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 1998 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the high beams warning light illuminated continuously even after the engine was shut off. The failure recurred whenever the engine was started. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The technician diagnosed that the headlight module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was unavailable.
May 20, approximately 03:30am, while driving about 35mph to work in the dark with head lights on; headlights unexpectedly turned off. Luckily that section of the street, had street lights working properly; but, I was approaching an unlit stretch of winding road with a 45mph speed limit. This could have become very dangerous. (dashboard lights were not affected.) turning the normal headlight switch did not seem to fix the problem. I tried the bright light function, which is part of the turn signal lever. They did not come on at first; however when jiggling the "turn signal lever, " I noticed a "looseness in the lever, at the base where it connects to the steering column." Wiggling it, turned the head lights back on, temporarily; but, wiggling from vibration in traffic caused them to turn "off" again. The turn signal lever on the 1998 Ford Explorer is used to control the "bright lights" and also controls windshield wipers. I am not certain; but, I believe I had the turn signal lever assembly repaired several years ago by a Ford dealer in san diego...neither of the dealers I used to have service my vehicle are still in business. I believe the problem with the turn signal lever at that time, had to do with the wipers cutting off unexpectedly; and, eventually, not working all together. First: Is this something the government should investigate "before" having the vehicle repaired" second: Should Ford be the one investigating this problem? third: Should Ford replace the turn lever assembly and provide the labor at their expense"... on a personal note, after working for the same company for 12 years and being a workaholic, I just got laid off last week. This expense is definitely going to cost several hundred dollars in parts and labor, when I can least afford it. At this time, I can rule out trying to apply for a night job.
Headlights suddenly stopped working. Side markers and turn signals still work, as do hi-beams when in flash/passing mode. I have replaced the headlight switch, but they still don't work.
Trunk door will not shut properly. Consumer is able to slide his hand in while door is shut. Consumer contacted dmv and found out vehicle had been in an accident, consumer specifically asked for a vehicle that had not been damaged, however dealer sold it to him anyway, consumer feels deceived and is experiencing multiple problems with vehicle. Radio is inoperative at times. Hatch rubs agains frame of vehicle. Taillight and headlight are out of alignment, fog lights had lamp failure. Vehicle experiences problems with absorbing road shock, vehicle pulls to right. Check engine light illuminates, vehicle experiences low power. Rear power window motor failed. Power antenna failed. Right windshield wiper interior garnish molding loose, rear wiper blade skips center of glass, dealer replaced rear wiper arm and blade assembly. Steering gear assembly replaced due to noisy. Bumper not even.
Turn signals and high beam indicator lamp failed suddenly. Fuses are good. Rear wiper has never work right. Has not work at all for some time. Always had low rumble when moving. Appears to come from front.( dot number: Tire size: 70R15 100S )
When I tried to use the ac in March it blew out only hot air. A new compressor had to be put in it. It still leaks under the dash when it rains hard or going through car wash. Rear wiper motor burnt out. Wiper would not work, had to be replaced. Rear seal, pinon seals, and rear drive shaft were replaced twice. The rear passenger door panel and window rattled really bad. Had repaired. Now front driver door panel and window rattles. Had a "vibrating" noise repaired. When vehicle idled a piece of metal vibrated. Several times I have gone to turn on the headlights and they won't come on. I have to turn the button several times before they will come on. After my auto has set overnight and I start it, it idles very rough for a few minutes. The gas pedal has been sticking for quite a few months. Only when you initially push on the gas to go. You have to tap on it to get it to unstick; there has been a recall on this, the
When traveling over 70 mph the engine check light illuminated on the dashboard. Also, the headlights flashed off and on. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Dealer has replaced parts, problem still occurs.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Gordon , WI, USA