Aug 2007, received recall notice from Ford Motor Co to replace defective speed control deactivation switch (scds). Sep 2007, received notice from Ford Motor Co advising of parts shortage to repair defect and authorizing "an interim repair of disconnecting the speed control system" on the vehicle. On subsequent service visits and on most recent visit of 3-Mar-2008, service representative at Ford dealership says that dealer does not have the part to effect a repair.

- Plantation, FL, USA

Smoke coming from steering column / turn signal area, that comes and goes. On going problem.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Explorer XLT. While driving the vehicle, the factory installed interior lights began flashing on and off. The dealer stated that the failure was due to a faulty connection with the rear view mirror. She was charged $477 plus labor for the repair. The contact wrote and called the manufacturer, but they have not responded. The approximate date of failure was in November of 2006. The second incident occurred when the vehicle was taken to the same dealer who stated that there was a leak in the engine. She stated that the vehicle has an engine warranty of 60,000 miles. However, the dealer charged her for this repair as well. This failure occurred on February 6, 2007. The contact notified her state attorney generals office who stated that they received a letter from Ford and that she could sue Ford if she wished. The engine size was unknown. The current mileage is 57,000 and failure mileage was 55,000.

- Chicago, IL, USA

On several occasions when I put on my left turn signal it doesn't blink it just freezes and smoke comes from the steering column. As soon as I turn the turn signal off it stops smoking. It will be ok for a while but then happens again. Yesterday when it happened I had trouble getting it to stop smoking. I am making an appointment today to have this corrected.

- Elgin, IL, USA

The vehicle caught fire while parked. The driver called the fire department to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed and totaled by the insurance company.

- Houston, TX, USA

Vehicle overheated/ thermostat, rear wiper motor stopped working, check engine light stays on continually, belt squeals on rainy days, radio comes on by itself, tires to be replaced, lived at same address since vehicle purchase and not even a notice for recall on tires.

- Apo, NY, USA

The multi-function switch in my 2000 Ford Explorer XLT started smoking when the turn signal was turned on. The service man informed me that this situation needed to be taken care of as soon as possible because if it was not fixed there was a chance that a fire would start because of this malfunction and could cause a fire that would take out the entire wiring system of my vehicle. Ford explained to me that they did not consider this a "hazard" it was something they considered a "maintenance issue." I have 42,000 miles on my vehicle. I have owned 2 Explorer previous to this and one of my other Explorer experienced this problem as well.

- Madison, WI, USA