2002 Ford Explorer

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 3,295 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 10 times.

Avoid One of the Ford Explorer years to avoid: 3.5× the complaints of a typical Explorer year. Which Ford Explorer years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
79,000 milesMedian miles at failure

2,521 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.

Most common 2002 Ford Explorer problems

1,380 of the 3,295 complaints (42%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission827
1528
Power Train · transmission227
504
Suspension › Rear163
100
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments · body and frame160
0040
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit · transmission137
000
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate · body and frame102
008
Structure › Body · body and frame101
324
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration82
18711
Air Bags · airbags82
29133
Steering78
211

2002 Ford Explorer transmission problems

42% of all complaints

1,380 of the 3,295 complaints are about the transmission. This is what owners describe:

  • slips or will not engage a gear14% · 197
  • shifts hard, late or not at all11% · 146
  • sets off warning lights on the dash8% · 105
  • knocks, grinds or clunks7% · 90
  • leaks oil or fluid6% · 85
  • jerks, lurches or bucks6% · 76

Share of the 1,380 transmission complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
80,000 mi
median of 1,188 reports
Peak year of filing
2010
233 transmission complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
24 · 2 · 13
in these complaints
Recalls on the transmission
None
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 FORD explorer. While driving at any speed, the gear would not engage when shifted. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission band did not connect. The technician recommended that the transmission be replaced or rebuilt.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 19, 2016 at 81,000 miles
“I got my explorer not too long ago. It was running great then out of no where the o/d light keeps flashing and my transmission starts to slip. A lot of people are having this problem and I think FORD needs to step up and take care of this because I have kids and this is my only car and I am on a fixed income. If FORD does not want to fix these problems or recall them then never will I buy a FORD again. *tr”
Owner complaint, filed Jun 8, 2014 at 168,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2001: 36 complaints, 4 about the transmission'012002: 134 complaints, 17 about the transmission2003: 165 complaints, 38 about the transmission2004: 240 complaints, 63 about the transmission2005: 340 complaints, 154 about the transmission'052006: 280 complaints, 153 about the transmission2007: 308 complaints, 144 about the transmission2008: 493 complaints, 218 about the transmission2009: 320 complaints, 142 about the transmission'092010: 377 complaints, 233 about the transmission2011: 181 complaints, 81 about the transmission2012: 100 complaints, 43 about the transmission2013: 66 complaints, 21 about the transmission'132014: 80 complaints, 29 about the transmission2015: 57 complaints, 16 about the transmission2016: 51 complaints, 14 about the transmission2017: 23 complaints, 6 about the transmission'172018: 13 complaints, 1 about the transmission2019: 10 complaints, 1 about the transmission2020: 9 complaints, 0 about the transmission2021: 3 complaints, 1 about the transmission'212022: 4 complaints, 1 about the transmission2023: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmission2024: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmission2025: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmission'252026: 2 complaints, 0 about the transmissionRecall 01I010000 (visibility)Recall 01V171000 (tires)Recall 03V094000 (body and frame)Recall 04V442000 (body and frame)Recall 06E026000 (headlights)Recall 06E049000 (headlights)Recall 07E104000 (visibility)Recall 09E012000 (headlights)Recall 09E025000 (headlights)NHTSA investigation DP05005NHTSA investigation PE05037NHTSA investigation PE04045NHTSA investigation EA02010
All complaintsAbout the transmissionRecall (red: the transmission)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2002 Explorer peaked in 2008, with 493 filed that year. No recall on file covers the transmission, the subject of 42% of the complaints. In 2026 owners filed 2 so far.

10 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Vehicle Speed Control09V399000
Filed Oct 13, 20094,500,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Risk. A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Remedy. FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear07E104000
Filed Dec 11, 20071,657 vehiclesSafelite Fulfillment, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.

Remedy. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.

Exterior Lighting06E049000
Filed May 24, 200627,176 vehiclesCk Motorsport, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments04V442000
Filed Sep 13, 2004955,732 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT MAY BECOME DISENGAGED OR THE HINGE MAY FRACTURE ALLOWING THE GLASS TO FALL AND POSSIBLY BREAK.

