2002 FORD EXPLORER Electrical System Problems
115 NHTSA complaints on file
Electrical System Issues in the 2002 FORD EXPLORER
115 electrical system complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2002 FORD EXPLORER. Of these, 3 involved a crash, 14 involved a fire, and 0 resulted in injury.
115
Complaints
3
Crashes
14
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
All Electrical System Complaints
THE ISSUES THAT I'M HAVING IS THE EXHILARATION (PICKING UP SPEED) ON A PUBLIC STREET AS WELL AS IN THE EXPRESSWAY IT HESITATES TO DO SO. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND I GO TO SWITCH GEARS IT DOES NOT WANT TO SWITCH. THE GAUGE INDICATOR COMES ON AND THE GAS IDLE BE STUCK ON EMPTY WHEN IT HAS A FULL TANK OF GAS. WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION THE RADIO VOLUME GOES UP AND DOWN ON ITS OWN. AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT WANT TO START FOR ME ONE DAY THE VERY NEXT DAY IT STARTED RIGHT ON UP (LIKE IT WANT TO START BUT DIDN'T CATCH). ALL OF THIS STARTED HAPPENING AT THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER 2020
SUMMER,SPRING WEATHER, ALL FOUR, CLEAR, GLASS WINDOWS DO NOT SLIDE UP OR DOWN THROUGH ITS' POWER BUTTON, ELECTRONICALLY.
WAS DRIVING ON HWY AND MY VEHICLE JUST SHUT DOWN AS I WAS TURNING OFF THE MAIN ROAD, LOST ALL CONTROL OF STEERING. WHEN I RAISED THE HOOD I SAW MY RADIATOR SMOKING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT POPPED. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED IN TO THE SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RADIATOR HAD EXPLODED AND THE ENGINE SEIZED UP! HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN? I NEVER EVEN HAD IT TO OVER HEAT OR THE LIGHT NEVER EVEN ALERTED ME. JUST BLEW UP AND LEFT ME STRANDED. I WAS TOLD AFTER THE FACT THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE RADIATOR! *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE TRANSMISSION INDEPENDENTLY SWITCHED TO 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSFER CASING AND IGNITION COILS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE IGNITION COIL WAS REPLACED AND THE TRANSFER CASING WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
THE RADIATOR STARTED GOING OUT ON ME. I HAD TO FIX IT TWICE. THE BREAKES I KEEP HAVING THE CONTINUED FIXING THEM EVERY 4 MONTHS. RECENTLY OCTOBER 25, 2019 IT STARTED SMELLING LIKE BURNT RUBBER CAME THRU THE AIR VENTS. THINGS WITH THE ELECTRICITY OE A SHORTAGE. WITH THE TIRES THEY PUT WRONG TIRE SIZE. THEY TOLD ME TO SIGN AND GO BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T HAVE MY ACTUAL TIRE SIZE. ITS ALWAYS ON THE SMALLS STREETS AND ON FREEWAY OR. HIGHWAY IT SMELLS LIKE BURNT RUBBER. THE OWNER DIDN'T NOTIFY ME OR BOTHER TO TELL ME IT WAS ON RECALL ALREADY.
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY I WENT TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN WHEN SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE GRILL, SO I PULLED OVER TO CHECK UNDER THE HOOD, SMOKE STARTED BOILING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD
THE CONSUMER STATED THE HOME FIRE HAZARD CREATED BY FAULTY DESIGN OF NON UL APPROVED PERSONAL SNOW PLOW USE FOR SUV MANUFACTURED BY WESTERN PRODUCTS. SNOW PLOW ELECTRIC MOTOR WAS UNFUSED AND OVERHEATED NOT RESPONDING TO THE COMMAN CONTROLLER SHORTING OUT AND CAUSING A SERIOUS EXPENSIVE FIRE. *JS
BLINKERS AND GAUGES WON'T WORK ALSO BRIGHT LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. EVERYTHING ELSE WORKS FINE INCLUDING EMERGENCY FLASHERS. I'VE CHANGED RELAY AND CHECKED FUSES.
