Owners have filed 160 complaints
about the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport with NHTSA between 2002 and 2025.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 69
Against the median year of the Ford Explorer Sport. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
23.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 39
23% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2002 compares with every other Ford Explorer Sport
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
54.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
54.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
97.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2117.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2419.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3327.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2117.2%
150,000+ miles
43.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2002 Ford Explorer Sport 2-DR
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2002peak 7Jul 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE09020Opened 21 Apr 2009Closed 19 Aug 2009STEERING:COLUMN
VEHICLE ROLLAWAY ALLEGATIONS
IN RESPONSE TO AN INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) LETTER SENT BY THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI), FORD STATED CONSUMER REPORTS OF HIGHER THAN EXPECTED EFFORTS WHEN SHIFTING INTO AND OUT OF PARK COULD BE A RESULT OF A GROOVE BEING WORN INTO THE SWING ARM RAMP OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE SWING ARM IS A COMPONENT BOLTED TO THE STEERING COLUMN THAT ASSISTS IN SHIFTING THROUGH THE TRANSMISSION GEARS.AN ENGINEERING EVALUATION CONDUCTED BY FORD OF RETURNED STEERING COLUMNS FOUND THE GROOVE COULD BE CREATED OVER TIME IF CONSUMER SHIFT MORE QUICKLY FROM THE DRIVE OR REVERSE TO PARK THAN THE BRAKE SH...
DP05005Opened 22 Sep 2005Closed 4 Jan 2006ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE.AS OF DECEMBER 8, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS WHERE THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTED IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, A CRASH, AN INJURY, OR A FATALITY IN A...
PE05037Opened 7 Jul 2005Closed 2 Nov 2005VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
STUCK ENGINE THROTTLE
ON JULY 7, 2005, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STUCK THROTTLE COMPLAINTS IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND MERCURY MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE STANDARD AVAILABLE 4.0L SOHC V6 ENGINE.AT THAT TIME, ODI WAS AWARE OF 15 COMPLAINTS THAT ALLEGED STUCK ENGINE THROTTLE CAUSING UNWANTED VEHICLE ACCELERATION AND 1 ALLEGED CRASH AS A RESULT.SIX COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE REPLACEMENT REMEDIED THE ALLEGED STUCK THROTTLE CONDITION.ADDITIONALLY, ODI WAS AWARE OF A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN IS...
PE04045Opened 2 Jun 2004Closed 28 Sep 2004STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
REAR LIFTGATE GLASS ASSEMBLY
COMPLAINTS REPORT FAILURE OF THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS SUPPORT WHILE THE OPERATOR IS OPENING OR CLOSING THE GLASS.THE FALLING GLASS CAN STRIKE THE OPERATOR OR BYSTANDER.THE INJURIES REPORTED ARE BRUISES TO THE HEAD, NECK OR BACK, CUTS TO THE FACE, ARM OR HAND.ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2004, FORD NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL RECALL APPROXIMATELY 955,732 MY 2002 AND 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND MERCURY MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES TO REPLACE THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT BRACKETS AND/OR HINGES.SEE NHTSA RECALL 04V442 FOR DETAILS. THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
PE03020Opened 21 May 2003Closed 5 Sep 2003SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER ATTACHMENT
BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 4, 2003, FORD NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 03V281) INVOLVING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998-2001 FORD EXPLORER / MERCURY MOUNTAINEER 4-DOOR, MY 1998-2000 FORD EXPLORER 2-DOOR AND MY 2001-2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT AND SPORT TRAC VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HIGH BACK SEATS.COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK RECLINED WITHOUT WARNING.A BOLT BETWEEN THE UPPER SEAT RECLINER ATTACHMENT AND THE SEAT BACK FRAME MAY FRACTURE.FORD WILL REPLACE THE BOLT THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME ON THE...
Recalls on the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
07V336000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
06V114000
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HIGH BACK SEATS, THE UPPER BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HIGH BACK SEAT THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME, COULD FRACTURE. IF THE BOLT FRACTURES, THE SEAT BACK MAY RECLINE UNTIL IT MAKES CONTACT WITH AN OBJECT BEHIND THE SEAT, SUCH AS THE SECOND ROW SEAT CUSHION.
