Auto-transmission hesitates when put into reverse then lunges once transmission is engaged. When shifting from reverse to drive there is a loud clunking sound. Automatic transmission shifts hard sometimes while in drive. Ford service said they could not reproduce and found no problem. This began happening at about 15,000 miles. Vehicle now has almost 36,000 miles and problem has gotten much worse. Engine dies when traveling low speeds and using the cruise control. Each time I try to use the cruise control when traveling 40 mph or less the engine dies. This creates a very dangerous situation when your driving along then suddenly you lose power to the steering and brakes because the engine has died! the seats are also problematic. The 2 back seats fold down. Both of the release mechanisms have been replaced and one needs to be replaced again. Both handles have broken off twice. The leather on the drivers seat has cracked and worn prematurely. The lumbar support knob on the drivers seat fell off but I didn't notice when it happened so it was lost and Ford will not replace it without the defective part. Also the handle that is used to adjust the back of the seat has fallen off. I am a 53 year old women and 98% I am the only one using this vehicle. I do not routinely haul kids or other cargo around in this vehicle so you would think the seats would be holding up much better.

- Dunedin, FL, USA

On 11/19/04 I almost was involved on an accident due to the failure of the driver back seat of my Ford Explorer 2000, 65,000 miles VIN #[xxx]. I took it to my local Ford dealer for repair on 11/22/04, and I was notified that it was caused by a broken bolt and there was a recall on it and they did the repair free of cost. When I seated on the repaired seat I noticed that the back seat is no longer parallel to the steering wheel; it is approximately 2" twisted to the left. In addition, when I hold the top of the back seat I can tilt it forward and backward and it has about 6" of play. I brought the problem to the attention of Ford Motor Co. And they say that the problem is not part of the recall and they will not repair it unless I pay for it. The Ford co. Says that the problem is caused by a broken track at the bottom of the seat. I believe there is a flaw in the mechanism since a driver seat should last more than 4 years or 65,000 miles. The seat is unsafe and actions to correct the problem must be taken before someone dies. I hope someone can help me with the solution of the problem and can save someone else's life. I am fortunate to be alive. Sincerely, [xxx]. updated 07/04/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Poughkeepsie, Ny 12603, NY, USA