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 body mount insulators deteriorated and the body could come loose from the chassis. Ford wants over 3000 dollars for this repair which is an obvious material flaw.
Body/chassis mounts are deteriorating and crumbling. Body is now loose on the frame and has slight movement. These mounts are not rubber like most; they are some sort of urethane composite. Internet research and truck owner sites confirm this to be a common problem. Ford does not see this as a safety/recall issue and has directed owners of suspect vehicles to your department. This particular vehicle has never been in salt or snow and has always been in North Carolina. The cab shaking and rattling is causing movement that will undoubtedly effect the brake lines and steering column as they are attached to both the body and the chassis. Ford is now using another compound for the mounts apparently in response to complaints.
I am experiencing a loud clanking and crashing sound emitting from under vehicle while driving on public highways with minimal bumps at various speeds with increased roll movement while cornering. After investigation, I found the body mounts to be crumbling apart, body mounts missing large chunks of material and other body mounts are soft and jelly like when touched. These Ford body mounts have been engineered improperly and have reached a premature failed state. This affects the roll of the vehicle and may pose grave danger to vehicle passengers when performing a lane change or any vehicle roll maneuver and affects vehicle control. This is a major safety issue and needs to be addressed immediately. After a internet search, I have discovered this to be an issue with thousands of Ford Explorer Sport Trac owners and other Ford trucks as well. I am the original owner of the vehicle. This vehicle has been in Florida from 2002-2010, and in Georgia from 2011-present and has never been exposed to salt, snow or any abnormal environment to cause this failure. This vehicle has not been modified in any way.
The body mounts have deteriorated to a point that they are crumbling and are not supporting the frame to the body and need to be replaced for safety reasons. The transmission failed without any warning and had to be rebuilt. Neither of these problems should exist on a vehicle that is well maintained and has only 52,000 miles. These problems appear to be common with this vehicle and need to be addressed by Ford.
- Tampa, FL, USA
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Ford Explorer Sport-trac 2001-2005 the body mounts are crumbling, known defect on all these vehicles, inferior rubber - causing exposure of body to frame. Potential safety issue - could very likely can cause roll-overs as the rubber disintegrates there is no support between the body and the frame. Ford is aware of this defect but has not done anything to rectify the problem.
Body mount bushings have deteriorated. The car is only 8 yrs old. I looked today after hearing a cracking/popping noise and the drivers' side front bushing (there are two on each so, technically, bushings) are almost completely gone. The passenger side and 2 middle mount bushings are also cracked and deteriorating. I have confirmed that this is exceedingly premature and essentially unheard of in cars this age. In fact, I've been told in cars 20 yrs old that often the bushings are still fine. Early deterioration is unsafe and, apparently, not uncommon in these trucks. Thus, I wanted to report it.
There is extreme deterioration of the rubber body mount bushings...these are what holds the cab to the frame. The ones on my 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac are so badly deteriorated that what rubber is left will crumble in my fingers.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Port St Lucie, FL, USA