2002 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

INTAKE MANIFOLD IS MADE OF BURNED TWO HOLES IN ITSELF DUE TO PLASTIC CONSTRUCTION NOT ABLE TWO WITHSTAND HEAT WITCH CAUSED A CASCADING AFFECT AND CATALYTIC CONVERTERS ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED. I HAD TO REPLACE THE CONVERTERS AND THE MANIFOLD TO CORRECT PROBLEM. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE LIFTGATE ON THE VEHICLE, THE REAR GLASS SUDDENLY SHATTERED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES; HOWEVER, A PIECE OF GLASS LANDED IN THE CONTACT'S HAIR. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT BRACKETS FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS). THE RECALL REMEDY HAS NOT CORRECTED THE SAFETY DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 63,000. UPDATED 12/15/08. *LJ UPDATED 12/15/08. *JB

THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER APPROXIMATELY 69,000 MILES. FORD HAS REFUSED TO PROVIDE ME WITH ANY COMPENSATION. *TR

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH 87,000 MILES. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOPLIGHT, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO THIRD GEAR. NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION. I TOOK IT TO AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION REPAIR FACILITY AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REBUILT AS THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ROADWORTHY. *TR

AFTER GETTING MY REAR TIRES REPLACED, THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT I HAD A CRACK IN MY RIGHT REAR SPRING FOR MY SUSPENSION. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND APPROACHING A TURNING LANE, THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND SHE HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT IN ORDER TO AVOID A REAR END CRASH. THE VEHICLE JUMPED THE CURB AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. AN HOUR LATER, WHILE EXITING THE FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AGAIN. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE IN ORDER FOR IT TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. A MECHANIC INFORMED HER TO PARK THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,450 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,337. UPDATED 11/25/08. *LJ UPDATED 11/25/08. *JB

2002 FORD EXPLORER, 125K MILES. AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON. MECHANICS DIAGNOSED AS A BAD PRE-SEATBELT TENSIONER CONTACT, MECHANIC SAID THAT MOVING DRIVERS SEAT BACK AND FORTH DEGRADES THE CONTACT AND WOULD NOT ALLOW THE AIR BAG TO FUNCTION IN A CRASH. *TR

FORD 2002 EXPLORER HAS LARGE CRACK ON LIFTGATE PANEL RUNNING FROM JUST OF THE LEFT OF THE FORD INSIGNIA TO THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR WINDOW. FORD WILL NOT HELP WITH REPLACEMENT DESPITE THE OBVIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS AND THE ADMISSION THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH EXPLORERS. THE LIFTGATE WAS RECALLED A FEW YEARS AGO FOR AN UNRELATED PROBLEM WITH THE CYLINDERS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT MANUALLY CLOSED THE LIFTGATE, THE REAR GLASS EXPLODED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 011010000; HOWEVER, IT FAILED TO SUFFICIENTLY CORRECT THE SAFETY DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,249 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,259.

VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER FOR STATE INSPECTION. BOTH REAR SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS WERE CRACKED THROUGH. PARTS ARE BEING REPLACED BY DEALER. OLD PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT LATCH SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK AND THEY ARE CHARGING HIM TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD THAT THE SEAT BELT DOES NOT WORK. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 47,600. UPDATED 12/10/08 *CN BOTH OF THE REAR SPRINGS BROKE AND THE REAR AXLE BEARING WAS BAD. UPDATED 12/16/08. *JB

DOOR AGAR LIGHT. ALL THE DOORS WILL BE SHUT AND WHILE DRIVING THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT AND BEEPING NOISE WILL COME ONE. WHICH RESULTS ALSO IN THE INTERIOR LIGHTS TO FLICKER ON AND OFF. IT DOES IT EVERYDAY AND KEEPS GOING TILL THE VEH IS IN PART. ALSO WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED THE LIGHTS WILL COME ON AND OFF, I CANT EVEN LOCK MY DOORS ANYMORE. *TR

WAS DRIVING AND TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS. O/D LIGHTS STARTED TO BLINK. VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO ANYMORE THEN 5 MPH. WAS TAKEN HOME AND RESEARCH WAS DONE AND FOUND MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AAMCO AND TRANSMISSION WAS REPAIRED AT A COST OF $2748.69. *TR

