Page 3 of 66 · complaints 101–150 of 3,295

2002 Ford Explorer complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2002 record →

Wheels
Filed Apr 27, 2016174,000 milesFL

WHEEL STUDS BREAKING OFF & CAUSING DANGER FOR MY FAMILY,THEREFORE MAKING IT UNSAFE FOR THE FAMILY.MANY REPORTS HAVE BEEN MADE ABOUT THESE PARTICULAR VEHICLES.WHEN IM ABLE I WILL GET RID OF BOTH MY FORD VEHICLES FOR MY FAMILIES SAFETY & WELLBEING.

Power Train
Filed Apr 27, 201689,000 milesKY

02 EXPLORER STOP SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR, AFTER 2ND GEAR WHEN IT'S TIME TO SHIFT IT SOUNDS LIKE IT GOES IN NEUTRAL, WHEN I LET OFF IT FINALLY SHIFTS (HARD) IT'S VERY DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING IN FRONT OF TRAFFIC I'M AFRAID FOR MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN, THIS IS AN ISSUE FOR ALOT OF PEOPLE, PLEASE HELP US WITH THIS ISSUE, THIS REALLY NEEDS TO BE RECALLED THANK YOU *TR

Electrical System
Filed Apr 23, 2016TN

MY ALARM SYSTEM GO OFF ALL TIME I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Apr 12, 2016206,000 milesAL

WHEN I TURN MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON THEY STAY ON LOW AND WILL NOT GO OFF UNLESS I TURN THE TRUCK OFF WITH THE WIPERS IN OFF POSITION. MY O/D OFF LIGHT STARTED BLINKING WHEN I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN I TURN THE TRUCK OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES IT GOES OFF, BUT COMES ON A LITTLE BIT LATER WHILE DRIVING.

Power Train
Filed Apr 12, 2016GA

VEHICLE LUNGES AT RED LIGHTS OR WHEN I PUT IT IN PARK OR TAKE IT OUT OF PARK. RPMS GO UP TO 4000 RPMS AND WONT SHIFT. OD LIGHT STAYS ON AND FLASHES WHILE DRIVING AND SHIFTS UP AND DOWN WHILE DRIVING. ALMOST RAN THROUGH A STORE FRONT ONE DAY AS I PULLED UP BECAUSE THE RPMS WERE SO HIGH. IF RPMS ARE UP SITTING AT RED LIGHT IT CRUISES BY ITSELF WHEN I LET OFF BRAKE AT 30MPH BUT WONT GO ANY FASTER WHEN I GIVE IT GAS UNTIL RPMS COME DOWN. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A YEAR NOW. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO KEEP REPLACING TRANSMISSIONS THIS IS THE SECOND ONE NOW IN 4 YEARS.

Engine
Filed Apr 12, 2016108,000 milesNY

TRANSMISSION FAILURE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 11, 2016170,000 milesNY

REAR PANEL CRACKED WITHOUT COLLISION OR INCIDENT REAR GLASS OF LIFT GATE EXPLODED UPON CLOSING IN MY DRIVEWAY, WHILE PARKED, ON SATURDAY 4/9/201 I KNEW NOTHING OF A PENDING CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OR THE DEFECT BEING COMPLAINED ABOUT BY SO MANY EXPLORER OWNS FROM THE YEARS OF 2002-2005 FORD CHANGED THE PROBLEM PIECE AFTER 2005 HOWEVER THEY NEVER RECALLED THE LIFT GATE OR REAR PANEL INSURANCE WILL NOT COVER IT FORD WILL NOT RECALL OR REPLACE IT THERE IS GLASS EVERYWHERE AND I DO NOT HAVE 500+ DOLLARS TO REPLACE IT. THIS WAS A DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE REPLACED BY FORD!

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 6, 2016110,000 milesKY

MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4.6L IS HAVING MAJOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AT ONLY 110K MILES. IT HESITATES SHIFTING GEARS AND SLIPS WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLS WHEN STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. IT HAS THE INFAMOUS CRACK DOWN THE BACK HATCH. BOTH ARE PROBLEMS THOUSANDS OF CUSTOMERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT YET FORD DOES NOTHING. THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM IS A VERY EXPENSIVE COST TO REPAIR AND IT SHOULDN'T BE THE CUSTOMERS RESPONSIBILITY WHEN FORD KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM.

