general problems of the 2002 Ford Explorer

I have a 2002 Ford Explorer, original plugs in it from dealer. Today I had a plug ejected from the engine resting on top of the head. Luckily I kow about cars and had vehicle towed to repair shop. Incident is common in Fords and could lead to possible injury, since ejected plug could lead up to excessive gasoline vapors which could be ignited by loose plug causing fire.

Accelerator pedal was hard to press, rpm remained high 3000 - 4000. Eventually the car would not stop, accelerator was stuck - go was going 70 mph. Had to strut of engine mechanic replace accelerator cable - noted cable was kinked and frayed - very dangerous and that I should report it.

I noticed one day that my gas gauge showed empty when I knew I had gas, the next time I started the engine my gas gauge worked. From that day it works sometimes and sometimes it doesn't. I am afraid that it will give out completely one day and can't afford to fix it. I have read many complaints about this problem and wonder why there is not a recall as I feel Ford should take responsibility here as it is clearly a defect.

Came home to find stoing gasoline fumes and a stream of gas leaking on the driveway from under the Explorer. Climbed underneath it to find a hose leaking.

The fuel system on my Ford Explorer went out completely at 40,000 miles. Also, the black panels between the windows are faded and peeling.

The fuel gauge, most of the time, does not work.

Explorer gas will not pump. Clicks every few seconds.

Ford Explorer caught fire while driving. The consumer has a report which stated the fire was caused by a gas leak.

When making a sudden stop or from a stop position vehicle would momentarily hesitate before jerking into gear when applying accelerator pedal. Vehicle has been to dealer on three occasions, and was unable to locate cause of problem. When making a sudden stop the truck will not accelerate. It will just make a grinding noise. Consumer has to put vehicle in park and restart. Vehicle runs rough and changes gears while driving, consumer would like Ford to either fix the problem correctly, repurchase or replace the vehicle.

Fuel fumes were getting into the vehicle while driving. Vehicle been to dealer on four occasions, but problem was reoccurring. Feel free to provide any further information.

Fuel system has a leak that results in fuel spills, allowing fumes to enter passenger's compartment. Dealership cannot fix problem.

The consumer stated the gasoline fumes entered the vehicle after filling the vehicle with gasoline. This problem occurred intermittently. The manufacturer and dealer were contacted.