Page 6 of 66 · complaints 251–300 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 →

Power Train
Filed Jan 20, 2014144,452 milesGA

THIS 5R55W TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 108,890 MILES FOR $3500 WHILE MY DAUGHTER LIVED AT COLLEGE. I PURCHASED A 3-YEAR 36,000 MILE FORD WARRANTY AS I WAS CONFOUNDED THAT A TRUCK TRANSMISSION MIGHT FAIL AT SUCH AN EARLY AGE. 3-YEARS 16-DAYS 35,652 MILES LATER THIS FORD REMAN FORD INSTALLED TRANS ALSO FAILED AND FORD IS UNWILLING TO ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR COST OF REPAIR REPLACE, 16-DAYS BEYOND A 100% FREE REPLACEMENT. THE LOCAL DEALER QUOTED $4500 AND THE PREVIOUS DEALER (100 MILES AWAY) QUOTED THE SAME $3500. I OPTED FOR AAMCO AT $2500 AND 3-YEAR 36,000 MILE WARRANTY, SINCE FORD CAN'T RE-ENGINEER THEIR OWN TRANSMISSION TO LAST A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME, THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS JUST ON THE 2002 EXPLORER TRANSMISSION, AND THERE ARE THOUSANDS FOR 5R55W TRANSMISSION. IT IS UNCONSCIONABLE THAT FORD IS UNWILLING TO ACCEPT ANY LIABILITY. *TR

Wheels
Filed Jan 19, 2014122,080 milesWA

I HAVE REPLACED 8 WHEEL BEARINGS ON THIS AUTO. 4-21-12 I WAS ON THE HWY TO THE NEAREST BIG CITY TOWING A BORROWED UTILITY TRAILER, WHICH IS 90 MILES FROM MY HOME, AND I AM SO FORTUNATE THAT I DID NOT LOOSE MY WHEEL. AT THE TIME, I THOUGHT IT WAS MY NEW TIRES BUT WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALER OF MY TIRES HE SHOWED ME THE PLAY THAT MY BACK WHEEL HAD AND TOLD ME I WAS A VERY LUCKY GIRL THAT MY TIRE DIDN'T SNAP OFF. FAST FORWARD AND I HAVE JUST REPLACED BOTH BACK WHEEL BEARING AGAIN WITH ONLY 23,000 MILES ON THE PREVIOUS REPLACED BEARING. 14,000 ON THE ONE BEFORE THAT! FORD YOU HAVE A PROBLEM!! *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 10, 2014125,000 milesCO

WHILE MERGING ONTO THE INTERSTATE THE ACCELERATOR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE EVEN AFTER I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE PEDAL. THE RPM'S WERE IN THE RED AND NOTHING I DID WOULD CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. I HAD TO APPLY BOTH FEET TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND PRESS AS HARD AS POSSIBLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SHOULDER AND JAMMED THE TRUCK IN PARK AND THE ENGINE STOPPED. *TR

Power Train
Filed Jan 9, 2014117,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME HESITANT TO ACCELERATION. AFTER SHUTTING THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTING, THE CHECK ENGINE AND OD WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Jan 3, 2014130,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR WHILE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC STOP, AND THEN NOTICED THAT THERE WAS SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INJURY. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC BUT THERE WAS NO DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL ). THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000. *TR

Power Train
Filed Dec 27, 2013985,000 milesMA

TRANSMISSION SEALS FELL OFF IN THE DRIVEWAY, TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY FAILED. *TR

Power Train
Filed Dec 17, 2013177,772 milesCA

YESTERDAY EVENING, I GOT INTO MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND NOTICED THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER WAS STUCK IN PARK. I WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE IN ORDER TO BACK OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. THIS MORNING I FIGURED I WOULD GIVE IT ANOTHER ATTEMPT AS I NEEDED TO HEAD OUT FOR WORK. AS I TRIED AGAIN, I SIMPLY APPLIED THE BREAK, GRABBED THE SHIFT LEVER AND AS I PULLED THE TOWARDS ME AND BEGAN TO PULL DOWN TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE THE LEVER COMPLETELY BROKE AND IS NOW HANGING. I DID NOT APPLY EXCESSIVE FORCE AT ANY POINT. NO MORE PRESSURE THEN I NORMALLY DO WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE TO REVERSE, ETC. I LOOKED UP THIS PARTICULAR SITUATION VIA INTERNET AND NOTICED MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME EXACT DESCRIPTION. HOPEFULLY FORD WILL RECOGNIZE THIS ISSUE AND ISSUE A PART RECALL. *TR

