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 contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that when driving approximately 35 to 40 mph over a road bump, the vehicle would seem to shift to the left. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and they advised her that the front stabilizer bar needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 189,000.
Vehicle lost steering control while driving 35-40 mph. This almost caused vehicle to run down an embankment. Vehicle taken to the dealer, who informed the consumer that the problem was caused by the sway bar links which needed to be replaced.
The front passenger side sway bar fractured. Recall 00V402000 was issued, however, this vehicle was not covered under the recall due to VIN......sway bar broke in July 2004. Car felt like boat when driving. Vehicle was repaired in January 2005.
Tires were cupping at 29,000 miles in Sept. 01. dealer replaced both lower ball joints. New tires were installed and vehicle aligned. Cupping has returned 12 mo and 8,000 miles later. Ford refuses to address problem without me having to pay a non-refundable "diagnostic" charge.
While driving steering was stiff, and consumer could hear a grinding noise in front end of vehicle. When making a turn felt like wheels were going to lock up. Vehicle was towed to a Ford dealer, and they stated that front and rear sensor in transfer case had gone bad. Consumer stated that on May 4th problem reoccurred.
Squeaking noise would come from front suspension system while driving. Vehicle been to the dealer on three occasions, and the problem still reoccurring. Feel free to provide any further information.
Vehicle never taken off road/dealer has no idea why all front end parts failed/dealer states it never should have happened with 1997 vehicle/ other expoloer owners I have talked with have similar front end problems / I feel there is something wrong with design or parts used in front end and ABS system
While traveling at 25 mph or less I hit a slight bump and heard a very load bang. The front left drivers side of the vehicle abruptly dropped, the vehicle swerved into the opposing lane and tend to roll. Luckily there was no oncoming traffic and I quickly stopped. The Ford dealer replaced the torsion bar and acknowledged that this was a very dangerous failure. However they refused to cover the repair cost. The repair cost me $171.67. Due to their refusal to cover a significant safety issue and other media coverage of Explorer problems, I sold the vehicle this week.
Call red hickey for important cause finding of tire wear in suspension 828 253 4311 he has investigated it on many Explorer. As soon as you rotate your tires the trouble starts. The wear on our vehicle at both front is not the air preasure. Hickey says it is a Ford design flaw known and ignored for years and overlooked by most shops. He is in the allignment business the last 40 years and known as an expert in the area for problems others can't fix. (dot number: W2hlipy tiresize: P235/75R15)
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.
Serious noise problem at right front end during any movement of the vehicle. Unsure if this is a safety issue and currently concerned to travel any lengthy distance.
Consumer is complaining of the vibration that is occurring when steering, problems could be due to the Firestone wilderness ht tires (P225 70 R15) or the suspension.
I brought this vehicle to the dealer four separate times because I thought the front end was out of alignment. They charged me all four times and it turns out the tires were defective. They are not the recall tires but I have since replaced them (at my own cost) and the vehicle seems to be running fine now (last two weeks). I would like to know why all the wilderness brand tires were not recalled" they clearly are defective! if it was a design problem then would'nt every plant have the same design problem" if it is a quality control issue than would'nt that also be the same problem at other plants, companies like Firestone write one set of procedures for safety and inspections of tires. They don't have different inspection procedures for each plant! they certainly don't have separate procedures for the same brand of tires. You guys drop the ball, and now we are paying for it!!!!( dot number: W2hlipy426 tire size: P235/75R15 )
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Memphis , TN, USA