Risk: THE DRIVER COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS DURING SUCH AN EVENT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
03V281000
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HIGH BACK SEATS, THE UPPER BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HIGH BACK SEAT, THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME, COULD FRACTURE. IF THE BOLT FRACTURES AND DOES NOT JAM IN THE SEAT BACK FRAME, THE SEAT BACK MAY RECLINE UNTIL IT MAKES CONTACT WITH AN OBJECT BEHIND THE SEAT, SUCH AS THE SECOND ROW SEAT CUSHION.
Risk: THE DRIVER COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS DURING SUCH AN EVENT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
01X001000
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE DESIGN TO STRESS, AGING, AND MANUFACTURING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANTS. FORD IS REPLACING THESE TIRES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW MAY HAVE BEEN ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES OR MAY HAVE HAD WILDERNESS AT TIRES INSTALLED DURING THE FIRESTONE RECALL LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2000. CERTAIN 1991 THROUGHT 2002 FORD EXPLORER CERTAIN 2001 THROUGHT 2002 EXPLORER SPORT, AND SPORT TRAC CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 2001 RANGER CERTAIN 1999 THROUGH 2001 EXPEDITION CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994, AND 1997 MODEL YEAR F-SERIES CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994 BRONCO NOTE: BOTH ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE AFFECTED.
Risk: SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 100,000 milesPortage, MIFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DISPATCHED FOR CAR FIRE INSIDE GARAGE. 1213 ARRIVED AND REPORTED THE CAR WAS OUTSIDE, NEXT TO THE HOUSE, AND THE SIDING ON THE HOUSE WAS MELTING. 1281 ARRIVED AND ASSUMED COMMAND AT [XXX]. FIRE WAS NOW EXTENDING UP THE EXTERIOR OF THE NORTH SIDE OF THE STRUCTURE. A 2ND ALARM WAS REQUESTED AND CONSUMERS ELECTRIC WAS REQUESTED TO THE SCENE. THE HYDRANT WAS DIRECTLY BEHIND 1213. 1213 CREW STRETCHED A 1.75" HAND LINE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE HOUSE AND THEN THE FIRE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. 1211 CREW ASSISTED 1213 AND ALSO MADE CONTACT WITH ALL OCCUPANTS AND VERIFIED THAT NO ONE WAS INJURED OR MISSING. 1212 CREW WAS ASSIGNED INTERIOR. VENTILATION WAS REQUESTED FOR THE INTERIOR. FM HENSON ARRIVED ON SCENE AND WAS ASSIGNED INVESTIGATION. COMSTOCK 911 CREW WAS ASSIGNED TO ASSIST 1213 WITH EXTERIOR OVERHAUL. 1212 CONDUCTED INTERIOR OVERHAUL AND REPORTED MINOR CHARRING AT PEAK OF ROOF ON THE INTERIOR BUT NO FURTHER EXTENSION. EXTERIOR OVERHAUL WAS COMPLETED. FM HENSON DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT NEAR THE FIREWALL AND MORE TOWARDS THE DRIVER SIDE. THIS VEHICLE HAS AN OPEN RECALL FOR A SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FIRE HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #10701022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLake Charles, LA1 injured
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
THE FORD EXPLORER SPORT HAS A REAR HATCH THAT INCLUDES A GLASS SECTION THAT HAS THE ABILITY TO BE OPENED TO LOAD ITEMS INTO THE TRUNK AREA OF THE VEHICLE. THREE SEPARATE TIMES THE REAR WINDSHIELD HAS BLOWN OUT AS IT HAS BEEN OPENED / CLOSED. THE REAR WINDSHIELD IS MADE OF TEMPERED GLASS AND WHEN IT BREAKS IT EXPLODES INTO THE PERSON OPERATING THE WINDOW. THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY INJURIES BESIDES A FEW SMALL CUTS, BUT HAVING GLASS EXPLODE INTO A PERSON IS DANGEROUS. AFTER THE FIRST FAILURE THE GLASS WAS SIMPLY REPLACED. THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED AS THE REAR GLASS WAS OPENED. AFTER THE SECOND FAILURE, THE CAR WAS BROUGHT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP TO FIX THE ISSUE. THE SECOND FAILURE OCCURRED AS THE GLASS WAS CLOSED. THE THIRD FAILURE OCCURRED 12/1/2013, IT HAS YET TO BE FIXED. THIS MOST RECENT FAILURE OCCURRED AS THE GLASS WAS CLOSED.
