765 consumer complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Ford Explorer. Click any complaint to view the full owner description.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGAugust 15, 2023
I was driving and the lights on the vehicle went out I thought it was the bulbs but no lights were working I adjusted steering wheel to look to see fuse box and all lights came back on there is an electrical short somewhere then I went to start the truck and it made a funny sound and then I lost all power and truck wouldn't start then the alarm kept going off and I could turn off even with the remote or the chipped key. And the truck won't start. Also when you change gears the indicator to show what gear you are in dosent move . This truck has electrical issues and is not safe for drivers to lose all power like this and basically its something ford should be responsible for fixing because it's a defect in the electrical system also the AC compressor dosent work
SEATSMay 5, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V281000 (SEATS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER SON NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT WAS HARD TO RECLINE UP AND DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN THREE TIMES TO SHAKER'S FAMILY FORD LINCOLN (831 STRAITS TURNPIKE, WATERTOWN, CT 06795) FOR THE RECALL. ON THE FIRST DEALER VISIT, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE UPPER BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HIGH BACK SEAT. ON THE SECOND VISIT, THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE UPPER BOLT AND INSTALLED A NEW BOLT HOWEVER, THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE DEALER DAMAGED THE SEAT IN THE PROCESS OF INSTALLING THE NEW BOLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT NO LONGER RECLINED AND NEEDED THE MIDDLE ROW SEATS TO KEEP IT UPRIGHT. ON THE THIRD VISIT, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DECLINED TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,800.
STEERINGJanuary 19, 2021
SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING... CAN FEEL A CHANGE IN ENGINE WHILE DRIVING, FEELS LIKE A ROUGH RIDE, AND OVERDRIVE STARTS TO FLASH.
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHERSeptember 8, 2019
TRANSMISSION NOT WORKING
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ENGINEMay 8, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING, A BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR AN IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE IF A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A RESIDENCE AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,ENGINEMarch 18, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LEAKED ANTI-FREEZE AND TRANSMISSION FLUID. THERE WAS ALSO RUST UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND A HOLE IN THE RUNNING BOARDS, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED THEM TO DETACH. THE CONTACT CLAIMED THAT THE GROUND COULD BE SEEN THROUGH THE HOLE. THE VEHICLE ALSO PRODUCED THICK SMOKE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMMay 18, 2018
CAR TAKES ABOUT 3 TO 5 TRIES TO START. I REPLACED GAS PUMP, PLUGS, CABLES, TEMP SENSOR, STILL TAKES LONG TO START.O/D OFF LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, AND NOW IT HAS A ROUGH GEAR CHANGE I BELIEVE FROM 2ND TO 3RD
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHERApril 18, 2018
THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER ON ITS SIDE ON DRY PAVEMENT ON THE FWY AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT IN GOOD WEATHER CONDITIONS. NO OTHER VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED, THE CAR SKIDED WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE LANES. I WENT INTO A SKID AND THE CAR TURNED ON ITS SIDE.
POWER TRAINFebruary 27, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS MANUALLY RESTARTED AND OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND TRANSFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 186,000.
STRUCTUREJanuary 29, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING ON THE REAR DOORS COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE, BUT ONLY FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. MARYSVILLE FORD IN MARYSVILLE, WASHINGTON WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30. *TT *TR
UNKNOWN OR OTHERDecember 7, 2017
I HAVE A GREAT 2001 FORD EXPLORER BUT IT STARTED LEAKING FROM THE ROOF AND THE LEAK SOURCE CAN NOT BE FOUND. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE, JUST SOMETHING CHANGED. THERE IS NOW MOLD ALL OVER THE INTERIOR AND ITS POSING A GREAT HEALTH RISK TO MYSELF AND ANY OCCUPANTS. I WOULD LIKE THE PROBLEM FIXED BY FORD.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMDecember 4, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY FAILED TO START UPON TURNING THE KEY NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER (PEGUES-HURST FORD, 200 TX-63 SPUR, LONGVIEW, TX 75601, (903) 758-6211) WAS CONTACTED AND INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO DETERMINE IF THEY COULD REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED 12 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS (TSBS) FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, 52 TSBS FOR THE ENGINE, AND 3 TSBS FOR THE FUEL SYSTEM GASOLINE, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN AS TO WHICH PART CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHEROctober 19, 2017
THE EXTIRER DOOR HADLE KEEP BREAKING CAN NOT GET INTO VEHICLE WITH OUT GOING THRU BACK DOOR.IF I HAD AN ACCIDENT THERE WOULD BE NO WAY SO.EO E COULD GET ME OUT.I HAVE OWNED VEHICLE FOR 2 YEARS AND I HAVE REPLACED ED THEM 3 TIMES AND AGAIN THEY ARE BROKEN.
POWER TRAINJuly 27, 2017
VEHICLE RUNNING IN PARK WHILE DRIVER GATHERED BOXES TO PLACE IN BED OF TRUCK. DRIVE TRAIN ENGAGED SENDING DRIVERLESS VEHICLE DOWN ROAD, ACROSS INTERSECTION AND INTO BRICK WALL. WITNESS TO IMPACT RAN TO VEHICLE THINKING TO CHECK ON DRIVER. UPON OPENING DOOR, NOTED NO DRIVER AND STATED SHIFTER STILL INDICATED VEHICLE WAS IN PARK.
AIR BAGSJuly 17, 2017
AIR BAG LIGHT ON SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM A PRIVATE PARTY IN 2014.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJuly 11, 2017
CRUISE CONTROL ON AND SET DO NOT WORK ON ANY ROAD. VEHICLE MOVING ON ANY ROAD OR STANDSTILL.
SUSPENSIONMay 15, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL SEIZED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO HEAD TOWARDS ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THERE WAS NO CRASH INVOLVED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WAS TOWED. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BEARING DISINTEGRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,600.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTSMay 9, 2017
I HAD AN ACCIDENT I JANUARY 2016 AND MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSE ME DAMAGE TO MY NECK AND BOTH SHOULDER. DOCTORS SAY I NEED SURGERY ON ROTATOR CUFFS. IF AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN THRUST FORWARD. I GRABBED STEERING WHEEL TO BRACE MYSELF AND WAS THRUST FORWARD THERE FOR DAMAGE BOTH ROTATOR CUFFS IN MY SHOULDER AND HURTING MY NECK ALSO. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER TRUCKS OF MY MAKE THAT AIR BAGS HAVE NOT DEPLOYED AND PEOPLE GETTING HURT. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THEY DID NOT DEPLOY. . WHY ARE THERE NOT RECALLS ON THIS AIR BAGS. THANK YOU. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
AIR BAGS,WHEELSMarch 31, 2017
DRIVING ON FREEWAY FRONT DRIVER WHEEL FELL OFF CAUSING TRUCK TO ROLL OVER. NO AIR BAG WAS INFLATED. WAS TOLD THE PIN THAT HOLDS THE TIRE ON CAME OUT. TRUCK WAS TOTALLED AND HIT 2OTHER CARS WHILE ROLLING.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMarch 9, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS OR WHILE PARKED, THE DRIVER SIDE TURN SIGNAL FAILED TO ILLUMINATE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. WHEN THE STEERING COLUMN WAS TILTED TO THE UPPER POSITION, THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEFebruary 15, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. DURING COLDER TEMPERATURES, THE FAILURE WORSENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE DIAGNOSIS WAS NOT DISCLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000. UPDATED 05/17/17*LJ *CN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHERSeptember 22, 2016
TAKATA RECALL, THE INSIDE LIGHTSOR DOME LIGHTS, THEY SHORTED OUT ONE TO ANOTHER IN THE DOUBLE OVER HEAD LIGHTS AND GROUNDED OUT THE BATTERY COULD CAUSE SEVERAL PROBLEMS ONE IT KILLED THE BATTERY AND I FOUND OUT WHEN I WENT TO CHANGE ONE OF THE LIGHTS AND TO STOP I TOOK BOTH LIGHTS OUT AND SEPERATED THE COPPER THAT CONECTS WITH SWITCH
POWER TRAINSeptember 19, 2016
DRIVING AROUND 30 MPH ON A FLAT STRAIGHT PAVED ROAD WHEN IT SUDDENLY SHIFTED INTO 4 WHEEL LOW.
POWER TRAINSeptember 11, 2016
SWITCHED INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE LOW WITHOUT A COMMAND WHILE DRIVING AROUND 30 MPH ON A DRY LEVEL PAVED ROAD.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMSeptember 7, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT STEERED TO THE RIGHT AND THE VEHICLE SKIDDED AND CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED FOUR BROKEN RIBS AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. UPDATED 10/19/16*LJ
STRUCTURE,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHERAugust 22, 2016
I HAVE HAD 3 TIRE BLOW OUTS IN THE SHORT TIME I HAVE HAD THIS TRUCK DUE TO THE TIRES RUBBING ON A PART OF THE STEERING WHEN MAKING TURNS. ITS RUBS OFF THE MATERIAL OF THE TIRE.....ALSO THE REAR PASSANGER DOOR CAN NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE AND BEARLY OPENS FROM THE OUTSIDE. I HAVE A YOUNG CHILD MAKING THIS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. YOUR SITE WANTS ME TO ENTER A DATE... I CAN'T RECALL ALL THREE DATES
WHEELSAugust 17, 2016
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 65MPH WHEN MY LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW A FLAT. WHEN I CAME TO A STOP SAFELY, THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY SEPARATED ON THE SIDEWALL AND THE TIRE WAS SMOKING! COULDN'T BELIEVE MY EYES. I'VE NOW BEEN READING THAT THIS MICHELIN TIRE WAS RECALLED IN OTHER SIZES. THIS EVENT OCCURRED ON 8/17/2016 AND THE TIRE HAD 35,000 MILES ON IT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 10, 2016
THE S.U.V LEAKS WATER IN CAUSING ISSUES I HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAIN AND FUSE BOX NOW MINEXPENSIVE HAS A DRAINAGE OF ITS BATTREY AND THE LIGHT DONE GO OFF I REPLACED THE BATTREY AN ALTNATOR.AN AS WELL.FORD SHOULD FIX IT THY HE TO MANY ISSUES LIKE THIS.PARKED IN DRIVE WAY.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERJuly 4, 2016
PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE ONLY OPENS FROM INSIDE. PASSENGER REAR DOOR ONLY OPENS FROM OUTSIDE. DRIVERS SIDE REAR ONLY OPENS FROM OUTSIDE. 3 OUT OF 4 DOORS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN WHO ARE IN REAR CAR SEATS AND CAN'T GET THEM OUT IF EMERGENCY!!! THIS SHOULD BE RECALL WITH THIS MANY COMPLAINTS ON SAME MODEL AND BECAUSE IT POSES SAFETY ISSUE
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,SEATSJune 27, 2016
I PURCHASED A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRACT I DIDN'T GET TO TEST DRIVE IT BECAUSE THERE WERE OTHER VEHICAL SURROUNDING IT. WHEN I FINALLY GOT TO DRIVE MY TRUCK HOME I NOTICED THE TRANSMISSION HAD A SEVERE ISSUE. WHEN I TURNED A CORNER MY TIRES RUBBED BADLY ON SOME OTHER PART TO THE TRUCKS PARTS AND THE DRIVER SEAT HAS A MEDAL ROD THAT JABS ME IN THE BACK THAT'S COMING THRU THE FABRIC NOW MY BATTERY HAS LEAKED ACID EVERY WHERE IN THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT AND SURROUNDING AREAS.
STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPERMay 2, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD THUMP COMING FROM THE REAR HATCH WINDOW. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE REAR HATCH WINDOW WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000. ....UPDATED 07/05/16 *BF UPDATED 07/13/16.*JB
SEAT BELTSMarch 4, 2016
---- THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE A SEAT BELT FOR A PASSENGER RIDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE REAR SEAT. THE REAR SEAT HAS AMPLE SPACE FOR THREE FULL-SIZED ADULTS, BUT THERE IS NO SEAT BELT FOR A MIDDLE PASSENGER. THE FORD ORIGINAL SHOP MANUAL INDICATES THAT THERE ARE NOT ANY SECURE ATTACHMENT POINTS TO INSTALL A 3RD-PARTY BELT BUILT INTO THE BODY. ---- THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND MAY MAKE IT ILLEGAL TO CARRY A THIRD PASSENGER IN THE REAR SEAT. NHTSA SHOULD RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND DIRECT FORD TO PROVIDE SEAT BELTS FOR A CENTER PASSENGER IN THE REAR SEAT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. *TR
SEAT BELTS,SEATS,VISIBILITY/WIPERNovember 30, 2015
DRIVER SEAT BOLT
SEATSNovember 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH FORCE AND THE PASSENGER SEAT INDEPENDENTLY FOLDED FORWARD AND THEN BACKWARDS. THE SEAT WOULD NO LONGER HOLD ITS UPRIGHT POSITION AND HAD TO BE PROPPED UP BY FOLDING DOWN THE REAR SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WELD ON THE BACK OF THE SEAT HAD FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V281000 (SEATS). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,500. UPDATED 04/04/16*LJ A BOLT WAS REPLACED IN THE SEAT BACK. UPDATED 04/05/16.*JB
SUSPENSION,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKESNovember 14, 2015
MAIN PROBLEM AT THE MOMENT IS A CLICKING, KNOCKING NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE IS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH TRUCK IN THE MIDDLE. YOU CAN FEEL TRUCK SHAKE/VIBRATE WHEN YOU HEAR THE NOISE. PREVIOUS PROBLEMS LUG BOLTS CAME LOOSE AND ALMOST CAUSE TIRE TO FALL OFF. OTHER PROBLEM TRUCK STARTED OFF SOUNDING LIKE THE BRAKE PADS WERE GOING THEN THE TRUCK STARTED MAKING A HORRIBLE GRINDING NOISE . FELT LIKE THE ENGINE WAS GOING TO FALL OUT. ENDED UP BEING FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. RIM HAD STATTERED.
SUSPENSIONOctober 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,699.
SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,SEATSOctober 8, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD SUDDENLY UNLOCK. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEATS WOULD MOVE FORWARD WHEN MAKING A SUDDEN STOP AND THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND HATCH DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,694.
STEERINGOctober 8, 2015
WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN FROM A CITY STREET INTO MY COMMUNITY AND ABOUT 90 DEGREES INTO THE TURN THE STEERING LOCKED UP AND I WAS HEADED FOR THE MEDIAN. I STOPPED WITH THE BRAKES AND LOOKED DOWN AT THE DASH AND THE BATTERY PICTURE WAS RED WHICH HELPED ME TO REALIZE THE CAR HAD TURNED OFF. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND THEN STARTED IT UP AND THE PROBLEM WAS GONE.
STEERINGSeptember 17, 2015
ON DRIVING MY TRUCK IT SLOWED DOWN ALMOST TO A STOP THEN MOVED BUT CONTINUED TO PUTTER AND SLOW DOWN--I GOT SCARED AND GOT IT IN MY DRIVEWAY AND CALLED AA TO TOW TO MY SERVICE MECHANIC--THE MECHANIC HAD IT FOR 2 DAYS AND COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH IT---I TOLD HIM I FELT IT WAS IN THE GEARSHIFT AUTOMATIC AS WHEN I PUT IT IN P IT LUNGES FORWARD AND I HAVE TO PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AGAIN--ALSO WHEN I HAVE IT IN D THE GEARSHIFT DOES NOT STAY IN THE MIDDLE, AS IT ALWAYS DID. HE SAID IT MIGHT BE WATER IN THE GAS, WHICH I SAID NO TO. I KNOW MY VEHICLE AS I HAD IT FROM DAY ONE AND IT DID NOT DRIVE LIKE THAT. IT HAS ONLY 110,000 MILES ON IT AND I TOOK GOOD CARE OF IT FOR UPKEEP AND NOW THAT I AM RETIRED AND AGE 70, MONEY TO REPAIR DOES NOT COME EASY WITH SMALL PENSION AND SOCIAL SECURITY.
STRUCTURESeptember 12, 2015
FRAME /BODY MOUNTS, CREAK, SQUAWK CRUNCH , THE NOISE IS MOST NOTICEBLE WHEN TURNING OR HITTING BUMPS. SOME PEPLE ALSO DESCRIBE THE NOISE A HAMMER BEATING UNDER THE VEHICLE, THE CAUSE IS DETERIORATE BODY TO FRAME MOUNT CUSHIONS, THESE CUSHIONS APPER TO HAVE BEEN MADE OF SUBSTANDARD MATERIAL, MUCH LIKE CHINESE VALVE STEMS THAT CAUSE SO MUCH TROUBLE AFTER A FEW YEARS THE BODY MOUNTS DRY ROT , CRUMBLE AND LITERALLY FALL APART, THIS A TERRIBLE, THIS CAN PROVOKED A ACCIDENT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEJune 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER RECALL. THE DEALER PERFORMED THE REPAIR, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE NEAR THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAT ENTERED THE VEHICLE NEAR THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMay 26, 2015
IF STEERING WHEEL IS NOT IN THE VERY HIGH POSITION TURN SIGNALS BLINK VERY RAPIDLY AS IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH ONE OF THEM.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKESApril 29, 2015
EVER SINCE I GOT THE TRUCK ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO I HAVE BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR BRAKES LOCKING UP. IT HAPPENS AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SITTING UP FOR A FEW HOURS AND IT'S RAINING OR THERE'S A GOOD BUT OF MOISTURE IN THE AIR. WHEN YOU FIRST GET IN THE TRUCK THE REAR BRAKES WILL LOCK UP ON YOU ONLY GOING FORWARD FOR SOME REASON. IF YOU APPLY VERY LITTLE PRESSURE IT DOES IT. AFTER ABOUT 10 TIMES LOCKING IT UP IT DRIVES FINE AS LONG AS ITS NOT PARKED FOR A WHILE. ON A GOOD HOT SUMMER DAY WITH NO MOISTURE OR RAIN IT DOES DO IT AT ALL. A FEW WEEKS AGO I BACKED OUT MY DRIVE WAY IT WAS RAINING AND IT DID IT. SO I DECIDED TO PULL BACK INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND TAKE MY FIANCE'S CAR TO TOWN. WHEN I WAS PULLING UP IT LOCKED UP WHEN I TRYING TO STOP AND SLID INTO THE CORNER OF MY HOME. NO MAJOR DAMAGE WAS DONE JUST CRACKED THE FRONT BUMPER. I HAVE TAKING IT TO 3 LOCAL MECHANICS. NONE KNOW HOW TO FIX. THEY LOOKED AT THE BREAKS, ROTORS AND HUBS. ALL WAS FINE. ONE MECHANIC TOLD ME THIS WAS THE 3 TIME HE HAS SEEN THIS ON THE SAME EXACT KIND OF TRUCK. I DO LIKE THE TRUCK. BUT I'M TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IT. I THOUGHT ABOUT SELLING IT, BUT NOW I'M IN A SITUATION WHERE IF SOMEONE GETS HURT IN IT I WOULD FEEL HORRIBLE. I SURE HOPE SOMEONE ON HERE CAN HELP ME OUT WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 24, 2015
I WAS SITTING IN A RESTAURANT DRIVE THRU WHEN THE CAR TURNED OFF. I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON & INCHED A BIT FORWARD IN LINE. MOMENTS AFTER THAT WHILE IN DRIVE, BUT NOT MOVING, I HEARD A LOUD POP. AFTER THAT, I SAW FLAMES SHOOTING TOWARDS THE FRONT WINDSHIELD COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD ON MY SIDE. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, TURNED OFF THE CAR AND TOOK THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION AND FLED. THE RESTAURANT WORKERS CAME TO MY AID AND PUT THE FIRE OUT BEFORE IT SPREAD. WHEN I WENT BACK TO SAY THANK YOU, THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY HEARD A SECOND POP BEFORE THEY PUT OUT THE FIRE. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO FORD HEADQUARTERS. THEY CHECKED MY VIN AND TOLD ME THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER RECALL FOR A DEFECT THAT CAUSES FIRES. I TOOK THE CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP A COUPLE MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT AND THEY DID NOT TELL ME ANYTHING ABOUT A RECALL ON THE CAR. ALSO, THE CAR OIL WAS LAST CHANGED 3/5/2015 AND WAS BELOW THE MILEAGE FOR ANOTHER OIL CHANGE, SO I AM SO CONFUSED AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED. *TR
STRUCTURENovember 29, 2014
I HAVE OWNED THIS TRUCK SINCE 2002. LEFT REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE BROKE (ONE DAY IT WORKED, NEXT DAY IT WAS FLOPPING AND OBVIOUSLY DISCONNECTED). CAN'T OPEN IT FROM THE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE. FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE ALSO FEELING FLOPPY AND LOOSE. CHILD "SAFETY" LATCHES ON BOTH BACK PASSENGER DOORS HAVE NEVER WORKED PROPERLY SO ANYONE SITTING IN THE BACK SEAT HAS TO BE LET OUT BY SOMEONE ON THE OUTSIDE AS THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE WON'T WORK. ON THE INTERNET, YOU WILL SEE THAT DOOR FAILURES ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL ARE RAMPANT. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. IN AN ACCIDENT, THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGERS COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE TRUCK. FIXING THE DOORS IS REALLY DIFFICULT AS W/O BEING ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR, YOU HAVE TO DISMANTLE THE INTERIOR OF THE TRUCK IN ORDER TO GET TO THE I/S DOOR PANEL. THIS IS NOT A REPAIR A TYPICAL OWNER COULD DO FOR THEMSELVES, EVEN MY MECHANIC DOES NOT WANT TO DO IT. WITH THE LARGE NUMBER OF TRUCK OWNERS COMPLAINING OF THIS DOOR FAILURE PROBLEM ON THE NET AND THE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS POSITION IT PUTS THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS IN, FORD SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ISSUED. OBVIOUSLY THESE DOOR LATCHES ARE VERY SUSCEPTIBLE TO FAILURE AND CONTINUED TO BE INSTALLED BY FORD FOR YEARS. *TR
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITYNovember 19, 2014
REAR END OF CAR THUMPED EVERY TIME YOU WOULD GO OVER THE SMALLEST SEPARATION IN THE ROAD AND ALSO ON A BUMPY ROAD. REPLACED REAR END SHOCKS. STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM OF THUMPING. SOME TIMES IT FEELS LIKE I'M GOING TO LOOSE THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD POSSIBLY NOW THAT BACK BUSHINGS HOLDING THE BODY TO THE FRAME MAY BE DISINTEGRATED. VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND GARAGED. I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS OCCURRING NOW WITH THIS 2001 MODEL. YOU WOULD THINK THERE WOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL BY FORD TO FIX THESE BUSHING PROBLEMS. *TR
STRUCTURENovember 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BODY MOUNTS CORRODED WHICH CAUSED THE FRAME TO BECOME DETACHED FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE REAR BODY MOUNTS WERE REPLACED. THE FRONT PARTS WERE NOT REPLACED DUE TO THE PARTS BEING UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
SUSPENSIONOctober 25, 2014
FOUND THAT AFTER APPROX.80,000 MILES THAT ALL THE BODY SUPPORT BUSHING HAD DRIED OUT AND CRUMBLED.. THIS CAUSE SEVER LACK OF CONTROL. CORNERING WAS ACCOMPANIED WITH LOUD BODY METAL BANGING. THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN OUT OF SERVICE AND REPAIRED. THE BODY WAS RAISED OFF THE FRAME AND ALL BUSHING WHERE REPLACED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. FORD WOULD NOT COMPLETE THIS WORK UNDER WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH IT IS A GROSS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMOctober 16, 2014
THE FORD EXPLORER 2001 XLS 4.0L REAR WHEEL DRIVE TRANSMISSION IS DEFECTIVE IN SLIP 4 TO 5 GEAR IN 75000 MILES. *TR
STRUCTUREOctober 10, 2014
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD I HEARD A POPPING FOLLOWED BY A LOT OF METAL NOISE. THE TRUCK SEAMED SHIFT AROUND. UPON LOOKING UNDER THE TRUCK THE BODY MOUNT UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS GONE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FRAME. THE CAB IS NOW SITTING ON THE FRAME AND SOME PARTS AROUND THE PASSENGER FRONT MOUNT ARE CRACKED. CALLED FORD, NOT UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALL. (GOOD ANSWER?) I THINK NOT....TOOK TO LOCAL FORD DEALER IN RI. TOLD HIM WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND THAT MY WIFE WANTED TO USE THE SPORT TRAC TO PICK UP OUR 1 YEAR OLD GRANDSON. HE TOLD ME THE TRUCK WAS UNSAFE AND NOT TO DRIVE IT ... SOUND LIKE A MAINTENANCE ISSUE? SOUNDS MORE LIKE A PRODUCT FAILURE. FORD KNOWS. NHTSA KNOWS. WE WHO OWN KNOW. THIS IS NOT ENVIRONMENTAL DUE TO THE FACT THAT I SEE IT IS ALSO HAPPENING IN TEXAS TOO. SO I WILL CALL FORD AGAIN AND DEMAND THE FIX AS MANY TIMES AS IT TAKES TIL MY TRUCK IS FIXED. THE NHTSA NEEDS TO START CALLING THIS WHAT IT IS "FORD"S BAD PRODUCT DECISION AND NOT THE BURDEN OF THE CONSUMER. *TR
STEERINGSeptember 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CHEST AND ANKLE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
SUSPENSIONAugust 28, 2014
VEHICLE BODY MOUNTS HAVE DRIED OUT AND CRUMBLES WHEN TOUCHED. THIS DETERIORATION CAUSES THE BODY TO RIDE ON TOP OF THE FRAME WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN OTHER VEHICLE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUES. THE WORSE I HAVE SEEN ON A FORD. *TR
SUSPENSIONAugust 22, 2014
AS MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THE FORD EXPLORER SPORT HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT, THERE IS A VERY LOUD BANGING COMING FROM THE REAR END OF MY SUV WHENEVER I DRIVE OVER EVEN THE SLIGHTEST BUMP OR ROUGH ROAD. I HAVE REPLACED THE SHOCKS BUT IT DID NOT MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE TO THIS PROBLEM. IT STILL IS SO LOUD AND THE RIDE REMAINS VERY ROUGH. I NOW UNDERSTAND THAT THE BODY MOUNT BUSHINGS HAVE DETERIORATED AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED TO IMPROVE THE RIDE AND MAKE THE VEHICLE SAFE TO DRIVE AGAIN. *TR
SUSPENSION,STRUCTUREAugust 11, 2014
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. DURING NORMAL DRIVING, A REAR RATTLE/ BANGING NOISE WOULD OCCUR WHEN GOING OVER ROUGH ROAD OR OVER BUMPS. THIS HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE OVER TIME. INVESTIGATION AND INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE HAD REVEALED THAT ALL THE BODY/FRAME MOUNT BUSHINGS HAVE DETERIORATED TO THE POINT THAT THEY WERE CRUMBLING, LEAVING NO SUPPORT/CUSHION BETWEEN BODY AND FRAME. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY MAKE THE VEHICLE UNSAFE AS THERE WOULD BE NO SUPPORT FOR THE BODY, CAUSE EXCESSIVE BODY MOVEMENT AND A SHIFT IN THE VEHICLE WEIGHT DYNAMICS. THIS ISSUE HAS ALREADY BEEN REPORTED IN SEVERAL VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLAINTS PRIOR TO MINE. *TR
SUSPENSIONAugust 4, 2014
A CLUNKING NOISE UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT. IN LOOKING AT IT, IS SEEMS THERE IS A WORN BODY BUSHING. INVESTIGATION ON THE WEB SHOWS SEVERAL INCIDENCES OF SOMETHING LIKE THIS. THE NOISE HAS GOTTEN WORSE, THE VEHICLE NOW HAS 54000 MILES ON IT.I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. *TR
STRUCTUREJune 28, 2014
WHEN I HAD MY VEHICLE INSPECTED I WAS INFORMED THE BODY MOUNTS WERE ALMOST ALL RUSTED OUT AND THERE IS A DANGER THE BODY COULD COME LOOSE. ITS EASY TO PICTURE WHAT COULD HAPPEN IT THIS OCCURRED IN A 60 MPH CURVE ON INTERSTATE. MECHANICS TELL THIS IS UNHEARD OF IN ANY OTHER VEHICLES EXCEPT FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRACS MODEL YEARS 2001 THRU 2005. IF THIS ISNT A HAZARD I DONT KNOW WHAT IS. ITS EVIDENT THIS PARTS ARE JUNK AND FORD DID NOTHING TO CORRECT IT. STARTING IN 2006 THIS PROBLEM NO LONGER EXISTED. *TR
POWER TRAINJune 21, 2014
I TOOK MY CAR TO ASTORIA FORD LATE LAST YEAR, BECAUSE IT WAS STALLING AND LOSING POWER. THE CHARGED ME ALMOST $1,000.00 AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. THE O/D ON OFF LIGHT WILL STOP AND START. WHEN IT COMES ON WHICH JUST STARTED TODAY, THE CAR IN ANY GEAR WHILE ONLY GO FORWARD. IN REVERSE AND NEUTRAL, ONLY FORWARD. AS A POLICE OFFICER THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, AND I CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE. MANY HAVE SUBMITTED COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS TO FORD, THEY CALL IT A PHANTOM PROBLEM. I HOPE THIS PHANTOM PROBLEM DOES NOT OCCUR IN FRONT OF A DAY CARE. *TR
SERVICE BRAKESJune 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONATCT HAD TO ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE DEFECT OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHERJune 15, 2014
ALL BODY BUSHINGS WERE DEFECTIVE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE BUSHINGS WERE DESICCATED AND HAD CRUMBLED AWAY. THIS MADE THE VEHICLE UNSAFE WHEN CORNERING AS THERE WAS NOTHING TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE BODY BETWEEN IT AND THE FRAME CAUSING EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT AND COMPROMISE OF CENTER OF GRAVITY. ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC WHO REPLACED MY BUSHINGS, HE HAD SEEN THIS DEFECT ON ALL THE VEHICLES OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL YEAR. HE SAID THAT IT WAS NOT A PROBLEM ON THE 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. I WENT TO A LOCAL JUNK YARD AND LOOKED AT SEVERAL FORD EXPLORER SPORTS AND NOTICED THE SAME DEFECT ON ALL THE 2001 MODEL YEARS. THE 1998 MODEL YEAR HAD BUSHINGS THAT WERE STILL IN GOOD CONDITION. *JS
SUSPENSIONJune 9, 2014
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BUSHING PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BUSHINGS DISINTEGRATED. THE COST TO REPLACE THEM, WAS $2000. *JB
SUSPENSIONJune 4, 2014
FORD EXPLORERS MANUFACTURED IN 2001 WERE EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE ENGINEERED BODY TO FRAME BUSHINGS WHICH HAVE COMPLETELY DETERIORATE AND JUST AS EASILY CRUMBLED IN YOUR HAND, NOW, BUT BEGIN DETERIORATING ONLY A FEW SHORT YEARS FROM WHEN NEW. FORD STOPPED USING THIS STYLE MANUFACTURED MOUNT BUSHINGS AFTER THESE FEW MANUFACTURING YEARS BECAUSE THEY KNEW THEY WERE DEFECTIVE. I'VE SPOKEN TO MANY EXPLORER OWNERS WHO HAVE THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM , AND THOSE I ASK TO LOOK UNDER THEIR VEHICLES, WHICH ARE NOT A VISIBLE DEFECT UNLESS UNDER THE CAR AND HANDS-ON INSPECTION, ALSO FOUND THIS PROBLEM. MY VEHICLE IS IN LIKE-NEW CONDITION OTHERWISE AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. THESE BODY TO MOUNT BUSHINGS, WHEN DETERIORATED CAUSE SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEMS TO EXPLORER DRIVERS AND ALL OTHERS DRIVING IN OTHER VEHICLES, DUE TO UNEXPECTED SWAYING AND OR BOUNCING POSSIBLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH AND CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY TO ANYONE DRIVING NEAR THE EXPLORERS. I BELIEVE, AND AM SURE, THAT THE MATERIAL MIX OF THE RUBBER/SILICONE BUSHINGS WAS COMPROMISED DURING MANUFACTURING AND THESE VEHICLES SHOULD IMMEDIATELY RECALLED TO REPLACE THESE BUSHINGS WHICH SHOULD LAST THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE. CARS 40 PLUS YEARS OLD HAVE BODY TO FRAME BUSHINGS STILL IN GOOD CONDITION. FOR THESE BUSHINGS TO START DETERIORATING AFTER ONLY A FEW YEARS AND BEING COMPLETELY USELESS AT THIS AGE AND CONDITION OF VEHICLE IS UNHEARD OF. NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE SURE ALL EXPLORER SPORT OWNERS IN THE 2001 PLUS OR MINUS VICINITY BE NOTIFIED BY FORD OF THIS DEFECT. PLEASE LOOK UNDER ANY EXPLORER SPORT MADE IN 2001 , AND YOU CAN CONFIRM MY FINDINGS. ALSO, HAVE A PRIVATE ENGINEER TEST THE BUSHING RUBBER/SILICONE MATERIALS USED IN THIS YEAR RANGE, AND I ASSURE YOU THEY WILL BACK MY CLAIM. *TR
SUSPENSION,STRUCTUREMay 26, 2014
VEHICLE BODY MOUNTS HAVE DRIED OUT AND CRUMBLES WHEN TOUCHED. THIS DETERIORATION CAUSES THE BODY TO RIDE ON TOP OF THE FRAME WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN OTHER VEHICLE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUES. APPEARS THE PRODUCT WAS MADE OF SUBSTANDARD MATERIAL AND HAS BEEN WORN OUT FOR QUITE A FEW YEARS. *TR
ENGINEMay 5, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,500.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMay 3, 2014
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON A RESIDENTIAL ROAD AROUND 30 MPH WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE. SHE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY BRAKING. SHE SAID THE TRUCK WAS BUCKING WILDLY AS THOUGH IT WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAINTAIN IT'S 30 MPH SPEED. SHE PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND PULLED OVER YET THE TRUCK CONTINUED TO IDLE AS THOUGH IT WERE DRIVING 30 MILES PER HOUR. SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. I ARRIVED 15 MINUTES LATER AND WITHOUT TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL TURNED THE VEHICLE ON AND IT IMMEDIATELY REV'D AS SHE DESCRIBED SO I SHUT IT OFF. I THEN PUMPED THE GAS PEDAL (WITH THE TRUCK IN THE OFF POSITION) ASSUMING IT MAY BE STUCK THEN RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. IT STARTED AND SUBSEQUENTLY DROVE NORMALLY. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE DISCOVERED NOTHING. NOTHING IN THE COMPUTER HISTORY AND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE SPEED SYSTEM (PEDAL, CABLE, THROTTLE, THROTTLE BODY...) I DID SOME RESEARCH ON-LINE AND DISCOVERED AN NHTSA REPORT (NHTSA ACTION NUMBER : PE05037) OF A POSSIBLE BAD SPEED CONTROL CABLE FOR THIS VEHICLE WHERE THE TEFLON COVER COULD COMES OFF AND BIND AT THE GAS PEDAL HOLDING THE PEDAL OPEN AND UNABLE TO RETRACT. WE ATTEMPTED TO LOCATE THE REPLACEMENT CABLE ONLY TO FIND THAT FORD NO LONGER MAKES THE ORIGINAL OR THE REPLACEMENT WHICH WE FIND UTTERLY UNBELIEVABLE. NO MORE EXIST ANYWHERE IN THE US. I CAN FIND PARTS FOR MY 1992 FORD MUSTANG EASIER. NOT SURE WHY THEY STOPPED MAKING THE CABLE WHICH MAKES THIS MORE INTERESTING. MY NEXT STEP IS TO HAVE MY MECHANIC REMOVE THE CABLE TO SEE IF THERE IS A TEFLON BUILD UP NEAR THE GAS PEDAL. NOTE: WE HAVE NO CLEAR PROOF THAT THE CABLE IS THE ISSUE YET AT THIS POINT THE FACT THAT IT CLEARED WHEN I PUMPED THE GAS PEDAL WITH THE VEHICLE IN THE OFF POSITION LEAVES SUSPICION THAT THIS COULD BE THE SAME ISSUE NOTED IN THE NHTSA PE05037 REPORT. *TR
POWER TRAINApril 21, 2014
FOR THE SECOND TIME, THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION FAILED, LEAVING THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY POWERLESS WHILE DRIVING. THE TRANSMISSION ALSO FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY 70,000 MILES IN 2006, AGAIN WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC. IN BOTH CASES, I, AS THE DRIVER, WAS NEARLY INVOLVED IN ACCIDENTS WITH OTHER VEHICLES BECAUSE OF THE COMPLETE LOSS OF THE TRANSMISSION POWER TRAIN. THE VEHICLE ALSO GAVE NO WARNING OF THE FAILURE PRIOR TO THESE EVENTS. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS HAS BEEN A LONG-STANDING DESIGN DEFECT WITH FORD EXPLORERS, WITH A HIGH NUMBER OF VEHICLES FROM THE EARLY 2000S SUFFERING SIMILAR TRANSMISSION FAILURES. THIS IS BOTH DANGEROUS AND, I BELIEVE, A DEFECT THAT COULD CAUSE INJURY AND/OR DEATH.. I ALSO WISH TO ADD THAT THIS VEHICLE, WHICH IS 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND INCLUDES A FACTORY INSTALLED TOWING PACKAGE, HAS ONLY OCCASIONALLY BEEN USED FOR TOWING A BOAT (2X PER YEAR) AND IS SELDOM USED IN ITS 4 WHEEL DRIVE CAPACITY (ONLY ON SNOW COVERED ROADS 2-3 TIMES PER YEAR). THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. THE COST OF THE REPAIRS IN EACH CASE WAS OVER $2,000. *TR
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKESMarch 9, 2014
MY PURCHASED NEW $30,000 2001 FORD 2 DOOR EXPLORER SPORT DIES OFTEN CAUSING NO BRAKES OR STEERING. IN 2001, IT DIED AND ROLLED OVER WITH NO STEERING OR BRAKES WHEN MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME, LEAVING HER STRANDED UPSIDE DOWN. FORD WOULD NOT RESPOND AND LOCAL DEALERS WOULD NOT OR COULD NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. IT STILL DIES AND ALL RECALLS WERE PRESUMABLY DONE, INCLUDING THE FIRESTONE TIRES WHICH WERE THE BEST PART OF THE VEHICLE. NUMEROUS LETTERS TO FORD WERE NEVER ACKNOWLEDGED. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A REFUND ON THIS VEHICLE. CAN YOU HELP ME? *TR
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGFebruary 23, 2014
AS WITH SO MANY EXPLORERS I HAVE READ ABOUT, MY O/D LIGHT COMES ON AND FLASHES. I LOSE ALL POWER DURING INITIAL ACCELERATION AND THEN THE TRUCK SHOOTS OFF LIKE A ROCKET. IF I TURN THE IGNITION OFF, THE LIGHT RESETS AND THE VEHICLE IS OK FOR A WHILE UNTIL THE LIGHT AS WITH SO MANY EXPLORERS I HAVE READ ABOUT, MY O/D LIGHT COMES ON AND FLASHES. I LOSE ALL POWER DURING INITIAL ACCELERATION AND THEN THE TRUCK SHOOTS OFF LIKE A ROCKET. IF I TURN THE IGNITION OFF, THE LIGHT RESETS AND THE VEHICLE IS OK FOR A WHILE UNTIL THE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. I HAD THE CODES READ AND IT CAME UP A SOLENOID PROBLEM. I HAD THEM REPLACED AND TEN MILES FROM THE LOT, THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FROM FORD, BUT THEY HAVE YET TO ACT ON THIS ISSUE. COMES ON AGAIN. I HAD THE CODES READ AND IT CAME UP A SOLENOID PROBLEM. I HAD THEM REPLACED AND TEN MILES FROM THE LOT, THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FROM FORD, BUT THEY HAVE YET TO ACT ON THIS ISSUE. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE FIXED SEVERAL AND THEY GO RIGHT BACK OUT IT WAS A WASTE OF MY TIME.. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO GET KILLED BEFORE U ALL FIX THIS IF U TRY TO TAKE OFF AND IT SLIPS AND WILL NOT GO U CAN AND WILL GET HIT. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEDecember 18, 2013
ON SUNDAY THE NIGHT BEFORE THE INCIDENT THE VEHICLE WAS USED THAT DAY. IN THE AFTERNOON AROUND 3 PM IT WAS TAKEN TO GET GASSED UP FOR THE WORK WEEK. THE NEXT MORNING WAS CHILLY AND IT WAS STARTED TO WARM THE VEHICLE UP. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE DIDN'T START AT ALL. THE DASH LIGHTS, INTERIOR-EXTERIOR LIGHTS ALL HAVE POWER TO INCLUDE POWER LOCKS AND WINDOWS. THE BATTERY TESTED GOOD, THE STARTER AND SOLENOID TESTED GOOD. THE WIRE TO THE SOLENOID FROM THE BATTERY HAS POWER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT SHOWN SIGNS OF FAULTY STARTING. TWO TO 3 TIMES BEFORE THIS INCIDENT NONE OF THE LIGHTS WOULD WORK BUT THEN MIRACULOUSLY WORK AGAIN. WHEN THE LIGHTS WOULD WORK I'M MEAN THE HEADLIGHTS, LEFT AND RIGHT TURN SIGNAL, ETC. IT SEEMED THE ONE WAY TO GET THEM TO WORK AGAIN WOULD BE TO ADJUST THE STEERING WHEEL BUT THAT DIDN'T ALWAYS WORK. WHY IS THIS VEHICLE NOT STARTING WHEN THE DAY BEFORE IS WAS WORKING JUST FINE AND HAD NOT GIVEN ANY SIGNS OF FAILURE? *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPERNovember 15, 2013
I WAS DRIVING AND I SAW AND SMELT SMOKE. I IMMEDIATELY COULD TELL WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM BECAUSE I SAW THE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE HAZARD LIGHT ON TOP OF MY STEERING WHEEL, IT THEN TURNED INTO A FLAME,IT WAS INSIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL. I PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BECAUSE FORTUNATELY I HAD WATER WITH ME AND I POURED A LITTLE BIT OF WATER ON THE FLAMES THAT WERE COMING OUT OF WHERE THE HAZARD LIGHT IS. THIS HAS HAPPENED 2 TIMES,WITH THE FINAL RESULT BEING 2 FIRES. IT HAPPENED A 3RD TIME WITH JUST SMOKE. I NO LONGER HAVE THE ABILITY TO USE MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND SOME OF MY INTERIOR LIGHTS NO LONGER WORK. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS HAS CAUSED OTHER PROBLEMS IE...MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEING ON AS WELL AS MY CRUISE CONTROL WORKING WHEN IT WANTS TO AND OTHER TIMES NOT WORKING AT ALL PLUS THE BUTTONS ON THE INNER SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL BEING HOT TO THE TOUCH! I'M TERRIFIED TO DRIVE MY OWN CAR! *TR
POWER TRAINNovember 7, 2013
THIS HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE. I KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT VEHICLES TO KNOW THIS IS NOT NORMAL IN THE EARLY YEARS OF 125,000 MILES AND ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. WHEN I ACCELERATE FROM A STOPPED POSITION THE RPM'S GO UP TO ABOUT 3,000 OR SO BUT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT ACCELERATE. THE O/D LIGHT WILL FLASH AND THE VEHICLE, WHEN IT DOES ACCELERATE, IS "SLUGGISH". WHEN I PULL OVER AND TURN OFF THE VEHICLE, THEN TURN IT BACK ON, IT SEEMS TO RESET THE LIGHT SO THAT IT IS NO LONGER ILLUMINATED BUT EVENTUALLY THE ISSUE WITH THE LACK OF ACCELERATION COMES BACK WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MILES AND USUALLY IS A PROBLEM BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR. IT HAPPENS LIKE CLOCK WORK WHEN I LEAVE A DRIVEWAY AND ENTER TRAFFIC WHICH PUTS ME IN FEAR OF BEING HIT BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THIS IS DEFINITELY A POTENTIAL HAZARD AND IN AN ATTEMPT TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM I HAVE COME ACROSS MULTIPLE ENTRIES ON "BLOGS" WITH SIMILAR SYMPTOMS THAT USUALLY BEGIN AROUND 120,000-150,000 MILES. IN MY OPINION, THE ISSUE CAUSING THE PROBLEM, AND THE POTENTIAL RISK TO MY LIFE AND OTHERS, SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED YEARS PREVIOUS. THIS SEEMS TO BE TOO COMMON. VEHICLES, IN GENERAL, SHOULD NOT BE OPERATING LIKE THIS UNLESS THERE IS AN EXTREME LACK OF CARE IN REGARDS TO MAINTENANCE. ON ANOTHER NOTE... I'VE NOTICED THAT THE VARIOUS FAULTY PARTS THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED ARE "QUICK FIXES" WHICH TRANSLATES TO ME AS "CHEAP FIXES". IF A COMPANY PRODUCES A PRODUCT THAT FAILS BEFORE IT'S TIME OR CAUSES DANGER TO IT'S CUSTOMERS, THEY SHOULD DEFINITELY ENSURE THAT THE PROBLEM BE REMEDIED. SO "MAN UP" FORD AND ADDRESS THE ISSUE- OR THE ALTERNATIVE IS TO QUIT PRODUCING GARBAGE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
POWER TRAINNovember 5, 2013
WHEN I STARTED FROM A STOP LIGHT IT TOOK OFF FINE BUT SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND THEN INTO 3RD THE ENGINE RACED BUT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I PUSHED THE O/D OFF AND IT SEEMED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THEN OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS IT BECAME MORE FREQUENT TO THE POINT THAT I AM AFRAID TO PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC. I WORRY THAT I WILL BE HIT BY NOT GAINING SPEED TO GET GOING. ALSO MERGING ON THE FREEWAY IS FRUSTRATING AND UNSAFE. THE O/D LIGHT FLASHES ON AND OFF ALL OF THE TIME NOW. THIS HAS HAPPENED OVER THE COARSE OF A WEEK. THIS IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 2WD. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLOctober 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD UPON ENGAGEMENT AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. IN ADDITION, SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE AIR VENTS AND FROM UNDER HOOD. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY JUMPED FROM THE VEHICLE ONCE HE NOTICED FLAMES EXTENDING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE UNOCCUPIED VEHICLE THEN CRASHED INTO A WOODED AREA. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED ROAD RASH AND INJURIES TO THE LEFT WRIST AND HAND. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A SALVAGE FACILITY. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) HOWEVER, THE FAILURE OCCURRED BEFORE THE RECALL REMEDY COULD BE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,800.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMAugust 28, 2013
GAS TANK SUPPORT HANGER RUSTED AWAY AND TANK FELL OFF. *TT
POWER TRAINAugust 9, 2013
VEHICLE STARTED HAVING A CHATTER UNDER THE HOOD. PULLED OUT ON TO THE HIGHWAY AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE (VERY DANGEROUS, WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND COULDN'T MOVE). TOOK TO A MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THE NOISE HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE TENSIONERS OR SOMETHING TO THAT EFFECT ON THE TRANSMISSION. HE SAID THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS IN THE PAST BUT NOT SURE IF THE RECALL IS STILL IN EFFECT. THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS INJURED OR WORSE AND FORD WILL BE LIABLE. *TR
TIRES,WHEELSJuly 10, 2013
AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED WHEREIN A YOUNG MAN WAS SEVERELY INJURED. HE SURVIVED, BUT HAS A PLATE IN HIS JAW, AND SEVERE SCARRING ON HIS FACE. HIS SISTER WAS ALSO A PASSENGER AND WAS INJURED, BUT LESS SEVERELY. THE RIGHT REAR TIRE APPEARS TO HAVE BLOWN OUT, CAUSING THE CRASH. A WITNESS IMMEDIATELY BEHIND THE CAR AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT STATED: "I NOTICED WHAT LOOKED LIKE ONE OF THE RIGHT SIDE TIRES BEND TO THE SIDE AND SUDDENLY EXPLODE. AT THAT POINT THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL DUE TO THE TIRE EXPLOSION AND SWERVED TO THE CENTER DIVIDER AND CRASHED. INFORMATION ON THE TIRES IS AS FOLLOWS: RADIAL SXT ALL TERRAINS. DOT NUMBER ON THE TIRES WERE XFA 0307 AND THE TIRE SIZE WAS 75/16. ALL TIRES PASSED INSPECTION THREE MONTHS BEFORE, WITH A TREAD OF 6/32. THE OFFICER NOTED THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. *TR
STRUCTUREJune 20, 2013
THE BACK END BUMPS AND THUMPS LIKE THERE IS NO PADDING BETWEEN THE METAL ON METAL PARTS. VERY LOUD IN THE VEHICLE ALWAYS. *TR
SUSPENSION,STRUCTUREJune 7, 2013
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD BANGING/BUMPING NOISE COMING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. INITIALLY THOUGHT THAT JACK HAD CAME LOOSE FROM HOLDER LOCATED IN FENDER WELL COMPARTMENT. UPON INSPECTION JACK WAS FOUND TO BE TIGHT IN HOLDER. NOTICED THAT YOU COULD HEAR THE BANGING NOISE WHEN ROCKING THE VEHICLE UP AND DOWN. CARRIED VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED IT AND FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR BODY INSULATOR HAD DETERIORATED AND FELL OUT ALLOWING THE EXPLORER'S BODY TO RIDE DIRECTLY ON THE FRAME. MECHANIC STATED THAT HE FELT IT WOULD BE SAFE TO DRIVE VEHICLE BUT ADVISED TOO, THAT IT COULD DAMAGE THE BODY BECAUSE IT WAS RIDING DIRECTLY ON FRAME.COST TO REPAIR = $325 ($110 LABOR + $167 FOR NEW CHASSIS BODY INSULATOR PURCHASED FROM A LOCAL FORD DEALER + 40 FOR USED BODY MOUNT SUPPORTS PURCHASED AT A LOCAL SALVAGE YARD + 8 IN TAXES). MECHANIC HAD TO ALSO TIGHTEN BOLTS ON HINGES HOLDING REAR LIFT GATE ON. MILEAGE ON VEHICLE WAS 108,000. *TR
POWER TRAINJune 6, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE SERVOS NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
ENGINEMay 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNOCCUPIED, IT BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.
