2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Explorer Sport Trac › 2002
These records cover every 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Newest first.
On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in an underhood fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a fused wiring harness. owners of the passenger cars included in this campaign will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected as an interim repair. as soon as repair parts are available (expected october 2007), owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a fused wiring harness. the recall began on august 13, 2007, and mailing completed by september 19, 2007. owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.
Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. the recall began on april 3, 2006. owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with high back seats, the upper bolt on the driver's side high back seat, that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame, could fracture. if the bolt fractures and does not jam in the seat back frame, the seat back may recline until it makes contact with an object behind the seat, such as the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The driver could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver seat upper bolt with a metal spacer and bolt. in addition, seats with tubular back frames will have the fully threaded lower recliner bolt replaced with a partially threaded bolt. owner notification began on august 29, 2003. owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
This IS not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it IS deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. equipment description: ford IS replacing all firestone wilderness at 15, 16, and 17 inch tires mounted on ford trucks and suvs. ford reports tread separation can occur due to a combination of the sensitivity of the tire…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Should the tread separate at highway speeds, a vehicle crash could occur, possibly resulting in personal injury or death.
Remedy
The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on march 31, 2002. however, customers can contact ford at 1-877-917-3673 or go on-line to www.ford.com for possible assistance.
Owner complaints
144 complaints7 involved a crash3 involved a fire9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Vehicle speed control
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the following day it was discovered that the cruise control switch located on the steering wheel had overheated and melted. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was…
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the following day it was discovered that the cruise control switch located on the steering wheel had overheated and melted. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V399000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 120,000.
- Tires
I was driving on I-65 south bound on I-65 in goodlettesville, tennessee when my left rear tire blew out. the tire had plenty of tread left and apparently the steel belts came apart and blue outward.
- Service brakes
In the morning or whenever damp my front brakes lock up when driving, then stopping..
- Seats
Re: 2002 ford explorer sport trac. it appears that the upper bolt on the driver's side high back seat, that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame, has fractured and the seat back IS permanently in the reclined position. This makes driving very cumbersome since I have no back…
Re: 2002 ford explorer sport trac. it appears that the upper bolt on the driver's side high back seat, that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame, has fractured and the seat back IS permanently in the reclined position. This makes driving very cumbersome since I have no back seat support while I am driving. I was driving on a highway when this happened. Luckily, an accident was avoided. I just discovered that a recall exists for this problem so I contacted ford at 1-800-392-3673 and entered the recall ID 03s04 and the response was that the recall ID did not exist. Can I still get my seat fixed via this recall? Note that the date submitted for the incident IS an approximate estimate.
- Power train · Vehicle speed control
Od light flashing, rebuilds transmision and nothing change, I see a lot of complains about this problems on explorers, rangers and mustangs
- Electrical system · Power train
Driving one day the od off light began flashing now it shifts hard and clinks and clacks going down road
- Power train
On feb.12 2016 still no dash warning lights my ford trac..i left my home in drive moved onto highway 66, the truck would not shift as I tried to increase my speed up onto the 66 highway the rpm ran up only, I had to shift into second gear to get off road drove back home. Now the truck will not move…
On feb.12 2016 still no dash warning lights my ford trac..i left my home in drive moved onto highway 66, the truck would not shift as I tried to increase my speed up onto the 66 highway the rpm ran up only, I had to shift into second gear to get off road drove back home. Now the truck will not move when shifted into drive or reverse. I only had in 2ND gear this IS a automatic transmission.fluid IS still okay. What IS wrong with this truck?.milage IS 123242
- Electrical system · Power train
There was not warning lights on dash, truck slowed down then engine raced up all on its own turned I turned off road shifted to nutral and sat until the racing stopped continued on to auto part store where they plugged into engine it read strange codes..
