Owners have filed 54 complaints
about the 2002 Ford Ford Truck with NHTSA between 2002 and 2022.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 10 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 — 89
Against the median year of the Ford Ford Truck. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 67
13% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 52
31% 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 Ford Truck
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
25.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
38.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
925.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1233.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
513.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
12.8%
150,000+ miles
411.1%
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 7Feb 2022
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 60,000 milesSAN Francisco, CACrash
SUSPENSION:FRONT
WHILE GOING AROUND A HAIRPIN TURN THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE FELL OFF ROTOR AND ALL, THIS INCIDENT CAUSED THE 2002 FORD LIGHTNING TRUCK TO SLIDE INTO THE CURB CAUSING THE TRUCK TO ROLL COMPLETELY OVER LANDING BACK ON IT'S 3 TIRES THAT WERE LEFT. FROM THE LOOK OF IT THE AXLE BOLT FELL OFF CAUSING THE TIRE TO FALL OFF. DRIVER WAS GOING UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT & NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED. ACCORDING TO A FRIEND THIS SAME INCIDENT HAPPENED TO HIS LIGHTNING TRUCK. SOUNDS LIKE A DEFECT ON FORDS PART.
NHTSA complaint #10267527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Choudrant, LACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
AUTO ACCIDENT AND DRIVER'S AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I SUFFERED INJURIES TO ANKLES, FRACTURE TO RIGHT LEG, BRUISES TO CHEST AREA AND HIP AREA. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. I REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO FORD FOR THEIR RECORDS.
NHTSA complaint #10133517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,000 milesSaint Thomas, VI1 injured
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
I AM THE OWNER 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT I PURCHASED FROM METRO MOTORS OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IN AUGUST 2002. ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2004, WHILE I WAS DRIVING HOME, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED COMPLETELY FROM THE AXIS OF THE VEHICLE. I DROVE OFF FROM THE STOP LIGHT. WHILE I WAS ACCELERATING I FELT THE STEERING WHEEL TURN SHARPLY TO LEFT AND THE WHEEL BUCKLE. A FEW MINUTES LATER, I FELT A TUG ON THE STEERING WHEEL, AND THEN I FELT THE WHEEL BUCKLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED TO SUDDEN STOP. I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT THE FRONT DRIVER''S SIDE WHEEL WAS COMPLETELY DETACHED AND NOTICED THE WHEEL WAS ROLLING DOWN FROM THE POINT OF WHERE THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE WHEEL STOPPED ABOUT TEN FEET TO FIFTEEN FEET (10 FT. TO 15 FT.) AWAY WITH THE ENTIRE DRUM ASSEMBLY AND WHEEL STILL ATTACHED. I HAVE ALSO BEEN NOTIFIED BY SEVERAL OTHER FORD EXPLORER OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR DEFECT. THE LATEST OCCURRED IN MIAMI, FLORIDA ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2004 WITH THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL DETACHING FROM THE AXIAL AND FLIPPING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY INJURING THREE (3) AND ONE (1) OTHER DIED. THEY WERE DRIVING IN A FORD EXPLORER. A SIMILAR INCIDENT OCCURRED DECEMBER 2002 IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA WHEN A FAMILY OF FIVE FLIPPED IN A FORD EXPLORER KILLING THREE KIDS AND HER HUSBAND LOST AN EYE. ANOTHER INCIDENT OCCURRED JUST FOURTEEN (14) DAYS AFTER WITH A FORD ESCAPE WITH THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL DATACHING FROM THE VEHICLE. SINCE WRITING MY COMPLAINT TO ALL FORD OFFICES, SEVERAL OTHER AUTOMOBILE COMPANIES HAVE RECALLED SUVS FOR DETACH OF FRONT LEFT WHEEL (DODGE, HUMMERS, GMC, ETC.) LICSENCING AND CONSUMER OFFICE HAS ALSO PROVIDED INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO'S INSPECTION REPORTS STATE THAT THE VEHICLE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINT DETACHED WHICH CAUSED THE ENTIRE WHEEL TO DETACH. I SUBMITTED A POLICE REPORT STATING THE DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE WAS NOT CAUSED BY COLLISION TO ANOTHER VEHICLE OR PROPERTIES.
