FaultScore

2002 Ford Explorer equipment problems

62 of the 4,097 complaints about the 2002 Ford Explorer are about the equipment — 2% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 64,460 miles.

A

62

Complaints

2

Crashes

1

Fires

1

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Equipment 39 62.9%
AIR Conditioner 12 19.4%
Carrier/Rack 3 4.8%
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 3 4.8%
Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. 2 3.2%
Recreational Vehicle/Trailer 2 3.2%
Navigational System(Global Positioning System) 1 1.6%

Equipment & Accessories across every Ford Explorer year

1991 29 7.8%
1992 23 6.2%
1993 29 7.8%
1994 33 8.9%
1996 16 4.3%
1997 42 11.3%
1998 38 10.2%
1999 30 8.1%
2000 16 4.3%
2001 11 3.0%
2002 62 16.7%
2003 16 4.3%
2004 15 4.0%
2006 11 3.0%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Highland Park, IL Fire

EQUIPMENT

THE CONSUMER STATED THE HOME FIRE HAZARD CREATED BY FAULTY DESIGN OF NON UL APPROVED PERSONAL SNOW PLOW USE FOR SUV MANUFACTURED BY WESTERN PRODUCTS. SNOW PLOW ELECTRIC MOTOR WAS UNFUSED AND OVERHEATED NOT RESPONDING TO THE COMMAN CONTROLLER SHORTING OUT AND CAUSING A SERIOUS EXPENSIVE FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #11253850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Columbus, GA

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

PARKED ON HILL OR FLAT GROUND IT HAPPEN BEFORE,BUT THE GEAR SHIFT GETS STUCK. YOU CAN TURN THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT,LEFT TO GET IT TO UNLOCK BUT IT WANT, NO LOCKED BRAKES.BUT I KEPT ON TRYING TO GET MY TRUCK IN GEAR TO POINT OF DOING DANGERS THINGS AS OF STICKING ONE FOOT OUT OF THE DOOR AND ROCKING IT BACK AND FORTH.TO GET THE LOCK TO BRAKE BUT THAT DID NOT WORK THEN I TRIED AGAIN AND THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE A ALUMINUM PART ON THE INSIDE BROKE AND I HAVE SAW THREE MORE LIKE THIS AND SOME MORE REPORTS OF THIS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN SAID OR DONE ABOUT THIS,THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE.

NHTSA complaint #10702144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Georgia, GA Crash

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

I WAS IN A ACCIDENT ON AUGUST 21, 2014. TWO OR MORE DEER'S RAN OUT IN FRONT OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND I RAN OFF THE ROAD HITTING A POLE. IT CRUSHED THE WHOLE FRONT END AND MY AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED. MY TRUCK IS A TOTAL LOSS AND I DID HAVE ON MY SEAT BELT BUT THE AIRBAG SHOULD OF DEPLOYED.

NHTSA complaint #10631431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Newport, DE