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer sport trac. While attempting to shift into park, the gear shifter fractured behind the cluster. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer sport trac. The contact stated that the door latches stopped working and the contact could only get in and out of the vehicle by using the outside door latch on all doors. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the main door…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer sport trac. The contact stated that the door latches stopped working and the contact could only get in and out of the vehicle by using the outside door latch on all doors. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the main door module for the front driver side door needed to be replaced. It was unknown if the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was not available. updated 04/13/15*lj the consumer stated it IS not possible to enter the vehicle using the outside door handles. 3 out of 4 handle failed. 2 out of 4 inside door handles failed. updated 6/29/2015 *js
- Power train
After making abrupt stop half mile before incident to avoid accident, I came to a stop at a stop sign. When I went to enter a main highway, my transmission slipped and left me non mobile in the intersection, almost causing me to get hit broadside. Had to get out in traffic to push my vehicle off highway. Many exact transmission problems for this vehicle already posted on internet I see. Very dangerous. *tr
- Power train
Transmission problem. O/d light blinking. Transmission instantly started to slip in 3RD gear under acceleration. Over 8,000 complaints listed but ford says that IS not enough for recall. This transmission has a history of problems, that can cause major problems while driving. Biggest one IS lose of…
Transmission problem. O/d light blinking. Transmission instantly started to slip in 3RD gear under acceleration. Over 8,000 complaints listed but ford says that IS not enough for recall. This transmission has a history of problems, that can cause major problems while driving. Biggest one IS lose of acceleration in traffic. This transmission has a lengthy bad history. It IS the 5R55 series transmission, starting with the faulty solenoid pack. If you look at this transmissions history, you will find the same complaints about it over and over again, slipping while in gear failure to shift, o/d light blinks then goes out, trans failing at 50,000m, 60,000m. I am on my second pair of tires and the transmission IS failing. I drive less than 8700 miles per year and maintain my vehicle very well. This type of failure should not have occurred. I think ford IS aware of the problem but refuses to do anything about it till they will be forced to do something. *tr
- Seat belts · Structure › Body · Suspension
The body mount insulators deteriorated and the body could come loose from the chassis. Ford wants over 3000 dollars for this repair which IS an obvious material flaw. *tr
- Engine
While driving my 2002 ford sport trac at about 40 mph,engine shut off without any warning,just a shaking feeling,then completely shut off,while in motion. Very dangerous situation! No check engine light came on and no codes were present. I was able to get out of traffic and avoid being hit. Had to…
While driving my 2002 ford sport trac at about 40 mph,engine shut off without any warning,just a shaking feeling,then completely shut off,while in motion. Very dangerous situation! No check engine light came on and no codes were present. I was able to get out of traffic and avoid being hit. Had to crank for about half a minute and it restarted. Have driven on a daily basis about 200 miles since and problem has not recurred as of yet.vehicle IS well maintained and up to date on filters,etc... *tr
- Structure › Body
Severe deterioration of the body mount bushings to the point where they crumble when touched. Inferior material. *tr
- Structure › Body › Door
Door handle issue. Rear doors cannot be opened from the inside. *tr
- Suspension
They were rotten and falling apart, I was looking online and everybody had the same problem. That should be a manufactured recall. It's a safety hazard. *tr
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer sport trac. While driving approximately 30 mph, the contact noticed that the brake pedal was pulsating, accompanied by an abnormal grinding noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician advised the contact that the front…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer sport trac. While driving approximately 30 mph, the contact noticed that the brake pedal was pulsating, accompanied by an abnormal grinding noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician advised the contact that the front and rear brakes would have to be repaired. After the repair, the contact noticed that the brake pedal would feel spongy when depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician advised that two of the ABS sensors were faulty and were overriding the brakes. The mechanic disconnected the ABS sensors. The contact did not experience any failures after the sensors were disconnected. the approximate failure mileage was 76,000.