NHTSA complaint #10124886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,000 milesSaint Thomas, VI1 injured
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT
I AM THE OWNER 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT I PURCHASED FROM METRO MOTORS OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IN AUGUST 2002. ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2004, WHILE I WAS DRIVING HOME, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED COMPLETELY FROM THE AXIS OF THE VEHICLE. I DROVE OFF FROM THE STOP LIGHT. WHILE I WAS ACCELERATING I FELT THE STEERING WHEEL TURN SHARPLY TO LEFT AND THE WHEEL BUCKLE. A FEW MINUTES LATER, I FELT A TUG ON THE STEERING WHEEL, AND THEN I FELT THE WHEEL BUCKLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED TO SUDDEN STOP. I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT THE FRONT DRIVER''S SIDE WHEEL WAS COMPLETELY DETACHED AND NOTICED THE WHEEL WAS ROLLING DOWN FROM THE POINT OF WHERE THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE WHEEL STOPPED ABOUT TEN FEET TO FIFTEEN FEET (10 FT. TO 15 FT.) AWAY WITH THE ENTIRE DRUM ASSEMBLY AND WHEEL STILL ATTACHED. I HAVE ALSO BEEN NOTIFIED BY SEVERAL OTHER FORD EXPLORER OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR DEFECT. THE LATEST OCCURRED IN MIAMI, FLORIDA ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2004 WITH THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL DETACHING FROM THE AXIAL AND FLIPPING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY INJURING THREE (3) AND ONE (1) OTHER DIED. THEY WERE DRIVING IN A FORD EXPLORER. A SIMILAR INCIDENT OCCURRED DECEMBER 2002 IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA WHEN A FAMILY OF FIVE FLIPPED IN A FORD EXPLORER KILLING THREE KIDS AND HER HUSBAND LOST AN EYE. ANOTHER INCIDENT OCCURRED JUST FOURTEEN (14) DAYS AFTER WITH A FORD ESCAPE WITH THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL DATACHING FROM THE VEHICLE. SINCE WRITING MY COMPLAINT TO ALL FORD OFFICES, SEVERAL OTHER AUTOMOBILE COMPANIES HAVE RECALLED SUVS FOR DETACH OF FRONT LEFT WHEEL (DODGE, HUMMERS, GMC, ETC.) LICSENCING AND CONSUMER OFFICE HAS ALSO PROVIDED INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO'S INSPECTION REPORTS STATE THAT THE VEHICLE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINT DETACHED WHICH CAUSED THE ENTIRE WHEEL TO DETACH. I SUBMITTED A POLICE REPORT STATING THE DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE WAS NOT CAUSED BY COLLISION TO ANOTHER VEHICLE OR PROPERTIES.
NHTSA complaint #10124886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,000 milesWaynesburg, PACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
WAS DRIVING A 2002 FORD RANGER AND HIT A CAR BROADSIDE AND THEN HIT A UTILITY POLE AND AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10121998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 20,000 milesSeal Beach, CA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Think Neighbor. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle and attempting to secure the front driver’s seat belt latch into the buckle, the seat belt latch failed to lock into place. The seat belt loosened and unlatched from the buckle while the contact was driving. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
NHTSA complaint #11449800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 207,653 milesSpringville, UT
POWER TRAIN
FORD F 250 TRITON V10 NO. 2 SPARK PLUG AND COIL BLEW OUT OF THE ENGINE HEAD. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND OTHERS. FORD WILL CHARGE 650.00 TO FIX.
NHTSA complaint #10660238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 207,653 milesSpringville, UT
ENGINE
FORD F 250 TRITON V10 NO. 2 SPARK PLUG AND COIL BLEW OUT OF THE ENGINE HEAD. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND OTHERS. FORD WILL CHARGE 650.00 TO FIX.
NHTSA complaint #10660236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 207,653 milesSpringville, UT
ENGINE
FORD F 250 TRITON V10 NO. 2 SPARK PLUG AND COIL BLEW OUT OF THE ENGINE HEAD. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND OTHERS. FORD WILL CHARGE 650.00 TO FIX.
NHTSA complaint #10660238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 207,653 milesSpringville, UT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FORD F 250 TRITON V10 NO. 2 SPARK PLUG AND COIL BLEW OUT OF THE ENGINE HEAD. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND OTHERS. FORD WILL CHARGE 650.00 TO FIX.
