2002 Ford Explorer: engine knocking or ticking

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 May 10, 2015 · Body · 177,492 miles · NY · crash · 1 injury

Vehicle parked in stall when gear selecter was shifted from drive to park with foot on brake said vehicle experienced wide open throttle surged forward knocking down light pole only coming to stop ontop of fire hydrant or vehicle would of kept going as wheels were still spinning!

Filed Apr 6, 2015 · Acceleration, Suspension · 220,000 miles · CA · fire

I got a knock on my door by the fire department telling me that my car set on fire I filed a claim with my insurance and they told me to file a claim with ford because they have reason to believe it was the cruise control button that set the car on fire .

Filed Oct 4, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 120,000 miles · PA

Heard a knocking noise went to mechanic. Was told I blew a two holes through timing chain cover. Went online found that it is a recurring problem for that year of ford. Very upset there is no recall. Was told it would cost at least 2000 to fix. Ford needs to do something about this. I want to go to media to let everyone that has this problem know that ford knows about it and will not do anything. Apparently everyone has to pay out the [xxx] to have this fixed. I'm not one of them. I want my car fixed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jan 9, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 122,000 miles · GA

I have a 2002 ford explorer that is in the shop right now with a torn down engine. I went out to start it one morning and it had a hard start then it started ticking. Come to find out it the timing chain. From what I have read online it is a very common complaint and I am really surprised that this truck has not been recalled again for this problem. I am having to pay for something that ford made a mistake on. The pulley on the truck is plastic, and it is failing. I also have problems with my electrical parts on it. The lights inside will stay on after I turn it off and get out and if I turn on my rear defrost my truck dings and says door ajar..... This truck is awful.

Filed Mar 30, 2010 · Engine · 92,500 miles · MA

Engine knock in all 4.6 ford explorer engines-know by ford, due to faulty cylinder heads

Filed Mar 1, 2010 · Engine · 145,000 miles · WI

Spark plug blew out on ford explorer xlt 2002 model year with 4.6l engine. Has 145,000 and original plugs (platinum). Car started to make a ticking sound and then the plug popped off.

Filed Feb 23, 2010 · Transmission · 120,523 miles · FL

My 2002 ford explorer has a transmission failure. The od light is blinking. And it shifts hard with gears. Also makes a knocking noise when trying to shift. When I try to go, the RPM just runs high and the truck does not move. When im driving and it needs to shift to another gear, it just rems and doesn't shift.

Filed Nov 11, 2009 · Engine · TN

There is a knocking noise in the back of my explorer which is a 2002 and my friend has a 2003 expedition and hers is doing the same thing it has something to do with the heat in the back but it knocks all the time and when you turn the rear heat on it gets really loud. It knocks all the time and it is annoying and loud I know of 3 vehicles that are ford and they are doing the same thing why has it not been recalled could it not catch fire or something.

Filed Oct 3, 2009 · Engine, Suspension · 60,000 miles · MA

2002 explorer first rear end went and was replace only to find its gone again after 20,000 miles, then 4.6 v8 engine has a knock in it, ford is aware of it but wont replace or fix it, now both rear springs are broke which ford also knows and wont replace.

Filed Feb 25, 2009 · Suspension · 82,000 miles · OH

I took my 2002 ford explorer in for new tires(82k miles) and the mechanic told me one of my rear coil springs was broken in 3 places. I hadn't noticed any "knocking" or noises as I drove my truck, and I don't use it off-road or take it anywhere where there's great stress put on the suspension system. To my knowledge the struts weren't damaged due to the spring failing, but I didn't have another $300 to replace both rear springs after getting new tires. I've noticed that an alarming number of people are seeing this problem with their '02 explorers. Ford should be doing something about this.

Filed Feb 23, 2009 · Visibility · 85,000 miles · NJ

1.) my heating does not work. The air conditioner works, however, when you turn the knob for heat, it makes a ticking sound and no heat. We took the vehicle to several garages, 3 in all, who have states they see this problem often with my model ford explorer xlt.