Safety ratings
1997 Ford Explorer 4-DR. 4x4
- Lane departure warningNo
- Forward collision warningNo
- Electronic stability controlNo
Crash test videos & photos
No public crash-test footage is available for this vehicle.
Recalls (12)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCampaign 97V074000 · 30/04/1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5.0L ENGINES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, IDAHO, IOWA, MAINE, MICHIGAN (UPPER PENINSULA ONLY), MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. THESE VEHICLES, WHEN OPERATED FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND TEMPERATURES BELOW -20 DEGREES FARENHEIT, DO NOT RETURN TO IDLE DUE TO ICE IN THE THROTTLE BODY.
Risk: ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE CAN BE CONTROLLED BY EITHER APPLYING THE SERVICE BRAKES OR SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO NEUTRAL, INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORTS OR SOME INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE CAN RESULT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED PCV SYSTEM WITH WATER HEATED VACUUM SOURCE.
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCampaign 99V062001 · 30/03/1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1997-1999 RHD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MAY 29, 1996 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEERS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC OR 5.0L ENGINES OR 1998-1999 RANGERS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L, 3.0L FFV/EFI OR 4.0L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM JANUARY 5, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 MUSTANGS EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L, 4.6L 2-VALVE OR 4-VALVE ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1999 F250/F350/F450/F550 (OVER 8,500 LBS.) TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; AND 1999 F-53 STRIPPED CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999. A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CAN INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO PULLEY AND NOT ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE WHEN DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL.
Risk: IF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS USED AND THIS CONDITION IS PRESENT, A STUCK THROTTLE COULD RESULT, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLES. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE REPLACEMENT CABLES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. CUSTOMERS ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM UNTIL A REPLACEMENT CAN BE MADE.
- SUSPENSIONCampaign 00V402000 · 28/11/2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, A FRONT SWAY BAR LINK CAN FRACTURE.
Risk: VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS.
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCampaign 00V422000 · 27/12/2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L SOHC ENGINES AND STILL RETAIN THE ORIGINAL THROTTLE BODY (PART NUMBERS 97JF-9E926AB OR 97JF-9E926-AC). SOME OF THE ORIGINAL THROTTLE BODIES INSTALLED ALLOWED A GAP BETWEEN THE PLATE AND BORE TO BE BUILT TOO NARROW. THIS REDUCED CLEARANCE ALLOWED THE ENGINE DEPOSITS NORMALLY PRESENT IN THE THROTTLE BODY TO CONTACT OR BRIDGE THE GAP. IF THE ENGINE DEPOSITS BRIDGED THE GAP BETWEEN THE THROTTLE PLATE AND BORE AND THEN HARDENED, ON THE INITIAL APPLICATION OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AFTER THE ENGINE HAS COOLED, THE OPERATOR WOULD NEED TO APPLY ADDITIONAL FORCE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO BREAK THE BRIDGE.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN ENGINE SURGE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BREAKS FREE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL THROTTLE BODIES.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 06E026000 · 23/03/2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
- TIRES:TREAD/BELTCampaign 01X001000 · 22/05/2001
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE DESIGN TO STRESS, AGING, AND MANUFACTURING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANTS. FORD IS REPLACING THESE TIRES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW MAY HAVE BEEN ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES OR MAY HAVE HAD WILDERNESS AT TIRES INSTALLED DURING THE FIRESTONE RECALL LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2000. CERTAIN 1991 THROUGHT 2002 FORD EXPLORER CERTAIN 2001 THROUGHT 2002 EXPLORER SPORT, AND SPORT TRAC CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 2001 RANGER CERTAIN 1999 THROUGH 2001 EXPEDITION CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994, AND 1997 MODEL YEAR F-SERIES CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994 BRONCO NOTE: BOTH ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE AFFECTED.
Risk: SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
Fix: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, 2002. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-877-917-3673 OR GO ON-LINE TO WWW.FORD.COM FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
- TIRES:TREAD/BELTCampaign 00T005000 · 21/08/2000
TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.
Risk: IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.
