1997 FORD Explorer Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
VIN Decoder
1981
Complaints Reported
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Complaints by Component
TIRES
750 complaints
ON 7/29/2013 WE PURCHASED A SET OF 4 KUMHO SOLUS KR21 TIRES. THE CAR IS USED PRIMARILY FOR HIGHWAY TRAVEL ? ONCE WEEKLY WORK COMMUTE AND FOR VACATION ROAD TRIPS. WE HAD NOT YET DRIVEN IT OFF PAVEMENT WITH THE NEW TIRES. ON 4/16/2014 I STARTED THE CAR TO GO TO WORK. I HEARD AN ODD NOISE FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE, ALMOST LIKE A RHYTHMIC POPPING SOUND, BUT IT STOPPED, AND SINCE IT WASN'T IDENTIFIABLE I PROCEEDED TO LEAVE MY DRIVEWAY. ABOUT A BLOCK AWAY, I HEARD THE NOISE AGAIN, BUT AGAIN IT STOPPED. AT THIS POINT THE CAR WAS HANDLING FINE. AS SOON AS I GOT ON THE FREEWAY (APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES FROM MY HOUSE), I NOTICED I WAS HAVING TROUBLE ACCELERATING TO SPEED (65MPH). I ALSO BEGAN TO HEAR A RHYTHMIC BUMPING NOISE, SO BEGAN TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER. BY THE TIME I GOT OVER, I COULD FEEL THE BUMPING AND KNEW I HAD A FLAT. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL HAD SUFFERED A COMPLETE SIDEWALL SEPARATION (SEE PHOTO). THE TIRES ONLY HAD 6,624 MILES ON THEM ? ALL PAVED ROAD, NO DIRT. THEY WERE SUPPOSEDLY WARRANTIED TO 85,000 MILES. IN RETROSPECT, I BELIEVE THE SOUNDS I HEARD IN MY DRIVEWAY WERE THE INITIAL SIDEWALL SEPARATION. THE SEPARATION DID NOT CAUSE IMMEDIATE LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE OR STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY; THAT ONLY HAPPENED ONCE I GOT ON THE HIGHWAY AND STARTED DRIVING AT 60MPH. THERE WAS NO EXPLOSIVE NOISE LIKE A BLOWOUT. IN SUBSEQUENTLY RESEARCHING KUMHO TIRES, I DISCOVERED THAT THIS BRAND HAS A LONG HISTORY WITH SUDDEN SIDEWALL SEPARATION AND/OR BLOWOUTS ? ALL AT LOW MILEAGES. THIS OCCURS ACROSS SEVERAL TIRE MODELS AND YEARS. THE COMPLAINTS WERE SO CONSISTENT THAT I WENT BACK TO THE TIRE DEALER AND REQUESTED A DIFFERENT BRAND. THEY REPLACED THEM AND I NOTIFIED THEM OF MY RESEARCH RESULTS. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT KUMHO IS ALLOWED TO CONTINUE SELLING TIRES WITH SUCH A SAFETY RISK. I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT I DID NOT LOSE CONTROL AND THAT TRAFFIC AT THAT MOMENT WAS LIGHT. *TR
Apr 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER WITH WINSTON WIN WINNER AT TIRES, SIZE: 255/70R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SIDE WALL OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WAS LEAKING AND THE OTHER THREE TIRES HAD DEVELOPED CRACKS THROUGHOUT THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THE TIRES WERE REPLACED BY THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE AND TIRES WAS 170,000. THE DOT NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Oct 01, 2013
1997 FORD EXPLORER, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. *BF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT. THE DRIVER PULLER OVER AND NOTICED THE TIRE HAD CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE AND EVENTUALLY THE ENTIRE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. OHIO TRAFFIC REPORT # 10-0298-89.
Mar 22, 2010
I JUST DISCOVERED THE TIRES I HAVE ON MY CAR HAVE HAD THE DATE CODE BUFFED OFF. IT'S A GOOD JOB, BARELY NOTICEABLE UNLESS VIEWED WITH A SLANTING LIGHT SOURCE, BUT ALL FOUR ARE THE SAME. IS THIS A VIOLATION OF SOME FEDERAL LAW PERTAINING TO TIRES? *TR
Jun 17, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE HAS COOPER TRAILCAT ALL SEASON TIRES (235/75R15). WHILE REPLACING THE BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED SIDEWALL SEPARATION ON ALL FOUR TIRES. HE WAS INFORMED THAT HIS DOT NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01T014000 (TIRES:SIDEWALL). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,731 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,700.
Apr 15, 2008
+ 745 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
181 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20-30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD MISFIRE AND SEEM AS IF IT WOULD STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT SHE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN CONTACTED AND ADVISED HER THAT HER VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
Feb 09, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 35-40 MPH WHEN HE SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY. WHILE EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES ERUPTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
Jul 27, 2010
1997 FORD EXPLORER FAULTY TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER STARTED MAKING A NOISE. CONSUMER BELIEVES FORD SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM AT NO COST. *KB
Apr 12, 2010
1997 FORD EXPLORER 4.0 SOHC, MY ENGINE IS MAKING A TERRIBLE RATTLE SOUND WHILE RUNNING, I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MANY THAT ITS THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONERS, AND THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT IS NOT DOING ANYTHING TO HELP OWNERS TO GET THIS REPAIRED. *TR
Nov 17, 2008
FORD 4.0L SOHC TIMING CHAIN ISSUE. CURRENTLY MY TIMING CHAINS ARE STILL IN ONE PIECE. THE PLASTIC TENSIONERS BREAK, LEADING TO CHAIN SLACK, AND EVENTUALLY, BREAKAGE. THERE HAS BEEN NOTHING DONE TO CORRECT IT AS OF YET, THE ONLY WAY TO REPAIR THEM IS TO BUY $500-$600 WORTH OF PARTS AND TOOLS, REMOVE THE ENGINE FROM THE CAR AND REPAIR AND REPLACE THE TIMING CHAINS AND GUIDES. *TR
Aug 25, 2008
+ 176 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
171 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 215,000.
Sep 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH ON A STEEP UPHILL GRADE, THE BRACKET THAT SUPPORTED THE GAS PEDAL SUDDENLY BROKE AWAY FROM THE FIREWALL AND THE BRACKET AND GAS PEDAL SLID INTO THE FLOOR BOARD AND UNDER THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS BACKED DOWN THE HILL IN NEUTRAL AND MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN LIGHT ONCOMING TRAFFIC. ASSISTANCE WAS SUMMONED AND UPON INSPECTION THE GAS PEDAL WAS FOUND WITH THE BRACKET THAT ATTACHED TO THE FIREWALL IN A NEW LIKE CONDITION, EXCEPT WHERE THREE SPOT WELDS ATTACHED TO THE GAS PEDAL BRACKET TO THE FIREWALL HAD BROKEN AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS RIGGED TO A RUNNING CONDITION TO TRAVEL APPROXIMATELY TWO MILES OR LESS TO THE OWNERS RESIDENCE WHERE A MORE RELIABLE REPAIR WAS MADE. THE REPAIR WAS OVER SEEN BY A LICENSED A&P MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BY THE OWNER OF THE WELD FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE MILEAGE WAS WELL OVER 100,00 AND IS CURRENTLY BACK IN SERVICE. UPDATED 06/18/13*LJ
Apr 12, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, IT ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH HAD BEGAN TO LEAK INTERNALLY AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) HOWEVER, THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT THEY WERE ONLY REQUIRED TO STOP THE LEAK BUT NOT REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 201,000. UPDATED 01/05/13*LJ UPDATED 2/13/2013 *JS
Dec 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND UNLESS AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE THROTTLE BODY HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V422000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Oct 04, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A DRIVING TRAFFIC STOP, THE ENGINE GROWLED LOUDLY AS THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED RAPIDLY. THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESUME AS NORMAL. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE A DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Jul 26, 2012
+ 166 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
95 complaints
THIS LETTER IS INTENDED TO ADDRESS INEFFECTIVE SERVICE BY AAMCO THAT LED TO FAILURE OF A TRANSMISSION IN MY VEHICLE. AS YOU SEE BY THE ATTACHED LETTER, I VOICED CONCERN ABOUT THIS LAST YEAR AND ALL AAMCO SUGGESTED WAS TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER THAT PERFORMED THE INEFFECTIVE SERVICE. I REQUESTED THE RIGHT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER AAMCO CENTER, BUT YOUR RESPONSE WAS TO TAKE IT TO THE CENTER THAT I ALREADY HAD DOUBTS ABOUT. LET ME SET THE SCENARIO AGAIN. ?WITH INITIAL GRINDING SOUNDS AND LACK OF REVERSE, I TOOK TO CLINTON TRANSMISSIONS IN 2011 AND THEY INFORMED ME THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED UNTIL 2012. ?IN 2012, I CALLED THE WALDORF AAMCO CENTER AND THEY INFORMED ME IT MAY NOT BE THE TRANSMISSION AND TO LET THEM LOOK AT IT. IT WAS TOWED IN AND I WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FINE BUT THE TRANSFER CASE WAS BAD. ?ALL TOTALED, I PAID $1534.76 FOR TRANSFER CASE, $430.03 FOR PARTS, AND $600 FOR LABOR. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE OTHER SERVICES THAT THE CENTER SAID I NEEDED. ?THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TWICE FOR AN OD LIGHT THAT CAME ON AS SOON AS I LEFT THE CENTER. THEY SEEMED UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. ?I FELT CONCERN FOR THE PERIOD I WAS DRIVING AND WROTE CORPORATE TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE. ?EARLIER THIS YEAR WHILE DRIVING TO SOUTH CAROLINA, THE GRINDING SOUND STARTED AGAIN AND REVERSE WENT OUT. I NOTIFIED CORPORATE AND THE WALDORF CENTER AND WAS TOLD TO GO TO THE NEAREST AAMCO. ?I WENT TO THE COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA AAMCO AND AFTER DIAGNOSTIC, TOLD ME THE SAME THING THAT THE CLINTON TRANSMISSION TOLD ME IN 2011. THE TRANSMISSION HAD INTERNAL DAMAGE AND NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. ?I LEFT THE VEHICLE IN COLUMBIA AND HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW VEHICLE. WITH THESE FACTS IN MIND, AAMCO CAN SURELY SEE WHERE INEFFECTIVE SERVICE LED TO A SAFETY FAILURE. *TR
Oct 20, 2013
AFTER TURNING A CORNER AT LESS THAN 15 MPH A LOUD SOUND WAS HEARD AND THE ENGINE RACED BUT STOPPED MOVING. TRIED ALL GEARS AND AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY I WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE BROKE.I HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED. *TR
Feb 19, 2013
WE MAINTAINED OUR VEHICLES REGULARLY, AFTER REPLACING THE TRANSFER CASE NOT 8 MONTHS AGO NOW THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. SPENT $2400 FOR A REBUILD. SHOP STATES THIS MODEL IS A PIECE OF [XXX], AND THE HAVE MADE A LOT OF MONEY FROM FORDS POOR ENGINEERING ON THIS MODEL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Feb 19, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING THE RPMS TO INCREASE CONTINUOUSLY. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 256,000.
Dec 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE WHEN IT ROLLED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 148,700.
Apr 05, 2012
+ 90 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
85 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH OVER A ROAD BUMP, THE VEHICLE WOULD SWAY FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO ADVISED THAT THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THREE TIMES HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER EACH REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE AND OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000.
Mar 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 TO 40 MPH OVER A ROAD BUMP, THE VEHICLE WOULD SEEM TO SHIFT TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 189,000.
Aug 18, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND AND THE VEHICLE BEGIN SWAYING FROM BACK AND FORTH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT SWAY BAR LINK WAS BROKEN AND SHEARED. A MECHANIC LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND OBSERVED THAT THE BAR WAS BROKEN. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT RECALL# 00V402000 COMPONENT: SUSPENSION IS RELATED; HOWEVER, THE VIN DOES NOT APPLY TO THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
Nov 23, 2009
WEAK REAR SPRINGS ON LEFT REAR OF FORD EXPLORER, MAKING VEHICLE LEAN TO THE LEFT. *TR
Nov 09, 2009
LETTER ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT SEEKING INFORMATION IDENTIFYING RECALLED OF DEFECTIVE SWAY BARS IN CERTAIN 1997 FORD EXPLORER VEHICLES. *NJ THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 00V40200, HOWEVER THE RIGHT AND LEFT SWAY BAR LINKS FAILED EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. *JB
Oct 22, 2009
+ 80 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
81 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DEFROSTER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING AND THE WINDSHIELD WOULD NOT CLEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE DASHBOARD WOULD HAVE TO BE REMOVED AND THE BLENDING CHAMBER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000. UPDATED 07/10/13*LJ UPDATED 07/12/13 *JS
Nov 16, 2011
WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE SUNROOF SHATTERED NOTHING BUT RAIN HAD FALLEN ON THE VEHICLE. *TR
Dec 20, 2010
HAVE EXPERIENCED PERIODS WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT OPERATE WHEN THE CONTROL IS ON. HAS OCCURRED WHEN FIRST TURNING ON THE CONTROL AS WELL AS WHEN CHANGING FROM A DIFFERENT SPEED SETTING ON THE CONTROL. NO REGULARITY IN THE OCCURRENCE, SEEMS TO BE RANDOM. THIS HAS OCCURRED MANY TIMES DURING MY OWNERSHIP SINCE 2000. I WAS CHECKING THE DATABASE AND FOUND AN ENTRY ON THIS PROBLEM UNDER "DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS" SO I AM ADDING MY EXPERIENCE TO YOUR RECORDS. *TR
Mar 05, 2010
BLEND DOOR ON MY 1997 FORD EXPLORER IS NOT WORKING. ITS A PROBLEM WHEN DEFROSTING, AND DRIVING IN BAD WEATHER DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE WINDSHIELD IS NOT DEFROSTING. *TR
Apr 29, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AT ANY SPEED OTHER THAN HIGH DIDN'T OPERATE NORMALLY. WHEN THE RAIN WAS HEAVY OR LIGHT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ONLY OPERATED ON HIGHER SPEEDS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116000 ,AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 126000. *AK
Apr 25, 2007
+ 76 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
71 complaints
WITH NO WARNING OR HINT OF ANYTHING GOING WRONG ON THE BRAKE SYSTEM, AS TRAFFIC SLOWED TO STOP FOR A LIGHT, THE BRAKES WENT COMPLETELY OUT ON MY FORD EXPLORER. THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND PUMPING HAD NO EFFECT. I WAS IN MID DAY TRAFFIC AND HAD ALMOST 2 CAR LENGTHS BETWEEN MYSELF AND THE SUV IN FRONT OF ME, WHICH UNFORTUNATELY, WAS WHAT STOPPED ME. THANKFULLY, I WAS ONLY GOING 20 MPH AND NO ONE WAS HURT NOR DID AIR BAGS DEPLOY. AFTER THE POLICE ARRIVED AND HAD US PULL INTO A PARKING LOT, THE PEDAL FELT LIKE IT HAD THE BRAKES BACK HOWEVER, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AFTER CRANKING UP. I WAS ABLE TO STOP FROM ROLLING OUT THE OTHER SIDE OF A PARKING SPACE IN THE BACK OF THE LOT BY USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKES. EVEN THOUGH THE TRUCK HAS SHOWS HIGH MILEAGE,MOST OF WHICH IS HIGHWAY MILES, THE TRUCK AS BEEN MAINTAINED. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO THE SHOP AND TWO MECHANICS COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. I HAD THE MASTER CYLINDER AND BOOSTER WAS CHANGED EVEN THOUGH I WAS ASSURED IT WAS FINE. THAT SEEMED TO HELP MY PEACE OF MIND FOR ABOUT A WEEK UNTIL I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT AND THE BRAKE PEDAL EASED DOWN TO THE FLOOR. I RAN AN INTERNET SEARCH TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM AND SURPRISED TO SEE IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH EXPLORER. I'M SURE EVERYONE WHO MENTIONED HAVING THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT REPORTED IT THAT SHOULD HAVE.
Apr 08, 2015
FORD 1997 EXPLORER BRAKE LINE FAILED. ON MY CAR LAST YEAR AND MY FRIENDS THIS YEAR. DANGEROUS. *TR
Sep 11, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH SHE HEARD GRINDING AND CLICKING NOISE WHEN SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES. HER MECHANIC REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS AND STATED THAT THEY WERE WORN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,002.
Jan 21, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. HE STATED THAT IN 2004 WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED HE NOTICED TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE AT 50,000 MILES. A LOCAL MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE BRAKE LINE SYSTEM FOR $880.00. IN DECEMBER OF 2009, WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR BRAKES WERE FAILING OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINE WAS CORRODED. THE REAR BRAKE LINE WAS REPLACED FOR $135 00. THE MANUFACTURER TOOK A REPORT, BUT NO ASSISTANCE OR CALL BACK WAS OFFERED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000. UPDATED 2/17/10 *CN
Jan 05, 2010
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 1997 FORD EXPLORER WHEN SHE SAW WHITE SMOKE COME FROM UNDER THE HOOD. SHE WAS PARKED IN MCDONALD'S PARKING LOT. SHE CALLED ME TELLING ME THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I ASKED HER IF THERE WAS LIQUID RUNNING FROM THE CAR AND SHE SAID YES. IT WAS CLEAR AND ON THE DRIVES SIDE. THE NEXT THING I HEARD WAS THE TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. WHEN I GOT TO THE BODY SHOP TO SEE WHAT THE DAMAGES WERE I FOUND THE MASTER CYLINDER COMPLETELY MELTED AWAY AND THE WIRE HARNESS BURNT. THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
May 05, 2008
+ 66 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
64 complaints
I RECENTLY FOUND OUT MY VEHICLE HAS AN OPEN RECALL REGARDING THE POSSIBLE LEAKAGE OF THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH, WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING OR NOT. THE FORD MANUFACTURER'S RECALL #09S09 AND THE NHTSA RECALL #09V399000. THIS IS STILL AN OPEN RECALL.I CONTACTED FORD RECALL CENTER TODAY AND THEY ARE REFUSING TO REMEDY THIS HAZARDOUS RECALL DUE TO THE AGE OF THE RECALL AND THE AGE AND MILES OF MY VEHICLE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND FORD SHOULD FIX IT AS BODILY INJURY OR EVEN POSSIBLE DEATH COULD OCCUR IF THIS RECALL IS NOT REMEDIED. MY VEHICLE IS RUNNING PROPERLY FOR THE MOMENT BUT SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, FORD MOTOR CO. SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO FIX IT NO MATTER THE AGE OF MY VEHICLE.
