136 of the
4,097 complaints about the 2002 Ford Explorer are about the
braking system — 3% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
51,894 miles.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR AJAR AND BRAKE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED EVEN WHEN THE DOORS WERE CLOSED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS NOTIFIED AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE WHEEL BEARING FAILURE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT NHTSA WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL RECALLS. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED.
NHTSA complaint #11102649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesNorthville, NJCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN COLLISION FACILITY AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #11090465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 219,090 milesMadera, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
THE ABS DASH LIGHT COMES ON WHEN YOU START THE VEHICLE AND STAYS ON . THE AIRBAG LIGHT BLINKS 33 THEN STAYS ON. THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE TRAILER BRAKE AND ALARM WHICH CAUSED THE ENTIRE CAR TO SHUT DOWN WOULD NOT START UNTIL BATTERY CABLES WERE REMOVED FOR A FEW MINUTES THEN VEHICAL STARTED BUT EVERY TIME YOU CLOSE A DOOR OR ANY VIBRATION THE ALARM GOES OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10953947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Millville, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
DRIVING ND STEERING WHEEL FELL APART BRAKE SWITCH STOPPED WORKING 3 TIMES HAD NEW TRANSMISSION PUT IN HAD TO HAVE 3 DIFFERENT SETS OF TIRE PUT ON BACK WINDOW SHATTERED WHILE SITTING AT RED LIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10917406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockfeild, KYCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, IT'S OUR DAILY DRIVER EVERYTHING WORKS EXCEPT THE HUBS, THIS TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN WRECKED, AND WE FIND OURSELVES@ ABOUT EVERY 15,000 TO 20,000 MILES HAVING TO REPLACE THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND HUB ASSEMBLY'S , LAST NIGHT ON THE WAY HOME THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT HUB STARTED SQUEALING AND CAME APART AND WE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED AGAIN, I HAVE OWNED THIS TRUCK FOR 3 YEARS, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BEARINGS AND HUBS BRAKES 11 TIMES AND NOW I'M GOING TO HAVE TO DO IT AGAIN, WOW, THESE PARTS ARE REALLY EXPENSIVE TO HAVE NO BETTER QUALITY THAN THAT, EVERYTIME WE GET IT FIXED IT COST AROUND $1400, IT'S A NICE TRUCK, AND EVERYTHING ELSE WORKS GREAT, NO ISSUES, I TRANSPORT MY FAMILY MEMBERS IN THIS VEHICLE, AND I'M GETTING TIRED OF FEARING FOR THEIR LIVES AND MY OWN WHEN THE WHEEL HUBS BREAK AND LEAVE US STRANDED , IT'S OBVIOUSLY TIME FOR A DIFFERENT VEHICLE, AND I JUST THOUGHT ABOUT HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE DRIVE ONE OF THOSE TRUCKS, AND HOW DANGEROUS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN OUT ON THE INTERSTATE, IT'S A GOOD THING WE WERE DRIVING 30 MPH ON A COUNTRY RD, IF WE HAD BEEN IN TOWN WHEN IT BROKE AGAIN WE I THOUGHT THAT THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED TOO, THERE DEFINATLY IS A PROBLEM, WHEN THE GUY AT THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT'S A VERY COMMON PROBLEM, BUT UNFORTUNATELY, ALL HE CAN DO IS FIX IT, OR SELL ME SOMETHING ELSE,AND THAT THAT'S THE ISSUE THAT THOSE TRUCKS HAVE AND THAT EVERYDAY SOMEONE IS DROPPING ONE OF TO GET FIXED FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM, ANYWAY I THINK IT'S TIME TO TRY SOMETHING ELSE, BUT THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ON A RECALL LIST BECAUSE IT'S JUST BAD BUSINESS AND A SAFETY HAZARD, AND IT'S PROBLABY ALREADY GOTTEN PEOPLE AND FAMILIES KILLED, I'M GOING TO FIX THIS THING ONE MORE TIME AND GIVE THE PEOPLE THAT BUY IT THIS WEBSITE INFO, FORD MOTOR COMPANY NEEDS TO FIX THIS EVER OCCURRING PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10885215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesPhiladelphia, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
REAR PADS AND ROTORS FAILED JUNE 8, 2015. O/D LIGHT BLINKING WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, ON JUNE 12, 2015. TRANSMISSION SHOP GOT THE CODES AND STATED I DON'T HAVE 2ND AND 5TH GEARS. $2000.00 COST. PLEASE FORCE RECALL! HELP! MANY OTHER REPAIRS INCLUDING U-JOINTS, TIE RODS, FRONT AXLE, FRONT ROTORS WITH PADS ETC. SINCE I BOUGHT IT IN APRIL 2013.