EQUIPMENT

MY NAME IS[XXX] AND I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT (V6). I HAVE OWNED IT FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW (WILL BE IN JAN 2012) AND LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT UNTIL RECENTLY. ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO, I HEARD A STRANGE LOUD WHINING NOISE. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND FOUND THAT REAR WHEEL BEARING WAS GOING. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT IF I WOULD HAVE TOOK THE INTERSTATE TO WORK THAT EVENING I COULD HAVE POSSIBLY DIED OR CAUSED SERIOUS INJURIES TO OTHERS ON ROAD. VERY SCARY! MIND YOU THIS BEARING WENT WITH NO WARNING. IMMEDIATELY AFTER I HEARD THE NOISE I TOOK IT IN. WELL THE BEARING GOT FIXED AND I COULDN'T HAVE BEEN HAPPIER. HOWEVER, ABOUT A MONTH AGO I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE WITH MY TWO YEAR OLD DAUGHTER DOING ABOUT 70MPH WHEN MY TRUCK BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. I ASSUMED I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING A TIRE BLOW-OUT AND BEGAN SLOWLY BREAKING AND LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. LUCKILY I MADE IT ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE INTERSTATE. MY TIRE HOWEVER WAS NOT AS LUCKY. ALL 5 STUDS ON MY RIGHT REAR TIRE SNAPPED CAUSING THE TIRE TO COMPLETELY FLY OFF AND PROCEED DOWN THE ROAD AT A FAST SPEED JUST PASSING THE TURN RAMP AND MISSING SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLES. IN THE PROCESS OF LOSING THE TIRE, IT ALSO CAUSED DAMAGE TO REAR END OF MY SUV. IT LOOKED AS IF THE TIRE GOT CAUGHT AND CAUSED THE REAR TO DENT IN.REPLACED STUDS AND EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. TODAY (DEC.15TH) NOT EVEN AN ENTIRE MONTH LATER, VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING AGAIN. OH HOW I REMEMBERED THAT SCARY SHAKE. EXAMINED TIRE AND ONCE AGAIN, STUDS SNAPPED. 2 THIS TIME WITH A THIRD ONE MISSING THE CAP. THE TIRE WAS ONLY HELD BY 2 STUDS. THANK THE LORD I NOTICED THIS PROBLEM BEFORE GOING ONTO THE INTERSTATE AND ONCE AGAIN HAVING MY TIRE FLY OFF! I HAVE BEEN DOING RESEARCH THIS EVENING TO FIND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 02-04 EXPLORERS. PLEASE MAKE A RECALL FORD AND OTHERS HELP ME TO GET ONE MADE! THIS IS A SCARY AND DANGEROUS SITUATION! IT CAN CAUSE THE LOSS OF MANY LIVES AS IT HAS ALMOST DONE MINE AND MY DAUGHTERS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A

NHTSA complaint #10440111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 83,000 miles Brookfield, CT

EQUIPMENT

O/D LIGHT FLASHES FOR A FEW DAYS THEN AT AROUND 25 MPH THE GEAR SWITCHES INTO NEUTRAL AND RUNS VERY ROUGH THEN THE CAR IS THROWN FORWARD. HAD A REBUILT TRANSMISSION (WE WERE TOLD WE WERE GETTING A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION AND PAID EXTRA FOR IT!) AT 83K MILES ON OCT 15, 2010 THEN FEB 5, 2011 THE SAME EXACT THING HAPPENS. THE DEALER CANNOT TAKE THE TRUCK FOR ANOTHER 5 DAYS AND REFUSED TO GIVE ME A LONER CAR BECAUSE IT IS NOT UNDER THE WARRANTY. PLEASE NOTE: BELOW I PUT IN THE FIRST INCIDENT DATE, FEB 2011 IS THE SECOND INCIDENT DATE. IN MAY OF 2009 I WAS TOLD MY ENGINE FAILED AT ABOUT 76,000 MILES. WE DID BUY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND WE WERE COVERED. THE FORD DEALERSHIP TOLD US WE WERE NOT COVERED. THEY HAD OUR TRUCK FOR 3 WEEKS UNTIL THE WARRANTY PEOPLE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND LET THEM KNOW IT SHOULD BE FIXED. WE ALSO HAD A RENTAL CAR OR A LONER CAR UNDER THE WARRANTY. THEY REFUSED TO PAY FOR A RENTAL CAR AND SAID THEY DID NOT HAVE A LOANER CAR AVAILABLE. IT TOOK 4 MORE WEEKS (IN TOTAL 7 WEEKS) TO GET THE TRUCK BACK AND NEVER PAID FOR THE RENTAL.

NHTSA complaint #10381434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 110,000 miles Westerville, OH

EQUIPMENT

WATER AND MELTING SNOW LEAK INTO THE VEHICLE ONTO THE DOME LIGHTS, GARAGE DOOR OPENER, AND SUNROOF SWITCH AND MOTOR DUE TO THE SUNROOF DRAIN HOSES BECOMING CLOGGED OR DEVELOPING HOLES IN THEM. WATER COMING IN CONTACT WITH THESE ITEMS CAN SHORT THEM OUT OR START A FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #10379840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 128,500 miles Lorain, OH