Apr 03, 2017
ON DECEMBER 23RD, 2016 I WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK AROUND 6:00 PM. MY CAR WAS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. I HAD JUST GOTTEN OFF OF THE HIGHWAY AND TURNED ONTO MY ROAD WHEN I BEGAN TO SMELL SMOKE, SO, I PULLED OFF INTO AN EMPTY PARKING LOT BESIDE A WALKING TRAIL. I COULD TELL THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE, BUT, IT TOOK ME QUITE A WHILE TO FIGURE OUT WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. I CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD - BUT NOTHING SEEMED TO BE WRONG THERE. THEN, I GOT BACK INTO THE CAR AND THE SMOKE KEPT GETTING HEAVIER. I BEGAN FEELING AROUND FOR SOMETHING THAT WAS HOT. I CHECKED THE DASH, THE VENTS, THE STEERING WHEEL, THE SEATS - ALMOST EVERYTHING BEFORE I CHECKED THE CENTER COMPUTER CONSOLE. IN THE MIDDLE OF MY CAR - DIRECTLY UNDER THE RADIO - THERE IS A COMPUTER MODULE THAT DISPLAYS THE GAS MILEAGE, OIL STATUS, AND IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE LIGHTS ON THE CAR. THE MODULE HAD RECENTLY STARTED DISPLAYING A "CHECK HEADLAMPS" MESSAGE. WELL - I HAD DONE SO AND THEY WERE WORKING FINE - SO I DID NOT THINK ANYTHING OF IT. TURNS OUT THAT THE FIRE HAD STARTED UNDER THE CENTER COMPUTER MODULE. I GUESS THAT THE CAR SHOULD HAVE BLOWN A FUSE BUT INSTEAD - STARTED A FIRE. I TRIED TO RIP THE COVER AND THE CONSOLE UP - BUT IT WAS SCREWED DOWN AND I HAD NO LUCK. AT THAT POINT, THE FLAMES STARTED TO SPREAD VERY QUICKLY AND THE ENTIRE CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES IN A MATTER OF MINUTES. I CALLED 911 AND GOT AS FAR AWAY AS I COULD WITH MY BELONGINGS. THE FIRE TRUCK AND FIRE FIGHTERS CAME WITHIN FIVE MINUTES OR SO AND PUT OUT THE FIRE BEFORE IT REACHED THE GAS TANK. THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE CAR REMAINED UNTOUCHED, HOWEVER, THE INTERIOR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE SEATS HAD BURNT OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS COMPLETELY GONE. I'M STILL IN MY TEENAGE YEARS - SO I DID NOT KNOW HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS SITUATION PROPERLY. I AM JUST GLAD I AM ALIVE AND THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR IN TIME.
Dec 29, 2016
APPROX. 2AM, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE DEPT. REPORT CONFIRMED ELECTRICAL FIRE. *TR
Jun 28, 2013
WHILE DRIVING MY 1997 FORD EXPLORER SPORT THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD DROP TO ZERO AND I WOULD NOT KNOW HOW FAST I AM ACTUALLY DRIVING. THE TACHOMETER IS ALSO AFFECTED AND, PROBABLY, THE ODOMETER. MY MECHANIC HAS CHANGED THE SPEED SENSOR BUT THE PROBLEM REMAINS. AN INTERNET SEARCH HAS TURNED UP NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE RESULT BEING A FAULTY PROGRAMMABLE SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER MODULE (PSOM), WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE DASH. THIS IS A VERY COSTLY REPAIR. SOME INDIVIDUALS ARE JUST PURCHASING GPS UNITS TO DETERMINE HOW FAST THEY ARE DRIVING. IT IS MY OPINION THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO REPAIR/REPLACE THE PSOM. ASIDE FROM THE OBVIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM OF NOT KNOWING HOW FAST I AM DRIVING, THIS PROBLEM ALSO CAUSES THE ODOMETER TO READ INCORRECTLY. *TR
Feb 20, 2012
TODAY IS THE FIRST TIME SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE TRUCK AS I WAS DRIVING IT AND STARTED RIGHT BACK UP, AND ABOUT 6 HOURS LATER MY NEIGHBOR NOTICED MY TRUCK ON FIRE. FLAMES WERE COMING FROM BEHIND THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WELL. MY MECHANIC SAID LOOKS LIKE E-BRAKE CABLE STARTED TO WELD IT SELF AND CAUGHT THE BODY MOUNT ON FIRE. E-BRAKE CABLE MELTED PLASTIC HOUSING INSIDE THE TRUCK. *TR
Apr 04, 2008
+ 59 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
43 complaints
DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL NO LONGER SECURELY LATCH. *TR
Apr 23, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER 2 DOOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD BECOME UNLATCHED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE SEAT BELT NEEDED REPLACING. THE MECHANIC WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 187,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Dec 11, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER . THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DISENGAGE THE SEAT BELT WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BUCKLE. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE TO THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT DOES NOT FEEL SAFE HAVING HIS CHILD'S SAFETY RESTRAINT SEAT INSTALLED IN THE REAR SEAT DUE TO THE MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 223,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 224,500.
May 07, 2012
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER SIDE WOULD NOT ATTACH. IF IT DID ATTACH, IT WOULD RELEASE WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
Dec 09, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKED AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK IT. THE HIGHWAY PATROL HAD TO CUT THE SEAT BELT IN ORDER FOR HER TO GET OUT OF IT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THEY ALSO STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE LIABLE FOR REPLACING THE SEAT BELT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 213,000. UPDATED 10/21/09. *LJ UPDATED 10/20/09*JB
Sep 15, 2009
+ 38 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
41 complaints
THE DRIVER SIDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING UNSEATED RESULTING IN INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE THAT DOES NOT RETURN TO THE FULLY STOWED POSITION AFTER ACTUATION. IF THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING IS UNSEATED, COULD THE DOOR UNLATCH IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE IMPACT CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY? *TR
Apr 08, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO HAVE TO ENTER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE EXTERIOR OR INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE AS WELL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC TO HAVE THE DOORS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD THE DOORS REPAIRED THREE TIMES FOR THE RECURRING FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,100. *JS
Mar 29, 2012
SEVERE RUST ON THE FRAME OF A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. *TR
Apr 18, 2011
I THINK THE REAR DOOR OF FORD EXPLORERS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. I HAVE A 1997 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE WELD THAT HOLDS THE REAR DOOR AT THE TOP IS STARTING TO COME APART. I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS IS AN ENGINEERING DEFECT ON FORD EXPLORERS BY A FORD BODY SHOP. WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE? I HAVE ALSO SEEN THIS ON SEVERAL OTHER EXPLORERS. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS OCCURS BECAUSE THE SHEET METAL USED ON THE DOOR IS SO THIN THAT IT DOES NOT SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE REAR DOOR THAT GOOD.*JB
Oct 04, 2005
DT: 1997 FORD EXPLORER THE DRIVER FRONT DOOR AND THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. CONTACT STATES SHE CALLED THE SERVICE DEALER, BUT IT COSTS TOO MUCH TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT, PARTS AND LABOR WOULD BE MORE.*AK
May 09, 2005
+ 36 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
38 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN HE WAS INFORMED THAT A FIRE HAD ERUPTED FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY AND EXIT THE VEHICLE JUST AS IT BURST INTO FLAMES. THE POLICE ARRIVED TO ASSIST AND A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNDISCLOSED LOCATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE PICTURES OF THE FAILURE AND DAMAGES. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V060000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS), WHICH COULD POSSIBLY HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 234,000.
Jan 28, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT SMELLED GASOLINE IN THE VEHICLE AND AFTER LOOKING UNDERNEATH THE HOOD HE NOTICED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS LEAKING FROM A BRACKET BEHIND THE MOTOR. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT RECALL CAMPAIGN 98V060000, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, BUT THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE RECALL HAD CLOSED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 118,034.
Jan 13, 2011
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH SHE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING IN THE VEHICLE. SHE THEN SAW A BIT OF SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. SHE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND A PERSON CAME UP TO THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED HER TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. ANOTHER PERSON APPROACHED THE SCENE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, BUT BY THIS TIME THE FLAMES COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THEY USED UP THE ENTIRE FIRE EXTINGUISHER, BUT COULD NOT PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE TIRES EXPLODED AND ALL OF THE WINDOWS BLEW OUT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME, THEY TRIED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE, BUT THERE WASN'T ENOUGH WATER PRESSURE BY THE TIME THE SECOND FIRE TRUCK CAME OUT THE FIRE WAS VERY CLOSE TO THE GASOLINE TANK. LUCKILY THEY WERE ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT BEFORE IT GOT TO THE GAS TANK, BUT THE THING THAT IS LEFT OF THE VEHICLE IS THE METAL FRAME. SHE HAS NOT YET CALLED FORD, BUT BELIEVES THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE DAMAGES WERE SO SEVERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO TELL WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. ALL SHE KNEW WAS THAT THE FIRE STARTED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND SHE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT TRIGGERED THE FIRE. SHE NEVER RECEIVED ANY SORT OF RECALL NOTICE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. UPDATED 5/18/09 *CN ACCORDING TO THE FIRE INSPECTOR, A FUEL TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE FROM RETURN HOSE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. UPDATED 05/20/09*JB
Apr 24, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON HIS VEHICLE (NUMBER 98S09) REGARDING THE WARNING LABEL THAT WAS TO BE INSTALLED ON THE FUEL BRACKET; HOWEVER, HIS WAS INSTALLED ON THE FUEL LINE ITSELF. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 102,266.
Oct 08, 2008
I BOUGHT A 1997 FORD EXPLORER ON FEBRUARY 23, 2008. ON OCTOBER 3, 2008 I USED MY EXPLORER TO JUMP ANOTHER VEHICLE. I HAD THE NEGATIVE CABLE GROUNDED TO A BRACKET RIGHT NEXT TO THE BATTERY (THE MOST OBVIOUS PLACE TO GROUND TO). WHILE TRYING TO JUMP THE OTHER VEHICLE FUEL STARTED LEAKING FROM THE FUEL LINES THAT ARE ATTACHED TO THAT BRACKET. THE FUEL LINES WERE MELTED BECAUSE OF JUMPING ON THAT BRACKET AND THERE WAS FUEL RUNNING OVER THE JUMPER CABLES AND DOWN THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE. I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED BUT MOST LIKELY KILLED IF THE JUMPER CABLES SPARKED. I WAS LOOKING ON THE INTERNET TO SEE HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST TO HAVE THE FUEL LINES REPLACED AND I STUMBLED ACROSS A RECALL STATING THAT ON MY SPECIFIC EXPLORER " THE ENGINE FUEL LINES CAN BE DAMAGED IF THE VEHICLE IS JUMP STARTED AND THE GROUND CABLE IS ATTACHED TO THE FUEL LINE BRACKET THAT IS LOCATED NEAR THE BATTERY. SINCE THE BRACKET IS NOT GROUNDED, THE STAINLESS STEEL FUEL LINE BRAID COULD ACT AS A GROUND POTENTIALLY OVERHEATING THE PTFE INNER LINER OF THE FUEL LINE RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL LINE. CONSEQUENCE: THE FUEL LINES CAN LEAK, AND IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT. REMEDY: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WARNING LABEL ON THE FUEL LINE BRACKET ADVISING OWNERS NOT TO USE IT FOR A JUMP START GROUND." I WENT AND CHECKED TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY KIND OF WARNING AND THERE WAS, BUT IT WAS NOT ON THE FUEL LINE BRACKET LIKE THE RECALL SAID THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD DO, IT WAS ON THE FUEL LINES AND TUCKED UP BEHIND THAT BRACKET WHERE IT WAS IN NO WAY VISIBLE UNLESS YOU KNEW IT WAS THERE. SO NOW IM GOING TO HAVE TO PAY $608.05 FOR FUEL LINES BECAUSE FAULKNER-CIACCO FORD DEALERSHIP DID NOT SERVICE MY EXPLORER CORRECTLY. I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY ASKING IF THEY WOULD PAY FOR IT AND THEY SAID THAT THEY CANT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I BELIEVE FORD, OR THE DEALER SHOULD HAVE TO PAY SINCE THE WARNING LABEL WAS NOT CORRECTLY PLACED ON MY VEHICLE. THE FORD RECALL # IS 98S09. *TR
Oct 08, 2008
+ 33 more complaints for this component
SEATS
35 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BOLTS FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE SEATS TO SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME. THE BOLTS WERE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES; HOWEVER THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V281000 (SEATS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE AS 330,000.
Mar 26, 2013
1997 FORD EXPLORER AND BEGAN TO BACK OUT OF MY PARENTS DRIVEWAY ON THE WAY TO WORK. I USED THE ELECTRICAL SEAT MOVER BUTTON TO MOVE MY SEAT BACK A FEW INCHES AND WITHIN ONLY 10 SECONDS SMOKE WAS IN MY FACE. I JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR, TURNED THE CAR OFF, AND RAN IN MY HOUSE. I GOT WATER TO TRY AND EXTINGUISH THE SMOKE AND OPENED MY BACK DOOR AND LOOKED UNDER THE SEAT AND THERE WAS INTENSE SPARKING WHICH TURNED INTO FLAMES AND WITHIN MINUTES MY ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE AND POLICE CAME AND EXTINGUISHED IT AFTER FLAMES REACHED ABOUT 20 FEET. THERE WAS PROPERTY DAMAGE, WITH ALONG LOSING THE ENTIRE VEHICLE (ENGINE WAS SOMEHOW IN FINE SHAPE), BUT LUCKILY, IT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY AS I AM ALIVE. I SENT FORD 40 PICTURES, POLICE REPORT, VIDEO OF THE INCIDENT THAT WE CAUGHT, TITLE OF VEHICLE, ETC. IT HAS CAUSED ME AN INCREDIBLE INCONVENIENCE IN MY LIFE, I NOW WALK A MILE TO A SUBWAY STATION WHICH TAKES ME TO A TRAIN STATION WHICH THEN GETS ME TO WORK. KNOWING IT WAS AN OLDER CAR, BUT A POPULAR ONE AT THAT, I FIGURED THAT FORD WOULD REIMBURSE ME WITH A USED CAR AND THE PROPERTY DAMAGE, ESPECIALLY GIVEN HOW LUCKY THAT NO DEATH OR INJURIES RESULTED. THEY INFORMED TODAY THEY WOULDN'T GIVE ME A DIME BECAUSE THEY DON'T DEEM THAT A DEFECT THROUGH THEIR ANALYSIS (THOUGH THE CAR SITS LIKE A TOXIC WASTELAND IN MY DRIVEWAY WITH NO ONE FROM FORD EVEN INSPECTING IT). THEY CAME TO THEIR DECISION WITHIN ONE DAY OF HAVING MY MATERIALS. *KB
Jul 18, 2011
FRONT DRIVERS SIDE SEAT TILT LEVER BROKE OFF, PASSENGER SIDE BENT. THERE ARE OTHER REPORTS OF THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO OTHER OWNERS.
Mar 24, 2010
BOTH SEAT TILT LEVERS BEND AND THEN BREAK OFF AFTER ATTEMPTING TO STRAIGHTEN THEM ONCE TOO MANY TIMES. NEW DESIGN STRENGTHENS THE BRACKETS. IF THE BRACKETS BREAK OFF AND THERE IS A SMALL CHILD IN THE BACK, ADULTS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REMOVE SMALL CHILDREN QUICKLY DURING AN EMERGENCY SINCE THEY CAN'T TILT THE SEATS FORWARD OUT OF THE WAY. *TR
May 27, 2009
MY 1997 FORD EXPLORER WAS PARKED OUTSIDE A LOCAL RESTAURANT WHEN I WAS ALERTED THAT THE INTERIOR OF MY VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE AND THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN CALLED. BLACK SMOKE WAS POURING OUT OF THE SLIGHTLY OPENED WINDOWS WHEN I APPROACHED THE SUV AND ULTIMATELY PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. CLOSER EXAMINATION INDICATED THAT THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE CAME FROM UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT. ONE OF THE FIREMEN ON THE SCENE SPECULATED THAT THE MOTOR THAT CONTROLS THE POWER SEAT OVERHEATED AND STARTED THE FIRE. MY FIRST CALL WAS TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT THEY WOULD SEND ME A LETTER IN THE MAIL. THIS LETTER CAME A WEEK LATER AND EXPLAINED THAT ALTHOUGH THEY WOULD REALLY LIKE TO ASSIST ME WITH MY LOSS , THERE WAS NOT A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE, SO THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ASSIST ME. MY INSURANCE COMPANY TOOK CARE OF ME AND HOPEFULLY THEY WILL ALSO "TAKE CARE OF FORD" TO RECOUP THEIR LOSS . I AM FORTUNATE THAT A YOUNG CHILD OR ONE OF OUR FAMILY PETS WERE NOT IN THE CAR. ANY THOUGHTS I MAY HAVE HAD ABOUT BUYING ANOTHER FORD HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH THOUGHTS ABOUT THERE CUSTOMER DIS-SERVICE AND THE LACK OF CONCERN OVER A POTENTIALLY DEADLY PROBLEM WITH ONE OF THEIR BEST SELLING SUV'S. *JB
Apr 03, 2007
+ 30 more complaints for this component
EQUIPMENT
33 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE CHANGING THE TIRE, THE BOTTOM METAL PLATE FOR THE JACK POPPED OFF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN LIFTED FOR TEN MINUTES. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THE JACK WAS USED. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT MAKE A REPLACEMENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 186,000.