Fix: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 00V168000 · 19/06/2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS, LIGHT PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. OFF LEASE CANADIAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WHICH MEET CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS AND NOT THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." ACCORDING TO FORD, THE VEHICLES WERE IMPORTED INTO THE U.S. ERRONEOUSLY.
Risk: THE LIGHT GIVEN OFF FROM THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS BRIGHTER THAN ALLOWED BY U.S. STANDARDS.
Fix: DEALERS WILL BE ADVISED TO DEACTIVATE THE RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION AND TO COMPLETE ANY OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSCampaign 98V060000 · 19/03/1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L SINGLE OVERHEAD CAM ENGINES. THE ENGINE FUEL LINES CAN BE DAMAGED IF THE VEHICLE IS JUMP STARTED AND THE GROUND CABLE IS ATTACHED TO THE FUEL LINE BRACKET THAT IS LOCATED NEAR THE BATTERY. SINCE THE BRACKET IS NOT GROUNDED, THE STAINLESS STEEL FUEL LINE BRAID COULD ACT AS A GROUND POTENTIALLY OVERHEATING THE PTFE INNER LINER OF THE FUEL LINE RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL LINE.
Risk: THE FUEL LINES CAN LEAK, AND IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WARNING LABEL ON THE FUEL LINE BRACKET ADVISING OWNERS NOT TO USE IT FOR A JUMP START GROUND. ALSO A REVISED BOLT WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE ALTERNATOR BRACKET TO PROVIDE A CONVENIENT JUMP START GROUND LOCATION.
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCampaign 09V399000 · 13/10/2009
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Risk: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Fix: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 09E025000 · 11/05/2009
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 09E012000 · 07/04/2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Owner complaints
Most-reported areas
- TIRES225
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL53
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING43
- VISIBILITY33
- POWER TRAIN31
- SUSPENSION27
- SEAT BELTS23
- SERVICE BRAKES21
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 12/31/2005· VISIBILITY
THE HEATER BLEND DOOR FAILED ON MY 1997 FORD EXPLORER WHILE DRIVING IT IN SNOWY CONDITIONS. I ONLY HAD COLD AIR BLOWING ON MY WINDOWS. AFTER REVIEWING WEB SITES, I HAVE FOUND THAT THE TOP PIECE OF MY HEATERS HOT AND COLD BLEND DOOR IS BROKEN. THE COST OF REPLACING THIS ONE PIECE OF PLASTIC IS AROUND $1000. FORD HAS A REPLACEMENT PART THAT IS NOW STRONGER, BUT FAILS TO REALIZE THE DEFECT IN THE OLDER DOORS. *NM
- 12/30/2002· SUSPENSION
NHTSA#00-V-402-000 SWAY BAR LINK CAN FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE AFFECTED INCREASING THE RISKS OF A CRASH. CONSUMER STATES WHILE WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 65MPH, THE SWAY BAR LINK BOLTS WERE BROKEN, FORCING THE DRIVER TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. MR FORD STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WASN'T COVERED, IN REFERENCE TO THE RECALL, DUE TO THE VEHICLE YEAR. THE LINK BOLTS ON THE LEFT AND THE RIGHT SIDES WERE REPLACED. THE PASSENGER SIDE BOLTS WERE IN BAD SHAPE. SCC
- 12/30/1999· POWER TRAINCrash
WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH WITH SNOW ON PAVEMENT CONSUMER HEARD NOISE UNDER VEHICLE. ALL 4 WHEELS LOCKED UP, CAUSING TRUCK TO ROLLOVER. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
- 12/30/1999· POWER TRAINCrash
