Page 63 of 66 · complaints 3,101–3,150 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 →

Air Bags
Filed Mar 14, 2003PA

THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD AND STAYED ON. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Mar 14, 200325,000 milesVA

VEHICLE TRANSMISSION HAS A SHUTTERING FEELING WHEN UNDER MODERATE ACCELERATION BETWEEN 25-40 MILES PER HOUR. DEALER HAS BEEN TOLD ABOUT PROBLEM AND SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE AFTER A REPROGRAM OF TRANSMISSION. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 9, 200310,350 milesTX

THE ENGINE STALLED TWICE IN 3 DAYS, LAST FRIDAY I WAS DRIVING AT 70 MPH, SUDDENLY THE ENGINE STALLED AND I HAD TO MOVE OVER 3 LANES TO STOP AT THE SHOULDER, CALLED THE POLICE, POLICEMAN CHECKED THE BATTERY, NO PROBLEM, THE CAR JUST WOULDN'T START, HE CALLED THE TOW TRUCK. I GOT CURIOUS, TRIED STARTING THE CAR, IT STARTED BACK UP. I THEN DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE TECHNICIAN SAID NO ERROR CODE AND THEREFORE NO PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. TODAY (SUNDAY), MY CAR STALLED AGAIN, THIS TIME I WAS DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CAR STARTED BACK UP. WHAT IS CAUSING THIS? I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN RIDING WITH ME! PLEASE GIVE ME SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THIS! *NLM

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 6, 2003PA

CONSUMER LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, CONSUMER WAS INJURED.*AK *JB

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Mar 6, 2003GA

THE PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE WAS REPLACED 4 TIMES, THE MECHANIC STATED THE GEAR INSIDE HANDLE WAS MADE OF PLASTIC AND WOULD CONTINUE TO BREAK. *JB

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 26, 2003NY

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION.*JB

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Feb 24, 2003CA

HYDROLIC ARM ON BACK LIFTGATE BROKE 3 TIMES AND WAS "REPAIRED" AT THE DEALER. IT BROKE A FOURTH TIME, CAUSING THE LIFTGATE WINDOW TO SHATTER. THE GLASS AND FALLING DEBRIS SCRATCHED THE PAINT ON THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL. PE04045.PCO

Suspension
Filed Feb 20, 2003CA

THE LIFT GATE ON THE RIGHT SIDE SHOCK BROKE. *JB

Air BagsCrash
Filed Feb 15, 200319,000 milesCT

WHILE PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE (RIGHT) IN PARKING GARAGE MY EXPLORER EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ACCLERATION-AT FULL THROTTLE (SNAPPING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT) (EXTREMELY LOUD REVVING, WHINING AND ANOTHER SOUND LIKE A BAD BELT SCREECH ALL AT THE SAME TIME) BEFORE THE CRASH. NO BRAKES (PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR). CRASHED INTO STEEL I-BEAM BENDING IT AND CRACKING CONCRETE PILLARS. NO AIRBAG ON IMPACT.

Service Brakes, Air › AntilockCrash
Filed Feb 13, 2003CT

WHILE PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE (RIGHT) IN PARKING GARAGE MY EXPLORER EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ACCLERATION-AT FULL THROTTLE (SNAPPING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT) (EXTREMELY LOUD REVVING, WHINING AND ANOTHER SOUND LIKE A BAD BELT SCREECH ALL AT THE SAME TIME) BEFORE THE CRASH. NO BRAKES (PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR). CRASHED INTO STEEL I-BEAM BENDING IT AND CRACKING CONCRETE PILLARS. NO AIRBAG ON IMPACT.

