Vehicle is a 1998 Ford Explorer equipped with a 4.0L SOHC engine purchased in March of 1998. Battery had died and attempted to jump start the battery (wouldn't jump, was replaced). Ground cable was placed at a location that appeared to be a safe location. Unknown to me at the time, it turned out to be the fuel line bracket. Later that day and the next day a strong gas smell was eminating from vehicle. Took to adamson Ford dealership in birmingham, al and was informed that the fuel line was damaged resulting in a fuel leak which could result in fire. After getting over shock of a $889 repair estimate, I searched the internet for more information and came across a link to your website concerning a recall issued by your group (id# 98V060000). The summary of the recall described my situation perfectly. You issued the recall the exacth month and year of my purchase, March of 1998. Found another internet article stating that Ford Motor Company issued a voluntary safety recall in may, 1998 for the same subject matter as your recall. I never received any recall notification from Ford Motor Company regarding this matter. I've pressed the issue with the dealership as to why I did not receive notification of the recall and they are claiming it is due to the "build date" of my vehicle. They claim Ford's recall of may, 1998 covered Explorer with a build date up to 02/01/98 and that the build date for my vehicle was 02/03/98, a difference of 2 days. Was told that my vehicle did come from the same plant as those covered by the recall. I have a hard time accepting that a 2-day difference would be grounds for Ford to designate that the recall in question was not applicable to my vehicle when the danger existed.

- Hoover, AL, USA

Massive fuel leak under the hood of 1998 Ford Explorer XLT. Another fuel leak occured when a woven part of the fuel line broke.

- Bay City, TX, USA

The harmonic balancer came loose and the camshaft had broken right at the engine block. Consumer was given an option by the dealer to either overhaul the engine, with no warranty, or replace the engine, with a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty. A service technician found out that upon inspecting the harmonic balancer camshaft area that the long bolt holding the pulley to the camshaft was never tightened was able to removed with the technician's fingers. In addition, the bolt should have some markings on it consistent with an impact wrench. It was confirmed that the bolt would have been removed in order to replace the timing chain. When engine was replaced and performed additional test on vehicle, dealer found a small fuel line leak. Fuel line was repaired and made another test on vehicle. Consumer currently seeking reimbursement of all expenses incurred due to mechanical error that rendered vehicle inoperable.

- Waukesha, WI, USA

The consumers were never notified of three recalls that applied to their vehicle until the defect occurred. The dealership refused to honor the recalls them because the campaigns had ended. The recall numbers are: 99 V 164 000, 98 V 060 000, and 00 V 422 000.

- Meridian, MS, USA

NHTSA recall 98-V-060-000:vehicle description: Multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with 4.0L single overhead cam engines. 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. Consumer has the same problem. However this vehicle was not recallede due to the VIN.

- Fairview Heights, IL, USA

While driving late at night in a residential neighborhood my wifeS Explorer stalled in the middle of the street. She had the Explorer towed home for me to diagnose. I examined the Explorer and found that the inertia switchS electrical connector had slid off. This resulted in the loss of power to the fuel pump. Ford has located this switch near the floor on the passenger side foot area with the wiring routed under the carpet. Repeated passenger foot pressure on the floor had resulted in the connector sliding off. While driving this reduces steering and braking efficiency as well as forward movement. Thank goodness she was not on a freeway, bridge, tunnel or maneuvering through a curve which could have resulted in a serious accident.

- Livermore, CA, USA

Dealer was contacted on July 28, and the bolt was not in. They would contact consumer when it arrived to reschedule an appointment, consumer contacted dealer on August 13, and bolt was in. She had not been notified concerning rescheduling of appointment.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

While driving the gas line exploded. Dealer has repaired the vehicle.

- Ashland, KY, USA

Received recall notice 98V060000, fuel lines. Had called dealer for appointment. Took vehicle in on due date. After arriving was informed had no parts for the repair work. Parts on order. Will call when they are in. Has not heard anything as of yet.

- Butte, MT, USA