Power Train
Filed Dec 16, 2013141,000 milesMO

TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED HE PLACED THE GEAR IN DRIVE WHEN THE GEAR ASSEMBLY DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE GEAR ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE.THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000. DA

Power Train
Filed Dec 13, 2013CA

AS I WAS DRIVING IN SNOW, I PUT THE CAR INTO REVERSE TO GO AROUND ANOTHER CAR. WHEN I PUT IT BACK IN DRIVE THE GEAR SHIFT HANDLE BROKE OFF IN MY HAND. I WAS STUCK IN MY CAR UNABLE TO SHIFT, IF I TURNED IT OFF I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR. I HAD TO SIT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET IT BACK INTO GEAR WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES. *TR

Suspension
Filed Dec 1, 201332,000 milesNY

REAR SPRING BROKE ON LEFT SIDE, NOT EVEN RUSTED. CAR ONLY HAS 32000 MILES ON IT. HAVE BEEN SEEING THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL BUT NO RECALL WAS EVER INSTITUTED. A TRAVESTY. *TR

Engine
Filed Dec 1, 2013122,000 milesIL

WAS DRIVING CAR ALONG LOCAL ROAD WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE NOISE AND THE CAR WOULD NOT GO OVER 5 MILES AND HOUR. MANY CARS SEVERED TO AVOID TRUCK AND WAS LUCKY THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. TRUCK WAS TOWED TO LOCAL FACILITY AND HAD FORD TECH LOOK AT VEHICLE. THE TIMING CHAIN TENSION BROKE. TECH AND DEALERSHIPS( CALLED TWO FOR QUOTES ) SAID THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. AFTER FINDING OUT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE PULLED FOR REPAIR I HAD TO JUNK THE VEHICLE COULD NOT AFFORD REPAIR. THIS IS CERTAINLY A SAFETY ISSUE ANY TIME A VEHICLE BREAKS WITHOUT WARNING IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. IT IS ALSO A KNOW COMMON PROBLEM. DEALER SAYS THE DESIGN OF THE TENSION IS POORLY PRODUCED AND THEY HAD EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THE REPAIR. FORD SHOULD FIX/ REPLACE THE TENSIONER ON THESE TRUCK BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Nov 30, 2013100,000 milesGA

I CAN NOT DRIVE WITH ALL THE ALARMS AND LOCKS AND OVERHEAD LIGHT GOING OFF AND ON THE WHOLE TIME I'M DRIVING. IT IS TORTURE, LOUD AND SCARY!!! *TR

Power Train
Filed Nov 19, 201386,000 milesVA

I BOUGHT THE 2002 EXPLORER NEW FROM A FORD DEALER. AT 86,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION PROVED TO BE DEFECTIVE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED COSTING $3,000. JUST TODAY 11/19/2013 AT 134,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN $4,200.00. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL WEBSITES WITH HUNDREDS OF POSTING TELLING ABOUT SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH FORD TRANSMISSIONS. HERE IS ONE SUCH SITES WEB ADDRESS: HTTP://WWW.TOPIX.COM/FORUM/AUTOS/FORD-EXPLORER/TDMGQ44C3JTCJSR03/P26#LASTPOST FORD KNOWS ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS BUT REFUSES TO TAKE ACTION OTHER THEN PROFITING FROM CONTINUED SALES OF MORE DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS AND PARTS. I BOUGHT THE EXPLORER IN GOOD FAITH FOR ABOUT $31,000.00 AND WILL HAVE PAID $7,200.00 (APPROX 23%)IN TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENTS. THE DANGER HERE IS THAT THESE FORD TRANSMISSIONS COULD AND MAY ACTUALLY HAVE ALREADY SEIZE WHILE DRIVING THUS CAUSING UNTOLD SAFETY ISSUES. PLEASE RESEARCH THIS AND CREATE A RECALL. THANK YOU. *TR