NHTSA complaint #10726347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXCrashFire1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO TREES THEN WENT FORWARD INDEPENDENTLY CRASHING INTO SHRUBS, A FENCE, AND A BUILDING. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISE AND NECK AND HEAD INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10664567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesNovi, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
WHEN BRAKING VEHICLE ACCELERATES. COULD NOT STOP HAD TO PUT IN N AND IT STALLED BEFORE HITTING A STORE FRONT AND A SECOND TIME ON THE WAY HOME AT A RED LIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10644511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesNEW Milford, CT
SERVICE BRAKES
OVER THE PAST YEAR I HAVE NOTICED THAT THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING SEVERE RUST ISSUES ON VARIOUS COMPONENTS INCLUDING LOWER BODY WORK, SPECIFICALLY UNDER THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS IN ADDITION TO EMERGENCY BRAKE COMPONENTS. WHEN I FIRST NOTICED THE ISSUE I TOOK IMMEDIATE ACTION TO REPAIR THE DAMAGED BODY WORK AREAS BY USING ANTI-RUST TREATMENTS AND APPLYING NEW PAINT AS RECOMMENDED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. THE ISSUE THOUGH IS STILL ONGOING TO THE POINT WHERE DOOR SEALS ARE NO LONGER WATER TIGHT AND SMALL PIECES OF BODY WORK ARE FLAKING AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF WIND RESISTANCE AND BUMPS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. I HAVE ALSO NEEDED TO REPLACE RUSTED EMERGENCY BRAKE COMPONENTS WHICH I WAS ADVISED WERE NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL OR SAFE. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH IT APPEARS THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES (PRIMARILY BETWEEN 2002 AND 2004) ARE EXPERIENCING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE AND THAT SUPPOSEDLY FORD IS AWARE OF A KNOWN PAINT DEFECT THAT IS THE ROOT CAUSE, HOWEVER NO RELATED RECALLS OR FURTHER INFORMATION HAS SURFACED. (EXAMPLE TESTIMONIALS HERE: HTTP://WWW.LEMONLAW.COM/WORDPRESS/MORE-PROBLEMS-FOR-FORD-PAINT-DEFECTS-IN-2000-2005-MODELS/ ) MY VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN REGULARLY SERVICED AND WELL MAINTAINED AND I WOULD NOT EXPECT TO BE SEEING AN ISSUE AS SIGNIFICANT AS THIS GIVEN THE VEHICLE'S AGE AND MILEAGE. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AS I AM NOT CONFIDENT IN THE OVERALL SAFETY OF MY VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10587856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,500 milesNEW Haven, CT
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK THANK GOD I WAS ALMOST HOME AT THIS TIME, MY FORD EXPLORE WAS DRIVING FINE ALL OF A SUDDEN I HERD A POP AND A BANG AND THEN THE MOTOR STARTED STUMBLING AND SHAKING. AS IT WAS RUNNING THE MOTOR KEPT ON POPPING I GOT OUT AND SEEN A SPARK PLUG NEXT TO DRIVER SIDE FENDER UNDER THE HOOD ALSO THE COIL THAT WAS PLUGGED ON TO THE PLUG WAS THERE TOO.I TRIED TO GRAB THE COIL BUT GOT SHOCKED BECAUSE THE RUBBER ON THE COIL WAS BROKE FROM THE PLUG FLYING OUT LIKE A BULLET AND HITTING THE COIL BRAKING IT IN FOUR OR FIVE PLACES THATS Y I GOT SHOCKED SO MUCH.THE HOLE POINT IS THAT THE PLUG STRIPED OUT OF THE HEAD AND DID ALL THIS DAMAGE. NOW I HAVE NO WAY TO FIX THIS ISSUE ONE OF THE WAYS TO FIX IT CAN BE TO REPLACE THE HEADS ON THE MOTOR WITCH WILL COST LOTS OF MONEY.WHAT CAN I DO IM DESPERATE SO IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE A HELPING HAND BY THE DEALER BUT THEY CLAIM IT'S NOT THERE FAULT BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SO MANY FORDS BECAUSE OF THE HEADS THEY HAVE USED ON THIS MOTOR PLEASE MAKE A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE IT IS A DEFECT I DO BELIEVE IT IS. I FOUND OVER 50 PEOPLE ONLINE HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE SAME ISSUES AS ME. PLEASE HELP US.....