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Feb 10, 2003AZ

LAST SUMMER (JULY 2002) DURING A MILITARY MOVE FROM GA TO AZ I NOTICED THAT MY WINDSHIELD HAD A LARGE PIECE OF GLASS MISSING ON THE OUTTER RIGHT EDGE THAT YOU COULD NOT SEE UNTIL YOU ACTUALLY GOT RIGHT UP ON THE WINDSHIELD. PART OF IT WAS VISIBLE TO AND PART OF IT WAS HIDDEN BEHIND THE RUBBER SEAL THAT IS AROUND THE WINDSHIELD. THIS WINDSHIELD WAS ACTUALLY INSTALLED WITH THIS PIECE MISSING FROM IT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT AND SENT TO THE DEALERSHIP. ALSO, THE REAR GLASS HATCH, GAS SHOCK TWISTED FROM ITS ORIGINAL POSITION AND CAUSED THE WINDOW TO BE OFF CENTER BY ABOUT AN INCH OR MORE. AFTER FIXING IT THREE TIMES IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. BOTH OF THESE PROBLEMS (THE WINDSHIELD AND THE GAS SHOCK) HAVE BEEN FIXED BY MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THUS FAR HAVE HELD UP. THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT I HAVE ON MY VEHICLE THAT INCLUDE THE ELECRICAL SYSTEM NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. WHEN YOU TURN THE TRUCK ON SOMETIMES ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS STAY ON AS WELL AS THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND YOU HAVE TO SHUT THE TRUCK DOWN AND BACK ON SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER FOR THEM TO GO OUT. THE TRUCK WILL SOMETIMES STALL AT TAKE OFF OR WILL LURCH WHILE SHIFITING INTO A HIGHER GEAR AND HAS TOTALLY SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON A FEW OCCASIONS. THE TRIM PAINT ON THE DOORS, BOTH FRONT AND PASSENGER HAS FADED THERE ARE RUSTED SPOTS IN THE PAINT ON THE TOP OF THE VEHICLE, AND THE HOOD HAS A VERY BAD ORANGE PEEL EFFECT ON IT WITH GRIT IN THE PAINT. THE LEFT REAR SPEAKER HAS BUSTED AND THE PANEL

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed Feb 6, 2003GA

CONSUMER IS HAVING SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. *DT

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 6, 200351,806 milesIN

THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIPPING. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT NEW/REBUILT TRANSMISSION IS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. PH SCC

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 25, 200320,192 milesMA

SINCE THE VEHICLE PURCHASE, THE TRANSMISSION HAS PERFORMED ERRATICALLY, AND HAS DEGRADED OVER TIME. THERE ARE THREE MAIN ISSUES, FIRST THE VEHICLE TENDS TO FUNCTION LIKE IT DROPS INTO NEUTRAL DURING LIGHT ACCELERATION. SECONDLY, AND MORE OF A CONCERN, THE VEHICLE CREEPS MANY FEET WHEN PLACED INTO 'PARK', WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, WHEN PARKED ON A GRADE. FINALLY, IT TAKES UPWARDS OF 30 SECONDS WHEN SHIFTING FROM 'PARK' TO ANY GEAR FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO ENGAGE. WHEN IT DOES FINALLY ENGAGE, IT GIVES THE FEELING OF 'SLAMMING' INTO GEAR. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN ON THE ROAD SINCE 5/01, AND HAS BEEN BROUGHT BACK TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES FOR THESE COMPLAINTS. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THIS BEHAVIOR IS NORMAL. THE CONCERN IS THAT THERE IS A STRONG POTENTIAL FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE AND PERSONAL INJURY SHOULD THIS VEHICLE CREEP DOWNWARD.