NHTSA complaint #10660238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesSAN Francisco, CACrash
SUSPENSION:FRONT
WHILE GOING AROUND A HAIRPIN TURN THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE FELL OFF ROTOR AND ALL, THIS INCIDENT CAUSED THE 2002 FORD LIGHTNING TRUCK TO SLIDE INTO THE CURB CAUSING THE TRUCK TO ROLL COMPLETELY OVER LANDING BACK ON IT'S 3 TIRES THAT WERE LEFT. FROM THE LOOK OF IT THE AXLE BOLT FELL OFF CAUSING THE TIRE TO FALL OFF. DRIVER WAS GOING UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT & NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED. ACCORDING TO A FRIEND THIS SAME INCIDENT HAPPENED TO HIS LIGHTNING TRUCK. SOUNDS LIKE A DEFECT ON FORDS PART.
NHTSA complaint #10267527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,708 milesColumbia, MD
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPPING AND HARD BANG WHEN IT GO INTO GEAR. FORD SERVICE DEPT.DIAOGNOSE TRANS OP, NO CODES,LINE PRESSURE TEST.R110-N-75 OD95 L-95. R&R TRANSMISSION PAN FOR INSPECTION, PIECES OF BRASS BUSHINGS IN PAN. R&R TRANS TO OVERHAUL. REPLACED OD PLANETARY ASSY .BUSHINGS BETWEEN GEARS COME APART) FLUSHED COLLING LINES,REPLACED CONVERTER(METAL CONTAMINATION.) REPLACED VALVE BODY(VALVES STICKING). CLEARED PCM MEMORY & REFLASHED PCM. ROAD TEST. ALL THE ABOVE WORK WAS DONE ACCORDING TO THE INVOICE. WHEN I DROVE THE TRUCK I COULD HEAR A NOISE THAT WASN'T THERE BEFORE, I TOOK THE TRUCK BACK TO THE DEALER AND CHECKED THINGS OUT AND TOLD ME EVERY THING WAS FINE, BUT IT WASN'T.
NHTSA complaint #10215891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,708 milesColumbia, MD
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPPING AND HARD BANG WHEN IT GO INTO GEAR. FORD SERVICE DEPT.DIAOGNOSE TRANS OP, NO CODES,LINE PRESSURE TEST.R110-N-75 OD95 L-95. R&R TRANSMISSION PAN FOR INSPECTION, PIECES OF BRASS BUSHINGS IN PAN. R&R TRANS TO OVERHAUL. REPLACED OD PLANETARY ASSY .BUSHINGS BETWEEN GEARS COME APART) FLUSHED COLLING LINES,REPLACED CONVERTER(METAL CONTAMINATION.) REPLACED VALVE BODY(VALVES STICKING). CLEARED PCM MEMORY & REFLASHED PCM. ROAD TEST. ALL THE ABOVE WORK WAS DONE ACCORDING TO THE INVOICE. WHEN I DROVE THE TRUCK I COULD HEAR A NOISE THAT WASN'T THERE BEFORE, I TOOK THE TRUCK BACK TO THE DEALER AND CHECKED THINGS OUT AND TOLD ME EVERY THING WAS FINE, BUT IT WASN'T.
NHTSA complaint #10215891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,708 milesColumbia, MD
INTERIOR LIGHTING
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPPING AND HARD BANG WHEN IT GO INTO GEAR. FORD SERVICE DEPT.DIAOGNOSE TRANS OP, NO CODES,LINE PRESSURE TEST.R110-N-75 OD95 L-95. R&R TRANSMISSION PAN FOR INSPECTION, PIECES OF BRASS BUSHINGS IN PAN. R&R TRANS TO OVERHAUL. REPLACED OD PLANETARY ASSY .BUSHINGS BETWEEN GEARS COME APART) FLUSHED COLLING LINES,REPLACED CONVERTER(METAL CONTAMINATION.) REPLACED VALVE BODY(VALVES STICKING). CLEARED PCM MEMORY & REFLASHED PCM. ROAD TEST. ALL THE ABOVE WORK WAS DONE ACCORDING TO THE INVOICE. WHEN I DROVE THE TRUCK I COULD HEAR A NOISE THAT WASN'T THERE BEFORE, I TOOK THE TRUCK BACK TO THE DEALER AND CHECKED THINGS OUT AND TOLD ME EVERY THING WAS FINE, BUT IT WASN'T.
