1998 FORD Explorer Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
2248
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
TIRES
735 complaints
GENERAL TIRE TREAD SEPARATION FORD EXPLORER. *TR
Apr 15, 2011
TIRE - TREAD SEPARATION VEHICLE - FORD EXPLORER (1998) TIRES - FIRESTONE (PURCHASED SOMEWHERE IN THE 2003-2005 TIMEFRAME). THESE TIRES WERE SNOW TIRES AND ARE USED ONLY A FEW MONTHS OUT OF EACH YEAR, SO THERE IS LOW MILEAGE ON THEM. AT APPROXIMATELY 1 PM, MY DAUGHTER LEFT A SCHOOL FUNCTION IN BURBANK, WA, AND TURNED ONTO HIGHWAY 12. SHE ACCELERATED; ABOUT 100 YARDS LATER, JUST AS SHE REACHED THE SNAKE RIVER BRIDGE, THE LEFT REAR TIRE LOST ITS TREAD. SHE WAS GOING LESS THAN 50 MPH. THE CAR WAS UNCONTROLLABLE, SPUN AROUND, AND SMASHED INTO THE CONCRETE BARRIER OF THE BRIDGE. THE CAR WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED (TOTALED). NO OTHER CARS WERE INVOLVED. *TR
Jan 30, 2009
SPARE TIRE THAT IS SECURED TO UNDERSIDE OF VEHICLE SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD DUE TO SNAPPED CABLE. *TR
Jan 20, 2009
WE HAD TWO INCIDENTS OF TIRE BLOW OUTS IN 4 MONTHS THE LAST ONE OCCURRING ON OCT 12, 2008. THE CAUSE OF BOTH BLOW OUTS WAS THE TIRE STEM BUT WE DID NOT HEAR ABOUT THE RECALL UNTIL I HEARD IT ON THE NEWS TODAY. WE HAVE SINCE BOUGHT NEW TIRES AFRAID THAT IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN BUT WHAT CAN WE DO NOW? I FEEL LIKE WE SHOULD BE COMPENSATED BUT HOW? THE FORD DEALER WE BOUGHT THE TIRES FROM IS OUT OF BUSINESS SO WE COULD NOT GO THERE WHEN WE REALIZED THAT IT WAS A TIRE STEM PROBLEM AND WITHOUT KNOWING THERE WAS A RECALL WE HAD NO OPTION BUT TO GO SOMEWHERE ELSE WHICH WAS AMERICAN TIRE. WE WENT TO AMERICAN TIRE BOTH TIMES IT HAPPENED FOR THEM TO FIX THE TIRES AND THEY DID NOT MENTION A RECALL EITHER. THE TIRES WERE NOT OLD ENOUGH TO BE REPLACED BUT FOR OUR OWN SAFETY WE DID THAT. I GUESS I KNOW THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO BUT JUST WANTED TO GET SOME ADVISE OF WHAT TO DO, IF ANYTHING. THANKS, PATTY P.S. NO CRASH, NO DEATHS, THANK GOODNESS *TR
Oct 22, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE HAS COOPER DISCOVERER H/T TIRES, SIZE LT235/75R15. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT NOTICED DEBRIS COMING FROM THE TIRES AND THE VEHICLE, CAUSING HER TO PULL OVER ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SHE NOTICED THAT THE TREAD WAS SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE, WHICH CAUSED MAJOR FRONT END DAMAGE. A SPARE TIRE WAS PLACED ON THE VEHICLE AND SHE DROVE TO HER RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED A RECALL FOR HER TIRES AND CALLED THE MANUFACTURER; HOWEVER, HER DOT NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND THE TIRE HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 132,000. UPDATED 11/12/08. *LJ UPDATED 11/14/08. *JB
Oct 10, 2008
+ 730 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
245 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME DETACHED. THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND DROVE HOME WITH CAUTION. THE DEALER (PHIL LONG FORD AT CHAPEL HILLS, 1565 AUTO MALL LOOP, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80920, (719) 387-1099) WAS NOTIFIED, BUT COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL TO PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN THAT IF THE PART WERE REPLACED, THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
May 11, 2018
WHEN I STEPPED ON THE GAS PEDAL AND STARTED TO PROCEED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, I LOST ALL POWER AND HAD TO ROLL OR COAST VERY SLOWLY THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND STOP ON THE OTHER SIDE IN A DANGEROUS POSITION IN TRAFFIC WHEN I COULD COAST NO FURTHER. THE GAS PEDAL BRACKET HAD COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF THE FIREWALL AND WAS LAYING ON THE FLOOR. THE BRACKET HAD BEEN ATTACHED BY THREE SPOT WELDS. SOME OTHER PEOPLE STOPPED TRAFFIC AND PUSHED ME TO A SAFE PLACE TO PARK. THE FORD DEALER PARTS' DEPARTMENT HAS NO PARTS TO FIX IT AND SUGGESTED WE BUY SOME BOLTS SOMEWHERE AND REATTACH IT OURSELVES SOMEHOW. TO COMPLETELY LOSE POWER WITHOUT WARNING WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! THANK GOD I WAS IN A CONTROLLED INTERSECTION AND NOT TURNING LEFT ACROSS ONCOMING TRAFFIC OR IT COULD HAVE TURNED OUT MUCH WORSE. READING ONLINE BLOGS AND COMMENTS SHOWS THIS PROBLEM OF THE GAS PEDAL BRACKET FALLING OFF FORD PRODUCTS AND LOSING POWER IS NOT UNCOMMON.
Aug 02, 2016
WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE BRACKET THAT SUSPENDS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BROKE FREE FROM THE FIREWALL (IT WAS TACK WELDED IN SEVERAL SPOTS). THIS CAUSED AN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER. LUCKILY I WAS LEAVING MY RESIDENCE WITH NO TRAFFIC BEHIND. IF I HAD BEEN ACCELERATING VIA ON RAMP TO HIGHWAY WITH VEHICLES RIGHT BEHIND ME MIGHT HAVE BEEN A DIFFERENT STORY. LOCAL GARAGE REPAIRED ($47.50) BY DRILLING HOLES AND REATTACHING WITH BOLTS. ACCORDING TO "SERIOUS EXPLORATIONS" USERS GROUP, NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM. *TR
Oct 27, 2014
GAS PEDAL AND BRACKET HOLDING GAS PEDAL BROKE FREE OF IT'S MOUNTING LOCATION ON THE FIREWALL. 3 SPOT WELDS FAILED COMPLETELY. GAS PEDAL IS NOW DANGLING FROM ITS CABLE UNDER THE DASHBOARD. *TR
Jan 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT APPEARED ON THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL AND ORIGINATED NEAR THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 96,160. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Jun 24, 2011
+ 240 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
185 complaints
MY CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND WAS OFF. WE HEARD A NOISE FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE AND MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER WAS IN FLAMES FROM THE ENGINE AREA. WE HAD TO CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE CAR WAS QUICKLY ENGULFED. *TR
Feb 02, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE ENGINE WAS ON SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE FOR A BRIEF MOMENT. WHEN SHE RETURNED THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED WITH SMOKE. SHE REMOVED HER CHILDREN AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. AFTER WAITING FOR FIVE MINUTES THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF THE FIRE DAMAGE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 110,000.
Oct 15, 2009
MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING IT. *TR
May 05, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT HEARD A HUGE EXPLOSION COMING FROM HER DRIVEWAY AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. SHE CALLED HER INSURANCE COMPANY AND IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
Jan 20, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE NOTIFIED. THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ON FIRE WHEN THEY DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL. THERE WAS NO POWER RUNNING THROUGH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN DIAGNOSED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 158,000.
Jan 15, 2009
+ 180 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
95 complaints
MY EXPLORER HAD BEEN PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR WELL OVER 15 HOURS WHEN I HEARD MY NEIGHBOR SCREAMING. THE SUV WAS FULLY IGNITED INTO FLAMES.JUST OUT OF NO WHERE. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE FIRE OUT WITH MY WATER HOSES BEFORE THE GOTTA DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP BUT THE ENTIRE VEHICLE IS RUINED AND HALF MY GARAGE AS WELL. THE FIRE STARTED DOWN BY THE BRAKES AND THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGOLFED WITHIN SECONDS. OBVIOUSLY IT WAS ELECTRICAL. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I BELIEVE IT WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH MALFUNCTION. MY SUV HAD 134,000 MILES ON IT AND KEPT IN IMMACULATE CONDITION. I WILL DOWNLOAD THE FIRE DEPARTMENTS REPORT ONCE TO GET IT. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT
Apr 15, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, AND FOUR WHEEL DRIVE FAILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Dec 31, 2015
ONLY GOT MY SERVICE DOG OUT, THANK GOD I WAS IN A GLASS FRONT RESTRAUNT. CD PLAYER CAUGHT THE DASH ON FIRE AND BURNED THE TRUCK COMPLETELY UP. TRUCK WAS PARKED AND OFF FOR 20 MIN.
Oct 25, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN BURNING FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE FROM THE ROADWAY, FOUND THAT THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH AN EXTINGUISHER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Sep 09, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT DID NOT MENTION IF THERE WERE ANY INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CONFIRMED THAT CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FIRE AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FIRE COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000.
Jun 30, 2011
+ 90 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
95 complaints
BLEND DOOR MOTOR FAILED PERMITTING ONLY HOT AIR TO ENTER VEHICLE. *TR
Nov 18, 2007
I PURCHASED MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED FROM MY MOTHER IN JANUARY OF 2006 WITH 68000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. IN FEBURARY I FIRST NOTICED VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO DEFROST THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND DEFOG THE VEHICLES WINDOWS. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS THE CLIMATE CONTROL WOULD SOMETIMES NOT BLOW WARM AIR. THIS WOULD ALSO RESULT IN A VERY COLD INTERIOR. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET I FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE 1996-1998 FORD EXPLORER AND A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE CLIMATE CONTROL'S AIR BLENDING DOOR BREAKING, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO REGULATE HEAT AND COLD. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED UNTIL I COULD DETERMINE IF THIS WAS IN FACT THE ISSUE I WAS HAVING. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO PARK THE VEHICLE UNTIL I WAS SURE I HAD NO NEED TO OPERATE THE CLIMATE CONTROL. I WAS INSTRUCTED HOW TO CHECK FOR A BROKEN BLEND DOOR AND INDEED FOUND MINE TO BE BROKEN. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER IN CARSON CITY NEVADA AND WAS TOLD THAT DESPITE THE FREQUENCY OF THIS PROBLEM IT WAS NOT A RECALL ISSUE AND WITHOUT A WARRANTY THE COST FOR REPAIR WAS $1100. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THE BROKEN PARTS WERE BEING REPLACED WITH PARTS CONSTRUCTED OF IMPROVED MATERIAL (NYLON) BECAUSE OF THEIR TENDENCY TO BREAK USING THE PREVIOUS MATERIAL (ABS PLASTIC). I FEEL FORD IS WELL AWARE OF THIS HAZARDOUS PROBLEM BUT BECAUSE OF THE COST, WON'T ISSUE A RECALL OR EVEN A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. INSTEAD THE LEAVE THE CONSUMER TO COUGH UP THE LABOR AND PARTS COST TO REPAIR SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF A REPUTABLE AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER. *JB
May 01, 2006
1998 FORD EXPLORER, PLENUM DOOR FAILURE, RESULTING IN NO HEAT. CANNOT DEFROST WINDOWS CAUSING SAFETY HAZARD. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH, COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD EXPLORERS. SHOULD BE A FACTORY DEFECT. GARAGE WANTS $1000 TO FIX. *JB
Nov 10, 2005
TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM LOCKED IN COLD AC MODE. SYSTEM WILL ONLY BLOW COLD AIR DUE TO A BROKEN AIR BLEND DOOR. DRIVER CAN NOT DEFROST WINDSHIELD WITH COLD AIR CONDITIONED DEFROST. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR THE DRIVER. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED BECAUSE THE COST WILL BE $1200.*JB
Sep 21, 2005
THE BLEND DOOR , PLENUM, THAT CONTROLS THE TEMPATURE OF THE AIR COMING INTO THE CABIN IS BROKEN IN THE SAME PLACE THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED. THIS WILL NOT ALLOW HEATED AIR TO COME FROM THE DEFROSTER VENTS RESULTING IN A SAFETY ISSUE.FAILURE DATE GIVEN IS APPROXIMATE.
Jun 05, 2005
+ 90 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
91 complaints
I WAS GOING DOWN CLINTON KEITH IN MURRIETA WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT PASSED 3RD. IT WAS WORKING FINE THE DAY BEFORE. SO I TOOK IT SLOW BACK HOME AND THE CLOSER I GOT HOME THE TRANSMISSON STARTED SLIPPING GEARS.
Jul 28, 2018
MY VEHICLE WILL NOT RUN ON REVERSE. I CAN SHIFT PERFECTLY FINE TO ALL MY GEARS WITHOUT ANY FUSSING OR CLUNKING NOISES COMING FROM THE GEAR SHIFTS/TRANSMISSION. BUT AS SOON AS I TRY TO PUT IT ON REVERSE MY VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE, IT SEEMS LIKE IT'S IN NEUTRAL INSTEAD OF REVERSE. AT THE MOMENT OF DISCOVERING MY VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE IN REVERSE IT WAS STATIONARY IN PARK. I TRIED TURNING THE VEHICLE ON AND OFF AND TRIED MESSING WITH ALL THE GEARS BUT TO NO AVAIL.
Feb 25, 2017
MY 1998 EDDIE BAUER FORD EXPLORER DOES NOT MOVE AND WHEN I TRY TO PUT IT IN ANY GEAR IT SQUEALS. *TR
May 05, 2013
VEHICLE ACCELERATES FROM STOPPED AND BRAKE POSITION FOR 3 SECONDS AND THEN RETURNS TO NORMAL. *TR
Jan 23, 2012
1998 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND TRANS STARTED SLIPPING BADLY ALL AT ONCE. CAN NOT DRIVE NOW. I DON'T YET KNOW HOW MUCH A NEW TRANS WILL COST, BUT VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND SERVICED REGULARLY. I BELIEVE THIS TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
Jan 18, 2010
+ 86 more complaints for this component
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
80 complaints
I DRIVE A 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS, THE LOCKS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR HAVE JAMMED, PREVENTING THE OCCUPANT FROM OPENING THE DOOR. THE REPAIRS HAVE BEEN VERY COSTLY (AROUND $800 TOTAL), AND THE FAULTY/JAMMED LOCKS HAVE POSED SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERNS, SINCE THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER HAD TO CLIMB OVER THE ARM REST TO GET IN AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE. I WOULD STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT YOU ADDRESS THIS SAFETY ISSUE WITH FORD MOTOR CO. ASAP. IT MAY BE TOO LATE FOR ME. HOWEVER, IT WILL BE A HELP TO OTHERS WHO MIGHT HAVE AN ACCIDENT AND NOT BE ABLE TO ESCAPE A FIRE OR WORSE. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WITH MY MOTHER IN THE CAR, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. THE FRIEND WHO HAD TO CLIMB IN AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE OVER THE ARM REST ENDED UP WITH A SORE BACK. WE WERE OUT OF TOWN WHEN THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED. *TR
Dec 24, 2009
DOOR LOCKS ARE STUCK ON PASSENGER SIDE OF 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN AT ALL. *TR
Oct 25, 2009
I OWN A 1998 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS. BOTH THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR LOCKS DO NOT OPERATE USING ANY OF THE THREE AVAILABLE METHODS FOR UNLOCKING. THE REMOTE KEY FOB OPERATION, THE EXTERIOR DRIVER DOOR ENTRY PAD OR THE INTERIOR LOCKING MECHANISM DO NOT UNLOCK THE DOORS. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE DOORS SET TO AUTOMATICALLY LOCK WHEN PUT IN TO ANY OTHER GEAR THAN 'PARK' AND THE DOORS CAN ONLY BE OPENED USING THE INTERIOR HANDLE WHICH IS ONLY ACCESSIBLE FROM THE REAR DOOR OF MY 4-DOOR VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED TODAY TO REPLACE A SIMILAR VEHICLE (1999 FORD EXPLORER XLT) THAT HAD THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. THANKFULLY WHEN I TOTALED THE VEHICLE IN AN UNFORTUNATE ACCIDENT THE DOOR DID NOT STICK CLOSE WITH THE LOCK BEING THE CULPRIT. *TR
Sep 24, 2009
1998 FORD EXPLORER DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK WON'T OPEN. IT WON'T OPEN IF YOU USE THE KEY, REMOTE, OR MANUALLY TRY TO PULL UP ON IT WHILE INSIDE. HOWEVER, THE OTHER DOORS AND TAILGATE UNLOCK OK. I AM FORCED TO ENTER THE CAR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND CLIMB OVER A CONSOLE IN THE MIDDLE TO GET INTO DRIVER SEAT. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS THERE IS NO WAY TO GET IN OR OUT OF THE CAR ON THE DRIVER SIDE. I AM 76 YEARS OLD AND THIS IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO GET IN OVER THE CONSOLE ON PASSENGER SIDE. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON INTERNET FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. *TR
Jan 15, 2009
ONE DAY WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO ENTER MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER, PARKED IN MY GARAGE, THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK. WHENEVER THE AUTOMATIC FEATURE LOCKS THE DOORS WHEN I AM DRIVING OR I LOCK THE DOOR USING MY KEY FOB, IT WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE EXTERIOR. I HAVE TO REACH IN FROM THE REAR DOOR (OR IF I AM IN THE DRIVERS SEAT) AND OPEN THE DOOR WITH A VERY STRONG PULL ON THE DOOR HANDLE. I HAVE NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR AS YET. I HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THIS SITUATION FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS AS OF TODAY. TEDWARDS *TR
Jan 14, 2009
+ 75 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
77 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FELT AS THOUGH IT WOULD TIP OVER AND SWAYED WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70-75 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUSPENSION MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
Jun 25, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, A NOISE EMITTED WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS BEING MANEUVERED. THE MALFUNCTION OCCURRED WHENEVER MAKING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Oct 17, 2012
DURING THE ANNUAL VEHICLE SAFETY INSPECTION, IT WAS REPORTED THAT THE TWO FRONT SUSPENSION STABILIZER LINK BOLTS WERE BROKEN. EACH BOLT HAD FAILED AS A RESULT OF RUST AND CORROSION AT THE UPPER END WHERE IT ATTACHED TO THE STABILIZER. THIS RESULTED IN A DEGRADATION OF HANDLING ABILITY, WHICH IN A SUV VEHICLE WITH HIGH CENTER OF GRAVITY, COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. PARTS WERE REPLACED AND I AM RETAINING WHAT IS LEFT OF THE FAILED PARTS FOR FURTHER EXAMINATION. *TR
Mar 30, 2008
FAILURE OF FRONT WHEEL BEARING HUB ASSEMBLY. WHEEL BROKE LOOSE LEAVING VEHICLE UNDRIVABLE. WHEEL BEARING HUB ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB
Oct 12, 2007
I HAVE A 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPORT 2 DOOR 4WD WITH A SINGLE REAR LEAF SPRING ON EACH SIDE THE TRUCK SITS ABOUT 1-2 INCHES LOWER ON THE LEFT SIDE AND THE SPRING ARE ALMOST COMPLETELY FLAT. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST I HAVE HEARD OF THIS I HAVE TALKED TO MANY PEOPLE WITH THE MODEL EXPLORER THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM IS THERE SOMETHING THAT THE FACTORY CAN DO TO FIX IT WITHOUT ME THE CONSUMER HAVING TO PUT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS INTO THIS VEHICLE. *JB
Feb 12, 2007
+ 72 more complaints for this component
SEATS
71 complaints
UPON GETTING INTO MY CAR THE SEAT SUDDENLY FELL BACKWARDS , THANK GOODNESS I WAS NOT DRIVING DOWN THE STREET I COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED OR KILLED. THE POST THAT HOLDS THE DRIVERS SEAT IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION BROKE. AFTER CHECKING ON LINE FOR RECALLS I FOUND THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS AND A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED BUT MY VIN IS NOT IN THE DEALERS DATA BASE SO THEY WILL NOT MAKE THE REPAIRS. I DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL LETTER AND DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO NEXT. *TR
May 28, 2014
ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO I STARTED TO NOTICE THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT RECLINING AND I COULDN'T RESET IT TO THE UPRIGHT POSITION. THROUGH THE YEARS THE RECLINE GOT WORST AND I CONTACTED FORD AND ADVISED THEM THAT THIS MAY BE RELATED TO THEIR RECALL # 03V281000. FORD RESPONDED BY TELLING ME THAT I ALREADY GOT SERVICED FOR THIS RECALL AND THAT MY VEHICLE HAS NO OUTSTANDING RECALLS. I PURCHASED ANOTHER SEAT AND RECENTLY HAD IT INSTALLED. UPON INSPECTION OF THE ORIGINAL SEAT MY MECHANIC AND I NOTICED A STRESS CRACK ON THE RECLINING BRACKET OF THE SEAT. MY ARGUMENT IS THAT FORDS RECALL REMEDY DIDN'T SOLVE THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT IS A DEFECTIVE RECLINING BRACKET THAT IS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM NOT THE UPPER BOLT THEY REPLACED. I HAVE WORKED AS AN AIRCRAFT MECHANIC AND KNOW A STRESS CRACK WHEN I SEE IT. THIS IS DEFINITELY A FACTORY DEFECT AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED IMMEDIATELY. I HAD ROUGHLY A INCH LEFT BEFORE THE BACK OF THE SEAT WOULD SNAP AND RECLINE TOTALLY. DEPENDING ON THE SPEED AND TERRAIN YOU ARE DRIVING ON THIS COULD BE TRAGIC. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD NUMEROUS TIMES AND IN THEIR LAST LETTER THEY INDICATED THAT THEY WILL NOT COMMUNICATE WITH ME ANYMORE. I KEPT THE ORIGINAL SEAT AND CAN SEND YOU PHOTOS IF YOU NEED THEM.
