2002 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, I APPLIED THE ACCELORATOR AND IT STUCK IN THE INCREASED ACCELERATION POSITION. AFTER A FEW FRANTIC SECONDS (10 - 15 APPROX), I MANAGED TO RELEASE IT BY KICKING IT. AT THE TIME, I FELT THAT IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT THE FLOORMAT OR CARPETING MAY HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THE PROBLEM, BUT WAS NOT SURE. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO A SHOP BECAUSE OF THAT UNCERTAINTY. HOWEVER, THE CURRENT ODI INVESTIGATION CONVINCED ME OF THE STRONG POSSIBILITY THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT.

I HAVE A CRACKED PANEL IN MY FORD EXPLORER 2002. THIS PANEL COULD BREAK IN HALF WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. FORD REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *NM

THE GEAR SHIFTER BROKE OFF WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE. THE SHIFTER COMPLETELY SNAPPED OFF THE ASSEMBLY RENDERING THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. MILEAGE WAS ONLY 56,000 MILES AND BEEN DRIVEN FOR ONLY 4 YEARS. THE CAR HAS TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER'S LOCATION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY (PART # FMC4L2Z 3C 529 DA) AT A COST OF $706.20 TO THE VEHICLE OWNER.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE GEAR SHIFT DETACHED FROM THE COLUMN WHILE TRYING TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO ALERTED OF THE PROBLEM. AFTER THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED THE KEY WOULD NOT FIT IN THE IGNITION PROPERLY AND THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RETURNED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION TODAY.

DT: GEAR SHIFT BROKE OFF. CONSUMER SAID SHIFTER BROKE OFF AND LANDED IN HIS LAP. CONSUMER WAS SHIFTING INTO GEAR WHEN THIS HAPPENED. NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS. VEHICLE IS SERVICED REGULARLY. CONSUMER HAD HIGHTECH AUTO CENTER FIX PROBLEM, THEY REPLACED THE WHOLE COLUMN. FORD REFUSED TO DO REPAIRS, SAID WARRANTY EXPIRED. *AK

I HAVE HAD MY TRANSMISSION IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER REBUILT BY A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AT 53,000 MILES AND A FORD RE-MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION INSTALLED AT THIS DEALERSHIP AT 69,000. THIS LOCAL DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED THE TRANSFER CASE TWICE, DRIVE AXLE, AND UNIVERSAL JOINTS BETWEEN 69,000 AND 74,000 TO CORRECT AN ONGOING REPORTED SHIFTING PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. MY TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 109,000, AGAIN, MUCH TO MY DISMAY. THE DEALERSHIP RESPONDED THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURER'S ISSUE AND SUGGESTED THAT I CONTACT FORD. UPON CONTACTING FORD MOTOR COMPANY, I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A DEALERSHIP ISSUE AS THE DEALERSHIP HAD INSTALLED THE TRANSMISSION AND MAY HAD DONE SO INCORRECTLY. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST WHO REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION AND INDICATED THAT THE PREVIOUS TRANSMISSION WAS, IN FACT, DEFECTIVE. *JB

WE HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WE PURCHASED THIS USED IN AUGUST 2004. ON JUNE 2005 WE STARTED HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON JUNE 8, 2005 THEY HAD IT FOR 8 DAYS AND REPAIRED IT UNDER WARRANTY. WE TOOK IT BACK ON JUNE 24, 2005 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY HAD IT FOR 5 DAYS BUT SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ON JAN 20, 2006 WE HAD TO TAKE IT BACK IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AGAIN. THEY HAD IT FOR 7 DAYS THIS TIME AND REPAIRED THE PROBLEM UNDER WARRANTY. THEN ON FEB 10, 2006 WE HAD TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AGAIN. THIS TIME THEY HAD IT FOR 19 DAYS AND AGAIN REPAIRED IT UNDER WARRANTY. NOW WE ARE HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AGAIN AND WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR BUT THEY SAY IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR US. THEY SAY THAT IT HAS BEEN 1-1/2 YEARS AND 40,000 MILES SINCE IT WAS LAST WORKED ON AND IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. AFTER TALKING TO EVERYONE AT THE DEALERSHIP FROM THE SERVICE MGR, THE GENERAL MANAGER AND FINALLY THE OWNERS DAUGHTER, ALL THEY ARE WILLING TO DO FOR US IS TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND GIVE US THE EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT PRICE WHICH IS $ 2641.50. I FEEL THAT THIS IS AN OWN GOING PROBLEM AND THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS A LEMON AND THEY SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AT NO CHARGE TO US. ALSO AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I AM FINDING THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH A LOT OF 2002 FORD EXPLORERS

AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK SYSTEM. *JB

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION ON 6-4-2005 WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE OCCUPANTS WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS. SRS LIGHT WAS ON PRIOR TO THE CRASH. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER AND FIXED ONCE BECAUSE THE LIGHT WAS ON, AND A WEEK LATER IT WAS REPLACED, AND THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AGAIN. POLICE REPORT AND PHOTOGRAPHS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ANALYSIS. *AK

FORD EXPLORER 2002 REAR PANEL CRACKED, AND I TRAVELED AROUND THE COUNTRY AND I SAW SEVERAL CARS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I VISITED TOO MANY WEBSITES AND THERE'S MORE PEOPLE COMPLAINING ON THAT ISSUE. THE BACK DOOR PANEL IS CRACKED AND GETTING WORSE EVERYDAY, AND SOMEDAY THE GLASS IS GOING TO EXPLODE. *TR

2002 FORD EXPLORER SAFETY BAR TO THE TAIL GATE CRACKED. *MR THE SAFETY BAR CRACKED AND CAUSED THE BACK WINDOW TO FLEX. THE CONSUMER SUGGESTED THAT THIS SAME PROBLEM MAY OCCUR ON HIS 2003 MODEL AS WELL. *SC *JB

2002 FORD EXPLORER ACCELERATOR BECAME STUCK OPEN.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE. *JB

THE COMPLAINT IS DIRECTED AT A WIDELY KNOWN MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN 2002 FORD EXPLORERS INVOLVING THE DRIVE TRAIN. THE PROBLEM SURFACES JUST BEFORE THE 36K WARRANTY PERIOD AND BEGINS AS A WHINE IN THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. THE WHINE GETS WORSE OVER TIME AND AT THIS WRITING MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP HAS HAD PARTS ON ORDER FOR 3 WEEKS WITH NO DEFINITIVE DELIVERY DATE. MY EXPLORER HAS 40K MILES AND JUST RAN OUT OF THE 3YR WARRANTY IN MAY 2005. EVEN WITH NEW PARTS INSTALLED THESE 2002 MODELS HAVE THE SAME RESULTS RE-OCCUR IN 10-20K MILES. THIS IS, BY ALL ACCOUNTS, NOT A DEFECT THAT WILL LIKELY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY TO ANY THING BUT YOUR WALLET, BUT IT IS OF SUCH PROPORTION IN THE MARKETPLACE THAT THE CONSUMER SHOULD HAVE SOMEBODY TO GO TO BAT FOR THEM. THESE FORD EXPLORERS ARE LEMONS IF YOU CAN'T GET 40K OUT OF THE DRIVE TRAINS. I HAVE A 1993 EXPL THAT HAS 200K AND NO ISSUE. A RECALL SHOULD BE A MANDATE FOR THE CONSUMER. AT THIS WRITING I HAVE PARKED THE VEHICLE TO AVOID ANY MORE MILES AND I AM WAITING FOR ARRIVAL OF PARTS. PLEASE LISTEN TO US, THE INDIVIDUAL, AND HELP US AS WE FIGHT FOR WHAT IS RIGHT WIT THE CORPORATION AND IT'S CLOUT. *NM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE COIL SPRING ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION FAILED. THE DEALER DID NOT STATE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. AS OF AUGUST 1, 2007, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COIL SPRING ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SUSPENSION FAILED JUNE 2005. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 79,835 MILES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 79,835. UPDATED 02-04-08. *KB THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED HE DIDN'T HAVE 3RD GEAR. UPDATED

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC; HOWEVER, THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE OIL PUMP FAILED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT TWICE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000. UPDATED 11/20/07 *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER EXT WAGON. THE CONTACT THAT STATED THAT UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT IN AN AWKWARD MANNER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED HIM THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE SUDDENLY RECURRED AND HE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. HE ALSO STATED THAT 3 OUT OF 4 WINDOW REGULATORS HAVE FAILED. THE WINDOWS ARE NOT WORKING NORMALLY. THE LIFTGATE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS FRACTURED WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO OPEN. THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND THE 3 WINDOW REGULATORS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000.

WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THE OD LIGHT STARTED FLASHING THEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED COMPLETELY. HAVING NEW TRANSMISSION INSTALLED. MANY OTHER THINGS HAVE FAILED TOO. THREE WEEKS PRIOR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF IN MY HANDS WHEN I SHIFTED FROM PARK TO REVERSE. HAVE CHANGED RIGHT REAR BEARING WHICH "BLEW OUT". THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE QUIT WHILE THE TRUCK WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. WHEN I FIRST GOT THE TRUCK AND COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ABOUT THE WAY THE TRANSMISSION WORKED HE GAVE ME A PRINTOUT FROM FORD STATING THE TRANSMISSION WAS PROGRAMMED TO ADJUST TO THE DRVERS STYLE OF DRIVING.

LOUD THUMPING NOISES COMING FROM FRONT END OF 2002 FORD EXPLORER. FORD SAYS THEY ARE NORMAL. IT DIDN'T DO THIS WHEN WE BOUGHT IT. ALSO THERE IS A LOUD WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END. REAR END HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCED. PROBLEM DISAPPEARED FOR ABOUT 10K MILES AFTER IT WAS REPLACED. WIFE IS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR AS WE HAVE THREE NEWBORN BABIES.

AT A COMPLETE STOP VEHICLE SURGES (ACCELERATES). HAVE TO PLACE IN NEUTRAL AT STANDING STOPS TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT. DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW SWITCH FAILED, HAD REPLACED, ALSO THE WINDOW WHINES WHEN ROLLING UP. PASSENGER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW REGULATOR(CABLE) SNAPPED?? WHEN REAR WINDOWS ARE DOWN AT A SPEED OF 20 MPH+ IT SOUNDS LIKE A HELICOPTER IS IN THE BACK SEAT(ACTUALLY PHYSICALLY HURTS YOUR EARS!!!) <<<<NO FIX OR REPAIR?? ANYONE ELSE HAVE THIS PROBLEM? 55-65 MPH STEERING WHEEL SHAKES. REPAIR ATTEMPT BALANCED AND ROTATED TIRES AND SUSPENSION WAS INSPECTED. STILL SHAKES. REAR SPARE TIRE ACCESSORIES COVER HANDLE BROKE. <<NOT ABUSED. HOW DO YOU CHANGE A FLAT WITH NO JACK OR NO TOOLS?? (SPARE TIRE CAME DOWN ALRIGHT THOUGH). EGR VALVE FAILURE @ 40,000 MILES. 4X4 INTEMITTENT SHIFTING ISSUES FROM LOW>AUTO AND AUTO>HIGH. CAN NOT PIN POINT PROBLEM. THAT ABOUT WRAPS UP MY LOVELY EXPERIENCE WITH THIS VEHICLE. I AM A MARRIED FATHER OF TWO AND THE ONLY ONE WORKING ON A LIMITED INCOME. I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK WITH VERY LOW MILES THINKING IT WOULD BE DEPENDABLE NOT UNAFFORDABLE. *NM

