Safety ratings
2002 Ford Explorer 4-DR.
- Lane departure warningNo
- Forward collision warningNo
- Electronic stability controlOptional
Crash test videos & photos
Crash test #1NHTSA test 3912
Full test report (PDF) ↗Crash test #2NHTSA test 4087
Full test report (PDF) ↗Crash-test footage is converted for smooth playback the first time someone requests it — usually under a minute.
Recalls (10)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 06E049000 · 24/05/2006
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.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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.
- TIRES:SIDEWALLCampaign 01V171000 · 24/05/2001
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.
Risk: OVER TIME, THE TIRE COULD FAIL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: 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.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 06E026000 · 23/03/2006
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.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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.
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCampaign 09V399000 · 13/10/2009
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.
Risk: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Fix: 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.
- STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTSCampaign 04V442000 · 13/09/2004
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.
Risk: IF THE HINGE SHOULD FRACTURE, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE GLASS TO FALL AND ULTIMATELY BREAK AND PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
Fix: 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.
- VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REARCampaign 07E104000 · 11/12/2007
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."
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
Fix: 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.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 09E025000 · 11/05/2009
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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.
- VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REARCampaign 01I010000 · 10/04/2001
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 09E012000 · 07/04/2009
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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.
- STRUCTURECampaign 03V094000 · 07/03/2003
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.
Risk: THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
Fix: 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.
Owner complaints
Most-reported areas
- POWER TRAIN230
- STRUCTURE77
- SUSPENSION46
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL27
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING23
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM22
- STEERING20
- SERVICE BRAKES20
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 12/31/2010· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS HARD TO PRESS, RPM REMAINED HIGH 3000 - 4000. EVENTUALLY THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP, ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK - GO WAS GOING 70 MPH. HAD TO STRUT OF ENGINE MECHANIC REPLACE ACCELERATOR CABLE - NOTED CABLE WAS KINKED AND FRAYED - VERY DANGEROUS AND THAT I SHOULD REPORT IT. *TR
- 12/31/2008· STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES
IT STARTED VERY EARLY AFTER BUYING THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER...ELECTRICAL PROB..COULDN'T GET VEH STARTED...100 MILES AWAY FROM HOME DEALERSHIP....TOWED TO CLOSEST FORD DEALERSHIP...FIXED; OR SO WE THOUGHT. SAME THING HAPPENED A WEEK LATER. HOME DEALERSHIP ADVISED US THAT THE OTHER DEALERSHIP INSTALLED THE WRONG PART AND IT COULD HAVE CAUSED LIFE-THREATENING PROBLEMS....WE CONTACTED THE OTHER DEALERSHIP AND ADVISED THEM WHAT OUR HOME DEALERSHIP SAID...OF COURSE THE DEALERSHIP DENIED THIS...ANYWAY...HOME DEALERSHIP INSTALLED NEW PART...VEH OK....THEN WHEEL BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED IN FRONT 1ST LEFT SIDE-THEN RIGHT. (THIS WAS AFTER THE REAR END WAS REPLACED) BOY, WAS THAT A MAJOR FIGHT WITH THE HOME DEALERSHIP! NOW! THE TRANSMISSION IS GONE!!!!! ISN'T THERE SOMETHING WE CAN DO? FORD HAS BEEN USING DEFECTIVE PARTS!!!!AND NOW ASKING FOR GOVERNMENT MONEY???!!!!FORD SHOULD BE PAYING FOR THIS! *TR