Dec 18, 2010
SUBJECT: DEFECTIVE SEAT FRAME CAUSED BY FAULTY SEAT RECLINER BOLT COMMENTS: I HAVE A 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPORT THAT WAS RECALLED BY FORD FOR A FAULTY DRIVERS SEAT RECLINER BOLT. ON JUNE 2ND 2010 I TOOK MY EXPLORER TO FUTURE FORD OF CONCORD CA TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIR WORK PERFORMED, WHICH IT WAS, BUT WITH A "NOTE TO THE CUSTOMER" FROM THE FORD MECHANIC THAT THE SEAT FRAME WAS DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF THE FAULTY DRIVERS SEAT RECLINER BOLT FOR WHICH MY EXPLORER WAS RECALLED FOR. UPON BEING INFORMED I ASKED MY FORD SERVICE ADVISOR "D.T." HOW FORD PLANNED TO REPAIR THE DAMAGED SEAT FRAME, AND HE REFERRED ME TO THE FUTURE FORD SERVICE MANAGER J.H., WHO IN TURN SAID THAT HIS "COMPUTER SAID" THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, AND THAT I WAS WELCOME TO VOICE MY CONCERNS TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY?!?! CAN SOMEONE AT THE DOT PLEASE EVALUATE MY CASE AND IF WARRANTED, APPROACH FORD MOTOR CO. WITH AN ORDER TO REPLACE THE FAULTY PART(S) AT NO COST TO ME SINCE THE DAMAGE TO THE SEAT FRAME WAS CAUSED BY THE FAULTY DRIVERS SEAT RECLINER BOLT? DRIVING ON A DAMAGED DRIVERS SEAT SEAT FRAME DOESN'T SOUND TOO SAFE TO ME! NO DOUBT THIS IS WHY THE MECHANIC AT FUTURE FORD NOTED THIS ON HIS WORK ORDER, AND THE SERVICE ADVISOR THEN NOTIFIED ME. *TR
Aug 27, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT RECLINES ALL THE WAY BACK UNTIL IT TOUCHES AN OBJECT BEHIND THE SEAT. SHE COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS DUE TO THIS ISSUE. HIS VEHICLE MODEL YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V281000 (SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER). THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN PROPERLY REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000.
Jun 05, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V281000 (SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER), ALTHOUGH NO FAILURES WERE OCCURRING AT THE MOMENT. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE ISSUE AFTER CONSULTING WITH THE MANUFACTURER BECAUSE THE BOLT FAILED. AFTER BEING DENIED OF THE RECALL REPAIR, THE FAILURES BEGAN TO OCCUR A WEEK LATER. THE DRIVER'S SEAT WOULD RECLINE BACKWARDS ON ITS OWN. THE ISSUE OCCURRED OVER TEN TIMES, BUT THE DEALER STILL REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT BECAUSE SHE DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER IN A TIMELY FASHION, THE BOLT SHEARED; THEREFORE, THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,565.
Apr 08, 2009
+ 66 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
64 complaints
I OWN A 2000 FORD RANGER AND A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. I BELIEVE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE BREAK PEDAL ARE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER ON BOTH VEHICLES. ON AT LEAST FOUR OCCASIONS I HAVE EXPERIENCED MY TENDENCY TO HAVE MY FOOT ON BOTH PEDALS AT THE SAME TIME WHEN IN A SITUATION WHERE I HAVE TO STOP QUICKLY. I T SEEMS THAT I "PANIC" TO SOME DEGREE WHEN IN A SITUATION WHERE I MUST STOP QUICKLY TO AVOID A COLLISION. THIS MAY BE A VERY ISOLATED PERSONAL 'QUIRK" AS IT WERE, BUT I HAVE CAUSED TWO REAR END COLLISIONS SO FAR AND I NOW KNOW THAT I AM PRESSING BOTH PADS WHEN TRYING TO BREAK. I KNOW THIS BECAUSE I REMEMBER VIVIDLY HOW MY MOTOR WAS ACCELERATING WHILE I THOUGHT MY FOOT WAS ONLY ON THE BRAKE AND I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHY MY VEHICLE WAS NOT COMING TO A STOP WHEN MOST LIKELY I HAD PLENTY OF SPACE AVAILABLE TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP AND AVOID HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. *TR
Dec 27, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MPH SHE ENGAGED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT ALMOST TO THE FLOOR. THE ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATED WITH LIMITED BRAKING ABILITY. HE STATED THAT NONE OF THE WARNINGS LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. ONE YEAR LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 09V399000, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL AND STATED THAT THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE LAST YEAR IN 2009. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER DID NOT INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIRED IT AS NECESSARY PER THE RECALL. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER NEXT WEEK. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 164,000. UPDATED 12/14/2011 *CN UPDATED 03/02/11
Dec 20, 2010
98 FORD EXPLORER, ABS LOCKUP DRY WEATHER, SLOW SPEED.... NOW HAS ACCELERATED DURING ONE OF THESE EPISODES ....RELATIVELY CERTAIN THE EDGE OF MY FOOT DID NOT CATCH THE GAS PEDAL... *TR
Apr 04, 2010
1998 FORD EXPLORER HAD BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO THE BRAKE FLUID EATING THROUGH THE METAL. *NJ WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED, THE CONSUMER HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE BRAKE LINE WAS MADE OF METAL AND HAD A HOLE IN IT. *JB
Oct 10, 2008
I PUT ON THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL SIMPLY CHATTERED LIKE THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE MECHANISM WAS WORKING. HOWEVER, EVEN WHEN I LET OFF AND LIGHTLY HIT THE PEDAL AGAIN FOR 3 SEPARATE TIMES THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK AND ONLY CHATTERED. I RAN INTO A TREE TO AVOID A HITTING ANOTHER CAR AND SOME PEDESTRIANS WHICH WRECKED MY FRONT END, RIGHT FENDER, RIGHT DOOR, HOOD AND OTHER PARTS ON THE RIGHT. *TR
Dec 10, 2007
+ 59 more complaints for this component
STEERING
58 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE STEERING ROD FELL OFF AND CAUSED THE STEERING TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Feb 24, 2016
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST STEERING ABILITY AND DEFECTIVE PARTS PUNCTURED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE FAILURE CAUSED HIM TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS DUE TO A FAILED STEERING KNUCKLE. THE BODY SHOP REPAIRED THE STEERING KNUCKLE AND ALL RELATED PARTS. NO OTHER FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED SINCE THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,916 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
Aug 15, 2007
ON 2/22/07 I WAS DRIVING TO WORK IN MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4DR. I HAD JUST COME OFF THE NJ TURNPIKE AND WAS DRIVING THROUGH UNION CITY AT 6:45 IN THE MORNING WHEN I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I ACCELERATED AND ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE VEHICLE TO THE LEFT TO FOLLOW THE ROAD. TO MY SHOCK AND HORROR THE STEERING WHEEL SPUN FREELY WITHOUT CHANGING THE DIRECTION OF MY VEHICLE. I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO STEERING WITH BARELY ANY RESISTANCE ON THE STEERING WHEEL ITSELF. MY VEHICLE WENT STRAIGHT ACROSS THE ROAD; I STOPPED THE VEHICLE UP ON A SIDEWALK JUST BEFORE A BUILDING. THANK GOD THERE WAS NO ONE WALKING THERE AT THAT EARLY HOUR. AFTER I MANAGED TO COMPOSE MYSELF I TRIED TURNING THE WHEEL AND FOUND THAT IT WOULD JUST CONTINUE TO SPIN FREELY EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT, WITH NOTHING STOPPING IT. IF I TURNED THE WHEEL HARD AND LET GO THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SPIN COMPLETELY AROUND 5 OR 6 TIMES BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. I CALLED THE UNION CITY POLICE AND TOLD THEM WHAT OCCURRED AND THAT THE CAR WAS UP ON A SIDEWALK WITH NO WAY TO STEER IT. THEY TOLD ME TO CALL AAA AND SENT A CAR BY. AAA CAME WITH A FLAT BED AND AFTER A LONG TIME MANAGED TO GET THE VEHICLE OFF THE CURB AND ON THE TRUCK. THE DRIVER HAD A VERY DIFFICULT TIME BECAUSE THERE WAS NO WAY TO STEER THE VEHICLE. I ACCOMPANIED MY VEHICLE AS IT WAS TOWED TO MY LOCAL REPAIR STATION 30 MILES AWAY. THE STATION FOUND THAT INSIDE THE DRIVERS COMPARTMENT THE STEERING COLUMN IS TWO SEPARATE SHAFTS THAT ARE HELD TOGETHER BY A SINGLE BOLT ( NO NUT ). THE BOLT HAD BACKED OUT OF THE CONNECTION AND THE SHAFTS HAD BECOME SEPARATED. THE MECHANIC FOUND THE BOLT UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT ONCE THE SHAFTS BECAME SEPARATED THERE WAS NO WAY TO STEER THE VEHICLE. HE EXPRESSED GREAT CONCERN THAT THE BOLT DID NOT HAVE A NUT OR SOME KIND OF PIN TO KEEP IT FROM FALLING OUT. THE MECHANIC PUT SOME 'THREAD LOCKER' ON THE BOLT AND PUT IT BACK IN THE STEERING SHAFT, WHICH FIXED THE PROBLEM. *JB
Mar 29, 2007
RIGHT FRONT STEERING KNUCKLE CRACKED IN HALF, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING AND A RESULTING CRASH. *AK
Mar 25, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 1998 FORD EXPLORER AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH SHE HEARD A RUBBING NOISE COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. SHE DID NOT RECEIVE ANY WARNING LIGHTS, AND THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE CLEAR. SUDDENLY, IT BECAME VERY HARD TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND SHE HAD NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED, AND IT RELEASED DEBRIS INTO THE RACK AND PINION, WHICH CAUSED THAT TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 65042 MILES.*AK UPDATED 04/12/07. *JB
Mar 12, 2007
+ 53 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
47 complaints
LARGE FUEL LEAK FROM BRAIDED STEEL FUEL LINES WHERE THEY WERE RUBBING AGAINST THEIR BRACE ON THE TOP FRONT OF ENGINE. THEY WERE CUT, WITH A SPLICE PUT IN, AND THE BRACE REMOVED, RATHER THAN A REPLACEMENT. THE REASON BEING THE REPLACEMENT PART COST OF $600. *TR
Dec 23, 2009
WHILE ACCELERATING THE VEHICLE HESITATES AS IF IT IS GOING TO STALL. I'VE TAKEN IT AND HAD IT CHECKED OUT. THE ONLY THING THAT HAS EVER BEEN FOUND IS FAULTY O2 SENSORS. *TR
Dec 09, 2007
VEHICLE HESITATING AND STALLING. ALL SIX FUEL INJECTORS MELTED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPLACEMENT OF FUEL INJECTORS, STRONG GAS SMELL, AND THE VEHICLES STILL CURRENTLY STALLS OR IDLES TO HIGH. *TR
Aug 26, 2007
THE WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED ON VEHICLE ON 09 AUG, 2003, NECESSITATING REMOVAL AND RE-INSTALLATION OF THE AIR INTAKE HOSE CONNECTED TO THE THROTTLE BODY. ON THE MORNING OF 09 FEB, 2006 THE ACCELERATOR WAS BRIEFLY DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR WHILE NAVIGATING IN FREEWAY TRAFFIC. THE ACCELERATOR REMAINED IN THIS POSITION AFTER HAVING REMOVED THE DRIVER'S FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR. FULL PRESSURE WAS BEING APPLIED TO THE BRAKES WITH NO APPARENT SLOWING OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STEERED TOWARDS AN OPEN CONSTRUCTION AREA ADJACENT TO THE FREEWAY, AND SHIFTED INTO 'PARK' WHILE STILL MOVING AT ABOUT 50 MPH. THE VEHICLE STOPPED SAFELY, AND WITHOUT COLLISION. THE VEHICLE REMAINED DRIVABLE AFTER THIS INCIDENT. UPON INVESTIGATION, IT APPEARS THAT THE BODY OF THE HOSE CLAMP THAT SECURES THE AIR INTAKE HOSE TO THE THROTTLE BODY WAS INTERFERING WITH THE THROTTLE MECHANISM SUCH THAT WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS FULLY DEPRESSED, A PLASTIC TAB ON THE THROTTLE MECHANISM WOULD RUB AGAINST THE BODY OF THE HOSE CLAMP WITH ENOUGH FORCE TO HOLD THE THROTTLE IN THE FULLY OPEN POSITION. AS PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED, THIS HOSE HAD BEEN REMOVED AND RE-INSTALLED, POSSIBLY CAUSING THE HOSE AND ATTACHED HOSE CLAMP TO BE ROTATED SEVERAL DEGREES FROM THEIR ORIGINAL (FACTORY) POSITION. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THERE ARE NO FEATURES ON THE HOSE OR THROTTLE BODY TO ENSURE PROPER ORIENTATION UPON RE-INSTALLATION. TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, THE AIR INTAKE HOSE WAS RE-POSITIONED , AND THE OFFENDING CORNER OF THE PLASTIC TAB ON THE THROTTLE LINKAGE WAS FILED OFF. (DIGITAL PHOTOS AND VIDEO OF THE FAILURE CONDITION ARE AVAILABLE)*JB
Feb 25, 2006
VEHICLE IS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH A 4.0L SOHC ENGINE PURCHASED IN MARCH OF 1998. BATTERY HAD DIED AND ATTEMPTED TO JUMP START THE BATTERY (WOULDN'T JUMP, WAS REPLACED). GROUND CABLE WAS PLACED AT A LOCATION THAT APPEARED TO BE A SAFE LOCATION. UNKNOWN TO ME AT THE TIME, IT TURNED OUT TO BE THE FUEL LINE BRACKET. LATER THAT DAY AND THE NEXT DAY A STRONG GAS SMELL WAS EMINATING FROM VEHICLE. TOOK TO ADAMSON FORD DEALERSHIP IN BIRMINGHAM, AL AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS DAMAGED RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK WHICH COULD RESULT IN FIRE. AFTER GETTING OVER SHOCK OF A $889 REPAIR ESTIMATE, I SEARCHED THE INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION AND CAME ACROSS A LINK TO YOUR WEBSITE CONCERNING A RECALL ISSUED BY YOUR GROUP (ID# 98V060000). THE SUMMARY OF THE RECALL DESCRIBED MY SITUATION PERFECTLY. YOU ISSUED THE RECALL THE EXACTH MONTH AND YEAR OF MY PURCHASE, MARCH OF 1998. FOUND ANOTHER INTERNET ARTICLE STATING THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY ISSUED A VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL IN MAY, 1998 FOR THE SAME SUBJECT MATTER AS YOUR RECALL. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALL NOTIFICATION FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY REGARDING THIS MATTER. I'VE PRESSED THE ISSUE WITH THE DEALERSHIP AS TO WHY I DID NOT RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALL AND THEY ARE CLAIMING IT IS DUE TO THE "BUILD DATE" OF MY VEHICLE. THEY CLAIM FORD'S RECALL OF MAY, 1998 COVERED EXPLORERS WITH A BUILD DATE UP TO 02/01/98 AND THAT THE BUILD DATE FOR MY VEHICLE WAS 02/03/98, A DIFFERENCE OF 2 DAYS. WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE DID COME FROM THE SAME PLANT AS THOSE COVERED BY THE RECALL. I HAVE A HARD TIME ACCEPTING THAT A 2-DAY DIFFERENCE WOULD BE GROUNDS FOR FORD TO DESIGNATE THAT THE RECALL IN QUESTION WAS NOT APPLICABLE TO MY VEHICLE WHEN THE DANGER EXISTED.
Jul 26, 2005
+ 42 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
39 complaints
DOOR LOCKS AND WINDOWS QUIT WORKING AFTER BUYING IT. SO MANY ISSUE ..THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROL WORDS MELTED. BACK DOOR DON'T SHUT PROBABLY AND NEVER HAS SINCE BOUGHT. THIS WAS BOUGHT AS A NEW NOT USED VEHICLE. DOOR LOCKS WAS THE WORSE.THEY SOMETIMES STICK AND WON'T UNLOCK SINCE BOUGHT NEW.NEVER FIX BY BUTLER FORD IN MILLEDGEVILLE GA. OVERDRIVE SWITCH SLIPS OUT OF POSITION. DOES NOT SHOW CORRECT SPEED. I COULD GO ON AND ON
Jul 14, 2019
I HAVE 1998 FORD EXPLORER AND I NOTICED TRYING TO UNLOCK THE DOOR AUTOMATICALLY THAT IT WOULD STICK SOMETIMES. SOMETIMES BECALE ALWAYS AND NOTICED THE PASSENGER DOOR NEVER WOULD UNLOCK. THEN ONE DAY PARKED I TRIED TO OPEN PASSENGER DOOR AND IT WOULDNT OPEN. I HAD TO OPEN IT FROM THE INSIDE. NOW IT WONT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. THE DOOR IS TOTALLY NON FUNCTIONAL. DOOR LATCH ISSUE I DONT KNOW BUT HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME. ALSO DRIVER DOOR LOCK WILL SOMETIMES STICK, THE DOOR OPEN BUT WHEN CLOSING IT IT NEVER WANTS TO SHUT ALL THE WAY THE FIRST TIME OR THE 2ND IT TAKES A FEW TIMES TO GET THE DOOR TO COMPLETELY CLOSE BUT THE PASSENGER DOOR IS A LOSS NO ONE CAN RIDE IN IT. SEEN MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM FORD SHOULD HAVE TO FIX THIS ISSUE THEY KNOW ABOUT
Apr 10, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH, THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS BECAME JAMMED AND WERE UNABLE TO BE UNLOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 228,000.
May 27, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WIND WAS ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT WAS DISENGAGED FOR THE REAR WINDOW AND THE HINGES WERE FRACTURING ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE FAILURE OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Feb 16, 2011
RUNNING BOARDS ARE SO BADLY CORRODED YOU COULD SEE RIGHT THROUGH TO THE ROAD. RUST SPREADING BADLY THROUGH UNDERCARRIAGE. HAD TO HAVE RUNNING BOARDS REMOVED BEFORE THEY FELL OFF. *TR
Aug 27, 2010
+ 34 more complaints for this component
EQUIPMENT
33 complaints
98 FORD EXPLORER STEREO-CD-CASSETTE PLAYER, VOLUME CONTROL AND DISPLAY IS DEFECTIVE AGAIN. HAD IT FIXED OUT OF WARRANTY AT 40 MONTHS, NOW BROKE AGAIN...MANY UNHAPPY PEOPLE HAD SAME PROBLEM ON "EXPLORERFORUM.COM". SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL. *TR
Aug 20, 2008
THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WAS LEAKING IN THE 1998 EXPLORER, AND THE ACCUMULATOR WAS RUSTED VERY BADLY SO THAT IT TOO MAY HAVE LEAKS IN IT. FORD NEEDED TO RECALL THESE UNITS, AND REPLACE THE RUSTED ACCUMULATOR.*AK
May 14, 2007
AM/FM/CASSETTE CD RADIO DISPLAY NO LONGER WORKS. AT TIMES THE DISPLAY APPEARS BUT THEN GOES BLANK FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON. CURRENTLY THE DISPLAY HAS BEEN BLANK FOR MONTHS. *JB
Jan 15, 2007
DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. APPEARS TO BE STUCK IN THE LOCK POSITION. HAVE READ NUMEROUS WEBSITES THAT IT IS A DEFECTIVE SPRING FROM ACE LOCK CO.
Jul 19, 2005
CD'S GET VERY HOT. DISPLAY HAS FAILED. AM BAND IS ALL STATIC. *NM
Nov 24, 2004
+ 28 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
30 complaints
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LATCH FAILED. THE SEAT BELT LATCHED IN THE MORNING BUT WOULDN'T CATCH IN THE AFTERNOON. TRUCK WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURED. *TR
May 02, 2013
FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT PROPERLY AND MUST BE FED MANUALLY TO RETRACT. SUBSEQUENT DAMAGE TO SEAT BELT WEBBING CAUSING POSSIBLE FAILURE UPON IMPACT. *TR
Apr 27, 2008
I SPOKE WITH 3 OTHER MOTHERS THAT HAVE 1998 EXPLORER AND ON EACH THE MIDDLE SEAT BELT WON'T WORK, I HAVE THREE LITTLE GRANDCHILDREN, AND BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM I COULD NOT TAKE ALL THREE ANYWHERE. THEY COULD NOT SEAT UP FRONT. WHY DO 4 OUT OF 4 1998 EXPLORERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM? AT FIRST I THOUGHT I WOULD JUST ORDER A NEW ONE, BUT I DIDN'T HAVE THE $80.00 FOR PART AND INSTALLATION. UPON TALKING TO THESE OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS I REALLY FELT THAT INFERIOR BELT BUCKLES WERE USED. MY DAD WAS A FORD MAN AND WE WERE FORD PEOPLE. PLEASE HELP. *AK
May 12, 2007
I WAS IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT 12/2003 MY SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN ME, I WAS THE PASSENGER IN MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CAR RAN INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. AT THE TIME OF IMPACT BOTH AIR BAGS WENT OFF. AT IMPACT I FLEW UP FROM MY SEAT, DIDN'T TOUCH THE AIR BAG BUT I HIT THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE WITH MY FACE. I BROKE THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE, REAR VIEW MIRROR, STEREO, TWO AIR VENTS, AND THE COUNSEL BETWEEN THE FRONT SEATS. THE RESULTS FROM MY SEAT BELT NOT WORKING WAS 50 PLUS STITCHES TO MY FOREHEAD AND NOSE, AND A CLOSED HEAD INJURY. NOW I AM SCARED FOR LIFE BECAUSE MY SEAT BELT DIDN'T RESTRAIN ME AND CONTINUES NOT TO WORK. *NM
Aug 17, 2006
DRIVERS SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT GIVES AROUND THE WAIST CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO LOSE WITH NO RESTRAINT WHILE DRIVING. *AK
Aug 27, 2004
+ 25 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
29 complaints
FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LOCK AND LATCH STUCK AND UNABLE TO OPEN DOOR FROM EITHER INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. OCCURS BOTH STATIONARY AND IN MOTION.