- Structure › Body
Body/chassis mounts are deteriorating and crumbling. body IS now loose on the frame and has slight movement. these mounts are not rubber like most; they are some sort of urethane composite. internet research and truck owner sites confirm this to be a common problem. ford does not see this as a…
Body/chassis mounts are deteriorating and crumbling. body IS now loose on the frame and has slight movement. these mounts are not rubber like most; they are some sort of urethane composite. internet research and truck owner sites confirm this to be a common problem. ford does not see this as a safety/recall issue and has directed owners of suspect vehicles to your department. this particular vehicle has never been in salt or snow and has always been in north carolina. the cab shaking and rattling IS causing movement that will undoubtedly effect the brake lines and steering column as they are attached to both the body and the chassis. ford IS now using another compound for the mounts apparently in response to complaints. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
The body mounts on the vehicle are desintegrating. I touched it with my hand and it fell apart. Body mounts should last much longer. *tr
- Seats
While driving, the drivers seat reclined into the back seating area causing loss of control of the vehicle. After pulling off the road and inspecting the seat, the frame of the drivers seat fractured causing the backrest to separate from lower portion of the seat and override the recliner handle. *tr
- Structure › Body · Suspension
I am experiencing a loud clanking and crashing sound emitting from under vehicle while driving on public highways with minimal bumps at various speeds with increased roll movement while cornering. After investigation, I found the body mounts to be crumbling apart, body mounts missing large chunks…
I am experiencing a loud clanking and crashing sound emitting from under vehicle while driving on public highways with minimal bumps at various speeds with increased roll movement while cornering. After investigation, I found the body mounts to be crumbling apart, body mounts missing large chunks of material and other body mounts are soft and jelly like when touched. These ford body mounts have been engineered improperly and have reached a premature failed state. This affects the roll of the vehicle and may pose grave danger to vehicle passengers when performing a lane change or any vehicle roll maneuver and affects vehicle control. This IS a major safety issue and needs to be addressed immediately. After a internet search, I have discovered this to be an issue with thousands of ford explorer sport trac owners and other ford trucks as well. I am the original owner of the vehicle. This vehicle has been in florida from 2002-2010, and in georgia from 2011-present and has never been exposed to salt, snow or any abnormal environment to cause this failure. This vehicle has not been modified in any way. *js
- Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer sport trac. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an automotive repair shop where a mechanic performed a diagnostic test and detected a malfunction in the emissions control system. the manufacturer had issued a voluntary recall for the emissions…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer sport trac. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an automotive repair shop where a mechanic performed a diagnostic test and detected a malfunction in the emissions control system. the manufacturer had issued a voluntary recall for the emissions control system however, the contact's vehicle was not included in the recall campaign. the vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 161,673.
- Steering · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer sport trac. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, there sudden acceleration and a jerking movement when the gear was shifted. The steering wheel began to move erratically from side to side. The contact crashed into another vehicle from the passenger…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer sport trac. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, there sudden acceleration and a jerking movement when the gear was shifted. The steering wheel began to move erratically from side to side. The contact crashed into another vehicle from the passenger side before crashing into a retainer wall. The contact sustained injuries to the neck and back. The driver of the other vehicle also sustained head and neck injuries. The police were called and a report was filed. The insurance company was notified of the failure and the vehicle was destroyed. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
I bought a 2002 ford explorer sport trac new. Shortly after have electric window problems drivers door back passenger window and now the passenger door window, bad body mounts,and idles bad when in park or stopped at a red light. Rpm's 500 to 1000 back down to 500-400. 2002 had a baby girl 1 1/2…
I bought a 2002 ford explorer sport trac new. Shortly after have electric window problems drivers door back passenger window and now the passenger door window, bad body mounts,and idles bad when in park or stopped at a red light. Rpm's 500 to 1000 back down to 500-400. 2002 had a baby girl 1 1/2 years and another on the way needed a 4 door and also for work. I kick my self every day that I have owned it but had no choice money was tight and still IS could not afford every time getting things fixed so I lived with it!!!! Until I found this web page I am fed up I have always owned ford but after this im not so sure anymore! And reading other peoples with the same problems the sport trac IS one big lemon!!!!!! *Tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Vehicle rollaway allegations