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed Jan 21, 2003CA

CONSUMER STATED THAT EVERY TIME HE CUTS ON THE AIR CONDITION, IT BLOWS OUT A BAD SMELL. PH

Electrical System
Filed Jan 20, 2003MN

I BOUGHT A 2002 EXPLORER ON MAY 23,2002. IN THE PAST 8 MONTHS, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOWED IN BECAUSE IT WOUDN'T START--ACOMPUTER CHIP WAS REPLACED. MY A/C MADE A HIGH PITCH SQUEAL AND AFTER AT LEAST FIVE TIMES OF TRYING TO REPAIR THE EXISTING A/C CLUTCH, A NEW ONE WAS FINALLY PUT ON. MY FRONT END SUSPENSION HAS BEEN FIXED. MY MIDLIFT GATE CRACKED IN NOVEMBER AND A NEW ONE WAS PUT ON. I HAVE HAD DAILY PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT NOT FULLY GOING INTO POSITION WHEN I START MY TRUCK AND THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED AS THE SERVICE DEPT. THAT I DEAL WITH NEVERS SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO SEE THE PROBLEM. FUNNY HOW IT DOES IT EVERY DAY FOR ME, THOUGH. MY BLINKERS WILL SOMETIMES STICK AND STAY ON WITHOUT BLINKING--THIS ALSO HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. AT THE BEGINNING OF JANUARY,2003, ON THE WAY HOME FROM A TRIP, MY HUSBAND AND I NOTICED THAT EVERY TIME WE SLOWED THE TRUCK DOWN, THERE WAS A BLAST OF AIR FROM THE UPPER VENTS IN THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED NO MATTER WHAT SETTING WE HAD IT IN (IE. DEFROST OR FLOOR VENTS). THIS PAST THURSDAY, JAN.16, THE SUSPENSION WAS REPAIRED AND SUPPOSEDLY THE HEATING SYSTEM WAS AS WELL. NOW THE AIR DOESN'T SEEM TO LEAK OUT THE TOP VENTS, BUT CONTINUOSLY COMES OUT OF THE FLOOR VENT, NO MATTER WHAT SETTING THE HEAT IS ON. I HAVE A RENTAL VEHICLE ONCE AGAIN, WHILE THEY KEEP THE VEHICLE OVERNIGHT TONIGHT TO SEE IF THEY CAN HOPEFULLY FIX THIS PROBLEM. NEEDLESS TO SAY, WE ARE CURRENTLY CHECKING INTO THE LEMON LAW FOR OUR STATE!!!

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (pcv)
Filed Jan 18, 200320,500 milesNY

I AM CURRENTLY INVOLVE IN A DISPUTE WITH FORD MOTOR COMPNY REGARDING REPAIRS TO MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. IN BRIEF, THE TRUCK WAS DIAGOSED BY FORD WITH INTERNAL ENGINE FAILURE, FORD CLAIMS THAT SENT THE TRUCK TO THEM WITH (5) FIVE QUARTS OF OIL MISSING, I HAVE DOUCUMENTATION SHOWING THAT FORD DID THE LAST OIL CHANGE WITHIN THE TIMELINE OF MAINTANENCE AS PER FORD MAINTANTIENCE MANUAL. FORD IS CLAIMING THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THEFULL AMOUNT VERBALLY ESTAMATED AT $5000.00.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jan 17, 200328,000 milesIA

BRAKE PEDAL FADES AND GOES CLEAR DOWN TO FLOORBOARD WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE. I HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER 5 TIMES AND LAST TIME THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THIS IS NORMAL. HE SAID THAT SOME OTHERS (NOT ALL)DO THE SAME THING. MINE STARTED THIS AT ABOUT 28,000 MILES. I CURRENTLY HAVE 35400 MILES ON VEHICLE. TS

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator ModuleCrash
Filed Jan 17, 2003TN

CONSUMER WAS IN A ACCIDENT, AND UPON COLLISION NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. TS

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Jan 16, 2003NJ

WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 60MPH ON HIGHWAY CONSUMER WAS BLINDED BY THE SUN. CONSUMER PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND HIT AN ALUMINUM MERIDIAN STRIP. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. PH. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 15, 200315,000 milesTX