Dec 06, 2007
BLEND DOOR FAILURE ON AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL MODULE. REPLACED AT A COST OF OVER $700. THIS IS A KNOWN AND COMMON FAILURE ON THIS CAR AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY A RECALL BUT IS NOT. *JB
Mar 20, 2004
THE DIAL THAT CONTROLS THE HOT/COLD FEATURE OF THE HEATING/AIR-CONDITIONING UNIT IN MY 1997 EXPLORER MALFUNCTIONED. WHEN TAKEN IN TO DEALER THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE BEEN SEEING ALOT OF THIS PROBLEM IN EXPLORERS AND THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID HE WAS CONCERNED WITH IT HAPPENING IN HIS MOTHER'S CAR. *AK
Dec 02, 2003
CANNOT ADJUST THE TEMPERATURE OF THE HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM - ALWAYS BLOWS COLD AIR. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE MANUFACTURER INSTALLED THE WRONG PARTS AT TIME OF PRODUCTION. THE PART FAILS AND THEN YOU CANNOT ADJUST THE TEMPERATURE - IT ALWAYS BLOWS COLD AIR. THIS, IT SEEMS TO ME, IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP WINDOWS CLEAR IN COLD CLIMATES. *LA
Nov 14, 2003
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
Sep 02, 2002
+ 28 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
28 complaints
RUNNING ON THE HIGHWAY THE RIGHT AXLE OF THE DIFFERENTIAL BROKEOFF AND THE WHEEL CAME OFF WITH THE BRAKE CALIPER AND BRAKE HOSE AND BECAUSE OF THIS CAUSE LOOSE CONTROL AND CRASH .THE VEHICLE IS TOTAL LOSS.
May 29, 2018
1997 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE INFORMATION REGARDING AN ACCIDENT THAT OCCURRED IN SEPT 2010. *TA
Jan 06, 2015
I HAVE A 1997 FORD EXPLORER XLT. MY AC BLEND DOOR FAILED THIS WINTER. I CAN GET EITHER FULL HEAT OR FULL COLD AND NO IN BETWEEN. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ, THIS COSTS ABOUT $1000 TO HAVE FIXED. IT IS A RIDICULOUS PROBLEM THAT SEEMS TO HAPPEN FAIRLY OFTEN IN FORD VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED MODELS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND FIXED. THANK YOU. *JB
Aug 18, 2006
I RETURNED FROM A TRIP TO NOTICE THAT THE SPARE ON MY 1997 FORD EXPLORER HAD "DISAPPEARED". SEEMS THAT THE CABLE THAT HOLDS IT HAD RUSTED OUT AND GIVEN WAY DROPPING THE SPARE WHO KNOWS WHERE. I HAD NEVER USED THE SPARE AND HAD ONLY NOTICED THINKING I HAD SEEN FLUID UNDER MY CAR. I HAVE THE CAR INSPECTED FOR STATE PURPOSES AND NOTHING WAS EVER SAID TO ME. I MENTIONED THE OCCURRENCE TO AN ONLINE BUDDY AND HE SAID THE SAME HAD HAPPENED TO HIM. ANOTHER ACQUAINTANCE SAID HE HAD IT HAPPEN WITH HIS PICK UP TRUCK. I CALLED MY FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY HAD A REPLACEMENT "WINCH & CABLE" IN STOCK SO I THOUGHT WHAT HAPPENED TO ME WAS NOT A RARE OCCURRENCE AND WAS RECALL WORTHY. IT CERTAINLY IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT HAVOC MY SPARE MAY HAVE CREATED ON THE HIGHWAY OR WHEREVER IT DROPPED. *JB
Apr 30, 2006
I HAVE A 1997 FORD EXPLORER SPORT AND IT IS DOWN FOR THE SECOND TIME WITH A TIMING CHAIN PROBLEM. THE FIRST WAS WHEN I BOUGHT THE USED VEHICLE IN 1999 FROM A CAR LOT IN LYNNWOOD, WA IT HAD 49,000 MILES ON IT AND IT NEED THE TIMING CHAIN ASSEMBLY REPLACED. NOW 4 YEARS LATER IT IS SITTING AT A SHOP NEEDING A SECOND TIMING CHAIN ASSEMBLY REPLACED. IT SEEMS VERY ODD THAT THIS WOULD OCCUR TWICE WITH A VEHICLE IN ITS LIFE TIME. THE VEHICLE ORIGINATED FROM CANADA IN 1996, SO I AM NOT SURE IF IT HAD THE CORRECT MILEAGE WHEN I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE. THE BILL IS MINIMUM $4500.00 AND THE VEHICLE IS ONLY WORTH LIKE $6000.00 IN WORKING ORDER. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN FORD PRODUCTS, THEY ARE NOT BUILT TO LAST. *CB
Jan 16, 2004
+ 23 more complaints for this component
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
26 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE LOCK STICKS AND WILL ONLY OPEN FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DOOR LOCK ITSELF IS NOT WORKING AND WHEN THE CONTACT PUSHES THE UNLOCK CONTROL ON THE DOOR PANEL, IT FAILS TO UNLOCK THE DOOR. SHE IS CONCERNED THAT SHE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 168,299 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,299.
Dec 06, 2007
I HAVE TWO 1997 FORD EXPLORERS (AN XLT AND AN EDDIE BAUER) BOTH VEHICLES HAVE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH DOOR LATCHES AND POWER LOCKS. OCCUPANTS HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS DUE TO INOPERABLE HANDLES AND/OR LOCKS. I BELIEVE SOMEONE COULD BECOME TRAPPED IN ONE OF THESE VEHICLES IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT.*AK
Jan 03, 2005
DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK
Aug 17, 2004
DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK. REAR WINDOW WOULD BE ROLLED DOWN SO THAT DRIVER CAN ENTER AND EXIT FROM THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT ON RECALL. *AK
Apr 28, 2004
CONSUMER STATES REAR DOORS WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK DUE TO LATCHES BREAKING. DOOR LATCHES HAD BEEN REPAIRED FOUR TIMES.*AK
Sep 05, 2003
+ 21 more complaints for this component
STEERING
25 complaints
DRIVER SIDE TIE-ROD SEPERATION '97 FORD EXPEDITION WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH ON HIGHWAY. LOSE OF STEERING CONTROL. SERIOUS ACCIDENT AVOIDED ONLY BECAUSE OF EMERGENCY BRAKING.
Jul 27, 2005
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING STEERING BOLTS ARE LOSE AND IT IS CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO JUMP AROUND, MAKING IT HARD FOR CONSUMER TO STEER THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
Jun 30, 2003
WHILE TRAVELING 10-15MPH ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, CONSUMER WAS TURNING LEFT APPROCHING HER DRIVEWAY AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO TURN. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE RACK AND PINION PART OF THE STEERING UNIT FAILED. FORD MOTOR COMPANY REPAIRED THE PROBLEM. *SCC
Jul 22, 2002
THE STEERING COLUMN KNUCKLE THAT HOLDS THE TWO-PIECE COLUMN TOGETHER (UNDER THE DASH) WAS IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED OR MANUFACTURED. ONE OF TWO ASSEMBLY PINS WAS MISSING CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO FREE-SPIN, RESULTING IN COMPLETE STEERING LOSS.*AK
Jun 11, 2002
WHILE MAKING A SLOW TURN TO PARK THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE. VEHICLE STOPPED , CONSUMER TRIED TO BACK UP, BUT AGAIN VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE. CONSUMER SAW LEFT FRONT WHEEL WAS TILTED TO ONE SIDE. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER WHO NOTICED THE FRONT STEERING KNUCKLE HAD BROKEN.*AK
Sep 25, 2001
+ 20 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
22 complaints
I WAS IN A FRONTAL CRASH ON 01/24/2012 THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY.CAUSING INJURIES, SEAT BELTS WERE WORE. *TT
Jan 30, 2012
TL* - THE CONTACT CALLED REGARDING A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING AROUND A CURVE, AND THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE ICY AND SNOWY. THE DRIVER HIT AN EMBANKMENT HEAD ON AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES. THERE WERE TWO OTHER PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE THAT WERE NOT INJURED. IT IS UNCLEAR WHETHER THE DRIVER WAS WEARING THE SEAT BELT. ONE OF THE PASSENGERS REMOVED THE SEAT BELT AND THE OTHER PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT WAS NOT ON SO THAT THEY COULD GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS UNCLEAR WHETHER THE PASSENGER REMOVED THE SEAT BELT FROM THE DRIVER AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW SHOP WHERE IT REMAINED. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. THE TOW SHOP PLANNED TO SELL PARTS OF THE VEHICLE. ITWAS UNKNOWN WHETHER THERE WERE PICTURES TAKEN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD A POLICE REPORT THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER SAID THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN A RECALL FOR THE AIRBAGS IN THE PAST. *AK
Feb 02, 2007
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20MPH A VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THIS WAS A SIDE AND FRONTAL IMPACT AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE SEAT BELTS WERE IN USE. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. UPON INSPECTION THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SEPARATED THREE MILLILITERS AS IF THE AIR BAG WAS GOING TO DEPLOY. THE AIRBAG WARNING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WERE ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE.
Mar 07, 2006
CONSUMER HIT A TELEPHONE POLE AT 25 MPH AND THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. *PH *MR
Apr 08, 2004
ABOUT THREE MONTHS AGO AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC LAST MONTH WHICH STATED CLOCKSPRING HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Aug 06, 2003
+ 17 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
12 complaints
THE HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNAL FAILSEDTO WORK INTERMITTENTLY. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Jan 06, 2005
CONSUMER STATED WHILE TRAVELING WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE HEAD LIGHT WENT OUT. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
Jan 24, 2003
CONSUMER IS THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE AND STATED HAS HAD TO REPLACE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH 3 TIMES IN 5 YEARS. SWITCH CONTROLS FUNCTIONS OF HEAD LIGHTS, WIPERS, HIGH/LOW BEAMS, ETC. THE MOST RECENT FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM SWITCH AND STEERING COLUMN THAT FILLED UP THE ENTIRE CABIN. HAD TO PULL OVER TO AVOID A COLLISION.
Jan 02, 2003
THE FAILURE OF THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT WHICH IS AN LED (LIGHT EMITTING DIODE) ASSEMBLY IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE WAS DISCOVERED I WENT TO THE MANUFACTURER'S DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. FIRST I WAS QUOTED A REPAIR PRICE 35 TIMES HIGHER THEN THE AVERAGE BRAKE LIGHT REPLACEMENT OR $350.00. ULTIMATELY, I HAD THE REPAIR DONE FOR $265.00 AFTER SOME SERIOUS DIALOGUE ABOUT THE COST OF THIS PART VERSUS NORMAL BRAKE LIGHT REPLACEMENTS. I EMPHASIED A PART COSTING $35 TIMES THE NORMAL BRAKE LIGHT BULB REPAIR SHOULD BE ENGINEERED TO LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. IF IT DID NOT THEN IT MUST BE AN ENGINEERING OR MANUFACTUREING DEFECT. THE DEALERSHIP SAID FORD WOULD NOT RESPOND POSITIVELY TO MY ARGUEMENTS AND THE BEST THEY COULD DO WAS $265.00. I BELEIVE THE SAFETY ISSUE IS DRIVEN BY THE COST OF THIS ASSEMBLY. THERE MAYBE MANY FORD EXPLORERS ON THE ROAD WITH THIS DEFECTIVE PART, SIMPLY BECAUSE THE COST TO REPAIR IS PROHIBITIVE. IN SOME STATES VEHICLE INSPECTIONS ARE NOT REQUIRED UNTIL THE VECHICLE IS RESOLD AND THEREFORE THE PROBLEM COULD GO UNDECTED CREATING A SERIOUS RISK FOR THE DRIVER OF THE FAILING VEHICLE AND ANYONE FOLLOWING BEHIND. I SUGGEST A SAFETY ALERT BE ISSUED IF IT HAS NOT ALREADY BEEN DONE GIVING CONSIDERATION TO THE NUMBER OF LED ASSEMBLIES, BRAKE LIGHT FAILURES AND THE COST OF THE REPAIR THAT A RECALL ALSO BE CONSIDERED.*AK
Oct 10, 2001
THE THIRD STOP LIGHT (BALAST) FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FAIL INSPECTION, THE CONSUMER FEEL THIS COMPONENT SHOULD BE REPAIR AT THE MANUFACTURERS EXPENCE SINCE THE VEHICLE HAS SUCH LOW MILEAGE. NLM
Mar 08, 2001
+ 7 more complaints for this component
WHEELS
8 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RIMS WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Oct 01, 2013
THERE SEEMS TO BE A BURNING RUBBER SMELL COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. *JB
Feb 17, 2004
VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT WHILE DRIVING 35MPH. HAVE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP TO CHECK ON ALIGNMENT. INFORMED NOT ALIGNMENT. MECHANIC INDICATED PROBLEM IWAS LOCATED IN WHEEL HUB. IT WAS NOT REPAIRED.*AK
Oct 01, 2001
IMPROPER CAMBER ADJUSTMENT COMPONENT PART OF ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT DOES NOT ALLOW WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THIS CAUSES EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR ON THE INSIDE CORNER OF THE TIRE AND POOR HANDLING OF THE AUTO. CAR PULLS TO THE RIGHT.
Sep 18, 2000
WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH THE REAR WHEELS LOCKED UP. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY DETAILS. *AK
Aug 04, 1998
+ 3 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
8 complaints
ENGINE ACCELERATED DURING BRAKING TO A STOP. UNABLE TO STOP VEHICLE WITH BRAKES.
Feb 13, 2002
ENGINE ACCELERATED DURING BRAKING TO A STOP. UNABLE TO STOP VEHICLE WITH BRAKES.
Feb 13, 2002
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35MPH ON ROAD TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE., AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, VEHICLE ACELLERATED ABOUT 100MPH. HAD FOOT ON BRAKES, BUT VEHICLE WAS STILL RUNNING. CONSUMER TURNED VEHICLE OFF. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK
Nov 06, 2001
ONGOING / INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH FRONT BRAKES LOCKING UP WHENEVER VEHICLE MAKES A TURN, AND ON THREE OCCASIONS VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE WHILE AT A STOP POSITION . VEHICLE BEEN INSPECTED BY DEALER, AND NOTHING COULD BE FOUNDED. CAN NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER. *AK
Aug 19, 1999
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT 40 MPH AND UPON DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE TO 70 MPH, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE AND UNWANTED SPEED. CONSUMER THEREFORE HAD TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN PARK TO STOP THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, CONSUMER AWAITING SERVICE FROM MANUFACTURER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Jun 21, 1999
+ 3 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION,TIRES
7 complaints
FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES (P235 75 R15) EXPERIENCED ABNORMAL WEAR, CONSUMER REPLACED TWO OF THE TIRES, EVEN WITH THE REPLACEMENTS THE FIRESTONE TIRES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY, THE CONSUMER REPLACED ALL TIRES WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND AND HAS HAD NO FURTHER PROBLEMS, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPLACEMENT TIRES, THE FRONT AND REAR BEARINGS ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 35000 MILES. *SLC
Oct 19, 2000
FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES (P235 75 R15) EXPERIENCED ABNORMAL WEAR, CONSUMER REPLACED TWO OF THE TIRES, EVEN WITH THE REPLACEMENTS THE FIRESTONE TIRES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY, THE CONSUMER REPLACED ALL TIRES WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND AND HAS HAD NO FURTHER PROBLEMS, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPLACEMENT TIRES, THE FRONT AND REAR BEARINGS ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 35000 MILES. *SLC
Oct 19, 2000
I BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOUR SEPARATE TIMES BECAUSE I THOUGHT THE FRONT END WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THEY CHARGED ME ALL FOUR TIMES AND IT TURNS OUT THE TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE. THEY ARE NOT THE RECALL TIRES BUT I HAVE SINCE REPLACED THEM (AT MY OWN COST) AND THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO BE RUNNING FINE NOW (LAST TWO WEEKS). I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY ALL THE WILDERNESS BRAND TIRES WERE NOT RECALLED? THEY CLEARLY ARE DEFECTIVE! IF IT WAS A DESIGN PROBLEM THEN WOULD'NT EVERY PLANT HAVE THE SAME DESIGN PROBLEM? IF IT IS A QUALITY CONTROL ISSUE THAN WOULD'NT THAT ALSO BE THE SAME PROBLEM AT OTHER PLANTS, COMPANIES LIKE FIRESTONE WRITE ONE SET OF PROCEDURES FOR SAFETY AND INSPECTIONS OF TIRES. THEY DON'T HAVE DIFFERENT INSPECTION PROCEDURES FOR EACH PLANT! THEY CERTAINLY DON'T HAVE SEPARATE PROCEDURES FOR THE SAME BRAND OF TIRES. YOU GUYS DROP THE BALL, AND NOW WE ARE PAYING FOR IT!!!!*AK( DOT NUMBER: W2HLIPY426 TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
Sep 11, 2000
CONSUMER IS COMPLAINING OF THE VIBRATION THAT IS OCCURRING WHEN STEERING, PROBLEMS COULD BE DUE TO THE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS HT TIRES (P225 70 R15) OR THE SUSPENSION. *SLC
Sep 11, 2000
PE00020; TIRE TREAD SEPARATION: WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, TRUCK PULLED SEVERELY TO THE RIGHT. TIRE ON THE DRIVER'S RIGHT FRONT SIDE CONTINUED TO SHEAR ON THE INSIDE. TIRES WERE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS, SIZE P23575R15, ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT SOLD WITH EXPLORER. TIRES WERE ALIGNED AND SWITCHED AROUND, BUT CONTINUED TO PULL TO RIGHT, AND SHEARED THE TIRES. *AK *ML
Aug 03, 2000
+ 2 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
6 complaints
ON A 1997 FORD EXPLORER HAD PROBLEMS WITH TRANSFER CASE. FIRST NOTICED WHEN DRIVING ON INTERSTATE WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON VEHICLE MADE GRINDING NOISE AND WOULD NOT DECELERATE HAD TO PUT INTO NEUTRAL TO STOP. WHEN DECELERATING WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IT WOULD ALSO MAKE GRINDING NOISE ALMOST SOUNDING LIKE IT WAS NOT DOWN SHIFTING. FEW WEEKS LATER WHEN VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO REVERSE IT WOULD MAKE A GRINDING NOISE AND WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. DID NOT FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE. ENDING UP HAVING TO HAVE A MECHANIC REBUILD TRANSFER CASE, COST ALMOST $1000.00. NOW FIVE MONTHS LATER HAVING PROBLEMS WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY COMING ON. REPLACED SENSORS AND SPARK PLUG ON #4 CYLINDER TWICE. THIS WILL BE REPLACEMENT NUMBER 3 FOR SPARK PLUG IN FOUR MONTH PERIOD. MECHANICS CANNOT SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHY. *JB
Mar 13, 2007
MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED ACCELERATING WHEN I WAS PROCEEDING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. I COULD SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN SOMEWHAT BY AGGRESSIVELY APPLYING THE BRAKES. HOWEVER, THIS WOULD JUST GET ME SLOWED DOWN A LITTLE UNTIL I WOULD RELEASE THE BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SPEED UP AGAIN. I WAS TRAVELING ON A FAIRLY BUSY STRETCH OF INTERSTATE AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. I LUCKILY DID NOT HAVE A NEED TO STOP QUICKLY WHILE THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED. I TRIED HITTING THE ACCELERATOR A FEW TIMES TO GET IT TO STOP STICKING IN THE "WIDE OPEN" POSITION. I EVEN TRIED MANIPULATING THE CRUISE CONTROL (WHICH WAS OFF). AFTER SEVERAL FAILED ATTEMPTS TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM, I STARTED TRYING TO THINK OF A QUICK GAME PLAN TO GET OUT OF THIS POTENTIAL DISASTER. I AM VERY THANKFUL THAT MY WIFE WAS NOT DRIVING AT THE TIME AND THAT I DID NOT HAVE OTHERS IN THE CAR DURING THIS NIGHTMARE. I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO FIND A SHOULDER WHERE I COULD PULL OFF THE ROAD. AS I SAID, THE ROAD WAS EXTREMELY BUSY AND I WAS VERY WORRIED ABOUT GETTING OFF THE ROAD SAFELY WITH A SEMI-TRUCK NOT FAR BEHIND ME. I PULLED TOWARD THE SHOULDER AND PUT THE CAR INTO "NEUTRAL". THE RPM'S, WHICH HAD BEEN RUNNING EXTREMELY HIGH FOR ABOUT 3 MINUTES, MOVED EVEN HIGHER AT THIS POINT. THE RPM'S WERE PEGGED TO THE TOP OF THE GAUGE FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS. AS SOON AS I FELT I WAS OFF OF THE ROADWAY ENOUGH, I TURNED THE KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION. WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE CAR THERE WAS A HORRIBLE BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. I AM NOT ONLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE PROBLEM THAT MAY HAVE TRIGGERED THIS INCIDENT, BUT I AM ALSO VERY WORRIED ABOUT COLLATERAL DAMAGE THAT THIS UNDOUBTEDLY CAUSED. I FEEL THAT THIS CAUSED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF WEAR AND TEAR TO THE ENGINE AND THE BRAKING SYSTEM. ON TOP OF ALL OF THE PHYSICAL DAMAGE DONE TO THE CAR, THE EXPERIENCE WAS SCARY TO SAY THE LEAST. MY WIFE REFUSES TO EVEN GET IN THE CAR AT THIS POINT. NEEDLESS TO SAY, SHE DOESN'T WANT MY KIDS TO RIDE IN IT EITHER.