In response to an information request (ir) letter sent by the office of defects investigation (odi), ford stated consumer reports of higher than expected efforts when shifting into and out of park could be a result of a groove being worn into the swing arm ramp of the steering column. The swing arm IS a component…
In response to an information request (ir) letter sent by the office of defects investigation (odi), ford stated consumer reports of higher than expected efforts when shifting into and out of park could be a result of a groove being worn into the swing arm ramp of the steering column. The swing arm IS a component bolted to the steering column that assists in shifting through the transmission gears.an engineering evaluation conducted by ford of returned steering columns found the groove could be created over time if consumer shift more quickly from the drive or reverse to park than the brake shift interlock (bsi) solenoid pin retracts after the brake pedal IS applied. In november of 2004, ford released a redesigned bsi solenoid with a shorter pin retracting time as a serviceable component. Ford has noted the shorter retraction time significantly lessens the likelihood of bsi solenoid pin to swing arm contact even with rapid consumer shifts.ford also issued a technical service bulletin, tsb 04-22-12, to instruct service technicians on the proper diagnosis and vehicle repair. Reviewing complaints to odi and data submitted by ford, odi has identified 200 alleged incidents of unintended vehicle movement after consumers believe they have shifted the vehicle into park, resulting in 85 alleged crashes and 32 alleged injuries.in addition to the reports of alleged incidents of unintended vehicle movement, odi has also identified 883 reports of consumers alleging difficulty or the inability to shift the vehicle into park.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea09-013) to further assess the scope, frequency and risk to motor vehicle safety of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles.
- Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or…
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi IS not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in any of the 10,319,810 subject vehicles.in addition, odi IS aware of only two incidents where the vehicle stalled without restart.information contained in the odi consumer complaints and obtained from 72 telephone interviews with complainants showed the following:(1) 99% of the complaints were on my 1997 to 2002 subject vehicles.(2) most the complainants reported hearing a loud pop while driving or upon starting up the vehicle followed by a loud, repetitive clicking or popping sound.(3) many of the complainants reported that the popping sound was accompanied by some loss of vehicle power; however, in 99% of the incidents reported, the vehicle did not stall.in the very few incidents where the vehicle did stall, most vehicles could be restarted.(4) only a small percentage of the complainants cited that they smelled gas or a slight burning smell when the incident occurred.(5) in all but a very few incidents, vehicle damage was limited to the engine.in one incident, the complaint reported that the fuel rail was damaged and replaced after one of the spark plugs ejected from the engine; however, the complainant reported that the damage did not result in any type of fuel leak or fire.in another incident, the only incident where a fire was alleged, the complainant reported that no fluid leak was observed, but that a fire resulted after the spark plug had ejected from the engine and he had restarted the vehicle and driven to another location.none of the complainants reported any damage to the vehicle hood.(6) only two complainants reported that they observed what appeared to be some drops of fuel coming from the cylinder where the spark plug had failed or on the spark plug itself; however, each of these complainants reported that there was no smoke or flames as a result of his incident.as the petitioner noted, and odi?s analysis showed, it IS possible for a spark plug to detach from the engine cylinder threads in the subject vehicles.however, odi?s analysis of 474 complaints describing such incidents found only a very few alleged any safety-related consequences.none of these showed any evidence of a serious safety consequence.given the large population and relatively long exposure time of the subject vehicles, the complaint analysis indicates that the risk to motor vehicle safety from the alleged defect IS very low.in view of the foregoing, it IS unlikely that nhtsa would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition IS denied.
- Front seat back recliner attachment
By letter dated august 4, 2003, ford notified the agency that it IS conducting a voluntary safety recall (nhtsa recall no. 03V281) involving certain model year (my) 1998-2001 ford explorer / mercury mountaineer 4-door, my 1998-2000 ford explorer 2-door and my 2001-2002 ford explorer sport and sport trac vehicles…
By letter dated august 4, 2003, ford notified the agency that it IS conducting a voluntary safety recall (nhtsa recall no. 03V281) involving certain model year (my) 1998-2001 ford explorer / mercury mountaineer 4-door, my 1998-2000 ford explorer 2-door and my 2001-2002 ford explorer sport and sport trac vehicles equipped with high back seats.complaints allege that the driver's seat back reclined without warning.a bolt between the upper seat recliner attachment and the seat back frame may fracture.ford will replace the bolt that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame on the driver side seat.based on ford's safety recall action, this investigation IS closed.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10018061Steering shudder during low speed maneuvers - 4.0L engine.