2002 4X4 EXPLORER LIMITED WITH V8. AT 7390 MILES (3/12/03, INVOICE # W40836) TWO ISSUES; THE TRANSMISSION NEVER SHIFTED PROPERLY AND IT STARTED LEAKING FLUID EVERYWHERE. TWO WEEKS LATER THE DEALER ADMITTED THEY DIDN''T KNOW THE CAUSE AND REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW ONE. ENGINE SEVERELY OVERHEATED (INVOICE 3W47852). AT 20K MILES THE TRUCK WILL ONCE IN A WHILE STOP (AS IF I HIT SOMETHING) AS I START TO BACK OUT OF THE GARAGE - PROBLEM DISCOVERED AT 31K BRAKE JOB - REAR SHOES ON PARKING BRAKE BROKE LOOSE ON DRIVERS SIDE (BOTH) AND ONLY ONE ON PASSENGER SIDE. LOOSE SHOE ON PASS. SIDE WOULD WEDGE WITH GOOD ONE AND LOCK UP WHEELS WHEN MOVING SLOW. LOT'S OF ARGUMENTS AND FORD FINALLY REPLACED SHOES (4/25/05 INVOICE # 99323). AT 26K (11/05, NO INVOICE) ONE TIRE WENT FLAT AND UPON INSPECTION BY A TIRE SHOP, THAT TIRE AND A SECOND TIRE HAD TREAD SEPARATION - RUNNING GOODYEAR''S. FORD QUICKLY REPLACED BOTH TIRES WITHOUT ANY QUESTIONS. AT 29K, MY FAMILY AND I MOVED FROM MI TO GA. EACH TIME I STOPPED FOR GAS THE EXPLORER SOUNDED LIKE THE FRONT END WAS GRINDING METAL TO METAL ON THE GEARS. THE 4X4 WAS IN AUTO FOR THE TRIP AND ONCE I GOT BACK ON THE HIGHWAY ABOVE 20 MPH THE NOISE WENT AWAY. HOWEVER, IT CONTINUED TO SHIFT POORLY AND IT STARTED TO SURGE (SHAKE) OR THUMP LIKE SOMETHING WAS CATCHING IN THE DRIVE TRAIN EVERY TIME I WOULD LET OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND ALLOWED THE TRUCK TO DECELERATE WITHOUT BRAKING. EVEN AFTER NEW BRAKES AND ROTORS, THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE AND WORSE - NOW AT 34K, (5/30/05, INVOICE # W50821) THE TRUCK IS IN THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE 3RD TIME ON THIS ISSUE. THE FIRST TIME, THEY REPLACED THE "MODULE-TRANSFER SH" WHICH DID PRETTY MUCH ELIMINATE THE SHIFTING ISSUE. THEY ALSO REPLACE THE "DRIVE SHAFT FLANGE PER SSM 16824" WHATEVER THAT MEANS. BUT A MAJOR PROBLEM IN THE DRIVE TRAIN STILL EXISTS AND IT STILL UNRESOLVED. HERE'S MY POINT, FORD HAS A MAJOR DRIVE TRAIN PROBLEM WITH THE REDESIGNED 2002 EXPLORER.

IN APRIL OF 2005 MY 2002 EXPLORER WITH JUST OVER 40,000 MILES STARTED MAKING GRINDING NOISE IN THE RIGHT REAR. TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND THEN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP, BOTH SAID THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, HAD IT REPLACED ON 5/11/05. WITHIN 2 WEEKS, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING ALSO STARTED MAKING A GRINDING NOISE, HAD IT REPLACED ON 5/25/05. CALLED FORD CUSTOMER CARE WHO SAID THEY COULD DO NOTHING. IN OCTOBER, 2006, AT 80,000 MILES (MOSTLY E-WAY MILES, NO OFF-ROAD DRIVING, ONLY ONE DRIVER AND I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER), THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN AND ONE OF THE FRONT BEARINGS IS GOING AS WELL. CALLED FORD CUSTOMER CARE AGAIN TO REPORT THE FAILURES, AND THEY STILL AREN'T INTERESTED. HAVE BEEN TOLD BY SEVERAL MECHANICS THAT THIS IS A KNOW DEFECT WITH 2002 EXPLORERS, WHEEL BEARINGS SHOULD LAST WELL OVER 100K MILES. FORD HAS NO PLANS TO RECALL OR EVEN REDESIGN THE DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARINGS. AFTER READING COMPLAINTS FROM OTHERS, WHO HAVE HAD THE BEARINGS EXPLODE WHILE DRIVING, I SUSPECT THAT IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE DEATHS FROM ACCIDENTS DUE TO THE DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARINGS START GETTING REPORTED. I PERSONALLY DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. DUE TO FORD'S LACK OF CONCERN REGARDING THIS VERY EXPENSIVE AND DANGEROUS DEFECT IN THEIR VEHICLES, THE NEXT NEW VEHICLE I PURCHASE WILL NOT BE A FORD. *NM

4 WHEEL DRIVE WILL NOT ENGAGE. HAS BEEN USED ONE OTHER TIME SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2002

CRACK DEVELOPED IN AREA BELOW LIFT GATE GLASS. NOW THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF, AS WELL AS THE BUZZER. THE GLASS DOES NOT SHUT PROPERLY AND IS INOPERABLE AND THE AREA BELOW THE GLASS HAS COMPLETELY FALLEN AWAY. *TR

TRANSMISSION FAILED. HAD TO BE REPLACED. ONLY 50,300 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. SERVICE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THIS IS THE 5TH FORD EXPLORER HE'S HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION ON THIS MONTH ALONE. HE SAID THE TRANSMISSIONS ON THE EXPLORERS ARE FAILING BETWEEN 50K AND 60K MILES.