Risk. IF THE HINGE SHOULD FRACTURE, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE GLASS TO FALL AND ULTIMATELY BREAK AND PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL HAVE THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT BRACKETS AND GLASS HINGES REPLACED. FOR THE VEHICLES BUILT FROM AUGUST 1, 2000 THROUGH MARCH 3, 2002, THE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HINGES AND LIFTGATE STRUT BRACKET. ON VEHICLES BUILT FROM MARCH 3, 2002 THROUGH JUNE 23, 2003, THE DEALERS WILL ONLY REPLACE THE HINGES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2004. A POSTCARD WAS SENT TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 27, 2004, ADVISING THEM THAT PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Structure03V094000
Filed Mar 7, 20033,674 vehiclesSouthern Comfort Conversions

Defect. CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.

Risk. THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.

Tires › Sidewall01V171000
Filed May 24, 200152,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE RIGHT SIDE TIRES MAY HAVE HORIZONTAL CUTS ON THE EDGE OF THE TREAD THAT COULD HAVE OCCURRED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY.

Risk. OVER TIME, THE TIRE COULD FAIL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRES AND, IF ANY SLICES ARE FOUND, THE CUT TIRES WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 7, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear01I010000
Filed Apr 10, 200150,224 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND MERCURY MONTAINEER SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE BRACKETS CONNECTING THE LEFT CYLINDERS TO EACH SIDE OF THE LIFTGATE GLASS COULD ROTATE OUT OF POSITION IF EITHER THE URETHANE BOND OR TORQUE ARE NOT SUFFICIENT.

Risk. ROTATION OF THE BRACKETS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE LIFT CYLINDERS TO DETACH FROM THE GLASS OR, IN SOME CASES, COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE LIFTGATE GLASS TO BREAK. EITHER CONDITION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE GLASS IS BEING CLOSED.

Remedy. FORD DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR THE POSITION OF BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT LIFTGATGE GLASS LIFT CYLINDER BRACKETS. IF THE BRACKETS ARE IN THE PROPER POSITION, THE BRACKET RETAINERS WILL BE TIGHTENED TO A HIGHER TORQUE. IN CASES WHERE THE BRACKET IS NOT PROPERLY POSITION, THE BRACKET MUST BE RE-ALIGNED.

All 10 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 7 name the 2002 Explorer.

Vehicle Rollaway AllegationsEngineering analysis EA09013Closed
Opened Aug 18, 2009Closed Feb 12, 2013transmission

This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.By the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during EA09-013, ODI identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.The highest rate for any particular failure mechanism, the failure of the Automatic Transmission Parking System, was 4.4/100K.The next-highest failure rate was for the BSI System, at 3.4/100K.For all identified failure …

VEHICLE ROLLAWAY ALLEGATIONSPreliminary evaluation PE09020Closed
Opened Apr 21, 2009Closed Aug 19, 2009steering

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 …

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEADDefect petition DP05005Closed
Opened Sep 22, 2005Closed Jan 4, 2006engine

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 …

STUCK ENGINE THROTTLEPreliminary evaluation PE05037Closed
Opened Jul 7, 2005Closed Nov 2, 2005throttle and acceleration

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 …

REAR LIFTGATE GLASS ASSEMBLYPreliminary evaluation PE04045Closed
Opened Jun 2, 2004Closed Sep 28, 2004Led to recall 04V442000body and frame

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.