VEHICLE PURCHASED IN JULY OF 07 FROM DEALER WITH 75,000K. CURRENTLY HAS 86,000K, AND TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACED. VEHICLE BEGAN SLIPPING A MONTH AGO, AND NOW SLAMS INTO GEAR. I'M AFRAID TO TAKE IT OUT OF THE DRIVE WAY. I WENT TO THE FORD DEALER TO HAVE THE FLUIDS CHECKED, AND THEY REFUSED UNLESS I WOULD PAY FOR THE SERVICE INSPECTION. THESE TRANNY'S ARE MADE SO AS I CANNOT CHECK THEM MYSELF DUE TO THE ENCLOSED CASING. AFTER RESEARCHING, I FOUND OVER 300 INDIVIDUALS ON ONE WEB SITE WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. CALLED DEALER ABOUT SERVICE INSPECTION AND THEY WANT $100+ TO DO A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK BEFORE THEY WILL EVEN TALK ABOUT THE PROBLEMS. CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY DIRECTLY AND THEY INFORMED ME VIA EMAIL THAT THEY COOPERATE FULLY WITH THE NHTSA DURING INVESTIGATIONS AND I SHOULD TAKE MY VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER TO HAVE IT SERVICED AND HAVE THEM CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THEY ALSO SUGGESTED I SHOULD DEAL DIRECTLY WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. I DO NOT WANT TO DEAL WITH ANYONE. I WANT FORD TO BE MADE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE THOUSANDS OF INDIVIDUALS WHO PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON A PAYMENT PLAN AND ARE NOW STUCK WITH A LEMON THAT THEY CAN NEITHER AFFORD TO FIX OR REPLACE. I TOOK A LOAN ON THIS VEHICLE FOR OVER $10,000, AND THE FORD DEALERSHIP OFFERED ME $3000 TRADE-IN VALUE FOR IT LESS THAN A YEAR AFTER PURCHASE. WHAT DOES THAT TELL YOU ABOUT THE VEHICLE ITSELF. IF THEY KNOW IT ISN'T WORTH ANYTHING, THEY SHOULD BE MADE TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION. I AM CURRENTLY MAKING A MONTHLY PAYMENT ON A VEHICLE THAT IS NOT ABLE TO BE MOVED FROM MY DRIVE-WAY. AFTER RESEARCHING AND SPEAKING WITH OTHERS WITH THE SAME VEHICLE YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL, I HAVE NOT FOUND ONE THAT HAS NOT HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE LIFTED THE LIFTGATE ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD ONLY HOLD FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE COMING BACK DOWN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, ONE OF WHICH INJURED THE CONTACT'S BACK. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THE FAILURE WAS NOT DEEMED AS A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM A HOSE AFTER REFILLING THE VEHICLE WITH FUEL. SHE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ASSEMBLY LINE CONNECTED TO THE FUEL TANK WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE DEALER ADVISED HER TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,085.

2002 FORD EXPLORER USED FOR NON BUSINESS DRIVING. NO HEAVY LOADS OR TRAILERS. NO OFF ROAD USE. NO INCIDENTS WITH OBJECTS IN ROAD, POT HOLES, OBSTACLES ETC. BOTH REAR SUSPENSION SPRINGS BROKEN. ONE SPRING BROKEN IN 3 PLACES. NOTICED @ 56,500 MILES. SPRINGS HAD BEEN BROKEN FOR A WHILE(RUST ON BREAKS). DIDN'T NOTICE IT UNTIL RECENTLY BROKEN SPRING ON OTHER SIDE ASYMPTOMATIC. THE ONLY IMMEDIATE CONSEQUENCES TO ME WERE A LARGE REPAIR BILL. IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE IF I WAS PRESENTED WITH A NEED FOR AN EMERGENCY MANEUVER AND THE FAULTY SUSPENSION CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I REPLACED BOTH REAR SPRINGS AND STRUTS. PARTS IN REPAIR SHOP TRASH. WON'T LAST THERE TOO LONG. REPAIR SHOP REPORTS SEEING SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH EXPLORER AND RELATED FORD MODELS. INTERNET SEARCH REVEALED MANY PEOPLE HAD SAME PROBLEM WITH NO HISTORY OF ABUSE REPORTED. HAD REAR BRAKES SERVICED AT THE SAME TIME. HAD TO REPLACE SHOE PADS ON PARKING BRAKE BECAUSE THE PADS BOTH FELL OFF. USE PARKING BRAKE INFREQUENTLY. REPAIR SHOP REPORTED SEEING THIS PROBLEM PREVIOUSLY ALSO. *TR