EQUIPMENT

I WAS TRAVELING TO MT. WASHINGTON, KY. FROM LORAIN, OHIO, ( APPROX. 330 MILES). WE STOPPED AT THE REST ARE AT THE HALFWAY MARK, BETWEEN WASHINGTON CH, OH. & JEFFERSONVLLE, OH. WHEN WE CAME BACK OUT, STARTED THE CAR, & IT WOULDN'T GO INTO REVERSE. PUSHED IT OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT & IT WOULDN'T GO IN DRIVE EITHER. ABOUT 30 MILES BEFORE, IT MADE SOME CLUNKING NOISES & IT FELT LIKE WE HAD A FLAT TIRE. I TOOK IT OUT OF CRUISE CONTROL & IT DROVE NORMALLY UNTIL THE REST AREA. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO WASHINGTON COURTHOUSE & THEN BACK HOME ON MONDAY, NOV., 29TH, (AT MY OWN EXPENSE). APPROXIMATE COST OF REPAIR TO DATE WAS $2969. I HAD MY DAUGHTER & 6 YR. OLD GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER WITH ME & I FEEL THIS COULD HAVE POSSIBLY ENDED WITH DISASTROUS RESULTS. FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT THESE FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS PROBABLY FROM DAY 1. I'M NOT TRYING TO JUST BLAST FORD, HAPPEN TO BE AN EMPLOYEE. I FEEL THEY NEED TO MAN UP & TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE IT LEADS TO SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES.

NHTSA complaint #10369937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 99,623 miles Coventry, CT

EQUIPMENT

I AM SO DISGUSTED AFTER READING ALL THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I TOO HAVE THE AIRBAG PROBLEM, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE AIRBAG PRETENTIONER AND IT IS $650.00, NOW MY AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE THE EXTENDED DELUXE WARRANTY THAT WONT COVER IT. I ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR TEMP AND MODE ACTUATORS THAT FAILED AND BINDING AGAIN NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY THAT IS $510.00 TO REPAIR. I TRULY THINK FORD SHOULD RECALL THESE SAME PROBLEMS.

NHTSA complaint #10363962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Grandview, MO

EQUIPMENT

TRANSMISSION ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER FAILED FOR THE 2ND TIME IN 2009 OF DECEMBER. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPEN AND COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA complaint #10363948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 105,342 miles Faribault, MN

EQUIPMENT

MAJOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AT 106K MILES ON MY FORD EXPLORER XLT 4.0L. THIS WAS NOT DUE TO POOR MAINTENANCE OR UP KEEP! SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL GOING 75 MILES AN HR DOWN THE FREEWAY, SHIFTING OUT OF PLACE, ROUGH, SCARY SHIFTS, SHIMMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION JUMPING ALLOVER THE PLACE IS JUST THE BEGINNING. AFTER 5 TRIPS TO THE MECHANIC, FIRST I DID WIRES, THEN PLUGS, THEN UPDATED COMPUTER, FULL TRANNY FLUSH AND FINALLY HAD TO REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO THE SOLENOIDS IN THE TRANSMISSION BEING DEFECTIVE AND FAULTY PER A FORD SERVICE MANAGER IN OWATONNA, MN. THE SERVICE MANAGER INFORMED ME THAT FORD WAS LOOKING AT MAKING IT A RECALL, BUT IT WASN'T THE TOP OF THEIR PRIORITY LIST AND MAYBE THEY WOULD EVENTUALLY GET TO IT! HE HAS SEEN MANY OF THESE TRUCKS IN THE SHOP WITH THEIR "BUSY" TRANSMISSIONS, AND THE SAME ISSUES! THIS WAS THE ISSUE ALL ALONG..AFTER ALL OF THE SERVICE APPTS, AND MONEY SPENT NOTHING WAS RESOLVED, UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT! $4K LATER JUST FOR THE TRANNY REPAIR! FOR THEIR FAULTY DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION SOLENOIDS! AS IF THE TRUCK DIDN'T ALREADY COST ENOUGH! AND THE TROUBLESHOOTING "BANDAIDS" (WHICH BETWEEN THE TRANNY, DIAGNOSTICS, LABOR ETC TOTAL WELL OVER $5500!!) I CONTACTED FORD AFTER DIRECTED TO DUE SO MY (THEIR) TECHNICIAN AND EMPLOYEE OF 25 YRS. I READ ALL THE POSTS OF DUPLICATE COMPLAINTS (I SEE THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER CONSUMERS IN MY SITUATION!), TO INFORM THEM OF THE MONEY I'VE LOST, TIME INCURRED INTO THIS HEADACHE, AND ALL THE DAYS I WENT WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR MY FAMILY THAT I HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT WAS THEIR EQUIPMENT! THAT IT WAS THEIR FAULT! CURIOUS ABOUT WHAT THEIR COMPENSATION WAS, IF ANY, GOING TO BE. OR WHAT THEY PLANNED ON DOING ABOUT IT! AND AFTER SEVERAL SERVICE APPT, $5500 LOSS AND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE REP STATED BASICALLY SAID OH WELL! ITS UR PROBLEM NOT OURS!!! LOL!

