2002 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

REAR HATCH ON 2002 EXPLORER TRIM PIECE AT BOTTOM CRACKS..THSI IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND FORD KNOWS ABOUT IT BUT WILL NOT FIX

READ STRUT SPRINGS FAIL AND CRACK. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED IN THE PAST AND MANY OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON BOTH THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. FORD HAS BEEN NOTIFIED MANY TIMES WITH NO RESPONSE. I HAVE BEEN DOING A LOT OF RESEARCH INTO THIS ISSUE, AND REALIZED THAT HUNDREDS OF OWNERS AR CLAIMING THE SAME PROBLEM.

THE FUEL GAUGE, MOST OF THE TIME, DOES NOT WORK. *TR

2002 EXPLORER XLT 2WD (47,000 MILES) AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT TO 3RD GEAR WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THE ENGINE REVVED SO I ROLLED TO A STOP LUCKILY ON A GRASS SHOULDER WITH NO ONE HITTING MY VEHICLE. FORD REBUILT THE TRANS FOR $2500. THE DISTRICT FORD REP WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR EVENTHOUGH I KNEW OF THE PROBLEM OCCURRING IN CINCINNATI AND FORD PAID. RESEARCH SHOWS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL OF TRANSMISSION. THE FIX IS A $20 SEAL BUT THEY WILL ONLY REBUILD OR REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. *TR

THE BACK PANEL OF OUR FORD EXPLORER HAS CRACKED THE VERTICAL LENGTH OF THE TO PANEL. HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME DEFECT. *JB

TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING WHILE SHIFT GEARS AROUND 35-40 MPH. ENGINE WOULD REV HIGH. DEALER SAID I LOST 3RD SPEED. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION AT COST OF $2565.77 PLUS $1020 IN LABOR. DEALER ALSO REPLACED REAR AXLE SEALS ($265.48). EXPLORER HAD 89,449 MILES ON IT. FRIENDS AND WEB SAY REAR DIFF AND TRANSMISSIONS ARE NOTORIOUSLY BAD. WHEN WILL FORD RECALL THESE VEHICLES? WILL THE CONSUMER EVER GET THEIR MONEY BACK? *NM

2002 FORD EXPLORER, CRACK IN REAR PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW. FORD WILL NOT REPAIR, IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG MANY 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. *JB

FORD 2002 XLT EXPLORER 4WHEEL DRIVE I AM ON MY 3RD TRANSMISSION AT UNDER 100K MILES. LUCKILY I TRAVEL CLOSE TO HOME WHEN THE OCCURRENCES HAPPEN. BUT OTHERS I HAVE SPOKE TO WITH SAME VEHICLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, LOOKED UP ALSO CAR STATS.COM AND TOO NUMEROUS TO MENTION, FORD SHOULD HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND RECALLED. *TR

I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN IT STARTED TO GET VERY COLD, MY EXPLORER, THAT I JUST BOUGHT, STARTED TO NOT WANT TO GO INTO GEAR. IT WOULD GRIND AND SLIP. THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE DASH. IT WAS FROM THE COMPUTER THAT RUNS THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE. THE 4 LOW BUTTON WOULD JUST KICK IN BY ITS SELF. THEN IT WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. AFTER A WHILE OF TRYING TO GET IT INTO GEAR IT WOULD GO. IT WOULD ONLY ACT UP WHEN IT WAS VERY COLD OUT (10 TO -5 DEGREES) IT DID THIS TO ME FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND THEN IT JUST STUCK INTO 4 LOW AND NOW WON'T COME OUT. THERE WAS A SMELL THIS LAST TIME OF BURNING ELECTRICAL WIRE AND SMOKE. NOW MY EXPLORER WON'T DRIVE AND HAS A ELECTRICAL SMOKE SMELL STUCK IN IT. I NOW HAVE TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A FORD DEALER TO GET IT FIXED. IT ALSO MAKES A REALLY LOUD POPPING SOUND WHEN I GO TO TURN OR HIT A BUMP. SOUND COMES FROM THE FRONT OF THE EXPLORER DRIVERS SIDE. *JB

2002 FORD EXPLORER - PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW (APPLIQUE) CRACKED. FORD DEALER CLAIMS IT HAPPENS WHEN WEATHER IS TO HOT OR COLD. *NM