- 12/30/2011· POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE, THE GEAR SHIFTER FRACTURED. A LOCAL MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE GEAR HOUSING UNIT. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER HOUSING WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED.THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
- 12/30/2010· POWER TRAIN
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FAILED. I WAS TRAVELING ON AN ON RAMP. WHEN THE O/D LIGHT STARTED TO FLICKER AND THERE WAS A SUDDEN POWERFUL JERK. IT WAS SIMILAR TO GETTING REAR ENDED. THE FAILURE OCCURS ABOVE 35 MPH. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE SUDDEN UNCONTROLLABLE JERKS. IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE FAILURE THE TRANSMISSION MUST BE REBUILT FOR A VEHICLE UNDER 80,000 MILES. *TR
- 12/30/2009· SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE WHEEL BEARINGS ON THREE OF THE WHEELS HAVE TO BE REPLACED. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE MANUFACTURER STATED SINCE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, HE WAS INELIGIBLE FOR A FREE REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000. UPDATED 01/12/10 *BF UPDATED 01/14/10.*JB
- 12/30/2009· WHEELS
IN 03/2008 I WENT IN THINKING I HAD BRAKE PROBLEM AND ENDED UP WITH A RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING REPLACED. I WAS TOLD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS YEAR AND MODEL FORD. NOW ITS 12/2009 AND I HAVE THE SAME NOISE, I GO TO THE DEALER AND TELL HIM I THINK ITS THE LEFT FRONT BEARING AND AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION THEY SAY THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT BUT THE LEFT REAR IS ABOUT READY TO FALL OFF. I AM GLAD I WENT TO GET THE TRUCK CHECKED BEFORE IT FELL OFF AT 65 MPH ON I80. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I HAVE RESEARCHED ONLINE AND THERE HAVE BEEN MANY INCIDENTS WITH THE WHEEL BEARINGS/HUBS ON 2002 FORD EXPLORERS THEY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM AND FORD IS NOT FIXING IT. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET THE PROBLEM RECALLED? ACCIDENTS WITH DEATHS? *TR
- 12/30/2009· POWER TRAIN
FORD EXPLORER 2002 - TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR
- 12/30/2009· STRUCTURE
A VERTICAL CRACK IN THE LIFT-GATE BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. NO APPARENT OTHER DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. DISCOVERED WHEN PREPARING TO OPEN REAR HATCH. EXTENDS FROM WINDOW DOWNWARD TO LATCH/RELEASE POINT. *TR UPDATED IVOQ 01/08/10.*JB
- 12/30/2003· STRUCTURE
WHILE OPENING THE REAR LIFT GATE THE DOOR HINGE BROKE AND CAUSED THE DOOR NOT TO CLOSE/LATCH PROPERLY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM RE-EVAL SINCE PE OPENING AND DET TO BE VALID PE04045_PCO
- 12/30/2002· POWER TRAIN
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE WILL STICK IN PARK AND WILL NOT SHIFT GEARS CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
- 12/29/2015· SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE. REPLACED FRONT AND REAR WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED BALL JOINTS REPLACED TRANSMISSION HAS NOW FAILED AND IS NOW UNDEPENDABLE. MAY FAIL WITH OUT WARNING NO ACCIDENTS, ANY OF THE ABOVE COULD HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT FORD IS AWARE OF ALL OF THE MENTIONED PROBLEMS AND REFUSES TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEMS. THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM WITH ALL 2002 FORD EXPLORERS.