Jun 15, 2018
UNKNOWN SPEED AND UNKNOWN MILES ON VEHICLE AND CENTER CONSOLE HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH ELECTRIC ISSUE OF 4 WHEEL DRIVE STILL NOT WORKING
Nov 19, 2014
WE USED THE FORD EXPLORER EALIER IN THE DAY TO VISIT LOCAL RELATIVES. WE PARKED THE CAR IN OUR ATTACHED GARAGE AT AROUND 4PM THAT DAY. WE WERE WOKEN UP AROUND 1AM TO NOISES COMING FROM THE GARAGE. UPON OPENING THE GARAGE DOOR FROM OUR LAUNDRY ROOM, I FOUND THE HOOD OF THE FORD EXPLORER IN FLAMES. I SLAMMED THE LAUNDRY ROOM DOOR AND PROCEEDED TO GET OUR 3 YR OLD SON OUT FROM HIS ROOM THAT IS LOCATED ABOVE THE GARAGE AND OUT OF THE HOUSE. MY HUSBAND ALSO WENT INTO THE GARAGE TO SEE WHAT WAS HAPPENING, BY THEN THE TRUCK WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. HE WAS GOING TO TRY TO PUT OUT THE FIRE BUT QUICKLY REALIZED THAT THERE WAS NO CHANCE.THE FIRE WAS TOO BIG BY THEN AND BEING THAT OUR GAS WATER HEATER WAS LOCATED NEXT TO THE VEHICLE, HE QUICKLY EXITED THE GARAGE BUT DID RECEIVE 2ND - 3RD DEGREE BURNS TO HIS HANDS, FEET AND RIGHT FLANK OF HIS BACK. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPT ARRIVED ON SCENE, THE GARAGE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DESTROYED THE GARAGE, THE SUPPORT BEAMS FOR THE SECOND FLOOR ABOVE THE GARAGE AND THE LAUNDRY ROOM. ALSO, THE ENTIRE FIRST FLOOR HAS SMOKE AND WATER DAMAGE AND THE SECOND FLOOR IS MOSTLY SMOKE DAMAGE. *TT
Sep 16, 2011
SPARE TIRE LOST FROM LIFT/HANGER. AT THE TIME OF PURCHASING NEW TIRES I LEARNED MY SPARE TIRE WAS MISSING. THE CABLE USED TO LIFT THE TIRE WAS BROKEN, IT DID NOT APPEAR TO BE CUT. I DON'T KNOW WHEN THE TIRE WAS LOST, BUT THIS COULD BE A VERY SERIOUS HAZARD TO OTHER MOTORISTS IF IT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING. *JB
Sep 07, 2007
1998 FORD EXPLORER RADIO (ELECTRONIC, WITH SINGLE CD) DISPLAY PERIODICALLY FAILS TO OPERATOR. ALL LIGHTING FADES OUT, CANNOT CAUSE IT TO RETURN. NO KNOW CAUSE OR PRECEDING EVENT... BUT IT MIGHT BE TEMPERATURE-RELATED. RADIO/CD/TAPE STILL FUNCTIONS WELL. THIS IS AN ONGOING EVENT. AN INTERNET SEARCH FOR COMMENTS FROM OTHER DRIVERS RESULTS IN MANY REPLIES, APPEARS THIS MAY BE MORE COMMON AN OCCURRENCE THAN JUST ME. *JB
Feb 09, 2007
+ 24 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
28 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HIGH BEAMS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY EVEN AFTER THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE ENGINE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHT MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Nov 10, 2014
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A REPAIR SHOP, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND HAD IT REPAIRED AGAIN FOR FREE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 167,994 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
Jul 07, 2009
HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. SIDE MARKERS AND TURN SIGNALS STILL WORK, AS DO HI-BEAMS WHEN IN FLASH/PASSING MODE. I HAVE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, BUT THEY STILL DON'T WORK.*AK
Sep 13, 2004
HEADLIGHTS GO OFF UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING. ACTION TO BE TAKEN IS TO HAVE THE DEALER INSPECT AND REPAIR.*AK
Aug 23, 2004
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED DUE TO A WIRING PROBLEM. *AK
Oct 22, 2003
+ 23 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
25 complaints
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE CONSUMER WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TWO OCCUPANTS SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK *NM
Apr 08, 2005
NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED AFTER A HEAD-ON COLLISION. *AK
Feb 01, 2005
THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH. UPON IMPACT, THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HER HOME. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Dec 22, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE. *AK
Nov 29, 2004
AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. *PH *TT *JB
Jan 23, 2004
+ 20 more complaints for this component
WHEELS
14 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED THAT ALL OF THE WHEELS WERE DETERIORATING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT CHROME PORTIONS OF THE WHEELS WERE DETACHING WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO HAVE THE WHEELS WELDED AND BOLTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Aug 08, 2012
THE MAGNESIUM WHEELS ON MY VEHICLE ARE DETERIORATING AROUND THE HUB. A LOCAL TIRE CENTER INFORMED ME THEY ARE UNSAFE TO USE. YOU CAN PUT YOUR FINGER RIGHT THROUGH THE CENTER. IF A WHEEL WAS TO BREAK UP WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY IT COULD BE DISASTROUS. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW IN FEBRUARY OF 1999 FROM RODMAN FORD, FOXBORO, MA THESE WHEELS WERE USED ON SALEEN EXPLORERS AND SALEEN MUSTANGS FROM 1994-1998 SO THERE COULD BE MORE OUT THERE WITH IMPENDING FAILURE.*JB
Mar 12, 2003
THERE WAS A HAIRLINE CRACK THROUGH ONE SPOKE OF THE DRIVER'S WHEEL. IT WAS ONLY SUPPORTED BY 4 SPOKES INSTEAD OF 5. CONSUMER WAS VERY CONCERNED THAT OTHER SPOKES WOULD FAIL WHILE DRIVING, POSSIBLY CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY. RELATED RECALL 00E027000 CONSUMER'S VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED. *PH *JB *NLM
Jan 16, 2003
SPARE TIRE FELL OFF VEHICLE. FORTUNATLY I WAS GOING SLOWLY ON A QUIET STREET. WHAT IF I HAD BEEN ON A CROWDED HIGHWAY?*AK
Jul 17, 2002
THERE IS A THUMPING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR BOARD, WHILE TURNING THE WHEEL. THIS THUMPING FEELS AS IF SOMETHING IS BINDING IN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 PREVIOUS TIMES AND WILL BE RETURNING FOR THE 4TH. ASAP THIS IS A LEASED VEHICLE. AND THE OWNER OF THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF ALL THE PROBLEMS THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD. I ALSO HAVE RECEIPTS OF EVERY TIME THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE. MY CONCERN IS THAT, IF I WANTED A VEHICLE WITH ALL THESE PROBLEMS, I MIGHT AS WELL OF PURCHASED A USED ONE. IN ORDER TO GET OUT OF THE LEASE, THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CARRY OVER THE REMAINING LEASE TO ANOTHER VEHICLE. I FEEL I DIDN'T CAUSE THESE PROBLEMS, SO WHY HAVE I BEEN SUBJECT TO BEING PENALIZED FOR THE REMAINING LEASE OF 1 YR. CAN YOU HELP?
Sep 09, 2000
+ 9 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
12 complaints
LAST NIGHT I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AFTER COMING HOME FROM WORK, MY FAMILY HAD DINNER AND I WAS SITTING DOWN IN THE LIVING ROOM TO PLAY WITH MY 2 YEAR OLD SON. I HEARD A POPPING SOUND AND ASKED MY WIFE WHAT WAS THAT NOISE, SHE LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW AND YELLED YOUR CAR IS ON FIRE ! MY CAR BURNED TO THE GROUND!!! *JB
Feb 27, 2007
FORD EXPLORER 1998 DATE 8-3-06 I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR THREE YEARS. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY MAJOR OR MINOR PROBLEMS. I HAVE REGULAR REQUIRED MAINTENANCE DONE (EXAMPLE) FLUID CHANGES AND BRAKES. EARLY FEBRUARY. I NOTICED AROUND NOVEMBER 2005, MY CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. I DIDN'T TAKE IT TO BE CHECKED; I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS A BIG ISSUE. I NOTICED WHEN STARTING MY CAR, THE BATTERY SOUNDED WEAK. I TOOK THE CAR TO NTB TO HAVE THE BATTERY CHECKED. THE BATTERY WAS BAD AND WAS REPLACED WITH THE EXIDE 72 MONTH BATTERY. I HAD NEVER THE BATTERY REPLACED. NTB INSTALLED THE NEW BATTERY ON FEBRUARY 5, 2006. I DRIVE THIS CAR TO AND FROM WORK REGULARLY, ABOUT 12 MILES. ON FEBRUARY 28, 2006, LEAVING WORK HEADING HOME, I STOPPED AT THE GROCERY STORE ABOUT 1 MILE FROM MY HOUSE. I LEFT THE STORE AND WENT HOME. AFTER TURNING THE ENGINE OFF APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES LATER STANDING ON MY PORCH, I NOTICED HEAVY WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER MY HOOD BEHIND THE BATTERY AREA. I RAN TO MY CAR AND OPENED THE DOOR AND RELEASED THE HOOD. WHEN I RAISED THE HOOD, I SAW THE HEAVY SMOKE COMING FROM WHAT APPEARED TO BE NEAR THE WIRING IN FRONT OF THE MASTER CYLINDER. I RAN IN THE HOUSE TO CALL 911 AND GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. WHEN I WENT BACK TO THE CAR UNDER HOOD AREA WAS FULLY INVOLVED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. AFTER HEARING AND READING THE REPORTS ABOUT THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH, I REALLY THINK THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE. *JB
Aug 06, 2006
1998 FORD EXPLORER PARKED IN GARAGE HAD SPONTANEOUS FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT DEPARTMENT PUT OUT FIRE. THIS WAS A CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FIRE. IT MAY HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO YOU BY POLICE, INSURANCE, OR FIRE DEPT. IF SO, JUST LET ME KNOW YOU HAVE THE INFORMATION. *JB
Aug 05, 2006
FORD EXPLORER 1998 DATE 8-3-06 I'VE HAD THIS CAR FOR THREE YEARS. I'VE NEVER HAD ANY MAJOR OR MINOR PROBLEMS. I HAVE REGULAR REQUIRED MAINTENANCE DONE (EXAMPLE) FLUID CHANGES AND BRAKES. EARLY FEBRUARY. I NOTICED AROUND NOVEMBER 2005, MY CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. I DIDN'T TAKE IT TO BE CHECKED; I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS A BIG ISSUE. I NOTICED WHEN STARTING MY CAR, THE BATTERY SOUNDED WEAK. I TOOK THE CAR TO NTB TO HAVE THE BATTERY CHECKED. THE BATTERY WAS BAD AND WAS REPLACED WITH THE EXIDE 72 MONTH BATTERY. I HAD NEVER THE BATTERY REPLACED. NTB INSTALLED THE NEW BATTERY ON FEBRUARY 5, 2006. I DRIVE THIS CAR TO AND FROM WORK REGULARLY, ABOUT 12 MILES. ON FEBRUARY 28, 2006, LEAVING WORK HEADING HOME, I STOPPED AT THE GROCERY STORE ABOUT 1 MILE FROM MY HOUSE. I LEFT THE STORE AND WENT HOME. AFTER TURNING THE ENGINE OFF APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES LATER STANDING ON MY PORCH, I NOTICED HEAVY WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER MY HOOD BEHIND THE BATTERY AREA. I RAN TO MY CAR AND OPEN THE DOOR AND RELEASED THE HOOD. WHEN I RAISED THE HOOD, I SAW THE HEAVY SMOKE COMING FROM WHAT APPEARED TO BE NEAR ARE IN FRONT OF THE WIRING IN FRONT OF THE MASTER CYLINDER. I RAN IN THE HOUSE TO CALL 911 AND GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. WHEN I WENT BACK TO THE CAR UNDER HOOD AREA WAS FULLY INVOLVED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. AFTER HEARING AND READING THE REPORTS ABOUT THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH, I REALLY THINK THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE. *JB
Aug 03, 2006
1. MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER XLT BURST INTO FLAMES WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING WHILE PARKED AT MY DAUGHTER'S HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT. 2. THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMED BY FLAMES AND IS A TOTAL LOSS. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT BROUGHT TWO UNITS TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. 3. AFTER FILING MY INSURANCE CLAIM, I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT THE FORD EXPLORER POSES A BIG FIRE RISK. 4. SPECIFICALLY, MY CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING 3 MONTHS AGO AND JUST AS BEEN DOCUMENTED BY THE NHTSA, THE DEFECTIVE CRUISE CONTROL CAUSED THE ELECTRICAL FIRE. 5. I THANK MY LUCKY STARS NOBODY WAS HURT....BUT IF MY EXPLORER HAD BEEN PARKED INSIDE MY APARTMENT BUILDING THIS INCIDENT WOULD HAVE BURNED DOWN MY BUILDING. PLS LET ME KNOW IF YOU REQUIRE ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION OR PHOTOS. *NM
Mar 06, 2006
+ 7 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION,TIRES
9 complaints
WHILE DRIVING 35-40 MPH IT STARTED TO SNOW REAR OF VEHICLE TWISTED A BIT, THEN STARTED TO SPIN SIDEWAYS. VEHICLE ROLLED OVER, AND LANDED ON PASSENGER'S SIDE. DRIVER'S REAR TIRE WAS FLAT. DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WAS $ 5000.00. NO INJURIES.*AK
Jan 30, 2002
FIRESTONE TIRES WERE REPLACED DUE TO RECALL 00T005, HOWEVER CONSUMER STATES REPLACEMENT TIRES (NOT FIRESTONE'S) EXPERIENCE THE SAME VIBRATION AND WHEN MAKING A TURN IT FEELS LIKE VEHICLE IS GOING TO ROLLOVER, PROBLEM IS POSSIBLY SUSPENSION RELATED. *SLC
Jun 19, 2001
CONSUMER HAD RECALLED (00T005) FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES REPLACED WITH DUNLOP, HOWEVER AFTER THE REPLACEMENT TIRES WERE ON THE VEHICLE IT VIBRATED AND SHOOK BADLY, AFTER THE TIRES HAVE BEEN BALANCED 4 TIMES, THE VIBRATION AND SHAKING STILL EXISTS, THIS PROBLEM COULD BE A SUSPENSION OR TIRE PROBLEM. *SLC
Oct 19, 2000
VEHICLE EXPERIENCES VIBRATION AND SLIGHT DRIFT TO THE RIGHT AROUND 65 MPH. ROTATED TIRES EVERY 5000 MILES, HOWEVER INSIDE OF FRONT TIRES EXPERIENCE SEVERE CUPPING. AT 35000 MILE SERVICE, BROUGHT TO BANKSTON FORD (FRISCO TX) FOR MAINTENANCE. TIRES ROTATED, BUT NOTHING NOTED ON SERVICE REPORT ABOUT SEVERE CUPPING ON INSIDE OF TIRES BY BANKSTON. GREW FRUSTRATED WITH LACK OF SERVICE AND DISREGARD FOR SAFETY, TOOK TO GOODYEAR DEALER. TIRES WERE WORN TO THE 2ND LAYER AND NEAR FAILURE, AND SHOWN TO ME BY TECH. REPLACE WITH GOODYEARS & HAD ALIGNMENT CHECKED, NEEDED SLIGHT TOE IN ADJUSTMENT. VEHICLE STILL VIBRATES AT 65 MPH, ALREADY SEEING CUPPING WEAR PATTERN ON INSIDE OF BRAND NEW GOODYEARS WITH LESS THAN 500 MILES!. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P255/70R16 )
Sep 15, 2000
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WILL START VIBRATING. CONSUMER HAD REPLACED TIRES TO CORRECT VIBRATION, BUT STILL THERE WAS VIBRATION. SHOCK ASORBER HAD BEEN REPLACED AND VIBRATION CONTINUED. CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT COULD BE A VEHICLE PROBLEM. *AK THE CONSUMER HAS WENT THROUGH 4 SETS OF TIRES WHICH START CUPPPING AFTER 15000 MILES, THE TIRESARE BALANCED AND ROTATED EVERY 5000 MILES. A NEW SHOCK WAS PUT ON WHICH HELPED VIBRATION SOME BUT NOT COMPLETELY. THE PINION BEARING REAR AXLE WENT OUT AT 36000 MILES. *SLC
Sep 12, 2000
+ 4 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
8 complaints
I WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND THEN SPEEDOMETER WENT ALL THE WAY UP TO THE MAX, AND COASTED OFF TO THE SIDE AS SOON AS I COULD. THIS CAUSED THE ENGINE TO BE DAMAGED AND THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE. *TR
Dec 14, 2011
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 60MPH AND LET UP TO REDUCE SPEED. THROTTLE NEVER LIFTED FOR VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN. CONSUMER ROAD 2-3 MILES, HITTING BRAKES AND THROTTLE TO SEE IF PEDAL WOULD LIFT. CONSUMER ENDED UP RUNNING INTO A FIELD, SLOWING TO 40MPH AND SLAMMED ON BRAKES. ALL FOUR BRAKES WERE BURNED UP. CONSUMER WASN'T SURE IF TRANSMISSION WAS DAMAGED. VEHICLE IS AT FORD TO BE LOOKED AT.*AK
May 08, 2001
VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WHEN APPLYING BRAKES TO COME TO A STOP. ENGINE REVVED, AND EVEN THOUGH CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES, VEHICLE WENT THROUGH GARAGE WALL. DEALER COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM. ON MAR 13, 2001 THIS HAPPENED AGAIN. CONSUMER PULLED INTO PARKING SPACE ON 5TH LEVEL OF PARKING GARAGE, APPLIED BRAKES, AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND HIT CONCRETE WALL. VEHICLE AT DEALER AT THIS TIME. CONSUMER NO LONGER FEELS SAFE DRIVING VEHICLE.*AK
Mar 13, 2001
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 5TO 10MPH. WHILE ENTERING INTO A PARKING LOT HE APPLIED BRAKES, AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACELLERATE AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE.*AK
Feb 15, 2001
VEHICLE WON'T DISENGAUGE AND ACCELERATED UP TO 75 MPH. PUSHED THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTON, AND VEHICLE KEPT ACCELERATING. APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND VEHICLE WENT UP TO 80 MPH. *AK
Oct 20, 1999
+ 3 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
5 complaints
REAR END ROARS AND SPEEDOMETER QUIT WORKING
Aug 30, 2017
DT: WHILE DRIVING IN JULY THE OWNER NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SHIFT MECHANISM. THE GEAR POSITION INDICATOR WAS NOT CORRECT. THE VEHICLE HAD A NORMAL POSITION INDICATOR FOR ABOUT 7 YEARS. THEN ONE DAY IT WENT OUT OF WACK. THE REVERSE WAS WHERE NEUTRAL SHOULD BE, NEUTRAL WAS WHERE DRIVE SHOULD BE, AND DRIVE WAS WHERE SECOND GEAR SHOULD BE. THE OWNER HAS NOT TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP OR CONTACTED THEM YET. THE OWNER HAS NOT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION'S PERFORMANCE, THE OWNER IS JUST CONCERNED BECAUSE HE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT GEAR THE CAR WAS IN. THE OWNER ADDED THAT THE GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK YESTERDAY. THE OWNER WAS BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY. THE OWNER WAS GOING SLOWLY AND AND WENT TO PUSH THE ACCELERATOR AND IT WOULDN'T ACCELERATE. THE GAS PEDAL WAS JAMMED. THE OWNER THINKS THE PEDAL WAS DOWN A LITTLE BIT AND THERE WAS NO REACTION. THE OWNER STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND SHOUTED FOR HUSBAND TO COME OVER AND LOOK. THEN SHE TRIED AGAIN. THIS TIME THE ACCELERATOR WORKED. THIS WAS THE FIRST AND LAST TIME THE VEHICLE HAS EVER THIS PROBLEM.*AK *NM
Sep 29, 2005
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WILL ENGAGE ON ITS OWN, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SUDDENLY ACCELERATE. *AK
Jul 03, 2003
WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE WILL UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATE TO VERY HIGH RPMS WITHOUT WARNING. PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN VEHICLE STOPS AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS, WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED, AND ALSO WHEN IN REVERSE. VEHICLE IS NOISY AND LOCKED IN 4X4 WITH O/D LIGHT BLINKING, DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM, CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK *TT
Nov 08, 2001
WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS ACCELERATOR WOULD BECOME HARD. TRANSMISSION WOULD JUMP FROM NEUTRAL INTO DRIVE. THEN A LOUD NOISE, LIKE A BANG, WOULD BE HEARD. TRANSMISSION WOULD REENGAGE ITSELF INTO DRIVE. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. TOOK TO DEALER TO HAVE TRANSMISSION OVERHAULED. *AK
Oct 08, 1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
5 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30-70 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOOSE POWER BUT THE ENGINE WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN. THE VEHICLE WOULD EVENTUALLY STALL BUT WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES. IN ADDITION, THE WIPER BLADES WOULD ALSO FAIL AND WOULD NOT OPERATE AS THEY SHOULD WHEN INCLEMENT WEATHER AROSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE WIRING IN THE ENTIRE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
Feb 06, 2012
IT STARTED WITH THE REAR DRIVER WINDOW INTERMITTENTLY NOT WORKING. THEN THE LOCK DROP DOWN INSIDE DOOR MAKING THE DOOR UNABLE TO UNLOCK AND OPEN. ALSO ENGINE STALLED. TOOK TO THE DEALER. THEY FIXED THE DOOR BUT COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE ENGINE OR THE WINDOW. WINDOW WORKED FOR THEM. BROUGHT THE TRUCK HOME THAT NIGHT AND WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT THE BATTERY LIGHT ON THE DASH WHEN ON AND THE BATTERY GAUGE STARTED FLUCTUATING TO THE "H" AND FINALLY HELD THERE. TURNED TRUCK OFF AND LET SIT AND EVERYTHING WENT BACK TO NORMAL. DIDN'T REACURR FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS BUT THEN STARTED UP AGAIN. ABS LIGHT ALSO STARTED COMING ON AND OUTSIDE TEMP GAUGE STARTED TO GO CRAZY. ALSO ENGINE IDLE STARTED TO SURGE AS THE BATTERY GAUGE SURGED. THIS WAS ON A WEEKEND. TOOK TRUCK BACK TO DEALER. THEY COULDN'T MAKE IT DO ANY OF THESE THINGS. THEY KEPT IT FOR 5 DAYS AND DROVE IT. STILL NOTHING. THEY DECIDED TO LOOK AT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND FOUND THE MAXI FUSE AND WIRING SYSTEM BURNT. I ASKED IF IT COULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE AND THEY SAID NO. HOWEVER I LOOKED AT YOUR WEB SITE UNDER CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND FOUND THE SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED THAT THEIR EXPLORER HAD CAUGHT FIRE BECAUSE OF THE WIRING HARNESS. SOME OF THESE EXPLORERS WERE NOT RUNNING AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE AND WERE PARKED IN A GARGE. THE DEALER DID REPLACE THE FUSE AND WIRING HARNESS HOWEVER IT TOOK 11/2 WEEKS TO GET THE PARTS IN BECAUSE THEY WERE BACKORDERED. OBVIOUSLY THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRING SYSTEMS. I ALSO PARK MINE IN A GARGE. I AM NOW WORRIED AND AFRAID TO PARK IT IN THE GARGE. I HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND THEIR SAFETY IS MY FIRST CONCERN.*AK
Jul 05, 2001
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE. ON ONE OCCASION MOTOR WAS REPLACED. LATER ON, WINDSHIELD WIPER COMMENCED TO OPERATE ERRATICALLY OR NOT AT ALL. ALSO, NOTICED INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD GET TOO HOT TO TOUCH. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT IT WAS NORMAL. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON BOTH OF THESE MATTER. *AK
Jul 18, 2000
WINDSHIELD WIPERS DON'T WORK AND 4-WD DASH LIGHT FLASHES WHEN ENGINE IS COLD AND OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS LESS THAN 40 DEG F. WIPERS WORK OK AFTER ENGINE WARMS UP (ABOUT 5 MIN).