BATTERY DIED ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER. INSTALLED NEW BATTERY AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE MODULE QUIT WORKING. BOUGHT NEW PART FOR $202.00. FIXED PROBLEM WITH NEW PART. OBVIOUSLY THE REALIZED THE DEFECT AND REFUSE TO DO RECALL. *TR

2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR HATCH HAS A CRACK IN IT. *TR

ON THE DAY IN QUESTION I WAS PULLING OUT OF THE STAFF PARKING LOT FROM THE PRISON THAT I WORK AT AS AN ADULT CORRECTIONS OFFICER, UPON SHIFTING THE AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFT STICK FROM PARK TO DRIVE THE SHIFTER SNAPPED AND BROKE RIGHT INTO MY HAND HANGING BY A WIRE. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME AND PARK IT BUT HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TERMINALS TO GET MY KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. UPON REMOVAL OF THE UNDER STEERING COLUMN COVER I COULD SEE WHERE THE CONNECTING BOLT THAT CONNECTS THE GEAR SHIFT STICK TO THE STEERING COLUMN HAD BROKEN OFF. THE MENTAL CONNECTING PIECE APPEARS TO BE MADE OF SOFT ALUMINUM. THE COST TO REPAIR I KNOW WILL BE EXPENSIVE !!! I THINK ITS A DEFECT AND THERE SHOULD DEFINITELY BE A RECALL ON THIS AND FORD SHOULD COVER THE REPAIR AND OR REPLACEMENT COST FOR ITS LOYAL FORD CUSTOMERS, THANKYOU !!!! *TR

FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT WENT ON WHEN MY SON SAT IN THE SEAT. TOOK CAR TO DEALER TO SEE IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THEY SAID SOMETHING WAS FAULTY. EXTENDED WARRANTY WON'T COVER IT. ISN'T THIS REQUIRED BY LAW IF IT IS A DEFECT THAT THE DEALER FIX IT AT NO CHARGE? *TR

ON 10-14-2008, TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR ROUTINE NYS VEH INSPECTION. MIDAS MECH INFORMED ME THAT A 5 INCH PIECE SNAPPED OFF AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PASS SIDE REAR COIL SPRING . YOU COULD SEE THAT THE COIL SPRING WASN'T SEATED RIGHT ANYMORE. VEHICLE MILEAGE WAS APPROX 66,400. NEVER USED OFF ROAD. MECH INFORMED ME THAT 2002 FORD EXPLORERS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR DEFECTIVE WHEEL HUBS (WHICH IS TRUE BECAUSE I RECENTLY JUST REPLACED BOTH ABOUT 1000 MI AGO AT $1400) AND FOR THE STRUT COIL OVER SPRINGS SNAPPING. ENOUGH ALREADY!! WHEN WILL THE GOV MAKE FORD OWN UP TO DESIGN AND SAFETY FAILURES !!!??? I COULD HAVE BEEN TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS COIL SPRING PIECE SNAPPED OFF AND COULD HAVE PUNCTURED THE TIRE OR THE BRAKE LINE OR THE FUEL TANK!! *TR

MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR SPRINGS BROKE JUST THE OTHER DAY. MINE HAD RUSTED OUT AND BROKE AT THE BOTTOM AND TOP OF THE SPRINGS FROM RUSTING OUT. *TR

THE O/D LIGHT STARTED COMING ON FOR NO REASON. THEN THE CAR STARTED SHAKE WHEN IT WAS SHIFTING GEARS. THEN IT WAS SHAKING A LOT AT ABOUT 60-65 MPH. *TR

TRANSMISSION FAILURE. OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHING AND ERRATIC SHIFTING. DEALER DIAGNOSIS IS THAT TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR

2002 FORD EXPLORER BADLY RUSTED CRACKED REAR COIL SPRINGS. WHILE DOING BRAKE JOB NOTICED HOW RUSTED AND CRACKED REAR COIL SPRINGS WHERE. CAR HAS LESS THAN 75,000 MILES ON IT NEVER TOWED NO HEAVY WEIGHT SPRINGS SHOULD NOT CRACK LIKE THAT. COULD HAVE SHOT OUT AND CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE (IE SHOT THROUGH TIRE OR GAS TANK LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE ETC.) *TR

