1997 Ford Explorer Problems & Complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE ABNORMALLY, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK GAUGE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT, THE CONTROL ARMS, THE FRONT OXYGEN SENSOR, AND THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTROL ARMS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 147,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN HIS DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC FLUID WAS LEAKING DUE TO THE FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH CAUSING THE FIRE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKED OUT WHEN IT GETS WARM EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE NOT RUNNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 23,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF

MY LIGHTS DON'T WORK STABILIZING BAR IS BAD,SPEED CONTROL DOSE NOT WORK SECURITY KEY CODE NOT WORKING,DOOR CONTROLS DO NOT WORK.WIPER WORK SOMETIMES.BALL JOINT ARE BAD, TIRES WEARING BAD,,BUSHINGS ARE VERY BAD.TRANSMISSION IS STARTING TO SLIP,ALL WHEEL DRIVE DOES NOT WORK, IT GRINDING SOUND.HEAF LIGHT ONLY BRIGHTS WORK.

RUNNING ON THE HIGHWAY THE RIGHT AXLE OF THE DIFFERENTIAL BROKEOFF AND THE WHEEL CAME OFF WITH THE BRAKE CALIPER AND BRAKE HOSE AND BECAUSE OF THIS CAUSE LOOSE CONTROL AND CRASH .THE VEHICLE IS TOTAL LOSS.

THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT WILL NOT ENGAGE TO THE LOCK POSITION.

I RECENTLY FOUND OUT MY VEHICLE HAS AN OPEN RECALL REGARDING THE POSSIBLE LEAKAGE OF THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH, WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING OR NOT. THE FORD MANUFACTURER'S RECALL #09S09 AND THE NHTSA RECALL #09V399000. THIS IS STILL AN OPEN RECALL.I CONTACTED FORD RECALL CENTER TODAY AND THEY ARE REFUSING TO REMEDY THIS HAZARDOUS RECALL DUE TO THE AGE OF THE RECALL AND THE AGE AND MILES OF MY VEHICLE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND FORD SHOULD FIX IT AS BODILY INJURY OR EVEN POSSIBLE DEATH COULD OCCUR IF THIS RECALL IS NOT REMEDIED. MY VEHICLE IS RUNNING PROPERLY FOR THE MOMENT BUT SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, FORD MOTOR CO. SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO FIX IT NO MATTER THE AGE OF MY VEHICLE.

ON DECEMBER 23RD, 2016 I WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK AROUND 6:00 PM. MY CAR WAS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. I HAD JUST GOTTEN OFF OF THE HIGHWAY AND TURNED ONTO MY ROAD WHEN I BEGAN TO SMELL SMOKE, SO, I PULLED OFF INTO AN EMPTY PARKING LOT BESIDE A WALKING TRAIL. I COULD TELL THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE, BUT, IT TOOK ME QUITE A WHILE TO FIGURE OUT WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. I CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD - BUT NOTHING SEEMED TO BE WRONG THERE. THEN, I GOT BACK INTO THE CAR AND THE SMOKE KEPT GETTING HEAVIER. I BEGAN FEELING AROUND FOR SOMETHING THAT WAS HOT. I CHECKED THE DASH, THE VENTS, THE STEERING WHEEL, THE SEATS - ALMOST EVERYTHING BEFORE I CHECKED THE CENTER COMPUTER CONSOLE. IN THE MIDDLE OF MY CAR - DIRECTLY UNDER THE RADIO - THERE IS A COMPUTER MODULE THAT DISPLAYS THE GAS MILEAGE, OIL STATUS, AND IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE LIGHTS ON THE CAR. THE MODULE HAD RECENTLY STARTED DISPLAYING A "CHECK HEADLAMPS" MESSAGE. WELL - I HAD DONE SO AND THEY WERE WORKING FINE - SO I DID NOT THINK ANYTHING OF IT. TURNS OUT THAT THE FIRE HAD STARTED UNDER THE CENTER COMPUTER MODULE. I GUESS THAT THE CAR SHOULD HAVE BLOWN A FUSE BUT INSTEAD - STARTED A FIRE. I TRIED TO RIP THE COVER AND THE CONSOLE UP - BUT IT WAS SCREWED DOWN AND I HAD NO LUCK. AT THAT POINT, THE FLAMES STARTED TO SPREAD VERY QUICKLY AND THE ENTIRE CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES IN A MATTER OF MINUTES. I CALLED 911 AND GOT AS FAR AWAY AS I COULD WITH MY BELONGINGS. THE FIRE TRUCK AND FIRE FIGHTERS CAME WITHIN FIVE MINUTES OR SO AND PUT OUT THE FIRE BEFORE IT REACHED THE GAS TANK. THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE CAR REMAINED UNTOUCHED, HOWEVER, THE INTERIOR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE SEATS HAD BURNT OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS COMPLETELY GONE. I'M STILL IN MY TEENAGE YEARS - SO I DID NOT KNOW HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS SITUATION PROPERLY. I AM JUST GLAD I AM ALIVE AND THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR IN TIME.

DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL NO LONGER SECURELY LATCH. *TR

THE DRIVER SIDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING UNSEATED RESULTING IN INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE THAT DOES NOT RETURN TO THE FULLY STOWED POSITION AFTER ACTUATION. IF THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING IS UNSEATED, COULD THE DOOR UNLATCH IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE IMPACT CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY? *TR

WITH NO WARNING OR HINT OF ANYTHING GOING WRONG ON THE BRAKE SYSTEM, AS TRAFFIC SLOWED TO STOP FOR A LIGHT, THE BRAKES WENT COMPLETELY OUT ON MY FORD EXPLORER. THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND PUMPING HAD NO EFFECT. I WAS IN MID DAY TRAFFIC AND HAD ALMOST 2 CAR LENGTHS BETWEEN MYSELF AND THE SUV IN FRONT OF ME, WHICH UNFORTUNATELY, WAS WHAT STOPPED ME. THANKFULLY, I WAS ONLY GOING 20 MPH AND NO ONE WAS HURT NOR DID AIR BAGS DEPLOY. AFTER THE POLICE ARRIVED AND HAD US PULL INTO A PARKING LOT, THE PEDAL FELT LIKE IT HAD THE BRAKES BACK HOWEVER, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AFTER CRANKING UP. I WAS ABLE TO STOP FROM ROLLING OUT THE OTHER SIDE OF A PARKING SPACE IN THE BACK OF THE LOT BY USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKES. EVEN THOUGH THE TRUCK HAS SHOWS HIGH MILEAGE,MOST OF WHICH IS HIGHWAY MILES, THE TRUCK AS BEEN MAINTAINED. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO THE SHOP AND TWO MECHANICS COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. I HAD THE MASTER CYLINDER AND BOOSTER WAS CHANGED EVEN THOUGH I WAS ASSURED IT WAS FINE. THAT SEEMED TO HELP MY PEACE OF MIND FOR ABOUT A WEEK UNTIL I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT AND THE BRAKE PEDAL EASED DOWN TO THE FLOOR. I RAN AN INTERNET SEARCH TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM AND SURPRISED TO SEE IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH EXPLORER. I'M SURE EVERYONE WHO MENTIONED HAVING THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT REPORTED IT THAT SHOULD HAVE.

1997 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE INFORMATION REGARDING AN ACCIDENT THAT OCCURRED IN SEPT 2010. *TA

THE 1997 FORD EXPLORER 4D EDDIE BAUER EDITION HAS A COMPUTER CONTROLLED MESSAGE CENTER. THE MESSAGE CENTER CONTROLS AMONG OTHER THINGS THE VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS AND FOG LAMPS. THE LIGHT OUT MODULE (LOM) ALSO KNOWN AS THE INDICATOR WARNING SYSTEM CONTROL IS LOCATED INSIDE THE MESSAGE CENTER CONSOLE AND RUNS "HOT" IN TEMPERATURE BECAUSE OF A FLAWED DESIGN. THE CURRENT DESIGN LEADS TO INTERNAL ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURES THAT RESULT IN A LOSS OF THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO NOTIFY THE DRIVER OF A HEADLIGHT OR LAMP FAILURE, ETC, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE OF THE NOTIFICATION SYSTEM CAUSES THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS (AND FOG LAMPS AS THEY ARE ON THE SAME CIRCUIT) TO FAIL. ON JUNE 25, 2014, THE SECOND FAILURE OF THE SYSTEM OCCURRED (WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS AND HAVE PREVIOUSLY REPLACED THE INDICATOR WARNING SYSTEM CONTROL OR LIGHT OUT MODULE (LOM) AT GREAT EXPENSE). FORD MOTOR COMPANY MUST RECALL THE 1997 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION AND ANY OTHER LIKE DESIGNED FORD PRODUCT WITH A LIGHT OUT MODULE (LOM) THAT FAILS LEAVING THE DRIVER WITHOUT LOW BEAMS AND NO MEANS OF FIXING THE SAID DEFECT WITHOUT AN AUTHORIZED FORD DEALER'S REPAIR (AT GREAT EXPENSE) THAT IS LIFE THREATENING IN THE INTERIM. SUCH REPAIRS ARE NOT POSSIBLE IF ON AN EXTENDED TRIP IN RURAL SETTINGS. THE ABSENCE OF LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS AFTER SUNSET AND BEFORE SUNRISE IS LIFE THREATENING AND UNACCEPTABLE TO THE OCCUPANTS OF A 1997 FORD EXPLORER AS WELL AS TO PEDESTRIANS AND OTHER VEHICLES WHO CANNOT SEE THE FORD EXPLORER OPERATING WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS. THE CORRECTIVE SOLUTION NEEDS A VENTING SYSTEM SUCH THAT THE MESSAGE CENTER DOES NOT CONTINUALLY MELT THE INDICATOR WARNING SYSTEM CONTROL OR LIGHT OUT MODULE (LOM). THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND FOR YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION TO THIS DEFECT REQUIRING A CORRECTIVE RECALL. *TR

ON 7/29/2013 WE PURCHASED A SET OF 4 KUMHO SOLUS KR21 TIRES. THE CAR IS USED PRIMARILY FOR HIGHWAY TRAVEL ? ONCE WEEKLY WORK COMMUTE AND FOR VACATION ROAD TRIPS. WE HAD NOT YET DRIVEN IT OFF PAVEMENT WITH THE NEW TIRES. ON 4/16/2014 I STARTED THE CAR TO GO TO WORK. I HEARD AN ODD NOISE FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE, ALMOST LIKE A RHYTHMIC POPPING SOUND, BUT IT STOPPED, AND SINCE IT WASN'T IDENTIFIABLE I PROCEEDED TO LEAVE MY DRIVEWAY. ABOUT A BLOCK AWAY, I HEARD THE NOISE AGAIN, BUT AGAIN IT STOPPED. AT THIS POINT THE CAR WAS HANDLING FINE. AS SOON AS I GOT ON THE FREEWAY (APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES FROM MY HOUSE), I NOTICED I WAS HAVING TROUBLE ACCELERATING TO SPEED (65MPH). I ALSO BEGAN TO HEAR A RHYTHMIC BUMPING NOISE, SO BEGAN TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER. BY THE TIME I GOT OVER, I COULD FEEL THE BUMPING AND KNEW I HAD A FLAT. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL HAD SUFFERED A COMPLETE SIDEWALL SEPARATION (SEE PHOTO). THE TIRES ONLY HAD 6,624 MILES ON THEM ? ALL PAVED ROAD, NO DIRT. THEY WERE SUPPOSEDLY WARRANTIED TO 85,000 MILES. IN RETROSPECT, I BELIEVE THE SOUNDS I HEARD IN MY DRIVEWAY WERE THE INITIAL SIDEWALL SEPARATION. THE SEPARATION DID NOT CAUSE IMMEDIATE LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE OR STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY; THAT ONLY HAPPENED ONCE I GOT ON THE HIGHWAY AND STARTED DRIVING AT 60MPH. THERE WAS NO EXPLOSIVE NOISE LIKE A BLOWOUT. IN SUBSEQUENTLY RESEARCHING KUMHO TIRES, I DISCOVERED THAT THIS BRAND HAS A LONG HISTORY WITH SUDDEN SIDEWALL SEPARATION AND/OR BLOWOUTS ? ALL AT LOW MILEAGES. THIS OCCURS ACROSS SEVERAL TIRE MODELS AND YEARS. THE COMPLAINTS WERE SO CONSISTENT THAT I WENT BACK TO THE TIRE DEALER AND REQUESTED A DIFFERENT BRAND. THEY REPLACED THEM AND I NOTIFIED THEM OF MY RESEARCH RESULTS. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT KUMHO IS ALLOWED TO CONTINUE SELLING TIRES WITH SUCH A SAFETY RISK. I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT I DID NOT LOSE CONTROL AND THAT TRAFFIC AT THAT MOMENT WAS LIGHT. *TR

1997 FORD EXPLORER DRIVER'S SEAT BELT LATCH RECEIVER FAILURE. AFTER OWNING THE CAR FOR 12 TO 13 YEARS, THE LATCH/RECEIVER WOULD NOT ENGAGE THE STRAP. I REPLACED IT WITH ONE FROM A SALVAGE YARD AND AFTER THREE YEARS THIS REPLACEMENT LATCH/RECEIVER HAS FAILED ALSO. *TR

THIS LETTER IS INTENDED TO ADDRESS INEFFECTIVE SERVICE BY AAMCO THAT LED TO FAILURE OF A TRANSMISSION IN MY VEHICLE. AS YOU SEE BY THE ATTACHED LETTER, I VOICED CONCERN ABOUT THIS LAST YEAR AND ALL AAMCO SUGGESTED WAS TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER THAT PERFORMED THE INEFFECTIVE SERVICE. I REQUESTED THE RIGHT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER AAMCO CENTER, BUT YOUR RESPONSE WAS TO TAKE IT TO THE CENTER THAT I ALREADY HAD DOUBTS ABOUT. LET ME SET THE SCENARIO AGAIN. ?WITH INITIAL GRINDING SOUNDS AND LACK OF REVERSE, I TOOK TO CLINTON TRANSMISSIONS IN 2011 AND THEY INFORMED ME THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED UNTIL 2012. ?IN 2012, I CALLED THE WALDORF AAMCO CENTER AND THEY INFORMED ME IT MAY NOT BE THE TRANSMISSION AND TO LET THEM LOOK AT IT. IT WAS TOWED IN AND I WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FINE BUT THE TRANSFER CASE WAS BAD. ?ALL TOTALED, I PAID $1534.76 FOR TRANSFER CASE, $430.03 FOR PARTS, AND $600 FOR LABOR. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE OTHER SERVICES THAT THE CENTER SAID I NEEDED. ?THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TWICE FOR AN OD LIGHT THAT CAME ON AS SOON AS I LEFT THE CENTER. THEY SEEMED UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. ?I FELT CONCERN FOR THE PERIOD I WAS DRIVING AND WROTE CORPORATE TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE. ?EARLIER THIS YEAR WHILE DRIVING TO SOUTH CAROLINA, THE GRINDING SOUND STARTED AGAIN AND REVERSE WENT OUT. I NOTIFIED CORPORATE AND THE WALDORF CENTER AND WAS TOLD TO GO TO THE NEAREST AAMCO. ?I WENT TO THE COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA AAMCO AND AFTER DIAGNOSTIC, TOLD ME THE SAME THING THAT THE CLINTON TRANSMISSION TOLD ME IN 2011. THE TRANSMISSION HAD INTERNAL DAMAGE AND NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. ?I LEFT THE VEHICLE IN COLUMBIA AND HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW VEHICLE. WITH THESE FACTS IN MIND, AAMCO CAN SURELY SEE WHERE INEFFECTIVE SERVICE LED TO A SAFETY FAILURE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER WITH WINSTON WIN WINNER AT TIRES, SIZE: 255/70R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SIDE WALL OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WAS LEAKING AND THE OTHER THREE TIRES HAD DEVELOPED CRACKS THROUGHOUT THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THE TIRES WERE REPLACED BY THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE AND TIRES WAS 170,000. THE DOT NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RIMS WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 215,000.

APPROX. 2AM, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE DEPT. REPORT CONFIRMED ELECTRICAL FIRE. *TR

I OWN A FORD EXPLORER XLT 1997 AND THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE ONLY OPENS FROM THE INSIDE WHILE THE OTHER REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUT (CHILD LOCK NOT ACTIVATED). THE DRIVERS DOOR DOESN'T LOCK AND WHEN IT DOES LOCK, IT DOESN'T UNLOCK OR STICKS SO BAD IT HAS BE UNLOCKED WITH PLIERS, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO HAVE TO GET IN AND OUT OF THE CAR THROUGH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. THE INTERIOR MAP LIGHT AND REAR INTERIOR DOOR LIGHT ABOVE THE BACKSEATS STAY ON CONSTANTLY EVEN WHEN SWITCHED OFF AND THE LIGHTBULBS HAD TO BE REMOVED BECAUSE THEY WOULDN'T TURN OFF AND WERE OVERHEATING. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH ON A STEEP UPHILL GRADE, THE BRACKET THAT SUPPORTED THE GAS PEDAL SUDDENLY BROKE AWAY FROM THE FIREWALL AND THE BRACKET AND GAS PEDAL SLID INTO THE FLOOR BOARD AND UNDER THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS BACKED DOWN THE HILL IN NEUTRAL AND MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN LIGHT ONCOMING TRAFFIC. ASSISTANCE WAS SUMMONED AND UPON INSPECTION THE GAS PEDAL WAS FOUND WITH THE BRACKET THAT ATTACHED TO THE FIREWALL IN A NEW LIKE CONDITION, EXCEPT WHERE THREE SPOT WELDS ATTACHED TO THE GAS PEDAL BRACKET TO THE FIREWALL HAD BROKEN AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS RIGGED TO A RUNNING CONDITION TO TRAVEL APPROXIMATELY TWO MILES OR LESS TO THE OWNERS RESIDENCE WHERE A MORE RELIABLE REPAIR WAS MADE. THE REPAIR WAS OVER SEEN BY A LICENSED A&P MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BY THE OWNER OF THE WELD FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE MILEAGE WAS WELL OVER 100,00 AND IS CURRENTLY BACK IN SERVICE. UPDATED 06/18/13*LJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH OVER A ROAD BUMP, THE VEHICLE WOULD SWAY FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO ADVISED THAT THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THREE TIMES HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER EACH REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE AND OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BOLTS FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE SEATS TO SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME. THE BOLTS WERE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES; HOWEVER THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V281000 (SEATS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE AS 330,000.

I HAVE NO EXPLANATION FOR THE FIRE, THE CAR WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. IT HAD BEEN DRIVEN ABOUT A BLOCK FROM MY HOME AND THEN IT WAS RETURNED TO THE DRIVEWAY. MY UNCLE SON SITTING IN THE LIVING ROOM WHEN THEY HEARD THE CAR ALARM AND LOOKED OUT OF THE WINDOW TO SEE CLOUDS OF BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM THE TRUCK. MY SON ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT BUT IT WAS TO INTENSE, MY SON CALLED 911. THIS WOULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE IF THEY HAD BEEN IN THE CAR. PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE. FIRE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT SAY WHAT CAUSED THIS FIRE. THE TIRES EVEN MELTED. ALL SEVERE DAMAGE WAS TO THE FRONT END. THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN IN ANY KIND OF ACCIDENT, THERE IS NO EXPLANATION FOR THIS FIRE. PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR PHOTOS. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO BUT I NEED TO MAKE SURE NO FAMILIES. *TR

AFTER TURNING A CORNER AT LESS THAN 15 MPH A LOUD SOUND WAS HEARD AND THE ENGINE RACED BUT STOPPED MOVING. TRIED ALL GEARS AND AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY I WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE BROKE.I HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED. *TR

WE MAINTAINED OUR VEHICLES REGULARLY, AFTER REPLACING THE TRANSFER CASE NOT 8 MONTHS AGO NOW THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. SPENT $2400 FOR A REBUILD. SHOP STATES THIS MODEL IS A PIECE OF [XXX], AND THE HAVE MADE A LOT OF MONEY FROM FORDS POOR ENGINEERING ON THIS MODEL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

THE ENGINE SLOWED DOWN AND JUST QUIT. WOULD NOT RESTART. HAD IT TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY *AGAIN* AND FOUND OUT THAT *2 (TWO)* TIMING CHAINS WENT OUT. THE DRIVERS SIDE SNAPPED IN TWO AND THE PASSENGER SIDE (REAR) HAD OVER 1 1/2 INCHES OF PLAY IN IT AND OBVIOUS STRETCHING OF THE TIMING CHAIN. THE FRONT BROKEN ONE TOTALED THE ENGINE, ALL TENSIONERS, SPACERS ETC WERE NOR IN PIECES LYING IN THE ENGINE. AND GUESS WHAT TO REPLACE THE REAR TIMING CHAIN YOU HAVE TO COMPLETELY REMOVE THE ENGINE FROM THE VEHICLE! THANKS AGAIN FORD!!!!!!!! *TR

SINCE THE EXPLORER WAS 5 YEARS OLD THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE TRUCK WAS STARTING TO SETTLE/ BE LOWER THAN THE PASSENGER SIDE. UNTIL IT WAS SO BAD THE SHOP STATED WE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE REAR SPRINGS, SHOCKS AND STABILIZER AND *** THE REAR WAS ALSO LOWER THAN THE FRONT. SO WE HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT SHOCKS AND SEVERAL SUSPENSION PARTS TO TRY TO LEVEL THE VEHICLE BACK TO NORMAL. NOW WITH THE ENGINE BLOWN THE TRUCK AGAIN WAS SETTLING TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND TOWARD THE REAR!!!!! *TR

WE WERE LUCKY THIS TIME, WE HAD THE EXPLORER IN THE SHOP AND I GOT A CALL FROM THE LEAD TECH THAT STATED WHILE THE WERE SERVICING THE BRAKES NO LESS THAN 3 LINES ROTTED THROUGH, BUT*** THE ANTILOCK CONTROLLER SPRUNG A LEAK AND SPRAYED FLUID ALL OVER THE HOT ENGINE CAUSING A SMALL FIRE!!! NO DAMAGE BUT WE WERE LUCKY... *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, IT ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH HAD BEGAN TO LEAK INTERNALLY AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) HOWEVER, THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT THEY WERE ONLY REQUIRED TO STOP THE LEAK BUT NOT REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 201,000. UPDATED 01/05/13*LJ UPDATED 2/13/2013 *JS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING THE RPMS TO INCREASE CONTINUOUSLY. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 256,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER 2 DOOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD BECOME UNLATCHED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE SEAT BELT NEEDED REPLACING. THE MECHANIC WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 187,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND UNLESS AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE THROTTLE BODY HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V422000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A DRIVING TRAFFIC STOP, THE ENGINE GROWLED LOUDLY AS THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED RAPIDLY. THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESUME AS NORMAL. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE A DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER . THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DISENGAGE THE SEAT BELT WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BUCKLE. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE TO THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT DOES NOT FEEL SAFE HAVING HIS CHILD'S SAFETY RESTRAINT SEAT INSTALLED IN THE REAR SEAT DUE TO THE MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 223,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 224,500.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE WHEN IT ROLLED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 148,700.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO HAVE TO ENTER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE EXTERIOR OR INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE AS WELL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC TO HAVE THE DOORS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD THE DOORS REPAIRED THREE TIMES FOR THE RECURRING FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,100. *JS

WHILE DRIVING MY 1997 FORD EXPLORER SPORT THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD DROP TO ZERO AND I WOULD NOT KNOW HOW FAST I AM ACTUALLY DRIVING. THE TACHOMETER IS ALSO AFFECTED AND, PROBABLY, THE ODOMETER. MY MECHANIC HAS CHANGED THE SPEED SENSOR BUT THE PROBLEM REMAINS. AN INTERNET SEARCH HAS TURNED UP NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE RESULT BEING A FAULTY PROGRAMMABLE SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER MODULE (PSOM), WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE DASH. THIS IS A VERY COSTLY REPAIR. SOME INDIVIDUALS ARE JUST PURCHASING GPS UNITS TO DETERMINE HOW FAST THEY ARE DRIVING. IT IS MY OPINION THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO REPAIR/REPLACE THE PSOM. ASIDE FROM THE OBVIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM OF NOT KNOWING HOW FAST I AM DRIVING, THIS PROBLEM ALSO CAUSES THE ODOMETER TO READ INCORRECTLY. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING IN A DRIVE-THRU WITH THE BRAKES ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO HOLD THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. 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 THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 190,000.

I WAS IN A FRONTAL CRASH ON 01/24/2012 THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY.CAUSING INJURIES, SEAT BELTS WERE WORE. *TT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DEFROSTER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING AND THE WINDSHIELD WOULD NOT CLEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE DASHBOARD WOULD HAVE TO BE REMOVED AND THE BLENDING CHAMBER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000. UPDATED 07/10/13*LJ UPDATED 07/12/13 *JS

WHEN I DRIVE MY VEHICLE, I PRESS THE GAS PEDAL AND IT FEELS HEAVIER THAN NORMAL. THEN WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN IT HAS A CLOCKING SOUND. AND IT PULLS BACK WHEN I PRESS THE GAS PEDAL TO GO FASTER. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 TO 40 MPH OVER A ROAD BUMP, THE VEHICLE WOULD SEEM TO SHIFT TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 189,000.

1997 FORD EXPLORER AND BEGAN TO BACK OUT OF MY PARENTS DRIVEWAY ON THE WAY TO WORK. I USED THE ELECTRICAL SEAT MOVER BUTTON TO MOVE MY SEAT BACK A FEW INCHES AND WITHIN ONLY 10 SECONDS SMOKE WAS IN MY FACE. I JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR, TURNED THE CAR OFF, AND RAN IN MY HOUSE. I GOT WATER TO TRY AND EXTINGUISH THE SMOKE AND OPENED MY BACK DOOR AND LOOKED UNDER THE SEAT AND THERE WAS INTENSE SPARKING WHICH TURNED INTO FLAMES AND WITHIN MINUTES MY ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE AND POLICE CAME AND EXTINGUISHED IT AFTER FLAMES REACHED ABOUT 20 FEET. THERE WAS PROPERTY DAMAGE, WITH ALONG LOSING THE ENTIRE VEHICLE (ENGINE WAS SOMEHOW IN FINE SHAPE), BUT LUCKILY, IT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY AS I AM ALIVE. I SENT FORD 40 PICTURES, POLICE REPORT, VIDEO OF THE INCIDENT THAT WE CAUGHT, TITLE OF VEHICLE, ETC. IT HAS CAUSED ME AN INCREDIBLE INCONVENIENCE IN MY LIFE, I NOW WALK A MILE TO A SUBWAY STATION WHICH TAKES ME TO A TRAIN STATION WHICH THEN GETS ME TO WORK. KNOWING IT WAS AN OLDER CAR, BUT A POPULAR ONE AT THAT, I FIGURED THAT FORD WOULD REIMBURSE ME WITH A USED CAR AND THE PROPERTY DAMAGE, ESPECIALLY GIVEN HOW LUCKY THAT NO DEATH OR INJURIES RESULTED. THEY INFORMED TODAY THEY WOULDN'T GIVE ME A DIME BECAUSE THEY DON'T DEEM THAT A DEFECT THROUGH THEIR ANALYSIS (THOUGH THE CAR SITS LIKE A TOXIC WASTELAND IN MY DRIVEWAY WITH NO ONE FROM FORD EVEN INSPECTING IT). THEY CAME TO THEIR DECISION WITHIN ONE DAY OF HAVING MY MATERIALS. *KB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF HIS VEHICLE AND THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE SHOULDER AND NECK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE DRIVER SEAT. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE SEAT WAS DETACHED FROM THE BASE AND CAUSED THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 06/01/11*LJ UPDATED 1/19/2012 *LN *TR

SEVERE RUST ON THE FRAME OF A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V422000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT TO RETURN AFTER THE FIRST OF THE YEAR TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED. A FEW MONTHS LATER WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKES FROZE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A POLE AS THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AND ACCELERATED BACKWARD. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. THE POLICE WERE CALLED AND A REPORT WAS FILED AND AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DEEMED AS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 06/02/11 *BF UPDATED 1/18/2012 *LN *TR

ABOUT A MILE FROM AN INTERSECTION I NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON. APPROACHING THE TRAFFIC LIGHT MY BRAKE PEDAL HAD LOST PRESSURE AND WENT TO THE FLOOR. I HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKES TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP. I NOTICED SOME SMOKE COMING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE HOOD BUT THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE FROM THE OLD PICKUP TRUCK NEXT TO ME. THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND THE VEHICLE "SPUTTERED" SUFFERING A LOSS OF HORSE POWER BUT I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR ABOUT 150 YARDS AND COASTED INTO A GAS STATION WHERE I PARKED AT THE FAR END AWAY FROM THE PUMPS. AT THIS TIME I NOTICED MORE SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE HOOD SO I WENT INSIDE TO ASK FOR A FIRE EXTINGUISHER BUT THE CASHIER SAID HE HAD NONE. I THEN ASKED TO HIM DIAL 911 BECAUSE MY VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. I WENT BACK TO MY VEHICLE AND REMOVED SOME PAPERWORK FROM THE SEAT AND WAITED FOR HELP TO ARRIVE. I JUST HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED BY COVERT FORD ON MARCH 16, 2011 FOR THE FACTORY RECALL OF THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH, (BRAKE PRESSURE SWITCH) WHICH IS WHAT I BELIEVE CAUSE THE FIRE. I BELIEVE THAT WHEN I HAD TO PUMP MY BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE THE BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. ACCORDING TO THE FIRE OFFICIALS AT THE SCENE THERE WAS NO WAY TO DETERMINE THE POINT OF ORIGIN OF THE FIRE BUT THE DAMAGED AREA IS RIGHT BELOW THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. (I HAVE PICTURES AND VIDEO). THANK GOD THERE WAS NO OTHER DAMAGE TO PROPERTY OR LIVES. I ONLY HAD LIABILITY COVERAGE SO I SIGNED THE TITLE OVER TO THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER AND LOST MY TRANSPORTATION. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE ON APRIL 19, 1999, TOOK CARE OF IT FOR ALMOST 12 YEARS WITHOUT INCIDENT AND A WEEK AFTER HAVING IT SERVICED FOR A FIRE SAFETY ISSUE, IT CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED. I PUT ABOUT 100 MILES ON IT AFTER IT WAS SERVICED BY THE DEALER BEFORE THE FIRE BEGAN.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20-30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD MISFIRE AND SEEM AS IF IT WOULD STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT SHE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN CONTACTED AND ADVISED HER THAT HER VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN HE WAS INFORMED THAT A FIRE HAD ERUPTED FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY AND EXIT THE VEHICLE JUST AS IT BURST INTO FLAMES. THE POLICE ARRIVED TO ASSIST AND A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNDISCLOSED LOCATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE PICTURES OF THE FAILURE AND DAMAGES. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V060000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS), WHICH COULD POSSIBLY HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 234,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT SMELLED GASOLINE IN THE VEHICLE AND AFTER LOOKING UNDERNEATH THE HOOD HE NOTICED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS LEAKING FROM A BRACKET BEHIND THE MOTOR. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT RECALL CAMPAIGN 98V060000, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, BUT THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE RECALL HAD CLOSED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 118,034.

WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE SUNROOF SHATTERED NOTHING BUT RAIN HAD FALLEN ON THE VEHICLE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER SIDE WOULD NOT ATTACH. IF IT DID ATTACH, IT WOULD RELEASE WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 160,000.

ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY I-95, HAD THE CAR TOWED BACK TO THE HOUSE, INSPECTED THE PEDAL AREA AND NOTICED THERE ARE 3 MISSING SCREWS AND ONE OF THE THREE OPENINGS IS NO LONGER USABLE. I'VE SEEN A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL COMING OFF ON FORDS. CONTACTED SAWGRASS FORD IN FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. A LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WOULD BE $180.00 TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE CAR PLUS THE COST OF THE PART. FORD SHOULD BE LOOKING AT THIS AS A SAFETY MEASURE, SOMEONE COULD REALLY BE INJURED AND KILLED DUE TO THIS ISSUE. HOPEFULLY THEY WONT WAIT TILL A LIFE IS LOST FOR THEM TO LOOK INTO THIS AND POSSIBLY HAVE A RECALL. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH SHE HEARD A TICKING NOISE. SHE WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY WHERE THE NOISE WAS LOCATED. SHE STATED THAT NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE VEHICLE. SHE CONTINUED TO DRIVE HOME AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. TWO HOURS LATER SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE, SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AND IT CONTINUED TO MAKE A NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED THE NOISE WAS NOT THERE BUT AS SOON AS SHE SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE, NEUTRAL OR ANY GEAR THE NOISE BEGAN AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER OR LOCAL MECHANIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2010. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 229,000.

FORD 1997 EXPLORER BRAKE LINE FAILED. ON MY CAR LAST YEAR AND MY FRIENDS THIS YEAR. DANGEROUS. *TR

MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH VEHICLE WHEN TURNING EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT VEHICLE COMES TO A COMPLETE STOPS THEN A VERY LOUD BANG IS HEARD, TOLD IT WAS HUB BUT REPLACED HUB AND STILL HAPPENS, WAS ALSO TOLD IT WAS U-JOINT ON DRIVE SHAFT HAVE YET TO REPLACE IT HAVE NOT NOTIFIED DEALER AS OF YET. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING ON OCTOBER 3, 2008 WITHOUT WARNING THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE ARM AND SHOULDER. THE MANUFACTURERS RECALL LETTER 00V422000, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL WAS RECEIVED IN NOVEMBER 2009. REPORT 378123209 WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE INVESTIGATED, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE SUMNER COUNTY SHERIFF REPORT NUMBER WAS 9386782. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000.

SPARE TIRE HOIST CABLE FAILED ON 1997 FORD EXPLORER XLT, RESULTING IN SPARE TIRE BREAKING FREE OF THE VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 35-40 MPH WHEN HE SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY. WHILE EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES ERUPTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATED. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE OF THE ROADWAY AND FOUND THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS HANGING FROM THE ASSEMBLY BY THREE TINY SPOT WELDS. THE WELD HAD ALSO FRACTURED AND THE ENTIRE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY HAD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE WHERE HE MADE UNKNOWN REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. NEITHER THE DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 103,000.

ENGINE REVVS AND VEHICLE IS THRUSTED FORWARD AT TOP SPEED FROM DEAD START OR WHEN SLOWING DOWN. THIS IS THE SECOND ON THIS PROBLEM. BOTH TIMES LEAD TO PROPERTY DAMAGE, AND ACCIDENT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY FRACTURED FROM THE FIREWALL AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BECOME STUCK IN THE OPEN THROTTLE POSITION AND ACCELERATE. THE ASSEMBLY FELL BEHIND THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE HOME WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED; HOWEVER, NEITHER WERE WILLING TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 154,000.

I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL FORD EXPLORERS RANGING FROM YEARS 1995-2001 THAT THE FRAMES ARE RUSTING THROUGH AND BREAKING. I FEEL THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THERE IS A SEVERE RUST PROBLEM WITH THESE FRAMES AND THEY APPEAR TO BE MANUFACTURED QUITE THIN TO BEGIN WITH. FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN ON OVER A DOZEN OF THESE CARS IN MY AREA, THE FRAME IS RUSTING THROUGH AND BREAKING ON THE LEFT REAR CORNER ANYWHERE FROM THE FRONT MOUNT ON THE LR LEAF SPRING TO WHERE THE BUMPER MOUNTS AT THE BACK OF THE FRAME. THE CROSS MEMBER HOLDING THE BODY MOUNTS IS ALSO RUSTING THROUGH IN THIS AREA AND COMING INTO CONTACT WITH THE GAS TANK AND ALSO MAKING THE SPARE TIRE LOOSE AND AT RISK OF FALLING OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND BECOMING A HAZARD FOR FOLLOWING MOTORISTS. THERE IS NO GOOD WAY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AND I FEEL THAT THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE RECALLED TO GET THEM OFF OF THE ROAD. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AND I AM NOT SURE HOW THERE HAVEN'T BEEN CRASHES AND OR DEATHS AS A RESULT OF THIS VERY POOR DESIGN AND QUALITY VEHICLE. ACTION NEEDS TO BE TAKEN IMMEDIATELY BECAUSE FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM IS JUST NOW STARTING TO REALLY TAKE EFFECT BECAUSE OF THE AGING VEHICLES. *TR

1997 FORD EXPLORER FAULTY TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER STARTED MAKING A NOISE. CONSUMER BELIEVES FORD SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM AT NO COST. *KB

FRONT DRIVERS SIDE SEAT TILT LEVER BROKE OFF, PASSENGER SIDE BENT. THERE ARE OTHER REPORTS OF THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO OTHER OWNERS.

1997 FORD EXPLORER, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. *BF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT. THE DRIVER PULLER OVER AND NOTICED THE TIRE HAD CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE AND EVENTUALLY THE ENTIRE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. OHIO TRAFFIC REPORT # 10-0298-89.

TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COASTED INTO A NEARBY PARKING LOT AND SUDDENLY, NOTICED A FIRE HAD ERUPTED NEAR THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW. THE CONTACT DID NOT REPORT ANY INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE BUT A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER PLACE OF RESIDENCE AND HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000.

STUCK ACCELERATOR ON 1997 FORD EXPLORER WITH 58,000 MILES. WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 287/78 IN NJ I TRIED TO TURN OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL BUT INSTEAD THE CAR ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY TO OVER 85 MPH. I GAINED CONTROL BY TURNING THE ENGINE ON AND OFF UNTIL REACHING A SAFE PLACE TO STOP. AN NJDOT TRUCK HELPED ME AND LATER THAT DAY I EMAILED WHAT HAPPENED TO FORD'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. I WANTED THEM TO HAVE A DEALER EXAMINE MY EXPLORER TO SEE IF THIS WAS CAUSED BY A MATERIAL DEFECT OF NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, IN WHICH CASE I WOULD REPAIR IT. THEY REFUSED TO HELP SO I WROTE A LETTER TO DEARBORN AND RECEIVED A RESPONSE SAYING THE MATTER WAS CLOSED (CASE # 1510510480). MY WIFE SAID (AND I BELIEVE HER) THAT IF SHE WERE DRIVING IT WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN A CRASH. I NOTED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2002 ESCAPE THAT SOUNDS LIKE THE SAME PROBLEM. I JUST WANT TO PREVENT POTENTIAL LOSS OF LIFE DUE TO THIS, IN MY OPINION, FAULTY DESIGN OR MANUFACTURER GLITCH. NJDOT DOCUMENTED THE CASE SINCE I SENT THEM A "THANK YOU" AND THEY RESPONDED. THE VEHICLE PUT ME AND OTHERS ON THE HIGHWAY IN A LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION (VIZ A VIZ TOYOTA) BUT FORD IS UNWILLING TO CONSIDER THE CASE. THEY WANT TO TREAT THIS AS AN "OUT OF WARRANTY" CONDITION BUT I BELIEVE IT IS POTENTIALLY A PRODUCT LIABILITY THAT IF NOT CORRECTED WILL COST LIVES AND DAMAGE. *TR

A 1997 FORD EXPLORER CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH CAUSED A FIRE RESULTING IN THE DEATH OF THE DRIVER. *TR

HAVE EXPERIENCED PERIODS WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT OPERATE WHEN THE CONTROL IS ON. HAS OCCURRED WHEN FIRST TURNING ON THE CONTROL AS WELL AS WHEN CHANGING FROM A DIFFERENT SPEED SETTING ON THE CONTROL. NO REGULARITY IN THE OCCURRENCE, SEEMS TO BE RANDOM. THIS HAS OCCURRED MANY TIMES DURING MY OWNERSHIP SINCE 2000. I WAS CHECKING THE DATABASE AND FOUND AN ENTRY ON THIS PROBLEM UNDER "DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS" SO I AM ADDING MY EXPERIENCE TO YOUR RECORDS. *TR

OPERATOR WAS EXITING PARKING LOT ONTO MAIN ROAD WHEN VEHICLE PICKED UP SPEED, OPERATOR TRIED TO STOP VEHICLE, BY BREAKING, BUT VEHICLE ACCELERATED FASTER, CAUSING OPERATOR TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE , VEHICLE STILL ACCELERATING TURNED BACK TOWARDS OTHER END OF PARKING LOT CRASHING INTO LARGE METAL SIGN POST. OPERATOR HAD TO BE TAKEN TO NEARBY HOSPITAL, AND THEM EVACUATED TO MASS GENERAL HOSPITAL, FOR EMERGENCY HEAD OPERATION AS A RESULT OF INJURY TO HEAD. (SUBDURAL HEMOTOMA). *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH SHE HEARD GRINDING AND CLICKING NOISE WHEN SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES. HER MECHANIC REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS AND STATED THAT THEY WERE WORN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,002.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. HE STATED THAT IN 2004 WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED HE NOTICED TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE AT 50,000 MILES. A LOCAL MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE BRAKE LINE SYSTEM FOR $880.00. IN DECEMBER OF 2009, WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR BRAKES WERE FAILING OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINE WAS CORRODED. THE REAR BRAKE LINE WAS REPLACED FOR $135 00. THE MANUFACTURER TOOK A REPORT, BUT NO ASSISTANCE OR CALL BACK WAS OFFERED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000. UPDATED 2/17/10 *CN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND AND THE VEHICLE BEGIN SWAYING FROM BACK AND FORTH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT SWAY BAR LINK WAS BROKEN AND SHEARED. A MECHANIC LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND OBSERVED THAT THE BAR WAS BROKEN. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT RECALL# 00V402000 COMPONENT: SUSPENSION IS RELATED; HOWEVER, THE VIN DOES NOT APPLY TO THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.

I KEPT HEARING THE GEARS SPINNING WHEN I WOULD PRESS ON THE BRAKES. ACCORDING TO MY TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST, THE TRANSFER CASES WERE NOT BUILT RIGHT IN THIS YEAR OF EXPLORER. HE SAYS HE SEES THE SAME PROBLEM ALL THE TIME AND IS UNSURE WHY THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THIS. *TR

WEAK REAR SPRINGS ON LEFT REAR OF FORD EXPLORER, MAKING VEHICLE LEAN TO THE LEFT. *TR

LETTER ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT SEEKING INFORMATION IDENTIFYING RECALLED OF DEFECTIVE SWAY BARS IN CERTAIN 1997 FORD EXPLORER VEHICLES. *NJ THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 00V40200, HOWEVER THE RIGHT AND LEFT SWAY BAR LINKS FAILED EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKED AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK IT. THE HIGHWAY PATROL HAD TO CUT THE SEAT BELT IN ORDER FOR HER TO GET OUT OF IT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THEY ALSO STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE LIABLE FOR REPLACING THE SEAT BELT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 213,000. UPDATED 10/21/09. *LJ UPDATED 10/20/09*JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER AND A 2008 GRACO SNUG RIDE CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT, MODEL NUMBER 7FEMA3, MANUFACTURED ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2008. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 10-15 MPH; THE CHILD WAS PROPERLY SECURED IN AN "INFANT" CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT. THE CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT WAS INSTALLED WITH THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM. WHENEVER MAKING A TURN THE RESTRAINT SEAT AND BASE TILTED TO THE REAR CENTER SEAT WITH THE OCCUPANT IN IT. THE CHILD SEAT WAS TAKEN TO A CHILD SEAT TECHNICIAN FOR INSPECTION AND INSTALLATION. THE FAILURE CONTINUED WITH NO RESOLUTIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. BL

THE SEATBELT ON THE DRIVER SIDE COMES UNDONE BY ITSELF. U CAN BUCKLE ABOUT 2 MINUTES LATER IT COMES UNDONE BY ITSELF. EVEN ACCELERATES WHILE DRIVING. *TR

I JUST DISCOVERED THE TIRES I HAVE ON MY CAR HAVE HAD THE DATE CODE BUFFED OFF. IT'S A GOOD JOB, BARELY NOTICEABLE UNLESS VIEWED WITH A SLANTING LIGHT SOURCE, BUT ALL FOUR ARE THE SAME. IS THIS A VIOLATION OF SOME FEDERAL LAW PERTAINING TO TIRES? *TR

BOTH SEAT TILT LEVERS BEND AND THEN BREAK OFF AFTER ATTEMPTING TO STRAIGHTEN THEM ONCE TOO MANY TIMES. NEW DESIGN STRENGTHENS THE BRACKETS. IF THE BRACKETS BREAK OFF AND THERE IS A SMALL CHILD IN THE BACK, ADULTS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REMOVE SMALL CHILDREN QUICKLY DURING AN EMERGENCY SINCE THEY CAN'T TILT THE SEATS FORWARD OUT OF THE WAY. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK EXCESSIVELY. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE AXLE WAS SPLIT IN HALF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000.

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH SHE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING IN THE VEHICLE. SHE THEN SAW A BIT OF SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. SHE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND A PERSON CAME UP TO THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED HER TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. ANOTHER PERSON APPROACHED THE SCENE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, BUT BY THIS TIME THE FLAMES COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THEY USED UP THE ENTIRE FIRE EXTINGUISHER, BUT COULD NOT PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE TIRES EXPLODED AND ALL OF THE WINDOWS BLEW OUT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME, THEY TRIED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE, BUT THERE WASN'T ENOUGH WATER PRESSURE BY THE TIME THE SECOND FIRE TRUCK CAME OUT THE FIRE WAS VERY CLOSE TO THE GASOLINE TANK. LUCKILY THEY WERE ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT BEFORE IT GOT TO THE GAS TANK, BUT THE THING THAT IS LEFT OF THE VEHICLE IS THE METAL FRAME. SHE HAS NOT YET CALLED FORD, BUT BELIEVES THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE DAMAGES WERE SO SEVERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO TELL WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. ALL SHE KNEW WAS THAT THE FIRE STARTED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND SHE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT TRIGGERED THE FIRE. SHE NEVER RECEIVED ANY SORT OF RECALL NOTICE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. UPDATED 5/18/09 *CN ACCORDING TO THE FIRE INSPECTOR, A FUEL TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE FROM RETURN HOSE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. UPDATED 05/20/09*JB

1997 FORD EXPLORER 4.0 SOHC, MY ENGINE IS MAKING A TERRIBLE RATTLE SOUND WHILE RUNNING, I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MANY THAT ITS THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONERS, AND THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT IS NOT DOING ANYTHING TO HELP OWNERS TO GET THIS REPAIRED. *TR

THE RIGHT REAR LEAF SPRING IS BAD AND THIS CAUSES THE TIRES TO WARE WHICH HAS CAUSED US SEVERAL DOLLARS TO REPLACE TIRES. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT LEAF SPRINGS DON'T GO BAD BUT MINE HAS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON HIS VEHICLE (NUMBER 98S09) REGARDING THE WARNING LABEL THAT WAS TO BE INSTALLED ON THE FUEL BRACKET; HOWEVER, HIS WAS INSTALLED ON THE FUEL LINE ITSELF. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 102,266.

I BOUGHT A 1997 FORD EXPLORER ON FEBRUARY 23, 2008. ON OCTOBER 3, 2008 I USED MY EXPLORER TO JUMP ANOTHER VEHICLE. I HAD THE NEGATIVE CABLE GROUNDED TO A BRACKET RIGHT NEXT TO THE BATTERY (THE MOST OBVIOUS PLACE TO GROUND TO). WHILE TRYING TO JUMP THE OTHER VEHICLE FUEL STARTED LEAKING FROM THE FUEL LINES THAT ARE ATTACHED TO THAT BRACKET. THE FUEL LINES WERE MELTED BECAUSE OF JUMPING ON THAT BRACKET AND THERE WAS FUEL RUNNING OVER THE JUMPER CABLES AND DOWN THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE. I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED BUT MOST LIKELY KILLED IF THE JUMPER CABLES SPARKED. I WAS LOOKING ON THE INTERNET TO SEE HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST TO HAVE THE FUEL LINES REPLACED AND I STUMBLED ACROSS A RECALL STATING THAT ON MY SPECIFIC EXPLORER " THE ENGINE FUEL LINES CAN BE DAMAGED IF THE VEHICLE IS JUMP STARTED AND THE GROUND CABLE IS ATTACHED TO THE FUEL LINE BRACKET THAT IS LOCATED NEAR THE BATTERY. SINCE THE BRACKET IS NOT GROUNDED, THE STAINLESS STEEL FUEL LINE BRAID COULD ACT AS A GROUND POTENTIALLY OVERHEATING THE PTFE INNER LINER OF THE FUEL LINE RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL LINE. CONSEQUENCE: THE FUEL LINES CAN LEAK, AND IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT. REMEDY: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WARNING LABEL ON THE FUEL LINE BRACKET ADVISING OWNERS NOT TO USE IT FOR A JUMP START GROUND." I WENT AND CHECKED TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY KIND OF WARNING AND THERE WAS, BUT IT WAS NOT ON THE FUEL LINE BRACKET LIKE THE RECALL SAID THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD DO, IT WAS ON THE FUEL LINES AND TUCKED UP BEHIND THAT BRACKET WHERE IT WAS IN NO WAY VISIBLE UNLESS YOU KNEW IT WAS THERE. SO NOW IM GOING TO HAVE TO PAY $608.05 FOR FUEL LINES BECAUSE FAULKNER-CIACCO FORD DEALERSHIP DID NOT SERVICE MY EXPLORER CORRECTLY. I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY ASKING IF THEY WOULD PAY FOR IT AND THEY SAID THAT THEY CANT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I BELIEVE FORD, OR THE DEALER SHOULD HAVE TO PAY SINCE THE WARNING LABEL WAS NOT CORRECTLY PLACED ON MY VEHICLE. THE FORD RECALL # IS 98S09. *TR

FORD 4.0L SOHC TIMING CHAIN ISSUE. CURRENTLY MY TIMING CHAINS ARE STILL IN ONE PIECE. THE PLASTIC TENSIONERS BREAK, LEADING TO CHAIN SLACK, AND EVENTUALLY, BREAKAGE. THERE HAS BEEN NOTHING DONE TO CORRECT IT AS OF YET, THE ONLY WAY TO REPAIR THEM IS TO BUY $500-$600 WORTH OF PARTS AND TOOLS, REMOVE THE ENGINE FROM THE CAR AND REPAIR AND REPLACE THE TIMING CHAINS AND GUIDES. *TR

THE FRONT SUSPENSION BAR LINKS ARE BROKEN, THE FOG LIGHTS OF THE EXTERIOR DOES NOT WORK. *TR

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 1997 FORD EXPLORER WHEN SHE SAW WHITE SMOKE COME FROM UNDER THE HOOD. SHE WAS PARKED IN MCDONALD'S PARKING LOT. SHE CALLED ME TELLING ME THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I ASKED HER IF THERE WAS LIQUID RUNNING FROM THE CAR AND SHE SAID YES. IT WAS CLEAR AND ON THE DRIVES SIDE. THE NEXT THING I HEARD WAS THE TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. WHEN I GOT TO THE BODY SHOP TO SEE WHAT THE DAMAGES WERE I FOUND THE MASTER CYLINDER COMPLETELY MELTED AWAY AND THE WIRE HARNESS BURNT. THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A SMALL MOTOR BIKE LODGED UNDER THE VEHICLE, WHICH SOMEHOW CAUSED IT TO CATCH FIRE. THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND THE FRONT CABIN SEATS WERE DESTROYED. THERE ARE THREE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL RECALLS ON THIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE, BUT IT HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED IF THE VIN WAS INCLUDED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE RECALL NUMBERS AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000.

BLEND DOOR ON MY 1997 FORD EXPLORER IS NOT WORKING. ITS A PROBLEM WHEN DEFROSTING, AND DRIVING IN BAD WEATHER DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE WINDSHIELD IS NOT DEFROSTING. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE HAS COOPER TRAILCAT ALL SEASON TIRES (235/75R15). WHILE REPLACING THE BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED SIDEWALL SEPARATION ON ALL FOUR TIRES. HE WAS INFORMED THAT HIS DOT NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01T014000 (TIRES:SIDEWALL). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,731 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,700.