MIS-ASSEMBLED AIRBAG CLOCKSPRINGEngineering analysis EA02010Closed
Opened Jul 2, 2002Closed Feb 25, 2003airbags

In july 2001, FORD issued a special service message announcing that some air bagclockspring devices may produce noise when the steering wheel is turned full left or right.FORD was aware that some clocksprings may have been improperly installed.the improper installation may also cause an open circuit and the air bag warning light to illuminate.starting with vehicles produced in september 2001, FORD adding length to the clockspring wire to reduce the likelihood of damage from improper installation.odi's investigation revealed 32 comlaints (vehicle built prior to sept. 2001) of warning light but …

INOPERATIVE AIR BAG SYSTEMInvestigation SQ01015Closed
Opened Dec 12, 2001Closed Jul 2, 2002airbags

Technical service bulletins

258 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2002 Explorer. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

transmission 63engine 49electrical system 30body and frame 19equipment 12brakes 12fuel system 11visibility 9
02M01Service campaignJun 1, 2004engine

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 02M01 SUPPLEMENT #4. CERTAIN FORD 2000 THROUGH 2003 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TUBE-MOUNTED EGR PRESSURE SENSOR - ADDITIONAL EGR PRESSURE SENSOR WARRANTY COVERAGE. *TT SUPPLEMENT #3. *MJ SUPPLEMENT #6. *TT

TSB-08-19-3Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 1, 2009transmission

FORD: SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT OIL SEPARATION FROM THE INTERNAL LUBE FOUND IN THE UNITIZED CARTRIDGE SEAL. OIL SEPARATION APPEARS TO BE AND IS OFTEN MISDIAGNOSED, AS AN AXLE LUBE LEAK. *PE

06216Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 1, 2006transmission

LIMITED SLIP AXLE CHATTER, SHUDDER, BINDING SENSATION, OR VIBRATION DURING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS. *TT

04105Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 7, 2005transmission

AXLE SEAL LEAKS. LEAKS FROM REAR HALFSHAFT AXLE SEAL. SERVICE TIPS. *TT

0537Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 7, 2005transmission

DRIVELINE 1ST ORDER VIBRATION/BOOM/DRONE. *TT

18478Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 1, 2005transmission

AXLE SEAL LEAKS. *EH

05618Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 1, 2005transmission

REAR AXLE NOISE REPAIR. *TT

Showing the newest 6 of 63 bulletins about the transmission, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2002 Ford Explorer 4-DR.———★★★★★—

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Suspension
Filed Sep 9, 2026SC

The rear toe arms came unhinged or disconnected from their placement and sank down to continuously rub a groove in the inner rim. The suspension was affected, the steering was effecting especially when turning, it made the brakes stick, and made loud crunching and rolling noises. It is quite frankly dangerous. It was through no fault of mine that this happened, just weak design. I took it to a shop and they charged me all my money, but nothing was fixed.

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Jul 20, 2026FL

I was driving down the road and my airbag instantly deployed in my face without cause or notice. I became completely disoriented as it hit my hand and face with severe force and was extremely loud and shocking. I thank God that I had just let off the gas and didn't hurt anyone else. If I had panicked or was going through an intersection, experiencing a turn, coming to a stop, or someone in front of me stopped I could have struck another vehicle or object and caused death or injuries. I have not brought the vehicle anywhere to be checked out yet. My insurance refuses to cover it. There were no warning signs of this airbag deployment.

Structure › Body1 injured
Filed Jul 9, 2025OR

September 2, 2023 at about 6 pm I pulled over to grab a couple water bottles from the rear of my 2002 Ford Explorer Sport cause my engine was overheating. I got out walked to the rear of my vehicle pushed my unlatch button on the tailgate and I lifted the glass part of the rear hatch. Both air hinges were not working correctly to keep it up so I gently rested the glass on my hair that was put up in a bun and just a little bit of the glass was resting on the very top of my head where my hair was slicked back for my bun so my hands were free to grab the bottles of water. (My hair was the softest of resting place's). As I reached in the back to grab the water bottles I heard the loudest bang and hundreds of little pieces of glass fell everywhere around me. I was in so much distrot that I actually thought someone had shot at me with a fire arm but missed me and hit the rear glass instead. The top of my head was stinging and it felt like I had just been smacked with a tree branch and the glass had went all over me causing a few minor cuts and scrapes as I fell to my knees in shock my heart racing faster than I had even imagined a heart could beat while histaraclly crying from the trauma that just occurred I fell to the ground and for a full 15 minutes i sat there surrounded by glass and tears in so much shock, dazed and confused before I stood up and looked around at everything that then I only realized I WASN'T shot at because there was no bullet or bullet hole nor did a vehicle

Air Bags
Filed Jun 14, 2024118,583 milesTN

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her fiancé was driving 45 MPH, the driver’s side and passenger’s side air bags inadvertently deployed without an impact or a crash, causing the contact’s fiancé to swerve and drive down into a ditch. No warning lights were illuminated. The front bumper, windshield, and passenger’s side taillight were cracked. No injuries were sustained. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,583.

