NHTSA Complaint #10222195 — 2002 FORD EXPLORER

I CURRENTLY OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. SEVERAL MONTHS AGO (SEPT 07), STARTING HEARING A WHINING OR TINNING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR. AS THE WEEKS/MONTHS WENT BY, IT STARTING GETTING LOUDER AND IT STARTED SOUNDING LIKE AN AIRPLANE FLYING OVERHEAD. I TOOK IT INTO THE REPAIR SHOP, MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY. ABOUT $575 TO REPAIR. HAD THE REPAIR DONE IN DECEMBER 07/JANUARY 08. I DON'T DO ANY TOWING, THE CAR IS MAINLY USED ON THE WEEKENDS. I HAVE 62K MI. ON THE CAR, BARELY EVEN 10K A YEAR. NOW, HERE IT IS, 2 MONTHS LATER, AND THE SAME THING STARTED ALL OVER AGAIN. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP. NOW, IT'S THE LEFT REAR HUB ASSEMBLY THAT WENT BAD. ANOTHER $575 !! THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. MY MECHANIC SAID THE WHEELS COULD COME OFF AND COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I HAVE A 7 YEAR OLD (JUST TURNED 7 TODAY), AND ONE ON THE WAY !! THIS CAR IS OUR MAIN MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION FOR TRIPS AND VACATIONS AND I CANNOT RISK THE LIVES OF MY FAMILY OR THE LIVES OF OTHERS, IF THIS CAR FAILS ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE LABELED AS A RECALL AND FORD SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. *TR