NHTSA complaint #10579018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fair Lawn, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I HAD TO REPLACE BRAKE PADS AND OTHER BRAKE PARTS ON THIS CAR WITHIN THE SAME YEAR (2012-13).
NHTSA complaint #10564181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesFair Lawn, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
THIS IS THE THIRD TIME I HAVE TO REPLACE BRAKES (FULL JOB) WITH ABS CONCERNS.
NHTSA complaint #10564183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesNEW Fairfield, CT
SERVICE BRAKES
AUGUST 27,2012. HUABAND DRIVING HOWM FROM WORK. GOING DOWN HILL TO TRAFFIC LIGHT. CAR SUDDENLY, WITH NO WARNING, STALLS OUT COMPLETELY. LOSS OF POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES.ETC. A/S CONTUINUED TO WORK. ENGINE LIGH CAME ON. WRESTLED CAR TO VERGE OF ROAD. TURNED CAR OFF AND IT RESTARTED ON FORST TRY. STATED THAT THE FOLLOWING DAY AS HE ATTEMPTED TO PULL AWAY FROM STOP SIGN, CAR WOULD NOT INITALLY TAKE GAS BUT THEN SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ( " I PEELED RUBBER!") RECALLED THAT THATSAME INCIDENT HAD HAD HAPPENED APPROX. 2 WEEKS BEFORE AT A DIFFEENT STOP. CAR TAKEN TO REPAIR SHOP, SOMPUTER SHOWS NO ISSUES. BELIEVE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE IF AFFECTED WITH SUDDEN, UNEXPLAINED STALLING WITH NO APPARENT CAUSE. BOUGHT CAR AS "CERTIFIED, PRE-OWNED" USED CAR FROM FORD DEALERSHIP IN DEC. 2012. THEY HAVE NO ANSWER, NO SUGGESTIONS AS TO PROBLEM CAUSE. INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THE FORD EXPLORER.
NHTSA complaint #10538149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 177,156 milesFairmont, MN
SERVICE BRAKES
WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND WE HEARD A CLUNK AND SO WE PULLED OVER RIGHT AWAY AND LOOKED AND THOUGHT IT LOOKED LIKE THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WAS SAGGING BUT WASN'T SURE, WE DROVE HOME AND THEN REALIZED IT WAS DEF SAGGING. I TOOK IT TO THE CAR LOT I BOUGHT IT AT AND THEIR GOING TO CHECK IT ALL OUT TO SEE WHAT'S GOING ON.. JUST BE LOOKING AT IT THE CAR LOT MECHANIC SAID LOOKS LIKE SUSPENSION ISSUE AS IF SOMETHING BROKE. ALSO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WE HAD IT CHECKED OUT A FEW TIMES AND IT APPEARS TO HAVE O2 SENSOR ISSUES LOCATED ON THE EXHAUST WHICH SEEMS TO BE A ISSUES WITH ALOT OF FORD EXPLORERS WHICH MAKES GAS MILEAGE TERRIBLE AND VEHICLE STALLS OUT AND DIES, NOT TO MENTION THE PIECE OF PLASTIC UNDER THE REAR HATCH WINDOW THAT ALWAYS BREAKS.