SUSPENSION,STRUCTUREApril 30, 2013
BODY MOUNTS DETERIORATE BEFORE THEIR TIME AND BALL JOINT FAIL. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 5, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS, AND THE SOUND FOR THE DOOR STOPPED WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V072000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,637 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 158,000. *TR
STRUCTUREMarch 17, 2013
BODY MOUNTS UNDER FLOOR ARE DETERIORATED. WHEN DRIVING AND GOING OVER BUMPS, VEHICLE SOUNDS LIKE IT IS "BOTTOMING OUT" AS A LOUD CLUNK CAN BE HEARD AND FELT UNDER YOUR FEET. UPON INSPECTION, AT LEAST 4 MOUNTS ARE ROUGHLY 75% DETERIORATED OR MORE. *TR
POWER TRAINFebruary 28, 2013
MY FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT HAS PLAGUED MANY EXPLORERS, SPORT TRAC'S, AND RANGERS. A YOUTUBE VIDEO EXPLAINS THE PROBLEM, "UPLOADED ON DEC 7, 2011 - FORD USED THE 5R55E IN MANY REAR AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE APPLICATIONS. IT IS A GOOD TRANSMISSION BUT IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE VALVE BODY GASKET "BLOWING OUT." THE SYMPTOM OF THIS IN OUR VEHICLE WAS THAT THE TRANSMISSION MISSED SECOND GEAR UNDER ACCELERATION BUT FOUND A HIGHER GEAR WHEN WE LET OFF THE GAS PEDAL." THIS HAPPENS TO ME DAILY, AND IS A TRAFFIC HAZARD AS THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AS IT SHOULD. FORD PUBLISHED A TSB(TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN) ON 03-22-10 ACKNOWLEDGING THIS PROBLEM. IT IS A DANGEROUS OCCURRENCE IN MOST VEHICLES WHERE THE VALVE BODY SEPARATOR PLATE DOES NOT WORK AS IT SHOULD. WHEN I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, THEY DID NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM BUT WANTED TO CHARGE OVER $4,000 FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION. THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN FLAW AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO ALL OWNERS. PLEASE CHECK ALL COMPLAINTS REGARDING FORD'S AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE 5R55E AND HELP US OWNERS GET A REASONABLY PRICED CORRECTION, BEFORE ACCIDENTS OCCUR. THANK YOU. *TR
SUSPENSION,STRUCTUREDecember 17, 2012
SUB FRAME BODY MOUNTS ARE FALLING APART. I NOTICED THIS IN 2008 BUT DID NOT KNOW WHAT IT WAS. CAR HAS LESS THAN 72000 MILES AND IS GARAGED, NO OFF ROAD USE. MOUNTS ARE BRITTLE AND FALL OF VEHICLE. FORD SAYS --SO SAD TOO BAD. NEVER SEEN MOUNTS FALL APART AND I HAVE OWNED VEHICLES FOR OVER 40 YEARS. *TR
SUSPENSIONNovember 26, 2012
FOR SEVERAL YEARS, THE BODY MOUNTS ON MY TRUCK HAVE BEEN CRUMBLING DUE TO POOR MATERIALS USED AT THE FACTORY. I KNOW OF MANY OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM, AND SINCE THE MOUNTS ARE DIFFICULT AND EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE I KNOW MANY HAVE AVOIDED DOING SO. FORD SHOULD BE MADE TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES (WHICH RANGE FROM 2001-2005) AND REPLACE THESE SHODDY PARTS (IF THEY HAVEN'T CRUMBLED COMPLETELY AWAY LIKE MINE) BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED. *TR
AIR BAGSNovember 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AND UPON IMPACT, ALL OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED EXCEPT FOR THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 101,000.
POWER TRAINNovember 8, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO RESPOND WITH AN UNUSUAL WHINING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. UPON RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
POWER TRAINNovember 8, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION EXHIBITED A LOUD SQUEAKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE THEN BECAME RESISTANT TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS AND WOULD NO LONGER MOVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO OPERATE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO DRIVER OR REVERSE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO A DEALER OR MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,TIRESOctober 17, 2012
CPSC#I12A0111A. 2001 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER STATED THAT A DAY AFTER SHE BROUGHT THE CAR IT BROKE DOWN. *LN THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE, AS WELL AS A HOLE IN GAS TANK, WHICH HAD RUSTED OUT, THE BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE TIRE WERE DRY ROTTED, AS THEY KEPT GOING FLAT, THE DRIVER'S DOOR DID NOT LOCK, THE REAR DOORS DID NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE, THE REAR DRIVER'S DOOR DID NOT OPEN AT ALL, THE OUTSIDE HANDLE WAS BROKE, THE REAR HATCH WOULD NOT CLOSE, AND MOST OF THE TIME IT HAD TO BE SLAMMED SHUT.
STRUCTURESeptember 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PERFORMING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE HE NOTICED THAT THE BODY BUSHING HAD DETERIORATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000.
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,EQUIPMENTSeptember 25, 2012
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT - OVERALL GOOD CONDITION - COMPLAINT INVOLVES FAILURE OF BOTH DOOR POWER LOCKS/HANDLE MECHANISMS. DRIVERS DOOR TOTALLY FAILED AND REPAIRS MADE AT AUTO SHOP, BUT MECHANISM QUICKLY FAILED AGAIN. EXPENSIVE REPAIR. - PASSENGER DOOR LOCK ALSO MALFUNCTIONING MILDLY BUT STILL OPERABLE FOR THE TIME BEING. APPEARS READY TO FAIL HOWEVER SINCE THIS WAS SAME PRIOR SYMPTOM OF THE OPPOSITE DOOR. NO INFORMATION LOCATED ON RECALL FROM FORD PREVIOUSLY FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
VISIBILITY,STRUCTUREAugust 2, 2012
I WAS DRIVING AND HEARD LOUD NOISE. SOUNDED LIKE THE BACK WINDOW HATCH WAS OPEN AND VIBRATING WITH EVERY BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE HATCH WAS CLOSED, SO I LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE TO FIND THE BODY MOUNTS HAD COMPLETELY CRUMBLED AWAY. THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE WAS RIDING ON THE FRAME WITH NO CUSHION. THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE WAS VERY HARD TO HANDLE AND FELT AS IF IT MAY SHIFT OFF THE FRAME AT ANYTIME. *TR
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESApril 15, 2012
THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK BECAME STUCK. THIS WAS NOT A GRADUAL PROBLEM; ONE DAY IT WAS WORKING, THE NEXT DAY IT WAS NOT. I COULD NOT OPEN IT WITH THE REMOTE LOCK CONTROL, THE INNER LOCK CONTROL OR THE KEY. I COULD NOT LIFT THE LOCK KNOB ON THE DOOR MANUALLY. THE ONLY WAY TO OPEN THE DOOR WAS TO CRAWL IN FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE, REACH OVER THE CONSOLE AND PULL ON THE DOOR HANDLE, WHICH SOMETIMES CREATED A GRATING SOUND. OCCASIONALLY THE REMOTE LOCK CONTROL WOULD WORK BUT VERY RANDOMLY. 99% OF THE TIME THE LOCK WOULD REMAIN STUCK. WHEN IT DID WORK, I NOTICED IT WAS ONLY IF I LOCKED THE DOOR WITH THE REMOTE CONTROL. IT NEVER WORKED IF I LOCKED THE DOOR WITH THE INNER LOCK CONTROL ON THE DOOR. THE NEAREST FORD DEALER IS OVER ONE HUNDRED MILES AWAY ROUND TRIP, SO I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A BROKEN DOOR HANDLE. I PAID $92.87 TO REPLACE THE HANDLE, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MECHANIC THEN TOLD ME HE WOULD HAVE TO ORDER MORE PARTS, WHICH I CANNOT AFFORD. I HAVE BEEN LIVING WITH THIS INCONVENIENCE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW AND RECENTLY I BEGAN RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM ON-LINE. IT APPEARS THERE HAVE BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS OVER A PERIOD OF SEVERAL YEARS. ACCORDING TO THE DATA BASE, OTHER PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED LOCK FAILURES ON MULTIPLE DOORS OF THE SAME VEHICLE. THE MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THESE LOCK SYSTEMS NOT ONLY CREATES AN INCONVENIENCE AND NEGATIVE ECONOMIC IMPACT ON VEHICLE OWNERS, IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I AM NOT AWARE OF ANY RECALL NOTICES FOR THIS PROBLEM AND I AM WONDERING WHY. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAINApril 11, 2012
THE RISING PRICE OF GAS DISCOURAGED ME FROM USING MY SPORT TRAC (ST) OFTEN, SO IT WAS GARAGED DURING THE WORK WEEK. ON THE WEEKENDS, I USUALLY DROVE THE ST TO RUN ERRANDS AROUND TOWN. ON JAN 28, 2012, I DROVE LESS THAN A MILE WHEN MY ST BEGAN LOSING THROTTLE RESPONSE AND AN UNFAMILIAR CLATTERING CAN BE HEARD GENERATED IN THE ENGINE BAY. I QUICKLY REALIZED THAT THIS WAS NOT NORMAL, SO I PROCEEDED TO PULL OVER. I THEN TOOK THE TRUCK TO A MECHANIC NEAR MY LOCATION. THE MECHANIC AFTER EXTENSIVE DIAGNOSIS DETERMINED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER HAD FAILED, ALONG WITH TIMING CHAIN GUIDES WHICH SHATTERED INTO MULTIPLE PIECES (PHOTOS AVAILABLE). THE TIMING CHAIN AND ITS COMPONENTS ARE SUPPOSE TO LAST FOR A LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE, AND HENCE FORD PROVIDED NO INFORMATION OR PROVISION FOR ITS MAINTENANCE. THE REPAIR WAS EXPENSIVE, BECAUSE IT REQUIRED THE REMOVAL OF THE ENGINE WHICH IS BASED ON THE SOHC DESIGN HAVING ITS RIGHT CAMSHAFT DRIVEN BY A TIMING CHAIN LOCATED BEHIND THE ENGINE NEAR THE FIREWALL. A RECALL OF THE TIMING CHAIN GUIDES AND TENSIONER SHOULD BE MADE BECAUSE OF THE COMMON PROBLEM THIS HAS BEEN FOR THIS ENGINE DESIGN, SOHC 4.0L AFTER THE REMOVAL OF THE ENGINE AND TIMING CHAIN GUIDE REPLACEMENT, MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION REGISTERED AN ERROR ON MY DASHBOARD, AND AFTER CONSULTATION WITH AN EXPERT, REQUIRED A TRANSMISSION REBUILD. THE COST OF THE ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION REBUILD HAS BEEN VERY EXPENSIVE TO SAY THE LEAST. THE UNPREDICTABLE NATURE OF THIS FAILURES WOULD COMPROMISE SAFETY DURING HIGH SPEED OPERATIONS. I HOPE NHTSA WILL REVIEW COMPLAINTS REGARDING TIMING CHAIN AND TRANSMISSION FAILURES, WHICH SHOULD REVEAL A PATTERN OF DESIGN FAILURES AT FORD. INTERESTINGLY, FORD HAD ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONERS AND ENGINE REMOVAL TO REPAIR CHAIN GUIDES IN THE PAST. *TR
AIR BAGSMarch 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE JAW AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. THE POLICE REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 23,000.
STRUCTUREMarch 8, 2012
THE BODY MOUNTS ON MY EXPLORER SPORT ARE DETERIORATING AND CAUSING A BAD VIBRATION IN THE WHOLE VEHICLE WHEN TRAVELING AND EVENTUALLY THE CAB WILL SHIFT AND COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL. THE FORD COMPANY IS THE ONLY ONE WITH THE NEW PARTS NEEDED FOR MY MODEL VEHICLE AND THEY WANT $1,0000 JUST FOR THE PARTS. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMarch 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD BECOME STUCK WHEN ACCELERATING UPHILL. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP AND THE RMPS WOULD INCREASE TO 3,500. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL BUT THE RPMS WOULD CONTINUOUSLY INCREASE. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT THE RPMS WOULD CONTINUE TO INCREASE AT 3500. THE VEHICLE WAS ALLOWED TO RUN IDLE FOR THIRTY MINUTES BEFORE RESUMING NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,000. UPDATED 04/11/12*LJ THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY FOUND ACORN NUTS NEAR THE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 04/23/12
SEATSMarch 2, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON SITTING IN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT, THE SEAT UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE SEAT CUSHION DROPPED DOWNWARD. NUMEROUS AUTHORIZED DEALERS WERE NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NECESSARY TO REMEDY THE FAILURE WERE NO LONGER MANUFACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V281000 (SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
SEATSFebruary 7, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT WOULD UNEXPECTEDLY SHIFT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. THE DEALER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V281000 (SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER). NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 151,000.
AIR BAGSFebruary 6, 2012
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK DURING AN ICE STORM AND LOST CONTROL OF HER 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT SUV AND STRUCK A TREE. SHE WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED DURING THE HEAD ON COLLISION WITH THE TREE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND IT SUSTAINED MAJOR SHEETMETAL AND FRAME DAMAGE. THE RADIATOR WAS PUSHED IN AND DESTROYED. *TR
STRUCTUREFebruary 3, 2012
MY 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC'S BODY MOUNT CUSHION HAS DETERIORATED AND I CAN'T DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT AN EXPENSIVE (REMOVE THE BODY OFF OF THE TRUCK) PROCEDURE AND VERY EXPENSIVE PARTS. THIS SHOULD LAST THE LIFETIME OF A VEHICLE. THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL ISSUE. THANK YOU, [XXX] ATTORNEY AT LAW, MAUI, HAWAII INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *KB
SUSPENSIONJanuary 30, 2012
HEARING NOISE BOTH DOWN THE DRIVERS SIDE AND THE FRONT I TOOK MY TRUCK TO THE KNOWN TOP NOTCH SHOP FOR SUSPENSION. IT WAS THERE THAT I WAS TOLD THAT MY BODY/CAB MOUNT BUSHINGS (INSULATORS) WERE SHOT. THEY CRUMBLE IN YOUR HAND IF YOU TOUCH IT. THE QUOTE TO FIX $1100.00 ! ! ! I CALLED THE DEALER AND TO MY SHOCKING SURPRISE JUST THE PARTS (FOUR SETS) DIRECTLY UNDER THE CAB ARE $550....UNBELIEVABLE. THE REASON THE LABOR IS SO HIGH - BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO PULL THE INTERIOR TO GET TO THE BLOTS..FORD IN ALL THEIR WISDOM PUT THEM IN TOP SIDE DOWN ! MY BROTHER LOOKED AT IT FURTHER AND FOUND I WAS MISSING THE DRIVERS BACK BOLT ALL TOGETHER (LOOK INSIDE THE STORAGE BEHIND BACK SEAT)...NEVER THERE. I TOOK MY TRUCK INTO TO SEE WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE NOISE FRONT AND SIDE. THE MECHANIC WAS PASSIVE ABOUT THE BODY BUSHINGS, CHUCKLED WHEN I ASKED ABOUT PUTTING IN THE MISSING BOLT AND COULD NOT FIND THE FRONT END NOISE. ASKED IF IT COULD BE THE STRUT HE TOLD ME I DID NOT HAVE THEM...ONLY TO CRAWL UNDER THE TRUCK AFTER WE RETURNED FROM THE TEST DRIVE AND SAID OOPS I LIED YOU DO HAVE THEM ! FORD REALLY NEEDS TO GET BETTER MECHANICS AND BETTER MATERIALS. THEY SCREWED UP BY BREAKS THE LAST TIME I WAS THERE SO NEEDLESS TO SAY I WILL NEVER TRUST THEM AGAIN. ANYWAY, WHEN I ASKED WHAT WAS THE BUSHINGS MADE OF, I WAS TOLD ..RUBBER...ONE OF THEIR OWN PART GUYS CONTACTED THE MFG....HE TOO WAS TOLD RUBBER. FOUND ON THE INTERNET...IT IS ACTUALLY.. RUBBER FOAM. ARE YOU KIDDING ME..NO WONDER IT CRUMBLES ! I WAS TOLD THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR ME. I AM AFFRAID EVERY TIME I GET IN MY TRUCK BUT HAVE NO OTHER MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION NOR CAN I BUY ANYTHING. SAME ON FORD ! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDecember 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACTED WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN WHITE SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE FENDER OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE CONTACTED AND REPORTS WERE FILED. THE FAILURE CAUSED NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 126,000.
POWER TRAINDecember 7, 2011
VEHICLE WAS IDLING IN DRIVEWAY WITH THE DRIVERS DOOR OPEN. TRANSMISSION WAS IN PARK. TRANSMISSION DROPPED INTO REVERSE, ROLLED BACKWARDS IN DRIVEWAY, CRASHING THROUGH TWO CHAINLINK GATES, THE DOOR WAS TORN BACK AGAINST THE FENDER, I TRIED TO REACH INTO THE TRUCK TO TURN IT OFF, AND WAS PINNED BETWEEN THE TRUCK, AND THE CHAIN LINK FENCE. EXPLORER CURRENTLY IN THE COLLISION SHOP, AND TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPAIRED WHEN THE BODYWORK IS DONE. *TR
POWER TRAINDecember 1, 2011
TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. WOULD NOT CATCH 3RD GEAR AND THEN SOUNDED LIKE A TOOLBOX WAS SCATTERED UNDER THE CAR. CAR SUCCESSIVELY LOST ALL GEARS EXCEPT 1ST. REPAIR COST OVER $2800.00. *TR
STRUCTURENovember 10, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 15 MPH WHEN A BANGING SOUND WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BODY MOUNTS HAD DISINTEGRATED FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
POWER TRAINSeptember 10, 2011
TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHILE SHIFTING FROM 2-3 GEAR OR BETWEEN 30MPH-40MPH. O/D OFF LIGHT BLINKS ON/OFF SOMETIMES WHEN THIS OCCURS. *TR
STRUCTURESeptember 6, 2011
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT - THE BODY MOUNT ISOLATORS ARE COMPLETELY DETERIORATED AS REPORTED BY OTHERS. ALL BODY MOUNT ISOLATORS WILL CRUMBLE UPON SIMPLE HAND PRESSURE. FORD HAS DISCONTINUED MANUFACTURER OF THESE REPLACEMENTS. IF AVAILABLE FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY, LIST ON PARTS ALONE IS >+ $600.00 FOR SET OF EIGHT UPPER AND LOWER ISOLATORS.FAILURE @ 86,524 MILES. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGAugust 22, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE. THERE WAS NOT A POLICE OR FIRE REPORT FILED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM A PRIVATE SELLER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 150,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
STRUCTUREAugust 22, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BODY BUSHINGS WERE ROTTING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOOSE FROM THE FRAME. THE CONTACT THEN CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FRAME AND THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER OR A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000. UPDATED 09/28/11*LJ
STRUCTUREAugust 2, 2011
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC CRUMBLING BODY MOUNT BUSHINGS CAUSING CREAKING, KNOCKING NOISE UNDER FLOORBOARD. POSSIBLE SAFETY HAZARD AS WELL. VEHICLE IS HARD TO STEER, CORNERING IS AWFUL AND TRUCK RIDES VERY ROUGH AND IS HARD TO CONTROL NOW THAT THE BUSHINGS ARE COMPLETELY GONE. OTHER POSSIBLE PROBLEMS THE BODY COULD WARP, CAUSE WINDOWS TO BREAK, DOORS TO BECOME MISALIGNED, CAUSE OTHER SUSPENSION PARTS TO FAIL PREMATURELY. MY TRUCK ONLY HAS 69K MILES AND I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. *KB
STRUCTUREJuly 16, 2011
BODY TO FRAME MOUNTS FAILURE. *TT
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESJuly 11, 2011
FRONT DOOR LOCKS ON 2001 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC RENDERED MALFUNCTIONING BY FREEZING CONDITIONS IN MICHIGAN. DRIVER'S SIDE CAN ONLY BE UNLOCKED FROM THE INSIDE OF VEHICLE. PASSENGER'S SIDE CAN BE UNLOCKED EITHER ELECTRONICLY OR MANUALLY. HOWEVER WHEN EVER THE ELECTRONIC LOCKS ARE USED, EVEN WHEN ALREADY UNLOCKED AND VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE PASSENGER'S FRONT DOOR RELESES FROM THE LOCKING LUG WITHOUT TOUCHING THE DOOR OPENING HANDLE. FORD HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THE FIRST TIME WAS DURING THE SPEED CONTROL RECALL AND THE SECOND TIME WAS JUNE OF 2011. *TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 11, 2011
TURN SIGNAL WAS TURNED ON AND SMOKE CAME BILLOWING OUT OF STEARING COLLUM. SMELLED BURNT WIRING. FIRE INSIDE OF COLLUM MINIMAL DAMAGE AS I TURNED OFF SIGNAL IMMEDIATELY. TOOK TO GARAGE NEXT DAY. THE WIREING HAD RUBBED ON COLLUM AND SHORTED OUT. REPAIRED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *TT
STRUCTUREJune 20, 2011
IVE HCECKED AROUND AND IT SEEMS THAT ALL OF THE EXPLORER SPORT TRACS EVENTUALLY HAVE THIS PROBLEM EVEN AFTER REPLACING WITH NEW ONES. THE BODY MOUNT INSULATORS UNDER THE CAB DETERIATE AND CRUMBLE. THE NOISE IS HIGHLY UNBEARABLE SO I HAVENT DRIVEN MY TRUCK IN A FEW MONTHS. I REFUSE TO PAY CLOSE TO $500 USD FOR PARTS WHEN I STILL HAVE TO TAKE IT SOMEWHERE FOR AND PAY LABOR. I FEEL THAT FORD AND THE NHTSA HAVE NO CARE AT ALL ABOUT WHETHER IT GETS RESOLVED. FORD SYAS GO TO THE DEALER, THE DEALER SAYS GO TO FORD. THEN BACK AND FORTH LIKE NOBODY WANTS TO DEAL WITH IT, UNLESS OF COURSE IF YOU'RE PAYING THEM. THEN THEY'L FIX IT AND REPAIR IT WITH PARTS THAT WILL GO OUT. IF IT WAS WEATHER OR NATURAL CAUSES FOR THE WEAR, THEN WHY DOESNT THE FRONT AND REAR ONES WEAR OUT? WHY JUST THE TWO( WELL I SHOULD SAY FOUR TWO ON EACH SIDE) WEAR OUT? EITHER STOP MAKING CRAPPY PARTS AND CARS FOR PEOPLE WHO WORL AND DIE FOR THIS COUNTRY OR TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR A CRAPPY EXCUSE OF A PART AND FIX IT. SO WHAT IF IT COSTS YOU MILLIONS; IF YOU MADE IT RIGHT IN THE FIRST PLACE THEN YOU WOULDNT HAVE THIS PROBLEM NOW. I GUESS WHEN MY CAB FLIES OFF AND KILLS SOME KIDS ON A SIDEWALK AND THE PARETS SUE FORD AND NHTSA FOR FAILURE TO HEAD PRIOR WARNINGS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM THEN MAYBE SOMEBODY WILL MAKE SOMEBODY FIX THIS HUGE ISSUE. I MIGHT JUST GO DRIVING AND SWERVE AND LET MY CAB ROLL OF AND KILL SOMEBODY, NOTHING LIKA A LITTLE DEATH TO GET THE JOB DONE....HEY IT WORKED WHEN WE WENT FIGHTING IN IRAQ FOR YOU PEOPLE. SMH. THIS IS PLAN RIDICULOUS AND SICKNING HOW OUR GOVERNMENT ALLOWS COMPANIES TO SCREW US OVER AFTER ALL WE'VE DONE. GO OUT THERE AND SERVE YOUR COUNTRY!! AND WHEN YOU GET BACK AND YOUR CAR'S PARTS ARE FAULTY, WE WONT MAKE THE TRILLION DOLLAR COMPANY FIX IT....SMFH...AINT NO COUNTRY LIKE AMERICA. *TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMay 26, 2011
FORD 2001 SPORT TRAC SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF HEAD. *TR
STRUCTUREMay 4, 2011
TOOK MY TRUCK TO A MECHANIC TO SEE WHAT THE GRINDING SOUND OF MEDAL WAS, TURNED OUT TO BE THE BODY MOUNTING BUSHINGS. THEY ARE FALLING APART. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS WHAT ATTACHES THE BODY TO THE FRAME AND IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AROUND. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH FORD. I THINK THAT THIS SHOULD BE FIXED BY THE COMPANY. I HAVE 2 CHILDREN AND THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION I HAVE. I READ UP ON THIS ONLINE AND FOUND THERE ARE OTHER PEOPLE IN THE SAME SITUATION. I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW FORD CAN LET THESE TRUCKS OF THEIR LOTS KNOWING THAT THE BUSHINGS ARE NO GOOD AND SHOULD BE FIXED!! *TR
UNKNOWN OR OTHERMarch 11, 2011
BACK DOORS OF MY 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC FX4 4X4 DO NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THE CHILD SAFELY LOCKS ARE NOT ON. WE JUST BOUGHT THIS TRUCK USED, WE NOTICED THE DOOR DID NOT OPEN AT THE DEALERS, THEY SAID IT WOULD BE FIXED. UPON PICKING UP THE TRUCK WE WERE TOLD IT WAS BECAUSE THE CHILD SAFELY LOCK WAS ON. THIS IS NOT TRUE BECAUSE THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS DO NOT KEEP YOU FROM OPENING THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. THEY DID SOMETHING THAT ALOUD THE DOOR TO OPEN FOR ABOUT 30 MINS, WE GOT HOME AND THE SAME THING HAPPEN. THIS IS NOT SAFE, WE COULD NOT GET MY 4 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER OUT OF THE TRUCK. GOD FOR BID IF THE TRUCK EVER WAS ON FIRE WE COULD NOT GET TO HER. *TR
POWER TRAINMarch 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN RPMS. THE VEHICLE THEN ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY AND THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH THAT INVOLVED FOUR ADDITIONAL VEHICLES. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SERVO PLUG HAD POPPED OUT OF PLACE AND FRACTURED THE SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFebruary 13, 2011
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2001 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. 3 DIFFERENT TIMES IT HAS EJECTED THE REAR SPARK PLUG FROM THE ENGINE. I'VE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY GETTING IT REPARIED. EACH REPAIR HAS FAILED. EACH REPAIR SHOP HAS BEEN VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM. THIS CERTAINLY CANNOT BE SAFE. FORD SHOULD DO SOMETHING FOR SUCH A POOR DESIGN OF ITS ENGINES. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGSFebruary 7, 2011
WHILE DRIVING ON A HEAVILY TRAVELED ROAD, DRIVER 2 CARS AHEAD OF ME CAME TO A DEAD STOP. VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME HIT BRAKES HARD, I ALSO HIT MY BRAKES HARD, ON WET PAVEMENT. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM DID NOT KICK IN, AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP.MY CAR SLID INTO THE REAR END OF DRIVER IN FRONT OF ME DOING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE. AS I HAD JUST COME THROUGH A TRAFFIC LIGHT, I WAS NOT GOING MORE THAN ABOUT 25 MILES PER HOUR. THE WET PAVEMENT CAUSED MY CAR TO SKID QUITE A WAYS. THE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE INCLUDED THE ENTIRE BUMPER COVER BUCKLING, BOTH OF MY HEADLIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS WERE DAMAGED AND BROKEN OUT. NONE OF THE COMPONENTS WERE PUSHED BACK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. NEITHER THE DRIVER SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. MY PASSENGER WAS JOLTED FORWARD AND ALMOST HIT THE WINDSHIELD DESPITE HAVING SEAT BELT ON. I WAS JOLTED FORWARD AS WELL WITH SEAT BELT ON, AND MY CHEST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL.
SEAT BELTSJanuary 18, 2011
I DRIVE A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE REAR SEATBELTS DO NOT LOCK. I WENT TO MY LOCAL CERTIFIED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER AND SHE CONFIRMED FOR ME WHILE TRYING TO PLACE THE CARSEAT INTO THE VEHICLE. EVERYTIME I TURN THE CARSEAT UNLOCKS FROM THE SEATBELT AND RE-LOCKS ITSELF. MY CHILD IS LITERALLY LAYING O HER SIDE IN THE SEAT. CALLED FORD AND I WAS GOING TO HAVE TO PAY TO GET IN FIXED WHEN THERE IS NO REASON WHY BOTH REAR SEATBELTS SHOULDN'T LOCK. *TR
STRUCTUREJanuary 16, 2011
2001 FORD SPORTTRAC ALL FRAME/BODY MOUNT BUSHING IS DETERIATING BADLY. I THINK ITS VERY SERIOUS. IF I SHOULD HAVE A WREAK OR SOMEONE HITS ME WHILE IM TM TRANSPORTING MY GRANDSON OR WIFE .WHAT HOLDS THE FRAME FROM SWAYING OFF THE TRUCK IS WELL TAKEN CARE OFF . I LIVE IN TEXAS. NO BAD WEATHER CONDITION TO DETERIATE BUSHING . IT SHOULD BE A DEFECTIVE PART. FORD SHOULD RECALL THIS VEHICLE BEFORE IT GETS PEOPLE KILLED. IM DISABLE AND ON A FIXED INCOME CANT AFFORD TO GET IT FIXED. *LN
STRUCTUREJanuary 7, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A BANGING NOISE ON THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL OF THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE TO BE CAUSED BY THE BODY MOUNT INSULATOR WHICH WAS COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
POWER TRAINDecember 17, 2010
THE GUY BEFORE ME (AND MANY BEFORE HIM) EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUES I AM CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING WITH MY 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT: O/D OFF LIGHT BEGINS FLASHING, FEELING LOSS OF POWER AND HARD SHIFTING, ESPECIALLY WHEN TRYING TO GO FROM A COMPLETE STOP. TURN OFF VEHICLE, THEN RESTART PROBLEM GOES AWAY. THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY, BUT MORE OFTEN IN COLD WEATHER. NOTHING COMING UP ON DIAGNOSTIC. *TR
POWER TRAINDecember 14, 2010
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. O/D OFF LIGHT BEGINS FLASHING, FEELING LOSS OF POWER AND HARD SHIFTING, ESPECIALLY WHEN TRYING TO GO FROM A COMPLETE STOP. TURN OFF VEHICLE, THEN RESTART PROBLEM GOES AWAY. THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY, BUT MORE OFTEN IN COLD WEATHER. NOTHING COMING UP ON DIAGNOSTIC. *TR
STRUCTURENovember 19, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH THE STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE MADE A NOISE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE BODY MOUNTS HAD DETERIORATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
SUSPENSIONNovember 16, 2010
THE BODY MOUNT BUSHINGS BEGAN DETERIORATING SEVERAL YEARS AGO. THE REAR FOUR ARE COMPLETELY DETERIORATED AND CAUSING SAFETY/HANDLING PROBLEMS AND SAFETY CONCERNS ARE BEGINNING TO BE AN ISSUE. FORD MECHANICS SAY THERE IS NO RECALL AND WERE NOT AWARE THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM. THIS IS HARD TO BELIEVE SINCE I'VE LOCATED SIMILAR REPORTS ALL OVER THE INTERNET AND I ALSO LOCATED MORE THAN 5 SIMILAR COMPLAINTS IN THIS WEBSITE (10331811, 10220625, 10243054, 10248006, 10193852). PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF FORD WILL BE ISSUING A RECALL. *TR
STRUCTURENovember 2, 2010
I PURCHASED A 2001 FORD SPORT TRAC NEW ON JULY 21, 2001. IT NOW HAS ALMOST 78,000 MILES ON IT. A FEW MONTHS AGO I STARTED NOTICING ALOT ROUGHER RIDE THAN USUAL. AS IT SEEMED TO GET WORSE AND WORSE, I DECIDED TO PUT IT ON A LIFT AND HAVE A LOOK. WHAT I FOUND WAS THAT ALL OF THE CAB BODY MOUNTING BUSHINGS HAVE JUST DETERIORATED. THEY ARE STILL THERE, BUT WILL ACTUALLY CRUMBLE IN YOUR HANDS. AS I KNEW THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, I DECIDED TO LOOK ON THE INTERNET TO SEE IF ANYBODY ELSE HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THE ANSWER IS YES. IT LOOKS LIKE QUIET A NUMBER OF PEOPLE. I CALLED THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP TO ASK IF FORD HAD A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. I EXPLAINED HOW THE BUSHINGS WOULD JUST CRUMBLE IN YOUR HANDS, AND THAT IT WAS ONLY THE CAB BODY BUSHINGS. THE BED BUSHINGS ARE ALMOST LIKE NEW, NOT HARDLY SHOWING ANY SIGNS OF WEAR. I WAS INFORMED THAT I NEEDED TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THEM TO LOOK AT IT, BUT WAS GIVEN THE PHONE NUMBER OF FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE TO CALL THEM AND EXPLAIN THE SITUATION. I CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE AND EXPLAINED IT TO THEM. I WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. I DID THAT, AND WAS INFORMED AT THAT TIME THAT ALL I COULD DO WAS CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE BACK AND SEE IF THEY WOULD HELP ME OUT, SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I CALLED THEM AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY , AND THAT I SHOULD HAVE THE WORK DONE ON IT BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I WOULD GET A 12 MONTH/ 12000 MILE WARRANTY ON THE WORK. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER FOR PRICES ON THE BUSHINGS, I WAS ABOUT FLOORED TO HEAR THAT THEY WOULD COST ABOUT $478.36 PER SIDE, SO THAT IS TIMES 2 SIDES. THEN, THAT DOES NOT EVEN INCLUDE THE NEW BOLTS TAX, OR LABOR. THIS COULD BE A REALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. BUT I EXPLAINED THAT TO FORD'S CUSTOMER SERVICE PEOPLE ALSO, AS THEY COULD SEEM TO CARE LESS. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS NO WAY SHOULD THE BUSHINGS BE DETERIORATED LIKE THIS . *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENTOctober 13, 2010
BRAKES, ROTORS, PADS, ARE NEW... THE EXPLORER SPORT STILL DOES NOT COME TO A FULL STOP ... (2001) MILES 4900, BRAKES GO TO THE FLOOR AND KEEPS GOING 2 TO THREE FEET MORE BEFORE IT STOPS... *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHEROctober 2, 2010
FORD EXPLORER 2001, V8 5.0L ENGINE. THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER SPARK PLUGS HAD RUSTED IN THE IRON BLOCK AND METAL RING SEPARATED FROM THE CERAMIC PART WHEN I TRY TO REMOVE THEM. A BROKEN THREADED PART REMAINED IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. IT HAPPENED ON THE FIRST THREE TRIED. ON FIST TWO I WAS ABLE TO USE A REMOVER TO EXTRACT THE LEFT OVER PART, ON THE THIRD ONE, THE THREADER BROKE IN THE HEAD. I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR TO A MECHANIC SHOP, PULL BOTH CYLINDER HEADS OUT AND REPLACE THE REST OF THE SPARK PLUGS. PORTS NEEDED TO HAVE INSERTS INSTALLED. DEFECT IS DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE SPARK PLUG WITH SHORT THREAD FOLLOWED BY A CYLINDRICAL PART THAT ACCUMULATES MOISTURE AND RUST. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICSeptember 24, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR WHEN ENGAGED, AND THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY IN EXTREMELY WARM WEATHER TEMPERATURES WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY INFORMED THAT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WAS POSITIONED CLOSE TO THE ENGINE WHICH CAUSED THE ABS TO OVERHEAT AND CONTRIBUTED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
STRUCTURESeptember 23, 2010
LEFT HINGE ON THE BACK GLASS KEEPS FALLING OFF. I HAVE REPLACED IT 3 TIMES NOW AND FORD KEEPS SAYING THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH IT. THEY SAY IT MUST BE SOMETHING I'M DOING TO IT. THE RIGHT HINGE IS FINE. *TR
POWER TRAINSeptember 9, 2010
I OWN A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. RECENTLY, IT APPEARS THAT IF I AM GOING A STEADY SPEED OR LEAVING FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THE CAR GOES INTO OVER DRIVE. THIS HAPPENS TO ME A MIN. OF 5 TIMES A DAY. THE BUTTON DOES NOT WORK FOR THE OVER DRIVE, SO EACH TIME THIS HAPPENS, I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN. SOMETIMES THE OD GOES ON MINUTES AFTER I TURN THE CAR OFF AND ON AGAIN. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO GET FIXED BECAUSE THE MECHANICS HAVE TOLD ME IT IS SIGNS OF THE TRANSMISSION FAILING. I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT AND CAN NOT AFFORD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET 3,000 WHEN THE CAR IS ONLY WORTH 6,000 AT BEST. *TR
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAINSeptember 2, 2010
I HAVE A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT WHICH I BOUGHT NEW. I HAVE ALWAYS MAINTAINED IT PROPERLY AND I BABIED THE VEHICLE. I HAVE REPLACED MANY PARTS ON IT IN THE LAST THREE YEARS FROM BALL JOINTS TO HUB ASSEMBLIES MANY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. NOW IT IS MAKING NOISE IN THE REAR END AND MY MECHANIC HAS INFORMED ME THAT THE REAR END MAY GO AT ANY TIME. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND FIND THAT MANY OTHER FORD OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM BUT IT IS NOT CONSIDERED A RECALL. I AM NOT IN THE FINANCIAL SITUATION AT THIS TIME TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AND IT IS MY FEELING WITH SO MANY PEOPLE HAVING THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR EXPLORERS IT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A RECALL. I KNOW THAT THIS WON'T MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO ANYONE AND I'LL JUST HAVE TO STRUGGLE ALONG WITH THE PROBLEM UNTIL I CAN SAVE THE MONEY TO HAVE IT REPAIRED BUT YOU CAN BET IF I HADN'T PAID MY PAYMENTS WHILE THE CAR WAS FINANCED THROUGH FORD MOTOR CREDIT YEARS AGO THAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN REPOED IN NO TIME FLAT. FUNNY HOW THOSE BIG COMPANIES CAN KEEP TRACK OF THOSE THINGS BUT FORGET ABOUT THE SAFETY ISSUES OF THE PRODUCTS THEY PRODUCE. GUESS I'LL HAVE TO GO BACK TO A GRAND PRIX WHEN I MAKE MY NEXT PURCHASE. THE FIELDS TO FILL OUT ASK THE QUESTION "WERE THERE ANY DEATHS OR INJURIES" THERE IS NO WHERE TO CHECK OFF "NOT YET" GO FIGURE.............. *TR
TIRESAugust 27, 2010
WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED VEHICLE'S LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED. DRIVER MADE AN ABRUPT STEERING INPUT THAT CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL. VEHICLE OVERTURNED AND LEFT THE ROADWAY. DRIVER WAS SOLE OCCUPANT AND DID NOT SURVIVE. *TR
SUSPENSION,STRUCTUREAugust 25, 2010
I OWN A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. 2WD. AUTOMATIC. A FEW MONTHS AGO I STARTED HEARING AN ANNOYING SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF MY VEHICLE. I LOOKED UNDERNEATH IT WHEN I GOT HOME. THE BUSHINGS THAT GO IN THE MOUNTS TO SECURE THE CAB OF THE TRUCK TO THE FRAME ARE DETERIORATING. YOU CAN ACTUALLY TOUCH THEM AND THEY WILL FALL APART. I CHECKED WITH A FEW LOCAL AUTO PART STORES AND ALL OVER THE INTERNET TO FIND THAT THOSE BUSHINGS ARE A DEALER ITEM, AND COST ABOUT $35 EACH. ON THE INTERNET I ALSO FOUND THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THESE VEHICLES FOR THE BUSHINGS TO GO BAD. ON EACH CAB MOUNT ON THE FRAME; THERE IS AN UPPER AND LOWER BUSHING. ALL OF THE BUSHINGS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ARE EITHER BAD OR GOING BAD. I CAN'T FIND ANY RECALL FROM FORD ON THESE BUSHINGS. I TOOK MY TRUCK TO A LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP, AND THEY SAID IT WOULD BE AROUND $600 TO REPLACE THESE BUSHINGS. THEY ALSO TOLD ME THAT IF THE PROBLEM GETS WORSE THE CAB OF THE TRUCK COULD SHIFT WHEN TURNING OR ON BUMPY ROADS. I FEEL THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THESE BUSHINGS SINCE IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. I HAVE OWNED MANY VEHICLES AND HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE CAB MOUNT BUSHINGS OR KNOW OF ANYONE WHO HAS HAD TO; EXCEPT ON A FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. I CURRENTLY STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM BECAUSE I CANNOT AFFORD TO EVEN PURCHASE THE BUSHINGS DUE TO FINANCIAL ISSUES. I AM A DO-IT-YOURSELFER AND COULD REPLACE THESE ON MY OWN IF I COULD AFFORD THEM. I FEEL THAT I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO. FORD SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL ON THE AFFECTED MODELS OF THE FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLAugust 16, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SUDDENLY BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT INQUIRED ABOUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE RECALL STATED THAT A FIRE COULD POTENTIALLY START FROM UNDER THE HOOD. LATER, THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS ADDED TO THE RECALL AND HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THE LETTER PERTAINED TO A DIFFERENT VEHICLE HE OWNED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 114,350.
STRUCTUREAugust 9, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE REAR WINDOW THE LIFT GATE FAILED TO OPEN. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WASN'T INCLUDED IN RECALL 04V442000 STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS; THEREFORE THEY WILL NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 126,643.
POWER TRAINJuly 16, 2010
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. O/D OFF LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING, FEELING LOSS OF POWER IN EARLY GEARS, ESPECIALLY WHEN TRYING TO GO FROM A COMPLETE STOP. TURN OFF VEHICLE, NO PROBLEMS UNTIL AFTER DRIVING AGAIN. NOTHING COMING UP ON DIAGNOSTIC. *TR
STRUCTUREJuly 14, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND ENCOUNTERED BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A LOUD RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER TRAVELING OVER BUMPS OR UNEVEN ROAD SURFACES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE REAR INTERNAL PANEL. THE FRONT AND REAR SHOCKS WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURE WHICH THERE WERE NO RESOLUTIONS. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
POWER TRAINJuly 3, 2010
OD LIGHT IS FLASHING AND THE FIRST GEAR SHIFTS REAL HARD. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE FIXED SEVERAL AND THEY GO RIGHT BACK OUT IT WAS A WASTE OF MY TIME.. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO GET KILLED BEFORE U ALL FIX THIS IF U TRY TO TAKE OFF AND IT SLIPS AND WILL NOT GO U CAN AND WILL GET HIT. *TR
POWER TRAINJune 4, 2010
I HAVE A 2001 FORD EXPLORER AND AT FIRST THE TRUCK WOULD SLIP IN AND OUT OF GEARS SO I TOOK IT TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH. I HAD THAT REPLACED ABOUT A MONTH AGO. YESTERDAY, I WAS DRIVING AND THE TRUCK SLIPPED OUT OF DRIVE.... AND IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I PULLED OVER AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE O/D OFF LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. THIS TRUCK IS GOING TO COST ME OVER 2,000 DOLLARS TO FIX AND IT SEEMS AS IF I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS. PLEASE HELP! *TR
SUSPENSIONMay 23, 2010
BODY BUSHING DISINTEGRATED CAUSING INSTABILITY AND RIDE LIKE IN A COVERED WAGON ON A COBBLE STONE STREET. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMay 22, 2010
AT 2100-2300 RPM ON ACCELERATION A PINGING SOUND IS HEARD THAT SOUNDS LIKE SPARK KNOCK (DETONATION). THE ACTUAL CAUSE IS FROM DEFECTIVE TIMING CHAIN GUIDES WHICH ALLOWS SLACK IN THE TIMING CHAINS (4.0 ENGINES HAS ONE IN FRONT AND ONE IN REAR) AND IS CAUSING IT TO RATTLE AND EAT AWAY AT THE GUIDES. THIS IS COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE "RATTLE OF DEATH" ON THE FORD 4.0 ENGINES BECAUSE ONCE THE PLASTIC ON THE GUIDES GETS EATEN AWAY BY THE LOOSE TIMING CHAIN, IT EATS INTO THE METAL SUPPORT AND CREATE METAL SHAVINGS THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE WHICH WILL CAUSE FAILURE, IF THE CHAIN DOES NOT FALL OFF FIRST. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN AND WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM DUE TO CHEAP TIMING CHAIN GUIDES. *TR
SUSPENSIONMay 21, 2010
REAR PASSENGER SIDE LEAF SPRING WAS FOUND TO BE CRACKED AROUND BUSHINGS FRONT AND REAR WHEN REMOVED FOR REPLACEMENT. 3 FORD DEALERS AND 3 OTHER SHOPS COULD NOT SEE THIS OVER A PERIOD OF 90,000 MILES. IT WASN'T TILL THE BUSHINGS ON THE OTHER SIDE STARTED TO WEAR AND I DECIDED TO REPLACE THE ALL THE COMPONENTS THAT IT WAS FOUND WHEN THE LEAF SPRING SUDDENLY FELL OUT AFTER REMOVING THE U-BOLTS. *TR
SUSPENSIONMay 21, 2010
UPPER BALL JOINTS WORN PREMATURELY. *TR
SUSPENSIONMay 21, 2010
LOWER BALL JOINTS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 46000 MILES. TOTALLY CUPPED AND RUINED THE TIRES THAT THEY HAD JUST PUT ON THE VEHICLE FROM THE TIRE RECALL. *TR
TIRESMay 10, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER WITH GOODYEAR WRANGLER RT/S TIRES, SIZE P255/70R16. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE REAR PASSENGERS TIRE WAS FLAT AND THE REMAINING THREE TIRES EXHIBITED SIGNS OF DRY ROTTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL TIRE SHOP. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THEY WOULD TAKE PARTIAL LIABILITY FOR THREE OF THE FOUR TIRES AND THE FOURTH WOULD BE REPLACED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE TIRE MANUFACTURER SHOULD TAKE THE LIABILITY FOR ALL FOUR TIRES. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGES WAS 32,985. THE VEHICLE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 112,461.