NHTSA complaint #10554309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLake Charles, LA1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE FORD EXPLORER SPORT HAS A REAR HATCH THAT INCLUDES A GLASS SECTION THAT HAS THE ABILITY TO BE OPENED TO LOAD ITEMS INTO THE TRUNK AREA OF THE VEHICLE. THREE SEPARATE TIMES THE REAR WINDSHIELD HAS BLOWN OUT AS IT HAS BEEN OPENED / CLOSED. THE REAR WINDSHIELD IS MADE OF TEMPERED GLASS AND WHEN IT BREAKS IT EXPLODES INTO THE PERSON OPERATING THE WINDOW. THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY INJURIES BESIDES A FEW SMALL CUTS, BUT HAVING GLASS EXPLODE INTO A PERSON IS DANGEROUS. AFTER THE FIRST FAILURE THE GLASS WAS SIMPLY REPLACED. THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED AS THE REAR GLASS WAS OPENED. AFTER THE SECOND FAILURE, THE CAR WAS BROUGHT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP TO FIX THE ISSUE. THE SECOND FAILURE OCCURRED AS THE GLASS WAS CLOSED. THE THIRD FAILURE OCCURRED 12/1/2013, IT HAS YET TO BE FIXED. THIS MOST RECENT FAILURE OCCURRED AS THE GLASS WAS CLOSED.
NHTSA complaint #10554309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,676 milesElkhart, IN1 injured
STRUCTURE
I WAS OPENING THE REAR GLASS ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT WHEN THE HINGE BROKE AND THE GLASS FELL ON MY ARM. I WAS LUCKY TO CATCH IT BEFORE IT HIT THE GROUND. I NOW HAVE A HUGE BRUISE ON MY ARM. I CONTACTED FORD THE SAID MY TRUCK WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BECAUSE OF WHERE IT WAS BUILT.
NHTSA complaint #10408959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,676 milesElkhart, IN1 injured
VISIBILITY
I WAS OPENING THE REAR GLASS ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT WHEN THE HINGE BROKE AND THE GLASS FELL ON MY ARM. I WAS LUCKY TO CATCH IT BEFORE IT HIT THE GROUND. I NOW HAVE A HUGE BRUISE ON MY ARM. I CONTACTED FORD THE SAID MY TRUCK WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BECAUSE OF WHERE IT WAS BUILT.
NHTSA complaint #10408959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesRiverview, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
LEADING UP TO THE EVENT OF THE FIRE, OCCASIONALLY THE "DOOR AJAR" BUTTON WOULD FLASH DURING DRIVING, THE ALARM WOULD RANDOMLY GO OFF, AND THE LIGHTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE WOULD FLASH AT RANDOM TIMES. THIS WAS NEVER A PATTERN, AND THE CAR WENT PERIODS OF TIME WITH NOTHING HAPPENING TO IT. ONE MORNING, I OPENED THE CAR DOOR AND FOUND THE ENTIRE INSIDE TO BE BURNED OUT. THE FIRST STARTED IN THE MIDDLE CONSOLE.
NHTSA complaint #10358978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Minneapolis, MN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Suspenion and or traction was and the electrical system didnt work good
NHTSA complaint #11675907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Minneapolis, MN
SUSPENSION
Suspenion and or traction was and the electrical system didnt work good
NHTSA complaint #11675907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Minneapolis, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Suspenion and or traction was and the electrical system didnt work good
NHTSA complaint #11675907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesLeawood, KS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
REAR WINDOW HINGES FAILED ON ONE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE REQUIRING BOTH HINGES THAT HOLDS THE REAR WINDOW GLASS IN PLACE TO BE REPLACED. DEALER WAS ABLE TO REPAIR HINGES BUT THE REAR WINDOW IS NOW UNABLE TO BE OPENED DUE TO LATCH BEING DAMAGED BY HINGES AND DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THEY COULD NOT FIX THE LATCH THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE REAR WINDOW. THEY REFERRED ME TO A GLASS REPAIR SHOP TO DO THE REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #11045781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesWeldon, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WENT TO OPEN MY BACK WINDOW AND IT BROKE I HAVE HAD MANY OTHER PROBLEMS WITH MY SUV I WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT
NHTSA complaint #11033157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesLA Verne, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
REAR WINDOW EXPLODED OVERNIGHT WHILE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. WE LIVE IN SOUTHERN CA AND IT WAS A RARE COLD NIGHT WITH LOWS IN THE 30'S. SECURITY CAMERA'S VERIFIED NO ONE OR NO OBJECT DAMAGED THE WINDOW. IT JUST EXPLODED WHILE PARKED THE GLASS WAS STREWN ACROSS A 3 CAR DRIVEWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10969663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port ST. Lucie, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
BODY MOUNTS HAVE DETERIORATED , MECHANICS I HAVE HAD LOOK AT THIS SAID , SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN , IS UNSAFE AND THEY SEE IT ALL THE TIME ON THIS YEAR AND MODEL ALSO HAVE LEARNED THAT THIS PROBLEM CAUSE WINDSHIELD TO CRACK WHEN I APPLIED HARD BREAKING.