ON A 10 DEGREE NIGHT, I WOKE UP TO FIND A NASTY CRACK IN THE REAR LIFTGATE UNDER THE GLASS. IT NOT ONLY CRACKED, BUT SEPARATED AND MADE ABOUT AN 1/8" GAP. ANOTHER CRACK BESIDE IT FORMING A TRIANGULAR SHAPE AS WELL. LOOKS LIKE IT WILL FALL OUT ANY TIME. MY INSURANCE WON'T COVER THIS BECAUSE IT IS A KNOWN FORD ISSUE!!!!!!! TELL ME HOW THAT IS FAIR, THAT WE PAY THE MONEY FOR THESE VERY EXPENSIVE VEHICLES, AND THERE IS A WELL KNOWN DEFECT IN THEM, BUT WE HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. I CAN'T BLAME THE INSURANCE COMPANIES FOR DENIAL. IT IS FORDS PLACE TO PAY FOR THIS. IT IS UNETHICAL FOR FORD TO TREAT THEIR CUSTOMERS LIKE THIS AND VERY BAD FOR BUSINESS. I CAN'T USE MY BACK HATCH ANYMORE FOR FEAR THAT IT WILL CRACK AGAIN AND PIECES FALL OUT. I CARRY FULL COVERAGE INSURANCE AND DO MY PART TO TAKE CARE OF MY VEHICLE, NOW I CAN'T AFFORD TO COVER SOMETHING THAT IS FORDS FAULT!!!!!! COME ON FORD, CUT US SOME SLACK. CH . *NM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO REBUILD HIS TRANSMISSION AND REPLACE THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL BEARINGS. THE VEHICLE FAILED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH. HE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WHEN HE SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. HE HAD TO WAIT A FEW MINUTES BEFORE THE VEHICLE COULD BE RESTARTED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,117.

2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT- ALL FOUR WHEEL BEARING HAVE GONE BAD WITHIN 1 YEAR. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH OWNERS AND DEALERS. THIS YEAR AND MODEL OF FORD EXPLORER HAS BAD BEARINGS AND HUB ASSEMBLIES. FORD IS HAPPY TO COLLECT THE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS IT COST OWNERS TO REPLACE THESE FAULTY PARTS BUT WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO FIX THE ISSUE. ONE BEARING ACTUALLY BROKE ON MY VEHICLE AND NOW I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE I DO NOT WANT TO BE STRANDED SOMEWHERE. I HAVE A FRONT AND REAR BEARING OUT AGAIN. *TR

AFTER DRIVING ON A COLD WEATHER NIGHT AT SINGLE DIGIT TEMPERATURES, THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN EVEN WITHOUT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PUT INTO PARK OR NEUTRAL, THE RPM WAS ABOVE 4000. FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. WHEN BRAKING THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO STILL WANT TO MOVE. *JB

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED VIBRATING AND PULLING TO THE RIGHT. A LUG NUT HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP BECAUSE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS LODGED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE NEW LUG NUT AND STEMS AND REPAIR THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000. THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON TOW OCCASIONS.*AK

I HAVE TWO OR THREE ISSUES; THE FIRST ONE IS MY TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER BROKE AND CAME UP THROUGH THE HEAD GASKET COVER. IT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT FORD HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH MANY OF IT'S 2002 FORD EXPLORERS. I AM JUST RETURNING FROM IRAQ (AIR FORCE) I HAVE JUST HAD IT TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP IT HAS NOT BE FIXED. I HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS WERE IT JUMPS INTO GEAR AND I HAVE A WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END. I SPOKE WITH GANLEY FORD IN BARBETON AND THEY TELL ME THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS HOWEVER, A LOT OF CUSTOMERS COMPLAIN. *JB