WE (HERNDON, VA RESIDENTS - JANE, MY SON TJ-15, MY DAUGHTER BOBBIE-13, AND I) WERE RETURNING FROM SPENDING CHRISTMAS WITH JANE'S SISTER, ANNE, AND OUR BROTHER-IN-LAW, JACK, IN DETROIT. WE DEPARTED FROM FARMINGTON HILLS MI (DETROIT) AT 9:30AM IN A LIGHT SNOW. IT WORSENED AS WE GOT INTO OHIO, BUT THE ROADS WERE CLEARED AND IN SOME AREAS WERE SALTED. MOST TRAFFIC WAS MOVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH IN ONE LANE, THE FAR RIGHT ONE CLOSEST TO THE SHOULDER. THAT IS WHERE I WAS WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. SHORTLY AFTER WE STARTED THE TRIP I HEARD A SERIES OF LOUD NOISES FROM UNDER THE CAR. MY SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE (SUV), A 1997 FORD EXPLORER, HAS A SERIES OF SETTINGS FOR 4 WHEEL DRIVE (4WD), I.E., AUTO 4WD, 4WD HIGH, AND 4WD LOW. AT THE TIME I BELIEVED THE NOISE TO BE THE CAR SHIFTING FROM 2WD TO 4WD AS IT SENSED THE ROAD CONDITIONS. I ATTEMPTED TO SET IT TO 4WD, BUT THE NOISE CONTINUED. SINCE THE NOISE DID NOT STOP I SET IT BACK TO THE SETTING I HAD IT IN MOST OF THE TIME. AT APPROXIMATELY 1PM, I AM CERTAIN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED LOCKING THE WHEELS, WHICH PUT ME INTO A SPIN. DURING THE SPIN THE CAR ROLLED OVER, WENT IN AND OUT OF A DITCH (LOCATED TO THE RIGHT OF THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD) ON ITS SIDE, AND EVENTUALLY SETTLED RIGHT SIDE UP WITH THE FRONT OF THE CAR POINTED DOWNWARD INTO THE DITCH TOWARD THE HIGHWAY. I CONTACTED MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE CAR IS CURRENTLY LOCATED AT SUBURBAN COLLISION CENTER, 1151 WEST BAGLEY ROAD, BUREA, OH 44017 (440) 243-5533. *AK
- 12/29/2016· ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFire
ON DECEMBER 23RD, 2016 I WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK AROUND 6:00 PM. MY CAR WAS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. I HAD JUST GOTTEN OFF OF THE HIGHWAY AND TURNED ONTO MY ROAD WHEN I BEGAN TO SMELL SMOKE, SO, I PULLED OFF INTO AN EMPTY PARKING LOT BESIDE A WALKING TRAIL. I COULD TELL THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE, BUT, IT TOOK ME QUITE A WHILE TO FIGURE OUT WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. I CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD - BUT NOTHING SEEMED TO BE WRONG THERE. THEN, I GOT BACK INTO THE CAR AND THE SMOKE KEPT GETTING HEAVIER. I BEGAN FEELING AROUND FOR SOMETHING THAT WAS HOT. I CHECKED THE DASH, THE VENTS, THE STEERING WHEEL, THE SEATS - ALMOST EVERYTHING BEFORE I CHECKED THE CENTER COMPUTER CONSOLE. IN THE MIDDLE OF MY CAR - DIRECTLY UNDER THE RADIO - THERE IS A COMPUTER MODULE THAT DISPLAYS THE GAS MILEAGE, OIL STATUS, AND IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE LIGHTS ON THE CAR. THE MODULE HAD RECENTLY STARTED DISPLAYING A "CHECK HEADLAMPS" MESSAGE. WELL - I HAD DONE SO AND THEY WERE WORKING FINE - SO I DID NOT THINK ANYTHING OF IT. TURNS OUT THAT THE FIRE HAD STARTED UNDER THE CENTER COMPUTER MODULE. I GUESS THAT THE CAR SHOULD HAVE BLOWN A FUSE BUT INSTEAD - STARTED A FIRE. I TRIED TO RIP THE COVER AND THE CONSOLE UP - BUT IT WAS SCREWED DOWN AND I HAD NO LUCK. AT THAT POINT, THE FLAMES STARTED TO SPREAD VERY QUICKLY AND THE ENTIRE CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES IN A MATTER OF MINUTES. I CALLED 911 AND GOT AS FAR AWAY AS I COULD WITH MY BELONGINGS. THE FIRE TRUCK AND FIRE FIGHTERS CAME WITHIN FIVE MINUTES OR SO AND PUT OUT THE FIRE BEFORE IT REACHED THE GAS TANK. THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE CAR REMAINED UNTOUCHED, HOWEVER, THE INTERIOR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE SEATS HAD BURNT OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS COMPLETELY GONE. I'M STILL IN MY TEENAGE YEARS - SO I DID NOT KNOW HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS SITUATION PROPERLY. I AM JUST GLAD I AM ALIVE AND THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR IN TIME.