WHEEL BEARING PROBLEMS WITH MOST 2002 MODEL FORD EXPLORERS ALL TRIM LEVELS. *TR

2002 FORD EXPLORER EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE 4WD, THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE VEHICLE IS GIVING OFF A ROTTEN EGG SMELL. *MR THERE WERE FRONT END PROBLEMS. THE 4WD MODULE WASN'T WORKING. THE DRIVESHAFT AND BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED. THE ROTORS WERE OUT OF ROUND. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ALONG WITH THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT. THE TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM ON TWO OCCASIONS AND POSSIBLY A THIRD TIME. A LARGE PUDDLE OF TRANSMISSION WAS FOUND UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS NOISY. THE ACCELERATION PEDAL WOULD PULL BACK. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATED, IT WOULD WHINE. THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING WAS GONE AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE AXLE, BRAKES AND THE TIRE WAS BARELY HOLDING ON. THE ERROR CODE FOR THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WAS DUE TO THE SOLENOID WHICH HAD BEEN CHANGED BEFORE. THE A/C WAS INOPERATIVE. *SC *JB

DT: CONTACT TOOK VEHICLE TO A SERVICE DEALER, AND THEY INFORMED HIM THAT THE REAR COIL SPRING BROKE. *AK

I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000 MILES. I BROUGHT IT IN TO HAVE THE REAR BRAKES REPLACED AT SUPERIOR FORD IN PLYMOUTH, MINNEASOTA IN MAY OF 2005. WHILE THE BRAKES WERE BEING REPLACED, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE PADS ON THE PARKING BRAKES HAD "FALLEN APART". THE ADHESIVE HAD FAILED AND THE ASPHAULT PADS HAD FALLEN OFF THE METAL BACKING AND WERE LOOSE IN THE DRUM. I TOLD THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT I HAD RARELY USED THE PARKING BRAKE. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS FREQUENTLY HAPPENED ON EXPLORERS AND EXPEDITIONS, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE BRAKES HAVEN'T BEEN USED MUCH. IT CONCERNS ME THAT A SAFETY FEATURE LIKE AN EMERGENCY BRAKE COULD FAIL AFTER THREE YEARS WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT USE. I WOULD HAVE HAD NO IDEA THAT THE PADS HAD FALLEN OFF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IF I HADN'T BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FOR REGULAR BRAKE SERVICE. THE MECHANICS AND FORD'S CUSTOMER SERVICE PEOPLE DIDN'T SEEM TO BOTHERED BY THIS. THE SUPERVISOR TOLD ME THAT PARTS ARE ONLY MADE TO LAST 36,000 MILES (THE WARRANTY PERIOD). THE FORD PEOPLE SAID THAT THEY DON'T TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR BRAKES AFTER 12,000 MILES.

VEHICLE STUMBLED WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY I FED IT GAS TO KEEP IT FROM STALLING AND IT ACCELERATED RAPIDLY INTO MY GARAGE DOOR. WHILE UNDER WARRANTY THIS PROBLEM REPORTED TO DEALER BUT THEY CLAIMED THEY WERE NEVE ABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. THE LAST SERVICE UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY SAID SAME PROBLEM REPORTED AND THIS TIME I WAS CHARGED FOR THE TEST BUT ONCE AGAIN THEY FOUND NOTHING I COMPLAINED TO FORD VIA THEIR WEB SITE BUT THEY NEVER REPLIED TO MY EMAILI