SUBJECT: CRACKED PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW (TAILGATE APPLIQUE) WHERE: 9 DEGREES TEMPERATURE IN SHILOH, ILLINOIS (15 MILES EAST OF ST. LOUIS). VEHICLE TYPE: 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS 4 DOOR WAGON 6 CYL 4.0 SOHC 51,101 MILES. WHAT: THE PLASTIC APPLIQUE PANEL BELOW THE GLASS ON THE LIFTGATE HAS DEVELOPED ONE VERTICAL CRACK, APPROX 1/8TH" IN DIAMETER RUNNING THE LENGTH OF THE PANEL (APPROX 4.5 INCHES) TO THE RIGHT OF THE "FORD" EMBLEM. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I FOUND OVER 75 OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS, MOST IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS (COLD WEATHER). THIS REPAIR IS NOT COVERED BY FORD EXTENDED WARRANTY (ESP). PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE LISTED BELOW FOR OTHER CUSTOMERS COMMENTS. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/BODY_PAINT/CRACKED_PANEL_BELOW_THE_REAR_WINDOW.SHTM COST/COMMENTS: AUFFENBERG BODY SHOP (BELLEVILLE, IL 618-234-0330) REPAIR COST $380.00 IF REAR WINDOW BREAKS ADD AN ADDITIONAL $1100.00. FORD DEFINITELY HAS A QUALITY PROBLEM WITH THIS COSMETIC DEFECT PART. AFTER CONTACTING FORD PRIOR APPROVAL DEPARTMENT (800-321-7790 OPTION #3) AND CUSTOMER CENTER (800-392-3673), BOTH OFFICES INFORMED ME THAT THIS DEFECT IS NOT COVER UNDER THE ESP WARRANTY. ACTION: FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD REPLACE THE PANEL AT NO CHARGE. I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR REPLY AND A RESOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. A COPY OF THIS LETTER WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE CONSUMER AFFAIRS, BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU, AND THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION. *JB

I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. ON FEB 3RD THE LIFT GATE SPLIT IN 2 PIECES. MANF. DEFECT. FORD IS AWARE OF THIS HAPPENING AND HAS NEITHER OFFERED ANY KIND OF MONTEREY ASSISTANCE OR ISSUED A RECALL. THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED TO PAY THE REPAIR OUT OF MY POCKET BECAUSE IT IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THEY UNDERSTAND THIS IS A HAZARD BUT ARE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE ONLY THING HOLDING MY LIFTGATE CLOSED IS THE 2 PUMPS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE GATE. OBVIOUS HAZARD!! THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF VEHICLES JUST LIKE MINE WHERE THE TAIL GATES ARE FAILING. DOES SOMEONE NEED TO DIE BEFORE FORD DOES ANYTHING ABOUT IT??? *JB

THE UPPER REAR WINDOW LIFTGATE WAS OPENED TO ACCESS CARGO AND AS SOON AS IT WAS IN THE UP POSITION, THE GLASS EXPLODED SENDING SHARDS OF GLASS WITHIN THE VEHICLE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. HUSBAND WAS SHOWERED WITH GLASS AND JUST MISSED BEING HIT BY THE ATTACHED LOWER PANEL THAT FELL ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE CAR. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. IF PASSENGERS WERE SITTING IN THE THIRD ROW SEATS, THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN SHOWERED IN GLASS. IF THIS HAPPENED WHILE A PARENT IS HOLDING A CHILD WHILE RETRIEVING ITEMS FROM THE BACK, THEY COULD INCUR SERIOUS INJURIES. GLASS SHATTERING OVER YOUR HEAD FOR NO APPARENT REASON IS EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS. THIS IS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW. THE VEHICLE DID GO IN FOR THE RECALL SENT OUT A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO TO REPLACE A BRACKET. OBVIOUSLY, THIS DID NOT DO A THING TO PREVENT THIS WINDOW FROM BREAKING, FORD KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM AND TRIED TO DO THE CHEAPEST THING POSSIBLE TO FIX IT, INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE ENTIRE REAR LIFTGATE ASSEMBLY. FORD SHOULD BE TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DEFECT AND ALBEIT MY OPINION, I BELIEVE THAT A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT SHOULD BE ON THE HORIZON. WE WILL BE CONTACTING THE DEALER TOMORROW AND FINDING OUT WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY. WITH ALL THE INFORMATION THAT IS ON THE INTERNET ON THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM, THIS IS CLEARLY AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND RESOLVED BEFORE IT CAUSES A DEATH OR LIFE CHANGING INJURY. *JB

I BEGAN HEARING AN ODD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO OUR MECHANIC AND REQUESTED THAT HE CHECK THE BRAKES. HE SAID OUR BRAKES WERE OK, HOWEVER WE HAD A REAL PROBLEM WITH THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. WE WERE ON THE VERGE OF LOSING OUR WHEELS. BECAUSE OF THE SEVERITY OF THIS ISSUE AND THE POSSIBILITY OF INJURY HAD WE NOT DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM, WE REQUESTED THAT OUR MECHANIC KEEP THE OLD PARTS. *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE. THREE DAYS LATER, SHE DISCOVERED A CRACK BELOW THE WINDOW OF THE REAR DOOR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAVE THREE OTHER VEHICLES ON LOCATION WITH THE SAME FAILURE. THE FORD MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE HER VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND IT WAS NOT SERVICED WITH FORD. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 59,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,750. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR

CRACK IN THE PLASTIC PANEL UNDER THE REAR GLASS. 02 FORD EXPLORER. WENT TO PICK UP KIDS FROM MOTHERS HOUSE, AND WALKED AROUND TRUCK, AND SAW IT. CRACKED ALL THE WAY FROM THE BOTTOM TO THE TOP, IN AN UPSIDE DOWN FASHION. ALL THE WAY THROUGH FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. LOTS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET, AND AROUND TOWN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. AFRAID IT IS ALSO A REAR GLASS PROBLEM, AS THE REAR GLASS IS ATTACHED TO THE CRACKED PEICE. ALSO HEARD THERE WAS AT ONE TIME A RECALL ON THE REAR GLASS OF THE 02. *NM

I BOUGHT A USED 2002 FORD EXPLORER FROM EVERGREEN FORD IN ISSAQUAH WASHINGTON. THE SALESMEN TOLD ME THE CAR HAD GREAT TIRES AND THEY WOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR A WHILE. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO GET SERVICED FOR THE FIRST TIME (ABOUT A MONTH AFTER I BOUGHT IT) I WAS TOLD THE TIRES WERE BALD AND THE CAR WAS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE - THEY COULD NOT BELIEVE I WAS DRIVING AROUND WITH SUCH BAD TIRES. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY WERE ABUSIVE AND EXTREAMLY RUDE OVER THE PHONE, THEY WOULD TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY. *NM

TL*- THE CONTACT TOOK THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER TO GET NEW TIRES WHERE SHE OBSERVED THAT TWO OF THE RIMS WERE CRACKED, THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AND THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CRACK ALMOST DISSECTED THE RIM. KMC THE SPECIFIC WHEEL SHE HAD WAS THE KING PIN 20 INCH CHROME WHEEL. SHE CALLED THE DISTRIBUTORS FOR KMC WHEELS AND THEY STATED IF SHE DIDN'T HAVE THE ORIGINAL RECEIPT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THEY FAXED HER THE WARRANTY. STRUCTURAL DAMAGE WOULD ONLY BE COVERED IF SHE HAD A RECEIPT. THE NAME OF THE DISTRIBUTORS WASWHEEL PROS 562-921-1237. *AK

I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM BUT I BELIEVE IT IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE. I AM (SORRY 'WAS') THE PROUD OWNER OF A 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER V8 AUTO TRANSMISSION. IT HAS SUDDENLY DEVELOPED 2 STRESS CRACKS IN THE PANEL UNDER THE REAR WINDOW - ONE ACTUALLY GOES RIGHT THROUGH THE PANEL FROM END TO END!. THEY WERE MOST CERTAINLY NOT THERE THIS MORNING WHEN I PARKED MY VEHICLE OUTSIDE MY OFFICE BUT IT WAS EXTREMELY COLD IN ATLANTA TODAY, I'VE READ NUMEROUS ARTICLES ON THE INTERNET THIS EVENING AND I AM ABSOLUTELY ALARMED TO DISCOVER THAT THE CRACKING IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE IN THIS YEAR/MODEL EXPLORER IN COLD CONDITIONS - WHY IS FORD NOT DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT?? *NM

THE BACK LIFTGATE OR HATCH BACK OF MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED HAS A LARGE VERTICAL CRACK THAT HAS JUST MAGICALLY APPEARED. THE CRACK IS ABOUT 4 INCHES LONG AND ANOTHER 1 INCH BESIDE IT. IT IS LOCATED DIRECTLY UNDER THE REAR GLASS. I WAS ON A WEBSITE THAT HAS ABOUT 65 OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS FOR THIS YEAR'S MODEL OF EXPLORER. I FEEL THAT FORD HAS AN OBLIGATION TO PAY FOR THIS SINCE THEY DID HAVE A RECALL. *NM

I WAS ONLY ABOUT 1 MILE FROM HOME, THE VEHICLE HAD NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS, I HEARD A STRANGE SOUND THEN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING PROPERLY, I COULD SMELL FUEL OR SOME SORT OF ODOR, AS I ATTEMPTED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER, THERE WAS NO BRAKES OR STEERING, I ALSO COULD SEE SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, I MANAGED TO GET THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO STARTING TO FILL WITH SMOKE INSIDE VERY QUICKLY. I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. IT WOULD NOT ENGAGE IN PARK, AND ROLLED WHILE I WAS TRYING TO EXIT. I CALLED 911, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS ALREADY ENTIRELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *JB