WELL I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. IT HAS THE TRAILER BRAKE WHICH I NEVER HAVE USED YET. I HAVE A COUPLE ISSUES WITH IT. THE THEFT LIGHT BLINKS AS LONG AS THE VEHICLE AIN'T RUNNING. SOME TIMES IT DOESN'T LIKE TO START AND HAS A BRAND NEW BATTERY. SOMETIMES WHEN PUT IN GEAR WHILE RUNNING IT WILL SHUT IT'S SELF OFF. I ALSO NOTICED WHEN I BOUGHT IT FROM ANOTHER PRIVATE SELL THAT WHEN I WAS DRIVING THE EXPLORER THAT I KEPT SMELLING A BURNING SMELL LIKE PLASTIC AND WIRES AS WELL AS SMOKE AND HEAT ADMITTING FROM THE CENTER CONSOLE AREA. I DROPPED A PIECE OF PLASTIC IN THE CENTER CONSOLE AREA. I PULLED UP THE CENTER CONSOLE AREA PLASTIC AND WITNESSED THE FACTORY WIRING THAT RUNS TO THE CENTER CONSOLE LIGHTER AND ELSE WHERE SPARKING AND SMOKING. I GOT IT TO STOP AND NOTICED THAT THE...
HAD A BAD BATTERY AND NOW 4X4 WON'T WORK
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING AT A STOP LIGHT, THE OVERDRIVE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO SHIFT INTO SECOND AND THIRD GEAR AS WELL AS DRIVE, WHICH WAS WHEN THE INTERMITTENT STALL FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE INTERMITTENT FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
THE DOOR LOCKS LOCK AND UNLOCK ALL BY THEMSELVES DOZENS OF TIMES IN A ROW WHILE I AM DRIVING. WITH THIS THE DOME LIGHT FLASHES OFF AND ON AND THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT FLASHES AND THE INTERIOR CHIME GOES OFF CONSTANTLY. ALL OF THIS HAPPENS AT THE SAME TIME. THIS IS A HUGE AND COMMON ISSUE WITH THOUSANDS OF FORUM POSTS BY OTHER OWNERS WHO HAVE SPEND COUNTLESS $$ AT MECHANIC'S TO NO AVAIL. THIS CAN CAUSE WRECKS AT NIGHT IT IS VERY DISTRACTING. ESPECIALLY THE DOME LIGHT.
THE FUEL GAGE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY EVEN THOUGH I HAVE FULL TANK OF GAS
WELL THE ELECTRICAL HAS TO DO WITH DOORS AND WINDOW CONTROLS AND LOCKS AND DRIVER GAUGE PANEL SENSORS HAVING NEVER WORKED PROPERLY. THE BODY ISSUE HAS TO DO WITH FAILED PAINTAND POLYMER COATINGS ALONG WITH CRACKED BODY PANEL ON REAR LIFTGATE. *TR
DOOR AJAR LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON AND ALARM GOES OFF CONSTANTLY FROM IT. SEAT BELT LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON EVEN WHEN SEAT BELTS ARE IN USE. ABS LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON AND OFF. ALWAYS ISSUES WITH HEAT AND COOLANT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DOOR AJAR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH CAUSED THE DOOR LOCKS TO CONSISTENTLY LOCK AND UNLOCK. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE BATTERY TO DRAIN AND THE SECURITY ALARM TO SOUND. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
THE DOOR LOCKS LOCK AND UNLOCK ALL BY THEMSELVES DOZENS OF TIMES IN A ROW WHILE I AM DRIVING. WITH THIS THE DOME LIGHT FLASHES OFF AND ON AND THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT FLASHES AND THE INTERIOR CHIME GOES OFF CONSTANTLY. ALL OF THIS HAPPENS AT THE SAME TIME. THIS IS A HUGE AND COMMON ISSUE WITH THOUSANDS OF FORUM POSTS BY OTHER OWNERS WHO HAVE SPEND COUNTLESS $$ AT MECHANIC'S TO NO AVAIL. THIS CAN CAUSE WRECKS AT NIGHT IT IS VERY DISTRACTING. ESPECIALLY THE DOME LIGHT. WHY IS FORD IGNORING THIS OBVIOUS SAFETY DESIGN FLAW? LIABILITY IS YOURS .. THERE ARE TOO MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME PROBLEM FOR YOU TO CLAIM YOU ARE NOT AWARE. IF SOMEONE GETS CAR JACKED WHILE LOCKS ARE FREAKING OUT YOU MIGHT GET SUED. IT HAPPENS THE MOST IF SOMEONE IS IN PASSENGER FRONT SEAT.