Oct 03, 2002
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WHEN GOING DOWN A HILL THE VEH. STARED TO MAKE A GRINDING NOISE. I HAD TO GET UP OUT OF THE HOLE TO PULL OFF AND I NOTED THAT WHEN I STEPED BACK ON THE GAS IT STOPED. IT ONLY DOES THIS WHEN COASTING OR BRAKING. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WAS A FAILURE IN THE TRANSFER CASE. I STARTED LOOKING FOR A NEW ONE ON THE NET AND FOUND ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE DESCRIBING THE SAME PROBLEM TO A T. ONE GUY STATED THAT HIS MECHANIC SAID THAT THE GEM CONTROL MODULE HAD FAILED OR PARTIALLY FAILED AND COMMANDED THE TRANFER CASE TO DISENGAGE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE CASE. IT APPEARED TO BE A FORD ELECTRONIC DEFECT NOT HAVING A FAIL SAFE MODE BUT INSTEAD ORDERING THE TRANFER CASE TO SELF DESTRUCT. THE OXYGEN SENORS I REPLACE THEM AND THEY GO RIGHT BACK OUT.
Oct 14, 2000
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WHEN GOING DOWN A HILL THE VEH. STARED TO MAKE A GRINDING NOISE. I HAD TO GET UP OUT OF THE HOLE TO PULL OFF AND I NOTED THAT WHEN I STEPED BACK ON THE GAS IT STOPED. IT ONLY DOES THIS WHEN COASTING OR BRAKING. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WAS A FAILURE IN THE TRANSFER CASE. I STARTED LOOKING FOR A NEW ONE ON THE NET AND FOUND ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE DESCRIBING THE SAME PROBLEM TO A T. ONE GUY STATED THAT HIS MECHANIC SAID THAT THE GEM CONTROL MODULE HAD FAILED OR PARTIALLY FAILED AND COMMANDED THE TRANFER CASE TO DISENGAGE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE CASE. IT APPEARED TO BE A FORD ELECTRONIC DEFECT NOT HAVING A FAIL SAFE MODE BUT INSTEAD ORDERING THE TRANFER CASE TO SELF DESTRUCT. THE OXYGEN SENORS I REPLACE THEM AND THEY GO RIGHT BACK OUT.
Oct 14, 2000
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN NOVEMBER OF 1998. AT THE TIME IT HAD 10,000 MILES ON IT. I NOTICED THE VEHICLE HAD WHAT SEEMED TO BE A SHUTTER OR VIBRATION. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE SERVICE MANAGER DROVE WITH ME FOR MANY MILES. HE STATED THAT THIS WAS A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE. EVERYTHING IS A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED TRANSMISSION REPAIR/REPLACEMENT SHOP AND HAVE FOUND THAT THIS PROBLEM IS ACTUALLY AN EMISSIONS PROBLEM, AND THAT THE COMPUTER NEEDS TO BE FLASHED TO CHANGE THE STRATEGY OF THE TORQUE CONVERTER. I WOULD LIKE THIS ISSUE ADDRESSED AS IT CAUSES MY VEHICLE TO VIBRATE AND AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE VEHICLE FEELS VERY UNSAFE.*AK
Sep 12, 2000
+ 1 more complaint for this component
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 complaints
ENGINE HAS BEEN SOUNDING DIFFERENT SINCE THROTTLE RECALL OOV422000 WAS DONE IN DECEMBER OF 2001. WHILE DRIVING 75-80 MPH THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHO STATED TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Apr 25, 2002
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, AND ODOMETER WILL STAY STUCK IN PLACE.*AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED, AND TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REBUILT. *JB
Apr 19, 2001
IS THIS LEGAL TO SELL A VEHICLE NEW OR USED WITH SERIOUS SAFETY RECALLS, THEY HAVE JEOPORDIZED MY SAFETY IN THIS VEHICLE. SUDDEN ENGINE ACCELERATION AND TACHOMETER RE-LINE AT PASSING GEAR. SHIFTING INTO LOW GEAR PRIOR TO 1800RPMS. ENGINE NOISE AT START UP. OVERHEATING CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION, I.E. TORQUE CONVERTER FAILURE. IDLES AT 1200.RPMS AND FLUCTUATES. WHAT ETHICS DO THESE DEALER POSSESS AND DO THEY NOT SAFETY INSPECT THEM PRIOR TO SALES, THEY LET ME DRIVE OFF THE LOT. THIS VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN SERVICE FOR THE FAILED PARTS AFTER PURCHASING IT ON NOVEMEBER 1,2000. I HAVE FIRESTONE AT TIRES YET TO BE INSPECTED.
Apr 17, 2001
WHILE GOING UP HILL CAR WAS BACKING BACK DOWN HILL. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND HAD TRANSMSSIION REPLACED. FEBRUARY 2000, CONSUMER HAD TO GET A TOTAL OF 3 TRANSMSSIONS.ON 07-OCT-2000, WHILE WAITING AT A LIGHT, CONSUMER TOOK FOOT OFF OF BRAKE AND VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS. *AK
Oct 26, 2000
THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE LITES (4-WHEEL DR-LOW & 4-WHEEL DR) AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LITE BEGAN FLASHING ON THE DASH. I STOPPED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP, POCATELLO, IDAHO. THEY PUT ON COMPUTER, BUT SAID THEY COULD FIND NOTHING IN THE GEM MEMORY, SO ADVISED ME TO DRIVE ON TO SALT LAKE CITY, BUT DO NOT PUT IN CRUISE CONTROL, AND THIS WOULD NOT HARM THE CAR'S EQUIPMENT OR BE UNSAFE. I RETURNED FROM MY TRIP AND STOPPED AT A RETIREMENT HOME'S PARKING LOT IN IDAHO FALLS ON JULY 1, 2000 AND THE CAR MADE "BANGING" NOISES WHEN REVERSED OUT OF THE PARKING SLOT. THE DASH LITES THAT HAD BEEN FLASHING PREVIOUSLY WERE NOT SHOWING. I CALLED THE BROADWAY FORD DEALERSHIP THAT SERVICES THE CAR TO HAUL IT IN FOR REPAIR. THEY FOUND THE SENSORS WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THEN THEY TEST DROVE THE CAR AND SAID IT HAD A NOISE IN THE TRANSFER CASE AND THOUGHT THEY SHOULD INVESTIGATE. THEY FOUND SHAVINGS IN THE FLUID, AND HAVE PARTS ON ORDER. I AM ALARMED AT WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE TO AND FROM SALT LAKE CITY AT 75 MPH, AS THE CAR LURCHED AND BANGED IN REVERSE AND FORWARD GEAR WHEN I TRIED TO DRIVE OUT OF THE PARKING LOT AT THE RETIREMENT HOME. IT SEEMED TO HAVE THE GEARS LOCKED UP, OR THE TWO 4-WHEEL DRIVE TRANSMISSIONS NOT WORKING TOGETHER. THEY CANNOT ASSURE ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION MIGHT ALSO BE DAMAGED FROM THESE SENSORS NOT WORKING.*AK
Jul 06, 2000
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 complaints
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO START UP THE 1997 FORD EXPLORER SINCE 02/09/07. THE CONTACT HAD REPLACED THE STARTER, THE SPARK PLUGS, AND CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE THE SAME FAILURE. THEY PULLED THE FRONT END OF THE MOTOR AND NOTICED SOMETHING SNAPPED AND WAS SITTING IN THE PAN. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN ON THE INTERNET AND HAD NOTICED THAT OTHER EXPLORERS WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE BOTH 98000 MILES.*AK
Feb 16, 2007
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE, THEN VEHICLE STALLED. THE SPARK PLUGS BLEW OUT. AN INDEPENDENT TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT ENGINE CYLINDER NEED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Jan 05, 2004
CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE IS A SENSOR THAT IS CAUSING VEHICLE TO HEAT UP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART. *SLC THE CAMSHAFT WAS REPLACED. THE RADIO GOES OFF AT ANYTIME, THE CONSUMER HAS DIFFICULTY SHUTTING THE RADIO OFF MANUALLY. *JB
Jul 30, 2002
FORD DEFINITELY HAS AN ENGINEERING PROBLEM. IS THE NHTSA GONNA DEAL WITH IT OR, ARE WE GOING TO WAIT TILL WE HAVE ANOTHER WILDERNESS TIRE ISSUE. MY EXPLORER HAS CONSISTENTLY SHOWN SEVERE SKIP/MISS FOR THE PAST 2-MONTHS. AT FIRST INDICATION....I SCHEDULED IT IN TO MY LOCAL DEALER (ROCHESTER AUTO COLLECTION - A DIVISION OF FORD), WHO DETERMINED THAT IT NEEDED NEW IGNITION WIRES. (MIND YOU, THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 42,000 ORIGINAL MILES, AS I BOUGHT IT NEW). THREE HUNDRED BUCKS LATER, I NOTICE THE VEHICLE PERFORMING NO BETTER ON THE DAY I PICKED IT UP. SO....WE SCHEDULE A SECOND VISIT. DURING THAT VISIT, THEY "DINK AROUND" WITH THE THROTTLE. AGAIN, THE DAY I PICKED IT UP, I NOTICED IT WAS NO BETTER. SO....IN WE GO FOR A THIRD VISIT. DURING THAT VISIT I AM ADVISED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER HAS BROKEN OFF AND THAT THEY WILL NEED TO PULL THE ENGINE OUT TO REPAIR. SO, WE SCHEDULE THAT 3-DAY SERVICE VISIT. AND HERE I AM TODAY.....AFTER HAVING PICKED UP THE VEHICLE, AND NOW IT IS WORSE!! THIS IS A $30,000 VEHICLE WITH 43,000 MILES THAT RUNS WORSE THAN MY SON'S '95 CAVALIER. AS I REVIEW THE DATABASE OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, I NOTE MANY, MANY ISSUES RELATING TO THIS TIMING BELT TENSIONER. SO......WHEN IS THE NHTSA GONNA STEP UP TO THE PLATE, AND MAKE FORD GET THEIR "DUCKS IN A ROW" AND FIX THIS ISSUE. AS IT IS RIGHT NOW, BETWEEN THE TIRE INCIDENT AND THEN THIS, I SINCERELY DOUBT I WILL EVER BUY A FORD AGAIN. *TR
Sep 01, 2001
ENGINE O-RINGS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FAULTY CAUSING CONTINUED ENGINE STALLING.
Feb 24, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
5 complaints
STARTED VEHICLE IN MORNINGS, AND IT RAN ROUGH. ALSO, MOTOR STALLED. CONTACTED DEALER. DEALER INDICATED THAT INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT THEY WERE ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. *AK
Jun 30, 2000
INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THE EXHAUST GAS SENSORS HAD TO BE REPLACED PREMATURALY.*AK
Feb 10, 2000
ENGINE- VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING KNOCKING/TICKING NOISE FROM ENGINE AT 30000 MILES, TOOK INTO DEALER TO REPORT IT, AND THEY SAID NO PROBLEMS. NOISE WAS AT START UPS AND AFTER VEHICLE HAD SET FOR BRIEF TIME. NOISE BECAME LOUDER AND LONGER IN DURATION, TOOK BACK INTO DEALER AT 35000 MILES, AGAIN, THEY SAID NO PROBLEMS-NORMAL NOISE. AT 41900 MILES, VEHICLE BECAME UNDRIVEABLE, NOISE WAS EXTREMELY LOUD AND METALLIC IN NATURE. TOOK TO DIFFERENT DEALER WHO STATED THAT THEY HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH 1997/98 EXPLORERS WITH 4.0SOHC ENGINE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILURES. MOST WERE UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY SENT ENTIRE ENGINE BACK TO MANUFACTURER TO REPAIR. NOW MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE REAPAI COST ME $700.00. THE VEHICLE WENT BACK 3 DAYS LATER WITH SAME PROBLEM, ANOTHER $300.00. I FEEL THAT I REPORTED MY PROBLEM WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN WARRANTY AND THAT FORD SHOULD COVER THE REPAIRS. I ALSO THINK THATFORD IS FULLY AWARE OF A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH THESE 4.0 SOHC ENGINES AND THE TIMING CHAIN/TENSIONER DEFECTS. I HAVE TALKED WITH MANY DEALERS AND INDIVIDUAL OWNERS WHO HAVE STATED THE DEFECT IS NOT ISOLATED. HAD MY FAMILY AND I BEEN TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEED WHEN THIS THING WENT BAD AND THE ENGINE QUIT,THERE COULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. THERE NEEDS TO BE A FORMAL INVESTIGATION INTO THIS ISSUE, IT IS TOO WIDESPREAD AND FORD CERTAINLY IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT UNWILLING TO ADDRESS IT AND COMPENSATE CONSUMERS WHO ARE SUFFERING WITH THIS. FUEL SYSTEM- THERE IS ALSO A HESITATION/STALLING THAT OCCURS ON SAME VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN INTO TEH DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO FIX, BUT CAN NOT BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WHEN PULLING INTO INTERSECTIONS OR TURNING AT TRAFFICE LIGHTS. MY WIFE HAS HAD SEVERAL NEAR MISSES DUE TO THIS. AGAIN, THIS APPEARS TO BE WIDESPREAD WITH THIS 4.0 SOHC ENGINE. PLEASE LET'S HAVE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT. FORD'S ARMY OF ENGINEERS SURELY ARE AWARE THIS EXISTS. MARK DITTO
Nov 16, 1999
EXPERIENCING CONTINUED ENGINE OVERHEATING AND STALLING, UNABLE TO RECTIFY AFTER REPLACEMENT OF FAULTY FUEL PUMP AND THERMOSTAT.