FAR LEFT DASH LIGHTS AND LIGHTS BEHIND INDICATORS ON LEFT SIDE OF STEERING WHEEL WENT OUT SHORTLY AFTER RECEIVING THE VEHICLE IN 1998; THIS WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY; THE LIGHTS WENT OUT AGAIN SOMETIME AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD EXPIRED. THE SOUND SYSTEM AMPLIFIER GOES OUT INTERMITTENTLY WITH NO DISCERNIBLE CAUSE; THIS HAS GONE ON FOR YEARS; THE DEALER SAYS IT WOULD COST OVER $600 TO REPLACE THE AMPLIFIER. *TR

TODAY IS THE FIRST TIME SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE TRUCK AS I WAS DRIVING IT AND STARTED RIGHT BACK UP, AND ABOUT 6 HOURS LATER MY NEIGHBOR NOTICED MY TRUCK ON FIRE. FLAMES WERE COMING FROM BEHIND THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WELL. MY MECHANIC SAID LOOKS LIKE E-BRAKE CABLE STARTED TO WELD IT SELF AND CAUGHT THE BODY MOUNT ON FIRE. E-BRAKE CABLE MELTED PLASTIC HOUSING INSIDE THE TRUCK. *TR

VEHICLE STARTED OUT FINE. AFTER A MONTH OF DRIVING, FAR LEFT DASH LIGHTS DIED OUT. THOSE ARE THE ONES ILLUMINATING THE OIL PRESSURE AND BATTERY. A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATING THE SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER DIED OUT AS WELL. THIS IS NOT NORMAL. PERSONALLY, I THINK IT MIGHT BE A SHORT TO GROUND, BUT I STILL HAVE YET TO FIND OUT. *TR

MY 1997 FORD EXPLORER DIED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE CAM SHAFT CHAIN WAS BROKEN OR LET GO. I WAS ADVISED BY FORD THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, BUT DIDN'T NOTIFY EVERYONE WHO OWNED THEM BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH PARTS TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND THEY ONLY TOLD THE FORD DEALERSHIPS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND NOT THE PUBLIC. AND THEY ALSO PURGED ALL THE "OLD RECORDS" AS THEY CALL THEM AND CANNOT TELL IF THEY NOTIFIED THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD BY HACKETTSTOWN FORD WHEN I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE THAT IT WAS ONE OF THE SALES MANAGERS WIFES CAR AND IT IS IN MINT CONDITION AND WELL MAINTAINED. WHEN I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE., I WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT THERE ARE OVER 5 MILLION FORD EXPLORERES AND MERCURY SUV STILL ON THE ROAD. THERE IS NO WAY A CONSUMER CAN TELL IF THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN YOUOR VEHICLE JUST DIES, AND I CANNOT IMAGINE HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN IN ACCIDENTS OR EVEN KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM OR ARE STILL DRIVING THESE VEHICLES AND WONT KNOW UNTIL IT HAPPENS. IT COST ME $14,999 WHEN I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AND IT COST ME OVER $6,000. FOR A NEW ENGINE. WHO IS WATCHING OUT FOR US? IF I WAS TOLD TO HAVE MY VEHICLE CHECKED I WOULD HAVE IT ONLY COST ABOUT $100.00 TO PULL THEY ENGINE DOWN TO THE CAM SHAFT CHAIN AND CHECK FOR THE PROBLEM. I HAD MY VEHICLE LOOKED AT BY FOUR MECHANICS WHO KNEW RIGHT AWAY WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. PLEASE HELP ME AND THE PUBLIC WITH THIS PROBLEM, I AM DISABLED AND HAD TO BORROW THE MONEY FOR THE ENGINE AND WILL HAVE TO PAY THE MONEY BACK FOR THE NEXT 4 YEARS. I COULDN'T BUY A NEW VEHICLE BECAUSE MY VEHICLE FITS ME PERIFECT BECAUSE OF HAVING 35 SURGERIES FROM A AUTO ACCIDENT IN 1974.IF I SEE ANOTHER EXPLORER I STAY FAR AWAY FROM IT. . THE FUNNY THING IS WHEN YOU CALL FORD IN DETROIT THEY ASK YOU HOW MANY FORDS YOU HAVE PURCHASED IN YOUR LIFETIME AND WOULD YOU EVER BUY ANOTHER ONE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING VIBRATED AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE SWAY BAR LINK FAILED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V402000 (SUSPENSION). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. UPDATED 03-04-08 *BF

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE WINDOWS, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, AND THE 4X4 ALSO FAILED TO OPERATE. THE DEALER HAS NOT DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS PRIOR TO THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT IS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50,000. UPDATED 03-04-08 *BF

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE UNDER THE HOOD. IN ADDITION, FLAMES ERUPTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AFTER HE OPENED THE HOOD. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH CAUSED THE FIRE. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 07V336000) HOWEVER THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. AS OF JANUARY 30, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 160,000. UPDATED 02-19-08 *BF UPDATED 02/19/08 *TR

MY 1997 FORD EXPLORER STARTED FIRE IN THE ENGINE AREA AFTER PRACTICING FOOTBALL FOR 45 MIN IN THE SCHOOL. IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS BY THE TIME FIRE MEN ARRIVED. THEY SAID IT WAS EITHER FUEL OR ELECTRICAL RELATED. *CN

ON MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2008, I PARKED MY VEHICLE AND NOTICED A BURNING SMELL. I OPENED UP THE HOOD AND NOTICED FLAMES SHOOTING OUT OF THE ALTERNATOR. BY THE TIME I WAS ABLE TO GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER FROM THE NEARBY HOUSE, MY SUV WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE CAME TO THE SCENE. FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE SUV IS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR

1997 FORD EXPLORER CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. FIRE CHIEF STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON RECALL AND THE FIRE WAS DUE TO A FUEL LEAK. *KB

ON NOVEMBER 10TH I REPLACED THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE ON MY 97 FORD EXPLORER WITH THE SPARE TIRE THAT WAS UNDER THE TRUCK. ON DECEMBER 18TH ON MY WAY TO WORK TRAVELING SOUTH ON 95 AT APPROX. 5:40AM I HEARD A VERY LOUD NOISE, IT WAS LIKE A BOMB WENT OFF. A SECOND AFTER THE NOISE MY TRUCK WAS OUT OF CONTROL AND FLIPPING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. MY TRUCK WAS TOTALED, BUT I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO LIVE THROUGH THIS ACCIDENT. THE TIRE WAS A FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, WHICH I HAVE FOUND OUT HAD A RECALL ON IT BECAUSE OVER TIME WOULD FALL APART AND THE TREAD WOULD COME OFF THE TIRE CAUSING ACCIDENTS THAT COULD RESULT IN INJURY'S OR DEATH. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE LOCK STICKS AND WILL ONLY OPEN FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DOOR LOCK ITSELF IS NOT WORKING AND WHEN THE CONTACT PUSHES THE UNLOCK CONTROL ON THE DOOR PANEL, IT FAILS TO UNLOCK THE DOOR. SHE IS CONCERNED THAT SHE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 168,299 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,299.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE CHANGING THE TIRE, THE BOTTOM METAL PLATE FOR THE JACK POPPED OFF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN LIFTED FOR TEN MINUTES. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THE JACK WAS USED. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT MAKE A REPLACEMENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 186,000.

I OWN A 1997 FORD EXPLORER AWD 5.0 LITER. THE SEAT BELT LATCH ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE NO LONGER HOLDS THE SEAT BELT IN PLACE AFTER I BUCKLE UP. IN ORDER TO DRIVE, I HAVE TO INSERT THE SEAT BELT INTO THE LATCH ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. WHEN I DO THIS THE SEAT BELT NOW CROSSES MY NECK, AND I AM VERY CONCERNED. IT ALSO MEANS I CANNOT SAFELY DRIVE THE AUTO WITH A PASSENGER BECAUSE THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WON'T WORK. ON A NORMAL LATCH, I CAN PUSH DOWN THE RED RELEASE BUTTON AND CAN FEEL THE SPRING ACTION. ON MY DRIVER'S SIDE, THERE IS NO SPRING TENSION ON THE RED RELEASE BUTTON. *TR

DRIVING ALONG EVERYTHING IS FINE, LOSE POWER PULL OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE I SEE BLACK SMOKE AND THEN FLAMES, COULDN'T GET OUT BECAUSE OF POWER WINDOWS AND LOCKS. WENT TO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE AND KICKED MY WAY OUT AND THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES IN MINUTES AND BURNED TO THE GROUND. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE BEING SERVICED FOR THE RADIO. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL CAUSED THE FIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE DEALER DISCONNECTED THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. AS OF NOVEMBER 1, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED SMOKE AND THEN NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HE PULLED OVER APPROXIMATELY TWO MINUTES LATER AND DISCOVERED FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THERE WAS A SMALL EXPLOSION ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. AS OF NOVEMBER 1, 2007, THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT FELT THAT A LEAK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUSED THE FIRE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 130,000.

OWNER OF 1997 FORD EXPLORER THAT HAD A RECALL ISSUED IN 2001 FOR THROTTLE BODY PROBLEM. NHTSA #00V-42200. MY EXPLORER WAS NOT ONE OF THE RECALLED VEHICLES (NOT BUILT IN ST. LOUIS OR LOUISVILLE) AND I NEVER KNEW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. ABOUT 8 MONTHS AGO I BEGAN EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH A STICKING ACCELERATOR. RESULT OF A WEB SEARCH ABOUT A MONTH AGO TO SEE IF A PROBLEM EXISTS FOR THIS CONDITION BECAUSE I FEEL I'M GOING TO CRASH INTO SOMETHING GOING FORWARD OR REVERSE, I FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS RECALL. BY CALLING FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER SERVICE. LINE TODAY I WAS TOLD THAT A FORD DEALER WILL FIX THE PROBLEM BUT I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. I HAD THE CUST. SERV. REP. MAKE AN "ON THE RECORD" OF MY CALL AND MY QUESTION IS THIS: IF THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE IN 2001 FOR CERTAIN FACTORY BUILT EXPLORERS, WHY COULDN'T IT BECOME A FUTURE SAFETY ISSUE (IN 2007) IF THE VEHICLE (MINE) WAS BUILT IN ANOTHER FACTORY? COULDN'T THIS PROBLEM ARISE AT ANOTHER TIME, AS IT HAS WITH ME? THE PROBLEM I AM EXPERIENCING IS IDENTICAL TO EVERY WORD STATED IN THE RECALL. THE ORIGINAL THROTTLE BODY IS INSTALLED ON MY EXPLORER. *JB

TIRE FAILURE RESULTING IN A BLOWOUT.*JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. HE EXITED THE VEHICLE, RAISED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE AND HAS NOT BEEN TO A MECHANIC. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE AND THE DEALER INFORMATION WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 15,200.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT LIFTED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THE HANDLE FAILED. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT RELEASE IT WOULD COST $280 TO REPAIR THE HANDLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,304. UPDATED 02-01-08. *KB UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL FIRST AND THEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FOR THE VEHICLE TO OPERATE NORMALLY. SHE BELIEVES THE VEHICLE IS A PART OF RECALL # 00V422000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS NO RECALLS. THE WEATHER WAS SUNNY AND APPROXIMATELY 70 DEGREES AT THE TIME OF FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 94,000.

THE 1997 FORD EXPLORER CAUGHT ON FIRE AT THE CRUISE SWITCH LOCATED ON THE MASTER CYLINDER. *AK

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD. HE NOTICED BRAKE FLUID LEAKING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINE ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE RUSTED AND CAUSED THE LEAK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR BRAKE LINE, AND THE REAR BRAKE HOSE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REMAINING BRAKE LINES ON THE VEHICLE WERE RUSTED, HOWEVER THEY WERE NOT LEAKING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,663.

INCIDENT LIKE MANY OTHERS I HAVE HAD MY 1997 FORD EXPEDITION XLT BLOW A SPARK PLUG OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FINE AND TROUBLE FREE WHEN A POP FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND A LOUD BANGING NOISE CAME FROM THE ENGINE HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP ; WHO IN TURN CALLED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER. THE REPLY WAS THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. MY LOCAL SERVICE TECH SAID THE REPAIR KIT ALONE WOULD COST $1,000,00. TO REPAIR IT HE SAID THAT FORD HAD ONLY USED 3 THREADS IN THE HEAD THAT FAILED, BUT ARE NOW REPLACING THEM WITH A 7 THREAD HEAD., THIS TELLS ME THAT THEY ARE VERY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT ARE WILLING TO LEAVE THEIR CUSTOMERS OUT TO DRY.. I GUESS THE SCARY PART ABOUT THAT IS I STILL HAVE 4 MORE 3 THREAD SPARK PLUG HOLES TO WORRY ABOUT BLOWING OUT,.I ABSOLUTELY FEEL THIS SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY WHO IS LOOKING FOR THE AMERICAN PUBLIC TO BUY IT'S TRUCKS. DAMAGE RESULTING IT WILL COST ME AS LITTLE AS $2,500.00 TO REPAIR THE CURRENT PROBLEM ( AND NO GUARANTY IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN). OR UP TO $5,500.00 TO REPLACE THE BUILT TOUGH 5.4 TRITON ENGINE. *TR

THE CRANKSHAFT BROKE OFF AND WENT INTO THE FAN SHIELD. THE FORD MECHANIC SAYS HE HAS NOT SEEN THIS BEFORE AND IT LOOKS LIKE A DEFECT IN THE METAL. IT WAS GOOD THAT I WAS GOING ONLY 30MPH AT THE TIME OR IT WOULD HAVE GONE THROUGHT THE FAN ITS SELF. IT COULD HAVE HAD MANY CONSEQUENCES. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND THE KEYS COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ROLLED BACKWARDS. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ROLL BACKS. THE CONTACT PLACES BRICKS BEHIND TWO WHEELS TO KEEP THE VEHICLE SECURE. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 120,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AT ANY SPEED OTHER THAN HIGH DIDN'T OPERATE NORMALLY. WHEN THE RAIN WAS HEAVY OR LIGHT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ONLY OPERATED ON HIGHER SPEEDS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116000 ,AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 126000. *AK

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THEREWAS RECALL 06V286000 FOR 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED AS PART OF THIS RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS CURRENTLY 170000 MILES. *AK

MY 1997 FORD EXPLORER WAS PARKED OUTSIDE A LOCAL RESTAURANT WHEN I WAS ALERTED THAT THE INTERIOR OF MY VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE AND THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN CALLED. BLACK SMOKE WAS POURING OUT OF THE SLIGHTLY OPENED WINDOWS WHEN I APPROACHED THE SUV AND ULTIMATELY PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. CLOSER EXAMINATION INDICATED THAT THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE CAME FROM UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT. ONE OF THE FIREMEN ON THE SCENE SPECULATED THAT THE MOTOR THAT CONTROLS THE POWER SEAT OVERHEATED AND STARTED THE FIRE. MY FIRST CALL WAS TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT THEY WOULD SEND ME A LETTER IN THE MAIL. THIS LETTER CAME A WEEK LATER AND EXPLAINED THAT ALTHOUGH THEY WOULD REALLY LIKE TO ASSIST ME WITH MY LOSS , THERE WAS NOT A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE, SO THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ASSIST ME. MY INSURANCE COMPANY TOOK CARE OF ME AND HOPEFULLY THEY WILL ALSO "TAKE CARE OF FORD" TO RECOUP THEIR LOSS . I AM FORTUNATE THAT A YOUNG CHILD OR ONE OF OUR FAMILY PETS WERE NOT IN THE CAR. ANY THOUGHTS I MAY HAVE HAD ABOUT BUYING ANOTHER FORD HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH THOUGHTS ABOUT THERE CUSTOMER DIS-SERVICE AND THE LACK OF CONCERN OVER A POTENTIALLY DEADLY PROBLEM WITH ONE OF THEIR BEST SELLING SUV'S. *JB

BRIDGESTONE TIRES. CUSTOMER STATES THAT THEY HAVE LIVED WITH THE SQUISHING INTO THE PAVEMENT SINCE 11/06 AND WAS REIMBURSED BUT STILL IS NOT HAPPY WITH THE NEW TIRES THAT WERE PUT ON THE CAR**CC THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAS HAD TO LIVE WITH AN UNCONTROLLABLE VEHICLE WHEN TURNING OR ACCELERATING. IT WAS THE CONSUMERS OPINION THAT THE TIRE WERE BEING BROKEN AT THE SIDEWALLS BEFORE INSTALLATION AND OVERPRESSURIZED ON THE RED TIRE MACHINE TO STRETCH THEM AND THEN FILLED WITH A GAS THAT CAUSES THEM TO AGE PREMATURELY, SO THEY LOOK LIKE THEY HAVE BEE DRIVEN 40, 000 WHEN THEY ARE BRAND NEW. A MECHANIC TOLD THE CONSUMER, THE TIRES WERE BEING FILLED WITH NITROGEN INSTEAD OF AIR. *JB UPDATED 04/09/07. *JB THE CONSUMER HAS HAD 8 SETS OF TIRES PLACED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE SIDEWALL WERE WEAK WHICH CAUSED THE TIRES TO BLOW OUT. UPDATED 04/12/07. *JB CONSUMER STATED ON APRIL 7, 2007 SHE HAS RECEIVED A FULL REFUND FROM DISCOUNT TIRES IN THE AMOUNT OF $374.10 AND RETURNED THE FOUR TIRES TO TIRE COMPANY. UPDATED 4/18/07 *TR THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAS NOT RECEIVED COMPENSATION FOR HER TIME. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BUSINESS MERELY BOUGHT THEIR TIRES BACK. UPDATED *JB

I HAVE BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM IN TALLAHASSEE GETTING TIRES THAT ARE NOT BROKEN, INTENTIONALLY PREINSTALLATION AT THE SIDEWALLS / AND THEN OVERPRESSURIZED ON A BIG RED TIRE MACHINE, SEE PREVIOUS COMPLAINT AGAINST TIRES PLUS, CONFIRMATION NO. 10181407. I REPLACED 4 BRIDEGSTONE DUELER ALENZAS ON 3/22/2007 WITH PATHFINDERS TRAIL A/P AT DISCOUNT TIRES IN TALLAHASSEE FL. THE ASSISTANT MANAGER, CHRIS CERGE, SAW THE DAMAGE DONE TO THE BRIDGESTONES BEFORE I BOUGHT THE PATHFINDERS FROM HIM. I SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED THAT MY NEW TIRES NOT BE MOUNTED VIA THE RED TIRE MACHINE, THAT HIS MECHANICS USED THE 1950'S METHOD OF MOUNTING THE NEW TIRES WITH A SCREWDRIVER. TECHNICIAN IGNORED MY REQUEST, AND MY NEW PATHFINDERS ARE BROKEN AT THE SIDEWALLS, WHICH CAUSES THEM TO DRIVE AND RIDE LIKE THEY HAVE 15,000 MILES ON THEM WHEN THEY ARE BRAND NEW. I WOULD LIKE A REPLACEMENT SET OF TIRES WHICH ARE NOT MOUNTED VIA THE RED TIRE MACHINE. NO TIRE, NO MATTER THE QUALITY, CAN WITHSTAND THE DAMAGE THAT THESE LOCALS ARE DOING TO THEM.*AK

WHILE DRIVING MY 1997 FORD EXPLORER ON I-64 E AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, SMOKE STARTED TO POUR INTO THE CAR FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD. I PULLED OVER AS FAST AS POSSIBLE AND WAS MET BY A VIRGINIA DOT TRUCK WHO NOTICED ME SUDDENLY CROSS TWO LANES TO GET TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE. HE GRABBED HIS FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND PUT THE FIRE OUT WITHIN SECONDS OF MY STOPPING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CALLED BECAUSE IT WAS PUT OUT SO QUICKLY. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO A SHOP, I WAS INFORMED THAT IT APPEARS TO HAVE STARTED IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AND BURNED THROUGH THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED WITHIN 15-30 SECONDS FROM THE TIME I STOPPED BUT THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE ANY BRAKES AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE. I CONSIDER MYSELF LUCKY TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STOP AT ALL. MY CAR WAS NOT AND STILL HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. AFTER CONTACTING FORD THEY HAVE DECLINED TO HELP US WITH ANY REPAIRS. HAD I KNOWN ABOUT THE SWITCHFIRE PROBLEMS EARLIER, I WOULD HAVE CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO DO A FORMAL INVESTIGATION OF THE CAUSE. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN FIXED AS OF YET.

ON A 1997 FORD EXPLORER HAD PROBLEMS WITH TRANSFER CASE. FIRST NOTICED WHEN DRIVING ON INTERSTATE WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON VEHICLE MADE GRINDING NOISE AND WOULD NOT DECELERATE HAD TO PUT INTO NEUTRAL TO STOP. WHEN DECELERATING WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IT WOULD ALSO MAKE GRINDING NOISE ALMOST SOUNDING LIKE IT WAS NOT DOWN SHIFTING. FEW WEEKS LATER WHEN VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO REVERSE IT WOULD MAKE A GRINDING NOISE AND WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. DID NOT FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE. ENDING UP HAVING TO HAVE A MECHANIC REBUILD TRANSFER CASE, COST ALMOST $1000.00. NOW FIVE MONTHS LATER HAVING PROBLEMS WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY COMING ON. REPLACED SENSORS AND SPARK PLUG ON #4 CYLINDER TWICE. THIS WILL BE REPLACEMENT NUMBER 3 FOR SPARK PLUG IN FOUR MONTH PERIOD. MECHANICS CANNOT SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHY. *JB

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE THE 1997 FORD EXPLORER WITH 134800 FAILURE MILEAGE THE DRIVER'S FRONT SEAT BELT FAILED. THE SEAT BELTWAS DIFFICULT TO BUCKLE AND WOULD UNLATCH WHILE DRIVING . THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO A DEALER ,AND THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135000.*AK

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO START UP THE 1997 FORD EXPLORER SINCE 02/09/07. THE CONTACT HAD REPLACED THE STARTER, THE SPARK PLUGS, AND CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE THE SAME FAILURE. THEY PULLED THE FRONT END OF THE MOTOR AND NOTICED SOMETHING SNAPPED AND WAS SITTING IN THE PAN. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN ON THE INTERNET AND HAD NOTICED THAT OTHER EXPLORERS WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE BOTH 98000 MILES.*AK

FORD EXPLORER SPORT (1997, ~58700 MI) WAS DRIVEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED. A STOP WAS MADE AT A SHOPPING CENTER. UPON LEAVING THE SHOPPING CENTER THE BRAKE PEDAL DROPPED TO THE FLOOR AS AN ATTEMPT TO STOP AT AN INTERSECTION WAS MADE. FORTUNATELY SWERVING AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT. AT THIS POINT THE VEHICLE HAD NO BRAKES (OTHER THAN PARKING). HYDRAULIC FLUID WAS DRIPPING FROM AN AREA ABOVE THE REAR AXLE, DRIVER SIDE. THE ABRUPT LOSS OF BRAKES WITH NO WARNING COULD HAVE LEAD TO A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. WE WERE JUST PLAIN LUCKY. *JB

TL* - THE CONTACT CALLED REGARDING A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING AROUND A CURVE, AND THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE ICY AND SNOWY. THE DRIVER HIT AN EMBANKMENT HEAD ON AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES. THERE WERE TWO OTHER PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE THAT WERE NOT INJURED. IT IS UNCLEAR WHETHER THE DRIVER WAS WEARING THE SEAT BELT. ONE OF THE PASSENGERS REMOVED THE SEAT BELT AND THE OTHER PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT WAS NOT ON SO THAT THEY COULD GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS UNCLEAR WHETHER THE PASSENGER REMOVED THE SEAT BELT FROM THE DRIVER AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW SHOP WHERE IT REMAINED. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. THE TOW SHOP PLANNED TO SELL PARTS OF THE VEHICLE. ITWAS UNKNOWN WHETHER THERE WERE PICTURES TAKEN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD A POLICE REPORT THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER SAID THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN A RECALL FOR THE AIRBAGS IN THE PAST. *AK

I BOUGHT 4 NEW DUELER ALENZAS FROM TIRES PLUS ON APALACHAEE PARKWAY ON OR ABOUT 11-2-2006 WHICH ARE OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE, SUBSTANDARD AND/OR RECALLED TIRES, AND THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THEM OR SWAP OUT FOR A BETTER TIRE. FOUR (4) OTHER BRIDGESTONE DEALERS IN TALLAHASSEE ALSO WILL NOT HONOR THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY: SEARS-0% TRADE-IN VALUE, DISCOUNT TIRES-35% TRADE IN VALUE, TIRES PLUS ON CAPITAL CIRCLE-OBVIOUSLY WERE DEFECTIVE; FIRESTONE ON APALACHEE PARKWAY-OBVIOUSLY ARE DEFECTIVE. THE FORD/CHEVY DEALERSHIPS WILL NOT GIVE ME A DIME ON A TRADE-IN, 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE TIRES HAVE BULGED AT THE BOTTOM AFTER 1 WEEK, IT FEELS LIKE I AM DRIVING ON MUSH, MY FORD SHIMMIES AND ROLLS TO THE LEFT IF I GET OVER 50 MPH. I HAVE RETURNED TO TIRES PLUS ALMOST EVERY TIME I DROVE MY EXPLORER AFTER GETTING THE NEW DUELERS SINCE 11-2-06, AND ON 1-29-07 TIRES PLUS FINALLY REPLACED THE LEFT REAR TIRE AT NO COST TO ME ($163 VALUE), WHICH WAS OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE WHEN IT WAS PUT ON. BRIDGESTONE DUELER H/L ALENZAS P225170R15 100T, DOT QUALITY GRADE 044-090, EH-3JR-BL-5L7, SKU #92971-15416-5. I REPORTED TIRES PLUS'S FAILURE TO HONOR THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY TO THE TALLAHASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN JAN 2007, TO WHICH THE INTAKE OFFICER REPLIED "THAT IS A CIVIL ISSUE". THESE TIRES ARE SO UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON THAT ALL MECHANICS AND DEALERS CAN TAKE ONE LOOK AT THEM AND KNOW IT, YET ALL THAT I HAVE CONTACTED DELIBERATELY IGNORE MY COMPLAINTS. I HAVE PHOTOS. *NM UPDATED 02/15/07. *JB

I HAVE 2 COMPLAINTS ONE OF WHICH WHILE LOOKING ONLINE SEE THAT MANY OTHER FORD OWNERS ALSO SEEM TO HAVE. THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE HEATER BLEND BOX DOOR NOT WORKING AND BLOWING HOT AIR WHEN IN THE VENT POSITION. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM NOT ONLY ON EXPLORER MODELS BUT RANGES, F150 AND OTHER FORD VEHICLES. THE REPAIR AS STATED ONLINE BY OTHERS AS WELL AS FROM THE DEALER IS OVER $1000.00. IT SEEMS THAT THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS PART WITH SO MANY PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO THE SEAT BELTS GET STUCK ON OUR EXPLORER IT IS THE PASSENGER SIDE WHICH SOMETIMES TAKES 10 TO 15 MINUTES BEFORE IT WILL WORK. *JB

TL* - THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT 5 MPH UNDER DRY CONDITIONS WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME DETACHED. THE CONTACT SAW THAT THREE LINKS FAILED. THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THERE WAS SERVICE BULLETIN 616531 FOR THIS FAILURE. *AK UPDATED 1/29/2007 - *NM

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A LOUD POPPING SOUND EACH TIME SHE MADE A RIGHT TURN, THE SOUND SEEMED AS IF IT WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT AREA. THE ROAD AND WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE GREAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IF SHE HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD THE VEHICLE WOULD MAKE THE SAME LOUD POPPING SOUND. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP ON 12/28/06, AND TOLD THE MECHANIC OF THE PROBLEM SHE WAS HAVING, AND THE MECHANIC TOLD THE CONTACT ABOUT THE RECALL CAMPAIGN # 00V402000 FOR SUSPENSION. THE MECHANIC TOLD THE CONTACT THAT SHE NEEDED SWAY BAR LINK REPLACED BECAUSE IT BROKE. THE CONTACT DID PAY $92.67 FOR THIS REPAIR. THE CONTACT FELTTHAT SINCE THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE WRONG WITH VEHICLE, THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD REIMBURSE HER FOR THE REPAIR AMOUNT. *AK UPDATED 01/30/07. *JB

TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON AT A SPEED OF 65 MPH THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT DISENGAGE. THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR AND ABOUT 30 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT, AND THE ODOMETER READING WAS 121000 MILES. THE FAILURE DID NOT ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE. HE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY SHIFTING GEARS AND PUTTING IT INTO PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP, AND HE WAS CONCERNED BECAUSE VEHICLE SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN RECALL 99V062001. PRESENTLY, THE DEALER WAS ASKING THE CONTACT TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. *AK UPDATED 1/22/2007 - THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF BUTTON HAD SHORTED OUT. AS A RESULT THE CRUISE CONTROL COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF ONCE TURNED ON. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED DUE TO THE HEATER BEING INOPERABLE, THE DEFROSTER DID NOT OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE BLEND DOOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED IN AN ATTEMPT TO DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD, NO HEAT WAS PRODUCED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE BLEND DOOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

THE CARS HEAT/AC WOULD SWITCH BETWEEN HIGH HEAT TO MAX COOL. I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BLEND DOOR AND WOULD COST ABOUT $1100.00 TO REPAIR. THE REPAIR WOULD INCLUDE A UPDATED BLEND DOOR MOTOR AND A NEW AIR PLENUM THE SERVICE PERSON ALSO STATED THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON IN EXPLORERS AND IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THEY ALL FAIL. *NM

WHEN I STOPPED USING MY AC AND TURNED ON THE HEAT IN MY 97 FORD EXPLORER ALL I GET IS COLD AIR. THIS HAPPENS AT ALL HEAT SETTINGS INCLUDING DEFROST. I TALKED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THE SERVICE MAN THERE SAID IT IS PROBABLY THE BLEND DOOR AND THAT IT WOULD COST $800-1000 TO REPAIR. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE YET AS I DON'T HAVE THAT MUCH SPARE CASH FOR THIS REPAIR. THE VEHICLE DOES HAVE 116,000 MILES ON IT BUT I HAVE BEEN CHECKING THIS OUT ON THE INTERNET AND IT SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WITH 95-99 EXPLORERS. IS THERE ANY RECOURSE FROM FORD ON THIS? *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED A BURNING SMELL CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE JERKED TO THE LEFT. FURTHERMORE, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP TO DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEMS. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE EXCEPT ON THE THROTTLE BODY. THERE WERE RECALLS ON ALL THREE COMPONENTS. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, #99V062000 REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. A NHTSA RECALL, #00V402000 CONCERNING THE SUSPENSION. ALSO, A NHTSA RECALL #00V422000 CONCERNING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY OF THE RECALLS.

BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR ON 97 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. DEALERSHIP IS QUOTING $1000 TO FIX IT BECAUSE DASH BOARD HAVE TO BE REMOVED TO FIX IT. I THINK THERE SHOULD BE SOME SORT ON RECALL ON THIS BECAUSE IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED ALL 5 SEATBELT BUCKLES FAILED TO RELEASE PROPERLY. THE FRONT LEFT AND FRONT RIGHT BUCKLES FAILED TO RELEASE AND THE BELTS HAD TO BE CUT TO RELEASE THE OCCUPANTS. AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE DEALER REPLACED THE SEATBELTS. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELTS DO NOT DISENGAGE. UPDATED 12/01/06. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD OUT OF CONTROL AND WAS DIFFICULT TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE SECOND INCIDENT HAPPENED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED FROM THE PARKED POSITION. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED FROM PARK TO DRIVE WHEN IT ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO INDEPENDENT SERVICE DEALERS AND ONE SERVICE DEALER, BUT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE RECREATED. THE THIRD OCCURRENCE RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY WHEN ACCELERATION REACHED 50 MPH. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED, ALTHOUGH A POLICE REPORT AND PHOTOS WERE TAKEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE CONTACT'S PHONE NUMBER WAS THE SON OF THE VEHICLE'S OWNER. UPDATED 11/30/2006 - THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE REPORTED SOME NECK PAIN LATER THAT NIGHT WHICH WAS NOT APPARENT AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. *NM

BOUGHT EXPLORER IN THE SUMMER OF 2006, WENT TO TURN ON THE HEAT ONLY BLOWS COLD AIR UNABLE TO DEFROST WINDOWS. THIS IS A 1997 EXPLORER THAT AFTER TALKING TO THREE DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS TOLD ME THAT THEY ALL DO BREAK AND THAT FORD HAS MADE A STRONGER BLEND DOOR TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE ONE AND THEY WOULD BE HAPPY TO REPLACE FOR A COST OF 1200.00. AFTER SPEAKING TO FIVE OR SIX DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOPS AND FINDING THE ARTICLE BY LARRY HAMMER OF MIGHTY AUTO PARTS I BELIEVE THAT FORD HAS A RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS ADMITTED FACTORY DESIGN FLAW. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE SPARE TIRE FELL OUT OF THE MOUNT WHILE DRIVING ALONG THE ROAD AT 20 MPH. THE CABLE FAILED NEXT TO THE TIRE. THE SPARE HAD NOT BEEN USED SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAS THE AFFECTED PARTS. THE SERVICE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT ALERTED.

I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS 1997 FORD EXPLORER. AFTER A FEW YEARS, I STARTED TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE HEAT/DEFROST. I HAVE HAD THIS REPAIRED TWICE COSTING AROUND $2000 TOTAL. ONCE AGAIN, I NO LONGER HAVE HEAT/DEFROST AND AM SCHEDULED FOR AN EVALUATION NEXT MONDAY. DURING SNOW AND RAIN, NOT ONLY ARE YOU MISERABLE BECAUSE OF THE COLD BUT IT IS DANGEROUS WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO CLEAR THE CONDENSATION OFF THE WINDOW TO HAVE COMPLETE VISIBILITY. *JB

CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL ON BRIDGESTONE FIRESTONE TIRES. CONSUMER HAS A TIRE BLOWOUT PRIOR TO RECEIVING THIS RECALL. *TS THE CONSUMER FEELS HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN ALERTED ABOUT THE FAULTY TIRES LONG BEFORE NOW. *NM

CONSUMER COMPLAINT CONCERNING THE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS TIRE. *TS THE CONSUMER WAS DENIED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE SPARE TIRE BECAUSE THE TIRE WAS NOT REPLACED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY. THE SIDEWALL DRYROTTED ACCORDING TO THE TIRE DEALER. THE TIRES HAD ABOUT 50000 MILES OF USE ON THEM BEFORE THE BLOWOUT. THE TIRES WERE RECOMMENDED AT 50 PSI AND WERE REGULARLY CHECKED FOR AIR PRESSURE. THE TIRES HAD BEEN REGULARLY ROTATED. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS NO VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING HOWEVER A BULGE WAS NOTICED ON IT MINUTES BEFORE IT POPPED. THE TIRE WAS A MICHELIN, SIZE LT23575R15.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE THREAD SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE DEALER WHERE THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. A RECALL LETTER #[XXX] WAS RECEIVED REGARDING THE TIRES. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED FOR REIMBURSEMENT AND DETERMINED THE TIRE WAS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE WHEN ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH REPLACEMENT, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO DETERMINED THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HAD MELTED IN THE INTERIOR DASH PANEL AREA. NO FIRE WAS SEEN. AFTER NEW WIRING WAS INSTALLED, THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 05V388000, REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 9/22/2006 - *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET AT 55 MPH WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. THE VEHICLE REVVED TO 85 MPH BEFORE THE CONTACT TURNED THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION AND PULLED OFF OF THE ROAD. EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. FINALLY THE CONTACT DISENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL UNDER THE ENGINE AND DROVE THE VEHICLE ONE MILE TO A DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WAS FAULTY. UPDATED 09/11/06. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH ON ANY ROAD CONDITION, THE VEHICLE SWAYED VIOLENTLY FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE SWAY BAR WAS REPLACED IN 2003. A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, #00V402000, REGARDING THE SUSPENSION. THE SERVICE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND DETERMINED THAT A DIAGNOSTICS TEST NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED BEFORE ANY WORK WAS TO BE DONE. THE TEST SHOWED THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ALONG WITH THE CAMBER CASTOR KIT WERE DAMAGED. ALSO THE PASSENGER AND BOTH REAR DOORS DID NOT OPEN. THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR HAD DIFFICULTIES CLOSING ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER WHICH OFFERED $6000 FOR A TRADE IN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE LOCKS WERE INOPERATIVE, THE HEADLAMP SWITCH WAS BROKEN. THE VEHICLE NEEDED UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER DECLINED ALL REPAIRS. UPDATED 10/11/06. *JB

BRAKES FAILED WHILE BACKING UP DUE TO A HOLE RUSTED IN THE REAR STEEL BRAKE LINE THAT RUNS FROM THE LEFT REAR WHEEL CALIPER TO THE RIGHT REAR CALIPER. LOST ALL BRAKING. TOWED TO FORD DEALER FOR SERVICE WHERE BRAKE LINE WAS REPLACED. TOLD BY SERVICE MANAGER PROBLEM IS NOT UNCOMMON. THIS IS ON A 1997 FORD EXPLORER WITH ONLY 60,000 MILES. I HAVE THE OLD BRAKE LINE ,WHICH HAS MINIMAL SURFACE RUST EXCEPT FOR THE CENTER AREA THAT IS HELD BY A RETAINING CLIP TO THE TOP OF THE DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING. I FEEL THIS IS NOT A NORMAL EVENT AND IS NOT ACCEPTABLE AND WAS SURPRISED TO BE TOLD THIS FAILURE IS NOT UNCOMMON! I HAD TO SPEND $283.00 PLUS A TOWING FEE TO HAVE A PROBLEM CORRECTED, THAT I FEEL IS A PREMATURE FAILURE. I AT FIRST EXPECTED TO FIND A BLOWN CALIPER OR A BRAKE HOSE SPLIT, NOT A RUSTED OUT BRAKE LINE. I DO HAVE THE OLD BRAKE LINE IN MY POSSESSION. *JB

OUR 1997 FORD EXPLORER WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY WHILE WE WERE ASLEEP. IT CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNT COMPLETELY UP DESTROYING A 6000.00 STEREO SYSTEM, 2 SETS OF GOLF CLUBS, PART OF A DECK, AND PARTS OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. *NM

I HAVE A 1997 FORD EXPLORER XLT. MY AC BLEND DOOR FAILED THIS WINTER. I CAN GET EITHER FULL HEAT OR FULL COLD AND NO IN BETWEEN. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ, THIS COSTS ABOUT $1000 TO HAVE FIXED. IT IS A RIDICULOUS PROBLEM THAT SEEMS TO HAPPEN FAIRLY OFTEN IN FORD VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED MODELS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND FIXED. THANK YOU. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD A BRAKE FLUID LEAK THAT WAS LEAKING ONTO THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH. THERE WAS A RECALL #97V074000 PERTAINING TO THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A DEALER.

BROKEN FRONT SWAY BAR LINK ON 1997 FORD EXPLORT XLT. REPLACE PARTS. *NM

I SEE ALL OF THE RECALLS ON THE FORD EXPLORER DATE 1997 BUT I OWN A FORD EXPLORER 1997 AND THE ONLY RECALL NOTICE THAT I RECEIVED IS THE ONE FOR THE TIRES BACK IN 2000. I NEVER RECEIVED THE OTHERS AND I KNOW THE FORD COMPANY IS AWARE OF ME OWNING THIS VEHICLE FOR I GET NOTICES IN THE MAIL CONSTANTLY ABOUT SELLING IT BACK TO FORD. WHY ARE NOT MY SUSPENSION LINES OR GAS LINES BEING REPAIRED LIKE THE OTHER FORDS WITH THE 4.0 LITER ENGINE? *JB

I OWNED A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. ON JULY 29, 2005 MY TRUCK WAS IN MY YARD AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. I WAS NOT HOME AT THE TIME. MY INSURANCE PAID A PORTION OF THE LOAN I STILL HAD ON THE VEHICLE. FORD MOTOR HAS NOT RECALLED 1997 EXPLORERS BUT HAVE 1998. THE FIRE REPORT ISSUED CLAIMS IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. MY VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACTED STATED WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE THE FUSES FOR THE HORN, CRUISE CONTROL, DASHBOARD LIGHTS AND COMPASS BURNED OUT. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH. WITH OUT REPLACING THE FUSE, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS INSPECTED, BRAKE FLUID WAS OBSERVED TO BE LEAKING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO SERVICE DEALER HOWEVER THE MANUFACTURER CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT, THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECENT FORD RECALL EXPANSION, WHICH THE CONTACT HEARD ABOUT ON THE NEWS, DUE TO THE VIN.*AK

THE ENGINE ON MY 1997 FORD EXPLORER CAUGHT ON FIRE AND DESTROYED MY VEHICLE. *NM

1997 FORD EXPLORER TRAVELING EAST BOUND ON I-16 WHEN LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD CAME OFF A COOPER FUTURA TIRE CAUSING DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL VEHICLE FLIPPED SEVERAL TIMES THEN RIGHT FRONT TIRE CAME OFF COMPLETELY CAUSING ANOTHER FLIP THIS TIME TAIL OVER NOSE CAUSE ALL 4 KIDS TO BE THROWN OUT KILLING ONE ON IMPACT AND ANOTHER DIED 2 DAYS LATER FROM INJURIES IN HOSPITAL. *NM

TURNED INTO PARKING SPACE AT LOW SPEED. WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AND STRUCK BUILDING TRAPPING A LADY BETWEEN VEHICLE AND BUILDING, KILLING HER. GAS WAS NOT APPLIED AT ANYTIME, YOU COULD FEEL THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES TRYING TO ENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STOPPED. *JB

WHILE DRIVING 1997 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4X4 V6 SOHC UPON ACCELERATION ON TO FREEWAY, THE GAS PEDDLE STUCK TO FLOOR AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. THE RESULT WAS A BLOWN ENGINE/SMALL FIRE,NO INJURIES THANK GOD, BECAUSE THE ONLY WAY TO STOP VEHICLE WAS TO PUT INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN PARK. THE FOOT BRAKE AND EMERGENCY BRAKE WERE USELESS, AND THE VEHICLE WAS REVVING AT 75 MPH AT THE TIME TILL BROUGHT TO STOP THUS BLOWING A HUGE HOLE IN WALL OF ENGINE TO THE TUNE OF $5000.00 TO FIX. FORD CLAIMED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH PEDAL AFTER DOING A DIAGNOSTIC. THIS THROTTLE WAS RECALLED A FEW YEARS AGO AND FORD CLAIMED THAT THEY FIXED IT. *NM

TIRE TREAD CAME OFF OF A MICHELIN LTX M/S P235/75R15, LEFT REAR ON A 1997 FORD EXPLORER, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSS CONTROL ON INTERSTATE, COMING TO REST IN THE TRAVEL LANES AND WAS STRUCK HEAD ON BY A TRACTOR TRAILER. *JB

SAFETY PROBLEM WITH BACK SEAT BELTS. WHEN ON VACATION WE HAD A SERIOUS PROBLEM THE BACK SEAT BELTS LOCKING UP SEVERAL TIMES EACH DAY. THE SEAT BELTS ON ONE OR BOTH SIDES WOULD NOT RELEASE SO THEY COULD BE APPLY AROUND 2 SMALL CHILDREN AND WE HAD TO PULL & YANK THE BELTS SEVERAL TIMES TO GET THE BELTS TO RELEASE. THE SUV WAS OFF AND THE BRAKE WAS NOT APPLY AT THE TIME OF THE PROBLEMS. THIS PROBLEM COULD DISCOURAGE SEAT BELT USEAGE. *NM

A FRONT SWAY BAR LINK DID FRACTURE CAUSING A NEAR CRASH. *JB

TRANSFER CASE FAILURE WHEN TRANSFERRED FROM NORMAL OPERATION TO 4 WHEEL DRIVE. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ON THE ROAD INSTEAD OF IN FRONT OF MY HOME, I BELIEVE AN ACCIDENT MOST SURELY WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. THANK GOD I TESTED THE 4 WHEEL OPERATION BEFORE I TOOK A TRIP TO THE SNOW COUNTRY. THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY THAT THOUSANDS OF 4 WHEEL DRIVE OWNERS ARE AT RISK OF SERIOUS ACCIDENTS AND COMPLETELY IGNORANT OF THIS DANGER. *JB

I JUMPED A CAR AND GROUNDED THE CABLES ON THE BRACKET AT THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER JUMPING THE CAR, A STRONG FUEL ODOR WAS NOTED. THE LAKE BLUFF POLICE WITNESSED THE ENTIRE EVENT. LATER THAT NIGHT AFTER DRIVING THE CAR, I NOTED A FUEL LEAK FROM THE LINES ADJACENT TO THE BRACKET. I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO MY LOCAL SHOP FOR REPAIRS. THE COINCIDENCE OF THE CAR JUMP AND FUEL LEAK MADE ME SUSPICIOUS AND I FOUND THAT MY CAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED UNDER ID NO. 98V060000 FOR A WARNING LABEL AND NEW GROUNDING BOLT. I CALLED ED MATEO AT HIGHLAND PARK FORD IN IL AND GAVE HIM MY VIN, [XXX]. HE AGREED THAT THE CAR WAS SUBJECT TO THE RECALL AND THEY WOULD REPLACE THE FUEL LINE(S) AND INSTALL THE WARNING AND NEW GROUNDING BOLT. I PICKED UP ME CAR FROM MY LOCAL REPAIRMAN THIS MORNING AND DROPPED IT OFF WITH ED AT HIGHLAND PARK FORD. HE SAID THAT THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING UNDER THE FORD RECALL NO. 98S09. HE CALLED ME A HALF HOUR LATER AND SAID THAT HIS MANAGER WOULD NOT LET HIM REPAIR THE CAR UNDER THE RECALL SINCE IT DIDN'T COME UP IN THEIR SYSTEM UNDER MY VIN - EVEN THOUGH WE HAD ALREADY CLEARED THIS EARLIER. I CALLED JESSIE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE, 800-392-FORD, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE REASON IT DIDN'T COME UP UNDER MY VIN WAS BECAUSE THE RECALL WORK (WARNING AND NEW BOLT) WAS ALREADY PERFORMED ON MY CAR, BUT SHE COULDN'T TELL ME WHO DID IT. THIS WORK WAS NEVER PERFORMED ON MY CAR AND NOW FORD IS REFUSING TO HONOR THE RECALL. *NM UPDATED 0716/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE IDLED ROUGHLY. WHILE SITTING AT A STOP SIGN THE VEHICLE IDLED ERRATICALLY. WHILE TRAVELING AROUND CURVES OR DOWN HILLS, AT ANY SPEED, THE ENGINE FELT AS IF IT WAS GOING TO STALL. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE HAS NEVER COMPLETELY STALLED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SEEN BY THE SERVICE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM COULD NEVER BE DUPLICATED. UPDATED 06/07/2006. *AK *TS

PARKED ON A SLIGHT SLOPE WITH THE ENGINE OFF, MY 97 FORD EXPLORER ROLLED BACK 5 FEET BY ITSELF, COMING CLOSE WITH COMING TRAFFIC! *NM

I RETURNED FROM A TRIP TO NOTICE THAT THE SPARE ON MY 1997 FORD EXPLORER HAD "DISAPPEARED". SEEMS THAT THE CABLE THAT HOLDS IT HAD RUSTED OUT AND GIVEN WAY DROPPING THE SPARE WHO KNOWS WHERE. I HAD NEVER USED THE SPARE AND HAD ONLY NOTICED THINKING I HAD SEEN FLUID UNDER MY CAR. I HAVE THE CAR INSPECTED FOR STATE PURPOSES AND NOTHING WAS EVER SAID TO ME. I MENTIONED THE OCCURRENCE TO AN ONLINE BUDDY AND HE SAID THE SAME HAD HAPPENED TO HIM. ANOTHER ACQUAINTANCE SAID HE HAD IT HAPPEN WITH HIS PICK UP TRUCK. I CALLED MY FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY HAD A REPLACEMENT "WINCH & CABLE" IN STOCK SO I THOUGHT WHAT HAPPENED TO ME WAS NOT A RARE OCCURRENCE AND WAS RECALL WORTHY. IT CERTAINLY IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT HAVOC MY SPARE MAY HAVE CREATED ON THE HIGHWAY OR WHEREVER IT DROPPED. *JB

THE BLEND DOOR ON MY 1997 FORD EXPLORER FAILED. THIS FAILURE DID NOT ALLOW PROPER DE-FOGGING OF THE WINDSHIELD. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20MPH A VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THIS WAS A SIDE AND FRONTAL IMPACT AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE SEAT BELTS WERE IN USE. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. UPON INSPECTION THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SEPARATED THREE MILLILITERS AS IF THE AIR BAG WAS GOING TO DEPLOY. THE AIRBAG WARNING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WERE ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE.

REGARDING RECALL 00V402000 ON SWAY BAR PROBLEMS I ALSO WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE WAS BEYOND THE RECALL DATE HOWEVER THE SAME PARTS HAVE BROKEN JUST AS THE RECALL STATES. *JB

THE HEATER BLEND DOOR FAILED ON MY 1997 FORD EXPLORER WHILE DRIVING IT IN SNOWY CONDITIONS. I ONLY HAD COLD AIR BLOWING ON MY WINDOWS. AFTER REVIEWING WEB SITES, I HAVE FOUND THAT THE TOP PIECE OF MY HEATERS HOT AND COLD BLEND DOOR IS BROKEN. THE COST OF REPLACING THIS ONE PIECE OF PLASTIC IS AROUND $1000. FORD HAS A REPLACEMENT PART THAT IS NOW STRONGER, BUT FAILS TO REALIZE THE DEFECT IN THE OLDER DOORS. *NM

1997 FORD EXPLORER REAR WHEEL BOUNCED AND TIRE TREAD CAME OFF. *TS *JB

DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND IT WENT THROUGH THE STOP SIGN AND THEN CAME TO A STOP WHEN PLACED INTO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY TWO MORE TIMES BEFORE THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TAKE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. IT OCCURRED WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP. AGAIN THE BRAKES WOULD NOT HOLD AND THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED INTO NEUTRAL TO GET IT TO STOP. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHICH HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED AT THIS TIME. *AK UPDATED 12/27/2005 - WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED COLD IT WOULD NOT STAY ON AND IDLED ERRATICALLY. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE ACCELERATION PROBLEM AND IDLE PROBLEM WERE DUE TO A FAULTY THROTTLE SENSOR. THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE VALVE ASSEMBLY BUT THAT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM.*NM

DT: THE CONTACT STATE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIR UNDER NHTSA RECALL 98V060000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 98S09 BEFORE BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER. WHEN SHE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE DONE ON JANUARY 9, 2001. SHE WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND HAD TO JUMP START THE VEHICLE ON JANUARY 24, 2005. IMMEDIATELY AFTER HE HAD DONE SO HE SMELLED FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. WHEN HE TOOK VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP THEY FOUND TWO HOLES IN THE FUEL LINE. THEY HAD THE FUEL LINE REPLACED AT THEIR EXPENSE. THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN ON OCTOBER 15, 2005. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND HAD TO JUMP START THE VEHICLE AGAIN. AFTER EXAMINING THE FUEL LINE HE FOUND THERE WERE TWO HOLES IN THE EXACT SAME SPOTS. SHE TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER, AND THEY TOLD HER THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. *AK

I THINK THE REAR DOOR OF FORD EXPLORERS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. I HAVE A 1997 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE WELD THAT HOLDS THE REAR DOOR AT THE TOP IS STARTING TO COME APART. I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS IS AN ENGINEERING DEFECT ON FORD EXPLORERS BY A FORD BODY SHOP. WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE? I HAVE ALSO SEEN THIS ON SEVERAL OTHER EXPLORERS. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS OCCURS BECAUSE THE SHEET METAL USED ON THE DOOR IS SO THIN THAT IT DOES NOT SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE REAR DOOR THAT GOOD.*JB

CRUISE CONTROL UNDER THE HOOD CAUSED POWER OUTAGE TO OVERHEAD TEMPERATURE/DIRECTION DISPLAY. WHEN TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR THE TECH ALONG WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER,INDICATED THAT SPARKS AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE CRUISE CONTROL LOCATED UNDER THE HOOD WHEN POWER WAS APPLIED. THIS IS THE SAME CRUISE CONTROL THAT HAS CAUSED ACCIDENTS AND DEATH. THIS CRUISE CONTROL IS THE SAME ONE THAT HAS SPARKED A LARGE RECALL FROM FORD BUT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY ELECTED NOT TO INCLUDE THE EXPLORER. *NM

TEMPERATURE OUT OF CONTROL, DEFOGGING/DEFROSTING CHALLENGED ON A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. WAS TOLD IT WILL IT IS DUE TO DEFECT IN THE AIR BLEND DOOR. I CAN'T DEFROST THE WINDOWS WHICH COULD BE AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. *NM

I HAVE A 1997 FORD EXPLORER THAT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE ORIGINATED AROUND THE WIRING HARNESS IN AND AROUND THE MASTER CYLINDER. WHEN MY VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE I LOST MY BRAKES INSTANTLY.*JB

1997 FORD EXPLORER DEVELOPED TWO FAILURES OF THE BRAKE LINE.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE CONSUMERS WIFE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF BRAKES DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LINE ABOVE THE REAR AXLE. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED A SECOND TIME, BUT THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, BOTH FAILURES WERE CAUSED BY CORROSION. *JB

DT: 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONSUMER STATES THE FOUR WHEEL/ TWO WHEEL LIGHTS ARE FLASHING ON AND OFF. THIS WILL HAPPEN UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGES INTO FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. THE ONLY WAY ONE CAN TELL THIS HAS HAPPENED IS FROM THE POPPING AND CRACKING NOISES COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CUMBERLAND FALLS FORD TWICE. THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, THEY THOUGHT IT WAS THE SWITCH. THE TRANSFER SWITCH WAS REPLACED, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY SLOWS DOWN WHEN IT GOES INTO FOUR WHEEL DRIVE.*AK

THE CRUISE CONTROL ON OUR 1997 FORD EXPLORER STOPPED WORKING. I CALLED AND CHECK TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE WE KNOW OF THE EXPEDITION HAVING PROBLEMS WHERE THIS WAS CAUSING FIRES TO START WITH THE VEHICLE. WE WERE TOLD THIS DID NOT INVOLVE THE EXPLORER. I WAS CONCERNED BECAUSE I FEEL THAT THERE COULD BE A CONNECTION. WE HAD THE REPAIRS DONE BUT I FELT THAT THIS NEEDED TO BE REPORTED. I ALSO FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO REPORT TO THE NHTSA EACH TIME THE FORD EXPLORER HAS TO REPAIR CRUISE CONTROL FAILURES TO HELP DETERMINE IF THERE IS A PROBLEM THAT IS WIDESPREAD. *JB

BRAKE FAILURE LEAVING PERSONNEL RESIDENCE (NOTED ABOVE). REAR STEAL BRAKE LINE BURST LEAKING BRAKE FLUID AND DE-MOBILIZING BRAKE SYSTEM (PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, STOPPED THE VEHICLE WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE). LEAK WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE VEHICLE. BRAKE LINE BETWEEN THE REAR AXLE AND SPARE TIRE. BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED AWAY. LOCAL REPAIR SHOP REPLACED THE LINE. *JB

1997 FORD EXPLORER DEVELOPED A DEFECT IN THE DEFROSTER AND DEFOGGER SYSTEM. *MR THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A BROKEN PLASTIC DOOR IN THE A/C/HEATER PLENUM. THIS CREATED A CONDITION OF FOGGING THE WINDSHIELD UNCONTROLLABLY AND IMPAIRING THE DRIVERS VISION. *SC

OVER ROUGH PAVEMENT OR ENTERING RAMPED DRIVEWAYS AT AN ANGLE, VEHICLE ROCKED SIDE-TO-SIDE MORE THAN NORMAL, WITH AN OCCASIONAL "CLUNK". INSPECTION REVEALED A BOLT HOLDING THE ANTI-ROLL BAR TO THE UPPER CONTROL ARM HAD RUSTED AND FAILED, RENDERING THE ANTI-ROLL BAR NON-FUNCTIONAL. GIVEN THE PROPENSITY OF THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER IF DRIVEN IMPROPERLY, THIS FAILURE INCREASES THE RISK / DECREASES THE ROLLOVER THRESHOLD. *NM

ENGINE CRANK BROKE OFF AT PULLEY. NO PREVIOUS WARNING, IT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. 110 MILES ON ENGINE AT TIME OF CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. DEALERSHIP LAUGHED AT REQUEST FOR REPAIRS, "WARRANTY EXPIRED". I PAID FOR NEW "REBUILT ENGINE" COST= $3000.00. *NM

DRIVER SIDE TIE-ROD SEPERATION '97 FORD EXPEDITION WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH ON HIGHWAY. LOSE OF STEERING CONTROL. SERIOUS ACCIDENT AVOIDED ONLY BECAUSE OF EMERGENCY BRAKING.