Engine
Filed Nov 30, 202388,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to coast off the freeway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic, but the mechanic declined to service the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified about the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.

Steering
Filed Sep 9, 2022TX

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the steering wheel intermittently seized while driving at various speeds without warning. After finding a replacement part at a salvage yard, the contact had the steering wheel replaced by an independent mechanic; however, the failure persisted. The contact also stated that an abnormal ticking noise was coming from the engine with the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed Jul 8, 2022137,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the hood latch independently released, causing the hood to strike the windshield. The contact was able to get to the side of the roadway and closed the hood. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.

Power Train
Filed Jun 14, 2022MS

Overdrive light flashes after driving a little bit hard shifting doesn't shift into overdrive 4x4 lights indicate that it's working when the buttons are pushed but doesn't go into 4x4

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed Mar 30, 2022115,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while entering the highway at approximately 45 MPH and accelerating to overtake the next vehicle, the accelerator pedal went to the floorboard however, the vehicle did not respond. The contact was able to pull over safely off the highway. There were no warning lights on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V422000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 22, 2021CT

The light form air bad juts got on when I was driving

Air Bags
Filed Apr 19, 2021261,765 milesNY

I WAS ON MOTION WHEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT TURN ON BUT I WENT TO CHECK AND THEY SAY I HAVE TO TAKE TO THE DEALER TO REPAIR

Power Train
Filed Feb 25, 2021100,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCED HARD SHIFTING WITH A CLUNKING NOISE PRESENT COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION GEAR RATIO WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER JACOB GEORGE FORD LOCATED AT 125 SPRING ST, HOUTZDALE, PA 16651 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Tires
Filed Dec 11, 2020VA

TL* THE CONTACT STATED THE WHEN DRIVING A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, EQUIPPED WITH COOPER TIRE, TIRE LINE SOLARIS AS, TIRE SIZE 225-70-R16, DOT INFORMATION WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WALL BLEW AND THE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE RIM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE VIN, MILEAGE, INFORMATION WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 27, 2020IL

THE ISSUES THAT I'M HAVING IS THE EXHILARATION (PICKING UP SPEED) ON A PUBLIC STREET AS WELL AS IN THE EXPRESSWAY IT HESITATES TO DO SO. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND I GO TO SWITCH GEARS IT DOES NOT WANT TO SWITCH. THE GAUGE INDICATOR COMES ON AND THE GAS IDLE BE STUCK ON EMPTY WHEN IT HAS A FULL TANK OF GAS. WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION THE RADIO VOLUME GOES UP AND DOWN ON ITS OWN. AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT WANT TO START FOR ME ONE DAY THE VERY NEXT DAY IT STARTED RIGHT ON UP (LIKE IT WANT TO START BUT DIDN'T CATCH). ALL OF THIS STARTED HAPPENING AT THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER 2020

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate1 injured
Filed Sep 8, 2020184,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPENING THE REAL LIFT GATE, THE REAR LIFT GATE GLASS WINDOW SUDDENLY SHATTERED. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE PERSON SUSTAINED A FACIAL LACERATION WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER (FUTURE FORD LOCATED AT 650 AUTOMALL DR, ROSEVILLE, CA 95661) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,000.

Structure › Body
Filed May 25, 2020NY

SUMMER,SPRING WEATHER, ALL FOUR, CLEAR, GLASS WINDOWS DO NOT SLIDE UP OR DOWN THROUGH ITS' POWER BUTTON, ELECTRONICALLY.

