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.
While driving engine would stall. While at an intersection on a six lane road, in middle lane, vehicle stalled. Felt this was dangerous because consumer could have been hit from behind. Took vehicle to dealer when rear timing chain jumped time, timing chain broke. Dealer said engine needed to be replaced.
While driving about 40 mph engine locked up. Explorer was able to be driven to dealership. Timing chain was replaced at owner's expense because it was stretched and slipped off. Ford is aware of this problem because of service bulletin.
When our Explorer had 29,000 miles on it, I brought it into the dealership because the check engine light had come on and the vehicle was stalling out at stoplights. They replaced the oxygen sensor, a gasket on the intake manifold, and a fuel injector. Now, 3,000 miles later, I returned to the dealership complaining about the same problem, except that the check engine light had not come on. At times, the Explorer sounds and feels like it's going to stall out at stoplights or when shifting from reverse to drive. The dealership had the truck for 2 days and ran up 11 miles on it, but they could not recreate the scenario. They could find no problem at this time.
Upon routine oil change dealer noticed engine connecting rod broke from engine piston. Due to the broken engine connecting rod engine needed replacing. Dealer stated this problem was common.
Engine head gasket is leaking at only 45,000 miles. Cause is unknown. Consumer has made several attempts to contact dealer, but no parts have been available since Dec 30,1999.
While driving noticed smoke coming from the exhaust system without prior warning the vehicle started to lose power. Took the vehicle for service, and the consumer had problems with the engine head gasket, the dealer replaced the engine, and there was a problem with the oxygen sensor. Vehicle has been in the shop for repair service eight times, and the dealer still can't determine the problem. Vehicle is back in the shop for repair service.
Going down a steep hill at a very low speed about 5 mph, the idling speed will overcome the compressor in engine. Totally dependent on brakes, causes the brakes to overheat and results in brakes fading. Dangerous sitution.
Heard a lound noise while driving vehicle. Noises were coming from under the hood. Checked under the hood & noticed engine pulley was loose. Took vehicle to dealer & pulley was about to fall off.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Lawrenceville, GA, USA