- 12/29/2000· STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ENGINE PROBLEMS, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ENGINE SOUNDED LIKE NO OIL WAS IN IT WHEN STARTED, DEALER HAS REPLACED GASKETS, UPPER INTAKE CAM TENSIONER THREE TIMES, AND THERE WAS A COOLANT LEAK. LEFT FRONT DOOR HINGE REPLACED, IT WAS MAKING NOISE. POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED, IT WAS NOISY WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. VANITY MIRROR ON DRIVER'S SIDE WOULD NOT CLOSE ALL THE WAY AND POPPED WHEN OPENED, DEALER REPLACED IT. THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOWER THAN THE LEFT FRONT. BRAKES WERE SQUEAKY, DEALER REPLACED FRONT BRAKE PADS AND TURNED ROTORS. A TAP NOISE WAS HEARD WHILE PLAYING CD'S. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, WHILE GOING OVER BUMPS AND RAILROAD TRACKS, TRANSMISSION JUMPED OUT OF GEAR, DEALER INTALLED OVERHAUL KIT BECAUSE THE CLUTCH HAD BURNED. 4 WHEEL DRIVE WAS INOPERABLE AND MADE A RUBBING/GROAN NOISE, WHEN REVERSING AND PUTTING INTOR DRIVE, CONSUMER HEARD POPPING NOISE, DEALER REPLACED REAR TRANSFER CASE FLANGE AND REMOVED DRIVESHAFT. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, IT WOULD TURN OVER, DEALER FOUND THE PCM WAS NOT WIRING, DEALER REPLACED PCM. *SLC
- 12/29/2000· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
LIGHT SWITCH ASSEMBLY ON T CRUISE CONTROL ON THE STEERING COLUMN HAS FAILED TWICE IN LESS THAN 12 MONTHS. DO NOT BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE HAPPENING & COULD CAUSE PROBLEM WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHICH SWITCH TO USE.--*AK (TIRESIZE: 235/75R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 235/75R15 )
- 12/29/2000· TIRES
HAD JUST LEFT JOB SITE AND NOTICED TIRE WAS GETTING LOW. PULLED INTO A TIRE RETAILER & TIRE WAS CHECKED. WAS INFORMED THAT RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS BAD. WAS SEPARATING WHERE TREAD MET SIDWALL. STEEL BELT WAS SHOWING. STILL HAS TIRE. GOODYEAR, WRANGLER RT/S, 0235/75R15 WITH 60,000 MILES. *AK
- 12/29/1998· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN SHE HEARD A GRINDING NOISE AND NOTICED ENGINE SMOKING. DEALER NOTICED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD BE THE CONSUMER'S RESPONSIBILITY. *AK
- 12/29/1998· LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
CONSUMER EXPERIENCING ONGOING PROBLEM WITH DOOR CLOSING IMPROPERLY. VEHICLE BEEN IN/OUT DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS AND CODITION STILL OCCURRING. *AK
- 12/28/2006· SUSPENSION
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A LOUD POPPING SOUND EACH TIME SHE MADE A RIGHT TURN, THE SOUND SEEMED AS IF IT WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT AREA. THE ROAD AND WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE GREAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IF SHE HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD THE VEHICLE WOULD MAKE THE SAME LOUD POPPING SOUND. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP ON 12/28/06, AND TOLD THE MECHANIC OF THE PROBLEM SHE WAS HAVING, AND THE MECHANIC TOLD THE CONTACT ABOUT THE RECALL CAMPAIGN # 00V402000 FOR SUSPENSION. THE MECHANIC TOLD THE CONTACT THAT SHE NEEDED SWAY BAR LINK REPLACED BECAUSE IT BROKE. THE CONTACT DID PAY $92.67 FOR THIS REPAIR. THE CONTACT FELTTHAT SINCE THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE WRONG WITH VEHICLE, THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD REIMBURSE HER FOR THE REPAIR AMOUNT. *AK UPDATED 01/30/07. *JB