I JUST BOUGHT MY VEHICLE ON 5/17/20 AT A LOT CALLED GRANT MOTORS 2744 FOWLER ST FORT MYERS FL, 33901 DURING THE DAYTIME, THEY KEEP PUSHING , AND PUSHING ME TO BUY IT TOOK MY ID TO COPY WE LEFT WITHOUT MY ID, HAD ANOTHER VEHICLE I WANTED TO BUY BUT HAD TO GO BACK TO GRANT TO GET ID, WHEN PETE STARTED AT US AGAIN AND KEEP COMING DOWN ON PRICE, TILL MY BROTHER TOLD ME IT WAS WORTH IT TO BUY IT, SO I DID, WELL DURING THE DAY IN BRIGHT SUNSHINE YOU COULDN'T SEE THE TAILLIGHTS, NOR THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS, AND AS DRIVING IT HOME TURNED ON RADIO TO LISTEN TO IT , ALL'S IT WOULD DO IS FLICKER, WOULDN'T CHANGE STATIONS, WOULDN'T DO NOTHING AT ALL, AND THEY PUT A CARFAX FOLDER ON MY DASH FOR ME TO READ AT HOME , THAT IS WHEN I...
MY POWER STEERING STUCK CAUSED A WRECK!!
MY ALARM SYSTEM GO OFF ALL TIME I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.
TWO WEEKS AGO FOR NO REASON MY AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I CONTACTED FORD AND COULDN'T GET ANY HELP FROM THEM AT ALL. I WAS LEAVING WORK IN VIRGINIA.
I WAS DRIVING MY FORD ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE NEXT THING I KNOW MY FEET WERE REALLY HOT AND BLACK SMOKE STARTED COMING UP. THEN THE BLACK SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND I NEARLY CRASHED TRYING TO GET TO THE EDGE OF THE HIGHWAY BEFORE THE FIRE TOOK OVER THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE CAR. LUCKILY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS RIGHT THERE FOR ANOTHER ACCIDENT. IT WAS INCREDIBLY DISTURBING EXPERIENCE. LUCKILY MY 3 SMALL CHILDREN WERE NOT IN THE CAR.
BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE. REPLACED FRONT AND REAR WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED BALL JOINTS REPLACED TRANSMISSION HAS NOW FAILED AND IS NOW UNDEPENDABLE. MAY FAIL WITH OUT WARNING NO ACCIDENTS, ANY OF THE ABOVE COULD HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT FORD IS AWARE OF ALL OF THE MENTIONED PROBLEMS AND REFUSES TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEMS. THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM WITH ALL 2002 FORD EXPLORERS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE THE DOORS WERE CLOSED. AS A RESULT, THE BATTERY BECAME INOPERABLE DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN A WIRING HARNESS LEADING TO THE FUSE PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS NOT OFFERED A REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
MY GEAR SHIFT BROKE AS I WAS PUTTING INTO GEAR AND IT JUST FELL INTO MY HANDS IT BROKE INTO TWO HALF A PIECE THAT SHOULD NOT BROKE AND AS I WAS GOING SOMEWHERE THE TRUCK JUST STARTING GOING CRAZY THE LIGHTS WAS FLASHING ON AND OFF THE ALARMS WAS GOING OF THE LIGHTS FLASHIN,SOMETIMES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT THE ALARM JUST GOES OFF ON IT ON WE SEE ALL THIS HAPPEN AND NO ONE IS BY THE TRUCK NO CATS DOGS NOTHING. *TR
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND IT HAS NOT BEEN WRECKED AND I HAD THE LIGHT THAT COME ON IN MY DASH AND THEY SAID THAT MY SEAT BELT PRETENTIONER WAS GONE IN MY SEAT BELT. *TR