I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS THAT THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX. AT ANY SPEED THE ENGINE IS CONSTANTLY MAKING A TICKING NOISE. SOMETIMES WHEN MAKING A COMPLETE STOP THE TRUCK WILL STALL AND THEN JERK FORWARD WHEN I AM TRYING TO PUSH ON THE GAS TO GO. THIS HAPPENS SO MUCH AND I HAVE SENT IT IN NUMEROUS TIMES FOR THIS AND NO SOLUTION. THIS ALSO HAPPENED TWICE ON THE FREEWAY WHEN I HAD TO PRESS ON THE BRAKES TO STOP QUICKLY THE TRUCK LOCKED UP FOR ABOUT 5-10 SECONDS AND THEN JERKED FORWARD. I STILL HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS SITUATION SINCE I AM IN A LEASE AND THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I TELL THEM IT IS DANGEROUS FOR ME TO BE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. TWICE AT A STOP SIGN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE TO GO BUT THE TRUCK STARTING MOVING BACKWARDS. I PRESSED THE BRAKE AGAIN THEN RELEASED AND IT STILL MOVED BACKWARDS. I THEN PUT IT IN PARK AND THEN BACK IN DRIVE AND THEN IT MOVE FORWARDED. I TOOK THE TRUCK IN AGAIN THE NEXT DAY AND TOLD HIM THE SITUATION AND STILL NOTHING WAS DONE.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cables
Filed Jan 14, 2003NY

THROTTLE CABLE GOTS STUCK CAUSING VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. TS

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (prndl)Crash
Filed Jan 9, 20036,000 milesTX

2002 FORD EXPLORER CAN SLIP FROM PARK INTO REVERSE, CAUSING A ROLL-AWAY ACCIDENT. THE GEAR SHIFT IS LOOSE ENOUGH THAT A DRIVER CAN SHIFT THE TRUCK INTO "P" ON THE GEAR SHIFT, BUT THE TRUCK IS NOT ACTUALLY ALL THE WAY IN PARK. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, IT CAN SLIDE INTO REVERSE. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED TO MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER. SHE PUT THE CAR INTO REVERSE AND BACKED UP THE DRIVEWAY. SHE LEFT THE VEHICLE IN PARK ON THE LEVEL DRIVEWAY TO RUN A BAG OF GROCERIES INSIDE. SHE OPENED THE REAR GATE, WENT INSIDE, DROPPED THEM OFF, THEN HEARD A LOUD CRASH. THE TRUCK HAD SLIPPED OUT OF PARK AND INTO REVERSE, CAUSING IT TO CRASH INTO THE HOUSE. I CAN REPRODUCE THIS BEHAVIOR EASILY. I TOOK IT TO BOB TOMES FORD OF MCKINNEY, TX AND SPOKE WITH MAUREEN POLLACK OF FORD'S CONSUMER AFFAIRS. THEY SAID THAT THEY COULD FIND NO DEFECT (OF COURSE). I BELIEVE THAT THEY FOUND NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY BECAUSE ALL 2002 FORD EXPLORERS HAVE AMBIGUOUS GEAR SHIFTS. I URGED HER TO HAVE FORD ISSUE A RECALL OR A SERVICE BULLETIN AT THE LEAST. SHE DECLINED, SAYING THAT THE TECHNICIAN AT THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS OK.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 8, 2003WV

AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. CONTROL MODULE REPLACED THREE TIMES. HOWEVER PROBLEM STILL EXIST. VEHICLE IN SERVICE 5 OR 6 TIMES. *TT *NLM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 5, 200315,000 milesCA

EXCESSIVE PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION JERKING, AND SHIFTING PROBLEMS, PURCHASED VEHICLE AS BRAND NEW AFTER 4 MONTHS CONTACTED DEALER WHERE CARE WAS PURCHASED REGARDING PROBLEM. BROUGHT VEHICLE IN AT LEAST TWICE BEFORE PROBLEM WAS FOUND.THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED HAS SINCE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM ALONG WITH OTHER PROBLEMS, VEHICLE STALLING WHILE DRIVING, CD PLAYER POWER SHUTS OFF. RATTLING WHEN HITTING BRAKES. FILED A COMPLAINT DEALER REFUSES TO BUY CAR BACK ASK ME TO TRADE CAR IN WITH MORE MONEY DOWN. THE DEALER REPAIR PERSONS CONFIRMED THAT THEY HAVE HAD REPLACED AT LEAST 10 TRANSMISSIONS ON THE SAME STYLE VEHICLE PRIOR TO MY VISIT AND RECOGNIZED A PATTERN. BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE!!