NHTSA complaint #10959161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesSAN Bernardino, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
FORD EXPLORER CRACKED READ PANEL
NHTSA complaint #10950363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,816 milesCitrus Heights, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
I NOTICED THE REAR WINDOW LIFT GATE WAS SLIGHTLY AJAR, SO I CLOSED IT, AND SUDDENLY THE HINGE BRACKET ON THE RIGHT SIDE, CONNECTING THE WINDOW AT THE ROOF, POPPED LOOSE, EXTENDING THE WINDOW LIFT SUPPORT, MAKING IT NOW IMPOSSIBLE TO CLOSE THE BACK LIFT GATE GLASS. I CHECKED INTO THE ISSUE, AND FOUND A RECALL, CAMPAIGN # 04V442000. THIS HINGE HAS NEVER BEEN REPLACED. I WANT TO HAVE THIS FIXED UNDER RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10927073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesLorida, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AFTER ADJUSTING STEERING WHEAL UP AND DOWN THE HARNESS WAS BROKEN DUE TO SHORT HARNESS UNDER DASH I DIDN'T NOTICE IT UNTIL THE ELECTRICAL SYS FAILED
NHTSA complaint #10920028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesLakeside, CA
POWER TRAIN
THE TRANSMISSION OF OUR 2002 EXPLORER STARTED SLIPPING, JUMPING, JERKING' SURGING, REFUSING TO SHIFT, SHIFTING SLOWLY AND OTHER ASSOCIATED THINGS APPROXIMATELY 4 YEARS AGO. THERE IS NO CONSISTENCY, IT DOES IT WHENEVER IT WANTS, REGARDLESS OF THE SPEED, OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE, DRIVING DISTANCE. I FEEL FORD OWES ME A NEW, REDESIGNED TRANSMISSION WITH INSTALLATION. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT FORD IS DOING ABOUT THE PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION WHICH WAS INSTALLED IN THIS MODEL AND YEAR EXPLORERS.
NHTSA complaint #10763399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesMT Vernon, WA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR INTERIOR CHILD LOCKS FAILED IN THE LOCKED POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER STATED THIS WAS A NORMAL OCCURRENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #10714048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesPortage, MIFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DISPATCHED FOR CAR FIRE INSIDE GARAGE. 1213 ARRIVED AND REPORTED THE CAR WAS OUTSIDE, NEXT TO THE HOUSE, AND THE SIDING ON THE HOUSE WAS MELTING. 1281 ARRIVED AND ASSUMED COMMAND AT [XXX]. FIRE WAS NOW EXTENDING UP THE EXTERIOR OF THE NORTH SIDE OF THE STRUCTURE. A 2ND ALARM WAS REQUESTED AND CONSUMERS ELECTRIC WAS REQUESTED TO THE SCENE. THE HYDRANT WAS DIRECTLY BEHIND 1213. 1213 CREW STRETCHED A 1.75" HAND LINE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE HOUSE AND THEN THE FIRE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. 1211 CREW ASSISTED 1213 AND ALSO MADE CONTACT WITH ALL OCCUPANTS AND VERIFIED THAT NO ONE WAS INJURED OR MISSING. 1212 CREW WAS ASSIGNED INTERIOR. VENTILATION WAS REQUESTED FOR THE INTERIOR. FM HENSON ARRIVED ON SCENE AND WAS ASSIGNED INVESTIGATION. COMSTOCK 911 CREW WAS ASSIGNED TO ASSIST 1213 WITH EXTERIOR OVERHAUL. 1212 CONDUCTED INTERIOR OVERHAUL AND REPORTED MINOR CHARRING AT PEAK OF ROOF ON THE INTERIOR BUT NO FURTHER EXTENSION. EXTERIOR OVERHAUL WAS COMPLETED. FM HENSON DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT NEAR THE FIREWALL AND MORE TOWARDS THE DRIVER SIDE. THIS VEHICLE HAS AN OPEN RECALL FOR A SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FIRE HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #10701022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesAltoona, WI
POWER TRAIN
STARTED MY VEHICLE IT MADE A CLUNKING NOISE THEN DIED. THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE AND BROKE ALL THE VALVES OFF THE MOTOR.