Jan 28, 1999
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH UNDER NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, CONSUMER HEARD SOMETHING POPPING. THEN NOTICED A GAS SMELL. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS LATER OTHER MOTORIST WAS SIGNALING FOR CONSUMER TO PULL OVER. PULLED OVER AND FOUND ENGINE ON FIRE. DEALER NOTIFIED AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THEY DO NOT DO FIRE REPAIRS AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. *AKTHE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY BUT THE WARRANTY DID NOT COVER FIRE RELATED FAILURE. *NLM
Jun 30, 1998
PARKING BRAKE
4 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT LIFTED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THE HANDLE FAILED. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT RELEASE IT WOULD COST $280 TO REPAIR THE HANDLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,304. UPDATED 02-01-08. *KB UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR
Aug 02, 2007
CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING WHICH CAUSED THE BACK TIRES TO LOCK UP AND SKID. CONSUMER HAD A COLLISION AS A RESULT.*JB
Jan 13, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THE ROUTING OF THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE ON THIS PARTICULAR MODEL OF EXPLORER'S IS NO MORE THAN 1/16 OF AN INCH FROM THE TIRE AND IN SOME CASES THE CABLE RUBS AGAINST THE TIRE AND CAUSES A BLOWOUT. *SLC CONSUMER FEELS THIS PROBLEM DEVELOPS WHEN THE LEFT BRAKE CABLE IS INSTALLED, THE CABLE HAS TO LOOP OVER VERY CLOSE TO THE TIRE, IF THE CABLE SAGS A LITTLE, IT WILL TOUCH THE TIRE, WHEN IT TOUCHES THE TIRE, THE DOWNWARD NOTATION AT THE POINT OF CONTACT IT WILL PULL THE CABLE FURTHER DOWNWARD INCREASING THE CONTACT, CONSUMER ALSO STATES TIRE PRESSURE OF 26 PSI OR LESS WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROBLEM. *SLC
Jun 20, 2001
THE PARKING CABLE HAD FLIPPED OVER AGAINST THE LEFT REAR TIRE CAUSING WEAR AND A CUT ALL THE WAY AROUND THE TIRE. NLM
Jun 15, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
4 complaints
WHEN I STOPPED USING MY AC AND TURNED ON THE HEAT IN MY 97 FORD EXPLORER ALL I GET IS COLD AIR. THIS HAPPENS AT ALL HEAT SETTINGS INCLUDING DEFROST. I TALKED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THE SERVICE MAN THERE SAID IT IS PROBABLY THE BLEND DOOR AND THAT IT WOULD COST $800-1000 TO REPAIR. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE YET AS I DON'T HAVE THAT MUCH SPARE CASH FOR THIS REPAIR. THE VEHICLE DOES HAVE 116,000 MILES ON IT BUT I HAVE BEEN CHECKING THIS OUT ON THE INTERNET AND IT SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WITH 95-99 EXPLORERS. IS THERE ANY RECOURSE FROM FORD ON THIS? *JB
Nov 13, 2006
I BOUGHT THE EXPLORER LAST APRIL AND THE A/C WORKED FINE, BUT WHEN WINTER GOT HERE THE HEATER WOULD NOT BLOW WARM AIR. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE THERMOSTATE AND LOOKED AT OTHER THINGS, BUT COULD NOT FIX IT. I THEN TOOK IT TO A SECOND MECHANIC WHO LOOKED AT IT AND TOLD ME THAT HE HAD JUST FIXED THE SAME PROBLEM ON ANOTHER 97 FORD EXPLORER--AND IT WAS THE BLEND DOOR. THAT THE DOOR WAS A FACTOR DEFECT AND WOULD COST ABOUT $650.00 TO REPLACE IT. I DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO HAVE IT REPLACED, AND IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN IT IS STUCK ON A/C AIR AND YOU CAN NOT DEFROST YOUR WINDSHILD WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING. IT HAS NOT BEEN FIXED AND RESTRICTS VISION OUT OF THE WINDSHIELD WHEN FOGGED OR ICED WHICH COULD CAUSE ME TO HAVE A BAD WRECK.
Mar 29, 2005
CYLINDER HEADS OR HEAD GASGETS FAILED CAUSING COOLANT LEAK INTO CYLINDERS AND OUT EXHAUST. SUSPECT FAULTY HEATER VALVE LEAKED COOLANT CAUSING ENGINE TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE HEADS OR GASGETS.
Nov 21, 2001
VENTILATION SYSTEM DRAWS EXHAUST FUMES INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
May 26, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
4 complaints
1997 FORD EXPLORER. WITH MALFUCTION CAR WOULD NOT STOP FAST IDELLIG AFTER AFER USING CRUISE CONTROL. COULD NOT GET IT TO STOP CAUSED THE BRAKES TO CATCH FIRE AD BURN. DUE TO TRYING TO KEEP THE CAR AT A SLOW SPEED. TILL I WAS AT ASAFE AREA WERE I COULD ABTAIN HELP.*AK
Jan 30, 2005
SPEED SENSOR FAILED. NLM
Aug 06, 1999
NO SUMMARY PROVIDED BY CONSUMER
Jan 10, 1999
VELOCITY CENSORS IN BRAKES FAILED.
May 05, 1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4 complaints
IDLE NOT RETURNING AFTER CRUISE CONTROL WAS DISENGAGED AND BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. CRUISE CONTROL KEPT ACCELERATING. MY THREE CHILDREN WERE IN THE CAR, WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BY PUTTING IT IN NEUTRAL, AT THAT POINT THE BRAKES WORKED. PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. WHEN TRYING TO START CAR AGAIN, ENGINE REVVED TO THE POINT WHERE IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO BLOW UP. *NLM
Apr 28, 2003
WHILE DRIVING PRESSED ON GAS PEDAL TO ACCELERATE, AND VEHICLE WOULD DIE. WHEN CAR WAS IN PARK IT DID NOT CUT OFF. BUT, SOON AS CONSUMER PRESSED GAS PEDAL IT SHUT OFF. *AK *JB
Aug 14, 2001
WHEN STARTING COLD ENGINE RACES AND GAS PEDAL STICKS, I LIVE IN FLORIDA SO IT DOESN`T HAPPEN UNLESS ITS 50 DEG OR LESS, ENGINE ALSO ALMOST STALLS, DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. *AK
Feb 16, 1999
WHEN VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP THE MOTOR RACES WITH THE RPM'S GOING UP TO 6000, IDLE ARM SENSOR REPLACED, BUT STILL IDLING HIGH.
Sep 01, 1998
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
4 complaints
WHILE DRIVING STEERING WAS STIFF, AND CONSUMER COULD HEAR A GRINDING NOISE IN FRONT END OF VEHICLE. WHEN MAKING A TURN FELT LIKE WHEELS WERE GOING TO LOCK UP. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A FORD DEALER, AND THEY STATED THAT FRONT AND REAR SENSOR IN TRANSFER CASE HAD GONE BAD. CONSUMER STATED THAT ON MAY 4TH PROBLEM REOCCURRED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
May 13, 2002
THE SWAY BAR LINKS BROKE PRIOR TO THE RECALL NOTICE, CONSUMER WAS SENT A CHECK FOR THE REPAIRS OF THE FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS, HOWEVER THE LEFT FRONT DRIVE SHAFT WAS ALSO REPLACED DUE TO THE LINKS BREAKING WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE DRIVE SHAFT, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE DRIVE SHAFT AS WELL.*YH
Jan 29, 2002
THE SWAY BAR LINKS BROKE PRIOR TO THE RECALL NOTICE, CONSUMER WAS SENT A CHECK FOR THE REPAIRS OF THE FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS, HOWEVER THE LEFT FRONT DRIVE SHAFT WAS ALSO REPLACED DUE TO THE LINKS BREAKING WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE DRIVE SHAFT, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE DRIVE SHAFT AS WELL.*YH
Jan 29, 2002
THE SWAY BAR LINKS BROKE PRIOR TO THE RECALL NOTICE, CONSUMER WAS SENT A CHECK FOR THE REPAIRS OF THE FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS, HOWEVER THE LEFT FRONT DRIVE SHAFT WAS ALSO REPLACED DUE TO THE LINKS BREAKING WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE DRIVE SHAFT, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE DRIVE SHAFT AS WELL.*YH
Jan 29, 2002
STRUCTURE,TIRES
4 complaints
THE VEHICLE WENT ONTO THE SHOULDER THEN OVER, CORRECTED WHILE COMING BACK ONTO TO ROADWAY AND ROLLED OVER STRIKING A LIGHT POLE (BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE, P235/75R15, WILDERNESS AT M/S, VDHL1PY207, LEFT REAR). NLM
Sep 30, 2000
THE VEHICLE WENT ONTO THE SHOULDER THEN OVER, CORRECTED WHILE COMING BACK ONTO TO ROADWAY AND ROLLED OVER STRIKING A LIGHT POLE (BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE, P235/75R15, WILDERNESS AT M/S, VDHL1PY207, LEFT REAR). NLM
Sep 30, 2000
THE VEHICLE WENT ONTO THE SHOULDER THEN OVER, CORRECTED WHILE COMING BACK ONTO TO ROADWAY AND ROLLED OVER STRIKING A LIGHT POLE (BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE, P235/75R15, WILDERNESS AT M/S, VDHL1PY207, LEFT REAR). NLM
Sep 30, 2000
SUMMER 1999- TRIP TO FLORIDA, RAN INTO RAIN STORM AROUND DECATUR, ALABAMA. WE HAD SLOWED TO 35 - 45 MPH MAXIMUM AFTER FEELING WHAT FELT LIKE THE VEHICLE TRYING TO HYDRAPLANE. THEN WE HEARD A SLAPPING SOUND LIKE THE RUBBER WAS LOOSE. STOPPED AND CHECK IT AND TIRES APPEARED OKAY. CONTINUED CAREFULLY. TO DATE, WE STILL HEAR A SOUND SIMILIAR TO A BALL BOUNCING WHILE DRIVING IT. LOCAL DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE MGR. SAID THE TIRES WERE CUPPING. WE HAVE HAD THE TIRES BALANCED AND ROTATED EVERY 10,000 MILES MAX. AND THE ALIGNMENT CHECKED NUMEROUS TIMES; ALL HAVE BEEN OKAY. I RUN APPROX. 32 LBS. IN THE TIRES. DOOR LOCKS - LEFT REAR HAD TO HAVE 2 MOTOR REPLACEMENTS BEFORE IT OPERATED PROPERLY. NOW LEFT FRONT CONTROL LOCK IS NOT UNLOCKING PROPERLY WITHOUT NUMBEROUS ATTEMPTS.( DOT NUMBER: W2HL1PY49 TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
Aug 29, 2000
CHILD SEAT
3 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER AND A 2008 GRACO SNUG RIDE CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT, MODEL NUMBER 7FEMA3, MANUFACTURED ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2008. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 10-15 MPH; THE CHILD WAS PROPERLY SECURED IN AN "INFANT" CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT. THE CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT WAS INSTALLED WITH THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM. WHENEVER MAKING A TURN THE RESTRAINT SEAT AND BASE TILTED TO THE REAR CENTER SEAT WITH THE OCCUPANT IN IT. THE CHILD SEAT WAS TAKEN TO A CHILD SEAT TECHNICIAN FOR INSPECTION AND INSTALLATION. THE FAILURE CONTINUED WITH NO RESOLUTIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. BL
Aug 26, 2009
MY COMPLAINT DEALS W/ A CARSEAT SWING SHIELD ARM THAT BROKE WHILE TAKING MY SON OUT OF THE SEAT. THE CARSEAT IS AN EVENFLO HORIZON I PRODUCT.*AK
Apr 23, 2002
WHENEVER PLACING CCS SEAT IN MIDDLE OF BACK SEAT, AND WHOEVER SITS ON EITHER SIDE OF SEAT WILL BE TRAPPED. PUSH RELEASE BUTTON ON THE CCS IS TOO CLOSE TO THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES ON REGULAR SEATBELTS, AND CONSUMER CAN'T GET HER HANDS BETWEEN BUTTONS. *AK
Dec 06, 2000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaints
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE WHEN ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH REPLACEMENT, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO DETERMINED THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HAD MELTED IN THE INTERIOR DASH PANEL AREA. NO FIRE WAS SEEN. AFTER NEW WIRING WAS INSTALLED, THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 05V388000, REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 9/22/2006 - *NM
Sep 06, 2006
VEHICLE STALLED AT 25 MPH, ALSO , WHEN GOING OVER A SMALL BUMP RPMS WENT UP TO 4000-5000. MECHANIC THOUGHT VEHICLE STALLING WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, NOT TAKEN TO DEALER YET.*AK
Aug 23, 2001
NOV '00 - TRUCK WOULD NOT START, HAD TO GET JUMP START. TOOK INTO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. DIAGNOSIS - IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE REPLACED. DEC '00 - TRUCK WOULD NOT START, HAD TO JUMP START. TOOK TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. DIAGNOSIS - GEM MODULE REPLACED. JAN '01 - TRUCK WOULD NOT START OR JUMP START. TOWED TO DEALER. DIAGNOSIS - CRANK POSITIONING SENSOR REPLACED. TOLD BY DEALER THAT THESE ALL WERE ELECTRONIC PARTS. NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THEY WOULD FAIL WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. CURRENTLY, THE 4WD INDICATOR LIGHTS ON THE DASH FLASH PERIODICALLY. LEFT VOICE MESSAGE WITH DEALER SERVICE ON 2/5 TO DISCUSS/FIX. *AK
Feb 05, 2001
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
3 complaints
WINDSHIELD WASHER COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER TWICE, MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH WAS REPLACED THE FIRST TIME. IT DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. SECOND TIME DEALER COULD NOT FIND CAUSE. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR ONE DAY IN COLD WEATHER OUTSIDE, PROBLEM WAS REPLICATED AND THEY FOUND RELAYS OVERHEATING AND STICKING CAUSED BY SHORTED MALFUNCTION SWITCH ON PRIOR REPAIR AND THEY REPLACED BOTH RELAYS. *YH
Nov 23, 2001
ON THE FIRST OCCASION, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD GO OUT WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL WAS TURNED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY(OVER 36,000 MILES) SO WE HAD OUR REGULAR MECHANIC REPAIR, BUT WE ASKED TO KEEP THE REPLACED PART. THE MOST RECENT PROBLEM (ONLY 11/2 YEARS& APPROX 8000 MILES LATER)WAS THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT WORK. THIS TIME WE TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER. THE SERVICE MANAGER MENTIONED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THIS PART AND THAT FORD HAD MADE AN UPGRADE, BUT NO RECALL HAD BEEN ENACTED. AGAIN WE ASKED TO KEEP THE REPLACED PART (BOTH ARE FORD PARTS#13K359). IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS CLAIM, PLEASE LEAVE MESSAGE ON HOME PHONE, OR CONTACT DIANE RUTT BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 9-5 AT 717 336-7534.*AK
Aug 16, 2001
WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER FAILED, REPLACEMENT OF THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH AND WIPER MOTOR DID NOT RECTIFY FAILURES.
Jun 10, 1998
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
3 complaints
RECALL WORK NOT COMPLETED DUE TO LACK OF PARTS. (FUEL LINES/FITTINGS).