FORD EXPLORER REAR END DIFFERENTIAL CONSTANTLY NEEDS REPLACING. FORD DEALER CHARGER ME $1800 AND USED SALVAGE PARTS EVENTHOUGH I TOLD THEM NOT TOO. *TR

THROTTLE STUCK AND CAR WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN, ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL BUT ENGINE KEPT ON RACING, SEARCHED INTERNET ON FOUND THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE IS DEFECTIVE, FORD CHANGED DESIGN FROM 12 TO 9 WIRE DESIGN, SAW ALOT OF POSTS ON INTERNET WITH SIMILAR EXPERIENCES, CAN'T BELIEVE NO RECALL. CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. *TR

CHECK TRANSMISSION MESSAGED APPEARED AND OD OFF LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. *TR

I BOUGHT MY 2002 EXPLORER WITH 80,000 MILES ON IT FROM A RESPECTED LOCAL FORD DEALER. 20,000 MILES LATER, MY O/D LIGHT WON'T GO OFF AND MY GEARS WON'T ENGAGE PROPERLY. THIS HAPPENS FOR 2 DAYS BEFORE I SPUTTER INTO A DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. I'M NOW BEING TOLD THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF $2,500. THE KELLEY BLUE BOOK TRADE-IN VALUE IS ONLY $2,100 AND I STILL OWE $4,000! I FEEL DUPED AND SCAMMED BY FORD: A COMPANY MY FATHER HAS WORKED FOR 34 YEARS. FORD INSISTS THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT THIS COST. MY QUESTION IS: WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL WHEN I'VE FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS FILED ABOUT THE VERY SAME PROBLEM I'M HAVING? WHY AM I JUST SUPPOSED TO EAT THIS COST WHEN IT'S AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT?! HELP!!! *TR

2002 FORD EXPLORER SHIFTER BROKE OFF IN HAND WHILE AT GAS PUMP. THE PART THAT BROKE IS WHAT THE SHIFT HANDLE CONNECTS TO AND IS NOT REPLACEABLE. FORD SAYS I MUST PURCHASE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN IN THE AMOUNT OF $871.70. I HAVE READ ALL OVER THE INTERNET THAT THOUSANDS OF OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCE THAT SAME PROBLEM. FORD LIST THE PART NUMBER. 3C529. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE REAR DOOR, THE REAR LIFTGATE AND HINGE ON THE TOP LEFT SIDE BECAME LOOSE. THE REAR GLASS FELL OUT AND SHATTERED ALL OVER THE CONTACT AND HER CHILD. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HER MECHANIC AND WAS NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS). SHE CALLED FORD AND WAS INFORMED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL; THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE REPAIR SHOULD BE MADE FOR FREE SINCE THE FAILURES ARE IDENTICAL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 69,000.

MY 2002 FORD EXPLORERS HOOD IS CORRODING. IT'S BEEN OVER A YEAR SINCE THE FIRST SPOT APPEARED. I REALLY DIDN'T PAY MUCH ATTENTION TO IT BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST FROM WEAR AND TEAR, BUT THEN 2 MONTHS AGO 2 MORE SPOTS APPEARED. ON 10/3/08 I WENT TO A BODY SHOP TO SEE HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST TO PAINT, AND I SURPRISED TO HEAR HIM TELL ME THAT THE PROBLEM IS REALLY A FORD PROBLEM BECAUSE IT LOOKED LIKE THE HOOD IS MADE OF ALUMINUM AND THE PAINT ISN'T STICKING. THAT SAME DAY, I WENT TO THE FORD DEALER NEAREST TO ME AND I WAS TOLD THAT INDEED THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THESE HOODS AND CONFIRMED WHAT THE GUY AT THE BODY SHOP SAID. HE THEN TOLD ME THAT SINCE MY CAR IS A 2002, 5 YEARS HAS PASSED AND I CANNOT HAVE IT REPLACED FOR FREE. THIS IS UNFAIR. I WAS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, AND NO ONE AT FORD INFORMED US. HAD I KNOWN THAT IT WAS THEIR PROBLEM, I WOULD HAVE HAD IT REPLACED WHEN THE FIRST SPOT APPEARED. *TR