Power Train
Filed Nov 14, 2013200,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, A BURNING ODOR WAS NOTICED AS THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL SEIZED WITHIN MOMENTS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAD SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. TH E MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Seats
Filed Nov 7, 2013106,400 milesWI

THE METAL BARS THAT HOLD THE SEAT TO THE FLOOR BROKE CAUSING THE SEAT TO FALL TOWARDS THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WHILE I WAS DRIVING. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Nov 6, 2013150,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW CANNOT BE OPENED AND THE ALARM SYSTEM ENGAGED ON ITS OWNS. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE DRIVERS DOOR ELECTRICAL SENSOR; HOWEVER, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 19, 2013107,315 milesTX

THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS A DESIGN FLAW SUCH THAT THE REAR PANEL CRACKS. WHEN MOISTURE GETS IN IT CAUSES ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE SIX PROBLEMS EXPERIENCES ON THIS EXPLORER ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1) FALSE "DOOR AJAR" INDICATOR 2) REAR WINDOW WIPER NO LONGER WORKED 3) DEAD BATTERY 4) BACK-UP WARNING SIGNALS NO LONGER WORK 5) REAR WINDOW CAN NO LONGER OPEN 6) BRAKE LIGHTS WON'T TURN OFF EVEN AFTER THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF. WE HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY. *TR

Power Train
Filed Oct 13, 2013162,000 milesMA

DRIVING FORWARD AT 20 MPH IN A TRAILER PARK WHEN OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND TRANSMISSION STARTED SHIFTING HARD. WAS TOLD ITS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM AND THOUSANDS OF 02 EXPLORERS HAD THIS ISSUE. GARAGE WANTS 3500.00 TO REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION. I CALLED FORD WHO HAD NO ANSWERS FOR ME AND WONT FIX EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW ITS A BIG ISSUE WITH THESE. THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS TO DATE. ALSO CLOCK SPRING JUST FAILED AND HORN STOPPED WORKING AND AIR AIRBAG LIGHT IS FLASHING. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 8, 2013200,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AND THEN CRASH INTO A WALL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE PASSENGER SUSTAINED WHIP LASH AND MINOR BRUISING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

EngineFire
Filed Oct 6, 2013189,294 milesOK

I BOUGHT A USED 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR AT A USED CAR LOT. IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL BLUE SUV IN REMARKABLE GOOD CONDITION. I HAD IT FOUR MONTHS, AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE AT A STOP SIGHT ON MY WAY HOME FROM A SHOPPING STRIP TWENTY MILES FROM MY HOME. IT STARTED SMOKING AND WHILE I WAS FUMBLING FOR MY PURSE TO GET MY CELL PHONE TO CALL FOR HELP, IT CAUGHT FIRE AND BYSTANDERS ON THE THOROUGHFARE PULLED ME FORCEFULLY FROM THE CAR, AND THEN CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS WHEN THE ENTIRE HOOD CAUGHT FIRE AND MELTED. MY GARAGE MECHANIC, WHO HAD JUST SEEN THE CAR, TOLD ME THAT HE COULD SEE NO REASON WHY IT WOULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE. CAN YOU HELP ME? *TR