DT: TRANSMISSION WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE, AND THERE IS NO NEUTRAL. THERE IS ONLY 57,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND CHECKUPS. TRANSMISSION WAS MAKING CLANKING NOISE WHEN PUT INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAKING NOISE SINCE 2002. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND IT WAS CHECKED. DEALERSHIP DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE WAS PUT IN REVERSE, AND IT STARTED JUMPING. THEN IT WENT AND STOPPED IN REVERSE. THEN, VEHICLE WAS PUT IN PARK AND T SWITCHED TO REVERSE. THERE WAS NO REVERSE. IT WAS PUT INTO NEUTRAL, AND IT WENT FORWARD. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO DRIVE, IT WOULD GO FORWARD.*AK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE REAR HATCH LIFT-GATE UNDER THE FORD EMBLEM HAS DEVELOPED CRACKS. CONSEQUENTLY WATER HAS ENTERED THE DOORS AND LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND SHE WAS ADVISED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY BETWEEN $600-$700 TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. SHE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE, BUT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

VEHICLE HAS 78,000 MILES, REAR AXLE HALF SHAFT SEAL LEAKS AT DIFFERENTIAL AND THERE IS A LOUD "WHINE' OR "HUM" WHILE ACCELERATING, NOISE STOPS WHEN YOU LET OFF GAS. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND FEEL THIS IS A MANUFACTERS DEFECT.

THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A CLUNKING NOISE WHICH THE DEALER REPORTED ORIGINATED FROM THE DRIVESHAFT. SOME OF THE DRIVE SHAFT MOUNTING BOLTS WERE MISSING AND SOME WERE LOOSE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE MOUTNING BOLTS. THERE WAS NO WARNING OF THE DRIVESHAFT HAVING MISSING BOLTS. *AK *TT THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THE DEALER SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE ORIGINAL BOLTS THAT HAD COME LOOSE. THE CONSUMER ALSO FELT THAT FORD SHOULD COVER THE COST OF REPAIRS. *SC *JB

TRANSMISSION AND REAR-END. SEALED TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED AT DEALERSHIP AT 29,000 MILES. SINCE THEN TRANSMISSION HAS A WHIRR AND THEN A CLUNK WHILE DECELERATING BACK INTO FIRST GEAR. WHINING NOISE FROM REAR-END SINCE 12,000 MILES. FORD REPLACED FAULTY REAR-END SEAL 6 MONTHS AGO, WHINING STILL THERE. I FEEL THAT FORD IS STRINGING ME ALONG UNTIL WARRANTY EXPIRES. FORD KNOWS THERE ARE PROBLEMS BUT WONT FIX UNTIL PART FAILS COMPLETELY.

IN APRIL OF 2005 MY 2002 EXPLORER WITH JUST OVER 40,000 MILES STARTED MAKING GRINDING NOISE IN THE RIGHT REAR. TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND THEN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP, BOTH SAID THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, HAD IT REPLACED ON 5/11/05. WITHIN 2 WEEKS, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING ALSO STARTED MAKING A GRINDING NOISE, HAD IT REPLACED ON 5/25/05. CALLED FORD CUSTOMER CARE WHO SAID THEY COULD DO NOTHING. IN OCTOBER, 2006, AT 80,000 MILES (MOSTLY E-WAY MILES, NO OFF-ROAD DRIVING, ONLY ONE DRIVER AND I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER), THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN AND ONE OF THE FRONT BEARINGS IS GOING AS WELL. CALLED FORD CUSTOMER CARE AGAIN TO REPORT THE FAILURES, AND THEY STILL AREN'T INTERESTED. HAVE BEEN TOLD BY SEVERAL MECHANICS THAT THIS IS A KNOW DEFECT WITH 2002 EXPLORERS, WHEEL BEARINGS SHOULD LAST WELL OVER 100K MILES. FORD HAS NO PLANS TO RECALL OR EVEN REDESIGN THE DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARINGS. AFTER READING COMPLAINTS FROM OTHERS, WHO HAVE HAD THE BEARINGS EXPLODE WHILE DRIVING, I SUSPECT THAT IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE DEATHS FROM ACCIDENTS DUE TO THE DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARINGS START GETTING REPORTED. I PERSONALLY DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. DUE TO FORD'S LACK OF CONCERN REGARDING THIS VERY EXPENSIVE AND DANGEROUS DEFECT IN THEIR VEHICLES, THE NEXT NEW VEHICLE I PURCHASE WILL NOT BE A FORD. *NM

