Known Recalls

Model year record

2002 Ford Explorer

4 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 4,106 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 09V399000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
4,500,000
Reported to NHTSA
2009-10-13
Owners notified
2009-10-27

Defect description

FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Safety risk

A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Manufacturer remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V442000

Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments

Component
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
955,732
Reported to NHTSA
2004-09-13
Owners notified
2004-09-30

Defect description

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT MAY BECOME DISENGAGED OR THE HINGE MAY FRACTURE ALLOWING THE GLASS TO FALL AND POSSIBLY BREAK.

Safety risk

IF THE HINGE SHOULD FRACTURE, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE GLASS TO FALL AND ULTIMATELY BREAK AND PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL HAVE THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT BRACKETS AND GLASS HINGES REPLACED. FOR THE VEHICLES BUILT FROM AUGUST 1, 2000 THROUGH MARCH 3, 2002, THE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HINGES AND LIFTGATE STRUT BRACKET. ON VEHICLES BUILT FROM MARCH 3, 2002 THROUGH JUNE 23, 2003, THE DEALERS WILL ONLY REPLACE THE HINGES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2004. A POSTCARD WAS SENT TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 27, 2004, ADVISING THEM THAT PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V094000

Structure

Component
Structure
Manufacturer
SOUTHERN COMFORT CONVERSIONS
Vehicles affected
3,674
Reported to NHTSA
2003-03-07
Owners notified
2003-03-07

Defect description

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.

Safety risk

THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V171000

Tires: sidewall

Component
Tires: sidewall
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
52,000
Reported to NHTSA
2001-05-24
Owners notified
2001-06-07

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE RIGHT SIDE TIRES MAY HAVE HORIZONTAL CUTS ON THE EDGE OF THE TREAD THAT COULD HAVE OCCURRED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY.

Safety risk

OVER TIME, THE TIRE COULD FAIL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRES AND, IF ANY SLICES ARE FOUND, THE CUT TIRES WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 7, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Power train: automatic transmission88780,798 mi
Power train286120,000 mi
Suspension: rear19280,000 mi
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments16643,000 mi
Power train: driveline: differential unit16055,000 mi
Suspension11785,000 mi
Electrical system11599,350 mi
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate11258,000 mi
Structure: body11195,000 mi
Steering11097,000 mi
Vehicle speed control10387,264 mi
Air bags9893,492 mi
Wheels6089,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling5686,214 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing5673,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine5067,567 mi
Engine49134,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift4492,000 mi
Unknown or other4393,000 mi
Equipment3983,000 mi
Power train: axle assembly3853,606 mi
Structure3890,000 mi
Suspension: rear: springs: coil springs3874,680 mi
Visibility: glass, side/rear3866,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip3735,000 mi
Air bags: frontal3440,000 mi
Power train: driveline3179,000 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls3156,000 mi
Tires2960,000 mi
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)2845,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline2747,500 mi
Steering: column2577,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal2541,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline2461,000 mi
Visibility2385,000 mi
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal2259,000 mi
Structure: body: tailgate2272,000 mi
Seat belts2147,600 mi
Latches/locks/linkages19101,589 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module1830,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system1897,857 mi
Seats1890,000 mi
Service brakes17125,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control1751,204 mi
Parking brake1674,719 mi
Power train: axle hubs1565,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic1569,000 mi
Suspension: rear: springs1556,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter1467,000 mi
Structure: body: door1458,000 mi
Suspension: front1482,989 mi
Air bags: side/window1368,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)1359,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission1348,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner1232,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch1238,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate: lock1263,000 mi
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut1263,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor1124,713 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system1094,000 mi
Suspension: front: hub1071,000 mi
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer1082,545 mi
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs1078,342 mi
Exterior lighting9111,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light933,000 mi
Visibility/wiper998,559 mi
Power train: driveline: driveshaft857,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cables843,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash749,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor728,000 mi
Fuel system, other: storage: fuel gauge system748,000 mi
Interior lighting752,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion760,000 mi
Suspension: rear: axle: spindle769,888 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system636,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: tailgate: latch640,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)653,201 mi
Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments632,500 mi
Wheels: hub660,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch529,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring554,050 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch563,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump512,000 mi
Fuel system, other540,000 mi
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft536,000 mi
Seat belts: front573,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: recliner546,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components5—
Structure: frame and members562,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system564,000 mi
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly5160,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers417,500 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings452,000 mi
Power train: clutch assembly410,000 mi
Seat belts: front: retractor454,000 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock: ABS warning light420,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module422,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads417,900 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system440,000 mi
Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly447,600 mi
Tires: sidewall432,000 mi
Visibility: windshield478,000 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)376,345 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control348,202 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe378,000 mi
Equipment adaptive/mobility3—
Equipment: mechanical: carrier/rack340,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage322,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap363,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: head restraint3—
Service brakes, electric3160,000 mi
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar3—
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)369,000 mi
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments345,439 mi
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire358,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: linkages338,239 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior35,131 mi
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel295,000 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery236,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition218,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module2128,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: module2—
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys256,800 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)230,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.249,000 mi
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer264,460 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights2—
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch253,000 mi
Power train: driveline: center support bearing2—
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint222,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission: floor shift assembly210,000 mi
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly2—
Seats: mid/rear assembly245,000 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock219,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper275,078 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder239,600 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages258,653 mi
Steering: gear box: shaft sector264,000 mi
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly265,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint215,000 mi
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar226,500 mi
Suspension: rear: shock absorber237,500 mi
Tires: tread/belt220,600 mi
Unknown244,000 mi
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer: motor285,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer2100,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor2—
Wheels: multi piece261,250 mi
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module1—
Air bags: on-off switch assembly140,000 mi
Back over prevention: warnings: external/pedestrian alert1—
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator179,685 mi
Electrical system: horn1—
Electrical system: starter assembly: solenoid1—
Electrical system: wiring: rear compartment/trunk1—
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood1—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)120,500 mi
Equipment: electrical: navigational system(global positioning system)1—
Exterior lighting: brake lights1—
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch135,000 mi
Exterior lighting: tail lights160,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery118,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly1—
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch1137,000 mi
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical: linkage and cable110,300 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines185,000 mi
Power train: axle assembly: banjo housing115,900 mi
Seat belts: rear/other: buckle assembly180,000 mi
Seat belts: front: anchorage1—
Seat belts: rear/other143,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: power adjust1—
Seats: front assembly: seat heater/cooler136,000 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock: control unit/module115,000 mi
Service brakes, air: disc: pads1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: differential proportional valve140,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum1—
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device116,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion: pinion shaft1—
Structure: body: trunk lid190,000 mi
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields134,617 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm1—
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint1—
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs155,000 mi
Tires: valve1—
Vehicle speed control: springs144,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor150,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: rear window121,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element1—
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer: linkages187,550 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices1—
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: interior1—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring1—
Wheels: hubcap/cover165,000 mi
Wheels: rim167,000 mi

The 2001 model has 8 times as many complaints as this one. The 2003 model has 3 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.