- 12/29/2011· AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER MADE FOUR ATTEMPTS TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE BY REPLACING THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 01/10/12*LJ
- 12/29/2010· POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
THE TRANSMISSION IN OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER STARTED FLASHING THE OD LIGHT @94,000 MILES TOOK IT TO FORD THEY SAID THE VALVE BODY AND TORQUE CONVERTER WAS BAD, FORD REPLACED THE ITEMS ABOVE FOR 2600 DOLLARS PROBLEM WENT AWAY FOR 10, 000 MILES PROBLEM IS BACK TORQUE CONVERTER AND VALVE BODY NEEDSTO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *TR
- 12/29/2010· POWER TRAIN
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACED
- 12/29/2010· POWER TRAIN
WE PURCHASED A USED 2002 EXPLORER LTD. IN JULY 2010. THE CAR HAD 62,500 MILES ON IT AND LOOKED TO BE IN GREAT SHAPE. THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD ALL THE SERVICE PAPERS AND WE CHECKED CARFAX AND WE SAW NO REASON NOT TO PURCHASE THE CAR. WE SHOULD HAVE CHECKED CARCOMPLAINTS.COM THOUGH. AS I WRITE THIS, THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED. ACCORDING TO WHAT I READ ON THE INTERNET THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR EARLY 2000'S FORD EXPLORERS. HOW CAN I SHELL OUT $2500 OR MORE FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION?? FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR PRODUCING THIS LEMON'THAT I HAVE ONLY OWNED 5 MONTHS. ARE THERE ANY CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS BEING FILED AGAINST FORD MOTOR COMPANY FOR THIS PROBLEM? I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING. *TR
- 12/29/2008· SUSPENSION
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. WHEN HAVING BRAKES REPLACED MECHANIC INFORMED ME BOTH REAR SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. IN CHECKING WEB THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH VARIOUS FORD PRODUCTS. APPROX. MILEAGE 78,000. MECHANIC SAID THE SPRINGS CAN BREAK APART WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING A BLOWOUT. AGAIN, IF THIS IS A KNOWN, COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORDS, WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN ANY RECALL REGARDING THIS? LUCKILY NO ACCIDENT/INCIDENT BECAUSE THE PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED PRIOR TO ONE OCCURRING. *TR
- 12/29/2006· POWER TRAIN
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.
- 12/29/2005· POWER TRAIN
2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT HANDLE ON THE STEERING COLUMN BROKE OFF WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE. THE BRAKE PAD WAS DEPRESSED DURING THE ATTEMPTED SHIFT. MY MECHANIC AND I NEVER SAW THIS HAPPEN BEFORE. *NM
- 12/29/2004· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
LEFT TURN SIGNAL INOPERABLE AT TIMES. BULB REPLACED BUT DID NOT HELP. DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THAT CONNECTOR @ MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH DID NOT KEEP GOOD CONNECTION IN STEERING COLUMN. UNIT IS 2002 MODEL WITH LESS THAN 45,000 MILES. COST OF REPAIR EXCESSIVE. *NM
- 12/29/2003· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CRUISE CONTROL, VEHICLE KEEPS ACCELERATING AFTER CRUISE CONTROL SET BUTTON IS RELEASED ALSO WHEN COAST BUTTON IS PUSHED VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE. BUTTONS ARE FREE AND NOT STICKING. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. ALMOST REARENDED CARS ON TWO OCCASIONS. JUST BOUGHT CAR AND HAVE NOT HAD A CHANCE TO GET TO DELEAR.*AK
- 12/29/2003· STEERINGCrash
WHEN TOWING VEHICLE IN RECOMMENDED TOWING MODE, STEERING WHEEL LOCKING MECHANISM WILL RANDOMLY ENGAGE, LOCKING THE WHEELS OF THE TOWED VEHICLE. IF THIS OCCURS RIGHT AFTER A TURN, LOCKED WHEELS WILL PULL TOWED VEHICLE TO THE DIRECTION THAT WHEELS LOCKED IN.*AK
- 12/29/2003· LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
INTERMITTENTLY HATCH BACK LEVER WHEN PULLED UP TO OPEN THE HATCH FAILED TO RELEASE AND WENT BACK DOWN. WHEN THIS OCCURRED THE HATCH BACK WOULD NOT CLOSE. *AK
- 12/28/2016· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,ENGINE
DOOR AJAR LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON AND ALARM GOES OFF CONSTANTLY FROM IT. SEAT BELT LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON EVEN WHEN SEAT BELTS ARE IN USE. ABS LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON AND OFF. ALWAYS ISSUES WITH HEAT AND COOLANT.