Nov 24, 1999
REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR KEEPS SHORTING OUT HAS BURN FOUR MOTORS COMPLETLY UP. NOW TOTAL SYSTEM OUT. NO DOOR LOCKS, WINDOWS, SEATS OR ANYTHING ELECTRIC. CAN SMELL BURNING WIRES. FORD WILL NOT DO REPLACEMENT OR BUYBACK. THEIR SOLUTION IS TO BRING IT IN ONCE A MONTH FOR A NEW MOTOR, SOONER OR LATER IT WILL QUIT BURNING THEM UP.
Nov 24, 1998
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
5 complaints
I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, IN MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER, EDDIE BAUER, THIS AFTERNOON ; I WAS ABOUT 10 TO 15 MILES OFF THE INTERSTATE. ALL OF A SUDDEN MY GAS PEDAL BROKE OFF AND WAS JUST HANGING THERE. IT WAS A VERY BUSY STATE HWY WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 55 MPH. LUCKILY A CHP OFFICER CAME BY AND PUSHED MY CAR FORWARD TO A WIDER SPOT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THEN THE TOW TRUCK CAME AND TOWED ME TO A SHOP. IT REALLY SCARES ME TO THINK ABOUT IF MY WIFE OR SON HAD BEEN DRIVING AND NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO OR WHAT WAS WRONG. ALSO, I WAS VERY LUCKY IT DID NOT HAPPEN TO ME WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE. AFTER I GOT THE CAR TOWED AND CAME HOME I WENT ON THE INTERNET TO RESEARCH THIS PROBLEM. ON WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM I FOUND 11 OTHER CASES LISTED WITH VERY SIMILAR STORIES. *TR
Aug 12, 2009
REFERENCE THE "FUEL TANK SENDER ASSEMBLY" ON EXPLORERS AND MOUNTAINEERS MODEL YEARS 1997 THRU 2000 DOES NOT REACH FAR ENOUGH INTO THE TANK CAUSING THE SENSORS TO BELIEVE THE VEHICLS ARE OUT OF FUEL WHEN PARKED ON A DOWN HILL SLOPE, THIS COULD ALSO OCCUR WHEN DRIVING DOWNHILL WITH LESS THAN A QUATER TANK OF FUEL. THIS PROBLEM, SUPPOSELY, WAS CORRECTED WITH THE 2001 MODELS, BY EXTENDING THE LENGTH OF THE SENDER ASSEMBLY. SHOULD THIS , FOR SAFETY SAKE, BE DONE ON 97 THRU 00 MODELS. I AM AWARE OF ONLY ONE INCIDENT WHERE AN EXPLORER WITH A FEW GALLON S OF FUEL REMAINING THE THE FUEL TANK, WAS PARKED ON A DOWN SLOPE AND COULD NOT BE STARTED UNTIL VEHICLE WAS PLACED ON THE LEVEL.
Jul 16, 2001
THE INERTIA SWITCH IS LOCATED IN AN AREA WHERE A PASSENGER'S RIGHT FOOT CAN HIT IT'S WIRING AND COULD CAUSE IT TO BECOME DISCONNECTED WHILE DRIVING. CAUSING THE FUEL TO BE SHUT OFF UNEXPECTEDLY.*AK
Apr 14, 2001
THE GAS INDICATOR MALFUNCTIONED WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Jul 29, 1999
GAS TANK FLOAT FAILED.
Mar 12, 1999
STEERING,SUSPENSION
5 complaints
AT HIGH SPEEDS VEHICLE SHAKES AND WILL NOT STAY IN LANE, AND STEERING WHEEL IS VERY LOOSE. *AK THE CONSUMER HAD RACK AND PINION INSTALLED, BUT IT STARTED LEAKING AND BECOME LOOSE. *YH
Jul 01, 2002
VEHICLE WAS APPROXIMATELY GOING 60MPH WHEN A LOSS OF STEERING CAUSED VEHICLE TO JERK SIDE TO SIDE AND ROLL OVER. METAL FATIGUE CAUSED THE HYDRUALIC RACK AND PINION TO BURST AND LEAK FLUID. THIS MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, AND VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.
Feb 28, 2002
CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE EXPERIENCD PREMATURE WEAR OF THE FRONT BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS, DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK *YD
Dec 07, 2001
THERE WAS SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE AS IF SHOCKS WERE GOING BAD IN VEHICLE. IN MARCH, DEALERSHIP INFORMED HER THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE. ON MAY 11, 2001- AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, DEALERSHIP INFORMED CONSUMER THAT FOLLOWING COMPONENTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED: BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS, RIGHT OUTER TIE ROD , AND ALIGNMENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
May 11, 2001
SERIOUS POWER STEERING LEAKAGE. TAKEN TO DEALER TWICE, AND TOLD IT'S BEEN REPAIRED - STILL UNRESOLVED. ALSO CONTINUAL SQUEAKING IN RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. DEALER STATES CANNOT REPAIR. *AK
Apr 03, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4 complaints
WHEN BACKING UP AT 5MPH VEHICLE ACCELERATED AT HIGH SPEED WENT UP CURB AND HIT GUARDRAIL. AFTER 2-3- SECONDS VEHICLE DROPPED DOWN TO 0 MPH. *TR
Jan 23, 2012
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT HEARD A HUGE EXPLOSION COMING FROM HER DRIVEWAY AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. SHE CALLED HER INSURANCE COMPANY AND IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000. UPDATED 03/17/09. *LJ UPDATED 03/17/09.*JB
Jan 20, 2009
AFTER VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR SIX HOURS THE OWNER WAS AWAKENED BY SOME NEIGHBORS AND INFORMED THAT VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. WHICH WAS COMING OUT OF THE FENDER WELL AND CONSUMED THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENEAND DETERMINED THAT CRUISE CONTROL WAS CAUSE OF THE FIRE. *AK
Apr 25, 2005
DRIVING DOWN A TWO WAY STREET ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS TRYING TO PASS FROM BEHIND. WHEN APPLYING BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN, VEHICLE STALLED AND WITHIN SECONDS IT ACCELERATED. *AK
Mar 13, 2000
PARKING BRAKE
4 complaints
EMERGENCY BRAKE RELEASE LEVER BRACKET FELL FROM CONNECTION TO PLASTIC DASH. FORD WILL SPLIT THE $2000 COST 50/50 TO REPAIR SINCE NO RECALL AT THIS TIME. FEEL POOR DESIGN ATTACHING MECHANISM TO PLASTIC DASH INSTEAD OF METAL BRACKET. WHEN USED CURRENTLY, MUST BE CAREFUL TO NOT LET RELEASE GET STUCK UNDER DASH MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO RETRIEVE AND RELEASE THE LEVER. *LA
Nov 24, 2003
THE LEFT REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLE (PART NUMBER FMC F87Z 2A635 GB) WAS FOUND TO BE RUBBING AGAINST THE TIRE. THE RUBBER SHIELDING ON THE CABLE HAD BEEN WORN DOWN TO EXPOSE THE METAL INSIDE THE CABLE. THE SIDE OF THE TIRE FACING THE CABLE WAS BEING WORN DOWN BY THE METAL IN THE CABLE. IT APPEARED THAT THE CABLE MIGHT CAUSE A TIRE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE.*AK
May 16, 2001
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED CONSUMER'S WIFE WAS AT A SIDE OF VEHICLE, RELEASED PARKING BRAKE PAWL AND VEHICLE RAN HER OVER WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT WAS NEXT STEP AGAINST THIS SITUATION.*AK
Apr 25, 2001
WHILE TIRES WERE BEING CHANGED, OWNER NOTICED SPRING THAT HOLDS UP PARKING BRAKE CABLE HAS RUBBED THROUGH THE INSTALLATION. NOW THE SPRING IS ACTUALLY RUBBING THROUGH THE CABLE. EVENUALLY, THE CABLE WILL SNAP AND PUNCTURE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. OWNER IS ABLE TO SEE WHERE PARKING CABLE IS RUBBING ON THE NEW TIRE. PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. *AK
Aug 23, 2000
CHILD SEAT
4 complaints
DUE TO EXTREME WIDTH OF YOUTH SEAT (AKA BOOSTER SEAT), THE UNIT IS VERY CLOSE TO THE PASSENGER DOOR. UPON CLOSING THE CAR DOOR, CHILD'S FINGERS WERE CRUSHED BETWEEN THE DOOR AND THE CAR SEAT. FINGERS WERE DEFORMED AT FIRST, BUT RECOVERD TO ORIGINAL FORM WITHIN 10 MINUTES. NO BROKEN BONES. WHEN INSTALLING THE SEAT, THE SEAT BELT LATCH IS LOCATED "BEHIND" THE SEAT - AS OPPOSED TO BEING LOCATED TO THE SIDE OF THE SEAT. THIS CAUSES THE NATURE POSITION OF THE SEAT TO MOVE TOWARD THE DOOR, INCREASING THE RISK OF FINGER CRUSHING BY THE DOOR. ALSO, DUE TO THE EXTREME WIDTH, THE ENTIRE SEATBELT IS USED TO INSTALL THE SEAT (ABOUT AN INCH WILL BE RETRACTED), THUS MAKING A PROPER INSTALLATION NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE IN A FORD EXPLORER. WHEN I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTOR, BRITAX, (BY PHONE, FAX, AND LETTER), I ONLY RECEIVED A LETTER BACK APOLOGIZING FOR THE "PINCHING" OF MY DAUGHTER'S FINGERS. THEY OBVIOUSLY DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE CONSEQUENCE OF THIS "DEFECT." NOTHING WAS DONE BY BRITAX TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE.*AK
May 07, 2002
MY 20-MONTH-OLD DAUGHER CAN UNLATCH THE LOCK ON HER ROUNDABOUT CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT (MODEL 161). SHE HAS DONE THIS SEVERAL TIMES WHILE RIDING IN THE CAR. TODAY, SHE UNLATCHED THE LOCK WHILE SITTING IN THE PARKED CAR. SHE TRIED TO GET OUT OF THE CARSEAT, BUT HER NECK GOT HUNG UP ON THE TOP LATCH. I IMMEDIATELY UNLATCHED THIS LATCH TO FREE HER FROM THE CAR SEAT. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS IF I HAD NOT ACTED IMMEDIATELY.
Feb 13, 2002
WHEN INSTALLING THE INFANT SEAT, HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE SEAT BEING STATIONARY. IT SEEMS THAT THE SEAT BELT ANCHORS, AR WIDER THEN THE CARSEAT, THEREFORE, A LOT OF SLIDING FROM RIGHT TO LEFT TAKES PLACE, UNLESS I USE BLANKETS TO WEDGE BETWEEN THE CARSEAT AND SEATBELT. I ALSO HAVE LEATHER SEATS. IF I PULL THE SEAT BELT TIGHTER, THEN THE BABY IS LEANING TOO FAR FORWARD TOWARDS BACK OF SEAT AND BALL INDICATOR OF CARSEAT IS NOT IN ITS CORRECT POSTION
Sep 30, 2000
BOLT THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT BELT FOR THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT CAME APART.
Jul 10, 1998
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4 complaints
HAVE RECEIVED TWO MFR'S RECALLS AND UNABLE TO GET HONOR; 99 V 164 000/SECONDARY HOOD LATCH & 99 V 062 001/ CRUISE /SPEED CONTROL CABLE. DEALER STATING PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS:
Aug 26, 2000
CONSUMER NOT ABLE TO HAVE RECALLS PERFORMED, DUE TO SCHEDULING PROBLEMS. YH (99V-062) AND (99V-164)
Sep 30, 1999
DEALER REFUSED RECALL REPAIR (99V-164) / (99V-062). *YC
Sep 10, 1999
CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER IN REFERENCE TO RECALLS 99V164000 , HOOD LATCH; AND 99V06200, SPEED CONTROL CABLE. DEALER STATED PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE, REFUSED TO CORRECT RECALL. *AK
Jul 20, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES
4 complaints
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY ON MARCH 29, THERE WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH ABS BRAKE SYSTEM. SHE WAS APPROACHING RED LIGHT, AND WHEN SHE WENT TO APPLY BRAKES, BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND PROBLEM COULDN'T BE DUPLICATED. BRAKES FELT LIKE A SPONGE, AND CONSUMER WAS FORCED TO PUT VEHICLE IN PARK, AND USE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP.*AK CONSUMER STATES FIRESTONE TIRES DOT W2HL, TIRES MAKE THUMPING NOISES AND FIRESTONE DEALER WILL NOT REPLACE TIRES BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT ON RECALL. *SLC
Aug 22, 2000
MY ACCIDENT OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 7:00 P.M. ON 24 JULY 2000 AS I WAS DRIVING TO MY RESIDENCE LOCATED AT [XXX], IN MY 1998 FORD EDDIE BAUER EXPLORER. I WAS TRAVELLING EAST ON HIGHWAY 190 IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE AT 60 MPH, WHEN A CAR PULLED IN FRONT OF THE TRUCK I WAS FOLLOWING. THE TRUCK BRAKE CAUSING ME TO BRAKE. UPON BRAKING, BOTH TIRES ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE VEHICLE EXPLODED CAUSING ME TO GO INTO A TAIL SPIN. I DID EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE ON THE ROAD WITHOUT HITTING ANYONE ELSE. FORTUNATELY, I DID NOT HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE OR HURT ANYONE ELSE. MY VEHICLE ENDED UP ROLLING OVER FOUR TIMES AND ENDED UP FACING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION ON THE MEDIAN. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY TOTALED, I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH NOT TO HAVE SUFFERED LIFE THREATENING INJURIES. THE POLICE, PARAMEDICS, AND FIREMEN ARRIVING ON THE SCENE COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT I WAS ALIVE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE CUT TO GET ME OUT. THERE WERE WITNESSES TO THIS ACCIDENT WHO PROVIDED STATEMENTS TO THE POLICE. THERE WAS NO CITATION ISSUED. MY RIGHT HAND WAS BADLY CUT, I HAD SEVERED AN ARTERY AND MUSCLE, AND RECEIVED 12 STITCHES. MY LEFT EAR WAS CUT AND HAD TO BE STITCHED. THE LEFT SIDE OF MY BODY, TO INCLUDE MY HEAD, WAS BADLY BRUISED. THIS ACCIDENT HAS HAD A SERIOUS PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECT ON ME. IT TOOK TWO WEEKS FOR ME TO BEGIN DRIVING AGAIN. USAA, MY INSURANCE COMPANY, INFORMED US, AS A RESULT OF THEIR INVESTIGATION, THAT THEY HAD FLAGGED MY VEHICLE BECAUSE THE TIRES WERE THE FIRESTONE TIRES BEING RECALLED AND WERE FOUND AT FAULT FOR CAUSING MY ACCIDENT. SINCE PURCHASING MY VEHICLE BRAND NEW IN MAY 1998, IT HAS BEEN REGULARLY SERVICED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SERVICE MANUAL, BY COVE FORD IN COPPERAS COVE, TEXAS. WHEELS HAVE ALSO BEEN ROTATED ON A REGULAR BASIS. AT NO TIME WAS I INFORMED THAT MY TIRES WERE UNSAFE OR WERE THE CAUSE OF PREVIOUS ACCIDENTS. HAD I OF BEEN INFORMED BY THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY OF POSSIBLE TIRES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Aug 16, 2000
MY ACCIDENT OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 7:00 P.M. ON 24 JULY 2000 AS I WAS DRIVING TO MY RESIDENCE LOCATED AT [XXX], IN MY 1998 FORD EDDIE BAUER EXPLORER. I WAS TRAVELING EAST ON HIGHWAY 190 IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE AT 60 MPH, WHEN A CAR PULLED IN FRONT OF THE TRUCK I WAS FOLLOWING. THE TRUCK BRAKED CAUSING ME TO BRAKE. UPON BRAKING, BOTH TIRES ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE VEHICLE EXPLODED CAUSING ME TO GO INTO A TAIL SPIN. I DID EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE ON THE ROAD WITHOUT HITTING ANYONE ELSE. FORTUNATELY, I DID NOT HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE OR HURT ANYONE ELSE. MY VEHICLE ENDED UP ROLLING OVER FOUR TIMES AND ENDED UP FACING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION ON THE MEDIAN. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY TOTALED, I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH NOT TO HAVE SUFFERED LIFE THREATENING INJURIES. THE POLICE, PARAMEDICS, AND FIREMEN ARRIVING ON THE SCENE COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT I WAS ALIVE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE CUT TO GET ME OUT. THERE WERE WITNESSES TO THIS ACCIDENT WHO PROVIDED STATEMENTS TO THE POLICE. THERE WAS NO CITATION ISSUED. MY RIGHT HAND WAS BADLY CUT, I HAD SEVERED AN ARTERY AND MUSCLE, AND RECEIVED 12 STITCHES. MY LEFT EAR WAS CUT AND HAD TO BE STITCHED. THE LEFT SIDE OF MY BODY, TO INCLUDE MY HEAD, WAS BADLY BRUISED. THIS ACCIDENT HAS HAD A SERIOUS PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECT ON ME. IT TOOK TWO WEEKS FOR ME TO BEGIN DRIVING AGAIN. USAA, MY INSURANCE COMPANY, INFORMED US, AS A RESULT OF THEIR INVESTIGATION, THAT THEY HAD FLAGGED MY VEHICLE BECAUSE THE TIRES WERE THE FIRESTONE TIRES BEING RECALLED AND WERE FOUND AT FAULT FOR CAUSING MY ACCIDENT. SINCE PURCHASING MY VEHICLE BRAND NEW IN MAY 1998, IT HAS BEEN REGULARLY SERVICED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SERVICE MANUAL, BY COVE FORD IN COPPERAS COVE, TEXAS. WHEELS HAVE ALSO BEEN ROTATED ON A REGULAR BASIS. AT NO TIME WAS I INFORMED THAT MY TIRES WERE UNSAFE OR WERE THE CAUSE OF PREVIOUS ACCIDENTS. HAD I OF BEEN INFORMED BY THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY OF POSSIBLE TIRES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Aug 16, 2000
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WILL SLIDE AFTER STEPPING ON BRAKES. CURRENTLY, TIRES ARE CRACKING AND OPENING. *AK
Aug 09, 2000
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR DID NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER HAD TO CLIMB OVER AND GO OUT OF THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000. UPDATED 7/1/15*CN
May 11, 2015
ALL LOCKING DOOR MECHANISM'S HAVE FAILED AND I HAVE SPENT MONEY TO REPAIR THEM. THE REAR HATCH LOCK IS NO LONGER OPERATING UNLESS THE KEY IS IN THE LOCK AND THEN, ONLY SPORADICALLY. THE DRIVER'S SIDE HANDLE, HAS BROKEN OFF TWICE AND BEEN REPLACED TWICE. I WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR WITH THE ENGINE WAS OFF, THEREBY EFFECTIVELY "TRAPPING" ME IN THE VEHICLE. IN AN EMERGENCY, I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO EXIT THE CAR AND REMOVE MYSELF FROM ANY POTENTIAL DANGER. IN ORDER TO EXIT THE CAR, I HAD TWO OPTIONS, EITHER CLIMB OUT OVER THE CENTER CONSOLE OR PUT THE KEY BACK IN THE IGNITION, TURN ON THE VEHICLE, LOWER THE POWER WINDOW AND OPEN THE CAR FROM THE OUTSIDE, I OPTED FOR THE SECOND SOLUTION UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO ORDER A SECOND NEW DOOR HANDLE AND REPLACE IT. *TR
Mar 18, 2008
DOOR LOCK WAS NOT WORKING WHEN IT WAS COLD. NOW, DOOR LOCK ON DRIVER'S SIDE IS COMPLETELY OUT, THE KEY JUST TURNS IN THE LOCK AND DOES NOT WORK. THE OTHER LOCKS (PASSENGER AND BACK WINDOW) DO NOT WORK EITHER. YOU HAVE TO TURN THE KEY MANY TIMES BEFORE LOCK WORKS, THEN YOU HAVE TO EITHER CRAWL OVER THE SEATS OR PRESS THE UNLOCK BUTTON SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE LOCK ENGAGES. I WAS OUTSIDE IN THE RAIN FOR AT LEAST 5 MINUTES TRYING TO GET THE LOCK TO WORK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR BECAUSE DRIVER'S SIDE IS BROKEN. ON GOING PROBLEM FOR AT LEAST 3 MONTHS.*JB
Feb 11, 2005
ENGINE
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHICH ENTERED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR CONDITIONING VENTS. SHORTLY AFTERWARDS, FLAMES ENGULFED THE ENTIRE VEHICLE AND SHATTERED ALL OF THE WINDOWS. THE VEHICLE HAD RECENTLY BEEN REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Aug 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHO STATED THE TIMING BELT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000.