Seats
Filed Apr 11, 2020189,000 milesAL

MAKES A RATTLING NOISE WHEN A BUMP IS HIT DRIVER SIDE SEAT STOP WORKING

Steering
Filed Mar 9, 202095,474 milesCA

THE CAR ALWAYS FEELS LIKE IS ABOUT TO JUMP OFF THE ROAD OR THE LANE IM IN WHENEVER I DRIVE OVER ANY ROUGH ROAD OR POT HOLES. %ģ

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 18, 20203,200 milesKY

I HAD HAD THIS 2018 JEEP RENEGADE NOT EVEN 2.5 MONTHS AND IT NEEDED AN OIL CHANGE AND THE TIRES WERE COMPLETELY WORN OUT THEY WERE EVERY ONE SLICK AS COULD GET AND DANGEROUS. I CALLED THE DEALER BECAUSE THE TIRES WENT BAD AND I HADN'T HAD THE FIRST 50K MILES ON IT YET AND THEY DID NOTHING. CALLED THE TIRE COMPANY THEY DID NOTHING. SO I REPLACED THEM AND ANOTHER ALMOST 3 MONTHS GO BY AND THE TIRES ARE COMPLETELY WORN OUT AND SLICK AGAIN. THIS HAS REPEATEDLY HAPPENED EVERY 2-3 MONTHS TO WHERE THEY ARE SO DANGEROUS YOU EITHER DRIVE 30 MPH OR GET THEM CHANGED. 3 TIMES I'VE REPLACED THE TIRES AND AND THE OIL GOES SO FAST. AND NOW I AM STUCK WITH THIS VEHICLE I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY THESE PRICES FOR A 30K VEHICLE THAT'S NOT WORTH 10K.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 20, 202020,000 milesAR

WAS DRIVING ON HWY AND MY VEHICLE JUST SHUT DOWN AS I WAS TURNING OFF THE MAIN ROAD, LOST ALL CONTROL OF STEERING. WHEN I RAISED THE HOOD I SAW MY RADIATOR SMOKING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT POPPED. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED IN TO THE SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RADIATOR HAD EXPLODED AND THE ENGINE SEIZED UP! HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN? I NEVER EVEN HAD IT TO OVER HEAT OR THE LIGHT NEVER EVEN ALERTED ME. JUST BLEW UP AND LEFT ME STRANDED. I WAS TOLD AFTER THE FACT THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE RADIATOR! *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 17, 202080,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE TRANSMISSION INDEPENDENTLY SWITCHED TO 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSFER CASING AND IGNITION COILS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE IGNITION COIL WAS REPLACED AND THE TRANSFER CASING WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 6, 2019205,890 milesCA

THE RADIATOR STARTED GOING OUT ON ME. I HAD TO FIX IT TWICE. THE BREAKES I KEEP HAVING THE CONTINUED FIXING THEM EVERY 4 MONTHS. RECENTLY OCTOBER 25, 2019 IT STARTED SMELLING LIKE BURNT RUBBER CAME THRU THE AIR VENTS. THINGS WITH THE ELECTRICITY OE A SHORTAGE. WITH THE TIRES THEY PUT WRONG TIRE SIZE. THEY TOLD ME TO SIGN AND GO BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T HAVE MY ACTUAL TIRE SIZE. ITS ALWAYS ON THE SMALLS STREETS AND ON FREEWAY OR. HIGHWAY IT SMELLS LIKE BURNT RUBBER. THE OWNER DIDN'T NOTIFY ME OR BOTHER TO TELL ME IT WAS ON RECALL ALREADY.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 27, 2019200,000 milesGA

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY I WENT TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN WHEN SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE GRILL, SO I PULLED OVER TO CHECK UNDER THE HOOD, SMOKE STARTED BOILING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 21, 2019204,000 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE UPPER HINGE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. PERRY FORD OF SANTA BARBARA (440 HITCHCOCK WAY, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93105, (805) 682-2411) WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 204,000.