NHTSA complaint #10348633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saint Louis, MO

EQUIPMENT

MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED 4X4 HAD A CHIMING NOISE FOLLOWED BY A O/D BLINKING LIGHT ON WED. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND HIT THE BUTTON FOR O/D A COUPLE OF TIMES IT THEN WENT OUT. I DROVE IT STRAIGHT HOME. I WAS ONLY TWO MINUTES FROM MY HOUSE. THE NEXT DAY I DROVE IT AND IT ACTED LIKE IT WOULDN'T OR COULDN'T SHIFT RIGHT. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW A CAR THAT IS PAMPERED COULD GO SO WRONG. I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FOUR WHEEL DRIVE MOTORS THIS WINTER AND I HARDLY USE IT. THE FOUR WHEEL WOULD NOT ENGAGE. NOW I AM TOLD THAT I PROBABLY NEED A NEW TRANNY AND THAT IT IS VERY EXPENSIVE.I DON'T HAVE ALOT OF MONEY. I HAVE ALWAYS OWNED FORD BUT NEVER AGAIN! I THINK FORD SHOULD RECALL ALL THESE TRANNYS AND FIX THEM JUST LIKE TOYOTA FIXED THEIR PROBLEMS. MAYBE I SHOULD BY TOYOTA.

NHTSA complaint #10340199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Meriden, CT

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

OH WHERE DO I BEGIN. I HAVE 90,000 MILES ON MY SUV. MY RADIO GOES OFF AND ON RANDOMLY. DOOR AJAR IS ON RANDOMLY. WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE, IT STICKS AND I HAVE TO TAP IT TO GO INTO DRIVE. REAR WHEEL BEARING HAD TO BE REPLACED. O/D LIGHT CAME ON AND FLASHING. ONE TIME I THOUGHT IT WAS IN PARK AND WHEN GETTING OUT OF MY CAR, IT BEGAN TO ROLL AFTER TAKING MY FOOT OF THE BRAKE. I SEE THESE SEEM TO BE PROBLEMS FOR SEVERAL FORD EXPLORER OWNERS. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE GET THIS ACROSS TO FORD THAT THESE NEED TO BE RECALLED, IF NOT I WILL NOT BE A FORD OWNER EVER AGAIN AND TELL EVERYONE I KNOW NOT TO BUY A FORD! WHAT IS GOING TO TAKE, A DEATH OR INJURY?? TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FORD! HOPE THIS NEVER HAPPENS TO YOU BUT THEN AGAIN, YOU PROBABLY DON'T EVEN DRIVE A FORD.

NHTSA complaint #10332695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Centereach, NY

EQUIPMENT

I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A COMPLAINT REGARDING THE FORD WINDOW REGULATOR. I KNOW THAT THE F150 I BELIEVE HAS HAD THE SAME COMPLAINTS. HOWEVER, I CURRENTLY OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. BOTH WINDOW REGULATORS HAVE BROKE ON MY VEHICLE A WEEK APART. I BELIEVE THAT SINCE SO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THEIR FORD VEHICLE WINDOW REGULATORS THAT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. I KNOW THAT AFTER A CERTAIN YEAR FORD HAD CHANGED THE WAY POWER WINDOWS WORKED. WELL, NOW THE WINDOW CABLE ON BOTH BACK WINDOWS HAS SNAPED. I WOULD LIKE TO CONTACT FORD TO MAKE A COMPLAINT AND TO SUGGEST A RECALL FOR THE WINDOW REGULATORS ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. THANK YOU.