NHTSA complaint #10503988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesWest Bend, IA
SERVICE BRAKES
AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK MY FUEL GAUGE WENT FROM FULL TO EMPTY AND THE CHECK GAUGE LIGHT CAME ON THEN THE VEHICLE DIED AND I LOST POWER STEERING AND THE POWER BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #10458608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesWaterbury, CT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY DOING 65 AS POSTED, I STARTED TO FEEL SHAKING FROM THE TIRES AND IT GOT TO THE POINT I COULDN'T CONTROL THE VEHICLE, LUCKY I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND CALL AAA FOR A TOW, A STATE POLICE OFFICER PULLED BEHIND ME AND SAID LET ME GUESS HUB BEARING. THE POLICE DEPT ALSO HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS MY 8TH REPAIR I AM DOING AND NEXT WEEK I AM DOING THE OPPOSITE SIDE. IT IS COSTING ME 600.00 DOLLARS FOR EVERY SIDE I AM DOING. I MADE A COMPLAINT TO FORD COMPANY AND THEY TOLD ME THERE IS NO RECALL. THEN WHY IS MY MECHANIC TELLING ME HE GETS NUMEROUS REPAIR JOBS ON THE SAME VEHICLES. PLUS I SPOKE TO A CO WORKER THAT HAS THE SAME YEAR AND VEHICLE DOING THE SAME THING. WHEN IS SOMETHING GOING TO GET DONE. OR IS THE COMPANY GOING TO WAIT TILL SOMEONE GETS KILLED. BBB AND BLUMINTHAU WAS TOLD ABOUT AND STILL NO RESPONSE FROM NO BODY.
NHTSA complaint #10446821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesMaspeth, NYFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND A CLAIM WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING FURTHER INSTRUCTION BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
NHTSA complaint #10411931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesYonkers, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER I BOUGHT ABOUT A YEAR AGO. EVERYTHING WAS WORKING FINE..I HAVE MY ABS LIGHT ON..WHEN I TRY TO STOP THE CAR MY BRAKE ENGAGE BUT WHEN IT COME TO THE FINAL STOP IT GIVES AND THE PRESSURE ON THE TRUCK IS NO LONGER THERE.. I FEEL LIKE I AM GOING TO CRASH IN TO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME.. I BROUGHT THE TRUCK TO THE MECHANIC AND CHECKED EVERYTHING AND DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT.. NO LEAKS OR ANYTHING.. BUT DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS CAUSING IT... I NOTICED THAT THERE ARE MANY OF THE SAME ISSUES REGARDING THE BRAKES NOT WORKING PROPERLY.. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED.. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #10382972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,800 milesGreat Falls, MT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I STARTED GETTING THE CRACK IN MY HATCH BY THE REAR WINDOW IN 2005. IT HAS SPREAD AND GOTTEN WORSE AND I STILL HAVE NOT FIXED IT. LAST YEAR IN 2009 OUR ABS LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON AND OFF AND WHEN I GO TO BRAKE AT TIMES IT FEELS LIKE THEY KICK ON AT IRREGULAR TIMES, BUT I ALSO FEEL I DO NOT HAVE THE BRAKING POWER I SHOULD. IN JUNE 2010 I WAS DRIVING THE EXPLORER AND THE O/D LIGHT STARTING BLINKING AND THE EXPLORER WAS SHIFTING OUT OF CONTROL. WE HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACE AND THE U-JOINTS AND THE REAR AXLE FIXED FOR AROUND $2900. WE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY IN JULY 2010. I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND TOLD THEM ALL OF MY ISSUES AND THEY TOLD ME THAT SINCE THEY DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH COMPLAINTS THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. TO THIS POINT I WAS AGGRAVATED AND COULDN'T BELIEVE THE WAY THEY HAD TREATED ME AND LET ALONE OTHERS WHO I AM SURE MADE THE SAME CALL. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE EVEN NOW WHEN IT IS IN GEAR IN PARK THE CAR SEEMS TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH.