STRUCTUREApril 15, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THE COMPOSITE PANEL, WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THE LIFT GATE, BEGAN TO CRACK AND FRACTURE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO OFFER REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE AND ADVISED CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,463 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,438. UPDATED 05/19/10*LJ
POWER TRAINApril 8, 2010
FORD EXPLORER O/D LIGHT FLASHING, TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 5, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED AT 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ELECTRICAL POWER AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE. THE POLICE ARRIVED ON THE SCENE AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP TO BE SERVICED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR SERVICE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 05/21/10.*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE WOULD HAPPEN WHEN FIRST STARTING TO DRIVE. UPDATED 10/14/10*JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 4, 2010
VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING AT THE TIME. VEHICLE DESTROYED BY FIRE. *TR
AIR BAGSMarch 29, 2010
AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS FLASHING OFF AND ON. DON'T KNOW IF AIR BAGS WILL DEPLOY OR NOT IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. FORD HAS A SAFEY MEMO OUT ON THIS PROBLEM, BUT WON'T RECALL BECAUSE THEY SAY IT ISN'T A SAFETY ISSUE. HOW CAN THIS NOT BE A SAFETY ISSUE IF YOU DON'T KNOW IF THE AIR BAGS WILL DEPLOY. *CN
STRUCTUREMarch 22, 2010
BODY MOUNT BUSHINGS ARE DETERIORATING PREMATURELY. *DT
POWER TRAINMarch 9, 2010
'O/D OFF' LIGHT IF BLINKING, ON AND OFF. WHILE LIGHT IS BLINKING THE CAR SEEMS TO BE SLUGGISH AND DOES NOT RESPOND TO THROTTLE PROPERLY. ROUGH SHIFTS WHILE DRIVING. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 8, 2010
AS WITH SO MANY EXPLORERS I HAVE READ ABOUT, MY O/D LIGHT COMES ON AND FLASHES. I LOSE ALL POWER DURING INITIAL ACCELERATION AND THEN THE TRUCK SHOOTS OFF LIKE A ROCKET. IF I TURN THE IGNITION OFF, THE LIGHT RESETS AND THE VEHICLE IS OK FOR A WHILE UNTIL THE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. I HAD THE CODES READ AND IT CAME UP A SOLENOID PROBLEM. I HAD THEM REPLACED AND TEN MILES FROM THE LOT, THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FROM FORD, BUT THEY HAVE YET TO ACT ON THIS ISSUE. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENTMarch 3, 2010
I HAVE A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. AFTER DRIVING FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME,(ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS) WHEN YOU APPLY THE BRAKES THEY SHUDDER VIOLENTLY. AS YOU TRY TO COME TO A STOP AT ANY TIME THE BRAKES GO IN ANTI- LOCK MODE AND THEN GIVE OUT!! YOU HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKES TO GET THEM TO HOLD. IT IS VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS SITUATION. I HAD THE BRAKES REPAIRED AT MY FORD DEALER (FETTE FORD, CLIFTON NJ) NOT THAT MANY MILES AGO. AND THEY TELL YOU THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND IT'S MY BAD DRIVING HABITS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. THERE IS A WEBSITE (FORDBRAKES.COM) WHERE HUNDREDS OF DRIVERS DESCRIBE THE SAME PROBLEMS AND SIMILAR LIES TOLD TO THEM BY FORD SERVICE DEPTS. WHEN THIS STORY FINALLY GETS OUT AND WE START REALIZING HOW MANY ACCIDENTS, INJURIES, AND MAYBE DEATHS HAVE OCCURRED OVER THE PAST DOZEN YEARS. IT WILL PROBABLY RIVAL THE TOYOTA COVER-UP. PLEASE TAKE ACTION AND INVESTIGATE NOW!!! *TR
POWER TRAINFebruary 26, 2010
TRANSMISSIONS IN EXPLORER SPORT TRACS 2001 ARE NOT VERY RELIABLE, I AM HAVING TO PUT A 2ND ONE IN WITH ONLY 126,000 MILES. FORD SHOULD ADDRESS THE ISSUE WITH ALL TRANSMISSIONS IN THE EXPLORER. I WILL NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD, NOR WILL I TELL ANYBODY ELSE, MAYBE THEY SHOULD HAVE TAKEN A BAIL-OUT FROM THE GOVERNMENT TO FIX THERE CARS. *TR
SUSPENSION,STRUCTUREFebruary 26, 2010
THE EMAILS BELOW CHRONICLE MY ATTEMPT TO HAVE THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY ADDRESS WHAT I FEEL TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE COMPONENTS THAT ARE THE SUBJECT TO THE INQUIRY ARE PART OF THE STEERING. ANY FAILURE OF THESE COMPONENTS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE RUBBER BODY MOUNT, STRUT AND CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS ON MY 2001 SPORT TRAC 4WD ARE CRUMBLING. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT CORRECTIVE ACTION THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS TAKING TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. [XXX] THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER REGARDING THE CONCERNS YOU HAVE WITH YOUR 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WE HAVE REVIEWED THE SITUATION, AND UNFORTUNATELY, THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, FIELD SERVICE ACTIONS/CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAMS ON YOUR VEHICLE THAT WOULD PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR THIS REPAIR. HOWEVER, WE DO SUGGEST THAT THE REPAIR BE DONE BY A FORD/LINCOLN-MERCURY DEALERSHIP WHERE THE TECHNICIANS ARE TRAINED TO PUT YOUR VEHICLE BACK INTO FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS, AND ANY FORD PARTS REPLACED WILL COME WITH A 12 MONTHS/12,000 MILES WARRANTY. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT A DIAGNOSTIC FEE MAY BE CHARGED. IF ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED, WE SUGGEST THAT YOU CONTACT THE CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP/SERVICE MANAGER. THEY WILL FURTHER ASSIST IN FACILITATING YOUR SERVICE/REPAIR NEEDS. YOUR NEXT STEPS ARE TO DISCUSS THIS REPAIR WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AT YOUR DEALERSHIP. SHOULD YOU FEEL THAT WE HAVE NOT ADEQUATELY ADDRESSED YOUR QUESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US VIA TELEPHONE AT (800)392-3673 BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8AM AND 5PM, LOCAL TIME, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR 10 DIGIT REFERENCE NUMBER - [XXX] . SINCERELY, [XXX] CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *TR
STRUCTUREFebruary 6, 2010
2001 FORD SPORT TRAC BODY MOUNTS HAVE ALL DETERATED AND FALLEN OFF. VERY SERIOUS MATTER WHEN BODY MIGHT BREAK OFF. *CN
SEAT BELTSFebruary 3, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. SHE STATED THAT THE DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED. SHE WAS NOT ABLE TO TAKE THE SEAT BELT OFF.THE CONTACT STATED SHE WILL TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER OR A GARAGE FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED SHE WILL CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER .THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 172,236.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESJanuary 25, 2010
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT: DOOR SUDDENLY STOPPED UNLOCKING WITH THE KEY. I HAVE SINCE DISCOVERED HUNDREDS OF OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS WITH THE SAME STORY. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I TRANSPORT MY 10 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER IN THIS CAR, AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO BE LOCKED OUT WITHOUT WARNING DURING THE WINTER. *TR
VISIBILITYJanuary 11, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FELL INSIDE THE DOOR. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THE HE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING FOR THE REPAIRS. THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS OR WARRANTIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. UPDATED 02/02/10 *BF UPDATED 02/05/10.*JB
POWER TRAINJanuary 8, 2010
MY 2001 FORD EXPLORERS TRANSMISSION IS HAVING SHIFTING PROBLEMS FOLLOWED BY IT'S OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHING. I TALKED TO SEVERAL FORD TRANSMISSION FRIENDS AND THEY ADVISED ME TO INSTALL A UPGRADE KIT IN THE VALVE BODY. THIS WAS DONE, FLUID AND FILTER CHANGED, TO NO AVAIL. THE LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY FLASHES AND THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING WEIRD. AFTER READING SEVERAL POSTS ON SEVERAL SITES REGARDING THIS PROBLEM, I AM AT A LOSS AT WHAT TO DO. SEVERAL PEOPLE STATED THAT THEY WENT TO THE EXTENT OF REPLACING THE TRANSMISSIONS WITH NEW ONES AND THE LIGHT STILL FLASHING AND HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. MY EXPLORER HAS 60K MILES ON IT AND THIS PROBLEM STARTED AT ONLY 50K MILES, TO ME THIS IS A PROBLEM FORD SHOULD ACKNOWLEDGE, AND ALLOW SOME COMPENSATION TO IT'S LOYAL CUSTOMERS. *TR
AIR BAGSJanuary 7, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO THE DIVIDER ON THE HIGHWAY. DURING THE CRASH NONE OF THE AIR BAGS IN THE VEHICLE DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO FILE A COMPLAINT AND THE MANUFACTURER DISCONNECTED THE CALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIRS TO THIS VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
WHEELSDecember 28, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CHROME STEEL WHEELS HAVE EXTERIOR CORROSION. THIS CONDITION HAS CAUSED THE TIRES TO LOSE AIR PRESSURE. THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED TWICE BEFORE. SHE WAS ADVISED BY A TECHNICIAN AT THE DEALER TO PAY $257.00. TO REPLACE BOTHER REAR TIRES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
VISIBILITYDecember 6, 2009
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT 2 DOORS BLEND DOOR BROKEN NO HEAT. *TR
SEATSDecember 4, 2009
THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS LOOSE AND TILTS TO THE RIGHT. THERE IS CLEARLY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WAY IT IS AFFIXED TO THE VEHICLE. THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM HAS A DEFECT CAUSING THIS LOOSENESS. THE DEGREE OF LOOSENESS HAS INCREASED SINCE IT BECAME CLEARLY APPARENT IN FEBRUARY OF 2009; 5 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. IT IS NOW EVEN MORE LOOSE AND THERE IS CLEARLY A PROBLEM THAT COULD LEAD TO HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS IF NOT FIXED BY THE DEALER. I WAS LIED TO AT THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, I REQUESTED CARFAX REPEATEDLY, BUT WAS NEVER PROVIDED WITH ONE. I REQUESTED A CAR MANUAL REPEATEDLY, BUT WAS NEVER GIVEN ONE. I OBTAINED A CARFAX ON MY OWN THAT SHOWS THE DEALER LIED ABOUT THE NUMBER OF PREVIOUS OWNERS, THE SERVICE OF ONE FORD RECALL, AND THE EXISTENCE OF A SECOND FORD RECALL. THAT IS THE SEAT RECLINING MECHANISM. THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL 03S04, DATED AUGUST 2003. CERTAIN 2001-2002 MODEL YEAR 2-DOOR EXPLORER/EXPLORER SPORT* VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HIGH BACK SEATS, BUT AT THE LOUISVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM JOB #1, 2001 THROUGH JOB LAST 2002. IN 2001, THE EXPLORER 2-DOOR WAS RENAMED EXPLORER SPORT. AFFECTED VEHICLES ARE IDENTIFIED OASIS. IN ADDITION, FOR A LIST OF VEHICLES ASSIGNED TO YOUR DEALERSHIP, VISIT THE WEBSITE. THIS INFORMATION WAS MADE AVAILABLE ON APRIL 5, 2006. SOME OF THE VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS PROGRAM WILL RECEIVE ONE LETTER DESCRIBING BOTH PROGRAMS. FOR CUSTOMERS CONVENIENCE, PLEASE COMPLETE BOTH PROGRAMS 03S03 AND 03S04 DURING ONE CUSTOMER VISIT. THE REASON FOR THIS SAFETY RECALL IS IN SOME OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, A BOLT THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE DRIVER SEAT BACK FRAME MAY FRACTURE. IF THIS CONDITION WERE TO OCCUR, THE CUSTOMER MAY EXPERIENCE LOOSENESS OR NOISE IN THE SEAT. IN EXTREME CASES THE SEAT BACK MAY RECLINE UNTIL IT MAKES CONTACT WITH AN OBJECT BEHIND THE SEAT OR THE SECOND ROW CUSHION. THE OCCUPANT COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH. *TR
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 16, 2009
I HAVE A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT THAT THE 4X4 CONTROL MODULE CONSTANTLY MALFUNCTIONS. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT IS WIDESPREAD AND COULD CAUSE MAJOR ACCIDENTS BY LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DURING OPERATION IN THE WINTER MONTHS ON SNOW/ ICE. IF YOU RESEARCH THIS YOU'LL FIND THE PROBLEM EXISTED FROM WHEN THESE WERE NEW VEHICLES AND FORD HAS NO RESOLUTION TO FIX THIS PROBLEM OTHER THAN REPLACE IT WITH ANOTHER DEFECTIVE PART. FORD'S DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER DOESN'T EVEN RECOGNIZE THERE IS A FAILURE IN THE SYSTEM CREATING AN EVEN LARGER DANGER SINCE HERE'S NO WAY TO TRACE THE PROBLEM WHEN TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUED IMMEDIATELY. FORD AND MOTOROLA HAVE DESIGNED AND INSTALLED A DEFECTIVE PART THAT CAN KILL PEOPLE IF NOT FIXED AND HAS PROBABLY CAUSED HUNDREDS OF ACCIDENTS ALREADY. THE FORD PART NUMBER IS 1L54-7H417-AC AND THE MOTOROLA MODEL NUMBER IS 01MP207C01 AND IT IS DESCRIBED AS THE 4X4 CONTROL MODULE. *TR
STRUCTUREOctober 30, 2009
THE RUBBER BODY MOUNT,STRUT AND CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS ON MY 2001 SPORT TRAC 4WD ARE CRUMBLING. *TR
SUSPENSIONSeptember 21, 2009
I HAVE A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC AND THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT WHEEL BEARING HAS GONE OUT SEVERAL TIMES AND NO ONE KNOWS WHAT THE PROBLEM IS WHY DON'T THEY PUT SEALED BEARINGS SO YOU DON,T HAVE TO CHANGE THEM EVERY 6 MONTHS. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 3, 2009
WE BECAME THE OWNERS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC THROUGH A FAMILY MEMBER, AND FOUND THAT THE SIGNAL BLINKERS DO NOT WORK WHEN THE STEERING COLUMN IS ADJUSTED. THE FAMILY MEMBER NEVER KNEW SHE COULD ADJUST THE STEERING COLUMN (SHE IS 74 YEARS OLD). I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY DECLINED THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE BLINKERS WORK FINE AS LONG AS THE STEERING COLUMN REMAINS IN THE TOP UPRIGHT UNADJUSTED POSITION. I RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND SEVERAL OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED WITH THE SAME PROBLEM IN OTHER FORD TRUCKS AS WELL SUCH AS THE FORD 150 PICKUP TRUCK. YET, FORD CLAIMS THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. OUR FORD DEALER HAS CLOSED LOCALLY. I AM INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT IF THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
STRUCTUREAugust 27, 2009
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC VEHICLES HAS BADLY DETERIORATING CAB MOUNT BUSHINGS. (THESE BUSHINGS CONNECT THE CAB TO THE FRAME.) ON MY VEHICLE THEY HAVE ALMOST TOTALLY FALLEN APART. THEY CRUMBLE WHEN TOUCHED AND SOME ARE TOTALLY MISSING. THIS CAN CAUSE A BODY SWAY OF UP TO 3-4 INCHES. THERE IS NO RECALL OR SERVICE BULLETIN ON THIS ISSUES ACCORDING TO FORD. I RESEARCHED THIS ON THE INTERNET AND HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. COST OF REPAIR IS ABOUT $600.00. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGSJuly 12, 2009
01 FORD EXP SPORT TRAC 4X4 WITH REAR RADIO/AC CONTROLS AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT DOES NOT GO OUT AND KEEPS POPPING FUSE (LOCATION FOR FAN BLOWER) AND BLOWER INOP EVEN WITH HIGHER AMP FUSES. HAPPENS CHANGE WEATHER COLD/HOT AND ROUGH ROADS. JIGGLE WIRE HARNESS UNDER DASH/CENTER CONSOLE AREA CORRECTS (TEMP). CAN NOT TROUBLE SHOOT AIRBAG MOD WHEN FUSE BLOWN. AC INOP WHEN FUSE BLOWN. *TR
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESJune 5, 2009
THE LOCKS AND DOOR LATCH ON MY 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT OBVIOUSLY DO NOT WORK! THE FIRST PROBLEM IS THAT WHILE I'M DRIVING, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL FLY OPEN IF I HIT A BUMP, DRIVE OVER RAILROAD TRACKS OR TURN TOO HARD. MY DOOR HAS OPENED ON THE INTERSTATE, IN ON-COMING TRAFFIC, AND HAS ALMOST HIT OTHER CARS OR OBJECTS. ANY TIME I CLOSE THE PASSENGER OR REAR DOORS, THE DRIVER DOOR WILL POP OPEN. THE SECOND PROBLEM IS THAT THE LOCKS DON'T KEEP THE DOORS SECURED. MY DOOR WILL STILL FLY OPEN EVEN IF THE LOCK IS DOWN. THIS PAST MONDAY, I LEFT MY CAR LOCKED (OR ATLEAST IT APPEARED TO BE LOCKED) IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE AND WITHIN 30 MINUTES SOMEONE HAD BROKEN IN AND STOLEN EVERYTHING. HE APPARENTLY JUST LIFTED THE DOOR HANDLE BECAUSE THERE WAS NO SIGN OF FORCED ENTRY. HE STOLE MY CD PLAYER, CHECKBOOKS, INSURANCE & REGISTRATION CARDS, CASH, AND EVERYTHING ELSE HE COULD CARRY. THE LOCKS AND DOORS ON MY CAR HAVE BEEN AN INCREDIBLE INCONVENIENCE AND SAFETY PROBLEM FOR ME FOR ALMOST 3 YEARS. THE ESTIMATES THAT HAVE BEEN OFFERED ARE TOO EXPENSIVE FOR ME TO AFFORD AS I AM A RECENT COLLEGE GRADUATE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJune 4, 2009
WHEN I HAVE USED MY SPEED CONTROL I HAVE HAD SMOKE COME OUT OF THE TOP OF MY STEERING COLUMN TWICE. THE SMOKE COMES THROUGH THE HOLE FOR MY EMERGENCY LIGHT BUTTON ON THE TOP OF MY STEERING COLUMN. THIS HAPPENED RECENTLY FOR THE THIRD TIME. THE FORD DEALER IS CHARGING $652.63 TO REPLACE THE WIRE HARNESS AND THE SWITCH THAT CONTROLS WIPERS, HAZARD LIGHTS, BLINKERS, ETC. THE RECALL WAS REPLACED, AND THEY SAY THE TWO ARE NOT RELATED. APPARENTLY THIS COULD CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE AS WOULD THE RECALL PART. THE SUV IS A FORD EXPLORER 2001 V8 XLT. *TR
POWER TRAINMay 13, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT KEPT ILLUMINATING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. THE SHIFT SOLENOID WAS REPLACED, BUT BEGAN TO FAIL 4,000 MILES LATER. THE FORD MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT COULD NOT ASSIST BECAUSE IT WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
AIR BAGSApril 24, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. HE STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY AND BLINKS WHEN THERE IS NO PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. THE DEALER WILL NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE WITHOUT THE CONTACT PAYING A FEE. THE LIGHT HAS BEEN ILLUMINATED FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94144. UPDATED 05/11/09. *LJ UPDATED 05/12/09.*JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 4, 2009
FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WARP AND BRAKES ARE BAD WITHIN 13,000 MILES. PROBLEM HAS RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. APPARENTLY THE BRAKES FOR THE HEAVIER FORD SPORT TRAC MODEL ARE FROM THE LIGHTER FORD RANGER AND UNDERSIZED. BRAKES FAILING ON THIS SHORT INTERVAL COULD LEAD TO DRIVERS ON THE ROAD WITH TOTALLY INADEQUATE BRAKING CAPACITY. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 20, 2009
2001 FORD EXPLORER TIMING CHAIN RATTLE AND FAILURE. ON 4.0L SOHC. THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM ON FORUMS. FORD NEEDS TO HAVE A RECALL OF THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS MOTOR ISSUE OR REIMBURSE PEOPLE THAT NEED TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTINGMarch 16, 2009
NO REAL EVENT LEADS TO THIS FAILURE. PROBLEM IS THE "DOOR AJAR" LIGHT ON THE DASH. IT DETECTS WHETHER A DOOR IS PARTIALLY OPEN. THE SWITCH IN ONE OF THE DOORS FAILS FOR NO REASON. WHEN IT SENSES THIS FALSELY, THE DASH WARNING LIGHT COMES ON & BEEPS A TONE & QUITE OFTEN THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS TURN ON. THE DEALER SAYS TO LUBRICATE THE DOOR LATCHES & WORK THEM SEVERAL TIMES. I'VE DONE THAT MANY TIMES & IT DOES NOT HELP. WHEN THE SWITCH FAILS & THE LIGHT COMES ON, IT MAY BE BRIEF BUT OTHER TIMES, I'LL PARK THE TRUCK & WALK AWAY & THE LIGHT REMAINS ON FOR QUITE A LONG TIME. I'M SURE I'LL COME OUT TO A DEAD BATTERY ONE DAY. PLEASE CHECK THIS OUT. I HAVE SEEN HUNDREDS OF OTHER REPORTS LIKE THIS ON THE INTERNET - FOR VARIOUS FORD MODEL CARS & TRUCKS. THE LIGHT COMING ON IS VERY DISTRACTING AND COULD BE DANGEROUS. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLFebruary 22, 2009
1. LYING IN BED ONLY TO BE AWOKEN BY BOOM (TIRE BLOWING OUT) AT 5:00 A.M. 2. FAILURE WAS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH, ALSO KNOWN AS A "BRAKE PRESSURE SWITCH...IGNITED SETTING VEHICLE ON FIRE 3. NOTHING DONE...VEHICLE WAS TOTALED IN FIRE. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFebruary 9, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT HEARD RATTLING NOISES IN THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BODY SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT SHE NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT GOT A SECOND OPINION AND WAS INFORMED THAT A NEW ENGINE WAS NEEDED. A THIRD REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN AND CAMSHAFT WERE THE CAUSES OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE MODIFIED AND WERE DEFECTIVE; THEREFORE, ENTIRELY NEW PARTS WERE NEEDED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE AS HAVING ENGINE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 135,000.
SUSPENSIONDecember 18, 2008
2001 FORD SPORT TRAC 49,000 MILES HAVE HAD LOWER BALL JOINTS REPLACED TWO YRS AGO AND YESTERDAY 12-17-2008 HAD THE UPPERS REPLACED. ALL FOUR WERE PERM SEALED TYPE. I AM 64YRS OLD AND HAVE NEVER BEFORE HAD BALL JOINT PROBLEMS. PLEASE FORCE CAR COMPANIES TO GO BACK TO GREASE FITTINGS ON SUCH AN IMPORTANT PART OF A VEHICLE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 22, 2008
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. AFTER 4 HOURS LATER THE CAR WAS BURNING. CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT... *TR
STRUCTURENovember 8, 2008
2001 FORD EXPLORER BODY MOUNTS. COMPLETELY DETERIORATED. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLNovember 8, 2008
AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM WITH MY 2001 FORD EXPLORE I DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2001 FORD EXPLORER WITH THE SPEED CONTROL ACTIVATION SWITCH. MY SPEED CONTROL ACTIVATION SWITCH IS MALFUNCTIONING AND THEIR HAS BEEN A RECALL IN PLACE FOR QUITE SOMETIME AND I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. THE RECALL # IS 07V336000. *TR
VISIBILITYNovember 4, 2008
I WAS ON MIRAMAR RD. & MY BACK WINDOW IN MY 2001 FORD EXPLORER EXPLODED. NOT A TINY, LITTLE CRACK, BUT A LOUD, TERRIFYING EXPLOSION WITH FLYING GLASS. THANK GOD I WAS ON MY WAY TO PICK UP MY 9 YEAR OLD NIECE & 4 YR OLD NEPHEW AND THEY WERE NOT ALREADY IN MY BACK SEAT. GLASS WOULD HAVE FLEW INTO THEIR HEAD ON THE BACK SEAT OR I COULD HAVE GOTTEN INTO A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT. THE GLASS DID NOT REACH THE FRONT, BUT WAS ALL OVER THE CARGO AREA OF THE CAR, INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. (I TOOK SOME PICTURES) I PULLED OVER AND LUCKILY A MAN AT A LOCAL AUTO SHOP HELPED ME TAPE THE HANGING PARTS WITH GLASS TO THE CAR AND CLEAN UP THE GLASS SO I CAN GET THE VEHICLE HOME. I WAS IN COMPLETE SHOCK. AS I LOOKED ONLINE FOR WHAT TO DO AND FORD INFORMATION I FOUND SIMILAR INSTANCES. APPARENTLY, I WASN'T ALONE IN THIS SITUATION. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE EXPLORERS AND IN ALL SITUATIONS FORD IS REFUSING THE RESPONSIBILITY. FIRST, I CONTACTED THE LOCAL POWAY PERRY FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND WAS TOLD BY CHRISTINE THAT UNLESS I WANTED TO SPEND AROUND $450 THERE WAS NOTHING SHE OR ANYONE CAN DO. NEXT, I CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER CARE CENTER WHERE PAT AND HER SUPERVISOR ROBERT (66360) GAVE ME THE WARRANTY SPEECH AND A FEW DIFFERENT WEBSITES TO RESEARCH FOR RECALLS ISSUES AS TO GET ME OFF OF THE PHONE. I LET THEM KNOW THAT THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, FOR WHICH NEITHER REALLY CARED TO COMMENT ON AND KEPT RIVETING BACK TO THE MANUAL. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE WAY I WAS SPOKEN TO AND THIS SITUATION IN GENERAL. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT CAN RESULT IN POSSIBLE ACCIDENTS INVOLVING DEATH. I WOULD LIKE FOR FORD TO NOT ONLY RESOLVE MY ISSUE BY FIXING MY BACK WINDOW WITHOUT ANY CHARGES, BUT ALSO DO SOME RESEARCH AND FIGURE OUT WHAT IT IS THAT IS CAUSING THIS IN ALL THE CASES THAT WERE PRESENTED. *TR
STRUCTUREOctober 16, 2008
THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF MY FORD THE CAB MOUNT HAS RIPPED APART THE STEEL MOUNT HAS FAILED. THE CAB IS IN DANGER OF LEAVING THE FRAME. THE BODY SHOP TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT AND IS VERY DANGEROUS. THE TRUCK HAS ONLY 74534 MIL. 2001. I'M THE ONLY OWNER, THE TRUCK IS GARAGE KEPT AND VERY WELL MAINTAINED. THIS TRUCK WAS BUILT IN OCT. 2000 AND I BOUGHT THE TRUCK IN NOV. 2000. *TR
POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENTOctober 14, 2008
FORD PART # 1L24-7H473-AG VENDOR # M799G MOTOROLA MODEL # 01MU152B06 DATE CODE 01211 SERIAL # 21396939
VISIBILITYOctober 14, 2008
FORD EXPLORER 2001 BLEND DOOR NEEDS REPLACED. CAR IS IN GREAT CONDITION EXCEPT FOR THIS PROBLEM WHICH IS A SAFETY ISSUE I FOUND OUT EARLY ONE MORNING ON A COLD DAY WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WOULD NOT DEFROST AND I COULD NOT SEE THREW IT WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY. I KEPT PULLING OVER TO WIPE THE WINDOWS AND HEADED BACK HOME. I HAVE MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH FORD SERVICE AND I KNOW IT'S GOING TO COST ALOT. AFTER RESEARCHING ON THE WEB I LEARNED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL BECAUSE IT IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE AND IT IS SO COMMON OF A PROBLEM. THANK YOU, CHRISTINE *TR
SUSPENSIONSeptember 22, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD AT ANY SPEED, IT FEELS AS IF THERE ARE NO SHOCK ABSORBERS ON THE VEHICLE. TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BUSHINGS WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. UPDATED 10/30/08. *LJ UPDATED 10/30/08.*JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLSeptember 18, 2008
MY FORD EXPLORER 2001 HAD A RECALL NOTICE LAST YEAR REGARDING CRUISE CONTROL. I TOOK MY VEHICLE INTO BREMEN FORD IN BREMEN, IN TO HAVE IT DISCONNECTED. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD GET THE PART IN SHORTLY. THIS WAS IN NOVEMBER OF 2007. IN APRIL I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD STATING THE PROBLEM SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIXED OR WILL BE SHORTLY THROUGH THE SUMMER. AS YET, IT IS GOING ON A YEAR AND I HAVE HEARD ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ABOUT THE PARTS OR GETTING MY TRUCK FIXED. WHAT SEEMS TO BE THE PROBLEM. I HEARD THERE WERE NOT ENOUGH PARTS TO GO AROUND. WHAT DOES THIS SAFE FOR YOUR COMPANY? YOU SHOULD NOT SENT OUT A NOTICE UNLESS YOU INTEND TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. HOW MUCH LONGER AM I SUPPOSED TO WAIT? *TR
POWER TRAINSeptember 2, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING ON AND OFF. THE CONTACT HAD TO STOP THE VEHICLE EVERYTIME THE BLINKING OCCURRED. THE TRANSMISSION SWITCHED FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR EACH TIME THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,491 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,427.
SEATSAugust 30, 2008
MY 4 DOOR EXPLORER IS EQUIPPED WITH RECLINER HIGH BACK SEATS. ABOUT A 2 MONTHS AGO I WAS DRIVING AND THE SEAT ON THE FRONT LEFT HAND (DRIVER SIDE) IT RECLINE WITH OUT WARNING UNTIL IS CAME IN CONTACTED WITH THE SECOND ROW SEAT CUSHION. I WENT TO A FORD DEALER SHIP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR SUCH PROBLEM. I HAVE SEND AND MADE CALLS AND SEND LETTERS TO FORD, BUT THEY HAVE FAIL TO ANSWER ANY OF MY LETTERS. *TR
STRUCTUREAugust 30, 2008
I HAVE A 2001 EXPLORER AND THE PAINT HAS BEEN PEELING OFF FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS. IF I WASH IT WITH HIGH PRESSURE, THE PAINT WILL BLOW OFF THE HOOD. PAINT HAS BUBBLED AND COME OFF ON THE HOOD, TAILGATE AND BOTH QUARTER PANELS OVER THE REAR WHEELS. I HAND WASH IT AT THIS POINT TO MINIMIZE MORE PAINT LOSS. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJuly 28, 2008
THIS IS A 7 YEAR OLD VEHICLE AND IT SEEMS AS THOUGH RECALLS CONTINUE. THIS VEHICLE HAS A CHAIN GUIDE PROBLEM THAT SEEMS TO BE MAJOR. WE NOW EITHER NEED A NEW MOTOR OR WE HAVE TO HAVE IT REPLACED FOR 2,500.00 EVERYWHERE WE CHECK. MAJOR PROBLEM. NOT THAT OLD OF A VEHICLE. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJune 12, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE CRUISE CONTROL. SHE BEGAN HEARING A CLICKING NOISE AND SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. HE DEACTIVATED THE CRUISE CONTROL, BUT THE BURNING SMELL PERSISTED. THE CONTACT DID NOT CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. HE RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE THREE MONTHS AGO, BUT THE SWITCH WAS NEVER DISCONNECTED OR REPAIRED. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) WAS REFERENCED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 80,016.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJune 12, 2008
WIFE PARKED EXPLORER IN GARAGE, 20 MIN LATER HEARD A LOUD NOISE THEN NOTICED THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. LUCKILY, WE WERE ABLE TO SAVE OUR HOME AND EVERYONE IS ALRIGHT. CAR IS COMPLETELY TOTALED AND OUR GARAGE IS A DISASTER. *TR
POWER TRAINJune 4, 2008
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, WITHIN HOURS THE TRANSMISSION STARTED NOT CATCHING...WOULD REV BETWEEN 2-3K RPM OR AROUND 30 MPH BUT NOT ACCELERATE. THEN O/D LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. ALL OUT OF THE BLUE.
STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITYMay 31, 2008
THERE'S NO FAILURE JUST RUDE AND LACK OF COMMUNICATION WITH WORKERS. ON 12/21/07 I TOOK MY LETTER OF THE RECALL FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL TO GRANDE TRUCK CENTER ON INTERSTATE 10 @ W.W.WHITE RD."GARY RANDALL AND FINALLY GOT THE REPLACE MENT ON 05/29/08. MR. RANDALL EXPLAINED WHAT WAS TO TAKE PLACE AFTER I ASKED HIM WHY DID THE WORKER TEAR MY CRUISE CONTROL BUTTON(THE PLASTIC) HE STATED 'NO HE SHOULD HAVE LOOKED INSIDE BUT UNDER THE HOOD-MY CRUISE CONTROL PLASTIC FELL OF AND I JUST ASSUME THAT IT WAS A PART OF THE REPLACEMENT OF THE RECALL SO I LEFT IT IN THE CAR UNTIL THE RECALL WAS DONE-TO FIND OUT THE PLASTIC WAS NOT REPLACEABLE BY THE ONE WHO BROKE/TORE/CUT IT. AFTER THE JOB WAS FINISHED THE RUDE WORKER JUST SLAMMED THE HOOD CLOSE AND WALKED AWAY-VERY RUDE. POOR REPRESENTATION OF THE FORD COMPANY-RACE HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN ISSUE WITH THESE TYPE PEOPLE THAT SHOULD NOT BE WORKING IN THE PUBLIC-NOW I WOULD LET THEM DO NOTHING ELSE TO MY VEHICLE AGAIN NOT EVEN RECALL. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMay 12, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE EGR SENSOR FAILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS AVAILABLE PERTAINING TO HIS VIN; THEREFORE, IT WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL NUMBER 02M01S6. THE CONTACT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
EQUIPMENTApril 29, 2008
IN NOVEMBER 2007 I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. I PROMPTLY CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALER AND PLACED MY NAME ON THE "WAIT" LIST. I HAVE CALLED THREE TIME SINCE AUGUST AND HAVE BEEN ASSURED EACH TIME THAT I AM STILL ON THE LIST; HOWEVER, MANUFACTURER HAS NOT SHIPPED THE PART FOR MY 2001 FORD SPORT TRAC. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 22, 2008
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT - INTERMITTENT LOCKING OF THE BRAKES WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO PULL HARD TO THE LEFT, CREATING AN UNCONTROLLABLE VEHICLE. THIS INTERMITTENT LOCKING CAN OCCUR AT ANY SPEED INCLUDING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY VERY DANGEROUS. VEHICLE CAN NOT BE SOLD AS IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, FORD MOTOR COMPANY DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THE VEHICLE. SEPTEMBER 2004 - 30,173 MILES. CUSTOMER STATES VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT WHEN BRAKING. TECHNICIAN COULDN'T DUPLICATE PROBLEM. OCTOBER 2004 - 30,400 MILES. CUSTOMER STATES VEHICLE IS PULLING HARD TO LEFT WHEN BRAKING AT TIMES. TECHNICIAN COMMENTS "FOUND VEHICLE PULLING TO LEFT AND FELT POP IN PEDAL AND VEH STARTED BRAKING STRAIGHT, CHECKED BRAKES FOUND RIGHT INNER BRAKE PAD STUCK TRIED TO REPLACE BRAKE HARDWARE. REPLACED PADS TO GET HARDWARE KIT INSTALLED HARDWARE KIT AND NEW PADS AGAIN DROVE THE VEHICLE VEHICLE FOUND VEHICLE STOPS STRAIGHT." NOVEMBER 1, 2004 - CUSTOMER STATED THAT VEHICLE PULL HARD TO THE LEFT WHEN BRAKING AT TIMES SERVICE COMPLETED BRAKE SERVICE - CALIPER ASY - BRAKE - LESS PAD - FLUID BRAKE - HUB ASY - WHEEL NOVEMBER 8, 2004 - 31,311 MILES. - CUSTOMER STATED BRAKES PULL TO THE LEFT AND LOCK UP! NEW PARTS AND ITEMS WORKED ON: ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM CONTROL AND MODULE, PIN POINT TEST, ANTI LOCK MODULE - REPLACE, SOLENOID VALVE BLOCK / HCU - REPLACE 5/9/2007 - 6/8/07, MILES 62,013 - FORD HAD THE VEHICLE FOR ONE MONTH, LISTED BELOW ARE THE ITEMS THAT WERE REPAIRED FOR THE SAME HARD PULLING TO THE LEFT INTERMITTENTLY. - REPLACED FRONT AND REAR ROTORS - REPLACED BOTH FRONT BALL JOINTS, ALIGNED FRONT END 6/14 - 6/20/07, MILES 62,326. - VEHICLE TAKEN HOME BY TECHNICIAN TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM - INSPECTED FRONT CALIPER PISTONS - BLED FRONT BRAKES FOR ANY AIR - INSPECTED FRONT WHEEL BEARING FOR LOOSENESS/ BINDING *WE HAVE A LETTER FROM FORD STATING THAT THEY CAN NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AND THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE FOR DRIVING. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLApril 8, 2008
AS OF APRIL 2008, FORD STILL HAS NOT SHIPPED THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH RECALL. THE RECALL WAS SENT OUT IN AUGUST 2008! FIRST, I WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS WOULD ARRIVE IN DECEMBER OF 2007. THEN IN DECEMBER 2007, I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE NEXT APRIL. NOW I AM TOLD IT WILL BE JUNE 2008. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMarch 29, 2008
FORD SENT ME A NOTICE IN THE JULY/AUGUST 2007 TIME FRAME ADVISING ME OF A RECALL ON MY FORD SPORT TRAC FOR A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE THAT COULD LEAD TO AN ENGINE FIRE. SEVEN (7) MONTHS LATER MY DEALER IN SPRINGFIELD, VA STILL DOES NOT HAVE THE REPLACEMENT PARTS. THIS IS TOTALLY UN-ACCEPTABLE. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMarch 26, 2008
RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE IN AUGUST 2007 FOR PROBLEMS WITH SPEED CONTROL ON 2001 FORD EXPLORER. CALLED LOCAL FORD DEALER, WAS TOLD NO PARTS SHIPPED FROM FORD YET, WILL BE DECEMBER BEFORE THEY GET THEM. CALLED IN JAN 08, STILL NO PARTS, WILL BE MARCH BEFORE THEY GET THEM, CALLED MARCH 26, 2008 WAS TOLD NO PART SHIPPED, WILL BE END OF MAY AT THE EARLIEST. FORD MOTOR COMPANY KNEW OF THE PROBLEM WAY BEFORE THE RECALL NOTICES WERE SENT OUT IN AUGUST 07. FORD WOULD HAVE SPENT MONTHS DENYING THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND THEN MORE TIME TRYING TO FIND A WORK AROUND BEFORE FINALLY ADMITTING THEY HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO FOLLOW GOV.'T GUIDELINES AND DO A RECALL - MONTHS IF NOT LONGER BEFORE THE LETTERS WERE SENT OUT. PLENTY OF TIME TO KNOW HOW MANY VEHICLES WERE EFFECTED AND GET THE PARTS ORDERED. IT WILL BE A MINIMUM OF 1 YEAR SINCE THE PROBLEM WAS NOTICED AND LETTERS SENT BEFORE THE PARTS ACTUALLY ARRIVE AT THE DEALERS FOR REPAIR OF PROBLEM. INEXCUSABLE! AND THE NHTSA SHOULD BE DOING MORE THAN IGNORING IT! *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMarch 18, 2008
RECALL BY FORD ON SPEED CONTROL. SAFETY RECALL 05S28. OCT OF 2007 GOT SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED BY FORD. WAS TOLD PART WOULD BE IN NOV 07 AND AGAIN TOLD IT WILL BE DEC 07 IN DEC 07 WAS TOLD MARCH 07. TODAY MARCH 18TH CALLED FOR PART WAS TOLD PART IS NOT IN YET TO CALL AGAIN IN APRIL. (5 MONTHS) IS REALLY A LONG TIME TO GO WITH OUT SPEED CONTROL. *TR
EQUIPMENTMarch 11, 2008
SAFETY RECALL L05S28 (SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM DEACTIVATION. RECALL WAS MADE IN AUGUST 2007. WE ARE STILL WAITING ON THE SERVICE PARTS TO MAKE THE REPAIR. FORD SENT NOTICE IN SEPTEMBER THAT THEY HAVE A SHORTAGE OF THESE PARTS AND WE COULD HAVE THE DEVICE DISCONNECTED. WE DON'T WANT THE DEVICE DISCONNECTED, WE WANT THE REPAIR TO BE MADE. IT HAS BEEN 7 MONTHS WAITING ON THIS REPAIR. ARE WE TO WAIT FOREVER FOR THIS REPAIR TO BE MADE? *TR
SUSPENSION,STRUCTUREMarch 7, 2008
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT DEFECTIVE BODY MOUNT INSULATORS. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE BODY MOUNT INSULATORS DETERIORATED AND COULD CRUMBLE IN SOMEONE'S HAND. FORD DECLINED TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPLACING THE PARTS. *KB PARTS ATTACHED
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMarch 7, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN SEPTEMBER OF 2007 FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL. THE SPEED CONTROL WAS DISCONNECTED. THE CONTACT WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THE DEALER DOES NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,600. UPDATED 5/20/08 *CN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMarch 6, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. SHE HAS MADE THREE ATTEMPTS TO HAVE THE DEALER DISCONNECT THE SWITCH, BUT THEY CONTINUED TO STATE THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE TIME. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLFebruary 28, 2008
FORDS RECALL ON THE DEFECTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH IS A SCAM IN MY OPINION. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN, I BELIEVE IT WAS OCTOBER 2007. THE LOCAL DEALER UNPLUGGED THE CRUISE CONTROL AND SAID THAT THEY WOULD MAKE REPAIRS WHEN THE PARTS BECAME AVAILABLE. THE REPAIR IS TO PUT A FUSE IN LINE WITH THE SWITCH. THIS, IN NO WAY, REPAIRS THE DEFECTIVE PART. THE ADDITION OF A FUSE, AS RELATED TO ME BY THE DEALER, HAS NOW ALSO BEEN RECALLED. THAT IS A MUTE POINT BECAUSE FORD HAS NOT YET BEEN ABLE TO SUPPLY THE PART/FUSE. TODAY IS THE 28TH OF FEBRUARY 2008. I HAVE BEEN WAITING, AND UNABLE TO USE MY CRUISE CONTROL SINCE THE DEALER DISCONNECTED IT IN OCTOBER OF 2007. I HAVE LEARNED THAT THERE IS A REPLACEMENT PART AVAILABLE THAT FORD IS INSTALLING IN SOME VEHICLES. THE LOCAL DEALER TELLS ME THAT MY 2001 EXPLORER SPORTAC IS NOT INCLUDED. I WAS TOLD THAT I COULD REPLACE THE PART MYSELF BUT FORD WOULD NOT INSTALL IT UNDER THE RECALL FOR NO CHARGE EVEN IF I PAID FOR THE PART. THE PART # IS SW-6350 THE LOCAL DEALER HAS 21 OF THESE SWITCHES IN STOCK TODAY. BECAUSE FORD HAS NOT ALLOWED THE USE OF THIS PART IN ITS RECALL, WE THE CONSUMERS ARE LEFT IN A POSITION OF EITHER NOT USING SOMETHING WE PAID FOR OR RISKING A FIRE. I AM APPALLED BY THE LACK OF ACTION ON THIS MATTER. I BELIEVE THAT THE NHSTA NEEDS TO APPLY THE PRESSURE TO FORD TO RESOLVE THIS INACTION. THERE IS AN HOW TO ARTICLE AT MYSPORTAC.COM. IT INCLUDES INSTRUCTIONS AND PHOTO'S POSSIBLY YOU COULD ASK FORD TO CHECK IT OUT. THANK YOU DAVID M. CLARY *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLFebruary 22, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A FORD RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IN AUGUST OF 2007. THE DEALER HAS STATED EVERY MONTH SINCE THEN THAT THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WOULD BE AVAILABLE THE FOLLOWING MONTH. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,000. UPDATED 04/03/08. *LJ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLFebruary 14, 2008
I WAS NOTIFIED BY FORD THAT I HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY SPEED CONTROL ON MY 2001 FORD SPORT TRAC AND REQUESTED ME TO BRING MY CAR IN TO GET IT REPLACED. WHEN I TOOK MY TRUCK IN IN AUGUST I WAS TOLD THAT THE PART WAS NOT IN STOCK AND TO BRING IT BACK IN DECEMBER. I JUST CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY ARE NOW TELLING ME THE PART IS NOT IN AND THEY HAVE NO CLUE WHEN IT IS GOING TO BE IN. FRANKLY IT APPEARED TO ME THEY DIDN'T CARE. WHEN I ASKED WHO I COULD ESCALATE IT TO AT FORD THE GENTLEMAN DID GIVE ME THE NUMBER, BUT TOLD ME IT WOULDN'T DO ANY GOOD BECAUSE FORD COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLFebruary 7, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FOR EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IN SEPTEMBER OF 2007. THE PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 195,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLFebruary 6, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARTS FOR FORD RECALL NUMBER 05S28 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL) ARE UNAVAILABLE. HE HAS BEEN GIVEN A LOT OF INCORRECT INFORMATION AS TO WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000. UPDATED 03-04-08 *BF
POWER TRAINFebruary 5, 2008
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, 105,000 MILES. "O/D OFF" LIGHT BLINKING AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW MINUTES. ENGINE ALWAYS REVS HIGH BETWEEN GEAR SHIFTS, ESPECIALLY BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND, EVEN BEFORE THE LIGHT STARTS BLINKING. CHANGED TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FILTER, BUT THAT DIDN'T HELP. ONLY OCCASIONALLY TOWED SMALL TRAILER, BUT MOSTLY JUST DAILY DRIVING. NUMEROUS BLOGS ON THIS SUBJECT, SO THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE WIDESPREAD! *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLFebruary 4, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS NOT DISCONNECTED B UPDATED 02-25-08 *BFECAUSE HE IS HANDICAPPED. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. . THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 105,000.