NHTSA complaint #10215891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,708 milesColumbia, MD
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPPING AND HARD BANG WHEN IT GO INTO GEAR. FORD SERVICE DEPT.DIAOGNOSE TRANS OP, NO CODES,LINE PRESSURE TEST.R110-N-75 OD95 L-95. R&R TRANSMISSION PAN FOR INSPECTION, PIECES OF BRASS BUSHINGS IN PAN. R&R TRANS TO OVERHAUL. REPLACED OD PLANETARY ASSY .BUSHINGS BETWEEN GEARS COME APART) FLUSHED COLLING LINES,REPLACED CONVERTER(METAL CONTAMINATION.) REPLACED VALVE BODY(VALVES STICKING). CLEARED PCM MEMORY & REFLASHED PCM. ROAD TEST. ALL THE ABOVE WORK WAS DONE ACCORDING TO THE INVOICE. WHEN I DROVE THE TRUCK I COULD HEAR A NOISE THAT WASN'T THERE BEFORE, I TOOK THE TRUCK BACK TO THE DEALER AND CHECKED THINGS OUT AND TOLD ME EVERY THING WAS FINE, BUT IT WASN'T.
NHTSA complaint #10215891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ridgewood, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
2002 FORD EXPLORER VERY COLD NIGHT NOTICED A HUGE CRACK IN THE REAR PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW RIGHT OUT OF NOWHERE THE CAR WAS FINE HOURS BEFORE AND AS I WALKED PAST IT AGAIN SAW A HUGE CRACK BY THE EMBLEM AND UNDER.
NHTSA complaint #10213545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,600 milesBronx, NY
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
DRIVING MY VEHICLE WITH MY 2 CHILDREN 2 AND 10 YEAR. DROPPING THE 2 YEAR OLD OFF TO SCHOOL. STOP THE VEHICLE GO TO PUT THE SHIFT GEAR INTO PARK, BREAKS RIGHT OFF IN HAND, IF THE RUBBER WASN'T AROUND IT, I COULD HAVE WALKED OUT OF THE CAR WITH IT. I WAS STUCK THERE KEEPING MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES BECAUSE THE GEAR WAS ALSO STUCK BETWEEN REVERSE AND PARK.
NHTSA complaint #10212470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesBrown Summit, NC
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION TAKES 3-5 SECONDS TO GO INTO REVERSE THIS IN ITS SELF DANGEROUS WHEN NEEDING A QUICK REVERSE. THE MAIN REASON FOR A COMPLAINT IN TRANSMISSION NEEDING TO BE REBUILT AFTER ONLY 45,000 I DON'T TOW ANYTHING AND AM A GOOD DRIVER I KNOW OTHERS WITH SAME VEHICLE SAME PROBLEM TAKE NOTE UHAUL WILL NOT RENT TO EXPLORER OWNERS BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THIS TRANSMISSION (CALL UHAUL AND FIND THIS OUT).
NHTSA complaint #10207245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesCape Coral, FL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
UNSAFE TRANSMISSION FORD CAN T FIX IT LOCKED TRANSMISSION UP AND I SHOWED UP AT DEALER WITH WHITE SMOKE CLOUD BEHIND THE CAR FORD STILL INSISTS NOTHING WRONG.
NHTSA complaint #10200757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesPeachtree City, GA
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
THE MIRRORS ON BOTH MY 2002 FORD SPORT TRAC AND 2002 FORD RANGER DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE MIRRORS (X4) ARE ELECTRIC AND WILL NOT MOVE TO THE RIGHT. THEY WORK IN THE AXIS OF LEFT, UP, AND DOWN. I HAVE TALKED WITH OTHERS WHO HAVE THE SAME TYPE OF MIRROR ON THEIR 2002 VEHICLES AND ALL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10200467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
N. LAS Vegas, NV
TIRES
TIRE TREAD PEALED OFF MY TIRE CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGES TO MY SIDE STEP, THE METAL AROUND MY TIRE WHEEL GOT BENT UP INTO MY DOOR AND TORE OFF ALL MY WHEEL WELL PLASTIC. ALMOST CAUSED MY FRONT BUMPER TO COME OFF IT IS NOW TORN ON THAT SIDE AND A PLASTIC PIECE UNDER THE BUMPER IS BARELY HANGING IN THERE. I STILL HAVE THE TIRE AS IT DIDN'T DEFLATE. MY STEERING WHEEL CLICKS AND MAKES MY CAR SKIP WHEN I MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN. AS IF THE TIRES ARE NOT TURNING CORRECTLY. THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON!