NHTSA complaint #10323575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 93,000 miles Attleboro, MA

EQUIPMENT

BLEND DOOR IN ALL FORD EXPLORERS CAUSES NO HEAT, ICY FOGGY WINDSHIELDS!!!!

NHTSA complaint #10322907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 157,000 miles Holly Hill, FL

EQUIPMENT

EVENT/SITUATION: HESITATES AND CHOKES AT 40-45 MILES PER HOUR WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE, ALONG WITH A SLIGHT RUBBING SENSATION FELT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL AND GAS PEDDLE. THEY ADVISED REPLACING THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. THEY ALSO STATED A WEAK BATTERY WHICH WAS REPLACED. THIS DID SEEM TO FIX VARIOUS FAULTY FALSE ELECTRICAL ISSUES: INTERIOR LIGHTS STAYING ON AND FALSE LIGHT/DASHBOARD READINGS. FAULTY TRANSMISSION, EMISSIONS OR PLUGS/WIRING HAVE BEEN POSSIBILITIES. I'VE TAKEN IT TO GOODYEAR WHO RECOMMENDED CHANGING OUT THE PLUGS AND WIRES, ALONG WITH A FLUSH. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT FLUSHES CAN RUIN PARTS ON OLDER VEHICLES AND CAUSE OTHER EXPENSIVE PROBLEMS. I FOUND A FEW WEBSITES WERE THERE ARE MANY OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVING THESE SAME ISSUES WITH THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER. FORD HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND AWARE OF THESE TRANSMISSION ISSUES AND EXPENSIVE PROBLEMS, COVERING UP WITH OTHER LITTLE RECALLS LIKE THE WIRING HARNESS. I, LIKE MANY, ARE BEING FORCED TO PAY FOR FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS. I BELIEVE THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND MAKE FORD PAY FOR RECALLS AND REPAIRS. IT HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP FOR ITS OIL CHANGE AND A WIRING RECALL APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS AGO, IN JANUARY 2010. HERE IS THE WEBSITE WITH MANY OTHER FORD EXPLORER OFFICIAL COMPLAINTS WHO DEMAND A RESPONSIBLE/RELIABLE RECALL FIX FROM FORD. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/TRANSMISSION/O_D_LIGHT_IS_BLINKING.SHTML.

NHTSA complaint #10308749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 94,000 miles Paramus, NJ

EQUIPMENT

I OPENED THE LIFTGATE GLASS TO MY FORD EXPLORER IN ORDER TO LOAD GROCERIES INTO THE BACK. THE GLASS CAME DOWN ON MY HEAD AND I PUSHED IT BACK UP OFF OF ME WHEN IT EXPLODED ALL OVER THE PLACE. THE MOLDING CAME DOWN ONTO MY HEAD AND MY BACK (I WAS STILL LEANING INTO THE CAR). BECAUSE IT WAS VERY COLD OUT, I WAS WEARING A HEAVY COAT WITH A HAT AND THE HOOD PULLED UP ONTO MY HEAD, SO THIS CUSHIONED THE IMPACT ONTO MY BACK AND HEAD. GLASS WAS EVERYWHERE. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL RECALLS ON THIS PIECE OF EQUIPMENT SINCE WE HAVE HAD THE TRUCK, BUT THE LAST ONE WAS ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO. THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WOULD BE MY RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX. I DON'T BELIEVE THAT LIFTGATES SHOULD JUST BE FALLING OFF OF CARS OR EXPLODING, EVEN IF THE CAR IS 8 YEARS OLD.

NHTSA complaint #10297998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 14,430 miles Colorado Springs, CO

