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2002 Ford Explorer: brake failure

23 of the 3,295 complaints about the 2002 Ford Explorer describe brake failure.

owner complaints
23
of this car's complaints
1%
typical mileage
60,000
recalls
0
Is there a fix? 12 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Brake failure by model year

What owners say

Filed Mar 30, 2022 · Acceleration · 115,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while entering the highway at approximately 45 MPH and accelerating to overtake the next vehicle, the accelerator pedal went to the floorboard however, the vehicle did not respond. The contact was able to pull over safely off the highway. There were no warning lights on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 00V422000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

Filed Jun 14, 2016 · Acceleration · 103,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. While driving approximately 50 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle would not disengage from the cruise control while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle spontaneously accelerated to 70 MPH, the emergency brake did not work, and the cruise control was still active. The vehicle was shifted into park and pulled into a parking lot. The vehicle was left there. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.

Filed Mar 11, 2009 · Engine · 71,000 miles · NJ

3/4/08 motor sized no steering no brakes at 62000 mi. Bht rebuilt motor from ford 3yr/75000mi warranty 2/8/09 motor sized no steering no brakes at 71000mi -11mos /9000mi later 2/16/09 towed to malouf ford s.b.nj need other motor no rebuilt motors available from ford I have no car-ford will not give loaner or rental.

Filed Mar 3, 2007 · Engine · 60,000 miles · CT · fire

I was only about 1 mile from home, the vehicle had no previous problems, I heard a strange sound then the vehicle was not running properly, I could smell fuel or some sort of odor, as I attempted to pull the vehicle over, there was no brakes or steering, I also could see smoke coming from the engine, I managed to get the vehicle over to the side of the road. The vehicle was also starting to fill with smoke inside very quickly. I was able to get out of the car. It would not engage in park, and rolled while I was trying to exit. I called 911, but the vehicle was already entirely engulfed in flames.

Filed Nov 30, 2006 · Brakes · 60,000 miles · SC · crash

Dt*: the contact stated the brakes failed, which caused an accident. The brakes were inspected about one month prior to the incident, and the pads and brakes were did not display any problems. The brakes failed and the vehicle had not been to a service dealer to determine what caused the failure. A police report was taken, and no injuries were sustained.

Filed Mar 31, 2006 · Brakes · 49,933 miles · CO

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 10 MPH the brakes failed. When the brakes were applied the pedal went to the floor. The emergency brake was used to stop the vehicle without incident. There were no indicator lights on prior to the failure. Neither the dealer nor manufacturer has been alerted.

Filed Jan 2, 2006 · Brakes · 69,000 miles · PA

2002 ford explorer emergancy brake failure. 1) pa state safety inspection was performed at ford dealer. 2) drum brake linings were found in total seperation from metal shoes. Condition is likely due to a combination of corosion and lack of adhesive between lining and metal shoe. 3) per the ford dealer's disccovery and sugested repair... The emergancy brake and drum/rotors were replaced. Ford did not take liabiity or cover the expense. (old parts are available upon request).

Filed Apr 19, 2005 · Brakes · OR

Concerning 2002, ford, explorer, eddie bauer: we were driving on 09/19/2004 when a car drove up next to us and driver stated that rear brakes were smoking. No brakes were on. We pulled over, and saw that they were smoking and smelled badly. Called ford roadside assistant to tow us to landmark ford, in tigard, oregon. Upon inspection on 09/20/04, parts were replaced. Two weeks later on october 3,2004, we were again driving and when we got home, and noticed that the rear left brakes were smoking and smelled badly. We called ford roadside assistance ,and had the car towed again to landmark ford. Upon inspection on 10/4/04 we were told that they could not identify the problem and therefore would not replace any parts. We spoke with service manager larry baker concerning this issue. He asked us to drive the car home, and if it happens again to call and bring the car down. On friday april 15,2005 we were driving with our two nieces when we noticed the left rear brakes started smoking and smelling badly. We were close enough to home and made it. The entire wheel on the left side was too hot to touch, the rubber on the tire was also very hot. We called ford roadside assistance again to have the car towed down to landmark ford. We received a call on tuesday 04/19,2005 from service department that they could not identify the problem. We were asked again to pick up the car, and call if any problems arose. Three times the same exact thing has happened while driving. Smoking and smelling brakes is a serious safety hazard, and we are concerned that one time if this happens again the car could catch on fire. It appears to be an intermittent problem, and the service department manager mike walker stated previously that they have had some problems with this before, but not enough to put out a recall. We would appreciate some investigation into this matter as we are concerned for our safety, and the safety of others on the road.

Filed Jan 25, 2005 · Acceleration · 32,000 miles · NY

Gas pedal went to the floor, as a result consumer experienced sudden acceleration on its own. Consumer had to turn off the vehicle in order to stop. The vehicle was not in cruise control mode. Dealer said that the throttle cable seized.jb...while making left hand turn through an intersection the gas pedal went to the floor and rpms went to the top. Used both feet on brakes to stop. However, vehicle won't stop. Turned vehicle off in drive, then put it in neutral , rpms lncreased. Turned vehicle off, couldn't put vehicle back into park or pullkey out of ignition. Called aaa to tow vehicle to dealer. It was fixed without charge to consumer because of extended warranty.

Filed Jan 10, 2005 · Airbags, Brakes · NY · crash · 1 injury

Steering column broke while driving. Consumer applied the brakes, and the pedal went to the floor. Consumer lost control of the vehicle, and it crashed into a guard rail. Upon impact, both air bags failed to deploy. Driver sustained minor injuries, and went to the doctor on her own. Vehicle was towed, and totaled out by the insurance company.

Filed Dec 10, 2004 · Body, Brakes · CA

This vehicle experienced multiple problems, and the dealer was aware of the problems. Consumer applied the brakes, and the pedal went to the floor. Vehicle swayed from left to right on its own. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle. Also, door rubber panel failed to stay attached to the door. Mechanic determined that the brake problem could not be duplicated,and vehicle was operating as designed. However, the rubber panel was adjusted properly by the mechanic. Consumer informed the mechanic this problem still occurred.

Filed Nov 23, 2004 · Brakes, Transmission · 40,000 miles · GA

While driving at a slow speed the rear left axle started smoking and became red hot. The paint also peeled off. The vehicle was towed to the dealership who indicated that the rear left brake had locked up. The brake was replaced. The rear differential seal was leaking also. The seal and fluid was replaced. Since the brake failure there was a whining noise in the rear axle at speeds off 50-55 MPH.

Questions about the 2002 Ford Explorer brake failure

Is brake failure a common problem on the 2002 Ford Explorer?

23 of 3,295 owner complaints about the 2002 Ford Explorer (1%) mention brake failure. The model year with the most reports is 1994.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2002 Ford Explorer?

There are 0 recalls and 12 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2002 Ford Explorer

Transmission failure 314Slipping 180Whining noise 142Coil spring 137Won't shift 107Jerking 95Harsh shifting 93Check engine light 89Grinding brakes 84Airbag light 74Stalling 68ABS 53Adaptive cruise 45No deployment 43Fire or smoke 38Hesitation 34Door locks 28Engine failure 27Knocking 26Power windows 26Sudden acceleration 26Loss of power 22Ball joint 21Tire blowout 21Wipers 18Fuel gauge 15Seat belt 15Fuel pump 14Won't start 14Overheating 13Shudder 13Headlights 10Fuel smell 8Battery drain 6Water leak 6Fuel leak 5Power steering loss 5Premature wear 5

All model years of the Ford Explorer

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