Power Train
Filed Sep 30, 201993,964 milesNV

THE CAR GETS STUCK IN PARK AND WILL NOT INTO REVERSE, NEUTRAL OR DRIVE. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN OFTEN BUT HAS BEEN HAPPENING AT INFREQUENT PERIODS SINCE 2007. IT'S A NUISANCE WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN BUT AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS, DEPRESSING THE BRAKE AND REPEATEDLY ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT; SHUTTING DOWN THE ENGINE AND RESTARTING AND REPEATING THE PROCESS; USUALLY DOES SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE LAST INCIDENT WAS MORE THAN 4 YEARS AGO. NOW SINCE SATURDAY, 9/28/19; CAN'T SHIFT OUT OF PARK. I NEVER REPORTED THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT WAS ALWAYS RESOLVED AND I FORGOT TO REPORT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I WAS ALWAYS IN A RUSH TO GET TO MY DESTINATION. MY CAR IS IN GOOD RUNNING CONDITION. ORIGINAL OWNER. 93964MI. ALWAYS SERVICED AT DEALERSHIP.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 4, 2019IL

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. *JS

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 25, 2019294,000 milesNJ

I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND GOT INTO A ACCIDENT. TOTALED MY VEHICLE AND MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY

Engine
Filed Jul 3, 2019212,349 milesTN

MOTOR IS OVER HEATING AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT 30 MINS ON HIGHWAY

Air BagsCrash1 killed
Filed Jun 18, 2019AK

TL* THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT A FATAL CRASH WHICH INVOLVED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VICTIM'S VEHICLE WAS FOUND THREE HOURS AFTER THE CRASH AND THE VEHICLE HAD FLIPPED UPSIDE DOWN. THE VICTIM WAS FOUND, WEARING THE SEATBELT BUT NO AIR BAGS HAD DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED (CASE NUMBER: 19-11405). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CITY OBSERVED A CURFEW WHEREBY THE CORONER'S REPORT STATED THAT 'DEATH WAS CAUSED BY A MULTIPLE BLUNT FORCE INJURY TO THE HEAD". THE STREET LIGHTS WERE TURNED OFF FROM 12 MIDNIGHT TO 5 AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRASH MIGHT HAVE OCCURRED AT ABOUT 3AM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED TO THE APD (ANCHORAGE POLICE DEPARTMENT) IMPOUND. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED.

Air BagsCrash3 injured
Filed Apr 9, 2019280,000 milesOR

ON JANUARY 21, 2019 I WAS HIT HEAD-ON BY A DRIVER WHO FELL ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL. TOTALLED MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER! MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING THE ACCIDENT! I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND THE OTHER DRIVER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON A CITY STREET.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 14, 2019176,000 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 24 MPH, A VEHICLE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S DOOR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LOWER AND UPPER BACK INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND HAD TO PRY THE DRIVER'S DOOR OFF THE VEHICLE AFTER THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED, BUT IT WAS NOT DETERMINED WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000.

Power Train
Filed Sep 7, 2018232,160 milesNE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD AFTER IT WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 232,160.

Structure › Body1 injured
Filed Aug 6, 2018150,150 milesAL

THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED. IT WAS UNOCCUPIED PARKED IN THE CARPORT.

Steering
Filed Jul 24, 201895,000 milesFL

GEAR SHIFT IN STEERING COLUMN FELL OFF AS I WAS BEGINNING TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 95K MILES ON IT.

Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing
Filed Jun 19, 2018GA

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. *JS

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 29, 2018163,000 milesCA

VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO MAXIMUM RPM'S ON A CITY STREET AND WOULD NOT STOP, EVEN AFTER BRAKE APPLIED. TRIED DOWNSHIFTING, WOULD NOT WORK. RAN THROUGH A RED LIGHT, FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF US OR GOING THE OTHER DIRECTION. HAD TO PUT IT INTO NEUTRAL AND TURN THE KEY OFF TO GET IT TO STOP. MERGED OVER AND PARKED. WHEN RESTARTED, RPM'S STILL AT MAXIMUM UNTIL HOOD WAS OPENED AND THROTTLE CABLE WAS MOVED AROUND. SCARY SITUATION AS WON'T DRIVE IT UNTIL IT IS FIXED. APPOINTMENT SCHEDULED WITH MECHANIC. SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS WITH AS MANY COMPLAINTS AS I HAVE READ ABOUT WITH THIS VERY SITUATION. WE COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE OR BEEN KILLED.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 28, 2018102,000 milesMI