NHTSA complaint #10681880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesAltoona, WI
ENGINE
STARTED MY VEHICLE IT MADE A CLUNKING NOISE THEN DIED. THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE AND BROKE ALL THE VALVES OFF THE MOTOR.
NHTSA complaint #10681880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,677 milesAlbany, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. MY REAR TAILGATE WINDOW EXPLODED. THE CAR HAD BEEN ON FOR ABOUT TEN MINUTES, WARMING UP. I LOADED MY ITEMS INTO THE CAR THROUGH THE TAILGATE WINDOW. WHEN I WAS DONE, I CLOSED THE WINDOW. BEFORE IT WAS EVEN CLOSED, THE WINDOW EXPLODED INTO THOUSANDS OF PIECES. THERE WAS GLASS ALL OVER. THE WINDOW WAS RECENTLY REPLACED AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #10680401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,677 milesAlbany, NY
VISIBILITY
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. MY REAR TAILGATE WINDOW EXPLODED. THE CAR HAD BEEN ON FOR ABOUT TEN MINUTES, WARMING UP. I LOADED MY ITEMS INTO THE CAR THROUGH THE TAILGATE WINDOW. WHEN I WAS DONE, I CLOSED THE WINDOW. BEFORE IT WAS EVEN CLOSED, THE WINDOW EXPLODED INTO THOUSANDS OF PIECES. THERE WAS GLASS ALL OVER. THE WINDOW WAS RECENTLY REPLACED AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #10680401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 215,260 milesBurlington, NC
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR GLASS HINGES WERE NOT ATTACHED TO THE TAILGATE PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 215,260.
NHTSA complaint #10652483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Appomattox, VA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS STOPPED WORKING. PROBLEM TRACED TO TILT STEERING AND MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WIRING HARNESS. BROKEN RETAINER CLIP ALLOWS WIRES TO BE PULLED FROM CONNECTOR BREAKING CONNECTION FOR BRAKE LIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL. ONCE TILT STEERING IS ENGAGED CONNECTION IS BROKEN AND WIRES DO NOT STAY CONNECTED AND LOSS OF BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNAL IS THE RESULT. THIS COULD LEAD TO ACCIDENT, INJURY AND OR LOSS OF LIFE DUE TO POOR DESIGN. THE BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEM HAD ELUDED ME UNTIL I DID A GOOGLE SEARCH ON THE INTERNET WHICH RESULTED IN HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS, OF PEOPLE ALL EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. CALLING THE FORD DEALER AND PROVIDING THE PART NUMBER (E6DB14489DA) ON THE CONNECTOR PROVED FUTILE IN HAVING THEM EVEN IDENTIFY THE PART YET I WAS ABLE TO FIND THE PART ON THE INTERNET JUST BE A GOOGLE SEARCH. AT THIS POINT, I AM UNABLE TO LOCATE A REPLACEMENT PART SO I AM FORCED TO HOT GLUE THE WIRES INTO THE BROKEN CONNECTOR IN ORDER TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10637235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Appomattox, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS STOPPED WORKING. PROBLEM TRACED TO TILT STEERING AND MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WIRING HARNESS. BROKEN RETAINER CLIP ALLOWS WIRES TO BE PULLED FROM CONNECTOR BREAKING CONNECTION FOR BRAKE LIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL. ONCE TILT STEERING IS ENGAGED CONNECTION IS BROKEN AND WIRES DO NOT STAY CONNECTED AND LOSS OF BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNAL IS THE RESULT. THIS COULD LEAD