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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
25,876 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

1999 Ford Explorer engine problems

engine problem

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1999 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #23

Oct 142009

Explorer

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I want to file a complaint with Ford because I have 1 1999 Ford Explorer XLT and the timing guide is going out again for the third time. I think that Ford should do something about this...I know people that never have to replace their timing chain guides and im replacing mine for the third time...

- Boise, ID, USA

problem #22

Dec 102008

Explorer

  • 124,554 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Explorer. While driving 45 mph, the accelerator pedal became stuck and the RPM's increased to over 3,000 RPM's. the RPM's would not decrease until he arrived at the dealer. While driving and attempting to control the vehicle, he depressed the brake pedal to reduce the speed of the vehicle. The dealer stated that he needed to replace the iac valve, throttle body assembly, housing, and throttle plate. They also replaced the check engine warning indicator and reset the computer. The failure mileage was 124,554.

- Bedford, NH, USA

problem #21

Dec 082006

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,070 miles
: the contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the engine stalled immediately. This was followed by the check engine light illuminating constantly. This was the fifth occurrence of this problem. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer on four other occasions, where the dealer determined that the idle bypass valve was sticking. The valve was replaced each time, but the problems persisted. The manufacturer was also notified.

- Allen Park, MI, USA

problem #20

Jun 032005

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,231 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle will not start when on an uphill incline

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #19

Sep 142003

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,801 miles
Application of the accelerator pedal after the engine has cooled, would need to apply additional force to the accelerator pedal to break the bridge.

- Avon, OH, USA

problem #18

Sep 102003

Explorer

  • miles
1999 Ford Explorer involved in an accident. The consumer stated he/she heard a noise from the engine prior to the accident and also the air bags failed to deploy.

- Chula Vista, CA, USA

problem #17

Sep 162003

Explorer

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Consistent problems with engine check light. Dealers notified.

- Mobile, AL, USA

problem #16

Sep 012003

Explorer

  • 103,000 miles
While driving at 65 mph a spark blew out of the cylinder head. There was a loud popping sound from within the engine compartment, and the vehicle lost considerable power at that time. The windows had to be opened due to the gas fumes.

- Idaho Falls, ID, USA

problem #15

Aug 022003

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,000 miles
Service bulletin 00M12 from Ford called for replacement of timing chain tensioner. Tensioner was replaced but did not solve problem. Returned to Ford and was confirmed to be coming from tensioner. Was directed by dealer that ther was no other fix for problem but would not cause damage. Was told that if part failed Ford would warranty for 5 yrs or 75,000 miles. Part failed causing timing chain to slip and break, causing #6 cylinder piston to strike valve and put hole in piston. Ford now states that they are not responsable and will provide no relief for repair. Ford dealer advises that should have been covered but Ford makes final decision. Ford's final position is that age/mileage of vehicle problem is now my problem. Vehicle is 1999 Explorer with 60,000 miles which meets both of their cryteria in their service bulletin. Now Ford wants me to pay $4500 for new motor.

- Mosinee, WI, USA

problem #14

Jun 202003

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
Complaint against Ford Motor Company defective parts and refusal of a refund even after recall. The steering had become uncontrollable and the vehicle died out. The PCM had to be reprogrammed along with the replacement of the iac valve. The same thing happened to the consumer's brother's SUV as well.

- Uknown, DC, USA

problem #13

Apr 242003

Explorer

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving, the vehicle stalled.

- Manchester, NH, USA

problem #12

Apr 092003

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles
Service bulletin oom 12 from Ford was for the replacement of the camshaft tensioner in my 1999 Explorer. It was replaced on 11/27/01 and now needs to be replaced again. The Ford service center refuses to see the same componet continues to fail again and again as their problem.

- Rockford, MI, USA

problem #11

Apr 272000

Explorer 8-cyl

  • 8,500 miles
The oil pressure gauge shorted out, the air bag wiring harness, front axle seals, brake caliper pads, brake line, power door lock assembly and multi function switch assembly were all replaced. The timing chain, tensioner, idle air control, valve intake gaskets and the seats which ripped were also replaced. *

- Lyndhurst, NJ, USA

problem #10

Nov 282002

Explorer

  • miles
The engine revved and the engine surged foward.

- Annapolis, MD, USA

problem #9

Jan 062003

Explorer

  • miles
Consumer stated while driving at any speed and with no warning the vehicle would stall.

- Lafayette, LA, USA

problem #8

Sep 112001

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
Engine heads cracked on both sides. The hood latch assembly rusted and cannot be opened, also the horn filled up with water and would not work as a result.

- Bristol, RI, USA

problem #7

May 012000

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
Engine began producing sounds of dieseling or rattling at roughly 50K miles. Camshaft tensioner replaced under recall shortly after, mechanic said this would eliminate noise. Noise grew progressively worse over time - brought into a Ford dealer, had veh. For a week and replaced front cam chain guide. Went to P/U vehicle and was informed noise is still there due to rear cam chain guide needing replacement. Would have to pull motor for about another $1000. Two independent mechanics informed me both guides failing due to cam shaft tensioner. Both guides would not fail at same time on opposite ends of motor unless joined by common part. Dealer and Ford Motor Co. Basically said that's my problem.

- Lady Lake, FL, USA

problem #6

Jul 162001

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Engine makes a rattling noise, consumer constantly went to dealer to diagnose the problem. After doing 2-3 diagnostic tests, no problem was found, consumer went to another dealer for a second opinion and a rebuild engine was put in. Bolt to engine cylinder broke off and a new head was ordered. Consumer is still not satisfied that engine is not running smoothly and still hear irregular noises, dealer identified the noise and informed consumet that is was normal, consumer also blames dealer for selling her the vehicle with defective Firestone tires, consumer had to purchase 5 new tires.

- Lompoc, CA, USA

problem #5

Apr 112001

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Camshaft chain malfunctioned, causing engine to fail. Consumer states camshift tensioner failed, camshaft chain slipped, camshaft went out of time, pistons bumped valves, engien failed abrubtly on hill endandering passengers, engine was recalled previous years on different models, consumer states manufacturer does not want to acknowledge same failure.

- Socorro, NM, USA

problem #4

May 012001

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
There is a terrible vibration from under the vehicle when idling and sometimes while accelerating. The dealer said there was a recall about a mount or something and replaced it and then reset the computer they said but the vibration remains.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

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