EQUIPMENT

I PURCHASED MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN AUGUST 2002. I HAVE BEEN HAVING TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE GEAR PROBLEMS SINCE 2003. WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER MY TRANSMISSION WILL SLIP WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING AND JUST IMMEDIATELY STOP ACCELERATING AND OFTEN COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN TO ME SINCE 2003 AND HAVE BROUGHT IT BACK INTO THE DEALER MORE THAN THREE TIMES. TWO TIMES THEY SAID NOTHING WAS FOUND. IN MARCH 2004 THEY FINALLY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG, DID A QUICK FLUSH TO THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED THE TORQUE AND SENT ME BACK OUT WITH THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. ON 10/16/09 NOW THE O/D OFF LIGHT BEGAN TO BLINK AND ONCE AGAIN I BROUGHT IT BACK IN AND NOW THEY SAY I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS 45,000 MILES AND THEY ARE TRYING TO SAY THAT THIS PROBLEM IS NOT A SAFETY OR MANUFACTURES DEFECT!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I HAVE NEVER DRIVEN OFF ROAD, AND WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE, HOW COULD THIS NOT BE A DEFECT. I HAVE LUCKILY AVOIDED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS WHEN MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY SLIPS GEARS, STOPS ACCELERATING AND I HAVE TO IMMEDIATELY THROW ON MY HAZARDS, AND TRY TO PULL OFF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY!! I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT NEARLY 800 OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME SORT OF TRANSMISSION RELATED PROBLEMS AND HAVE POSTED THEM ON AUTO BEEF. I REALLY NEED SOMEONE TO HELP ME AND LOOK OUT FOR THE HONEST, AMERICANS WHO HAVE BROUGHT AN AMERCIAN CAR AND ARE BEING LIED TO AND TREATED WITH NO CUSTOMER SERVICE OR RESPECT. THIS IS EXACTLY WHY AMERICANS ARE BUYING FOREIGN MADE CARS!! PLEASE HELP US AND RECALL THE TRANSMISSION, AND HAVE THE CORRECT PEOPLE HELD ACCOUNTABLE...THE MAKER, NOT THE BUYER.

NHTSA complaint #10289071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 66,172 miles Rochester, NY

EQUIPMENT

I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED THAT HAS HAD CONTINUOUS REAR AXLE LEAKING AND OPERATING ISSUES. I HAVE HAD THE BEARINGS REPLACED THREE TIMES, THE SHAFT AXLE SEAL REPLACED, THE KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY REPLACED AND THE SPINDLE REPLACED. I HAD THIS WORK DONE AT CORTESE AUTO GROUP IN HENRIETTA NY (585-475-1211) IN JUNE OF 2007 AND APRIL OF 2008. I JUST NOTICED DIFFERENTIAL FLUID LEAKING FROM THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY AREA ON MARCH 16, 2009 AND CALLED THE CORTESE GROUP TO SEE IF THEY WOULD HONOR THEIR PREVIOUS REPAIR. THEY ADVISED ME THAT I WAS BEYOND THE "ORIGINAL PROBLEM" 2007 REPAIR DATE AND THE COST WAS ON MY OWN. TO REPAIR THIS LEAKY AXLE SEAL WILL COST ME IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF $400 AND CONSIDERING THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE, I FEEL FORD MOTOR COMPANY OR CORTESE SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH NO COST TO ME. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND IT APPEARS THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON AMONG FORD EXPLORERS (HAD I KNOWN THAT AT THE TIME OF MY PURCHASE, I WOULD HAVE RECONSIDERED BUYING FROM FORD). IF THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON AMONG FORD EXPLORERS AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE, WHY IS IT NOT CONSIDERED A RECALL AND REPAIRED BY THE MANUFACTURER OF THE VEHICLE? PLEASE ADVISE ME WHAT MY RIGHTS ARE AND IF ANYTHING CAN BE DONE ON BEHALF OF OTHER AFFECTED CONSUMERS. AFTER ALL, IN THIS TOUGH ECONOMY, WHO HAS $400 TO THROW AT A PROBLEM THAT WAS A KNOWN DEFICIENCY TO FORD AND ONE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED BY THE COMPANY...

NHTSA complaint #10262126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 71,000 miles East Brunswick, NJ

EQUIPMENT

3/4/08 MOTOR SIZED NO STEERING NO BRAKES AT 62000 MI. BHT REBUILT MOTOR FROM FORD 3YR/75000MI WARRANTY 2/8/09 MOTOR SIZED NO STEERING NO BRAKES AT 71000MI -11MOS /9000MI LATER 2/16/09 TOWED TO MALOUF FORD S.B.NJ NEED OTHER MOTOR NO REBUILT MOTORS AVAILABLE FROM FORD I HAVE NO CAR-FORD WILL NOT GIVE LOANER OR RENTAL.