Jun 22, 1998
GAS GAUGE MALFUNCTIONED, DOES NOT GIVE ACCURATE INFORMATION OR WARNING. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE GOING UP A HILL OR AT A RIGHT SIDE TILT, VEHICLE RAN OUT OF GAS WITHOUT WARNING AND STALLED. *AK
Sep 30, 1997
AFTER FUEL GOES BELOW A QUARTER TANK OF GAS, THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATOR DOES NOT GIVE CORRECT READINGS OF FUEL AMOUNT LEFET IN TANK. VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED TWICE BY DEALER. VEHICLE NEEDS REPARING AGAIN FOR SAME PROBLEM. *AK
Mar 12, 1997
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaints
SINCE THE EXPLORER WAS 5 YEARS OLD THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE TRUCK WAS STARTING TO SETTLE/ BE LOWER THAN THE PASSENGER SIDE. UNTIL IT WAS SO BAD THE SHOP STATED WE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE REAR SPRINGS, SHOCKS AND STABILIZER AND *** THE REAR WAS ALSO LOWER THAN THE FRONT. SO WE HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT SHOCKS AND SEVERAL SUSPENSION PARTS TO TRY TO LEVEL THE VEHICLE BACK TO NORMAL. NOW WITH THE ENGINE BLOWN THE TRUCK AGAIN WAS SETTLING TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND TOWARD THE REAR!!!!! *TR
Feb 19, 2013
ON-GOING PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE VIBRATING IN FRONT, VIBRATION WOULD COMMENCE WHENEVER TAKING OFF FROM A STOP POSITION OR WHENEVER TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT GEAR. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE SHOP ON FIVE OCCASIONS,CONDITION STILL UNRESOLVED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED, HAD DEALER CHECK VEHICLE AND FOUND THE CV SOLENOID, FTP SENSOR AND THE O2 MONITOR WERE BAD. *JG
Jun 17, 1999
SEAT BELTS,SEATS
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF HIS VEHICLE AND THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE SHOULDER AND NECK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE DRIVER SEAT. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE SEAT WAS DETACHED FROM THE BASE AND CAUSED THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 06/01/11*LJ UPDATED 1/19/2012 *LN *TR
Apr 27, 2011
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
May 13, 1999
TIRES,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
SPARE TIRE HOIST CABLE FAILED ON 1997 FORD EXPLORER XLT, RESULTING IN SPARE TIRE BREAKING FREE OF THE VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION. *TR
Aug 08, 2010
1997 FORD EXPLORER TRAVELING EAST BOUND ON I-16 WHEN LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD CAME OFF A COOPER FUTURA TIRE CAUSING DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL VEHICLE FLIPPED SEVERAL TIMES THEN RIGHT FRONT TIRE CAME OFF COMPLETELY CAUSING ANOTHER FLIP THIS TIME TAIL OVER NOSE CAUSE ALL 4 KIDS TO BE THROWN OUT KILLING ONE ON IMPACT AND ANOTHER DIED 2 DAYS LATER FROM INJURIES IN HOSPITAL. *NM
Aug 02, 2006
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
STUCK ACCELERATOR ON 1997 FORD EXPLORER WITH 58,000 MILES. WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 287/78 IN NJ I TRIED TO TURN OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL BUT INSTEAD THE CAR ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY TO OVER 85 MPH. I GAINED CONTROL BY TURNING THE ENGINE ON AND OFF UNTIL REACHING A SAFE PLACE TO STOP. AN NJDOT TRUCK HELPED ME AND LATER THAT DAY I EMAILED WHAT HAPPENED TO FORD'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. I WANTED THEM TO HAVE A DEALER EXAMINE MY EXPLORER TO SEE IF THIS WAS CAUSED BY A MATERIAL DEFECT OF NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, IN WHICH CASE I WOULD REPAIR IT. THEY REFUSED TO HELP SO I WROTE A LETTER TO DEARBORN AND RECEIVED A RESPONSE SAYING THE MATTER WAS CLOSED (CASE # 1510510480). MY WIFE SAID (AND I BELIEVE HER) THAT IF SHE WERE DRIVING IT WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN A CRASH. I NOTED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2002 ESCAPE THAT SOUNDS LIKE THE SAME PROBLEM. I JUST WANT TO PREVENT POTENTIAL LOSS OF LIFE DUE TO THIS, IN MY OPINION, FAULTY DESIGN OR MANUFACTURER GLITCH. NJDOT DOCUMENTED THE CASE SINCE I SENT THEM A "THANK YOU" AND THEY RESPONDED. THE VEHICLE PUT ME AND OTHERS ON THE HIGHWAY IN A LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION (VIZ A VIZ TOYOTA) BUT FORD IS UNWILLING TO CONSIDER THE CASE. THEY WANT TO TREAT THIS AS AN "OUT OF WARRANTY" CONDITION BUT I BELIEVE IT IS POTENTIALLY A PRODUCT LIABILITY THAT IF NOT CORRECTED WILL COST LIVES AND DAMAGE. *TR
Mar 15, 2010
WHEN VEHICLE IS COLD AND FIRST STARTED, GAS PEDAL WILL STICK AND HAS TO BE PRESSED EXTREMELY HARD TO GET VEHICLE TO MOVE. THROTTLE BODY REPLACED ONCE AND SEEMED TO CORRECT PROBLEM FOR A YEAR. PROBLEM NOW BACK, IT APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH INJECTION SYSTEM WHICH MAY CAUSE VEHICLE TO JUMP FORWARD AS GAS PEDAL HAS TO BE PUSHED EXTREMELY HARD TO MOVE VEHICLE AFTER FIRST STARTED. *AK
Feb 21, 1999
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL
2 complaints
IT IS HARD TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN THE LANE WHEN ON THE FREEWAY. THE FRONT END HAS BEEN DONE AND THE TIRES REPLACED. MANUFACTURER STATED THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.*AK
Sep 27, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH VEHICLE STARTED SWAYING UNCONTROLLABLY. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO A DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE SWAY BAR SHEARED OFF WHILE DRIVING, AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. *AK
Jun 04, 2004
VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR HAS GONE BAD IN MY 97, 4WD, FORD EXPLORER FOR THE SECOND TIME. IT HAS 93,000 MILES, IT WAS REPLACED THE FIRST TIME AT 58,000 MILES. THIS IS DUE TO A MAUNFACTURERS DEFECT AND SHOULD BE REVIEWED FOR CONSIDERATION AS A NATIONAL RECALL OR COVERED BY FORD AS A OUT OF WARRANTY REPAIR. THIS IS A HAZARD TO ALLOW IT TO REMAIN UNREPAIRED THE COST SHOULD BE PAID BY FORD. *AK
Jan 28, 2004
THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL DOES NOT CONTROL THE TEMPERATURE OF THE A/C-HEATER THAT RESULTS IN A FAILURE TO DEFOG/DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD.
Jun 18, 2002
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2 complaints
VEHICLE NEVER TAKEN OFF ROAD/DEALER HAS NO IDEA WHY ALL FRONT END PARTS FAILED/DEALER STATES IT NEVER SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED WITH 1997 VEHICLE/ OTHER EXPOLOER OWNERS I HAVE TALKED WITH HAVE SIMILAR FRONT END PROBLEMS / I FEEL THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH DESIGN OR PARTS USED IN FRONT END AND ABS SYSTEM
Jan 31, 2002
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FRONT END VIBRATION . PROBLEM OCCURRED AT TAKE OFF OR SLOW DOWN SPEED. BEEN INSPECTED BY THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS, AND INFORMED THAT NOTHING COULD BE FOUND. ALSO RESURFACED FRONT BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS. *AK
Nov 10, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON WHEN WEATHER GOT COLD. THE FORD SERVICE SAID THE THE AIR INTAKE VALVE GASKETS SHRANK AND WAS LETTING IN TOO MUCH AIR AND CARBON MONOXIDE INTO TO THE GAS TANK. I'VE NEVER SEEN OR HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING WITH TRUCK UNDER 100,000 MILES.*AK
Nov 22, 2000
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DIRVING 25-35 MPH. VEHICLE HAD NO POWER/ BRAKES. VEHICLE COASTED TO A PARKING LOT TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. WAS NOT ABLE TO STEER CAR. *AK
Jul 20, 1999
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE ABNORMALLY, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK GAUGE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT, THE CONTROL ARMS, THE FRONT OXYGEN SENSOR, AND THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTROL ARMS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 147,000.
May 03, 2021
ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN HIS DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC FLUID WAS LEAKING DUE TO THE FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH CAUSING THE FIRE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKED OUT WHEN IT GETS WARM EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE NOT RUNNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 23,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF
Jun 08, 2020
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
MY LIGHTS DON'T WORK STABILIZING BAR IS BAD,SPEED CONTROL DOSE NOT WORK SECURITY KEY CODE NOT WORKING,DOOR CONTROLS DO NOT WORK.WIPER WORK SOMETIMES.BALL JOINT ARE BAD, TIRES WEARING BAD,,BUSHINGS ARE VERY BAD.TRANSMISSION IS STARTING TO SLIP,ALL WHEEL DRIVE DOES NOT WORK, IT GRINDING SOUND.HEAF LIGHT ONLY BRIGHTS WORK.
Apr 12, 2019
SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SEATS
1 complaint
THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT WILL NOT ENGAGE TO THE LOCK POSITION.
Aug 30, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
THE 1997 FORD EXPLORER 4D EDDIE BAUER EDITION HAS A COMPUTER CONTROLLED MESSAGE CENTER. THE MESSAGE CENTER CONTROLS AMONG OTHER THINGS THE VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS AND FOG LAMPS. THE LIGHT OUT MODULE (LOM) ALSO KNOWN AS THE INDICATOR WARNING SYSTEM CONTROL IS LOCATED INSIDE THE MESSAGE CENTER CONSOLE AND RUNS "HOT" IN TEMPERATURE BECAUSE OF A FLAWED DESIGN. THE CURRENT DESIGN LEADS TO INTERNAL ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURES THAT RESULT IN A LOSS OF THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO NOTIFY THE DRIVER OF A HEADLIGHT OR LAMP FAILURE, ETC, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE OF THE NOTIFICATION SYSTEM CAUSES THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS (AND FOG LAMPS AS THEY ARE ON THE SAME CIRCUIT) TO FAIL. ON JUNE 25, 2014, THE SECOND FAILURE OF THE SYSTEM OCCURRED (WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS AND HAVE PREVIOUSLY REPLACED THE INDICATOR WARNING SYSTEM CONTROL OR LIGHT OUT MODULE (LOM) AT GREAT EXPENSE). FORD MOTOR COMPANY MUST RECALL THE 1997 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION AND ANY OTHER LIKE DESIGNED FORD PRODUCT WITH A LIGHT OUT MODULE (LOM) THAT FAILS LEAVING THE DRIVER WITHOUT LOW BEAMS AND NO MEANS OF FIXING THE SAID DEFECT WITHOUT AN AUTHORIZED FORD DEALER'S REPAIR (AT GREAT EXPENSE) THAT IS LIFE THREATENING IN THE INTERIM. SUCH REPAIRS ARE NOT POSSIBLE IF ON AN EXTENDED TRIP IN RURAL SETTINGS. THE ABSENCE OF LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS AFTER SUNSET AND BEFORE SUNRISE IS LIFE THREATENING AND UNACCEPTABLE TO THE OCCUPANTS OF A 1997 FORD EXPLORER AS WELL AS TO PEDESTRIANS AND OTHER VEHICLES WHO CANNOT SEE THE FORD EXPLORER OPERATING WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS. THE CORRECTIVE SOLUTION NEEDS A VENTING SYSTEM SUCH THAT THE MESSAGE CENTER DOES NOT CONTINUALLY MELT THE INDICATOR WARNING SYSTEM CONTROL OR LIGHT OUT MODULE (LOM). THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND FOR YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION TO THIS DEFECT REQUIRING A CORRECTIVE RECALL. *TR
Jun 30, 2014
SEAT BELTS,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1 complaint
1997 FORD EXPLORER DRIVER'S SEAT BELT LATCH RECEIVER FAILURE. AFTER OWNING THE CAR FOR 12 TO 13 YEARS, THE LATCH/RECEIVER WOULD NOT ENGAGE THE STRAP. I REPLACED IT WITH ONE FROM A SALVAGE YARD AND AFTER THREE YEARS THIS REPLACEMENT LATCH/RECEIVER HAS FAILED ALSO. *TR
Nov 04, 2013
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
I OWN A FORD EXPLORER XLT 1997 AND THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE ONLY OPENS FROM THE INSIDE WHILE THE OTHER REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUT (CHILD LOCK NOT ACTIVATED). THE DRIVERS DOOR DOESN'T LOCK AND WHEN IT DOES LOCK, IT DOESN'T UNLOCK OR STICKS SO BAD IT HAS BE UNLOCKED WITH PLIERS, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO HAVE TO GET IN AND OUT OF THE CAR THROUGH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. THE INTERIOR MAP LIGHT AND REAR INTERIOR DOOR LIGHT ABOVE THE BACKSEATS STAY ON CONSTANTLY EVEN WHEN SWITCHED OFF AND THE LIGHTBULBS HAD TO BE REMOVED BECAUSE THEY WOULDN'T TURN OFF AND WERE OVERHEATING. *TR
Jun 05, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
I HAVE NO EXPLANATION FOR THE FIRE, THE CAR WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. IT HAD BEEN DRIVEN ABOUT A BLOCK FROM MY HOME AND THEN IT WAS RETURNED TO THE DRIVEWAY. MY UNCLE SON SITTING IN THE LIVING ROOM WHEN THEY HEARD THE CAR ALARM AND LOOKED OUT OF THE WINDOW TO SEE CLOUDS OF BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM THE TRUCK. MY SON ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT BUT IT WAS TO INTENSE, MY SON CALLED 911. THIS WOULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE IF THEY HAD BEEN IN THE CAR. PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE. FIRE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT SAY WHAT CAUSED THIS FIRE. THE TIRES EVEN MELTED. ALL SEVERE DAMAGE WAS TO THE FRONT END. THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN IN ANY KIND OF ACCIDENT, THERE IS NO EXPLANATION FOR THIS FIRE. PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR PHOTOS. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO BUT I NEED TO MAKE SURE NO FAMILIES. *TR
Mar 14, 2013
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
1 complaint
THE ENGINE SLOWED DOWN AND JUST QUIT. WOULD NOT RESTART. HAD IT TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY *AGAIN* AND FOUND OUT THAT *2 (TWO)* TIMING CHAINS WENT OUT. THE DRIVERS SIDE SNAPPED IN TWO AND THE PASSENGER SIDE (REAR) HAD OVER 1 1/2 INCHES OF PLAY IN IT AND OBVIOUS STRETCHING OF THE TIMING CHAIN. THE FRONT BROKEN ONE TOTALED THE ENGINE, ALL TENSIONERS, SPACERS ETC WERE NOR IN PIECES LYING IN THE ENGINE. AND GUESS WHAT TO REPLACE THE REAR TIMING CHAIN YOU HAVE TO COMPLETELY REMOVE THE ENGINE FROM THE VEHICLE! THANKS AGAIN FORD!!!!!!!! *TR
Feb 19, 2013
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
WE WERE LUCKY THIS TIME, WE HAD THE EXPLORER IN THE SHOP AND I GOT A CALL FROM THE LEAD TECH THAT STATED WHILE THE WERE SERVICING THE BRAKES NO LESS THAN 3 LINES ROTTED THROUGH, BUT*** THE ANTILOCK CONTROLLER SPRUNG A LEAK AND SPRAYED FLUID ALL OVER THE HOT ENGINE CAUSING A SMALL FIRE!!! NO DAMAGE BUT WE WERE LUCKY... *TR
Feb 19, 2013
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
WHEN I DRIVE MY VEHICLE, I PRESS THE GAS PEDAL AND IT FEELS HEAVIER THAN NORMAL. THEN WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN IT HAS A CLOCKING SOUND. AND IT PULLS BACK WHEN I PRESS THE GAS PEDAL TO GO FASTER. *TR
Nov 15, 2011
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
ABOUT A MILE FROM AN INTERSECTION I NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON. APPROACHING THE TRAFFIC LIGHT MY BRAKE PEDAL HAD LOST PRESSURE AND WENT TO THE FLOOR. I HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKES TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP. I NOTICED SOME SMOKE COMING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE HOOD BUT THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE FROM THE OLD PICKUP TRUCK NEXT TO ME. THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND THE VEHICLE "SPUTTERED" SUFFERING A LOSS OF HORSE POWER BUT I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR ABOUT 150 YARDS AND COASTED INTO A GAS STATION WHERE I PARKED AT THE FAR END AWAY FROM THE PUMPS. AT THIS TIME I NOTICED MORE SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE HOOD SO I WENT INSIDE TO ASK FOR A FIRE EXTINGUISHER BUT THE CASHIER SAID HE HAD NONE. I THEN ASKED TO HIM DIAL 911 BECAUSE MY VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. I WENT BACK TO MY VEHICLE AND REMOVED SOME PAPERWORK FROM THE SEAT AND WAITED FOR HELP TO ARRIVE. I JUST HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED BY COVERT FORD ON MARCH 16, 2011 FOR THE FACTORY RECALL OF THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH, (BRAKE PRESSURE SWITCH) WHICH IS WHAT I BELIEVE CAUSE THE FIRE. I BELIEVE THAT WHEN I HAD TO PUMP MY BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE THE BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. ACCORDING TO THE FIRE OFFICIALS AT THE SCENE THERE WAS NO WAY TO DETERMINE THE POINT OF ORIGIN OF THE FIRE BUT THE DAMAGED AREA IS RIGHT BELOW THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. (I HAVE PICTURES AND VIDEO). THANK GOD THERE WAS NO OTHER DAMAGE TO PROPERTY OR LIVES. I ONLY HAD LIABILITY COVERAGE SO I SIGNED THE TITLE OVER TO THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER AND LOST MY TRANSPORTATION. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE ON APRIL 19, 1999, TOOK CARE OF IT FOR ALMOST 12 YEARS WITHOUT INCIDENT AND A WEEK AFTER HAVING IT SERVICED FOR A FIRE SAFETY ISSUE, IT CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED. I PUT ABOUT 100 MILES ON IT AFTER IT WAS SERVICED BY THE DEALER BEFORE THE FIRE BEGAN.
Mar 27, 2011
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH VEHICLE WHEN TURNING EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT VEHICLE COMES TO A COMPLETE STOPS THEN A VERY LOUD BANG IS HEARD, TOLD IT WAS HUB BUT REPLACED HUB AND STILL HAPPENS, WAS ALSO TOLD IT WAS U-JOINT ON DRIVE SHAFT HAVE YET TO REPLACE IT HAVE NOT NOTIFIED DEALER AS OF YET. *TR
Aug 15, 2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
ENGINE REVVS AND VEHICLE IS THRUSTED FORWARD AT TOP SPEED FROM DEAD START OR WHEN SLOWING DOWN. THIS IS THE SECOND ON THIS PROBLEM. BOTH TIMES LEAD TO PROPERTY DAMAGE, AND ACCIDENT. *TR
May 24, 2010
STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL FORD EXPLORERS RANGING FROM YEARS 1995-2001 THAT THE FRAMES ARE RUSTING THROUGH AND BREAKING. I FEEL THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THERE IS A SEVERE RUST PROBLEM WITH THESE FRAMES AND THEY APPEAR TO BE MANUFACTURED QUITE THIN TO BEGIN WITH. FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN ON OVER A DOZEN OF THESE CARS IN MY AREA, THE FRAME IS RUSTING THROUGH AND BREAKING ON THE LEFT REAR CORNER ANYWHERE FROM THE FRONT MOUNT ON THE LR LEAF SPRING TO WHERE THE BUMPER MOUNTS AT THE BACK OF THE FRAME. THE CROSS MEMBER HOLDING THE BODY MOUNTS IS ALSO RUSTING THROUGH IN THIS AREA AND COMING INTO CONTACT WITH THE GAS TANK AND ALSO MAKING THE SPARE TIRE LOOSE AND AT RISK OF FALLING OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND BECOMING A HAZARD FOR FOLLOWING MOTORISTS. THERE IS NO GOOD WAY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AND I FEEL THAT THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE RECALLED TO GET THEM OFF OF THE ROAD. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AND I AM NOT SURE HOW THERE HAVEN'T BEEN CRASHES AND OR DEATHS AS A RESULT OF THIS VERY POOR DESIGN AND QUALITY VEHICLE. ACTION NEEDS TO BE TAKEN IMMEDIATELY BECAUSE FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM IS JUST NOW STARTING TO REALLY TAKE EFFECT BECAUSE OF THE AGING VEHICLES. *TR
Apr 13, 2010
SUSPENSION,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,TIRES
1 complaint
THE FRONT SUSPENSION BAR LINKS ARE BROKEN, THE FOG LIGHTS OF THE EXTERIOR DOES NOT WORK. *TR
May 08, 2008
INTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
FAR LEFT DASH LIGHTS AND LIGHTS BEHIND INDICATORS ON LEFT SIDE OF STEERING WHEEL WENT OUT SHORTLY AFTER RECEIVING THE VEHICLE IN 1998; THIS WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY; THE LIGHTS WENT OUT AGAIN SOMETIME AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD EXPIRED. THE SOUND SYSTEM AMPLIFIER GOES OUT INTERMITTENTLY WITH NO DISCERNIBLE CAUSE; THIS HAS GONE ON FOR YEARS; THE DEALER SAYS IT WOULD COST OVER $600 TO REPLACE THE AMPLIFIER. *TR
Apr 13, 2008
POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE WINDOWS, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, AND THE 4X4 ALSO FAILED TO OPERATE. THE DEALER HAS NOT DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS PRIOR TO THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT IS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50,000. UPDATED 03-04-08 *BF
Feb 04, 2008
SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I HAVE 2 COMPLAINTS ONE OF WHICH WHILE LOOKING ONLINE SEE THAT MANY OTHER FORD OWNERS ALSO SEEM TO HAVE. THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE HEATER BLEND BOX DOOR NOT WORKING AND BLOWING HOT AIR WHEN IN THE VENT POSITION. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM NOT ONLY ON EXPLORER MODELS BUT RANGES, F150 AND OTHER FORD VEHICLES. THE REPAIR AS STATED ONLINE BY OTHERS AS WELL AS FROM THE DEALER IS OVER $1000.00. IT SEEMS THAT THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS PART WITH SO MANY PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO THE SEAT BELTS GET STUCK ON OUR EXPLORER IT IS THE PASSENGER SIDE WHICH SOMETIMES TAKES 10 TO 15 MINUTES BEFORE IT WILL WORK. *JB
Jan 19, 2007
SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED A BURNING SMELL CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE JERKED TO THE LEFT. FURTHERMORE, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP TO DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEMS. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE EXCEPT ON THE THROTTLE BODY. THERE WERE RECALLS ON ALL THREE COMPONENTS. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, #99V062000 REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. A NHTSA RECALL, #00V402000 CONCERNING THE SUSPENSION. ALSO, A NHTSA RECALL #00V422000 CONCERNING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY OF THE RECALLS.