BROUGHT OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT INTO THE DEALER WITH 75,000 MILES ON IT TO CHECK OUT A NOISE IN THE REAR END. WAS TOLD IT NEEDED A NEW WHEEL BEARING. THIS IS THE SECOND WHEEL BEARING THAT WE'VE HAD TO REPLACE. THE DEALER ALSO FOUND THAT BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. SAID THEY MAY HAVE BEEN BROKEN FOR SOME TIME. WILL COST $250 FOR THE WHEEL BEARING AND $500 FOR NEW SPRINGS. WAS TOLD FORD WILL NOT PAY FOR THE DEFECTIVE SPRINGS. HAVE NEVER TOWED ANYTHING WITH THE VEHICLE. HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET ABOUT LOTS OF OTHER PEOPLE EXPERIENCING REAR SPRING FAILURES AS WELL. *TR

NORMAL DRIVING CAR WITH VERY LITTLE LIGHT TOWING HAD REAR COIL SPRING FAILURE. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR TO THE MECHANICS TO GET FIXED HOWEVER THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON THIS PART SHOULD FAIL AT ONLY 80,000 MILES. I HAVE DRIVEN CARS WITH FACTORY SPRINGS THAT HAD 200K ON THEM. AND SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN HURT, INCLUDING MYSELF. *TR

TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLAM INTO GEAR. TRANSMISSION FAILURE. HAD TO HAVE A COMPLETE REBUILD/OVERHAUL OF TRANSMISSION. *TR

I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH A V8 AUTO TRANSMISSION. THIS TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN HAVING ISSUES SINCE I REACHED 60,000 MILES. IT WOULD TAKE OVER 5 SECONDS TO ENGAGE INTO GEAR WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF ON A STOPPED AND SWITCHING GEARS. THEN ONE DAY I AM DRIVING AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT BEGINS TO FLASH. I WENT HOME AND SINCE IT WAS A SATURDAY NIGHT , I DECIDED TO DO A GOOGLE SEARCH ON 2002 OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHING. OH BOY DID I WISH I KNEW THAT ALL 2002 FORD EXPLORERS ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE BEFORE I BOUGHT IT. FORD HAS PUT A SEALED TRANSMISSION IN THIS VEHICLE WHICH IS FLAT OUT DANGEROUS!! HOW CAN THEY PUT A TRANSMISSION INTO A VEHICLE THAT YOUR NOT EVEN ABLE TO CHECK YOUR FLUID LEVEL. YOUR TRANSMISSION COULD BE LOW CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO GO OUT, AND THE OWNER WOULD NEVER KNOW. NOT ONLY ARE THERE MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF EXPLORERS WITH THIS ISSUE, BUT WITH THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. BETWEEN 20 TO 30 MPH (GOING FROM 2ND TO 3RD) THE TRANSMISSION WILL SLIP ALLOWING THE VEHICLE RPM'S TO SOAR TO 5000 + AND THEN SLAMS INTO GEAR. IF YOU DO A INTERNET SEARCH THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME EXACT ISSUE. SOME VEHICLES REPORT AS LOW AS 20,000 MILES WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILS. FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR PUTTING TRANSMISSIONS THAT ARE OBVIOUSLY FAULTY. READ THE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS OUT THERE FROM THE HARD WORKING CONSUMER, AND I THINK YOU WILL AGREE. I HOPE TO HEAR BACK FROM YOU SOON ABOUT THIS ISSUE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVERY TIME GASOLINE IS PUMPED INTO THE VEHICLE, FUEL WOULD SPEW OUT AND SPLASH ONTO THE CONTACT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD COST $1,000, EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE 2002 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