Jul 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE ENGULFED INTO FLAMES WITH THE SOUND OF A LARGE EXPLOSION. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, WHICH ORIGINATED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED AS DESTROYED AND REMAINED AT THE RESIDENCE FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Jul 12, 2012
TIRES,WHEELS
3 complaints
THESE TIRES ARE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. WHEN THEY WERE FIRST INSTALLED, WE NOTICED A STRANGE SOUND. WE DID NOT ASSUME IT WAS FROM THE TIRES, BUT THOUGHT IT WAS RELATED TO THE ROTORS. THIS IS NOT OUR ONLY VEHICLE AND WE DON'T DRIVE IT ALL OF THE TIME; IN FACT IT IS PARKED MUCH OF THE TIME. WE DID NOT GET THE ROTORS REPLACED UNTIL AUGUST OF 2013. THE SOUND CONTINUED EVEN WITH THE NEW ROTORS, TO OUR SURPRISE. SO WE WENT BACK AND CHECKED A SECOND MECHANIC WHO THEN REMOVED ALL OF THE TIRES. AFTER INSPECTING THE TIRES, THE MECHANIC SHOWED US WHERE THEY WERE DEFECTIVE. HE PHYSICALLY POINTED OUT SOME AREAS WHERE THEY WERE DEFORMED. HE TOLD US TO TAKE THEM BACK TO WHERE WE PURCHASED THEM FOR REPLACEMENT. IN SHORT, WE WERE NOT ABLE TO GET THEM REPLACED AT WAL MART WHERE THEY WERE PURCHASED. I WOULD LIKE THESE TIRES INDEPENDENTLY INSPECTED SO THAT WE CAN VERIFY THAT THEY ARE INDEED DEFECTIVE. THANK YOU. *TR
Oct 13, 2013
FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES ROAR WHEN CONSUMER BRAKES OR WHEN THE VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP, CONSUMER ALSO EXPERIENCES QUICK STEERING BECAUSE OF THE SHORT WHEEL BASE. *SLC
Oct 31, 2000
RIMS ARE NOT ROUND THEY ARE OVAL SHAPED. ALSO, PREMATURE WEAR OF TIRES, CAUSING EXTREMELY BAD VIBRATION.CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
Jul 30, 1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaints
MAY 20, APPROXIMATELY 03:30AM, WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 35MPH TO WORK IN THE DARK WITH HEAD LIGHTS ON; HEADLIGHTS UNEXPECTEDLY TURNED OFF. LUCKILY THAT SECTION OF THE STREET, HAD STREET LIGHTS WORKING PROPERLY; BUT, I WAS APPROACHING AN UNLIT STRETCH OF WINDING ROAD WITH A 45MPH SPEED LIMIT. THIS COULD HAVE BECOME VERY DANGEROUS. (DASHBOARD LIGHTS WERE NOT AFFECTED.) TURNING THE NORMAL HEADLIGHT SWITCH DID NOT SEEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I TRIED THE BRIGHT LIGHT FUNCTION, WHICH IS PART OF THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER. THEY DID NOT COME ON AT FIRST; HOWEVER WHEN JIGGLING THE "TURN SIGNAL LEVER," I NOTICED A "LOOSENESS IN THE LEVER, AT THE BASE WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE STEERING COLUMN." WIGGLING IT, TURNED THE HEAD LIGHTS BACK ON, TEMPORARILY; BUT, WIGGLING FROM VIBRATION IN TRAFFIC CAUSED THEM TO TURN "OFF" AGAIN. THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER ON THE 1998 FORD EXPLORER IS USED TO CONTROL THE "BRIGHT LIGHTS" AND ALSO CONTROLS WINDSHIELD WIPERS. I AM NOT CERTAIN; BUT, I BELIEVE I HAD THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER ASSEMBLY REPAIRED SEVERAL YEARS AGO BY A FORD DEALER IN SAN DIEGO...NEITHER OF THE DEALERS I USED TO HAVE SERVICE MY VEHICLE ARE STILL IN BUSINESS. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM WITH THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER AT THAT TIME, HAD TO DO WITH THE WIPERS CUTTING OFF UNEXPECTEDLY; AND, EVENTUALLY, NOT WORKING ALL TOGETHER. FIRST: IS THIS SOMETHING THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD INVESTIGATE "BEFORE" HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED? SECOND: SHOULD FORD BE THE ONE INVESTIGATING THIS PROBLEM? THIRD: SHOULD FORD REPLACE THE TURN LEVER ASSEMBLY AND PROVIDE THE LABOR AT THEIR EXPENSE? ... ON A PERSONAL NOTE, AFTER WORKING FOR THE SAME COMPANY FOR 12 YEARS AND BEING A WORKAHOLIC, I JUST GOT LAID OFF LAST WEEK. THIS EXPENSE IS DEFINITELY GOING TO COST SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS IN PARTS AND LABOR, WHEN I CAN LEAST AFFORD IT. AT THIS TIME, I CAN RULE OUT TRYING TO APPLY FOR A NIGHT JOB. *JS
Jun 08, 2012
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS WERE INOPERABLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ARM YET THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN A YEAR. THE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ARM WAS REPLACED A SECOND TIME BY THE DEALER. HE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE WIRES WERE DISCOLORED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED SEVERAL ADDITIONAL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT DECLINED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE CONTROL ARM DID NOT NEED AN ADDITIONAL REPLACEMENT BUT SUGGESTED REPLACING THE FUSE. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, WHILE USING THE TURN SIGNALS, THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH INSIDE BEGAN SMOKING. THERE WERE NO ADDITIONAL REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE OR RELATED RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS, THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000 AND THE CURRENT WAS 191,000.
Mar 23, 2010
SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN AND PARK LIGHTS TURNED ON ALTHOUGH THE LIGHT SWITCH WAS IN THE "OFF" POSITION. ALSO MOVING THE MULTIFUNCTION LEVER TO MAKE A LEFT TURN SIGNAL ,THE INSTUMENT PANEL SHOWED THAT THE LEFT SIGNAL LIGHT WAS STUCK "ON" AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS DIDN'T WORK AT THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE TRUCK. HOWEVER, THE RIGHT SIGNAL HAS NEVER MALFUNCTIONED. THIS IS VERY TROUBLING. THIS EVENT OCURRED TWICE WITHIN A WEEK. DEALER HAS REPLACED TWO RELAYS(I PAID FOR), ONLY TIME WILL TELL IF THIS IS THE FIX.*AK
Jun 10, 2003
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,EQUIPMENT
3 complaints
IN 2007, MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER DRIVER DOOR LOCK STOPPED WORKING. IT REALLY DIDN'T BOTHER ME ALL THAT MUCH UNTIL ONE DAY BY ACCIDENT THE DOOR LOCKED AND WOULD NOT COME OPEN. I HAD TO PUSH WITH ALL MY FORCE AND PULL UP ON THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE AT THE SAME TIME. FINALLY IT CAME OPEN BUT THE DOOR HANDLE BROKE. NOW IT WAS TO THE POINT OF DISGUST. DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX IT SO WE WAITED UNTIL WE DID. IN 2008, I TOOK MY EXPLORER TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. I WAS QUOTED $197 FOR EVERYTHING, INSTALLATION, PARTS, AND LABOR. BUT WHEN I CAME TO PAY THE BILL I WAS INFORMED IT WAS GOING TO BE ABOUT $100 IF NOT MORE WHEN COMPLETED. SO MY AUNTS BOYFRIEND, WHO DOES AUTO BODY WORK, FIXED IT. IT WAS WORKING FINE, WE STILL HAD TO JIGGLE TO LOCK FROM THE OUTSIDE TO GET THE LOCKS TO UNLOCK. AND THEN ABOUT A WEEK AGO, I WAS GETTING OUT AND THE DOOR HANDLE BROKE AGAIN. THIS TIME THE HANDLE IS STUCK. I NOW HAVE TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW AND OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE OR CRAWL ACROSS THE PASSENGER SIDE. WHICH WE HAVE HAD TO DO THAT IN THE PAST AND IT IS EMBARRASSING. SO NOW I'VE E-MAILED FORD ABOUT MY COMPLAINT AND THAT IS WHERE I WAS INFORMED YOU DONE THE RECALLS. I REALLY LEARNED THAT THERE IS ALOT OF PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME COMPLAINT, WWW.CARCOMPLAINT.COM. I REALLY HOPE YOU CAN HELP RESOLVE THIS MATTER. WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT? I GUESS JUST BE OUT $200 MORE WHEN I HAVE TO GO BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP....HOPE YOU CAN HELP. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
Jan 27, 2009
THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR BEGAN MALFUNCTIONING, LOCKING AND UNLOCKING ITSELF. THIS CONTINUED UNTIL IT JUST LOCKED AND WILL NOT OPEN AT ALL. BOTH THE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE HANDLE HAVE JUST STOPPED WORKING AND I CAN'T GET OUT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AT ALL. *TR
Dec 06, 2007
DRIVERS SIDE DOOR, OF MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER, COULD NOT BE OPENED (FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES). ATTEMPTED TO HAVE DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY REPLACED, AS BROKEN SPRING WAS FOUND PROTRUDING FROM DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY AREA <DRIVERS SIDE>. DEALERSHIP INCORRECTLY REPLACED INSIDE DOOR HANDLE AND NOW DRIVERS SIDE DOOR CANNOT BE LOCKED (BUT CAN NOW BE OPENED OR CLOSED). DUE TO DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY PROBLEMS WITH CANADIAN FORD VEHICLES, I FEAR WE NOW HAVE A SERIOUS SECURITY & SAFETY ISSUE WITH OUR 1998 FORD EXPLORER. DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO REPAIR UNLESS WE BASICALLY AGREE TO REPLACE ALL INTERNAL PARTS OF DOOR <INCLUDING SEAT BELT?>. THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST (PARTS & LABOR) IS IN EXCESS OF $500.
May 25, 2005
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
3 complaints
WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN OR ACCELERATING TO LEFT VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN, CAUSE UNKOWN. ALSO, CONSUMER HAS CONCERNS ABOUT WHEELS BEING OUT OF AROUND. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Aug 07, 2001
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE ONCE IT GOES OVER 30MPH. THERE WOULD BE SEVERE SHAKING & HARD TO CONTROL. THIS WOULD HAPPEN WHEN JUST IDLING OR WAITING. SOMETIMES VEHICLE WOULD STALL OUT. *AK
May 03, 2001
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WHEN DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE AND SHAKE. ALSO, THERE WAS A LEAKAGE COMING UNDER THE VEHICLE NEAR THE ENGINE. CONTACTED THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS, AND THE VEHICLE WAS IN FOR REPAIRS TWICE. VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN BACK TO THE SHOP FOR ADDITIONAL REPAIRS. *AK
Oct 14, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
AFTER CHANGING THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING HUBS, THE VEHICLE ABS LIGHT CAME ON. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT A YEAR. THE VEHICLE DOES STOP, BUT THE ABS FUNCTION DOESN'T WORK. THIS HAS NOT BEEN A PROBLEM FOR ME, BUT, SOMETIMES THE ABS LIGHT STAYS OUT FOR A WHILE AND THEN COMES BACK ON. DEALER STATED THAT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE AND MOTOR ASSEMBLIES WOULD COST ABOUT $2300 FOR PARTS, SANS LABOR TO REPAIR. DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THERE WERE ONLY ABOUT 12 NEW PARTS AVAILABLE, AND NOTHING REFURBISHED. DEALER ALSO STATED THAT IF THIS WERE A FEW MONTHS EARLIER, THE TOTAL COST WOULD BE ABOUT $300 FOR NEW PARTS. THE VEHICLE HAS APPROX. 167,000 MILES ON IT. NO ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED AT THIS TIME. JUST THOUGHT SOMEONE SHOULD KNOW.
Mar 29, 2016
SO SINCE MY DAUGHTER BOUGHT THE FORD A BRAKE LINE THAT'S CONNECTED TO THE CALIPER GETS STRETCHED AND BENT AND IT BREAKS ABOUT EVERY 6 TO 7 MONTHS. I FEEL AS IF IT'S A DESIGN FLAW.I CAN'T AFFORD TO PUT A NEW BRAKE LINE ON EVERY TIME IT BREAKS. I CALLED A DEALERSHIP AND THE MECHANIC THERE SAID ONCE EVERY 5 YEARS HE REPAIRS THE LINES, I DON'T BELIEVE THAT. THE TURNING OF THE TIRES STRETCHES THE LINE AND IT WEARS IT DOWN AND THEN THE LINE LEAKS AND CRACKS.
Sep 08, 2015
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaints
MY NAME IS [XXX] AND I JUST PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM HWY 100 & LOOMIS RD AUTO SALES (414-617-5673) IN FRANKLIN WISCONSIN ON DEC 13TH. ON THE WAY HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP THE BRAKES FAILED AND I ALMOST DIDN'T MAKE IT HOME. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC IN EVANSVILLE WISCONSIN WHO FIXED THE REAR BRAKES AND I HAD TO PAY OVER 250 DOLLARS TO REPAIR IT. THE DEALER WOULDN'T HELP ME WITH THIS COST OR EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY FAILED TO FIND THAT PROBLEM ON THEIR SAFETY CHECK. AFTER I PICKED UP MY TRUCK THIS THURSDAY THE 20TH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND ALL POWER TO THE VEHICLE HAS NOW CEASED. MY MECHANIC ALSO INFORMED ME WHEN HE FIXED THE BRAKES THAT NOT ONLY THE BRAKES SHOULD HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED BY THE DEALER BUT I WILL ALSO NEED A NEW EXHAUST SYSTEM AS SOMEONE HAS OBVIOUSLY FIXED IT ENOUGH TO GET IT OFF THE LOT. THAT WILL BE ANOTHER 300 DOLLARS. THE POWER JUST FAILED ON MY WAY HOME FROM MY AUNTS AND NOW THE TRUCK IS DEAD IN MY DRIVEWAY AT HOME. IT WONT START AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. THE OWNER OF THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT RETURN ANY CALLS SO I CAN SOLVE THIS. I JUST WANT THEM TO COME GET THIS LEMON AND GIVE ME THE MONEY I PAID FOR IT BACK PLUS ALL THE EXPENSES I HAVE PUT INTO IT IN LESS THAN A WEEK. THIS IS RIDICULOUS AND I NEED TO KNOW MY RIGHTS AND IF I CAN JUST GET MY MONEY BACK .... I CANT AFFORD TO NOT TO DRIVE TO WORK AND BE STUCK CONTINUOUSLY PAYING FOR A TRUCK THAT HAD SUCH INTENSE PROBLEMS MECHANICALLY AND SAFETY-WISE AND NOW ITS JUST DEAD. *TR INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Dec 22, 2007
GOING DOWN A STEEP HILL AT A VERY LOW SPEED ABOUT 5 MPH ,THE IDLING SPEED WILL OVERCOME THE COMPRESSOR IN ENGINE. TOTALLY DEPENDENT ON BRAKES, CAUSES THE BRAKES TO OVERHEAT AND RESULTS IN BRAKES FADING. DANGEROUS SITUTION. *AK
Nov 02, 1998
STRUCTURE,TIRES
2 complaints
ON MONDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2007 AT AROUND 4:15 PM WHILE DRIVING HOME ON CHEVERLY AVENUE I RECEIVED A CALL ON MY TWO WAY RADIO FROM THE CHEVERLY POLICE DEPARTMENT. THE CALLER STATED THAT MY 1998 FORD TWO DOOR, FORD EXPLORER SPORT HAD DROPPED ITS SPARE TIRE IN THE MIDDLE OF CHEVERLY AVENUE. AT FIRST I DID NOT BELIEVE THE OFFICER, BEING THAT I AM THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, I THOUGHT THAT HE JUST NEEDED TO TALK TO ME SO I MADE A U-TURN AND DROVE BACK TO WHERE THE OFFICER WAS PARKED. TO MY SURPRISE THERE WAS THE OFFICER WITH A SPARE TIRE WHICH I LATER IDENTIFIED AS BEING MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPARE TIRE. I LOOKED UNDER THE TRUCK AND THE CABLE THAT HELD THE TIRE IN PLACED WAS DAMAGED, RUSTED, AND IT HAD DROPPED THE TIRE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. EARLIER THAT DAY I WAS DRIVING ON THE CAPITAL BELTWAY ROUTE 495 IN THE WASHINGTON DC AREA AND IF THAT TIRE WOULD HAVE DROPPED I THE MIDDLE OF THIS BUSY ROADWAY CAN YOU IMAGINE THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT? FORD MOTOR COMPANY NEEDS TO FIND A BETTER IDEA FOR THE SPARE TIRE AND FORD OUGHT TO TELL ALL VEHICLE OWNERS THAT HAVE A SIMILAR SYSTEM FOR THE SPARE TIRE TO CHANGE THEM, REPLACE THEM EVERY SO MANY DAYS AND/OR USE DIFFERENT MATERIALS THAT WOULD NOT RUST. THANK GOD I WAS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD AND GOING AT A LOW SPEED. OTHERWISE ONLY GOD WOULD KNOW WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED. *TR
Nov 07, 2007
VEHICLE HYDROPLANED AND DRIVER LOST CONTROL DUE TO POOR TIRE(FIRESTONE WILDERNESS) TRACTION RESLTING IN AN ACCIDENT AND DUE TO POOR STABILITY OF THE DESIGN IT RESULTED IN VEHICLE ROLL OVER.
Feb 25, 1999
VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
THE "BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR" THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE AND HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH A NEW IMPROVED PART (F87Z-18471-DA) AT THE CUSTOMER EXPENSE. THE OLD PART WHEN IT FAILS CAUSES A SAFETY ISSUES BECAUSE YOU CAN NOT DEFROST THE FRONT WINDOW UNTIL THE PART IS REPLACED. THIS SHOULD BE A "RECALL" THAT FORD SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR. I HAVE DONE SOME LOOKED INTO THE ISSUE AND MANY VEHICLES (1998 FORD EXPLORER) HAVE HAD THIS SAME FAILURE. *JB
Nov 30, 2006
THE SPARE TIRE WHICH WAS LOCATED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, SNAPPED AND FELL TO THE GROUND WHILE DRIVING. *JB (THE WENCH SYSTEM) *SC THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR WAS REPLACED. *JB
Jun 04, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
2 complaints
CONSUMER STATES: FRONT BRAKES ON OUTSIDE OF WHEELS IT HAS A COATING OF DARK POWDER. THE MECHANIC THINKS IT'S BRAKE DUSTS NO SIGN OF IT ON REAR WHEELS. *NM
May 12, 2005
THREE TIMES I NEEDED TO STOP QUICKLY AND WHEN THE ABS SYSTEM ENGAUGED THE BRAKING SLOWED CONSIDERABLY . THE CAR FOUR CAR LENGTHS IN FRONT OF ME BRAKED MUCH MUCH FASTER THAN I COULD EVEN THOUGH I WAS READY TO BRAKE AT THAT MOMENT.