ALARM STARTED GOING OFF AND THE BACK GATE DOOR BECAME UNLOCKED WITHOUT ANYONE BEING IN OR NEAR THE SUV SATURDAY NIGHT JUNE 14,2014. IT CONTINUED OFF AND ON EVERY TWENTY MINUTES, THEN TEN MINUTES. THIS WAS AT NIGHT ABOUT SEVEN O'CLOCK. IT STOPPED. THE NEXT DAY ON SUNDAY AFTER COMING BACK FROM A RELIGIOUS MEETING IT STARTED GOING OFF AGAIN WITH AN ERROR MESSAGE STATING THAT THE REAR BACK DOOR WAS OPEN. IT WAS AND I DIDN'T OPEN IT. I OPENED AND CLOSED EVERY DOOR AFTER USING THE PANIC BUTTON TO STOP THE ALARM. IT STARTS WITH THE LIGHTS COMING ON IN THE FRONT OF THE SUV, THEN THE ALARM WILL START BEEPING VERY LOUDLY WITHOUT STOPPING. THIS GOES ON FOR ABOUT A GOOD HOUR EVERY DAY SINCE WITH YOU GOING OUT THERE TO TURN IT OFF WITH THE PANIC BUTTON. I DID SOME RESEARCH TO FIND OUT WHAT IS...
IT IS HAVING TROUBLE SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. ENGINE REVS UP TO AND OVER 4,000RPMS AND SLAMS INTO THE GEARS. *TR
I CAN NOT DRIVE WITH ALL THE ALARMS AND LOCKS AND OVERHEAD LIGHT GOING OFF AND ON THE WHOLE TIME I'M DRIVING. IT IS TORTURE, LOUD AND SCARY!!! *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW CANNOT BE OPENED AND THE ALARM SYSTEM ENGAGED ON ITS OWNS. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE DRIVERS DOOR ELECTRICAL SENSOR; HOWEVER, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER HAS A DESIGN FLAW SUCH THAT THE REAR PANEL CRACKS. WHEN MOISTURE GETS IN IT CAUSES ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE SIX PROBLEMS EXPERIENCES ON THIS EXPLORER ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1) FALSE "DOOR AJAR" INDICATOR 2) REAR WINDOW WIPER NO LONGER WORKED 3) DEAD BATTERY 4) BACK-UP WARNING SIGNALS NO LONGER WORK 5) REAR WINDOW CAN NO LONGER OPEN 6) BRAKE LIGHTS WON'T TURN OFF EVEN AFTER THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF. WE HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY. *TR
I BOUGHT A USED 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR AT A USED CAR LOT. IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL BLUE SUV IN REMARKABLE GOOD CONDITION. I HAD IT FOUR MONTHS, AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE AT A STOP SIGHT ON MY WAY HOME FROM A SHOPPING STRIP TWENTY MILES FROM MY HOME. IT STARTED SMOKING AND WHILE I WAS FUMBLING FOR MY PURSE TO GET MY CELL PHONE TO CALL FOR HELP, IT CAUGHT FIRE AND BYSTANDERS ON THE THOROUGHFARE PULLED ME FORCEFULLY FROM THE CAR, AND THEN CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS WHEN THE ENTIRE HOOD CAUGHT FIRE AND MELTED. MY GARAGE MECHANIC, WHO HAD JUST SEEN THE CAR, TOLD ME THAT HE COULD SEE NO REASON WHY IT WOULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE. CAN YOU HELP ME? *TR
AT APPROXIMATELY 12:30 PM, A BRIEF RAIN SHOWER BEGAN AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE. AFTER REPLACEMENT OF THE WIPER MOTOR, AND SIGNIFICANT TROUBLESHOOTING, IT IS LIKELY THAT THE GEM MODULE IS DEFECTIVE. THERE HAD BEEN SEVERAL DAYS OF LIGHT, MODERATE, AND HEAVY RAIN PRECEDING THIS ISSUE, DURING WHICH THE AUTOMOBILE WAS NOT DRIVEN. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, THE DOOR-AJAR LIGHT STAYS ON, THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK, AND THERE ARE OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES. *TR