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Dec 30, 2002NC

CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE WILL STICK IN PARK AND WILL NOT SHIFT GEARS CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Dec 18, 2002PA

NHTSA#14956-01-F-061-000 LIFT GATE GLASS BRACKET ROTATION OF THE BRACKET COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE LIFT CYLINDERS TO DETACH FROM THE GLASS: CONSUMER STATES HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS PE04045.PCO

SeatsCrash2 injured
Filed Dec 17, 2002NC

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED, WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS TO COLLAPSE BACKWARD.TS *JB

Tires
Filed Dec 17, 2002SD

TIRE PRESSURE IN 2002 EXPLORER STILL SET TOO LOW. THE DOOR PANEL ON MY 2002 EXPLORER SAYS TO INFLATE FRONT TIRES TO 30 PSI, REAR 35 PSI. WHILE SPIN BALANCING I WAS ABLE TO WITNESS THE "CUPPING" OF THE TIRE WHILE IT WAS SPINNING ON THE MACHINE. THIS SHOWED UNEVEN WEAR. THIS WAS ONLY ON THE FRONT TIRES, WHICH, ACCORDING TO THE OWNERS MANUAL AND THE DOOR PANEL, NEEDED ONLY 30 PSI OF AIR. I CALLED THE MANUFACTURER (GOODYEAR) AND THEY SAID NEVER GO BELOW 35 PSI ON ALL FOUR TIRES. I HAVE 16 INCH AP TIRES. HOW FAR IS FORD WILLING TO GO? SMOOTHNESS OF RIDE OVER SAFETY OF OCCUPANTS?

Power Train › Transfer Case (4-wheel Drive)
Filed Nov 28, 2002DE

WHILE DRIVING APPROX. 40 MPH, VEHICLE SUDDENLY WENT INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE LOW RANGE. OCCUPANT WAS WEARING SEAT BELT AND CAR CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP. ACCIDENT WAS AVOIDED DUE TO LIGHT TRAFFIC THIS DAY. CAR IS @DEALER 4 REPAIR. DEALER CLAIMS COMPUTER THAT SENDS SIGNAL TO 4 WHEEL DRIVE TRANSFER CASE FAILED DUE TO COLD WEATHER AND SENT FAULTY SIGNAL TO ENGAGE 4 WHEEL DRIVE INTO LOW RANGE. TEMP WAS 40 DEG. THAT DAY. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE STRESS PUT ON ALL OF THE INTERNAL DRIVE COMPONENTS DUE TO THIS SUDDEN ENGAGEMENT. DEALER SAYS THEY CHECKED FOR OUTSIDE DAMAGE, BUT DAMAGE WILL MOST LIKELY BE INTERNAL I.E. TRANSMISSION, TRANSFER CASE, SHAFTS, ENGINE, DRIVE ASSEMBLYS. THE DAY B4 WE TRAVELED ON THE INTERSTATE AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 60-70 MPH. IF THIS HAD OCCURED AT THIS SPEED IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. WIFE WENT FORWARD DURING ENGAGEMENT AND STRAINED HER SHOULDER. SHE WAS WEARING HER SEAT BELT THOUGH. DT

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Nov 26, 2002AZ

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND NO WARNING THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF. CAUSING CONSUMER TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments1 injured
Filed Nov 24, 2002KS