- 10017891Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4X4 or AWD.
- 10017860Malfunction indicator lamp coming on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0171, p0172, p0174 and/or p0175 (fuel system too rich or lean).
- 10014263Moan/vibration during air conditioning operation.
- 10014138Safety belt retraction speed.
- 10014096Revised procedure for adjusting alignment on all suspensions - new right hand upper control arm design for torsion bar front suspensions.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10013365Squeaking noise from rear sway bar link.
- 10013064Excessive sulfur smell from exhaust.
- 10011150Rattle noise from primary chain drive area 2000-3000 rpm - 4.0L SOHC engine.
- 10008608Equipped with a hard tonneau cover. * mj
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008577Electrical-radio-speaker whine noise-vehicles with ultimate pioneer radio system produced on or after 3/4/2002 only.
- 10008575Paint-premature clearcoat cracking-service tips.
- 10008552Rear leaf spring noise.
- 10008359Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) c1233 & c1234 - replace anti-lock brake system euc.
- 10008351New tonneau cover lock cylinder retainer clips released for service.
- 10008333Front brake wear - under investigation.
- 10008329No start/no communication-contact request.
- 10008328Squeak noise from the rear stabilizer bar link.
- 10008305Noise-gear whine noise in 1ST and 2ND gear only-vehicles equipped with 5r55e transmission and 4.0L engine only.
- 10008252Streamlined diagnostic procedure for vehicles with malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0401, p0402, p1400 or p1401. Additional symptoms may include runs rough, lacks power, surge, poor fuel economy.
- 10008191Rough idle, hesitation on cold engine tip-in and/or hesitation during a 5-3 downshift.
- 10008190Intermittent engine driveability issues. Vehcles with automatic transmission built between 03/04/2002 and 12/01/2002.
- 10008189Lacks power/runs rough/black smoke condition.
- 10008154Bed extender component replacement service tip.
- 10008115Generator noise in cold ambient temperatures.
- 10007416Paint peeling and/or bubbling on the center finish panel of the instrument panel.
- 10007369Steering shudder felt when turning, driving at slow speeds or at stop.
- 10007360Streamlined diagnostic procedure for vehicles with malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0401, p0402, p1400 or p1401. Additional symptoms may include runs rough, lacks power, surge, poor fuel economy.
- 10007207Customer satisfaction program 02m01 supplement #4. Certain ford 2000 through 2003 vehicles equipped with a tube-mounted egr pressure sensor - additional egr pressure sensor warranty coverage. Supplement #3. Supplement #6.
- 10007144Emissions recall 03e05: evaporative emissions canister fresh air inlet hose connector replacement.*mr
- 10004924Generator whistle/hoot noise in cold ambient temperatures.
- 10004908Clicking/popping noise from upper steering column area when turning. 2004 e series and explorer sport trac also included.
- 10004907Water leak near the roof opening panel. 2004 explorer sport trac included.
- 10004886Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457 or p1442 or a check fuel cap lamp illuminated with dtc p0457 for the evaporative emission system.
- 10004087Anti-lock brake system (ABS) light flashing with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) b2477 after replacement of the ABS module.
- 10004069Wear-through condition on the abrasion sleeve of the upper radiator hose near the air conditioning accumulator or transmission fluid dipstick.
- 10004065Vibration/moan condition while driving at highway speeds (75-80 mph) on 4X4 vehicles equipped with a 4.10 axle ratio. 2004 sport trac included.
Every Ford Explorer Sport Trac model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.