REAR HATCH PANEL APPLIQUE CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Apr 27, 2018117,000 milesNJ

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.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 4, 2018167,000 milesOR

BLINKERS AND GAUGES WON'T WORK ALSO BRIGHT LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. EVERYTHING ELSE WORKS FINE INCLUDING EMERGENCY FLASHERS. I'VE CHANGED RELAY AND CHECKED FUSES.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Mar 5, 2018175,098 milesNY

WELL I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. IT HAS THE TRAILER BRAKE WHICH I NEVER HAVE USED YET. I HAVE A COUPLE ISSUES WITH IT. THE THEFT LIGHT BLINKS AS LONG AS THE VEHICLE AIN'T RUNNING. SOME TIMES IT DOESN'T LIKE TO START AND HAS A BRAND NEW BATTERY. SOMETIMES WHEN PUT IN GEAR WHILE RUNNING IT WILL SHUT IT'S SELF OFF. I ALSO NOTICED WHEN I BOUGHT IT FROM ANOTHER PRIVATE SELL THAT WHEN I WAS DRIVING THE EXPLORER THAT I KEPT SMELLING A BURNING SMELL LIKE PLASTIC AND WIRES AS WELL AS SMOKE AND HEAT ADMITTING FROM THE CENTER CONSOLE AREA. I DROPPED A PIECE OF PLASTIC IN THE CENTER CONSOLE AREA. I PULLED UP THE CENTER CONSOLE AREA PLASTIC AND WITNESSED THE FACTORY WIRING THAT RUNS TO THE CENTER CONSOLE LIGHTER AND ELSE WHERE SPARKING AND SMOKING. I GOT IT TO STOP AND NOTICED THAT THE FIBERGLASS CLOTH THING THE FACTORY PUT AROUND IT WAS BADLY BURNED AS WELL AS ALMOST HALFWAY THROUGH ALL THE CENTER CONSOLE ARE WIRES ABOUT AN INCH LONG AS WELL AS THE PLASTIC BOTTOM AREA TO THE CENTER CONSOLE CUP AREA. THE BURNED PLASTIC AREA IS ALSO STARTED TO MELT. I HAVE PICTURES ON MY CELL PHONE. I SHOWED THE PICTURES TO THE RECEPTION GUY AT THE JAMESTOWN NY 14701 FORD DEALER SERVICE DESK. HE GASPED AND LOOKED GENUINELY SCARED THAT , THAT HAPPENED. I'M SCARED THAT THIS HAPPENED. I DON'T WANT IT TO CATCH FIRE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY KIDS AND NEWBORN BABY IN IT. THIS IS A MANUFACTURE ISSUE WHICH I FEEL SHOULD BE FIXED AT FORDS EXPENSE NOT OURS.

Suspension
Filed Mar 5, 2018221,210 milesNY

"TAKATA RECALL" I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 10 MILES TOOK A RIGHT INTO THE LIBIARY PARKING LOT AND MY FRONT SIDE DRIVERS TIRE SNAPPED THE BALL JOINT COMPLETELY SNAPPED AND IT BROKE THE SPRING, UPPER CONTROL ARM, SWAY BAR AND TYIROD

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 20, 2018120,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE ON THE REAR DOOR HANDLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK BETWEEN THE DOOR HANDLE AND GLASS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 11, 2018164,000 milesMI

HAD A BAD BATTERY AND NOW 4X4 WON'T WORK

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 2, 2018143,000 milesVA

AFTER JUMPING THE VEHICLE DUE TO DEAD BATTERY GEAR SHIFTER SNAPPED WHEN SHIFTING CAR INTO DRIVE. VEHICLE STUCK IN REVERSE ALSO NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. FORM CARS ARE WORTHLESS! DON'T BUY A FORD!!