NOISE IN DIFFERENTIAL. *JB

NHTSA RECALL ID 01I010000 FORD EXPLORER 2002 LIFTGATE DEAR SIR/MADAM, I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT THAT THE FORD DEALERSHIP (JOE MYERS FORD IN HOUSTON, TEXAS) AS WELL AS FORD AS LESS THAN HELPFUL IN GETTING THIS RECALL TAKEN CARE OF. I AM BEING TOLD THAT I WOULD HAVE TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE THERE FOR AN ENTIRE DAY, YET I DO NOT HAVE ANY RIGHT TO A LOANER CAR. THEY ALSO WOULD NOT ACCEPT THE VEHICLE ON A SATURDAY ALTHOUGH THEY ARE OPEN UNTIL 3 PM. I DON'T THINK THAT I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING A RENTAL CAR OR HAVING TO TAKE A VACATION DAY SO THAT FORD CAN REPAIR A DEFECT THAT IS DUE TO FAULTY MANUFACTURING. RGDS, CHRIS ROM

2002 FORD EXPLORER CONCERNS REGARDING CRUISE CONTROL FIRES. *MR *SC *JB

2002 FORD EXPLORER GEAR SHIFT FELL INTO THE CONSUMER'S LAP WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. *MR *SC *JB

THERE IS A WHINING NOISE IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER COMING FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. I OCCURS BETWEEN 40-65 MPH. IT QUITS WHEN I LET OFF THE GAS. I AM WORRIED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL (THE SOURCE OF THE NOISE) WILL SOON LOCKUP WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, POSSIBLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.

THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL LEAKS. *NM

IN MAY OF 2005 THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT AT THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAD 34,767 MILES. IN MAY OF 2006 THE REBUILT TRANS CONVERTER FAILED WITH ABOUT 47,000 MILES. THIS WAS JUST A FEW HUNDRED MILES OUT OF THE 12 MONTH, 12,000 FORD SERVICE WARRANTY. THERE WAS AN AFTERMARKET WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE THAT COVERED IT. UPON WRITTEN NOTIFICATION TO THE DEALER AND FORD WE SET AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AND TEST DRIVEN AGAIN DUE TO MORE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED THEN THE SHIFT LEVER LOCKED UP BETWEEN PARK AND REVERSE AND HAD TO BE SERVICED WITHIN HOURS OF PICKUP. THEN A COOLANT GASKET WAS DISCOVERED TO HAVE BEEN REMOVED AND A ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR DAMAGED AND GLUED TOGETHER AND TIE WRAPPED TO THE TRANS. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED IN WRITING OF THE DISCOVERIES. THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED INDEPENDENTLY. A SHOP DIAGNOSED A POOR SHIFT, SHORT SHIFT, LONG SHIFT, AND CLUNKING WITH VIBRATION CONDITION IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER WAS CALLED TWICE WITH NO RESPONSE. ON DECEMBER 20, 2006 THE TRANS FAILED FOR THE THIRD TIME AT 57,231 MILES. THE AFTER MARKET WARRANTY WAS NOTIFIED AND DIRECTED US TO THE FORD SERVICE WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP DUE TO A CERTIFIED LETTER THAT WAS RECEIVED BY THE FIRST STATING THAT OUR TRANS PROBLEMS WERE "PERCEIVED" AND THAT THEY WERE ENDING OUR "BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP." THE NEXT DEALERSHIP PERFORMED THE EEC CODE CHECK. A TSB HAD BEEN ISSUED,CODES 733 AND 745. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US THAT WE MUST GUARANTEE THEIR FEE TO TEAR DOWN THE TRANSMISSION AND THAT THE REPAIR MAY NOT BE COVERED. THEY ALSO STATED THAT WE HAD "NO WARRANTY" ON THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE MANAGER AFTER SOME DISCUSSION STATED "WE ARE NOT INVOLVED IN YOUR TRUCK REPAIR AT ALL." WE IMMEDIATELY HAD OUR VEHICLE REMOVED FROM THEIR DEALERSHIP. ANOTHER SHOP STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAS IN FACT FAILED AGAIN. WE ARE WAITING FOR A POSSIBLE COVERAGE DETERMINATION FROM THE AFTER MARKET COMPANY. FORD WAS NOTIFIED.*JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. A SEARS MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS AND PERFORMED THE REPAIR. THE LEFT FRONT AND LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WERE ALSO REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 92,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE REAR COIL SPRING WERE WEAK. THE END BUSHING WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 06/08/07. *JB

