US AND WE WERE AT A SLIGHT UPHILL. FINALLY, MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VAN AND PULL OVER TO THE SMALL SHOULDER WHICH WAS BARELY BIG ENOUGH TO FIT THE VAN. WE CALLED 911 AND AAA. WHILE WE WAITED ON THE SIDE, WE FEARED THAT WE COULD GET HIT IN THE EVENT THAT A TRUCK OR CAR SWERVED TO THE SIDE. WE WERE SHOCKED TO FIND OUT THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED AND THE REAR TIRES WERE CAVED IN. MY AUTO DEALER GILBOY IN WHITEHALL OFFERED TO TOW AND REPAIR THE PROBLEM, BUT ONLY AT MY EXPENSE. FORD EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THERE WAS NO COVERAGE FOR THIS SITUATION BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY AND THERE CURRENTLY IS NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. BOTH GILBOY AND FORD TOLD ME THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH THE REAR AXLE. I HAD 3 CHILDREN IN THE CAR, 2 OF WHICH WERE MY OWN. THIS WAS THE SCARIEST MOMENT OF MY LIFE AS I FEARED WHAT POTENTIALLY COULD HAPPEN. LUCKILY, SOMEONE FROM ABOVE WAS LOOKING AFTER US BUT I FEAR THE NEXT FORD WINDSTAR OWNER MAY NOT BE SO LUCKY. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO GET KILLED BEFORE TAKING ACTION. PLEASE HAVE THE PROBLEM CORRECTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND ALERT ALL FORD WINDSTAR OWNER OF THE SERIOUS POTENTIAL RISK. *TR

• 08/01/2005· POWER TRAIN

  THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE OF MY VEHICLE IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSTATE WAS THAT THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH WHICH IN TURN WOULD TRIGGER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE FAILURE WAS A SHOT TRANSMISSION AT ONLY 60,000 MILES. A PROBLEM THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY KNOWS ABOUT FROM THE HUNDREDS OF TECH BULLETIN'S I'VE READ. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO ADAMSON FORD IN BIRMINGHAM,ALA. AND WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING TROUBLE CODES,P0733,P0735,P0775 AND A FAULTY POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE. AFTER RECEIVING MY CAR AND ALMOST $800.00 LATER,THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED BLINKING TRIGGERING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. AFTER RETURNING TO THE DEALER WHOM THEN INFORMS ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO BUY A REMANUFACTURER TRANSMISSION AT OVER $2200,00 PLUS LABOR. I CAN'T AFFORD THIS AND NOW I'M STUCK WITH A LATER MODEL CAR THAT I CAN'T USE, AND A HIGH CAR NOTE. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD AGAIN PERIOD. *JB

• 08/01/2003· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  DROVE CAR THROUGH LARGE WATER PUDDLE AND ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT CAME OFF. *AK

• 07/23/2008· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,EQUIPMENT

  I HAVE SEVERAL ISSUES, BOTH BACK DOOR WINDOWS HAVE FALLEN OFF TRACK AND WON'T STAY UP. THIS HAPPENED IN SEPTEMBER OF 07 AND A FEW MONTHS LATER THE SECOND REAR WINDOW DID THE SAME. I HAVE TO USE CLEAR PACKAGING TAPE TO HOLD THEM UP. THE KEY TO THE IGNITION WILL NOT TURN UNLESS I USE SOMETHING WITH A HARD END AND TAP IT SEVERAL TIMES. WHEN THE IGNITION PROBLEM FIRST HAPPENED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2006 I CALLED FORD ROAD SIDE SERVICE AND THEY RECOMMENDED TAPPING THE KEY SEVERAL TIMES AND SAID THEY HAD A GROWING COMPLAINT OF THIS. MY TRUNK LOCK LATCH OFTEN GETS STUCK TOO. JAN OF 2003 THE RADIO SHORTS IN AND OUT, I NEVER KNOW IF IT'S GOING TO STAY ON. LASTLY THE PASSENGER REAR DOOR LOOK DOESN'T LATCH, I THINK THIS HAPPENED IN LATE 2003 OR EARLY 2004. *TR