TO ACCIDENT, INJURY AND OR LOSS OF LIFE DUE TO POOR DESIGN. THE BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEM HAD ELUDED ME UNTIL I DID A GOOGLE SEARCH ON THE INTERNET WHICH RESULTED IN HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS, OF PEOPLE ALL EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. CALLING THE FORD DEALER AND PROVIDING THE PART NUMBER (E6DB14489DA) ON THE CONNECTOR PROVED FUTILE IN HAVING THEM EVEN IDENTIFY THE PART YET I WAS ABLE TO FIND THE PART ON THE INTERNET JUST BE A GOOGLE SEARCH. AT THIS POINT, I AM UNABLE TO LOCATE A REPLACEMENT PART SO I AM FORCED TO HOT GLUE THE WIRES INTO THE BROKEN CONNECTOR IN ORDER TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10637235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Appomattox, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS STOPPED WORKING. PROBLEM TRACED TO TILT STEERING AND MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WIRING HARNESS. BROKEN RETAINER CLIP ALLOWS WIRES TO BE PULLED FROM CONNECTOR BREAKING CONNECTION FOR BRAKE LIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL. ONCE TILT STEERING IS ENGAGED CONNECTION IS BROKEN AND WIRES DO NOT STAY CONNECTED AND LOSS OF BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNAL IS THE RESULT. THIS COULD LEAD TO ACCIDENT, INJURY AND OR LOSS OF LIFE DUE TO POOR DESIGN. THE BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEM HAD ELUDED ME UNTIL I DID A GOOGLE SEARCH ON THE INTERNET WHICH RESULTED IN HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS, OF PEOPLE ALL EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. CALLING THE FORD DEALER AND PROVIDING THE PART NUMBER (E6DB14489DA) ON THE CONNECTOR PROVED FUTILE IN HAVING THEM EVEN IDENTIFY THE PART YET I WAS ABLE TO FIND THE PART ON THE INTERNET JUST BE A GOOGLE SEARCH. AT THIS POINT, I AM UNABLE TO LOCATE A REPLACEMENT PART SO I AM FORCED TO HOT GLUE THE WIRES INTO THE BROKEN CONNECTOR IN ORDER TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10637235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,464 milesTemple, GA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
REAR DOOR GLASS HATCH HINGES CAME OFF.THIS WAS MY WIFES VEHICLE DRIVEN VERY LITTLE UNTIL SHE PASSED AWAY 2009.THEN IT WAS DRIVEN EVEN LESS. BACK HATCH GLASS WAS NEVER USED AS FAR AS I KNOW. SHE ALWAYS USED THE METAL DOOR. I DROVE IT TO GROCERY STORE,PUT GROCERIES IN BACK USING LARGE DOOR. WHEN I GOT HOME I JUST GRABBED GLASS HATCH HANDLE BY MISTAKE,IT CAME OFF IN MY HAND.BOTH HINGES WERE BROKEN. I DON'T KNOW FOR HOW LONG,THE LATCH WAS ALL THAT KEPT IT IN PLACE.WHEN THE LATCH OPENED IT EXPLODED OUTWARD ,RESULTING IN BADLY DAMAGED PAINT AND BOTH REAR DEFROSTER WIRES TO BE TORN OFF GLASS.LUCKILY IT WAS ME AND NOT MY WIFE,COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE.LIFT CYLINDERS WERE SO STRONG I COULD NOT PUT IT BACK IN PLACE,HAD TO YELL FOR NEIGHBORS FOR HELP!HAD IT REPAIRED LOCAL FORD DEALER.TOLD ME ABOUT RECALL FOR MODELS EXCEPT SPORT.NO RECALL FOR IT.$150.50(NOT INCLUDING PAINT) FOR REPAIRS & 10 DAYS @ DEALER.IT NOW HAS 71,800 MILES GLASS HATCH NEVER USED,IT HAS BROKEN DRIVERS SIDE HINGE AGAIN.07/28/2014.HAVE NOT CONTACTED DEALER AGAIN AS OF THIS TIME. BUT I PLAN TO EXPRESS MY CONCERNS FOR SUCH INADEQUATE REPLACEMENT PARTS. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED.THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW, NEVER ABUSED AND WELL MAINTAINED.