I HAVE HAD MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION FOR 4 YEARS. THE ENTIRE TIME OF OWNING THIS VEHICLE IT SOUNDS LIKE THE ENGINE SLIPS AND LATELY IT SEEMS LIKE IT IS GETTING WORSE. I HAVE TALKED TO A FEW CAR REPAIRMEN AND THEY SAID THAT THIS MAKE AND MODEL IS KNOWN FOR THIS COMPLAINT. I FEEL LIKE SINCE THERE IS AN OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE TRANSMISSION, SOMEONE SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS. *TR

I NOTICED SOME VIBRATION/SHUTTERING WHEN ACCELERATING IN THE REAR END OF MY 2002 EXPLORER IN APRIL, 2005. THE LOCAL DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS NEEDING TO REPLACE THE CLUTCH PACK FOR THE REAR AXLE (WHICH THEY SAID WOULD CAUSE SHUTTERING WHEN TURNING) AND TO REPLACE THE TIRES. I PUT NEW TIRES ON THE REAR WHICH DID NOTHING FOR THE SHUTTERING AND IN ADDITION I COULD NOW HEAR A LOUD HUMMING UPON DECELARATION FROM SPEEDS OVER 50 MPH APPROXIMATELY. THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPT. RECHECKED IT AND TOLD ME IN ADDITION TO THE CLUTCH PACK, I ALSO NEEDED TO REPLACE THE RING AND PINION AT A TOTAL COST OF OVER $1,500.00. THE ODOMETER READING ON THE INITIAL SERVICE DATE WAS 43893 MILES (WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 36000). I SUBSEQUENTLY HAD A INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP LOOK AT IT AND THEY TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. I'M NOT SURE WHAT TO DO AS I DON'T WANT TO HAVE MY WIFE DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT IS A POTENTIAL DANGER, BUT I DON'T WANT TO UNNECESSARILY SPEND $1500.00.

I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4.6L V8. WITHIN THE LAST MONTH 3 SPARK PLUGS HAVE BEEN BLOWN OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEADS. EACH TIME ITS A DIFFERENT CYLINDER. FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS DENIED OUR CLAIM TO REPAIR THE STRIPPED OUT THREADS IN THE CYLINDERS, WITH A 75,000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY.

EXPERTS DETERMINED THAT THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LEFT FRONT DRIVERS SEAT SUFFERED AN ELECTRICAL FAULT, RESULTING IN A FIRE WHICH TOTALED THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THE INTERIOR CABIN FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED, PRESERVING THE REMAINDER OF THE SEAT AND ADJACENT CENTER CONSOLE BURN AREA. OCCUPANTS WERE ABLE TO ESCAPE THE VEHICLE AND AVOID PERSONAL INJURY. A YEAR AND A HALF LATER, FORD STILL REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MALFUNCTION, AND THE CASE IS IN LITIGATION. *NM

THE TRANSIMIISON BEGAN TO SLIP AAT 30 MPH, 37, 000 MILES. ON 10/02/03- WAS SERVICED, BUT PROBLEM RETURNED FROM TIME TO TIME. IN 2005 PROBLEM WORSENED AT 48, 000 MILES. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR TRANSMISSION SERVICE. $DEALER REPORTED NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED @ COST OF 3,222. THE REPAIR WAS DONE ON 4/22/05.*AK

WHILE PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE VEHICLE ACCELARATED AND CRASHED THROUGH WALL OF A DOCTORS OFFICE. VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER SHIFTING INTO PARK AND FRONT END WAS INSIDE BUILDING. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION. FOUND THROTTLE BODY STICKING WHICH MADE GAS PEDAL STICK CAUSING ENGINE TO ACCELARATE OUT OF CONTROL. DEALER FILED CLAIM WITH FORD. STILL WAITING FOR FORD TO RESPOND.

2002 FORD EXPLORER- CRASHED INTO DOCTORS OFFICE- BECAUSE OF FAILED THROTTLE BODY- REPORTED TO FORD. ONE LETTER RECEIVED REQUIRING INFORMATION-NO RESPONSE FROM FORD SINCE JULY, CAR STILL WAITING FOR INSPECTION, DEALER INSPECTIONS CONFIRMS THROTTLE BODY CABLE STUCK CAUSING CAR TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN AND CRASH--NO RESPONSE FROM FORD. *JB