NHTSA complaint #10197734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
N. LAS Vegas, NV
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
TIRE TREAD PEALED OFF MY TIRE CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGES TO MY SIDE STEP, THE METAL AROUND MY TIRE WHEEL GOT BENT UP INTO MY DOOR AND TORE OFF ALL MY WHEEL WELL PLASTIC. ALMOST CAUSED MY FRONT BUMPER TO COME OFF IT IS NOW TORN ON THAT SIDE AND A PLASTIC PIECE UNDER THE BUMPER IS BARELY HANGING IN THERE. I STILL HAVE THE TIRE AS IT DIDN'T DEFLATE. MY STEERING WHEEL CLICKS AND MAKES MY CAR SKIP WHEN I MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN. AS IF THE TIRES ARE NOT TURNING CORRECTLY. THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON!
NHTSA complaint #10197734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
N. LAS Vegas, NV
STRUCTURE
TIRE TREAD PEALED OFF MY TIRE CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGES TO MY SIDE STEP, THE METAL AROUND MY TIRE WHEEL GOT BENT UP INTO MY DOOR AND TORE OFF ALL MY WHEEL WELL PLASTIC. ALMOST CAUSED MY FRONT BUMPER TO COME OFF IT IS NOW TORN ON THAT SIDE AND A PLASTIC PIECE UNDER THE BUMPER IS BARELY HANGING IN THERE. I STILL HAVE THE TIRE AS IT DIDN'T DEFLATE. MY STEERING WHEEL CLICKS AND MAKES MY CAR SKIP WHEN I MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN. AS IF THE TIRES ARE NOT TURNING CORRECTLY. THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON!
NHTSA complaint #10197734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesBraintree, MA
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE FLAWED DESIGN OF FORD EXPLORER LIFTGATES. 2002 AND 2003 VEHICLES WERE AFFECTED, BUT I WAS SURE THERE WERE MORE. THE BACK PANEL CRACKED COMPLETELY DOWN THE PANEL SEPARATING THE TWO SIDES. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THE END RESULT COULD BE BUT IT CERTAINLY LOOKED LIKE A PIECE COULD FLY OFF AND INTERFERE WITH FOLLOWING VEHICLES. THERE WERE HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS OF THESE VEHICLES ON THE ROAD WITH THE SAME EXACT CRACK, AND FORD RECEIVED HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS BUT REFUSED TO FIX IT SO FAR. AS USUAL, THEY WILL PROBABLY WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE WAS HURT OR WORSE BEFORE TAKING ACTION. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10196562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesBarrie, 00
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
PURCHASED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, FROM THE DEALERSHIP IN DECEMBER 2006. IN JANUARY 2007 I AWOKE TO CLEAR THE SNOW OFF MY VEHICLE WHEN I NOTICED A HUGE CRACK ON THE BACK PANEL UNDER THE TAILGATE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FORD IMMEDIATELY, AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE, BUT THAT IT WAS AN ONGOING PROBLEM. WHEN TEMPERATURES REACHED A HIGH THE CRACK THEN EXPANDED AND THE CRACK WAS NOT NOTICABLE. WHEN THE TEMPERATURE GOT COLD AGAIN THE CRACK WAS VERY APPARRENT. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THERE WAS A FAULT WITH THIS PANEL, BUT ERE NOT ABLE TO COVER IT.
NHTSA complaint #10196633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ashland, OH
STEERING:COLUMN
I TOOK THE KIDS TO THE BABYSITTER AND WENT TO PUT THE TRUCK IN PARK AND THE GEAR SHIFTER BROKE OFF INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN. IT HAS ALWAYS HAD A PLACE WHERE THE SHIFTER LEVER WOULD KIND OF CATCH BETWEEN REVERSE AND PARK AND YOU HAD TO WIGGLE IT WHEN PUTTING IT INTO PARK . I WAS TOLD IT HAD TO HAVE A NEW STEERING COLUMN THAT IS $500+ NOT INCLUDING LABOR. I THINK THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS. WHAT IF IT HAPPENED GOING DOWN THE ROAD OR WHEN MY 15 YEAR OLD [BEGINNER DRIVER] WAS DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10192081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,400 milesShirley, NY
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