Nov 01, 2006
TIRES,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE SPARE TIRE FELL OUT OF THE MOUNT WHILE DRIVING ALONG THE ROAD AT 20 MPH. THE CABLE FAILED NEXT TO THE TIRE. THE SPARE HAD NOT BEEN USED SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAS THE AFFECTED PARTS. THE SERVICE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT ALERTED.
Oct 16, 2006
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH ON ANY ROAD CONDITION, THE VEHICLE SWAYED VIOLENTLY FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE SWAY BAR WAS REPLACED IN 2003. A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, #00V402000, REGARDING THE SUSPENSION. THE SERVICE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND DETERMINED THAT A DIAGNOSTICS TEST NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED BEFORE ANY WORK WAS TO BE DONE. THE TEST SHOWED THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ALONG WITH THE CAMBER CASTOR KIT WERE DAMAGED. ALSO THE PASSENGER AND BOTH REAR DOORS DID NOT OPEN. THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR HAD DIFFICULTIES CLOSING ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER WHICH OFFERED $6000 FOR A TRADE IN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE LOCKS WERE INOPERATIVE, THE HEADLAMP SWITCH WAS BROKEN. THE VEHICLE NEEDED UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER DECLINED ALL REPAIRS. UPDATED 10/11/06. *JB
Aug 25, 2006
SUSPENSION,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
I SEE ALL OF THE RECALLS ON THE FORD EXPLORER DATE 1997 BUT I OWN A FORD EXPLORER 1997 AND THE ONLY RECALL NOTICE THAT I RECEIVED IS THE ONE FOR THE TIRES BACK IN 2000. I NEVER RECEIVED THE OTHERS AND I KNOW THE FORD COMPANY IS AWARE OF ME OWNING THIS VEHICLE FOR I GET NOTICES IN THE MAIL CONSTANTLY ABOUT SELLING IT BACK TO FORD. WHY ARE NOT MY SUSPENSION LINES OR GAS LINES BEING REPAIRED LIKE THE OTHER FORDS WITH THE 4.0 LITER ENGINE? *JB
Aug 05, 2006
POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
PARKED ON A SLIGHT SLOPE WITH THE ENGINE OFF, MY 97 FORD EXPLORER ROLLED BACK 5 FEET BY ITSELF, COMING CLOSE WITH COMING TRAFFIC! *NM
May 01, 2006
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS AUTO, IT SEEMS TO BE FALLING APART. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT NO LONGER LATCHES. WE HAVE TO LOOP THE DRIVER SIDE THROUGH THE PASSENGER SIDE. IT APPEARS THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH SEVERAL OF THESE MODELS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AND SEAT BELTS ARE MANDATORY BY LAW. IS THERE ANYTHING BEING DONE? THE LEFT TURN INDICATOR HAS HAD ELECTRICAL ISSUES FOR YEARS. IT MAKES A ZZZZ SOUND AND NO LONGER WORKS. I AM ALSO DOWN TO ONLY ONE DOOR THAT THE KEY WORKS ON. THAT IS THE BACK LIFT. THE DOOR KEY HAD NOT WORKED ON THE DRIVER SIDE FOR YEARS, THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE WENT. I HAVE THE SAME HEAT PROBLEM THE OTHERS ARE HAVING. YOU EITHER GET FULL ON HEAT AND HAVE TO TURN IT ON AND OFF WHEN IT GETS TOO HOT OR YOU GET PARTIAL AC, ALWAYS A LITTLE WARM. BOTH THE AC AND HEAT HAS BEEN SERVICED, THE PROBLEM IS IN THE SWITCH SOMEWHERE. AND NOW THE REASON I'M WRITING IS I HAVE MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. FUSES AND SOLINOIDS HAVE BEEN LOOKED AT, THERE ARE NO LONGER LIGHTS IN THE DASH AREA. THE LIGHTS ON ALARM (DING DING DING DING) REMAINS ON WHEN THE CAR IS OFF, THE KEYS OUT AND THE DOOR SHUT WHICH HAS DRAINED MY BATTERY COMPLETLY. I HAVE JUMPED STARTED IT TWICE AND NOW IT SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY BECAUSE IT WILL COST A FORTUNE TO HAVE THE ELECTRICAL LOOKED AT. IF THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH ANYONE ELSE IT SHOULD BE REPORTED TO FORD. NOT ONLY CAN I NO LONGER DRIVE THIS CAR, IT WOULD BE TOTALLY UNSAFE TO USE IT. I NEED 4WHEEL DRIVE JUST TO GET OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY IN WINTER AND HAVE NO IDEA HOW I'M GOING TO COME UP WITH THE MONEY FOR ALL THESE REPAIRS. PLEASE ADVISE IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLS THAT ADDRESS THESE ISSUES. THE INCIDENT DATE I LISTED BELOW IS FOR THE TIME THE SEATBELT STARTED TO FAIL COMPLETLY. WE WERE ON A VACATION TRIP!
Jul 25, 2005
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
FEW MONTHS AGO I HAVE PURCHASED A SET OF BOSCH SPARK PLUGS (PLATINUM 2 PART # 4305). ABOUT 3 WEEKS AFTER I INSTALLED THEM WILE DRIVEN ON THE EXPRESSWAY ONE OF THEM EXPLODED RUINING THE WIRE AND CAUSING TO FLIP FLOP ALL OVER SPARKING LUCKY I STOP RIGHT AWAY. THE CERAMIC PORTION OF THE SPARK HAS COME OUT OF IT CLEAN CAN NOT EVEN FIND A TRACE OF CERAMIC ON THE PLUG BUT UNFORTUNATELY THE ELECTRODE OR PORTION OF IT FELL IN TO THE CYLINDER ,CAUSING AN IRREPARABLE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE, I HAVE REPORTED THE DAMAGE AND DETAILS TO THE MANUFACTURER AND EVEN SEND THEM THE PLUG FOR INSPECTION AND EXPLAIN EVERY THING, BUT THEY HAVE RETURN THE PLUG AND A LETTER SATING THAT THE REASON THE PLUG EXPLODED WAS BECAUSE IMPROPER TORQUE. I HAVE BEEN INSTALLING THE PLUGS ON MY VEHICLES FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS AND I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM LIKE THIS AND PEOPLE I TALKED TO SAID THE PLUG SHOULD NOT EXPLODE FOR THAT REASON. I THAT IS THE CASE I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE ON THIS PARTICULAR PLUGS AND THERE IS NOTHING ON THE PACKAGE INDICATING TO THE CONSUMER OF THIS DANGER. *AK
Mar 18, 2005
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
REPLACEMENT OF ENGINE DUE TO DEFECTIVE PARTS; THROTTLE BODY PLATE AND CAM CHAIN GUIDE ON MOTORS. *BF THE ENGINE THROTTLE PLATE STUCK WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS WARMING THE VEHICLE ON A COLD DAY. RECALL #00V422000. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE DEFECTIVE ENGINE. THE STARTER DID NOT KICK IN PER INVOICE. *SC
Dec 10, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
1997 EXPLORER 4.0 SOHC PURCHASED IN 1999.MADE KNOCKING NOISE WENT TO DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES UNDER WARRANTY AND WAS TOLD MY MOTOR WAS PULLED AND TENSIONER (PULLEY, CAM TENSIONER) WAS REPLACED.AFTER RECIEVING NOTIFICATION FROM FORD OF "IN WARRANTY" SERVICE BULLETIN,DIFFERENT DEALER SAID IT HADNT BEEN REPLACE OR DOCUMENTED BY PREVIOUS SERVICE.SO,IT WAS SUPPOSEDLEY REPLACED AGAIN (2 TIME).STILL MAKING THE NOISE AFTER SO LONG, AND TOLD SEVERAL TIMES "WE CANT FIND ANYTHING WRONG" KEPT DRIVING.NOW, I AM IN DEALERSHIP FOR ABOUT 10TH TIME AND MY TESNIONERS,POSSIBLY MY TIMING CHAIN,AND POSSIBLE OTHER COMPONENTS (HOPEFULLY NOT MOTOR)NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN(3TIME,MORE DAMAGE)??!!THIS TIME THERES NO WARRANTY OR REASON WHY I SHOULDENT "HAVE TO PAY" SO IT IS COSTING ME $1600 SO FAR...POSSIBLY MORE IF THERE WAS MORE DAMAGE.THIS MUST BE DOCUMENTED BECAUSE I HAVE TRIED IN GOOD FAITH AND NUMEROUS,TIRING EFFORTS TO REPAIR THIS FROM DAY ONE!DO NOT WANT TO HAVE TO REPLACE MOTOR IN NEAR FUTURE LIKE OTHERS.*AK
Jul 27, 2004
POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
IN SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I'VE FOUND THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE SUFFERED THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE HAD. I HAVE A 1997 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED IN 1998 AND I TOOK IT TO LES PINKAM LINCOLN MERCURY IN ELIZABETHTOWN, KY FOR REPAIR. WITHOUT EVEN LOOKING AT IT, THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THAT THE BLEND AIR DOOR HAD BROKEN AND IT WOULD COSTS $800 TO REPAIR IT. THINKING HE WAS LYING, I TOOK IT TO BILL COLLINS FORD IN LOUISVILLE, KY. AGAIN, THE SAME RESULTS AND REPAIR ESTIMATE. TECHNICIANS AT BOTH PLACES, TOLD ME IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM. I EVENTUALLY HAD LES PINKAM REPAIR IT. IT SEEMS THAT FORD WOULD DESIGN A SYSTEM THAT WOULDN'T REQUIRE THE COMPLETE REMOVAL OF THE DASH TO REPAIR IT, MUCH CONTINUE WITH A DESIGN WITH SO MANY PROBLEMS. YEARS LATER AND THE PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. IN ADDITION I CAME ACROSS TSB ARTICLE NUMBER 98-23-20 IN MY SEARCHES, BUT COULDN'T FIND THE ARTICLE AT YOUR WEB-SITE. I ALSO HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT TWICE AND FINALLY REPLACED IT WITH ONE FROM A SALVAGE YARD. I COULDN'T SEE REPAIRING IT A THIRD TIME WHEN A FORD TECHNICIAN AND PRIVATE YARD COULDN'T FIX IT. BOTH TIMES WITHIN 13 MONTHS AFTER REPAIR, THE CAR WOULD SUDDENLY COMPLETELY FAIL AND TACH OUT AS IF IT WERE IN NEUTRAL. I COULD GET IT TO DO IT WITH A FORD TECHNICIAN AND HIS CODE SENSOR PLUGGED IN. THIS HAS COME CLOSE TO HAVING ME GET REAR ENDED ON THE INTERSTATE 65, ESPECIALLY WHEN ITS IN CRUISE CONTROL. FOR NO REASON AT ALL THE TRANSMISSION WOULD COMPLETELY DISENGAGE AND THE ENGINE WOULD ALMOST COMPLETELY TACK OUT BEFORE I COULD HIT THE BRAKE PEDALS TO DIS-ENGAGE. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, I'VE SPENT ALMOST $6000 IN REPAIRS SINCE OWNING THIS VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, I'VE HAD IT IN FOR MANY RECALLS. ALL I'VE EVER GOT OUT OF FORD OR THE DEALERS IS, SORRY ABOUT YOUR LUCK. SURELY THERE IS SOMETHING YOUR AGENCY CAN DO ABOUT THIS. MY TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, WERE PRETTY SCARY. *JB
Mar 07, 2004
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
CONSUMER IS A VICTIM OF ODOMETER FRAUD, ENCOUNTERING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE THAT'S UNCHARACTERISTIC FOR THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE. (NAR) *PH EXHAUST SYSTEM, BALL JOINT, AND INSTRUMENT PANEL HAD TO BE REPLACED. *CB
Feb 12, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,SEATS
1 complaint
REAR DOORS WON'T OPEN FROM INSIDE AND IT IS NOT THE CHILD DETERRENT LEVER ON DOOR, HEATING SYSTEM OVERRIDES A/C HEATER SOMETIMES DOSEN'T WORK. RECLINE LEVER BROKE OFF. *AK
Jan 06, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING SERPENTINE BELT CAME OFF, AND DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, WHEN BRAKING THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE. *AK
Dec 22, 2003
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
DURING A VEHICLE INSPECTION SEVERAL PROBLEMS WERE FOUND. THE CHILD SAFETY LOCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR WAS BROKEN AND THE DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT DOESN'T WORK. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS.