- 12/28/2015· STRUCTURE,ENGINEFire
CAR STALLED ON BUSY STREET, THEN WAS RESTARTED AND LOST POWER. THEN FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. CAR WAS WELL MAINTAINED. TOTAL LOSS WAS NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE
- 12/28/2012· TIRESCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH COOPER DISCOVERY HTP TIRES, SIZE: 235 70 R16 (N/A). THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH WHEN THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRES BLEW OUT, CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO SHAKE AND THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A SIDE RAIL AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT OF SEVERE WHIPLASH INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
- 12/28/2011· POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
THE BODY MOUNTS HAVE DETERIORATED TO A POINT THAT THEY ARE CRUMBLING AND ARE NOT SUPPORTING THE FRAME TO THE BODY AND NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR SAFETY REASONS. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT ANY WARNING AND HAD TO BE REBUILT. NEITHER OF THESE PROBLEMS SHOULD EXIST ON A VEHICLE THAT IS WELL MAINTAINED AND HAS ONLY 52,000 MILES. THESE PROBLEMS APPEAR TO BE COMMON WITH THIS VEHICLE AND NEED TO BE ADDRESSED BY FORD. *TR
- 12/28/2009· POWER TRAIN
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION TWICE IN THE PAST 18 MONTHS AND NOW IT'S SLIPPING AGAIN. IT JUST HAPPENS ALL HE SUDDEN AND MY CAR RAMPS UP AND THEN TAKES OFF JERKING US AS WE ARE DRIVING. IT'S RIDICULOUS THAT THIS HASN'T BEEN RECALLED ALREADY. THE O/D LIGHT COMES ON AND IT RAMPS UP TO 4000 RPMS BEFORE I HAVE TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS TO GET THE TRANSMISSION TO SWITCH. *TR
- 12/28/2009· POWER TRAIN
I NOTICED AROUND JULY OF 2009 THAT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER WAS ACTING LIKE IT WASN'T GETTING ANY GAS. I HAD IT HOOKED UP TO AN ANALYZER AND THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED TO REPLACE MY MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. DECEMBER 28, 2009 - $135.00. SO I DID, IT STILL WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO ANY GEARS. I WAS HAVING TO SHIFT THE GEARS MYSELF BY LETTING OFF THE GAS A LITTLE AND THEN ACCELERATING AGAIN. TURNS OUT MY TRANSMISSION IS GOING OUT AND THE CAR ONLY HAS 110,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
- 12/28/2009· POWER TRAIN
ON NOV. 28 2009, I PURCHASED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4.0L AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 4X4. WITH 80,000 MILES. ON DEC. 10. 2009, THE EXPLORER STARTED NOT GOING INTO ANY GEAR. THEN YOU HAVE TO KEEP TRYING EACH GEAR FINALLY AFTER A FEW MINUTES IT WILL GO INTO REVERSE, BUT FOR THE FIRST 10 MINUTES OF DRIVING IT JERKS AND CLANGS GOING TO DIFFERENT GEARS. DEALER WON'T DO ANYTHING. *TR
- 12/28/2009· STRUCTURE
I GOT A FORD EXPLORER 2002 AND THE HATCHBACK DOOR IS CRACKED, I HAD A FORD EXPLORER 2003 BEFORE AND IT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND I HAD SEEN OTHER FORDS EXPLORERS FROM YEAR 2000 TO 2004 WITH THIS PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE FORD HEADQUARTERS COMPANY AND I WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULDN'T FIX THE CRACK BECAUSE I HAD TO CONTACT YOU TO COMPLAIN SO THIS WILL BECOME A RECALL AND THEY WILL FIX IT FOR ME OTHERWISE THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIX IT. I ONLY BUY FORD CARS BECAUSE I LIKE AMERICAN CARS AND ALSO I FEEL I AM HELPING THE ECONOMY KEEPING JOBS FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE BUT I COULD BUY ANY OTHER BRAND! I REALLY APPRECIATE YOU TAKING THE TIME TO READ MY COMPLAIN AND MAYBE FIND A SOLUTION FOR THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU. *TR