• 07/14/2014· STEERING

  POWER STEERING STARTED CATCHING AND COULDN'T TURN THE STEERING WHEEL SMOOTHLY. HIT A CURB WITH MY TIRE AND ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR. STILL JAMMING BUT I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO TAKE IT INTO A DEALERSHIP. HELP! *TR

• 07/13/2005· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, I SAW ON THE NEWS THERE HAS BEEN REPORTS OF IDDLE PROBLEMS. I HAVE NOTICED WHEN I REVERSE AT TIMES IT REVS UP EVEN WHEN MY FOOT IS NOT ON THE GAS. I ALSO HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM WHEN I DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY AT A CONSTANT SPEED THE ENGINE RPM ALL THE SUDDEN IDDLES FAST ANS REVS THE ENGINE UP I HAVE TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS. THIS PROBLEMS HAS ONLY LASTED A FEW SECONDS THEN GOES BACK TO NORMAL. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR IDDLE FAST ONCE ON THE HIGHWAY AND I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM TWICE WHEN THE CAR IS PUT IN TO REVERSE.

• 07/11/2006· TIRES

  DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE CABLE BRACKET THAT HOLDS UP THE SPARE TIRE FRACTURED AND COMPLETELY DETACHED. THE SPARE TIRE DROPPED FROM THE VEHICLE AND WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURE WAS ALERTED BUT THE MANUFACTURER DENIED THE CLAIM.*AK

• 07/10/2001· POWER TRAIN

  NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

• 07/05/2007· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING ON AN UNPAVED ROAD, THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE. HE THEN RELEASED THE BRAKE AND APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. HE NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES FELT LOOSE AND THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE. SHE DISCOVERED A PUDDLE OF BRAKE FLUID UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 82,063.

• 06/22/2007· WHEELS

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES ON HIS VEHICLE CONSTANTLY DEFLATE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK OUTSIDE OF THE RIMS AND THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE RIMS AND NOT THE TIRES. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE RIMS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 59,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

• 06/20/2007· INTERIOR LIGHTINGFire

  THE DOME LIGHT ON THE 2002 FORD ESCAPE 3.0L CAUSED BURNING ON THE SUNROOF SLIDING COVER WHEN THE COVER WAS OPENED. THIS HAS THE POTENTIAL TO STARTING A FIRE, ALTHOUGH NOW THEREWAS ONLY A SLOW BURN. *AK

• 06/18/2009· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  1. WHILE DRIVING ,LED CIRCUITBOARD ,( UNDER DASHBOARD)BURNED UP EMITTING SMOKE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. IT BURNED A ONE INCH HOLE IN THE CIRCUITBOARD PLASTIC COVER . 2. FAILURE,THE PART BURNED UP, IT MAY HAVE BURNED BEFORE ALSO,BECAUSE WE HAVE HAD A BURNING SMELL BEFORE. 3. CAR WAS PARKED,TURNED OFF FOR ABOUT ONE-HALF HOUR , THEN DRIVEN 6 MILES HOME.,NO ADDITIONAL SMOKE WAS SEEN AT THIS TIME. PART HAS BEEN REMOVED BY OWNER .OLD PART IS AVAILABLE,PART # F8VB-14A597-AB. FUSE DID NOT BLOW AND CAR IS DRIVABLE WITH PART REMOVED. I THINK THIS PART IS A COMPONENT OF THE FACTORY INSTALLED ALARM SYSTEM. *TR

• 06/12/2002· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  CONSUMER PAID FOR ABS BRAKES, AND THE VEHICLE CAME WITH STANDARD BRAKES. DEALER STATED IT WAS A MISPRINT. CONSUMER FEELS VEHICLE MAY NOT STOP PROPERLY IN AN EMERGENCY.*AK

• 06/12/2002· POWER TRAIN

  CONSUMER COMPLAINS OF A DEFECT AND VIBRATION IN THE DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY. THE DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND THE DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY WITH NO FAVORABLE RESULTS. *JG