WHILE DRIVING ON THE I15 INTERSTATE FREEWAY AND MAKING A MERGE ONTO CALIFORNIA STATE HIIGHWAY 78 IN HEAVY TRAFFIC THE ACCELERATOR PEDDLE BRACKET BROKE AWAY FROM THE ENGINE FIREWALL WHERE IT HAD BEEN SPOT WELDED. AFTER SEVERAL NEAR COLLISIONS, I MANAGED TO PULL OFF OF THE FREEWAY. UPON CLOSE INSPECTION I SAW THAT THE SPOT WELDS HOLDING THE BRACKET TO THE ENGINE FIREWALL HAD FAILED, ALLOWING THE BRACKET TO PULL AWAY FROM SUPPORT RENDERING THE ACCELERATOR PEDDLE USELESS. AS OF TODAY, 7/25/2005, I HAVE NOT YET REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY AS I WANTED TO FIND OUT IF SIMILAR INCIDENTS ON THE 1997 FORD EXPLORER HAVE BEEN REPORTED.

SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS AUTO, IT SEEMS TO BE FALLING APART. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT NO LONGER LATCHES. WE HAVE TO LOOP THE DRIVER SIDE THROUGH THE PASSENGER SIDE. IT APPEARS THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH SEVERAL OF THESE MODELS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AND SEAT BELTS ARE MANDATORY BY LAW. IS THERE ANYTHING BEING DONE? THE LEFT TURN INDICATOR HAS HAD ELECTRICAL ISSUES FOR YEARS. IT MAKES A ZZZZ SOUND AND NO LONGER WORKS. I AM ALSO DOWN TO ONLY ONE DOOR THAT THE KEY WORKS ON. THAT IS THE BACK LIFT. THE DOOR KEY HAD NOT WORKED ON THE DRIVER SIDE FOR YEARS, THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE WENT. I HAVE THE SAME HEAT PROBLEM THE OTHERS ARE HAVING. YOU EITHER GET FULL ON HEAT AND HAVE TO TURN IT ON AND OFF WHEN IT GETS TOO HOT OR YOU GET PARTIAL AC, ALWAYS A LITTLE WARM. BOTH THE AC AND HEAT HAS BEEN SERVICED, THE PROBLEM IS IN THE SWITCH SOMEWHERE. AND NOW THE REASON I'M WRITING IS I HAVE MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. FUSES AND SOLINOIDS HAVE BEEN LOOKED AT, THERE ARE NO LONGER LIGHTS IN THE DASH AREA. THE LIGHTS ON ALARM (DING DING DING DING) REMAINS ON WHEN THE CAR IS OFF, THE KEYS OUT AND THE DOOR SHUT WHICH HAS DRAINED MY BATTERY COMPLETLY. I HAVE JUMPED STARTED IT TWICE AND NOW IT SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY BECAUSE IT WILL COST A FORTUNE TO HAVE THE ELECTRICAL LOOKED AT. IF THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH ANYONE ELSE IT SHOULD BE REPORTED TO FORD. NOT ONLY CAN I NO LONGER DRIVE THIS CAR, IT WOULD BE TOTALLY UNSAFE TO USE IT. I NEED 4WHEEL DRIVE JUST TO GET OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY IN WINTER AND HAVE NO IDEA HOW I'M GOING TO COME UP WITH THE MONEY FOR ALL THESE REPAIRS. PLEASE ADVISE IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLS THAT ADDRESS THESE ISSUES. THE INCIDENT DATE I LISTED BELOW IS FOR THE TIME THE SEATBELT STARTED TO FAIL COMPLETLY. WE WERE ON A VACATION TRIP!

DT: THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER ,WHO SAID THEY COULD NOT GET IT IN UNTIL SATURDAY FOR REPAIRS. TUESDAY THE VEHICLE CAUGHTON FIRE WITH THE ENGINE NOT RUNNING. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED WITH ENGINE TURNED OFF FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES , AND WHEN CONSUMER RETURNED THE VEHICLE WAS IN FLAMES. THE FIRE WAS MOST PROMINENT IN THE FRONT. THE FIRE DEPT CAME, AND THEY SAID THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE FROM THE DASH AND HEAD AREA AND IT WAS ELECTRICAL IN NATURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THERE ARE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTS AS WELL AS PHOTOGRAPHS. NO OTHER INDICATION AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED. *AK

SEAT BELT BUCKLE LATCH MECHANISM HAS FAILED FOR THE DRIVERS SEAT IN MY 1997 FORD 4 DOOR 4X4 EXPLORER

1997 FORD EXPLORER, 5.0 L ENGINE, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE CAR'S ENGINE UNEXPECTEDLY RACES TO THE POINT THAT ITS BRAKES WILL NOT HOLD IT BACK. THIS SOMETIMES HAPPENS WHEN BACKING FROM A COLD START AND SOMETIMES WHEN BRAKING FOR A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE IS TO SHIFT INTO PARK AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE. THE EFFECT IS LIKE BEING SLAMMED INTO BY A LARGE VEHICLE. IT ALMOST KILLED MY PREGNANT DAUGHTER AND ME EARLIER THIS MONTH WHEN IT HAPPENED AS I WAS BRAKING FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT. IT FELT LIKE WE HAD BEEN HIT FROM THE REAR, BUT IT WAS THE ENGINE PULLING ITS OLD TRICK AGAIN. THE LOCAL FORD DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE PROBLEM. ONE YEAR AGO HE SAID THAT IT WAS THE PCV VALVE AND HE REPLACED THE VALVE. THE CAR THEN BEHAVED FOR ABOUT ONE YEAR. THEN, WITHOUT WARNING, WITH MY WIFE AT THE WHEEL, THE CAR, IN REVERSE, RACED OUT OF OUR GARAGE INTO THE STREET. IT WAS UNSTOPABLE. LATER IT DID THE SAME THING, WHILE IN DRIVE, AT INTERSECTIONS. I RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER WHO COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. IT THEN HAPPENED TO ME AND MY DAUGHTER AND I RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER WHO TESTED IT FOR A WEEK WITHOUT RESULTS.

DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILS TO STAY LATCHED, OR SOMETIMES BECOMES UNLATCHED WITH DRIVERS FORWARD BODY MOTION (EXTEND LINE OF SIGHT, CHANGE RADIO/CLIMATE SETTINGS, TURN ON LIGHTS, ETC.). AS A RESULT, THE SEAT BELT IS NOT A RELIABLE SAFETY RESTRAINT. I AM HAVING PROBLEMS FIND A REPLACEMENT PART.

DT: THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH STOPPED WORKING, THE CONSUMER LIFTED UP THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT FLUID WAS LEAKING AROUND THE MASTER BRAKE UNIT. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM AND THEY REPLACED THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH ABOUT A WEEK AGO. *JB

DT: CONTACT STATED WHILE USING THE DEFROSTER SYSTEM THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM THE OUTSIDE TO THE INSIDE. VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, BUT WAS SCHEDULED TO BE TAKEN IN THIS WEEK. *AK

CONSUMER HEARD NOISE ON DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL AND FRONT STABILIZER BAR BROKE. CONSUMER CALLED THE DEALER, AND FORD WAS TOLD CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN NUMBER. OTHER VEHICLES OF SAME YEAR WERE RECALLED. CONTACT FELT THIS VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED.*AK AT LOW SPEED VEHICLE WAS RESPONDING NORMALLY BUT AT INCREASED SPEED VEHICLE BECOMES UNSTABLE FOR A SHORT INSTANCE. CONSUMER COULD NOT CONTINUE TO DRIVE UNSAFELY, SO CONSUMER PURCHASED TWO NEW STABILIZER LINKS FROM FORD DEALERSHIP FOR $22. MECHANIC REPLACED BOTH OF THEM FOR AN ADDITIONAL $40. CONSUMER FEELS THAT THIS INCIDENT IS UNFORTUNATE FOR THE FORD COMPANY NOT TO STAND BEHIND THEIR VEHICLES BECAUSE THE LINKS ARE NOT MOVING PARTS OF THE VEHICLE AND SHOULD LAST A LIFETIME. *SB *NM

DT: THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY CAME ON. DEALER SAID IT COULD EITHER BE A LOOSE CONNECTION OR MOISTURE IN THE SYSTEM. AFTER ABOUT FIVE MILES ON THE ROAD, THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. PULLS IN SECOND GEAR. TRANSMISSION FINALLY FAILED.*AK *SB

AIR BLEND DOOR FAILURE. I ONLY HAVE HOT AIR.

1997 FORD EXPLORER LOWER BALL JOINTS ON EXPLORER, BOTH SIDES, LEFT AND RIGHT, HAD A CLUNK WHEN GOING OVER DIPS IN ROAD. FORD DID NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM WAS THERE FROM NEW, I HAVE 57,000 MILES ON THE EXPLORER. THE PROBLEM WAS FOUND AT FIRESTONE WHEN ROTATING THE TIRES AND GETTING READY FOR A FRONT END ALINEMENT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE BALL JOINTS WERE BAD ON BOTH SIDES . NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. I TALKED TO FORD, THEY SAY THE WARRANTY IS GONE AND WILL DO NOTHING, BUT WILL TURN IT OVER TO THE ENGINEERS

I OWN A 1997 FORD EXPLORER THAT SINCE ITS BEEN PURCHASED THE AIR CONDITIONING AND THE HEAT WERE ALWAYS GIVING ME PROBLEMS, I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT ITS A PROBLEM WITH ALMOST EVERY FORD EXPLORER OUT ON THE ROADS TODAY. THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN TO ME DUE TO WINDOW DEFROSTING DURING THE WINTER MONTHS, THE BLEND DOOR HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN AND WILL OPEN AND CLOSE AT ANY TIME. PLEASE ADVISE ME ON HOW I CAN GET THIS LOOKED INTO. I BELIEVE THAT FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS AND THEY BELIEVE THAT THEY DONT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME

DT: 1997 FORD EXPLORER THE DRIVER FRONT DOOR AND THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. CONTACT STATES SHE CALLED THE SERVICE DEALER, BUT IT COSTS TOO MUCH TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT, PARTS AND LABOR WOULD BE MORE.*AK

THE PROBLEM I'M HAVING INVOLVES A 1997 FORD EXPLORER SPORT (4.0L-5SPD-NON-AUTO CLIMATE CONTROL)--THE TEMP IS NOT CONTROLLABLE AND REMAINS HOT ALL THE TIME EXCEPT FOR MAX A/C--THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO COMMONLY INVOLVE BUT IS NOT NECCESSARILY LIMITED TO THE BLEND DOOR, BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR AND HEATER BOX--TO MY KNOWLEDGE THERE HAVE BEEN NO DEATHER OR INJURIES CAUSED BY THIS PROBLEM BUT IT IS SIGNIFICANT NON THE LESS . *AK

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE ON ITS OWN. PULLED OVER, AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE FOR INSPECTION. THE CAUSE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. *AK

AFTER PULLING OFF THE INTERSTATE I NOTICED MY 1997 FORD EXPLORER WAS MAKING AWFUL NOISES AND DIDN'T HANDLE WELL. WHEN I GOT HOME I REALIZED THE SWAY BAR LINK HAD SNAPPED. AFTER LOOKING AT YOUR WEBSITE I SAW THAT THE 1997 FORD EXPLORER WAS RECALLED FOR SWAY BAR LINKS BREAKING. AFTER BRINGING MY EXPLORER TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THE ITEM FIXED I WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE WASN'T PART OF THE RECALL AND THAT THEY GO BY VIN #'S. SO MY QUESTION IS WHY ARE ONLY CERTAIN 1997 EXPLORERS RECALLED. JUST BECAUSE MY VEHICLE'S VIN # DOESN'T QUALIFY DOES THAT MEAN THAT I SHOULD LOOSE CONTROL ON THE INTERSTATE GOING 75 MPH. ONLY CERTAIN COLOR EXPLORERS GET RECALLED? MAYBE ONLY EXPLORERS BUILT ON WEDNESDAYS IN 1997 QUALIFY. DO I HAVE TO CRASH AND DIE UNTIL MY VIN # QUALIFIES? IT WILL BE TOO LATE THEN BUT MAYBE MY PARENTS CAN SUE FORD AND GET RICH. FORD ALREADY TRIED TO KILL ME WITH THEIR FIRESTONE TIRES AND NOW THIS. I'M GLAD THE NHTSA HAS THE KNOWLEDGE TO KNOW EXACTLY WHICH 1997 EXPLORERS HAD FAULTY PARTS, SEEMS LIKE A COINCIDENCE THAT I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM THAT RESULTED IN A RECALL FOR THE 1997 EXPLORER BUT YET I AM REFUSED SERVICE BY FORD. COULD YOU PLEASE TELL ME HOW THIS CAN HAPPEN. I AM FURIOUS WITH FORD BUT I GUESS I SHOULD BE MORE ANGRY WITH THE NHTSA SINCE THEY ISSUE THE RECALLS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW YOU DETERMINE WHICH LIVES TO SAVE AND WHICH ONES AREN'T AS IMPORTANT. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME, JOE

I BOUGHT THE EXPLORER LAST APRIL AND THE A/C WORKED FINE, BUT WHEN WINTER GOT HERE THE HEATER WOULD NOT BLOW WARM AIR. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE THERMOSTATE AND LOOKED AT OTHER THINGS, BUT COULD NOT FIX IT. I THEN TOOK IT TO A SECOND MECHANIC WHO LOOKED AT IT AND TOLD ME THAT HE HAD JUST FIXED THE SAME PROBLEM ON ANOTHER 97 FORD EXPLORER--AND IT WAS THE BLEND DOOR. THAT THE DOOR WAS A FACTOR DEFECT AND WOULD COST ABOUT $650.00 TO REPLACE IT. I DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO HAVE IT REPLACED, AND IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN IT IS STUCK ON A/C AIR AND YOU CAN NOT DEFROST YOUR WINDSHILD WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING. IT HAS NOT BEEN FIXED AND RESTRICTS VISION OUT OF THE WINDSHIELD WHEN FOGGED OR ICED WHICH COULD CAUSE ME TO HAVE A BAD WRECK.

(1) CRUISE CONTROL, NORMAL USEAGE (2) WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS ON FOR MORE THAN FIVE MINUTES, THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH CONTROLLING ACCEL, COAST, RESUME, ON THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMES HOT. FURTHERMORE, APPROXIMATELY 30% OF THE TIME, THE VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY ACCELERATE WHEN THE COAST BUTTON IS DEPRESSED, RESULTING IN TWO NEAR MISSES, WITH TEMPORARY LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. (3) THE FAILURE STILL EXISTS, HOWEVER I HAVE NOT USED THE CRUISE CONTROL FOR TWO MONTHS. I HAD CONTACTED A FORD DEALERSHIP FULLY EXPLAINING THE PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL; I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN AND PAY FOR IT.

FEW MONTHS AGO I HAVE PURCHASED A SET OF BOSCH SPARK PLUGS (PLATINUM 2 PART # 4305). ABOUT 3 WEEKS AFTER I INSTALLED THEM WILE DRIVEN ON THE EXPRESSWAY ONE OF THEM EXPLODED RUINING THE WIRE AND CAUSING TO FLIP FLOP ALL OVER SPARKING LUCKY I STOP RIGHT AWAY. THE CERAMIC PORTION OF THE SPARK HAS COME OUT OF IT CLEAN CAN NOT EVEN FIND A TRACE OF CERAMIC ON THE PLUG BUT UNFORTUNATELY THE ELECTRODE OR PORTION OF IT FELL IN TO THE CYLINDER ,CAUSING AN IRREPARABLE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE, I HAVE REPORTED THE DAMAGE AND DETAILS TO THE MANUFACTURER AND EVEN SEND THEM THE PLUG FOR INSPECTION AND EXPLAIN EVERY THING, BUT THEY HAVE RETURN THE PLUG AND A LETTER SATING THAT THE REASON THE PLUG EXPLODED WAS BECAUSE IMPROPER TORQUE. I HAVE BEEN INSTALLING THE PLUGS ON MY VEHICLES FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS AND I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM LIKE THIS AND PEOPLE I TALKED TO SAID THE PLUG SHOULD NOT EXPLODE FOR THAT REASON. I THAT IS THE CASE I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE ON THIS PARTICULAR PLUGS AND THERE IS NOTHING ON THE PACKAGE INDICATING TO THE CONSUMER OF THIS DANGER. *AK

WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH TRANSMISSION ENGAGED ITSELF INTO 4-WHEEL DRIVE. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE LOST POWER, AND WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS. DEALER STATED TRANSMISSION BURNED ITSELF OUT, AND NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. *AK

FORD EXPLORER 1997, CONSUMER PAID FOR REPLACEMENT OF ENGINE PRIOR TO FORD RECALL. *BF THE CONSUMER WAS DENIED REIMBURSEMENT UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE WAS NOT PURCHASED FROM FORD. *NM

I PURCHASED A 1 OWNER,USED 1997 FORD EXPLORER IN APRIL 2004.IT HAS 105.000.3 MONTHES LATER,THE TRANSFER CASE WENT.WHEN MY MECHANIC HAD IT ON THE LIFT,HE SAW THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD ALREADY BEEN REBUILT.NOW 6 MONTHES LATER,THE TRANSFER CASE,WHICH CAME OFF OF A 1997 EXPLORER WITH 60,000 MILES ON IT,IS GOING BAD.I HAVEN'T EVEN PUT 10,000 MILES ON IT SINCE HAVING IT REPLACED IN AUGUST.I SPOKE TO OTHER FORD EXPLORER OWNERS,AND THEY TOO HAVE HAD TO REPAIR,OR REPLACE THE TRANSMISSIONS AND OR TRANSFER CASES MULTIPLE TIMES IN THEIRS.IT IS GETTING EXTREMELY COSTLY TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM FIXED.AS WELL AS THE INCONVENIENCE OF HAVING TO FIND A RIDE WHILE ITS IN FOR SERVICE.IS THIS A FAMILIAR COMPLAINT? I WAS NOT TOLD BY THE DEALER OF ANY TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS,OR THE FACT THAT THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION WAS PREVIOUSLY FIXED.IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO?PLEASE HELP.*AK

BLEND DOOR CRACKED ON 1997 FORD EXPLORER, CAUSING LACK OF ABILITY TO DEFROST WINDOWS. I LIVE IN WISCONSIN AND THE WINDOWS FOGGED UP BADLY. VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE WHEN IT'S 20 BELOW OUT AND THE DEFROSTER DOESN'T WORK. COST TO REPLACE AIR PLENUM WITH REVISED, REDESIGNED ONE ABOUT $900. *AK

I DRIVE A 1997 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT TODAY BECAME UNLATCHED WHEN I HIT THE BREAKS HARD. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED. HAD I HIT ANOTHER CAR, I WOULD HAVE GONE THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. FORD WANTS TO CHARGE ME $100 FOR THE REPAIR. *JB

THE REAR LIFT GATE DOOR IS TEARING AWAY FROM THE WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE LIFT GATE DOOR HINGE ON THE LEFT SIDE (DIRVERS SIDE). THE DOOR HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PROBLEM TO CLOSE AND WAS AJAR FROM WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW. THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT WOULD COME ON ALL THE TIME, AND OF COUSE THE NUMBEROUS TIME I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY COULD NEVER "DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM". NOW IT IS BEYOND THE POINT OF AJUSTMENT. THE WHOLE LIFTGATE HAS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF APPROXIAMETLY $1,200. IT IS A SAFETY HAZZARD AS I HAVE TO PULL OUT THE FUSETO GET THE LIGHTS TO GO OUT, IN ORDER TO DRIVE IT AT NIGHT. THE LIGHTS WON'T GO OFF WHEN THE DOOR IS AJAR. WHEN IT RAINS I HAVE TO STOP TO PUT THE FUSE BACK IN AND DRIVE WITHT THE INTERIOR LIGHTS ON, WHICH IS VERY HARD TO SEE. ALSO FUMES COME IN FROM THE EXHAUST SO I CAN'T GO FOR LONG TRIPS N IT. IF I DIDN'T LIKE THE CAR SO MUCH I WOULD TRADE IT IN, BUT I REALLY LOVE MY EXPLORER EXCEPT FOR THIS DEFECT IN CONSTRUCTION. (IT HAS NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT.) I AM TAKING IT IN TO BE FIXED NEXT WEEK.*AK

1997 FORD EXPLORER. WITH MALFUCTION CAR WOULD NOT STOP FAST IDELLIG AFTER AFER USING CRUISE CONTROL. COULD NOT GET IT TO STOP CAUSED THE BRAKES TO CATCH FIRE AD BURN. DUE TO TRYING TO KEEP THE CAR AT A SLOW SPEED. TILL I WAS AT ASAFE AREA WERE I COULD ABTAIN HELP.*AK

I WAS DRIVING THE TRUCK ON MY WAY HOME. I HAD DRIVEN 12 MILES WHEN I NOTICE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE DASH BOARD BY THE STEERING COLUMN. I PULLED OVER AND BY THE TIME I GRABBED MY LAPTOP AND WALKED APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET FROM THE VEHICLE TO CALL FOR HELP THE TRUCK WAS FILLED WITH BLACK SMOKE AND WAS ON FIRE. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE BURNDT TRUCK, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM. I ALSO STILL HAVE THE BURNDT TRUCK. I HAVE ALWAYS FELT THERE WAS A FAULT SOMEWHERE IN THE DASH ON THIS FIRE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE PICTURES OR THE VEHICLE THAT CAN BE ARRANGED. *AK

1997 EXPEDITION SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE IN THE DRIVEWAY 45 MINUTES AFTER IT HAD BEEN DRIVEN. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE CAME AND PUT OUT WHAT WAS ALMOST A CATASTROPHIC HOUSE FIRE. THE TRUCK WAS A TOTAL LOSS. TO REPLACE IT WITH SOMETHING COMPARABLE WE BOUGHT A 99 EXPEDITION. WE WERE OUT $8000 IN THE TRADE. THE OLDER EXPEDITION HAD ONE CAR PAYMENT LEFT ON IT BEFORE THE FIRE. NOW I AM HORRIFIED THAT WE HAVE ANOTHER ON IN THE DRIVEWAY.*AK

HEATER IN VEHICLE BECAME INOPERATIVE DURING A SLEET AND ICE STORM. HEATER BLEND DOOR FAILED CAUSING ONLY COLD AIR TO BLOW OUT OF HEATER AND DEFROSTER, WINDSHIELD AND WINDOWS FOGGED UP AND I COULD NOT SEE THE ROAD. HEATER BOX AND BLEND DOOR REPLACED THAT COST ME $700.00. 8NM

THE HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNAL FAILSEDTO WORK INTERMITTENTLY. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

VEHICLE LOST STEERING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING 35-40 MPH. THIS ALMOST CAUSED VEHICLE TO RUN DOWN AN EMBANKMENT. VEHICLE TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY THE SWAY BAR LINKS WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK

TRANSFER CASE HAD TO BE REPLACED. UPON INVESTIGATION THERE WAS A SAFETY NOTICE FROM FORD, BUT NO RECALL. THE REPAIR SHOP SAID IT WAS THE THIRD EXPLORER THEY HAD FIXED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM IN A WEEK.*AK

I HAVE TWO 1997 FORD EXPLORERS (AN XLT AND AN EDDIE BAUER) BOTH VEHICLES HAVE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH DOOR LATCHES AND POWER LOCKS. OCCUPANTS HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS DUE TO INOPERABLE HANDLES AND/OR LOCKS. I BELIEVE SOMEONE COULD BECOME TRAPPED IN ONE OF THESE VEHICLES IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT.*AK

THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SWAY BAR FRACTURED. RECALL 00V402000 WAS ISSUED, HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK.....SWAY BAR BROKE IN JULY 2004. CAR FELT LIKE BOAT WHEN DRIVING. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN JANUARY 2005. *AK

REPLACEMENT OF ENGINE DUE TO DEFECTIVE PARTS; THROTTLE BODY PLATE AND CAM CHAIN GUIDE ON MOTORS. *BF THE ENGINE THROTTLE PLATE STUCK WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS WARMING THE VEHICLE ON A COLD DAY. RECALL #00V422000. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE DEFECTIVE ENGINE. THE STARTER DID NOT KICK IN PER INVOICE. *SC

DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILS TO LOCK WHEN CLIP IS INSERTED OR SOMETIMES APPEARS TO LOCK BUT COMES UNLOCK IF OCCUPANT TAKES A BREATH. *NM

FIRST EVIDENCE OF NOISE REPORTED TO DEALER ON 7/22/98. THEY SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. NOISE BECAME UNBEARABLE AND ENGINE BEGAN LOSSING POWER. TOOK IT TO DEALER ON1/2/01 AND FOUND OUT THE FRONT CAM TENSIONER DISINTEGRATED CAUSING SEVERE METALIC NOISES FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. BANKSTON FORD SUPPOSIDLY DID THE WELL KNOWN RECALL. MY PAPERWORK SHOWS THEY REPLACED THE TENSIONER CASSETTE AND CHANGED THE OIL. I OBTAINED THEIR OWN PROCEEDURES FOR THIS ISSUE BECAUSE MANY ENGINES HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACE DUE TO THE PIECES OF THE BROKEN TENSIONER CLOGGING OIL PASSAGES AND DESTROYING THE ENGINES. THE INSTRUCTIONS THEY SHOULD HAVE FOLLOWED INCLUDED INSPECTING THE HEADS FOR CLOGGED PASSAGES AND OTHER THINGS. I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE ENGINE THEN, BUT THEY MADE ME TAKE IT. AS SOON AS I LEFT DEALER, THE NOISE WAS BACK. CALLED THEM AND THEY SAID TO GIVE IT A WEEK AND SEE IF IT GOES AWAY. IT GOT WORSE AND I BROUGHT IT BACK IN TO THE DEALER. THIS TIME THEY SAID IT WAS THE REAR TENSIONER (THE ONE NOT COVERERED BY THEIR RECALL SINCE IT REQUIRES REMOVING THE ENGINE. SAME PART- SAME DEFECT, BUT NOT COVERED DUE TO COST). SINCE FORD WAS LOSING TOO MUCH MONEY ON THEIR DEFECT REPLACING ENGINES, THEY STOPPED HELPING THEIR CUSTOMERS. THE DEALER OFFERED A $500 AND 75,000 MILE WARRANTEE DEALER CONCESSION, BUT I EXPECTED IT TO BE TAKEN CARE OF LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. THE DEFECTIVE PART RUINED THE ENGINE AND IT SHOULD BE REPLACED, OR AT LEAST REPAIRED PROPERLY. HAVE BEEN AT A STAND-STILL FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS NOW WITH A NON-FUNCIONING VEHICLE. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE WILL NOT DO ANYTHING AND THE DEALER NOW WANTS $5000 FOR A NEW ENGINE.*AK

WHILE SHIFTING GEARS VEHICLE JERKED AND VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO A GARAGE FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND REPLACED IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND BRACKET FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. GAS CABLE WAS PULLED TO IDLE CAR OFF ROAD. THE PEDAL WAS BOLTED BACK ON BY AUTO BODY SHOP BUT IS NOT GUARANTEED TO HOLD. *JB

CONSUMER STATED WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED VEHICLE ACCELERATED. AS A RESULT, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. *AK

WHEN I LIFTED OFF OFF THE GAS PEDAL TO BRAKE FOR STOPPED TRAFFIC, THE GAS PEDAL SEEMED TO STICK AND REV THE ENGINE AS I WAS TRYING TO STOP. I HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO STOP, BUT BECAUSE OF THE SPEED OF THE ENGINE IT TOOK LONGER TO SLOW DOWN, AND I HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE TO ME AND AT LEAST ONCE WITH MY WIFE OVER A 3 YEAR PERIOD. THE OCT 15TH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. *JB

WHILE DRIVING BRAKE FAILED COMPLETELY. *BF THERE WAS NO WARNING. *SC *JB

SPARE TIRE IS STORED UNDERNEATH REAR OF CAR SECURED BY A WINCH AND CABLE WHICH RUSTED AND BROKE, DROPPING SPARE TIRE TO GROUND, CREATING A HIGH SPEED HAZARD FOR TRAFFIC FOLLOWING ME.*AK

IT IS HARD TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN THE LANE WHEN ON THE FREEWAY. THE FRONT END HAS BEEN DONE AND THE TIRES REPLACED. MANUFACTURER STATED THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.*AK

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 40 MPH BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE WHEN DEPRESSED. VEHICLE STOPPED WHEN IT COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. DRIVER SUSTAINED BRUISES, CUTS, AND WHIP LASH. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY AWAITING A FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE TO INVESTIGATE THE BRAKE FAILURE. *AK

CONSUMER STATED FRONT STABILIZER BAR BROKE. AS A RESULT, WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH VEHICLE SWERVED TO AVOID ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND ALMOST ROLLED OVER WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL OFF THE GROUND.*AK

MY 1997 FORD EXPLORER HAS AN INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE. I UNDERSTAND BY READING MANY MESSAGE BOARDS AND OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET THAT FORD HAS RECALLED THIS ITEM ON SOME VEHICLES BUT NOT ALL. I REALLY CAN'T BELIEVE THAT FORD WOULD ACTUALLY USE A PLASTIC INTAKE ON ANYTHING. I BELIEVE IT IS A BREAK DOWN IN JUDGEMENT AND FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THIS PART.*AK

I HAVE HAD MY1997 FORD EXPLORER FOR TWO YEARS, THE SAME PROBLEM KEEPS RECURRING. IT BECOMES SULIGISH ON THE ON SET, THAN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. 12 TIMES NOW I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE SPARK PLUGS, 3 TIMES I HAVE DONE FUEL ENJECTION CLEANS, 2 TIMES I HAVE CHANGED THE O2 SENSOR. I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER OWNERS THAT SPEAK OF THE SAME PROBLEMS.*AK

DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK

THE VEHICLE STABILIZER BOLT SNAPPED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, WHEN TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION THE VEHICLE ROLLS. A RECALL(00V-402000) WAS ISSUED, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE'S VIN NUMBER IS OUTSIDE OF THE REMEDY SCOPE. *LA *SC

SWAY BAR LINK FAILURE.*AK

WHILE DRIVING THE ABS ENGAGED, WHICH CAUSED THE TRUCK TO FLIP OVER. AS A RESULT THE DRIVER WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE, THEN TWO SECONDS LATER, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. *JB THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THE FAILURE BUT THE RESPONDED WITH A LETTER WHICH SAID " SORRY THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO FOR YOU AT THIS TIME." *NM

1997 EXPLORER 4.0 SOHC PURCHASED IN 1999.MADE KNOCKING NOISE WENT TO DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES UNDER WARRANTY AND WAS TOLD MY MOTOR WAS PULLED AND TENSIONER (PULLEY, CAM TENSIONER) WAS REPLACED.AFTER RECIEVING NOTIFICATION FROM FORD OF "IN WARRANTY" SERVICE BULLETIN,DIFFERENT DEALER SAID IT HADNT BEEN REPLACE OR DOCUMENTED BY PREVIOUS SERVICE.SO,IT WAS SUPPOSEDLEY REPLACED AGAIN (2 TIME).STILL MAKING THE NOISE AFTER SO LONG, AND TOLD SEVERAL TIMES "WE CANT FIND ANYTHING WRONG" KEPT DRIVING.NOW, I AM IN DEALERSHIP FOR ABOUT 10TH TIME AND MY TESNIONERS,POSSIBLY MY TIMING CHAIN,AND POSSIBLE OTHER COMPONENTS (HOPEFULLY NOT MOTOR)NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN(3TIME,MORE DAMAGE)??!!THIS TIME THERES NO WARRANTY OR REASON WHY I SHOULDENT "HAVE TO PAY" SO IT IS COSTING ME $1600 SO FAR...POSSIBLY MORE IF THERE WAS MORE DAMAGE.THIS MUST BE DOCUMENTED BECAUSE I HAVE TRIED IN GOOD FAITH AND NUMEROUS,TIRING EFFORTS TO REPAIR THIS FROM DAY ONE!DO NOT WANT TO HAVE TO REPLACE MOTOR IN NEAR FUTURE LIKE OTHERS.*AK

I HAD PURCHASED A 1997 FORD EXPLORER XLT FROM MK AUTO IN AUBURN, CA AND THE CAR FAX I RECIEVED SAID THERE HAD BEEN NO RECALLS AND NO ACCIDENTS ON THE VEHICLE. THE OWNER FROM MK AUTO ASSURED ME MANY TIMES THAT THE FEHICLE WAS IN GOOD RUNNING CONDITION. THE DAY AFTER I BAUGHT THE VEHICLE IT BROKE DOWN IN ME. MK AUTO TOOK IT BACK 3 TIMES IN HOPES THEY COULD FIX IT, BUT NEVER DID. 10 MONTHS LATER THE CAM CHAIN GUID BROKE IN THE ENGINE. MY HUSBAND AND I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THERE HAD BEEN 13 RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE I NEVER KNEW ABOUT. THIS CAR IN VERY UNSAFE FOR MY FAMILY AND I AM OUTRAGED I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED! I HAVE NOW TRIED TO BUY ANOTHER CAR, BUT THE FORD EXPLORER IS WORHT SO LITTLE AND NOW I HAVE SO MUCH NEGATIVE EQUATY ITS HARD.......I FINALLY FOUND A CAR, BUT AM PAYING DEARLY FOR IT BECAUSE OF THE EXPLORER WHICH HAS BEEN SITTING IN THE CAR LOT OF A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR OVER A MONTH!*AK

WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION AND THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT. VEHICLE ENDED UP IN A GULLY FACING ONCOMING TRAFFIC. CONSUMER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE TREAD PEELED COMPLETELY OFF OF THE RIGHT REAR TIRE.*AK

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE JERKED AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT APPEAREED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK

THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY MALFUNCTIONED AND FAILED TO LOCK. THE LATCH PLATE DID NOT LOCK IN THE BUCKLE. THIS RENDERED THE SEAT BELT INOPERATIVE.*AK

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH VEHICLE STARTED SWAYING UNCONTROLLABLY. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO A DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE SWAY BAR SHEARED OFF WHILE DRIVING, AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. *AK

HEATER BLEND DOOR ON MY 1997 FORD EXPLORER DOES NOT CHANGE POSITIONS. IT IS STUCK IN THE POSITION ONLY GIVING ME AIR CONDITIONING FULL TIME. NO MATTER WHERE THE DIAL ON THE DASH IS TURNED THE HEAT REFUSES TO ACTIVATE. THROUGH A QUICK SERIES OF ODD WEATHER OCCURRENCES I FOUND MY WINDSHIELD COVERED IN A LAYER OF ICE THAT COULD NOT BE REMOVED SINCE THE HEAT DID NOT WORK ON THE DEFROSTER. THIS ALMOST CAUSED A NEAR FATAL HEAD-ON COLLISION. I HAVE NO OPTION NOW BUT TO HAVE THE HEATER PLENUM REPLACED AT A COST $1010. *NM

WHILE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC, ACCELERATOR PEDAL BROKE AWAY FROM THE FIREWALL. WAS ABLE TO ROLL OVER TO SHOULDER. I WAS ABLE TO REACH UNDER THE DASH AND PULLED ON THE PEDAL TO DRIVE. APPARENTLY THE WELDS (3) FAILED (TORE OUT). I REPAIRED IT BY DRILLING OUT HOLES AND SCREWING THE BRACKET BACK TO THE FIREWALL. *AK

1997 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED. WHILE DRIVING GAS PEDAL ASSEMBLY BROKE OFF FROM FIREWALL. UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. HAD TO REACH UNDER DASH TO GRASP THROTTLE LINKAGE TO GET OFF ROAD. (THANKFUL MY WIFE WASN'T DRIVING AT THE TIME). *AK

I HAD TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASSIONS DUE TO COOLANT LOSS AND THE TEMPARATURE GUAGE READING COOL. ON EACH OCCASSION THEY REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT. THE LAST TIME WAS JUST PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. I SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED THAT IT BE TESTED AND CHECKED THOUROUGHLY BECASUE I DID NOT WANT TO REPLACE AN ENGINE AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THEY REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT. SHORTLY AFTER I EXPERIENCED THE SAME DIFFICULTY. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A PRIVATE GARAGE AND THEY REPORTED THAT THE HEAD GASKETS HAD FAILED AND WERE LEAKING. I CONTACTED THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP AND HE REQUESTED THAT I BRING THE VEHICLE TO THEM FOR TESTS. SEVERAL DAYS LATER THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CALLED AND INFORMED ME THAT THE HEAD GASKETS HAD FAILED AND THAT COOLANT WAS ENTERING THE CYLINDERS. THEY OFFERED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE FOR $4600.00. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.*AK

WHILE HAVING THE TIRES ROTATED DEALERSHIP NOTICED THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WORE OUT PREMATURELY, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK *LA

ON 5 SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHEN DRIVING IN THE SNOW, THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE FAILED, RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE SKIDDING AND HITTING A GUARD RAIL, A MAIL BOX AND ROCKS. *AK WHEN THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ENGAGED THE VEHICLE WENT INTO A SKID. *JB

DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK. REAR WINDOW WOULD BE ROLLED DOWN SO THAT DRIVER CAN ENTER AND EXIT FROM THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT ON RECALL. *AK

FORD EXPLORER 1997 XLT 4 DOOR 4.0L Y AIR BLEND DOOR IS NO LONGER WORKING SUCH THAT THE HEATING SYSTEM IS PERMANENTLY ON HOT AND WITH A 9 MONTH BABY THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN THAT WE CANNOT COOL THE CAR TO THE COMFORTABLE TEMPERATURE DURING SUMMER. I FOUND ON THE INTERNET THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WHICH FORD HAS FIXED IN LATER MODELS WITH REVISED SYSTEM PART #F87Z-18471-DA. *AK

WITHOUT ANY WARNING, LOST ALL POWER, ENGINE TOTALLY SHUT OFF AT 45 MPH. HAD TOWED AND WAS TOLD CRANKSHAFT BROKE. FORD KNOWS OF PROBLEMS WITH THE CRANKSHAFT AND HAS ACTUALLY REPLACED SOME BUT AS MORE ARE BREAKING, REFUSES TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM. HAD THIS HAPPENED THE PREVIOUS WEEKEND WHILE TRAVELING RT. 95 THIS COULD HAVE HAD SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. PLEASE LOOK INTO THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 1997/1998 FORD EXPLORER CRANKSHAFT PROBLEMS. *JB

FORD DID NOT APPLY NHTSA RECALL 98V060 PROPERLY TO MY 1997 FORD EXPLORER VIN [XXX]. THE DO NOT GROUND WARNING WAS APPLIED TO THE INCORRECT BRACKET. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO JUMP START THE VEHICLE, I USED THE FUEL LINE BRACKET SINCE THERE WAS NO WARNING LABEL. THE BRAIDED FUEL LINE COVERS OVERHEATED AND MELTED THE FUEL LINE RESULTING IN A SIGNIFICANT LEAKAGE OF FUEL WHEN THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. FORD CLAIMS THE RECALL WAS DONE PROPERLY. I HAVE PHOTOGRAPHS WHICH SHOW IT WAS NOT DONE PROPERLY. I BELIEVE THAT THIS POSES A SERIOUS RISK TO THE 300, 000+ VEHICLES THAT HAD THIS RECALL DONE. SUMMARY 1.THE WARNING LABEL WAS NOT ATTACHED TO THE CORRECT BRACKET WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER THE RECALL 2.THERE IS NO LABEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT INDICATING THAT THE REVISED ALTERNATOR BOLT IS A JUMP START GROUND LOCATION 3.FORDS POSITION IS THAT THE REPAIRS WERE DONE PROPERLY. MY CONTENTION IS THAT THEY WERE NOT DONE PROPERLY. 4.THIS SITUATION POSES AN IMMINENT DANGER TO DRIVERS, PASSENGERS AND BYSTANDERS. 5.THERE ARE STILL SIGNIFICANT NUMBERS OF THESE VEHICLES ON THE ROAD. 6.FORD SHOULD PROVIDE A LABEL INDICATING THAT THE ALTERNATOR BOLT IS A GROUND LOCATION AND THEY SHOULD CHECK VEHICLES THAT WERE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL TO ENSURE THAT THE LABELS WERE PROPERLY APPLIED. *AK UPDATED 07/30/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

CONSUMER HIT A TELEPHONE POLE AT 25 MPH AND THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. *PH *MR

MY HEATER "SPLITTER DOOR" FAILED TO RELEASE HEAT ABOUT 4 MO. AGO AND IS STILL BRIKEN. I HAVEN'T HAD THE 700.OO TO FIX IT. *AK

BLEND DOOR FAILURE ON AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL MODULE. REPLACED AT A COST OF OVER $700. THIS IS A KNOWN AND COMMON FAILURE ON THIS CAR AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY A RECALL BUT IS NOT. *JB

EGR VALVE FAILED AT COST OF OVER $250. THIS IS PART OF THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM AND IS COVERED BY AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. I REQUESTED WARRANTY STATUS FOR THIS PART FROM FORD MOTOR CO. CUSTOMER RELATIONS CENTER IN LETTER OF 7/17/03 WITH 76,172 MILES ON VEHICLE. INITIAL "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" FOR THIS FAILURE WAS AT ABOUT 66,000 ON 8/30/02. FORD DID NOT ANSWER MY INQUIRY, INSTEAD REFERRING ME TO THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE REPS IN INDIA, AGAINST MY WISHES. *JB

WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED CONSUMER WAS TRYING TO RECLINE/ADJUST THE SEAT. THE SEAT RECLINING HANDLE SNAPPED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

THE HEAT ACTUATOR "BROKE" AND ELIMINATED ANY HEAT TO DEFROST MY WINDOWS. *AK

PATHFINDER LUXURY SUV P235/75R15 105S TIRES PURCHASED IN 6/03. THREE OF FOUR TIRES HAVE FAILED. THE FIRST FAILED IN 8/03 WHILE DRIVING 70MPH. THE SECOND WAS FOUND DEFECTIVE DURING TIRE ROTATION IN 12/03. THE THIRD FAILED ON 3/12/04 WHILE DRIVING 70MPH. NO APPARENT ROAD HAZARD. OUTER SIDEWALL WAS COMPLETELY SPLIT BELOW THE TIRE SHOULDER. *AK

IN SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I'VE FOUND THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE SUFFERED THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE HAD. I HAVE A 1997 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED IN 1998 AND I TOOK IT TO LES PINKAM LINCOLN MERCURY IN ELIZABETHTOWN, KY FOR REPAIR. WITHOUT EVEN LOOKING AT IT, THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THAT THE BLEND AIR DOOR HAD BROKEN AND IT WOULD COSTS $800 TO REPAIR IT. THINKING HE WAS LYING, I TOOK IT TO BILL COLLINS FORD IN LOUISVILLE, KY. AGAIN, THE SAME RESULTS AND REPAIR ESTIMATE. TECHNICIANS AT BOTH PLACES, TOLD ME IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM. I EVENTUALLY HAD LES PINKAM REPAIR IT. IT SEEMS THAT FORD WOULD DESIGN A SYSTEM THAT WOULDN'T REQUIRE THE COMPLETE REMOVAL OF THE DASH TO REPAIR IT, MUCH CONTINUE WITH A DESIGN WITH SO MANY PROBLEMS. YEARS LATER AND THE PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. IN ADDITION I CAME ACROSS TSB ARTICLE NUMBER 98-23-20 IN MY SEARCHES, BUT COULDN'T FIND THE ARTICLE AT YOUR WEB-SITE. I ALSO HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT TWICE AND FINALLY REPLACED IT WITH ONE FROM A SALVAGE YARD. I COULDN'T SEE REPAIRING IT A THIRD TIME WHEN A FORD TECHNICIAN AND PRIVATE YARD COULDN'T FIX IT. BOTH TIMES WITHIN 13 MONTHS AFTER REPAIR, THE CAR WOULD SUDDENLY COMPLETELY FAIL AND TACH OUT AS IF IT WERE IN NEUTRAL. I COULD GET IT TO DO IT WITH A FORD TECHNICIAN AND HIS CODE SENSOR PLUGGED IN. THIS HAS COME CLOSE TO HAVING ME GET REAR ENDED ON THE INTERSTATE 65, ESPECIALLY WHEN ITS IN CRUISE CONTROL. FOR NO REASON AT ALL THE TRANSMISSION WOULD COMPLETELY DISENGAGE AND THE ENGINE WOULD ALMOST COMPLETELY TACK OUT BEFORE I COULD HIT THE BRAKE PEDALS TO DIS-ENGAGE. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, I'VE SPENT ALMOST $6000 IN REPAIRS SINCE OWNING THIS VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, I'VE HAD IT IN FOR MANY RECALLS. ALL I'VE EVER GOT OUT OF FORD OR THE DEALERS IS, SORRY ABOUT YOUR LUCK. SURELY THERE IS SOMETHING YOUR AGENCY CAN DO ABOUT THIS. MY TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, WERE PRETTY SCARY. *JB

CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, AT 55-60 MPH A TIRE FELL OFF. CONSUMER SAW THE TIRE ROLL DOWN THE FREEWAY. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT INCIDENT, CALLED AAA, AND HAD TIRE REPLACED. *AK

THE BLEND DOOR IS BROKEN ON MY HEATER...EVER TRY TO DEFROST A WINDOW WHEN IT IS MINUS 5 WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ON..? THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IN A RECALL CAMPAIGN IT IS POORLY DESIGNED AND DANGEROUS! *AK

VEHICLE HAD A TIRE BURST WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. *LA THE CONSUMER WAS HOSPITALIZED FOR AWHILE AND WAS ON LIFE SUPPORT FOR A SEVERAL DAYS. SHE DIDN'T RECEIVE COMPENSATION FOR MEDICAL BILLS, EXTENDED THERAPY NOR FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF A TIRE. *PH

LAST FALL WE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A "BURNING RUBBER SMELL" COMING FROM THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WELL. IT ONLY SEEMD TO MANIFESTS ITSELF WHEN WE DROVE ON THE HIGHWAY AT AN APPROXIMATE SPEED OF 60 MPH. WHEN WE DROVE ON THE CITY STREETS AT THE POSTED RATE OF SPEED, WE FOUND THERE WAS NO SMELL WHATSOEVER. WE HAD OUR MECHANIC CHECK THINGS OUT AND LATER OUR LOCAL TIRES PLUS, IN BOTH INSTANCES NOTHING WAS FOUND. TODAY WE WENT TO OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER AND HAD THEM CHECK IT OUT AND THEY FOUND NOTHING. THIS WORRIES US, FOR RECENTLY ON THE LOCAL NEWS THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF CAR FIRES AND I JUST HAPPENED TO VIEW ONE OF THE VIDEOS THAT SHOWED ONE OF THE VEHICLES ON FIRE. IT WAS A FORD EXPLORER AND THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE WAS COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. I HOPE THIS INFORMATION HELPS YOU FIND EXACTLY WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THIS RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. P.S. THE WHEEL IS FINE.*AK

ON FEBRUARY 16, 2004 AT APPROXIMATELY 2:30 PM I WAS PULLING MY WIFE'S 1997 FORD EXPLORER SPORT INTO A DIAGONAL PARKING STALL. I HAD ALMOST COME TO A COMPLETE STOP WHEN THE ENGINE BEGAN TO ROAR AND THE CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AGAINST MY BRAKING. I PRESSED AS HARD AS I COULD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE CAR CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD UNTIL IT STRUCK A CAR OPPOSITE MY PARKING STALL. I PUSHED THE GEAR SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. I CHECKED MY RIGHT FOOT POSITION AND CONFIRMED THAT I WAS ONLY PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN I RELEASED THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR ROLLED BACK A COUPLE OF FEET. I SHIFTED THE CAR INTO PARK AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND BACKED THE CAR UP ANOTHER 3 FEET. THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION HAS NOT RECURRED BUT I AM CONCERNED THAT IT MIGHT AGAIN. *JB

THERE SEEMS TO BE A BURNING RUBBER SMELL COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. *JB

CONSUMER IS A VICTIM OF ODOMETER FRAUD, ENCOUNTERING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE THAT'S UNCHARACTERISTIC FOR THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE. (NAR) *PH EXHAUST SYSTEM, BALL JOINT, AND INSTRUMENT PANEL HAD TO BE REPLACED. *CB

REPLACEMENT TIRES P23575R15 105S ARE WEARING UNEVENLY, THERE'S VIBRATION FOR ABOUT 20 MILES, DEPENDING ON HOW FAST VEHICLE IS GOING. FRONT TIRES ARE WEARING ON THE INSIDE.*AK THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE TIRES UNDER THE FIRESTONE RECALL INDICATED THAT THE GOODYEAR TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT BE BALANCED. THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT HE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEM WITH THE FIRESTONE TIRE AND ONLY HAD THEM REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE UNDER RECALL. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THAT GOODYEAR REPLACE THE FAULTY TIRE AT NO COST TO HIM. *NM

CONSUMER COMPLAINING ABOUT GRINDING NOISE AND PULSING AT THE BRAKE PEDAL. DEALERSHIP SAID THAT SENSORS ARE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. ALSO, DEALERSHIP ADDED THAT IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE PARTICULAR MODEL. *LA *MR

TYPE "E" MOTOR FAILURE AT ONLY 90,000 MILES RESULTING IN REPLACEMENT MOTOR. *AK

THE HEATING SYSTEM STOPPED OPERATING AND CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY TO THE DRIVER BECAUSE THE WINDSHIELD COULD NOT BE DEFROSTED. AN INDEPENDENT AUTO MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ENTIRE HEATING SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *NM

THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR HAS GONE BAD IN MY 97, 4WD, FORD EXPLORER FOR THE SECOND TIME. IT HAS 93,000 MILES, IT WAS REPLACED THE FIRST TIME AT 58,000 MILES. THIS IS DUE TO A MAUNFACTURERS DEFECT AND SHOULD BE REVIEWED FOR CONSIDERATION AS A NATIONAL RECALL OR COVERED BY FORD AS A OUT OF WARRANTY REPAIR. THIS IS A HAZARD TO ALLOW IT TO REMAIN UNREPAIRED THE COST SHOULD BE PAID BY FORD. *AK

THE AUTOMATIC 4WD SYSTEM SELECTS 4WD ON DRY PAVEMENT DURING SHARP TURNS CAUSING THE GEARS TO BIND, INTERMITTENTLY - ABOUT HALF THE TIME. HOWEVER THE SAME "AUTOMATIC" 4WD SELECTION DOES NOT RESULT IN 4WD WHEN WHEELS ARE SLIPPING. IN FACT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF 4WD WHEN "AUTO" IS SELECTED SEEMS TO BE COMPLETELY RANDOM. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW. I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER WHEN IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY SAID "IT IS SUPPOSED TO DO THAT." I AM ABOUT TO REWIRE THE SYSTEM TO A MANUAL SELECTOR AS I AM NOW ON MY OWN WITH THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. HOWEVER FORD HAS SEEN THE LAST OF MY MONEY. *CB

I HAVE A 1997 FORD EXPLORER SPORT AND IT IS DOWN FOR THE SECOND TIME WITH A TIMING CHAIN PROBLEM. THE FIRST WAS WHEN I BOUGHT THE USED VEHICLE IN 1999 FROM A CAR LOT IN LYNNWOOD, WA IT HAD 49,000 MILES ON IT AND IT NEED THE TIMING CHAIN ASSEMBLY REPLACED. NOW 4 YEARS LATER IT IS SITTING AT A SHOP NEEDING A SECOND TIMING CHAIN ASSEMBLY REPLACED. IT SEEMS VERY ODD THAT THIS WOULD OCCUR TWICE WITH A VEHICLE IN ITS LIFE TIME. THE VEHICLE ORIGINATED FROM CANADA IN 1996, SO I AM NOT SURE IF IT HAD THE CORRECT MILEAGE WHEN I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE. THE BILL IS MINIMUM $4500.00 AND THE VEHICLE IS ONLY WORTH LIKE $6000.00 IN WORKING ORDER. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN FORD PRODUCTS, THEY ARE NOT BUILT TO LAST. *CB

MY 97 FORD EXPLORERS PAINT IS CHECKING VERY BAD ON ALL HORIZONTAL SURFACES AND REAR GATE, AND IS TRAVELING DOWN THE SIDES GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE.

THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION IS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER WITH 38643KM. THE A/C HEATER UNIT WAS BLOWING OUT ONLY COOL AIR. DOES NOT HELP WHEN YOU GET -30C WEATHER AND YOU TRY TO DEFROST YOUR WINDSHIELD WITH COLD AIR. YES IT IS OUT OF THE 3 YEAR WARRANTY PERIOD BUT CERTAINLY NOT THE 60000KM. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW A VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 40000KM CAN HAVE SUCH A PROBLEM ? FORD'S ANSWER IS AS FOLLOWS: CAUSE: DIAGNOSED-TEMP BLEND DOOR IS BROKE. CORRECTION: REPLACED INTERIOR HEATER CASE. FORD REFUSES TO PAY ANY PORTION BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. OTHER WEBSITES WITH SAME PROBLEM LISTED: HTTP://WWW.MIGHTYAUTOPARTS.COM/DATA/OTL1200.PDF HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/VIEWCOMMENTS_REVIEW_16717.HTML HTTP://WWW.EPINIONS.COM/CONTENT_66590314116

TRANSFER CASE FAILED WITH NO APPARENT PROBLEMS. WHEN TAKEN APART BY TECH. IT LOOKED PERFECTLY FINE. MUST HAVE COMPLETE REPLACE OF TRANSFER CASE, CAN'T JUST CHANGE PARTS. MSN AUTO-TECS BRINGS UP A NUMBER OF MECHANICS WHO FOUND SAME PROBLEMS. FORD HAS BUILT BETTER AFTER MARKET REPLACEMENT BUT NEVER NOTIFIED ANYONE OF THIS PROBLEM. SOME MECHANICS SAY THAT CUSTOMERS HAVE BROUGHT IN WITH THIS PROBLEM AND THEY HAVE NEVER ENGAGED THEIR 4X4.

HEATER/AC TEMPERATURE CONTROL. TEMPERATURE CONTROL DOOR IS STUCK IN THE POSITION FOR HEAT. HAVE TALKED TO DEALER THEY SAY INEXPENSIVE PART, LABOR FOR REPAIR IS ABOUT 7 HOURS TO BE CHARGED FOR. THIS DEALER HAS HAD OTHER COMPLAINTS AND FIXED SOME. CHECKED WITH OTHER DEALERS IN AREA, THEY GAVE SAME ANSWER AS TO COST AND COMPLAINTS. I AM TOLD THIS IS A PLASTIC BRACKET ON DOOR ASSEMBLY THAT BREAKS WHEN SERVO MOVES DOOR TO CONTROL HOT OR COOL AIR FLOW.*AK

TO BEST DESCRIBE MY PROBLEM IS THAT THE CAMSHAFT BROKE OFF RIGHT AT TIMING PULLEY.THIS BREAK CAUSE THE SERPENTINE BELT TO WRAP AROUND ALL THE OTHER COMPONENTS. I WAS TRAVELING ALONG THE EXPRESS WAY AT 65 MPH, WHEN I LOSS OF POWER STEERING, AND A LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME UNTIL I REGAIN CONTROL. *AK

REAR DOORS WON'T OPEN FROM INSIDE AND IT IS NOT THE CHILD DETERRENT LEVER ON DOOR, HEATING SYSTEM OVERRIDES A/C HEATER SOMETIMES DOSEN'T WORK. RECLINE LEVER BROKE OFF. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE, THEN VEHICLE STALLED. THE SPARK PLUGS BLEW OUT. AN INDEPENDENT TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT ENGINE CYLINDER NEED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

TRANSMISSION OUT BEFORE I REACHED 87,000 MILES. WHEN MY HUSBAND CHANGED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID, LARGE CHUNKS OF METAL CAME OUT. THE PROBLEM OCCURED WHEN DRIVING HOME FROM KROGERS AND VEHICLE DID NOT SHIFT OUT OF 2ND GEAR, RMPS WENT UP PAST 4000, THEN VEHICLE WOULD LOSS POWER. WOULD TAKE MY FOOT OFF GAS TIL RMPS 0, THEN REPEAT THIS CYCLE FOR MY 5 MILES HOME. MY HUSBAND TOWED VEHICLE TO PEFFLEY FORD OF DAYTON, OHIO ON DEC 24, 2003. THEY SAID THIS IS NORMAL FOR THAT MANY MILES, BUT ACCORDING TO MY SEARCH, THIS IS NOT. FORD TRANSMISSIONS HAVE BEEN PROBLEMS FOR OTHER BUYERS. COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL IF I WAS ON INTERSTATE. WE ARE BEING CHARGE $2100 FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION, TODAY IS JAN 1, 2004 AND I DON'T EVEN HAVE IT BACK.*AK

THE DRIVER'S SHOULDER HARNESS WILL NOT UNBUCKLE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE HAVE BEEN SIMILIAR PROBLEMS REPORTED TO NHTSA. THE LOCAL FORD DEALER HAS SPECIAL ORDERED THE PART (FMC F87Z 7861203 AAA).*AK

VEHICLE DEVELOPED UNDERCARRIAGE PROBLEMS AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. *MR *SC *JB

THE TRUCK'S OVERDRIVE LIGHT BLINKED AND THE ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON. WHEN THIS OCCURRED THE TRUCK FAILED TO GO INTO OVERDRIVE AND THE # 3 CYLINDER MISFIRED. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THIS COULD BE CAUSED BY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM

WHILE DRIVING SERPENTINE BELT CAME OFF, AND DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, WHEN BRAKING THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE. *AK

THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BACK RECLINED BACKWARDS AFTER OPENING THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, THE CONSUMER HAD INFORMED THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE SEAT WAS LOOSE AND ROCKED. THE DEALER PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. RECALL 03V281000 WAS ISSUED FOR THE HIGH BACK SEAT, HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. *AK *SCC *JB

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 98060000 CONCERNING FUEL LINE RUPTURE; HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CHARGE THE BATTERY, THE CONSUMER CONNECTED THE CABLE TO THE FUEL LINE BRACKET. THIS CAUSED THE FUEL BRAID TO OVERHEAT, CAUSING THE FUEL LINE TO RUPTURE. *AK

I HAVE A 1997 FORD EXPLORER THAT IS DIFFICULT AND SOMETIMES IMPOSSIBLE TO GET INTO FIRST AND REVERSE. IT EXHIBITS TYPICAL PREMATURE SLAVE CYLINDER FAILURE. *JB

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOESN'T SHIFT PROPERLY AND ENGAGE FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL. DEALER HAS INSPECTED BUT WASN'T ABLE TO DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH

THE DIAL THAT CONTROLS THE HOT/COLD FEATURE OF THE HEATING/AIR-CONDITIONING UNIT IN MY 1997 EXPLORER MALFUNCTIONED. WHEN TAKEN IN TO DEALER THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE BEEN SEEING ALOT OF THIS PROBLEM IN EXPLORERS AND THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID HE WAS CONCERNED WITH IT HAPPENING IN HIS MOTHER'S CAR. *AK

LOSS OF REVERSE. FAILURE OF BEARING RACE ABOVE VALVE BODY CAUSED FLUID TO BE PORTED TO BOTH FORWARD AND REVERSE DRIVE AT SAME TIME. WHEN REVERSE WAS SELECTED, THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY TRAVEL IN REARWARD DIRECTION TWO TO THREE FEET BEFORE BINDING AND ALL MOTION CEASED. DRIVE FORWARD WAS NOT ADVERSELY EFFECTED BEFORE THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED. FORD MOTOR COMPANY RECOMMENDED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION WITH A REBUILT UNIT AT THE COST OF $2800. WITH ONLY 61000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, I OPTED FOR A SECOND OPINION. A RELIABLE TRANSMISSION SHOP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM WITH THE "EXPLODER" TRANSMISSION AND COMPLETELY REBUILT THE UNIT FOR HALF THE FORD REPLACEMENT COST. *LA

HEATER BLEND DOOR HAS BROKEN, SO DEFROSTER DOES NOT WORK. DIFFICULTY SEEING OUT FRONT WINDOW IN COLD WEATHER. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM, FOR WHICH I WAS QUOTED A $900 REPAIR. *LA

TEMPERATURE CONTROL BLEND DOOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. STUCK ON COLD. UNABLE TO DEFROST AND DEFOG WINDOWS. *LA

WHILE DRIVING DRIVER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED. *AK

CANNOT ADJUST THE TEMPERATURE OF THE HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM - ALWAYS BLOWS COLD AIR. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE MANUFACTURER INSTALLED THE WRONG PARTS AT TIME OF PRODUCTION. THE PART FAILS AND THEN YOU CANNOT ADJUST THE TEMPERATURE - IT ALWAYS BLOWS COLD AIR. THIS, IT SEEMS TO ME, IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP WINDOWS CLEAR IN COLD CLIMATES. *LA

CONSUMER TURNED ON THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE ALARM CHIMED, INDICATING THAT A DOOR WAS AJAR. DRIVER GOT OUT TO CHECK THE DOORS. HEARD SOMETHING THAT SOUNDED LIKE THE GEAR WAS ENGAGING. THEN VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS. CONSUMER GRABBED THE STEERING WHEEL BUT WAS DRAGGED 300 FEET BEFORE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP BY SLAMMING INTO A NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE.*AK

THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY POPPED INTO 4X4 MODE WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THAT HAPPENED THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. *NLM THE VEHICLES WIPERS ALSO BECAME INOPERABLE. THE WINDOWS COULD NOT BE OPENED. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT ALL THESE FAILURES WERE AS A RESULT OF A FAULTY GEM MODULE. THE MODULE HAS BEEN RECALLED IN CANADA. *TS *NLM

IN A ROLL OVER CRASH CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER WAS KILLED DUE TO REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE DISCONNECTING, AND SHE WAS EJECTED FROM FRONT WINDSHIELD.*AK

DEFROSTER DOES NOT DEFROST/DEFOG WINDSHIELD DUE TO THE HEAT/AC BLEND DOOR BEING BROKEN. COMMON PROBLEM FOR FORD EXPLORERS. FORD IS REMISS IN NOT RECALLING THE VEHICLE TO FIX THIS HAZARDOUS CONDITION. *JB

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL AS STATED IN RECALL 99 V 062 00, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGED, THE PROBLEM HAPPENED THREE TIMED. *AK *JB

WHILE DRIVING DRIVER'S SEAT BACK FELL, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VEER ACROSS THE ROAD. *AK

NHTSA# 03-V-281-000 ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HIGH BACK SEATS, THE UPPER BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HIGH BACK SEAT, THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME, COULD FRACTURE. THE CONSUMER HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. *PH

CONSUMER STATES REAR DOORS WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK DUE TO LATCHES BREAKING. DOOR LATCHES HAD BEEN REPAIRED FOUR TIMES.*AK

ENGINE SURGING WHEN COLD. I HAVE HAD THE CODES READ AND WILL NOT TELL WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. POOR GAS MILEAGE. VALVES RATTLING WHEN START UP OF ENGINE FOR SEVERAL SECOUNDS AND THEN STOPS RATTLING. BLACK SUTT IN EXHAUST PIPE.*AK

DURING A VEHICLE INSPECTION SEVERAL PROBLEMS WERE FOUND. THE CHILD SAFETY LOCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR WAS BROKEN AND THE DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT DOESN'T WORK. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS.

WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED IN THE DRIVEWAY SPARE TIRE DETACHED FROM VEHICLE. DRIVER FOUND THE CABLE THAT WAS HOLDING THE TIRE, IT LOOKED SHREDDED. *AK

BROKEN FRONT SEAT LATCH ON 1997 EXPLORER SPORT FROD MOTOR CO ACKNOWLEDEGES PART DEFECT (REFER TECHINACAL SERVICE BULLETIN 98-25-15) BUT DOES NOT FEEL THAT THEY SHOULD REPLACE PART BECUSE A RECALL WAS NOT ORDERED.*AK I HAVE SEEN ARTICLES ON THE WEB ABOUT THIS BEING A WARRANTY REPAIR BUT FORD WILL NOT HONOR ON VEHICLE

SEAT BELTS IN BACK SEAT AND SPEED CONTROL WILL NOT CANCEL AFTER BEING SET. A LADY HAD LATCH HER SEAT BELT IN THE RIGHT REAR SEAT,AND IT WOULD NOT RELEASE HAD TO CUT THE BELT TO GET HER OUT.*AK

ABOUT THREE MONTHS AGO AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC LAST MONTH WHICH STATED CLOCKSPRING HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK

CONSUMER STATES THAT AFTER DRIVING VEHICLE KEYS CAN BE REMOVED AND VEHICLE WILL STILL OPERATE AS THOUGH KEYS ARE STILL IN IT. ALSO, VEHICLE WILL START UP ON ITS OWN BEFORE THE KEY IS INSERTED.*AK

PROBLEMS WITH RUBBER HOSE, RUST AND CORROSION TO THE METALLIC BRAKE LINES.*MR *CB

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING REAR WINDOW SHATTERED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE INTO INSPECTION STATION AND DIDN'T PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE OF THE TIMING BELT WAS MAKING NOISE. DEALER STATED IT WOULD COST ABOUT $1500.*AK

DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED TO UNLATCH. THE CONSUMER HAD TO USE A SCREW DRIVER TO PRY IT OPEN. *AK *SCC *JB

CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION, DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN OCCUPANT. AS A RESULT, DRIVER SUSTAINED MASSIVE HEAD INJURIES. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED TO DECREASE IN SPEED WITHOUT WARNING. ENGINE HAD BLOWN.*AK

I HAVE EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER IN THE ENGINE IN MY 1997, FORD\EXPLORER(PURCHASED USED, IN JUNE OF 1999) CAUSING ME TO LOSE MY BRAKES WHILE DRIVING, I HAVE TAKEN THIS VEHICLE TO SEVERAL MECHANICS (FOR DIAGNOSIS) AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM, THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT, AND THAT THERE IS SOMETHING DEFECTIVE IN THE TIMING SYSTEM, AND I SHOULD TAKE IT TO THE DEALER, FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSTICS, AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DEALER I WAS TOLD, THAT THE TIMING CHAIN AND TIMING CASETTE HAD WENT AND THAT THERE HAD BEEN A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT PERTAINING TO THIS PROBLEM AND THAT OWNERS HAD BEEN NOTIFIED, HOWEVER I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED THAT THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE IN THIS VEHICLE, THE DEALER ALSO TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD COST ME $4500.00 FOR A REMANUFACTURED ENGINE-REPLACEMENT BECAUSE THE CAR WAS BEYOND THE MILAGE OF THE SERVICE BULLETEN. AFTER PAYING $28,000.00 FOR A VEHICLE, AS A CONSUMER I WOULD NOT EXPECT TO BE SUBJECT TO REPETITIVE SAFETY CONCERNS FOR SELF, FAMILY AND THE PUBLIC AT LARGE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE MANUFACTURER KNOWS OF THE DEFECTIVE PRODUCT (1997 EXPLORER), AND THEN TOLD THAT I MUST PAY THE AMOUNT IT WOULD COST FORA DOWN PAYMENT ($4500.00) ON A NEW VEHICLE, JUST TO KEEP MY INVESTMENT SAFELY ON THE ROAD. EVERYTIME I HAVE TAKEN THIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER I HAVE BEEN ROBBED OF MY FINANCES AND DIGNITY. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO KEEP PAYING FOR REPAIRS OF THIS CAR, WHEN FORD KNOWS THEY HAVE MANUFACTURED A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME I HAVE HAD TO TAKE THIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR EXPENSIVE REPAIRS FOR DEFECTS THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT AND REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR.MERICAN AUTO MANUFACTURERS WANT TO KNOW WHY THE AMERICAN CITIZEN HAS STOPPED BUYING AMERICAN CARS? WELL THE ANSWER IS SIMPLE. WE WANT TO GET WHAT WE ARE PAYING FOR ($28,000.00 WORTH)!! AND FORD AUTO MANUFACTURER, IS NOT GIVING US WHAT WE ARE PAYING FOR... INSTEAD THEY ARE TAKING US TO THE CLEANERS FINANCIALLY.. *AK

RIGHT REAR WHEEL DETACHED FROM 1997 EDDIE BAUER EXPLORER ON FREEWAY NEAR RAWLINS WYOMING ON 7-3-03 THE RATE OF SPEED WAS APPROX. 70 MPH THE REAR TIRES WERE REPLACED ABOUT 4000 MILES PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. I WITNESSED THE INSTALLER TORQUE THE LUGNUTS TO SPECS.*AK

AIR CONDITIONER DOES NOT COOL AND DRIVER SIDE LOCK DOES NOT WORK. *AK

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION BUT NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. *NLM *TS *SCC *NLM

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING STEERING BOLTS ARE LOSE AND IT IS CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO JUMP AROUND, MAKING IT HARD FOR CONSUMER TO STEER THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT WITH ITS SPEED CONTROL AS STATED IN RECALL 99 V 062 001, BUT IT'S VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED.*AK

IN MANY OCCASIONS I HAD TURNED OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE CAR HAD CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE. MY GAS PEDAL HAS GOTTEN STUCK TOO MANY TIMES. WELL TODAY WAS THE BEST OF ALL. MY CAR FELT FOR A FEW DAYS THAT IT DID NOT ACCELERATE WHEN I PRESSED ON THE PEDAL. I TOOK IT IN YESTERDAY TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED AND SEE WHAT THE MATTER WAS. NOTHING WAS FOUND WRONG WITH THE CAR BY THE MECHANIC. WELL, TODAY I FOUND OUT WHAT THE MATTER WAS. AS I WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY TO MY SON'S DAYCARE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAME OFF THE FLOOR. I HAD NO PEDAL. I PULLED TO THE SIDE AND INDEED THE CABLE AND PEDAL WERE LAYING ON THE FLOOR. I MANAGED TO GET TO THE MECHANIC BY TRYING THE CAR TO MOVE. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE CABLE SNAPPED AND THAT IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. *NLM

I HAVE TO PUSH EXTRA HARD ON THE PEDAL TO ACCELERATE BECAUSE IT FEELS STUCK. WHEN AND WHEN THE PEDAL FINALLY GETS LOOSE, THE CAR ACCELERATES ABRUBTLY. *AK

VEHICLE ACCELERATED AT AN UNSAFE SPEED. *TT

THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE LOUD NOISE, THE CONSUMER LEARNED THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT THE RECALL NOTICE WAS PROBABLY MAILED TO THE ORIGINAL OWNER. *JB

PREPARING TO BRAKE FOR A CORNER ON A RAINY NIGHT, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES LOCKED THE WHEELS AND SLID ME INTO AN ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE AT ABOUT 35 MILES PER HOUR. THE ONCOMING VEHICLE SWERVED AND AVOIDED A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ME. ABOUT 20 SECONDS LATER DOWN THE ROAD THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES LOCKED AGAIN AS I TURNED INTO MY DEVELOPMENT AND AGAIN I SLID. VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED THROUGH ITS LIFE AND HAS A LITTLE OVER 52,000 MILES ON IT. I COULD BE DEAD RIGHT NOW HAD I NOT BEEN A SLOWER HIGHWAY. IT APPEARS THIS PROBLEM HAS EXISTED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PRODUCED AFTER READING ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE. *JB

INVALID DESIGN OF PLENUM DOOR LEADS TO PART FAILURE RESULTING IN INABILITY TO CONTROL TEMPERATURE SETTING. CONDITION CAUSES INABILITY TO CONTROL INSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE AND POSSIBLY FAILURE OF DEFROST/DEFOGGING SYSTEM (SAFETY ISSUE). COST TO REPAIR IS PROHIBITIVE ($500 TO $1000) DUE TO THE NEED TO REMOVE THE DASHBOARD AND THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE AIR CHANNEL (BECAUSE PLENUM DOOR ITSELF CANNOT BE PURCHASED/INSTALLED ALONE). *NLM

SAFETY COMPLAINT INVOLVING A STUCK ACCELERATOR ON A 97 FORD EXPLORER. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON A COUNTY ROAD, WHILE TRAVELING A 50 MPH, WHEN A ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE AS IT APPROACHED AN INTERSECTION. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO APPLY BRAKES FAILED, I WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND STOP IT BY SWITCHING OFF THE ENGINE. SEARCHING TO FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM, I REACHED FOR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, WHICH WAS LOOSE AND SUBSEQUENTLY DANGLED IN MY HAND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO NORTH COUNTY FORD, VISTA CA., WHERE IT WAS REVEALED THAT"BROKEN ACCELERATOR BRACKET WELDS" WERE THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. THE CAR WAS THEN REPAIRED AT A COST OF $132.89. ON MONDAY MAY 12 AND AGAIN ON TUESDAY MAY 13, I CALLED FORD MOTOR CO. CONSUMER SERVICE (800) 392-3673, TO REPORT WHAT I BELIEVE IS A SAFETY DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE AND TO REQUEST A REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIR. I WAS TOLD BY THE FORD REPRESENTATIVES THAT THE "INCIDENT" WOULD BE REPORTED TO THEIR ENGINEERING DIVISION, BUT SINCE THERE WERE NOT ANY RECALLS ON CASES SUCH AS THIS, THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE COST OF REPAIR. I CERTAINLY TAKE EXCEPTIONAL TO THEIR FINDING AND EXPRESSED MY DISAGREEMENT. THEREFORE, I REQUEST YOUR AGENCY TO LOOK INTO THIS INCIDENT AS I FEEL THERE IS A POTENTIAL HAZARD TO PUBLIC SAFETY AND TO HELP DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT I AM DUE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIR OF THIS DEFECT. *JB

MY EXPLORER ONLY PRODUCES WARM AIR FOR HEAT AND DEFOGGING WHEN THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE IS TOO HOT TO WANT OR NEED WARM AIR. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER SAYS IT IS THE BLEND DOOR & ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY THAT HAS FAILED. I SAY IT DEFECTIVE BY DESIGN AND SHOULD BE REPAIRED AT THEIR EXPENSE, THEY DISAGREE. NOT BEING ABLE TO PROPERLY DEFOGG A WINDSHIELD IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *NLM

FORD EXPLORER HEATER PLENUM/ACTUATOR STOPPED WORKING THIS PAST WINTER. CLIMATE CONTROL IS STUCK ON COLD AND DEFROST DOES NOT WORK IN COLD WEATHER. DURING A ROAD TRIP TO A NEARBY CITY EARLY THIS SPRING I WAS BARLEY ABLE TO SEE OUT THE WINDSHIELD BECAUSE OF THE ICE AND FOG ON MY WINDSHIELD. I BELIEVE THIS IS A KNOWN MECHANICAL DEFECT BY FORD AND DEALERS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. IN CONTACTING SEVERAL SEATTLE-AREA DEALERS, ALL REFUSED TO FIX AS A SAFETY PROBLEM, SAID NO RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED, SAID I WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, THIS IS ABSURD FOR A PROBLEM THEY CAUSED WITH FAULTY DESIGN AND PARTS THAT CAUSES SERIOUS VISIBILITY PROBLEMS IN MANY OLDER EXPLORERS. *JB

WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE DASH. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE RELATED TO THIS FAILURE BECAUSE SHE MOVED BUT THE MAIL WAS LATER ROUTED TO HER. THE CONSUMER WANTS TO KNOW WHAT ACTION CAN BE TAKEN SINCE THE RECALL HAS EXPIRED. *NLM

1997 FORD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRONIC AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM. THE PLASTIC AIR BLEND DOOR IN THE HEATER PLENUM HAS BROKEN, PREVENTING THE SYSTEM FROM REGULATING THE TEMPERATURE.

FRONT TIRE WEAR AND ALIGNMENT. *JB

IDLE NOT RETURNING AFTER CRUISE CONTROL WAS DISENGAGED AND BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. CRUISE CONTROL KEPT ACCELERATING. MY THREE CHILDREN WERE IN THE CAR, WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BY PUTTING IT IN NEUTRAL, AT THAT POINT THE BRAKES WORKED. PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. WHEN TRYING TO START CAR AGAIN, ENGINE REVVED TO THE POINT WHERE IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO BLOW UP. *NLM

THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED ON 4/1/03 FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. ON 4/14/03 CONSUMER ENTERED A PARKING LOT AND TURNED OFF VEHICLE IGNITION. CONSUMER RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, HEARD A THUMP, AND NOTICED THE BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT POPPED. *NLM

WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE TORSION BAR SNAPPED. *JB

MY HEATER TEMPERATURE CONTROL BECAME INOPERATIVE. THE BLEND DOOR INSIDE THE PLENUM CHAMBER IS BROKEN AND NO LONGER MOVES (ON FULL HEAT). THE NEW PLENUM CHAMBER NOW CONTAINS A NYLON DOOR IN STEAD OF PLASTIC. THIS LOOKS LIKE FORD KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE OLD STYLE DOORS BUT WILL NOT GIVE ANY ASSISTANCE ON REPAIRS. THE COST OF REPAIR IS STEEP! I WAS QUOTED $108.00 FOR THE PLENUM CHAMBER AND $598.00 TO INSTALL IT. FROM WHAT I HAVE LEARNED THE PROBLEM IS NOT ISOLATED TO ME, IN FACT THE DEALER I PHONED HAD JUST SOLD A REPLACEMENT PLENUM THE PREVIOUS DAY AND WAS WAITING FOR ONE TO ARRIVE TO FILL THERE STOCK. WHEN A DEALER STOCKS A PART THERE USUALLY IS A LARGE DEMAND FOR IT! *NLM

THE VENTS WHICH RELEASED COLD AND HOT AIR INTO THE VEHICLE WAS BROKE, THE CONSUMER WAS NOT ABLE TO DEFROST THE WINDOWS. *JB

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL#98V06000- FUEL SYSTEM, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *JB

CONSUMER INDICATED THE GAS TANK CAP WAS NOT TIGHTENED SECURELY, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. *JB

TEMPERATURE BLEND DOOR IS MADE OF WEAK MATERIAL AND IS PRONED TO SHATTER INSIDE THE AIR PLENUM HEAT ASSEMBLY. *TT *NLM

CONSUMER NOTICED WHEN TURNING DIALS ON HEATER UNIT FROM HOT OR COLD THE UNIT ONLY BLEW HOT AIR. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE HEATER BLEND DOOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*JB *TT

THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL HAD TO BE REPLACED.*JB

THE SWAY BAR BROKE, WHICH CAUSED A NOISE.*JB

HEAD GASKET - LEAKING ANTI FREEZE

THE VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT BACK TO AUTO, ITS STUCK ON AUTO LOW. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. PH

SEAT RECLINER LEVERS BREAK OFF. BACK SEAT PASSENGER(S) MUST CLIMB OVER SEAT TO ENTER OR EXIT. IF THERE WAS AN EMERGENCY REAR SEAT PASSENGERS WOULD HAVE DIFFICULTY EXITING VEHICLE. THE CHEAP METAL PART THAT FRACTURED IS ATTACHED TO A $70.00 PART THAT WITH LABOR WOULD BE $240.00 FOR BOTH DRIVER AND PASSEENGER REPAIR. THIS IS MORE THAN INCONVENIENCE.

CONSUMER STATED WHILE TRAVELING WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE HEAD LIGHT WENT OUT. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE CAR DOES NOT PRODUCE HEAT, HAD PANEL REPLACED STILL NO HEAT. TS

BACKED OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND PROCEEDED DOWN STREET AT ABOUT 10 MPH. ENGINE MADE A "THUNK" NOISE AND WENT INTO A "NO START" CONDITION. MY '97 EXPLORER WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A SNAPPED CRANKSHAFT. AT 103K MILES THE DEALER DID NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS WAS ANY SORT OF MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND EMPHATICALLY STATED THAT THEY'D NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. THEY REFUSED CUSTOMER REQUEST THAT THEY REVIEW NHTSA WEBISTE FOR HISTORY OF PRIOR REPORTS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS ONLY DESIGNED TO LAST 100K MILES BUT THAT MIGHT BE EXTENDED WITH REGULAR OIL CHANGES. THIS CUSTOMER ASKED IF ENGINE REPLACEMENT AT 100K MILES WAS AN EXPECTED EVENT AND THE DEALER REPEATED THAT IT COULD BE. FORD'S NATIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS NO HELP. THE ZONE MANAGER WOULD NOT MEET TO DISCUSS THE PROBLEM. CUSTOMER PAID $4,800 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. CUSTOMER KEPT THE BROKEN SHAFT WHICH SHOWS MULTIPLE INTERNAL SURFACE TEXTURES. TO DATE THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM WITHOUT A RESPONSE ON THIS SAFETY AND MANUFACTURING ISSUE FROM FORD. OTHER WEBSITES REPORT FORD EMPLOYEES AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, LOOSELY REFERRED TO AS A "STACKING OF TOLERENCES" WHEREBY THE TOLERENCES EXERT PRESSURE ON THE CRANKSHAFT JUST BEHIND THE KEY WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE DAMPNER. THIS IS REPORTEDLY NOT A CONDITION THAT THE OWNER CAN PREVENT, DIAGNOSE OR OTHERWISE BE AWARE OF UNTIL THE CRANKSHAFT BREAKS. FORD REPORTEDLY CANNOT MAKE A PRIOR DETERMINATION EITHER, SEEMINGLY LEAVING IT TO CHANCE WHETHER A VEHICLE WILL HAVE PROBLEMS. CERTAIN ENGINE COMPNENTS ARE EXPECTED TO FAIL DURING ENGINE LIFE SUCH AS WATER PUMPS, ALTERNATORS AND SO FORTH BUT MAJOR COMPONENTS SHOULD NOT. FORD SHOULD ADDRESS THIS ISSUE BY REVEALING THE DESIGN LIFE OF THE CRANKSHAFT. J.D. POWERS RELAYED TO THIS CUSTOMER THAT CRANKSHAFTS ARE ROUTINELY DESIGNED TO LAST 200 - 250K MILES, CONTRARY TO DEALER ASSERTATIONS. THE NHTSA NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC 4-WHEEL DRIVE AND OPTION WAS TURNED ON. WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A NOISE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN JERKING AND TRANSMISSION STARTED CLUNKING ALMOST CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE. *JB

CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING WHICH CAUSED THE BACK TIRES TO LOCK UP AND SKID. CONSUMER HAD A COLLISION AS A RESULT.*JB

BROKEN CRANKSHAFT ON A 97 FORD EXPLORER.CRANK BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 55 MPH. ALL DASH LIGHTS CAME ON AND ENGINE QUIT.FORD DEALER CONFIRMED CRANK WAS BROKEN AND NEW ENGINE WAS NEEDED AT A COST OF $4400.00.

ENGINE IDLE SURGES WITHOUT WARNING AT STOP SIGNS. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS, AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED FIVE ACCIDENTS. IT SURGES BEWEEN 3000-4000 RPMS. *AK

I HAVE A GENERAL RECALL, I HAVE A 1997 FORD EXPLORER SPORT, MY FRONT CAMSHAFT CHAIN GUIDE NEEDS REPLACING, I TOOK IT IN AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED, HE TOLD ME MY VECHILE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY(102000), I NED HELP WITH THIS MATTER. THANKS

CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION AND ALL FOUR TIRES WERE BLOWN. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS

CONSUMER IS THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE AND STATED HAS HAD TO REPLACE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH 3 TIMES IN 5 YEARS. SWITCH CONTROLS FUNCTIONS OF HEAD LIGHTS, WIPERS, HIGH/LOW BEAMS, ETC. THE MOST RECENT FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM SWITCH AND STEERING COLUMN THAT FILLED UP THE ENTIRE CABIN. HAD TO PULL OVER TO AVOID A COLLISION.

NHTSA#00-V-402-000 SWAY BAR LINK CAN FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE AFFECTED INCREASING THE RISKS OF A CRASH. CONSUMER STATES WHILE WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 65MPH, THE SWAY BAR LINK BOLTS WERE BROKEN, FORCING THE DRIVER TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. MR FORD STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WASN'T COVERED, IN REFERENCE TO THE RECALL, DUE TO THE VEHICLE YEAR. THE LINK BOLTS ON THE LEFT AND THE RIGHT SIDES WERE REPLACED. THE PASSENGER SIDE BOLTS WERE IN BAD SHAPE. SCC

THE LEND DOOR IS BROKEN...FORD KNOWS THAT THEY PUT FAULTY BLEND DOORS IN AND WILL NOT REPLACE THEM! HOW DO I DEFROST MY WINSHIELD WITH A/C???? IS A FROSTED WINSHIELD NOT A HAZARD???? THIS HAPPENS EVERY DAY!

TRANSMISSION FAILURE. TS

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE ACCELERATOR PEDEL STICKS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SURGE FORWARD. PH

WITH HEATER FAILURE FROST BUILDS UP ON THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING SERIOUS DRIVING HAZARD. DT

ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STUCK WHEN APPLIED TO PASS ON AN INCLINE. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS DEALERSHIP REMOVED THROTTLE CABLE AND FOUND FRAYED FRAGMENTS INSIDE CABLE COVERING. THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THIS CONDITION HOWEVER, VEHICLE'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH HOOD LATCH. CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED ON ITS OWN. *TT

THE A/C AND HEAT WAS UNABLE TO COME OUT OF THE BLEND AIR DOOR. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. FORD FOUND THAT THEY INSTALLED THE WRONG BLEND AIR DOOR ACUATOR DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. TS SCC

FROM WHAT I HAVE READ THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT FORD SHOULD HAVE TO FIX VIA RECALL. THIS FAILURE COULD BE QUITE DANGEROUS DURING WINTER CONDITIONS. IT IS APPARENT THAT FORD KNOWS OF THIS AND HAS MADE CHANGES IN THE WAY THIS DOOR IS CONSTRUCTED. DT

VEHICLE SEEMS TO GO THROUGH HEADLIGHT AND FOG LAMP BULBS RATHER QUICKLY. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH HEADLAMPS ONCE, AND THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLAMP A SECOND TIME. I ALSO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FOG LAMPS TWICE. DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT ALSO HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE AND IS OUT AGAIN. DT

DRIVER'S SIDE ELECTRIC WINDOW MOTOR IS GOING OUT. THE MOTOR SEEMS TO HAVE TROUBLE ROLLING THE WINDOW UP AND DOWN, AND SPEEDS UP AND SLOWS DOWN WHEN OPERATING. DT

ENGINE IS A 1997 4.0L SOHC. THERE IS A VERY NOTICIBLE MISS IN THE TIMING AT IDLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS SITTING STILL, IT BUCKS AND SHUDDERS THE WHOLE TRUCK, BUT THE IDLE SPEED NEVER VARIES MORE THAN 100 RPM. HAD SAME PROBLEM WITH 1991 EXPLORER 4.0L. DEALER RAN ON THE VEHICLE AND COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. MECHANIC SAID THIS IS COMMON WITH THESE ENGINES. DT

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, CONSUMER STATES "THERE WAS A SUDDEN BIG BANG AND THEN SOUND LIKE A MACHINE GUN". CONSUMER TRIED TO KEEP DRIVING, WHEN A BIG CLOUD OF SMOKE EMERGED FROM THE REAR. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. DEALER STATES TRANSFER CASE HAD COMPLETELY LOCKED UP. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE HER SON 11 YEARS OLD GOT THE REAR SEAT BELT TANGLE AROUND HIS NECK AND BODY AND STARTING TO TIGHT AROUND HIS NECK. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT BEEN IN A COLLISION AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOYED. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THIS PRESENT TIME. MR

THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE MECHANISM FAILED, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO UNHOOK WITH JUST A SLIGHT AMOUNT OF FORCE. PRIOR TO THIS FAILURE, THE BELT WOULD COME LOOSE ON OCCASION, I THOUGHT THIS WAS DO TO MY FAILURE TO PROPERLY HOOK THE BELT INTO THE BUCKLE. IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A GRADUAL FAILURE OF A CRITICAL SAFETY ITEM, THAT FOR QUITE SOME TIME WOULD HAVE FAILED TO PROTECT THE DRIVER IN A CRASH AS IT WOULD HAVE FAILED TO HOLD THE SEATBELT. THE DANGER OF THIS IS THAT AFTER IT FAILS, IT SOMETIMES WORKS AND SOMETIMES DOES NOT, WHICH COULD PUT THE DRIVER AT DANGER AS THEY WON'T KNOW THE SEATBELT WON'T STAY CONNECTED IN A CRASH. I HAVE THE DEFECTIVE PART IN MY POSSESSION, I WILL FORWARD IT TO YOU IF YOU REQUEST ME TO. DT

FORD WAS WILLING AND ACTUALLY PAID THE REPAIR BILL OF $800+ DOLLARS FOR THE FIRST REPAIR. 25,000 MILES LATER THE SAME PROBLEM ARISES. I'VE DONE CONSIDERABLE RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND THE PROBLEM OCCURS FREQUENTLY. DT

CONSUMER STATES OF HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. PLEASE ADD MORE INFORMATION. MR

THE CONSUMER STATED, WHILE DRIVING, THE CRANKSHAFT SHEARED OFF. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY CAN DO.*SCC

LOSS OF DRIVE ACCOMPANIED BY A RATCHETING NOISE COMING FROM THE TRANSFER CASE DURING COAST OR DECELERATION OR WHEN IN REVERSE. AFTER RESEACHING THIS PROBLEM ON THE NET I HAVE FOUND MANY WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALER SAYS THE TRANSFER CASE MUST BE REPLACED AT COST OF $3000.00. THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF GEARS MAGIZINE HAS AN ARTICLE ON PAGE 64 THAT ADDRESS THE CAUSE AND HOW TO CORRECT IT. AND STATES THAT THIS IS A DEFECT. HOWEVER THE ARTICLE SAYS THAT IT IS CHEAPER AND MORE EFFICIENT TO BUY A NEW UNIT. YOU WOULD THINK THAT A PROBLEM LIKE THIS SHOULD AT LEASED BE ADDRESSED BY FORD. DT

DOOR COMPARTMENT BETWEEN THE HEATER AND THE AIR CONDITIONER, MADE OF PLASTIC IS BROKE, CAUSING NOT TO HAVE A HEATER. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. CONSUMER WILL ADD MORE INFORMATION ON THIS ISSUED. MR

CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS RECALL#0V422000 THROTTLE. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR.

ENGINE REPLACEMENT/ I HAVE BEEN A FIRM BELIEVER IN FORD PRODUCTS AND STILL BELIEVE THAT FORD MAKES A GOOD PRODUCT...I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE POSITION I WAS PLACED IN LAST WEEK...I HAVE ALWAYS MAINTAINED MY FORD TRUCK THE BEST THAT I COULD AND NEVER HAD A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH IT FOR THE 6 YRS I HAVE OWNED MY TRUCK...I HAVE EXPERIENCED A FEW STALL OUTS A FEW TIMES BUT NOTHING THAT I TOOK TO SERIOUS, I FIGURED MAYBE A SPARK PLUG PROBLEM...THE FACT THAT MY ENGINE WOULD NEED REPLACEMENT AT 86000 IS BEYOND ME. LOOKING INTO THE COMPLAIANCE INVETIGATIONS SUMMARY I REALIZED THAT I AM IN COMPANY WITH MANY OTHER CONSUMERS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT...I FEEL THAT THIS A DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURES ENGINE AND THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A DEFECT ENGINE. MR

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH HAD HEAD ON COLLISION THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *MR

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING 60MPH HAD COLLISION AND AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING INJURIES. NLM

MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED ACCELERATING WHEN I WAS PROCEEDING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. I COULD SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN SOMEWHAT BY AGGRESSIVELY APPLYING THE BRAKES. HOWEVER, THIS WOULD JUST GET ME SLOWED DOWN A LITTLE UNTIL I WOULD RELEASE THE BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SPEED UP AGAIN. I WAS TRAVELING ON A FAIRLY BUSY STRETCH OF INTERSTATE AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. I LUCKILY DID NOT HAVE A NEED TO STOP QUICKLY WHILE THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED. I TRIED HITTING THE ACCELERATOR A FEW TIMES TO GET IT TO STOP STICKING IN THE "WIDE OPEN" POSITION. I EVEN TRIED MANIPULATING THE CRUISE CONTROL (WHICH WAS OFF). AFTER SEVERAL FAILED ATTEMPTS TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM, I STARTED TRYING TO THINK OF A QUICK GAME PLAN TO GET OUT OF THIS POTENTIAL DISASTER. I AM VERY THANKFUL THAT MY WIFE WAS NOT DRIVING AT THE TIME AND THAT I DID NOT HAVE OTHERS IN THE CAR DURING THIS NIGHTMARE. I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO FIND A SHOULDER WHERE I COULD PULL OFF THE ROAD. AS I SAID, THE ROAD WAS EXTREMELY BUSY AND I WAS VERY WORRIED ABOUT GETTING OFF THE ROAD SAFELY WITH A SEMI-TRUCK NOT FAR BEHIND ME. I PULLED TOWARD THE SHOULDER AND PUT THE CAR INTO "NEUTRAL". THE RPM'S, WHICH HAD BEEN RUNNING EXTREMELY HIGH FOR ABOUT 3 MINUTES, MOVED EVEN HIGHER AT THIS POINT. THE RPM'S WERE PEGGED TO THE TOP OF THE GAUGE FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS. AS SOON AS I FELT I WAS OFF OF THE ROADWAY ENOUGH, I TURNED THE KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION. WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE CAR THERE WAS A HORRIBLE BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. I AM NOT ONLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE PROBLEM THAT MAY HAVE TRIGGERED THIS INCIDENT, BUT I AM ALSO VERY WORRIED ABOUT COLLATERAL DAMAGE THAT THIS UNDOUBTEDLY CAUSED. I FEEL THAT THIS CAUSED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF WEAR AND TEAR TO THE ENGINE AND THE BRAKING SYSTEM. ON TOP OF ALL OF THE PHYSICAL DAMAGE DONE TO THE CAR, THE EXPERIENCE WAS SCARY TO SAY THE LEAST. MY WIFE REFUSES TO EVEN GET IN THE CAR AT THIS POINT. NEEDLESS TO SAY, SHE DOESN'T WANT MY KIDS TO RIDE IN IT EITHER.

I HAVE DISCOVERED MANY FORD EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE THIS FAILURE--DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. WHEN DEFROSTER DOES NOT WORK CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS ACCIDENT. MR

THE FAILURE OF THE HEATER BLEND DOOR CAUSES UNCONTROLLED WINDSHIELD FOGGING AND ICING. VISIBILITY IS OFTEN REDUCED TO ZERO. MR

TIRES WERE CUPPING AT 29,000 MILES IN SEPT. 01. DEALER REPLACED BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS. NEW TIRES WERE INSTALLED AND VEHICLE ALIGNED. CUPPING HAS RETURNED 12 MO AND 8,000 MILES LATER. FORD REFUSES TO ADDRESS PROBLEM WITHOUT ME HAVING TO PAY A NON-REFUNDABLE "DIAGNOSTIC" CHARGE. TS

THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL FAILED TO REGULATE TEMPERATURE I RESEARCHED AND FOUND THE BLEND DOOR TO BE BROKEN LEAVING ME WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO DEFROST THE WINSHIELD OR REGULATE HEAT /COOL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE I LIVE IN A CLIMATE THAT HAS SNOW /ICE AND COLD AS WELL AS HOT TEMPERATURES. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND IS DANGEROUS AND REQUIRES A NEARLY $1000.00 FIX TO REPLACE THE BLEND DOOR IT WAS EXPLAINED TO ME THEY HAD TO REMOVE THE DASH ETC. THIS APPEARS TO BE A FORD DESIGN ISSUE AND A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE. NLM

TRANFER CASE WILL LOCK UP FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. AND THERE WAS DIFFICULTY IN STEERING. SEE SERVICE BULLENTIN 99-14-2. *AK

CONSUMER HAS TAKEN VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER 4-5 TIMES, AND NO ONE COULD FIND OUT WHY THERE WAS A ROARING NOISE IN DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEELS. AFTER TAKING VEHICLE TO GOODYEAR, SHE WAS TOLD THAT VEHICLE NEEDED NEW BRAKE PADS AND SHOES. THIS WOULD BE THE SECOND SET OF BRAKE PADS AND SHOES PUT ON THIS AUTOMOBILE. *AK

WHEN STARTING CAR A FIRE BROKE OUT UNDER THE HOOD.*AK

WHILE DRIVING 20MPH HEARD GRINDING NOISE, SOUNDED AS IF IT WAS COMING FROM BOTTOM OF VEHICLE. *AK

WHILE DRIVING 10MPH HEARD GRINDING NOISE, SAID IT SOUNDES IS IF IT WASCOMING FROM UNDER VEHICLE. *AK

WHEN STARTING THE CAR A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD.*AK

HEATER RUNS AT FULL HEAT NO MATER WHAT TEMPERATURE SELECTED. *AK

THIS HEATER HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THE DEFROSTER WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY BECAUSE ONLY HOT AIR WILL EXIT THE VENTS, WHICH LEADS TO A FOGGY WINDSHIELD. THIS PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE VERY WELL DOCUMENTED AND FORD HAS A TSB FOR IT, 99-8-8 AND 97-24-25.*AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK

DEFOGGER/DEFROSTER WILL NOT OPERATE AS BLEND DOOR IS STUCK ON AIR CONDITIONER. *AK

ABS WOULD ENGAGE DURING NORMAL BRAKING AND ON DRY PAVEMENT. VEHICLE BEEN TO DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS, AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

REAR SEATBELT WILL NOT STAY LOCKED. IT TO WOULD BE HARD TO KEEP CHILD SEAT LOCKED IN PROPERLY. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

WHILE DRIVING ON FLAT SURFACE AND NO WARNING VEHICLE STARTS SMOKING UNDER HOOD. CONSUMER PULLED OVER. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

WHEN STARTING UP THE CAR, A LOUD NOISE CAME FROM ENGINE. MY PERSONAL MECHANIC ADVISED IT WAS A TIMING CHAIN. FORD TOWED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS ADDITIONAL WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THIS PART. IT WAS A FAILED TIMING CHAIN GUIDE. THEY ARE NOW IN THE PROCESS OF REVIEWING IT FOR FORD TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. ENTIRE ENGINE MAY NEED REPLACED.*AK

CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE IS A SENSOR THAT IS CAUSING VEHICLE TO HEAT UP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART. *SLC THE CAMSHAFT WAS REPLACED. THE RADIO GOES OFF AT ANYTIME, THE CONSUMER HAS DIFFICULTY SHUTTING THE RADIO OFF MANUALLY. *JB

THE CAMSHAFT CHAIN WAS REPLACED. *JG

THE RADIO TURNS ON AND OFF WITHOUT ANY PHYSICAL RESPONSE. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY AND CONSUMER CANNOT MANUALLY TURN THE RADIO OFF. *JG

CONSUMER STATES THERE IS A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN IN REVERSE. *SLC

CONSUMER COMPLAINS OF CLUNKING NOISE WHEN BRAKING. *JG

WHILE HAVING VEHICLE JUMPED STARTED FUEL LINE BEGAN TO LEAK. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED; HOWEVER, WAS UNABLE TO FIX PROBLEM.*AK

THE KEYLESS NUMBER PAD ON VEHICLE QUIT WORKING, THEN THE REMOTE FOR ANTI THEFT SYSTEM QUIT WORKING AND FINALLY THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS QUIT WORKING

TIMING CHAIN WAS MAKING A RATTLE NOISE AND WE HAD IT CHECKED OUT AND THEY SAID THAT THEY HAD A SAFETY RECALL .*AK

WHILE ON VACATION FROM CALIFORNIA GOING TO MONTANA I WAS DRIVING DOWN A 7% GRADE WITH MY FAMILY IN THE CAR, OUR TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SPIN AND WE LOST ALL FOWARD/BACKWARD PROPULSION. UPON CONTACTING THE NEAREST FORD DEALER, THEY STATED THE O-RINGS ON OUR NEW TRANSMISSION FILTER WERE BROKEN. THEY STATED THEY REPLACED THEM AND CHARGED US 200+ DOLLARS (WE HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE NO O-RINGS ON THE TRANSMISSION FILTER FOR THIS MAKE AND MODLE OF VEHICLE) THE PROBLEM REOCCURED WHILE IN THE MOUNTAINS. FORD THEN STATED THAT WE NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION, HOWEVER, IN THE TOWN WE WERE IN ON VACATION, THEY WERE UNABLE TO PUT ONE IN. WE THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE GMC DEALER WHO PUT IN THE TRANSMISSION ACCORDING THE INSTRUCITON AND RECOMMENDATION FROM FORD AT A COST OF $2700. THE GMC DEALER WAS HAVING DIFFICULTY FINDING A SUITABLE PLACE TO ATTACH THE OVERDRIVE WIREING TO THE NEW TRANSMISSION. FORD TALKED THEM THROUGH IT AND I AND MY TWO SMALL CHILDREN WERE ON OUR WAY HOME (AFTER FLYING MY HUSBAND HOME WHO HAD TO RETURN TO WORK). WE WERE HEADED OUT OF TOWN AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SPIN AGAIN. WE WERE TOWED BACK TO THE GMC DEALER WHO CONTACTED THE FORD TECHS. THE FORD TECHS. STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HARNESS THAT WAS ORIGINALLY PUT ON OUR VEHICLE WAS NOT CORRECT AND THAT THEY HAVE BEEN HAVING A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THEM BECAUSE THEY DON'T ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO SHIFT PROPERLY AND EVENTUALLY EVERYTHING LOCKS UP. THEY STATED THAT IT SHOULD BE RECALLED BUT HASN'T YET. THEY SENT THE GMC DEALER A NEW HARNESS WHICH STILL WAS NOT THE RIGHT ONE. THE GMC DEALER THEN BUILT A HARNESS FOR MY VEHICLE TO GET ME HOME AS I HAD BEEN STRANDED IN MONTANA FOR THREE WEEKS AT THIS POINT LIVING IN MOTEL ROOMS WITH MY TWO SMALL CHILDREN. AT THIS POINT FORD IS TAKING NO RESPONSIBLITY FOR THIS PROBLEM. NOW MY VEHICLE IS AT THE FORD SERVICE CENTER IN TEMECULA CA AND THERE CONT. TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. HELP PLEASE THIS IS AN EXTREME DANGER!!*AK

WHILE TRAVELING 10-15MPH ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, CONSUMER WAS TURNING LEFT APPROCHING HER DRIVEWAY AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO TURN. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE RACK AND PINION PART OF THE STEERING UNIT FAILED. FORD MOTOR COMPANY REPAIRED THE PROBLEM. *SCC

THERE IS A CONSTANT RATTLING NOISE WHEN DRIVING. DEALER DETERMINED IT WAS THE TIMING CHAIN. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK

WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN REVERSE, IT ACCELERATED, RESULTING IN A CRASH. CAUSE UNKNOWN AND THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATES THAT HIS WIFE STARTED TO BACK OUT OF THE LEVELED DRIVEWAY, WHEN THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY WENT INTO FULL THROTTLE AND CROSSED THE STREET ONTO THE NEIGHBORS PROPERTY. THE VEHICLE TRAVELED APPROXIAMATELY 500 FEET BEFORE SHE WAS ABLE TO STOP. (CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE PROPERTY AND THE VEHICLE) THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THERE IS A MALFUNCTION ON THE PART OF THE EXPLORER AND THAT FORD IS RESPONSIBLE. *SCC

ON SLIGHT INCLINES VEHICLE ROLLS EITHER UP OR DOWN HILL. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK

WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON SLIGHT INCLINE, VEHICLE ROLLS EITHER UP OR DOWN HILL. *AK CONSUMER STATES THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAS NOT BEEN APPLIED. *SLC

THE AC ACCUMULATOR HAS RUSTED THROUGH. THE ACCUMULATOR HAS A THERMAL WRAP-AROUND BLANKET AND EVIDENTLY EXCESS MOISTURE IS TRAPPED BETWEEN IT AND THE ALL-STEEL ACCUMULATOR. REMOVING IT EASILY EXPOSES THE RUST.*AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

A/C WAS BLOWING WARM AIR. FORD DEALERSHIP SAID ACCUMULATOR WAS RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (QUOTED $895). THIS PART RUSTS BECAUSE IT IS WRAPPED IN FOAM. IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 1996-1998 EXPLORERS. THE 1999 AND LATER MODELS DO NOT HAVE THE WRAPPING ON THE ACCUMULATOR.*AK

THE ENGINE LOCKED UP AND WAS REPLACED TWICE, THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS. *MJ

I FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF THE AIR BLEND DOOR / HVAC SYSTEM AT A SAFETY LEVEL DUE TO THE FACT THIS THESE PROBLEMS COULD RESULT IN HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS.

THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL DOES NOT CONTROL THE TEMPERATURE OF THE A/C-HEATER THAT RESULTS IN A FAILURE TO DEFOG/DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD.