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJanuary 25, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION INDICATOR LEVER IS PULLED TO CHANGE GEARS, IT GOES ONE SPACE TOO FAR. WHEN THE GEAR IS PLACED INTO NEUTRAL, THE VEHICLE DRIVES IN REVERSE. WHEN THE GEAR IS PLACED INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE OPERATES IN NEUTRAL. WHEN THE GEAR IS PLACED INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE REMAINS IN PARK. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,231 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,175. UPDATED 02-19-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED DISCONNECTED SPEED DEACTIVATION SWITCH PERTAINING TO RECALL 05S28. UPDATED 02/14/08 *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJanuary 24, 2008
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE PARKED IN GARAGE ATTACHED TO MY HOME. VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO DRIVEWAY AND FIRE EXTINGUISHED. FORD DEALER ADMITTED TO RECALL OF DEFECTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WHICH WAS THE ORIGINATION POINT OF FIRE. WAS ADVISED TO FILE CLAIM WITH MY AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY TO SPEED UP REPAIRS AND ENSURE THAT CLAIM WAS SUBROGATION TO FORD FOR REIMBURSEMENT. VEHICLE REPAIRED, NOW FORD WILL NOT TAKE CLAIM WITHOUT PROOF OF CAUSE OF FIRE. THIS WOULD REQUIRE MY INSURANCE COMPANY TO HIRE AN ENGINEER. NOT COST EFFECTIVE FOR INSURANCE COMPANY, NOT TO MENTION THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED OVER 3 MONTHS AGO. I AM OUT MY DEDUCTIBLE AND MY INSURANCE COMPANY IS OUT THE REMAINDER OF THE REPAIRS, EVEN THOUGH FORD KNOWS THIS WAS A FAULTY PART. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJanuary 20, 2008
DEFECT WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL. MY CRUISE CONTROL WAS DE-ACTIVATED ON 9/13/07, AND MY DEALERSHIP REPORTS THEY ARE STILL WAITING FOR THE REPAIR PART FROM FORD. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MY CRUISE CONTROL REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY - I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 4 MONTHS WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJanuary 14, 2008
2001 FORD EXPLORER WITH SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM RECALL. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DEALER TO FIX THE RECALL STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO OBTAIN THE REPLACEMENT PARTS. DEALER FINALLY DISCONNECTED THE SPEED CONTROL UNTIL THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. *KB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJanuary 11, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) IN AUGUST OF 2007. HE SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVICED; HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER OFFERED TO HAVE THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED, BUT THE CONTACT DECLINED AND STATED THAT HE PAID GOOD MONEY FOR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THEY STATED THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PART WOULD ARRIVE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 125,090. UPDATED 02-25-08 *BF UPDATED *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJanuary 4, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IN AUGUST OF 2007. SINCE THAT TIME, THE DEALER HAS STATED EACH MONTH THAT THE PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE THE FOLLOWING MONTH. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 59,000. UPDATED 02/15/08. *LJ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJanuary 4, 2008
ON WEDNESDAY JANUARY 2, 2008 A ROLLOVER ACCIDENT OCCURED ON MY WIFES 2001 FORD EXPLORER. SHE WAS DRIVING HOME WHEN SHE SET HER CRUISE CONTROL TO 60 MPH. WHEN SHE HIT HER BRAKES TO RELEASE THE CRUISE CONTROL AND SLOW DOWN, THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN AND HER CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT RELEASE. SHE WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN TO APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN SHE CAME TO A T IN THE ROAD. SHE WAS UNABLE TO MAKE THE TURN AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER WITH HER AND 2 YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE. *CN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJanuary 3, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 07V336000). THE DEALER DISCONNECTED THE WIRING HARNESS AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN DECEMBER OF 2007. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL MARCH OF 2008. AS OF JANUARY 3, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJanuary 2, 2008
RECEIVED CRUISE DEACTIVATION SWITCH RECALL IN AUGUST 2007. FORD WEBSITE NOTES PARTS WERE SHIPPED TO DEALERS. DEALERS HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE PARTS. THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THEY WILL BE THERE. CALLED FORD CORP AND WAS ADVISED THE SWITCHES WOULD NOT BE SHIPPED UNTIL AT LEAST MARCH. THAT IS AT LEAST 8 MONTHS SINCE THEY DECIDED A RECALL WAS NECESSARY. WHY HAS THIS NOT BEEN MENTIONED IN THE MEDIA AND WHY HAVE THE CONSUMERS NOT BEEN SENT 2ND LETTERS ADVISING THAT FORD IS INCOMPETENT?*CN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLDecember 28, 2007
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT SPEED CONTROL SWITCH RECALL. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY MORE PARTS BUT WOULD CALL AND DISCONNECTED THE SPEED CONTROL. SHE HAS YET TO HEAR FROM THE DEALER. *KB RECALL 07V336000. *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLDecember 5, 2007
I HAVE A '01 FORD EXPLORER INVOLVED IN A SAFETY RECALL FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL ISSUED IN AUG-07, AS OF TODAY 5-DEC-07) MY LOCAL DEALER STILL DOES NOT HAVE PARTS AND HAVE BEEN TOLD NOT TO EXPECT THEM UNTIL 1ST QUARTER. UNSATISFACTORY AND UNACCEPTABLE. IS FORD DELAYING SO THE EXPENSE DOES NOT HIT THEM THIS YEAR? THEY COULD SHOW A BETTER PROFIT FOR 2007 IF SO. SOUNDS LIKE MANIPULATING THE BOOKS TO ME, AT THE EXPENSE OF CONSUMER SAFETY. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 4, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE AND NEGATIVE CABLE ARE MAPPED LIKE THE LETTER "T". THE PLASTIC POWER STEERING RESERVOIR'S RUBBER CASING IS CHEWED OFF ON THE SIDE FACING THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING AND FLUID RESERVOIR ARE SEPARATED BY AN INCH. THE BATTERY IS POSITIONED AT A DOWNWARD ANGLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE SHIFTS BACK AND CAUSES THE POWER CABLE TO RUB AGAINST THE RESERVOIR. THE SEAM AROUND THE RESERVOIR HAS SHARK LIKE TEETH WITH JAGGED EDGES THAT CUT INTO THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 27,800 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,800.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLNovember 19, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PART WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL MARCH OF 2008. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000. RECEIVED 12/12/07. 64200 UPDATED 12/12/07
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLNovember 2, 2007
ON OCTOBER 10TH, FOLLOWING A COLD START, THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO DRIVE WITH THE 4X4 MODE SELECTION SWITCH SET TO 2WD MODE. INSTEAD OF 2WD MODE, THE VEHICLE WAS IN 4X4 LOW MODE. THERE WAS NO SHIFT COMMAND TO GO INTO 4X4 LOW MODE AND IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO SWITCH OUT OF 4X4 LOW MODE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A DEALERSHIP IN 4X4 LOW MODE. THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE SHIFT MOTOR HAD SHORTED FORCING THE UNCOMMANDED SHIFT TO 4X4 LOW MODE. THE SHIFT MOTOR WAS REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED. THE OLD PART IS AVAILABLE. ON NOVEMBER 2ND, FOLLOWING A COLD START, THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO DRIVE WITH THE 4X4 MODE SELECTION SWITCH SET TO 2WD MODE. AFTER DRIVING A DISTANCE LESS THAN 1 MILE AT A VEHICLE SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 20MPH, A REPETITIVE CLICKING NOISE WAS OBSERVED FROM UNDER THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DASH. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AN UNCOMMANDED SHIFT TO 4X4 LOW MODE OCCURRED. AFTER COMING TO A STOP IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO SWITCH OUT OF 4X4 LOW MODE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALERSHIP IN 4X4 LOW MODE. THE MOST RECENT REPAIR PRIOR TO THIS ISSUE WAS RELATED TO A FORD RECALL INVOLVING THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLNovember 2, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL MARCH OF 2008. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLOctober 25, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE AND DID NOT KNOW WHEN THEY WOULD ARRIVE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THIS WAS UNACCEPTABLE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,000. UPDATED 12/12/07. *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLOctober 22, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. AS OF OCTOBER 22, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL CAUSED THE FAILURE. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000); HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 96,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLOctober 17, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL IN AUGUST OF 2007 FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 07V336000). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE AND OFFERED TO DISCONNECT THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL; HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT STATE WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS DISSATISFIED WITH THE REMEDY FOR THE RECALL AND THE AMOUNT OF TIME HE HAD TO WAIT. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000. UPDATED 01/09/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED PARTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL SOMETIME IN 2008. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLOctober 12, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN AUGUST OF 2007 FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). A MONTH LATER, HE TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH DEACTIVATED AND THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL OCTOBER. ON OCTOBER 11, 2007, THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD REMAIN UNAVAILABLE UNTIL JANUARY OF 2008. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
SEAT BELTSOctober 11, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CENTER ROW CENTER SEAT BELT TIGHTENED BY ITSELF BEFORE THE VEHICLE EVEN MOVED. THE CONTACT'S 8 YEAR OLD CHILD SUSTAINED A BRUISED HIP. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS ENGINEERED TO TIGHTEN IN THAT MANNER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,364.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLOctober 4, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). SHE STATED THAT THE CLOSEST DEALER WAS 75 MILES AWAY AND THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. SHE DID NOT WANT TO HAVE THE SWITCH DISCONNECTED DUE TO THE INCONVENIENCE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,000. *UPDATED 12/12/07 *BF UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
VISIBILITYSeptember 29, 2007
MOUNTING BOLT FROM REAR HATCH WINDOW PULLED LOOSE, BECAME STRIPPED. HATCH WINDOW FALLING OF VEHICLE. *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLSeptember 24, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. AFTER BEING PARKED FOR A WEEK, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND BURNED THE HOUSE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED A DOCUMENT THAT STATED THE DEALER PERFORMED THE RECALL PRIOR TO PURCHASE. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED A COPY OF THE FIRE INCIDENT REPORT AND PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGED VEHICLE. UPDATED 10/11/07 *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLSeptember 11, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT CALLED TWO DEALERS TO SCHEDULE A REPAIR APPOINTMENT REGARDING NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). BOTH DEALERS FAILED TO PROVIDE HIM WITH THE OPTION TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN AND HAVE THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH DEACTIVATED. THEY ALSO STATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL DECEMBER OF 2007. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLSeptember 9, 2007
RECALL: SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH POSES RISK OF UNDERHOOD FIRE DEALER SAYS HE WON'T HAVE THE PART UNTIL DECEMBER. WHAT DO I DO NOW? *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLSeptember 5, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. EVEN THOUGH THE REPAIR PARTS WILL BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL LATE OCTOBER, SHE STATED THAT THE DEALER REFUSED TO DISCONNECT THE CRUISE CONTROL FEATURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE NOTICE DOES NOT STATE THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL MUST BE DISENGAGED. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 164,381. UPDATED 01/07/08. *LJ UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
POWER TRAINAugust 31, 2007
01 FORD EXPLORER AUTOMATIC TRANS. I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY REAR END LIKE MANY OTHER PEOPLE DO. IT WHINES VERY LOUD AND ONLY HAS 80K MILES ON IT. MY MECHANIC SAID THAT IT COULD LOCK UP ANY MINUTE WHILE DRIVING. I CANNOT AFFORD THE REPAIR AS I AM A FULLTIME COLLEGE STUDENT. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM FORD NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE ANYBODY DIES. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 30, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN MID JUNE 2007, AN EXPLOSION WAS HEARD AND SHE DISCOVERED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. SHE CALLED THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE ENTIRE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE EXCEPT FOR PARTS OF THE HOOD. THE PAINT MELTED OFF THE SIDE OF THE HOUSE. PICTURES WERE TAKEN OF THE VEHICLE. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 138,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLAugust 28, 2007
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD CONCERNING THE SPEED CONTROL. I CALLED BOB BENNET FORD ABOUT THE FIX. THEY SAID THEY HAD THE PARTS AND COULD FIX IT ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASES. I DROVE 30 MILES ONLY TO FIND OUT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART AND DIDN'T KNOW WHEN THEY WOULD GET THEM. I DROVE HOME AND CALLED BEN SATCHER FORD. THEY SAID THEY HAD THE PARTS AND WOULD BE ABLE TO INSTALL THE FIX IN ABOUT 10 TO 15 MINUTES. I DROVE TO SATCHER FORD (45 MILES). WHEN I GOT THERE DONALD REED SERVICE ADVISOR INFORMED ME THEY WERE OUT OF THE PARTS AND HAD BEEN FOR SEVERAL DAYS. HE AT LEAST DISCONNECTED THE WIRES TO THE SPEED CONTROL. HE DID NOT KNOW WHEN MORE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT IF FORD DOES A RECALL THEY SHOULD HAVE THE PARTS ON HAND TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM THEY CAUSED IN THE FIRST PLACE. I HEARD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SEVERAL YEARS AGO. WHY AM I NOW JUST GETTING THE NOTICE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I CONNECT FORD WHEN I FIRST HEARD OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY CLAIMED THEY KNEW NOTHING ABOUT. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJuly 17, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. ON JULY 9, 2007, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY TURNED OFF WITH NO PASSENGERS AT THE TIME OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A FIRE AND POLICE REPORT WERE FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 65,000. IT WAS DETERMINED THE FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH CAUSED THE FIRE. UPDATED 08/16/07. *JB
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAINJuly 9, 2007
I OWN A 2001 SPORT TRAC. I HAD TO PAY 934.00 TO BRYAN AUTOMOTIVE IN DECATUR TEXAS TO REPLACE BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT AXLES, AND THE OUTER BEARINGS. THE REAR END STILL HAS A SLIGHT WHINING AT 55-70 MPH. HE SPOKE WITH SOMEONE AT THE FORD HOUSE IN DECATUR TX , AND WAS TOLD SOME SPORT TRACS WILL HAVE THIS NOISE. I HAVE OWNED NUMEROUS VEHICLES AND HAVE NEVER HAD A REAR END GO OUT. SOMETHING WAS DEFINITELY WRONG. PLEASE HAVE FORD REIMBURSE PEOPLE AND DO A RECALL. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJuly 3, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO RIDE ROUGHLY AND BACKFIRED WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE SPARK PLUGS, HOWEVER, THE HEX NUT SNAPPED WHEN IT WAS REMOVED. APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK LATER, THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE THREADED PART OF THE SPARK PLUG HAD FAILED INSIDE THE HEAD. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT A MACHINE SHOP REMOVE THE SPARK PLUG. AS OF JULY 3, 2007, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 54,184.
STRUCTUREJune 20, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. IT SOUND LIKE METAL STRIKING METAL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BODY MOUNTS OF THE FRAME WERE DISINTEGRATING. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 98,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJune 15, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 95,000. THE CONSUMER STATED HE WOULD LIKE FORD TO FURNISH ANOTHER VEHICLE AND BE REIMBURSED FOR RENTAL CARS AS A RESULT OF THIS INCIDENT. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED PICTURES, 2 ENGINEERS REPORT AND 2 LETTERS FROM FORD REGARDING THE INCIDENT. THE CONSUMER STATED HIS CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING LAST WINTER. THE BRAKE FLUID WAS LOW ON 2 OCCASSIONS. UPDATED 08/01/07 *TR
STRUCTUREMay 31, 2007
2001 FORD EXPLORER LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE FAILURE. COVERED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN #04V442000. FORD HAS ONLY RECALLED A PORTION OF THE VEHICLES IN THIS CAMPAIGN AND WILL NOT MAKE REPAIRS ON THE 2001 MODEL YEARS. *TR
POWER TRAINMay 8, 2007
AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP IN A LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AS MY WIFE EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE SHIFT LEVER BROKE INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN REVERSE. I WAS ABLE TO MANUALLY SHIFT THE LINKAGE ON THE SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION USING A PAIR OF PLIERS WHILE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS SET, AND MY WIFE APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN DRIVEN TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER, WHERE I WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1200.00. THIS VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT NEW IN 2001 AND HAS ONLY 58,000 MILES. IT HAS NOT BEEN ABUSED IN ANY MANNER. THERE WAS NO WARNING WHATSOEVER THAT THERE WAS ANY TYPE OF A PROBLEM. SURELY, THIS WAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT FORD WILL PROBABLY DENY.*AK
AIR BAGS,SEATSApril 21, 2007
FEB 7TH 2006 I WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT DEPLOYED BOTH AIRBAGS. MY EXPLORER SPORT TRAC DID NOT DEPLOY ANY AIRBAGS. I HAD TO HAVE A FUSION OF C5 & C6 IN MY NECK DUE TO THE CRASH. *TR
SEATSApril 11, 2007
DRIVER'S SEAT RECLINER. PER NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 03V281000 ON OTHER FORD EXPLORER SPORT MODELS OF THE SAME YEAR THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE RECLINER WHERE THE SEAT WOULD RECLINE DURING ACCELERATION , CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTACT WITH STEERING WHEEL AND PEDALS. THE 2001 FORD EXPLORER FELL OUTSIDE OF THE TIME FRAME FOR THE RECALL YET HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS. I AM ASKING TO EXPAND THE TIME FRAME SINCE SAME CONDITIONS EXISTED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 9, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRACT WITH A FAILURE MILEAGE OF 84,000 MILES. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING UNDER WET CONDITIONS AT ABOUT 35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE MADE A HARD JERK AND THEN LOST POWER. THE CONTACT TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC, WHO FOUND THAT THERE WAS WATER IN THE ENGINE AND THE TIMING GEAR HAD FAILED. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE THE FAILURE HAPPENED. THE CONTACT HAD THE ENGINE REPLACED, AND FOUND THAT THE ENGINE'S FAILURE WAS DUE TO RECALL 00M12 CONCERNING THE TIMING CHAIN OF WHICH NHTSA HAD NO RECORD. *AK THE CONSUMER STATES THAT EVEN THOUGH THE TRUCK IS A 2001, IT SHOULD BE LISTED ON THE RECALL BECAUSE IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN AUGUST 2000. THE CONSUMER HAS PROVIDED THE REPAIR INVOICE. UPDATE 05/04/07*TR
POWER TRAINApril 5, 2007
MY 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC HAS BEEN IDLING ROUGH AND DOES NOT SEEM TO SHIFT GEARS PROPERLY. WHILE DRIVING, THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT WILL RANDOMLY COME ON AND FLASH. ONCE THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT COMES ON, THE VEHICLE IS VERY SLUGGISH AND DOES NOT DRIVE PROPERLY AFTER THAT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL OF SOME OF THE EXPLORER SPORT TRAC'S BY FORD AND TO CONTACT A DEALER FOR THE REPAIR. WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALER, THEY TOLD ME THAT MY TRUCK WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER I PROVIDED THEM. EVEN THOUGH MY TRUCK IS OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL AND EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS OTHER FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRACS. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 19, 2007
FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC TIMING BELT TENSIONER BROKE AT 38,000 BROKE AGAIN AT 92,000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMarch 14, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS 2001 FORD EXPLORER WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE FIRE DAMAGED THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE, THE ELECTRICAL WIRING, PIPING AND ANYTHING THAT WAS CONCERNING PLASTIC MELTED IN THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DPEARTMENT STATED THAT THIS FALURE WAS COMMON WITH FORD EXPLORER, THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WOULD GET STUCK AND CATCH ON FIRE. CONTACT CAN PROVIDE INCIDENT REPORT AND PICTURES. JRB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFebruary 27, 2007
I AM EXPERIENCING THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER ISSUE THAT RESULTED IN THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE SATISFACTION PROGRAM #00M12. THIS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY TO 6 YEARS OR 72,000 MILES ON THAT PART. TOO LATE FOR ME, AS I BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE A FEW MONTHS A GO. NOW, I AM AT 6 YEARS/87,000 MILES. MY LOCAL FORD DEALER SAID THEY KNEW NOTHING AND SO I CALLED FORD DIRECTLY. THEY TOLD ME TO LODGE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTS. PRETTY BAD SITUATION FOR ME AND MANY OTHERS AS I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET. *NM
POWER TRAINFebruary 20, 2007
3RD GEAR TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WHICH CAUSES VEHICLE TO SHIFT ERRATICALLY. *JB
POWER TRAINFebruary 1, 2007
TRANSMISSION FAILURE WITH CONTINUOUS MAINTENANCE AND ONLY 66000 MILES. *NM
POWER TRAINJanuary 22, 2007
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS STARTED IN EARLY 50,000 MILES RANGE. LONG LAG BETWEEN SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD WITH INCREASED RPM'S OF ENGINE. INTERMITTENTLY CAUSES OVERDRIVE LIGHT TO START BLINKING. DEALER NOR AAMCO COULD DETERMINE CAUSE. *NM
POWER TRAINJanuary 7, 2007
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. I HAVE A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT 2WD. AT 109000 MILES ONE DAY I WAS DRIVING IT ON THE FREEWAY, AND I NOTICED THAT THE O/D LIGHT IS FLASHING. I TRIED TO TURN IT OFF, BUT IT WOULDN'T. I EXITED FROM THE FREEWAY AN I PARKED THE CAR AT THE NEARBY GAS STATION TRYING T O FIND OUT WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES,AND THEN I TURNED IT BACK ON,AND THE O/D LIGHT WENT OFF. I THOUGHT IT WAS FINISHED, BUT IT WASN'T. I STARTED DRIVING FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES THE O/D LIGHT CAME BACK ON, AND THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARDLY FROM ONE GEAR TO ANOTHER. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK THE CAR TO THE TRANSMISSION SHOP TO CHECK WHAT IS GOING WRONG. FROM MY HOUSE TO THE SHOP ABOUT 25 MINUTES DRIVE, THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. AT THE TRANSMISSION SHOP THEY PULLED THE CODE (P0....) , AND THE INSPECTOR SAID THERE A MALFUNCTION INSIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION, SOMETHING RELATED TO THE TORQUE CONVERTER. TO FIX IT THEY GIVE ME AN ESTIMATE OF $2500 . AND I M NOT CURRENTLY UNDER WARRANTY. I'VE BEEN MAINTAINING THIS CAR AS MUCH AS I CAN. BUT IT IS SHOCKING TO SEE THE TRANSMISSION GOING AT THIS MILEAGE. FORD MUST RECALL THIS ISSUE. IF NOT THEY SHOULD TAKE CAR OF THE REPAIR COST. THIS IS REALLY A SHAME! MY CAR HAS BEEN REPAIRED YET, BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD THE COST OF THAT REPAIR. I'M HOPING THAT FORD WILL LOOK AT THE CASE. *JB
STRUCTUREDecember 20, 2006
EVERY TIME I HIT A BUMP OR EVEN A ROCK MY CAR WOULD SHAKE AND RATTLE SO BAD I COULDN'T EVEN KEEP IT ON THE ROAD. WE TOOK IT TO THE FORD PLACE IN LONGVIEW AND THEY SAID THERE WASN'T ANY RECALLS ON IT AND THEY WOULDN'T PAY FOR IT. THEY SAID SOMETHING HAD BEEN SPRAYED ON IT (BUSHINGS) OR MY CAR HAD BEEN UP NORTH AROUND SALT WATER. NEITHER WERE TRUE. I HAD TO TAKE IT TO A MECHANIC TO GET IT REPAIRED. I KEPT ALL THE PARTS. THE BUSHINGS HAD TURNED BRITTLE AND MUSHY AND HAD TO BE PUT IN A BOX. *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLDecember 13, 2006
FORD SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE. *NM
TIRESNovember 6, 2006
WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE RIGHT REAR TIRE CAUSING VEHICLE TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH GRAVEL ALONG THE EDGE OF THE HIGHWAY RESULTING IN VEHICLE TURNING OVER SEVERAL TIMES. DRIVER AND PASSENGER INJURED AND VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *JB
TIRESNovember 2, 2006
2001 EXPLORER LOST TIRE TREAD AND BLEW OUT. *TS *JB
POWER TRAINOctober 27, 2006
I HAVE A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT, WHICH I WAS TOLD USES THE SAME FAULTY TRANSMISSION AS THE 2002 EXPLORER. LIKE MANY THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND NOW THE ESTIMATE IS AROUND $3000 FOR THE DEALER TO INSTALL A TRANSMISSION. ONLY HAVE 76,000 MILES. FORD KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM AS THEY HAVE VARIOUS TECH BULLETINS. THEY ARE JUST TRYING TO AVOID THE COST OF A RECALL. THIS IS THE SECOND FORD I HAD FAIL AROUND THIS MILEAGE WITH TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THE DEALER COULD CARE LESS I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD SAY THIS BUT I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN! THEY NEED TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT HERE, DO A SEARCH ONLINE AND YOU WONT BELIEVE HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE EXACTLY THE SAME ISSUE! *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 26, 2006
FORD EXPLORER 2001 - WHEN I USE THE SIGNAL LIGHT, IT FREQUENTLY SOUNDS LIKE THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. IT SOUNDS LIKE A BAD CONNECTION. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THIS ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN CAUSE MY TRUCK ENGINE TO CATCH FIRE. *NM
SUSPENSIONSeptember 28, 2006
AT 37,741 MILES,MY 2001 FORD VEHICLE HAD TO HAVE ITS LOWER RIGHT AND LEFT BALL JOINTS REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE IN DANGEROUS CONDITION ACCORDING TO THE FORD REPAIR SHOP. IT SEEMS TO ME THEY HAD TO BE DEFECTIVE FROM DAY ONE IN ORDER TO BOTH FAIL AT THIS LOW MILEAGE. JEEP LIBERTY ALSO DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES HAD SIMILAR FAILURES. FORD TOLD ME THEY ARE BACKING UP THEIR PRODUCT AS NORMAL FAILURE WHILE THE GARAGE FOREMAN HAS SAID HE HAS HAD MANY SIMILAR CASES. *JB
TIRESSeptember 12, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO OBVIOUS ROAD HAZARDS OR DEBRIS. UPON INITIAL INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE TIRE HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED ALONG THE TREAD AND SIDEWALL AREA. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 01T016000, REGARDING THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE ALERTED. THE TIRE WAS A FIRESTONE WILDERNESS A/T P235/75R15.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 31, 2006
ON JULY 1ST 2006 I PURCHASED A 2001 FORD EXPLORER FROM HONDA OF SANTA MONICA . IT IS A PRE-CERTIFIED USED VEHICLE. I PURCHASED THE HONDA CARE EXTENDED WARRANTY AT THE TIME I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. ON AUGUST 30 THE CAR WOULD NOT START I CALL AAA FOR A TOW AND DRIVER CHECKED THE CAR A TOLD US THE STARTER WAS BURNED OUT BECAUSE HE COULD SMELL IT AND HE DID A TEST WITH A HAMMER TO SEE IF IT WOULD START AFTER AND IT DID NOT. WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED THE STARTED JUST MADE A CLICKING SOUND. I HAD THE CAR TOWED HOME AND THE NEXT MORNING I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE CRENSHAW FORD DEALER BECAUSE HONDA OF SANTA MONICA SAID THEY SOLD US THE CAR BUT THE ONLY SERVICE HONDA PRODUCTS. I WENT TO THE FORD DEALER AND THEY DID THE DIAGNOSTIC AND FOUND THE STARTER WAS GONE AND THE CONNECTORS WERE CORRODED. THE HONDA CARE PLAN WOULD NOT COVER ANY OF THE REPAIRS NOR TOWING OR EVEN RENTAL THAT LISTED IN THE WARRANTY CONTRACT. HOW DO I RECOVER MY $650. WHEN I ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 WEEK'S. *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEAugust 21, 2006
THIS WAS AN INCIDENT. NO CRASH, AND NO INJURY. THE IAC (IDLE AIR CONTROL) VALVE FAILED DURING START ATTEMPTS ON THE FOLLOWING VEHICLE: 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT, 4.0L SOHC ENGINE, MILEAGE = 39,000. THE VALVE FAILURE MODE WAS CLOSED (NO IDLE AIR) SO THE ENGINE WOULD NOT IDLE UNLESS THE PRIMARY INTAKE THROTTLE PLATE WAS HELD OPEN BY MAINTAINING PRESSURE ON THE THROTTLE. FAILURE OF ENGINE TO IDLE DURING A MOVING CONDITION MAY CAUSE LACK OF VACUUM FOR BRAKE BOOST AND UNUSUALLY HIGH BRAKE FORCES, AS THIS VEHICLE HAS A VACUUM BRAKE BOOST. FROM REVIEWING VARIOUS ON-LINE FORUMS, IT APPEARS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE IAC VALVE, WHICH IS USED ON SEVERAL MODEL/YEAR/ENGINE FAMILY COMBINATIONS. *NM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLAugust 18, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE THROTTLE AND SPEED CONTROL STUCK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SURGE OVER 90 MPH. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT IN USE AT THE TIME. THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK AND THE CONTACT STATED THE CONSTANT PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES CAUSED THEM TO SMOKE AND ALMOST CATCH ON FIRE. THERE WERE NO LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALERTED. THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE'S CRUISE CONTROL PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT.
SEATSAugust 17, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT RECLINED WITHOUT WARNING. THE PASSENGER GRABBED THE DRIVER, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO SWERVE AND HIT THE CURB. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE RECLINER ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENTJuly 18, 2006
RIGHT TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHT. I HAD THE EXPLORER DIAGNOSED AND THE DEALER SAID THAT IT NEEDED A MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH. I HAD THE SWITCH REPLACED AND A MONTH AND EIGHT DAYS LATER MY RIGHT SIGNAL AND BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT BRAKES LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING. I HAD THE BULB REPLACED TWO MONTHS BEFORE THE DIAGNOSIS BECAUSE I COULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE BULB KEPT GOING OUT AND THE DIAGNOSIS ON A MULTIFUNCTION WAS MADE. *NM
SEAT BELTSJuly 18, 2006
SEAT BELT ON DRIVER SIDE WILL NOT RETRACT OR RECOIL. I CAN FASTENER THE SEAT BELT BUT IT WILL NOT ADJUST AT ALL. I HAD IT DIAGNOSED AT THE DEALER AND THE BEAT IS BROKEN WHERE THE PANEL WILL HAVE TO BE TAKEN OFF TO REPAIR. *NM
STRUCTUREJuly 18, 2006
LEFT SIDE UPPER GLASS HINGE ON LIFTGATE BROKE OFF JULY 13, 2006 @60890 MILES , I HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM IN NOVEMBER 2004 @ 40014 MILES IN WHICH I HAD TO REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE UPPER GLASS HINGE ON LIFTGATE. *NM
STEERING,SUSPENSIONJuly 2, 2006
PREMATURE STEERING COMPONENT FAILURE. 48,000 TIE ROD ENDS, 59,000 UPPER CONTROL ARMS, LOWER BALL JOINTS, RACK AND PINION, AND POWER STEERING PUMP. *NM
POWER TRAINJune 7, 2006
MY 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT 4X4 MAKES A LOUD WHINING NOISE TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP. INFORMED ME THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO PROBABLY HAVE TO REPLACE THE DRIVE SHAFT ESTIMATED COST WOULD BE AT LEAST 2000$ I HAVE ALWAYS BABIED MY FORD. HOW IN THE WORD COULD A DRIVE SHAFT GO BAD? I HAVE HAD CARS THAT WERE 15 YEARS OLD AND OVER 200,000 MILES ON THEM NEVER A PROBLEM. *JB
STRUCTUREMay 24, 2006
BACK WINDOW DEFECT. THE LEFT-SIDE HINGE ON THE WINDOW OF THE HATCHBACK FELL OFF. APPARENTLY A RIVET CAME LOOSE FROM THE INSIDE OF THE WINDOW CAUSING IT TO SEPARATE FROM THE HINGE. THE RIGHT SIDE REMAINED IN TACT. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM AS INDICATED IN A FAILURE REPORTED ON AUGUST 23, 2003. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW. *JB
POWER TRAINMarch 31, 2006
2002 2WD EXPLORER SPORT: PLEASE RELEASE TO FORD: HERE'S YOUR TECHNICAL SERVICE NOTICE: 03-25-4 DEC 03 A/T - 5R55W NO 3RD GEAR/SLIPPING 2-3 SHIFT/DTC'S SET MY TRANSMISSION DIED AT 65,000 MILES. EVERYONE WITH A FORD EXPLORER HAS ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 50-65,000 MILES WITH THE PROBLEM NOTED IN YOUR TSB ABOVE. REFUND MY SERVICE DEDUCTIBLE FOR A KNOWN FAILURE WITH YOUR BROKEN TRANSMISSION. *NM
POWER TRAINMarch 7, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TRANSITIONING BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR, THE VEHICLE SEEMED AS IF IT WAS IN NEUTRAL UNTIL THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS RELEASED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, THEY DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.
SUSPENSIONFebruary 23, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED SINCE OWNERSHIP, THE LOWER BALL JOINTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AT 44,159 MILES AND HAS BEEN DRIVEN 22,530 MILES SINCE PURCHASE. THE BREAKDOWN ON THE REPAIRS ARE; ON 12/13/03 AT 28,676 MILES BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED, ON 08/05/04 AT 35,260 MILES-THE LEFT LOWER BALL JOINT AND SPINDLE ARM WERE REPLACED, THIS WAS ONLY 6,584 MILES SINCE THE PREVIOUS BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT, AND ON 12/26/05 AT 44,159 MILES-BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS AND THE RIGHT UPPER CONTROL ARM WERE REPLACED AT ONLY 9,331 MILES FROM PREVIOUS REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERNS REGARDING THE CONTINUOUS REPAIRS TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP WHO DETERMINED THE NIAGARA FALLS AREA HAS THE HIGHEST RATE OF FAILURE FOR BALL JOINTS IN THE COUNTRY. THERE WERE NO ADDITIONAL EXPLANATIONS FOR THE EXTREME RATE OF FAILURE. MOST OF THE MILES ON THE TRUCK ARE THRUWAY MILES. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR DRIVEN IN A MANNER TO CAUSE OR AGGRAVATE THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM.
POWER TRAINFebruary 23, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A BUTTON TO PUSH TO PLACE THE VEHICLE INTO OVERDRIVE. HOWEVER, IT GOES INTO OVERDRIVE ON ITS OWN CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO JERK BADLY. IT IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM THAT OCCURS DURING COLD WEATHER. TO DISENGAGE THE OVERDRIVE, THE VEHICLE MUST BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONSULTED. DURING COLD WEATHER WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN OVERDRIVE IT GOES OUT OF OVERDRIVE AND JERKS. THE VEHICLE, SPEED AND RPMS DROP, AND OVERDRIVE OFF LIGHT FLASHES. CONTACT HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROADWAY AND TURN VEHICLE OFF AND RESTART FOR VEHICLE TO START INOVERDRIVE AS NORMAL. CONTACT CAME CLOSE TO BEING REAR ENDED. THE VEHICLE WOULD REMAIN IN OVERDRIVE UNLESS THE CONTACT CLICKED BUTTON ON SHIFT COLUMN TO TAKE IT OUT OF OVERDRIVE OR IF IN OVERDRIVE TO RESUME BACK TO OVERDRIVE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, WHO CLAIMED THERE WAS NO RECALL, BUT DID ADVISE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH OTHER CONSUMERS. CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY, AND WAS TOLD THERE WA SNO RECALL AND COULD NOT DO ANYTHING. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLFebruary 2, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKED OVERNIGHT IN A GARAGE; THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE POLICE WERE ALSO ON THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTOR INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THE FIRE STARTED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND MOST LIKELY IGNITED FROM THE CRUISE CONTROL ASSEMBLY. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 05V388000, REGARDING THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
SUSPENSIONJanuary 25, 2006
BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS AND RIGHT UPPER CONTROL ARM HAVE BEEN REPLACED ON THE CONSUMER'S 2001 FORD EXPLORER ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. *TS *NM UPDATED 02/07/06
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 21, 2006
AFTER HAVING MY 2001 LMTD EDITION EXPLORER PARKED FOR OVER 45 MINUTES, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND WAS CONSUMED. IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS, MELTED DOWN TO THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE MARSHAL WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE AS THE DAMAGE WAS SO SEVERE, BUT I WAS REFERRED TO SEVERAL ARTICLES REGARDING SIMILAR FORD EXPLORER FIRES. *JB
POWER TRAINJanuary 17, 2006
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC - 4X2 MANUAL 18 OCT 2002 - VEHICLE STOPPED SHIFTING INTO GEAR CLUTCH FLUID RESERVOIR EMPTY - DEALER REPLACED CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY. 02 NOV 2002 -VEHICLE STOPPED SHIFTING INTO GEAR CLUTCH FLUID RESERVOIR EMPTY - DEALER REPLACED CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER ASSEMBLY 11 JUN 2003-VEHICLE STOPPED SHIFTING INTO GEAR CLUTCH FLUID RESERVOIR EMPTY - DEALER REPLACED CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY I BELIEVE IT ALSO OCCURRED IN 2004 BUT NO RECORD OF WORK PERFORMED. 26 DEC 2005-VEHICLE STOPPED SHIFTING INTO GEAR CLUTCH FLUID RESERVOIR EMPTY - DEALER REPLACED CLUTCH MASTER & SLAVE CYLINDER ASSEMBLY 29 DEC 2005 - VEHICLE STOPPED SHIFTING INTO GEAR REWORK FROM LAST REPAIR - AIR IN CLUTCH FLUID LINE. ALTHOUGH NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED, THE FAILURES PRESENT A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, PARTICULARLY WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE; MERGING INTO TRAFFIC, ENTERING INTERSTATE, ETC FORD IS AWARE OF THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION AND HAS NOT ADDRESSED IT ADEQUATELY. THERE ARE CURRENTLY FOUR TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS (TSBS) ISSUED BY FORD RELATED TO THIS COMPLAINT. *JB
POWER TRAINJanuary 8, 2006
2001 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. TRANSMISSION SLIPPING WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD. FORD UNWILLING TO ADMIT FAULT AND REPAIR PROBLEM. MANY OTHER VEHICLE OWNERS WITH SAME PROBLEM NOT CORRECTED YET. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 6, 2006
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND RUNNING A LITTLE ROUGH IN COLD WET WEATHER. *NM
POWER TRAINJanuary 5, 2006
AT AROUND 55000 MILES I HAD TO REPLACE MY REAR AXLE AND I AM NOW AT 62000 AND MY O/D WILL START FLASHING AND MY 2001 EXPLORER WILL SHIFT HARD OR NOT SHIFT AT ALL. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 1, 2006
I NOTICED MY DASH TURN SIGNAL BLINKED FAST WHEN I SIGNALING TO TURN RIGHT, BUT NOT LEFT. I CHECKED THE BULB AND IT WAS WORKING. IF THE STEERING COLUMN WAS IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION, IT BLINKED AT A NORMAL PACE, WHEN I LOWERED THE COLUMN IT BLINKED FAST. I REMOVED THE PLASTIC COVER AROUND THE STEERING COLUMN AND FOUND THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE TURN SIGNALS AND WIPERS WAS MELTED ALONG WITH THE INSULATION AROUND THE WIRES. IT APPEARS THAT THE CONNECTOR OVER HEATED AND RUINED THE REST OF THE WIRES. SINCE I DISCOVERED THIS IN TIME, THANKFULLY, THERE HAVE BEEN NO CONSEQUENCES, I BELIEVE I SAVED MY VEHICLE FROM BURNING DOWN. MY STEERING COLUMN IS APART AS I AM AWAITING FOR GUIDANCE ON HOW TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN, SINCE FORD IS AWARE THE INSULATION ON THE WIRES ARE CRACKING, I HOPE THERE IS A RESOLUTION SOON. *NM
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESDecember 22, 2005
2001 FORD EXPLORER HOOD FLEW OPEN AND BROKE THE HINGES. *TS THIS FAILURE RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO THE HOOD AND HINGES, WIPER BLADES AND COWL AREA (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *NM
POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENTDecember 13, 2005
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT 4X4 HAS 2-3 SHIFT FAILURE CAUSING CAR ENGINE RPM TO RISE SEVERELY WITHOUT SHIFTING TRANSMISSION INTO 3RD GEAR. THIS FIRST HAPPENED WHILE GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY LEAVING ME HOPELESSLY IN THE RIGHT LANE AS TRAFFIC RAPIDLY APPROACHED FROM BEHIND, I WAS FORTUNATE TO BE ABLE TO GET ONTO THE SHOULDER. I HAVE COME TO FIND OUT TODAY THAT THIS HAS BEEN AND CONTINUES TO BE A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM BY FORD FOR YEARS WHICH HAS YET TO BE ADDRESSED! THERE IS EVEN A TECH SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS PROBLEM! BESIDES RIPPING OFF CONSUMERS FOR OUTRAGES RECURRING REPAIR COSTS, THIS IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE. IS IT GOING TO TAKE SOMEONE GETTING SEVERELY HURT BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 5, 2005
MY VEHICLE HAS AN IDLE AIR CONTROL MALFUNCTION AND AFTER CONFERRING WITH OTHER FORD OWNERS. MOST HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR VEHICLE. I AM CONCERNED IT MAY BE A BIGGER PROBLEM THAN FORD MAY BE AWARE OF. WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE IT INVESTIGATED IF POSSIBLE. MY VEHICLE IS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. *JB
AIR BAGSNovember 27, 2005
I SUSTAINED FACIAL INJURIES AS A RESULT OF THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS ON A 2001 FORD SPORT TRAC. IT IS MY BELIEF THAT THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *JB
UNKNOWN OR OTHERNovember 17, 2005
PAINT STARTING CRACKING ON ROOF AND HOOD OF TRUCK. NOW THE PAINT IS STARTING TO CHIP ON THE ROOF OF THE TRUCK. TRUCK WAS WAXED OFTEN AND TAKEN CARE OF. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THIS PROBELM YET. *NM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLOctober 10, 2005
2001 EXPLORER SPORT CUT OFF FOUR TIMES AFTER I STARTED IT. AFTER GETTING IT TO START, THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T ACCELERATE ANY FASTER THAN 20 MPH, THEN IT WOULD SLOW DOWN TO ALMOST A COMPLETE STOP (IN TRAFFIC!). THE ACCELERATOR WAS EXTREMELY RESISTANT TO THE TOUCH. I TOOK IT TO CAPITAL FORD IN RALEIGH, NC AND INFORMED THEM I THOUGHT IT WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE (DETERMINED THIS FROM RESEARCH). I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE AND THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL. FOUR DAYS WENT BY AND THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING ALTOGETHER. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO CAPITAL FORD TO BE TOLD IT WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. I INFORMED THEM THIS WAS AN ON-GOING ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL AND THE 2001 EXPLORER SPORT HAD BEEN RECALLED TO HAVE THIS PART FIXED. THE STAFF AT CAPITAL FORD SAID FORD HAD NOT ANNOUNCED A RECALL AND THAT THE INFORMATION I GATHERED WAS JUST A "SITE'S" OPINION. I NEED TO KNOW IF, IN FACT, THIS PART HAS BEEN RECALLED AND IF I HAVE A CLAIM AGAINST FORD TO HAVE IT REPAIRED/REPLACED AT THEIR COST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP IN THIS MATTER. IT HAS BEEN VERY FRUSTRATING DEALING WITH CAPITAL FORD ON THIS ISSUE. I'VE SPENT $689.70 ONLY TO BE TOLD I'LL NOW HAVE TO SPEND ANOTHER $100 (+) TO FIX WHAT I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR TO REPAIR IN THE FIRST PLACE. *NM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLOctober 7, 2005
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED.*MR THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AFTER IT HAD BEEN SITTING FOR ABOUT TEN HOURS. *NM THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE WAS THE RESULT OF A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. *JB
SEATSSeptember 16, 2005
JOHN KILLEN WAS DRIVING HIS 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRUCK, WHEN THE DRIVER'S SEAT COMPLETELY RECLINED. APPARENTLY THE SEAT HAD BROKEN. THE BOLT CONNECTING THE TOP PORTION OF THE "HIGH-BACK" SEAT TO THE ASSEMBLY RECLINER HAD SPLIT IN HALF. THE SEAT CAN NOT BE PUT BACK INTO THE UPRIGHT POSITION WITHOUT HAVING TO BE PROPPED UP. JOHN HAD TALKED TO A NEIGHBOR ABOUT THE PROBLEM, THE NEIGHBOR STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THERE WAS THE RECALL ON THE INTERNET. JOHN HAD CALLED FORD TO INQUIRE THE RECALL, AND TO STATE THAT THE SEAT IN HIS TRUCK HAD BROKEN. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. JOHN CALLED A SECOND TIME AND A DIFFERENT CUSTOMER REP STATED THAT HIS TRUCK HAD ALREADY BEEN FIXED. JOHN CALLED A THIRD TIME AND THE CUSTOMER REP STATED THAT HIS TRUCK WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL- EVEN THOUGH THE PART THAT BROKE IN JOHN'S DRIVER SEAT WAS THE SAME PART DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. NOW FORD WANTS JOHN TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR ON THE DEFECTED PART.*JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLSeptember 9, 2005
CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR LIGHT SWITCH DOES NOT COME ON - STEERING WHEEL IS VERY HOT TO THE TOUCH - AND THERE IS THE SMELL OF BURNING PLASTIC. SINCE DECEMBER 2003 ALL INDICATOR LIGHTS ARE OUT ON STEERING COLUMN (I TOOK MY TRUCK TO THE FORD SERVICE CENTER AND WAS TOLD IT PROBABLY NEED A FUSE - I CHECKED THE FUSE IT SEEMS TO BE O.K. IS THERE A RECALL ON CRUISE CONTROL ON THE 2001 - FORD SPORT TRAC? *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLAugust 30, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. SHE HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 35 MPH WHILE GOING UP A HILL, BUT WAS PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE, AND THEY STATED SHE WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. THE CONSUMER SHOWED THE POLICE THAT THIS WAS WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED. THIS HAPPENED 7 TIMES IN THE LAST 4 MONTHS. THE ON/OFF SWITCH THAT WAS USED TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT WORK, AND THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES HARD TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CONTACT HAS NOT BEEN TO A SERVICE DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED, AND HAS NOT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT STATED THE LIGHTS ON THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE FUSE HAS BEEN REPLACED TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION, BUT IT DID NOT FIX THE LIGHTS PROBLEM. *AK
STRUCTUREAugust 29, 2005
VEHICLE HYDROPLANES ON WET SURFACES RESULTING IN CRASH ON MAY 11, 2005. *JB
SEATSAugust 22, 2005
I FOUND A RECALL DATED AUG. 5, 2003 ON AUTOSITE.COM, BUT WAS INFORMED THAT MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT IN THAT PARTICULAR RECALL BY BOHN FORD. I HAVE A 2001 FORD SPORTS TRAC. MY SEATS JUST FALL BACK WITHOUT WARNING, DOES AN ACCIDENT HAVE TO OCCUR FOR MY SEATS TO BE REPAIRED BY FORD? SHOULDN'T THIS BE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY? WHAT VEHICLES WERE RECALLED IN AUG. 5, 2003 IF NOT MY MAKE AND MODEL?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 19, 2005
DT: ABOUT A MONTH AGO THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH WINDOWS UP THE CONSUMER GOT IN AND PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING FROM THE HAZARD WARNING LIGHT SWITCH, THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS. STOPPED SMOKING AFTER CONSUMER STARTED THE ENGINE, IN DURATION OF ABOUT 20 SECONDS. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 3-4 TIMES PER WEEK SINCE AFTER A LONG TRIP. THIS MOST OFTEN OCCURRED WHEN WINDOWS WERE UP AND IT WAS VERY HOT OUTSIDE. CONSUMER HAS NOT EVEN INSPECTED THE UNDER HOOD OR ENGINE COMPARTMENT AFTER THIS OCCURRED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO A DEALER YESTERDAY AND HAS NOT DONE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. . CONSUMER DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS DONE TO THE VEHICLE BUT WISHED TO FILE COMPLAINT. CONSUMER NOTED THERE WAS NO FIRE. FORD WANTED CONSUMER TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. *AK
SEATSAugust 9, 2005
DT: CONSUMER OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. SHE FOUND RECALL 03V281000 FOR SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL, 03V281000. BUT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO HAVE HER VEHICLE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BECAUSE HER VEHICLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. FRONT SEATS DID NOT LOCK IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. IF SEAT BACKS WERE PRESSED ON THE SEAT THEY WILL GIVE AND FALL INTO THE RECLINED POSITION. SHE HAD NOT ANYONE LOOK AT SEATS TO SEE WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGAugust 8, 2005
DEFECTIVE INTAKE MANIFOLD ON 2001 FORD EXPLORER XLT. *NM
POWER TRAINAugust 4, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE THIRD GEAR TO SLIP. THIS HAPPENED FOR A DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TRANSMISSION PLACE, IT BLEW A CODE AND THEY SAID IT WAS AN INTERNAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE OVERDRIVE INDICATOR STARTED FLASHING. AS SOON AS THAT LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH THE TRANSMISSION STARTED ACTING UP. *AK
TIRESAugust 1, 2005
DT: SPLITTING OF THE SIDEWALL ABOUT AN INCH UP FROM THE BEAD. TIRES HAVE NOT HAD A BLOW OUT. CALLER WAS LOOKING AT VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT ALL 4 TIRES HAD THIS PROBLEM. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET.*AK
AIR BAGSAugust 1, 2005
IN AN ATTEMPT TO AVOID AN CHAIN REACTION ACCIDENT MY HUSBAND, ROBERT, VEERED OFF THE ROAD. OUR 2001 FORD EXPLORER HIT A TREE, FLIPPED OVER TRAPPING HIM IN THE VEHICLE AND THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THANK GOD, HE WAS NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED, BUT THE EMOTIONAL TRAUMA GOES WITHOUT SAYING. IT IS VERY UPSETTING TO PAY MONEY FOR SAFETY EQUIPMENT ONLY TO HAVE THAT EQUIPMENT FAIL WHEN YOU EXPECT IT TO WORK. *JB
SUSPENSIONJuly 13, 2005
I HAVE A 2001 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC WITH 60K MILES ON IT. THE STOCK SHOCKS ARE SO BAD THAT BREAKING AND HIGHWAY TRAVEL IS DANGEROUS. THE LAST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING I-35 SOUTH RIGHT OUTSIDE OF KANSAS CITY, MO. A CAR BROKE DOWN IN MY LINE AND I TAPPED (NOT STOMPED) THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN, THE TRUCK DID A NOSE DIVE AND THE BACK END KICKED OUT INTO THE OTHER LANE AND THE TIRES LOCKED UP.
AIR BAGSJuly 11, 2005
ON THE OCT 6TH 2003 I WAS DRIVING THE FORD SPORT-TRAC AND SUFFERED A SEIZURE. I THEN LOST CONTROL OF THE TRUCK AND CRASHED INTO A WALL OF A HOME IN THE AREA. THE TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE AND I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE 2 PEOPLE PULL ME FROM THE TRUCK BEFORE IT EXPLODED. THE AIRBAGS IN THE TRUCK DID NOT DEPLOY AND I BROKE MY BACK IN 2 PLACES. THE DOCTOR AT THE HOSPITAL TOLD ME THAT THE BREAKS IN MY BACK AND THE BRUISES ON MY FRONT SIDE ALLIGNED WITH THE STEERING WHEEL AND THAT WAS THE SOURCE OF MY INJURIES. NO SOURCE OF THE FIRE WAS FOUND AND THE TRUCK MELTED AT THE SCENE. I AM NOW INJURED FOR LIFE BECAUSE OF THIS INCIDENT. I CONTACTED FORD AT THE TIME AND THEY NEVER CONTACTED ME BACK AFTER THEY SAID THEY WOULD.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJune 12, 2005
PURCHASED THE TRUCK FROM BACKUS FORD ON THE 15TH OF FEB AND NOTICED IT HAD A ROUGH IDLE AND WHEN TURING THE TRUCK RIGHT OR LEFT IN THE IDLE SPEED IT WOULD ALMOST STALL. IT HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM BUT IT IS STILL THERE AND DOES THE SAME THING .IT ACTS LIKE IT IS MISSING. BACKUS HAS GONE THRU ALL SPECS ON IT AND CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM. I THINK IT MIGHT BE A CHIP OR COMPUTER PROBLEM BUT THEY (THE DEALER) DOES NOT. HAS ANY ONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 27, 2005
THE GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE (GEM) EXPERIENCED A CONDITION REFERRED TO AS "LOCK-UP" IN WHICH THE GEM CONTROLLED ELECTRONIC 4X4 SYSTEM COULD NOT BE TURNED ON.