NHTSA complaint #10261572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 52,000 miles Waterbury, CT

EQUIPMENT

HAVE ENGINE PROBLEM WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER BECAUSE DEALER PUT BACK ODOMETER.

NHTSA complaint #10255170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Schenectady, NY

EQUIPMENT

2002 FORD EXPLORER LIFT GATE CLIP ON APPLICATOR IS AND HAS BEEN SPLITTING FROM TOP TO BOTTOM EVERY TIME SOME ONE CLOSED THE LIFT GATE I SAW THIS ON MANY OTHER FORD EXPLORERS AND IT COST {US -S 300 DOLLARS TO INSTALL A NEW ONE AT THE DEALERS SHOPS TO REPAIR. SOME THING NEED TO BE DONE FORD MANUFACTURE NEED TO REIMBURSE TO FIX THIS PROBLEMS NOW AND IN THE FUTURE I CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX MY EXPLORER SO I AM WAITING TO SEE IF FORD CAN FIX THIS PROBLEM FOR ME AND OTHERS LIKE ME WHO CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX THE PROBLEM I BELIEVE SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE. PLEASE FOR A REPLY AT MY EMAIL THANK YOU SINCERELY E J.

NHTSA complaint #10254150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Schenectady, NY

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

2002 FORD EXPLORER LIFT GATE CLIP ON APPLICATOR IS AND HAS BEEN SPLITTING FROM TOP TO BOTTOM EVERY TIME SOME ONE CLOSED THE LIFT GATE I SAW THIS ON MANY OTHER FORD EXPLORERS AND IT COST {US -S 300 DOLLARS TO INSTALL A NEW ONE AT THE DEALERS SHOPS TO REPAIR. SOME THING NEED TO BE DONE FORD MANUFACTURE NEED TO REIMBURSE TO FIX THIS PROBLEMS NOW AND IN THE FUTURE I CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX MY EXPLORER SO I AM WAITING TO SEE IF FORD CAN FIX THIS PROBLEM FOR ME AND OTHERS LIKE ME WHO CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX THE PROBLEM I BELIEVE SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE. PLEASE FOR A REPLY AT MY EMAIL THANK YOU SINCERELY E J.

NHTSA complaint #10254150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jackson, NJ

EQUIPMENT

WHEEL BEARINGS ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER ARE WEARING OUT WITHOUT ANY NOTICE. I NEVER HAD A CAR THAT EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A SEVER PROBLEM AS I DRIVE MY SMALL CHILDREN AROUND IN. KNOWING THAT A WHEEL COULD EVENTUALLY COME OFF SCARES THE LIFE OUT OF ME. THERE IS NO RECALL FROM AS THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT.

NHTSA complaint #10245171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 26,000 miles Ocala, FL

EQUIPMENT

WITHIN FOUR MONTHS FROM DATE OF PURCHASE MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4WD START HAVING PROBLEMS. THEY ARE: 1. VIBRATION INSIDE INCLUDING PHYSICAL MOVEMENT INSIDE WHEN DRIVING WITH REAR WINDOW CRACK OVER 30 MPH. THE FASTER YOU DRIVE THE GRATER THE VIBRATION. I TOOK THE EXPLORER TO SEVERAL DEALERS, THEY INFORM ME THAT THIS IS NORMAL AND IT'S REFER TO AS HELICOPTER EFFECT. 2. THE DIGITAL KEYPAD STOP WORKING. 2. THE KEYS DON'T OPEN THE DOOR 3. THE TRANSMISSION SLIP, KICK AND DELAYS WHEN PUT IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. 4.TRANSMISSION DELAYS GOING INTO OVERDRIVE. 5.THE PASSENGER SIDE QUARTER PANEL GLASS SHATTER TWICE, AT FIRST I TAUGHT SOMEONE HAD BROKE IT AND MY SON REPORTED IT TO THE POLICE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY REPLACE IT AND FEW MONTHS LATER IN MY GARAGE IT SHATTER AGAIN AND THAT'S WHEN IT ALL CAME TOGETHER. THIS TIME MY SON FIX IT FOR ME. 6.THERES ALSO A WINDING SOME COMING FROM UNDER THE SUV AND MY SON THINKS IT HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE DIFF, KEEPING THE VIBRATION IN MIND. 6. THE LATCH THAT SECURE THE REAR WHERE THE JACK HANDLE IS LOCATED BROKE.