- 12/28/2000· TIRES
THE REAR FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P 235/75R15 TIRE TREAD DISINTEGRATED, TIRE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *MJS
- 12/28/2000· LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
THE HOOD LATCH ON THE VEHICLE IS TOO WEAK RESULTING IN THE HOOD OPENING WHILE DRIVING CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, THE 1998 EXPLORER HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR THE DEFECTIVE HOOD LATCH, HOWEVER THE 1997 MODEL IS NOT INCLUDED. *MJS
- 12/28/2000· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE HAS FAILED TWICE , ONLY LASTED ABOUT 20,000 MILES.THIS CAUSED VEHICLE TO STALL WHEN APPLYING ACCELERATOR PEDAL. *AK
- 12/27/2012· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, IT ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH HAD BEGAN TO LEAK INTERNALLY AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) HOWEVER, THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT THEY WERE ONLY REQUIRED TO STOP THE LEAK BUT NOT REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 201,000. UPDATED 01/05/13*LJ UPDATED 2/13/2013 *JS
- 12/27/1997· STEERING
WHEN DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN THROUGH PUDDLES, THE BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON. THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO RUN BUT THE POWER STEERING CEASES TO OPERATE AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS SOMETIMES FAIL. THIS LASTS FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE TO TWO MINUTES.
- 12/27/1996· SEATS
BACK SPLIT BENCH SEAT: BOTTOM OF THE SEAT DOES NOT LOCK IN PLACE, WHEN SITTING ON FRONT OF SEAT, THE BACK POPS UP, CAUSE UNKNOWN. TOOK TO DEALER AND DID NOT REPAIR IT, IS TAKING TO A DEALER ON MONDAY FOR REPAIR. *AK
- 12/26/2006· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON AT A SPEED OF 65 MPH THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT DISENGAGE. THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR AND ABOUT 30 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT, AND THE ODOMETER READING WAS 121000 MILES. THE FAILURE DID NOT ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE. HE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY SHIFTING GEARS AND PUTTING IT INTO PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP, AND HE WAS CONCERNED BECAUSE VEHICLE SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN RECALL 99V062001. PRESENTLY, THE DEALER WAS ASKING THE CONTACT TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. *AK UPDATED 1/22/2007 - THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF BUTTON HAD SHORTED OUT. AS A RESULT THE CRUISE CONTROL COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF ONCE TURNED ON. *NM
- 12/26/2002· VISIBILITY
THE LEND DOOR IS BROKEN...FORD KNOWS THAT THEY PUT FAULTY BLEND DOORS IN AND WILL NOT REPLACE THEM! HOW DO I DEFROST MY WINSHIELD WITH A/C???? IS A FROSTED WINSHIELD NOT A HAZARD???? THIS HAPPENS EVERY DAY!
- 12/26/2000· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE COMING TO A STOP, CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES AND VEHICLE REVVED AND WENT FORWARD. *AK
- 12/26/1997· SEAT BELTS
PASSENGER SEAT BELT RETRACT AND LOCKS RESTRAINING NORMAL PASSENGER MOVEMENT.