Jul 22, 1999
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
I WAS DRIVING MY 1998 FORD WINDSTAR WITH 5 PASSENGERS, AND MYSELF AS THE DRIVER. WE REAR ENDED A CAR ON THE LEFT FRONT BUMPER. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, THAT IS A QUESTION FOR MYSELF. MY 4YR OLD IN BACKSEAT DIRECTLY BEHIND ME SITS IN A HIGH BACK BOOSTER, NOT USING THE 5 PT HARNESS. HE IS IN A REGULAR SHOULDER/LAP BELT. UPON IMPACT MY CHILD FLEW FORWARD SLAMMING INTO MY SEAT AND HAVING HIS GLASSES ALSO FLY FORWARD OFF OF HIS FACE. QUESTION ON SEAT BELT. PLEASE HELP!!!!!*AK
Mar 09, 2005
VEHICLE HIT A TELEPHONE HEAD ON WHILE TRAVELING AT 25 MPH AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *MR THE SEAT BELT DID NOT PREVENT THE CONSUMER'S CONTACT WITH THE SUN VISOR. *SC
Jan 15, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
I OWN A FORD EXPLORER 1988 BOUGHT NEW IN 1999. I HAVE ONLY 36.000 MILES ON IT AND LAST MONTH I WAS JUST DRIVING FOR ABOUT 2 MILES WHEN I SENSED A POWERFUL SMELL OF GAS. PULLED OVER IMEDIATELY, OPENED THE HOOD A I SAW GASOLIN POURING ON THE ENGINE AND THE BATTERIES FROM THE TWO FUEL LINES GOING INTO THE FEUEL INJECTION SYSTEM IN TOP OF THE ENGINE. I HAVE CALLED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS. IT SHOULD BE BECAUSE THE FORD DEALER WHERE I HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM(700$ !!!!). OLD ME THEY ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM OTHER TIMES. PLEASE DO AN INVESTIGATION BEFORE PEOPLE WILL DIE BURNT ALIVE. I DROVE NEW, OLD AND VERY OLD CARS AND I HAVE NEVER HAD OR HEARD OF THIS KIND OF PROBLEM. *AK IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE! PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU WILL DO SOMETHING THANKS SORIN
Feb 10, 2005
THE CONSUMER PARKED THE VEHICLE AT HER HOUSE FOR AT LEAST 7 HOURS. THEN, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED, AND THEY INDICATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS POSSIBLY ELECTRICAL. ALSO, CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO WAS NO HELP AT ALL. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *SC
Jan 26, 2005
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
SINCE PURCHASING A USED 1998 FORD EXPLORER I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH IT. 6 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE MY WHEEL BEARINGS WENT OUT AND DAMAGED THE SPINDLE. THIS WAS A $500 EXPENSE AS THE SPINDLE WAS A DEALER PART. WHEN I PURCHASED IT THERE WERE 26000 MILES ON IT...THERE WERE ABOUT 36000 WHEN THE BEARINGS WENT OUT...JUST AS THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THEN, ABOUT A YEAR LATER, THE UPPER AIR INTAKE MANIFOLD GOT A HOLE BURNED IN IT. AGAIN, FORD COULDN'T OFFER ME ANY KIND OF HELP AND SAID IT WAS A $800-1000 REPAIR. ON A SIDE NOTE, THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM WAS A KNOWN ISSUE BY FORD. IN FACT, RECALLS WERE MADE BY FORD TO REPLACE THE INTAKES FREE OF CHARGE TO FLEETS BUT NOT TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. JUST RECENTLY MY FREEZE PLUGS RUSTED THROUGH AND CAUSED MY CAR TO OVERHEAT. THIS HAS BEEN QUOTED BY FORD AS A $1300 REPAIR. I CALLED FORD TO SEE ABOUT SOME SORT OF GOODWILL WARRANTY AND OF COURSE ANYTHING WITH GOODWILL IN THE EQUATION IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING FORD WILL NOT DO. I CURRENTLY HAVE 2 YEARS LEFT ON THE LOAN FOR A PIECE OF CRAP CAR THAT ISN'T EVEN WORTH HALF OF WHAT I STILL OWE ON IT. I AM REALLY THINKING OF TAKING IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND PARKING RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE ENTRY WAY AND TAKING THE KEYS WITH ME AND TELLING THEM TO STICK IT UP THEIR REARS. FORD MAKES THE WHOLE CAR INDUSTRY LOOK REALLY BAD AND IN NO WAY WOULD I EVER BUY ANOTHER FORD. PLEASE HELP US CONSUMERS OUT AND MAKE THE GAME FAIR BETWEEN THE AUTO INDUSTRY AND CONSUMERS...WE ARE GETTING RIPPED OFF LEFT AND RIGHT WHILE THEY KEEP GETTING RICHER AND RICHER. *LA
Jul 20, 2004
DEFECTIVE ALTERNATOR, REAR AXLE SEALS, AND OXYGEN SENSOR. *SCC
Jul 03, 2003
STRUCTURE,SEATS
2 complaints
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BACK COLLAPSED AND BROKE WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH. THEREFORE THE SEAT BACK ADJUSTMENT HANDLE NO LONGER WORKS. ALSO, THE FRAME ATTACHED TO THE FLOOR IS CRACKED NOW. *AK
Jun 26, 2003
BROTHER WAS CHECKING UNDERNEATH VEHICLE & NOTICED THE UNDER CARRIAGE WAS RUSTY. CONTACTED DEALER & MANUFACTURER & WAS INFORMED IT'S NORMAL DUE TO HEAVY ROAD SALT THAT WAS USED. ALSO, SEAT & ANCHOR ATTACHMENTS WERE RUSTY. VEHICLE SOLD AS NEW DUE TO LOW MILEAGE, ACCORDING TO DEALER. *AK
Oct 01, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
CONSUMER STATES THAT THERES A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING, WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED THE NOISE STOPS, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS THE PROBLEM, 4X4 SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE. MR *NLM *DT
Oct 16, 2002
SUV SURGES WHEN BACKING BACK BOAT AND TRAILER.
Sep 18, 2001
AIR BAGS,TIRES
2 complaints
ON SEPTEMBER 17,1999 AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MILES PER HOUR, I SWERVED TO AVOID HITTING AN ON COMING VEHICLE. UPON APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVERSIDE TIRES BLEWOUT CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO "ROLLOVER" SEVERAL TIMES. AT "NO TIME" DID THE AIRBAGS DEPLOY. UPON ARRIVAL OF THE POLICE, I WAS TRANSPORTED TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL WITH "SEVERE" HEAD INJURIES. MY TRUCK WAS COMPLETELY TOTALED. I HAVE IN MY POSSESION PICTURES OF THE INCIDENT, INCLUDING THE TIRES AND "NO" AIRBAGS.( DOT NUMBER: )
Sep 04, 2000
ON SEPTEMBER 17,1999 AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MILES PER HOUR, I SWERVED TO AVOID HITTING AN ON COMING VEHICLE. UPON APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVERSIDE TIRES BLEWOUT CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO "ROLLOVER" SEVERAL TIMES. AT "NO TIME" DID THE AIRBAGS DEPLOY. UPON ARRIVAL OF THE POLICE, I WAS TRANSPORTED TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL WITH "SEVERE" HEAD INJURIES. MY TRUCK WAS COMPLETELY TOTALED. I HAVE IN MY POSSESION PICTURES OF THE INCIDENT, INCLUDING THE TIRES AND "NO" AIRBAGS.( DOT NUMBER: )
Sep 04, 2000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SEATS
1 complaint
SPEED CONTROL GETS HOT TO TOUCH. ALL TOP FACING HAS MELTED OFF FROM HEAT. I WAS ON HIGHWAY AND MY STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY HOT. MY SEAT WAS REPAIRED AFTER RECALL YEARS AGO. IT CONTINUES TO DROP LOW TO FLOOR.
Jan 09, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,WHEELS
1 complaint
MY SEAT BELT ON MY PASSENGER SIDE DOES NOT WORK HALF THE TIME. MY DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK RIGHT. I CAN'T GET MY WINDOW ON THE DRIVER SIDE TO GO UP AND DOWN. I HIT A TREE GOING 55 MILES AN HOUR IN MY AIRBAG DID NOT EVEN DEPLOY. I'M LUCKY I'M STILL ALIVE. THE FENDERS RUBBING UP AGAINST MY TIRE. SPEED CONTROL IS WRONG. WHENEVER I'M GOING 55 MILES AN HOUR IT SAYS 57 ACTUALLY I DON'T REMEMBER THE CORRECT DATE. BUT I'M SURE IT SHOWS I KNOW IT WAS 2017. SOMEBODY RAN ME OFF THE ROAD. MY TRUCK HIT THE TREE AND MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I'M LUCKY IT DIDN'T I GUESS BECAUSE DON'T AIRBAGS HAVE METAL SHARDS IN THEM IS WHAT I WAS TOLD
Dec 06, 2019
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
PARKED IN PARKING SPACE STARTED CAR PUT IN REVERSE, ENGINE ROARED, ACCELERATED IN REVERSE APPLYING BRAKES DID NOTHING , BOTH FEET ON BRAKES , TURNED WHEEL SO THAT CAR WAS NOT TO HIT PARKED CARS BEHIND US, CAR CONTINUED RACING IN REVERSE WITH CONTINUED APPLYING BRAKES, THRU IT INTO PARK CAR CONTINUED IN REVERSE , TURNED KEY OFF & CAR CONTINURED IN REVERSE UNTIL HITTING PARKED CAR WHICH STOPPED US TOTAL DISTANCE ABOUT 200 FEET, WHICH SEEMED A LOT LONGER,I FELT I DID EVERYTHING CORRECTLY MAYBE IF THROWN IN NEUTRAL BRAKES WOULD HAVE WORKED, VERY FRIGHTING HAVING NO CONTROL TO STOP
Oct 13, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TAKATA RECALL.. THE LIGHTS INSIDE WILL CUT ON FOR NO REASON. THE RADIO AND OTHER COMPONENTS WILL CUT ON AND OFF WHEN THEY WANT..THE BRAKE PADDLE WORKS WHEN IT WANT .
Mar 03, 2019
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING MY TRUCK AND ONE DAY IT STARTED ACTING WEIRD. MY STEREO STARTED SHUTTING OFF AND COMING IN BY ITSELF. A COUPLE DAYS LATER I WAS DRIVING AND MY STEREO AND INFORMATION CENTER WENT OUT AND CAME BACK ON. MY TRUCK WILL ONLY GO ABOUT 30MPS CAUSE IT WON'T SHIFT EITHER. COUPLE DAYS AGO IT STARTED BACK FIRING. WHAT COULD BE THE PROBLEM.
Jan 19, 2019
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
GAS PEDAL BRACKET WELDING BROKE WHILE DRIVING AND GAS PEDAL IS NOW JUST DANGLING - CHECKED ON INTERNET AND THERE ARE A LARGE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT SAME THING - SHOULD BE A RECALL
Jul 03, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO START AND SMOKED APPEARED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. IN ADDITION, THE OVERHEAD LIGHTS IN THE VEHICLE DID NOT WORK AND THE BATTERY HAD A SHORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Nov 16, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
THE CRUISE SENSOR ON TOP OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER STAY HOT ALL THE TIME AND IT KEEPS BLOWING MY NUMBER 13 FUSE THAT GOES TO THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND WHEN I PUT A NEW FUSE IN. THE CRUISE SENSOR STARTS SPARKING AN SMOKING REALLY BAD IM A PHRASE THAT IT'S GOING TO CATCH FIRE SOON. *TR
Apr 19, 2015
AIR BAGS,WHEELS
1 complaint
AS I WAS MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY ONTO THE ON RAMP LIKE ANY OTHER MORNING GOING TO WORK I BEGAN TO YIELD AS THERE WAS TRAFFIC COMING IN MY DIRECTION. AS I BEGAN TO YIELD MY CAR FLIPPED OVER AS IF SOMEONE PURPOSELY TILTED THE VEHICLE OVER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY THE CAR ROLLED OVER ONTO MY LEFT ARM AND LEG BREAKING MY ANKLE AND CAUSING MANY OTHER INJURIES AND DISTRESS. *TR
Feb 02, 2015
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE ERUPTED INTO FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MERGED OVER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE AS THE FLAMES WERE EXTENSIVE AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A YARD. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V060000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Jan 26, 2015
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
1 complaint
THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER BROKE ALLOWING THE CHAIN TO SLIP. IT WAS A RECALL PROBLEM BUT I WAS NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND THE PROBLEM MUST NOT HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED, OR ELSE THE RECALL DIDN'T GET DONE PROPERLY. AFTER THE REPAIR IT HASN'T HAD GOOD OIL PRESSURE AT IDLE. IT IS TOO BAD THAT FORD PUT THIS MOTOR IN SO MANY VEHICLES AND DOESN'T STAND BEHIND THEY. IT IS POOR DESIGN IN MY OPINION TO HAVE FOUR TIMING CHAINS ON A 4.0 LITER MOTOR IS CRAZY. I WISH THAT FORD WOULD HAVE PUT MORE EFFORT INTO SEEING THAT MY VEHICLE WERE RECALLED AND NOT ALLOWED TO DEPRECIATE BECAUSE IT WAS HAPPENING TO SO MANY OTHER EXPLORER. *TR
Jul 18, 2013
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THE EXPLORER BRAKE PEDDLE WENT TO THE FLOOR TO STOP THE VEHICLE . THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD . IN A FEW SECONDS , THE TRUCK WAS IN FLAMES. POLICE AND FIREMEN WERE CALLED TO THE LOCATION . THEY PUT THE FIRE OUT IN A FEW MINUTES . *TR
Apr 02, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,TIRES,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
1998 FORD EXPLORER VIN#[XXX] REGISTERED TO THE STATE OF NEVADA; ORIGINAL OWNER: [XXX]...REGISTERED BECAUSE OF DISABILITY REASONS TO WIFE [XXX]...WE WERE INVOLVED IN A CAR CRASH ACCIDENT...RESULTING TO A TOTAL LOSS AT BAKER, CALIFORNIA BECAUSE OF THE VEHICLE CRUISE CONTROL RECALL WHICH COULD CAUSE THE TIRE TO BE TREADED...PUSHING THE CAR TO BE OUT OF CONTROL..WHILE THE BRAKE FLUID LEAKING...AND THE AIR BAG SAFETY FAILED TO DEVELOP (OPEN). I THINK FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBLE OF THE MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THE WORKMANSHIP AND THE CAR DESIGN. I GOT IN TOUCH WITH THEIR LEGAL DEPARTMENT: PRODUCT RECALL & LIABILITY. THE ACCIDENT REPORT# [XXX] NCIC#[XXX]. THE INJURED DRIVER [XXX]; PASSENGER AND THE PERMANENT DISABLED PASSENGER WERE TAKEN TO BARSTOW COMMUNITY HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM. I NEED YOUR HELP IN REMOVING ALL 1998 FORD EXPLORER FROM THE ROAD; THIS CAR COULD CAUSE MAJOR & FATAL INJURIES TO THE PUBLIC AT LARGE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Dec 28, 2010
AIR BAGS,SEATS
1 complaint
AUGUST 18TH 2010 1:30 PM PEARLAND TX . A FORD EXPLORER 4 DOORS GET HIT IT IN THE BACK BY OTHER VEHICLE WILL IS IN STOP POSITION; ABOUT 40/50 MILES P/H. THE FRONT PANEL GET BROKE, THE STEREO FLU TO THE FRONT HITTING THE DRIVER. AND THE AIR BAG "DO NOT OPEN" DRIVER COULD BE INJURED ON THE FACE AND AT THE ARMS. ALSO THE DRIVER SEAT IS BROKE IN THE BACK
Aug 19, 2010
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,SEATS
1 complaint
I HAVE HAD MY DRIVER'S SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM REPAIRED BEFORE, BUT THE RECLINER DRIVER'S SEAT HAS BROKEN AGAIN. NOW THE RECLINER DRIVER'S SEAT RECLINES TOTALLY, UNTIL IT TOUCHES THE BACK SEAT CUSHION. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THE PART TO REPAIR THE SEAT IS NO LONGER MANUFACTURED. I WAS TOLD I COULD GO TO A SALVAGE YARD TO LOOK FOR THE PART. ON RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET I CAME UPON THE RECALL NOTICE FOR THE EXACT PROBLEM I HAVE HAD WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Aug 03, 2010
VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
WIPERS WORKS WHEN THEY WANT TOO. POWER WINDOWS WORK WHEN THEY WANT TOO. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WORKS WHEN THEY WANT TOO. *TR
Jul 23, 2010
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND O2 SENSORS HAVE TO BE REPLACE EVERY THIRTY TO FORTY THOUSAND MILES. NOW O/D OFF LIGHT IS FLASHING AND CAR DRIVES LIKE IT IS IN FIRST GEAR, SHIFTS HARD. *TR
Jan 21, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS FAILED AND THE FUSES WOULD CONTINUOUSLY BLOW OUT. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSTALLED NEW FUSES IN THE VEHICLE AND MADE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS, BUT THE FUSES BLEW OUT AGAIN THE SAME DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE MECHANIC. WHILE AT THE REPAIR SHOP, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS PARTIALLY DESTROYED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REBUILT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE THREE OPEN RECALLS, ONE OF WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 06V286000, 03V281000, AND 98V060000 WERE REFERENCED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 132,000.