FOR THE SECOND TIME IN FIVE MONTHS, OUR EXPLORER BACK WINDOW HAS EXPLODED, PROPELLING THE WINDOW AND FRAME OUTWARDS, CUTTING MY HUSBANDS ARM AND SHATTERING GLASS ALL OVER HIM AND OUR DRIVEWAY. HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE TAILGATE, BUT WAS JUST LOWERING IT, WHEN IT FLEW OUT. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED, MY DAUGHTER WAS RAISING THE WINDOW, AND THE FRAMEAND WINDOW FLEW OUT, AND HIT HER IN THE SHOULDER, SPRAYING GLASS ALL OVER HER AND IMBEDDING IT IN THE GARAGE WALL. THIS TIME THEY REPLACED THE BACK WINDOW WITH A COMPLETELY RE-DESIGNED WINDOW. WE TOLD THEM THAT WE DIDN'T WANT THE VEHICLE, BECAUSE WE WERE AFRAID OF FUTURE INJURIES AND WERE ACTUALLY AFRAID TO USE IT AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US IT WAS FORDS PROBLEM, NOT THEIRS, AND SO WE CONTACTED FORD. A REPRESENTATIVE PROMISED TO GET BACK WITH US AFTER TAKING THE INFORMATION, BUT IT HAS BEEN OVER A WEEK NOW, AND WE HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP US RESOLVE THIS MATTER. SHOULD THERE HAVE BEEN A RECALL? DT PE04045.PCO

Suspension
Filed Nov 21, 2002NJ

MY VEHICLE HAS CRACKING NOISES BEHIND DASH THAT UNCOVERED 15 PLUS BOLTS LOOSE, IN ADDITION THE DEALER NOTICED THE FRAME LOOKED RACKED. THE TAILGATE AND FRONT END ASSEMBLY SHOW SIGNS THAT POTENTIAL STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS PER SERVICE MGR. FORD CONTINUES TO NOT RETURN CALLS AND GIVING A RUN AROUND TO DEALER. ENGINEER FROM FORD DISAVOWED PROBLEMS STATING WITHIN SPEC'S. DEALER HAS CONTINUED TO ARGUE BACK DUE TO VISUAL EVIDENCE OF DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. DT

Tires
Filed Nov 18, 2002MA

THE TIRE BLEW OUT OF THE EXPLORER GOING 75 MPH ON A MAJOR ROUTE IN MASSACHUETTS. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, BUT I FEEL I SHOULD REPORT THIS DUE TO 6-MONTH OLD VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 10,000 MILES. THE CONDITIONS THAT DAY WERE VERY HOT, IT WAS ABOUT 90 DEGREES WHEN THE TIRE BLEW OUT NEED TO REPORT. DT

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Nov 5, 2002WV

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAY ALLUMINATED. TS

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Oct 29, 2002NC

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND NO WARNING THE VEHICLE WILL STALL AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED TS

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage
Filed Oct 29, 2002NC

CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE FUEL SENDING UNIT IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND THE VEHICLE WILL RUN OUT WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER NOTIFIED TS

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
Filed Oct 29, 2002CA

THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED.*SCC

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Oct 28, 2002NJ

VEHICLE BROUGHT TO DEALER AFTER CRAKING NOISES BEHIND DASH AND DRIVER PILLAR. FOUND 15 PLUS BOLTS LOOSE, HOSES INSTALLED INCORRECTLY, ALL PANELS/DOOR/GRILLS ASSEMBLY ON VEHICLE FRONT AND REAR ARE DROPPED OR RACKED OUT OF ALIGNMENT. DEALER UNABLE TO CONCLUDE WHY SO MANY DEFECTS EXIST. DT

