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.
At high speeds vehicle shakes and will not stay in lane, and steering wheel is very loose. The consumer had rack and pinion installed, but it started leaking and become loose.
Attn. NHTSA administrator-[xxx]: I am extremely concerned about the safety of my vehicle. In an effort to help in the investigation of the Ford Explorer - I would like to offer my vehicle to be used for testing. I would like to be compensated of course and this would allow me to purchase a safer vehicle for my family. The vehicles tested by [xxx] study of the "oversteering" condition were similar to mine. The four door (4X2) design has been chosen by [xxx] for reasons I don't dare wish to speculate. Although, it seems fairly obvious that my family and I are operating an unsafe vehicle. As a Ford Explorer owner, I encourage you to proceed with an investigation into rollovers associated with this vehicle. I have contacted Ford's customer relations department several times via E-mail and have gotten tracking/case id numbers in response. They are refusing to act upon a safety concern where lives are at stake. My vehicle is under warranty until October 2001 and I wish to exchange this unsafe vehicle. If my offer does not appeal to you then please offer me any suggestions that you feel are helpful to my cause. Sincerely, [xxx]/[xxx]/[xxx] ([xxx]) & [xxx] ([xxx]). information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Steering wheel started shaking slightly at low speed on 5/23/01. I entered a freeway and just as I was approaching 70 mph, the entire vehicle started shaking violently to the point I nearly lost control. Started to pull off road, but shaking abated. Took veh to dealer & after road test & insp. Was told that air bubbles had formed in the steering sys., that certain Explorer were known to develop this defect after varying mileages, and that Ford says this problem is a "no fix" and nothing can be done about it. Dealer also sd that they had replaced entire rack & pinion systems on Explorer still under warranty, but it had no effect on shaking. Heard this a.M. that Firestone is accusing Ford of covering up steering defects that contrib. To Explorer rolling; it rang a bell & thought you folks should know about my experience... will make my veh. Avail. For insp., should you folks or mfr. Want to.
This vehicle has been in and out of the dealership for service issues with problems related to the steering capabilities. Technicians have blown foam in the A-pillers, added sound proofer, riveted the left floor pan, and not to mention, as stated on the service order, repositioned the floor mat, as a solution. The vehicle has a binding in steering between the steering column and something in the left front wheel. No one can seem to resolve the problem. I have also filed a complaint with the dispute settlement board, and at this time, have had no response. This problem has only worsened, and I feel it needs some attention before it becomes a major liability factor on Ford Motor Company, the dealership, and any other parties involved with this matter. What is the point of where enough is enough? or maybe I should get my insurance company involved along with a attorney. This is the point at which I'm at. I need someone to understand this vehicle has a problem, before someone becomes a statistic on the account of all of the problems that no one can resolve with this vehicle.
- Bronx, NY, USA
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Have problem with a sloppy / loose steering that wonders and has 2 to 3 inches of play. The original steering and the 3rd which was a temporary steering did not have this problem but all of the new steering did. This play / sloppy steering has almost caused my wife with kids to loose control of the vehical. This also happened to me. The steering is pulled by the road differences and the wind and you must constantly correct the steering to stay straight. The original dealer replaced the original steering with a new one. The next few where replaced by a new dealer in another state. The new steering had the same problem but the temporary steering that was put in was fine. The next 2 went back to the loose / sloppy steering again. The new dealer( heritage Ford) will no longer replace the rack because he is unable to find the problem. I contacted Ford and they sent it back to the Ford dealer who stated that we shouild try another dealer to see if they can find it. I just want it corrected so it is safe to drive.
While making a left hand turn at approx. 5-10mph vehicle lost all power in steering and braking systems and vehicle became uncontrollable and kept turning left into tree. Driver sustained minor injuries.
When turning steering to the right or left, it makes a grinding noise and binds up. Dealer contacted and is aware of the problem. Cannot remedy the problm. Problem still exists. Extended warranty effective.
While driving at 55 mph went off the road into the ditch to avoid an animal and came back onto the road, and the consumer lost control and the vehicle flipped over.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Long Beach, CA, USA