Steering
Filed Oct 4, 201391,000 milesGA

WHILE MOVING THE SHIFT LEVER FROM PARK TO REVERSE, THE LEVER BROKE AWAY FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND COULD NOT BE RETURNED TO PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN REVERSE, ENGINE RUNNING, AND BRAKE APPLIED. WITH THE BRAKE APPLIED, THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF, STILL IN REVERSE. THE KEY COULD NOT BE REMOVED UNTIL A SMALL WIRE CONTACT INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN WAS SHORTED TO THE METAL IN THE COLUMN. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE DRAGGED ONTO A TOW VEHICLE AND TAKEN TO AIKINS FORD IN WINDER, GEORGIA. I WAS TOLD THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE PART PLUS LABOR WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY $1500. AIKINS ORDERED THE PART AND IS STILL WAITING AFTER DISCOVERING THAT THERE WERE 221 STEERING COLUMNS ON BACK ORDER WITH THE AFTER MARKET MANUFACTURER LICENSED TO PROVIDE THE PART. THE DESIGN OF THE SHIFT LEVER INCLUDED A "POT" METAL DISK HOUSING THAT REQUIRES THE SPRING BEHIND IT TO BE ACTUATE BY PULLING THE LEVER FORWARD TO CHANGE THE GEAR STATUS. THE HOUSING SNAPPED IN HALF, LEAVING THE LEVER DANGLING BY A SMALL WIRE. ONLY THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING AVERTED CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER OF AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE REQUESTED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN PART BE RETURNED TO ME AND HAVE VERY GOOD PHOTOS OF THE VEHICLE AND THE ACTUAL SEPARATION AT THE BREAK IN THE COLUMN. I WILL FURNISH EITHER TO YOUR DEPARTMENT IF AND WHEN I GET MY EXPLORER BACK. NOW 56 DAYS AND STILL WAITING. I BELIEVE THAT IT WAS DESIGN FLAW TO ALLOW A PART THAT REQUIRES UNIFORM STRENGTH TO BE A MOLDED PIECE OF "P

Power Train
Filed Oct 4, 2013120,000 milesPA

HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE WENT TO MECHANIC. WAS TOLD I BLEW A TWO HOLES THROUGH TIMING CHAIN COVER. WENT ONLINE FOUND THAT IT IS A RECURRING PROBLEM FOR THAT YEAR OF FORD. VERY UPSET THERE IS NO RECALL. WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST AT LEAST 2000 TO FIX. FORD NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. I WANT TO GO TO MEDIA TO LET EVERYONE THAT HAS THIS PROBLEM KNOW THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT IT AND WILL NOT DO ANYTHING. APPARENTLY EVERYONE HAS TO PAY OUT THE [XXX] TO HAVE THIS FIXED. I'M NOT ONE OF THEM. I WANT MY CAR FIXED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Power Train
Filed Oct 3, 2013155,000 milesNH

THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THE CODE READS BAD SERVO WHEN READ BY THE NH INSPECTION STATION. INVESTIGATION ON INTERNET AND THROUGH DEALER INQUIRIES STATES THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH EXPLORER AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS IN THIS MANUFACTURING TIME PERIOD , EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE STATES THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. THIS IS A VERY WELL KNOWN PROBLEM BY FORD FOR THE 2002-2004 EXPLORER TRANSMISSIONS. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 3, 2013150,000 milesNH

THE LIFTGATE HINGE FRACTURED ALLOWING THE GLASS TO FALL NEARLY BREAKING MY HAND. THIS HINGE WAS RECALLED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 / FORD RECALL NO. 04S20. IN CONTACTING CUSTOMER SERVICE TONIGHT ON A FORD TRANSMISSION ISSUE, I DISCOVERED THE PREVIOUS HINGE RECALL AND THEY INDICATED THAT HINGE HAD BEEN REPLACE ONCE IN 2004 AND IT WAS MY BAD LUCK THAT IT FAILED A SECOND TIME. THEY WOULD MAKE NO RESTITUTION FOR THE FAILED PART. IT IS UNCONSCIONABLE THAT THEY WOULD HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AS A PREVIOUS RECALL AND NOT CORRECT THE ISSUE AGAIN. IT IS CLEARLY A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD THEY SHOULD ADDRESS, REIMBURSE ME FOR THE PART I PURCHASED THROUGH FORD AND REPLACE THE OTHER HINGE BEFORE IT ALSO FAILS AND HURTS SOMEONE. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Sep 24, 201370,000 milesTX