Power Train
Filed Apr 5, 2016145,819 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS SHIFTED INTO THE PARK POSITION, THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE SHIFTED. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE FOUR WHEEL GEARS SHIFTED AGAIN. THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE GEAR BUTTONM BUT IT DID NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE MANAGED TO PLACE ITSELF BACK INTO DRIVE GEAR. THE WARNING LIGHTS DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,819.

Power Train
Filed Apr 5, 2016182,000 milesNY

AS I WAS OUT DRIVING ONE DAY, I PULLED OFF FROM A GREEN LIGHT AND OUT OF NOWHERE THE "SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT" AND THE "O/D LIGHT" BOTH TURNED ON AT THE SAME TIME. AT THE SAME TIME I NOTICED THAT THE TRUCK BEGAN TO SHIFT VERY POORLY COMING OUT OF 1ST AND 2ND GEAR. IT IS NOW TO THE POINT WHERE THERE IS A REALLY LOUD "CLUNK" EVERY TIME THE TRUCK SHIFTS, ESPECIALLY IN THE LOWER GEARS AND WHEN PUTTING THE TRUCK IN REVERSE. I PULLED OVER TO ENSURE THAT IT WASN'T SOMETHING I HAD DONE AND IT WASN'T! I LET THE CAR SIT FOR A FEW HOURS HOPING THAT WOULD CLEAR THE ISSUE, BUT NO LUCK! AFTER MUCH RESEARCH ON THE PROBLEM THIS IS A VERY WELL KNOWN PROBLEM BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO RESOLVE IT FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE JUST UNDER A MONTH AGO AND ALREADY I'M LOOKING AT $2,000 TO PUT IN A NEW TRANSMISSION. WELL AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE I CAN NOT AFFORD TO FIX FORD'S MISTAKE!!! THIS IS A CLEAR DEFECT OF A FORD PRODUCT AND AFTER SPENDING MY HARD EARNED MONEY ON ONE OF THEIR PRODUCTS I EXPECT MUCH BETTER FROM THEM! EVEN AFTER SPENDING $2,000 ON ANOTHER TRANSMISSION, IT IS A SURE FACT THAT IT IS ONLY INEVITABLE THAT THIS PROBLEM WILL HAPPEN AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN TO ANYONE WHO PURCHASES A 2003 FORD EXPLORER! IF I AND I'M SURE ANYONE ELSE WOULD'VE KNOWN THIS FACT, I'M POSITIVE; FORD WOULD HAVE NOT SOLD AS MANY MODELS. CAN WE SAY BAMBOOZLED AND TAKEN FOR MY MONEY BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY! PLEASE HELP US CUSTOMERS OUT AND DEMAND A RECALL ON THESE POORLY BU

Engine
Filed Mar 30, 2016NY

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WENT TO A AUTO REPAIR SHOP AND WAS GIVEN OEM CODE P0442 (EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM). THE SCENT OF GAS WAS PRESENT. I CHANGED THE FUEL CAP AND ISSUE STILL REMAINS. GAS FUEL TANK VAPOR VENT CHECK VALVE IS DEFECTIVE AND MUST BE REPLACED.

Engine
Filed Mar 18, 2016123,076 milesTX

TURNED CAR ON TO DRIVE IT WOULD NOT START AFTER SEVER RAINFALLS UNTIL FINALLY WHEN I DID THE LAST TIME AFTER A JUMP, BATTERY NEW. IT STARTED TO MAKE THIS AWFUL NOISE LIKE A CLANKING SOUND LIKE A CHAIN SOUND. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND HE DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS, CALLED A MOBILE MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE SAME THING SAID IT COULD BE A VALVE OR PISTON PROBLEM. FROM WHAT I HEAR SOUNDS LIKE A CHAIN. BEFORE THIS HAPPENING THE REAR WINDOW REGULATORS FOR THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOWS RIGHT AND LEFT SIDES BROKE. HAD LEFT SIDE FIXED RIGHT SIDE NOT FIXED, GLASS STILL HELD WITH A BOARD INSIDE DOOR.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 28, 2016MD

TWO WEEKS AGO FOR NO REASON MY AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I CONTACTED FORD AND COULDN'T GET ANY HELP FROM THEM AT ALL. I WAS LEAVING WORK IN VIRGINIA.