Power Train
Filed Nov 15, 2017113,000 milesMN

THE SHIFT LEVER LITERALLY SNAPPED OFF AT THE STEERING COLUMN WHILE PUTTING THE CAR INTO DRIVE. CAR COULDN'T BE SHIFTED INTO PARK, STILL RUNNING. KEYS COULDN'T EVEN BE REMOVED TO TURN THE CAR OFF. VERY DANGEROUS. SEEMS LIKE A FAIRLY COMMON PROBLEM AMONG 2002 FORD EXPLORER OWNERS. MANY COMPLAINTS FILED HERE: HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/ACCESSORIES-INTERIOR/GEAR_SHIFT_LEVER_FELL_OFF-2.SHTML

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 27, 2017160,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE AND NOTICED THAT THE SUN ROOF WAS DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER DISCONTINUED THE PART. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE SUN ROOFS WERE DISCONTINUED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 12, 201725 milesMD

THE TIMING BELTS BROKE AND DAMAGE THE ENGINE. TRUCK HAS LESS THAN 100,000 MILES.

Power Train
Filed Aug 30, 2017138,935 milesCA

TRANSMISSION FAILED ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY

Power Train
Filed Aug 21, 2017181,000 milesTN

TRANSMISSIONS GOING OUT IT STARTED ALL OF A SUDDEN WITH A VIBRATION IN TRANSMISSION AFTER DRIVING IT FOR A AWHILE IN THE HIGHER GEARS THE OD LIGHT CAME ON AN FLASHED FOR AWHILE CAN U HELP ME

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jul 17, 2017215,000 milesKS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN, SPUN AROUND, AND LANDED IN A RAVINE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GARNERS TOWING IN MIAMI, OK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 215,000.

Complaints 1-50 of 3,295, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2002
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20270100Routine
2026441400Routine
20251072000Routine
2024211010Routine
20231131520Routine
20222712410Above average
20214522660Above average
20201,24933100Above average
2019300600Above average
2018734770Above average
20171,70414110Above average
20162,46515140Above average
20151,814910Above average
20141,684762Fatalities reported
20132,23712111Fatalities reported
2012830760Above average
20111,198840Above average
2010115200Routine
200933100Routine
2008148330Routine
2007208352Fatalities reported
2006630470Above average
2005497361Fatalities reported
20041,3044150High concern
20031,1317102Fatalities reported
2002 — this page3,29510575Fatalities reported
200137512216Fatalities reported
200095215644Fatalities reported
19991,34815444Fatalities reported
19981,9591410216Fatalities reported
19971,731125334Fatalities reported
19961,450113751Fatalities reported
199584312328Fatalities reported
19941,20778220Fatalities reported
19939399481Fatalities reported
19926337634Fatalities reported
199160911634Fatalities reported
199012010Routine

Compare every Explorer year →

2002 Ford Explorer: questions buyers ask

Is the 2002 Ford Explorer a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Explorer years to avoid: owners filed 3,295 complaints, 3.5 times as many as a typical Explorer year. The most common complaint is about the transmission (42%).

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Ford Explorer?

The transmission: 1,380 of the 3,295 complaints (42%) are about it. Owners most often say it slips or will not engage a gear (14%), shifts hard, late or not at all (11%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (8%). The typical report comes at 80,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2002 Ford Explorer have?

10 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Oct 13, 2009. The largest, 09V399000, covered 4,500,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2002 Ford Explorer problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 79,000 miles. For the transmission the midpoint is 80,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2002 Ford Explorer?

Yes, 7 times. The latest, EA09013 ("Vehicle Rollaway Allegations"), was opened Aug 18, 2009 and closed Feb 12, 2013.

Are there service bulletins for the 2002 Ford Explorer?

The manufacturer filed 258 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (63), the engine (49) and the electrical system (30). They include a service campaign, 02M01, filed Jun 1, 2004. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

5 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Oct 13, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.