Investigation EA09013: 2002–2005 Ford Explorer

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Aug 18, 2009

Closed

Feb 12, 2013

Model years

2002–2005

Subject

Vehicle Rollaway Allegations

Component: Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)

Summary

This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.By the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during EA09-013, ODI identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.The highest rate for any particular failure mechanism, the failure of the Automatic Transmission Parking System, was 4.4/100K.The next-highest failure rate was for the BSI System, at 3.4/100K.For all identified failure mechanisms there has been a drastically declining trend including very few incidents occurring in recent years.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.For additional information regarding this investigation, see the complete closing resume in the document file for EA09-013. The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10168454, 10279630, 10280078.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 2005 Ford Explorer497 complaints
• 2004 Ford Explorer1,304 complaints
• 2003 Ford Explorer1,131 complaints
• 2002 Ford Explorer3,295 complaints