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Feb 19, 2016130,000 milesFL

I WAS DRIVING MY FORD ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE NEXT THING I KNOW MY FEET WERE REALLY HOT AND BLACK SMOKE STARTED COMING UP. THEN THE BLACK SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND I NEARLY CRASHED TRYING TO GET TO THE EDGE OF THE HIGHWAY BEFORE THE FIRE TOOK OVER THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE CAR. LUCKILY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS RIGHT THERE FOR ANOTHER ACCIDENT. IT WAS INCREDIBLY DISTURBING EXPERIENCE. LUCKILY MY 3 SMALL CHILDREN WERE NOT IN THE CAR.

Power Train
Filed Feb 17, 2016153,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE GEAR SHIFT FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT AT THE DEALER BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 153,000.

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Jan 26, 2016135,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONE OF THE HINGES ON THE LIFTGATE WINDOW WAS RUSTED OUT AND SEPARATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. ......UPDATED 04/01/16 *BF *CN

Steering
Filed Jan 12, 2016120,000 milesNV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHIFTING LEVER USED TO SHIFT GEARS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 6, 201682,000 milesMI

COLUMN GEAR SHIFTER BROKE OFF WHEN PUTTING IN GEAR. COULD NOT REMOVE KEY OR PUT IN PARK

Electrical System
Filed Dec 29, 2015VA

BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE. REPLACED FRONT AND REAR WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED BALL JOINTS REPLACED TRANSMISSION HAS NOW FAILED AND IS NOW UNDEPENDABLE. MAY FAIL WITH OUT WARNING NO ACCIDENTS, ANY OF THE ABOVE COULD HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT FORD IS AWARE OF ALL OF THE MENTIONED PROBLEMS AND REFUSES TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEMS. THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM WITH ALL 2002 FORD EXPLORERS.

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Dec 28, 2015215,000 milesMA

CAR STALLED ON BUSY STREET, THEN WAS RESTARTED AND LOST POWER. THEN FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. CAR WAS WELL MAINTAINED. TOTAL LOSS WAS NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE

Air Bags
Filed Dec 17, 2015VA

AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS TO SHORT : EVERY TIME YOU MOVE THE SEAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON $683.00 REPAIR SERVICE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FROM FORD NO COMPENSATION FOR REPAIRS MILES 22,000. FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILURE LEFT AND RIGHT 60,000 MILES. REAR SPRING FAILURE 75000 MILES FRONT SPRING FAILURE 75000 MILES. FUEL TANK REGISTERS 1/4 TANK WHEN TANK IS EMPTY 45000 MILES TRANSMISSION CELLINOID FAILURE 28000 MILES AND 800000 MILES HEATER CONTROL MODULE 70000 MILES. INTAKE LEAK 80000 MILES. REAR WHEEL BEARING AND AXLE SEALS 100,000 MILES. OTHER THAN THAT GREAT CAR. IF FORD CARED ABOUT ITS CUSTOMER IT WOULD HAVE FIXED THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS THEY HAD SIX FLAWS FROM DAY ONE OF PRODUCTION FROM 1990 ---- WHY FORD IF YOU HAD A REAL TRANSMISSION IT WOULD MAKE UP FOR ALL THE OTHER FAILURE BUILT INTO THIS CAR. YOU MAKE GREAT REAL TRUCKS LIKE THE F150 OTHER THAN THAT YOUR ENTIRE FLEET IS JUNK.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 16, 201590,000 milesHI

I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND I NO MORE THAN PULLED THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER BACK AND IT BROKE OFF. I COULD NOT SHIFT AT ALL. THE KEYS GOT STUCK IN THE IGNITION, TOO. I HAD TO LEAVE MY CAR THERE OVER NIGHT UNTIL THE FOLLOWING MORNING WHEN THE TOW COMPANY CAME. I ALSO COULD NOT LOCK MY DOORS, AND IT WAS LOADED WITH WORKING EQUIPMENT. ( I CANNOT EVEN IMAGINE IF IT BROKE AFTER I HAD PUT IT IN REVERSE OR DRIVE, AND BEEN STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, OR IF THIS HAD HAPPENED IN A REMOTE PLACE. ) AS YOU CAN SEE BY MY PICTURE IT WAS ACTUALLY THE METAL, POSSIBLY ALUMINUM BUT NOT 100% SURE .. METALS SHOULD NOT JUST BREAK.. THIS IS DEFINITELY A DEFECT . I ALSO NOTED ON JUST ONE WEBSITE OVER 151 COMPLAINTS FOR THIS EXACT SAME THING ON THE EXACT SAME YEAR AND MODEL VEHICLE.