SEATSMay 25, 2005
DT: THE FRONT BOLT THAT HOLDS THE DRIVERS' SEAT SEVERED OFF. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 25, 2005
FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 09/11/2003. THE VEHICLE WOULD START AND DRIVE FINE AND THEN AFTER A NUMBER OF STOPS, WOULD FAIL TO RESTART. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO LITHIA FORD IN FRESNO. THE VEHILCE WAS IN THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR 7 DAYS BEFORE THEY COULD DETERMINE THAT IT WAS A FAILURE WITH THE "PATS" SYSTEM. A FORD FACTORY ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO START. PER THE FORD SERVICE FLASH TEST, "CODE# U1262-INTER MITTEN LOSS OF SCP COMMUNICATION. THIS REPAIR COST ME 3 X $90.00 FOR THEIR DIAGNOSIS = $270.00 + $86.58 (PART) = $357.00. THE WHOLE WEEK OF JULY 12, 2004, THE VEHILCE WOULD NOT START WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS 09/2003. I PHONED THE DEALER AGAIN AND THEY ASKED ME TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN. LITHIA FORD OF FRESNO HAD THE VEHICLE TIL AUGUST 11, 2004. AFTER CHARGING ME THE $90.00 DIAGNOSIS CHECK, THEY CLAIM "NO PROBLEM FOUND". THE VEHICLE HAS HAD IN THIS PAST MONTHS 2-4 INCIDENTS OF THE INTER-MITTEN START. ** THIS IS MY THIRD COMPLAINT TO THE DEALER OF THE SAME "NON-START" PROBLEM. THIS MORNING I WAS AT LITHIA FORD, WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START IN THEIR SERVICE BAY. I WAS GIVEN ANOTHER $95.00 DIAGNOSIS ESTIMATE, AND THEY STATE THEY NEED A COUPLE OF DAYS INSPECT CAR. I HAD TO RENT A CAR AT $30.00+/PER DAY. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS FACTORY "ANTI THEFT" SYSTEM. I NEED A VEHICLE THAT WILL START.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMay 16, 2005
DT: OWNS 2001 FORD EXPLORER, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER ARE PREGNANT. HAD JUST ENTERED INTERSTATE AND WAS DRIVING ABOUT 70 MPH AND TRIED TO SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 65MPH. TRIED TO TAP BRAKE BUT HEARD ENGINE REV UP AND IT IMMEDIATELY SPED BACK UP. TAPPED BRAKE AGAIN AND KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG. ENGAGED HAZARD LIGHTS AND TRIED TO PULL OFF ROAD. DOWN SHIFTED TO 2ND GEAR,THEN TO 1ST, AND SLOWED TO ABOUT 50 MPH. TRIED TO ENGAGE EMERGENCY BRAKE WITH NO LUCK. WAS USING BOTH BRAKES WHILE TRAVELING IN THE GRASS UPHILL. WHEN IT SLOWED TO ABOUT 15-20 MPH PASSENGER JUMPED FROM VEHICLE. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO REV UP, DRIVER LET OFF BRAKE WHILE TRYING TO ESCAPE AND WAS SLUNG FROM VEHICLE. THE EXPLORER WENT BACK AND CROSSED 4 LANES OF TRAFFIC, ENTERED ONTO SERVICE ROAD WHERE IT STRUCK A TREE. FROM THERE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UP THE TREE UP-ROOTING IT. THE TIRES CAUGHT FIRE AND BYSTANDER TRIED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE WITH AN ICE CHEST AND AGAIN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMay 13, 2005
2001 FORD EXPLORER CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.*MR WHILE DRIVING CAR SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS MISSING. THE CONSUMER SAW SMOKE, PULLED OVER AND REALIZED THAT EH VEHICEL WAS ON FIRE. THE CRUISE CONTROL BOX, LOCATED ON THE RIGHT SIDE, WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. *BF *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 13, 2005
2001 FORD EXPLORER EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH A SHORT IN THE WIRING TO THE RADIO AND THE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM IS INOPERATIVE. *MR THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE RADIO WAS NO GOOD. THE PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE A BAD FUSE. THE CONSUMER PURCHASED TWO NEW BATTERIES FOR THE VEHICLE. *SC *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 9, 2005
2001 FORD EXPLORER 4 WHEEL DRIVE THE CRUISE CONTROL HAS BURNED OUT ON THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS STARTED APPROXIMATELY 8-9 MONTHS AGO AND THE STEERING COLUMN KEPT HAVING SMOKE COME OUT OF IT WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THEN IT WOULD STOP, AND JUST START UP OUT OF THE BLUE,BUT ABOUT 4 MTS. AGO THE CRUISE CONTROL FINALLY WENT OUT. THIS ITEM HAS BEEN RECALLED ON MAY VEHICLES OF THE SAME YEAR, BUT MY PARTICULAR VIN# HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. MY SUV HAS THE EXACT PROBLEM THAT HAS HAPPENED IN MANY OF THE VEHICLES AND THERE IS A RECALL ALREADY IN PLACE, JUST NOT FOR MY VIN #. THEY WANT ME TO REPAIR IT AT MY COST.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMay 6, 2005
2000 FORD EXPLORER ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK CAUSING A SURGE OF ACCELERATION.*MR AS A RESULT THE CONSUMER'S WIFE WENT THUR A GARAGE DOOR. *BF *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMay 5, 2005
VEHICLE BEGAN STALLING WHEN IT WAS AROUND 30 DEGREES OR LOWER IN THE WINTER AND WOULD HAVE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE 3 OR 4 TIMES TO GET IT TO STAY STARTED, NOW VEHICLE DOES THIS EVERY MORNING AND EVEN WHEN ITS WARM OUT. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, DEALER PUT SEAL ON INTAKE PLATTON. VEHICLE DOES IT EVERY TIME YOU START IT NOW.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLApril 28, 2005
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JB THE PROBLEM MAY BE RELATED TO THE CRUISE CONTROL AS OTHER FORD MODEL VEHICLES. *SC *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 25, 2005
THERE WERE NO PRECEDING EVENTS; UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT WARNING THE ENGINE DIED. THE ENTIRE ENGINE AND ALL ATTENDANT PARTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE FIRST NEW REPLACEMENT ENGINE ALSO FAILED IMMEDIATELY UPON INSTALLATION. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED WITH YET ANOTHER ENGINE. COST TO CONSUMER: $6348.50. *AK
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITYApril 25, 2005
I HAVE A 2001 FORD SPORT TRAC 2 WHEEL DRIVE. WHEN THE TRUCK HAD JUST PASSED THE WARRANTY PERIOD THE BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE RIGHT FRONT WAS DOWN TO BARE METAL. THE ROTOR WAS REPLACED. TWICE SINCE THEN THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH THE EXACT SAME PLOBLEM AND NOW NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN.FORD PARTS WERE USED AND PARTS WERE PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED.I HAVE SPOKED WITH 11 OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE SAME TRUCK WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO THE TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT WORK IF THE TILT STEERING IS TILTED DOWN. MY TRUCK HAS LESS THAN 92000 MILES, AND QUIIET FRANKLY I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED. I HAVE OWNED FORDS FOR THE PAST 25 YEARS AND UNTIL THIS ONE I WOULD NOT HAVE OWNED ANYTHING ELSE. NOW IT'S TIME TO GET A NEW TRUCK AND I AM NOT AT ALL SET ON A FORD. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 21, 2005
THE DRIVER NOTICED WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE STARTED COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE LEFT AND RIGHT BRAKE CALIPER NEEDED REPLACEMENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
POWER TRAINApril 18, 2005
OVERDRIVE TURNS OFF - FORD HAS ISSUED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ((TSB) 03-22-10 IN OBVIOUS RECOGNITION OF NUMEROUS PROBLEMS ,BUT REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. *AK
POWER TRAINApril 15, 2005
SPORT TRACK HAS 76,000 MILES AND SUDDENLY STARTED MAKING A ROARING SOUND IN THE REAR WHICH GETS LOUDER AS SPEED INCREASES. IT WAS LOOKED AT BY TWO COMPANIES, BOTH OF WHICH DIAGNOSED IT AS A REAR AXLE PROBLEM-POSSIBLY A DIFFERENTIAL BREAKAGE. THERE ARE SLITHERS OF METAL ON SOME OF THE AXLE PARTS. WHEN LUBRICATION WAS CHECKED FOAMING WAS DETECTED. I DON'T HAVE A CLUE WHAT THIS MEANS---BUT I WAS REFERRED TO THE DEALER OR FORD AS IT WAS TOO BIG A JOB FOR THE REPAIR SHOP. I WAS TOLD TO EXPECT A COSTLY REPAIR BILL! WE HAVE NOT TAKEN LONG TRIPS, HAULED/PULLED ANYTHING. I'VE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH FORD REGARDING THIS.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 3, 2005
MY FORD EXPORER SPORT WITH APPROXIMATELY 30,000 MILES ON IT WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OF MY APARTMENT WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE BY ITSELF AROUND 4:00 A.M. FIRE MARSHALL STATED THAT FIRE STARTED ON THE ENGINE/ BATTERY AREA. I HAVE HIS WRITTEN REPORT. SUV WAS TOTALLED BY INSURANCE COMPANY. I CONTACTED FORD IN WRITING, BUT THEY DID NOT FEEL RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEFFECTIVE VEHICLE. THEY DID NOT REPLACE THE VEHICLE NOR REIMBURSED ME FOR ANY OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES. *AK
SUSPENSIONMarch 23, 2005
REALIZED BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE BAD, NOT SURE OF EXACT DATE WENT BAD JUST PURCHASED VEHICLE AS "FORD CERTIFIED" BUT FORD WILL NOT COVER REPAIRS . *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESMarch 23, 2005
AT JUST UNDER 40,000 MILES,THE DRIVER'S DOOR LATCH BEGAN TO FAIL, CAUSING THE DOOR TO EITHER NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY WITHOUT VIGOROUS SLAMMING, OR FAILED TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE LATCH. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,SEATSMarch 22, 2005
MY 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC FRONT SEAT BROKE, DOESN'T MOVE FORWARD, IT MAKES A POP NOISE...MY LATCHES ON MY LOCKS BED ARE BROKEN; THE LOCKS FELL OUT OF THE BED COVER; THE SIDE LATCH FELL OFF. I ONLY HAVE 29000 MILES, AND I AM DISAPPOINTED WITH THE CONSISTENCY OF SMALL PROBLEMS THAT OCCUR....I HAVE HAD OTHER VEHICLES , WHO HAD NO PROBLEMS UNTIL AROUND 100,000 MILES -- I HAVE TO SIT ON A PILLOW; CAN'T STORE ANYTHING IN THE LIKEABLE BED -- SO HAVE NO TRUNK -- NOT REAL HAPPY FOR THE MONEY I SPENT. *AK
TIRESMarch 11, 2005
THE RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED A TREAD SEPARATION WHILE DRIVING 60-65 MPH WITH TWO ADULTS AND TWO CHILDREN IN A 2001, FORD, EXPLORER SPORT SUV. WHILE DRIVING DRIVER NOTICED A LOUD BANGING NOISE, AND THE VEHICLE WAS LOSING STEERING CONTROL. CONSUMER PULLED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD, AND NOTICED THAT TIRE CAUSE DAMAGES TO THE FUEL FILLER NECK LINE. IT WAS AN AFTER MARKET TIRE INSTALLED AT 51, 000 MILES, TIRE SIZE P235/75R15 AND DOT# 88L3L63101. THE TIRE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMarch 2, 2005
WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH HEARD A POPPING NOISE. NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN. NO FLAMES APPEARED. PULLED VEHICLE OVER AND SHUT EVERYTHING DOWN. CONTACTED POLICE AND TOWED THE TRUCK. AT THE MECHANIC'S SHOP WAS INFORMED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS PINCHED OFF AND STARTED THE ELECTRICAL FIRE. NO INJURIES REPORTED. *AK *TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLFebruary 28, 2005
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR AN HOUR WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE ALONG WITH CONSUMER'S HOME. RESULTS SHOWED THAT THERE WAS A SHORT WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH UNDER THE HOOD.*AK
SUSPENSIONFebruary 23, 2005
VEHICLE: FORD EXPLORER XLS, MY 2001. PROBLEM: FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE AT LOW MILEAGE (50000KM AND 63000 KM, OR APROX 31000MILES AND 39000MILES). THE FAILURE WAS DETECTED EARLY AND DIDNOT HAVE DRAMATIC CONSEQUENCES. ONE PART HAS BEEN CHANGED. THE OTHER WILL BE DEALT WITH SOON.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 23, 2005
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BACK THE VEHICLE UP, IT CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
POWER TRAINFebruary 20, 2005
MY 2001 FORD SPORT TRAC TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER TAKING IT TO DEALER I WAS INFORMED THAT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. WITH ONLY 56,000 ON TRUNK. SINCE ITS OUT OF WARRANTY I WILL HAVE TO FOOT THE BILL OF $3600. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHER SPORT TRAC OWNERS GETTING STUCK WITH BAD TRANSMISSIONS. PLEASE MAKE FORD FIX THERE BAD TRANSMISSIONS. *JB
STRUCTUREFebruary 19, 2005
REGARDING "SIDE-STEPS" OR "RAILS" THAT BEGIN TO RUST AT JOINTS AND FLAT SURFACE AREA WITHIN AS LITTLE AS TWO YEARS OF NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY. WITNESSED VARIETY OF VARIOUS FORD VEHICLES THAT WERE LATE MODEL YEAR OF '02 & EARLIER THAT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. APPEARS TO BE A SYSTEMIC NATIONWIDE PROBLEM PARTICULARLY IN AREAS WITH WINTER MONTHS. CONTACTED DEALER AND ASKED IF THEY WOULD COVER THIS ISSUES UNDER 5YEAR FORD CORROSION COVERAGE, BUT THEY REFUSED TO, STETTING THIS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE "PERFORATION" OF VEHICLE BODY. FIRST CONCERN, IS RUST FORMING AND WEAKENING THE STRUCTURE WHICH MAY GIVE WAY UNDER PRESSURE. SINCE THERE ARE OTHERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM, FORD SHOULD REPLACE OR REPAIR THESE "SIDE-STEPS" AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNERS' AND CORRECT THE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM BY PROPERLY MANUFACTURING AND PRODUCING THIS ACCESSORY ITEM.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 17, 2005
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE CONSUMER STATES THAT SMOKE COMES FROM THE DASH WHERE THE HAZARD LIGHT IS. IT GIVES OFF A UNPLEASANT SMELL, AND THEN IT GOES A WAY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *NM
TIRESFebruary 17, 2005
THE TREAD PEELED OFF OF THE TIRE WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DOING 55 MILES PER HOUR. THE CONSUMER MADE HER WAY OFF OF THE FREEWAY THIS TIRE INCLUDED IN THE TREAD SEPARATION NHTSA RECALL 01T016000. *NM
POWER TRAINFebruary 11, 2005
I HAVE A 2001 EXPLORER SPORT. IN LOWER SPEEDS, MY TRANSMISSION WOULD START MISSING. FORD AND ANOTHER REPAIR CENTER BOTH IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS A DEFECTIVE MAIN BODY REPLACEMENT VALVE. THE REPAIR CENTER TOLD ME THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN IDENTIFYING THIS PROBLEM (ARTICLE #02-13-8). HOWEVER, THERE IS NOT AN OFFICIAL RECALL. FORD SAID I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE COMPLETE REPAIR. *JB
SEATSFebruary 7, 2005
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY SEAT COLLAPSE UNDER NEAT CAUSING MY BODY TO SLOUCH. I STARTED TO SWERVE THE CAR BUT HAD UNDER CONTROL AND LUCKILY CAUSED NO ACCIDENT. I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY , AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PURCHASE A BRAND NEW SEAT FRAME AND CUSHION SINCE THE SEAT FRAME BROKE, THEY EVEN SAID THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD THIS HAPPENED OR SEEN IT HAPPEN. THEY TOLD ME SINCE IT DOES NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY OR EXTENDED WARRANTY, WHICH I HAD PURCHASED WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR, THAT I WOULD HAVE PAY FOR IT AND THAT IT WILL COST ME ALMOST 400 DOLLARS. I TOLD THEM THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A SEAT FRAME THAT SHOULD NOT BREAK, I EVEN CALLED THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND ALL THEY SAID WAS THAT WE WILL TELL THE ENGINEERS AND THE ONLY THING THEY CAN OFFER WAS DISCOUNT. I AM NOT A HEAVY PERSON AND ANYWAY NO MATTER HOW HEAVY YOU ARE A SEAT FRAME SHOULD NOT BREAK OR COLLAPSE AT ANY POINT OF TIME. I HAVE ONLY OWNED THIS CAR FOR 4 YEARS AND IT SEEMS AS THOUGH FORD IS BLAMING ME FOR BREAKING THE PART AND IT IS MY FAULT. LIKE I HAVE SAID BEFORE I AM NOT WILLING TO PAY FOR A PART THAT SHOULD NOT BREAK. *JB
STEERINGJanuary 27, 2005
WHEN TILTING THE STEERING WHEEL DOWN IT SHUTS EVERYTHING OFF. THEN, WHEN PLACING IT BACK TO THE NORMAL POSITION EVERYTHING COMES BACK ON, THE BRAKE LIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS, AND CONSUMER HEARS AN ELECTRICAL BUZZING INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL.*AK
VISIBILITY,SEATSJanuary 25, 2005
THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS UNABLE TO RECLINE OR ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD MAKING THE ABILITY TO DRIVE FOR A TALLER PERSON DIFFICULT. THE CONSUMER ALSO HEARD A CLICKING NOISE WHEN THE HEATER WAS ON. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY OWNER. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGSJanuary 21, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE SRS LIGHT, ABS LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. SUDDENLY, THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NM
SEAT BELTSJanuary 14, 2005
MY DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT CLOSES IN THE CAR DOOR ON A REGULAR BASIS. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS TO THE DEALERSHIP ATTENTION BUT THE RESPONSE WAS THAT IT RETRACTED OK WHEN THEY LOOKED AT IT. MY CONCERN IS THAT OVER TIME THIS MAY CAUSE WEAR ON THE BELT THAT WOULD PREVENT IT FROM WORKING PROPERLY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. *JB
POWER TRAINJanuary 7, 2005
2001 EXPLORER SPORT REVERSE NOT ENGAGING, SLIPPING TRANSMISSION, O/D LIGHT FLASHING. TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING OR ACCELERATING CORRECTLY, RPMS SHOOT UP BUT NO ACCELERATION. TRIED TO ACCELERATE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT BUT HAD NO ACCELERATION. LUCKILY STEERED OUT OF IT. FORD DOES NOT WANT TO ADMIT KNOWLEDGE AND WANTS ME TO PAY FOR IT.
SEATSDecember 15, 2004
THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL ON THE BOLT UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED. THREE MONTHS LATER THE POPPING NOISE STARTED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE BOLT WAS FINE BUT THAT THE LEVER FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT THE REFUSED ANY ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE LEVER WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. *JB
POWER TRAINDecember 8, 2004
MY 2001 SPORT TRAC 2WD TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REBUILT BECAUSE OF DEFECTIVE VALVE BODY GASKETS. THE TRUCK WAS TO THE POINT THAT WHEN I PULLED OUT INTO TRAFFIC THE 2ND - 3RD SHIFT WAS SO DELAYED THAT YOU HAD TO REMOVE YOUR FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL TO LET THE TRUCK SHIFT. THIS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE IF YOU REALLY NEED TO ACCELERATE FAST TO GET OUT OF THE WAY. THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN PAMPERED AND ALL TRANS SERVICE WAS TAKEN CARE OF ON SCHED. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH A FORD TRANS, BUT I REALLY THINK SOMEBODY DROPPED THE BALL ON THIS ONE. REMEMBER THAT MOTO, QUALITY IS JOB 1. THE REBUILD COST $1500. AND I DO HAVE THE OLD BANDS, AND CLUTCH PACK, WHICH IS WORN BADLY. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICDecember 8, 2004
THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS HOT TO THE TOUCH. ALL FOUR ROTORS WHERE REPLACED. *TC *SC *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,TIRESDecember 2, 2004
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLY PROBLEMS. CONSUMER NOTICED THAT WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. ALL TIRES HAD STRESS MARKS LOCATED IN THE INNER SIDE OF THE TIRES. GOODYEAR, WRANGLER RTS P255/70R16. ALSO, COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE . CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE LEAK. BUT TIRES WERE REPLACED DUE TO THE STRESS MARKS. *AK
TIRESNovember 30, 2004
I HAVE HAD BF GOODRICH TIRES SEPERATE AND LUCKY FOR ME I DID NOT HAVE AN ACCIDENT I HAD A AUTO SHOP TELL ME ABOUT IT BEFORE AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED. *AK
SEATSNovember 22, 2004
THE DRIVER SEAT LOOSE, SEAT TRACK BROKE. REPLACED SEAT TRACK. *BF THE WELD ON THE SEAT TRACK HAD BROKEN. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *SC
POWER TRAINNovember 19, 2004
TRAVELING IN THE SLOW LANE AND WENT TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN PRESSING ON THE GAS THE RPM JUST RACED BUT THE TRUCK DID NOT? TURNS OUT WITH ONLY 70,000 CAREFULLY AND PAMPERED MILES I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE WITH ALL PROPER SERVICES AT SUGESTED MILAGE? $2000 IS A BIG EXPENSE AT SUCH LOW MILAGE- WARANTY OUT AT 60,000 SO FORD TOLD ME IM OUT OF LUCK- THEY DID NOT TAKE ANY BLAME IN FAULTY PARTS OR ENGINEERING! FORD HAS A VERY BAD REPUTATION AND NOW I KNOW WHY. *AK
AIR BAGSNovember 11, 2004
RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE (RCM) BECAME INOPERABLE ON 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORTRAC.*MR *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,TIRES,SEATSNovember 5, 2004
DRIVER SEAT RECLINER BOLT, THE SEAT BACK/RECLINE/FORWARD BROKE, REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. *BF THE OIL FILTER HAD COME WITH A HOLE TOO LARGE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HANDLE BROKE, THE TIRES BLEWOUT AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT THAT TOTALED THE VEHICLE. *SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 27, 2004
(1)BRAKE LIGHTS OUT. (2) HAD FUSE AND BULBS REPLACED AND THE BRAKE SWITCH CHECKED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEOctober 27, 2004
WHEN CHANGING GEARS, THERE WAS HESITATION AS IF THE TRUCK WANTED TO CUT OFF AND SHUDDER IN STEERING. HAD OXYGEN SENSOR AND FUEL INJECTOR CHECKED. *AK *JB
STRUCTUREOctober 12, 2004
ON A 2001 FORD SPORT TRAC : THE PAINT ON THE HOOD AND ROOF ARE BEGINNING TO CRACK OVER THE ENTIRE ROOF AND HOOD EXPOSING THE METAL UNDERNEATH. *NM
SEAT BELTSOctober 7, 2004
WHILE INVOLVED IN A COLLISION REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE SEPARATED. AS A RESULT THE OCCUPANT WAS THROWN OUT OF THE WINDOW. NO MAJOR INJURIES REPORTED. *AK
TIRESOctober 6, 2004
NHTSA RECALL 01X001000 CONCERNING FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. IT HAS BEEN THREE YEARS, AND THE DEALER DOES NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITYSeptember 9, 2004
DROVE HOME, GARBAGE PICK-UP MISSED OUR HOUSE. GRAB THE CAN ,AND PUT IN BACK OF FORD SPORT TRAC..TRIED TO CATCH THE GARBAGE TRUCK DOWN A DIRT ROAD. WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE FRONT HOOD ON MY SPORT TRAC CAME OPEN.ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WHEN TURNING ON AIR-CONDITIONER.I BELEIVE SAME TYPE OF PARTS OR COMPONENTS USED IN PREVIOUS YEARS FORD EXPLORER SPORT...RANGING BACK TO 98 OR FURTHER.PROBABLY SAME TYPES RECALLED OR COMPLAINED ABOUT IN THOSE YEARS PROBLEMS WITH DEFECTS..I HAVE FOUND THAT MY 2001 FORD SPORT TRAC WAS ACTUALLY MADE IN LATE YEAR OF 2000.*AK
WHEELSSeptember 3, 2004
VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT ALL FOUR WHEELS WERE DEFECTIVE. A MECHANISM INSIDE OF THE WHEEL TREAD SHEARED OFF INTO THE MANUFACTURER'S TIRES, AND CAUSED THE UNEVEN WEAR AND TEAR. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLAugust 31, 2004
THE VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUOUSLY STALL AT LOW RPMS BUT COULD BE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY. THE CAUSE OF STALLING WAS NOT KNOWN . *AK THE DEALERS TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE IAC. *NM
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHERAugust 30, 2004
I HAVE HAD POOR FUEL MILEAGE, STALLING OF ENGINE FROM STOP SIGNED INTERSECTIONS AND ENTERING HIGHWAYS FROM SIDE ROADS. COULD CAUSE MYSELF TO STALL IN FRONT OF AN ON COMING VEHICLE, OR FROM GETTING OUT OF WAY OF A DRUNK DRIVER OR ACCIDENT. I HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED FOR POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS. INTAKE MANIFOLD SEALS WERE REPLACED. THE SOHC 4.0 V6 PERFORMED SOME WHAT BETTER, BUT I'M STILL HAVING SOME OF SAME PROBLEMS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON SEVERAL TIMES IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS EVEN THOUGH IT DID NOT PREVIOUSLY SHOW ANYTHING WRONG. IT NOW READS CODES PO174/ PO171/ AND PO442 READ BY LOCAL AUTO PARTS DEALER WITH SCANNER FOR OBD11...HE SAID BANK 1 AND 2 WERE RUNNING TO LEAN AND EVAP SYSTEM WAS SHOWING A SMALL LEAK. NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO FIND LEAKS IN FUEL RETURN LINES BUT UPON SOME DISSASEMBLY NOTED THAT AIR INTAKE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY MATE SURFACES DID NOT MATE PROPERLY. SAYS THAT IT LOOKED LIKE IT MAY HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM COVERED UP BY THE MANUFACTURER. A DEFECT THAT WAS JUST CHEAPLY AND TEMPORARILY SOLVED JUST TO GET VEHICLE TO THE SALES LINE. ANYWAY, RUBBER SEALS THAT HAVE NOT LASTED EVEN 3 YEARS. JUST A RUBBER STUFFING TO GET THE VEHICLE THROUGH INSPECTION UNNOTICED IS WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE TO ME. THIS COULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN A DISASTER AS I STATED PREVIOUSLY. IT STUMBLED WITH MYSELF AND MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER UPON ENTERING ONTO A 4 LANE STATE HIGHWAY WHERE TRAFFIC SPEED IS 65 MPH, AND IT WAS A CLOSE CALL AT BEING HIT BROAD SIDE. FROM OTHER FORUMS ON THE INTERNET WHILE TRYING DESPERATELY TO GET AN IDEA AS TO THE PROBLEM FROM OTHERS, I FOUND THAT MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME SITUATION AS MYSELF. LOCATING THE CAUSE AND GETTING IT REPAIRED..*AK
AIR BAGSAugust 22, 2004
ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS I WAS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENTS THAT DID DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF MY EXPLORER. BOTH ACCIDENTS WERE AT SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 25 MILES PER HOUR. ONE ACCIDENT TOTALED THE OTHER VEHICLE INVOLVED. NO OTHER TIME DID THE AIRBAGS IN MY VEHICLE DEPLOY. I DON'T FEEL THIS IS A SAFE VEHICLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING MY FAMILY IN. *JB
TIRESAugust 19, 2004
THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE REAR PASSENGER 'S SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. WHEN THE CONSUMER CHANGED THE TIRE, HE NOTICED THAT THE SPARE TIRE WAS A GOODYEAR WRANGLER P26570R17. THIS TIRE WAS NOT THE SAME TIRE THAT WAS ON THE TRUCK. THE TIRE THAT WAS FLAT WAS A COREOVAN WILD TRACK RADIAL SUV MS P2657017. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE #DOT NUMBER. *JB
POWER TRAINAugust 17, 2004
ME AND MY FAMILY HAVE BEEN LONG TIME FORD CUSTOMERS. I MYSELF HAVE OWNED 3 FORDS AND MANY OTHERS IN MY FAMILY HAVE HAD SEVERAL FORD VEHICLES. MY GRANDFATHER WAS A LONG TIME FORD SALESMAN IN BUNKIE, LA. I CURRENTLY OWN A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC WITH 46000 MILES. I RECENTLY EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH THE 2 TO 3 GEAR SHIFT SLIPPING. WELL TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT I HAD TO GET A TRANSMISSION OVERHAUL TO THE TUNE OF $1,800. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 46000 MILES AND HAS DONE VERY LITTLE LIGHT TOWING AND NO OFF ROADING ETC. I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED FORD QUALITY, BUT IT SEEMS HAS DROPPED THE BALL ON THIS TRANSMISSION. THERE ARE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS OUT ON THIS TRANNY AND I HAVE RESEARCHED AND DISCOVERED MANY OTHERS THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. IT SEEMS FORD KNOWS THIS IS A PROBLEM, AND I THINK THEY SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT BEFORE THEY LOSE ANOTHER LONG TIME CUSTOMER LIKE MYSELF. NEEDLESS TO SAY I WILL BE PURCHASING A NEW CAR SOON, BUT PLAN TO TAKE MY BUSINESS TO OTHER BRANDS DEALERSHIPS. *JB
STEERINGAugust 16, 2004
WHILE DRIVING,THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL BY SLOWING DOWN THE ACCELERATION OR COME TO A COMPLETE STOP . THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE POWER STEERING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A SOLENOID SWITCH. *NM A WHINING SOUND BEGAN AROUND 25K MILES. THERE WAS A JERK IN THE STEERING WHEEL. AT 48800K MILES, THE VIBRATION WAS CONSTANT WHENEVER THE VEHICLE MADE TURNS. THE POWER STEERING WAS REPLACED AND THE VALVE IN THE RACK AND PINION. *SC *JB
TIRESAugust 5, 2004
DRIVER'S REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON A FORD EXPLORER 2001 VEHICLE. THE TIRE REMAIN INFLATED. ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT, TIRE SIZE 275/60R17, AND DOT# ADT044T0101. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJuly 30, 2004
CURRENTLY FORD HAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY PROGRAM UNDER ONP 00M12 WHICH EXTENDS THE WARRANTY FOR THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER ON, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, 2001 EXPLORER SPORT TRACS. ACCORDING TO FORD'S SYSTEM, MY CAR, WHILE A 2001 SPORT TRAC WITH THE SOHC MOTOR, IS NOT COVERED. I AM AT THIS TIME EXPERIENCING THE EXACT PROBLEM THAT THEY ARE COVERING UNDER THIS EXTENSION, BUT FOR SOME REASON MY CAR IS EXCLUDED. I CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY HAD NO INFORMATION WHY MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED, BUT DID ADMIT THAT 2001 SPORT TRACS WERE PART OF THIS EXTENDED COVEREAGE. THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY DETAILS OR FACTS TO SUPPORT THEIR REASONING. IT IS APPARENT THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM FOR THE SOHC MOTORS, THUS THE REASON FOR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. HOWEVER, MY CAR SEEMS TO BE NOT PART OF THIS PROGRAM, THUS NOT COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY, YET I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AS WHAT IS COVERED.*AK
STEERINGJuly 28, 2004
SINCE THE PURCHASE OF MY FORD EXPLOER SPORT TRAC IN DEC, 2000, I HAVE DEALT WITH A STEERING SHUDDER. I HAVE HAD 3 DIFFERENT TYPES OF TIRES ON THE VEHICLE AND ALL EXHIBITED THIS PROBLEM. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALER DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD, BUT THEY WERE NOT SURE OF THE CAUSE. TODAY I CALLED FORD AND THEY ARE SHIFTING THE BURDEN OF THE NECESSARY REPAIR TO ME DESPITE THAT I BROUGHT THIS UP AT LEAST TWICE DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD. I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND IT IS ESPECIALLY BAD ON WET SURFACES. I THINK THE REPAIR SHOULD BE DONE AS A RECALL AND NOT BURDEN THE CONSUMER ESPECIALLY WHEN IT WAS BROUGHT TO THE FORD DEALER'S ATTENTION DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD. THERE IS A TECHNICAL BULLETIN OUT THAT DESCRIBES THE PROBLEM I HAVE WITH MY VEHICLE. IT CAN AFFECT THE ABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING ON WET PAVEMENT.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJuly 23, 2004
THERE WERE REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH THE IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTOR ON 2001 FORD EXPLORER. *MR UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY STALLED. *SC
AIR BAGSJuly 20, 2004
THE DRIVER WAS MERGING FROM THE HIGHWAY ONTO THE CENTER LANE WITHOUT WARNING, AND ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS WERE INJURED. *JB
SEATSJune 28, 2004
PASSENGER SIDE LATCH NOT CATCHING ON FRONT SEAT. I HURT MY UPPER BACK AND NECK. THE SEAT JUST GOES BACK ON ITS OWN. *AK
STRUCTUREJune 17, 2004
LTR FWD FM REGION V RE THE FORD EXPLORER AS A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT, HIS SISTER GINA AGIN AND HER FIANCE MICHAEL HEYWORTH KILLED IN A FATAL ROLLOVER ACCIDENT, ATTACHMENTS NOT IMAGED FWD NVS-200. *LA WITNESS STATEMENTS INDICAT THE THE VEHICLE VEERED OFF THE ROAD INTO THE GRASSY MEDIAN 2-3 TIMES. IT APPEARED THAT THE DRIVER OVERCORRECTED AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER SIDE TO SIDE THEN FRONT TO BACK. *NM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 5, 2004
AT TIMES MY LEFT TURN SIGNAL WHEN ENGAGED DOESNT WORK AND AT THIS TIME I NOTICE SMOKE COMING OUT OF STEERING COLLUMN,THIS HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH PRESSING THE BRAKES, SOMETIMES WHEN I DEPRESS IT WORKS THEN GOES OFF WHEN PRESSING A SECOND TIME, ALSO DISPLAY ON STEREO WORKS PART TIME ONLY MAYBE ONE OUT OF EVERY TEN DRIVES. *AK
POWER TRAINJune 4, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND HAD A BUMPY RIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE DIFFERENTIAL AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE FOR OVER A MONTH. *AK THE RIGHT FRONT AXLE WAS REPLACED. *SC *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 2, 2004
ON JANUARY 25,2004 I WAS APPROACHING A TRAFIC SIGNAL IN MY 2001 FORD EXPLORER I SLOWED TO APPROXIMATELY 5MPH. MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR, BUT WHEN I HIT THE BRAKE THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD ,AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT THE BRAKE AS HARD AS I COULD BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. THE ENGINE MADE A REVING SOUND AS IT LUNGED FORWARD. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SUSTAINED DAMAGE TOTALING $ 1237 AND THE PASSENGER COMPLAINED OF A NECK AGGRIVATION. MY CAR SUSTAINED MINIMAL DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER. THIS WAS THE 1ST ACCIDENT I HAVE EVER BEEN IN WHERE IT WAS ALLEGED THAT I MAY BE AT FAULT, CLEARLY I WAS NOT. THIS SURGE WHEN DECELERATING HAS HAPPENED 2 TIMES AFTER THIS ACCIDENT, BOTH OF WHICH WERE WITNESSED BY A PASSENGER IN MY CAR. LUCKILY NOBODY WAS INJURED ON THESE OCCASIONS. I HAVE SINCE TAKEN THE CAR INTO THE DEALER WHEREUPON I WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEALER HAD RECEIVED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULETIN (TSB) FROM FORD REGARDING AN IDLE AIR CONTROL (IAC) VALVE FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL DATED 2/5/03. THE DEALER REPLACED THIS VALVE ON 5/20/04.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMay 21, 2004
THE BRAKES FAILED. THIS CONSUMER WAS NOTIFIED OF THIS PROBLEM BY A PASSING MOTORIST. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE OF A DEFECT IN THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH. *AK
TIRESMay 20, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A BODY SHOP. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT DRIVER'S REAR TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A BLOWOUT. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMay 11, 2004
PROBLEMS WITH TIRE EQUIPMENT ON 2001 EXPLORER SPORT.*MR WHILE DRIVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE EMISSIONS SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT THE COST OF THE REPAIR WOULD BE $240.57 AND THAT THE REPLACEMENT WOULD TAKE ABOUT 45 MINUTES BECAUSE THE SENSOR WAS DIFFICULT TO GET TO. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THAT THE OLD PART BE RETURNED TO HIM. WHEN THE CONSUME GOT HOME HE OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW THAT THE SENSOR WAS EXTREMELY ACCESSIBLE ON THE TOP RIGHT OF THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER FELLS THE COST OF THE REPAIR WAS NOT REASONABLE. *NM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMay 5, 2004
INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT A VERY LOW SPEED VEHICLE SURGED BY APPLYINGTHE BRAKES. *AK
POWER TRAINApril 29, 2004
WHILE APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL VEHICLE SHOOK. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ,AND DROVE IT TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT AXLE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 19, 2004
INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH VEHICLE STALLED AND HESITATED. A MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
SEATSApril 19, 2004
RECALL 03V28100 REGARDING HIGH BACK SEAT. CONSUMER WAS REACHING BACK TRYING TO PICK UP SOMETHING BEHIND THE SEAT AND THE SEAT COLLAPSED BACKWARDS ONTO THE REAR SEAT. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 15, 2004
EGR VALVE FAILED ON MY VEHICLE 3 TIMES. ACCORDING TO AN ONLINE REPAIR FORUM, THIS COULD LEAD TO STALLING AND HESITATION IN ACCELERATION. MY EGR VALVE HAS FAILED ALL 3 TIMES DURING PERIODS OF ACCELERATION WHILE ON THE FREEWAY. THIS COULD POSE A SAFETY HAZARD SHOULD IT FAIL AND STALL WHILE ACCELERATING TO ENTER THE FREEWAY OR WHILE PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE ON A 2 LANE ROAD.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, AIRApril 12, 2004
MY WIFE AND I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC FROM SIMMONS ROCKWELL, IN BIG FLATS NEW YORK ON FEBRUARY 28, 2004. UPON SIGNING PAPERWORK, WE WERE SHOWN A FORM FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY INDICATING THAT THE VEHICLE MENTIONED WAS A REPURCHASED VEHICLE. THE FORM STATED THAT THE ORIGIONAL OWNER WAS COMPLAINING OF THE ABS SYSTEM NOT PROPERLY WORKING. THE SALES REPRESENTATIVE AND THE FORD FORM STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND WAS IN SATISFACTORY CONDITION. A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER I EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS SYSTEM NOT WORKING AND A LIGHT ON THE DASH INDICATING THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY AND I WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT HELP ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO CONTACT A FORD DEALER. I CONTACTED MCGUIRE FORD IN ITHACA NEW YORK AND THEY RAN A REPAIR HISTORY ON THIS VEHICLE, WHICH SHOWED NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR THE ABS SYSTEM. MCGUIRE FORD STATED THAT THEY HAD TO ORDER PARTS FOR THE ABS SYSTEM. A WEEK LATER MCGUIRE FORD REPLACED PARTS FOR THE ABS SYSTEM. A FEW DAYS LATER I HAD TROUBLES WITH THE ABS SYSTEM AGAIN AND CONTACTED SIMMONS ROCKWELL FORD IN HORNELL NEW YORK. I DROPPED THE VEHICLE OFF FOR REPAIRS ON 4/1/04 AND PICKED IT UP 0N 4/2/04. ON 4/2/04 I EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM AGAIN. I CONTACTED SIMMONS ROCKWELL HORNELL SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND ASKED THEM IF IT WAS ALRIGHT IF I USED ANY FORD DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS AS THEY WERE 45 MILES AWAY FROM MY HOME. THEY INDICATED YES THAT ANY FORD DEALER WOULD HONOR THE WARRANTY,SO I WENT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER. THIS DEALER REFUSED TO DO REPAIRS DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE HISTORY OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE AND PAST PROBLEMS WITH SIMMONS ROCKWELL. THIS VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 29,000 MILES ON IT AND I HAVE NOT OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR A MONTH AND I HAD TO HAVE UNSUCCESSFUL REPAIRS MADE. THE FIRST PAYMENT IS DUE ON 4/13/04. I DROPPED THE VEHICLE OFF TO SIMMONS ROCKWELL ON 4/5/04 AND TOLD THE SALES REP MIKE GIAGIOS THAT I DID NOT WANT THE VEHICLE. *AK
SUSPENSIONApril 12, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH AND TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT VEHICLE LIFTED ON ITS OWN. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 7, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A BRAKE PROBLEM. BRAKES, ROTORS, AND CALIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. CURRENTLY, ABS BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. *AK
SUSPENSIONApril 1, 2004
DESIGN FLAW IN "BALL JOINTS" FOR 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. VECHICLE HAS 52K MILES, LESS THAN 3YRS OLD, AND NEEDED TO REPLACE LOWER BALL JOINTS, AND IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS MAY ALSO NEED REPLACING IN THE NEAR FUTURE, AT A COST OF $400 FOR EACH SET. THESE BALL JOINTS SHOULD NEVER NEED REPLACING AT THIS LOW MILEAGE, ESPECIALLY FOR A SPORT UTILITY VECHICLE, ONE OF WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN OFF THE ROAD. *AK
AIR BAGSMarch 25, 2004
WE WERE TRAVELING 35MPH IN SNOWY/ICYCONDITIONS. WE SLID INTO A TELEPHONE POLE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND TOTALED THE SUV WITHOUT ANY AIRBAGS GOING OFF AND THE SEATBELTS COMING OUT OF THE LOCK. WE HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH FORD VIA TWO LETTERS BUT THE WON'T ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEIR DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE WENT OFF IN THAT TYPE OF COLLISION EVEN WITH PHOTOS TO PROVE. WE NEED HELP. WE NEED TO KNOW WHAT "SHOULD" HAVE HAPPENED IN THAT TYPE OF INCIDENT. WE RECEIVED HEAD INJURIES.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMarch 11, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THERE WAS ARE NO TURN SIGNAL OR BRAKE LIGHT. DRIVER WOULD MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL IN ANOTHER DIRECTION AND THE SIGNALS AND BRAKE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND OFF. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
POWER TRAINMarch 11, 2004
2001 EXPLORER SPORT-TRAC AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WENT BAD AT 49,600 MILES. TRANSMISSION MECHANIC SAID THAT THE 4R55E AND 5R55E TRANSMISSIONS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR HAVING FAULTY VALVE BODIES WHICH CAUSES THE CLUTCHES TO BURN UP. MY TRUCK HAS ALWAYS BEEN MAINTAINED PROPERLY. NEVER RACED OR TOWED HEAVY LOADS. JUST A DAILY COMMUTER VEHICLE. THERE IS NO REASON THIS TRANSMISSION SHOULD HAVE FAILED THIS EARLY.*AK
STEERINGMarch 10, 2004
FAILTURE OF BALL JOINTS DUE TO NO GREASE FRO M FACTORY. *AK
SUSPENSIONMarch 1, 2004
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. DEALERSHIP REPLACED IN OCTOBER, 2003 THE LOWER BALL JOINT. FIVE MONTHS LATER, NEEDED TO REPLACE THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. *AK
SUSPENSIONFebruary 24, 2004
THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR LINK BROKE DURING AN EVASIVE MANEAUVER CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE RESULTING IN A ROLLOVER DEATH OF THE DRIVER OF A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. *AK
POWER TRAINFebruary 21, 2004
2001 FORD SPORT TRAC TRANSMISSION ELECTRONICS FAILED AT 45,000 MILES CAUSING ENTIRE TRANSMISSION REBUILD TO BE NECESSARY. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTREMELY UNHELPFUL, NOTHING THEY WOULD DO AND ALSO WOULD NOT PROVIDE SUPERVISOR TO SPEAK TO. *JB
AIR BAGSFebruary 21, 2004
AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AFTER FRONT-END COLLISION WITH SPEED OF APPROX. 25-30 MILES PER HOUR. RESULTING IN CERVICAL SPRAINS TO TWO PASSENGERS. PASSENGERS WERE WEARING SEAT BAGS. VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH TWO AIR BAGS. *JB
TIRESFebruary 19, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 50-60 MPH VEHICLE VIBRATED. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE VIBRATION WAS CAUSED BUT TIRE TREAD SEPARATION. *AK *NM
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENTFebruary 13, 2004
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT, I HAVE CHANGED MY BRAKES 3 TIMES IN ONE YEAR. WHEN I BRAKE, IT SQUEAKS, VERY SLOW TO STOP, AND SHIFT TO EITHER SIDE. ANY BUMP WILL MAKE THE VEHICLE LOSE CONTROL, ESP WHEN TRAVELING GREATER THAN 45 MILES PER HOUR.. TRUE HAZARD.*AK
SEAT BELTS,STRUCTUREFebruary 5, 2004
ON NOVEMBER 29TH MY MOTHER WAS DRIVING HER 2001 FORD EXPLORER 2DR 4X4 TO WORK. SHE HIT AN ICE PATCH GOING APPROX. 30 MPH AND LOST CONTROL OF HER VEHICLE BECAUSE THE REAR END SWUNG SIDEWAYS. HER FORD THEN FLIPPED ON IT'S PASSENGER SIDE AND HIT A TREE. MY MOTHER COULD NOT GET HER SEAT BELT UNDONE SO SHE CALLED 911 WHILE HANGING IN HER VEHICLE. A MAN AND WOMAN STOPPED TO HELP HER OUT BECAUSE THEY NOTICED THAT HER FORD WAS ON FIRE. THEY HAD TO BREAK INTO THE BACK WINDOW AND THE WOMAN CLIMBED IN TO RELEASE HER AND PULL HER OUT. IF THOSE PEOPLE WOULD NOT OF STOPPED, MY MOTHER WOULD NOT BE HERE TODAY. THERE IS NOTHING LEFT OF THE INTERIOR OF MY MOM'S EXPLORER. ( NO SEATS. STEERING WHEEL & COLUMN, GLASS, NOTHING) I HAVE E-MAILED FORD AND SPOKE WITH THEM REGARDING THIS MATTER AND THEY SAY THAT IF MY MOM'S INSURANCE COMPANY SETTLED THEN THEY CLAIM NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. I THINK THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT RECTIFIED BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE GETS HURT. THERE WAS A ARTICLE WRITTEN IN SHERMAN PUBLICATIONS BECAUSE THE TWO PEOPLE WHO SAVED MY MOTHERS LIFE IS UP FOR AN AWARD. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. THANK YOU! *JB
SUSPENSIONJanuary 20, 2004
2001 EXPLORER SPORT HAD BAD BALL JOINT ON FRONT PASSENGER SUSPENSION.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJanuary 15, 2004
WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE DRIVER HAD AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
POWER TRAINJanuary 15, 2004
TRANSMISSION FAILURE- NO WARNING-
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENTJanuary 15, 2004
I HAVE SEVERAL MORE INVOICES 7-29-03 REPLACED DUST SEALS AND FORGOT TO PUT BRAKES BACK TOGETHER LOST WHOLE FRONT END AND BRAKING. HAD TRUCK FOR 3-4 DAYS THEY HAVE REPLACED THE WATER PUMP PULLEY AND S BELT 2-3 TIMES. CRUISE CONTROL 10-16, 12/31/02 AGAIN SQUELING NOISE 02/28/03 DEFROST KILLS TRUCK AND CHIRPING STILL. 2/10/03 STEERING WHEEL SNAPED PART FALLS AROUND INSIDE,CRUISE CONTROL WAS FIXED, BEARING FAILURE IN BELT TENSIONER AGAIN. TODAY STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. COME GET THE PIECE OF !@!@#@#. I AM SICK OF TAKING THIS TRUCK IN EVERY MONTH TO FIX SOMETHING. IT IS A LEMON
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAINJanuary 15, 2004
I PURCHASED THIS CAR ON OCTOBER 8,2003. THREE DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT IT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK FOUR TIMES BACK TO BACK. THE FIRST TIME THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. THE SECOND AND THIRD TIME THE SAME THING. ON THE FOURTH ATTEMPT, THEY HAD ME TAKE IT TO ONE OF "THEIR" MECHANICS. HE SAID IT WAS A BAD SWITCH IN THE SYSTEM. NOT EVEN A WHOLE WEEK LATER, THE CHECK GUAGE LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR LOT WHERE I BOUGHT IT FROM SAID THEY WERE NOT GOING TO LOOK AT MY CAR BECAUSE OUT OF THE KINDNESS OF THEIR HEART THEY'VE ALREADY LOOKED AT IT. SO I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP, THEY FIXED IT AND SAID IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION, AND THE STEERING WHEEL. THEY CAR LOT SAID IT WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM. I HAD TO PAY OUT OF MY POCKET FOR SOME PROBLEMS THAT ARE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THEN THE FIRST TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON I LATER FOUND OUT THAT A SALES PERSON WHO WAS NOT CERTIFIED MECHANIC, TRIED TO FIX THE CAR WHEN THEY SAID THEY WERE SENDING IT TO A MECHANIC. I'M STILL HAVING PROBLEMS AND IT SEEMS LIKE THERE JUST GETTING WORSE!