Jul 20, 2009
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
DOORS AND LOCKS ON MY 1998 FORD HAS BEEN OUT OF ORDER THEY WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO!! I SAW THAT IT HAD A RECALL IN 1999 I GUESS THE LAST OWNER DIDN'T GET IT FIXED IM SOMETIMES LOCKED OUT OF MY CAR 10-15 MIN AT A TIME!! I WAS WONDERING CAN YOU DO SOMETHING OR IS IT TOO LATE!! I REALLY NEED TO GET THIS TAKEN CARE OF BECAUSE WHEN I LEAVE WORK IT'S DARK!! *TR
Jun 16, 2009
TIRES,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I HAVE HAD TWO FLAT TIRES AS A RESULT OF DEFECTIVE VALVE STEMS. BF GOODRICH RADIALS WERE INSTALLED AT SEARS ON MY 1998 EXPLORER SPORT IN 12/06. THE FIRST VALVE COMPLETELY DEFLATED MY TIRE 4 OR SO MONTHS AGO WHILE SITTING OVERNIGHT IN MY GARAGE. I ASSUMED I HAD CAUSED THE SLICE IN THE VALVE BY DRIVING, BUT HADN'T HIT ANYTHING. ON 11/26/08 AT 7:00 P.M. I WAS DRIVING I-95 S AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, AND NOTICED UNUSUAL DRIVING SENSATIONS. AFTER SEVERAL MILES, I FIGURED OUT IT WAS A TIRE GOING DOWN, AND TOOK APPROPRIATE ACTION--SLOWING, BEING ACUTELY AWARE OF TRAFFIC, AND SEEKING A SAFE EXIT. WHEN I EXITED INTO A GROCERY PARKING LOT, I IMMEDIATELY GOT OUT AND DISCOVERED MY REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS COMPLETELY FLAT, AND ONCE AGAIN, THE VALVE WAS SLICED. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET FOR DEFECTIVE VALVES AFTER RECALLING HEARING ABOUT DEFECTIVE VALVE STEMS MANUFACTURED IN CHINA SEVERAL MONTHS AGO. I LEARNED DILL AIR CONTROLS PRODUCTS AND THE NHTSA HAD ISSUED WARNINGS REGARDING SAME AFTER A DEATH OF AN ORLANDO, FL MAN. I AM RETURNING TO SEARS TO HAVE ALL 4 OF MY TIRES INSPECTED FOR FAULTY VALVES. *TR
Nov 28, 2008
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ON APRIL 4, 2006, MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS TOTALED. I ARRIVED AT WORK AT APPROXIMATELY 3:15 PM. I WENT IN AND WENT TO WORK. AT ABOUT 3:55, I WAS PAGED OVER THE INTERCOM TO GET TO THE NORTH ENTRANCE IMMEDIATELY. WHEN I GOT THERE THE SECURITY GUARDS TOLD ME THAT MY TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. AS I LOOKED OUT THE DOORS, THE FRONT OF MY TRUCK WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD GOT THERE AND WAS IN THE PROCESS OF PUTTING THE FIRE OUT. WHEN THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT, ALL THAT WAS LEFT WAS A BIG MESS. MY TRUCK WAS GONE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN RUNNING FINE. MY CRUISE CONTROL HAD WENT OUT ABOUT 1 MONTH PRIOR TO THE FIRE. I WAS UNAWARE OF ANY RECALLS EXCEPT FOR A SCREW IN THE DRIVERS SEAT (WHICH WAS THE ONLY RECALL LETTER THAT I HAD RECEIVED.) FOR DAYS THAT THEY CAN'T SPEAK TO ME ABOUT THE VEHICLE OR INCIDENT BECAUSE I HAVE AN INSURANCE CLAIM AND MY INSURANCE ADJUSTER SAYS THAT THEY WON'T SPEAK TO HIM EITHER. WHAT ARE WE AS CONSUMERS SUPPOSED TO DO WHEN THE PRODUCTS WE PURCHASE, AND FOR THE AMOUNT THEY ASK FOR THEIR PRODUCT , ARE LOST DUE TO THE MANUFACTURERS DEFECTS? HOW ARE WE AS CONSUMERS PROTECTED? *JB
May 08, 2006
STEERING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I HAVE A 1998 FORD EXPLORER THAT I HAVE BEEN GETTING A LOUD GRUNTING NOISE EVERYTIME I TURN LEFT. REPLACED RACK N PINION AND POWER STEERING PUMP, AND STILL NO CHANGE. NOISE IS STILL THERE. *NM
Apr 26, 2006
SEAT BELTS,SEATS
1 complaint
DT: THE CONTACT PURCHASED A USED VEHICLE ON A WARRANTY. SHE DISCOVERED THE REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES WERE BROKEN. ALSO, THE FRONT SEATS DID NOT RECLINE PROPERLY. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AT THIS TIME. *AK
Nov 23, 2005
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,TIRES
1 complaint
DT: CONTACT STATED THAT RIGHT AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE HE HAD REPLACE THE BRAKES, TIRES, FUEL FILTER, THE FUEL INJECTION WAS CLEANED , THE ANTI LOCK SENSORS WHERE REPLACED, THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED . THE AIR BAGS ARE ALSO DEPLOYED. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT VIBRATES ON THE LEFT SIDE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC THEY PUT THE VEHICLE ON A RACK TRYING TO LINE THE VEHICLE. IT WOULD NOT LINE UP. THEY FOUND THAT THE BALL JOINTS BAD, ALSO THE MOTOR MOUNTS ARE BROKEN. THE MECHANIC TOLD HIM THAT THE FRAME IS BENT BEYOND REPAIR. *NM
Nov 15, 2005
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
DT: DRIVER'S SIDE BACK SEAT BELT LATCH BROKE. ON JUNE 1, 2005. CALLER SAID THE OTHER TWO SEAT BELT LATCHES BROKE ABOUT A YEAR AGO AND CALLER HAD THEM FIXED. ALSO, SHE LOW BEAM IWASNOT WORKING . SHE HAD IT CHECKED AT A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT FIND WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET.*AK
Aug 01, 2005
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
DT: 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE BRAKES LIGHTS FAILED ON THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD THE BRAKE LIGHT FUSES CHANGED. THEY USED THE FUSES THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE. AS SOON AS THE SECOND FUSE WAS PUT IN THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. ANOTHER PERSON PUT THE FIRE OUT BY BEATING IT WITH A TOWEL. THEN, CONSUMER CONTACTED A DEALERSHIP BY PHONE, THEY TOLD HER THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE MASTER CYLINDER BUT, HE WAS UNSURE OF THE MODEL YEARS INCLUDED. WHEN THE CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD, THEY TOLD CONSUMER WOULD GET BACK TO HER. THERE WERE NO FIRE OR POLICE REPORTS AVAILABLE. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 7-262005 BEFORE THE HOOD LATCH HAD ACTED UP. ALSO, CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED. . IT MELTED THE WIRES FOR THE ABS AND THE SPOT FOR PUTTING IN THE BRAKE FLUID. *AK
Jul 29, 2005
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
FIRE STARTED IN VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE OF OUR HOME
Jul 03, 2005
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE MODULE FOR THE ABS AND SPEED SENOR WENT OUT. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO NOTICED THE PINS FOR THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS WERE NEVER CONNECTED AT THE FACTORY, RENDERING THE AIR BAGS INOPERATIVE. *JB *SB *NM
May 26, 2005
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ON 3/29/05 WHILE DRIVING MY 1998 FORD EXPEDITION XLT THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT CAME ON AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE RUNNING BOARD LIGHTS CAME ON. I PULLED OVER AND PARKED THE VEHICLE AND CHECKED ALL DOORS, ALL DOOR WERE CLOSED PROPERLY. THE LIGHTS REMAINED ON. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION AND SHUT THE DOOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS AND RUNNING BOARD LIGHTS REMAINED ON. I HAD TO REMOVE THE FUSE TO MAKE LIGHTS GO OUT, BUT WHEN I AM DRIVING I HAVE NO INTERIOR LIGHTS AND I CANNOT PUT DOWN WINDOWS
Mar 29, 2005
STEERING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I HAVE A 1998 FORD EXPLORER 4 DR 2WD AND THE DRIVER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN SOMETHING WENT WRONG WITH THE LOCK FROM THE INSIDE U CAN OPEN IT FROM THE OUTSIDE BUT IT WONT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE SINCE THAT OCCURED MY ANTI-THEFT MY SECURITY SYSTEM AND MY HORN ALSO STOPPED WORKING I HAVE CHECKED THE FUSES AND THE RELAYS THEY TELL ME THAT ITS SOMETHING IN THE WIRING WHAT SHOULD I DO
Mar 24, 2005
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET HAS FAILED ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS ON MY VEHICLE. THIS PART WAS REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS LEAKING ON BOTH OCCASIONS. THIS LEAKAGE AND PROBLEM IS DANGEROUS TO THE VEHICLE AND THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS PART OF THE FUEL SYSTEM AND SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY.*AK
Jan 11, 2005
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,TIRES
1 complaint
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION. WHEN APPROACHING A STOP VEHICLE ACCELERATED INTERMITTENTLY, AND WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER'S VEHICLE SMASHED INTO TWO OTHER VEHICLES. CONSUMER WAS AWARE THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS ONGOING, AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT RECALLED VEHICLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS EVALUATED BY THE SERVICE TECHNICIANS, CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED.*AK THE CONSUMER HAD A TIRE FAILURE. *TC
Nov 09, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING SHUT OFF WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FISH-TAIL AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER TWICE. *NM ALL SYSTEMS INCLUDING THE ANTILOCK BRAKES FAILED. THE ACCIDENT WAS A RESULT OF MULTIPLE SYSTEM FAILURES. *SC
Apr 01, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
THE HARMONIC BALANCER CAME LOOSE AND THE CAMSHAFT HAD BROKEN RIGHT AT THE ENGINE BLOCK. *PH CONSUMER WAS GIVEN AN OPTION BY THE DEALER TO EITHER OVERHAUL THE ENGINE, WITH NO WARRANTY, OR REPLACE THE ENGINE, WITH A 3 YEAR 36,000 MILE WARRANTY. A SERVICE TECHNICIAN FOUND OUT THAT UPON INSPECTING THE HARMONIC BALANCER CAMSHAFT AREA THAT THE LONG BOLT HOLDING THE PULLEY TO THE CAMSHAFT WAS NEVER TIGHTENED WAS ABLE TO REMOVED WITH THE TECHNICIAN'S FINGERS. IN ADDITION, THE BOLT SHOULD HAVE SOME MARKINGS ON IT CONSISTENT WITH AN IMPACT WRENCH. IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE BOLT WOULD HAVE BEEN REMOVED IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE TIMING CHAIN. WHEN ENGINE WAS REPLACED AND PERFORMED ADDITIONAL TEST ON VEHICLE, DEALER FOUND A SMALL FUEL LINE LEAK. FUEL LINE WAS REPAIRED AND MADE ANOTHER TEST ON VEHICLE. CONSUMER CURRENTLY SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT OF ALL EXPENSES INCURRED DUE TO MECHANICAL ERROR THAT RENDERED VEHICLE INOPERABLE. *LA
Mar 11, 2004
VISIBILITY,SEATS
1 complaint
CONSUMER SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS ON A BOLT THAT ATTACHED TO THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM. *LA THE VENTILATION SYSTEM LEAKED. *JB
Feb 19, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,SEATS
1 complaint
DEALERSHIP REFUSE TO REPAIR CAR PARTS THAT ARE IMPORTANT AND HAVE SERIOUS SAFTY ISSUES. DRIVERS CAR SEAT BACK COLLAPSE, ACCELERATOR PEDAL SUPPORT BRACKET ELL OFF THE FLOOR BOAD...NEEDS TO BE WELDED BACK ON.*AK
Dec 28, 2003
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
OVER THE LAST YEAR MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER 2 DOOR SPORT HAS BEEN LOOSING SOME INTERIOR ELECTRICAL FEATURES. THE FIRST WAS THE DISPLAY LIGHTS ON THE RADIO. THEY WOULD COME AND GO..... NOW THE DISPLAY IS TOTALLY GONE. HOWEVER THE RADIO, CD PLAYER AND TAPE DECK STILL WORK. I JUST CAN'T SEE WHAT TRACK, STATION, OR THE TIME. THEN THE NEXT ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WAS THE DRIVER SIDE POWER UNLOCK SWITCH. I CAN LOCK ALL THE DOORS BUT I CANNOT UNLOCK THE DOORS, NEXT THE LIGHTS WENT OUT ON THE LEFT SIDE OF MY DASH..... I CAN'T REMEMBER IF THIS WAS THE SAME TIME THE LIGHTS WENT OUT ON THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS (CRUISE CONTROL SETTINGS) OR IF THAT WENT OUT SEPARATELY. NOW........ I CANNOT UNLOCK THE DRIVER DOOR WITH A KEY. I CAN MOVE THE KEY AROUND AND UNLOCK THE OTHER DOORS BUT NOT THE DRIVER DOOR. I HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE PASSENGER SIDE AND YANK ON THE DRIVER HANDLE SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE DOOR WILL OPEN. THIS IS VERY INCONVENIENT. I PLAN ON TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS..... BUT I HAVE HEARD SEVERAL OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS...... SHOULD FORD REPAIR THIS AT THEIR COST? IT SEEMS TO ME THIS IS A FORD ISSUE AND NOT SOMETHING I HAVE DONE TO THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY IF OTHER OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING IS DEFECTIVE IN THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS. *LA
Nov 26, 2003
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD STICK CAUSING SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THIS WILL EVENTUALLY GET SOMEONE KILLED. FORD SHOULD RECALL VEHICLE. *AK THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE PROBLEM REMAINED THE SAME. *SCC THE REVERSE LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE, THE HEATER CONTROL VALVE WAS REPLACED, THE LEFT REAR BRAKE LIGHT WAS REPLACED. *JB. SURGES INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WITH BRAKES ON. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM NHTSA THAT INDICATED THAT REVIEW OF THE EVIDENCE DURING THE INVESTIGATION CONCLUDED THAT THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO INCLUDE THE 1998 FORD EXPLORER 5.0 LITER ENGINE IN THE SCOPE OF RECALL 00V-422. *AK
Nov 04, 2003
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THE CONSUMERS WERE NEVER NOTIFIED OF THREE RECALLS THAT APPLIED TO THEIR VEHICLE UNTIL THE DEFECT OCCURRED. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALLS THEM BECAUSE THE CAMPAIGNS HAD ENDED. THE RECALL NUMBERS ARE: 99 V 164 000, 98 V 060 000, AND 00 V 422 000. *NLM
Sep 25, 2003
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
1998 FORD EXPLORER, WE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS AT DIFFERENT TIMES GETTING THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR TO OPEN AFTER THE CAR HAD BEEN UNLOCKED. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. THIS MIGHT BECOME A PROBLEM IF CONSUMER WAS TRYING TO GET OUT FROM THE VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. *AK
Sep 22, 2003
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
CRUISE CONTROL FAILED WHILE ACTIVATED ON 4 LANE HIGHWAY IN WASHINGTON D.C. TRAFFIC. THEN REALIZED THE HORN HAD FAILED AS WELL DAYS LATER. THE FORD DEALER SEEMS AWFUL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, AND THE NEED TO REPLACE A "CLOCK SPRING" IN THE STEERING COLUMN.*AK
Aug 13, 2003
STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
FRONT END FELT LOOSE AND VEHICLE WAS VEERING TO THE RIGHT DUE TO CRACKED BALL JOINTS. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT APPEARED, AND A RED BROWN LIQUID WAS LEAKING FROM DRIVER'S SIDE BECAUSE POWER STEERING RACK WAS DEFECTIVE. ALSO, DEALER REPLACED TIMING GEAR, AND UPPER AND LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLDS.*AK
May 08, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
BLEND DOOR IN THE VENTILATION SYSTEM DOES NOT OPERATE. LEADS TO HEAT IN THE SUMMER AND DIFFICULITY DEFROSTING THE WINSHIELD IN THE WINTER. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE 1998 EXPLORERS. I ALSO HAD THE EVAPORATOR TANK REPLACED LAST YEAR. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE RECALLED TO FIX. I ALSO HAD TWO SETS OF BRAKES AND ROTORS ON THIS VEHICLE AND THE RADIO STILL DOES'NT WORK RIGHT. *JB
Apr 17, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,SEATS
1 complaint
THE BRAKE SENSORS WERE FAULTY, THE DRIVER SEAT BOLT HAD BROKEN AND FELL WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER DOOR LOCK WAS DEFECTIVE, AND THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS SYSTEM WAS INOPERATIVE. SCC *JB
Feb 28, 2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS IN MY FORD. SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: 01205 ,0232 AND 15406 SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VACUUM OR AIR LEAKS IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND / OR ENGINE SYSTEM CAUSING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171 AND OR P0174. *TT SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.0L SOHC ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0300 (RANDOM MISFIRE) OR P0301. *TT CONCERNS WITH REAR WIPERS THAT DO NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAN THE BACK GLASS. *TT
Jan 09, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
TORQUE CONVERTER DID NOT DISENGAGE WHEN TRYING TO STOP THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A STOP SIGN AND STOPPED WHEN BRAKING STALLED THE ENGINE. FORD RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE SOLONOID THAT CONTROLS THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS FAILULE IS TOTALLY WITHOUT WARNING AND MAKES THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO STOP. STOPPING OCCURES ONLY WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED HARD ENOUGH TO STALL THE ENGINE. *AK
Apr 29, 2002
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,TIRES,SEATS
1 complaint
WHEN MAKING TURNS, ESPECIALLY RIGHT TURNS, VEHICLE SLIDES AND ALMOST TURNS OVER.*AK. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING ACCELERATION PROBLEMS,AND THERE WAS A HUMMING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, SIGNALS ARE NOT WORKING, DEALER REPLACED A DEFECTIVE CONNECTOR AND MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH, FIRESTONE TIRES HAVE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, WHICH WERE REPLACED IN JULY 2001, THE REAR SEATS MOVE/BOUNCE WHEN DRIVING, THE REAR SEAT BELTS WERE INOPERATIVE, THE DEALER REPLACED THE BUCKLES, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN, DEALER REPLACED THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH, THE WINDSHIELD WAS CHIPPED, THE ALARM WOULD NOT CHUT OFF AT TIMES, DEALER REPLACED A BAD LOOSE WIRE.*JB
Apr 23, 2002
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING ON A WINDING ROAD AT 50 MPH DUE TO THE INSTABILITY, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ROLLED OVER, FLIPPING LEFT TO RIGHT AND CRUSHING THE ROOF THAT CAUSED SERIOUS INJURIES TO DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE OCCUPANTS, ALSO UPON IMPACT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK *YH
Mar 11, 2002
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED A ROLLOVER, RESULTING IN MAJOR INJURIES TO PASSENGER AND DRIVER, THE ROOF CRUSHED IN ON THE PASSENGER AND BROKE HIS NECK, CONSUMER IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE DESIGN OF THE ROOF. *SLC
Feb 27, 2002
SUSPENSION,TIRES,WHEELS
1 complaint
CONSUMER HAD EXPERIENCED SOME PROBLEMS WITH SUSPENSION. HAD TO REPLACE SHOCKS AND TIRES. CURRENTLY, DEALER INDICATED THAT WHEELS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALSO TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK
Dec 13, 2001
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SEATS
1 complaint
ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS ON DRIVERS SIDE HAS BROKE 3 TIMES. GAS PEDAL SHEARED OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. HEATER WENT OUT; MECHANIC SAID THERE WAS A 1997 FORD PART ON THE 1998 TRUCK. FACE PLATE FOR THE RADIO, TIME IS OUT. LEVER FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT BROKE OFF. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED AT 25,000 MILES. THIS IS THE FIRST FORD I EVER OWNED AND UNFORTUNATELY THE LAST!*AK
Dec 11, 2001
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
VEHICLE STALLED WHEN MAKING A 90 DEGREE LEFT TURN. CONSUMER STEPPED SLIGHTLY ON GAS AND IT HESITATED. CONSUMER HAS TO PRESS DOWN GIVING VEHICLE GAS TO BY PASS HESITATION. DEALER REALLY HAD NO REMEDY. BUT ONCE BEFORE REPLACED FUEL INJECTION. *AK
Jul 05, 2001
VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
WHEN CONSUMER TURNS ON HEAT IT IS OUT OF CONTROL HEAT GETS HOTTER AND HOTTER. WHEN SHE TURNS AIR CONDITIONING ON COLD AIR IS COLD FOR A MOMENT, AND THEN HEAT COMES ON WHILE AIR CONDITIONING IS RUNNING. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK LOCK BROKE ON DRIVERS DOOR AND WAS REPAIRED. *SLC
Jul 02, 2001
STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
TRUNK DOOR WILL NOT SHUT PROPERLY. CONSUMER IS ABLE TO SLIDE HIS HAND IN WHILE DOOR IS SHUT. *AK CONSUMER CONTACTED DMV AND FOUND OUT VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, CONSUMER SPECIFICALLY ASKED FOR A VEHICLE THAT HAD NOT BEEN DAMAGED, HOWEVER DEALER SOLD IT TO HIM ANYWAY, CONSUMER FEELS DECEIVED AND IS EXPERIENCING MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE. RADIO IS INOPERATIVE AT TIMES. HATCH RUBS AGAINS FRAME OF VEHICLE. TAILLIGHT AND HEADLIGHT ARE OUT OF ALIGNMENT, FOG LIGHTS HAD LAMP FAILURE. VEHICLE EXPERIENCES PROBLEMS WITH ABSORBING ROAD SHOCK, VEHICLE PULLS TO RIGHT. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES, VEHICLE EXPERIENCES LOW POWER. REAR POWER WINDOW MOTOR FAILED. POWER ANTENNA FAILED. RIGHT WINDSHIELD WIPER INTERIOR GARNISH MOLDING LOOSE, REAR WIPER BLADE SKIPS CENTER OF GLASS, DEALER REPLACED REAR WIPER ARM AND BLADE ASSEMBLY. STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY REPLACED DUE TO NOISY. BUMPER NOT EVEN. *SLC
Jun 04, 2001
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
CONSUMER HAD 2 ACCIDENTS DUE TO SUDDEN ACCELERATION, NEITHER TIME DID AIRBAGS DEPLOY. IN JULY 2000, VEHICLE WENT THROUGH GARAGE DOOR, AND ON MARCH 13, 2001,VEHICLE HIT CONCRETE WALL. *AK
Mar 13, 2001
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING UNDER WINTER CONDITIONS, TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 TO 70 MPH, VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE CONTROL. RIGHT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WENT INTO A DITCH, AND VEHICLE ROLLED 1 1/2 TIMES. DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK UP AND PREVENTING INJURY TO DRIVER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING ACCIDENT. NLM
Mar 08, 2001
VISIBILITY,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
WHEN TRYING TO LOWER POWER WINDOWS AND TURN DOME LIGHTS ON THEY DID NOT WORK, ALSO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT WORK AT ANY TIME. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED, AND TECHNICIAN CANT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Jan 29, 2001
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
ENGINE STARTING FAILURE HAS CAUSED THE CAR TO BE LEFT TWO TIMES, EACH TIME IT STUMBLED AND WHEN IT DID START MY WIFE PUT IT INTO DRIVE AT WHICH TIME IT ROLLED INTO TRAFFIC AND CUT OFF AGAIN. THIS IS DANGEROUS, THE SHOP I TOOK IT TO COULD FIND NO BAD CODES AND HAD NO IDEA WHY IT HAPPENED. I FOUND A TSB CONCERNING IT ON YOUR WEBSITE SO NOW I KNOW OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. CONCERNING THE SQUEELING COMING FROM THE FRONT END AT SPEEDS FROM 0-40, I TOOK IT TO A SHOP AND THEY SPRAYED SOME LUBRICANT ON IT BUT THE NOISE RETURNED, I AM AFRAID THAT SOMETHING IS GOING TO FAIL IN THE FRONT END AND AGAIN. I FOUND A TSB CONCERNING THE SAME PROBLEM ON YOUR SITE, SO I AM NOT ALONE IN THIS PROBLEM. THE OIL LEAK WAS NOTICED WHEN THE SQUEAL PROBLEM WAS INVESTIGATED AND AGAIN I NOTICED A TSB CONSERNING THE REAR MAIN SEAL LEAKING.*AK
Dec 05, 2000
EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE READS COLD ALL THE TIME, THE ENGINE WHISTLES SOMETIMES AT LOW SPEED AND IDLE AND THE CONDENSOR WENT UP - ALL PRETTY MUCH AT THE SAME TIME THESE STARTED. (TIRESIZE: P3575R)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P3575R )
Nov 09, 2000
SUSPENSION,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
15" WHEEL TOO SMALL FOR VEHICLE, SUSPENSION NOT AS STABLE AS A 2000 YEAR MODEL, REAR WIPER FAILED 2 TIMES (ALSO FAILED IN 2000 MODEL,) TURN SIGNAL CANCELS TOO QUICKLY/EASILY REPLACED 2 TIMES STILL LOUSY, (DOT NUMBER: NOT APPLIC TIRESIZE: 235/75/R15)
Oct 28, 2000
STEERING,TIRES
1 complaint
I THINK THAT YOU EXPLORE THE STEERING ON THE FORD EXPLORE. IT IS MICH TO QUICK FOR THE ADVERAGE DRIVER. THIS IS THE REASON THERE IS SO MANY ROOLOVERS/WRECKS WHEN A TIRE FAILS. I WAS DRIVING WHEN THE TIRE FAILED ON MY EXPLORER. I HAVE BUILT AND DROVE RACE CARS FOR YEARS, HAVE BEEN TO NASCAR DRIVERS SCHOOL (TWICE), AND I BELIEVE THIS HELPED ME CONTROL MY TRUCK WHEN THE TIRE FAILED. THE EVERY DAY DRIVER WOULD HAVE REACTED WHEN THE TIRE FAILED, THE QUICK STEERING WOULD HAVE OVER REACTED AND THE DRIVER CAN NOT CATCH UP WITH THE REACTION, THUS A WRECK. FORD SHOULD REPLACE THE STEERING BOXES ON ALL EXPLORER,S WITH A SLOWER STEERING BOX.*AK
Oct 06, 2000
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,TIRES
1 complaint
TOOK SEAT BELT TO BE REPAIRED 3 OR 4 TIMES AND ENDED UP BEING ORDERED AND WRECKED BEFORE GETTING IT REPLACED. TIRE ON RIGHT REAR SHREDDED AND FRONT RIGHT AND LEFT REAR BLEWOUT. IT WAS A ROLLOVER ACCIDENT FRONT TO REAR AND SIDE ROLLOVER AND AIRBAGS DIDN'T COME OUT. MY 5 1/2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS THROWN AND KILLED IN THE WRECK.( DOT NUMBER: )
Sep 21, 2000
VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THE CDS IN THE SINGLE CD PLAYER HEAT UP TO WHERE IT IS HOT TO TOUCH. THIS COULD BE A FIRE HAZARD. THE OUTSIDE OF THE CD/RADIO UNIT IS ALSO HOT. I WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT THIS WAS COMMON. THE ADVISOR AT FORD SAID HE HAS A 2000 FORD TRUCK AND HIS WIFE A 1998 MUSTANG THAT DOES THE SAME THING. I NOTED THIS ON MY 30000 MILE SERVICE AND FORD DID NOT EVEN LOOK AT THE PROBLEM. IT WAS DISMISSED AND NOT EVEN NOTED ON MY REPAIR RECORD/INVOICE. ALSO, THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME. IN FACT, I ONLY USED IT ONCE OR TWICE AFTER THE FIRST TIME IT WAS REPLACED. .