THE INTERIOR LIGHTS OCCASIONALLY FLICKER WHEN ALL DOORS ARE SHUT SECURELY. ALSO THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT WILL FLICKER AT TIMES AS WELL. THE ALARM GOES OFF FOR NO REASON AND USUALLY IT IS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND I AM PRETTY SURE IT IS RELATED TO THE DOOR AJAR MALFUNCTION. THERE IS NO WAY TO DISABLE THE FACTORY ALARM SO I HAVE HAD TO LEAVE MY CAR UNLOCKED AT NIGHT JUST TO KEEP IT FROM GOING OFF AND WAKING UP THE NEIGHBORS. ALSO WE HAVE A CRACK ON THE LIFT GATE JUST BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. YOU CAN SEE THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE BY LOOKING AT OTHER EXPLORERS AROUND TOWN. I HAVE REALLY ENJOYED THE EXPLORER UP UNTIL NOW BUT IT DOES BOTHER ME THAT THESE TWO ISSUES ARE VERY COMMON YET FORD WON'T ISSUE A RECALL TO FIX THESE ISSUES. *TR
MY FORD EXPLORER HAS HAD SO MANY RIDICULOUS PROBLEMS. THIS ONE IS EXTREMELY INCONVENIENT. THE CAR HAS TROUBLE SHIFTING GEARS, IT SPINS FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR AND THEN I HAVE TO LET GO OF THE ACCELERATOR FOR IT TO SHIFT AGAIN, IT SKIPS 3RD GEAR ALTOGETHER AND JERKS INTO FOURTH AFTER PRESSING AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR A SERIES OF TIMES. ONCE IT'S IN 4TH GEAR, IT DOESN'T GO PAST 50 MPH. MY MECHANIC SAYS HIS MONITOR DETECTED A FAULTY SOLENDER AND THE ENTIRE PACK HAS TO BE REPLACED, BUT THAT MAY NOT BE THE ONLY PROBLEM. IF THAT DOESN'T DO THE TRICK (EVEN THOUGH IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED REGARDLESS) HE WILL HAVE TO OPEN THE TRANSMISSION AND POSSIBLY REBUILD OR REPLACE SOME OF THE PARTS. I HAVE ENCOUNTERED HUNDREDS OF OTHER 2002 FORD EXPLORER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. ASIDE FROM THIS, I HAVE A LIST OF OTHER...
ALARM GOES OFF WHEN SET AND NO ONE IS AROUND, CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK, LIGHT INSIDE DO NOT TURN OFF AND SOMETIMES DO NOT TURN ON, RADIO DOES NOT TURN OFF WHEN OPENING THE FRONT DOORS, BUT WILL TURN OFF WHEN BACK DOORS ARE OPENED. *TR
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON. ON OCCASION I AM JUST THANKFUL THAT MY AIR BAG HAS NOT GONE OFF YET. ALSO WHILE DRIVING MY DOOR AJAR LIGHT & DOME LIGHTS COME ON. *TR
FORDS TAILLIGHT/STOP SWITCH ILLUMINATES THE BRAKE LIGHTS, IS USED TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL AND IS USED TO ENABLE THE OPERATOR TO BE ABLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR ONCE THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. ROUGHLY A YEAR AGO I HAD SOME INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH TRYING TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE WHEN USING THE BRAKES PLUS I HAD TROUBLE TAKING THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK WITHOUT HAVING TO STEP ON THE BRAKE MULTIPLE TIMES. LASTLY HAVING A FRIEND FOLLOW ME HOME I WAS TOLD MY BRAKES LIGHTS DID NOT ALWAYS ILLUMINATE WHEN I WAS SLOWING DOWN OR AT A COMPLETE STOP! GOING BACK TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER I BOUGHT A REPLACEMENT SWITCH THAT HAD INSTRUCTIONS TO CUT THE OE'S PLUG OFF OF THEIR HARNESS AND TO HARD WIRE THE NEW SWITCH IN IT'S PLACE AS FORD HAD EXPERIENCED SOME "ISSUES" WITH THOSE ORIGINAL COMPONENTS. JUST 13 MO'S LATER I...