CONSUMER HAS 4 FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT SIZE R25570R16 (DOT # W2101FX067) TIRES LEAKING AIR. THESE TIRES WERE INVOLVED IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 01T006000. FORD REFUNDED TWO TIRES AS PART OF REFUND PROMOTION. HOWEVER, CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FROM FIRESTONE FOR THE 2 REMAINING TIRES. *TT

MICHELIN, 17, TIRE INFORMATION IS NOT AVAILABLE. WHILE DRIVING SIDE FRONT AND REAR TIRES TREAD SEPARATED. VEHICLE ALMOST FLIPPED OVER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 70MPH ON HIGHWAY HEARD A LOUD NOISE , LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED, AND CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND WENT INTO AN ENBANKMENT HITTOING A TREE.*AK

THE STEERING COLUMN KNUCKLE THAT HOLDS THE TWO-PIECE COLUMN TOGETHER (UNDER THE DASH) WAS IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED OR MANUFACTURED. ONE OF TWO ASSEMBLY PINS WAS MISSING CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO FREE-SPIN, RESULTING IN COMPLETE STEERING LOSS.*AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

SEALANT USED AROUND FRONT WINDSHIELD IS DISSOLVING AND CAUSINGT WATER TO LEAK INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED . FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WILL STICK UPON ACCELERATION, DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND HAS REPLACED PEDAL.*JB *SLC

TRANSFER CASE BEARING BROKE WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING EXCESSIVE SHIMMERING AND SHAKING, DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY. AFTER REPAIRS, MAIN DRIVESHAFT BEARING FAILED WITH SAME RESULT.*AK

FORD HAS BEEN WELL AWARE OF THE BLEND DOOR BREAKING PROBLEM FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW AND STILL IS DOING NOTHING TO APPEASE THEIR CUSTOMERS. MINE IS STUCK BLOWING COLD AIR, SO SHOULD I NEED IT TO DEFOG OR DEFROST MY WINDOWS DURING A RAIN OR SNOWSTORM (OF WHICH WE HAVE MANY IN MINNESOTA) I CANNOT. I'VE FOUND NUMEROUS REPORTS OF THIS PART FAILING AND COMPLAINTS WRITTEN TO FORD ALL OVER THE INTERNET. THE PROBLEM IS PREVALENT IN SEVERAL FORD MODELS, YET THEY REFUSE TO COMPENSATE THEIR CUSTOMERS FOR A PART THAT IS OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE.*AK

THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WELDS BROKE AND THE PEDAL SHIFTED UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE CRUISING AT 55/60 ON HIGHWAY. WHEN I APPROACHED A RED LIGHT I COULDN'T APPLY THE BRAKE ENOUGH TO STOP THE VEHICLE. LUCKILY I WAS N THE RIGHT LANE AND WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD, RELEASE THE BRAKE AND KICK THE GAS PEDAL OUT FROM UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL AND STOP AND AVOID AN ACCIDENT WITH THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. *JB ***DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS***762252

WHILE DRIVING STEERING WAS STIFF, AND CONSUMER COULD HEAR A GRINDING NOISE IN FRONT END OF VEHICLE. WHEN MAKING A TURN FELT LIKE WHEELS WERE GOING TO LOCK UP. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A FORD DEALER, AND THEY STATED THAT FRONT AND REAR SENSOR IN TRANSFER CASE HAD GONE BAD. CONSUMER STATED THAT ON MAY 4TH PROBLEM REOCCURRED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

1995 THRU 1999 EXPLORERS AND 1997-99 MOUNTAINEERS, BUILT THROUGH 4/98 WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A PLASTIC AIR BLEND DOOR WHICH BREAKS DUE TO POOR DESIGN AND PREVENTS TEMPERATURE REGULATION . FORD REVISED THIS PLENUM USING NYLON AS A REINFORCEMENT , WHICH IS STRONGER AND LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO BREAKAGE. IF THE AIR BLEND DOOR BREAKS AND THE SYSTEM IS LOCKED IN THE A/C MODE, DEFOGGING/DEFROSTING THE WINDSHIELD IS A CHALLENGE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. THANK YOU.*AK

I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN IN MY 1997 FORD EXPLORER. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR ENGINE JUST DIED AND I LOST STEERING POWER AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO THE DEALER THEY EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND TOLD ME THAT THE CRANKSHAFT HAD BROKEN AND THAT IT WAS UNREPAIRABLE, AND THAT MY ONLY OPTION WAS TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACE. FROM MY UNDERSTANDING IF I HAD BEEN TRAVLING AT A HIGH RATED SPEED I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED FROM THAT PIECE BREAKING OFF.*AK

HEATER DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER IS BLOWING OUT COLD AIR,.DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED . FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

WHILE DRIVING CRANKSHAFT SHEARED OFF. VEHICLE THEN COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER. HOWEVER, PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED AS OF YET. *AK *TT

CRANCKSHAF/PULLEY DISCONNECTED FROM ENGINE. *AK

FRONT SWAY BAR BROKE, COULD PUNCTURE TIRE. MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION*AK

THROTTLE CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE.*AK

WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT LEANS FROM SIDE TO SIDE. TOOK TO FORD, AND THEY WELDED DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT. *AK CONSUMER IS ASKING FOR REFUND. *YH

GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE BEEN TO THE DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM REOCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

SQUEAKING NOISE WOULD COME FROM FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE BEEN TO THE DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS, AND THE PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

ENGINE HAS BEEN SOUNDING DIFFERENT SINCE THROTTLE RECALL OOV422000 WAS DONE IN DECEMBER OF 2001. WHILE DRIVING 75-80 MPH THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHO STATED TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT,VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER SUV GOING APPROXIMATELY 60MPH. THE BACK SUPPORT FOR THE DRIVERS SEAT APPARENTLY BROKE AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT AND WENT TO A FULLY RECLINED POSITION,PROVIDING NO SUPPORT. AS A RESULT, MY WIFE SUSTAINED NECK AND LOWER BACK INJURIES (HERNIATED DISKS) AMONG OTHER INJURIES. HAVE ANY OTHER PROBLEMS BEEN REPORTED REGARDING THE SEAT FAILING TO HOLD UP AND PROVIDE PROPER SUPPORT DURING A SEVERE REAR END COLLISION?*AK

THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF VERY POOR DESIGN; THIS PART SHOULD NEVER FAIL - IT IS A SIMPLE PART, SUBJECTED TO VERY MINOR LOADS. WORSE, THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD MUST BE DISASSEMBLED TO REPLACE IT, AND RATHER THAN REPLACING JUST THE BLEND DOOR (A LITTLE FLAPPER THAT CONTROLS THE MIX OF HOT AND COLD AIR), YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HEATER PLENUM ASSEMBLY.*AK

MY COMPLAINT DEALS W/ A CARSEAT SWING SHIELD ARM THAT BROKE WHILE TAKING MY SON OUT OF THE SEAT. THE CARSEAT IS AN EVENFLO HORIZON I PRODUCT.*AK

I HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 3 YEARS AND THE TIRE THREAD CAME APART ALOT. ME AND MY CHILDREN WERE IN THE EXPLORER AND ALMOST GOT KILLED ON SEVERAL TIMES. I REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO FORD'S 800 NUMBER AS A COMPLAINT. I TOLD THE LADY ON THE PHONE THAT THIS CAR WAS VERY DANGEROUS AND THAT I WAS GOING TO RETURN IT TO MY FINANCE COMPANY. I WAS VERY FREIGHTEN AND UPSET BECAUSE ME AND MY 3 CHILDREN COULD HAVE DIED.THE CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE OF THE TIRES.THE TIRES WERE CONSTANTLY THREADING.IN EARLY 2000 I RETURNED THE EXPLORER BECAUSE I FEARED FOR ME AND MY FAMILY SAFETY. NLM (TIRESIZE: P22570R15S)

TEMPERATURE CONTROL SWITCH BROKE, COLD AIR WAS BEING DISTRIBUTED. CONSUMER UNABLE TO DEFROST WINDSHIELD.*AK *YH

BALL JOINTS AGAIN ON 3/15/02. *AK

A/C QUIT WORKING, WENT TO HAVE IT SERVICED. THE A/C ACCUMULATOR HAS RUST HOLES IN IT .THE FOAM AROUND IT KEPT THE ACCUMULATOR WET AND CAUSED IT TO RUST THROUGH. LETTING OUT THE FREON.WHAT IF ALL EXPLORER'S DO THIS ? IF I HAD KNOWN THE DAY IT WAS BOUGHT. IT WAS GOING TO DO THIS , I WOULD HAVE PULLED THE FOAM OFF. IT RUSTED BECAUSE OF THE WAY FORD WRAPPED IT.THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. JUST LOOK AT ALL THE FREON THAT IS GOING TO BE LOST IN THE AIR. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND INTREST ; TIM CARGLE. *AK

WHEN IT'S COLD OUTSIDE VEHICLE HESITATES TO START.*AK CONSUMER ADDS THAT THE SEAT BELT LOCKED IN PLACE ON PASSENGER SIDE, CONSUMER'S CHILD WAS LOCKED IN AND COULD NOT GET OUT, SEAT BELT HAD TO BE CUT IN ORDER TO RELEASE CHILD; IGNITION LOCKED UP AND WOULD NOT CRANK FOR 2 HOURS. *TT

THE THROTTLE CABLE ON OUR EXPLORER SNAPPED WHEN THE CAR WAS BEING PUT ON CRUISE CONTROL; THE CAR ACCELERATED TO 75 MPH. OUR 19 YR. OLD DAUGHTER PUT BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKES BUT COULD ONLY GET THE CAR DOWN TO 55 MPH. SHE WAS WEAVING IN AND OUT OF TRAFFIC ON THE DULLES ACCESS RD BUT WAS ABLE TO GRAB HER CELL PHONE AND CALL 911. THEY ASKED HER IF SHE COULD GET OVER TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD (WHICH SHE MANAGED TO DO) AND TOLD HER TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL. SHE FOLLOWED THEIR INSTRUCTIONS AND WAS ABLE TO ROLL TO A STOP WITHOUT HITTING ANY ONE OR ANYTHING...A MIRACLE. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE CAR SUFFERED $3500 WORTH OF DAMAGE. FORD HAS SAID THAT THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS.*AK

DEFROSTER IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK

SEAT BELT LOCKED UP ON PASSENGER'S SIDE,HAD TO CUT BELT TO REMOVE INFANT. CONTACTED DEALER. DEALER REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING.*AIK

WHILE DRIVING IGINITION LOCKS UP. *AK

LAST DAY OF RECALL..... ACCORDING TO NEWSPAPER..... UNABLE TO FIND DEALER WHO CAN REPLACE. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED. *AK (TIRESIZE: P23575R15)

I CHECKED AIR PRESSURE ON ALL 4 TIRES AT 4PM THAT AFTERNOON BEFORE GETTING ON FREEWAY TO BE SURE THEY WERE AT THE MANUFACTURE'S SPEC. STAMPED ON EACH TIRE. THE TIRE TREAD DETACHED FROM THE TIRE ITSELF WHICH STILL HELD AIR AND REMAINED ON THE RIM. FIRESTONE DENIES TIRE DEFECT. NLM (DOT NUMBER: W2UUIPO396 TIRESIZE: P225/70R15)

I CHECKED AIR PRESSURE ON ALL 4 TIRES AT 4PM THAT AFTERNOON BEFORE GETTING ON FREEWAY TO BE SURE THEY WERE AT THE MANUFACTURE'S SPEC. STAMPED ON EACH TIRE. THE TIRE TREAD DETACHED FROM THE TIRE ITSELF WHICH STILL HELD AIR AND REMAINED ON THE RIM. FIRESTONE DENIES TIRE DEFECT.

HEATER PLENUM HOT/COLD AIR BLEND; DOOR BREAKS, CAUSING NO TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR HEATER & DEFROSTER. *AK

MECHANISM WHICH HOLDS SPARE TIRE HAD TO BE CUT BEFORE CONSUMER COULD USE TIRE. ALSO ,WRONG JACK WAS WITH THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION, AND IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. *AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

WHILE IN MOTION, THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE. THE CAUSE OF THE VEHICLE FAILURE WAS THE CRANKSHAFT. THE CRANKSHAFT HAD A CRACK HALF WAY THROUGH WHICH HAS BEEN THERE FOR A WHILE DUE TO WEATHERING ON THE AREA. *JG

MY VEHICLE DEVELOPED A CLUNK IN THE REAR END WHICH I ASSUMED WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. WHEN I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC HE FOUND THERE WAS A PROBLEM IN THE TRANSFER CASE. AFTER REPAIRING THE TRANSFER CASE HE THEN FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM ORIGINATED IN THE TRANSMISSION AND THAT IT WAS A COSTLY REPAIR. I WOULD NOT HAVE THOUGHT MUCH ABOUT THIS EXCEPT FOR THE FACT THAT HE HAD ANOTHER FORD EXPLORER WITH THE SAME PROBLEM IN HIS SHOP AT THE SAME TIME. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BUT THEY DENY EVER HAVING THIS PROBLEM OR HAVING ANY DEALERSHIPS REPORTING THIS TYPE OF DEFECT.*AK

THROTTLE GETS STUCK WHILE THE CONSUMER IS DRIVING. WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP AND STARTING UP AGAIN, CONSUMER WILL HAVE TROUBLE ACCELERATEING.*AK

IN MIDDLE OF A SNOW STORM, DEFROSTER WOULD NOT WORK, CAUSING VEHICLE NOT TO HAVE ANY HEAT AND POOR VISIBILITY TO DRIVE. CONSUMER FOUND A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, NHTSA SB618546 RELATING TO THE PROBLEM. DEALER WAS CONTACTED TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE.*AKJG

CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSFER CASE IN THE FRONT AND REAR FELL OUT, DEALER WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM COMPLETELY, THE VEHICLE WAS EVENTUALLY SOLD.*JG

CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSFER CASE IN THE FRONT AND REAR FELL OUT, DEALER WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM COMPLETELY, THE VEHICLE WAS EVENTUALLY SOLD.*JG

I HA D A WARRANTY THROUGH FORD MOTOR CO. THEY WILL NOT HONOR IT NOR WILL THE DEALERSHIP I COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS LOUD METALLIC RATTLING NOISE THEY (THE DEALERSHIPS SERVICE WRITERS) SAID THAT THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED BACK IN OCTOBER IT WAS NOT NEARLY A HALF A YEAR LATER THERE WAS ENOUGH ENGINE DAMAGE THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED MY EXTENDED WARRANTY STATES "IF THE FRONT CAM CHAIN GUIDE IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY IT WILL BE REPLACED BY FORD FREE OF CHARGE ANY OTHER ENGINE DAMAGE CLEARLY RESULTING FROM A WORN OR BROKEN FRONT CAM CHAIN GUIDE IS ALSO COVERED BY THIS EXTENDED COVERAGE" AGAIN THIS EXTENDED COVERAGE IS NOT BEING HONORED BY FORD OR THE SERVICING DEALERSHIP. *AK

THE CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE REGARDING FAULTY FIRESTONE TIRES BUT BY RESEARCHING FOUND OUT THAT THE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE WERE SUBJECT TO THE RECALL, ONE TIRE WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER BECAUSE IT LOOKED SUSPICIOUS, THE CONSUMER HAD THE TIRES REPLACED AT AN OUTSIDE TIRE DEALER, WHEN THE CLAIM WAS SUBMITTED FOR REIMBURSEMENT IT WAS DENIED BECAUSE THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED AND INSTALLED ONE DAY AFTER THE NON, 15TH DEADLINE (FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES). NLM

DEALERSHIP MECHANIC SAYS THAT THE SEIZING OD BRAKE CALIPERS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE. IF SO, IT SEAMS THAT THERE IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE.*AK

THE CONSUMER STATES THAT BOTH FRONT AXLES FAILED IN THE SAME WAY: THE RUBBER SLEEVE SPLIT ALLOWING GREASE TO COME OUT CAUSING THE MOVING METAL PARTS TO DISINTEGRATE. THE CONSUMER DOESN'T DRIVE OVER ROUGH TERRAIN, ALTHOUGH I WOULD EXPECT AN ALL WHEEL DROVE TO BE ABLE TO DO SO W/OUT DAMAGE TO THE AXLES. THE CONSUMER'S MECHANIC HAS REPLACED THE AXLES ON THREE EXPLORERS IN TWO MONTHS IN AN AREA WITH A SMALL POPULATION SEEMS MORE THAN COINCIDENCE. *SCC

DRIVERS DOOR LOCK NOT WORKING PROPERLY, GASKET CYLINDER FRONT COVER, TORQUE CONVERTER SHUDDER, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, RT BANK EXHAUST MANIFOLD; THESE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN CORRECTED, BUT NEW ONES MOUNT EVERY WEEK. NOW THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING, BEING CHECKED TOMORROW. *AK

BRACKET ATTACHED TO FIRWALL BY THREE SMALL RIVETS. RIVETS BROKE LOOSE, PEDAL BECAME INOPERATIONAL WHILE DRIVING. *AK

ALLDATA.COM AND OTHER SITES SHOW A SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE YEAR/MODEL FOR THE FRONT SWAY BAR. HOWEVER, UPON NUMEROUS REQUESTS TO THE SERVICE DEPT. AT SAID DEALER, THEY SAY IT DOESN'T AFFECT OUR PARTICULAR VEHICLE. BUT, OUR VEHICLE'S SWAY BAR HAS BEEN MAKING A POPPING/SQUEEKING NOISE ALMOST SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED. WE WANT FORD TO COVER THE REPLACEMENT, BEFORE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OCCURS. *AK

WHILE BACKING OUT OF OUR YARD , THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED WORKING. HAD IT TOWED TO A LOCAL AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SERVICE. WAS TOLD THAT THE CRANKSHAFT WAS SHEARED OFF . FORD MOTOR CO. WILL NOT ADMIT ANY EQUIPMENT FAULT, LEAVING ME WITH A $4200.00 PRICE TAG TO GET IT FIXED.. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT CRANKSHAFTS DO NOT JUST SHEAR OR BREAK OFF BY OTHER MECHANICS THAT I HAVE TALKED TO. LOOKING AT YOUR SITE HAS SHOWN ME THAT THIS IS NOT JUST AN ISOLATED CASE AND IT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO BY FORD. I AM THANKFUL THAT THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED INJURY.THANK YOU.*AK

I AM GETTING IN TOUCH WITH YOU TO LET YOU KNOW ABOUT A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE AFTER MARKET STEERING EXTENSION DEVICE PUT ON ALOT OF HANDICAPPED VEHICLES, THIS PART IS PUT ON THESE CARS AND TRUCKS TO HELP ASSIST THE DRIVER IN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL . THE PROBLEM WITH THIS PART IS THAT IS NOT SAFE . WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TAKEN OFF OF THE SPLINED SHAFT THE NEW PIECE IS PUT ON AND DOES NOT EVEN HAVE A SPLINED CENTER TO FIT TIGHT ON THE SHAFT AND THE ONLY OTHER THING TO HOLD IT TIGHT IS 2 SET SCREWS. IF ONE OF THESE SET SCREWS WOULD WORK LOSE OR IF THE STEERING WHEEL WERE TURNED TO HARD THESE SET SCREWS WOULD WORK LOOSE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD TURN BUT THE WHEELS WOULDN'T , OR THE OTHER WAY AROUND . I HAVE TALKED TO A AUTO REPAIR SPECIALIST ALONG WITH THE HEAD MECHANIC SUPERVISOR AT A FORD DEALERSHIP AND BOTH MEN SAID THAT THIS PART IS NOT VERY SAFE AND THEY WOULD NT WANT IT ON THEIR CAR OR TRUCK , I ALSO TALKED TO THE PERSON WHO INSTALLED THIS PART HE NO LONGER USES THIS ALUMINUM PART BECAUSE IT IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH FOR THIS KIND OF STRESS THAT A STEERING WHEEL GOES THROUGH . I HOPE THAT YOU CAN MAKE THESE PARTS REPLACED BY THE COMPANIES SO THAT NO ONE WITH A MODIFIED HANDICAPPED STEERING COLUMN EXTENSION DOES NOT GET KILLED OR KILL SOMEONE ELSE , I WAS LUCKY TO FIND IT EARLY BUT MAYBE SOME ONE ELSE WON'T BE. THANK YOU SINCERELY [XXX]. *AK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

UPON PURCHASE OF VEHICLE, THERE WERE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES (NO OTHER SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION MENTIONED) THAT WERE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON VEHICLE, CONSUMER REPLACED WITH 4 NEW TIRES, HOWEVER, AFTER REPLACEMENT, FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES WERE RECALLED, CONUMER SUBMITTED REFUND FORM, BUT WAS DENIED REIMBURSEMENT. *TT

UPON PURCHASE OF VEHICLE, THERE WERE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES (NO OTHER SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION MENTIONED) THAT WERE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON VEHICLE, CONSUMER REPLACED WITH 4 NEW TIRES, HOWEVER, AFTER REPLACEMENT, FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES WERE RECALLED, CONUMER SUBMITTED REFUND FORM, BUT WAS DENIED REIMBURSEMENT. *TT

CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING REVVING AND STALLING. CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE CORRECTED. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN ABLE TO BE FIXED TEMPORARILY TO REDUCE THE SEVERITY OF THE PROBLEM, EVEN IN CONSULTATION WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY ENGINEERS. CONSUMER HAS CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE SEVERAL UNEXPECTED SURGES IN THE ENGINE REVS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS. *SCC

ENGINE ACCELERATED DURING BRAKING TO A STOP. UNABLE TO STOP VEHICLE WITH BRAKES.

ENGINE ACCELERATED DURING BRAKING TO A STOP. UNABLE TO STOP VEHICLE WITH BRAKES.

CONSUMER STATED AS HE LEANED BACK IN THE DRIVERS SEAT, THE BACK OF THE SEAT FELL ONTO THE REAR SEAT, CONSUMER WAS NOT ABLE TO GET THE SEAT BACK UP BY USING THE SEAT HANDLE, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE LATCH HOLDING THE SEAT BACK IN PLACE HAD LET GO AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.*JB

CONSUMER STATED AS HE LEANED BACK IN THE DRIVERS SEAT, THE BACK OF THE SEAT FELL ONTO THE REAR SEAT, CONSUMER WAS NOT ABLE TO GET THE SEAT BACK UP BY USING THE SEAT HANDLE, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE LATCH HOLDING THE SEAT BACK IN PLACE HAD LET GO AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.*JB

WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 65 MPH THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED. THE CONSUMER REPLACED ALL THE TIRES AFTER THE INCIDENT, GOODYEAR WRANGLER, P235/75R15. *YH

WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 65 MPH THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED. THE CONSUMER REPLACED ALL THE TIRES AFTER THE INCIDENT, GOODYEAR WRANGLER, P235/75R15. *YH

VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP DUE TO NOISE COMING FROM FRONT END. DEALER DETERMINED THAT FRONT DIFFERENTIAL WAS BROKEN AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.*AK

VEHICLE NEVER TAKEN OFF ROAD/DEALER HAS NO IDEA WHY ALL FRONT END PARTS FAILED/DEALER STATES IT NEVER SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED WITH 1997 VEHICLE/ OTHER EXPOLOER OWNERS I HAVE TALKED WITH HAVE SIMILAR FRONT END PROBLEMS / I FEEL THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH DESIGN OR PARTS USED IN FRONT END AND ABS SYSTEM

VEHICLE WOULD MAKE A "GRINDING" NOISE WHILE ACCELERATING AND STOPPING. A DEALERSHIP AND INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CONCLUDED THAT NOISE WAS COMING FROM TRANSFER CASE, V8 ENGINE, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, ALL-WHEEL DRIVE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION. *AK

THE HEATER AND DEFROSTER STOPPED WORKING BECAUSE OF A PLASTIC PART ON THE HEATER DOOR THAT FAILS AFTER TO MUCH USE. THE PART HAS TO BE REPLACE BY A PART CALLED THE ACTUATOR VALUE.FORD MUST HAVE KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, BECAUSE IT HAS A REPLACEMENT PART ALREADY TO GO WHEN THE PART FAILS. (NYLON BLEND DOOR AND PLENUM #F87Z-18471-DA.) THE PROBLEM BEENING THAT IT COST $784.40 IN LABOR TO PUT THE PART IN. IF FORD NEW IT HAD THIS PROBLEM , WHY WASN`T IT ON A RECALL LIST TO REPLACE???*AK

THE SWAY BAR LINKS BROKE PRIOR TO THE RECALL NOTICE, CONSUMER WAS SENT A CHECK FOR THE REPAIRS OF THE FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS, HOWEVER THE LEFT FRONT DRIVE SHAFT WAS ALSO REPLACED DUE TO THE LINKS BREAKING WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE DRIVE SHAFT, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE DRIVE SHAFT AS WELL.*YH

THE SWAY BAR LINKS BROKE PRIOR TO THE RECALL NOTICE, CONSUMER WAS SENT A CHECK FOR THE REPAIRS OF THE FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS, HOWEVER THE LEFT FRONT DRIVE SHAFT WAS ALSO REPLACED DUE TO THE LINKS BREAKING WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE DRIVE SHAFT, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE DRIVE SHAFT AS WELL.*YH

LEFT FRONT DRIVE SHAFT WORN OUT AND REPLACED. *YH

THE SWAY BAR LINKS BROKE PRIOR TO THE RECALL NOTICE, CONSUMER WAS SENT A CHECK FOR THE REPAIRS OF THE FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS, HOWEVER THE LEFT FRONT DRIVE SHAFT WAS ALSO REPLACED DUE TO THE LINKS BREAKING WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE DRIVE SHAFT, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE DRIVE SHAFT AS WELL.*YH

WHILE DRIVING ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DASH. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, CAUSE UNKNOWN. ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE DASH. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION, AND VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.*AK

CONSUMER STATED WHEN VEHICLE WAS BEING STARTED IT SOUNDED LIKE A DIESEL ENGINE, THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS APPEARING ON THE DASHBOARD, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT A NEW ENGINE WAS NEEDED, CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS NOW ON ITS 3RD ENGINE. *JB

CONSUMER STATED THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE SERVICED AT A TRANSMISSION SHOP.*JB

CONSUMER STATED WHEN VEHICLE WAS BEING STARTED IT SOUNDED LIKE A DIESEL ENGINE, THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS APPEARING ON THE DASHBOARD, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT A NEW ENGINE WAS NEEDED, CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS NOW ON ITS 3RD ENGINE. *JB

CONSUMER STATED THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE SERVICED AT A TRANSMISSION SHOP.*JB

WHILE TRAVELING AND WHEN DEPRESSING HORN IT DID NOT SOUND OFF . DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND REFUSED TO REPAIR. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 60MPH ON HIGHWAY AND A BEAR WAS IN THE LANE, SHE HIT THE BEAR AND DUAL AIRBAGS DIDN'T GO OFF. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK *JB

TAILGATE WHILE IN LIFTED POSITION FELL/FAILED DUE TO LEFT REAR BRACKET COMING OFF, CAUSING MINOR INJURY TO OWNER. CHILD ALMOST INJURIED DUE TO BRAKET FAILURE. *AK

GETTING ON HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH, STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT OF CAR BEGAN EXCESSIVE VIBRATING (SHAKING AND SPUTTERING). CAR CUT OFF AT SIDE OF ROAD. TOWED TO DEALER WHO SAID THEY NEVER HEARD OF SYMPTOMS AND COULD NOT REPRODUCE PROBLEM (AFTER 4 DAYS). ON DAY 4 THEY TOLD ME IT WAS MY DRIVESHAFT WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CAR HAS NOT BEEN THE SAME SINCE AND STILL MAINTAINS A CONSTANT VIBRATING ALTHOUGH SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT THAN FIRST EPISODE. CAR STILL HAS TROUBLES AT 70-75 MPHS.*AK

CONSUMER EXPLAINS THAT WHILE HAVING PARKED THE VEHICLE IN A DRIVEWAY WITH A SLIGHT INCLINE, DRIVER LEFT THE VEHICLE RUNNING IN PARK, WHILE STANDING IN THE DOORWAY THE VEHICLE ROLLED UP THE DRIVEWAY AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. *JG

THREE TIRE FAILED, TIRES LEAK ON SIDE WALL NEXT TO TREAD

CONSUMER EXPLAINS THAT WHILE HAVING PARKED THE VEHICLE IN A DRIVEWAY WITH A SLIGHT INCLINE, DRIVER LEFT THE VEHICLE RUNNING IN PARK, WHILE STANDING IN THE DOORWAY THE VEHICLE ROLLED UP THE DRIVEWAY AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. *JG

WHILE DRIVING ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WILL COME AND STAY ON. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS, AND COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT HAD CAUSED THE SITUATION. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTSDOWN WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

AFTER THE CAR WAS BROKEN ON HIGHWAY 20 WEST, :MAKING A LOT OF NOISE [ SOUND LIKE THE FLAT , BUT LUCKY, THE TIRES ARE GOOD ] . THE CAR LOST CONTROL AND STOP NEAR THE EXIT , ABOUT 1 MILE TO THE " MILLBURY FORD DEALER ". , L LOOKED DOWN UNDER THE CAR : SEEING THE AXLE WHICH CONNECTED TO THE REAR DIFFDERENTIAL ASSEMBLY BY THE "U JOIN " WAS BROKEN , IT PULL APART , AND DROP ON THE GROUND . THEN CALL A TOW-TRUCK , AND A POLICEMAN STOPPED BY FOR GUIDING THE TRAFFIC TO AVOID ,PREVENT ACCIDENT ..ETC.. FOR SAFETY .*AK

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ACCELLERATED OUT OF CONTROL. MY BRAKES & OTHER COMPONANTS BROKE IN MY ATTEMPTS TO STOP. LUCKILY I DID NOT CRASH, FLIP OR RUN SOMEONE OVER AS IT TOOK SEVERAL MILES TO STOP. I WAS TOWED TO FREEDOM FORD IN BEACON, NY WHERE THEY FOUND THAT THE FORD AIR FILTER BROKE AND WEDGED THE ACCELERATOR LINKAGE CAUSING THE CAR TO GO OUT OF CONTROL. I INCURRED BRAKE DAMAGE, TOWING, TRAVEL EXPENSES, AND SUBSEQUENT THRODDLE REPAIRS DONE AT PLEASANTVILLE FORD IN PLEASANTVILLE, NY.

FRONT AND REAR BRAKE PADS AND SHOES ARE PREMATURELY WEARING, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

WHEN DISENGAGING CRUISE CONTROL VEHICLE THROTTLES DOWN AND ACCELERATES. CONSUMER HAS TO DEPRESS BRAKES OR SHUT OFF CRUISE CONTROL. VEHICLE HAS AN AGGRESSIVE ACCELERATION. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER URGED CONSUMER TO RECREATE PROBLEM FOR THEM TO CHECK IT OUT. *AK

I FIXED THIS ONCE WITH GLUE AND REPLACED. THE ACTUATOR BROKE THE DOOR AGAIN. THIS CAN BE A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM CONSIDERING IF WILL MAKE WINDOW DEFROSTER NON FUNCTIONAL. *AK

AT 45,000 MILES TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. AT 70, 000 VEHICLE STARTED TO HESITATE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

IN CONTACTING FIRESTONE TO RECEIVE A REBATE FORM FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF THE REPLACEMENT OF THE WILDERNESS TIRE THAT BLOW OUT FOR ME, THE FIRSESTONE 800 NUMBER AND THE LOCAL FIRESTONE DEALER DOES NOT HAVE AND WILL NOT PROVIDE A COPY OF THE REIMBURSEMENT FORM. IT NICE THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE 16 INCH TIRES, BUT A CUSTOMER CANNOT RECEIVE THE FORM FROM EITHER THE MANIFACTURER OR THEIR CORPORATE RETAIL OUTLET.*AK (TIRESIZE: 16)

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES HEARD A GRINDING NOISE. DEALER REPLACED BOTH FRONT HUBS AND SENSORS. *AK CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT BRAKE SENSORS ARE CONFUSED, THEY THINK THEY ARE ON WET PAVEMENT, WHEN REALLY DRIVING ON DRY PAVEMENT.*SLC

WINDSHIELD WASHER COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER TWICE, MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH WAS REPLACED THE FIRST TIME. IT DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. SECOND TIME DEALER COULD NOT FIND CAUSE. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR ONE DAY IN COLD WEATHER OUTSIDE, PROBLEM WAS REPLICATED AND THEY FOUND RELAYS OVERHEATING AND STICKING CAUSED BY SHORTED MALFUNCTION SWITCH ON PRIOR REPAIR AND THEY REPLACED BOTH RELAYS. *YH

CYLINDER HEADS OR HEAD GASGETS FAILED CAUSING COOLANT LEAK INTO CYLINDERS AND OUT EXHAUST. SUSPECT FAULTY HEATER VALVE LEAKED COOLANT CAUSING ENGINE TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE HEADS OR GASGETS.

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35MPH ON ROAD TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE., AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, VEHICLE ACELLERATED ABOUT 100MPH. HAD FOOT ON BRAKES, BUT VEHICLE WAS STILL RUNNING. CONSUMER TURNED VEHICLE OFF. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK

WELL, THE FIRST THING THAT STOPPED WORKING WAS THE THERMOSTAT, THEN THE WINDOW REGULATOR AND SEAT BEALT, I WENT TO THE DEALER AND JUST TO SEE THE PROBLEM I WAS CHARGED 160USD . I THINK IT'S UNFAIR BUT THEY SAID I HAD TO PAY AND NOTHING WAS DONE TO THE CAR. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED AT SEARS BECAUSE I WAS SCARED AND SIMPLY REPLACED THEM 4 MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR. I CALLED THE DEALER AND FIRESTONE RECALL BUT THEY ARE NOW ASKING FOR A DOT CODE IN WHICH SEARS DID NOT GIVE ME. NOW I AM ONLY ASKING TO PLEASE TRY TO REFUND SOMETHING. I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY GIVE TOO MANY PROBLEMS AND THE DEALER GETS AWAY WITH PROBLEMS IN WHICH THEY NEED TO FIX BECAUSE THEY ARE FACTORY PROBLEMS. *AK (TIRESIZE: 15INCHES)

ACCELERATOR SUDDENLY AND UNCONTROLLABLY CAUSES VEHICLE TO GO FROM A STOPPED CONDITION, FOOT ON BRAKE, CRUISE CONTROL OFF. EXTREME BRAKING EFFORT AVOIDS COLLISION. PROBLEM PRESENTED TO FORD SERVICE AT DEALER, DIAGNOSTIC TESTS DONE AND NO REPAIR PROVIDED. FORD SERVICE DENIED KNOWLEDGE OF ANY SIMILAR PROBLEMS OF THIS TYPE AND OFFERED NO RECALL REPAIRS.*AK

THREE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS HT TIRE FAILURES. CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 70 MPH ON DRY ROAD CONDITONS WHEN FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE WENT FLAT WITHOUT WARNING. SECOND TIRE FAILURE WAS ON FRONT PASSENGERS SIDE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK CONSUMER STATED HE IS UNABLE TO GET ANY ASSISTANCE FROM FIRESTONE OR DEALER, CONSUMER HAS NOW REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES.*SLC

AFTER PARKING VEHICLE CONSUMER COULD NOT UNBUCKLE SEAT BELT. CONSUMER HAD TO CUT SEAT BELT TO FINALLY GET OUT OF VEHICLE.*AK

WHEN A MICHELIN DEALER RECENTLY REPLACED THE FOUR 16 INCH 255 FIRESTONE TIRES, HE COMMENTED THAT THE SPARE IS A FIRESTONE 15 INCH 225 TIRE. IS IT SAFE TO MIX THES SIZES? THE 16 INCH TIRES WERE ORIGINAL EQUIUPMENT ON THE CAR -- NOT PURCHASED AS AN OPTION. FORD HAS NOT RESPONDED TO MY INQUIRY. *AK

THE FAILURE OF THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT WHICH IS AN LED (LIGHT EMITTING DIODE) ASSEMBLY IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE WAS DISCOVERED I WENT TO THE MANUFACTURER'S DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. FIRST I WAS QUOTED A REPAIR PRICE 35 TIMES HIGHER THEN THE AVERAGE BRAKE LIGHT REPLACEMENT OR $350.00. ULTIMATELY, I HAD THE REPAIR DONE FOR $265.00 AFTER SOME SERIOUS DIALOGUE ABOUT THE COST OF THIS PART VERSUS NORMAL BRAKE LIGHT REPLACEMENTS. I EMPHASIED A PART COSTING $35 TIMES THE NORMAL BRAKE LIGHT BULB REPAIR SHOULD BE ENGINEERED TO LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. IF IT DID NOT THEN IT MUST BE AN ENGINEERING OR MANUFACTUREING DEFECT. THE DEALERSHIP SAID FORD WOULD NOT RESPOND POSITIVELY TO MY ARGUEMENTS AND THE BEST THEY COULD DO WAS $265.00. I BELEIVE THE SAFETY ISSUE IS DRIVEN BY THE COST OF THIS ASSEMBLY. THERE MAYBE MANY FORD EXPLORERS ON THE ROAD WITH THIS DEFECTIVE PART, SIMPLY BECAUSE THE COST TO REPAIR IS PROHIBITIVE. IN SOME STATES VEHICLE INSPECTIONS ARE NOT REQUIRED UNTIL THE VECHICLE IS RESOLD AND THEREFORE THE PROBLEM COULD GO UNDECTED CREATING A SERIOUS RISK FOR THE DRIVER OF THE FAILING VEHICLE AND ANYONE FOLLOWING BEHIND. I SUGGEST A SAFETY ALERT BE ISSUED IF IT HAS NOT ALREADY BEEN DONE GIVING CONSIDERATION TO THE NUMBER OF LED ASSEMBLIES, BRAKE LIGHT FAILURES AND THE COST OF THE REPAIR THAT A RECALL ALSO BE CONSIDERED.*AK

THERE'S A WINDING AND GRINDING NOISE WHENEVER TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS. IT IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE GOING INTO REVERSE WITHOUT WARNING.*AK

HAD STARTED VEHICLE & SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AND TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP. RESHIFTED BACK TO DRIVEAND THEN INTO REVERSE AGAIN TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP. WHEN IT HAPPENED A THIRD TIME, TRANSMISSION DAMAGED LEFT FRONT TIRE. VEHICLE NOW AT DEALERSHIP. *AK

CAM TENSIONER BROKE. METAL PIECE FROM TENSIONER RAN THROUGH ENGINE AND DAMAGED IT. THERE WAS A RECALL ON VEHICLE'S MAKE/MODEL; BUT, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED BECAUSE IT EXCEEDED 100000 MILE WARRANTY. CONSUMER BOUGHT VEHICLE AND DIDN'T KNOW RECALL.*AK

VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT WHILE DRIVING 35MPH. HAVE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP TO CHECK ON ALIGNMENT. INFORMED NOT ALIGNMENT. MECHANIC INDICATED PROBLEM IWAS LOCATED IN WHEEL HUB. IT WAS NOT REPAIRED.*AK

WHILE MAKING A SLOW TURN TO PARK THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE. VEHICLE STOPPED , CONSUMER TRIED TO BACK UP, BUT AGAIN VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE. CONSUMER SAW LEFT FRONT WHEEL WAS TILTED TO ONE SIDE. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER WHO NOTICED THE FRONT STEERING KNUCKLE HAD BROKEN.*AK

THE TREAD OF THE LEFT REAR TIRE SEPARATED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VEER OFF THE ROADWAY, THE DRIVER OVERCORRECTED TO RETURN TO THE ROAD WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROTATE CLOCKWISE, UPON THE VEHICLE SLIDING THE LEFT REAR TIRE BECAME DEFLATED AND THE WHEEL BEGAN TO GOUGE INTO THE ROADWAY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO OVERTURN SEVERAL TIMES, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED CONTUSIONS AND ABRASIONS TO HIS ARMS AND UPPER TORSO AREA, THE LEFT REAR OCCUPANT WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE ANS SUSTAINED CONTUSIONS AND ABRASIONS TO HIS HEAD, NECK, ARMS AND LEGS, THE OTHER THREE OCCUPANTS SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES(ATTORNEY FOR CLIENTS, FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL INVESTIGATION, FIRESTONE, NO OTHER TIRE INFO GIVEN)

THE TREAD OF THE LEFT REAR TIRE SEPARATED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VEER OFF THE ROADWAY, THE DRIVER OVERCORRECTED TO RETURN TO THE ROAD WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROTATE CLOCKWISE, UPON THE VEHICLE SLIDING THE LEFT REAR TIRE BECAME DEFLATED AND THE WHEEL BEGAN TO GOUGE INTO THE ROADWAY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO OVERTURN SEVERAL TIMES, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED CONTUSIONS AND ABRASIONS TO HIS ARMS AND UPPER TORSO AREA, THE LEFT REAR OCCUPANT WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE ANS SUSTAINED CONTUSIONS AND ABRASIONS TO HIS HEAD, NECK, ARMS AND LEGS, THE OTHER THREE OCCUPANTS SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES(ATTORNEY FOR CLIENTS, FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL INVESTIGATION, FIRESTONE, NO OTHER TIRE INFO GIVEN)

ACCELERATOR PEDAL FELT LOOSE, PULLED OVER AND EXAMINED. THE BRACKET ON WHICH THE PEDAL WAS MOUNTED HAD COMPLETELY BROKEN OUT FROM THE FIREWALL OF THE VEHICLE. UPON EXAMINATION, THE BRAKET HAD BEEN ATTACHED WITH THREE SPOT WELDS.*AK

THE ORIGINAL DRYER UNIT WAS WRAPPED WITH A PIECE OF RUBBER. THIS PART, AS A NORMAL PART OF IT'S OPERATION WILL SWEAT. THIS PIECE OF RUBBER HELD THE CONDENSATION TO THE UNIT AND CAUSED THE DRYER TO RUST. THE REPLACEMENT PART DOES NOT HAVE THIS RUBBER WARPPING. I BELIEVE THAT THE ORIGINAL PART WAS DESIGNED TO FAIL.*AK

PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT DOES NOT RELEASE WHEN SEAT BELT BUTTON IS PUSHED TO DISENGAGE.*AK

BRAKES WOULD MAKE A GROANING SOUND AND PEDAL WOULD VIBRATE WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER SHOP, AND HAD BOTH FRONT CALIPER AND PADS REPLACED. BUT, STILL MAKING NOISE. VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO DEALER SHOP. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT ABS SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SEEKING ASSISTANCE FROM NHTSA, IS IT NORMAL WEAR FOR THIS PART TO GO OUT UNDER 40,000 MILES. *AK *SLC

CONSUMER REPLACED ALL THE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES, DUE TO CRACKS AROUND THE TREAD IN DEC 2000, HOWEVER IN MAY 2001 THE ORIGINAL TIRES WERE RECALLED AND CONSUMER IS NOW SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT, BUT IS GETTING THE RUN AROUND FROM THE DEALER.*JB

CONSUMER REPLACED ALL THE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES, DUE TO CRACKS AROUND THE TREAD IN DEC 2000, HOWEVER IN MAY 2001 THE ORIGINAL TIRES WERE RECALLED AND CONSUMER IS NOW SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT, BUT IS GETTING THE RUN AROUND FROM THE DEALER.*JB

PRIOR TO RECALL, CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A TIRE BLOW OUT AND REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES, CONSUMER WAS DENIED REIMBURSEMENT BECAUSE THE TIRE BLEW OUT BEFORE THE RECALL.(FIRESTONE TIRES)*JB

THE CRANKSHAFT FELL OUT WHILE DRIVING, AS THE CRANKSHAFT FELL OUT IT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOCKUP RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE NOT STEERING OR BRAKING VERY WELL. NLM

THE LEFT REAR AXLE BROKE CAUSING THE WHEEL TO BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE VEHICLE, AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A WALL THEN FLIPPED ONTO ITS SIDE AND SLID ABOUT 400 FEET, THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. NLM

PRIOR TO RECALL, CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A TIRE BLOW OUT AND REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES, CONSUMER WAS DENIED REIMBURSEMENT BECAUSE THE TIRE BLEW OUT BEFORE THE RECALL.(FIRESTONE TIRES)*JB

THE LEFT REAR AXLE BROKE CAUSING THE WHEEL TO BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE VEHICLE, AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A WALL THEN FLIPPED ONTO ITS SIDE AND SLID ABOUT 400 FEET, THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. NLM

NEW ENGINE NEEDED. I HAVE HAD FORD REPLACE THE CAM TENSIONERS, ONLY TO HAVE HAD IT FAIL NOW FOR THE 3RD TIME IN 8 MOS. I AM GOING TO REQUEST THE ENGINE BE REPLACED AT DEALER COST, AS IT WAS A RECALLED PART. THE WARRANTY WAS EXTENDED TO 72K MILES BACK IN JAN 0F '01. I NOW HAVE 90K AND THE PROBLEM HAS REOCURRED. THE PROBLEM WAS NEVER REALLY CORRECTED, SO ITS MY OPINION THAT FORD IS OBLIGATED TO CORRECT THIS. WAS TOLD ENGINE NEEDS REPLACEMENT. HAVE HAD A CONSTANT 'TICKING' SINCE PURCHASED. NOW VERY LOUD CLATTERING AND 'RAPPING' NOISES IN TIMING CHAIN AREA. I WAS TOLD THERE ARE 6 CHAINS ON THIS ENGINE AND THEY ONLY REPLACED THE FRONT, SAYING IF THE BACK ONES ARE BAD, THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED...AND THAT THAT IS THE PROBLEM SINCE THE FIRST 2 REPLACEMENTS HAVE GONE BAD AGAIN.*AK

FORD DEFINITELY HAS AN ENGINEERING PROBLEM. IS THE NHTSA GONNA DEAL WITH IT OR, ARE WE GOING TO WAIT TILL WE HAVE ANOTHER WILDERNESS TIRE ISSUE. MY EXPLORER HAS CONSISTENTLY SHOWN SEVERE SKIP/MISS FOR THE PAST 2-MONTHS. AT FIRST INDICATION....I SCHEDULED IT IN TO MY LOCAL DEALER (ROCHESTER AUTO COLLECTION - A DIVISION OF FORD), WHO DETERMINED THAT IT NEEDED NEW IGNITION WIRES. (MIND YOU, THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 42,000 ORIGINAL MILES, AS I BOUGHT IT NEW). THREE HUNDRED BUCKS LATER, I NOTICE THE VEHICLE PERFORMING NO BETTER ON THE DAY I PICKED IT UP. SO....WE SCHEDULE A SECOND VISIT. DURING THAT VISIT, THEY "DINK AROUND" WITH THE THROTTLE. AGAIN, THE DAY I PICKED IT UP, I NOTICED IT WAS NO BETTER. SO....IN WE GO FOR A THIRD VISIT. DURING THAT VISIT I AM ADVISED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER HAS BROKEN OFF AND THAT THEY WILL NEED TO PULL THE ENGINE OUT TO REPAIR. SO, WE SCHEDULE THAT 3-DAY SERVICE VISIT. AND HERE I AM TODAY.....AFTER HAVING PICKED UP THE VEHICLE, AND NOW IT IS WORSE!! THIS IS A $30,000 VEHICLE WITH 43,000 MILES THAT RUNS WORSE THAN MY SON'S '95 CAVALIER. AS I REVIEW THE DATABASE OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, I NOTE MANY, MANY ISSUES RELATING TO THIS TIMING BELT TENSIONER. SO......WHEN IS THE NHTSA GONNA STEP UP TO THE PLATE, AND MAKE FORD GET THEIR "DUCKS IN A ROW" AND FIX THIS ISSUE. AS IT IS RIGHT NOW, BETWEEN THE TIRE INCIDENT AND THEN THIS, I SINCERELY DOUBT I WILL EVER BUY A FORD AGAIN. *TR

WHEN VEHICLE IS SITTING OR MOVING THERE IS A TICKING NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. VEHICLE WAS AT REPAIR SHOP, AND MECHANIC TOLD CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE NEEDED A CAM CHAIN GUIDE. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK DEALER REPLACED THE TIMING CHANIN, ALSO THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE.*JB

AN UNKNOWN CAUSE LEAD TO THE HEAD GASKET CRACKING AND THE CYCLINDERS BLOWING-OUT ON THE VEHICLE, WHICH NOW REQUIRES A NEW ENGINE. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WITH 46M MILES AND THE RETURN OF A LEASE ORIGNATED WITH THE DELAERSHIP THAT SOLD THE SAME VEHICLE TO US. THIS WAS FORD CERTIFIED LEASE VEHICLE WE WERE TOLD, WHICH MEANS IT SUPPOSEDLY WNET THROUGH THE HIGHEST INSPECTION UPON IT BEING TURNED IN FROM THE LEASE. THE VEHICLE BROKE-DOWN ON 8/12/01 ON BUSY INTERSTATE 84 AT THE JUCTION OF THE MERGE OF INTERSTATE 91 AND 84, STRANDING MY WIFE ( WHO WS DRIVING) BETWEEN TWO HEAVILY USED HIGHWAYS. BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD HAVE REFUSED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE INHERENT DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THE VEHICLE. ACORDIG TO THE DEALERSHIP A THEIR FORD REPRESENTATIVE, TARYN, STATED FORD REFUSES TO PAY FANY PART OF THE REPAIR BECUSE THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT USED AND WE DID NOT DO OUR SERVICE (OIL CHANGES) WITH THE DEALERSHIP, ALTHOUGH WE DID DO SO AT OTHER PLACES. WE WANT FORD AND THE DELEARSHIP TO PAY FOR THE FULL COST OF REPAIRING THIS VEHICLE.*AK

WHILE TRAVELING AND WHEN DEPRESSING GAS PEDAL IT WAS STUCK ,CAUSING VEHICLE NOT TO GAIN ANY SPEED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT AND THE CONSUMER NOTICED A MAJOR SHIMMY WHICH CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO SHAKE RESULTING IN FRONT TIRES MAKING NOISE. THE CAUSE WAS DISCOVERED TO BE A MISSING PART CALLED A CAMBER KIT. THE CONSUMER WANTS A REFUND FROM THE MANUFACTURER OF THE VEHICLE FOR FIXING THIS PROBLEM. *YH

THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBACK LEVER WAS BROKE. *YH

THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBACK LEVER WAS BROKE. *YH

TREAD SEPARATION - TIRES REPLACED BY DEALER MIKE DAVIDSON FORD, JACKSONVILLE, FL. FIRESTONE CONTACTED - STATED THAT TIRE IS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL - ONLY SUBJECT TO STANDARD WARRANTY; REQUESTED THAT TIRE THAT FAILED BE SHIPPED TO FIRESTONE, NORCROSS, GA FOR INSPECTION. WITH THIS TIRE FAILURE, I HAD 4 TIRES REPLACED WITH ANOTHER BRAND AS A SAFETY ISSUE. *AK (DOT NUMBER: W2UUIPO237 TIRESIZE: P225-70R15)

WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH THROTTLE STUCK IN AN OPEN POSITION PREVENTING THE DRIVER FROM BEING ABLE TO SLOW VEHICLE DOWN IMMEDIATELY. THERE WAS NO CRASH AND NO INJURIES. DEALERSHIP HAS PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED RECALL 00V422000 ON THIS VEHICLE. AK THIS IS THE THIRD THROTTLE BODY INSTALLED ON VEHICLE, CONSUMER STATES THE BRAKES DID STOP THE VEHICLE. *SLC

VEHICLE STALLED AT 25 MPH, ALSO , WHEN GOING OVER A SMALL BUMP RPMS WENT UP TO 4000-5000. MECHANIC THOUGHT VEHICLE STALLING WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, NOT TAKEN TO DEALER YET.*AK

WHEN TURNING THERE WOULD BE MOANING NOISES. NO EFFECT ON STEERING ABILITY. TOOK VEHICLE TO FIRST DEALER, AND MECHANIC COULD NOT LOCATE CAUSE. AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS INFORMED INNER TIE ROD WAS CAUSING MOANING NOISES.*AK

ACCELERATOR THROTTLE WOULD STICK WHEN PEDAL IS PRESSED. PROBLEM ONLY HAPPENS WHEN AT A STOP LIGHT OR SIGN, AND THEN LEAVING. HAVE BEEN TO DEALER , AND MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THROTTLE CABLE WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK

THE CONSUMER REPLACED FOUR FIRESTONE WILDERNESS ATX TIRES DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION PRIOR TO RECALL. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE AND REQUESTED FIRESTONE TO REIMBURSE HER FOR TIRES PURCHASED, BUT FIRESTONE REJECTED THE REQUEST, FIRESTONE STATED THAT CONSUMERS TIRES WERE NOT APART OF THE SAFETY RECALL AND ALSO THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED PRIOR TO JANUARY 1,2000, FIRESTONE TIRE SIZE 235/75R15. *YH

DOOR HANDLES ON FRONT PASSENGER AND REAR PASSENGER DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK FROM INSIDE OF VEHICLE, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

ON THE FIRST OCCASION, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD GO OUT WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL WAS TURNED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY(OVER 36,000 MILES) SO WE HAD OUR REGULAR MECHANIC REPAIR, BUT WE ASKED TO KEEP THE REPLACED PART. THE MOST RECENT PROBLEM (ONLY 11/2 YEARS& APPROX 8000 MILES LATER)WAS THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT WORK. THIS TIME WE TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER. THE SERVICE MANAGER MENTIONED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THIS PART AND THAT FORD HAD MADE AN UPGRADE, BUT NO RECALL HAD BEEN ENACTED. AGAIN WE ASKED TO KEEP THE REPLACED PART (BOTH ARE FORD PARTS#13K359). IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS CLAIM, PLEASE LEAVE MESSAGE ON HOME PHONE, OR CONTACT DIANE RUTT BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 9-5 AT 717 336-7534.*AK

EVER OWNER I KNOW WHO OWNS A FORD EXPLORER HAS A FAILURE ON THIS VALVE. I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED BY FORD.*AK

AIR CONDITION UNIT IS NOT WORKING. DRYER IS LEAKING AND WILL NEED TO BE REPAIRED AT A COST ESTIMATE OF $450. *AK

WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY VEHICLE STARTED TO SHIFT FROM SIDE TO SIDE, AND WHEN CONSUMER SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES, VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK

WHILE DRIVING PRESSED ON GAS PEDAL TO ACCELERATE, AND VEHICLE WOULD DIE. WHEN CAR WAS IN PARK IT DID NOT CUT OFF. BUT, SOON AS CONSUMER PRESSED GAS PEDAL IT SHUT OFF. *AK *JB

WHEN I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE THE BACK PASSENGER DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE AND THE CHILD SAFETY LOCK WAS NOT LOCKED. THE DEALERSHIP FIXED THAT FOR ME, BUT NOW THE DRIVER SIDE BACK DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. I THINK THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE WHEN YOU HAVE CHILDREN RIDING IN THE BACK SEAT. THIS TIME I HAVE TO PAY 200.00 TO GET THIS FIXED AND I SHOULDN'T HAVE TOO. IF I WERE TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT AND MY 7 AND 9 YEAR OLDS ARE IN THE BACK SEAT THE ONE THAT IS SETTING BEHIND ME CANNOT GET OUT. THIS IS A BIG CONCERN TO ME. I HAVE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT BEFORE WHERE MY DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN AND THAT WAS THE SCARIEST FEELING OF MY LIFE. I THINK SOMEONE NEEDS TO CHECK INTO THE DOOR ASSEMBLY AND MAKE SURE THAT IT IS STURDY AND DURABLE.

WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT, THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE(MICHELIN LTX M/S). *JG

WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT, THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE(MICHELIN LTX M/S). *JG

WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT, THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE(MICHELIN LTX M/S). *JG

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND VEHICLE STALLED. ALSO, OPENED HOOD TO CHECK, AND FOUND A HOLE IN ENGINE BLOCK, SIZE OF A SILVER DOLLAR. CONSUMER HAD GOTTEN NOTICES FOR CAMSHAFT GUIDE AND RETENTIONER, BUT WAS NOT HONORED BECAUSE VEHICLE HAD GONE OVER THE MILEAGE. CONTACTED DEALER, COULD FIND NOTHING, BUT DID SEE METAL SHAVINGS.*AK

SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, THE REAR DOOR LATCH STOPPED WORKING FROM THE INSIDE. MY CHILD WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR TO EXIT AND THE ONLY WAY TO OPEN THE DOOR IS FROM THE OUTSIDE. I BELIEVED THAT MAYBE SOMETHING HAD GOTTEN CAUGHT ON THE DOOR HANDLE TO PULL IT TOO HARD TO CAUSE IT TO BREAK. THE HANDLE IS NO LONGER FLUSH WITH THE DOOR, IT EXTENDS OUT A LITTLE. SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, I WAS SPEAKING TO MY SONS PRESCHOOL TEACHER, WHO ALSO OWNS A FORD EXPLORER (1996) AND SHE TOO SAID THAT SHE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HER BACK HANDLE. TODAY I TALKED WITH ANOTHER EXPLORER OWNER (1997) WHO SAID THAT RECENTLY, IN THE SAME WEEK, BOTH DOOR HANDLES IN THE REAR HAD BROKE IN THE SAME MANNER. OUR CONCERN IS FOR OUR YOUNG CHILDREN WHO IN THE EVENT NEED TO GET OUT THEIR DOOR IN AN EMERGENCY, WOULD BE UNABLE, UNLESS SOMEONE OPENS FROM THE OUTSIDE.*AK

SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, THE REAR DOOR LATCH STOPPED WORKING FROM THE INSIDE. MY CHILD WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR TO EXIT AND THE ONLY WAY TO OPEN THE DOOR IS FROM THE OUTSIDE. I BELIEVED THAT MAYBE SOMETHING HAD GOTTEN CAUGHT ON THE DOOR HANDLE TO PULL IT TOO HARD TO CAUSE IT TO BREAK. THE HANDLE IS NO LONGER FLUSH WITH THE DOOR, IT EXTENDS OUT A LITTLE. SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, I WAS SPEAKING TO MY SONS PRESCHOOL TEACHER, WHO ALSO OWNS A FORD EXPLORER (1996) AND SHE TOO SAID THAT SHE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HER BACK HANDLE. TODAY I TALKED WITH ANOTHER EXPLORER OWNER (1997) WHO SAID THAT RECENTLY, IN THE SAME WEEK, BOTH DOOR HANDLES IN THE REAR HAD BROKE IN THE SAME MANNER. OUR CONCERN IS FOR OUR YOUNG CHILDREN WHO IN THE EVENT NEED TO GET OUT THEIR DOOR IN AN EMERGENCY, WOULD BE UNABLE, UNLESS SOMEONE OPENS FROM THE OUTSIDE.*AK

TIRE BLOWOUT. *AK (TIRESIZE: 255/70R16)

WHEN TRYING TO PASS, OR EVEN WHEN ACCELERATING, THE TRANSMISSION WILL COMPLETELY DISENGAGE! THE PROBLEM IS THAT YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN. THIS HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO CRASH IN TWO CASES WHILE PASSING ANOTHER VEHICHLE. WHEN THIS OCCURS IT'S AS IF YOU INTENTIONALLY PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL. THERE IS NO SLIPPAGE, JUST COMPLETE DISENGAGEMENT. I HAVE EVEN HAD IT COMPLETELY SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL WHILE OPERATING IN CRUISE CONTROL ON THE INTERSTATE. BELIEVE ME IT'S REALLY SCARY WHEN YOUR ENGINGE COMPLETELY TACHS OUT AT THIS SPEED. IT'S A WONDER THE ENGINE DIDN'T BLOW BEFORE I TAPPED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN COMPLETELY REBUILT TWICE AND REPAIRED ONCE. COSTS TO ME SO FAR IN REPAIRING THIS TRANSMISSION HAVE BEEN $3000 AND COUNTING FOR THE LAST TIME. THE REPAIRS WERE MADE AT A FORD DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT. AGAIN, THE TRANSMISSION IS DOING THE SAME THING AFTER 13,000 MILES. WHAT'S BAD IS THAT FORD TECHNICIANS, NOR THEIR TECHNICAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT, CAN CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THEIR DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT SHOWS NO PROBLEM. I HAVE TO TAKE IT ON THE ROAD TO SHOW THE MECHANIC HOW IT'S OPERATING WHICH TAKES A PRETTY GOOD TEST DRIVE. AGAIN THEIR ONLY SUGGESTION IS ANOTHER COMPLETE REBUILD SINCE THEY ARE CLUELESS. UNFORTUNATLEY, THIS TIME, IT IS ONE THOUSNAND MILES OVER THEIR WARRANTY PERIOD. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IN MY OPINION. IF I'M HAVEING THIS TROUBLE, THEN SURELY OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME, AND IF YOU NEED FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL OR CONTACT ME. I HAVE ALL MY RECORDS.*AK

USED TIRE WHEREHOUSE PUT TWO WRONG SIZE TIRES ON MY CAR. GREATED 2 1/2 CIRCUMFERENCE. MY VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT THIRD PARTY INSPECTOR WHO VERIFIED THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE TO MY VECHICLE AS THE LARGE DIFFERENCE IN CIRCUMFERENCE FROM THE FRONT TIRES AND THE REAR TIRES. THE FIRST TIRES BEING 2 1/2 MORE IN CIRCUMFERENCE. AT THE TIME OF FAILURE, I HAD THREE YOUNG CHILDREN WITH ME 6 MONTHS, 11 YEARS OLD AND 14 YEARS OLD. MY CAR IS ALL FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, SHOULD HAVE THE SAME TIRES. USED TIRE WHEREHOUSE TIRE STATED THAT IT IS COMMIN TO HAVE LARGER TIRES ON THE BACK OF A TRUCK. MY FRONT END NEEDS TO BE RELACED. MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. MY WHEELS LOCKED. DAMAGE $1900. USED TIRE WHREHOUSE 35516 PACIFIC HWY. SOUTH, FEDERAL WAY WA 8003, OWNER MIKE BARBER, (541) 975-2220.COULD YOU HELP ME? *AK

WHILE DRIVING, FIRESTONE WILDERNESS TIRE BECAME FLAT, A LOCAL FIRESTONE DEALER STATED THAT A SOMEWHAT ANGULAR BASALT ROCK HAD PENETRATED THE TREAD AND CAUSED THE TIRE TO GO FLAT, DEALER ALSO STATED THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT DESIGNED TO BE DRIVEN OFF OF PAVED ROADS, CONSUMER FEELS THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE THE TIRES HAVE VERY THIN TREADS AND SIDEWALLS, A COUPLE MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST TIRE FAILURE ANOTHER TIRE FAILED EXACTLY THE SAME WAY, CONSUMER HAD THE FRONT TWO TIRES REPLACED AFTER THE FIRESTONE DEALER LOOKED AT THE NUMBERS ON THE TIRES. *ET

FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HANDLE KEEPS BREAKING OFF. CONSUMER HAS YET TO CONTACT DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFOMATION.*AK

THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A BLOW OUT PRIOR TO THE RECALL. THE TIRE RUPTURED WHERE THE SIDE WALL AND THE TREAD MEET. (FIRESTONE TIRES)*YH

FAILED ANNUAL VEH.INSPECTION DUE TO DEFECTIVE FRONT BRAKES. CAUSE OF FAILURE EXTREMELY HEAVY RUST IN HUB AREA THAT SPREAD ONTO THE OUTSIDE ROTOR SURFACE HEAVILY DAMAGING THE ROTOR SURFACE AND BRAKE PAD. THIS WAS NOT A WEAR & TEAR SITUATION AS THE INSIDE PAD AND ROTOR WERE NOT DAMAGED & SHOWED NO ABNORMAL WEAR. MECHANIC REPORTED SEING THIS PROBLEM ON A NUMBER OF LOW-MILEAGE FORD EXPLORERS. HE FELT THAT THIS AMOUNT OF RUST WAS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE CASTING.*AK

ABS BRAKES SYTEM WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. ABS BRAKE SYSTEM CONTINUED TO FUNCTION THROUGH DRY WEATHER ANY TIME BRAKES WERE APPLIED.*AK

I HAVE SPENT MORE THAN 1200.00 REPAIRING THIS VEHICLE LATELY. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED. *AK

WHILE DRIVING DOWN A CANYON LOST ALL BRAKE POWER AND FLUID. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. ALSO, VENT HOSE CAME OUT OF REAR DIFFERENTIAL, LAYING ON TOP OF BRAKE LINE, AND WORE A HOLE IN LINE. PLEASE ADD VIN. *AK A WORN HOLE IN THE RUBBER BRAKE LINE CAUSED THE FAILURE. *SLC

THE VEHICLES FIRESTONE TIRES WERE RIDING EXTREMELY ROUGH, TIRES WERE TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THEY WERE INCLUDED IN RECALL 00T-005, CONSUMER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES AND SUBMITTED ALL PAPER WORK TO THE MANUFACTURER, BUT HAS NOT RECIEVED REIMBURSEMENT OR CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE MANUFACTURER IN 10 MONTHS (FIRESTONE). NLM

PASSENGER RESTRAINT DID NOT RELEASE AT THE BUCKLE OR RESTRAINT. OWNER HAD TO CUT RESTRAINT TO RELEASE PASSENGER. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED AND NEITHER ACCEPTS FAULT OR LIABILITY OF FAILED PART. *AK

ONE YEAR AGO I REPLACED FOUR FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES WHICH WERE SHOWING VISIBLE SEVERE TREAD SEPARATION WITH NEW BFGOODRICH (MICHELIN) TIRES. TODAY I NOTICED THAT TWO OF THE REPLACEMENT TIRES WERE SUFFERING FROM TREAD SEPARATION IN THE EXACT SAME MANNER AS THE FAILED FIRESTONES. I HAVE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE FAILED TIRES IF THEY WOULD BE HELPFUL. THANKS, MATTHEW A. TRESKOVICH. *AK (TIRESIZE: 235/75R15)

VEHICLE HAD SHUTDOWN WHILE DRIVING. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT CAMSHAFT HAD FAILED. PART WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL, AND WAS OUT OF ITS WARRANTY. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH CONSUMER LOST STEERING CONTROL AND VEHICLE DROPPED TO RIGHT SIDE. DEALER IS REPLACING BROKEN RIGHT TIE ROD. IN OCT 1997, LEFT TIE ROD HAD BROKEN.*AK

ON 6/30/01 THE TIRE TREAD ON THE LEFT (DRIVER SIDE) REAR TIRE OF OUR 1997 FORD EXPLORER SPORT SEPARATED FROM THE MAIN BODY OF THE TIRE. THIS RESULTED IN A COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE INJURED WHILE THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY SHOOK AND CHANGED DIRECTION MULTIPLE TIMES. BOTH PEOPLE WERE IN THE FRONT SEATS AND WERE WEARING THEIR SEAT BELTS. ONE PERSON HIT HER HEAD ON THE SIDE WINDOW AND IS NOW EXPERIENCING NUMBNESS IN ONE OF HER HANDS AND OTHER AREAS. BOTH PEOPLE SUFFERED WHIPLASH AND SPRAIN TYPE OF INJURIES. THERE WAS NO IMPACT WITH OTHER VEHICLES OR OBJECTS DUE ONLY TO THE LOCATION OF THE ROAD AND THE TIME AT WHICH THE TREAD SEPERATED AND THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL. IF THE TREAD HAD COME OFF THE TIRE 5 SEC. EARLIER MUCH MORE SERIOUS INJURY AND PROBABLY DEATH WOULD HAVE RESULTED AS THE VEHICLE WAS CROSSING A BRIDGE WITH A LOW GUARD RAIL. IF THE TIRE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED ON A RAOD WITH ANY HEAVIER TRAFFIC PRESENT A COLLISION WOULD HAVE BEEN UNAVOIDABLE AS THE VEHICLE JUMPED FROM LANE TO LANE. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT WHEN THE TREAD SEPERATED FROM THE TIRE IT CAME OFF IN ESSENTIALLY 1 PIECE AND IN 1 ROTATION OF THE TIRE. THE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WAS NEARLY INSTANTANEOS. THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR WAS A RESULT OF THE TREAD SEVERING CABLES, BENDING THE BODY AND UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR AS WELL AS SHATTERING THE TAIL LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN FROM LAS VEGAS, NV TO VISIT REALITIVES NEAR TEHACHAPI, CA. THE TIRE FAILURE HAPPENED AS THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ON HWY. 58 APPROXIMATELY 7 MILES OUTSIDE OF TEHACHAPI, CA. THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS CHECKED ON THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT LEFT LAS VEGAS. UPON STOPPING, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE TREAD WAS BEGINING TO SEPERATE FROM THE LEFT FRONT TIRE AS WELL. IF IT HAD BEEN THE FRONT RATHER THAN THE REAR TIRE THAT FAILED FIRST, OR IF BOTH HAD FAILED AT THE SAME TIME, A ROLLOVER AND VERY SERIOUS INJURY OR FATALITY WOULD HAVE ALMOST CERTAINLY HAPPENED.*AK (TIRESIZE: 235/75/R15)

VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT 40 TO 50MPH, WHEN IT WAS REARENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. VEHICLE COMPLETELY ROLLED OVER, AND LANDED UPSIDE DOWN. CONSUMER HAS YET TO CONTACT DEALER. NONE OF AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE FOUR INJURIES.*AK

DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT WOULD NOT RELEASE. CONSUMER HAD TO USE SCISSORS TO CUT SEATBELT OFF. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK ALSO, THE IGNITION ASSEMBLY UNIT FAILED AND THE BACK SEAT LATCH WAS MISSING. *YH

CONSUMER STATES THE ROUTING OF THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE ON THIS PARTICULAR MODEL OF EXPLORER'S IS NO MORE THAN 1/16 OF AN INCH FROM THE TIRE AND IN SOME CASES THE CABLE RUBS AGAINST THE TIRE AND CAUSES A BLOWOUT. *SLC CONSUMER FEELS THIS PROBLEM DEVELOPS WHEN THE LEFT BRAKE CABLE IS INSTALLED, THE CABLE HAS TO LOOP OVER VERY CLOSE TO THE TIRE, IF THE CABLE SAGS A LITTLE, IT WILL TOUCH THE TIRE, WHEN IT TOUCHES THE TIRE, THE DOWNWARD NOTATION AT THE POINT OF CONTACT IT WILL PULL THE CABLE FURTHER DOWNWARD INCREASING THE CONTACT, CONSUMER ALSO STATES TIRE PRESSURE OF 26 PSI OR LESS WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROBLEM. *SLC

TREAD SEPARATED FROM TIRE. *AK (TIRESIZE: P255/70R16)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P255/70R16 )

CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO TRI-LAKE FORD TO HAVE RECALL 00V402000 REPAIRS PERFORMED. BUT, DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM REPAIRS BECAUSE CONSUMER DID NOT BUY VEHICLE FROM THAT DEALER. *AK

CONSUMER WAS STARTING VEHICLE IN THE MORNING AND THERE WAS A LOUD BOOM WITH A TOXIC SMELL. THERE WERE NO FLAMES. STARTED IT AGAIN, AND IT DIDN'T DO ANYTHING. THERE WAS A SMALL MINI EXPLOSION UNDERNEATH HOOD. DEALER STATED THAT UPER INTAKE HAD BLOWN TO PIECES. UNDETERMINED OF THE CAUSE, BUT ASSUMING A MISSED FIRE. *AK RIGHT REAR GASKET INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED. THE FAN BELT WERE REPLACED. *YH

THE PARKING CABLE HAD FLIPPED OVER AGAINST THE LEFT REAR TIRE CAUSING WEAR AND A CUT ALL THE WAY AROUND THE TIRE. NLM

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT ANY MPH AND WHEN MAKING A TURN COULD HEAR A CLICKING NOISE. CONSUMER SAID IT IS JUST LIKE RECALL 00 V 402 000 SWAY BAR. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *AK

I PURSHASED A FORD EXPLORER SPORT 4X4 WITH 16 INCH TIRES AND I WENT TO REPLACE MY TIRES BECAUSE OF THE RECALL ON THE FIRESTONE TIRES AND I FOUND OUT THAT THE SPARE TIRE IS ONLY A 15 INCH SO I CALLED THE DEALER AND CUSTOMER SERVICE TO ASK THEM WHY I RECIEVED A 15 INCH TIRE AS A SPARE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS O.K. TO USE A 15 INCH TIRE UNTIL I COULD HAVE MY OTHER TIRE FIXED IN CASE OF A FLAT.I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS WRONG AN A SAFETY ISSUE BUT THEY ASSURED ME THAT IT WOULD BE O.K. SO I WAS TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THAT WAS TRUE IF YOU COULD PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THAT IS SAFE OR NOT YOU CAN E-MAIL ME AT JENET97@AOL.COM. THANK YOU. *AK

30 MPH, CAMSHAFT BREAKS. DEALER SAYS NEW ENGINE REQUIRED, $4500 EST. FORD CONTACTED AND OFFERS $2000 ASSISTANCE. THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL AND FORD SHOULD BE FORCED TO PAY FOR ALL DAMAGES B/C THE FORCEFUL STOP CAUSED BY ENGINE FAILURE COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY TO PASSENGERS OR OTHER VEHICLE DUE TO SKIDDING. THIS IS NOT NORMAL WEAR ON A VEHICLE, IS OBVIOSLY A FORD DEFECT.

AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP CONSUMER APPLIES ACCELERATOR AND VEHICLE HESITATES, HAS VERY LITTLE POWER. CONSUMER HAS TO ALMOST FLOOR IT TO GET VEHICLE TO MOVE. RPM'S WILL BE HIGH, BUT SPEED IS VERY SLOW. THIS HAPPENS 4-5 TIMES A WEEK. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON INTERMITTENTLY. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER 8-9 TIMES IN LAST YEAR AND A HALF, CANT' FIND CAUSE. DEALER TOOK MOTOR APART, FOUND NOTHING. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL COMMENTS. *AK

FORD IS AWARE OF A RECURRING PROBLEM, THE PARTICULAR PROBLEM BEING A WORN OR BROKEN CAM CHAIN GUIDE WHICH CREATES A NOISY SYMPTOM WHICH MY VEHICLE HAS, THEN FORD SHOULD BE WILLING, IF NOT LIABLE, TO FIX IT.

GAS PEDAL DETACHED FROM THE FIREWALL, CONSUMER LOST USE OF ACCELERATOR. COULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE CONSUMER WAS ON A MAIN HIGHWAY.*AK

WHEN TRUNING THE STEERING IT WOULD GET HARD IN DIFFERENT PLACES.*AK

WHILE DRIVING TOOK FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR TO SLOW DOWN AND CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE, THEN ONCE GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK. CONSUMER HAD TO MANUALLY PULL IT BACK UP. *AK

WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT VEHICLE IS MAKING A HUMMING. WHEN MAKING A TURN FEELS LIKE VEHICLE IS GOING TO TURN OVER. WHEN TAKING OFF CONSUMER CAN FEEL A HARD BANG ON DRIVERS SIDE. *AK

CONSUMER WENT TO DEALER BECAUSE WHEN MAKING TURNS VEHICLE FELT SHAKY, LIKE IT WOULD ROLL OVER. CONSUMER HAD TO MAKE TURNS AT CRAWLING SPEED. DEALER FOUND SWAY BAR MISSING FROM VEHICLE. THERE IS A RECALL ON SWAY BAR, BUT THIS VEHICLE NOT AFFECTED. *AK RECALL NUMBER IS 00V402, CONSUMER STATES SWAY BAR BLEW OUT FROM VEHICLE CAUSING A HUGE BANG AND VEHICLE TO SWAY TO THE RIGHT ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *SLC

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DRIVER CHANGED LANES, AND STREERING WHEEL WENT TO THE RIGHT, RESULTING IN A COLLISION/ MINOR INJURIES. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

I HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF ANY RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE BY FORD OR THE DEALER. *AK

TREAD SEPARATION INSIDE EDGE OF TIRE, CRESCENT SHAPE ABOUT SIZE OF 1/2 FRISBEE, DOWN TO STEEL BELT, ON OPPOSITE SIDE OF TIRE ADDITIONAL TREAD SEPARATION BUT NOT DETACHED. *AK (TIRESIZE: P225/70R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P225/70R15 )

CONSUMER STATES AFTER VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF, THE LOCKS WOULD NOT WORK, LIGHTS WOULD GO ON AND STAY ON, AND THE ALARM WOULD GO OFF AT ALL HOURS, POSSIBLY AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. *SLC

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY ENGINE RELATED. *SLC

CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED. *SLC

TIRE SIZE P25570R16, DOT#W2CUBX197 ON FORD, EXPLORER, 1997. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME, MAKING A TRIP FROM FLORIDA TO MICHIGAN, WHEN SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND VEHICLE ROCKED. CONSUMER PULLED INTO TIRE SHOP, AND WAS TOLD BY TIRE EXPERT THAT RIGHT FRONT TIRE HAD SEPARATED IN 3 DIFFERENT SPOTS, AND IT WAS NOT A NORMAL SEPARATION. *AK TIRES ARE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, CONSUMER STATES FORD IS NOT HONORING THE WARRANTY SHE HAS. *SLC

WHILE TRAVELING AT 25 MPH OR LESS I HIT A SLIGHT BUMP AND HEARD A VERY LOAD BANG. THE FRONT LEFT DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY DROPPED, THE VEHICLE SWERVED INTO THE OPPOSING LANE AND TEND TO ROLL. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND I QUICKLY STOPPED. THE FORD DEALER REPLACED THE TORSION BAR AND ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS FAILURE. HOWEVER THEY REFUSED TO COVER THE REPAIR COST. THE REPAIR COST ME $171.67. DUE TO THEIR REFUSAL TO COVER A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE AND OTHER MEDIA COVERAGE OF EXPLORER PROBLEMS, I SOLD THE VEHICLE THIS WEEK. *AK

THIS VEHICLE HAS A EMMISIONS RELATED TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEM WHICH MUST BE REPAIRED BY AN AUTHORIZED FORD DEALER. IT EFFECTS THE THE SHIFTING OF THE TRANSMISSION AND THE ENGAGING OF THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THIS PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALER ON AUGUST 17, 1999 WITH 22,941 MILES AND AGAIN ON FEBRUARY 2, 2000 WITH 32,304 MILES. THE DEALER STATED IT WAS A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC AND SINCE NO TROUBLE LIGHTS COME ON THAT THE FORD DIVISION WOULD NOT BE WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THIS IS FORDS PROBLEM NOT MINE I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THIS VEHICLE UNDER MUCH STRESS DAILY AND FORD NEEDS TO OWN UP TO THE PROBLEM AND MAKE THE REPAIR AT THEIR COST NOT MINE. FORD MADE THE FAULTY VEHICLE AND I SHOULD NOT BE LEFT WITH THE EXPENSE OF FIXING THEIR FAULTY EQUIPMENT. LET ME ADD TORRINGTON FORD WILL NOT BE INVOLVED IN THIS NOR WILL THEY TOUCH THIS VEHICLE. THE FORD DEALERSHIP WILL BE OF MY CHOICE AND I WANT A LOANER VEHICLE WHILE THE REPAIR IS BEING MADE. I DON'T CARE IF THEY HAVE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION, TORQUE CONVERTER, FRONT DRIVESHAFT AND THE PINION SEAL. THIS VEHICLE IS FAULTY AND IT WILL NOT BE AT MY EXPENSE. THANK YOU, [XXX] PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

FUEL INJECTION MODULE HAS WORN OUT. DEALER HAS ADVISED CONSUMER THAT PART WAS "DEFECTIVE" AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE.*AK

CAM CHAIN TENSIONER FAILED, AS DESCRIBED IN TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS 00M12, 01M01, 12150, 6926. FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS REFUSES TO COVER THE REPAIR. THEY CLAIM THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. I CLAIM IT IS. WHEN MINE FAILED, I WAS NEARLY RUN OVER BY A SEMI TRACTOR TRAILER FOLLOWING BEHIND ME DUE TO INSTANTANEOUS LOSS OF POWER WITHOUT WARNING. FORD SHOULD BE COMPELLED TO ISSUE A GENERAL RECALL ON ALL SUCH ENGINES WITH THIS KNOWN DEFECT.*AK

CONSUMER WAS STARTING TO ACCELERATE ALMOST REACHING SPEED OF 25-30MPH WHEN ENGINE SHUT OFF DUE TO CRANKSHAFT THAT FELL OFF. NO PRIOR WARNING . DEALER HAS TO REPLACE MOTOR, BUT CANNOT DETERMINE CAUSE. *AK

APPROX 1 MONTH AGO, VEHICLE FAILED JUST AFTER LEAVING THE FREEWAY AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER. THE PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE THE MAIN FUSE CONTROLLING ALL DRIVE-TRAIN COMPONENTS, INCLUDING COMPUTER, FUEL INJECTORS, TRANSMISSION, ETC. THE DEALER ( HARRIS FORD) COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE AFTER TWO DAYS OF INVESTIGATION. I WAS RETURNED THE VEHICLE WITH TWO EXTRA 30 AMP FUSES (AND A $500 BILL) IN CASE THE PROBLEM RECURRED. APPROX. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE VEHICLE AGAIN DIED, THIS TIME IN PORTLAND, OR. FORTUNATELY IT DID NOT HAPPEN ON THE FREEWAY, SINCE ALL POWER WAS LOST WHEN THE ENGINE DIED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT A PORTLAND DEALER FOR THE PAST WEEK, AGAIN WITH NO EXPLANATION OF THE CAUSE. DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE WILL NOT RUN, AND I HAVE AN ESP, FORD NOR ITS DEALERS WILL COMMIT TO COVERING REPAIRS UNDER WARRANTY. HAD THIS HAPPENED AT FREEWAY SPEED OF 60 OR 70 MPH, A SERIOUS ACCIDENT COULD OCCUR, POTENTIALLY WITH FATAL INJURIES.*AK

THE CRANK/DRIVE SHAFT COMPLETELY SHEARED OFF AND FELL OUT WITH THE PULLEY STILL ATTACHED. THE DEALER'S SERVICE MANAGER AND THREE OTHER SERVICE PERSONNEL STATED THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE. THE SERVICE MANAGER ALSO STATED HE COULD NOT EVEN BEGIN TO EXPLAIN HOW IT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED.

TWO BACK TIRES AND PASSENGER'S FRONT TIRE AROUND THE RIM AREA ARE CRACKED. CONSUMER HAS A 1997, FORD, EXPLORER WITH ORIGINAL TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. APPROXIMATE MILEAGE 42,000.*AK *JB

00 020/TREAD SEPARATION: LEFT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED A TREAD SEPARATION WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 65 MPH, WITH DRIVER ONLY IN A 1997, FORD, EXPLORER; UNAWARE OF ORIGINAL OR AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT; TIRE SIZE P235/75R15, DOT# W2HL1PY077. FIRESTONE NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT TIRES WERE NOT COVER UNDER RECALL. *AK *JB

PE00 020. CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 15MPH ON HIGHWAY AND WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, RIGHT FRONT TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. HE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SHOULDERS. FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS AT, P25570R16, FDOT W2CU1PX. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. *AK *JB

PASSENGER'S REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE EVEN WITHOUT CHILD PROOF LOCK ON.*AK

PIN AND BOLT THAT CONNECT TIE ROD TO FRONT END FELL OFF, CAUSING TIRE TO BLOW. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE. *AK TIRE BLEW IN DRIVEWAY.*JB

TWO FRONT INNER TIE RODS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. CONTACTED DEALER.*AK ALSO, THE OUTER TIE RODS FAILED. *YH

I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN FEBRUARY THAT WAS NOT MY FAULT. THE OTHER DRIVER FAILED TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN AND CAME INTO THE INTERSECTION AS I WAS COMING FROM THROUGH IT. I WAS WEARING MY SEAT BELT AND THE AIRBAG DID DEPLOY, CAUSING THE MAJORITY OF MY INJURIES. I HAD SEVERAL LACERATIONS ON MY CHEEKS, CHIN AND MOUTH. MY UPPER LIP WAS SPLIT OPEN AND I SUSTAINED A SERIOUS INJURY TO MY JAW. ALL OF THESE INJURIES WERE CAUSED WHEN MY HEAD WENT FORWARD AS THE AIRBAG COVER POPPED BACK AND THE AIRBAG WAS INFLATING. THE AIRBAG HIT ME IN THE FACE WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IT LEFT MY JAW PERMENANTLY INJURED. I AM AN 5' 5 1/2" TALL AND DO NOT SIT PARTICULARLY CLOSE TO THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE IS AN OBVIOUS FLAW WITH THE DESIGN OF THE AIRBAG.*AK

BOTH REAR DOOR HINGES, LEFT AND RIGHT ARE BROKEN. CONSUMER UNABLE TO OPEN DOORS. *AK *JB

WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH A DEER WHEN IT CROSSED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF VEHICLE. INSURANCE ADJUSTER STATED THAT FRONTAL AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. *NOTE: CONNSUMER'S WIFE WAS INJURED, SUFFERED BACK INJURIES.*AK *JB

PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION 00T005, CONSUMER NOTICED SOME FINE CRACKING IN THE SIDEWALL OF BOTH FRONT TIRES, AT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE LOCAL TIRE DEALER, CONSUMER REPLACED BOTH FRONT TIRES, LATER THE THREE REMAINING TIRES WERE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE BY A LOCAL FIRESTONE DEALER, CONSUMER IS NOW REQUESTNG REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED TIRES. *JB

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING SHE NOTICED VEHICLE WAS STARTING TO MAKE A STRANGE VIBRATION WHENEVER SHE WOULD REACH SPEEDS OVER 65 MPH, CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE IN TO LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND WAS ADVISED BY TECHNICIAN THAT ONE OF THE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES(P235/75R15) HAD EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, ALL FOUR OF THE TIRES WERE REPLACED, CONSUMER'S TIRES WERE NOT PART OF RECALL BUT SHE WAS ASSURED 3 MONTHS PRIOR THAT TIRES WERE FINE AND THEY PASSED INSPECTION. *JB

VEHICLE OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING. WHEN CHECKING THE COOLING SYSTEM FLUIDS WERE TURNING INTO SLUSH. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO HELP.*AK

TIMING CHAIN BELT BROKE WHILE TRAVLING AT 35 MPH WITH NO PRIOR WARNINGS . HAS NOT CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

VEHICLE OVERHEATED, WHEN CHECKING VEHICLE FLUID WAS TURNING INTO SLUSH. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO HELP.*AK

THE PROBLEM PERSIST AND DE DEALERS NEVER FIXES THE PROBLEM IN MY VEHICLE WHAT I'VE TO DO TO RESOLVE THAT DELICATE PRBLEM. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK

TRUCK WILL NOT START. SOMETIMES DRIVER HAS TO POP THE CLUTCH. SOMETIMES THE TRUCK HAS TO BE PUSH BEFORE IT WILL START.

THESE TIRES SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AS THEY SHOW SIGNS OF SEPARATION RIGHT AT THE TREAD/SIDEWALL LINE. FIRESTONE WOULD OFFER ME A CREDIT IN FIRESTONE DOLLARS OF $100 BUT I HAD THESE REPLACE WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND AT A COST OF $350. MORE IMPORTANT IS THE FACT THAT THIS TIRE IS DANGEROUS AND YET HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. PLEASE RESPOND AS I AM GOING TO AUCTION THESE TIRES ON THE INTERNET TO ATTORNEYS THAT ARE SUING THE PANTS OFF THESE NEGLIGENT MORONS THAT ARE NOT STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE AND TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT.*AK (DOT NUMBER: VNCUIPX366 TIRESIZE: P25570R 16)

CONSUMER REPLACED ALL 4 FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT ( P235/75R15 1055) TIRES, CONSUMER WAS ADVISED BY DEALER THAT TIRES WERE NOT APART OF RECALL, EVEN THOUGH TIRES WERE SHOWING ABNORMALITIES OF TREAD SEPARATION, CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT TIRES SHOULD HAVE BEEN PART OF RECALL. *JB

FAILURE OF METAL AT THE LOCATION WHERE THE HINGE ATTACHES TO THE DOOR. HAD DOOR CHECKED IN MARCH OF 2000 BECAUSE DOOR WASN'T WORKING PROPERLY. THEY FOUND NOTHING AND NO VISUAL SIGNS.CONTINUAL AND NORMAL USE OF THE DOOR HAS CAUSED THIS OBVIOUS WEAKNESS OR DEFECT IN THE METAL TO RUPTURE AND MAKE THE DOOR INOPERABLE.*AK

FAILURE OF METAL AT THE LOCATION WHERE THE HINGE ATTACHES TO THE DOOR. HAD DOOR CHECKED IN MARCH OF 2000 BECAUSE DOOR WASN'T WORKING PROPERLY. THEY FOUND NOTHING AND NO VISUAL SIGNS.CONTINUAL AND NORMAL USE OF THE DOOR HAS CAUSED THIS OBVIOUS WEAKNESS OR DEFECT IN THE METAL TO RUPTURE AND MAKE THE DOOR INOPERABLE.*AK

AFTER CUTTING CAR OFF AND PARKING FOR A WHILE, CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART CAR AND IT WOULD NOT START. *AK *JB

3 OF THE 4 BRAKE SHOE LININGS CAME OFF OF THEIR METAL SUPPORTS WHEN I HAD THEM INSPECTED. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE EXPLORERS. THE FORD GARAGE SAID THAT MY SUV WAS OUT OF MFG WARRANTY. THEY WERE NOT REPONSIBLE. THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM.*AK

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTIFICATION (00V422000), CONSUMER PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM A PRIVATE OWNER WHICH WAS A SALVAGE TITLE AND MANUFACTURER IS REFUSING TO HONOR RECALL AS WELL AS INSTALL TETHER KIT FREE OF CHARGE AS THEY PREVIOUSLY STATED. *JB

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, AND ODOMETER WILL STAY STUCK IN PLACE.*AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED, AND TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REBUILT. *JB

WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE VEHICLE TOOK OFF FORWARD ,AND CONSUMER BARELY TOUCHED GAS PEDAL, AND VEHICLE HIT A POLE.*AK

ALTHOUGH NOT A SAFETY PROBLEM, I BELIEVE MY RUSTING RUNNING BOARDS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY REFUSE TO HELP ME. 1998 MODELS AND NEWER MODELS HAVE PLASTIC RUNNING BOARDS SO OBVIOUSLY FORD REALIZED THEY CREATED A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT AND CHANGED IT.*AK

IS THIS LEGAL TO SELL A VEHICLE NEW OR USED WITH SERIOUS SAFETY RECALLS, THEY HAVE JEOPORDIZED MY SAFETY IN THIS VEHICLE. SUDDEN ENGINE ACCELERATION AND TACHOMETER RE-LINE AT PASSING GEAR. SHIFTING INTO LOW GEAR PRIOR TO 1800RPMS. ENGINE NOISE AT START UP. OVERHEATING CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION, I.E. TORQUE CONVERTER FAILURE. IDLES AT 1200.RPMS AND FLUCTUATES. WHAT ETHICS DO THESE DEALER POSSESS AND DO THEY NOT SAFETY INSPECT THEM PRIOR TO SALES, THEY LET ME DRIVE OFF THE LOT. THIS VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN SERVICE FOR THE FAILED PARTS AFTER PURCHASING IT ON NOVEMEBER 1,2000. I HAVE FIRESTONE AT TIRES YET TO BE INSPECTED.

SINCE OWNERSHIP TIRES WEAR OUT EASILY, FRONT TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE, TIRES HAVE BEEN BALANCED AND ROTATED AND ALSO LOOSE AIR, WHILE DRIVING ONE OF THE TIRES EXPERIENCED TIRE SEPARATION, ALL 4 (FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P235/75R15) TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED, CONSUMER FELT THAT FIRESTONE SHOULD HAVE BEEN RESPONSIBILE FOR TIRES, BUT ONLY THE SPARE TIRE QUALIFIED FOR THE RECALL. *JB

WHILE DRIVING ANDCROSSING LANES HAD TO STEP ON ACCELERATOR PEDAL. IT GOT STUCK, AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE.*AK

ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAD STUCK WHILE DRIVING. THIS INCREASED SPEED OF VEHICLE WHILE GOING 60MPH. WAS TRYING STOP VEHICLE BY STEPPING ON BRAKES. BUT, VEHICLE HIT A BUILDING, TIRES WERE STILL SPINNING AFTER IMPACT. AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

ENGINE FAILED WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL DUE TO OVERHEATING. CAUSE UNKNOWN, DEALER DOES NOT KNOW WHY VEHICLE OVERHEATED. COMPLETE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *AK

FUEL LINE WAS LEAKING FUEL. DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED FUEL LINE, AND CHARGED CONSUMER APPROXIMATELY $300. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *AK

FROM ALL DOCUMENTATION THE CONSUMER RECEIVED FROM FIRESTONE AND THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE TIRES BY THE FORD DEALER THE CONSUMER WAS ASSURED THAT THE TIRES WERE INCLUDED IN RECALL 00T-005, AFTER SUBMITTING ALL REIMBURSEMENT FORMS THE CONSUMER WAS SENT A LETTER STATING THAT THE TYPE OF TIRE INDICATED ON THE REFUND REQUEST FOR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL (FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT). NLM

THE TREADS OF TWO TIRES FAILED 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE 00T-005, THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT BUT WAS DENIED (FIRESTONE). NLM

WHILE STOPPING AT A LIGHT CONSUMER HAD TO PUT VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL DUE TO ENGINE IDLING HIGH.*AK CONSUMER STATES THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW, THE ENGINE IDLES AT 1400 RPM, DEALER CAN NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *SLC

ONGOING PROBLEM WITH DEFECTIVE ENGINES. DEALER / MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND REPLACED ENGINE. LATER ON, PROBLEM REOCCURRED AGAIN. ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK

FIRESTONE TIRES, SIZE P255/70R16, DOT WS2U 1PX117, HAVE EXPERIENCED TWO FAILURES DUE TO ROCK PUNTURES BETWEEN TREAD, CAUSING THE CASING TO RUPTURE, ORIGINAL TIRES WERE 16" 4 PLY, CONSUMER REPLACED WITH 16" 6 PLY AND HAS NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FURTHER PROBLEMS. *SLC

WHILE DRIVING ENGINE WILL OVERHEAT WITHOUT A PRIOR WARNING. HAD BEEN TAKEN TO DEALER, BUT NO REPAIR HAD BEEN MADE. *AK

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT ANY MPH COULD LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE DUE TO STEERING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY FOUND OUT THAT RACK AND PINION WAS LEAKING OIL AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.*AK

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH ENGINE MALFUNCTIONED. THEN, STOPPED AND FOUND THAT CRANKSHAFT WAS OUT OF ENGINE. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED, AND ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED AT DEALER.*AK

AFTER ANY STOP VEHICLE IDLES HIGH, CAUSING VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF CONTROL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS, MOSTLY ON TAKE OFF OR AT SLOW SPEEDS. *AK

WHILE DRIVING LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND SIDE DRIVING A ROCK WALL. THEN, VEHICLE STOPPED AND FOUND OUT THAT LEFT FRONT AND LEFT REAR TIRES WERE BLOWNOUT WITHOUT A PRIOR WARNING. CONSUMER SAID IT FELT LIKE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. FIRESTONE, WILDENESS AT, T-255/70R16 109S RADIO. *AK

PERIODICALLY WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER WOULD LET ACCELERATOR PEDAL GO AND THEN BEGAN TO PRESS IT, VEHICLE WOULD NOT PICK UP SPEED. VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL, CAUSING CONSUMER TO PULL OVER. IN ORDER FOR VEHICLE TO START AND PICK UP SPEED, CONSUMER WOULD TURN OFF ENGINE AND RESTART. DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE DEFECT AND WAS NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE REMEDY.*AK *SLC

I WAS CHANGING LANES TO ALLOW ON TRAFFIC TO GET ON. WHEN MY TIRE BLEW OUT CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL HAVING A ROLL OVER ACCIDENT!*AK (TIRESIZE: 2457516AT)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 2457516AT )

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AND LOST ALL POWER, THE DEALER REPLACED THE TIMING CHAIN, 2 DAYS AFTER THIS REPAIR THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN AGAIN, THIS TIME IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. NLM

WHILE TRAVELING AT LOW SPEED, ENGINE SEIZED AND CAR STOPPED ABRUPTLY, CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE TOWED AND WAS ADVISED BY MECHANIC THAT CRANKSHAFT BROKE AND A NEW ENGINE WAS NEEDED. (CHECK ODI # 740940) *JB

ON TWO OCCASIONS THE DRIVESHAFT BROKE WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOOSE TEMPORARY CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. NLM

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING LESS THAN 30 MPH AND STALLED. ALL LIGHTS CAME ON. TOWED TO DEALER WHO FOUND CRANKSHAFT HAD BROKEN. CRANK PULLEY HAD BROKEN OFF ENGINE. NO PRIOR WARNING. *AK

CONSUMER HAD FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS TIRES ON TRUCK. WHILE DRIVING HAD A TIRE BLOWOUT ON FREEWAY. CONSUMER DID NOT HIT ANYTHING, JUST HEARD A BIG BANG.*AK

TWO FIRESTONE TIRES HAD BELT SEPARATION, THE CONSUMER HAD ALL FOUR TIRES REPLACED, ONE OF THE REPLACEMENT TIRES EXPERIENCED BELT SEPARATION, THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT BUT THE CLAIM WAS DENIED BECAUSE THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED PRIOR TO AUGUST 9, 2000 ON A NON PRO-RATED BASIS (FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT). NLM

FAULTY SERPENTINE BELT CAUSES SQUEALING NOISE AT TIMES, THERE IS ALSO AN OIL LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE. NLM

THE DRIVERS REAR DOOR LOCK IS INOPERATIVE. NLM

CAMBER CASTER AND TOE MISADJUSTED. NLM

CONSUMER WAS BACKING UP AND ACCELERATOR STUCK, APPLIED MORE PRESSURE TO PEDAL, AND VEHICLE HIT FIRE HYDRANT. BUMPER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. RECENTLY, CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 00V422.*AK *SLC

VEHICLE HAS FOUR DOORS, DOORS IN REAR WILL NOT OPERATE UNLESS UNLOCKED DOORS FROM INSIDE. WHEN OPERATING FROM OUTSIDE TOO OPEN, DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT OPEARATE. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY DOORS WILL NOT OPERATE UNLESS CONSUMER IS OUTSIDE TO OPEN THEM. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK *JB

FAILURE OF SECONDARY HOOD LATCH WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 50-55 MPH, CAUSED HOOD TO OPEN, AND ALMOST CAUSED A VEHICLE CRASH. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT WAS NOT COVER UNDER A RECALL. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK

SEE ATTACHMENT LETTER (NO ATTACHMENT LETTER) DEFECTIVE TIRE

GAS PEDAL STICKS INTERMITTANTLY,

FAULTY GEM MODULE CAUSED MALFUNCTION OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, 4X4, LIGHTS AND POWER WINDOWS. NLM

FAULTY GEM MODULE CAUSED MALFUNCTION OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, 4X4, LIGHTS AND POWER WINDOWS. NLM

THE THIRD STOP LIGHT (BALAST) FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FAIL INSPECTION, THE CONSUMER FEEL THIS COMPONENT SHOULD BE REPAIR AT THE MANUFACTURERS EXPENCE SINCE THE VEHICLE HAS SUCH LOW MILEAGE. NLM

CONSUMER WENT IN TO HAVE TIRES ROTATED AND BALANCED, CONSUMER COMPLAINED THAT TIRES WERE NOISY AND STARTING TO MAKE A THUMPING NOISE MECHANIC INSPECTED TIRES, AND FOUND TIRES TO BE CRACKING BETWEEN THE CLEATS ON ALL 4 TIRES WHICH MEANS TREAD SEPARATION WAS IN ITS BEGINNING STAGES, CONSUMER HAS REPLACED ALL 4 FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT (P235/75R15) ALTHOUGH TIRES NOT A PART OF RECALL. *JB

CONSUMER STATED THAT TIRES WERE NOISY, AND WERE BEGINNING TO MAKE THUMPING NOISES, AFTER INSPECTING TIRES IT WAS DETERMINED THAT TIRES WERE DEVELOPINH CRACKS BETWEEN THE CLEATS AROUND THE ENTIRE TIRE, AND THE TIRES WERE BEGINNING TO SHOW SIGNS OF TREAD SEPARATION.(FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P235/75R15 DOT CODE VNHL.*YH

CONSUMER STATED THAT TIRES WERE NOISY, AND WERE BEGINNING TO MAKE THUMPING NOISES, AFTER INSPECTING TIRES IT WAS DETERMINED THAT TIRES WERE DEVELOPINH CRACKS BETWEEN THE CLEATS AROUND THE ENTIRE TIRE, AND THE TIRES WERE BEGINNING TO SHOW SIGNS OF TREAD SEPARATION.(FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P235/75R15 DOT CODE VNHL.*YH

THE BRACKET WHICH ATTATCHES THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FIREWALL OF THE VEHICLE SHEARED OFF WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. IT WAS ATTATCHED BY 3 SMALL SPOT WELDS WHICH I FEEL IS INSUFFICIENT TO HOLD THIS BRACKET IN PLACE.*AK

FAULTY TIRES CAUSE HUMMING NOISE WHILE DRIVING, TREAD WEAR AND VIBRATIONS, THE CONSUMER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES AND REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT (FIRESTONE P235/75R22L ALL TERRAIN SBR OWL TIRES, VNHL 1PY - 017 D22 7477). NLM

WHILE DRIVING 65MPH GAS PEDAL SNAPPED OFF, ALL THREE WELDS HOLDING GAS PEDAL SNAPPED. *AK

PE00 020 ; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 70MPH ON HIGHWAY. WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SHOULDER, AND NOTICED THAT RIGHT REAER TIRE SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE. FIRESTONE, RADIAL ATX, P23575R15 DEALERSHIP AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK DOT V2HL1PM296, VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGE. *SLC

WHILE DRIVING ALL LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD CAME ON, HUMMING SOUND, HAD VEHICLE TOWED. CRANKSHAFT HAD BROKEN.*AK

WITH 7/32" TREAD DEPTH REMAINING, TIRE TREAD BEGAN TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY OF THE TIRE. I KEPT THE TIRE FOR YOUR EXAMINATION SHOULD YOU DESIRE.*AK (DOT NUMBER: W2HL TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)

FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES (P235/75R15) DOT VNHL, EXPERIENCED THUMPING NOISES AT SPEEDS OVER 40MPH, INSPECTED TIRES AND FOUND CRACKING, TREADS WERE BEGINNING STAGES OF SEPARATION ON ALL 4 TIRES, CONSUMER WENT TO FIRESTONE DEALER WHO REFUSED TO LOOK AT TIRES, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC

BOTH FRONT AND REAR TIRES BLEW OUT SIMULTANEOUSLY AS CAR PULLED FROM PARALLEL PARKING AND TURNED CORNER. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CANADIAN TIRE STORE WHERE ONE BLOWOUT WAS REPAIRED AND THE OTHER REFILLED. CONTACTED DEALER AND WERE TOLD TIRES WERE NOT GUARANTEED WITH CAR SALE SO WE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE AS OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSE. TRI-TOWN RUBBER INC. REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES, MOUNTED AND BALANCED FOR $286.00 (SAME MAKE AND MODEL). ON JANUARY 16, 2000, A BLOWOUT ON FRONT LEFT OCCURRED AGAIN. CAR WAS AGAIN TOWED AND PAID TO HAVE NEW TIRE (SAME MAKE & MODEL) PUT ON VEHICLE. SUBMITTED COMPLAINT TO FIRESTONE UNDER RECALL AND WAS DENIED BECAUSE REPLACEMENT TIRES WERE PURCHASED PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 2000. WANTED NHTSA TO HAVE INFORMATION FOR RESEARCH ON INCIDENTS OF TIRE FAILURE STILL BEING RESEARCHED EVEN THOUGH WE NO LONGER HAVE VEHICLE (3/11/00 TRADED IN). ) (DOT NUMBER: UNKNOWN TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)

TWO OF THE VEHICLE TIRES HAD MISSING RUBBER FROM THE TREADS, THE CONSUMER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRE AND REQUEST REMBURSEMENT (FIRESTONE ATX P235/75R15). NLM

DOOR LOCK WILL NOT OPERATE WITH INSIDE LOCK BUTTONS OR HAND REMOTE LOCKS. *AK *SLC

VEHICLE IS SHOWING SAME SYMPTOMS AS MENTIONED IN RECALL 00V422000 REGARDING 4.0 L ENGINES. THROTTLE IS STICKING AND CONSUMER HAS TO FORCE PEDAL TO MOVE. THIS IS A CONTINUOUS EVENT THAT SEEMS WORSE AFTER CRUISE CONTROL HAS BEEN USED. *AK *SLC

JOHN SEEGERS. NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK (DOT NUMBER: VNHL TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)

I WAS INSPECTING AND ROTATING MY TIRES AND NOTICES THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE WAS RIPPING AT THE RIM. THIS COULD HAVE FAILED DURING OPERATION AND HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I EMAILED GOODYEAR ON THIS ISSUE AND ASKED HOW THEY WOULD HANDLE THIS ISSUE. I HAVE THE TIRE STILL ON THE RIM AND HAVE PHOTOS WHICH COULD BE EMAILED. PLEASE ADVISE. I WOULD LIKE TO BUY NEW TIRES ASAP. (TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )

SAME PROBLEM AS IN RECALL 98V060000, JUMP STARTING. CONSUMER JUMPED STARTED VEHICLE, AND FUEL LINES BLEWOUT. *AK

AFTER VEHICLE IS TURNED ON HAS TO TAP OR PUMP GAS PEDAL SO THAT ENGINE WILL NOT TURN OFF, AND COULD MOVE WITHOUT A PROBLEM. *AK

THE CONSUMERS FIRESTONE WILDERNESS ATM TIRES WERE DETERMINED TO BE DEFECTIVE BY THE DEALER, THE DEALER HAD NO TIRES AVAILABLE TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE ONES SO THE CONSUMER PURCHASED TIRES FROM ANOTHER TIRE CENTER, THE CONSUMER RETURNED THE DEFECTIVE TIRES TO FIRESTONE THEN WAS TOLD THAT HIS TIRES WERE NOT A MATCHED SET AND THAT ONLY TWO WERE ELEGIBLE TO BE RETURNED, THE CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR FAULTY TIRES. NLM

THE CONSUMER SUBMITTED A CLAIM FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF FAULTY FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES, THE TIRES WERE CLEAR THE RECALLED TIRE BEARING VDHL IN THE DOT SERIAL NUMBER, THE MANUFACTURER DENIED REIMBURSEMTN STATING THE THE TIRES WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 00T-005. NLM

CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE O RING IN INTAKE MANIFOLD, AND TRANSFER BOX OF 4- WHEEL DRIVE.

VEHICLE LEANS TO THE LEFT, VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, ADJUSTMENT TO TORSION BAR MADE, DID NOT APPEAR TO CORRECT PROBLEM, VEHICLE TAKEN BACK TO DEALERSHIP, OWNER WAS TOLD BAR OR UNDERLYING SPRINGS NEED TO BE REPLACED. CJ

FRONT BALL JOINTS ARE WEARING EXCESSIVELY DUE TO A LACK OF LUBRICANT. NEW BALL JOINTS DO NOT REQUIRE LUBRICATION. MECHANIC REFUSES TO REPLACE OLD BALL JOINTS WITH NEWER BALL JOINTS.*AK

I AM SENDING THIS INFORMATION AS REQUESTED BUT MY MAJOR CONCERN IS THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN PERSONALLY INFORMED FOR THE RECALLS TO THE FORD XLT EXPLORER EXCEPT THE ONE FOR THE FIRESTONE TIRES AND THE ONE FOR THE MOTOR OIL PUMP. MY WIFE AND MYSELF CONTACTED BAYAMON FORD DEALER FOR INFORMATION ON OTHER RECALLS THAT APPEARED IN THE NEWS AND NO RESPONSE WAS RECEIVED FROM THE DEALER. COULD YOU UPDATE ME IN THIS ISSUE? SHOULD I CONTACT THE FORD COMPANY? *AK

WHILE DRIVING THE TREAD OF THE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE CARCASS DAMAGING THE LEFT REAR QUARTER PANEL (FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P235-75-R15 DOTVNHL1PY346). NLM

WHILE MAKING A STOP WHEELS LOCKED UP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO GO INTO A SPIN, RESULTING IN A COLLISION. THERE WERE MINOR INJURIES. *AK THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE STEERING MECHANISM HAD BEEN DAMAGED. *YH

WHILE TRAVELING AT LOW SPEED IN LIGHT TRAFFIC, THE CRANKSHAFT ON MY 1997 FORD EXPLORER BROKE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STOP QUITE ABRUPTLY. THE MOTOR MUST BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $4500. THIS IS A PART FAILURE THAT PLACES INDIVIDUALS AT CONSIDERABLE RISK. HAD THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED AT HIGH SPEED IN RELATIVELY HEAVY TRAFFIC, E.G. FREEWAY TRAFFIC AT 55 MPH OR HIGHER, THERE WOULD CERTAINLY HAVE BEEN SERIOUS INJURIES AND PROBABLY FATALITIES. TO DATE, FORD MOTOR COMPANY STEADFASTLY REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM AND, FURTHER, REFUSES TO PARTICIPATE IN PAYING FOR ANY PORTION OF THE NECESSARY REPAIRS OR ASSOCIATED COSTS SUCH AS TOWING BILLS AND CAR RENTALS WHILE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS ARE BEING MADE. *AK ALSO SEE 560357.