Steering
Filed Oct 23, 2002GA

THE OWNER STATES THE TRUCK VEERS SIDE TO SIDE NOT KEEPING A STRAIGHT DIRECTION. TRUCK HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP (8) TIMES FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT END OR STEERING. THE PARTS WERE REPLACED FROM THE STEERING TO A COMPLETE RACK AND PINION WITH DEFECT NOT CORRECTED. AN ENGINEER FROM FORD HAS ALSO INSPECTED THE TRUCK AND HAS DETERMINED THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP IS INSISTING THAT THE OWNER COME PICK THE TRUCK UP IN THE SAME CONDITION. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. MR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages
Filed Oct 23, 2002AL

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN TRYING TO APPLY THE BRAKES THEY WILL SIMULTANEOUSLY HIT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED. MR

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Oct 21, 2002NJ

CONSUMER STATES OF HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINING ON WHILE DRIVING. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. TS

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Oct 15, 2002CT

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND NO WARNING THE VEHICLE JERKS AND WILL LOSE POWER AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED. MR

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed Oct 15, 2002KS

CONSUMER STATES OF HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. MR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 15, 2002CA

MY TRUCK ROLLED AT 35 MPH 2 TIMES AND DID A 180 THE AIRBAGS NEVER WENT OFF. CAUSING ME TO SUFFER INJURIES TO MY HEAD CHEST AND LEGS. MR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
Filed Oct 14, 2002CA

BRAKES FAILED!!. THE BRAKE PEDAL MOVED OVER AND ON TOP OF THE GAS PEDAL. THE PRESSURE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL CAUSED THE EXPLORER TO MOVE ON IT OWN, TOWARDS A GROUP OF PEOPLE IN THE DALLAS CONVENTION CENTER PARKING LOT.S. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKES, FAST AND HARD, AND THEN THE EXPLORER STOPPED. MOREOVER, THE EXPLORER PICKED UP SPEED UNTIL I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES. THE 2002 EXPLORER WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY BY PRESTIGE FORD IN GARLAND TEXAS . I ASKED A REASON FOR THE BRAKE TO FAIL IN A NEW EXPLORER. I STATED THAT MY FAMILY ARE AFRAID FOR LIVES AND NO LONGER WANT THE SUV. RICK BAKER AT PASADENA FORD OFFERED SAFETY INSPECTION, I IN TURN TOOK TO SUV IN FOR AN SAFETY INSPECTION, NOW SAFE .PER FORD , I ALSO STATED MY FAMILY I ARE AFRAID OF EXPLORER, AND WANT OTHER EXPLORER DRIVERS WARNED BEFORE LIVES ARE LOST. PASADENA FORD DEALER, BRAD WILSON SAID THAT HE WILL SUBMIT MY COMPLAINT TO FORDS MOTORS CORP. AND MAIL A COPY TO ME. TO DATE NOT A NO COPY OF THE LETTER, OR REMIBURSMENT FOR OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE. THE TRIP CAUSED EXTREME FINANCIAL HARDSHIP UNABLE TO PAY LEASEING COMPANY. TO THE LEASING COMPANY IS TAKING THE EXPLORER FOR NONE PAYMENT. PLEASE HELP. I MAILED NHTSA A CERTIFIED LETTER AUG.28, 2002, NO RESPONSE TO AS OCT. 14, 2002 MR

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Oct 8, 2002FL

CONSUMER STATES THAT TRANSMISSION HESITATES EXCESSIVELY AND VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS. *MR

Equipment › Mechanical › Carrier/Rack
Filed Oct 1, 2002NC

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 15MPH THE SPARE TIRE CABLE SPLIT AND THE TIRE COLLAPSE, DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. NLM

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 25, 2002IL

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL INJURIES. *AK *YH

Seat Belts
Filed Sep 22, 2002PA

THE SEAT BELT ARRESTOR CHARGE INADVERTENTLY FIRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO REVERSE. THE FIRING OF THE CHARGE FILLED THE VEHICLE INTERIOR WITH SMOKE AND HAS RENDERED THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT UNUSABLE UNTIL REPAIR CAN BE MADE.*AK

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.

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