I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED. IT IS A VERTICAL CRACK THE HEIGHT OF THE PANEL TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY SUCCESS IN GETTING FORD OR MY DEALERSHIP TO MAKE A REPAIR TO MY VEHICLE. THE ESTIMATED COST OF THE REPAIR IS $571.20. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS CRACK MAY AFFECT THE STABILITY OF MY REAR WINDOW. *JB

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVERY TIME THE CONTACT WAS UNLOADING GROCERIES OR BOOK BAGS FROM THE BACK OF THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER, THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUTS BECAME DISENGAGED. ONCE THE STRUTS WERE DISENGAGED THE GLASS CAME DOWN ON THE CONTACT'S HEAD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000.*AK

GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF COLUMN, WHERE IT ATTACHES TO TOP OF SHIFT CABLE. WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT VEHICLE INTO OR OUT OF ANY GEAR. HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR WHICH IS COSTING $1300.00, SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED THEY COULD NOT REPLACE PART THAT BROKE, BUT HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE COLUMN. *NM

THE PROBLEM IS MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER REAR WINDOW LIFTGATE, MY PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW IS CRACKING FOR NO REASON, I DO NOT USE IS PART OF THE LIFTGATE, AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I FOUND OVER 100 OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A DESIGN AND ENGINEERING SAFETY PROBLEM THAT WILL ALLOW THE REAR WINDOW TO FALLOUT OR EXPLODE WHEN OPERATING THE DOOR OR NORMAL DRIVING OF THE VEHICLE . FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD REPLACE THE PANELS AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER OF 2002 AND UP FORD EXPLORER WITH THIS TAILGATE DESIGN. *NM

TL*- THE CONTACTED STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE APPLIQUE ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER WAS CRACKED. THE APPLIQUE HELD THE BACK REAR GLASS ONTO THE LIFTGATE. THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT MAY BECOME DISENGAGED IF THE REAR LIFT GATE WAS OPENED. THE CONTACT WAS UNWILLING TO OPEN THE REAR LIFTGATE DUE TO THE CRACK. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH DEALERSHIP AND FORD MANUFACTURER, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE VEHICLE HAD 67200 MILES. *AK

PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, I NOTICED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEEMED SOMEWHAT LOOSE. WE WERE ON THE FREEWAY IN THE L.A. AREA WHEN I NEEDED TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY. AS I DID THIS THE ACCELERATOR STUCK AND THE VEHICLE SURGED. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO AVOID REAR ENDING A SEMI AND AVOID OTHER VEHICLE ON THE CONGESTED FREEWAY. THE FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT WAS ABLE TO LEAN UNDER THE DASH AND FREE THE PEDAL. WE PULLED OVER AND FOUND OUR WAY TO A MECHANIC. HE ADVISED THAT A SMALL PLASTIC PIECE HAD BROKEN NEAR THE PEDAL. A BAR THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE SYSTEM THEN STUCK UNDER THE DASH. HE REPAIRED THIS BY BYPASSING THE MANUFACTURERS SYSTEM FOR LESS THAN $200.00. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD COST OVER $800.00 FOR LABOR AND PARTS. I DON'T REALLY WANT TO REPAIR IT WITH THE SAME PARTS IF IT COULD POSSIBLY RECUR. *JB

TSB 05-12-6 REAR-END NOISE IN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE FOUND THAT THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS WITH THE SAME SITUATION. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT AND OBVIOUSLY A FLAW ON FORD'S PART. THE COST OF THIS FIX SHOULD CLEARLY BE PLACED ON FORD. *JB

OVERDRIVE LIGHT ON DASH OF 2002 FORD EXPLORER FLASHING ROUGH SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AND FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND 2ND TO 3RD. *JB

WE HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WE BOUGHT IT NEW. OUR TRANSMISSION IS CURRENTLY GOING OUT ON THE VEHICLE. IT IS AT 110,000 MILES. HAD IT TO DEALERSHIP AFTER FIRST BOUGHT IT AND DEALERSHIP REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER AND THEN AT ABOUT 38000 MILES IT STARTED DOING IT AGAIN. HAVE NOW BEEN TOLD IT IS THE TRANSMISSION. WE ALSO HAVE A HUMMING COMING FROM OUR RIGHT REAR TIRE AND FRONT. NOW TOLD IT IS THE WHEEL BEARINGS. HAVE SEVERAL FRIENDS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS ON THEIR 2002 EXPLORERS. *NM