ABOUT A YEAR AGO, THE GEAR SHIFTER IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER STARTED GETTING HARDER TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK ESPECIALLY ON INCLINES. AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, I TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR THEM TO LOOK AT IT. THEY SAID THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG BUT THAT IT DID STICK A LITTLE. GRADUALLY OVER SEVERAL MONTHS IT GOT WORSE. EVENTUALLY, IT GOT STUCK IN PARK AND I ACTUALLY BROKE OFF THE GEAR SHIFTER TRYING TO GO FROM PARK TO REVERSE. WE HAD TO PAY ALMOST $1,200 TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN AND SHIFTER. WE WERE THEN TOLD THAT WE MIGHT PUT ON THE EMERGENCY BREAK BEFORE SHIFTING INTO PARK ON HILLS. I TOLD THEM THAT IT DIDN'T MATTER IF YOU WERE ON A HILL OR NOT, IT STILL WOULD GET STUCK. AFTER FIRST REPLACING THE COLUMN, IT WAS EASIER TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THEN, OVER A FEW MONTHS IT BECAME INCREASINGLY HARDER TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK AGAIN, UNLESS I PUT ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. I DID USE THE BRAKE ON HILLS AND INCLINES MOSTLY BUT THEN SOMETIMES IT WOULD GET HARD TO SHIFT ON JUST FLAT SURFACES. I CONTACTED THE FORD DEALER AND ASKED THEM TO LOOK AT IT AGAIN. THEY SAID THAT I WOULD ALWAYS JUST HAVE TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BEFORE SHIFTING INTO PARK. I ASKED THEM WHY - IT DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT. THEY SAID, "THAT IS JUST NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURE". I, OF COURSE, ARGUED THAT WAS NOT NORMAL AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. I ASKED THE FORD COMPANY WEBSITE AND THEY SAID THEY CONSULTED WITH OUR DEALER AND THAT THEY CONCUR WITH THEM. *TR

WENT TO PUT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN REVERSE AND THE SHIFT LEVEL BROKE OFF FROM THE STEERING COLUMN, LEAVING THE VEHICLE UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THIS APPARENTLY HAS HAPPENED TO MANY OTHERS AND THE ONLY REPAIR IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN WHICH COSTS OVER $1,000. *TR

BROUGHT MY 2002 EXPLORER (59K MILES) TO DEALER FOR REPAIR AND WAS INFORMED I HAD A BROKEN REAR SPRING. ON DISCUSSION BOARD ON-LINE FOUND ALLOT OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH SAME PROBLEM. VERY COSTLY TO FIX CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY SPRING WOULD BREAK ON LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE. *TR

PURCHASED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER FOR MY 17 YR OLD DAUGHTER. A FEW WEEKS LATER SHE DROVE HOME FROM COLLEGE AND SAID SHE THOUGHT IT NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT BECAUSE CAR VIBRATING. SHE HAD SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THIS DONE. A COUPLE DAYS LATER SHE WAS DRIVING AT 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN HER AND THE PASSENGER HEARD A LOUD NOISE IN THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. THE CAR THAN BEGAN TO SHAKE VERY HARD AND LOOSE CONTROL. SHE COULD NOT KEEP ON THE ROAD AND ROLLED ACROSS THE INTERSTATE AND INTO THE MEDIAN. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE HAD BROKEN OFF THE CAR. THANKFULLY THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC AND THE TWO SURVIVED THE CRASH WITH NON LIFE THREATENING INJURIES. I CAN ONLY HOPE THE NEXT PERSON THIS HAPPENS TO IS AS LUCKY. UPON RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET I REALIZED THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON CAUSE OF ACCIDENTS WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE TO MAKE FORD RECALL AND FIX THIS ISSUE. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO BE HURT OR KILLED? I HOPE THIS IS ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE IS INJURED.*TR

WHEEL BEARINGS ON 2002 FORD EXPLORER ARE WEARING OUT WITHOUT ANY NOTICE. I NEVER HAD A CAR THAT EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A SEVER PROBLEM AS I DRIVE MY SMALL CHILDREN AROUND IN. KNOWING THAT A WHEEL COULD EVENTUALLY COME OFF SCARES THE LIFE OUT OF ME. THERE IS NO RECALL FROM AS THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. *TR

2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE HAD TROUBLE SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). ACCELERATING FROM 2ND GEAR, THE ENGINE WOULD REV. THEN I FEATHERED OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR, STEPPED ON PEDAL GENTLY, ACCELERATED AND VEHICLE MADE A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE AND THEN LURCHED FORWARD AS IT WENT INTO 3RD GEAR. OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. HAD VEHICLE TOWED ALMOST 100 MILES AND TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP. BAND WAS BROKEN AND PLANETARY GEARS/BEARINGS WERE DAMAGED. TRANSMISSION REBUILT FOR $2200. *TR