POWER TRAINJanuary 13, 2004
SOME HOW WATER GOT IN THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND DAMAGED THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *PH *PH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 12, 2004
STARTING PROBLEMS WITH TEMPERATURES BELOW 40 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT ON A COLD START. VEHICLE ATTEMPTS TO START BUT WILL NOT TURN OVER WITHOUT PRESSURE BEING APPLIED TO ACCELERATOR. ONLY DUPLICATES IN COLD WEATHER. VERY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM MANY OTHER OWNERS REPORT SAME ISSUES. *LA
SUSPENSIONJanuary 12, 2004
FRONT BALL JOINTS FAILED AT 36400 MILES. CLUNK IN REAR OF VEHICLE AS IT STOPS, FROM 6000 MILES. *LA
SUSPENSION,STRUCTUREJanuary 10, 2004
BOTH ITEMS HAPPENED RIGHT AFTER MY VECHICLE COVERAGE RAN OUT IN OCT. OF 2003,ANYWAY 1ST. THE A/C RECYCLING SWITCH WENT BAD AT AROUND 20,200 MILES, NOW THE PASSENGER FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT IS MAKING A TERRIBLE NOISE , SO I ASSUME THAT THATS ON IT`S WAY OUT,ALSO I NOTICED THAT THE REAR BUMPER IS ON A DOWNWARD POSITION. TO ME I THINK THIS YEAR`S PRODUCTION MODEL STINKS . *AK
TIRESJanuary 10, 2004
WHEN GOING 50 TO 55 MPH WHEN PUT FOOT ON BRAKE STEERING WHEEL AND TIRES VIBRATED. - I HAVE HAD BACK TO DEALER 4 TIMES LAST TIME THEY SAID IT WAS TIRES SO HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE TIRES SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG BECAUSE IT IS STILL HAPPENING MY TRUCK ONLY HAS 38000 MILES ON IT SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM I NOW KNOW IT IS NOT A PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES BUT THERE IS A DEFECT SOMEWHERE IN THE VEHICLE ITSELF. *AK
POWER TRAIN,SEAT BELTS,TIRESJanuary 8, 2004
FORD IS A COMPLETE RIP OFF AND SOLD ME A LEMON I WILL NEVER EVER BUY OR RECOMMEND A FORD IN MY LIFE ALL WE'VE HAD IS PROBLEMS... WE JUST BROUGHT OUR FORD EXPLORER TO MT. VERNON FORD IN NY AND THEY TOLD US THEY WILL CHECK OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND IF WE DECIDE FOR THEM NOT TO FIX IT THERE OUR CHARGE IS 85.00 DOLLARS AND IF WE FIX IT THERE THEY WILL PUT IT TOWARDS THE REPAIR AND TOLD US THE PROBLEM WE ARE HAVING IS FROM NOT MAINTAINING THE CAR HOW DARE THEY MAKE SUCH A STATEMENT I HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN CARE OF MY CARS I HAVE A NISSAN WITH 130,000 MILES I HAVEN'T EVEN CHANGED THE CLUTCH STILL ORIGINAL WELL WE DECIDED NOT TO HAVE THE REPAIRS DONE THERE AND WHEN WE GOT THERE THEY CHARGED UP OVER 130.00 DOLLARS I AM DISGUSTED AND I AM GOING TO REPORT FORD TO THE BBB AND EVERY COMPLAINT CENTER THAT I CAN... WE ONLY HAVE 50,000 MILES ON IT AND BEFORE 36,000 WE HAD TO PUT IN A NEW TRANSMISSION IT'S A LEMON A PIECE OF JUNK... WE'VE ALSO BROUGHT IT IN FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT AND THEY STILL HAVEN'T FIXED IT AND I SWEAR TO GOD IF WE ARE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT OR GET PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE SOMEONE IS GOING TO PAY FOR IT TRUST ME LAW SUIT AND ALL. *LA
SUSPENSIONDecember 28, 2003
LOWER BALL JOINTS IN 2001 FORD EXPLORER BAD AT ONLY 46,000 MILES.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDecember 10, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE LOST TOTAL POWER. *AK WHEN THE NEW MOTOR WAS PLACED IN THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD JUST DIE WHILE IN MOTION AT ANY SPEED. IT HAD TAKEN THE DEALER THREE ATTEMPTS WHEN THEY TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THERE WASN'T A RUNNING CODE, SO IT COULD NOT BE FIXED. *SCC *JB
POWER TRAINDecember 10, 2003
THE TRANSMISSION ON THE 2001 SPORT TRAC WENT OUT, IT ONLY HAD 42,000 MILES ON IT. IT WAS ONE MONTH OVER THE 3 YEARS. THE CAR WAS SERVICE EVERY 3 THOUSAND MILES FOR OIL CHANGE, 31,000 THOUSAND FOR TRANSMISSION SERVICE. I TOOK MY RECEIPT INTO THE FORD AUTO IN ST. PETERSBURG. I AM NOT HAPPY TO HAVE THIS HAPPEN I DID EVERYTHING TO KEEP MY CAR IN TOP SHAPE. IT WAS NOT NEGLECTED IN ANY WAY. FORD AUTO SAID THEIR WAS NOT A THING THEY COULD DO. WHY NOT ? WHERE I HAD THE TRANSMISSION FIXED, BECAUSE IT WAS ON A WEEKEND WHEN IT WENT OUT, TOLD ME HE HAS HAD A LOT ON THE EXPLORER IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ONE OF THEM WAS AS LOW AS 37,000 MILES. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM, YOU SHOULD EITHER FIX IT OR PAY TO HAVE THEM FIX. *LA
AIR BAGSDecember 3, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE CONSUMER SMELLED A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE INSIDE COMPARTMENT. THE FRONT AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED AND THE DRIVER WAS COMPLETELY CAUGHT OFF GUARD AND HIS GLASSES WERE KNOCKED OF HIS FACE. *AK *SCC *JB
POWER TRAINDecember 2, 2003
VECHILE HAS 16,000 MILES. THREE TIMES AFTER STARTING VEHICLE AND DRIVING TWO BLOCKS OVERDRIVE INDICATOR FLASHES BY ITSELF. THEN TRANSMISSION OVER REVS AND DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. OWNERS MANUAL SAYS THAT HWEN OVERDRIVE KIGHT FLASHES TO CALL DEALER AND ARRANGE FOR SERVICE, AS THERE IS PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION. BROUGHT TO DEALER TWICE, AS THEY COULD NOT RE-ENACT PROBLEM, THEY RETURNED VECHILE TO US SAYING NOTHING WRONG WITH VECHILE. I HAVE CALLED FORD CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE WHO CONTACTED DEALER, BURNS FORD. THEY NOW SAY TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. *AK
SEATSNovember 25, 2003
THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BACK KEPT FLYING FORWARD WHEN THE TRUCK CAME TO A STOP. T HE CONSUMER FEELS VERY UNSAFE DRIVING THIS TRUCK. PLEASE DESCRIBE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *NLM
STRUCTURENovember 25, 2003
WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE NOISE WAS CAUSED BY THE #3 BODY REINFORCEMENT. THE REINFORCEMENT BROKE LOOSE ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF THE CAB. THERE'S A TSB 630329 ON THIS ISSUE. *NLM
TIRESNovember 19, 2003
TIRE RECALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS. *AK
TIRESNovember 12, 2003
WHILE DRIVING 72 OR 73 MPH, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE TREAD SEPARATED. GENERAL MAXUS P23575R15. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH
AIR BAGSNovember 5, 2003
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT AIR BAG PROBLEMS. WHEN THE CONSUMER CLOSED THE PASSENGERS DOOR, THE SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY WILL CALL THE DEALERSHIP AND THEN THEY WILL CALL CONSUMER BACK. *AK THE INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN THE DOOR WAS SLAMMED BY THE CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER. *SCC *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 29, 2003
WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT AND THEN JERKS FORWARD. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE CALIPERS, AND TURNED THE ROTORS IN AN ATTEMPT TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.*AK
POWER TRAINOctober 29, 2003
PROBLEMS INVOLVING 2001 FORD EXPLORER. *MR (THE LETTER WAS WRITTEN IN SPANISH) THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL. *SCC *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGSOctober 16, 2003
AFTER MAKING AN EMERGENCY STOP AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND REMAINED ON WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.*AK
AIR BAGSOctober 15, 2003
WHILE DRIVING THE 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, DRIVER SUFFERED A SEIZURE. VEHICLE HIT THE POST, THEN VEHICLE SHOT ACROSS 2 LANES OF TRAFFIC AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH HITTING A TREE HEAD ON. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. IF PASSER BYS DID NOT PULL DRIVER FROM VEHICLE, DRIVER WOULD HAVE DIED. VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 25,000 MILES ON IT. DRIVER SUFFERED BROKEN BACK. VEHICLE TOTALED. DAMAGE TO TREE, WALL, HOUSE. *LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITYOctober 12, 2003
THERE WAS A WARNING INDICATOR THAT WAS ORIGINALLY ILLUMINATED GREEN. WHEN THE INDICATOR TURNED BLUE THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE INDICATOR WAS FOR THE LIGHTING SYSTEM, AND THE DEALER MADE SOME REPAIRS, BUT DID NOT INFORM THE CONSUMER OF WHAT WAS DONE. CURRENTLY, THE INDICATOR IS NOT ON AT ALL, AND THE DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE WHY IT IS NOT WORKING. ALSO, THE REAR WINDOW WINDSHIELD WIPER WAS NOT OPERATING. DEALER STATED MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK *PH *NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGOctober 10, 2003
WHILE TRAVELING FROM WILLIAMSBURG/NEW PORT NEWS, VA MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I PULLED OFF THE ROAD TO HAVE THE PROBLEM LOOKED AT. IT IS A POOR FLOW FOR THE EGR VALVE. ACCORDING TO DOCUMENTATION IN VARIOUS ENGINE REFERENCE BOOKS FAILURE OF THE VALVE COULD CAUSE ERRATIC ENGINE SURGES AND POTENTIAL OTHER RELATED PROBLEMS TO INCLUDE FAILURE OF THE POWER PLANT. THERE ARE APPARENTLY NO REPLACEMENT PARTS AVAILABLE FOR THE 4.0L V-6 WHICH IS A COMMON ENGINE IN THE RANGER AND EXPLORER MODELS. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 42000 HIGHWAY MILES AND RECEIVES REGULAR MAINTENANCE. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE LOW LIFE OF THIS PART UNDER NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND CONDITIONS, AS WELL AS THE SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT THAT THE PART FAILURE COULD CAUSE. *LA
AIR BAGSOctober 8, 2003
AFTER EXPERIENCING A SEIZURE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COLLIDED WITH A TREE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED, AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER WAS WEARING SEAT BELTS AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. A FIRE CONSUMED THE VEHICLE, AND THE DRIVER'S BACK WAS BROKEN. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK
TIRESOctober 8, 2003
AFTER 15,000 MILES AND MORE THAN 50% TREAD REMAINING, THERE IS ZERO WET TRACTION ON THESE TIRES. IT SEEMS THAT THE TRACTION GRADE ON THIS TIRE IS EITHER WRONG, OR THERE NEEDS TO BE A CHANGE IN THE SYSTEM TO EVALUATE AND PUBLISH HOW THE TIRES WILL GRADE AFTER SOME WEAR AND NOT BRAND NEW. *LA
TIRESOctober 8, 2003
I HAVE THE GOOD YEAR WRANGLER TIRES, AND I JUST WANT TO STATE THESE ARE BY FAR THE WORST TIRES THAT I HAVE EVER DRIVEN ON. I FELT LIKE I'M ON ICE WHEN THE ROAD IS A DAMPED. I HAVE NOT BEEN IN A WRECK BECAUSE OF THEM BUT I ALMOST DID. I OWN A FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND FOR SUV THEY NEED BETTER TIRES. *LA
UNKNOWN OR OTHEROctober 8, 2003
SAFETY RECALL 03S03 AND 03S04 2001 FORD EXPLORER.*MR *CB
SEAT BELTSOctober 7, 2003
FRONT SEAT PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT CAME UNBUCKLED DURING A ROLLOVER ACCIDENT. FRONT SEAT PASSENGER ENDED UP IN THE BACK SEAT. *LA
STRUCTUREOctober 2, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT 20-MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED A REAR END ACCIDENT. INDEPENDENT SHOP STATED THAT FRAMES WERE TORN. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLSeptember 25, 2003
AFTER HAVING COME TO A FULL STOP, THE ENGINE ACCELERATED WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE. BOTH TIMES I WAS AT A FULL STOP WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. ONLY THE FIRST INCIDENT DATE IS NOTED. THE SECOND HAPPENED IN JULY 2003.
AIR BAGSSeptember 23, 2003
AFTER STARTING VEHICLE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND REMAIN ON. CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC INDICATED THAT PROBLEM COULD NOT BE RESOLVED.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 9, 2003
VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 10 MINUTES, DRIVER TRIED TO START VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO KICK OVER. DRIVER COULD HEAR THE MOTOR CLICKING ,BUT IT DID NOT START. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS OPERATING. HAD NOTIFIED THE DEALER, BUT THE PROBLEM HAD NOT BEEN DUPLICATED OR RESOLVED.*AK
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLSeptember 6, 2003
I NOTICE THE 2001 FORD EXCURSION HAD GEAR BOX PROBLEMS. I JUST HAD TO REPLACE STEERING AND TIE RODS ON MY 2001 EXPLORER. ALSO, I HAD TO REPLACE THE IDLE CONTROL VALVE AND A FRIEND ALSO HAS AN IDOL CONTROL VALVE PROBLEM ON HIS 2001 EXPLORER. ARE THESE PROBLEMS AT LARGE. IF SO, I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE FORD REIMBURSE ME FOR THESE CHARGES ON A VEHICLE THAT JUST HAS 37,600 MILES ON IT.*AK
SEATSSeptember 5, 2003
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT TRACK HAD A FAILURE THAT CAUSED IT TO SQUEAK AND NOT TO WORK EFFICIENTLY. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THIS PART 5 TIMES, BUT PROBLEM STILL OCCURS.*AK
POWER TRAINSeptember 5, 2003
TRANSMISSION LEAKS WHILE DRIVING OR PARKING. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
SUSPENSIONSeptember 5, 2003
THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL BEARING RUNS DRY ON LUBRICATION CAUSING THE BEARING TO SCREECH LOUD. THE SAME BEARING HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE ON MY 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC IN TEN MONTHS.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGAugust 27, 2003
VEHICLE'S MOTOR STALLED OUT WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS DEPRESSED.*MR THE CONSUMER WANTS TO PUT FORD MOTOR COMPANY ON NOTICE THAT HIS VEHICLE IS IN FACT DEFECTIVE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THIS VEHICLE AND REMEDY A FUTURE FAILURE, AT NO COST, SHOULD A SIMILAR PROBLEM RECCUR AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRES. *CB *JB
STRUCTUREAugust 25, 2003
BACK WINDOW DEFECT - THE LEFT-SIDE HINGE ON THE WINDOW OF THE HATCHBACK FELL OFF. APPARENTLY A BOLT CAME LOOSE FROM THE INSIDE OF THE FRAME AND MY WINDOW FELL OFF. THE RIGHT-SIDE REMAINED IN TACT, BUT WAS BENT A BIT. THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART! I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW TWO YEARS AGO AND MY WINDOW JUST FALLS OFF ONE DAY?!?!?! *AK
SEATSAugust 22, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AND WITH NO WARNING DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT COLLAPSED, CAUSING CONSUMER TO FALL BACKWARDS INTO THE REAR SEATS. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK
SEATSAugust 22, 2003
VEHICLE IS IN THE REMEDY SCOPE FOR RECAL 03V281000 SUBJECT: HIGH BACK SEATS. DEALER DOES NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR.*AK
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES, AIRAugust 20, 2003
AT 31,000 MILES BRAKES AND ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED, AND AGAIN AT 57,000 MILES. HAVE TAKEN IT TO DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BECAUSE THE BRAKES SQUEALED, ESPECIALLY WHEN PRESSURE IS APPLIED. TECH SAID THE BRAKES NEEDED TO SEED. PROBLEMS WITH FRONT BRAKES HAS BEEN ONGOING. IS THIS NORMAL OR ARE THERE OTHER SPORT TRAK OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME KIND OF PROBLEMS WITH THEIR BRAKES. (HAS LEAD TO TIRES CUPPING, BUSHINGS NEEDING REPLACEMENT, FRONT END ALIGNMENTS, BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT, ETC.)*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAugust 12, 2003
I HAVE A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT, I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS. THE LIGHT HAS COME ON AND I HAVE CHANGED BRAKE PADS AND TURNED THE ROTORS. IT CURRENLT HAS 60,000 MILES. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING ON VARIUOS WEB-SITES AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM WITH EXPLORERS. IS THERE A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS ON EXPLORERS????*AK
SUSPENSIONAugust 5, 2003
EXPLORER SPORT VIBRATES AND SHAKES WHEN GOING OVER 50 MPH. HAD THE TIRES BALANCED AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. THE VIBRATING IS EVEN NOTICABLE IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH ALSO VIBRATES WHEN THIS OCCURS IN ADDITION TO THE SHAKING THAT CAN BE FELT THROUGH THE SEAT.*AK
SUSPENSIONJuly 30, 2003
40,500 MILES, FORD EXPLORER V8. VEHICLE WOULD SWAY AND PULL SIDE TO SIDE FROM FRONT END, MOSTLY UNSAFE AT HIGHER SPEEDS ON HIGHWAY. DEALER (MILLER FORD , MRT. 38 , MOUNT HOLLY, NJ)SAID IT NEEDED BOTH FRONT BALL JOINTS REPLACED. I HAD THEM REPLACED FOR $700 VEHICLE HAS NEVER DRIVEN THE SAME AND DOES NOT "FEEL" SAFE ON THE ROAD AT HIGH SPEEDS. FEELS LIKE FRONT END DRIVER SIDE HAS A MAJOR PROBLEM WAITING TO HAPPEN AND DEALER SAYS IT IS FINE. ANY BUMPS OR POTHOLES MAKE IT SOUND LIKE THE FRONT DRIVER WHEEL FROM THE JOINT IS GOING TO COME LOOSE SOMETIME.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENTJuly 10, 2003
FORD EXPLORER 2001 RADIO OVERHEATS MAY CAUSE DASHBOARD FIRES. TAKEN TO FORD SEVEN TIMES COULD NOT FIX. COMPANY ADMITTED PUTTING FANS IN SOME DASHBOARDS TO COOL.*AK
SEATSJuly 3, 2003
WHILE TRAVELING 45-50 MPH THE DRIVER SEAT COLLAPSED BACKWARDS WITHOUT ANY INDICATION. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND REPAIRED SEAT. TWO MONTHS LATER THE SEAT COLLAPSED AGAIN. *AK THE PIN ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT WHERE THE SEAT BACK ATTACHED TO THE PIVOT WITH THE SEAT BOTTOM HAD SNAPPED TWICE WHICH CAUSED IT TO COLLAPSED BACKWARDS 6-8 INCHES. *SCC *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJune 26, 2003
WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES BUT THEY GRABBED THEN LET GO WHICH CAUSED THE TIRES TO SKID. *NLM *TS *JB
POWER TRAINJune 25, 2003
I HAVE A 2000 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. MY 5 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHILE SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. MY VEHICLE HAS ONLY 55,000 MILES ON IT AND FROM THE NEW GROUPS I'VE BEEN FOLLOWING, I'M NOT ALONE. I UNDERSTAND THAT FORD HAS REDESIGNED THE VALVE BODY AND IS REFUSING TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE UNITS FREE OF CHARGE. *NLM
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJune 20, 2003
WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS FLASHING , SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. DEALER STATED, SPRING BROKE OVER THE THIRD VALVE. CONSUMER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ANY LONGER UNDER WARRANTY SO SHE HAD TO PAY. *AK
WHEELSJune 10, 2003
WHEELS STUCK, CANNOT REMOVE WHEELS TO CHECK BRAKES OR ROTATE TIRES. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO IF I GET A FLAT TIRE.*AK
POWER TRAINJune 1, 2003
AT 31,059 MILES, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AT ACCELERATION AND LOSS POWER, ESPECIALLY AT SECOND GEAR. AT 42,000 THE CAR WAS BROUGHT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF SAME PROBLEMS THAT EXPERIENCED AT 31,059 MILES. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE D.P.F.E SENSOR. *TT
STRUCTUREMay 28, 2003
RUNNING BOARDS HAVE RUTTED OUT AND IF SOMEONE STEPPED ON THEM IT COULD FALL OUT. *TT
POWER TRAINMay 23, 2003
THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION JUMPED INTO REVERSE, KNOCKED THE CONSUMER DOWN AND ROLLED OVER HIS LEG. *NLM
SUSPENSION,VISIBILITY,STRUCTUREMay 21, 2003
NAR 05/21/2003 *MR LOUD POPPING IN FRONT END,PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW DEFECTIVE, BACK DOORS BREAKING FROM IN SIDE HANDLES. *CB
AIR BAGSMay 20, 2003
THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AT 40 MPH, AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *JB
TIRESMay 16, 2003
WHEN THE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES WERE RECALLED AND FORD SPONSORED THEIR VOLUNTARY RECALL PROGRAM, WE TRIED TO HAVE OUR TIRES REPLACED. AT THE TIME, THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS BACKLOG AND WE WERE TOLD TO WAIT; THAT THE PROBLEM WOULDN'T AFFECT US UNTIL THE TIRES WERE 3 OR MORE YEARS OLD. AFTER WAITING FOR 2 YEARS, WE TRIED AGAIN TO GET THE TIRES REPLACED, BUT WERE INFORMED THAT FORD WOULD NOT HELP US IN ANY WAY WHATSOEVER--WE HAD MISSED THEIR DEADLINE (WHICH WAS NEVER MENTIONED IN THE ORIGINAL MATERIALS AND WHICH IS NOT MENTIONED IN ANY WEB-SITE OR NHTSA ANNOUNCEMENT WE COULD FIND). DURING A RECENT TRIP FROM ATLANTA TO FLORIDA, WE WERE FLAGGED TO PULL OVER BY ANOTHER MOTORIST WHO NOTICED THAT OUR LEFT-REAR TIRE WAS SMOKING. WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OFF IN TIME TO REPLACE IT WITH THE SPARE WITHOUT ROLLING THE VEHICLE OR OTHERWISE ENDING UP DEAD. NOW WE ARE TRYING TO FIND OUT HOW TO GET THE REMAINING TIRES REPLACED. PLEASE HELP. *NLM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMay 7, 2003
ACCELERATOR IN A FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC ENGAGED WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO RAPIDLY ACCELERATE INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. BRAKES WERE APPLIED BUT WERE UNABLE TO PREVENT THE CRASH - AIR BAGS DEPLOYED CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SHUT OFF THUS STOPPING THE VEHICLE. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMay 1, 2003
STOPPED BY POLICE BECAUSE BOTH REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT OPERATING. 3RD BRAKE LIGHT WAS FUNCTIONING. ALL BRAKE LIGHTS WORK WITH THE TILT-WHEEL ALL THE WAY UP. IN ANY OTHER POSITION, ONLY THE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT WORKS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHERApril 22, 2003
VEHICLE RATTLES OVER 80 MPH. THE WHOLE CAR JUST SHAKES UNNECESSARILY. BAD SMELL EXISTING COMING FROM THE ENGINE. ERP(VACUUM PART $600) IS BAD AT 45000 MILES ONLY ON A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHAT IS THIS. *NLM
SUSPENSIONApril 4, 2003
WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 80 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE DRIFTED TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. *JB
AIR BAGSMarch 24, 2003
WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK RAN OFF THE ROAD AND STRUCK A TELEPHONE POLE HEAD ON. NEITHER FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED. *NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 16, 2003
LOSS OF TURN SIGNALS, BRAKE LIGHTS, AND HEADLIGHTS WHEN TILT WHEEL IS ADJUSTED. DEALER HAS TRIED THREE TIMES TO REPAIR THIS. HAS REPLACED WIRING AND PARTS TWICE. IT IS NOW FAILING AGAIN WHICH WILL REQUIRE A FOURTH VISIT. *NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFebruary 28, 2003
EXHAUST FUMES SEEPED INTO THE VEHICLE'S INTERIOR CABIN. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE OR SOURCE OF LEAK. MANUFACTURER STATED EXHAUST FUME SMELL WAS NORMAL. *JB THE SMELL WOULD WORSEN WHEN GOING UP HILLS AND OR THE MOUNTAINS. SCC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFebruary 28, 2003
BRAKE PROBLEM, IN 2002 I HAD MY EXPLORER IN TO PHIL LONG FORD 3 TIMES FOR PULLING, VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL WHEN STOPPING. THEY MACHINED THE ROTORS EACH TIME. I THEN TOOK IT BACK TO FORD BECAUSE THE BRAKES WERE STILL DOING THE SAME THING, ONCE AGAIN THEY MACHINED THE ROTORS DOWN TO THE LOWEST THICKNESS. THE BRAKES CONTINUED TO MAKE NOISE AND THE PEDAL IS NOW SLOPPY. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS NO TSB REPORT ON THIS PROBLEM, BUT YET I FIND ON THE INTERNET. THE BULLTIN # IS 15910 AND #15249. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO FORD AND WAS TOLD THAT WHAT EVER THE DEALER HAD TO SAY WAS THE WAY IT WAS, BECAUSE THEY WERE A BLUE OVAL DEALER. *JB *TS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFebruary 28, 2003
BRAKE PROBLEM, IN 2002 I HAD MY EXPLORER IN TO PHIL LONG FORD 3 TIMES FOR PULLING, VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL WHEN STOPPING. THEY MACHINED THE ROTORS EACH TIME. I THEN TOOK IT BACK TO FORD BECAUSE THE BRAKES WERE STILL DOING THE SAME THING, ONCE AGAIN THEY MACHINED THE ROTORS DOWN TO THE LOWEST THICKNESS, THE BRAKES CONTINUED TO MAKE NOISE AND THE PEDAL IS NOW SLOPPY. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS NO TSB REPORT ON THIS PROBLEM, BUT YET I FIND ON THE INTERNET. THE BULLTIN # IS 15910 AND #15249. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO FORD AND WAS TOLD THAT WHAT EVER THE DEALER HAD TO SAY WAS THE WAY IT WAS, BECAUSE THEY WERE A BLUE OVAL DEALER. *JB
WHEELSFebruary 27, 2003
THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL MADE A NOISE.*JB
STRUCTUREFebruary 25, 2003
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN UNEXPLAINED ROLL OVER INVOLVING A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT, A 2 DOOR VEHICLE. I DID NOT HAVE FIRESTONE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION. MY GOODYEAR TIRES WERE INTACT AFTER THE ACCIDENT. I HAVE REVIEWED THE TEST DATA AND I AM CONVINCED THIS IS A FAULTY VEHICLE DESIGN. I NEARLY LOSS MY LIFE. IT HAS CHANGED MY LIFE. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH YOUR ORGANIZATION HAS CLEARED FORD INDIRECTLY BY FOCUSING ATTENTION ON FIRESTONE TIRES AND NOT TESTING ALL FORD SUV'S.*JB
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHERFebruary 21, 2003
SUV SHUTTERS ON A QUICK STOP AT A LIGHT, WHEN TANK HAS ABOUT 1/4 IN IT. THEN WILL EATHER SHUT OFF OR CLEAR OUT WHEN STOPPED. ALSO IF YOU PARK ON A SLIGHT INCLINE WITH 1/4 TANK OF GAS I CAN NOT GET THE CAR STARTED. BOTH OF THESE CASES NEVER HAD THE LOW FUEL LIGHT ON BEFORE THE INCIDENT HAPPENED.
TIRESFebruary 18, 2003
I HAVE JUST PURCHASED A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT THAT WAS SITTING FOR A > YEAR AS PART OF AN ESTATE. > > > > > > THIS CAR HAS FIRESTON WILDERNESS TIRES P255 70R16 1095 M+S. WHICH HAVE BEEN RECALLED. FORD & FIRESTONE REFUSE TO REPLACE THESE TIRES BECAUSE THE TIME ALLOTTED EXPIRED
POWER TRAINFebruary 16, 2003
2001 V8 EXPLORER 36500 MILES, MY TRANSMISSON STARTED SLIPPING ALL OVER THE PLACE, LUCKILY I GOT THE EXTENDED WARRENTY. BUT THERE IS NO REASON FOR SUCH A YOUNG TRANSMISSION TO GO BAD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 11, 2003
THE STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE TILTED IN ORDER FOR THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO WORK.*JB
TIRESFebruary 3, 2003
I AM HAVING A TIRE CUPPING PROBLEM WITH MY 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. I HAVE HAD THE TIRES ALIGNED AND ROTATED AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THE DEALER WANTS ME TO SPEND APPROXIMATEY $500 FOR A NEW SET OF TIRES. I AM CURIOUS IF OTHER FORD SPORT TRAC OWNERS HAVE NOTIFIED YOU OF A SIMILAR PROBLEM. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO HELP ME WITH THIS SITUATION? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 27, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING TIMING CHAIN WAS MAKING A LOT OF NOISE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND REPAIRED THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE STILL EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS. *AK
AIR BAGSJanuary 24, 2003
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT KEPT COMING ON, INDICATING AIRBAGS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. AFTER EIGHT UNSUCCESFUL REPAIR ATTEMPTS, FORD REPLACED THE VEHICLE.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERJanuary 17, 2003
BEGINNING ROUGHLY ONE YEAR AFTER PURCHASE (10/2000) I HAVE DETECTED AT TIMES A STRONG OILY VAPOR ODOR WITHIN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. THE ODOR IMPREGNATES MY CLOTHING AND EXPOSED SKIN AND HAS CAUSED MINOR (AT THIS TIME, AT LEAST) RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS. I AM FORCED ON THESE OCCASIONS, WEATHER PERMITTING, TO RIDE WITH MY WINDOWS DOWN TO LESSEN THE EFFECT. THE OCCURRENCE IS INTERMITTENT AND I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO PINPOINT CAUSING FACTORS. THE DEALERSHIP HAS FAILED TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM (4 VISITS), SUGGESTING THAT IT'S JUST THE AIR BEING BROUGHT INTO THE VENTILATION SYSTEM. TS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJanuary 14, 2003
CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THEY DON'T COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PUSH HARD ON THE PEDAL TO GET THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND PUMPING THE BRAKES DOES NOTHING. ON THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT THE CONSUMER HAD TO RUN INTO A DITCH IN ORDER TO STOP FROM GOING INTO AN INTERSECTION. THE CONSUMER ALSO NOTICED A VIBRATION. SCC *JB
AIR BAGSDecember 31, 2002
WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISON WITH MY 01 FORD EXPLORER SPORT, IN WHICH THE TRUCK WAS TOTALED. NEITHER MY DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG OPENED. MY VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED RECENTLY SO I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY DIDN'T OPEN WE ARE LUCKY TO BE ALIVE
STEERINGDecember 20, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE HAS EXCESSIVE VIBRATION THAT CAN BE FELT AT 45MPH OR GREATER MAKING IT HARD TO MAINTAIN CONTROL WHILE DRIVING. DEALER HAS REPLACED TIRES, DRIVESHAFT AND THROTTLE ASSEMBLY BUT PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING. MANUFACTURER INFORMED THAT CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM IS A "TECHNICAL DEFECT" THAT IS CONSIDERED NORMAL ON THIS MODEL. TS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICDecember 20, 2002
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE A BRAKING LIGHT APPEAR ON THE DASBOARD. THE LIGHT WILL STAY ON INTIL THE VEHICLE IS TURN OFF. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. TS
UNKNOWN OR OTHERDecember 18, 2002
HEADLIGHTS TOO BRIGHT (LOW BEAMS SPECIFAICALLY)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDecember 11, 2002
AFTER REMOVING FOOT FROM GAS PEDAL AT 20 TO 25 MPH, WHEN TOUCHING THE PEDAL TO INCREASE SPEED, TRUCK SPUN AS THOUGH AT FULL THROTTLE. HAPPENED ONCE WHILE TURNING BEND ON A WET SURFACE. THEN HAPPENED AGAIN ON A STRAIGHT SNOW COVERED ROAD. DEALER COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM, BUT REPLACED THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE SINCE IT'S THE MOST COMMON COMPONENT TO CAUSE THIS PROBLEM. DT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDecember 9, 2002
WHILE BRAKING THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THIS CONDITION ALMOST CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HIT A PARKED CAR AND A PERSON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON THREE OCCASION BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH *NLM
POWER TRAINDecember 6, 2002
DURING THE MANUFACTURE OF THE REAR END BY FORD THEY PACK THE INAPPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF GREASE IN THE DIFFERENTIAL (WHEATHER TOO SMALL OR TOO MUCH) WHICH CAUSES THE BEARINGS TO RUB AND WEAR OUT QUICKLEY. IF THE PROBLEM IS NOT TAKEN CARE OF IT CAN RESULT IN A LOCKING OF THE REAR END THUS HENCE THE LIKELY HOOD OF ACCIDENT POTENTIAL. JUST IMAGINE OUR CHILDREN BEING AFFECTED. FORD REFUSES TO CAUSE THIS PROBLEM EVEN WHEN IT IS VERY CLEAR OF LIABLITY. THE DEALERS REFUSE TO FIX THE ISSUE WITHOUT A CHARGE AND UNWARRENTED EXTRA WORK AND CHARGE. DT
STRUCTUREDecember 4, 2002
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH WATER LEAKING. ALSO STATED THAT IS MORE THAN JUST A LEAKAGE BECAUSE EVERYTIME THE CONSUMER MAKES A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN YOU CAN HERE A REAL LOUD SOUND OF WATER MOVING ON THE ROOF. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT TO KEEP THE WINDOWS OPEN SO THE WATER CAN DRY. TS
EQUIPMENTDecember 4, 2002
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE HEATHER AND RADIO PANEL. ALSO STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICE THAT THE PANEL WHERE THE RADIO IS WAS EXTREMILY HOT TO THE POINT WHERE SHE TOUGHT THAT IT COULD INITIATE A FIRE. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THIS CALL. TS
AIR BAGSDecember 4, 2002
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE PANEL. ALSO STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WILL COME ON EVERY NOW AND THEN TO THE POINT THAT CONSUMER DOSEN'T KNOW IF THE AIR BAG WORK OR NOT. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WAS FIXED BUT THE LIGHT STILL COMES ON. TS
TIRESDecember 4, 2002
NO SUMMARY. DT
POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHERDecember 2, 2002
ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE READING HOT WHEN VEHICLE IS NOT OVERHEATING. CHECK GAUGES TROUBLE LIGHT COMES ON. DEALER REPLACED BUT STILL MALFUNCTIONING TRANSMISSION SHIFTING HARD. VEHICLE WILL JERK/CLUNK EVERY TIME TRANMISSION SHIFTS. DEALER FLUSHED TRANSMISSION AND REPLACE FLUID. NO CHANGE IN TRANSMISSION FUNCTION. VEHCILE VIBRATES/SHAKES AT HIGHER SPEEDS. MAY BE THE DRIVESHAFT. DEALER ROTATED TIRES. VIRBRATION STILL EXISTS. REAR SEAT BOTTOMS DO NOT ANCHOR SECURELY. THE SEAT BOTTOMS FLIP UP WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE REAR WINDOW WIPER WAS NOT CLEARING THE COVERED AREA, LEAVING DIRT AND DEBRIS ON THE WINDOW OBSTRUCTING THE VIEW. DEALER ADJUSTED ARM PROBLEM IS RESOLVED. DT
STRUCTURENovember 26, 2002
THE NUMBER THREE BODY MOUNT LOCATED IN THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE HAS CRACKED THROW THE METAL WHICH CAUSES THE BODY TO BE DISCONNECTED FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN 122-25 FOR THIS PART,BUT THE REPAIR SOLUTION DOSE NOT FIX THE PROBLEM PER CONSUMER. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. TS
SUSPENSIONNovember 25, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AT 45MPH, THE VEHICLE WILL MAKE A VIBRATION MAKING HARD TO DRIVE. DEALER HAS INSPECTED FOUR TIMES. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. AS YOU MENTIONED YOU BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE ON 10/26/2002 CALL 800/922-1594 STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFICE FOR LEMON LAW. TS
AIR BAGSNovember 18, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN HIT AT 70MPH IN THE FRONT RIGHT OF THE VEHICLE THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING MINOR INJURIES TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED TS
UNKNOWN OR OTHERNovember 8, 2002
THIS IS PART OF A FORD "OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM 00M12" ABOUT A COMMONLY KNOWN PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE WHICH FORD REFUSES TO FIX. DT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNovember 1, 2002
CONSUMER STATES WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL RIGHT FRONT WHEEL LOCKED UP. DEALER TECHNICIAN NOTICED BRAKE CALIPER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. MR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 1, 2002
CONSUMER NOTICE WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO GAIN SPEED FROM A STOP, VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT ANY INDICATION DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. MR
SEAT BELTSOctober 28, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN REAR SEAT BELT IS IN USE, THEY WILL TWIST AND RETRACT MAKING THEM INOPERTIVE. NOTHING INSTALLED IN VEHICLE TO PREVENT SEAT BELT FROM TWISTING. DEALER CONTACTED. TS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITYOctober 9, 2002
THE HEADLIGHTS ARE DIM AND DO NOT PUT OUT ADEQUATE LIGHTING, THE CONSUMER FEELS THERE IS NOT ENOUGH VOLTAGE FROM THE HEADLIGHT TO THE BULB, THE CONSUMER HAS REPLACED THE BULBS TWICE WITH WHITE HIGHER WATT BULBS BUT THERE WAS NO DIFFERENCE IT WAS WORSE, THE THIRD SET OF BULBS WERE THE BLUE HALOGEN BULBS BUT WHEN THEY WERE INSTALLED THEY WERE DARK BLUE AND THE CONSUMER COULD SEE NOTHING. *MR *NLM
TIRESSeptember 26, 2002
VEHICLE IS CONFINED TO DRIVEWAY. CONSUMER HAS REPLACED TIRES 4 TIMES. MR
STEERINGSeptember 23, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE ANTI THEFT DOOR WOULD SHUT DOWN WHEN EVER A FOREIGN KEY IS USED TO UNLOCK THE DOOR. DEALER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*JB
AIR BAGSSeptember 16, 2002
MY DAUGHTER'S 2001 EXPLORER SPORT WAS TRAVELING SOUTH ON I-75 DIPED TO THE RIGHT RETURNED TO THE ROAD AND TRAVELED APROX 1/2 MILE AND THEN ROLLED LEFT TO RIGHT AND TUMBLED END OVER END KILLING BOTH PASSANGERS. THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED, AND THERE SEEMS TO BE NO APPARRENT REASON MY DAUGHTER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICAL AND IT ROLLED.*AK
SUSPENSION,TIRESSeptember 13, 2002
THE CONSUMER STATED, WHILE TRAVELING, THE VEHICLE WILL WANDER INTO TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLES TIRES, HAVE BEEN REPLACE FOUR TIMES. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *NLM THE CONSUMER STATES THAT SHE MUST STRONG ARM TO MAINTAIN CONTROL ON THE BUMPY ROADS. THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED AN UNSUSUAL CASE OF WANDERING, CLUNKING NOISE-BOLT MISSING/4 VISITS OF REPAIR, TIRE WEAR/NOISE VIBRATIONS-6 OCCURENCES, AND ALIGNMENT/SUSPENSION ISSUES-5 OCCURENCES, THAT WILL NOT REPAIR. THE CONSUMER HAS HAD SEVERAL TO MANY OF THE SAME OPINIONS AND SUGGESTIONS OF/FOR REPAIR, AND HAS TRIED JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM(S) AND KEEPS GETTING THE SAME PROBLEMS. ALL WITH NO COOPERATION/CONSIDERATION OF FORD. *SCC
TIRESSeptember 12, 2002
VEHICLE WAS PARKED, AND CONSUMER NOTICED THAT RIGHT FRONT TIRE TREAD HAD SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE. FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS, P235/75R15. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
STRUCTURESeptember 12, 2002
CUSTOMER STATES, THE COVER FOR DOOR LOCK AND WINDOW SWITCHES ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND FRONT DOOR IS LOOSE AND WILL NOT STAY SNAPPED IN PLACE, ALSO THE DOOR HINGES WERE REPLACED.*SCC *YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSeptember 12, 2002
THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS REPAIRED SIX TIMES BY THE DEALER. THE PROBLEM WAS GETTING WORSE AND THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY AND WANTS THE MANUFACTURER TO REPLACE OR REPURCHASE THE VEHICLE. *YH
SUSPENSIONSeptember 12, 2002
THE VEHICLE MAKES HUMMING NOISE WHEN TURNING RIGHT. *YH
POWER TRAINSeptember 12, 2002
CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ROLLS FORWARD WHEN PUT IN PARK. *YH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICSeptember 12, 2002
CONSUMER STATED THAT THE BRAKES MAKE A NOISE WHILE BACKING UP. *YH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICSeptember 9, 2002
WHILE DRIVING 55MPH SMOKE FILLED CAR AND NOTICED BRAKES CAUGHT ON FIRE.*AKJLG
SUSPENSIONSeptember 6, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AT 60/65 MPH VEHICLE WILL VIBRATE VERY BADLY,COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP.*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLSeptember 5, 2002
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE BEGAN DECELERATING/NOT RESPONDING TO PEDAL APPLICATION. THE CONSUMER EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DANGLING BUY A PIN, A FORD TROUBLE SHOOTER MET THE CONSUMER AND PATCHED THE PEDAL SO THE VEHICLE COULD BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER. *JB *SCC
SEATSAugust 30, 2002
THE SEAT IS DESIGNED WIT A HEAD RESTRAINT THAT IS TOO LOW AND CAUSED A PERSONS HEAD TO SNAP BACK RESULTING IN INJURY. WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OPHER PEOPLE.*AK
STEERINGAugust 28, 2002
ROLLOVER. TRUCK WAS TRAVELING ON FREEWAY AT POSTED SPEED OF 65MPH. 8AM, CLEAR DAY, NO RAIN, NO OTHER VEHICLES INVOLVED, DRIVER ALERT AND OTHERWISE NOT IMPAIRED. TIRES HAD BEEN REPLACED PER RECALL AND HAD APPROXIMATELY 8K MILES ON THEM. HIT A PIECE OF DEBRIS (MORE SOLID THEN TIRE PIECES) IN ROAD WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BLOWN OUT RIGHT, REAR TIRE (UNCLEAR IF CAUSE OF ACCIDENT OR DURING ROLLOVER). TRUCK THEN STARTED TO FISHTAIL IN THE LANE. APPLIED BRAKES (WHICH DID NOT LOCK UP - GOOD PERFORMANCE), ALSO NO SKID OCCURRED. THE ACCIDENT LOCATION WAS A FREEWAY UNDERPASS, LEFT LANE WITH A GUARDRAIL VERY CLOSE TO SHOULDER AND WAS PAVED TO THE RAIL EDGE. AS I WAS FIGHTING FOR CONTROL, THE FRONT, LEFT BUMPER HIT THE RAIL. TRUCK THEN ROLLED OVER TWICE AND DID AN ADDITIONAL 180 DEG TURN. I VERY STRONGLY FEEL THAT WITH THE EXCELLENT ROAD CONDITIONS, PROPER SAFETY OF THE GUARD RAIL, RELATIVELY LOW AMOUNT OF DAMAGE DUE TO THE IMPACT ITSELF, ETC, THAT I SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE TRUCK AND THAT THE ROLLOVER WAS AN EXCESSIVE, DANGEROUS REACTION WHICH SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED. THE CARGO IN THE BACK BED WAS CENTERED FORWARD AND COMBINED WITH THE ITEMS INSIDE DID NOT EXCEED 600 POUNDS + 125LB DRIVER (WELL WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS OF TRUCK). BED HAD A DEALER INSTALLED, FIBERGLASS TOPPER. I WILL GIVE THE CAR CREDIT FOR KEEPING ME SAFE DURING THE ROLLOVER. I SUBSTAINED SCRATCHES, BRUISES, A SPRAINED WRIST, AND BUMP ON THE HEAD BUT WAS HELD IN PLACE VERY SECURELY BY THE SAFETY BELT AND SEAT. GAS TANK ALSO RUPTURED, SPILLING 19 GALLONS ON ROADWAY, BUT DID NOT EXPLODE. PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE. I UNDERSTAND AFTER TALKING TO DEALER MANAGEMENT THAT THE SPORT TRAC MODELS ARE NOT SUPPOSE TO HAVE THE ROLLOVER HISTORY OF THE ENCLOSED EXPLORERS BUT THEY OBVIOUSLY SHARE THE SAME STABILITY PROBLEMS.*AK
STRUCTUREAugust 8, 2002
STRAPS FAIL TO HOLD SCOOTER SECURELY, BOLTS HOLDING ROLLERS IN PLACE BEND, SCREWS HOLDING PLATFORM TOGHETHER COME LOOSE,THE LIFT FAILS TO REMAIN IN THE UP POSITION WITH THE SCOOTER SECURED TO IT AFTER HITTING MILD BUMPS.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEAugust 5, 2002
VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING SPURIOUS RADIO EMISSIONS IN EXCESSIVE OF 10 METERS FORM THE VEHICLE. THE RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE CAUSES NEAR TOTAL DISRUPTION TO RADIO FREQUENCY EQUIPMENT OPERATED WITHIN 10 METERS OF THE VEHICLE. THE TROUBLE HAS BEEN ISOLATED TO THE FUEL PUMP. TESTING INDICATES THE FUEL PUMP IS THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER HAS BEEN ASVISED BY FORD THAT THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT BUT FORD REFUSES TO ASSIST. *JG
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJuly 28, 2002
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
SUSPENSIONJuly 24, 2002
FRONT END VIBRATED VIOLENTLY AND JUMPED WHEN ANY BUMP WAS HIT, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL. PROBLEM HAS EXISTED FOR 20 MONTHS. VEHICLE WAS GETTING CLOSE TO NOT BEING DRIVEABLE DUE TO VIBRATION PROBLEM PROGRESSING. DEALER AND FORD WERE NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK
AIR BAGSJuly 11, 2002
WHILE AT A STOP VEHICLE WAS REARENDED AT HIGH SPEED AND PUSHED INTO VEHICLE IN FRONT. NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED, DRIVER SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES, DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WAS $ 8000.00.*AK
SEATSJuly 10, 2002
CCONSUMER STATE THAT THE SEAT SQUEAKED AND IT WAS TAKEN IN AND THEY FOUND 3 CRACKS IN THE BASE AND THEY REPLACED IT AND THE CONSUMER STATE THAT THE SEAT STILL SQUEAK THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT IT IS OK NOTHING WRONG. *MJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJuly 8, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP 8 TIMES CONCERING THE BRAKE SYSTEM, THE PADS DO NOT WEAR DOWN AND THERE IS NO SQUEAKING SOUND TO ALERT CONSUMER THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT STOP WHEN ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE.*JB
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 2, 2002
THE EXPLORER SUDDENLY ROLLED OVER, INJURING ME SEVERLY. MOMENTS AFTER THE INCEDENT THE CAR BURST INTO FLAMES.*AK
AIR BAGSJune 26, 2002
HEAD-ON COLLISION AT 45 MPH, AND NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. CONSUMER SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES, DAMAGE TO VEHICLE UNKNOWN.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SEATSJune 26, 2002
VEHICLE IDLES TO LOW AND CAUSES IT TO CUT OFF. TOOK TO DEALER 4 TIMES, AND THEY COULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. *AK PASSENGER SIDE SEAT WOULD NOT LOCK, ALSO CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING POOR GAS MILEAGE.. *YH
VISIBILITYJune 24, 2002
WINDSHIELD GLASS HAS A TWELVE INCH BROKEN LINE IN MIDDLE OF THE GLASS. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJune 21, 2002
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING, THE FRONT WHEEL ON THE DRIVER?S SIDE LOCKS WHEN HEAVY BRAKING IN FORWARD OR REVERSE. IN FORWARD THE WHEEL LOCKS AND PULLS TO THE LEFT OF DRIVER OR LEAVES RUBBER. DEALER REPLACED THE M VALUE WHICH ACCORDING TO FORD MANUAL WAS WHAT WOULD CAUSE THE BRAKE TO LOCK BUT BRAKES ARE STILL LOCKING. *YD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJune 20, 2002
WHILE IN IDLE VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT OR AT TIMES JUST START SHAKING, IDLES ROUGHLY CONSTANTLY. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK
AIR BAGSJune 18, 2002
WHILE ALMOST AT A STOP VEHICLE WAS HIT HEAD ON. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED MOMENTS AFTER IMPACT. DRIVER HIT HEAD ON WINDSHIELD, AND PASSENGER HIT HEAD ON REARVIEW MIRROR. DAMAGE TO VEHICLE UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME.*AK
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTSJune 18, 2002
WHILE ALMOST AT A STOP, VEHICLE WAS HIT HEAD ON, BOTH FRONT SEATBELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN DRIVER OR PASSENGER. DRIVER HIT HEAD ON THE WINDSHIELD AND PASSENGERS HEAD HIT THE REARVIEW MIRROR. DAMAGE TO VEHICLE UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME.*AK THE AIR BAGS WENT OFF AFTER IMPACT TO VEHICLE. THE DEALER RESET THEM BEFORE THEY COULD SEE THEM. THEY WERE RESET IMPROPER. THE BAG IS VISIBLE, NO ALARMS ARE WORKING AND THE CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL ARE HANGING LOOSE. *JG
SEATSJune 18, 2002
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH SECOND ROW SEAT FLIPPING OVER WHEN EXITING VEHICLE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. *AK *MJ CONSUMER STATES THAT THE SEAT BOTTOMS ON THE BACK SEAT FLIP, THE REAR OF THE BOTTOM ON SEATS FLIPS FORWARD AND PASENGER SLIDES OFF SEAT. *SLC
SUSPENSIONJune 17, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON STRAIGHTAWAY OWNER FEELS A WIGGLE OR PROBLEM KEEPING TRUCK STRAIGHT. TRUCK IS UNSTABLE. PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE GETTING WORSE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
SUSPENSIONJune 14, 2002
AS CONSUMER PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT THE BALL JOINT AND PIN BOLT BROKE CAUSING THE STEERING KNUCKLE TO DETACH, THE TIRE CAME OFF AND THE AXLE CRACKED. CONSUMERS PREVIOUS COMPLAINT WAS WITH THE 1999 MODEL. THIS VEHICLE WAS AN UPGRADE FROM THE PREVIOUS. *JG
AIR BAGSJune 13, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH CONSUMER RAN HEAD-ON INTO A COW WHICH WALKED INTO THE ROAD, NONE OF THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK AND LEG INJURIES.*AK *NLM
STEERINGJune 4, 2002
JUST COMPLETED 20 MILE INTERSTATE DRIVE, PULLED INTO PARKING LOT AND HEARD A THUMP,STEPPED OUT TO SEE THE PROBLEM AND RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS COCKED AT 45 DEGREE ANGLE WHILE LEFT WAS STRAIGHT. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER AND REPAIRED. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF ANY PROBLEM BEFOREHAND.IF ASSEMBLY HAD FAILED 5 MINUTES EARLIER, COULD HAVE RESULTED IN SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR FATALITY. *AK
TIRESMay 28, 2002
FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS HT, TIRE SIZE P235/75R15. CUSTOMER STATED TWO TIRES WERE CRACKED AROUND SIDEWALL. ONLY ONE OF THE TIRES WILL HOLD AIR. DEALER CONTACTED.*AK FIRESTONE DECLINED TO REPLACE THE CRACKED TIRES BUT THE CONSUMER PAID AND REPLACED IT. (DOT VDHL IRW 080) *YH
POWER TRAINMay 22, 2002
THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN GREAT. THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE, THE SECOND TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND ALL OF THE FLUID WAS PUSHED OUT THE THIRD TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN MAKING SQUEAKING SOUNDS THAT CANNOT BE LOCATED.*AK
STRUCTUREMay 16, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT OVER 50 MPH THE SLIGHTEST BUMP ON THE ROAD WILL CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SWAY. CONTACTED DEALER AND THE DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*JB
SEATSMay 15, 2002
REAR BENCH SEAT IS NOT STATIONERY. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY STATED THIS WAS NORMAL. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
SEATSMay 15, 2002
REAR SEAT LIFTS UP WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED, CAUSING PASSENGER IN SEAT TO ALMOST BE THROWN TO FRONT OF VEHICLE.*AK
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMay 14, 2002
WHILE PARKING VEHICLE POWER STEERING FAILED. DEALER DETERMINED THAT SERPENTINE BELT HAD BROKEN.*AK
SEATSMay 10, 2002
CONSUMER HAS TAKEN VEHICLE IN MANY TIMES INQUIRING ABOUT THE SQUEAKING IN THE LEFT FRONT SEAT. THE BASE OF THE SEAT FRAME WAS CRACKED. THE SEAT HAS BEEN REPLACED, THE SQUEAKING STILL EXISTS. *JG
VISIBILITYMay 6, 2002
CONSUMER STATES WITH NORMAL CLOSURE OF THE REAR DOOR, THE WINDSHIELD COMPLETELY SHATTERED INTO SMALL PIECES LEAVING SPLINTERS IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SUSTAINING MINOR HAND AND FEET INJURIES TO THE INDIVIDUAL CLOSING THE BACK DOOR. *TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 29, 2002
TEMPERATURE INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHED, AFTERWARDS ENGINE STALLED. DEALER HAS REPLACED THERMOSTAT.*AKTHE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE WHILE IN MOTION AT A SPEED OF 65 MPH. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHERE HE WAS INFORMED HE HAD A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. CONSUMERS INSURANCE COMPANY DID A TEST WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED OUT THAT A FAULTY THERMOSTAT WAS THE CAUSE. *JG
AIR BAGSApril 29, 2002
DURING A CRASH AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*AK
AIR BAGSApril 23, 2002
PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS SEPARATED FROM DASHBOARD CONSOLE DURING IMPACT. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 21, 2002
ANYTIME YOU ARE STOPPED, (IN DRIVE, NEUTRAL OR REVERSE), OR STOPPED AT A LIGHT, THE ENGINE SKIPS. THEY CALL IT A LEAN IDOL MISS. A MISS IN ANY MOTOR WILL EVENTUALLY BURN UP THE VALVES. IT IS NOT FIXABLE. THEY WILL NOT EVEN ATTEMPT TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE NOW TAKEN THE TAGS OFF AND IT SETS IN MY DRIVEWAY. I WILL NOT CAUSE ANY FURTHER DAMAGE TO THIS TRUCK. I HAVE TALKED WITH EVERYONE, INCLUDING THE DEALERSHIP, THE FORD FEILD SERVICE PERSON, CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND ALSO AN EXECUTIVE FROM FORD IN MICHIGAN NAMED MR. DUNCAN. NO ONE WILL BUDGE. NO ONE WILL HELP ME AND I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY FOR AN ATTORNEY. FORD KNOWS THEY HAVE A FLAW IN THE MOTOR, BUT THEY EXCUSE IT BY SAYING IT DOESN'T HURT THE MOTOR. YES IT DOES. MINE IS ALREADY BLOWING SMOKE. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP US. THE ONLY OTHER CHOICE I HAVE IS TO LET THE TRUCK GO BACK TO THE FINANCE COMPANY. PLEASE HELP. THIS WAS MY FIRST BRAND NEW VEHICLE WE PAID 25,000.00 DOLLARS FOR NOW IT HAS TURNED INTO A NIGHTMARE.*AK
STEERINGApril 16, 2002
CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE HAS A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK. DEALER REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP. *TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 16, 2002
CONSUMER STATES A NEW OVERFLOW TANK WAS INSTALLED, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE REQUIRED PUTTING 1/2 QUART OF ANTIFREEZE EVERYTIME THE OIL WAS CHANGED, ON ONE OCCASION THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START. ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, VEHICLE DIED OUT WHILE DRIVING. THEN NO CRANK NO START. PCM AND BLOWN FUSE REPLACED. HOWEVER, PROBLEM STILL EXIST. *TT
STRUCTUREApril 16, 2002
CONSUMER STATES MOLDING AROUND SUN ROOF COMES LOOSE. *TT
SUSPENSIONApril 16, 2002
CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE WANDERS ON HIGHWAY. DEALER CORRECTED REAR / FRONT TOE IN. *TT
AIR BAGSApril 16, 2002
CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE HAS A SQUEAK IN AIR BAG COMPARTMENT. AIR BAG BOLTS WERE TIGHTENED. *TT
SEATSApril 15, 2002
SINCE THE DAY OF PURCHASE CONSUMER HAS BEEN INQUIRING ABOUT A SQUEAKING OR CREAKING NOISE IN THE DRIVERS SEAT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN AT LEAST 4 TIMES TO BE FIXED BUT THE CREAKING CONTINUES. *JG
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 15, 2002
THE VEHICLE IS LOUD ON THE INSIDE EVEN WITH THE WINDOWS ROLLED UP. THE DEALER SAYS THIS IS NORMAL. WHILE ON EXTENDED TRIPS THERE IS A RINGING SOUND HEARD IN THE EARS AT THE END OF THE TRIP. CONSUMER FEELS THIS LOUD NOISE MAY DAMAGE THE HEARING AND THAT IT IS TOO LOUD TO HEAR OUTSIDE TRAFFIC. *JG
SUSPENSIONApril 11, 2002
VEHICLE SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHEN ACCELERATING UP TO 60MPH OR MORE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN FOR SAME PROBLEM APPPROXIMATELY 4 TIMES. AT LAST INCIDENT DEALER FOUND THAT SWAY BAR WAS BROKEN. PLEASE PROVIDE MOE INFORMATION.*AK
EQUIPMENTApril 11, 2002
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN WIRING OF RADIO HAD CAUSED A FIRE UNDER THE DASH WHILE PARKED. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. *AK *JG
SUSPENSIONApril 11, 2002
STEERING WHEEL WOULD VIBRATE UNDER 5 MPH, DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 8, 2002
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WILL STALL, AND INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD ILLUMINATE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER REPLACED INSTRUMENT PANEL.*AK
TIRESApril 8, 2002
FORD STATED TO ME THAT I NEED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO REPLACE MY TIRES BUT THEY REFUSE TO PAY FOR THIS.*AK (TIRESIZE: 17)
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 2, 2002
WHILE DRIVING 60MPH VEHICLE VIBRATES. VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT SEVERLY. STEERING WHEEL IS CROOKED, PULLS TO THE LEFT. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK ALSO, CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE IS VERY BAD SMELL FROM CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHICH FORD SAYS IT IS NORMAL. *YD
SEATSMarch 22, 2002
SEAT DOES NOT RELEASE TO LET BACK PASSENGERS OUT OF TRUCK. THIS PROBLEM IS THE SECOND SET OF SEAT PROBLEMS. I OWNED AN EXPLORER SPORT IN 2000 AND HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT. FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND IS NOT DEALING WITH THE ISSUE. I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN WHO RIDE IN THE REAR OF THE TRUCK AND IF SOME THING HAPPENS TO ME UP FRONT, THEY ARE TRAPPED IN THE BACK OF THE TRUCK AND UNABLE TO GET OUT. SEEMS TO BE A SEAT MECHANISM PROBLEM WHICH THEY REFUSE TO ADDRESS. THIS IS ACTUALLY A LIFE/SAFETY ISSUE AND I FEEL THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. PLEASE CONTACT ME AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 20, 2002
VEHICLE IS DRIVEN VERY SLUGISH. ALSO, CONSUMER IS HAVING TROUBLE ACCELERATING. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER STATED THAT IT COULD BE THE CONVERTER.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMarch 20, 2002
ABS FRONT DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LOCKS AND CAUSES SUV TO PULL TO THE LEFT UNDER HEAVY BRAKING SOMETIMES, DEALER HAS REPLACED VALUE AS PER FORDS COMPUTER FIXER, THE SUV HAS 33000 MILES AND THE BRAKE STILL LOCKS SOMETIMES, THE SE3RVICE MANGER HASW STATED THAQT FORD HAS DESIGNED THE 2001&2002 ABS BRAKES SO THAT EITHER THE LEFT OR RIGHT BRAKE WILL LOCK, ASKING THAT FORD REPLACE THE BRAKE CAPILER ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF MY SUV TO NOT AVAIL.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMarch 20, 2002
ABS FRONT DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LOCKS AND CAUSES SUV TO PULL TO THE LEFT UNDER HEAVY BRAKING SOMETIMES, DEALER HAS REPLACED VALUE AS PER FORDS COMPUTER FIXER, THE SUV HAS 33000 MILES AND THE BRAKE STILL LOCKS SOMETIMES, THE SE3RVICE MANGER HASW STATED THAQT FORD HAS DESIGNED THE 2001&2002 ABS BRAKES SO THAT EITHER THE LEFT OR RIGHT BRAKE WILL LOCK, ASKING THAT FORD REPLACE THE BRAKE CAPILER ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF MY SUV TO NOT AVAIL.*AK
POWER TRAINMarch 19, 2002
ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY JUMPED OUT OF FOUR WHEEL HIGH TO FOUR WHEEL LOW AND CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL. THIS LED TO A ROLLOVER ACCIDENT. VEHICLE AT THE DEALER, CONSUMER SUFFERED INJURIES. *AK *YH
STRUCTUREMarch 15, 2002
CONSUMERS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN SOME ONE CUT IN FRONT OF HER. TAKING EVASIVE ACTIONS TO AVOID A CRASH THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WITH FIRESTONE TIRES ON THEM. AS A PRECAUTION, CONSUMER HAD ALL 4 TIRES REPLACED. THE ROLL OVER WAS NOT CAUSED BY TIRE DELAMINATION. CONSUMER STATES BECAUSE OF THE ROLLOVER RISKS INVOLVED WITH THE FIRESTONE TIRES ON THIS PARTICULAR SUV IS THE REASON CONSUMER REPLACED THE FIRESTONE TIRES AS A PREVENTIVE MEASURE. DESPITE THE PRECAUTION THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE NHTSA TO RECONSIDER ITS DECISION NOT TO INITIATE A SAFTEY INVESTIGATION OF THE FORD EXPLORER. *JG
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMarch 14, 2002
LOW DESIGN PLACEMENT OF TURN SIGNAL LEVER PREVENTS USE FOR LEFT TURN SIGNAL FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH LONG LEGS WHERE THERE IS INSUFFICIENT ROOM BETWEEN THE TURN SIGNAL MECHANISM AND THE DOOR TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAINMarch 13, 2002
WHILE DRIVING ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WILL FLASH INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN THE LIGHT ILLUMINATES, THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO DRIVE SLUGGISH, ROUGH, AND SOMETIMES MAKES A SCREECHING NOISE. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE PCM, VAPOR MANAGEMENT VALVE, CANISTER PURGE SOLENOID, TENSIONER ASSEMBLY, VACUUM HOSE TWICE, DPFE, AND THE FUEL TANK. *SLC
WHEELSMarch 13, 2002
ROLLOVER, L REAR TIRE, INS. CO STATES RIM CAUSED ACCIDENT. *AK
SEAT BELTS,STRUCTUREMarch 12, 2002
CONSUMER STATED DURING A ROLLOVER THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT WORK PROPERLY, AND PASSENGER WAS EJECTED FROM VEHICLE, VEHICLE WAS HIT AND ROLLED OVER, CONSUMERS WIFE WAS EJECTED RESULTING IN A FATALITY. *JG *AK ODI SPOKE TO HUSBAND AND HE ASSUMED HIS WIFE WAS WEARING THE SEATBELT. WIFE WAS DRIVING AND DURING EVENT WAS THROWN OUT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW. THERE WAS NO WITNESS TO THE WIFE WEARING THE BELT.CW
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITYMarch 12, 2002
MFG INSTALLATION OR DESIGN DEFECT--- UPPER RADIATOR HOSE LAYS ON THE UPPER PART OF ENGINE. IT LAYS AGAINST THE HEATER CORE INLET HOSE. THE HEATER CORE INLET HOSE HAS A CLAMP THAT CUTS INTO THE UPPER RADIATOR HOSE., NORMAL ENGINE VIBRATIONS ARE ENOUGH TO CUT THROUGH THE HOSE. NOTE: THE HOSE HAS A NYLON NETTING WHICH IS ABRAIDED. THIS RESULTS IN A LOSS OF ENGINE COOLANT. THE OFFENDING CLAMP IS OF POOR DESIGN AND PLACEMENT. IT IS MADE FROM STAMPED SHEET METAL AND HAS OBVIOUS SHARP EDGES, HENCE CUTTING INTO THE RADIATOR HOSE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED AT DESIGN WITH A DIFFERENT HOSE CLAMP OR AT ASSEMBLY BY TURNING THE OFFENDING CLAMP APROX 90 DEGREES.*AK
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMarch 12, 2002
MY NAME IS [XXX] I AM THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE MENTIONED MY MOTHER IS THE FIRST NAME ON THE CONTRACT. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPORTED TO HAVE A STEERING AND BRAKING PROBLEM FOUR TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT AND ONCE TO ANOTHER. I HAVE SINCE HAD AN ACCIDENT IN THIS VEHICLE DUE TO THE PROBLEMS THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS. I HAVE FOR MONTHS TRIED TO SOLVE THIS THROUGH THE PROPER CHANNELS . THIS WAS NOT RESOLVED AND I HAVE DOCUMENTATION TO PROVE SO. I HAVE NEVER ASKED THE DEALERSHIP FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN TO FIX IT OR REPLACE THE VEHICLE WITH ANOTHER ONE EQUIVALANT TO THIS ONE . THEY KEPT LETTING ME LEAVE THE SERVICE DEPT THINKING IT WAS FIXED ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT DAY OR A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER AFTER DRIVING IT THAT IT WAS NEVER FIXED. I HAD AN ACCIDENT THAT NEVER NEEDED TO HAPPEN AND I HAVE BEEN OUT MONEY OUT OF MY OWN POCKET BECAUSE OF THIS VEHICLE AND IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I NEED THIS PROBLEM INVESTIGATED AND SOLVED . YOU MAY BE MY LAST HOPE BEFORE I HAVE TO OBTAIN A LAWYER FOR THIS DEALERSHIP AND FORD..THANK YOU [XXX], [XXX] , PARROTTSVILLE, TN [XXX] [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).
SEAT BELTSMarch 7, 2002
WHILE SITTING AT AN INTERSECTION ANOTHER VEHICLE REARENDED CONSUMER'S VEHICLE, AND DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT ASSEMBLY FELL APART FROM THE WALL INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE.*AK THE SEAT BELT FELL APART ON COLLISION BECAUSE IT WAS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED AT FACTORY. *YH
VISIBILITYMarch 5, 2002
UPON CLOSING REAR DOOR WITHOUT EXCESSIVE FORCE, THE WINDOW ON HATCHBACK SHATTERED. *AK THERE WAS ONE INJURY. *YD
STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGFebruary 27, 2002
THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM.DEPENDING ON THE POSITION OF THE STEERING WHEEL, THE TURN SIGNAL ARM DOES NOT STAY IN POSITION, AND THE TURN SIGNAL DOES NOT OPERATE. IN ORDER TO MAKE IT WORK YOU HAVE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO ANOTHER POSITION AND TRY AGAIN.
STEERING,VISIBILITYFebruary 18, 2002
MY MAIN CONCERN IS THE INABILITY TO STEER THIS VEHICLE. IT WANDERS ALL OVER THE ROAD . IF YOU HAPPEN TO HIT A BUMP ( LIKE A LANE REFLECTOR) IT SEEMS TO BE OUT OF CONTROL MOMENTARILY. THE VEHICLE HAS A DISTINCT SHIMMY/SHAKE. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE IN THE DEALERSHIP AT LEAST 5 TIMES(LEAVING IT NUMEROUS DAYS/WEEKS) THEY DO NOT SEEM TO BE ABLE TO CORRECT THIS. THEIR LAST SUGGESTION WAS TO FILE THE LEMON LAW. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT FORD SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT-BUT I GUESS ONLY IF FORCED TO BY SOME LAW. THE REASON I WANTED TO FILE THIS WAS TO SEE IF OTHER PERSONS WERE EXPERIENCING THESE SAME STEERING ISSUES. I HAVE NEVER FELT SO UNSAFE DRIVING A CAR BEFORE THIS ONE.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFebruary 14, 2002
ROTORS HAVE BEEN TURNED 3 TIMES. DEALER HAS REPORTED THAT HIGH PITCHED SQUEAL IS COMMON FROM FACTORY. BRAKE PADS REPLACED TWICE, FRONT CALIPERS REPLACED LAST VISIT.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFebruary 14, 2002
VEHICLE HESITATES UPON ACCELERATION AND HAS ALSO STALLED ON 5 OCCASIONS, THE DEALER HAS REPAIRED/REPLACED VARIOUS COMPONETS ON THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER CONSUMER STILL EXPERIENCES THE SAME PROBLEMS.*JB
STRUCTUREFebruary 14, 2002
CONSUMER STATED THERE IS WATER LEAKING AROUND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT DOORS WHEN THEY ARE OPENED.*JB
UNKNOWN OR OTHERFebruary 14, 2002
CONSUMER STATED THERE IS A CREAK SOUND WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, THE DEALER TRACED THE PROBLEM AS THE LOWER DASH BRACKET WHICH WAS LOOSE.*JB
SUSPENSIONFebruary 14, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, THERE IS A NOSIE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN TURNING RIGHT, THE DEALER LUBRICATED THE SUSPENSION.*JB
STRUCTUREFebruary 14, 2002
CONSUMER STATED THE CENTER CONSOLE IS CRACKING.*JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEFebruary 14, 2002
CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE IDLES ROUGH, THE DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE POSSIBLY HAS A BAD INJECTION.*JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFebruary 14, 2002
VEHICLE HESITATES UPON ACCELERATION AND HAS ALSO STALLED ON 5 OCCASIONS, THE DEALER HAS REPAIRED/REPLACED VARIOUS COMPONETS ON THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER CONSUMER STILL EXPERIENCES THE SAME PROBLEMS.*JB
STRUCTUREFebruary 14, 2002
CONSUMER STATED THERE IS WATER LEAKING AROUND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT DOORS WHEN THEY ARE OPENED.*JB
UNKNOWN OR OTHERFebruary 14, 2002
CONSUMER STATED THERE IS A CREAK SOUND WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, THE DEALER TRACED THE PROBLEM AS THE LOWER DASH BRACKET WHICH WAS LOOSE.*JB
SUSPENSIONFebruary 14, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, THERE IS A NOSIE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN TURNING RIGHT, THE DEALER LUBRICATED THE SUSPENSION.*JB
STRUCTUREFebruary 14, 2002
CONSUMER STATED THE CENTER CONSOLE IS CRACKING.*JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEFebruary 14, 2002
CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE IDLES ROUGH, THE DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE POSSIBLY HAS A BAD INJECTION.*JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFebruary 10, 2002
FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE THERE HAS BEEN A SMELL, BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. A BURNING SMELL, AT TIMES THE SMELL OF ROTTEN EGGS. THIS SMELL CAUSES ME TO BE NAUSEAOUS. THE DEALER CHECKED THIS ON THE COMPUTER, STATED EVERYHING IS OKAY. THE COMPUTER RESULTS VERIFY THAT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONING WITHIN FORD STANDARDS. *AK
VISIBILITYFebruary 8, 2002
FRONT DEFOGGER IS OPERABLE, BUT HEAT DOESN'T HEAT. *AK
AIR BAGSFebruary 5, 2002
AIRBAG LIGHT ON MAY 10, 2000 WITH 6133 MILES. AIR BAG LIGHT ON MAY 23, 2000. AIRBAG LIGHT ON JUNE 14, 2000 WITH 9040 MILES. AIRBAG LIGHT ON JUNE 19, 2000 WITH 9395 MILES. AIR BAG LIGHT. HAD AN ACCIDENT WHICH CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGES TO TWO VEHICLES AND AIR BAG LIGHT ON AGAIN. THREE DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS TRIED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. NOT ONE REPORTED THIS INFORMATION IN TO THE FORD SYSTEM CALLED OASIS. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AND I FEEL AS IF I AM GETTING NO WHERE IN RESOLVING THIS ISSUE OTHERTHAN E-MAILING EVERYONE AND LETTING THEM KNOW OF THIS SITUATION AND HOW THE DEALERSHIPS AVOID ISSUES AND HIDE THE FACTS !*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFebruary 4, 2002
ENGINE MANIFOLD CRACKED AND WAS LEAKING COOLANT FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE.*AK
EQUIPMENTFebruary 4, 2002
AIR CONDITIONING PROBLEM. *AK
EQUIPMENTFebruary 4, 2002
AIR CONDITIONER WAS BLOWING OUT HOT AIR THOUGH THE VENTS, AND THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE.*AK
AIR BAGSJanuary 29, 2002
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE I REARENDED THE IN FRONT OF ME THE IMPACT WAS SO MINOR THAT THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO EITHER VEHICLE EXCEPT THAT BOTH OF MY AIR BAGS BLEW. I HAVE AN ACCIDENT REPORT AND A ESTIMATE THAT CLEARLY STATE NO DAMAGE. ON THE WEB I FOUND WWW.MARKETDRIVE.COM/SERVICE/TSBS.ASP THAT TELLS OF 2001 EXPLORER PROBLEMS #01110 PASSIVE RESTRAINT: AIR BAG IMPACT SENSOR. I HAVE ASKED A FEW DEALERS OF THE IMFORMATION AND THEY HAVE NO CLUE ON WHAT THIS IS. WHY DID THE BAGS BLOW AT SUCH A MINOR HIT, WILL THEY GO OFF IF I BUMP A CURB? I WAS BY MY SELF AND HAPPY THAT MY WIFE WAS NOT IN THE OTHER SEAT.*AK
POWER TRAINJanuary 22, 2002
WHEN SHIFTING TO DRIVE WHILE AT A SLIGHT INCLINE VEHICLE WILL ROLL BACK UNTIL APPLYING BRAKE. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER 5 TIMES, CANNOT REMEDY PROBLEM. *AK
SEATSJanuary 15, 2002
WHEN VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL CRASH AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH SEAT BACK LATCH MECHANISM FOR SECOND ROW OF SEATS FAILED, ALLOWING SEAT TO MOVE FORWARD. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT EXAMINED VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 12, 2002
PINGING NOISE AT 2500-3000 RPMS WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD. THE NOISE GOES AWAY WHEN THE ENGINE WARMS UP.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 12, 2002
PINGING NOISE WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD. WHEN THE ENGINE GETS WARMER THE NOISE STARTS TO GO AWAY. COMPUTER # JXV2. *AK
STEERINGJanuary 5, 2002
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT-TRAC ALMOST FLIPPED OVER TWICE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I WAS ABLE TO SOMEHOW RE-GAIN CONTROL. WE ARE MORE THAN LUCKY TO BE ALIVE RIGHT NOW... CONSUMERS NEED TO KNOW THE TRUTH. WE DID NOT!!!*AK
AIR BAGSJanuary 3, 2002
VEHICLE SKIDDED ON ICE, WENT DOWN AN EMBANKMENT THROUGH A CHAINLINK FENCE, AND ROLLED 3 TIMES. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, NO INJURIES. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED.*AK
STRUCTUREJanuary 2, 2002
CONSUMER IS CALLING TO REPORT A DEFECT ON THE RUNNING BOARDS. CONSUMER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED HAND FROM FALLING OFF OF SLIPPERY RUNNING BOARDS. DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDecember 20, 2001
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE HESITATES AND SEEMS NOT TO GET GAS. THEN, COMPLETELY SHUTSDOWN. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER CANNOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
AIR BAGSDecember 10, 2001
WHILE DRIVING 45MPH, HIT A DEER AND AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, BUT DID NOT INFLATE. VEHICLE HAD FRONTAL IMPACT. *AK CONSUMERS HEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL IN THE ACCIDENT. *YH
SUSPENSION,TIRESDecember 3, 2001
WAS DRIVING VEHICLE AND NOTICED STEERING WAS TILTED TO LEFT, CAUSING VEHICLE TO PULL LEFT. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, AND WAS INFORMED THAT PROBLEM WAS THE TIRES. TIRES WERE REPLACED, BUT PROBLEM OF PULLING LEFT STILL EXISTS. STEERING NOW TILTS RIGHT, BUT STILL PULLS LEFT. *AK *YH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLNovember 27, 2001
CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT SHUT OFF AFTER USE BY SWITCH NOR BY TAPING ON BRAKES. WHEN TAPPED ON BRAKES TO SLOW VEHICLE DOWN ENGINE STARTS TO REV UP. TO SLOW VEHICLE DOWN VEHICLE HAD TO CUT ENGINE OFF/ SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, AND DRIFT TO SIDE OF ROAD. CONTACTED DEALER, AND CONSUMER WAS TAKING VEHICLE INTO DEALERSHIP.*AK
SEAT BELTS,TIRESNovember 10, 2001
I AM NOT THE OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE, NOR THE DRIVER. MY BROTHER-IN-LAW WAS A PASSENGER IN THE FORD EXPLORER AND WAS KILLED AT THE SCENE. THERE IS A QUESTION OF WHETHER HE WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT AND IF IT FAILED DURING THE ROLLOVER OF THE VEHICLE. THERE IS ALSO A QUESTION OF FIRESTONE TIRE FAILURE. BOTH OF THE REAR TIRES WERE MISSING THE VALVE STEMS. WE DO NOT KNOW IF THIS OCCURRED DURING THE ACCIDENT OR IF THEY BLEW OUT PREVIOUSLY AND THAT IS WHAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER WAS SPEEDING, PERFORMED AN UNSAFE LANE CHANGE, THEN OVERCORRECTED, LOST CONTROL, CROSSED THE MEDIAN STRIP INTO THE OPPOSITE ROADWAY, ROLLED OVER AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE WHERE ANOTHER PERSON WAS KILLED AS A RESULT OF THIS COLLISION. THE DRIVER WAS FOUND "NOT GUILTY" IN HIS MANSLAUGHTER TRIAL. SO IT SEEMS THIS ACCIDENT WAS ATTRIBUTED MORE TO VEHICLE FAILURE, EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS DRIVER ERROR ALSO.*AK
STEERING,SUSPENSIONOctober 25, 2001
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH AND KEEPING STEERING WHEEL STEADY VEHICLE WANDERED TO LEFT LANE ON ITS OWN. DEALER REPLACED STEERING MECHANISM, BUT VEHICLE STILL PULLS TO LEFT. *AK CUSTOMER STATES VEHICLE DRIFTS TO THE LEFT WHEN TURNED STEERING WHEEL AND WILL NOT TURN COMETIMES TO THE RIGHT. *YH
SUSPENSIONOctober 19, 2001
MAJOR SIDE TO SIDE ROCKING AT HIGH-SPEED EMERGENCY AVOIDANCE MANEUVER. *AK
SUSPENSIONOctober 15, 2001
WHEN TRAVELING AT SPEEDS HIGHER THAN 50 MPH, AND MAKING A TURN, VEHICLE WILL GO UP IN AIR/ SLAM DOWN TO GROUND, AND SHAKE FROM SIDE TO SIDE. CONSUMER WAS AFRAID THAT VEHICLE WILL ROLL OVER WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
TIRESOctober 5, 2001
VEHICLE ROLLOVER ACCIDENT MARCH 25, 2001 IN TOLEDO OHIO. APPROXIMATE SPEED 25 MPH. EXPLORER ROLLED OVER 6 TIMES WITH ME AS THE PASSENGER BEING EJECTED DURING THE 3RD ROLL. DRIVER AND REAR SEATED PASSENGER WERE HELP IN THE VEHICLE AND RECEIVED LACERATIONS A BROKEN FINGER AND CHEST INJURIES. FRONT PASSENGER ( ME ) WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND CAME TO REST AGAINST THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE. VEHICLE AT REST ON TIRES. RECEIVED 4 BROKEN RIBS, 5 BROKEN , DISLOCATED TRANSVERSE PROCESS AND MULTIPLE STITCHES FOR CUTS AND ABRASIONS IN ARMS AND HEAD. REAR DRIVERS SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT AFTER THE ACCIDENT AND WAS THE ONLY TIRE DAMAGED. PICTURES OF THE ACCIDENT ARE AVAILABLE ALONG WITH ANY OTHER INFORMATION.*AK (TIRESIZE: P255/70R16)
TIRESOctober 4, 2001
I HAVE KEPT THE TIRES IN QUESTION IN THE EVENT OF ANY LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. I BELIEVE THAT MY TIRES OR SOME INTERNAL MALFUNCTION TO THE VEHICLE CAUSED IT TO LOSE CONTROL AND CAUSE THIS ACCIDENT. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGOctober 2, 2001
WHEN AIR CONDITIONING IS ON VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING . DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
VISIBILITYSeptember 30, 2001
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
POWER TRAINSeptember 29, 2001
THE REAR PINION BEARING FAILED. NLM
POWER TRAINSeptember 29, 2001
THE REAR PINION BEARING FAILED. NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICSeptember 28, 2001
WHILE TRAVELING AND WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL HEARD GRINDING NOISE. CONSUMER PULLED WHEEL OFF, AND NOTICED PADS WERE WORN OUT. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
SEATSSeptember 28, 2001
CUSTOMER COMPLAINS THAT BACK BENCH SEAT IS OF SUCH DESIGN THAT WHEN CHILDREN SIT ON IT, AND BRAKE IS APPLIED SEAT WILL MOVE UP, AND START TO FLIP FORWARD. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN WHEN ADULTS SIT ON BENCH. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES, FOUND NO PROBLEM WITH SEAT. *AK
SUSPENSIONSeptember 28, 2001
THE LEFT REAR LEAF SPRING DROPPED ON MY EXPLORER. THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL WAS 33" OFF THE GROUND AND THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WELL WAS 35" OFF THE GROUND. THE TRUCK SAT COCKEYED. THE TRUCK STEERING WAS LOOSE AND THE TRUCK WANDERED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, 50-70 MPH. THE DEALER REPLACED THE LEAF SPRING ON 05/03/2001.*AK
SUSPENSIONSeptember 28, 2001
SECOND NOTIFICATION! THE LEFT REAR SPRING ON MY 2001 EXPLORER HAS FAILED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE SITS COCKEYED BECAUSE THE LEFT REAR SPRING IS LOWER THAN THE RIGHT FRONT. THE TRUCK STEERING IS LOOSE AND THE TRUCK WANDERS AT HIGH SPEEDS, 50-70 MPH. THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER WHO SAID THEY CAN'T REPLACE THE SPRING UNTIL IT IS 1" OUT OF TOLERANCE. MY QUESTIONS ARE, IS THE LEAF SPRING DEFECTIVE ON FORD EXPLORERS? WHY DOES THE LEAF SPRING FAIL? WILL THE TRUCK ROLL OVER IF THER IS A BLOW OUT AT HIGH SPEEDS BECAUSE THE TRUCK DOES NOT SIT LEVEL? FINALLY, I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 40 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD A LEAF SPRING TO FAIL. HELP????
SEATSSeptember 25, 2001
THE REAR SEATS IN THE EXPLORER FLIP FORWARD WITH MY CHILDREN IN THEM WHEN STOPPING FAST. THE SEATS DO NOT LOCK DOWN IN ANY WAY. THIS IS HOW THEY ARE BUILT. TRIED TO RETURN THE EXPLORER 1 WEEK AFTER THE LEASE FORD TOLD ME IT'S A DESIGN FLAW, CAN'T BE FIXED.*AK
WHEELSSeptember 24, 2001
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY DOING 65 MPH PASSANGER SIDE REAR TIRE FELL OFF DUE TO LUG BOLTS BREAKING. VEHICLE ALMOST ROLLED, BUT WAS BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL BEFORE THAT HAPENED. SPOKE WITH DEALERSHIP AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO HELP AND SAID IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. FORD MOTOR HAS ALSO BEN CONTACTED AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO HELP EITHER. (TIRESIZE: 16 INCH)
TIRESSeptember 18, 2001
VEHICLE WAS GOING 30-40MPH IN 4 WHEEL WITH A LIGHT COATING OF SNOW. 4 VEHICLES LOST CONTROL AND STARTED SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL IN FRONT OF THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER PUMPED THE BRAKES LIGHTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WHEN THE TIRE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE (BOTH) EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, THE VEHICLE LEANED TO THE LEFT GOING OUT OF CONTROL AND ENDED UP GOING DOWN AN EMBANKMENT FLIPPING ON ITS LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE BEFORE STOPPING IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION, THE TIRES WERE ORIGINAL ON A 2001 FORD EXPLORER, APPROXIMATE 32,000 MILES. CONSUMER IS CURRENTLY WAITING FOR TIRE FROM FORD. *AKDOTP255170R16 FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT SIZE 16.*NLM
SEATSSeptember 13, 2001
DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE BACKWARDS ON REAR IMPACT FROM A TRUCK. *AK
VISIBILITYSeptember 9, 2001
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE THE BACK WINDOW WAS ROLLING UP IT WOULD GET 2 OR 3 INCHES FROM THE TOP AND AUTOMATICALLY GO BACK DOWN. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS IT WOULD CLOSE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND SAID THEY HAD TO REPROGRAM THE MEMORY. IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE SINCE THEN.
POWER TRAINSeptember 6, 2001
PUTTING SUV IN PARK WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR BROKE AND RELOCATED TO THE 1ST GEAR POSITION. NOW STUCK ON 1ST GEAR AND THERE IS NO VISUAL WAY OF KNOWING WHAT GEAR THE SUV IS IN. FORD IS COVERING THE DEFECT THROUGH WARRANTY, BUT THIS IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE. REPAIRS BEING PERFORMED AT ORR PERFORMANCE IN ATLANTA, TEXAS.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSeptember 5, 2001
THE HEATER/COOLANT HOSE IN THE LEFT SIDE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IS RUBBING AGAINST THE DIPSTICK, WEARING THROUGH THE HOSE AND POTENTIALLY SPRAYING VERY HOT COOLANT UNDER THE HOOD.*AK
AIR BAGSAugust 30, 2001
WHEN DRIVING AT 40 MPH CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WHICH DEMOLISHED FRONT END OF VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
TIRESAugust 18, 2001
HAVE CONTACTED FORD COUNTRY DEALERSHIP FOR THE RECALL/REPLACEMENT OF TIRES JUN 6,JUL 2,JUL 13, JUL 23 AND ON AUG 16 & 17. IN JUN THE SERVICE MGR LARRY SAID REPLACEMENT TIRES WOULD BE IN ABOUT 2WKS. IN AUG HE WILL NOT ANSWER MY CALLS OR RETURN MY CALLS. I HAD ORGINALLY REQUESTED MICHELIN TIRE AS APPROVED BY THE FORD MOTOR CO. I FEEL LIKE I'M JUST GETTING THE RUN AROUND. MY WIFE AND I ARE SENIORS AND DRIVE THE HI-WAYS FREQUENTLY, SHE IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE FIRESTONE TIRES DRIVING AT THE SPEED LIMIT 75MPH AS WELL AS AT 109 DEGREES TEMP. AND RIGHTFULLY SO. AN ACCIDENT AT OUR AGE COULD WELL BE FATAL. THE TIRE CALLS FOR INFLATED PRESS. TO 40LBS, FORD CO. SAYS 30 IN THE FRONT AND 35 IN THE REAR. WHEN INFLATING AT 30 IN THE FRONT I NOTICE THE STEERING IS HARD (PERHAPS THIS VEHICLE IS DESIGNED TOO TOP HEAVY AND THAT IS WHAY THEY HAVE YOU LOWER THE PRESSURE IN THE FRONT TIRES IN TURN MAKING THE STEERING HARD TO TURN) ANYHOW I SUSPECT THE DEALERSHIP IS NOT REPLACING THE RECALLS BECAUSE THEIR TO BUSY REPLACING THE TIRES ON THEIR CAR LOT FIRST, THERE IN DANGERING OTHER PEOPLES LIFES SO THAT THEY CAN SELL THEIR VEHICLES. I HAVE NOT HAD A BLOWOUT YET, NOR DO I LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING ONE AT 75MPH AT 109 TEMP. I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR HELP IN MAKING FORD CO. AND THEIR DEALERSHIP MAKING GOOD ON THEIR RECALL EFFORTS. EVEN THOUGH THESE TIRES ARE RELATIVELY NEW THE TEMPTURES HERE IN VEGAS AND SPEED LIMITS REQUIRED CAN ENDANGER MY WIFE AND FAMILY. WILL NOT ANSWER OR RETURN MY CALLS. IN JUN. *AK (TIRESIZE: P25570R16)
TIRESAugust 13, 2001
NHTSA RECALL # 01X001000, MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 01X001000. NO SIZE AND DATE AVAILABLE WHILE DRIVING AROUND 40 MPH ON WET PAVEMENT. VEHICLE HYDROPLANED DUE TO TIRES. ALSO STATED TIRES RECALLED AND HAVE NOT BE REPLACED YET.*AK
SUSPENSIONAugust 3, 2001
DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF VEHICLE THERE IS A NOISE COMING FROM ALL FOUR WHEELS. DEALERSHIP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE CAUSE OF PROBLEM. PLEASE PROIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRESJuly 26, 2001
RE BRAKES: THEY HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKE SHOES/PAD TWICE ANDS ROTORS ONCE. RE TIRE/WHEELS THEY COULD NOT GET THEM TO BALANCE OUT TRIED 4 TIMES ( GOODYEAR TRIED TWICE) TOTAL OF 6 TIMES. AGAIN A WEEK AND A HALF LATER, IT PULLS LEFT WHEN BRAKING, AND VIBRATION IS BACK AGAIN. I HAVE SPOKE WITH WAYNE ( SERVICE MGR) AND AL MC DONALD ( GENERAL SALES MGR). I HAVE INFORMED THEM OF THE NEVADA LEMON LAW # NRS 597.630 HE SAID TO INFORCE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO GET A "LAWYER". PLEASE NOTE I ONLY MARKED THE FIRST TIME OF THE PROBLEMS I HAVE FULL DOC'S OF EVERY VISIT ON THESE ITEMS. PLEASE HELP! THANK YOU, CRYSTAL DEL GIUDICE. *AK (TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJuly 23, 2001
THIS IS NOT THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAVE TRIED TO RETURN TO BE REPAIRED ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE ALSO BEEN SUBJECTED TO THE MOST UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR I'VE EVER SEEN, FROM THIS DEALERSHIP, IN THE PURCHASE AND REPAIR PROCEDURES.NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
TIRESJuly 18, 2001
THE VEHICLES REAR END SHIFTS SIDE TO SIDE OVER WASHBOARD BUMPS. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MANUFACTURER OFFERING TO REPLACE ALL FIVE TIRES AND REQUEST THAT HIS LOCAL FORD DEALER, ORDER THE TIRES.(FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES P255/70R16 S)*YH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJune 27, 2001
CONSUMER STATES SHE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT TRAVELING AT 30 MPH ON DRY PAVEMENT, CONSUMER STATES SHE WAS UNABLE TO COME TO A QUICK STOP AND COMPLETE STOP, CONSUMER EXPERIENCED SOME INJURIES DURING COLLISION, CONSUMER IS QUESTIONING ABS WHICH DOES FEEL SPONGY OR THE FACT THAT SHE WAS DRIVING WITH THE WILDERNESS TIRES THAT ARE ALSO QUESTIONABLE RIGHT NOW.*JB
SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHERJune 25, 2001
VEHICLE IDLED UP AND DOWN AND UP AND DOWN ALL THE TIME LIKE ITS WAS RECYCLING. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SOME LOSS OF POWER. IN MAY OF 2001, CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE INTO DEALER FOR A SULPHUR SMELL. DEALER TOLD CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS FINE. ON 31ST OF MAY, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND WOULD NOT GO OUT. TOOK BACK TO DEALER, AND THE DEALER STATED CONSUMER NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. ALSO, VEHICLE WOULD NOT STAY ON RAOD WHEN GROUND WAS WET. DEALER REPLACED STABILIZER. *AK
TIRESJune 25, 2001
SINCE I BOUGHT THIS EXPLORER I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRES, I CONTACTED THE DEALER BUT THEY TOLD ME THAT MY TIRES ARE NOT PART OF THE RECALL AND THEY CANT DO NOTHING ABOUT IT , I EXPLAIN TO THEM THAT MY EXPLORER ITS BEEN SHAKING A LOT, A LOT OF VIBRATIONS AND THOMPS THAT I WAS SCARED BECAUSE ITS BEEN FEW TIMES THAT I ALMOST LOSE CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE IN THE HIGHWAY AND REGULAR STREETS AND ITS BEEN A YEAR NOW AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME THE SAME THING AND NOW EVEN MORE BECAUSE MY VEHICLE HAVE APPROXIMATE 28000 MILES AND THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT I NEED TIRES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BUT BECAUSE OF MY MILLAGE THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING NOW. I EXPLAIN AND GAVE THEM INFORMATION THAT I HAVE BEEN TAKING MY VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT IT BUT THEY NEVER WANTED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT AND NOW WITH ONLY A YEAR OLD MY VEHICLE IS SHAKING MORE THAN EVER AND THEY SINCE A YEAR AGO DONT WANT TO REPALCE MY TIRES JUST BECAUSE THERE IS NO RECALL FOR MY TIRES. I HAVE THE MILLAGE THAT I HAVE BECAUSE I WENT TO TENNESSEE FOR ONE WEEK FOR VACATION BUT I ONLY WORK 15 MINUTES FROM MY HOME, I GO SHOPPING , AND VISIT MY FAMILY AND THEY LIVE ONLY 30 MINUTES FROM ME IT'S NOT POSSIBLE THAT WITH THE CARE THAT I GAVE MY VEHICLE THAT MY TIRES WENT BAD IN ONLY SOME SPOTS LIKE THEY ARE TELLIING ME NOW IF I WARETHEM OUT SHOULD BE IN A COMPLETE SIDE NOT IN SPOTS THIS IS NOT AN OFF ROAD VEHICLE SO I DONT DRIVE IT THAT WAY. PLEASE I NEED A RESPOND AS SOON AS I'M WORRY FOR MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHER PEOPLE DRIVING. *AK (TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
STRUCTUREJune 24, 2001
DRIVER OVERCORRECTED VEH ROCKED AND FLIPPED. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
SUSPENSION,EQUIPMENTJune 19, 2001
I AM PRESENTING TWO PROBLEMS: FIRST CONCERNS THE SUV HANDLING: THE VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT IS GOING TO TIP OVER AS WE MAKE SHARP CURVES AT POSTED SPEEDS. I HAVE MADE FORD AWARE OF THIS AS A "RIDER" ISSUE FOR ANOTHER PROBLEM- THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM. IT DOESN'T PROVIDE MEDIAN TEMPERATURES. IT PROVIDES ONLY EXTREMELY COLD OR EXTREMELY HOT SERVICE. I HAVE AN ACTIVE COMPLAINT IN TO THE FORD AND HAVE TRIED ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS TO HAVE IT REPAIRED BY THE DEALER TO NO AVAIL. I HAVE A LINGERING CONCERN ABOUT FEELING THAT THE SUV IS GOING TO TIP OVER AND THE ULTIMATE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE (ALTHOUGH THIS HAS NOT OCCURRED).*AK
VISIBILITYJune 14, 2001
AS SHE WAS DRIVING OVER A CURB IN PARKING LOT AT LESS THAN 5 MPH TAILGATE WINDOW EXPLODED. 90 % OF GLASS WAS ON OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE, PIECES WERE VERY SMALL, THERE WAS NO GLASS LEFT IN WINDOW FRAME. *AK
STRUCTUREJune 13, 2001
WHILE DRIVING AND TRYING TO AVOID HITTING A VEHICLE THAT CUT HER OFF THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT ROLLED OVER TWICE, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED RELATIVELY MINOR INJURIES, GLASS SHARDS IN HER LEFT ELBOWS, THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS, THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW OF THE VEHICLE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,TIRES,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHERJune 12, 2001
IHAVE LOST CONTROLL OF THIS VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO THE STEERING AND OVERALL HANDLING ,MY TIRES ARE ALSO PLAYING A ROLL IN THIS I BELEAVE THIS PROBLEM IS MUCH MORE PRONOUNCED IN RAIN OR SNOW . I FEEL THIS VEHICLE IS VERY UNSAFE FOR MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN! I'VE ALREADY HAD THE VEHICLE INTO AUBURN MOTOR SALES FOR 6 DAYS FOR COMPLAINTS OF LACK&SURGE OF POWER,BAD SULFER SMELL AT IDLE ROLLING IDLE(UP&DOWN), EXTREMELY POOR GAS MILEAGE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DIOGNOSE PROBLEM. AS OF TODAY I'VE LOST 21 DAYS OF USE ,ON A VEHICLE I'VE ONLY HAD ABOUT4 AND A HALF MONTHS KNOW THEY SAY I NEED AN ENGINE THAT I'M STILL WAITING ON. I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP I DIDN'T FEEL THIS VEHICLE WAS SAFE AND WANTED IT REPLACED .I GOT KNOW WHERE, WHEN THEY FOUND OUT I GOT LEMON LAW PAPERWORK THEY TOLD ME FORD WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT PURSUE IT THROUGH THE STATE. I DON'T SEE HOW THEY CAN TELL YOU THAT YOU ARE STUCK WHEN YOU PURCHASED A NEW VEHICLE AND IT HAS COMPROMISED YOUR SAFETY TIME&TIME AGAIN! MY SALESMAN TOLD ME TO LOOK AT THE BRIGHT SIDE I WAS STILL HERE TO TALK ABOUT IT!!! I DON'T FIND THIS VERY AMUSING ,I WONDER IF FORD KNOWS HOW HE FEELS IN MY OPINION HE WAS TELLING ME I COULD OF BEEN DEAD!!! BRENDA. *AK (TIRESIZE: 255/70/16)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 255/70/16 )
STEERINGJune 8, 2001
DRIVER WILL LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHEN MAKING A SHARP TURN OR ON WET PAVEMENTS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.*AK
SUSPENSIONJune 7, 2001
WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH VEHICLE SEVERELY PULLS TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. ALSO, NOTICED THAT PROBLEM BECOMES MORE PRONOUNCED WHEN VEHICLE IS DRIVEN ON WET PAVEMENT. DEALER HAS IDENTIFIED PROBELM AS SWAY BAR MECHANINSM FAILURE. *AK FORD DEALER STATED FIRESTONE TIRES WERE THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER TIRES WERE CHANGED TO GOODYEAR AND VEHICLE STILL FELT THE SAME, CONSUMER HAS HAD TWO NEAR ACCIDENTS DUE TO VEHICLE PROBLEM. *SLC
TIRES,WHEELSJune 5, 2001
FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS AT TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD, EXPLORER ,2001. WHILE TRAVELING AT 35-40 MPH CONSUMER HIT A CONSTRUCTION SITE AND PASSENGER REAR TIRE FELL OFF, THEN VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK ANALYST IS UNSURE OFCOMPONENT, POSSIBLE TIRE FAILURE, POSSIBLE LUG, NUT, AND BOLT FAILURE, CAUSING ROLLOVER, CONSUMER WAS INJURED IN ACCIDENT. *SLC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJune 4, 2001
BRAKING SYSTEM UNRESPONSIVE AT VERY LOW SPEEDS, WHICH BELIEVE IS THE RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT. NOW AFTER ONLY 3.5 MONTHS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKING SYSTEM IS VERY SOFT. BRAKE PEDAL HAS TO BE PRESSED ALMOST TO END OF RANGE OF LIMIT BEFORE VEHICLE WILL START TO SLOW DOWN.*AK
SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTSMay 29, 2001
A ROLLOVER CRASH BY TRAVELING AT 35 MPH ON A GRAVEL ROAD. DEALER / MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, WAITING ON MANUFACTURER'S RESPONSE. *AK SEAT BELT FAILED. *YH
TIRESMay 29, 2001
WHILE TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS THE FRONT FIRESTONE TIRES SET UP A VIBRATION THAT PASSES TO THE STEERING WHEEL, THE STEERING RODS AND JOINTS SEEM TO MOVE AND MAKE NOISE, THE DEALER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE TREAD, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE TIRES ARE TOO HEAVY FOR THE STEERING SET OR THE STEERING LINKAGE IS TOO LIGHT FOR THE TIRES. NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 24, 2001
TAILLIGHT MECHANISM CAUGHT ON FIRE ALL BY ITSELF - TRUCK HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 4 HOURS. WHATEVER THE PROBLEM WAS IT SMOLDERED FOR A LONG TIME. THE INSIDE OF THE TRUCK WAS SOOO FULL OF SMOKE.*AK
POWER TRAINMay 14, 2001
CONSUMER STATES WHILE SHE WAS PUTTING ITEM IN HER VEHICLE, HER TWO YEAR OLD SON CRAWLED UP TO THE FRONT OF VEHICLE AND TURNED THE KEY TO THE SECOND TURN OF THE GEAR SHIFTER AND PULLED THE TRUCK INTO GEAR, THE SECOND TURN ON THE GEAR SHIFTER IS THE ONLY WAY THAT THE VEHICLE CAN BE PUT INTO GEAR WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE, CONSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT ALL OF THE VEHICLES ARE DESIGNED THE SAME WAY. *JB
POWER TRAINMay 11, 2001
VEHICLE WAS RUNNING, LEFT IN PARK, AND GEAR SLIPPED/VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN HILL. RESULTING IN $12000 DAMAGE. CONSUMER WAS NOT IN VEHICLE AT THE TIME. EMERGENCY BRAKE NOT USED. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE DUE TO UNKOWN DEFECTS. THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE ROLL OVER INCIDENT WAS NOT DETERMINED. *YH
SEATSMay 10, 2001
THE REAR SEATS DO NOT LOCK DOWN, CAUSING THE TOP OF SEAT TO MOVE FORWARD WHEN SOMEONE EXITS THE BACK SEAT. WHEN THE SEAT COMES FORWARD IT OPENS A PINCH POINT THAT HAS PINCHED THE HANDS OF 3 THAT HAVE RIDDEN IN THE BACK. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD FOR ALL AGES BUT ESPECIALLY YOUNG CHILDREN!*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMay 8, 2001
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH ON CRUISE CONTROL. ATTEMPTED TO SLOW VEHICLE DOWN BY APPLYING BRAKES. VEHICLE WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO BRING TO A STOP. WHEN VEHICLE STOPPED, ENGINE WAS STILL IDLING/RUNNING AT THE 75 MPH LEVEL. CONSUMER SHUT VEHICLE OFF. THEN, TURNED VEHICLE BACK ON, AND ENGINE AUTOMATICALLY STARTED IDLING AT A HIGH SPEED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *PASSERBY STATED THAT IDLE CABLE BECAME STUCK, AND RELEASED IT TO PREVENT ENGINE FROM RUNNING AT 75 MPH LEVEL. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 30, 2001
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES VEHICLE PULLS TO RIGHT, AND A SQUEALING NOISE OCCURS, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGApril 19, 2001
COMPLETE FAILURE OF TAIL LIGHTS I.E. BRAKE LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, AND RUNNING LIGHTS. *AK
VISIBILITYApril 16, 2001
VEHICLE WAS PARKED. CONSUMER NOTICED BACK WINDOW HAD SHATTERED.*AK *SLC
STEERING,TIRESApril 12, 2001
POWER STEERING MOTOR PROBLEMS WITH FRONT END. ALSO TIRES. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG.*AK
STRUCTUREApril 12, 2001
THE CONSUMER HAS HAD SEVERAL RECALLS FOR HIS VEHICLE, AS A RESULT OF THE RECALL THE CONSUMER HAD TO RENT AT VEHICLE AT HIS OWN EXPENSE ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. NLM
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,TIRESApril 10, 2001
WHEN DRIVING ON SLIGHT UPHILL ROADS AND MAKING TURNS LEFT OR RIGHT, LIKE ON RAMPS TO FREEWAY AT VERY SLOW SPEEDS, 5-10 MPH, VEHICLE IS HARD TO CONTROL. GOES ALL OVER ROAD, BRAKING MAKES IT WORSE. DEALER REPLACED STEERING GEAR AND TIRES. DID NOT REMEDY. TO DEALER 9 DAYS ONE TIME, ANOTHER 14 DAYS.*AK CONSUMER ALSO STATES ENGINE MAKES A GRINDING NOISE RIGHT AFTER START-UP.*JB
SEATSApril 6, 2001
THE SEATS DO NOT HAVE A SEPERATE HEAD REST THAT IS ADJUSTABLE ACCORDING TO SIZE. ACCORDINGLY, A PERSON OF AVERAGE HEIGHT SITTING IN EITHER THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SEAT IS TO FAR FROM THE TOP OF THE SEAT TO GET ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN AN ACCIDENT. GIVEN TODAY'S SAFETY STANDARDS, I EXPECT MORE FROM A 2001 LIMITED EDITION AUTOMOBILE. MY HUSBAND WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT AND THE MAJORITY OF HIS INJURIES COULD HAVE BEEN MITIGATED IF THESE SEATS WERE DESIGNED PROPERLY.*AK
WHEELSApril 2, 2001
RIGHT FRONT WHEEL RIM CRACKED WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. TIRE HAD BLOWN. WHEN WRECKER CAME TO CHANGE TIRE, DRIVER DISCOVERED INSIDE OF WHEEL RIM WAS BROKEN OFF. CONSUMER STATED THAT NOTHING WAS HIT THAT WOULD CAUSE RIM TO BREAK.*AK *JB
SEAT BELTS,SEATSMarch 26, 2001
WHEN COMING TO A STOP PASSENGER'S SEAT SLIDES FORWARD, CAUSE UNKNOWN, ALSO REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT DOES NOT RELEASE FROM RETRACTING MECHANISM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
EQUIPMENTMarch 26, 2001
WIFE AND I GET SICK EVERY TIME WE USE VEHICLE, AND HARD TO STAY AWAKE WHILE DRIVING. NO SAFETY DEFECT. *AK
WHEELSMarch 22, 2001
WHILE RIDING DOWN HIGHWAY PART OF REAR LEFT RIM CAME OFF OF AUTOMOBILE. CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH.*AK
SUSPENSIONMarch 20, 2001
WHILE TRAVELING AT 45 MPH VEHICLE STARTED TO PULL TO LEFT WITHOUT WARNING. CONSUMER DID NOT KNOW WHY THIS HAPPENED. VEHICLE WENT OFF ROAD, AND FLIPPED OVER. ROAD CONDITIONS WERE GOOD. *AK
SEAT BELTSMarch 20, 2001
REAR SEAT BELTS ON BOTTOM; WHEN SITTING DOWN BOTTOM PORTION COMES UP FORWARD, QUARTER AWAY. THIS VEHICLE HAS RWO DOORS. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF IT.*AK
STEERING,POWER TRAINMarch 14, 2001
FRONT LEFT STEERING KNUCKLE BROKE, AXLE SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE, VEHICLE WENT LEFT AND CRASHED. FILED BY RICHARD RUMPLIK.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRESMarch 12, 2001
WHEN APPYLING BRAKES VEHICLE SEVERELY PULLS TO RIGHT. ALSO, A GRINDING NOISE OCCURS, CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK IN LESS THAN 15000 MILES, BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES, WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT THIS WAS DUE TO A FACTORY DEFECT AND BRAKES WERE APPLIED INCORRECTLY. TIRE EXPERIENCED BLOWOUT, THERE WAS A LARGE DEFORMED AIR POCKET ON THE WHITE LETTER SIDE, CONSUMER DID NOT GIVE ANY TIRE INFORMATION. *SLC
TIRESMarch 8, 2001
PE00 020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 70MPH ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD A POPPYING NOISE. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SHOULDERS AND NOTICED REAR RIGHT SIDE OF TIRE WAS COMPLETLY FLAT. FIRESTONE, P255/70R16 109S , DOT VNCU1R0090. FIRESTONE WILLBE NOTIFIED.*AK
VISIBILITYMarch 7, 2001
DEEP SCRATCHES HAVE APPERED ON THE INSIDE OF THE FRONT SIDE WINDOWS. ON THE PASSANGER SIDE THE SCRATCHES ARE SO BAD THAT IT INPAIRS THE VIEW OF THE SIDE MIRROR, IT IS SO BAD ON SUNNY DAYS THAT I CAN NOT RELY ON THE USE OF THAT MIRROR. THERE ARE ALSO DEEP SCRATCHES ON THE INSIDE OF THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW BUT THEY ARE ON THE REAR OF THE WINDOW.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMarch 6, 2001
WHILE TRAVELING AND WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL VEHICLE WENT INTO EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE PROVIDED FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
AIR BAGSMarch 2, 2001
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A 35-40 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION IN WHICH VEHICLE WENT UNDER A TRACTOR TRAILER, AND DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
POWER TRAINMarch 2, 2001
CONSUMER STATES A STRANGE NOISE IS MADE WHEN PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR, DEALER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS THE FRONT AXLE AND THAT THERE WERE SCRAPS OF METAL BREAKING OFF THE AXLE, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING A NEW VEHICLE AND STATES THAT THE SCRAPS OF METAL COULD BE DAMAGING OTHER PARTS OF THE VEHICLE. *SLC
STEERINGMarch 1, 2001
THEYCANTGETA PARTYETTOFIXTHEPROBLEM. NO SAFETY DEFECT. *AK
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAINMarch 1, 2001
WORLD FORD HAS DONE NOTHING BUT GIVE ME A RUN AROUND AND NOT FIXING MY TRUCK RIGHT!!! I HAVE NOTHING BUT AGREVATION WITH MY TRUCK AND I DONT FEEL THAT IT'S SAFE WITH DRIVING MY CHILDREN IN IT! WHEN ADVISING THE DEALERSHIP OF THE TRUCKS MAJOR COMPLICATIONS THEY ADVISE ME TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK IN 30-60 DAYS TO AVIOD THE LEMON LAW! NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 28, 2001
I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL "NO STARTS" WITH MY VEHICLE. I WAS INFORMED BY A FIRESTONE DEALER WHEN I HAD MY TIRES REPLACED THAT HE HAS WITNESS SIMILIAR INCIDENTS WITH OTHER FORD EXPLORER'S. THE FIRESTONE DEALER STATED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM IN THE FUEL DELIVERY OR IGNITION SYSTEM WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO FLOOD ITSELF AT TIMES WHEN THE IGNITION KEY IS TURNED. I AM VERY CONCERNED IF THIS IS THE CASE. THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE HAS MADE THREE UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I AM CURRENTLY IN ARBITRATION. I KNOW ONE OTHER PERSON WHO PURCHASED A 2000 FORD EXPLORER FROM THE SAME DEALER AND HAS HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP IS REPLACING HIS FUEL PUMP AS THEY HAVE DONE IN MY VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THIS DID NOT CORRECT MY PROBLEM.