CONSUMER REPLACED THE FAULTY FIRESTONE TIRES (P235/75R15) PRIOR TO RECALL 00T005, FIRESTONE IS DENYING REIMBURSEMENT DUE TO REPLACEMENT TIRES BEING PURCHASED 20 DAYS PRIOR TO RECALL START DATE. *SLC

WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A TRAFFIC SIGNAL, THE ENGINE SIEZED AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO AN IMMEDIATE STOP. UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE, I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A SERVICE STATION WHERE INSPECTION BY A MECHANIC REVEALED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT HAD BROKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO CONLON-COLLINS FORD IN CRYSTAL LAKE, IL WHERE THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT WAS BROKEN AND THE ENGINE MUST BE REPLACED AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $4,500. I REPORTED THE MATTER TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER. THEY INDICATED THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN REPORTED PREVIOUSLY AND NO RECALL NOTICES OR SERVICE BULLETINS HAVE BEEN ISSUED WITH REGARD TO THIS PROBLEM. FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS BEEN RELUCTANT TO DISCUSS BEARING ANY PART OF THE COST FOR REPAIRS OR INCIDENTAL EXPENSES SUCH AS TOWING OR RENTAL OF A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE WHILE REPAIRS ARE UNDER WAY. A CRANKSHAFT SHOULD NEVER BREAK AND ONE CERTAINLY SHOULD NOT EXPECT IT TO FAIL AFTER ONLY 52,000 SUBURBAN MILES. IN MY OPINION, THIS REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD. THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT HAD THIS INCIDENT OCCURED AT HIGH SPEED OR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN INJURIES AND/OR FATALITIES. *AK

WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN STEERING WHEEL WOULD PULL AND POP. A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED ON VEHICLE FOR SWAY BAR;HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN.*AK THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED AFTER 21/2 YEARS. *YH

FIRESTONE TIRES (P255 70 R15) EXPERIENCED CUPPING WHICH WAS CAUSING A THUMPING NOISE, DEALER INSPECTED TIRES AND STATED TIRES WERE SAFE, HOWEVER CONSUMER LATER NOTICED EXCESSIVE WEAR ON EDGES OF TIRES AND EXPOSED STEEL BELTS SO HE HAD THEM REPLACED, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING SOME REIMBURSEMENT SINCE FIRESTONE IS DENYING THE REQUEST DUE TO TIRES BEING PURCHASED PRIOR TO JANUARY 2000. *SLC

ORIGINAL MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT, TIRE SIZE P23575R15 DOT W2HL. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, TREAD ON LEFT REAR TIRE SEPARATED AND BLEWOUT, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE LEFT QUARTER PANEL AND RUNNING BOARD, CONSUMER REPLACED ALL TIRES AND IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC

THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE I WAS PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE ON AN ICY ROAD AT NIGHT BETWEEN DRIGGS, IDAHO AND VICTOR, IDAHO. I CLICKED THE DIMMER WHEN THEY WENT OUT, AND TRIED TO PUT THE DIMMER LEVER INTO ANY OTHER POSITION AND THE LIGHTS WOULD NOT COME ON. I HELD THE DIMMER SWITCH UP AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL IN THE "BRIGHT" FLASHER POSITION AND THEY CAME ON, BUT BLINDING ONCOMING TRAFFIC SO THAT THEY FLASHED THEIR LIGHTS AT ME. I DROVE THIS WAY TO MY HOME ABOUT SEVEN MORE MILES. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS! BROADWAY FORD (66 MI FROM OUR HOME) CHARGED US $134.41 TO REPLACE THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WHICH THEY THINK CAUSED THE PROBLEM, AND I UNDERSTAND FORD RANGERS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM. *AK

PE00 030 ; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 75MPH ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD A NOISE. HE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SHOULDER, AND SAW THAT LEFT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION.FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS AT, P2357515, DOT W2HLIPY037 . FIRESTONE HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK TIRE FAILURE CAUSED DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. *SLC

ORIGINAL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES, TRAVELING BETWEEN LANES WITH SNOW SLUSH ON ROAD, TIRES DIDN'T GRIP WELL WHEN PASSING OTHER VEHICLES. SIZE P235/75R15 DOT# W2HL1PY. *AK CONSUMER REPLACED ALL TIRES, DEALER STATED TIRES WERE ROUNDED ON THE EDGES. *SLC

AFTER BUYING VEHICLE, FOUND OUT THAT SPARE (P255/70R15) TIRE IS A DIFFERENT SIZE THAN REGULAR TIRES (P255/70R16) ON VEHICLE. CONSUMER BELIEVES IT IS UNSAFE IN CASE OF REPLACING TIRES WITH SPARE ONE.*AK *SLC

NOV '00 - TRUCK WOULD NOT START, HAD TO GET JUMP START. TOOK INTO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. DIAGNOSIS - IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE REPLACED. DEC '00 - TRUCK WOULD NOT START, HAD TO JUMP START. TOOK TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. DIAGNOSIS - GEM MODULE REPLACED. JAN '01 - TRUCK WOULD NOT START OR JUMP START. TOWED TO DEALER. DIAGNOSIS - CRANK POSITIONING SENSOR REPLACED. TOLD BY DEALER THAT THESE ALL WERE ELECTRONIC PARTS. NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THEY WOULD FAIL WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. CURRENTLY, THE 4WD INDICATOR LIGHTS ON THE DASH FLASH PERIODICALLY. LEFT VOICE MESSAGE WITH DEALER SERVICE ON 2/5 TO DISCUSS/FIX. *AK

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 20 MPH STEPPED ON BRAKES PEDAL TO STOP, BUT BRAKES DID NOT WORK, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPING DISTANC. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED TWICE THE SAME DAY.*AK

BATTERY EXPLODED WHILE VEHICLE WAS IDLING. NO FIRE OR INJURIES. *AK

TWO FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P23575R15 TIRES WENT BAD AND WERE REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE PRIOR TO RECALL 00T-005, FIRESTONE WAS DENIED REIMBURSEMENT. CJ

INSPECTION REVEALED THAT ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P23475R15 TIRES HAVE CRACKS AROUND TREAD LINE, DOT # W2HL, DEALERSHIP WILL NOT REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE TIRES NOT INVOLVED IN RECALL (OOT-005). CJ

FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRE (P235/75R15) FAILED, CONSUMER NOTICED A CHUNK OF TREAD MISSING, STEEL WEBBING VISIBLE, SLIGHT RAISED EFFECT IN TIRE, AND THE BEGINNING OF TREAD SEPARATION, CONSUMER REPLACED ALL TIRES. *SLC

CONSUMER WAITING FOR REIMBURSMENT UNDER RECALL (OOT-005), ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES P23575R15 REPLACED. CJ

TRANSFER CASE FAILED WITH NO REASON. THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE IS NEVER USED. WHEN BEING FIXED THEY FOUND CHUNCKS OF METAL IN THE TRANSFER CASE. IT APPEARED TO BE DEFECTIVE. FORD IS IS DENYING THIS. *AK

CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY DEALER THAT THE CHAIN TENSIONER BROKE AND THE ENGINE NEEDED REPLACED, CONSUMER HAD USED ENGINE PUT IN VEHICLE, CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER (O00M12) EXTENDING THE WARRANTY ON THE CAMSHAFT CHAIN TENSIONER (00M12) AND LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS, IF ANY REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED BECAUSE OF A FAULTY CAMSHAFT CHAIN PRIOR TO DECEMBER OF 2000, FORD WOULD GIVE A FULL REIMBURSEMENT, THE USED ENGINE THAT WAS INSTALLED HAS THE SAME DEFECT AND CONSUMER IS REQUESTING A NEW ENGINE BE INSTALLED PLUS REFUND OF THE USED ENGINE, FORD STATED THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE ENGINE, ONLY GIVE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE USED ENGINE. *SLC

ON 12/18/00-I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO ROMEO FORD,BECAUSE MY MOTOR DIED SITTING AT A RED LIGHT WAITING TO TURN ,ROMEO FORD INFORMED ME THAT SOMETHING IN THE UPPER HALF OF THE MOTOR LET GO AND THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY DID NOT RECOMEND THE MOTOR BE REPAIRED-THAT A FACTORY REBUILD IS RECOMENDED-MY COST WOULD BE 1,600.00-AND THAT FORD WOULD PICK UP THE REST-I THOUGHT GREAT A NEW MOTOR FOR 1,600.00 DOLLARS-I SAID FIX IT-I GOT THE CAR BACK 01/18/01-RUNS GREAT-ON 01/24/01 I GET IN THE MAIL A SAFTY RECALL PACKET FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY-IN THIS PACKET IS A WARRANTY EXTENSION ON THE CAMSHAFT CHAIN TENSIONER-(THATS WHAT LET GO TO KILL MY MOTOR) I THOUGHT GREAT MY NEW MOTOR IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY-I GET MY $1,600.00 BACK! -NOPE- ROMEO FORD -FORD MOTOR COMPANY-WILL NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY EXTENSION-CAN YOU HELP ME?*AK

FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES REPLACED 5/13/00 BECAUSE OF CONSISTENTLY UNEVEN WEAR AND CONSTANT ROUGH RIDE, CONSUMER SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT UNDER RECALL (OOT-005), AND IS HAVING TROUBLE OBTAINING REFUND. CJ

I HAD TO HAVE TWO TIRES REPLACED IN MAY 2000. ONE WAS DAMAGED FROM BEING INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE OTHER HAD GONE FLAT AND, WHEN INSPECTED FOR REPAIR, WAS FOUND TO BE CRUMBLING AND IN SUCH POOR CONDITION THAT IT ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED. IN SEPTEMBER 2000 I NOTICED CRACKING AROUND THE EXTERIOR WALLS AND TIRE TREAD, AND IN SOME SPOTS IN THE TREAD ITSELF, ON THE LAST TWO ORIGINAL TIRES. I CONTACTED FIRESTONE REGARDING THE RECALL AND WAS TOLD TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN TO HAVE THE TIRES CHECKED. I BROUGHT THE TRUCK INTO FIRESTONE AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD OR WOULD DO SINCE THE TIRES WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I CONTACTED NHTSA AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL MIGHT BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE THESE TIRES IN THE FUTURE. I EXPERIENCED LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE ON A WEEKLY BASIS AND HAD TO PUT AIR INTO THE TIRES AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK (THE TIRES WERE FILLED TO 30 LBS. PSI, NOT AT THE MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDED PRESSURE). SINCE WE FELT THAT THERE WAS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE TIRES, WE HAVE REPLACED THEM. IF YOU HAVE ANY INTEREST IN EXAMINING THEM, WE STILL HAVE THEM IN OUR POSSESSION. THE EXPLORER IS USED PRIMARILY UNDER MODERATE SPEED AND SHORT DISTANCE CONDITIONS, FOR EXAMPLE, DRIVING TO THE STORE. THESE TIRES WERE NOT SUBJECTED TO ANY CONDITIONS THAT COULD BE AN EXPLANATION FOR THIS CRACKING. THE TIRES WERE NOT SUBJECTED TO ABNORMAL HIGH-SPEED CONDITIONS, EXTREME TEMPERATURES OR ANY OTHER ABUSE. ALTHOUGH WE NO LONGER HAVE THESE TIRES ON OUR TRUCK, IT IS OUR OPINION THAT THESE TIRES SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BEFORE THERE ARE ANY MORE INJURIES OR DEATHS DUE TO ACCIDENTS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED. *AK (DOT NUMBER: W2HL TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)

THE CONSUMERS TIRES WERE SHOWING SIGNS OF TREAD SEPARATION THEREFORE THEY WERE REPLACED, THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REINBURSEMENT BUT WAS DENIED BECAUSE THE REPLACEMENT TIRE WERE PURCHASED FROM A COMPETITOR PRIOR TO AUGUST 9, 2000. NLM

REAR TAILGATE DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OF VEHICLE. DEALR HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN ENGINE IS COLD. VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER SHOP ON TWO OCCASIONS, AND UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. *AK

AIR CONDITIONER BLOING ONLY COLD AIR DURING WINTER MONTHS HERE IN NY. MECHANIC SAID BLEND DOOR WAS BROKE AND IN CLOSED POSOTION AND THEREFORE ONLY ABLE TO BLOW COLD COLD AIR. NO HEATER, NO DEFROSTER ONLY COLD AIR FROM ALL DUCKS.MECHANIC REPLACED THE COMPLETE HEATER PLENUM BOX ASSEMBLY SHOING ME BROKEN CHEP PLASTIC PART. THE WHOLE DASHBORD CAME OUT AND WAS 2 DAYS OF WORK. COST OF PLENUM BOX ASSEMBLY WAS 160.00 AND BLEND CONTROL UNIT WAS 80.00. THE REST WAS LABOR. FORD GETS 850.00 FOR JOB AS WELL AS 150. TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM.

LEFT REAR GOODYEAR WRANGLER TIRE (P235/75R15) EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, DEALER STATED THAT ALL TIRES NEEDED REPLACED AND FRONT END NEEDED ALIGNED, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL LETTER 00T005, HOWEVER WHEN DEALER WAS INSPECTING THE FIRESTONE TIRES, THEY WERE NOT PART OF THE RECALLED TIRES, THE CONSUMER HAD PREVIOUSLY REPLACED THE TIRES DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC

AIR CONDITIONING SWITCH WAS STUCK AND OWNER COULD NOT DEFROST WINDOWS, RESULTING IN DECREASED VISIBILITY. MECHANIC REPLACED BLENDER UNIT.*AK

WHILE DRIVING COULD HEAR POPPING NOISE COMING FROM BOTTOM OF VEHICLE. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP, AND THEY SAID IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH SUSPENSION.*AK

THE BRAKES DOES NOT STOP THE EXPLORER WITHIN ANY ALLOWED TIME, EVEN IF ONE SET OF WHEELS ARE ON DRY PAYMENT. I HAVE CLOSE TO 3 COLLISION BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP, EVEN THOUGH I DID EXACTLY WHAT I WAS SUPPOSE TO WITH ABS BRAKES. *AK

ALL FOUR FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX TIRES (P235/75R15) WERE REPLACED DUE TO BELT SEPARATION, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC

TIRE BEGAN TO SEPARATE ON OUTSIDE EDGE BUT I HAD IT REPLACED BEFORE FAILURE OCCURRED. TIRE MANUFACTURED AT WILSON, NC PLANT. I REPLACED THE TIRES WITH GOODYEAR WRANGLER RTS OF THE SAME SIZE. HAD TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENT SINCE CODE W2HL NOT IN RECALL. (DOT NUMBER: W2HL TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)

REAR DRIVER'S FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRE P235/75R15 BLEWOUT ON 3 DIFFERENT SPOTS ON SIDEWALL, CAUSING DAMAGE TO VEHICLE, THERE ARE STRESS MARKS COMING FROM THE RIM AND UP ON OTHER TIRES. *SLC

WHEN TURNING CRUISE CONTROL OFF VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCLERATE UP TO 90-100MPH. ONLY WAY TO SLOW DOWN IS TO PUT VEHICLE OUT OF GEAR. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING BECAUSE THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING VERY HIGH. *YH

THE FIRESTONE TIRES DO NOT HAVE THE PROPER DOT NUMBER THEREFORE FIRESTONE/FORD WILL NOT REPLACE THE TIRES, THE TIRES HAVE NOT FAILED. NLM

THE FIRESTONE TIRES DO NOT HAVE THE PROPER DOT NUMBER THEREFORE FIRESTONE/FORD WILL NOT REPLACE THE TIRES, THE TIRES HAVE NOT FAILED. NLM

NOT ON RECALL AND INSPECTED BY DEALER BEFORE FAILURE. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. (DOT NUMBER: W2HL TIRESIZE: P235/75/15)

THE RIGHT REAR TIRE ON MY FORD EXPLORER SPORT FAILED WHILE TRAVELLING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON A DRY FLAT COOL ROADWAY IN APRIL 1999. THE NATURE OF THE FLAT WAS VERY UNUSUAL...SO CATASTROPHIC THAT I MADE A SEARCH OF THE ROADWAY FOR SEVERAL FEET TO LOOK FOR DEBRIS. I FOUND NONE, HOWEVER THE TIRE LOOKED AS THOUGH THE TREAD HAD BEEN PEELED AWAY FROM THE TIRE ABOUT HALFWAY UP THE SIDEWALL. THE TIRES WERE ADEQUATELY INFLATED AND THE FAILURE OCCURED QUICKLY. THE TIRE HAD ALMOST 19,000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME. UNFORTUNATELY, THE TIRE WAS REPLACED AND TAKEN BY THE TIRE DEALER. I REPLACED IT AT MY OWN COST. THERE WERE NO INJURIES IN THIS ACCIDENT. I WOULD LIKE THIS TO SHOW UP IN THE RECORD BECAUSE I AM SUSPICIOUS THAT THE 16" WILDERNESS AT TIRES MAY ALSO ME FAULTY, DESPITE WHAT FIRESTONE AND FORD SAY. *AK (TIRESIZE: P255/70R16)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P255/70R16 )

LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEW-OUT WHILE CRUISING ON FREEWAY AT 70 MPH. NO PROBLEM CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE AND PULLING TO A STOP ON INSIDE MEDIAN. TIRE COMPLETELY DESTROYED. TIRE WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AT GOOD YEAR STORE IN PORTLAND, OR. *AK (DOT NUMBER: 275800GRF TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)

CALL RED HICKEY FOR IMPORTANT CAUSE FINDING OF TIRE WEAR IN SUSPENSION 828 253 4311 HE HAS INVESTIGATED IT ON MANY EXPLORERS. AS SOON AS YOU ROTATE YOUR TIRES THE TROUBLE STARTS. THE WEAR ON OUR VEHICLE AT BOTH FRONT IS NOT THE AIR PREASURE. HICKEY SAYS IT IS A FORD DESIGN FLAW KNOWN AND IGNORED FOR YEARS AND OVERLOOKED BY MOST SHOPS. HE IS IN THE ALLIGNMENT BUSINESS THE LAST 40 YEARS AND KNOWN AS AN EXPERT IN THE AREA FOR PROBLEMS OTHERS CAN'T FIX.*AK (DOT NUMBER: W2HLIPY TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)

ALL 4 OF MY TIRES WERE BAD AT 44,000 MILES. *AK (TIRESIZE: 225/70/16)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 225/70/16 )

MY SISTER TOOK HER VEHICLE INTO AUDUBON FORD FOR ROUTINE SERVICE AND BECAUSE IT WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. THE MECHANIC TOLD HER THAT THE TREAD ON THE TIRES WAS SEPARATING AND THE TIRES NEEDED REPLACED. SHE THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SAM'S CLUB AUTOMOTIVE FOR A SECOND OPINION. THEY CONCURRED AND SHE BOUGHT 5 NEW TIRES. THIS WAS 3 DAYS BEFORE SHE WAS OFFICIALLY NOTIFIED BY FORD OF THE TIRE RECALL. SHE WENT TO FIRESTONE IN NEW ORLEANS AND EXPLAINED TO THEM THE PROBLEM. SHE WAS TOLD THEY WOULD NOT REIMBURSE HER BECAUSE: THE TIRES WERE REPLACED 3 DAYS BEFORE SHE WAS NOTIFIED, SAM'S CLUB MIGHT HAVE SOLD THE TIRES TAKEN OFF THE VEHICLE, SHE COULD NOT PRODUCE THE TIRES FOR THEM, AND SHE DID NOT KNOW THE NUMBERS ON THE SIDE OF THE TIRES. THIS IS BULL. FORD CAN TELL BY THEIR RECORDS WHAT TIRES WERE ON THE VEHICLE AND WHERE THEY CAME FROM. FIRESTONE CAN ALSO CHECK WITH THE SELLING DEALER'S MECHANIC TO VERIFY THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES. ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO USE A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT UNTIL THE RECALL STARTS AND HOPE YOU DON'T DIE BECAUSE OF IT? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP IN THIS MATTER.*AK (TIRESIZE: P23570R16)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P23570R16 )

WHILE DRIVING THE TIRE TREAD SPLIT RESULTING IN A BLOWOUT, DURING A TIRE ROTATION AND BALANCE THE TIRE DEALER STATED THE TREAD WAS SPLITTING ON ANOTHER TIRE, CONSUMERS TIRE WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 00T-005 BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HAVE THE CORRECT DOT CODE (FIRESTONE WILDERNESS, TIRES HAD 35K MILES). NLM

VEHICLE LEANS TO THE LEFT FRONT. LEFT FRONT OF VEHICKLE IS LOWER THAN THE RIGHT SIDE. MAKES TURNING TO THE RIGHT TRICKY.*AK

VEHICLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE SPEED CONTROL WAS ACTIVATED. DRIVER HAD TO SHUT VEHICLE OFF TO STOP. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK THERE IS A RECALL (00V422) REGARDING THE PROBLEM THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING. *SLC

WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC THE LEFT REAR GOODYEAR WRANGLER TIRE BLEWOUT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VEER SHARPLY TO THE SIDE, THE TREAD SEPARATED AND THE TIRE COMPLETELY DISITEGRATED, CONSUMER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES AND REQUEST REIMBURSENT. NLM

FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRE CAUSED VEHICLE TO EXPERIENCE VIBRATION, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION WHICH CAUSED THE VIBRATION, THE SPARE TIRE ALSO WAS OUT OF BALANCE AND HAD TREAD SEPARATION, CONSUMER REPLACED ALL TIRES AND IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT EVEN THOUGH THE TIRES ARE NOT PART OF RECALL 00T005. *SLC

CONSUMERS TIRES WERE REPLACED BECAUSE THE TREAD WAS BEGINNING TO SEPARATE (DOT CODE W2HL), CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. NLM

CONSUMER NOTICED GOODYEAR WRANGLER RT-S TIRES MAKING AN ODD NOISE, REPLACED TIRES DUE TO TIRES BEGINNING TO SPLIT, TIRE SIZE P235/75R15, DOT M6HLTB1R286. *SLC

WE HAVE HAD THREE INSTANCES OF THE FRONT TIRES GOING FLAT OVERNIGHT. THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WENT FLAT LAST NIGHT AND UPON CLOSER EXAMINATION IT WAS NOTED THAT THE TREAD IS SEPARATING FROM THE TIRE FOR A DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATELY 5 TO 6". NO ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED TO THIS POINT BUT THE VEHICLE WILL NOT BE DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY AND WILL RECEIVE VERY LIMITED USE (UNTIL THESE TIRES ARE REPLACED) IN VIEW OF WHAT'S HAPPENED WITH OTHER FIRESTONE TIRES.*AK (DOT NUMBER: W2UUIPO217 TIRESIZE: P225/70R15)

ALL FOUR TIRES HAD VISIBLE CRACKS AT THE TREAD SIDEWALL, CONSUMER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES AND THEY WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL, CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. NLM

WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR FIRESTONE WILDERNESS TIRE SEPARATED CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHICH QUICKLY VEERED UNCONTROLLABLY FROM THE LEFT LANE ACROSS THE RIGHT LANE AND ROLLED OVER 5 TIMES DOWN AN EMBANKMENT, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED CRACKED COLLARBONE, INJURIES TO HIS CHEST AND NECK AND HEADACHES, THE FRONT PASSENGER WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS DURING THE ACCIDENT AND SUFFERED INJURIES TO HER CHEST, ARMS AND LEGS, THE REAR PASSENGER SUFFERED THE MOST INJURIES, SHE LOST THE USE OF HER RIGHT ARM AND HAND PERMANENTLY SIGNIFICANTLY IMPAIRING HER QUALITY OF LIFE, THE DOCTORS HAVE RECOMMENDED AMPUTATION ABOVE THE ELBOW SINCE IT IS NONFUNCTIONAL. NLM

HAD JUST LEFT JOB SITE AND NOTICED TIRE WAS GETTING LOW. PULLED INTO A TIRE RETAILER & TIRE WAS CHECKED. WAS INFORMED THAT RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS BAD. WAS SEPARATING WHERE TREAD MET SIDWALL. STEEL BELT WAS SHOWING. STILL HAS TIRE. GOODYEAR, WRANGLER RT/S, 0235/75R15 WITH 60,000 MILES. *AK

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ENGINE PROBLEMS, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ENGINE SOUNDED LIKE NO OIL WAS IN IT WHEN STARTED, DEALER HAS REPLACED GASKETS, UPPER INTAKE CAM TENSIONER THREE TIMES, AND THERE WAS A COOLANT LEAK. LEFT FRONT DOOR HINGE REPLACED, IT WAS MAKING NOISE. POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED, IT WAS NOISY WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. VANITY MIRROR ON DRIVER'S SIDE WOULD NOT CLOSE ALL THE WAY AND POPPED WHEN OPENED, DEALER REPLACED IT. THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOWER THAN THE LEFT FRONT. BRAKES WERE SQUEAKY, DEALER REPLACED FRONT BRAKE PADS AND TURNED ROTORS. A TAP NOISE WAS HEARD WHILE PLAYING CD'S. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, WHILE GOING OVER BUMPS AND RAILROAD TRACKS, TRANSMISSION JUMPED OUT OF GEAR, DEALER INTALLED OVERHAUL KIT BECAUSE THE CLUTCH HAD BURNED. 4 WHEEL DRIVE WAS INOPERABLE AND MADE A RUBBING/GROAN NOISE, WHEN REVERSING AND PUTTING INTOR DRIVE, CONSUMER HEARD POPPING NOISE, DEALER REPLACED REAR TRANSFER CASE FLANGE AND REMOVED DRIVESHAFT. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, IT WOULD TURN OVER, DEALER FOUND THE PCM WAS NOT WIRING, DEALER REPLACED PCM. *SLC

LIGHT SWITCH ASSEMBLY ON T CRUISE CONTROL ON THE STEERING COLUMN HAS FAILED TWICE IN LESS THAN 12 MONTHS. DO NOT BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE HAPPENING & COULD CAUSE PROBLEM WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHICH SWITCH TO USE.--*AK (TIRESIZE: 235/75R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 235/75R15 )

IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE HAS FAILED TWICE , ONLY LASTED ABOUT 20,000 MILES.THIS CAUSED VEHICLE TO STALL WHEN APPLYING ACCELERATOR PEDAL. *AK

THE HOOD LATCH ON THE VEHICLE IS TOO WEAK RESULTING IN THE HOOD OPENING WHILE DRIVING CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, THE 1998 EXPLORER HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR THE DEFECTIVE HOOD LATCH, HOWEVER THE 1997 MODEL IS NOT INCLUDED. *MJS

THE REAR FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P 235/75R15 TIRE TREAD DISINTEGRATED, TIRE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *MJS

WHILE COMING TO A STOP, CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES AND VEHICLE REVVED AND WENT FORWARD. *AK

A YEAR AGO MY DOOR LOCKS STARTED TO CYCLE UP AND DOWN WITHOUT MY HELP. THE DEALER REPLACED THE MODULE BUT IT CONTINUES TO DO IT BUT ONLY ABOUT ONCE A MONTH. IT IS HARD TO TAKE IT IN WHEN IT IS HAPPENING BECAUSE IT STOPS AND DOES NOT DO IT AGAIN FOR A LONG TIME. AT TIMES IT WILL GO ON FOR 10 MINUTES. *AK

HAVE A SPLIT LOCATED BETWEEN THE CENTER TREAD THAT IS VERTICAL BETWEEN THE TREAD BUT NOT IN THE THICK PART OF THE TREAD. *AK (DOT NUMBER: W2HL TIRESIZE: P23575R15)

SOMETIMES WHEN TURNING A CORNER GAS PEDAL WILL GET STUCK. ONLY WAY TO GET IT BACK UP IS TO BANG ON IT OR TURN OFF VEHICLE. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS VERY UNSAFE. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN EVERY 6 WEEKS. *AK IT OCCURS BOTH ON DRIVING STRAIGHT AND TURNING CORNERS, AS WELL AS AT HIGH AND LOW SPEEDS.. *YH

TIRES BUILT IN JOLIETE QUEBEC NOT SUBJECT TO RECALL BUT ALL 4 SHOWED TREAD SEPARATION AT TREAD/SIDEWALL MEETING POINT. FORD DEALER DETERMINED TIRES UNSAFE AND REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES W/O CHARGE AFTER FIRESTONE REFUSED.*AK (DOT NUMBER: VN TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)

AFTER SEEING BACK TIRE ON DRIVER'S SIDE SEPARATING TO THE POINT WHERE CONSUMER SEES WIRES IN TIRES, AND TREAD SEPARATING, CALLED DEALER OF FIRESTONE, AND WAS TOLD THAT HE HAS TO SPEAK WITH DEALERSHIP WHERE HE PURCHASED VEHICLE. ALSO, THAT IF HIS TIRE WAS NOT ON RECALL HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FULL PRICE FOR REPLACEMENTS. *AK

WHILE TRAVELING DOWN A HILL AND LETTING OFF THE GAS, THE TRANSFER CASE MAKES A GRINDING SOUND, DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE IS DEFECTIVE. *SLC

CONSUMER PURCHASED FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES THAT WERE NOT PART OF THE RECALL 00T005, HOWEVER TIRES SHOWED SIGNS OF TREAD SEPARATION AND REPLACED THEM WITH PATHFINDER RADIAL, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC

TWO TIRES FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME TIME. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO BALANCE EITHER ONE. INDICATED THAT PROBABLE CAUSE WAS BELT SLIP. DO NOT USE VEHICLE FOR OFF ROAD OR OTHER SEVERE SERVICE. (DOT NUMBER: VNCU IPX TIRESIZE: 255/70R16)

TREAD ON ALL FOUR TIRES IS SEPARATING. THERE ARE CRACKS ALL AROUND CASING NEAR THE WHERE IT MEETS THE SIDEWALL. HAD NOT TAKEN VEHICLE OR TIRES TO RETAILER. FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS AT, P235/75R15 , DOT CODE VN. *AK

BROKEN AIR BLEND DOOR, CAUSING NO HEAT FOR DEFROSTERS OR HEATER. *AK

I WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE MY CHILD FROM HIS SEAT BELT. WHEN EVERYONE ELSE FAILED TO BE ABLE TO RELEASE THE CHILD, I CARRIED THE VEHICLE (WITH THE CHILD STILL CONSTRAINED) TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER'S BODY SHOP HAD TO REMOVE THE BOLTS FROM THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE TO RELEASE THE CHILD. IF THERE HAD BEEN AS ACCIDENT AND A FIRE, THE CHILD WOULD HAVE PERISHED BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT WAS JAMMED AND WOULD NOT ALLOW FOR RELEASE.*AK

ALL FOUR OF THE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 235-75-R15 TIRES HAVE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION WHERE THE TREAD AND THE TIRES COMES TOGETHER, TIRES ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *MJS

CONSUMER HAS A CHILD SAFETY SEAT IN THE REAR MIDDLE, WHEN A PERSON SITS NEXT TO THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT AND BUCKLES THEIR SEAT BELT, THE RELEASE IS ON THE SIDE OF THE RESTRAINT AND THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT PREVENTS ACCESS TO THE RELEASE, IN AN EMERGENCY THE RELEASE WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO GET TO AND THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE THE DESIGN OF THE SEAT BELT RELEASES CHANGED. *SLC

WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH HEARD A LOUD NOISE, AND THEN SAW SMOKE COMING OUT OF ENGINE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK

THE LAST REPAIR WAS A THIRD TIME THE FRONT END SEAL HAVE FAILED. THE SERVICE DEALER CUSTOMER SERVICE ATTENDENT STATE THAT HE HAD SIX EXPLORERS THAT MORNING FOR THE SAME FAILURE. FORD MOTOR CO. COULD NOT PROVIDE ME WITH INFROMATION REGARDING IF THIS WAS A COMMON OCCURANCE FOR THIS VEHICLE.*AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

FIRESTONE ATX TIRES P235/75R15 EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION ON BOTH FRONT TIRES, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC

SEE DESCRIPTION FROM ANOTHER DISSATISFIED OWNER AT ODI ID: 702324. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK( DOT NUMBER: )

I WAS DRIVEWAY DOWN HIGHWAY AT APPROX 65 MPH. CAR STARTED SHIFTING LEFT TO RIGHT EXCESSIVELY. I HAD ALSO HEAR A PIECE OF METAL HIT THE UNDERSIDE OF MY RUCK. WHEN I REACHED HOME I CHECKED SUSPENSION AND FOUDN STABILIZER BAR HANGING LOOSE. ON RIGHT SIDE. I CHECKED DRIVERS SIDE AND FOUND THAT STABILIZER BAR LOOSE WITH MISSING COMPONENTS AND SLIGHTLY RUSTED. HAD PROBABLY BEEN LOOSE FOR SOME TIME. BOTH ARE CURRENTLYCOMPLETELY DISCONNECTED.

TREAD SEPARATION ON INSIDE OF TIRE - STEEL BELT EXPOSED. OBSERVANT MOTORIST AT GAS STATION NOTED THE PROBLEM. TIRES OUT OF LINE ALTHOUGH THEY ARE ROTATED EVERY 6000 MILES AND HAD ALIGNMENT AT 20,691 MILES. WAS AT DEALERSHIP ON 11/3/00 AT 33011 MILES AND NO ONE NOTICED THE PROBLEM. LEASED VEHICLE WITH END OF CONTRACT 7/31/01. WANT OUT OF CONTRACT NOW. SEEING DEALER ON 12/11/00 TO DISCUSS AND TRY TO GET SATISFACTION OF TIRE REPLACEMENTS. *AK (DOT NUMBER: W2HL1PY137 TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)

SERIOUS NOISE PROBLEM AT RIGHT FRONT END DURING ANY MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE. UNSURE IF THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND CURRENTLY CONCERNED TO TRAVEL ANY LENGTHY DISTANCE.*AK

ALL THESE TIRES SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE ROAD. THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURING. ISSUE RATHER THAN A DESIGN ISSUE. *AK( DOT NUMBER: )

ALL THESE TIRES SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE ROAD. THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURING. ISSUE RATHER THAN A DESIGN ISSUE. *AK( DOT NUMBER: )

ONE TIRE CAME APART AND CONSUMER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND, CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT (FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P235/75R15). NLM

WHENEVER PLACING CCS SEAT IN MIDDLE OF BACK SEAT, AND WHOEVER SITS ON EITHER SIDE OF SEAT WILL BE TRAPPED. PUSH RELEASE BUTTON ON THE CCS IS TOO CLOSE TO THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES ON REGULAR SEATBELTS, AND CONSUMER CAN'T GET HER HANDS BETWEEN BUTTONS. *AK

THRED SEPERATED FROM TIRES ,BUT WAS INFORMED IT WAS NOT ONE ON RECALL (TIRESIZE: 175-70R-15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 175-70R-15 )

TIRE THERD SPERATED FROM BODY OF TIRE (TIRESIZE: 235-75R-15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 235-75R-15 )

I HAVE A 1997 FORD EXPLORER WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES. THESE TIRES DO NOT BELONG TO THE RECALL. I HAD MY TIRES INSPECTED A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO BY THE FIRESTONE DEALER. WHO SAID THEY WERE FINE. I KEEP THE PRESSURE IN THE TIRES ABOUT 30 PSI. ON THANSGIVING WEEKEND, WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY I HAD MY REAR TIRE SHREDDED. WE ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF OUR VEHICLE BUT MANAGED TO PULL OFF THE ROAD EVENTUALLY. I CALLED FIRESTONE AND FORD AND WAS GIVEN THE RUN AROUND FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. I CALLED FORD, WHERE THEY INDICATED TO ME THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TIRES AND ONLY RESPONSIBLE FOR TAKING INFORMATION ABOUT INCEDENTS. FIRESTONE SAID THAT REAR TIRE FAILURES ARE COMMON , AND I SHOULD NOT BELIEVE IN THE HYPE ABOUT THE TIRES SINCE THEY ARE A SAFE PRODUCT. HE ALSO SAID TO ME THAT FORD EXPLORER'S HAVE A HIGH INCEDENCE OF TIRES FAILING FROM THE REAR LEFT SIDE, AND IT IS A FAIRLY COMMON OCCURENCE. EVENTUALLY AFTER MUCH ARGUMENT, A LOCAL FIRESTONE DEALER HAS AGREED TO REPLACE ONE TIRE FREE OF CHARGE.THIS WAS ONLY BECAUSE WE COULD NOT RETEMINE WHY THE TIRE HAD SHREDDED. IT LOOKED TO BE LIKE THE TRED SEPERATED IN ONE PORTION AND SUBSEQUENTLY TORE THE REST OF THE TIRE OFF. THE FIRESTONE GUY SAID IT WAS NOT THE "TYPICAL" TREAD SEPARATION. HE ALSO OFFERED TO REPLACE MY TIRES FOR ABOUT $500 IF I DID NOT FEEL SAFE WITH THE CURRENT SET. AT THIS POINT I FEEL VERY UNSAFE DRIVING MY VEHICLE. NIETHER FORD NOR FIRESTONE SEEM TO FEEL IT IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO ADDRESS MY FEARS. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS?. I HAVE NAMES CONTACT NUMBERS AND REPRESENTATIVES WITH WHOM I HAVE SPOKEN. *AK (DOT NUMBER: W2HL TIRESIZE: P23575R15)

ALL 4 TIRES SHOWING SIGNS OF TREAD SEPARATION. NOT A PART OF THE ORIGINAL FIRESTONE RECALL. HAVE REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES WITH A SET OF GOODYEAR WRANGLER ATS. STILL HAVE POSSESSION OF THE FIRESTONE TIRES AS I AM TRYING TO HEIGHTEN THE AWARENESS THAT THERE MAY BE PROBLEMS WITH THE WILDERNESS AT TIRES FROM OTHER FIRESTONE PLANTS OTHER THAN DECATUR, ILLINOIS AND HOPEFULLY GET SOME TYPE OF REIMBURSEMENT FOR HAVING DEFECTIVE TIRES. *AK (DOT NUMBER: VNHL1PY176 TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)

ALL 4 TIRES SHOWING SIGNS OF TREAD SEPARATION. NOT A PART OF THE ORIGINAL FIRESTONE RECALL. HAVE REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES WITH A SET OF GOODYEAR WRANGLER ATS. STILL HAVE POSSESSION OF THE FIRESTONE TIRES AS I AM TRYING TO HEIGHTEN THE AWARENESS THAT THERE MAY BE PROBLEMS WITH THE WILDERNESS AT TIRES FROM OTHER FIRESTONE PLANTS OTHER THAN DECATUR, ILLINOIS AND HOPEFULLY GET SOME TYPE OF REIMBURSEMENT FOR HAVING DEFECTIVE TIRES. *AK( DOT NUMBER: VNHL1PY176 TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )

TREAD SEPARATED FROM TIRES ,BUT WAS INFORMED IT WAS NOT ONE ON RECALL. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 175-70R-15 )

TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM BODY OF TIRE. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 235-75R-15 )

I HAVE A 1997 FORD EXPLORER WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES. THESE TIRES DO NOT BELONG TO THE RECALL. I HAD MY TIRES INSPECTED A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO BY THE FIRESTONE DEALER. WHO SAID THEY WERE FINE. I KEEP THE PRESSURE IN THE TIRES ABOUT 30 PSI. ON THANSGIVING WEEKEND, WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY I HAD MY REAR TIRE SHREDDED. WE ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF OUR VEHICLE BUT MANAGED TO PULL OFF THE ROAD EVENTUALLY. I CALLED FIRESTONE AND FORD AND WAS GIVEN THE RUN AROUND FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. I CALLED FORD, WHERE THEY INDICATED TO ME THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TIRES AND ONLY RESPONSIBLE FOR TAKING INFORMATION ABOUT INCEDENTS. FIRESTONE SAID THAT REAR TIRE FAILURES ARE COMMON , AND I SHOULD NOT BELIEVE IN THE HYPE ABOUT THE TIRES SINCE THEY ARE A SAFE PRODUCT. HE ALSO SAID TO ME THAT FORD EXPLORER'S HAVE A HIGH INCEDENCE OF TIRES FAILING FROM THE REAR LEFT SIDE, AND IT IS A FAIRLY COMMON OCCURENCE. EVENTUALLY AFTER MUCH ARGUMENT, A LOCAL FIRESTONE DEALER HAS AGREED TO REPLACE ONE TIRE FREE OF CHARGE.THIS WAS ONLY BECAUSE WE COULD NOT RETEMINE WHY THE TIRE HAD SHREDDED. IT LOOKED TO BE LIKE THE TRED SEPERATED IN ONE PORTION AND SUBSEQUENTLY TORE THE REST OF THE TIRE OFF. THE FIRESTONE GUY SAID IT WAS NOT THE "TYPICAL" TREAD SEPARATION. HE ALSO OFFERED TO REPLACE MY TIRES FOR ABOUT $500 IF I DID NOT FEEL SAFE WITH THE CURRENT SET. AT THIS POINT I FEEL VERY UNSAFE DRIVING MY VEHICLE. NIETHER FORD NOR FIRESTONE SEEM TO FEEL IT IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO ADDRESS MY FEARS. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS?. I HAVE NAMES CONTACT NUMBERS AND REPRESENTATIVES WITH WHOM I HAVE SPOKEN. *AK( DOT NUMBER: W2HL TIRE SIZE: P23575R15 )

ALL 4 TIRES SHOWING SIGNS OF TREAD SEPARATION. NOT A PART OF THE ORIGINAL FIRESTONE RECALL. HAVE REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES WITH A SET OF GOODYEAR WRANGLER ATS. STILL HAVE POSSESSION OF THE FIRESTONE TIRES AS I AM TRYING TO HEIGHTEN THE AWARENESS THAT THERE MAY BE PROBLEMS WITH THE WILDERNESS AT TIRES FROM OTHER FIRESTONE PLANTS OTHER THAN DECATUR, ILLINOIS AND HOPEFULLY GET SOME TYPE OF REIMBURSEMENT FOR HAVING DEFECTIVE TIRES. *AK( DOT NUMBER: VNHL1PY176 TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )

WHILE DRIVING ACCELERATOR PEDAL FELL OFF . DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK

WINDSHIELD WASHER WILL NOT SPRAY FLUID. SAFETY CONCERN AS VISIBILITY CAN BE IMPAIRED, ESPECIALLY IN THE WINTER. HAVE SEEN FORD DISCUSSION GROUPS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, POSSIBILITY RELATED TO EXCESSIVE GREASE IN THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS OF THE WIPER AND WASHER SPRAY SWITCH. *AK

THE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES (P235/75R15) ON VEHICLE WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL, HOWEVER THE TIRES SHOWED SIGNS OF TREAD SEPARATION, THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE TIRES AT A PRO-RATED COST AND IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT, THE FIRST FIRESTONE CENTER THE CONSUMER WENT TO STATED THERE WERE NO DEFECTS WITH THE TIRES, BUT TWO OTHER FIRESTONE CENTERS STATED OTHERWISE. *SLC

THE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P 235/75R15 TIRES ON THE VEHICLE ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL (00T-005), HOWEVER THEY ARE EXPERIENCING DRY ROT AND SEPARATION PROBLEMS, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR DEFECTIVE TIRES. *MJS

THE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES (P235/75R15) ON VEHICLE WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL, HOWEVER THE TIRES SHOWED SIGNS OF TREAD SEPARATION, THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE TIRES AT A PRO-RATED COST AND IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT, THE FIRST FIRESTONE CENTER THE CONSUMER WENT TO STATED THERE WERE NO DEFECTS WITH THE TIRES, BUT TWO OTHER FIRESTONE CENTERS STATED OTHERWISE. *SLC

THE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P 235/75R15 TIRES ON THE VEHICLE ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL (00T-005), HOWEVER THEY ARE EXPERIENCING DRY ROT AND SEPARATION PROBLEMS, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR DEFECTIVE TIRES. *MJS

INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DRIVING OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHES AND JERKS FORWARD. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE. *AK

MY CLIENT WAS DRIVING A 1997 FORD EXPLORER ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHEN THE RIGHT FRONT FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRE BLEW OUT, CAUSING MY CLIENT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE EXPLORER, ROLLING OVER SEVERAL TIMES. *AK (TIRESIZE: 235/75/R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 235/75/R15 )

THERE IS METAL FATIGUE OF DOOR PANEL AT HINGE AT THE UPPER RIGHT HAND CORNER OF THE REAR LIFT GATE. THE COMPANY SAYS THE DOOR HAS TO BE REPLACED, THAT IT CANNOT BE FIXED AS A FIX WOULD FURTHER FATIGUE THE METAL. THE BENDING OF THE METAL IS TAKING PLACE WHERE THE HINGE ATTACHES AND IS BENDING THE PANEL UP SO THAT WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED, THE BENT BODY WORK ACTS AS A SCOOP, DRAWING RAIN WATER, AIR AND, I ASSUME, EXHAUST FUMES INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. I COMPLAINED TO FORD AND THEY HAVE SAID THEY WILL COVER APPROX. $1,000 OF THE $1300 ESTIMATE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER GENEROUS THAT MAY BE, I FEEL THIS IS A PROBLEM THAN IS A DESIGN PROBLEM AND THAT IT MAY AFFECT MANY MORE THAN JUST MY UNIT. I HAVE NOT YET TAKEN THE CAR IN FOR THE REPAIR....THE EARLIEST I CAN GET AN APPT. IS 12/11. THE DEALER HAS BEEN MOST COOPERATIVE IN THIS BUT THE EXPENSE OF THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DOOR IS LARGE AND, IN MY ESTIMATION, SHOULD BE 100% COVERED BY THE COMPANY. JM. *AK

MY CLIENT WAS DRIVING A 1997 FORD EXPLORER ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHEN THE RIGHT FRONT FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRE BLEW OUT, CAUSING MY CLIENT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE EXPLORER, ROLLING OVER SEVERAL TIMES. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 235/75/R15 )

THE DEALER REPLACED FAULTY FIRESTONE TIRES WITH NEW ONES BUT THE TIRE VALVES ON TWO TIRES WERE REPLACED DUE TO LEAKS CAUSED BY IMPROPERLY INSTALLED TIRE VALVE RESULTING IN LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE, THE CONSUMER HAD TO RETURN TO THE DEALER ON FOUR OCCASIONS FOR THIS PROBLEM (FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, P235/75R15, DOT VDHL). NLM

BELT FAILURE ON ALL FOUR TIRES . SPARE IS NEW/UNUSED. 'HAVE BEEN BABYING VEHICLE DRIVING HABITS. TREAD IS GOOD BUT VEHICLE WOBBLES EVEN AFTER AN ALIGNMENT AND REPEATED WHEEL BALANCING EPISODES. BELTS ARE SEPARATING. SINCE I HAVE FOUR USED AND ONE UNUSED...IT MIGHT BE GOOD TO USE THESE FOR INVESTIGATIVE TESTS. *AK (TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )

BELT FAILURE ON ALL FOUR TIRES . SPARE IS NEW/UNUSED. 'HAVE BEEN BABYING VEHICLE DRIVING HABITS. TREAD IS GOOD BUT VEHICLE WOBBLES EVEN AFTER AN ALIGNMENT AND REPEATED WHEEL BALANCING EPISODES. BELTS ARE SEPARATING. SINCE I HAVE FOUR USED AND ONE UNUSED...IT MIGHT BE GOOD TO USE THESE FOR INVESTIGATIVE TESTS. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES (P235 75 R15) WERE SHOWING SIGNS OF TREAD SEPARATION, CRACKING, AND VIBRATION, THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE TIRES. *SLC

THE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P 235/75R15 TIRES WERE REPLACED PRIOR TO RECALL DUE TO ONE FLAT AND TREADWEAR AND VIBRATION PROBLEMS. *MJS

1997, FORD, EXPLORER, FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES SIZE P235/75R15 DOT#VNHL1PY027, ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. CONSUMER NOTICED TIRES WERE CRACKING ALL AROUND SIDEWALL WHERE THEY WOULD HAVE SEPARATED, BUT CONSUMER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES.*AK *SLC

CONSUMER FELT A KNOCKING NOISE ON FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH. THEN, PULLED OVER AND NOTICED A HUMP ON TIRES. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER WHERE TECHNICIAN SAID THAT TREAD WAS SEPARATING ON THREE TIRES. P235/75R15, DOT W2HL1PY406.*AK THE CONSUMER HAD ASKED FIRESTONE TO INCLUDE THE FAILED WILDERNESS AT TIRES IN THE RECALL LIST SINCE THEY ARE SIMILAR WITH ONES ON RECALL. *YH

ALL 4 FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES (P235 75 R15) EXPERIENCED CRACKING, THE TIRES ARE NOT PART OF THE RECALL. *SLC

THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION, THE TIRES WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL (00T-005), HOWEVER CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT DUE TO DEFECT. *MJS

THE VEHICLE STARTED VEERING TO THE LEFT EVEN WITH THE STEERING POINTED STRAIGHT AHEAD,GENTLY TURNED THE STEERING TO THE RIGHT TO COUNTERACT, HOWEVER THIS HAD NO AFFECT. *AK( DOT NUMBER: )

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTICS INDICATED OXYGEN SENSOR ERROR--COMMON PROBLEM. *AK

ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON WHEN WEATHER GOT COLD. THE FORD SERVICE SAID THE THE AIR INTAKE VALVE GASKETS SHRANK AND WAS LETTING IN TOO MUCH AIR AND CARBON MONOXIDE INTO TO THE GAS TANK. I'VE NEVER SEEN OR HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING WITH TRUCK UNDER 100,000 MILES.*AK

WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT THE VEHICLES ENGINE BEGAN TO RACE AND MOVE FORWARD ALTHOUGH CONSUMER FOOT WAS DEPRESSING THE BRAKE, CONSUMER TOUCHED THE OTHER VEHICLE AND THE TRUCK STARTED PUSHING IT FORWARD, CONSUMER HAD TO TURN OFF VEHICLE TO STOP THE MOVEMENT. NLM

AFTER HEARING NEWS HYPE ABOUT TIRES & CHECKED THEM NOTICED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES WERE CRACKED OR SPLIT NEAR OR ON TREAD & SIDEWALL CASING. TOOK TIRES TO FIRESTONE RETAILER & WAS INFORMED TIRES WILL NOT BE EXCHANGED DUE TO NOT BEING ON RECALL. THERE WAS WEAR ON SIDEWALL & TREAD. HAS INVOICE WITH INFORMATION. FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT WITH 40,000 MILES, P235/75R15, DOT W2H1. *AK *SLC

THE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES (P235 75 R15) ARE CRACKING AROUND THE TREAD. *SLC

CONSUMER HAS FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES (P235/75R15 DOT#VNHL) ON VEHICLE, THE TIRES ARE EXPERIENCING CRACKING AND SMALL SLITS ON THE OUTER AND INNER SIDEWALLS, A SERVICE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THE SYMPTOMS ON THESE TIRES ARE THE SAME THAT ARE OCCURRING WITH THE RECALLED TIRES. *SLC

FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES EXPERIENCED FLAT TIRES ON 7 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, THE FIRST TIRE WENT FLAT ONLY ONE WEEK AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE, CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 00T005 AND IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC

THE FIRESTONE TIRES MADE NOISE AND DID NOT HANDLE WELL, THE CONSUMER TOOK TIRES TO BE CHECKED OVER AND WAS TOLD THE TIRES WERE OKAY, THE CONSUMER DID NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH TIRES AND REPLACED THEM, NOW CONSUMER HAS RECEIVED RECALL LETTER AND HAS NO PAPER WORK THAT STATES WHETHER THE TIRES WERE INCLUDED IN RECALL 00T005, HOWEVER IS STILL REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC

CONSUMER NOTICED AN OBLONG WORN PLACE ON THE TREAD NEAR THE SIDEWALL THAT WORN DOWN TO THE CORD ON A FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRE (P235/75R15), CONSUMER REPLACED ALL THE TIRES AND LATER RECEIVED THE RECALL LETTER BUT DIDN'T HAVE THE DOT#'S TO SEE IF THE TIRES SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED, THE SPARE TIRE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL SO THE DEALER ASSUMED THE OTHER TIRES WERE NOT INCLUDED, THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC

THE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES (P235/75R15) EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION WHICH CAUSED VIBRATION AND NOISE WHILE DRIVING, THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE THESE BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT PART OF THE RECALL, THE CONSUMER PURCHASED OTHER REPLACEMENT TIRES. *SLC

FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRE (P235/75R15) EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SUSTAIN DAMAGE, THE CONSUMER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES AND IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC

TIRES WERE CUPPED AND MADE THUMPING NOISE WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER NOTICED THAT EVENTHOUGH THE TIRES HAD PLENTY TREAD THERE WAS EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE EDGES OF THE TIRES AND THE STEEL BELTS WERE EXPOSED, CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR FAULTY TIRES. NLM

FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES EXPERIENCED FLAT TIRES ON 7 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, THE FIRST TIRE WENT FLAT ONLY ONE WEEK AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE, CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 00T005 AND IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC

THE FIRESTONE TIRES MADE NOISE AND DID NOT HANDLE WELL, THE CONSUMER TOOK TIRES TO BE CHECKED OVER AND WAS TOLD THE TIRES WERE OKAY, THE CONSUMER DID NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH TIRES AND REPLACED THEM, NOW CONSUMER HAS RECEIVED RECALL LETTER AND HAS NO PAPER WORK THAT STATES WHETHER THE TIRES WERE INCLUDED IN RECALL 00T005, HOWEVER IS STILL REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC

CONSUMER NOTICED AN OBLONG WORN PLACE ON THE TREAD NEAR THE SIDEWALL THAT WORN DOWN TO THE CORD ON A FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRE (P235/75R15), CONSUMER REPLACED ALL THE TIRES AND LATER RECEIVED THE RECALL LETTER BUT DIDN'T HAVE THE DOT#'S TO SEE IF THE TIRES SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED, THE SPARE TIRE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL SO THE DEALER ASSUMED THE OTHER TIRES WERE NOT INCLUDED, THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC

ENGINE IDLE IS ERRATIC WHEN ENGINE IS WARM, VEHICLE IS IN NEUTRAL OR PARK AND HEATER OR AIR CONDITIONER IS ON. THIS COMPONENT HAS NOW FAILED TWICE. IS THIS A COMMON PROBLEM?

