Seven problems related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe have been reported for the 2002 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the 2002 Explorer.
Tl-the contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 mph, the temperature gage displayed signs that the vehicle was overheating. The contact shut the vehicle off, and restarted the vehicle but the failure was persistent. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that there was a crack on the intake manifold. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure was.
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the engine intake manifold failed due to defective plastic that fractured and caused the fluid to leak. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic for inspection where the intake manifold was replaced with a steel manifold. In addition, the spark plugs rubber and gasket was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 180,000.
The problem is a sudden cracking of the intake manifold causing slow coolant loss. When the intake fails the engine coolant pours out and the engine quickly overheats.
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The vehicle was leaking coolant due to a failure within the intake manifold gasket which was cracked and corroded. The exhaust system was also faulty due to the gasket problem. The dealer informed the contact that there was a class action suit for the intake manifold. The VIN was unavailable at the time of the complaint. The current and failure mileages were 74,225.
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was a coolant leak in the intake manifold. There is an extended coverage program that was initiated in class action lawsuit number 05n04. The contact is currently experiencing the same failure mentioned within the lawsuit. Ford stated that the VIN was not included in the recall and the repair would cost $800. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 103,000. Updated 03/05/08.
This is to add information to a previous complaint. Odi number 10207581. There was a sudden failure of the engine that resulted in sudden lockup of the engine, resulting in complete loss of power and control. This happened on a residential street at low speed. However a very busy intersection with high speed traffic had just been navigated. If the failure had happened at that intersection, the failure would have probably resulted in severe injuries or loss of life. The engine failure was sudden and without warning. By sudden, my wife described the noise as rattle, crunch, bang with everything locking up in less than 5 seconds. The engine was running perfectly up to the time of failure. The car began smoking from the exhaust immediately after the failure and my wife feared the vehicle was catching on fire. When the vehicle was towed, a large quantity (1 to 2 quarts)of engine coolant drained from the muffler. This indicates to me that a sudden failure of an internal engine seal, gasket, manifold, etc. If a part fails this suddenly, the part was either defective, improperly designed, or improperly assembled.
2002 Ford Explorer 4. 6 v8, approx. 78000 miles. While driving my spark plug (unknown number - second in on drivers side), blew out. Was able to replace it. No more then 30 minutes of driving same plug was spit out again. This time unable to replace it.