Power Train
Filed Dec 10, 2015160,000 milesMT

THE O/D LIGHT HAS STARTED FLASHING AND MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, IT IS NOT SHIFTING WHEN IT SHOULD BE, GOING UP TO 5000 RPMS, I HAVE TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE PEDAL TO TRY AND GET IT TO SHIFT INTO 3RD. SOMETIMES IT WORKS, OTHER TIMES NOT SO MUCH. AFTER DOING A THOROUGH SEARCH, I HAVE FOUND A RIDICULOUS AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS IDENTICAL TO MINE, MOST WITH SIMILAR MILEAGE (MINE IS AT 162,000), WITH THE PROBLEM BEING EITHER THE SOLENOID PACK OR THE O/D SERVO. SOME ARE LUCKY AND HAVE THIS REPLACED FIRST, BUT OTHERS END UP HAVING TO REBUILD/REPLACE THE TRANNY. THAT IS AN EXPENSIVE FIX FOR WHAT SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM, TOO EXPENSIVE FOR MOST PEOPLE WHO DRIVE A VEHICLE THAT IS THIS OLD.I AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF TWO SMALL CHILDREN, I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX THIS OR BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE.

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 4, 201547,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND SURGED FORWARD BEFORE CRASHING INTO A BUILDING. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT ARM, HIP, HEAD, AND NECK. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 3, 201547,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, SURGED FORWARD, AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. DURING THE CRASH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE LEFT ARM AND HIP, HEAD, AND NECK. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.

Power Train
Filed Dec 1, 2015169,000 milesNM

STARTED WITH FLASHING OF LIGHT WENT TO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE P0775 TRANSMISSION CONTROL SOLENOID B.... FROM WHAT I'M FINDING OUT THIS IS JUST A SYMPTOM OF THE BIGGER PROBLEM THE SERVO BORE LEAKING AND NEEDING A BRASS SLEEVE INSERT FIX... I THINK IT'S TOTAL CRAP I HAVE TO PAY FOR A KIT AND FIND SOMEONE WHO WILL FOLLOW THE PROPER REFIT PROCEDURES AND PAY THEM WHEN FORD IS WELL AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND SHOULD BE FORCED INTO A RECALL RETRO FIT... I AM A 50 YR OLD DISABLED WOMAN WHO CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX A PROBLEM THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE DEALING WITH....THE TRANSMISSION IS HAZARDOUS AND CAN DISENGAGE FROM LOSS OF PRESSURE WHILE DRIVING...

Power Train
Filed Nov 27, 2015152,709 milesOH

GEAR SHIFTER BROKE OFF WHILE PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK.

Visibility
Filed Nov 25, 201591,000 milesIA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE REAR HATCH WINDOW WAS CLOSED AND IT SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE WINDOW WAS REPLACED, SHE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR THE EXACT ISSUE. UPDATED 03/21/16.*JB

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 24, 2015CO

GAS GUAGE REGISTRES EVERY NOW AND THEN - 97% OF THE TIME IT SAYS CHECK GUAGE -AND NOTHING ON THE FUEL GUAGE THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WILL WORK FOR ABOUT 10 MIN., THEN IT GO BACK TO CHECK GUAGE

Interior Lighting
Filed Nov 10, 2015133,748 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE INTERIOR LIGHTING REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND LEAKED WATER INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED WATER STAINS BY THE VISORS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,748.