TREAD SEPARATING FROM TIRE . TAKEN TO TIRE SHOP FOR INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT OF TIRES. *AK (DOT NUMBER: W2C1PX TIRESIZE: P25570R16)

HELP! I HAVE A REPORT THAT SAYS THERE IS OVER 2 MILL CLAIMS ON THIS TIRE. STILL NO RECALL. PLEASE HELP ME TO HAVE THESE TIRES RECALLED. WHO CAN I TALK TO? THE DEALER WILL NOT HELP AND FIRESTOME FABRICATED A STORY TO ME! SINCERELY TAMMY FORRESTER 949-587-3299 THANKS*****AK (TIRESIZE: P255/70R16)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P255/70R16 )

ALL FOUR OF MY FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES ON MY '97 EXPLORER SPORT HAVE CRACKS ON THE SIDEWALLS ABOUT 1/2 INCH FROM THE TOP OF THE TIRES THAT RUN THE FULL CIRCUMFERENCE OF EACH TIRE. (DOT NUMBER: BM07459-3 TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)

DURING APRIL WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED I NOTICED AND HEARD A THUMPING NOISE IN MY FRONT WHEEL. I TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL SERVICE GARAGE THAT I TRUST AND THEY DETERMINE THE PROBLEM WAS WITH A TIRE. THIS GARAGE ROTATED THE TIRES. IT WAS AFTER THIS THAT I LEARNED OF THE FIRESTONE RECALL. I HAD THE TIRES INSPECTED AGAIN BY THIS SERVICE GARAGE AND THEY GAVE ME THE TIRE NUMBERS SO I COULD GO TO THE FIRESTONE DEALER. AT THE FIRESTONE STORE I EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM OF THE "THUMPING TIRE" AND GAVE THEM THE TIRE NUMBERS. THEY TOLD ME THAT MY TIRES WERE NOT PART OF THE RECALL AND THEY DID NOT OFFER TO INSPECT THE TIRES. STILL HAVING CONCERN I WENT BACK TO MY TRUSTED SERVICE STATION IN MARTINSBURG WV AND THEY INSPECTED THE TIRES AGAIN. NOTED SMALL CRACKS AORUND THE RIM AND ALONG THE EDGE OF THE TREAD ON ALL TIRES. NOTING THE POTENTIAL RISK OF TIRE FAILURE I PURCHASE 5 NEW TIRES ON 9/20/2000 FOR $ 420.82. PLEASE NOTE I COULD NOT FIND TIRES AVAILABLE EVEN THOUGH I WENT TO MORE THEN ONE PLACE, E.G., COSTCO - PRICE CLUB. I THEN WENT BACK TO FIRESTONE AND THEY THEN INSPECTED THE TIRES. THEY WERE ABLE TO SEE THE MARKED UP WILDERNESS AT TIRES AND CRACKS. HOWEVER, THEY TOLD ME THAT BECAUSE THESE WERE NOT PART OF THE RECALL THEY COULD DO NOTHING FOR ME. I CURRENTLY HAVE ALL 5 TIRES IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN LOOKING AT THEM. I DONOT BELIEVE FIRESTONE ACTED IN GOOD FAITH. ONE FINAL COMMENT, FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS NOT BLAMELESS IN THAT THEY PUT A C GRADE TEMPERTURE TIRE ON A VEHICLE THAT IS KNOWN TO BE USE OFF ROAD IN SAND AND UNDERINFLATED. WHY WOULD THEY DO THAT??? I WOULD WELCOME A RESPONSE FROM ANY INTERESTED PARTY.*AK (DOT NUMBER: W2HL1PY127 TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)

FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES (P265 75 R16) EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION WHICH WAS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO PULL AND VIBRATE AT HIGHER SPEEDS. *SLC

FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES (P235 75 R15) EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. *SLC

AFTER HEARING NEWS ON TV CHECKED ALL THE TIRES. NOTICED THAT CRACKS APPEARED AROUND EDGES WHERE TREAD MEETS THE CASING. FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS, P235/75R15, DOT CODE VNHL WITH 30,000 MILES. *AK

FAULTY FIRESTONE TIRES CAUSE A VEHICLE TO PULL TO ONE SIDE OR ANOTHER AND A CONSTANT SHIMMY IN THE STEERING WHEEL, CONSUMER HAD SEVERAL ALIGNMENTS DONE BUT TO NO AVAIL, AFTER THE TIRES WERE REPLACED THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS (FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P235/75R15). NLM

THE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES WERE REPLACED PRIOR TO RECALL (00T-005). OWNER REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *CJ

ONE OF THE FIRESTONE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER REPLACED TIRE AT THAT TIME, TIRES ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *MJS

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK (TIRESIZE: P255/70R13)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P255/70R13 )

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK (TIRESIZE: P255/70R13)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P255/70R13 )

I HAVE SUBMITTED INFORMATION TO FIRESTONE/BRIDGESTONE AND THEY CLAIM THAT I DO NOT HAVE DEFECTIVE TIRES. THEREFORE THEY WILL NOT REIMBURSE ME AS THEY PREVIOUSLY STATED THAT THEY WOULD. WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP OF MY COMPLAINT? *AK (DOT NUMBER: DOTVD TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)

ALL 4 TIRES SHOW DEFINITE CRACKING ENTIRE CIRCUMFERENCE WHERE TREAD MEETS BODY. MFR REFUSES TO REPLACE (DOT NUMBER: VNHL TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)

TIRE PLACARD IS NOT REQUIRED IN SUV'S, OWNERS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE SUV TO A SHIPPING COMPANY OR AN INSPECTION STATION TO GET THE VEHICLE'S CORRECT WEIGHT. *CJ

SEAT BELT RETRACTOR, ON DRIVER'S SIDE DOES NOT FULLY RETRACT SEAT BELT, AS A RESULT, A LOOP OF ABOUT 18 INCHES HANGS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. *CJ

TICKING NOISE IN ENGINE SINCE PURCHASE. HAD THE SUV IN A FORD SERVICE CENTER SEVERAL TIMES FOR RECALLS ETC. HAD ONLY 21,000 MILE AT PURCHASE. WENT TO ANOTHER FORD SERVICE CENTER WITH ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT ON AT 36,200. TOLD I NEEDED THE TIMING CHAIN REPLACED AT MY COST. ACCORDING TO YOUR WEB POSTING A SERVICE BUL. HAS GONE OUT ON THIS PROBLEM LONG AGO. FORD SHOULD HAVE HAD A RECALL . IF NOT FIXED IN OTHER ENGINES THIS WILL COUSE MAJOR ENGINE FAILURE AND MAJOR EXPENSE TO OTHERS. FORD SHOULD HAVE COVERED THIS! ACCORDING TO YOUR WEB CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM. FORD NEEDS TO BE PUSHED ON THIS PROBLEM BEFORE MAJOR ENGINE FAILURE HAPPES TO OTHERS WITH POSSIBLE INJURIES ETC. *AK

3 WEEKS AFTER HAVING MY VEHICLE INSPECTED BY THE STATE OF TEXAS AND 4 WEEKS AFTER INSPECTION BY FORD DEALERSHIP THE TREAD WAS OFF MY TWO FRONT TIRES. LUCKILY THIS WAS CAUGHT BEFORE IT KILLED SOMEONE. I REPLACED THE TIRES WITH MORE WILDERNESS TIRES THOUGHT THE FIRESTONE DEALERSHIP HAD NO EXPLANATION FOR THE INSTANTANIOUS TREAD LOSS. FORD WAS ALSO NOTIFIED AT THE TIME. AFTER IT CAME TO LIGHT ON THE TIRE PROBLEMS I GOT WITH FORD WHO SAYS IT'S FIRESTONES PROBLEM. FIRESTONE SAYS IT'S MY PROBLEM. I FEEL THE 16 INCH WILDERNESS SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE MORE ARE KILLED. PLEASE DO WHAT YOU CAN !!! (TIRESIZE: P255/70R16)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P255/70R16 )

FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, CAUSING VEHICLE TO PULL AND SHAKE AT HIGHER SPEEDS. *SLC

CONSUMER BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH TWO OF THEIR FIRESTONE TIRES AND DECIDED TO REPLACE ALL FOUR PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE 00T-005, CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. NLM

CONSUMER RECEIVED REIMBURSEMENT ($100) FROM FIRESTONE FOR RECALLED SPARE BUT HAS NOT RECIEVED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE OTHER WILDERNESS AT TIRES. NLM

FAULTY FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES CAUSED VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING AND CONSUMER NOTICED CRACKS IN THE SIDEWALL, CONSUMER REPLACED THE TIRES. NLM

WE HAVE BEEN TO TWO FORD DEALERS, FIRESTONE AND NO ONE WILL COMPLY TO REPLACE THESE TIRES, I DO NOT WANT MY WIFE DRIVING THIS TO AND FROM WORK WITH THESE TIRES ON IT. FORD SEEMS TO PASS THE BUCK TO FIRESTONE AND VICE VERSA. SUPPOSIDLY IN NEW YORK, WE HAVE FRIENDS IN SHOPS AND ARE REPLACE ALL TIRES ON THE EXPLORER. GETTING NO SATIFACTION IN DEALERS IN FLA. *AK (TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )

WHILE DRIVING 60MPH & HEARD A THUMP NOISE BEFORE TREAD ON THE LEFT REAR TIRE CAME OFF. LOOKED AT A RECAP TIRE. IT HIT THE SIDE FENDER WELL. TIRE WAS STILL INFLATED AT THE TIME. DO NOT HAVE THE TIRE. HAD PUT THE SPARE TIRE ON IN ITS PLACE. FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS AT P235/75R15 WITH 100,000 MILES.*AK

LEFT REAR TIRE WOULD LOSE AIR ALONG WITH THE OTHER TIRES. LEFT REAR TIRE WAS ONLY THE ONE THAT HAD CRACKS ALL AROUND TIRES, NEAR THE TREAD & CASING. WOULD HEAR A LOT OF NOISE COMING FROM TIRES WHEN DRIVING. TAKING VEHICLE TO FIRESTONE RETAILER TO CHECK & HAVE EXCHANGE. FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS AT, DOT VNHL P235/75R15 WITH 39,000 MILES.*AK TWO OR THREE TIRES HAD SEPARATION CRACKS ALONG EDGE OF THE TREAD AND SIDE WALL. *YH

TIRES HAVE CRACKS IN THE RUBBER NEAR THE LUGS. BEEN TO 3 FIRESTONE DEALERS TO HAVE THEM CHECKED FOR SAFETY. FIRST DEALER SAID "DRY ROT". SECOND DEALER SAID "OZONE CRACKING". THIRD SAID "ALL TIRES WITH LARGE LUGS ON SUV'S GET THAT CRACKING". THESE ALL SOUND LIKE B.S. TO ME! SHOULDN'T THESE TIRES BE REPLACED BY FIRESTONE ALSO BEFORE ONE COMES A PART AND CAUSES DAMAGE/INJURY? I LEASE THIS VEHICLE AND I DON'T BELIEVE I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS! PLEASE ADVISE. *AK (TIRESIZE: P255/70R16)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P255/70R16 )

TIRES REPLACED PRIOR TO RECALL (OOT-005) DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION, OWNER REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *CJ

TIRES WERE REMOVED AND REPLACED(AT OWNER'S EXPENSE), PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE (00T-005) DUE TO REPEATED TIRE FAILURES IN LESS THAN 13,000 MILES. OWNER SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FROM FIRESTONE. *CJ

CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT ALL FOUR FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES (P235/75R15) HAD A CUT LINE APPEARING COMPLETELY AROUND EACH TIRE AND THAT THEY WERE CAPABLE OF TREAD SEPARATION, ONLY THE TWO FRONT TIRES WERE UNDER RECALL 00T005, THE TWO REAR TIRES WERE IN THE SAME SHAPE (INCLUDING SPARE), BUT DID NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL, CONSUMER WANTS TO BE REIMBURSED FOR TIRES NOT UNDER RECALL. *TT

CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT ALL FOUR FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES (P235/75R15) HAD A CUT LINE APPEARING COMPLETELY AROUND EACH TIRE AND THAT THEY WERE CAPABLE OF TREAD SEPARATION, ONLY THE TWO FRONT TIRES WERE UNDER RECALL 00T005, THE TWO REAR TIRES WERE IN THE SAME SHAPE (INCLUDING SPARE), BUT DID NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL, CONSUMER WANTS TO BE REIMBURSED FOR TIRES NOT UNDER RECALL. *TT

CONSUMER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE 00T-005 (FIRESTONE RADILA ATX TIRES), CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. NLM

FIRESTONE ATX TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, THE CONSUMER REPLACED ALL OF THE TIRES PRIOR TO RECALL 00T005 AND IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT, CONSUMER HAS A SPARE TIRE THAT IS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT IS ON A WAITING LIST FOR THE REPLACEMENT. *SLC

FIRESTONE ATX TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, THE CONSUMER REPLACED ALL OF THE TIRES PRIOR TO RECALL 00T005 AND IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT, CONSUMER HAS A SPARE TIRE THAT IS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT IS ON A WAITING LIST FOR THE REPLACEMENT. *SLC

WAS WASHING VEHICLE & NOTICED CRACKS ON ALL FOUR OF THE TIRES. ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. CRACKS ARE LOCATED WHERE TREAD MEETS THE SIDEWALL. TOOK TO DEALER & INDICATION WAS THAT TIRES WHICH WERE NOT AFFECTED DUE TO BEING MANUFACTURED IN CANADA. FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS AT, P235/75R15 WITH 39,000 MILES.*AK

TIRE WAS KNOCKING, TOOK SUV IN TO FIRESTONE DEALER, THEY TOLD ME THE TREAD HAD SEPARATED. (IT HAD NOT YET DEPARTED THE TIRE).*AK (DOT NUMBER: W2HLIPY157 TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)

CONSUMER IS BEING REFUSED RECALL (00T-005) REIMBURSEMENT OF THE FAILED FIRESTONE (P235/75R15) TIRES WHICH WERE REPLACED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION, THE DATE OF REPLACEMENT DOES NOT MEET WITHIN THE RECALL GUIDELINES. *MJS

PE00-020 ;CONSUMER HAD FOUND CRACKS ON THE TIRES AFTER SEEN THE RECALL INFORMATION ON IT. CONSUMER HAD CONTACTED FIRESTONE DEALER. FORD, EXPLORER, 1997, P235/75R15.*AK DOT#VNHL1PY077. *SLC

CONSUMER FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES ARE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL BUT ARE BEGINNING TO SEPARATE. NLM

THE FIRESTONE TIRES EXPERIENCED IRREGULAR TREAD WEAR, NOISE AND VIBRATION, CONSUMER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES AND REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT BUT WAS DENIED BECAUSE THE REPLACEMENT TIRES WERE PURCHASED PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 2000. NLM

TWO OF THE CONSUMER FIRESTONE TIRES STARTED SHOWING THE CORDS, CONSUMER REPLACED THOSE TWO AND ABOUT 45 DAYS LATER THE OTHER TWO STARTED SHOWING THE CORDS, TIRES WERE RECALLED BUT CONSUMER DID NOT HAVE ALL THE ORIGINAL TIRES SO THE DEALER WOULD ONLY REPLACE THE ONE THE CONSUMER STILL HAD. NLM

CONSUMER FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES ARE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL BUT ARE BEGINNING TO SEPARATE. NLM

THE FIRESTONE TIRES EXPERIENCED IRREGULAR TREAD WEAR, NOISE AND VIBRATION, CONSUMER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES AND REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT BUT WAS DENIED BECAUSE THE REPLACEMENT TIRES WERE PURCHASED PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 2000. NLM

TWO OF THE CONSUMER FIRESTONE TIRES STARTED SHOWING THE CORDS, CONSUMER REPLACED THOSE TWO AND ABOUT 45 DAYS LATER THE OTHER TWO STARTED SHOWING THE CORDS, TIRES WERE RECALLED BUT CONSUMER DID NOT HAVE ALL THE ORIGINAL TIRES SO THE DEALER WOULD ONLY REPLACE THE ONE THE CONSUMER STILL HAD. NLM

WHILE GOING UP HILL CAR WAS BACKING BACK DOWN HILL. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND HAD TRANSMSSIION REPLACED. FEBRUARY 2000, CONSUMER HAD TO GET A TOTAL OF 3 TRANSMSSIONS.ON 07-OCT-2000, WHILE WAITING AT A LIGHT, CONSUMER TOOK FOOT OFF OF BRAKE AND VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS. *AK

I HAVE THE WILDERNESS AT FIRESTONE TIRES. THEY SEEM TO NOT BE THE RECALL TIRES BUT THE DOT # IS W2HL. MY HUSBAND AND I WERE ON A ROAD TRIP AND GOING 70 MPH AND THE TREAD JUST RIPPED OFF THE REAR RIGHT TIRE. OUR EXPLORER SPORT JUST SWERVED HARD TO THE RIGHT TILTING UPWARDS AND THEN COMING DOWN, THEN SWERVING TO THE LEFT TILTING UPWARDS AND THEN COMING DOWN, ANOTHER SWERVE TO THE RIGHT AND THEN TO THE LEFT BEFORE WE STOPPED. THIS WAS ON THE INTERSTATE AND EVERYONE BEHIND US BEGAN SLAMMING ON THEIR BRAKES TO AVOID US. THAT SCARED ME VERY MUCH BUT WE ARE BEING TOLD THAT NO ONE CAN HELP US. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO MY TRUCK AND I HAD TO BUY TWO NEW TIRES AT MY COST. WE HAD A MECHANIC LOOK AT ANOTHER TIRE AND WE COULD ALMOST MOVE THE TREAD IT WAS GETTING THAT BAD. IT WAS READY TO BLOW HE SAID. SO WE BOUGHT TWO. I AM UNHAPPY WITH FIRESTONE RIGHT NOW AND I DON'T WANT THESE TIRES ON MY TRUCK. ALL THE TIRES HAVE THE SAME DOT #. I NEED TO GET THREE MORE TIRES AND GET MY TRUCK FIXED AND I DON'T KNOW WHO IS GOING TO PAY FOR IT.*AK (DOT NUMBER: W2HL TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)

ORIGINAL TIRE ON FORD, EXPLORER SPORT, 1997, P255/70R16 (PROVIDE DOT). ONE OF THE TIRES, CONSUMER DOES NOT NO WHICH ONE, HAD SLITS ALL AROUND THE TIRE. *AK FORD WOULD NOT REPLACE TIRES BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT PART OF THE RECALL, CONSUMER REPLACED TIRES AND IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC

PE00 020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 70MPH ON HIGHWAY AND VEHICLE STARTED SWERVING LEFT AND RIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.TIRE WAS A FIRESTONE P23575R15 #DOT W2HL. *AK

CONSUMER FIRESTONE TIRES WERE FAULTY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO WEAVE AND VIBRATE WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER REPLACED THE TIRES AND REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT BUT WAS DENIED BECAUSE THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED FROM A COMPETITOR PRIOR TO AUG 9, 2000 (FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT).

WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION, AND EMERGENCY BRAKE ON, VEHICLE JERKED AND ROLLED, CAUSING A COLLISION. DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE.*AK

MY MECHANIC,WHILE DOING AN OIL CHANGE,NOTICED THE SEVERE CUT AT SEPARATED TREAD ON MY RIGHT REAR TIRE.ALSO CHECKING OUT THE OTHER TIRES,THE REAR LEFT IS BADLY CRACKED AND STARTING TO PEEL.THEY BOTH HAVE UNEVEN TREAD WEAR.THE RIGHT REAR HAD TO BE CHANGED IMMEDIATLY.THE LEFT IS IN NEED OF IMMEDIAT REPAIR ALSO.I HAVE A TYPED STATEMENT FROM THE MECHANIC.*AK (DOT NUMBER: W2HL1PY496 TIRESIZE: P235/75RI5)

THE LEFT REAR FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRE EXPERIENCED BLOWOUT RESULTING IN VEHICLE ROLLOVER ACCIDENT, TWO INJURIES DUE TO FAILURE. *MJS

WHILE DRIVING THE FIRESTONE TIRES BLEWOUT AND THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE REST OF THE TIRE CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE QUARTER PANEL OF THE VEHICLE (FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P235/75R15 HAD 17000 MILES ON IT). NLM

CONSUMER REPLACED THE TIRE PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE, DEALER REFUSED TO REFUND THE FULL COST OF THE REPLACEMENT TIRES. NLM

FIRESTONE ATX TIRES (P235 75 R15) ARE INCLUDED IN RECALL 00T005, DEALER STATED THAT THERE WOULD BE 5 DIFFERENT TIRE BRANDS TO CHOOSE FROM, HOWEVER WHEN THE CONSUMER ARRIVED TO GET THE REPLACEMENT TIRES THE BRANDS WERE DOWN TO 2 AND THERE WERE NO ALL TERRAIN TIRES LIKE THE ONES CURRENTLY ON THE VEHICLE, CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE REPLACEMENT TIRES SHOULD BE THE SAME TYPE AND QUALITY OF TIRES THAT WERE ORIGINALLY PURCHASED. *SLC

CONSUMER REPLACED THE FIRESTONE ATX TIRES (P235 75 R15) ON THE VEHICLE DUE TO TWO OF THE TIRES EXPERIENCING TREAD SEPARATION, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT.

WHILE DRIVING THE FIRESTONE TIRES BLEWOUT AND THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE REST OF THE TIRE CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE QUARTER PANEL OF THE VEHICLE (FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P235/75R15 HAD 17000 MILES ON IT). NLM

CONSUMER REPLACED THE TIRE PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE, DEALER REFUSED TO REFUND THE FULL COST OF THE REPLACEMENT TIRES. NLM

FIRESTONE ATX TIRES (P235 75 R15) ARE INCLUDED IN RECALL 00T005, DEALER STATED THAT THERE WOULD BE 5 DIFFERENT TIRE BRANDS TO CHOOSE FROM, HOWEVER WHEN THE CONSUMER ARRIVED TO GET THE REPLACEMENT TIRES THE BRANDS WERE DOWN TO 2 AND THERE WERE NO ALL TERRAIN TIRES LIKE THE ONES CURRENTLY ON THE VEHICLE, CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE REPLACEMENT TIRES SHOULD BE THE SAME TYPE AND QUALITY OF TIRES THAT WERE ORIGINALLY PURCHASED. *SLC

CONSUMER REPLACED THE FIRESTONE ATX TIRES (P235 75 R15) ON THE VEHICLE DUE TO TWO OF THE TIRES EXPERIENCING TREAD SEPARATION, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT.

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 65MPH ON HIGHWAY, AND PEDAL BAR THAT WAS WELDED TO THROTTLE PEDAL, METAL PART CAME COMPLETELY OFF. DEALERSHIP BOLTED BACK ON, THERE WERE NO INJURIES.*AK

ALL FOUR TIRES HAVE A HAIRLINE CRACK THAT GOES 360 DEGREES AROUND THE TIRE ON BOTH THE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE. THIS CRACK APPEARS TO BE WHERE THE CAP ATTACHES TO THE TIRE. I YOU LOOK AT THE SIDEWALL YOU CAN SEE WHERE THE CAP IS ATTACHED. (DOT NUMBER: VN TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)

FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRE TREADS FAILED (P235/75R15). NLM

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 00T005, WHEN GOING TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE TIRES CHECKED AND REPLACED, THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A 3 WEEK WAITING PERIOD FOR TIRES TO GET CHECKED AND A BACKORDER OF REPLACEMENT TIRES, THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE TIRES AND IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 00T005, WHEN GOING TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE TIRES CHECKED AND REPLACED, THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A 3 WEEK WAITING PERIOD FOR TIRES TO GET CHECKED AND A BACKORDER OF REPLACEMENT TIRES, THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE TIRES AND IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC

GOODYEAR WRANGLER RTS TIRES P235 75 R15 EXPERIENCED HUMPS ON SIDEWALLS. *SLC

ON TIRES NEAR THE TREAD & SIDEWALLS WHERE THEY MEET ARE CRACKS GOING AROUND THE TIRES. IT'S ON ALL FOUR OF THEM. RIGHT REAR TIRE TREAD IS BEGINNING TO SEPARATE. VEHICLE WAS PARKED. FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P255/70R15 WITH 59,000 MILES. THE DOT CODE 8 W2. *AK THE CRACKS ON THE TIRES (FOUR OF THEM) SLOWLY SPREAD ALL THE WAY AROUND THE TIRES AND SOME CRACKS BEGAN TO SPREAD APART AND SEPARATE. *YH

RIGHT FRONT TIRE HAS BIGGER & DEEPER CRACKS IN THE SIDEWALLS NEAR THE TREAD. OTHER 3 TIRES HAVE SAME CRACKS, BUT NOT AS PRONOUNCED. BEEN TO DEALER & WAS PLACED ON A WAITING LIST FOR TIRE REPLACEMENT.*AK ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES(P235 75 R15) DOT #HTW2 HAVE BEEN REPLACED. *SLC

FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES P235 75 R15 EXPERIENCE NOISE AND VIBRATION. *SLC

IGNITION WIRES AND PLUGS NEED REPLACED, CONSUMER FEELS DEALER SHOULD MAKE THESE REPAIRS. *SLC

MOLDING ON WINDSHIELD WAS FALLING OFF, CAUSING WINDSHIELD TO LEAK INSIDE VEHICLE. *SLC

HOLES IN THE SEAT AND THE LEVER IS BROKEN. *SLC

WINDOW LOCK NOT WORKING PROPERLY. *SLC

CONSUMER HEARS A TAPPING IN THE ENGINE WHEN FOOT IS ON THE GAS. *SLC

EGR VALVE PIPE HAS A CRACK, CONSUMER FEELS DEALER SHOULD PAY FOR THIS REPAIR DUE TO THE NUMBER OF MILES ON THE VEHICLE.

THE FIRESTONE ATX TIRES DEVELOPED FLAT SPOTS, ERRATIC WEAR PATTERNS, NOISE AND DETERIORATION AT THE SIDEWALL AT THE TREAD LINES, CONSUMER REPLACED THE TIRES WITH A SET OF FIRESTONE HT TIRES WHICH ARE STARTING TO DEVELOP FLAT SPOTS LIKE THE ATX'S DID.

ALL FOUR FIRESTONE TIRES EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION WHICH CAUSED NOISE AND UNEVEN RIDE, CONSUMER PURCHASED FOUR NEW FIRESTONE WILDERNESS TIRES AND KEPT THE SPARE, AFTER CONSUMER HEARD OF THE RECALL HE INSPECTED THE TIRES AND FOUND THAT THE SPARE WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL, CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPLACED TIRES AND SPARE. NLM

THE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS TIRES WERE EXTREMELY WORN AND HAD INTERIOR TREAD SHOWING, , CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT, THEY FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION (00T-005). NLM

THE FIRESTONE ATX TIRES DEVELOPED FLAT SPOTS, ERRATIC WEAR PATTERNS, NOISE AND DETERIORATION AT THE SIDEWALL AT THE TREAD LINES, CONSUMER REPLACED THE TIRES WITH A SET OF FIRESTONE HT TIRES WHICH ARE STARTING TO DEVELOP FLAT SPOTS LIKE THE ATX'S DID.

ALL FOUR FIRESTONE TIRES EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION WHICH CAUSED NOISE AND UNEVEN RIDE, CONSUMER PURCHASED FOUR NEW FIRESTONE WILDERNESS TIRES AND KEPT THE SPARE, AFTER CONSUMER HEARD OF THE RECALL HE INSPECTED THE TIRES AND FOUND THAT THE SPARE WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL, CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPLACED TIRES AND SPARE. NLM

ON OCTOBER 4TH, 2000 I HAD MY FORD EXPLORER TIRES CHECKED FOR THE FIRESTONE TIRE RECALL. I WAS TOLD BY THE FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT, AND GIVEN A SERVICE REPORT, THAT ALL 5 OF MY TIRES PASSED INSPECTION AND WERE NOT ON THE FIRESTONE RECALL. THEN ON OCTOBER 11TH, 2000 MY WIFE WAS DRIVING 35 MILES AN HOUR IN THE CITY WHEN A TIRE BLEW OUT! UPON MY INSPECTION I FOUND OUT THAT ALL OF MY TIRES HAVE CRACKS ON THE SIDE WALLS WHERE THE TREAD IS ATTACHED. THE TIRE THAT BLEW OUT HAS THE SIDE WALL RUBBER MISSING IN THIS AREA AROUND THE WHOLE TIRE. THE CORDS ARE SHOWING AROUND THE SIDE WALL! IF A QUALIFIED FORD SERVICE CENTER CAN'T IDENTIFY A TIRE PROBLEM WHEN THEY SEE IT, THEN A LOT OF PEOPLE WILL GET KILLED UNTIL THE TIRE PROBLEM IS SOLVED. MY TIRES SHOULD BE ON RECALL! (DOT NUMBER: W2HL1PY386 TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)

THE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRE ON THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION AND BLOWOUT PRIOR TO RECALL, CONSUMER IS BEING DENIED RECALL (00T-005) REIMBURSEMENT. *MJS

FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES (P235 75 R15) EXPERIENCED ABNORMAL WEAR, CONSUMER REPLACED TWO OF THE TIRES, EVEN WITH THE REPLACEMENTS THE FIRESTONE TIRES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY, THE CONSUMER REPLACED ALL TIRES WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND AND HAS HAD NO FURTHER PROBLEMS, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPLACEMENT TIRES, THE FRONT AND REAR BEARINGS ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 35000 MILES. *SLC

THE CONSUMER IS HAVING TROUBLE RECEIVING REPLACEMENT TIRES FOR THE RECALL (OOT-005), THE DEALERSHIP IN FLORIDA WILL NOT PUT THE CONSUMER ON A WAITING LIST FOR THE REPLACEMENT TIRES UNLESS THE VEHICLE IS CHECKED PRIOR, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IS IN NEW JERSEY, UNABLE TO TRAVEL DUE TO DEFECTIVE TIRES. *MJS

THE ORIGINAL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P235/75R15 105S M/S TIRES ON THE VEHICLE WERE REPLACED, THE TIRES HAD CRACKS IN THE SIDEWALL AT THE TREAD LINE ON ALL FOUR TIRES WHICH CAUSED A CHOPPY AND NOISY RIDE, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *MJS

AFTER DRIVING CROSS COUNTRY CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE FRONT FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES WERE WORN ON THE INSIDE AND HAD THEM REPLACED, SOON AFTER THE LEFT REAR TIRE BLEWOUT WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. NLM

PASSENGER DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE, THE DEALER REPLACED BOTH DOOR HANDLES. *SLC

4 WHEEL DRIVE IS INOPERATIVE, THE DEALER DRAINED AND FILLED THE TRANSFER CASE. *SLC

BRAKES SQUEAL. *SLC

CONSUMER REPLACED RECALLED 00T-005 FIRESTONE AT TIRES (P235) INSTEAD OF WAITING ON THE LIST, THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC

FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES (P235 75 R15) EXPERIENCED ABNORMAL WEAR, CONSUMER REPLACED TWO OF THE TIRES, EVEN WITH THE REPLACEMENTS THE FIRESTONE TIRES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY, THE CONSUMER REPLACED ALL TIRES WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND AND HAS HAD NO FURTHER PROBLEMS, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPLACEMENT TIRES, THE FRONT AND REAR BEARINGS ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 35000 MILES. *SLC

THE CONSUMER IS HAVING TROUBLE RECEIVING REPLACEMENT TIRES FOR THE RECALL (OOT-005), THE DEALERSHIP IN FLORIDA WILL NOT PUT THE CONSUMER ON A WAITING LIST FOR THE REPLACEMENT TIRES UNLESS THE VEHICLE IS CHECKED PRIOR, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IS IN NEW JERSEY, UNABLE TO TRAVEL DUE TO DEFECTIVE TIRES. *MJS

THE ORIGINAL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P235/75R15 105S M/S TIRES ON THE VEHICLE WERE REPLACED, THE TIRES HAD CRACKS IN THE SIDEWALL AT THE TREAD LINE ON ALL FOUR TIRES WHICH CAUSED A CHOPPY AND NOISY RIDE, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *MJS

AFTER DRIVING CROSS COUNTRY CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE FRONT FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES WERE WORN ON THE INSIDE AND HAD THEM REPLACED, SOON AFTER THE LEFT REAR TIRE BLEWOUT WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. NLM

PE00023; TIRE TREAD SEPARATION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRE ON THE REAR PASSENGER' S SIDE HAS REAL DEEP DIPS IN IT WHERE THE TREAD IS GONE. THE DIPS ARE ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE, ABOUT 1/2 FROM THE EDGE OF TREAD. ORIGINAL TIRE EQUIPMENT ON A 1997, FORD, EXPLORER. TIRE SIZE P25570R16. TIRE MILEAGE ABOUT 45,000. OWNER HAS REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES.*AK DOT#W2CU1PX. *SLC

PE20020, P23575R15, ALL 4 FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES ARE SHOWING STEEL PIECES COMING THROUGH THE RUBBER. CONSUMER PAID TO HAVE ALL FOUR TIRES REPLACED.*AK *SLC

PE00 020 ; CONSUMER WAS HAVING OIL CHANGED AT GOODYEAR AND NOTICED THAT RIGHT FRONT TIRE HAD TREAD SEPARATION. FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS#AT, P23575R15, #DOT VNHL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. HE REPLACED TIRE WITH MICHELEN.*AK AFTER THE TIRES WERE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE, THE LOUD AND HUMMING NOISE STOPED. CUSTOMER STATES THE TIRES SHOULD BE ON RECALL. *YH

4 TIRES ARE SPLITTING WHERE TREAD JOINS TO BODY. THESE ARE NOT THE RECALLED TIRES BUT APPEAR TO BE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. IF THIS IS A TREND WITH NON-DECATUR MFG'D TIRES IT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO. FIRESTONE DEALER WOULD ONLY OFFER TO REPLACE WITH LIKE TIRES. I HAVE LOST FAITH IN FIRESTONE AND REPLACED THESE TIRES WITH MICHELIN. OLD TIRES STILL HAD AT LEAST 75% OF THE TREAD LEFT. I'M A RETIRED SEARS AUTO CENTER SALESMAN SO I KNOW OF WHAT I SPEAK. (DOT NUMBER: VL TIRESIZE: P235 75 15)

FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES (P235 75 R15) DID NOT RIDE OR SOUND RIGHT SO THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE TIRES AND THEN RECEIVED RECALL 00T005, FIRESTONE IS DENYING A CLAIM FOR THE CONSUMER SINCE THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED PRIOR TO THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH THE SPARE TIRE IS INCLUDED IN RECALL AND THE CONSUMER IS ON A WAITING LIST TO BE REPLACED. *SLC

TRAVELING 65075MPH A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD & THEN THE LEFT REAR TIRE BLEWOUT. LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. HIT EDGE OF ROAD & ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES. LANDED UP RIGHT. VEHICLE'S OTHER 3 TIRES WERE FLAT, BUT NO TREAD SEPARATION. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. RECEIVED NO SUBSTANTIAL INJURIES. THE GROVES HAD SLITS ALL AROUND THE TIRES NEAR THE TREAD. THE TREAD ON THE LEFT REAR WAS ATTACHED TO THE TIRE BUT SLIGHTLY OFF. WAS TREAT AT EMERGENCY ROOM & RELEASED. FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, P25570R16 WITH 73,000 MILES. *AK

ALL FOUR FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES (P235/75R15) HAVE HAIRLINE CRACKS, CONSUMER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES AND REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. NLM

FIRESTONE TIRES PROVIDED POOR HANDLING AND UNCOMFORTABLE RIDE PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE 00T-005, TIRES ALSO EXHIBITED UNUSUAL WEAR EVEN AFTER ROTATING THE TIRES TWICE IN ONE YEAR, CONSUMER REPLACED THE TIRES AND REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. NLM

WHILE DRIVING BRIDGESTONE TIRE BLEWOUT, CONSUMER CHANGED THE TIRE AND ABOUT FIVE MILES LATER TWO MORE TIRES BLEWOUT, CONSUMER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES AND REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. NLM

PURCHESED SUV IN MAY 1999 TIRES WERE FINE SUV WAS IN TEXAS FORM JUNE2000 TO MID AUG 2000 LEAVING TEX. SAME TIME AS RECALL CHECKED TIRES AND FOUND CRACKING ON ALL FOUR TIRES COVE FORD IN FORT HOOD TX SAID THEY WOULD NOT HELP WENT TO GENTELLINI WAS TOLD THEY WERE DRY ROT. THESE TIRES ARE ONLY 3 YEARS OLD WAS NOT DRIVEN OFF ROAD AND ALL FOUR ARE DAMAGED. ALSO I HAVE COME TO FIND OUT THAT I ONLY HAVE A 15 INCH TEMP SPARE TIRE HOW CAN I USE THAT WITH MY OTHER TIRES BEING 16 INCH? I DO NOT HAVE THE 500.00 OR MORE TO REPLACE THESE TIRES AND DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW ALL FOUR TIRES DRY ROT AT THE SAME TIME( DOT NUMBER: W2CU1PX TIRE SIZE: P255/70R16 )

ALL FOUR TIRES HAVE CRACKS AT THE POINT WHERE THE TREAD AND SIDEWALL MEET.THE TIRES WERE INSPECTED BY A FIRESTONE REPRESENTATIVE AT A FIRESTONE SERVICE CENTER. THE INSPECTOR INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE TIRES AND THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THEM ON A PRO-RATED BASIS.I WOULD HAVE TO PAY 36% OF THE COST OF NEW TIRES SINCE THERE WAS STILL 64% OF USABLE TREAD REMAINING ON THE TIRES.HE INSPECTOR FURTHER SUGGESTED THAT THE TIRES SHOULD BE REPLACED SINCE AND THAT DRIVING WITH TIRES IN THIS CONDITION COULD BE DANGEROUS. (TIRESIZE: 255/70/R16)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 255/70/R16 )

PURCHESED SUV IN MAY 1999 TIRES WERE FINE SUV WAS IN TEXAS FORM JUNE2000 TO MID AUG 2000 LEAVING TEX. SAME TIME AS RECALL CHECKED TIRES AND FOUND CRACKING ON ALL FOUR TIRES COVE FORD IN FORT HOOD TX SAID THEY WOULD NOT HELP WENT TO GENTELLINI WAS TOLD THEY WERE DRY ROT. THESE TIRES ARE ONLY 3 YEARS OLD WAS NOT DRIVEN OFF ROAD AND ALL FOUR ARE DAMAGED. ALSO I HAVE COME TO FIND OUT THAT I ONLY HAVE A 15 INCH TEMP SPARE TIRE HOW CAN I USE THAT WITH MY OTHER TIRES BEING 16 INCH? I DO NOT HAVE THE 500.00 OR MORE TO REPLACE THESE TIRES AND DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW ALL FOUR TIRES DRY ROT AT THE SAME TIME (DOT NUMBER: W2CU1PX TIRESIZE: P255/70R16)

ALL 4 FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES P235/75R15 ARE EXPERIENCING CRACKING ALONG THE TREAD, A FIRESTONE DEALER STATED TIRES WERE SAFE AS THE CRACKS WERE ONLY OZONE CRACKS. *SLC

WENT TO DEALER FOR OIL CHANGE, AND MECHANIC INDICATED THAT RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS WORN & WEAK. WOULD HAVE TO EXCHANGE THE TIRE. PUT THE SPARE ON, WHICH THE MECHANIC INDICATE COULD BLOW ALSO. FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS, P235/75R15 WITH 35,000 MILES.*AK

I HAVE BEEN INSPECTING THESE TIRES ON A WEEKLY BASIS SINCE THE PROBLEMS WITH WILDERNESS AT'S BECAME PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE. THE SUBJECT TIRE ARE NOT PART OF THE RECALL BECAUSE THEY WERE MANUFACTURED IN CANADA. THIS WEEKEND I NOTICED CRACKING WHERE THE TREAD AND SIDEWALL MEET. IT APPEARS THAT THIS WILL LEAD TO TRREAD SEPARATION. I HAVE REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES. I BELIEVE THAT IT IS TIME FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO FORCE FIRESTONE TO RECALL ALL WILDERNESS AT'S REGARDLESS OF THE SIZE OR THE MANUFACTURING FACILITY. FIRESTONE HAS REFUSED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE REPLACEMENT TIRES.( DOT NUMBER: VNHL TIRE SIZE: P235/75/15 )

NO TIRE FAILURE AS YET, BUT NOTICE HAIRLINE CRACKS IN AREA OF TIRE SEPARATION ON OTHER WILDERNESS TIRES( DOT NUMBER: VN TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )

I HAVE BEEN INSPECTING THESE TIRES ON A WEEKLY BASIS SINCE THE PROBLEMS WITH WILDERNESS AT'S BECAME PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE. THE SUBJECT TIRE ARE NOT PART OF THE RECALL BECAUSE THEY WERE MANUFACTURED IN CANADA. THIS WEEKEND I NOTICED CRACKING WHERE THE TREAD AND SIDEWALL MEET. IT APPEARS THAT THIS WILL LEAD TO TRREAD SEPARATION. I HAVE REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES. I BELIEVE THAT IT IS TIME FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO FORCE FIRESTONE TO RECALL ALL WILDERNESS AT'S REGARDLESS OF THE SIZE OR THE MANUFACTURING FACILITY. FIRESTONE HAS REFUSED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE REPLACEMENT TIRES. (DOT NUMBER: VNHL TIRESIZE: P235/75/15)

NO TIRE FAILURE AS YET, BUT NOTICE HAIRLINE CRACKS IN AREA OF TIRE SEPARATION ON OTHER WILDERNESS TIRES (DOT NUMBER: VN TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)

VEHICLE WAS OPERATED BELOW SPEED LIMIT, WHEN IT STARTED TO SHIMMY AND SHAKE VIOLENTLY CAUSING OPERATOR TO LOOSE CONTROL. VEHICLE WANTED TO GO TOWARDS THE RIGHT AND WOULD NOT RESPOND TO OPERATOR'S ATTEMPTS TO STEER TOWARDS THE LEFT. VEHICLE ABRUPTLY RESPONDED TOWARDS LEFT, DIPPED DOWN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AND ROLLED OVER, HITTING AN EMBANKMENT CAUSING IT TO FLIP UP ON IT'S WHEELS (RIGHT SIDE UP). POLICE AND INSURANCE ADJUSTER NOTICED SHREDDED AND MANGLED TIRES ON PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE, BUT HAD NO EXPLANATION. I NOW REALIZE THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH/ROLL-OVER MUST BE THE FIRESTONE TIRES. I NO LONGER HAVE POSSESION OF THE VEHICLE OR TIRES, AS THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED AND TAKEN BY INSURANCE COMPANY. (DOT NUMBER: UNKNOWN TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)

VEHICLE WAS OPERATED BELOW SPEED LIMIT, WHEN IT STARTED TO SHIMMY AND SHAKE VIOLENTLY CAUSING OPERATOR TO LOOSE CONTROL. VEHICLE WANTED TO GO TOWARDS THE RIGHT AND WOULD NOT RESPOND TO OPERATOR'S ATTEMPTS TO STEER TOWARDS THE LEFT. VEHICLE ABRUPTLY RESPONDED TOWARDS LEFT, DIPPED DOWN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AND ROLLED OVER, HITTING AN EMBANKMENT CAUSING IT TO FLIP UP ON IT'S WHEELS (RIGHT SIDE UP). POLICE AND INSURANCE ADJUSTER NOTICED SHREDDED AND MANGLED TIRES ON PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE, BUT HAD NO EXPLANATION. I NOW REALIZE THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH/ROLL-OVER MUST BE THE FIRESTONE TIRES. I NO LONGER HAVE POSSESION OF THE VEHICLE OR TIRES, AS THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED AND TAKEN BY INSURANCE COMPANY.( DOT NUMBER: UNKNOWN TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )

*** ALERT *** I HAVE FOUR (4) FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES THAT WERE NOT MANUFACTURED AT THE DECATUR, IL PLANT. EACH OF THESE TIRES EXHIBIT A CONTINUOUS FISSURE AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE TIRE WHERE THE TREAD MEETS THE SIDEWALL. I REPLACED THESE TIRES IMMEDIATELY AND HAVE RETAINED THEM HERE AT MY HOME SO THAT I MAY BRING THEM TO THE NHTSA FACILITY HERE IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA. I BELIEVE THESE TIRES WERE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER OF CATASTROPHIC FAILURE IN A FASHION SIMILAR TO THE RECALLED TIRES. I WOULD LIKE THE NHTSA TO EXTEND THE RECALL OF THE WILDERNESS AT TIRES TO INCLUDE ALL TIRES MANUFACTURED IN ALL PLANTS AND AM WILLING TO PROVIDE THE PROOF NEEDED TO JUSTIFY THIS RECALL. PLEASE CONTACT ME AT MY HOME PHONE IMMEDIATELY. THANK YOU (DOT NUMBER: VNHLIPY336 TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)

*** ALERT *** I HAVE FOUR (4) FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES THAT WERE NOT MANUFACTURED AT THE DECATUR, IL PLANT. EACH OF THESE TIRES EXHIBIT A CONTINUOUS FISSURE AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE TIRE WHERE THE TREAD MEETS THE SIDEWALL. I REPLACED THESE TIRES IMMEDIATELY AND HAVE RETAINED THEM HERE AT MY HOME SO THAT I MAY BRING THEM TO THE NHTSA FACILITY HERE IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA. I BELIEVE THESE TIRES WERE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER OF CATASTROPHIC FAILURE IN A FASHION SIMILAR TO THE RECALLED TIRES. I WOULD LIKE THE NHTSA TO EXTEND THE RECALL OF THE WILDERNESS AT TIRES TO INCLUDE ALL TIRES MANUFACTURED IN ALL PLANTS AND AM WILLING TO PROVIDE THE PROOF NEEDED TO JUSTIFY THIS RECALL. PLEASE CONTACT ME AT MY HOME PHONE IMMEDIATELY. THANK YOU( DOT NUMBER: VNHLIPY336 TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WHEN GOING DOWN A HILL THE VEH. STARED TO MAKE A GRINDING NOISE. I HAD TO GET UP OUT OF THE HOLE TO PULL OFF AND I NOTED THAT WHEN I STEPED BACK ON THE GAS IT STOPED. IT ONLY DOES THIS WHEN COASTING OR BRAKING. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WAS A FAILURE IN THE TRANSFER CASE. I STARTED LOOKING FOR A NEW ONE ON THE NET AND FOUND ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE DESCRIBING THE SAME PROBLEM TO A T. ONE GUY STATED THAT HIS MECHANIC SAID THAT THE GEM CONTROL MODULE HAD FAILED OR PARTIALLY FAILED AND COMMANDED THE TRANFER CASE TO DISENGAGE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE CASE. IT APPEARED TO BE A FORD ELECTRONIC DEFECT NOT HAVING A FAIL SAFE MODE BUT INSTEAD ORDERING THE TRANFER CASE TO SELF DESTRUCT. THE OXYGEN SENORS I REPLACE THEM AND THEY GO RIGHT BACK OUT.

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WHEN GOING DOWN A HILL THE VEH. STARED TO MAKE A GRINDING NOISE. I HAD TO GET UP OUT OF THE HOLE TO PULL OFF AND I NOTED THAT WHEN I STEPED BACK ON THE GAS IT STOPED. IT ONLY DOES THIS WHEN COASTING OR BRAKING. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WAS A FAILURE IN THE TRANSFER CASE. I STARTED LOOKING FOR A NEW ONE ON THE NET AND FOUND ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE DESCRIBING THE SAME PROBLEM TO A T. ONE GUY STATED THAT HIS MECHANIC SAID THAT THE GEM CONTROL MODULE HAD FAILED OR PARTIALLY FAILED AND COMMANDED THE TRANFER CASE TO DISENGAGE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE CASE. IT APPEARED TO BE A FORD ELECTRONIC DEFECT NOT HAVING A FAIL SAFE MODE BUT INSTEAD ORDERING THE TRANFER CASE TO SELF DESTRUCT. THE OXYGEN SENORS I REPLACE THEM AND THEY GO RIGHT BACK OUT.

VEHICLE WAS OPERATED BELOW SPEED LIMIT, WHEN IT STARTED TO SHIMMY AND SHAKE VIOLENTLY CAUSING OPERATOR TO LOOSE CONTROL. VEHICLE WANTED TO GO TOWARDS THE RIGHT AND WOULD NOT RESPOND TO OPERATOR'S ATTEMPTS TO STEER TOWARDS THE LEFT. VEHICLE ABRUPTLY RESPONDED TOWARDS LEFT, DIPPED DOWN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AND ROLLED OVER, HITTING AN EMBANKMENT CAUSING IT TO FLIP UP ON IT'S WHEELS (RIGHT SIDE UP). POLICE AND INSURANCE ADJUSTER NOTICED SHREDDED AND MANGLED TIRES ON PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE, BUT HAD NO EXPLANATION. I NOW REALIZE THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH/ROLL-OVER MUST BE THE FIRESTONE TIRES. I NO LONGER HAVE POSSESION OF THE VEHICLE OR TIRES, AS THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED AND TAKEN BY INSURANCE COMPANY.

*** ALERT *** I HAVE FOUR (4) FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES THAT WERE NOT MANUFACTURED AT THE DECATUR, IL PLANT. EACH OF THESE TIRES EXHIBIT A CONTINUOUS FISSURE AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE TIRE WHERE THE TREAD MEETS THE SIDEWALL. I REPLACED THESE TIRES IMMEDIATELY AND HAVE RETAINED THEM HERE AT MY HOME SO THAT I MAY BRING THEM TO THE NHTSA FACILITY HERE IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA. I BELIEVE THESE TIRES WERE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER OF CATASTROPHIC FAILURE IN A FASHION SIMILAR TO THE RECALLED TIRES. I WOULD LIKE THE NHTSA TO EXTEND THE RECALL OF THE WILDERNESS AT TIRES TO INCLUDE ALL TIRES MANUFACTURED IN ALL PLANTS AND AM WILLING TO PROVIDE THE PROOF NEEDED TO JUSTIFY THIS RECALL. PLEASE CONTACT ME AT MY HOME PHONE IMMEDIATELY. THANK YOU. *AK

***ALERT*** I HAVE FOUR (4) FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES THAT WERE NOT MANUFACTURED AT THE DECATUR, IL PLANT. EACH OF THESE TIRES EXHIBITS A CONTINUOUS FISSURE AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE TIRE WHERE THE TREAD MEETS THE SIDEWALL. I REPLACED THESE TIRES IMMEDIATELY AND HAVE RETAINED THEM HERE AT MY HOME SO THAT I MAY BRING THEM TO THE NHTSA FACILITY HERE RETAINED THEM HERE AT MY HOME SO THAT I MAY BRING THEM TO THE NHTSA FACILITY HERE IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA. I BELIEVE THESE TIRES WERE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER OF CATASTROPHIC FAILURE IN A FASHION SIMILAR TO THE RECALLED TIRES. I WOULD LIKE THE NHTSA TO EXTEND THE RECALL O THE WILDERNESS AT TIRES TO INCLUDE ALL TIRES MANUFACTURED IN ALL PLANTS AND AM WILLING TO PROVIDE THE PROOF NEEDED TO JUSTIFY THIS RECALL. PLEASE CONTACT ME AT MY HOME PHONE IMMEDIATELY. THANK YOU. *AK *SCC **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*734318

VEHICLE WAS OPERATED BELOW SPEED LIMIT WHEN IT STARTED TO SHIMMY AND SHAKE VIOLENTLY CAUSING OPERATOR TO LOSE CONTROL. VEHICLE WANTED TO GO TOWARDS THE RIGHT AND WOULD NOT RESPOND TO OPERATOR'S ATTEMPTS TO STEER TOWARDS THE LEFT. VEHICLE ABRUPTLY RESPONDED TOWARDS THE LEFT, DIPPED DOWN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AND ROLLED OVER HITTING N EMBANKMENT CAUSING IT TO FLIP UP ON IT'S WHEELS (RIGHT SIDE UP). POLICE AND INSURANCE ADJUSTER NOTICED SHREDDED AND MANGLED TIRES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, BUT HAD NO EXPLANATION. I NOW REALIZE THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH/ROLLOVER MUST BE THE FIRESTONE TIRES. I NO LONGER HAVE POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE OR TIRES, AS THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TAKEN BY INSURANCE COMPANY. *NLM **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*734298