- 12/25/1999· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THROTTLE STICKING AT ACCLERATION ESPECIALLY WHEN ENGINE IS COLD. *AK
- 12/24/2003· STRUCTUREFire
VEHICLE DEVELOPED UNDERCARRIAGE PROBLEMS AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. *MR *SC *JB
- 12/24/2003· SEAT BELTS
THE DRIVER'S SHOULDER HARNESS WILL NOT UNBUCKLE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE HAVE BEEN SIMILIAR PROBLEMS REPORTED TO NHTSA. THE LOCAL FORD DEALER HAS SPECIAL ORDERED THE PART (FMC F87Z 7861203 AAA).*AK
- 12/23/2003· POWER TRAIN
THE TRUCK'S OVERDRIVE LIGHT BLINKED AND THE ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON. WHEN THIS OCCURRED THE TRUCK FAILED TO GO INTO OVERDRIVE AND THE # 3 CYLINDER MISFIRED. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THIS COULD BE CAUSED BY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM
- 12/23/2000· LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
A YEAR AGO MY DOOR LOCKS STARTED TO CYCLE UP AND DOWN WITHOUT MY HELP. THE DEALER REPLACED THE MODULE BUT IT CONTINUES TO DO IT BUT ONLY ABOUT ONCE A MONTH. IT IS HARD TO TAKE IT IN WHEN IT IS HAPPENING BECAUSE IT STOPS AND DOES NOT DO IT AGAIN FOR A LONG TIME. AT TIMES IT WILL GO ON FOR 10 MINUTES. *AK
- 12/23/1998· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THE BRAKE PEDAL IS TOO CLOSE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. IN A PANIC STOP SITUATION, THE DRIVERS FOOT WILL DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL FULLY AND AT THE SAME TIME OPEN THE THROTTLE OVER HALFWAY, ENGINE REVS TO NEARLY 3,000 RPM. I HAVE NEARLY WRECKED THIS TRUCK ON FIVE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. IF ONE IS A RIGHT FOOT HEEL AND TOE BRAKE OPERATOR WITH A NORMAL SIZE ADULT SHOE, THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM WILL HAPPEN. THIS HAS OCCURRED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS BRAND NEW.
- 12/23/1998· SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1) THROTTLE CABLE BINDS UP. WHEN IT BREAKS FREE IT ADDS 1,000 RPM TO ENGINE SPEED. MOST PRONOUNCED AFTER USING CRUISE CONTROL ON THE FREEWAY AND DEACTIVATING CRUISE WITH BRAKE PEDAL. ALMOST REARENDED CAR IN FRONT OF ME DUE TO SUDDEN ACCELERATION. 2) SEAT BELT RETRACTOR LOCKS UP. RESTRAINS PASSENGER TO THE POINT OF PAIN. VERY DIFFICULT TO RELEASE. RETRACTOR REPLACED ONCE UNDER WARRANTY.
- 12/23/1997· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IGNITION FUEL BUTTERFLY VALVE FAILED CAUSING THE GAS PEDAL TO STICK.
- 12/22/2003· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHILE DRIVING SERPENTINE BELT CAME OFF, AND DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, WHEN BRAKING THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE. *AK
- 12/21/2012· POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING THE RPMS TO INCREASE CONTINUOUSLY. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 256,000.
- 12/21/2007· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEFire
1997 FORD EXPLORER CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. FIRE CHIEF STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON RECALL AND THE FIRE WAS DUE TO A FUEL LEAK. *KB
- 12/21/2000· TIRES
HAVE A SPLIT LOCATED BETWEEN THE CENTER TREAD THAT IS VERTICAL BETWEEN THE TREAD BUT NOT IN THE THICK PART OF THE TREAD. *AK (DOT NUMBER: W2HL TIRESIZE: P23575R15)
- 12/21/1999· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TENSIONER PLASTIC PIECE WICH SUPPORTS THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE, CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
- 12/20/2010· VISIBILITY
WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE SUNROOF SHATTERED NOTHING BUT RAIN HAD FALLEN ON THE VEHICLE. *TR
- 12/20/2007· TIRESCrash