- 12/28/2006· SUSPENSION
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
- 12/28/2006· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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
- 12/28/2005· POWER TRAIN
REAR DIFFERENTIAL MAKES A HOWLING NOISE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. NOISE GOES AWAY WHEN LETTING OFF ACCELERATOR. IT'S BEEN REPORTED TO DEALER MANY TIMES. THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON TO EXPLORERS OF THE SAME YEAR AS EVIDENCED BY NUMEROUS INTERNET FORUMS. TRANSMISSION ALSO SHUDDERS IN 3RD GEAR, ESPECIALLY WHEN COLD. *JB
- 12/28/2004· PARKING BRAKE
THE CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKES. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CREATES CONDENSATION ON THE BRAKE AND THE DRIVER MUST INCREASE THE THROTTLE BEFORE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WILL RELEASE. THE OWNER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD "THAT WAS THE WAY IT WAS DESIG NED TO FUNCTION AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY WILL DO. *JB *SC
- 12/28/2004· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE CONSUMER CAME TO A STOP AT A RED LIGHT. WHEN HE PULLED OFF, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL JAMMED DOWN TO THE FLOOR. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PHYSICALLY PULL THE GAS PEDAL UP WITH HANDS. *JB
- 12/28/2004· POWER TRAIN
HAD TROUBLE SHIFTING COLUMN SHIFT & THEN IT BROKE OFF IN MY HAND. *JB
- 12/28/2003· POWER TRAIN
MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT HAS EXPIERENCED ALL THE POWER TRAIN PROBLEMS THAT I AHVE FOUND ON THIS SITE.MY DEALER AHS BEEN ADMIRABLE IN TRYING TO RESOLVE THESE PROBLEMS BUT IT SEEMS WE GET ONE FIXED AND ANOTHER STARTS.THE FIRS WAS THE TRANSFER CASR HAD A SHUTTER IN IT BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR , THEN THE REAR END HAD A BAD BEARING, THEN THE LEFT REAR AXLE HAD A BAD WHEEL BEARING, THEN THE VEHILCE WAS STAYING IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ALL THE TIME, THIS HAPPENED ON A TRIP THIS FALL BARE GROUND. THEN THE LATEST IS THE TRANSMISION IS GOING TO NEUTRAL AT STOP SIGNS AND RED LIGHTS BY ITSELF. THE VEHILE THEN SITS AND REVS UNTIL WITH A BANG THE TRANSMISSON ENGAGES AGAIN. *AK
- 12/27/2014· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
BOUGHT AN EXPLORER WE THOUGHT WAS A PRIVATE OWNER ON CRAIGLIST IN CHICAGO, AND FOUND OUT HE WAS A DEALER FROM INDIANA. HE SIGNED THE TITLE AS FIRST AUTO INC. 2620 165TH IN HAMMOND IN 46323. THE NAME OF SELLER IS [XXX] . THE DMV FILE A COMPLAINT ON OUR BEHALF AND STATED WHAT HE DID WAS ILLEGAL. WE DID NOT KNOW HE WAS A DEALER TIL WHEN WE TRIED TO TRANSFER OUR PLATES THE NEXT DAY. WE TOOK THE TRUCK IN FOR SERVICE AND MY MECHANIC STATED THAT CARFAX HAS THE MILES ALMOST 80,000 MORE THAN WHAT IS ON THE ODOMETER. THE ODOMETER LISTED 110,000 AND CARFAX WAS FAR PAST THAT AMOUNT. THE DEALER ROLLED BACK THE MILES OF EXPLORER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
- 12/27/2013· POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION SEALS FELL OFF IN THE DRIVEWAY, TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY FAILED. *TR
- 12/27/2008· POWER TRAIN
I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC TRANSMISSION AND AM BEING TOLD THAT IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACE AT A COST OF 3200.00 OF WHICH I CAN NOT AFFORD RIGHT NOW AS I LIVE ON A FIXED INCOME, THERE IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS TRANSMISSION THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY WILL NOT ADDRESS.... PLEASE MAKE FORD FIX THIS PROBLEM I NEED MY CAR TO GET TO WORK. *TR