APPROXIMATELY 30% OF THE TIME, THE COAST BUTTON ON THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL ACTUALLY FUNCTION AS THE ACCELERATE BUTTON. THIS CAN BE DISTURBING IF YOU HIT COAST TO INCREASE DISTANCE BETWEEN YOU AND ANOTHER VEHICLE. WHEN THIS DOES OCCUR, I AM ABLE TO HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL AND DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL. *JS

EngineCrashFire1 injured
Filed Sep 20, 2013180,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED DURING THE CRASH. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE HAD STARTED FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 13, 201376,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 4 MPH, THE AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT THE VEHICLE BEING INVOLVED IN A CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 4, 2013180,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED DUE TO DEFECTIVE PLASTIC THAT FRACTURED AND CAUSED FLUID TO LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED WITH A STEEL MANIFOLD. IN ADDITION, THE SPARK PLUGS RUBBER AND GASKET WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000. UPDATED 10/17/13*CN THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE RETURNED TO THE DEALER, HE LEARNED WHEN THE FIVE SPARK PLUGS WERE FLOODED THEY RUINED TWO COILS THAT SENT ELECTRICITY TO THE SPARK PLUGS. UPDATED THE CONSUMER BELIEVED FORD HID THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD PROBLEM, RE-ENGINEERED THE PART TO INCLUDE 1/3 METAL AND THEN EQUIPPED ALL SUBSEQUENT MODELS WITH 1/3 METAL AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT IN AN EFFORT TO AVOID RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE DESIGN. UPDATED 04/17/14

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 30, 201389,000 milesCT

AUGUST 27,2012. HUABAND DRIVING HOWM FROM WORK. GOING DOWN HILL TO TRAFFIC LIGHT. CAR SUDDENLY, WITH NO WARNING, STALLS OUT COMPLETELY. LOSS OF POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES.ETC. A/S CONTUINUED TO WORK. ENGINE LIGH CAME ON. WRESTLED CAR TO VERGE OF ROAD. TURNED CAR OFF AND IT RESTARTED ON FORST TRY. STATED THAT THE FOLLOWING DAY AS HE ATTEMPTED TO PULL AWAY FROM STOP SIGN, CAR WOULD NOT INITALLY TAKE GAS BUT THEN SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ( " I PEELED RUBBER!") RECALLED THAT THATSAME INCIDENT HAD HAD HAPPENED APPROX. 2 WEEKS BEFORE AT A DIFFEENT STOP. CAR TAKEN TO REPAIR SHOP, SOMPUTER SHOWS NO ISSUES. BELIEVE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE IF AFFECTED WITH SUDDEN, UNEXPLAINED STALLING WITH NO APPARENT CAUSE. BOUGHT CAR AS "CERTIFIED, PRE-OWNED" USED CAR FROM FORD DEALERSHIP IN DEC. 2012. THEY HAVE NO ANSWER, NO SUGGESTIONS AS TO PROBLEM CAUSE. INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THE FORD EXPLORER.

Power Train
Filed Aug 15, 2013222,000 milesNY

HAD A FEW SLIPS PRIOR BUT NOTHING MAJOR.. AND NOW WONT MOVE IN DRIVE!!!! *TR

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Aug 12, 2013PA

THE HINGES ON THE BACK HATCH ARE BREAKING. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THEY STATE THIS WAS ALREADY FIXED ONCE UNDER RECALL. THEREFORE, I WILL HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED AGAIN. IF THE SAFETY RECALL WAS COMPLETED PROPERLY, I DO NOT THINK IT SHOULD BE FAILING AGAIN; THEREFORE, I BELIEVE THEY DID NOT FIX IT PROPERLY THE FIRST TIME AND SINCE IT WAS A RECALL, I FEEL THEY SHOULD HAVE TO FIX IT AGAIN. THIS WILL BE A SERIOUS ISSUE IF THE WINDOW COMPLETELY BREAKS OFF. PLEASE ADVISE. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 11, 2013147,000 milesAL

CAR LEAKING UNKNOWN FLUIDS .. THERE ARE OUTSTANDING RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. RECALL ID 09509. *TR

Engine
Filed Aug 7, 201369,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE FLUCTUATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE THERMOSTAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.