THE MIDDLE PANEL UNDER THE GLASS IN THE BACK OF THE CAR HAS CRACKED. I SUSPECT IT WAS DUE TO COLD WEATHER. I HAVE SINCE SEEN OTHER EXPLORERS WITH THIS PROBLEM AND NOTICE THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS. IN ADDITION, THIS PAST SUMMER MY SHIFTER SNAPPED OFF THE BARREL. I HAD 4 KIDS IN THE CAR AT THE TIME. FORD RESPONDED BY TELLING ME THAT I HAD 75K MILES AND NO WARRANTY AND I DIDN'T TYPICALLY GET MY CAR SERVICED THERE SO THEY WEREN'T GOING TO BE WILLING TO "WORK WITH ME" TO GET IT RESOLVED. WHEN I TOLD HIM I HAD MY 'REGULAR' MECHANIC LOOK AT IT HE SAID THAT THE LABOR RATE WAS PROBABLY CHEAPER WITH HIM THAN AT FORD. WELL - NOW TELL ME WHY I WOULD SERVICE MY CAR AT A FORD DEALERSHIP? OH YEAH...IN CASE I GET CRACKS OR SHIFTERS FALL OFF AND MAYBE THEY'LL 'WORK WITH ME' ON THE PRICE. BIG INCENTIVE. OH YEAH, MY FUEL GAUGE DOESN'T WORK - ANOTHER COMMON PROBLEM. MY PREVIOUS EXPLORER (ABOUT 10 YEARS BACK) HAD THE SAME PROBLEM . THE GUY UP THE STREET HAS AN EXPLORER (2003) AND IT DOESN'T WORK EITHER. *JB

IN JANUARY, 2006, MY CAR STOPPED DEAD ON THE HIGHWAY. AFTER IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WE WERE TOLD THAT A VALVE HAD BROKEN AND HAD BEEN SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE, CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE. OUR ONLY ALTERNATIVE WAS TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED - WHICH WE DID FOR OVER $5000.00. THE FOLLOWING JANUARY, (2007), AFTER THE FIRST MEASURABLE SNOW FALL OF THE YEAR (SINCE OUR ENGINE HAD BEEN REPLACED), THE CAR WENT INTO A HUGE FISHTAIL SKID ON A SNOWY ROAD AND AFTER THE FIRST SKID, WAS CAUGHT BY THE CABLE GUARD RAIL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD - CAUSING ANOTHER $5000.00+ REPAIR. WHEN BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER THE ACCIDENT, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE ELECTRONIC MONITOR HAD FAILED AND WE HAD NO 4 WHEEL DRIVE. MY CONCERN - BESIDES THE COST AND INCONVENIENCE AND SCARE OF THE ACCIDENT IS THAT THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS TO LET ME KNOW THAT THE CAR'S 4 WHEEL DRIVE HAD FAILED. I HAD GOTTEN INTO THE CAR ASSUMING THAT THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE WAS WORKING (AS THE CAR GOES INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE AUTOMATICALLY AND THERE ARE NO INDICATOR LIGHTS NORMALLY TO LET YOU KNOW THAT THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE IS WORKING). WITH NO INDICATOR LIGHTS THAT THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE IS WORKING AND NO INDICATOR LIGHTS THAT IT IS NOT WORKING, FORD PUT ME IN A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION. HAD THE CABLE GUARD RAIL NOT BEEN THERE TO CATCH THE CAR, WE WOULD HAVE GONE OVER THE EMBANKMENT AND BEEN MORE SERIOUSLY INJURED. *NM

TL* - THE TRANSMISSION ON A 2002 FORD EXPLORER 4.0 LITER SLIPS GEARS OCCASIONALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER ENGAGING THE ACCELERATOR WHEN AT A FULL STOP THE TRANSMISSION WILL SLIP INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN SEVERAL SECONDS LATER THE TRANSMISSION WILL JERK INTO GEAR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107000. *JB

TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. IT MAKES NOISE, TAKES A LONG TIME TO GET INTO 2ND AND 3RD GEAR, ALSO REVERSE. IT JUMPS WHEN IT FINALLY ENGAGES. I HAVE ALMOST HAD AN CAR ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF IT. I HAVE TO TAKE IN TO BE REPAIRED. *JB