DOOR AJAR LIGHT AND BEEPING SENSOR IS ALWAYS GOING OFF, CAUSING THE DOORS TO UNLOCK WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO CAUSING THE INSIDE DOME LIGHT TO TURN ON AND OFF. MUST DRIVE AT NIGHT WITHOUT INSTRUMENT LIGHTS, INCLUDING SPEEDOMETER, AS DOME LIGHT STAYS ON. *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED DUE TO A WIRE UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 160,000.
DUE TO A DEFECT, WE HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED (THANK GOD IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY)...THEN HAD TO HAVE THE DOOR AJAR SENSOR FIXED BECAUSE ALARM KEPT GOING OFF FOR NO REASON. ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO WE WERE ABUT TO GO OUT OF TOWN FOR THANKSGIVING. I STOP AT A RED LIGHT, AND THEN WE TRY TO PULL OFF WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGES AND HEAR THE LOUDEST POPPING NOISES...WE'RE WONDERING HOW IN THE WORLD DID THE SPARK PLUG POP OUT WITH SO MUCH FORCE THAT IT ALSO RIPS THE IGNITION COIL...(FAST FORWARD TO 1YR LATER, SAME THING HAPPENS WHILE LEAVING HOME TO GO TO WORK). ONCE AGAIN, ON MARCH 12, WHILE ON MY WAY TO WORK, SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. LIGHT TURNS GREEN...I START TO PULL OFF AND BEGIN HEARING A POPPING NOISE...WTH...NOT AGAIN!!! (THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN 2 YEARS). COME ON...
THE FACTORY ALARM WILL GO OFF RANDOMLY DURING THE NIGHT. HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET THIS ISSUE WORKED OUT WITH FORD. WE HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO GET IT RESOLVED AND EACH TIME IT IS FIXED, THE ISSUE RETURNS WITHIN A FEW WEEKS. *TR
NONE OF THE WINDOWS WILL WORK, THEY WERE OPERATING PROPERLY AND JUST QUIT. THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, IN AN EMERGENCY, (SUCH AS A CRASH). THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE COULD BECOME TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT OPERATE. IF A FIRE OCCURRED THE RESULTS COULD BE TRAGIC. FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM ALONG WITH SEVERAL OTHER PROBLEMS ON THIS VEHICLE. YET THEY CHOOSE NOT TO REPAIR OR REPLACE ANY OF THE KNOWN DEFECTIVE COMPONENTS. MY VEHICLE HAS A LOT OF MILES ON IT, BUT THIS PROBLEM ALONG WITH OTHER PROBLEMS ON THIS VEHICLE HAPPENS ON LOWER MILEAGE VEHICLES ALSO. *TR
AT A STOP, BEGAN ACCELERATING TO ENTER HIGHWAY, ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UP TO 90 MPH AT FULL THROTTLE BEFORE I SHUT VEHICLE OFF AND PUT IT IN NEUTRAL. HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, ALL EXACTLY THE SAME. VEHICLE ACCELERATES AT FULL THROTTLE AND HAS TO BE SHUT OFF BEFORE AN ACCIDENT OCCURS. ONLY WAY TO CORRECT PROBLEM IS TO EXIT VEHICLE AND PUSH GAS PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES; START VEHICLE AND SEE IF ENGINE IS STILL AT FULL THROTTLE.