VISIBILITYFebruary 20, 2001
REAR WINDOW AUTO UP DOES NOT HAVE AN OBSTRUCTION STOP SAFETY FEATURE. OWNERS PET WAS NEARLY STRANGLED AFTER BEING CAUGT IN THE WINDOW WHILE IT WAS CLOSING. THERE IS A HIGH POSSIBILITY THAT A PET OR SMALL CHILD COULD BE KILLED IN THIS WINDOW WHEN IT IS CLOSED.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLFebruary 12, 2001
WHEN DRIVING AND WHEN RELEASING ACCELERATOR PEDAL VEHICLE JUST QUITS.FORD HAS BENE CONTACTED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFebruary 12, 2001
WHEN DRIVING BRAKES BECOME REAL SOFT, AND CONSUMER HAS TROUBLE SLOWING DOWN OR COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. CONTACTED DEALER ,AND DEALER SAID THAT THERE WAS REALLY NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT PROBLEM, EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE VERY AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
SUSPENSIONFebruary 8, 2001
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 35-40 MPH AND GOING INTO A CURVE WHEN A VERY STRONG VIBRATION OCCURRED IN STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT END. CONSUMER HAD TO APPLY BRAKES IN ORDER TO KEEP CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THIS HAS OCCURRED TWICE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGFebruary 8, 2001
WHILE DRIVING AT 10-15 MPH AND WHEN ATTEMTPING TO MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN, GRADUALLY DEPRESSED BRAKE PEDAL AND PEDAL TRAVELED TO FLOORBOARD, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, AND RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. ALSO, EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE/ FUEL PUMP AND OTHER PARTS WERE REPLACED BEFORE ACCIDENT. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE *AK BAD CHECK VALVE CAUSED DELAY IN STARTING THE VEHCILE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS HARD TO RELEASE DUE TO LEAK OF GREASING. BRAKES MADE HIGH PITCH SQUEAL BECAUSE FRONT BRAKES AND PADS WERE GLAZED OVER. HEAD LIGHT FAILED DUE TO BAD CONNECTION AT LMULTIFUNCTION SWITCH. *YH
TIRESFebruary 7, 2001
BLOW OUT AT 65MPH NO ACCIDENT NO TREAD SEPARATION (TIRESIZE: P235/75R16)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P235/75R16 )
TIRESFebruary 2, 2001
WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 50 MPH AND AFTER HEARING A NOISE, CONSUMER THEN DECREASED SPEED TO 40 MPH DUE TO PROBLEMS WITH TIRES. THIS WAS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE. *AK
SUSPENSIONFebruary 1, 2001
VEHICLE WAS SITTING STILL AND WAS HIT ON PASSENGER'S SIDE. VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER, DRIVER WAS PINNED IN VEHICLE DUE TO VEHICLE LANDING ON DRIVER'S SIDE. *AK
SUSPENSIONFebruary 1, 2001
WHEN DRIVING STEERING WHEEL JERKED AND VEHICLE WANDERED OFF INTO ANOTHER DIRECTION. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENTJanuary 31, 2001
ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM WENT OUT IN DECEMBER 2000. DEALER REPLACED ABS AND OTHER BRAKE PARTS. BRAKES WENT OUT AGAIN ON JANUARY 30, AT DEALER AT THIS TIME. ALSO, CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE SEALS ON HEADLIGHTS AND TRIM OF VEHICLE REPLACED. THERE WAS A POPPING SOUND FROM RADIO. *AK
TIRESJanuary 30, 2001
P25575R15, DOT VDHL1RW050, REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF FIRESTONE WILDERNESS HT TIRE EXPLODED WHILE AT A STOP, TIRE HAD ONLY 9,000 MILES. *SLC
POWER TRAINJanuary 24, 2001
WHILE DRIVING 75MPH A LOUD BOOM NOISE WAS SUDDENLY HEARD. VEHICLE WAS THUMPING AND VIBRATING. STEERING WAS VERY SHAKY. MANAGED TO GET OFF HIGHWAY, AND STOPPED VEHICLE TO CHECK. THERE WASN'T ANY PROBLEM WITH TIRES BLOWING OUT. LIMPED INTO ROAD SERVICE. MECHANIC INFORMED OWNER THE C V JOINTS ATTACHED TO TRANSMISSION TRANSFER CASE HAD BLOWN. FRONT DRIVELINE WAS REMOVED & REPLACED, BUT VIBRATIONS STILL APPEARED. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER, AND INFORMED VEHICLE WAS A LEMON.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJanuary 18, 2001
TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE WHEN STARTING UP VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER. WAS TOLD BY DEALER THERE WAS RESIDUE IN BRAKE FLUID. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
STEERINGJanuary 18, 2001
STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT STRAIGHTEN UP WHEN LETTING GO OFF STEERING, JUST LIKE NORMAL POWER STEERING. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJanuary 12, 2001
WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, AND AN EMERGENCY OR PANIC STOP IS REQUIRED DUE TO TRAFFIC STOPPING, OTHER BAD DRIVERS, DEER, ANYTHING THAT MAY APLY, YOU HIT THE BRAKES PRETTY HARD TO STOP AS FAST AS POSSIBLE. THE VEHICLE BECOMES UNCONTROLLEABLE AND VEERS EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT DESPITE DRIVERS EFFORT TO STAY STRAIGHT. THE DEALER HAS DUPLICATED PROBLEM IN MY TRUCK AND ANOTHER BRAND NEW TRUCK SIMILAR TO MINE OFF THEIR LOT. DEALER SAID THEY CANNOT FIX IT. THEY BELIEVE IT IS A DESIGN FLAW. THE FISRT TIME IT HAPPENED TO ME A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO, IT MOVED LEFT 2 LANES AND PUT ME NEXT TO A CONCRETE BARRIER ON THE HIGHWAY. MY WIFE HAS COMPLAINED OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS ABOUT THE VEHICLE FEELING UNSTABLE AND VEERING DURING RAPID STOPS FROM DIFFERENT SPEEDS. DATE OF INCIDENT IS DEALER DUPLICATING PROBLEM TO TROUBLE SHOOT. EL CAJON FORD WAS THE SERVICING DEALER LOCATED IN ELCAJON CA.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 10, 2001
STARTER CRANKS FOR 10 SECONDS BEFORE STARTING. *AK
AIR BAGSJanuary 9, 2001
AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN A COLLISION AT 5-10MPH, RESULTING IN MINOR INJURIES. FORD HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
POWER TRAINJanuary 9, 2001
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 1, 2001
THE VEHICLE SMELLS LIKE ROTTEN EGGS ON THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE, THERE IS ALSO A BURNING SMELL, POSSIBLY AN EXHAUST SYSTEM FAILURE, HOWEVER DEALERSHIP WAS NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY SOURCE. NLM
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJanuary 1, 2001
MOISTURE WAS GETTING INTO BOTH HEADLIGHT HOUSINGS AND FOGGING UP. NLM
SUSPENSIONJanuary 1, 2001
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER COULD FELL VIBRATION COMING FROM THE DRIVERS FLOOR. NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJanuary 1, 2001
WHILE DRIVING ON SNOW COVERED ROAD AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE ABS MODULE FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND RUN INTO A SNOW MOUND. NLM
EQUIPMENTJanuary 1, 2001
CONSUMER HEAR A POPPING SOUND FROM THE RADIO. NLM
STRUCTUREJanuary 1, 2001
THE TAILGATE TRIM WAS FALLING OFF AND DOES NOT FIT FLUSH LIKE THE RIGHT SIDE. NLM
TIRESDecember 29, 2000
2 TIRE BLOWOUTS IN LESS THAN 6 MONTHS IS NOT NORMAL... ONE WHILE DRIVING IS UNSAFE..THE 2ND WHILE PARKED DOES NOT MAKE SENSE. *AK (DOT NUMBER: 8XHL IPY TIRESIZE: 235/75R15)
SUSPENSIONDecember 27, 2000
VEHICLE HAS A ONE INCH LEAN ON THE LEFT REAR SIDE. COMMUNICATED, ONLINE WITH SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE WHO ALSO NOTICED THIS UNBALANCE IN THEIR EXPLORERS. SAFETY CONCERNED DUE TO ACCIDENT HISTORY OF THE FORD EXPLORER AND THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOT TOO HEAVY ON THE LEFT SIDE. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHERDecember 21, 2000
NONE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDecember 14, 2000
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CROSS A FOUR LANE HIGHWAY THE ENGINE STALLED, THE VEHICLE SURGES AND HESITATES INTERMITTENTLY, DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE AND REPAIR THE PROBLEM. NLM
TIRESDecember 12, 2000
2 TIRES BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING, AND CAUSED TRUCK TO LOSE CONTROL, HITTING CURB. NO SERIOUS INJURIES. *AK
SUSPENSIONDecember 5, 2000
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 80MPH ON HIGHWAY AND HIT A BUMP. IT WAS A SOLID HARD HIT AND SUSPENSION DIDN'T HOLD. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK
TIRESNovember 19, 2000
SEVERE TREAD SEPARATION (DOT NUMBER: 8XCU TIRESIZE: P255/70R16)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLNovember 13, 2000
VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. BRAKES AND BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, AND CONSUMER HURT HIS HEAD. *AK THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDAL WERE VERY CLOSE TOGETHER THAT IT WAS EASY TO DEPRESS BOTH SIMULTANEOUSLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE INSTEAD OF SLOWING DOWN. *YH
TIRESNovember 13, 2000
FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES (P255 70 R16) ARE EXPERIENCING CRACKING. *SLC
STEERING,SUSPENSIONNovember 9, 2000
VIBRATION FELT THROUGH STEERING WHEEL, POWER STEERING UNIT AND FRONT END SUSPENSION EXPERIENCING VIBRATION AND NOISE. *CJ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENovember 9, 2000
ENGINE CRANKS AND TAKES A WHILE TO START, EXTENDED CRANK, DEALER HAS REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP. *CJ
POWER TRAINNovember 9, 2000
TRUCK SEEMS TO SHUDDER OR SHAKE WHEN PUT IN REVERSE OR FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE. *CJ
EQUIPMENTNovember 9, 2000
AIR CONDITIONING UNIT/COMPRESSOR REPLACED.
TIRESNovember 1, 2000
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
TIRESNovember 1, 2000
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 00T-005 AND IS HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME FINDING REPLACEMENT TIRES. *SLC
TIRESNovember 1, 2000
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 00T-005 AND IS HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME FINDING REPLACEMENT TIRES. *SLC
SEATSOctober 27, 2000
SECOND ROW SEAT IS NOT PROPERLY ANCHORED. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS WAS NORMAL FOR THAT VEHICLE. SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER.*AK WHEN REAR SEAT ARE IN UPRIGHT POSITION, BACKK OF SEAT REMAINS LOCKED BUT SEAT PART MOVES IN CATAPULTING FASHION. *YH
SUSPENSIONOctober 26, 2000
WHEN TURNING VEHICLE RIGHT OR LEFT THERE IS A CRACKING NOISE, LIKE SOMETHING UNDERNEATH IS TRYING TO COME APART. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALERSHIP.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 20, 2000
WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON I DRIFTED TO THE RIGHT AND THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEELS WENT ONTO THE GRAVEL SHOULDER. WHEN I GOT THE 2 WHEELS BACK ON PAVEMENT THE WHEELS THAT HAD BEEN ON THE GRAVEL SEEMED TO GO FASTER THAN THE DRIVER SIDE WHEELS. THE BRAKES DIDN'T ENGAGE AND THE CAR SHOT ACROSS THE HIGHWAY WHILE ACCELERATING AND THE CAR FLIPPED 3 OR 4 TIMES.
TIRESOctober 19, 2000
FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRE P235 75 R15 EXPERIENCED BLOWOUT. *SLC
TIRESOctober 18, 2000
CLEAR, DRY ROADWAY, 50 MPH, RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. VEHICLE PERFORMED VERY STABLY, I WAS ABLE TO STOP AND HAD TIRE CHANGED. DEALER REPLACED ALL 5 TIRES WITH GOODYEARS AT NO CHARGE AT MY REQUEST. TIRE LOOKED LIKE IT HAD BEEN SLICED THROUGH FROM SIDEWALL TO SIDEWALL. I TOOK PICTURES, NOT DEVELOPED. DEALER HAS TIRES. (DOT NUMBER: DON'T KNOW TIRESIZE: P235/70R16)
TIRESOctober 16, 2000
VEHICLE WAS PARKED. NOTICED THE TIRE WAS FLAT IN THE RIGHT REAR. THERE WAS A 3 INCH SLIT NEAR THE TREAD. PUT SPARE ON IN ITS PLACE. TOOK TIRE TO FIRESTONE RETAILER & WAS INFORMED NOTHING CAN BE DONE. OWNER BROUGHT A DIFFERENT TIRE AS SPARE. PROT TO FLAT, HAD EXPERIENCED FLAPPING NOISE AGAINST VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM IS STILL HAPPENING & GETTING WORSE.*AK
TIRESOctober 10, 2000
MY PROBLEM IS THAT NOTHING HAS HAPPENED YET,I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY NO ONE HAS METION THE FACT THAT THESE TIRES ARE BEING SOLD AN INSTALLED ON NEW FORD EXPLORER SPORTS 2001 MODELS AND THAT THESE TIRES HAVE A TEMPITURE RATING OF ( C ) THE LOWEST RATING,THESE TIRES WILL PROBLEY MELT OUT HERE IN ARIZONA BEFORE THE TREAD COMES OFF.I HAVE WRITTEN 3 LETTERS TO FORD AN FIRESTONE AND ALL THEY DO IS REPLY WITH SOME BULK GENERIC LETTER,SO I AM SURE NO ONE REALLY READS THEM SO MUCH FOR THE FULL PAGE ADDS THAT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY TAKES OUT TO SHOW THE CUSTOMER THEY CARS ABOUT SAFTY FIRST.THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.ALLAN SOBRANE.. (DOT NUMBER: 8XUC TIRESIZE: P255/70R16)
TIRESOctober 10, 2000
MY PROBLEM IS THAT NOTHING HAS HAPPENED YET,I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY NO ONE HAS METION THE FACT THAT THESE TIRES ARE BEING SOLD AN INSTALLED ON NEW FORD EXPLORER SPORTS 2001 MODELS AND THAT THESE TIRES HAVE A TEMPITURE RATING OF ( C ) THE LOWEST RATING,THESE TIRES WILL PROBLEY MELT OUT HERE IN ARIZONA BEFORE THE TREAD COMES OFF.I HAVE WRITTEN 3 LETTERS TO FORD AN FIRESTONE AND ALL THEY DO IS REPLY WITH SOME BULK GENERIC LETTER,SO I AM SURE NO ONE REALLY READS THEM SO MUCH FOR THE FULL PAGE ADDS THAT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY TAKES OUT TO SHOW THE CUSTOMER THEY CARS ABOUT SAFTY FIRST.THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.ALLAN SOBRANE..( DOT NUMBER: 8XUC TIRE SIZE: P255/70R16 )
TIRESOctober 6, 2000
VERY CONCERNED AS TO WHY ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES HAVE NOT BEEN RECALLED, WHEN IT IS CLEAR THEY ARE EXPERIENCING FAILURES OF TIRES ASSEMBLED IN PLANTS OTHER THAN JUST THE DECATOR IL. PLANT, WHILE THESE TIRE HAVE BEEN RECALLED, AND REPLACED IN OTHER COUNTRIES, BUT NOT IN THE U.S. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VECHICLE, AND AM CONSTANT FEAR FOR MY FAMILIES SAFETY AS WE USE THIS VEHICLE FOR TRIPS, BUT HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO SINCE THIS SAFETY PROBLEM WITH FIRESTONE TIRES BECAME KNOWN, YET OTHER COUNTRIES HAVE TAKEN ACTION AGAINST FIRESTONE TO REPLACE TIRES, YET THE U.S. CONTINUES TO ALLOW DEATHS, INJURIES TO GO ON. PLEASE REQUIRE FIRESTONE TO EXPAND THEIR RECALL.*AK
SUSPENSION,TIRESOctober 2, 2000
VEHICLE CONTINUALLY EXHIBITS FRONT END VIBRATION, SEVERAL REPAIR ATTEMPTS (CHANGING OF THE FIRESTONE TIRES AND REPLACEMENT OF THE AXLE), HOWEVER VEHICLE IS STILL EXPERIENCING VIBRATION PROBLEMS, POSSIBLY RELATED TO THE TIRES AND THE SUSPENSION OF THE VEHICLE.
TIRESSeptember 26, 2000
CONSUMER HAS A 2001, FORD EXPLORER WITH 800 MILES ON THE TIRES. PASSENGER'S FRONT TIRE STARTED TO SEPARATE AT SIDEWALL. DEALER SAID IT WAS COVERED. THEN RENEGED & SAID THE CONSUMER HIT SOMETHING. DEALER ENDED UP ORDERING A REPLACEMENT TIRE. CONSUMER WANTED THE OLD TIRE BACK WHICH THE DEALER REFUSED & A CONFERENCE CALL WAS DONE WITH FIRESTONE TO DEMAND THAT THE THE DEALER REFUND CONSUMER FOR THE FULL VALUE OF THE TIRE. TIRE SIZE P255/70R16. DOT UNKNOWN.*AK
TIRESSeptember 25, 2000
I WAS TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND ON HYW 99 ON THE AFTERNOON OF 9/24/2000 AROUND 1:00PM. IT WAS A CLEAR SUNNY DAY. I WAS TRAVELING AT AN APPROXIMATE SPEED OF 65 MILES PER HOUR IN THE RIGHT LANE (SLOW LANE). THERE WERE NO OBJECTS ON THE FREEWAY. AS I WAS TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY, I FELT MY CAR BEGIN TO FISHTAIL AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY RIGHT REAR TIRE CAME APART. FORTANATELY, I WAS IN THE RIGHT LANE AND WAS NEAR A SHOULDER SO I WAS ABLE TO MANUVER AND CONTROL MY VEHICLE OFF THE FREEWAY TO THE SHOULDER. I WAS ABLE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRESTONE TIRE CAME COMPLETELY APART. THE CHP TOOK A REPORT AND PICTURES. MY CAR IS ONLY THREE MONTHS OLD. IT IS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE TIRE SHOULD NOT HAVE MALFUNCTIONED THE WAY IT DID. THE FIRESTONE TIRES ARE UNSAFE AND I BELIEVE THE RECALL SHOULD APPLY TO ALL FIRESTONE TIRES NOT ONLY THE ONES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED AT THE DECATUR PLANT. I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE FIRESTONE TIRES THAT WERE ON MY VEHICLE. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE AND THEY WOULD NOT RETURN MY CALL. WHEN I DID GET A HOLD OF SOMEONE I WAS TOLD I WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I HAD MY TIRES CHECKED BY BIG O TIRES. THEY CHECKED THE AIR PRESSURE AND IT WAS FINE. THE DEALERSHIP NOW IS TRYING TO TELL ME THAT ROAD HAZARD CAUSED MY TIRE TO BLOW OUT. THERE WAS NOTHING ON THE ROAD THAT WAS A HAZARD AND THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSE MY TIRE TO COME APART THE WAY IT DID. THEN THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS BECAUSE OF TRAVELING LONG DISTANCE AND HAVING LOW AIR PRESSURE IN MY TIRE. IF TRAVELING 15 MILES IS LONG DISTANCE THEN I WOULD HATE TO SEE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO THE TIRES IF I ACTUALLY DID TRAVEL MORE THAN 15 MILES. I HAD THE AIR PRESSURE CHECKED IN MY TIRES AT BIG O TIRES AND THE AIR PRESSURE WAS FINE. IT CONCERNS ME THAT I HAVE A NEW VEHICLE AND THE TIRE COMES APART SO SOON AND IT JUST HAPPENS TO BE A FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT. FORD AND THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AT ARE VERY UNCOOPERATIVE. *AK
TIRESSeptember 25, 2000
I WAS TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND ON HYW 99 ON THE AFTERNOON OF 9/24/2000 AROUND 1:00PM. IT WAS A CLEAR SUNNY DAY. I WAS TRAVELING AT AN APPROXIMATE SPEED OF 65 MILES PER HOUR IN THE RIGHT LANE (SLOW LANE). THERE WERE NO OBJECTS ON THE FREEWAY. AS I WAS TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY, I FELT MY CAR BEGIN TO FISHTAIL AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY RIGHT REAR TIRE CAME APART. FORTANATELY, I WAS IN THE RIGHT LANE AND WAS NEAR A SHOULDER SO I WAS ABLE TO MANUVER AND CONTROL MY VEHICLE OFF THE FREEWAY TO THE SHOULDER. I WAS ABLE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRESTONE TIRE CAME COMPLETELY APART. THE CHP TOOK A REPORT AND PICTURES. MY CAR IS ONLY THREE MONTHS OLD. IT IS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE TIRE SHOULD NOT HAVE MALFUNCTIONED THE WAY IT DID. THE FIRESTONE TIRES ARE UNSAFE AND I BELIEVE THE RECALL SHOULD APPLY TO ALL FIRESTONE TIRES NOT ONLY THE ONES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED AT THE DECATUR PLANT. I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE FIRESTONE TIRES THAT WERE ON MY VEHICLE. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE AND THEY WOULD NOT RETURN MY CALL. WHEN I DID GET A HOLD OF SOMEONE I WAS TOLD I WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I HAD MY TIRES CHECKED BY BIG O TIRES. THEY CHECKED THE AIR PRESSURE AND IT WAS FINE. THE DEALERSHIP NOW IS TRYING TO TELL ME THAT ROAD HAZARD CAUSED MY TIRE TO BLOW OUT. THERE WAS NOTHING ON THE ROAD THAT WAS A HAZARD AND THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSE MY TIRE TO COME APART THE WAY IT DID. THEN THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS BECAUSE OF TRAVELING LONG DISTANCE AND HAVING LOW AIR PRESSURE IN MY TIRE. IF TRAVELING 15 MILES IS LONG DISTANCE THEN I WOULD HATE TO SEE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO THE TIRES IF I ACTUALLY DID TRAVEL MORE THAN 15 MILES. I HAD THE AIR PRESSURE CHECKED IN MY TIRES AT BIG O TIRES AND THE AIR PRESSURE WAS FINE. IT CONCERNS ME THAT I HAVE A NEW VEHICLE AND THE TIRE COMES APART SO SOON AND IT JUST HAPPENS TO BE A FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT. FORD AND THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AT ARE VERY UNCOOPERATIVE. *AK
TIRESSeptember 25, 2000
FIRESTONE WILDERNESS TIRES WERE REPLACED DUE TO BEING INCLUDED IN RECALL, CONSUMER IS HAVING DIFFICULTY BEING REIMBURSED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *SLC
TIRESSeptember 25, 2000
FIRESTONE WILDERNESS TIRES WERE REPLACED DUE TO BEING INCLUDED IN RECALL, CONSUMER IS HAVING DIFFICULTY BEING REIMBURSED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *SLC
TIRESSeptember 22, 2000
PE00 020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELNG ABOUT 65MPH ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD A BANGING NOISE, AND VEHICLE JERKED. SHE PULLED OVER TO SIDE OF THE SHOULDERS, AND RIGHT REAR TIRE HAD TREAD SEPARATION. FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS#HT, P2357515. SHE REPLACED TIRES WITH FIRESTONE.*AK
SUSPENSION,TIRESSeptember 20, 2000
LEFT FRONT TIRE FELL OUT. CONSUMER THOUGHT THAT TIRE HAD EXPLODED. *AK THE LEFT FRONT TIRE BECAME LOOSE DUE TO THE FRONT UPPER BALL JOINT BOLT FAILURE. *YH
TIRESSeptember 20, 2000
THE TIRES WOBBLED ON OUR DRIVE HOME FROM THE DEALER. AFTER THE RECALL, WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE FORD DEALER, WHO EXCHANGED THE FRONT TIRES, WHICH THEY SAID WERE "OUTOF ROUND". THE WOBBLE CONTINUED AND THESE TIRES WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, SO I HAD THE TIRES REPLACED AT MY COST BECAUSE WE NEEDED TO GO ON A HIGHWAY TRIP AND WE DIDN OT TRUST THE TIRES. I WOULD LIKE FOR YOU TO EXPLORE INCLUDING THE 16 INCH TIRES IN YOUR RECALL--THE FORD DEALER IN BENTONVILLE, AR SAID THEY THOUGHT THEY WOULD BE RECALLED--SEEMS LIKE A LACK OF CONFIDENCE FROM SOMEONE WHO KNOWS MORE THAN I. THANKS( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P225/70R16 )
TIRESSeptember 19, 2000
PE00 020; WENT TO HAVE TIRES INSPECTED AND NOTICED THAT LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS SPLIT. SHE WENT TO GOODYEAR, AND HAD ALL FIRESTONE TIRES REPLACED. TIRES WERE FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS#HT, P2357515 #DOT VDHL1RW070. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.*AK
TIRESSeptember 14, 2000
WHILE TRAVELING ON I 275 I EXPERIENCED A FLAT TIRE. AS SOON AS I FELT MY EXPLORER STARTED TO LOSE CONTROL I PULLED OVER AND FOUND THE RIGHT REAR TIRE HAD GONE FLAT. I INSTALLED THE SPARE TIRE AND THE FOLLOWING DAY HAD THE FLAT FIXED UPON REINFLATION I FOUND THAT THE SIDEWALL HAD A BULDGE RUNNING FROM THE RIM TO THE TREAD OF THE TIRE. I TOOK THE TIRE TO A FIRESTONE DEALER AND HE INFORMED ME THAT THE DAMAGE WAS MY FAULT. THAT I MUST HAVE HIT SOMETHING TO CAUSE THE SIDEWALL BELTS TO BREAK. I CALLED FIRESTONE CUSTOMER HOTLINE AND THE TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO A SECOND DEALER. THE SECOND DEALER TOLD ME THE SAME THING. I ALSO ASK THEM WHAT THERE WARRANTY COVERED AND THEY SAID MANUFACTURING DEFECTS I ASK WHAT A MANUFATURING DEFECT WAS AND HE COULD NOT TELL ME. IF YOU LOOK AT THERE WARRENTY YOU WILL FIND THAT THEY DO NOT COVER ANYTHING . IT IS WRITTEN SO THAT ANYTHING THAT GOES WRONG IS THE USERS FAULT. I BELIVE THAT IF YOU HAVE A FLAT YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD AND CHANGE IT AND NOT HAVE TO BUY A NEW TIRE AS A RESULT OF IT. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P255/70R16 )
SEATSSeptember 14, 2000
WHEN STOPPING, THE PASSENGER SEAT TRACK RELEASES THE LOCK AND THE SEAT "SLINGS" FORWARD WITH OR WITHOUT ANYONE IN IT. IT HAS SENT MY STEP-DAUGHTER INTO THE DASH AS THE SEAT SLIDE FOWARD. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT STOP IT SINCE THE ENTIRE SEAT WAS MOVING. THIS SEEMS TO BE A DAILY OCCURRENCE. *AK
TIRESSeptember 12, 2000
VEHICLE VIBRATED AT SPEED BETWEEN 45 AND 75MPH. ALSO, TIRES WERE WEARING POORLY. SIZE O P235 R/15, THE SAME ONES THAT WERE ON RECALL .*AK ALL THE TIRES WERE REPLACED BEFORE THE RECALL, BECAUSE THE TIRES CAUSED NOISE, VIBRATIONA AND ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS. *YH
TIRESSeptember 12, 2000
#1 DRIVING WHEN TIRE BLEW OUT AND #1 LOST CONTROL AND HIT GUARD RAIL. THE TIRE INFO ON THE IV IS: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 235 P 75R15 105 S MUD + SNOW. (CLAIM# 46-0320-408) *MW
TIRESSeptember 11, 2000
PE00 020 ; CONSUMER DISCOVERED DEFECT ON TIRE WHEN SHE HAD OEM TIRES REPLACED AT AMERICAN TIRE COMPANY. SHE HAD A PUNCTURE ON HER THUMB BECAUSE THERE WAS STEEL PLY STICKING FROM THE TIRE WALL. FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS #HT, P235/75R15 , DOT#VDHLIRW150. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.*AK THE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS HT WITH LESS THAN 4000 MILES WAS FOUND BY CUSTOMER TO HAVE DEFECTS ON THE INSIDE WALL. *YH
TIRESSeptember 10, 2000
ALTHOUGH I HAVE NOT HAD TIRE FAILURE, HOW CAN ANYONE FEEL SAFE WHEN RIDING ON A TIRE WHICH IS IDENTIAL TO TIRES WHICH WERE RECALLED EXCEPT FOR THE 16 INCH SIZE. THIS VEHICLE WAS SOLD BY A FORD DEALER, KNOWING THAT THE TIRES COULD BE RECALLED DO TO SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS. I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD REPLACE ALL OF THE WILDERNESS TIRES AS A SAFETY PRECAUTION.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P255/70R16 )
TIRESSeptember 10, 2000
ALTHOUGH I HAVE NOT HAD TIRE FAILURE, HOW CAN ANYONE FEEL SAFE WHEN RIDING ON A TIRE WHICH IS IDENTIAL TO TIRES WHICH WERE RECALLED EXCEPT FOR THE 16 INCH SIZE. THIS VEHICLE WAS SOLD BY A FORD DEALER, KNOWING THAT THE TIRES COULD BE RECALLED DO TO SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS. I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD REPLACE ALL OF THE WILDERNESS TIRES AS A SAFETY PRECAUTION.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P255/70R16 )
TIRESAugust 31, 2000
NO SUMMARY( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P255 70 16 )
TIRESAugust 24, 2000
LOOK LIKE TREAD SEPARATION ABOUT 5 INCHES LONG ON ONE OF MY WILDERNESS HT TIRES. THE TIRES CAME WITH MY NEW EXPLORER SPORT 2001. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS 9400 MILES ON IT. I WENT TO A FIRESTONE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE TIRE AND CONFIRMED THE DEFECT. HE RECOMMENDED I CHANGE THE TIRES FOR SAFETY, BUT IT WILL HAVE TO BE OUT OF MY POCKET SINCE WILDERNESS HT IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. HE CONFIRMED THE TIRES WERE MANUFACTURED IN THE DECATUR PLANT, AND THE SIZE IS THE SAME AS THOSE IN THE RECALL. BUT SINCE THE MODEL IS DIFFERENT, FIRESTONE WILL NOT REPLACE IT. I AM VERY CONCERNED WITH THIS PROBLEM SINCE I HAVE TO DRIVE 100 MILES EACH DAY ROUNDTRIP TO WORK. I DON'T FEEL I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE TIRES IF THE PRODUCTS ARE AT FAULT, BUT I DON'T WANT TO PUT MY LIFE AT RISK WHEN THE FIRESTONE DEALER HAS ALREADY INSPECTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE TIRE EXHIBIT SIGN OF TREAD SEPARATION. I DON'T THINK THIS SEPARATION IS DUE TO THE WEAR AND TEAR SINCE MY CAR IS NEW AND THE TIRES ONLY HAVE ABOUT 9400 MILES ON THEM. I HAVE CONTACT FIRESTONE DIRECTLY AND THEY ARE STILL TELLING ME THAT MY MODEL OF WILDERNESS ARE NOT UNDER RECALL, AND ANY DEFECT WOULD NOT BE FIRESTONE'S RESPONSIBILITY.( DOT NUMBER: VDHL TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHERAugust 19, 2000
WHEN GOING DOWN A STEEP GRADE NEITHER "DRIVE 1" OR "DRIVE 2" ENGAGED & DID NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE. NEITHER LOW GEARS WORKED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION OR WHEN STARTED FROM A COMPLETE STOP. THE GAS GUAGE WILL START SHOWING 1/4 TANK OF GAS WHEN THERE IS AT LEAST 3/4 FULL TANK. THIS IS ACCOMPANIED BY A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED & RESTARTED THE GAS GUAGE OFTEN RETURNS TO THE PROPER LEVEL OF GAS IN THE TANK.
TIRESAugust 18, 2000
PE00 020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 25MPH ON A SIDE STREET AND HEARD A NOISE LIKE A GUN HAD BEEN FIRED. THEN, NOTICED THAT HIS THE FRONT REAR TIRE POPPED LIKE A BALOON. TIRES WERE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS#AT P23575 R16. TIRES TREAD SEPARATED.*AK
TIRESAugust 16, 2000
THE LEFT FRONT 16 INCH FS WILDERNESS AT WAS DEFECTIVE FROM PURCHASE. NO-ONE WILL LISTEN. FIRESTONE CLAIMS FORD DID NOT BALANCE THE FRONT TIRES, WILL ONLY WHINE ABOUT FORD. TRIED TO SELL ME A $109 WARRANTY ON THE TIRES. FORD IS WORSE, WILL ONLY STATE I MUST DEAL WITH FIRESTONE. I'VE NOW TALKED TO A FIRESTONE OWNED STORE, FIRESTONE, THE DEALER AND FORD. NO HELP. SINCE THE 16 INCH TIRE IS NOT IN THE RECALL, I'M SOL. THE 16'S ARE JUST AS BAD AS THE 15'S. I'M 99% CERTAIN NONE OF THESE TIRES ARE ADAQUATE TO LIGHT TRUCK USAGE. I JUST WENT TO TN, SAW POPPED 16 INCH WILDERNESS AT 16'S ALL THE WAY OUT AND BACK. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P255 R7016 )
TIRESAugust 14, 2000
TIRE SIDE WALL BLEW OUT AT HIGHWAY SPEED AT NIGHT. TIRE HAD PROPER INFLATION AND WAS NOT PUNCTURED. PRESSURS WERE CHECKED BY DEALER AT 3000 MI.THE REMAINING 4 TIRES HAVE THE SAME DOT # AND SHOW BUBBLING AT THE SIDE WALL. THE STEEL WHEEL WAS DAMAGED ALONG OUTTER EDGE DUE TO THE TIRE FAILURE.( DOT NUMBER: VDHLIRW130 TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
TIRESAugust 11, 2000
BOUGHT 2001 EXPLORER SPORT 3/14/2000, ON 4/18/2000 WAS DRIVING AT CREST OF SUNSHINE SKYWAY BRIDGE OVER TAMPA BAY WHEN RIGHT REAR TIRE "BLEW". IT HAD SEPARATED ON THE SIDE AND WAS SHREDDED. TRIED TO HAVE DEALER REPLACE, TOLD IT WASN'T UNDER WARRANTY. REPLACED, GOT WARRANTIES ON ALL 4 TIRES. FIRESTONE DEALER NOW SAYS ISN'T PART OF RECALL. CURRENTLY IN MD: 3817 CROW ROCK RD, MYERSVILLE, MD 21773 , (301) 293-9503. PLAN TO DRIVE BACK TO FLORIDA END OF SEPT. WILL HAVE TO REPLACE TIRES, WITH OR WITHOUT DEALER RECALL, DON'T TRUST THEM AFTER NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE! THINK THEY'RE MAKING A MISTAKE NOT RECALLING ALL WILDERNESS AT TIRES. MINE BLEW AFTER 1 MONTH (NEW), AND WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. (HAD SENT INFO IN YOUR "COMMENTS" SECTION OF THIS SITE A WEEK AGO, NOT SURE IF YOU GOT IT. THANKS!( DOT NUMBER: 8XHL TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
TIRESAugust 4, 2000
FIRESTONE WILDERNESS/ATX TIRES WERE FOUR DAYS OLD AND RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPLODED WHILE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
TIRESAugust 4, 2000
THE BELTS ON THIS TIRE SEPARATED WITH VERY LOW MILEAGE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH THE SPARE. HAD IT COME COMPLETELY APART IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT.*AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
TIRESAugust 4, 2000
I CAN'T BELIEVE IM SEEING THIS IN THE NEWS! THEY SHOULD HAVE TOLD US! I THOUGHT IT WAS A UNIQUE INCIDENT SO I JUST REPLACED THE TIRE MYSELF. I DID MENTION IT TO A SERVICE REP AT MY DEALER AND HE SAID IT WAS MY PROBLEM (BEFORE I KNEW ABOUT THIS IRREGULAR FAILURES). I WOULD LIKE THE TIRES REPLACED. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE WITH THE TIRES NOW. THAT DAY WAS A NORMAL MORNING IN MIAMI AND I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WHEN I WAS APPROACHING THE SAME BRIDGE I DO DAILY TO GET TO WORK WHEN SUDDENLY I HERE A SOMETHING HITTING THE BACK OF THE CAR. CONTINUOUSLY. IT ACTED AS A LOUD BANG. NOT LIKE A FLAT. SO I STOPPED AND THERE IT WAS, A BLOWN TIRE. HOW UPSETTING!!! WELL I HOPE SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!*AK( DOT NUMBER: )
AIR BAGSJuly 18, 2000
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLSION WITH A CHEVROLET S10 1987 AT 40-45 MPH. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
STEERING,SUSPENSIONJuly 10, 2000
WHILE TRVELING AT 20 MPH VEHICLE LOSS CONTROL AND STRUCK A PHONE POLE. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER SHOP. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT LOSS OF CONTROL WAS DUE TO FAILURE OF THE TIE ROD AND LOWER CONTROL ARM. PARTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION IF NEEDED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
STEERING,POWER TRAINJuly 6, 2000
TRUCK WAS PURCHASED NEW WITH 13 TOTAL MILES. WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE NOT WORKING FUSES ARE FINE AND THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHT IS NOT WORKING FUSES ARE FINE. WHILE SHIFTING FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE THE TRUCK BEGINS TO STALL ALSO WHILE SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE THE TRUCK BEGINS TO STALL. *AK
STRUCTUREJune 28, 2000
CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT. BUMPER WAS AMONG OTHER PARTS THAT HAD TO BE REPLACED. REPAIR SHOP TOLD CONSUMER , THAT ACCORDING TO FORD, NEW VEHICLES WILL BE RECEIVING THE BUMPERS FIRST. THEY HAD NO IDEA WHEN THEY COULD REPLACED IT.*AK,