1. DUE TO A RECALL (FORD RECALL NO. 04S20. ), THE LIFTGATE GLASS OPERATION SYSTEM WAS REPLACED IN 2005. SINCE EARLY 2007, THE SAME GLASS STRUTS AND HINGES ARE APPARENTLY HAVING PROBLEM -- FIRST IT TOOK EXTRA EFFORT TO RAISE THE GLASS TO THE FULLY OPENING POSITION, THEN WHILE THE GLASS IS LIFTED OPEN, IT UNEXPECTEDLY DROPPED DOWN. I GOT HIT 3 TIMES AT MY HEAD OR HANDS BY THE SUDDEN DROPPED GLASS AND FRAME; IT COURSED BLEEDING ON MY HAND ONCE. THIS IS CERTAINLY OF SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. I REALLY DOUBT IF THE FORD DEALER (GAINESVILLE FORD IN GAINESVILLE, FL) CORRECTLY PERFORMED THE RECALL JOB IN 2005, AS THEY HAVE A REPUTATION OF LOW STANDARDS OF SERVICE AND TECHNIQUE . BUT, FORD, AS THE MANUFACTURER, SHOULD HAVE ALSO TAKEN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ENFORCING THE RECALL JOB MEET THE STANDARD. OTHERWISE, WHAT IS POINT OF GOING THROUGH THE RECALL? 2. SINCE JULY OF 2008, I STARTED TO NOTICE THAT THE BACK LIFTGATE PANEL START HAVING CRACKING UNDER THE REAR WINDOW. I SUSPECT THAT THIS IS RELATED TO THE MALFUNCTION OF THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUTS OR HINGES, THE SAME SYSTEM THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY RECALLED. NONETHELESS, THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL, SINCE THE CRACK APPEARING REFLECTS THE LIFTGATE BEING UNSTABLE AND THE GLASS HAVING MUCH HIGHER RISK OF ACCIDENTALLY BREAKING, THEREFORE COURSING INJURY. THIS VEHICLE, WITH ONLY 60 K MILES, HAS BEEN TAKEN GOOD CARE. THROUGH SEARCHING INTERNET, I FOUND THIS APPEARS TO BE A QUITE COMMON ISSUE FOR EXPLORER 2002 MODEL. IT IS ABSOLUTELY NOT ACCEPTABLE TO HAVE THIS KIND SAFETY ISSUE IGNORED BY FORD FOR SO LONG. PLEASE HELP TO GET FORD TO TRULY REALIZE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY AND GIVE THE MASSIVE AFFECTED PUBLIC JUSTICE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH! *TR J. JAMES JIA

I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED EDITION. WHILE UNDER WARRANTY, @ 52,000, I HAD MAJOR ISSUES W/ THE TRANSMISSION, AN OVERHAUL WAS COMPLETED, AND MY TRANSMISSION WAS "REBUILT". LESS THAN 2 YEARS LATER AND A LITTLE UNDER 40,000 MILES LATER, MY O/D LIGHT GOES OFF, GEARS SLIPPING AND I AM TOLD I NOW HAVE METAL IN THE PAN AND I DO NOT HAVE 2 GEARS, HENCE, I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. NOW THAT I AM NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, I AM TOLD THIS WILL NOW COST ME $3,000 TO REPLACE. AFTER LOOKING ON-LINE FOR ONLY 10-15 MINUTES, I FIND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING 2002 EXPLORER TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. I SPOKE TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT MANAGER, AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO SINCE THE "REBUILT" TRANSMISSION ONLY HAS A 1-YEAR WARRANTY ON IT. I CALLED FORD MOTORS, AND AGAIN, WAS TOLD THAT MY WARRANTY IS UP, AND THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PAYMENT. SINCE THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED PROBLEM, I FEEL THAT SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE! FORD NEEDS TO BACK THEIR PROBLEMS AND EITHER ISSUE A RECALL, OR FOOT THE BILL FOR THE THOUSANDS OF TRANSMISSIONS THAT ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND NEED TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT I WILL NEVER AGAIN BUY A FORD, AND I WILL MAKE SURE I TELL ALL MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY THE LACK OF SUPPORT THAT THIS COMPANY GIVES TO THEIR CUSTOMERS. NO WONDER THEY ARE HAVING FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES!!*JB