NHTSA complaint #10352978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,000 milesAsheville, NC
PARKING BRAKE
PURCHASED 2002 EXPLORER XLT V6 4.0L ALREADY TRANSMISSION SLIPPING SOLENOID OR WHATEVER OUT.. I HAVE READ REPORTS AND WONDER WHY THIS TRANSMISSION IS NOT RECALLED? I HAVE IT IN SHOP NOW HAVING TO HAVE IT REBUILT AND EVERYTHING CHANGED. ALSO RIGHT WHEEL BEARINGS BAD, UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS BAD, SUSPENSION SHOT. AND THE RECORDS SHOW THE PREVIOUS OWNERS MAINTAINED EVERYTHING WELL. BUT ALSO HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED AND HAD PROBLEMS AT 99,000MILES. PLEASE DOING SOMETHING FOR ALL OF US OUT HERE. ALSO COOLANT LEAK, ENGINE LEAK, POWER SEAT FAILURE, AND ON.
NHTSA complaint #10350869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesCorpus Christi, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD UNTIL REPEATED PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THAT PEDAL. A POP NOISE WAS ALSO HEARD COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE FIREWALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A WIRE MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE BRAKE PEDAL SWITCH. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS IN THE PROCESS OF INSTALLING A NEW BRAKE PEDAL SWITCH. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 73,000. UPDATED 10/21/10. *LJ UPDATED 10/25/10
NHTSA complaint #10348473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesELK Point, SD
PARKING BRAKE
2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH DEFECTIVE EMERGENCY BRAKES, THEY PREMATURE CORROSION CAUSING THE PADS TO FALL UP LEAVING SOMEONE WITH OUT A SECONDARY BRAKING SYSTEM. FROM MECHANICS I HAVE SPOKE TO HAPPENS A LOT AND FORD DOESN'T COVER THEM. I HAVE AN EXPLORER AND ONE WHEEL HAS ONLY ONE PAD LEFT THE OTHER DOESN'T HAVE ANY REMAINING. HAVE NOT FIXED DUE TO THE EXPENSE REPAIR BILL ON SOMETHING THAT DOESN'T GET USED THAT OFTEN.
NHTSA complaint #10302023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 228,000 milesMaribyrnong, 00Crash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
MY CARS CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE WHEN I APPLIED THE FOOTBRAKE, PUSHED THE OFF SWITCH, THE GEAR SHIFT WOULD NOT MOVE AND THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN OFF. THE CAR WAS CHECKED BY POLICE AND WHEN IT WAS TESTED THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND A FAULT IN THE FAILSAFES HOWEVER THEY ARE STILL SUSPICIOUS OF THE VEHICLE. I HAD TO CALL POLICE AND WAS IN A RUNAWAY CAR ON THE FREEWAY FOR 30MINS. WHEN I HIT A MEDIAN STRIP I LOST ENOUGH SPEED TO BE ABLE TO USE THE LITTLE BRAKING POWER I HAD LEFT, AS EACH TIME I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE ENGINE WOULD ACCELERATE BACK TO THE SET SPED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME HARD TO PUSH. WHEN I STOPPED I ALSO PULLED THE HANDBRAKE AS ORDERED BY THE POLICE OVER THE PHONE TO AVOID A HEADON, THE LEFT SHOE OF THE HANDBRAKE SNAPPED AND THE CAR SKIDDED TO A STOP. THE POLICE DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY WHEN THEY DID TESTING. SO I'VE BEEN TOLD ANY FAULT CODES OR FAULTS EITHER WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL OR THE ECU MAY NOW BE LOST. FORD ARE CLAIMING THIS COULD NEVER HAPPEN, BUT IM STARTING TO READ ON OTHER SITES THE SAME THINGS ARE HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE. I COULD BE DEAD ALONG WITH ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE THAT DAY. THE POLICE ALSO HAD ISSUES MOVING THE GEAR SHIFT THAT DAY ON MY CAR TO GET IT ONTO A TOW TRUCK, SO ITS NOT JUST THE DRIVER.