- 12/27/2007· SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
WHEEL BEARING FAILURES-4 IN A 6 MONTH PERIOD OF TIME-COST OVER 1700.00 TOO HAVE THESE REPAIRS-FORD WILL NOT HELP OUT AND THERE CUSTOMER SERVICE IS A JOKE. I HAVE A CHILD THAT IS ALWAYS WITH ME AND 2 TIMES IT COULD HAVE BEEN BAD. *TR
- 12/27/2007· POWER TRAIN
NOTICED HARSH SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AND FROM 3RD TO 4TH GEARS ON 02 FORD EXPLORER 2WD WITH 48,000 MILES. REQUIRED REBUILT TRANSMISSION AT COST OF $2124.00. *TR
- 12/27/2005· POWER TRAIN
REAR END STARTED WHINING WHILE ON ROAD TRIP FROM NASHVILLE TO HOME. LEFT REAR WHEEL STARTED TO WOBBLE AND THEN SEIZED. VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE. *JB
- 12/27/2005· VISIBILITY
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR WINDSHIELD EXPLODED WHILE THE CONTACT WAS GETTING INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN STARTED AND IT WAS APPROXIMATELY 35 TO 40 DEGREES OUTSIDE. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNALS BEFORE THE WINDSHIELD EXPLODED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. *AK
- 12/27/2005· POWER TRAIN
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT HAS A LOUD HUMMING/WHINING SOUND FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AT SPEEDS 50-70 MPH AND NOW HAS STARTED LEAKING GEAR OIL FROM ONE OF THE DIFFERENTIAL AXLE BEARING/SEAL. I HAVE READ MANY MANY COMPLAINTS FROM OTHERS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM ON 2002 EXPLORERS AND BELIEVE THIS IS NOT NORMAL AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED/FIXED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY BEFORE ACCIDENTS OCCUR. *JB
- 12/27/2004· STRUCTURE
NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE FOR RECALL 04S20 REPAIRS CONCERNING LIFTGATE WINDOW. DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED. FAMILY FORD 973-347-5379. *AK RECALL CAMPAIGN; NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 04V442000. *TC
- 12/27/2004· AIR BAGSFire
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, THEN EXPLODED INADVERTENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING WHEEL CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE REMAINED IN A GARAGE WHERE THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. *AK
- 12/27/2004· STEERING,POWER TRAIN
WHEN SHIFTING FROM DRIVE TO PARK COLUMN SHIFT LEVER WOULD GET STUCK. UPON A STALLING ,, WHEN SHIFTING FROM DRIVE INTO PARK TO RESTART THE CAR, COLUMN SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF RESULTING IN BEING UNABLE USE THE VEHICLE WHILE IN A PARKING LOT AT NIGHT WITH SMALL CHILDREN IN THE CAR. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER, WHERE WE WERE TOLD THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT AN ESTIMATE OF $747.00 FOR A THREE YEAR OLD VEHICLE.*AK
- 12/27/2004· STRUCTURE
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED CONSUMER WAS CLOSING THE REAR HATCH AND THE ENTIRE WINDOW SHATTERED. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND ALTHOUGH THE BALL AND SOCKET JOINT TO THE HATCH WINDOW WAS RECALLED, MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO ASSIST CONSUMER UNLESS A WAIVER WAS SIGNED SO THAT CONSUMER WILL NOT SUE THE MANUFACTURER. CONSUMER REFUSED TO SIGN WAIVER, BUT WOULD ONLY LIKE TO GET THE DEFECT REPAIRED. THIS OCCURRED PRIOR TO CONSUMER RECEIVING NOTIFICATION NOT TO OPEN THE HATCH AFTER THIS DEFECT HAPPENED. *AK
- 12/27/2004· POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSIONS PROBLEM, BEEN TO TWO DEALERS, AND CANT FIX THE PROBLEM. FORD WIL NOT HELP. I FIRST WENT IN BEFORE MY 3-36 WAS UP NOW IM 45 DAYS OVER AND THEY WON'T PAY . IT MISSES UNDER A LOAD AND WHEN PASSING OTHER CARS FEELS VERY UNSAFE . *AK