BROKEN REAR COIL SPRINGS. VEHICLE NEVER USED OFF ROAD OR ANYTHING OTHER THAN NORMAL ROADWAY DRIVING. WENT FOR NEW TIRES AND MECHANIC FOUND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKEN. THE DRIVERS SIDE SPRING WAS BROKEN INTO MULTIPLE PIECES. *JB

ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. WHEN TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST THREW A CODE OF P0733 AND P0745. WE WERE TOLD THAT A BAND BROKE IN THE TRANSMISSION AND 3RD GEAR WENT OUT. THE FIX WAS TO OVERHAUL THE TRANSMISSION FOR $2700. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH, IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2002 FORD EXPLORERS AND FORD SHOULD DO A RECALL. *NM

MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS A CRACK IN THE REAR WINDOW AS A RESULT OF A RECALL THAT OCCURRED TWO YEARS AGO. I HAVE PERSONALLY SEEN 5 OTHERS WITH IDENTICAL CRACKS. FORD IS AWARE OF IT BUT REFUSES TO TAKE ANY ACCOUNTABLE ACTIONS. *JB

FORD REPLACED THE LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE ON THIS EXPLORER PER YOUR RECALL NOTICE ON SEPT. 1, 2005. ON JANUARY 13, AS I CLOSED THE LIFTGATE (GENTLY, NOT SLAMMING IT) IT EXPLODED INTO SHARDS OF GLASS THAT WENT ALL OVER THE GARAGE AND CUT MY FACE. GLASS FLEW IN FRONT OF THE CAR. I HAD ONLY CLOSED THE LIFTGATE APPROXIMATELY 2 INCHES FROM ITS FULL OPEN POSITION WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THERE WAS NOTHING TO IMPEDE THE CLOSURE, AND THE LIFTGATE DID NOT STRIKE ANYTHING ON ITS WAY DOWN. *NM

I BOUGHT A 2002 FORD EXPLORER NEW IN 2002 AND NOTICED SIX MONTHS LATER THAT THERE WAS OCCASIONAL SLIPPING BETWEEN 3RD AND 4TH GEAR AND THE OVERDRIVE IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. I HAD MENTIONED IT TO THE FORD SERVICE GUYS BUT THEY SAID IT WAS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. NOW WITH THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND 43,000 MILES ON THE CAR THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE FORD DEALER PULLS THE TRANSMISSION AND FINDS A SENSOR PLUG (PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID) HAD CRACKED THEN BROKEN, BANDS NEED TO BE REPLACED, AND SOME OTHER DAMAGE RECOMMENDED FOR REPAIR. CHOICES WERE $2800 FOR REBUILDING (CHANGING BAD PARTS) OR $3800 FOR REFURBISHING WITH 75K 3 YEAR WARRANTY. A TRANSMISSION THIS YOUNG SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE REPLACED AND FROM RESEARCHING THE WEB (JUST TYPE IN FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION) LOTS OF FOLKS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH LOW MILES. FORD SEEMS TO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS TRANSMISSION THAT THEY DO NOT WANT TO ADMIT. *JB

MY LIFT GATE ON MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER JUST CRACKED LAST NIGHT AND UPON RESEARCH I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR EXPLORER. IT IS A DEFECT WITH THE REAR LIFT GATE AND FORD NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS I HAVE THAT I FOUND WHILE DOING A QUICK SEARCH. THIS PIECE IS GOING TO NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THEN PAINTED TO MATCH THE COLOR OF THE VEHICLE WHICH IS GOING TO COST $500 OR MORE WHICH SHOULD BE FORDS RESPONSIBILITY. *JB

WHEEL BEARING FAILURES-4 IN A 6 MONTH PERIOD OF TIME-COST OVER 1700.00 TOO HAVE THESE REPAIRS-FORD WILL NOT HELP OUT AND THERE CUSTOMER SERVICE IS A JOKE. I HAVE A CHILD THAT IS ALWAYS WITH ME AND 2 TIMES IT COULD HAVE BEEN BAD. *TR

ON THE FORD EXPLORERS 2002-2003 THERE IS A PASSENGER RESTRAINT FAULT WHERE THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON INDICATING THAT THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT AND OR DRIVER RESTRAINT SRS SYSTEM IS AT FAULT. THIS IS CONCERNING ME SIMPLY BECAUSE IT APPEARS TO ME THAT THIS COULD CAUSE THE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY WHILE I AM DRIVING. *TR