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Nov 2, 2015111,043 milesOK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. UPON OPENING AND CLOSING THE REAR HATCH, THE ROD ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRACTURED WHICH CAUSED THE GLASS TO SHATTER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,043. UPDATED 1/15/16 *CN

Power Train
Filed Oct 21, 2015156,000 milesCA

1ST TRANSMISSION TOTAL FAILURE AT 87K MILES 2ND TRANSMISSION TOTAL FAILURE AT 156K MILES VEHICLE IS DRIVEN VERY LIGHT DUTY USAGE BY A MATURE WOMAN (NOW 86 YEARS OLD AT THE TIME OF THE 2ND FAILURE). FROM RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET I HAVE FOUND THAT FORD MANY ISSUES WITH EARLY MILEAGE TRANSMISSION FAILURES AND NEVER A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. I'M FILING THIS ON BEHALF OF MY MOTHER

Power Train
Filed Oct 21, 2015118,000 milesOK

NEEDED A NEW TRANNY AT 118,000 MILES THEN NEEDED ANOTHER ONE

Air Bags
Filed Oct 8, 2015173,000 milesFL

I FINANCED THIS VEHICLE THRU 123 AUTO IN HOMOSASSA FL CITRUS COUNTY AND IT HAS A AIRBAG THAT IS NO GOOD AND NO HORN AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD THE DAY I BOUGHT IT AND THEY WILL NOT FIX SO I AM CURRENTLY PAYING TO GET IT FIXED I WAS TOLD TO MAKE A COMPLAINT WITH THIS OFFICE TO SEE IF YOU CAN HELP ME GET SOMETHING DONE BECAUSE IT IS NOT RIGHT

Air Bags
Filed Oct 7, 2015240,000 milesNC

THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON BLINKING FOR NO REASON AND WANT GO OFF! HELP PLEASE

Power Train
Filed Sep 18, 2015TN

I WAS DRIVING ALONG AND THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT OFF STARTED FLASHING AND I STARTED EXPERIENCING THE VEHICLE STARTING TO SHIFT HARDER IN 1 & 2 GEARS!

Suspension
Filed Sep 10, 2015160,000 milesMN

THE REAR SUSPENSION IS BROKEN ON EITHER SIDE OF VEHICLE, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BEARINGS WERE REPLACED, NOW THE DRIVERS REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ARE SHOT.

Structure › BodyCrash
Filed Aug 28, 2015154,000 milesID

VEHICLE LEAKS TRANSMISSION FLUID FROM WHAT A APPEARS TOBE THE TRANS BELL HOUSING AND WAS TOLD BY EXPERTS AFTER TAKING VEHICLE TO INVESTIGATE,MAIN SEAL TRANNY DAMAGED AND TRANS NEEDS TOBE PULLED,COSTING HUNDREDS TO FIX.WAS IN FIRST ACCIDENT IN 30YRS BECAUSE TRANNY WOULD NOT ENGAGE,SHIFT TO PROPER TORQUE FOR SPEED WHEN NEEDED.CAUSING SLUGGISH LATE SHIFT TO ALMOST STOP,AND CAUSING CRASH. CAN YOU HELP?.................ANYONE? THANKYOU!

Electrical System
Filed Aug 20, 2015155,000 milesMS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE THE DOORS WERE CLOSED. AS A RESULT, THE BATTERY BECAME INOPERABLE DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 25, 2015185,000 milesVA

AROUND 1015AM ON SATURDAY JULY 25, 2015, I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF ATTACHING MY BOAT TRAILER TO THE HITCH. AFTER OPENING MY DRIVERS DOOR SEVERAL TIMES, CHECKING ON THE HITCH POSITION, I PUT MY VEHICLE IN PARK, GOT OUT, SHUT THE DOOR, AND THEN HEARD A LOUD SOUND THAT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT. I TURNED AROUND AND SAW THAT MY DRIVERS SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON AT ALL. THE LEFT REAR SEAT AIRBAG ALSO DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING AND DID NOT SUFFER ANY SIDE IMPACT WHATSOEVER. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS CONDITION THAT IT COULD CREATE IF A DRIVER IS DRIVING AND IT INFLATES FOR NO REASON AT ALL. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE DRIVER TO HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE OR GO OFF THE ROAD AND POTENTIALLY KILL SOMEONE. I KNOW OF TWO OTHER CASES FILES ON CARCOMPLAINTS.COM OF THIS SAME ISSUE.

