2002 Ford Explorer: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed Sep 9, 2022 · Engine, Steering · TX

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the steering wheel intermittently seized while driving at various speeds without warning. After finding a replacement part at a salvage yard, the contact had the steering wheel replaced by an independent mechanic; however, the failure persisted. The contact also stated that an abnormal ticking noise was coming from the engine with the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Feb 10, 2017 · Airbags, Brakes · 219,090 miles · CA

The ABS dash light comes on when you start the vehicle and stays on . The airbag light blinks 33 then stays on. There was a short in the trailer brake and alarm which caused the entire car to shut down would not start until battery cables were removed for a few minutes then vehical started but every time you close a door or any vibration the alarm goes off.

Filed Dec 28, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 126,000 miles · NY

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.

Filed Oct 30, 2014 · Acceleration · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 09v399000 (vehicle speed control) and the contact indicated that an authorized dealer replaced the wiring harness but did not inspect the ABS control module connector to determine if the vehicle needed to be remedied for the recall. The contact reported the safety concern to the manufacturer and they would not comply. The vehicle was not fully repaired under the recall remedy. The manufacturer was notified of the safety concern and provided no remedy. The approximate failure mileage was not available.

Filed Feb 13, 2014 · Brakes · 158,000 miles · NJ

This is the third time I have to replace brakes (full job) with ABS concerns.

Filed Feb 16, 2011 · Brakes · 117,000 miles · NY

I have a 2002 ford explorer I bought about a year ago. Everything was working fine..I have my ABS light on..when I try to stop the car my brake engage but when it come to the final stop it gives and the pressure on the truck is no longer there.. I feel like I am going to crash in to the car in front of me.. I brought the truck to the mechanic and checked everything and didn't find anything wrong with it.. No leaks or anything.. But didn't know what was causing it... I noticed that there are many of the same issues regarding the brakes not working properly.. Please address this issue before someone gets killed.. Thank you

Filed Aug 31, 2010 · Brakes, Transmission · 64,800 miles · MT

I have had many problems with my 2002 ford explorer. I started getting the crack in my hatch by the rear window in 2005. It has spread and gotten worse and I still have not fixed it. Last year in 2009 our ABS light has been coming on and off and when I go to brake at times it feels like they kick on at irregular times, but I also feel I do not have the braking power I should. In june 2010 I was driving the explorer and the o/d light starting blinking and the explorer was shifting out of control. We had to have the transmission replace and the u-joints and the rear axle fixed for around $2900. We also had to replace the battery in july 2010. I called ford motor company and told them all of my issues and they told me that since they did not have enough complaints they could not do anything about it. To this point I was aggravated and couldn't believe the way they had treated me and let alone others who I am sure made the same call. I feel this is a safety issue because even now when it is in gear in park the car seems to move back and forth.

Filed Sep 20, 2009 · Suspension, Wheels · 116,000 miles · KY

I have had troubles with the wheel ends on my ford since I bought it in 2005. I didn't realize the problems that I am having are common in this vehicle. I started noticing more brake dust on some of the wheels than others. Then on my rear/passengers tire I hear a squeaking, grinding noise with a little wabble in the wheel. Take it back to the dealer -said they grinded something down. Didn't hear the noise anymore. My ABS light kicks on won't go off has something to do with defect in wheel end assembly apparently. Paid $150 to get it off comes right back on weeks later!! My entire wheel end almost falls off while on the hwy. Pull over all 4 studs had come completely off of the wheel except 1, the wheel was literally hangin. Had to have all studs replaced. Have had to have wheel studs replaced frequently at some point on all four tires. Paid to have rear passenger wheel bearings replaced finally $300+. Front, drivers wheel bearings went out while driving 70-80 MPH on hwy, loss control, barely made it off hwy in the middle of nowhere! 1-2months later front passengers wheel bearings go bad have to be replaced-$300+ each time. Had front brakes & rotors replaced march '07, rear brakes & rotors jan '08. This month sept '09 had to have rear brakes & rotors replaced. Could only afford to have brake pads replaced. Only put 30,000miles on it since had b/r changed in '08. Why am I having to have them both changed a year later. Something in the wheel end assembly is causing increased wear & tear on rear brakes, rotors and everything else! Now my brake pads are burning insanely crazy, alot of smoke comes from the wheel. New brake pads shouldn't burn that fast even with somewhat bad rotors. (that shoudn't be bad), have to go back to the shop this week. All are common issues apparently. Please review link w/complaints on this '02 model. & they tell me my ball joints are going out! Thank you. Http://www.carcomplaints.com/ford/explorer/2002/wheels_hubs/wheel_bearing_failure.shtml.

Filed Aug 4, 2009 · Suspension · 79,000 miles · OH

After hearing several different noises coming from the explorer, I took it in to have it checked out. I was told that the front struts were broken and needed replaced. I paid to have those replaced. After leaving, I continued to hear a second noise. I took the vehicle back to have it checked out again. I was told that they couldn't find any problem. After another week I didn't hear the noise anymore. I then started having problems with a chugging occurring in the engine. While having this serviced, I was told that the rear springs were broken and the struts also need replaced. The first estimate for the rear springs and struts was $780! So far on the 2002 explorer I have had to have the transmission rebuilt (50k miles), od sensor replaced (45k miles), ABS sensor replaced (45k miles), rear control arm replaced (75k miles), front struts (78k miles), and rear latch replaced (recall). The emergency brake (75k miles) also needed replaced. When the control arm was replaced, the emergency brake crumbled apart. I was told by the dealership that I am luckily the broken spring did not pierce the tire and cause a blowout. The springs/struts and the transmission are common problems and should be recalled. Between paying out of pocket and the issues covered by an after market warranty, over $5000 have been spent on a vehicle 7 years old with only 79000 miles. This vehicle has never towed anything or been driven off road.

Filed Jul 5, 2008 · Airbags, Body · OH

Paint is blistering and chipping on the hood and fender of my 2002 explorer. Abs light comes on and airbag light stays on.

Filed Jun 25, 2008 · Brakes, Locks · 160,000 miles · MS

2002 ford explorer, o/d light is blinking, check engine soon light stays on continuously. Rear end makes noise, ABS light stays on. Truck shifts hard from reverse to forward. Shifts hard and makes cluncking sound from 2nd to 3rd gear and will not go in to over-drive at all.

Filed May 13, 2008 · Electrical, Suspension · PA

Bought the car used in sept. 2007. A month and a half later, had to replace rear passenger wheel bearing. A month after that, we had to replace the driver side rear wheel bearing. Driver door window motor went a week after the wheel bearings. Abs light is on. Also had to replace two coils in the electrical unit. Put approximately 3,000.00 into car since purchase in less than eight months.