Power Train
Filed Aug 7, 2013233,577 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE OVER-DRIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS A MESSAGE APPEARED STATING TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD DEFECTIVE RINGS AND BUSHINGS. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID BLOCK WAS LEAKING. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE ANY REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 233,577.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 4, 2013164,000 milesNJ

IT HAS BECOME INCREASING MORE DIFFICULT TO FUEL THE VEHICLE. THE PUMP CLICKS AS IF THE TANK IS FULL AS SOON AS THE FUELING BEGINS AND TAKE A LONG TIME TO FILL THE TANK AS YOU HAVE TO CONTINUALLY PUSH THE TRIGGER ON THE GAS PUMP BECAUSE IT KEEPS SHUTTING AS IF THE TANK IS FULL. *TR

Power Train
Filed Aug 2, 2013146,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 30, 2013140 milesGA

AT APPROXIMATELY 12:30 PM, A BRIEF RAIN SHOWER BEGAN AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE. AFTER REPLACEMENT OF THE WIPER MOTOR, AND SIGNIFICANT TROUBLESHOOTING, IT IS LIKELY THAT THE GEM MODULE IS DEFECTIVE. THERE HAD BEEN SEVERAL DAYS OF LIGHT, MODERATE, AND HEAVY RAIN PRECEDING THIS ISSUE, DURING WHICH THE AUTOMOBILE WAS NOT DRIVEN. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, THE DOOR-AJAR LIGHT STAYS ON, THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK, AND THERE ARE OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES. *TR

Power Train
Filed Jul 26, 2013131,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION REFUSED TO SHIFT GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE BUT THE TRANSMISSION NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 19, 201350,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PANEL UNDER THE HATCH FRACTURED AND ALLOWED WATER TO PENETRATE THE VEHICLE. THE WATER THEN MADE CONTACT WITH THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

Power Train
Filed Jun 24, 2013115,130 milesCO

MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY. I STARTED THE VEHICLE, DEPRESSED THE BRAKE, AND ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE GEARSHIFT LEVER INTO REVERSE. THE GEARSHIFT LEVER WOULD NOT MOVE. AGAIN, I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE AND ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE GEARSHIFT LEVER INTO REVERSE. THE LEVER BROKE OFF AT THE JOINT WHERE IT COMES OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. I HAD TO HIRE A TOW TRUCK. THE DRIVER HAD TO DISENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION TO LOAD IT ONTO THE BED OF THE TOW TRUCK. THIS HAS BEEN A MASSIVE INCONVENIENCE BOTH FINANCIALLY AND STRATEGICALLY. I EXPECTED THIS ISSUE TO BE IN THE RECALL MODE AS THERE ARE MANY INCIDENTS NOTED ON THIS SITE. I FEEL THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE FOR ALL MY COSTS AS THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A FLAWED METAL JOINT THAT SHOULD NOT FAIL WITH NORMAL USE. WE RESIDE IN A MOUNTAINOUS STATE AND USE THE GEARSHIFT LEVER TO DOWN SHIFT ON THE SAME ROADS. THIS OCCURRENCE WOULD HAVE BEEN DISASTER ON FLOYD HILL OUTSIDE OF DENVER. I GUESS I WAS LUCKY! *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Jun 17, 2013IL

LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN SHIMKUS ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE WIRING HARNESS FIRE ON HER RECALLED FORD VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE CALLED THE DEALER TO INQUIRE ABOUT A RECALL, SHE WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A RECALL. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HAD ALREADY BEEN REPAIRED IN ANOTHER STATE IN DECEMBER 2010. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN NO FURTHER THAN WEST THAN MISSOURI. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL # 09V399000.