Unknown or OtherCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 23, 2015194,184 milesPA

WAS DRIVING ON PRIVATE PARKING LOT AT 10 MPH WHEN GAS PEDAL SLAMMED TO THE FLOOR LOCKED AND ACCELERATED VEHICLE TO APPROX. 35 MPH AND CAREENED THROUGH 6FT CHAIN LINK FENCE ONTO RV DEALERSHIP LOT AND CRASHED INTO A MOTORHOME. ENTIRE WHEEL AND HOUSING RIPPED FROM THE CAR, PERSONAL INJURIES SUSTAINED

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 23, 2015194,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING LESS THAN 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S THROTTLE BECAME STUCK WITHOUT WARNING WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE TO A SPEED ABOVE 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE CRASHED THRU A FENCE AND INTO THE REAR OF A MOTOR HOME CAUSING THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE TO FRACTURE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH, NECK AND BACK PAINS FROM THE FAILURE. A POLICE INCIDENT REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE TOWED TO A YARD UNTIL IT WOULD BE ABLE TO GET INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 194,000.

Suspension
Filed Jul 23, 2015121,623 milesMI

INSPECTION FOUND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE AND DRIVER FRONT COIL SPRING ALSO BROKE. 3 BROKEN SPRINGS. NEVER HEARD OF SPRING BREAKING, EVER. SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH FORD EXPLOYERS

Power Train
Filed Jul 20, 2015144,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED FROM THIRD GEAR TO FOURTH GEAR INDEPENDENTLY AND THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS BURNED OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A SNAPPING SOUND EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO TURN. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE WHICH PREVENTED IT FROM HOLDING THE FLUID DAMAGING THE ANTI-BRAKES SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 9, 2015CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN A WIRING HARNESS LEADING TO THE FUSE PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS NOT OFFERED A REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 22, 2015150,000 milesKY

REAR PANEL HAS CRACK 2 TIMES. WE PAID 600.00$ FOR FIRST REPAIR. 3 MONTHS LATER THE REAR PANEL CRACKED AGAIN. NO CRASH OR ACCIDENT.

Air BagsCrashFire1 injured
Filed Jun 22, 2015158,000 milesPA

WHILE DRIVING ON PAVED HIGHWAY(CLEAR, DRY DAY) A HISSING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. AFTER MAKING A LEFT TURN ONTO ANOTHER PAVED HIGHWAY, THE HISSING NOISE INCREASED, THEN WAS FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY THE SPONTANEOUS DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG, PRIOR TO ANY IMPACT. THE OBSTRUCTION OF THE DEPLOYED AIRBAG CREATED A COMPROMISED OR VISIONARY IMPAIRMENT FROM MY WINDSHIELD'S FIELD OF VIEW, CAUSING ME TO HAVE IMPACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. AFTER IMPACT OF FIRST VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED., THEN THERE WAS A SECONDARY IMPACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. IN ADDITION TO THE AIRBAG BRAKING MY NOSE, TWO PIECES OF SHRAPNEL WERE EJECTED FROM THE INSIDE OF THE DEPLOYED AIRBAG, ONE HITTING ME IN THE LEFT SIDE MID CHEST/ABDOMEN, THE OTHER TO THE DISTAL PORTION OF MY LEFT FOREARM. THE PROJECTED SHRAPNEL TORE THROUGH A DOWN COAT, SWEATER AND TWO SHIRTS CAUSING INJURY AND 2ND DEGREE BURNS TO MY CHEST/ABDOMEN AND FOREARM. THE INJURIES OF THE OTHER VEHICLES INHABITANTS ARE UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 20, 2015118,000 milesPA

REAR PADS AND ROTORS FAILED JUNE 8, 2015. O/D LIGHT BLINKING WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, ON JUNE 12, 2015. TRANSMISSION SHOP GOT THE CODES AND STATED I DON'T HAVE 2ND AND 5TH GEARS. $2000.00 COST. PLEASE FORCE RECALL! HELP! MANY OTHER REPAIRS INCLUDING U-JOINTS, TIE RODS, FRONT AXLE, FRONT ROTORS WITH PADS ETC. SINCE I BOUGHT IT IN APRIL 2013.

Power Train
Filed Jun 17, 2015156,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT INTO DIFFERENT GEARS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD WHINING SOUND COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CHANGE GEARS AND HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000.

Tires › SidewallCrash1 injured
Filed May 22, 2015VA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO FLIP OVER THREE TIMES. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE BACK AND NECK, BUT DID REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V171000 (TIRES: SIDEWALL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND TIRE INFORMATION WERE UNKNOWN. MA 08/11/15

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NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2002 Ford Explorer → · Every Explorer year → · How the figures are calculated →