Aug 26, 2003
SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
SEAT BELTS IN BACK SEAT AND SPEED CONTROL WILL NOT CANCEL AFTER BEING SET. A LADY HAD LATCH HER SEAT BELT IN THE RIGHT REAR SEAT,AND IT WOULD NOT RELEASE HAD TO CUT THE BELT TO GET HER OUT.*AK
Aug 13, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
Jul 21, 2003
TIRES,WHEELS
1 complaint
RIGHT REAR WHEEL DETACHED FROM 1997 EDDIE BAUER EXPLORER ON FREEWAY NEAR RAWLINS WYOMING ON 7-3-03 THE RATE OF SPEED WAS APPROX. 70 MPH THE REAR TIRES WERE REPLACED ABOUT 4000 MILES PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. I WITNESSED THE INSTALLER TORQUE THE LUGNUTS TO SPECS.*AK
Jul 06, 2003
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
AIR CONDITIONER DOES NOT COOL AND DRIVER SIDE LOCK DOES NOT WORK. *AK
Jul 05, 2003
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STUCK WHEN APPLIED TO PASS ON AN INCLINE. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS DEALERSHIP REMOVED THROTTLE CABLE AND FOUND FRAYED FRAGMENTS INSIDE CABLE COVERING. THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THIS CONDITION HOWEVER, VEHICLE'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH HOOD LATCH. CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED ON ITS OWN. *TT
Dec 04, 2002
STEERING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
TRANFER CASE WILL LOCK UP FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. AND THERE WAS DIFFICULTY IN STEERING. SEE SERVICE BULLENTIN 99-14-2. *AK
Sep 09, 2002
SEAT BELTS,CHILD SEAT
1 complaint
REAR SEATBELT WILL NOT STAY LOCKED. IT TO WOULD BE HARD TO KEEP CHILD SEAT LOCKED IN PROPERLY. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Aug 07, 2002
STEERING,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE KEYLESS NUMBER PAD ON VEHICLE QUIT WORKING, THEN THE REMOTE FOR ANTI THEFT SYSTEM QUIT WORKING AND FINALLY THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS QUIT WORKING
Jul 29, 2002
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
A/C WAS BLOWING WARM AIR. FORD DEALERSHIP SAID ACCUMULATOR WAS RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (QUOTED $895). THIS PART RUSTS BECAUSE IT IS WRAPPED IN FOAM. IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 1996-1998 EXPLORERS. THE 1999 AND LATER MODELS DO NOT HAVE THE WRAPPING ON THE ACCUMULATOR.*AK
Jun 19, 2002
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
WHEN IT'S COLD OUTSIDE VEHICLE HESITATES TO START.*AK CONSUMER ADDS THAT THE SEAT BELT LOCKED IN PLACE ON PASSENGER SIDE, CONSUMER'S CHILD WAS LOCKED IN AND COULD NOT GET OUT, SEAT BELT HAD TO BE CUT IN ORDER TO RELEASE CHILD; IGNITION LOCKED UP AND WOULD NOT CRANK FOR 2 HOURS. *TT
Apr 02, 2002
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Mar 21, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
DRIVERS DOOR LOCK NOT WORKING PROPERLY, GASKET CYLINDER FRONT COVER, TORQUE CONVERTER SHUDDER, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, RT BANK EXHAUST MANIFOLD; THESE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN CORRECTED, BUT NEW ONES MOUNT EVERY WEEK. NOW THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING, BEING CHECKED TOMORROW. *AK
Feb 26, 2002
STEERING,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1 complaint
I AM GETTING IN TOUCH WITH YOU TO LET YOU KNOW ABOUT A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE AFTER MARKET STEERING EXTENSION DEVICE PUT ON ALOT OF HANDICAPPED VEHICLES, THIS PART IS PUT ON THESE CARS AND TRUCKS TO HELP ASSIST THE DRIVER IN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL . THE PROBLEM WITH THIS PART IS THAT IS NOT SAFE . WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TAKEN OFF OF THE SPLINED SHAFT THE NEW PIECE IS PUT ON AND DOES NOT EVEN HAVE A SPLINED CENTER TO FIT TIGHT ON THE SHAFT AND THE ONLY OTHER THING TO HOLD IT TIGHT IS 2 SET SCREWS. IF ONE OF THESE SET SCREWS WOULD WORK LOSE OR IF THE STEERING WHEEL WERE TURNED TO HARD THESE SET SCREWS WOULD WORK LOOSE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD TURN BUT THE WHEELS WOULDN'T , OR THE OTHER WAY AROUND . I HAVE TALKED TO A AUTO REPAIR SPECIALIST ALONG WITH THE HEAD MECHANIC SUPERVISOR AT A FORD DEALERSHIP AND BOTH MEN SAID THAT THIS PART IS NOT VERY SAFE AND THEY WOULD NT WANT IT ON THEIR CAR OR TRUCK , I ALSO TALKED TO THE PERSON WHO INSTALLED THIS PART HE NO LONGER USES THIS ALUMINUM PART BECAUSE IT IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH FOR THIS KIND OF STRESS THAT A STEERING WHEEL GOES THROUGH . I HOPE THAT YOU CAN MAKE THESE PARTS REPLACED BY THE COMPANIES SO THAT NO ONE WITH A MODIFIED HANDICAPPED STEERING COLUMN EXTENSION DOES NOT GET KILLED OR KILL SOMEONE ELSE , I WAS LUCKY TO FIND IT EARLY BUT MAYBE SOME ONE ELSE WON'T BE. THANK YOU SINCERELY [XXX]. *AK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Feb 15, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
WELL, THE FIRST THING THAT STOPPED WORKING WAS THE THERMOSTAT, THEN THE WINDOW REGULATOR AND SEAT BEALT, I WENT TO THE DEALER AND JUST TO SEE THE PROBLEM I WAS CHARGED 160USD . I THINK IT'S UNFAIR BUT THEY SAID I HAD TO PAY AND NOTHING WAS DONE TO THE CAR. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED AT SEARS BECAUSE I WAS SCARED AND SIMPLY REPLACED THEM 4 MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR. I CALLED THE DEALER AND FIRESTONE RECALL BUT THEY ARE NOW ASKING FOR A DOT CODE IN WHICH SEARS DID NOT GIVE ME. NOW I AM ONLY ASKING TO PLEASE TRY TO REFUND SOMETHING. I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY GIVE TOO MANY PROBLEMS AND THE DEALER GETS AWAY WITH PROBLEMS IN WHICH THEY NEED TO FIX BECAUSE THEY ARE FACTORY PROBLEMS. *AK (TIRESIZE: 15INCHES)
Oct 30, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
WHEN VEHICLE IS SITTING OR MOVING THERE IS A TICKING NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. VEHICLE WAS AT REPAIR SHOP, AND MECHANIC TOLD CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE NEEDED A CAM CHAIN GUIDE. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK DEALER REPLACED THE TIMING CHANIN, ALSO THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE.*JB
Aug 31, 2001
SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT 40 TO 50MPH, WHEN IT WAS REARENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. VEHICLE COMPLETELY ROLLED OVER, AND LANDED UPSIDE DOWN. CONSUMER HAS YET TO CONTACT DEALER. NONE OF AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE FOUR INJURIES.*AK
Jun 25, 2001
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
1 complaint
DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT WOULD NOT RELEASE. CONSUMER HAD TO USE SCISSORS TO CUT SEATBELT OFF. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK ALSO, THE IGNITION ASSEMBLY UNIT FAILED AND THE BACK SEAT LATCH WAS MISSING. *YH
Jun 21, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
CONSUMER WAS STARTING VEHICLE IN THE MORNING AND THERE WAS A LOUD BOOM WITH A TOXIC SMELL. THERE WERE NO FLAMES. STARTED IT AGAIN, AND IT DIDN'T DO ANYTHING. THERE WAS A SMALL MINI EXPLOSION UNDERNEATH HOOD. DEALER STATED THAT UPER INTAKE HAD BLOWN TO PIECES. UNDETERMINED OF THE CAUSE, BUT ASSUMING A MISSED FIRE. *AK RIGHT REAR GASKET INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED. THE FAN BELT WERE REPLACED. *YH
Jun 18, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAD STUCK WHILE DRIVING. THIS INCREASED SPEED OF VEHICLE WHILE GOING 60MPH. WAS TRYING STOP VEHICLE BY STEPPING ON BRAKES. BUT, VEHICLE HIT A BUILDING, TIRES WERE STILL SPINNING AFTER IMPACT. AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK
Apr 10, 2001
STEERING,TIRES
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND SIDE DRIVING A ROCK WALL. THEN, VEHICLE STOPPED AND FOUND OUT THAT LEFT FRONT AND LEFT REAR TIRES WERE BLOWNOUT WITHOUT A PRIOR WARNING. CONSUMER SAID IT FELT LIKE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. FIRESTONE, WILDENESS AT, T-255/70R16 109S RADIO. *AK
Mar 21, 2001
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE O RING IN INTAKE MANIFOLD, AND TRANSFER BOX OF 4- WHEEL DRIVE.
Feb 21, 2001
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ENGINE PROBLEMS, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ENGINE SOUNDED LIKE NO OIL WAS IN IT WHEN STARTED, DEALER HAS REPLACED GASKETS, UPPER INTAKE CAM TENSIONER THREE TIMES, AND THERE WAS A COOLANT LEAK. LEFT FRONT DOOR HINGE REPLACED, IT WAS MAKING NOISE. POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED, IT WAS NOISY WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. VANITY MIRROR ON DRIVER'S SIDE WOULD NOT CLOSE ALL THE WAY AND POPPED WHEN OPENED, DEALER REPLACED IT. THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOWER THAN THE LEFT FRONT. BRAKES WERE SQUEAKY, DEALER REPLACED FRONT BRAKE PADS AND TURNED ROTORS. A TAP NOISE WAS HEARD WHILE PLAYING CD'S. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, WHILE GOING OVER BUMPS AND RAILROAD TRACKS, TRANSMISSION JUMPED OUT OF GEAR, DEALER INTALLED OVERHAUL KIT BECAUSE THE CLUTCH HAD BURNED. 4 WHEEL DRIVE WAS INOPERABLE AND MADE A RUBBING/GROAN NOISE, WHEN REVERSING AND PUTTING INTOR DRIVE, CONSUMER HEARD POPPING NOISE, DEALER REPLACED REAR TRANSFER CASE FLANGE AND REMOVED DRIVESHAFT. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, IT WOULD TURN OVER, DEALER FOUND THE PCM WAS NOT WIRING, DEALER REPLACED PCM. *SLC
Dec 29, 2000
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Nov 28, 2000
AIR BAGS,TIRES
1 complaint
PE 00020: WHILE DRIVING 75MPH VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE. WAS PULLING TO SIDE WHEN A LOUD EXPLOSION WAS HEARD. LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, WENT TOWARDS MEDIAN & HIT GUARDRAIL. AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. WHEN VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED, GOT OUT & CHECKED. NOTICED NO TREAD ON LEFT REAR TIRE. NO SERIOUS INJURY. FIRESTONE WILDERNESS, SIZE P235/75R15 WITH 61,000 MILES ON IT. DID NOT HAVE THE TIRE.*AK
Aug 15, 2000
POWER TRAIN,TIRES
1 complaint
CONSUMER HAD SEEN LEFT FRONT TIRE SHOW INITIAL SEPARATION. CONSUMER BELIEVED IT WAS THE AXLE. *AK
Aug 08, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 70 MPH VEHICLE START VIBRATING. THEN, FELT A POP ON THE TIRE WHERE THE ABS LIGHT COME ON, AND CONSUMER KEPT CONTROL OF VEHICLE WITH FIRESTONE TIRES. *AK FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P235/75/R15 *MW
Aug 02, 2000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC WHO TOLD HER THAT A HOLE WAS PRODUCED IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD.*AK
Apr 13, 2000
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
CAR MAKES A RATTLING NOISE WHEN DRIVEN. ALSO, VEHICLE HAS SCRATCHES/CUTS ON ITS BODY. *AK
Apr 12, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
1 complaint
VEHICLE EXPERIENCING ONGOING PROBLEM WITH FUEL VAPOR SMELL COMING INSIDE THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. ALSO, SEAT MOVES BACK AND FORTH, AND DRIVER'S SHOULDER BELT WOULD NOT LATCH PROPERLY. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Feb 25, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SEATS
1 complaint
REAR BRAKES ARE SHOT AND THE SEAT HANDLE IS BROKEN. MY DEALER SAYS THAT VEHICLE IS NOT COVER UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. BUT, THERE IS A TSB # 98-25-15 FOR THE SEAT HANDLE, AND I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT MY BRAKES OR REAR ROTORS ARE WARPED. ALREADY THEY DID REPLACETHE FRONT ONES AND THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE THE REAR AT THE SAME TIME BUT THEY DID NOT. NOW I AM THE ONE WHO HAS TO SUFFER BECAUSE OF THEM. THIS SHOULD BE A WARRANTY ITEM TAHT ALL THERE IS TO IT. HOPE I HERE FROM SOME ONE BUT I DOUGHT IT. *AK
Feb 11, 2000
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FELL OFF, CATCHING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE WELD TO THE FIREWALL BROKE. NLM
Feb 08, 2000
STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH FRONT RIGHT PASSENGER'S WHEEL COLLASPED, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. DEALER REPLACED BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS. *AK
Jan 18, 2000
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
BOTH BACK DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. CHILD SAFETY LOCKS ARE NOT ON. THIS IS THE SECOND FORD EXPLORER I HAVE OWNED AND I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE OTHER ONE. A FORD DEALER HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THEY HAVE SOLD NUMEROUS PARTS TO CORRECT THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM. THIS NEWER MODEL HAS A FEATURE WHERE THE DOORS AUTOMATICALLY LOCK WHEN YOU REACH A CERTAIN SPEED(5MPH?). I FEEL LIKE THIS COULD BE HAZARDOUS BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO RELY ON THE DRIVER TO OPEN THE DOORS AND IT CANNOT BE DONE WITHOUT FIRST UNLOCKING THEM. IF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE, THIS PROBLEM WOULD DELAY THE TIME THAT THE PASSENGERS IN THE BACK SEAT COULD BE SAFELY REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE.. *AK
Jan 11, 2000
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
FORD POWERTRAIN SYSTEM DISENGAGED WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY WITH A STEEP GRADE. AUTO ENGINE BRAKING CONTROL WAS LOST WITH LOUD GEAR TEARING SOUNDS. VEHICLE SPEED IMMEDIATELY ENCREASED TO A DANGEROUS LEVEL DURING CURVED DOWN-HILL SETION OF THE ROAD. HEAVY APPLICATION OF BRAKES KEPT US FROM SLIDING OFF THE HIGHWAY AND DOWN THE MOUNTAIN SIDE. THERE WAS NO WARNING THAT THE FORD GEM CONTROL MODULE WAS FAILING AND SUBSEQUENTLY INSTRUCTING THE TRANSMISSION "TRANSFER" CASE TO RELEASE/ENGAGE IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO DESTROY THE POWERTRAIN AND DISCONNECT THE VEHICLE FROM THE POWERTRAIN. *AK
Nov 20, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE
1 complaint
EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE DOESN'T ENGAGE WHEN PUSHING ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE BRAKES ARE HARD, BUT WILL SLIP OUT. DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
Oct 26, 1999
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
ENGINE MISSES AND STALLS IN VARIOUS SITUATIONS INCLUDING HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND FROM A STOP. DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO REPAIR AFTER REPLACING IGNITION WIRES AND VACCUUM ASSEMBLY. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION BECAUSE OF LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. IT ALSO CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO ACT AS IF THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED CAUSING A STOP FROM HIGH SPEEDS.
Oct 04, 1999
PARKING BRAKE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
PARKING LEVER ASSEMBLY. THROTTLE VALVE ASSEMBLY.
Sep 08, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, APPLIED BRAKES, AND THEY WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOORBOARD. ALSO, EMERGENCY BRAKE DIDN'T WORK AT ALL, AND CONSUMER IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVE TRAIN. *AK
Jun 30, 1999
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WHEN CONSUMER WAS TRYING TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. DRIVER COULDN'T STOP VEHICLE BY APPLYING BRAKES, AND HE HAD TO MOVE THE PAWL TO NEUTRAL AND TURN SWITCH OFF. *AK CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. THE ENTIRE KEYLESS ENTRY ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FAILURE CAUSED THE STARTER KEPT TURNING OVER AND OVER, BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT START. *YH
Jun 15, 1999
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
REAR DOOR LOCKS WON'T UNLOCK UNLESS YOU USE UNLOCK BUTTON ON FRONT DOOR FIRST. CHILD SAFETY DOOR LOCK WON'T DISENGAGE ON LEFT REAR DOOR, SOMEONE HAS TO OPEN LEFT REAR DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. KEYLESS CONTROL WILL NOT UNLOCK EITHER IF RIGHT REAR DOOR LOCK GETS HUNG UP. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO GET REPAIRED, BUT HAVE NO DOCUMENTATION EXCEPT ONCE IN 1997. I SELDOM HAVE PASSENGERS IN THE BACK, BUT IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT ANYONE IN THE REAR COULD NOT GET OUT. I JUST WANT THE DOOR LOCKS FIXED. THERE ARE SOME SIMILIAR COMPLAINTS WITH THE NHTSA, IDI ID 702648, 827786, 829733, 537402, 538918, AND 530692. ANY HELP WILL BE APPRECIATED. *AK
Mar 23, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DOES NOT ILLUMINATE ALL THE GUAGES PROPERLY, ORIGINAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REPLACED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSIST.
Feb 25, 1999
SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
1) THROTTLE CABLE BINDS UP. WHEN IT BREAKS FREE IT ADDS 1,000 RPM TO ENGINE SPEED. MOST PRONOUNCED AFTER USING CRUISE CONTROL ON THE FREEWAY AND DEACTIVATING CRUISE WITH BRAKE PEDAL. ALMOST REARENDED CAR IN FRONT OF ME DUE TO SUDDEN ACCELERATION. 2) SEAT BELT RETRACTOR LOCKS UP. RESTRAINS PASSENGER TO THE POINT OF PAIN. VERY DIFFICULT TO RELEASE. RETRACTOR REPLACED ONCE UNDER WARRANTY.
Dec 23, 1998
VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED AT 17,000 MILES AND AT 30,000 MILES I WAS TOLD BY FORD I NEEDED AN AIR INDUCTION CLEANING. AT 37,000 MILES I NOW HAVE THE SAME GAS PEDAL PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY AGAIN.
Dec 16, 1998
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. ALSO,BRAKES COMPLETELY FADED. VEHICLE STOPPED BY TURNING ENGINE OFF, STOP MADE WITHOUT POWER STEERING OR BRAKES.
Oct 22, 1998
STRUCTURE,WHEELS
1 complaint
RUSTING AND CORROSION OF THE BUMPERS AND WHEELS.
Aug 31, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,WHEELS
1 complaint
STARTED APPLYING BRAKES AFTER GOING 30MPH. VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN OR STOP. REARENDED SEVERAL VEHICLES. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. LEFT FRONT WHEEL CAME OFF. PRIOR TO IMPACT, CV JOINT MADE KNOCKING NOISE WHEN TURNING. TOOK TO DEALER TWICE FOR KNOCKING NOISE. *AK
Apr 22, 1998
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,SEATS
1 complaint
VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE WHEN GAS PEDAL IS PRESSED. ALSO, THE REAR SEAT BOTTOMS DO NOT LOCK IN POSITION, CAUSING PASSENGERS FALL WHEN ENTERING OR EXITING VEHICLE. SEAT BOTTOM FLIPS FORWARD WHEN WEIGHT IS POSITIONED ON THE FRONT EDGE.
Jan 04, 1998
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED MISALIGNMENT. IN ADDITION, REPLACED FUEL GAUGE SENDIN GUNIT/AIR BYPASS VALVE/ WATER PUMP/SEAT RELEASE/PASSENGER'S DOOR AND COMPUTER. *AK
Oct 31, 1997
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEATS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE CUT COMPLETELY OFF. DEALER REPLACED ENGINE. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT AFTER ENGINE REPLACEMENT, OIL PUMP ASSEMBLY FAILED AND THEN OIL WAS LEAKING AGAIN AFTER THAT WAS REPLACED, DEALER HAS AGREED TO REPLACE CONSUMER'S EXPLORERE WITH A 1998 MODEL. RACK AND STEERING WAS REPLACED, DUE TO LOST FLUID IN FRONT END. SEAT BRACKET FAILED. *SLC
Oct 27, 1997
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
CAR WAS HIT IN THE RIGHT FRONT AT 50MPH AND THEN HIT IN REAR WHEN THE AIRBAGS AND SEATBELTS DID NOT WORK. *AK
Jun 19, 1997
Where to Find VIN for Problems Check
To check for problems and complaints on your 1997 FORD Explorer, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.
Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports
Each character in your 1997 FORD Explorer 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.
How to Check 1997 FORD Explorer Problems in 3 Steps
1
Locate Your VIN
Find the 17-character VIN on your 1997 FORD Explorer dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.
2
Review by Component
Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.
3
Check Safety Issues
Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your FORD dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1997 FORD Explorer have?
The 1997 FORD Explorer currently has 1981 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 1997 FORD Explorer?
The most common problems reported for the 1997 FORD Explorer are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 1997 FORD Explorer problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1997 FORD Explorer comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
How do I report problems with my 1997 FORD Explorer?
You can report safety problems with your 1997 FORD Explorer directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.
Where can I find my VIN to check problems?
Your 1997 FORD Explorer VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.
Is the 1997 FORD Explorer reliable?
Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 1997 FORD Explorer. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.
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