Aug 19, 2000
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT UPSHIFT AND I WOULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR'S ACCELAERATION POWER UNTIL IT WOULD SLIDE INTO GEAR. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAS GOT OUT ON ME TWICE WHILE DRIVING. ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ZEROS OUT EXCEPT FOR THE SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER. THIS PROBLEM HAS STILL NOT BEEN FIXED.
Aug 17, 2000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,TIRES
1 complaint
TURN SIGNALS AND HIGH BEAM INDICATOR LAMP FAILED SUDDENLY. FUSES ARE GOOD. REAR WIPER HAS NEVER WORK RIGHT. HAS NOT WORK AT ALL FOR SOME TIME. ALWAYS HAD LOW RUMBLE WHEN MOVING. APPEARS TO COME FROM FRONT.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 70R15 100S )
Aug 08, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WHEN OUR EXPLORER HAD 29,000 MILES ON IT, I BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON AND THE VEHICLE WAS STALLING OUT AT STOPLIGHTS. THEY REPLACED THE OXYGEN SENSOR, A GASKET ON THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, AND A FUEL INJECTOR. NOW, 3,000 MILES LATER, I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM, EXCEPT THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD NOT COME ON. AT TIMES, THE EXPLORER SOUNDS AND FEELS LIKE IT'S GOING TO STALL OUT AT STOPLIGHTS OR WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. THE DEALERSHIP HAD THE TRUCK FOR 2 DAYS AND RAN UP 11 MILES ON IT, BUT THEY COULD NOT RECREATE THE SCENARIO. THEY COULD FIND NO PROBLEM AT THIS TIME.
Aug 03, 2000
SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
SEVERE BLOWOUT, ROLLOVER 4 TIMES RESULTED IN PARALIZED BACK SEAT OCCUPANT, SHOULDER BELT DID NOT DEPLOY, ONLY LAP THEN RELEASED AT 3 ROLLOVER( DOT NUMBER: )
Jul 09, 2000
SUSPENSION,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
AIR CONDITIONER FAILED DUE TO A DEFECTIVE ACCUMULATOR....NOT COVERED BY FORD ESP PLAN. ALSO, LOWER BALL JOINTS FAILED....COVERED BY FORD ESP PLAN. *AK
Jul 09, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE MANIFOLD LEAKING. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WARNING LIGHT IS ON. PARTS HAVE BEEN ON BACK ORDER FROM FORD FOR OVER 2 MONTHS. THE DEALER SAYS THIS IS MOST LIKELY A POSSIBLE RECALL PROBLEM, BUT CAN NOT GIVE SPECIFICS. WE HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT DRIVING VEHICLE WITH WARNING LIGHTS ON FOR A PROLONGED PERIOD OF TIME. *AK
Apr 15, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Mar 21, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
INC #1 4--WHEEL DRIVE LIGHTS FLASHED 15 SECONDS, 4-WHEEL DRIVE MOTOR REPLACED. INC #2 - VEHICLE STALLED DURING LEFT TURNS AFTER TRAVLLING AT HWY SPEEDS. NEW PROCESSOR INSTALLED, PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK
Mar 09, 2000
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AT APPROX. 5-10MPH VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER IN STEERING AND BRAKING SYSTEMS AND VEHICLE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AND KEPT TURNING LEFT INTO TREE. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. *AK
Mar 05, 2000
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
CRM LOVES VEHICLE BUT THERE IS ALOT OF NOISES AND VIBRATIONS AND BEING A SECON OWNER AND HAVING SO MANY MILES ON THE VEHICLE I HAVEN'T CONTACTED ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS NOR HAD THEM FIXED DUE TO COST OF REPAIR.CRM IS LOOKING INTO BUYING ANOTHER VEHICLE OF THIS SORT BUT NOW NOT NECESSARILY FORD. *AK
Feb 23, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
VEHICLE STALLED UPON STOPPING WHILE APPLYING ACCELERATOR PEDAL, CAUSING ENGINE TO SHUT OFF. VEHICLE BEEN IN/OUT OF DEALER SHOP FOR INSPECTION/REPAIRS. ECU WAS REPLACED, AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. *AK
Dec 23, 1999
SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
SUSPENSION PROBLEMS BEGAN AFTER A HEAVY LOAD WAS IN THE VEHICLE.(400-500 LBS) THE FRONT END RODE 1 FOOT ABOVE THE REAR END.SINCE THEN THE CAR HAS HANDELED QUITE DIFFERENTLY,AND HAS CONSTANT LOUD SQUEAKS AND GRINDS. THE BUSHINGS RECENTLY WERE REMOVED AND GREASED,UNDER CARRIAGE ARMS IN FRONT HAD TO BE REPLACED. PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE OK,WHY DID THIS START AT 6000 MILES? HESITATION DURING HARD ACCELERATION,ALWAYS FROM STOP,CROSSING INTERSECTION.EXTENSIVE THROTTLE BODY,HOUSING REPAIR WORK NECCESSARY,RECALLS DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM.TWO FRIENDS WITH 98 EXPLORERS HAVE HAD EXACT PROBLEMS WITH LOAD CARRYING AND SUSPENSION PROBLEMS.HESITATION PROBLEMS AS WELLAVE HAD ECACT PROBLEMS NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM ER CARRIAGE
Nov 12, 1999
STEERING,SEATS
1 complaint
THESE DEFECTS HAPPENS JUST MONTHS AFTER WARRANTY WAS OUT LIVE FAR FROM DEALERSHIP BUT I TRIED TO GET IT THERE AS SOON AS I COULD BEING THAT IT WAS MY ONLY SOURCE OF TRANSPORTATION. I FELT THAT CAPITAL FORD SHOULD OF STILL HONORED THESE DEFECTS AND TRY TO AT LEAST OFFER TO HELP ME IN ANYWAY THEY COULD I FEEL THAT THEY DIDN"T CARE ABOUT IT ALL THEY HAD TO SAY TO ME THAT THE WARRANTY IS OUT AND IT'S GOING TO COST A LOT TO HAVE THESE DEFECTS FIX THEY WOULDN'T EVEN GIVE A PRICE ALL THEY SAID IS IT'S GOING TO BE A COUPLE OF HUNDRED OF DOLLARS. I WAS VERY DISSAPOINTED IN THEIR SERVICE AND THE WAY THEY HANDLED THIS SITUATION. IF SOMETHING ISN'T DONE, THEN I PLAN TO RETURN MY SUV AT THE END OF IT'S LEASE AND GO ELSEWHERE TO BUY MY NEXT USV. I HOPE THAT YOU CAN RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM I PURCHASE SEVERAL FORD IN THE PAST YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THEM SO I HOPE YOU WILL HONOR THESE DEFECTS . I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM THIS REQUEST THANK YOU TIME. NO SAFETY DEFECT (S) LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK
Nov 11, 1999
STEERING,SUSPENSION,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
I BOUGHT MY TRUCK IN SEPT 1998. IN AUG 1999 I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE DRIVERS MIRROR VIBRATES AT SPEEDS OF 55MPH AND UP. ALSO THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES AND THE LEFT FRONT TIRE FEELS LIKE IT IS GOING TO COME OFF AT ABOUT 65 MPH. I HAVE EVERYTHING DOCUMENTED AND HAVE BEEN IN NOW 7 TIMES. THE FIRST TIME THEY CHANGED THE MIRROR, THE 2ND THE BALANCED/ROTATED THE TIRES, THE 3 TIME THEY HAD ME BUY NEW TIRES, THE 4TH THE PUT ANOTHER SET OF NEW TIRES ON, THE 5TH I HAD THE SERVICE MGR AND HEAD MECHANIC DRIVE IT AGAIN THE TIRES WERE BALANCED/ROTATED, THE 6TH TIME THE REGIONAL SERVICE MANAGER DROVE IT. THEN A FACTORY REP FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY CAME DOWN FROM DETROIT AND CALLED ME ON THE PHONE. WITH EACH TIME I HAD IT IN I WAS TOLD IT IS "NORMAL" FOR A MIRROR TO VIBRATE BUT EACH OF THEM SAID THEY DIDN'T FEEL THE VIRBRATION IN THE FRONT END OR STEERING COLUMN. I WROTE A LETTER TO THE OWNER OF THE DEALERSHIP ALONG WITH A C/C TO THE PRESIDENT/CEO OF FORD MOTOR CO. I STATED THE GA LEMON LAW/NEW CAR WARRENTY ACT OF 1990 AND PER THE LEMON LAW GIVING THEM 1 MORE OPPORTUNITY TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE SERVICE MANAGER CALLED ME ON 11/4/99 AND I TOOK IT IN THE AM OF 11/5/99 FOR THE 7TH TIME. HE LOOKED THE SUSPENSION OVER AND SAID HE COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I HAVE COPIES OF EVERYTHING I MAILED OUT AND ALL THE TIMES I HAVE BEEN IN. THE VEHICLE HAS GOTTEN WORSE, IT IS HARD TO SEE ANYTHING OUT OF THE DRIVERS MIRROR AT 50 MPH AND I CAN NOT SEE ANYTHING AT 70 MPH. THE LEFT FRONT TIRE FEELS LIKE IT IS GOING TO COME OFF WHEN I REACH ABOUT 65 MPH, AND IT ALSO IS HARD TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL HAS A VIBRATION IN IT AND THE FRONT SEATS NOW HAVE A VIBRATION. I FEEL VERY UNSAFE IN THIS VEHICLE. I ASK ON 11/5/99 ABOUT A REPLACEMENT AND THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY WOULD NOT DO THAT. I WOULD HAVE TO GO PERSUE THE LEMON LAW. I DON'T WANT MY CHILDREN OR ANYONE ELSE TO GET HURT. PLEASE HELP!!
Nov 05, 1999
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLOSION AT 35 MPH. UPON IMPACT, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, RESULTING IN MINOR INJURIES. MANUFCTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK
Oct 25, 1999
SUSPENSION,VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
ALSO EXPERIENCING RIGHT FLOOD LIGHT FAILURE. THIS IS THE 3RD BULB REPLACEMENT. I, THE CUSTOMER WOULD LIKE SOME RESOLUTION TO THESE PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE COST TOO MUCH TO EXPERIENCE THESE MANY PROBLEMS.( DOT NUMBER: 274 TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
Oct 09, 1999
SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SEATS
1 complaint
WHEN GETTING INTO VEHICLE AND STARTING IT UP, THROTTLE STICKS. CONSUMER HAS TO PRESS THE GAS PEDAL REAL HARD TO STOP THE THROTTLE FROM STICKING. ALSO, PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WON'T COME OUT, AND FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT KEEPS SLIDING FORWARD WHENEVER CONSUMER IS DRIVING. *AK
Oct 05, 1999
POWER TRAIN,SEATS
1 complaint
POWER SEAT. ROCKED BACK AND FORTH AND GOT WORSE. DEALER REPLACED. SEAT STARTED TO GET LOOSE AGAIN AND DEALER REPLACED IT AGAIN. ALSO SEAT BELT WAS NOT RETRACTING BACK IN. DEALER REPLACED. ADDITIONAL DEFECT NOT NOTED WAS THE 5 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION HAVING TO BE REBUILT AT 22,868 MILES. WOULD BE GLAD TO FILL OUT ADDITIONAL FORM OR PROVIDE SERVICE RECORDS ETC. IF NEEDED. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. KEITH
Sep 30, 1999
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
VEHICLE EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WITH VIBRATION WHENEVER MOVING OUT OF A TIGHT PARKING SPACE WHILE TURNING THE WHEEL. ALSO, FUSE TO POWER WINDOW KEPT BLOWING OUT FOR UNKNOWN REASO.; DEALER NOTIFIED AND UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. CAN NHTSA HELP INTHIS MATTER. *AK
Sep 08, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
CYLINDER WASN'T FIRING AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT; AC NOT FUNCTIONING AT FULL CAPACITY.
Sep 08, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
BRAKE PEDAL AND SWITCH, AUTO DOOR LOCK AND BRAKE LIGHTS.
Sep 08, 1999
VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
KNOB FOR REAR WINDOW WIPER. MASTER SWITCH TO UNLOCK DOORS. AIR BAG LIGHT.
Sep 08, 1999
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
VEHICLE WOULD LOCK INTO AND OUT OF 4-WHEEL DRIVE RAPIDLY ON DRY, SMOOTH PAVEMENT FOR NO REASON ,CAUSING VEHICLE TO LURCH AND LAG ( JERKING ) AND CAUSING FRONT LEFT WHEEL HOP AND VIBRATION. DEALERSHIP HAS REMOVED THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE CAPABILTY OF THIS VEHICLE TO RESLOVE THE PROBLEM INSTEAD OF REPAIRING. THE ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED 4 WHEEL DRIVE EXPLORER IS NOW ONLY 2 WHEEL DRIVE. INDICATOR LIGHTS ON DASH NOW CONTINUOUSLY FLASH PROVIDING SOMEWHAT OF A DRIVERS DISTRACTION. ALSO VEHICLE HAS A LOUD SQUEAL IN FRONT END AT SPEEDS FROM 1 THRU 40 MPH WHICH ONE FAILED REPAIR ATTEMPT HAS BEEN MADE. ALSO VEHICLE ENGINE HAS LOUD MECHANICAL ENGINE NOISE ( KNOCKING AND BANGING ) IN UPPER ENGINE AREA. *AK
Sep 02, 1999
POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
WHEN I TRIED TO USE THE AC IN MARCH IT BLEW OUT ONLY HOT AIR. A NEW COMPRESSOR HAD TO BE PUT IN IT. IT STILL LEAKS UNDER THE DASH WHEN IT RAINS HARD OR GOING THROUGH CAR WASH. REAR WIPER MOTOR BURNT OUT. WIPER WOULD NOT WORK, HAD TO BE REPLACED. REAR SEAL, PINON SEALS, AND REAR DRIVE SHAFT WERE REPLACED TWICE. THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR PANEL AND WINDOW RATTLED REALLY BAD. HAD REPAIRED. NOW FRONT DRIVER DOOR PANEL AND WINDOW RATTLES. HAD A "VIBRATING" NOISE REPAIRED. WHEN VEHICLE IDLED A PIECE OF METAL VIBRATED. SEVERAL TIMES I HAVE GONE TO TURN ON THE HEADLIGHTS AND THEY WON'T COME ON. I HAVE TO TURN THE BUTTON SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THEY WILL COME ON. AFTER MY AUTO HAS SET OVERNIGHT AND I START IT, IT IDLES VERY ROUGH FOR A FEW MINUTES. THE GAS PEDAL HAS BEEN STICKING FOR QUITE A FEW MONTHS. ONLY WHEN YOU INITIALLY PUSH ON THE GAS TO GO. YOU HAVE TO TAP ON IT TO GET IT TO UNSTICK; THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THIS, THE PA
Jul 12, 1999
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
ON FRIDAY, MAY 14TH, 1999 AT APPROXIMATELY 9:15 PM, I WAS DRIVING MY FORD EXPLORER ON THE NY THRUWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN TO SPEEDS UP TO 70 MPH WITHOUT ANY EXPLANATION. I APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE ONLY SLOWED DOWN TO 50-55 MPH. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED FOR A FEW MINUTES (SINCE I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO), I DECIDED TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND THAT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SHUT OFF. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO GLIDE THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER ROAD ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, OURSELVES OR ANYONE ELSE. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT FROM TO INVESTIGATE AND FIND OUT WHAT CAUSED THIS PROBLEM. TO MY AMAZEMENT, THE SERVICE DEPT. INDICATED THAT THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND THAT I COULD TAKE IT HOME. I TOLD THEM I CAN'T ACCEPT HIS RESPONSE AS AN ANSWER FOR ALMOST LOSING MY LIFE, AND THAT I WANT THEM TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF WHY THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN AND UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION. SINCE THEN I HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE RUN-AROUND AND NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE IN GETTING THIS MATTER RESOLVED QUICKLY BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFE IS PUT IN DANGER WITH THIS VEHICLE, OR OTHER ONES IN THIS CLASS THAT MAY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION IN THIS MATTER AND PLEASE CALL ME IF YOU NEED ANY FUTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THIS MATTER. *AK
May 18, 1999
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
VERY LOUD, INTERMITTENT, SQUEALING FROM FRONT END. DEALER FIRST STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE DUST SEALS/BOOTS, BUT ACCORDING TO OTHER SHOP, THERE AREN'T ANY. NEXT THEY SAID IT WAS THE FRONT BRAKES: THEY ONLY HAD 5K MILES OF USE LEFT, AND THE ROTORS WERE TOO WORN. I HAD NEW ROTORS AND PADS INSTALLED, BUT THE SQUEAL IS STILL THERE. IT OCCURS WITH BRAKES APPLIED OR NOT, WITH ENGINE ON OR OFF(JUST ROLLING DOWN A HILL), BUT ONLY WHEN VEHICLE IS MOVING. DOES NOT CHANGE WHEN TURNING. REFERENCE OTHER ODI IDS: 700845, 702219, 702959, 703052, 703270, 703848, 704071, 829016, 834307, 834481. *AK
Apr 04, 1999
POWER TRAIN,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
3 PROBLEMS; #1. GAS PEDAL STICKS. DEALER SAYS NO PROBLEM, BUT KEEPS PUTTING LUBE ON LINKAGE. #2 LEFT FRONT BEARING REPLACED TWICE DUE TO SQEALING AT LOW SPEED, OTHER TIMES THEY LUBED RUBBER BOOT. #3 REAR HATCH WHEN COLD,LIFTS FAIL, HIT HEAD AND UPPER BACK.
Feb 08, 1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ON TWO OCCASIONS VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING WHILE DRIVING, DUE TO BATTERY FAILURE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION THE VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING DUE TO A SHORT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. *YC
Feb 01, 1999
INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
CONNECTOR FOR DASH BOARD LIGHTS MELTED. YH
Feb 01, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THROTTLE PEDAL CONTINUALLY STICKS WHEN INITIALLY ENGAGED IN EITHER DRIVE OR REVERSE. CAUSES LUNGE IN DIRECTION OF TRAVEL IF DRIVER UNAWARE OF DEFECT. SUBMITTED TO DEALER TWICE, STILL NOT REPAIRED. POOR SEATBELT DESIGN HAS DRIVER'S SEATBELT CONTINUALLY STUCK IN DRIVERS DOOR UPON EXIT FROM VEHICLE. REAR PASSENGER WINDOW SCRAPES AND MAKES NOISE DURING OPERATION. DEALER DID NOT FIX WHEN INITIALLY BROUGHT UP AFTER INITIAL PURCHASE. ABS LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY APPEARS DURING DRIVING. DEALER NOTED CODE OF 1924 BUT HAD NO RESPONSE FOR PROBLEM. NOT RESOLVED. DISSAPOINTED WITH QUALITY OF VEHICLE FOR $$ PAID.
Jan 21, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES PEDAL GETS STUCK,CAUSING THE BRAKES TO HESITATE. WHEN PUTTING THE GEAR IN PARK THE VEHICLE HESITATES. CONSUMER DOESN'T KNOW WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS GOING TO MOVE, AND THE DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Jan 15, 1999
STEERING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
RACK AND PINION STEERING WAS REPLACED 2X FOR A GRIDING NOICE THAT IS STILL HEAR...CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR A TOTAL OF OVER 45 DAYS FOR WARENTEE WORK DRIVERS WINDOW CONSTANTLY RATTLES. WINDOW GATE HAS BEEN REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES TO NO HELP. FUEL PUMP FAILED AND WAS REPLACED
Nov 05, 1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
NOISY ENGINE. DEALER REPLACED INTAKE MANIFOLD/TIMING CHAIN/ALTERNATOR AND STARTER.
Oct 14, 1998
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WHEN TRAVELING OVER 70 MPH THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. ALSO, THE HEADLIGHTS FLASHED OFF AND ON . CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. DEALER HAS REPLACED PARTS, PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Aug 24, 1998
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING ON DRY STRAIGHT ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH VEHICLE JERKED SUDDENLY TO THE LEFT. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CORRECT STEERING, VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND VEERED TO THE RIGHT, THE SPUN BACK TO THE LEFT. TURNED AROUND ON THE ROAD BACKWARDS AND FLIPPED ON PASSENGERS'S SIDE AND SLID INTO MEDIAN. ALSO, ABS BRAKES/SUSPENSION AND TRANSFER CASE FAILED.
May 11, 1998
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1998 FORD Explorer have?
The 1998 FORD Explorer currently has 2248 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 1998 FORD Explorer?
The most common problems reported for the 1998 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 1998 FORD Explorer problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1998 FORD Explorer comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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