NHTSA complaint #10298780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesAPO, AE
PARKING BRAKE
BROKEN REAR COIL SPRINGS ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT, 85000 MILES. ALSO NEED FRONT AND REAR WHEEL BEARINGS, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, EMERGENCY BRAKE REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10274303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesOmaha, NE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
HEARD A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, HAD BRAKES CHANGED, NOISE CONTINUED. FOUND OUT IT WAS THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BEARING AND THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT BOTH GOING BAD. REPAIRS NOT DONE TOO EXPENSIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10269570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesSouth Berwick, ME
PARKING BRAKE
2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH BROKEN COIL SPRING, CRACK UNDER REAR WINDOW, AND TRANSMISSION SLIP, BROKEN PARKING BRAKE SHOES IN ASSEMBLY. SAME COMPLAINTS THAT SEEM TO BE COMMON. AND SAME WITH EVERYONE ELSE, NO HELP FROM FORD.
NHTSA complaint #10253508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesPottstown, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE ENGINE IDLED ROUGHLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE INDICATOR REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS STARTED, THE ENGINE WOULD AUTOMATICALLY IDLE WITHOUT ACCELERATION. THE FAILURES OCCURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND CANNOT BE DRIVEN. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
NHTSA complaint #10249793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,500 milesWinthrop, MA
PARKING BRAKE
2002 FORD EXPLORER USED FOR NON BUSINESS DRIVING. NO HEAVY LOADS OR TRAILERS. NO OFF ROAD USE. NO INCIDENTS WITH OBJECTS IN ROAD, POT HOLES, OBSTACLES ETC. BOTH REAR SUSPENSION SPRINGS BROKEN. ONE SPRING BROKEN IN 3 PLACES. NOTICED @ 56,500 MILES. SPRINGS HAD BEEN BROKEN FOR A WHILE(RUST ON BREAKS). DIDN'T NOTICE IT UNTIL RECENTLY BROKEN SPRING ON OTHER SIDE ASYMPTOMATIC. THE ONLY IMMEDIATE CONSEQUENCES TO ME WERE A LARGE REPAIR BILL. IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE IF I WAS PRESENTED WITH A NEED FOR AN EMERGENCY MANEUVER AND THE FAULTY SUSPENSION CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I REPLACED BOTH REAR SPRINGS AND STRUTS. PARTS IN REPAIR SHOP TRASH. WON'T LAST THERE TOO LONG. REPAIR SHOP REPORTS SEEING SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH EXPLORER AND RELATED FORD MODELS. INTERNET SEARCH REVEALED MANY PEOPLE HAD SAME PROBLEM WITH NO HISTORY OF ABUSE REPORTED. HAD REAR BRAKES SERVICED AT THE SAME TIME. HAD TO REPLACE SHOE PADS ON PARKING BRAKE BECAUSE THE PADS BOTH FELL OFF. USE PARKING BRAKE INFREQUENTLY. REPAIR SHOP REPORTED SEEING THIS PROBLEM PREVIOUSLY ALSO.
NHTSA complaint #10245719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carol Stream, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
PURCHASED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN 2003 WITH 30,000 MILES ON IT. ALMOST INSTANTLY A HUMMING NOISE CAME FROM WHAT I THINK IS THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE, MAY BE MORE AREAS, AND WAS UNSURE WHAT TO DO WITH IT. REPLACED BRAKES A FEW YEARS LATER AND MECHANIC TOLD ME BEARINGS WERE WARPED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I ASKED THE MECHANIC WHAT THE CONSEQUENCE WOULD BE IF NO REPAIRS WERE MADE AND HE STATED NONE. I READ A MESSAGE BOARD ABOUT THE 2002 EXPLORER AND THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE FOR MANY OWNERS. I ALSO RESEARCHED THE CONSEQUENCE OF A BEARING NOT BEING REPLACED AND THE CONSEQUENCES CAN RESULT IN DEATH. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO RESEARCH THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE REALLY GETS HURT.
NHTSA complaint #10244325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
PAINT IS BLISTERING AND CHIPPING ON THE HOOD AND FENDER OF MY 2002 EXPLORER. ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON.
NHTSA complaint #10233248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.