ON NOVEMBER 10TH I REPLACED THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE ON MY 97 FORD EXPLORER WITH THE SPARE TIRE THAT WAS UNDER THE TRUCK. ON DECEMBER 18TH ON MY WAY TO WORK TRAVELING SOUTH ON 95 AT APPROX. 5:40AM I HEARD A VERY LOUD NOISE, IT WAS LIKE A BOMB WENT OFF. A SECOND AFTER THE NOISE MY TRUCK WAS OUT OF CONTROL AND FLIPPING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. MY TRUCK WAS TOTALED, BUT I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO LIVE THROUGH THIS ACCIDENT. THE TIRE WAS A FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, WHICH I HAVE FOUND OUT HAD A RECALL ON IT BECAUSE OVER TIME WOULD FALL APART AND THE TREAD WOULD COME OFF THE TIRE CAUSING ACCIDENTS THAT COULD RESULT IN INJURY'S OR DEATH. *TR
- 12/20/2000· TIRES
TIRES BUILT IN JOLIETE QUEBEC NOT SUBJECT TO RECALL BUT ALL 4 SHOWED TREAD SEPARATION AT TREAD/SIDEWALL MEETING POINT. FORD DEALER DETERMINED TIRES UNSAFE AND REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES W/O CHARGE AFTER FIRESTONE REFUSED.*AK (DOT NUMBER: VN TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)
- 12/20/2000· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SOMETIMES WHEN TURNING A CORNER GAS PEDAL WILL GET STUCK. ONLY WAY TO GET IT BACK UP IS TO BANG ON IT OR TURN OFF VEHICLE. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS VERY UNSAFE. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN EVERY 6 WEEKS. *AK IT OCCURS BOTH ON DRIVING STRAIGHT AND TURNING CORNERS, AS WELL AS AT HIGH AND LOW SPEEDS.. *YH
- 12/19/2005· TIRESCrash
1997 FORD EXPLORER REAR WHEEL BOUNCED AND TIRE TREAD CAME OFF. *TS *JB
- 12/19/2000· TIRES
AFTER SEEING BACK TIRE ON DRIVER'S SIDE SEPARATING TO THE POINT WHERE CONSUMER SEES WIRES IN TIRES, AND TREAD SEPARATING, CALLED DEALER OF FIRESTONE, AND WAS TOLD THAT HE HAS TO SPEAK WITH DEALERSHIP WHERE HE PURCHASED VEHICLE. ALSO, THAT IF HIS TIRE WAS NOT ON RECALL HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FULL PRICE FOR REPLACEMENTS. *AK
- 12/18/2001· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
FRONT AND REAR BRAKE PADS AND SHOES ARE PREMATURELY WEARING, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
- 12/18/2000· POWER TRAIN
WHILE TRAVELING DOWN A HILL AND LETTING OFF THE GAS, THE TRANSFER CASE MAKES A GRINDING SOUND, DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE IS DEFECTIVE. *SLC
- 12/18/2000· TIRES
CONSUMER PURCHASED FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES THAT WERE NOT PART OF THE RECALL 00T005, HOWEVER TIRES SHOWED SIGNS OF TREAD SEPARATION AND REPLACED THEM WITH PATHFINDER RADIAL, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC
- 12/17/2002· POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. TS
- 12/17/1998· POWER TRAIN
BROUGHT VEHICHLE INTO DIFFERENT FORD DEALER TO COMPLAIN OF NOISE, WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE AIR PRESSSURE VALVE AND TO WAIT TILL IT GOT LOUDER TILL THEY WOULD FIX, ONE WEEK LATER TRANSMISSION FAILED, THEY SAY IT IS A CRACKED DRUM AND REPLACED ENTIRE TRANSMISSION...NEVER HAD AN AIR VALVE PROBLEM
- 12/16/2000· TIRES
TWO TIRES FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME TIME. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO BALANCE EITHER ONE. INDICATED THAT PROBABLE CAUSE WAS BELT SLIP. DO NOT USE VEHICLE FOR OFF ROAD OR OTHER SEVERE SERVICE. (DOT NUMBER: VNCU IPX TIRESIZE: 255/70R16)
- 12/16/1999· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH CRUISE CONTROL, DEALERSHIP DID NOT NOTIFY CONSUMER OF RECALL (99V-062). MJS
- 12/16/1998· VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED AT 17,000 MILES AND AT 30,000 MILES I WAS TOLD BY FORD I NEEDED AN AIR INDUCTION CLEANING. AT 37,000 MILES I NOW HAVE THE SAME GAS PEDAL PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY AGAIN.
- 12/15/2006· VISIBILITY
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED DUE TO THE HEATER BEING INOPERABLE, THE DEFROSTER DID NOT OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE BLEND DOOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
- 12/15/2000· TIRES
TREAD ON ALL FOUR TIRES IS SEPARATING. THERE ARE CRACKS ALL AROUND CASING NEAR THE WHERE IT MEETS THE SIDEWALL. HAD NOT TAKEN VEHICLE OR TIRES TO RETAILER. FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS AT, P235/75R15 , DOT CODE VN. *AK