This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The timing chain broke off and knocked a hole in the valve cover tensioner. Could smell oil burning prior to problem with timing chain. Vehicle was towed to dealership for repairs of timing chain.
The timing chain and tensioner failed due to design problems causing the vehicle to idle rough and make alot of noise upon startup and while stopped at a light. Nlm
Engine- vehicle began making knocking/ticking noise from engine at 30000 miles, took into dealer to report it, and they said no problems. Noise was at start ups and after vehicle had set for brief time. Noise became louder and longer in duration, took back into dealer at 35000 miles, again, they said no problems-normal noise. At 41900 miles, vehicle became undriveable, noise was extremely loud and metallic in nature. Took to different dealer who stated that they had numerous problems with 1997/98 Explorer with 4.0sohc engine timing chain tensioner failures. Most were under warranty and they sent entire engine back to manufacturer to repair. Now my vehicle was out of warranty and the reapai cost me $700. The vehicle went back 3 days later with same problem, another $300. I feel that I reported my problem while the vehicle was still in warranty and that Ford should cover the repairs. I also think thatford is fully aware of a widespread problem with these 4.0 SOHC engines and the timing chain/tensioner defects. I have talked with many dealers and individual owners who have stated the defect is not isolated. Had my family and I been traveling at high speed when this thing went bad and the engine quit, there could have been an accident. There needs to be a formal investigation into this issue, it is too widespread and Ford certainly is aware of the problem, but unwilling to address it and compensate consumers who are suffering with this. Fuel system- there is also a hesitation/stalling that occurs on same vehicle that has been into teh dealer on several occasions to fix, but can not be diagnosed or repaired. This is very dangerous especially when pulling into intersections or turning at traffice lights. My wife has had several near misses due to this. Again, this appears to be widespread with this 4.0 SOHC engine. Please let's have something done about this before someone is hurt. Ford's army of engineers surely are aware this exists. Mark ditto
While traveling about 35mph, check engine light appeared. Took vehicle to dealer who indicated that the intake gasket was loose and resulted in the check engine light coming on. Dealer noted that the gasket allowed dirt to enter the engine.
There is a faulty timing chain with the Ford Explorer. Ford has admitted that they know there is a problem. They also said there is no fix right now. This has been going on for over a year. The problem has gotten so bad that they are replacing the engine. They can not guarentee me that this problem will hapen again.
Consumer was at stop sign when there was a loud popping sound and the engine shut down. Timing chain broke. Consumer was hearing popping noise for years, took to dealership and they never were able to duplicate noise.
Was traveling approximately 40mph when vehicle stalled. Took to dealer & informed defective engine & needed to be replaced. Had no anti-freeze. Received another engine off manufacturing line. Engine lasted 2 weeks. Had paid half. The 3rd engine replaced free. There is some stalling in this engine as well.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Escondido, CA, USA