NHTSA complaint #10616693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,464 milesTemple, GA
STRUCTURE:BODY
REAR DOOR GLASS HATCH HINGES CAME OFF.THIS WAS MY WIFES VEHICLE DRIVEN VERY LITTLE UNTIL SHE PASSED AWAY 2009.THEN IT WAS DRIVEN EVEN LESS. BACK HATCH GLASS WAS NEVER USED AS FAR AS I KNOW. SHE ALWAYS USED THE METAL DOOR. I DROVE IT TO GROCERY STORE,PUT GROCERIES IN BACK USING LARGE DOOR. WHEN I GOT HOME I JUST GRABBED GLASS HATCH HANDLE BY MISTAKE,IT CAME OFF IN MY HAND.BOTH HINGES WERE BROKEN. I DON'T KNOW FOR HOW LONG,THE LATCH WAS ALL THAT KEPT IT IN PLACE.WHEN THE LATCH OPENED IT EXPLODED OUTWARD ,RESULTING IN BADLY DAMAGED PAINT AND BOTH REAR DEFROSTER WIRES TO BE TORN OFF GLASS.LUCKILY IT WAS ME AND NOT MY WIFE,COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE.LIFT CYLINDERS WERE SO STRONG I COULD NOT PUT IT BACK IN PLACE,HAD TO YELL FOR NEIGHBORS FOR HELP!HAD IT REPAIRED LOCAL FORD DEALER.TOLD ME ABOUT RECALL FOR MODELS EXCEPT SPORT.NO RECALL FOR IT.$150.50(NOT INCLUDING PAINT) FOR REPAIRS & 10 DAYS @ DEALER.IT NOW HAS 71,800 MILES GLASS HATCH NEVER USED,IT HAS BROKEN DRIVERS SIDE HINGE AGAIN.07/28/2014.HAVE NOT CONTACTED DEALER AGAIN AS OF THIS TIME. BUT I PLAN TO EXPRESS MY CONCERNS FOR SUCH INADEQUATE REPLACEMENT PARTS. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED.THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW, NEVER ABUSED AND WELL MAINTAINED.
NHTSA complaint #10616693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesMaryville, IL
STRUCTURE
WHILE OPENING MY REAR HATCH WINDOW TO LOAD GROCERIES I NOTICED THE TOP RIGHT HINGE HAD DETACHED FROM THE CAR, LEAVING THE GLASS HATCH HANGING BY A SINGLE HINGE. WHEN I GOT HOME I GOOGLED THE PROBLEM AND DISCOVERED RECALL #04S20 AND MENTIONED IT TO MY DEALER WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR SERVICING. THEY SAID MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED, SO I CALLED FORD AND THEY AGREED. EVEN THOUGH THE RECALL SPECIFIES "ALL FORD EXPLORER MODELS" THEY SAY MINE IS THE 2-DOOR "SPORT" EDITION AND SO ISN'T INCLUDED EVEN THOUGH THE HATCH IS IDENTICAL (I'VE OWNED BOTH). THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR AND THIS IS THE 2ND TIME I'VE HAD THIS PROBLEM (THE OTHER HINGE BROKE 2 YEARS AGO). I'D APPRECIATE IT IF YOU COULD DETERMINE IF THE 2-DOOR MODELS ARE SUFFICIENTLY DIFFERENT THAT THEY CAN BE EXEMPTED FROM THIS RECALL, AND IF THEY SHOULD BE INCLUDED TELL ME HOW TO PROCEED. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10615568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLake Charles, LA1 injured
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
THE FORD EXPLORER SPORT HAS A REAR HATCH THAT INCLUDES A GLASS SECTION THAT HAS THE ABILITY TO BE OPENED TO LOAD ITEMS INTO THE TRUNK AREA OF THE VEHICLE. THREE SEPARATE TIMES THE REAR WINDSHIELD HAS BLOWN OUT AS IT HAS BEEN OPENED / CLOSED. THE REAR WINDSHIELD IS MADE OF TEMPERED GLASS AND WHEN IT BREAKS IT EXPLODES INTO THE PERSON OPERATING THE WINDOW. THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY INJURIES BESIDES A FEW SMALL CUTS, BUT HAVING GLASS EXPLODE INTO A PERSON IS DANGEROUS. AFTER THE FIRST FAILURE THE GLASS WAS SIMPLY REPLACED. THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED AS THE REAR GLASS WAS OPENED. AFTER THE SECOND FAILURE, THE CAR WAS BROUGHT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP TO FIX THE ISSUE. THE SECOND FAILURE OCCURRED AS THE GLASS WAS CLOSED. THE THIRD FAILURE OCCURRED 12/1/2013, IT HAS YET TO BE FIXED. THIS MOST RECENT FAILURE OCCURRED AS THE GLASS WAS CLOSED.
NHTSA complaint #10554309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