75400 MILES. NOISE FROM REAR END BECOMING MORE NOTICEABLE. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY WON'T SHIFT FROM 2ND TO 3RD. DEALER DIAGNOSED THE REAR END PROBLEM AS BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND PROBABLY THE REAR HUBS WERE BAD. THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. FORD DEALER SERVICE ADVISED ME TO CONTACT FORD 800 NUMBER, AND OPERATOR AFTER PUTTING ME ON HOLD AND TALKING TO THE DEALER TURNED THE PROBLEM OVER TO THE NEXT LEVEL OF CUSTOMER CAR BECAUSE HER LIMIT OF $500 WOULD NOT BEGIN TO COVER THE REPAIRS. FORD COSTUMER CARE CALLED ME AND AFTER LETTING ME TELL MY STORY SAID THERE WAS NO PROGRAM DOLLARS AVAILABLE FOR ASSISTING IN FIXING EITHER PROBLEM, EVEN THOUGH THE REAR END PROBLEM WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE PREVIOUS VISIT AT 74,400 MILES PER THE DEALERS RECOMMENDATION. ALSO INFORMED ME THAT NOT EVEN THE $500 WAS AVAILABLE ,AND THE OPERATOR HAD NO RIGHT TO OFFER THAT AMOUNT. TOOK THE CAR FROM THE DEALER AFTER PAYING $120, PLUS $100 CAR RENTAL THEY WOULD NOT COVE) SINCE THE MILEAGE WAS 400 OVER WARRANTY 75000 MILEAGE LIMIT TO DIAGNOSE A PROBLEM THEY FAILED TO CORRECTLY DIAGNOSE THE FIRST 2 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10186004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,400 milesShirley, NY
SUSPENSION:REAR
75400 MILES. NOISE FROM REAR END BECOMING MORE NOTICEABLE. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY WON'T SHIFT FROM 2ND TO 3RD. DEALER DIAGNOSED THE REAR END PROBLEM AS BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND PROBABLY THE REAR HUBS WERE BAD. THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. FORD DEALER SERVICE ADVISED ME TO CONTACT FORD 800 NUMBER, AND OPERATOR AFTER PUTTING ME ON HOLD AND TALKING TO THE DEALER TURNED THE PROBLEM OVER TO THE NEXT LEVEL OF CUSTOMER CAR BECAUSE HER LIMIT OF $500 WOULD NOT BEGIN TO COVER THE REPAIRS. FORD COSTUMER CARE CALLED ME AND AFTER LETTING ME TELL MY STORY SAID THERE WAS NO PROGRAM DOLLARS AVAILABLE FOR ASSISTING IN FIXING EITHER PROBLEM, EVEN THOUGH THE REAR END PROBLEM WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE PREVIOUS VISIT AT 74,400 MILES PER THE DEALERS RECOMMENDATION. ALSO INFORMED ME THAT NOT EVEN THE $500 WAS AVAILABLE ,AND THE OPERATOR HAD NO RIGHT TO OFFER THAT AMOUNT. TOOK THE CAR FROM THE DEALER AFTER PAYING $120, PLUS $100 CAR RENTAL THEY WOULD NOT COVE) SINCE THE MILEAGE WAS 400 OVER WARRANTY 75000 MILEAGE LIMIT TO DIAGNOSE A PROBLEM THEY FAILED TO CORRECTLY DIAGNOSE THE FIRST 2 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10186004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,400 milesShirley, NY
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
RUBBING NOISE IN THE REAR END. DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM AND REPLACED BEARINGS IN THE FRONT LEFT HUB. DEALER SAID 2 OF THE TIRES WERE BADLY CUPPED SO THE COULD NOT HEAR ANY OTHER PROBLEM. PROBLEM/NOISE STILL THERE.
NHTSA complaint #10185995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,400 milesShirley, NY
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
74400 MILES. NOISE COMING FROM REAR END AND FEELS LIKE THE BRAKES ARE DRAGGING WHEN SLOWING DOWN. THE NOISE WAS WORSE WHEN ENGAGING THE 4-WD HIGH. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A BAD TRANSFER CASE ASSEMBLY. WAITED 2 DAYS BECAUSE THE FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE HAD TO APPROVE THE REPAIR. WAS TOLD THE MAIN SHAFT HAD CRACKED AND WAS ENGAGING THE 4-WD EVEN THOUGH IT DID NOT SHOW UP ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. AFTER PICKING UP THE VEHICLE IT SEEMED TO BE BETTER EVEN THOUGH NOT COMPLETELY GONE. MY MISTAKE FOR NOT RETURNING THE TRUCK BECAUSE IT STARTED TO GET WORSE AT 75400 , AND NOW THE FORD CUSTOM CARE CERTIFIED THE TRUCK AS A USED CAR COVERING DRIVE TRAIN UNTIL 75000 MILES, AND IT WOULD NOT AUTHORIZE ANY FURTHER WORK EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEM STILL HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS FROM 2 OTHER VISITS AT THE SAME DEALER. EVEN THOUGH THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE DEALERSHIP RECOMMEND THAT THE WORK BE DONE.
NHTSA complaint #10185998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.