I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT HAVE AT LEAST 66,000 MILEAGE ON THIS CAR . I HAVE A VERY WEIRD ACCIDENT ON SEPTEMBER 24,2008. I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPEN. I WAS IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE VA MEDICAL CENTER IN EAST ORANGE NJ. AT AROUND 5:45 PM I CAME TO MY CAR AND FOUND MY CAR HAVE DEAD BATTERY SO VA POLICE GAVE A JUMP START AND THE CAR START. SO AFTER 2 MINUTES THE CAR RUNNING I STARTED TO CHANGE THE GEAR FROM PARK TO REVERSE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. AS SOON AS I CHANGE THE GEAR THE CAR WENT OFF BY ITSELF WITH A VERY HIGH SPEED HITTING A PARK VEHICLE AND ENDED UP INSIDE ONE STORY BUILDING. MY FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE WHEN THE CAR STOP. I HURT MYSELF RESULTING TO A BIG SURGERY. I HAVE A CERVICAL FRACTURE FROM THAT ACCIDENT. MY CAR WAS STILL PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY STILL UNTOUCHED BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHO TO SEND THE CAR FRO INVESTIGATION. I FILED A CLAIM TO FORD MOTOR BUT I DID NOT HEAR FROM THEM YET. I CONTACTED THE LAWYER AND ADVISED ME TO CONTACT THIS FACILITY AND SINCE MY LAWYER CANNOT REPRESENT ME FROM THIS ACCIDENT. I WAS ADVISED THAT I DON'T NEED A LAWYER TO FILE A CLAIM. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME WITH THIS MATTER. *TR

MY FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING, IT IS STARTING TO FAIL. IT SEEM THAT THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES, THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS FOR LESS. *TR

REAR COIL SPRING BROKE AND DAMAGED THE STRUT. DEALER REPAIRED BOTH AT COST TO CONSUMER, ALSO SUGGESTED I REPLACED THE OTHER SIDE BEFORE IT FAILS. THIS FORD EXPLORER HAS NEVER TOWED ANYTHING OR HAS NEVER BEEN OFF ROAD. ALL FOUR WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED ON TRUCK AT 50,000 MILES. BUT TRUCK WAS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. *TR

PREMATURE FAILURE OF ALL FOUR WHEEL BEARINGS IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER AS WELL AS THE PINION GEAR AND CLUTCH PACKS WITH LESS THAN 50,000 MILES. *TR

I OWN A 2002 EDDIE BAUER EXPLORE. AT 70,000 MILES WAS TOLD AFTER CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON AND GEARS WOULD NOT SHIFT THAT I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. FORD WANTED OVER 4,000.00 TO FIX IT. UNABLE TO AFFORD THAT MUCH I TOOK IT TO A TRANS REPAIR SHOP AND HAD A REBUILT TRANS INSTALLED AS WELL AS A NEW TORQUE CONVERTER. WAS TOLD BY THE REPAIR SHOP THAT THEY SEE ALOT OF THIS. AFTER TAKING MY CAR APART THE REASON MY TRANS WENT IS BECAUSE THERE WAS SOME KIND OF EXPLOSION IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND THE DEBRIS WENT INTO THE TRANS AND CAUSED THE DAMAGE TO THE TRANS. FORD DENIES ANY SUCH DEFECT. ALSO MY DUAL CLIMATE CONTROL AIR CONDITIONING HASN'T WORKED IN 2 YEARS AND FORD WANTS OVER 1000.00 TO FIX IT. I ALSO OWN A 2007 MUSTANG GT WITH ONLY 6000 MILES ON IT AND NOW THE REAR WINDOW IS LEAKING WHEN IT RAINS!! FORD SHOULD NOT ASK FOR ANY BAIL OUT MONEY FROM OUR GOVERNMENT IF THEY ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO BUILD JUNK. NEEDLESS TO SAY MY NEXT VEHICLE WILL BE A FOREIGN CAR. *TR

MY WIFE WAS IN THE LEFT LANE OF A BUSY HWY AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. THERE WAS NO SHOULDER TO SAFELY PULL OFF ON. I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER, THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR THE EXACT SAME FAILURE. HOW CAN FORD NOT RECALL THIS PROBLEM? MY WIFE WAS LUCKY THAT SHE WAS NOT SERIOUSLY HURT. IT COULD HAVE BEEN ALOT WORSE. *TR