Power Train
Filed May 20, 2013140,000 milesOH

THE DREADED GEARSHIFT IN HAND SO WELL KNOWN BY FORD AND ANYONE WITH THIS MODEL,AND FORD WANTS BIG MONEY FROM THE CONSUMER,FOR A TERRIBLY ENGINEERED PART. HAVE YOU DRIVEN A FORD LATELY? *TR

Steering
Filed May 10, 201396,562 milesOH

I HAD JUST PULLED IN TO MY CUSTOMERS LOT AND WENT TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK, AS I DID THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND WAS JUST DANGLING. I PUT THE PARKING BRAKE ON AS THE SUV WAS ROLLING, I COULD NOT GET THE KEYS OUT. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO INTERSTATE FORD IN DAYTON. OH. *TR

Unknown or OtherCrash1 injured
Filed May 6, 201345 milesDC

CAR RECK

Power Train
Filed Apr 30, 2013167,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE, THE GEAR SHIFTER FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT THE TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 167,000. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Apr 19, 2013137,500 milesWA

THE INTERIOR LIGHTS OCCASIONALLY FLICKER WHEN ALL DOORS ARE SHUT SECURELY. ALSO THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT WILL FLICKER AT TIMES AS WELL. THE ALARM GOES OFF FOR NO REASON AND USUALLY IT IS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND I AM PRETTY SURE IT IS RELATED TO THE DOOR AJAR MALFUNCTION. THERE IS NO WAY TO DISABLE THE FACTORY ALARM SO I HAVE HAD TO LEAVE MY CAR UNLOCKED AT NIGHT JUST TO KEEP IT FROM GOING OFF AND WAKING UP THE NEIGHBORS. ALSO WE HAVE A CRACK ON THE LIFT GATE JUST BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. YOU CAN SEE THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE BY LOOKING AT OTHER EXPLORERS AROUND TOWN. I HAVE REALLY ENJOYED THE EXPLORER UP UNTIL NOW BUT IT DOES BOTHER ME THAT THESE TWO ISSUES ARE VERY COMMON YET FORD WON'T ISSUE A RECALL TO FIX THESE ISSUES. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 3, 2013169,122 milesNJ

WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, ATTEMPTED TO PASS A SLOWER MOVING CAR. AS I DID SO THE GAS PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOOR. CAUSING ME TO BRAKE TO SLOW VEHICLE..FINALLY ABLE TO FREE GAS PEDAL BY LIFTING IT UP WITH MY FOOT...MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE..FORD SAID NO RECALL. *TR

Suspension
Filed Mar 23, 2013102,000 milesGA

BEARING KEEP HAVE TO BE REPLACED, AN THE REAR COIL SPRING IS CRACKED AN THE TIRE CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING MY TRUCK, HAVE REPLACED THE WHEEL BEARING 3 TIMES ALREADY. AN I HAVE REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION 2 TIMES. *TR

Wheels
Filed Mar 22, 2013PA

I HAVE ONLY OWNED MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AND I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS 3 TIMES. JUST TODAY I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING IS GOING AGAIN AND I JUST REPLACED BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS A MONTH AGO. THIS IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND I'M AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE QUALITY. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 21, 2013177,156 milesMN

WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND WE HEARD A CLUNK AND SO WE PULLED OVER RIGHT AWAY AND LOOKED AND THOUGHT IT LOOKED LIKE THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WAS SAGGING BUT WASN'T SURE, WE DROVE HOME AND THEN REALIZED IT WAS DEF SAGGING. I TOOK IT TO THE CAR LOT I BOUGHT IT AT AND THEIR GOING TO CHECK IT ALL OUT TO SEE WHAT'S GOING ON.. JUST BE LOOKING AT IT THE CAR LOT MECHANIC SAID LOOKS LIKE SUSPENSION ISSUE AS IF SOMETHING BROKE. ALSO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WE HAD IT CHECKED OUT A FEW TIMES AND IT APPEARS TO HAVE O2 SENSOR ISSUES LOCATED ON THE EXHAUST WHICH SEEMS TO BE A ISSUES WITH ALOT OF FORD EXPLORERS WHICH MAKES GAS MILEAGE TERRIBLE AND VEHICLE STALLS OUT AND DIES, NOT TO MENTION THE PIECE OF PLASTIC UNDER THE REAR HATCH WINDOW THAT ALWAYS BREAKS. *TR

Reading these

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.

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