I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT IS IN THE SHOP RIGHT NOW WITH A TORN DOWN ENGINE. I WENT OUT TO START IT ONE MORNING AND IT HAD A HARD START THEN IT STARTED TICKING. COME TO FIND OUT IT THE TIMING CHAIN. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ ONLINE IT IS A VERY COMMON COMPLAINT AND I AM REALLY SURPRISED THAT THIS TRUCK HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED AGAIN FOR THIS PROBLEM. I AM HAVING TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT FORD MADE A MISTAKE ON. THE PULLEY ON THE TRUCK IS PLASTIC, AND IT IS FAILING. I ALSO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY ELECTRICAL PARTS ON IT. THE LIGHTS INSIDE WILL STAY ON AFTER I TURN IT OFF AND GET OUT AND IF I TURN ON MY REAR DEFROST MY TRUCK DINGS AND SAYS DOOR AJAR..... THIS TRUCK IS AWFUL. *TR
REAR SPRING CRACKED AT 100,000 MIL TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 120,000 MIL BODY ELECTRICAL NOT SEALED WELL AND KEEPS SHORTING IN DIFFERENT PLACES CRUISE GETS STUBBORN AND SCARED TO USE IT , IM AFRAID OF IT GETTING STUCK IN CRUISE. *TR
THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP IN MAY OF 2011. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION SERVICED AND IT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I AM UNABLE TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AS IT IS A SEALED UNIT NO DIP STICK. WE DROVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT NO LONGER MOVES. THE COST TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION IS 2800.00 PLUS... THERE WAS NO REASON WHY THIS SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED. *TT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES AROUND THE RADIO CONSOLE AND THE DASHBOARD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS DETERMINED TO BE A FAILURE WITHIN THE RADIO CONSOLE WIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
SPARKPLUG WAS EJECTED FROM HEAD WHILE DRIVING. THE PLUG WAS MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATION AND PROPERLY INSTALLED TO THE CORRECT TORQUE. SPARKPLUG HOLE WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE MACHINED FOR A NEW PLUG. CREATES A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE DRIVING AS WELL AS A FIRE HAZARD AS THE EMPTY CYLINDER FORCES AIR/FUEL MIXTURE INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHERE EJECTED SPARK PLUG COULD IGNITE IT. *TR
Other 2002 FORD EXPLORER Problem Areas
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
887 complaints
Power Train
286 complaints
Suspensionrear
192 complaints
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgatehinge And Attachments
166 complaints
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
160 complaints
Suspension
115 complaints
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate
112 complaints
Steering
110 complaints
Structurebody
110 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control
103 complaints
Air Bags
96 complaints
Wheels
58 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling
56 complaints
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
56 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
50 complaints
Engine
49 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
44 complaints
Unknown Or Other
42 complaints
Equipment
39 complaints
Power Trainaxle Assembly
38 complaints
Structure
38 complaints
Suspensionrearspringscoil Springs
38 complaints
Visibilityglass Siderear
38 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
37 complaints
Air Bagsfrontal
34 complaints
Power Traindriveline
31 complaints
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
31 complaints
Tires
29 complaints
Power Traintransfer Case 4 Wheel Drive
28 complaints
Fuel System Gasoline
27 complaints
Steeringcolumn
25 complaints
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
25 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
24 complaints
Visibility
23 complaints
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaftseal
22 complaints
Structurebodytailgate
22 complaints
Seat Belts
21 complaints
Latcheslockslinkages
19 complaints
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
18 complaints
Fuelpropulsion System
18 complaints
Seats
18 complaints
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
17 complaints
Parking Brake
16 complaints
Power Trainaxle Hubs
15 complaints
Service Brakes
15 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulic
15 complaints
Suspensionrearsprings
15 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
14 complaints
Structurebodydoor
14 complaints
Suspensionfront
14 complaints
Air Bagssidewindow
13 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
13 complaints
Power Trainmanual Transmission
13 complaints
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
12 complaints
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
12 complaints
Latcheslockslinkageshatchbackliftgatelock
12 complaints
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgatesupport Devicestrut
12 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
11 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
10 complaints
Suspensionfronthub
10 complaints
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwasher
10 complaints
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
10 complaints
Exterior Lighting
9 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
9 complaints
Visibilitywiper
9 complaints
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
8 complaints
Vehicle Speed Controlcables
8 complaints
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
7 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
7 complaints
Fuel System Otherstoragefuel Gauge System
7 complaints
Interior Lighting
7 complaints
Steeringrack And Pinion
7 complaints
Suspensionrearaxlespindle
7 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
6 complaints
Latcheslockslinkagestailgatelatch
6 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
6 complaints
Structurebodytailgatehinge And Attachments
6 complaints
Wheelshub
6 complaints
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
5 complaints
Electrical Systemwiring
5 complaints
Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch
5 complaints
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