NHTSA complaint #10245163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sacramento, CA

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCH PART FAILURE. CONSUMER WANTS ASSISTANCE FROM FORD TO COVER THE REPAIRS. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED NUMEROUS PARTS FAILED ON THE VEHICLE. THOSE FAILURES INCLUDED: THE DIFFERENTIAL COMPASS, HVAC BLOWER MOTOR, ONE OF THE REAR WINDOW LIFT MOTORS AND ONE OF THE SEALS ON THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #10240390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 63,000 miles Leander, TX

EQUIPMENT

I AM VERY CONCERNED AT ALL OF THE TRANSMISSIONS COMPLAINTS THAT THE NHTSA HAS HAD ON THE FORD 2002 EXPLORER AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT THIS. I HAVE SENT IN 1 OF MANY COMPLAINTS BECAUSE OF COURSE I AM ONE OF THE UNLUCKY CITIZENS OF THE U.S. WHO BELIEVED THAT THE FORD EXPLORER WAS A VERY DEPENDABLE VEHICLE. HELLO IS IT GOING TO TAKE SOMEONE ACTUALLY GETTING KILLED FOR THIS VEHICLE TO BE RECALLED FOR THE TRANSMISSION. I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED AND JUST IN THE PAST 4 MONTHS THERE HAS BEEN COMPLAINTS OF PEOPLE GOING IN DITCHES, RUNNING OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, DO YOU THINK THAT SOMEONE COULD REALLY RESEARCH THIS [XXX] ISSUE AND GET THIS [XXX] VEHICLE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE DOES GET HURT OR AT LEAST MAKE FORD REPLACE THE TRANSMISSIONS AND REIMBURSE ANYONE WHO HAS HAD THEIR TRANSMISSION REPLACED. OH THEY MIGHT AS WELL JUST GIVE EVERYONE A NEW VEHICLE BECAUSE FROM WHAT I AM READING ALL 2002 FORD EXPLORERS HAVE HAD TRANSMISSIONS PROBLEMS. WHY ISN'T ANYONE DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. *TR INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10238852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cincinnati, OH

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

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.

Ephrata, PA

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

WE OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT WE PURCHASED USED WITH 40,000 MILES ON IT. SINCE PURCHASE WE HAVE HAD 3 POWER WINDOW MOTORS GO BAD, BOTH REAR BEARINGS REPLACED, THE BACK DOOR PANEL IS CRACKED, THE A/C DOESN'T WORK, AND NOW IT LOOKS AS IF THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING BAD. IF SO MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS VEHICLE HAVE ALL THE SAME PROBLEMS HOW CAN THERE BE NO RECALL?

NHTSA complaint #10231430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 27,389 miles Lindenhurst, IL

EQUIPMENT

FORD EXPLORER REAR DIFFERENTIAL - REPLACED 3 X'S OVER 6 YEARS.

NHTSA complaint #10230324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 137,000 miles Traverse City, MI

EQUIPMENT

IT STARTED AROUND 78,000 MILES. MY TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP AS I WAS DRIVING UP A HILL. THE TRANNY WAS SLIPPING BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP - HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION ($3400). TRANSMISSION AGAIN AT 137,000 MILES SLIPPING BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR AGAIN - WARRANTY EXPIRED - FORD COULD ONLY GIVE ME A WARRANT FOR 36,000 MILES OR 3 YEARS - I'M UNDER MY 3 YRS BUT NOT MILEAGE. TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN, NOW ITS MY TRANSMISSION BAND ($2100) BUT WITH ALL THE WEAR ON THE TRANSMISSION AND THE COST. I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN. DURING THIS TIME THAT MY TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, I ALSO HAD THE RIGHT (I BELIEVE IT WAS THE RIGHT) REAR AXLE WENT OUT TWICE MY OVERDRIVE LIGHT CAME ON. I THINK THERE IS A CORRELATION WITH THE OVERDRIVE SYSTEM AND THE TRANNY.

NHTSA complaint #10227882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2002 Ford Explorer problems

← Full 2002 Ford Explorer report