5 complaints
Fuel System Other
5 complaints
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft
5 complaints
Seat Beltsfront
5 complaints
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
5 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
5 complaints
Structureframe And Members
5 complaints
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
5 complaints
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
5 complaints
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
4 complaints
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
4 complaints
Power Trainclutch Assembly
4 complaints
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
4 complaints
Service Brakes Airantilockabs Warning Light
4 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
4 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
4 complaints
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
4 complaints
Suspensionrearaxlenon Powered Axle Assembly
4 complaints
Tiressidewall
4 complaints
Visibilitywindshield
4 complaints
Electronic Stability Control Esc
3 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
3 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
3 complaints
Equipment Adaptivemobility
3 complaints
Equipmentmechanicalcarrierrack
3 complaints
Fuel System Gasolinestorage
3 complaints
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
3 complaints
Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint
3 complaints
Service Brakes Electric
3 complaints
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
3 complaints
Steeringgear Box Other Than Rack And Pinion
3 complaints
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
3 complaints
Tirestemporaryemergency Spare Tire
3 complaints
Vehicle Speed Controllinkages
3 complaints
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
3 complaints
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
2 complaints
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
2 complaints
Electrical Systemignition
2 complaints
Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftcontrol Module
2 complaints
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
2 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
2 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
2 complaints
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
2 complaints
Equipmentrecreational Vehicletrailer
2 complaints
Exterior Lightingheadlights
2 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch
2 complaints
Power Traindrivelinecenter Support Bearing
2 complaints
Power Traindrivelineconstant Velocity Joint
2 complaints
Power Trainmanual Transmissionfloor Shift Assembly
2 complaints
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
2 complaints
Seatsmidrear Assembly
2 complaints
Service Brakes Airantilock
2 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
2 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
2 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
2 complaints
Steeringgear Boxshaft Sector
2 complaints
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
2 complaints
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint
2 complaints
Suspensionfrontstabilizer Bar
2 complaints
Suspensionrearshock Absorber
2 complaints
Tirestreadbelt
2 complaints
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwashermotor
2 complaints
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
2 complaints
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
2 complaints
Wheelsmulti Piece
2 complaints
Air Bagsfrontaldriver Sideinflator Module
1 complaint
Air Bagson Off Switch Assembly
1 complaint
Back Over Preventionwarningsexternalpedestrian Alert
1 complaint
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
1 complaint
Electrical Systemhorn
1 complaint
Electrical Systemstarter Assemblysolenoid
1 complaint
Electrical Systemwiring Rear Compartmenttrunk
1 complaint
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcrankcase Pcv
1 complaint
Equipmentelectricalnavigational Systemglobal Positioning System
1 complaint
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
1 complaint
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
1 complaint
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
1 complaint
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
1 complaint
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
1 complaint
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
1 complaint
Parking Brakeconventionalmechanicallinkage And Cable
1 complaint
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncooling Unit And Lines
1 complaint
Power Trainaxle Assemblybanjo Housing
1 complaint
Seat Belts Rearotherbuckle Assembly
1 complaint
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
1 complaint
Seat Beltsrearother
1 complaint
Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust
1 complaint
Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler
1 complaint
Service Brakes Airantilockcontrol Unitmodule
1 complaint
Service Brakes Airdiscpads
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdifferential Proportional Valve
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
1 complaint
Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device
1 complaint
Steeringrack And Pinionpinion Shaft
1 complaint
Structurebodytrunk Lid
1 complaint
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
1 complaint
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm
1 complaint
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint
1 complaint
Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs
1 complaint
Tiresvalve
1 complaint
Vehicle Speed Controlsprings
1 complaint
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemfanmotor
1 complaint
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemrear Window
1 complaint
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemwindshieldelectrical Heating Element
1 complaint
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwasherlinkages
1 complaint
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices
1 complaint
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesinterior
1 complaint
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherswitchwiring
1 complaint
Wheelshubcapcover
1 complaint
Wheelsrim
1 complaint