1998 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

POWER STEERING GEAR BOX IS LEAKING. BOTH THE GEARBOX AND TIE RODS NEED REPLACED. ONLY 75,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *NM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A FORD RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH IN AUGUST OF 2006. SHE CALLED THE DEALER IN AUGUST OF 2007 AND THEY STATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL NOVEMBER. SHE CALLED THE DEALER EVERY OTHER MONTH AND THEY STATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL AUGUST OF 2008. THE CONTACT REFUSED TO HAVE THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH DISCONNECTED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT CAUGHT FIRE AND THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE TRANSMISSION TYPE, RECALL NUMBER, AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

THE BRAKE LINE ON BOTH OF MY 1996 AND 1998 FORD EXPLORER RUSTED OUT LAST YEAR AND THIS YEAR ON BOTH SUVS, CAUSING THE BRAKE SYSTEM TO TOTALLY FAIL ON THE 1996 AND LOST ONE SET OF BRAKES ON THE 1998. WE WERE VERY LUCKY. THE PROBLEM WAS NOTICED WHEN PARKED. *JB

1998 FORD EXPLORER CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED IN GARAGE. *JB

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE 1998 FORD EXPLORER HAD BEEN SITTING FOR MORE THAN 30 MINUTES SHE PROCEEDED TO DRIVE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FELT STUCK. CONSTANT PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL WILL RELEASE IT, BUT IN THE PROCESS THE VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD WITH GREAT FORCE. *AK UPDATED 2/27/2007 -THE VEHICEL WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO CLEANED THE THROTTLE BODY. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT RETURNED. *NM

98 FORD EXPLORER SPORT ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE 10 MINUTES AFTER VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT RESIDENCE- ENGINE COMPLETELY BURNED LEAVING VEHICLE TOTALED. *NM

NORMAL OPERATION; A THE DRIVERS DOOR LATCH FAILED IN THE LOCKED POSITION. AS A RESULT, THE DOOR COULD NOT BE UNLOCKED OR OPENED BY NORMAL MEANS. THE DOOR WAS FINALLY OPENED AFTER THE DOOR PANEL WAS REMOVED ALLOWING THE LATCH TO BE UNLOCKED BY REACHING A HAND INSIDE THE DOOR. THE FAILURE IS A BROKEN SPRING. THE FAILURE RESULTED IN AN INTERNAL LEVER INTERFERING WITH THE LOCK PORTION OF THE LATCH DURING THE UNLOCK ATTEMPTS. I HAVE NOT REPAIRED THE FAILURE AS OF THIS DATE. I HAVE THE FAILED ITEM (A SPRING). *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED IN COLD WEATHER, THE HINGES DO NOT HOLD THE HOOD IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. THIS CAUSED THE HOOD TO FALL ON THE CONTACT'S HEAD AND NECK, CAUSING MINOR INJURIES. THE HOOD HINGES WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP, BUT THIS HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM.

MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY. IT WAS NOT RUNNING AND IT HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN OVER 3 HOURS. *NM

MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER CAUGHT FIRE IN MY GARAGE AFTER BEING PARKED FOR 3 HOURS CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE HOUSE. *NM

1998 FORD EXPLORER PARKED IN GARAGE HAD SPONTANEOUS FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT DEPARTMENT PUT OUT FIRE. THIS WAS A CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FIRE. IT MAY HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO YOU BY POLICE, INSURANCE, OR FIRE DEPT. IF SO, JUST LET ME KNOW YOU HAVE THE INFORMATION. *JB

ON APRIL 4, 2006, MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS TOTALED. I ARRIVED AT WORK AT APPROXIMATELY 3:15 PM. I WENT IN AND WENT TO WORK. AT ABOUT 3:55, I WAS PAGED OVER THE INTERCOM TO GET TO THE NORTH ENTRANCE IMMEDIATELY. WHEN I GOT THERE THE SECURITY GUARDS TOLD ME THAT MY TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. AS I LOOKED OUT THE DOORS, THE FRONT OF MY TRUCK WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD GOT THERE AND WAS IN THE PROCESS OF PUTTING THE FIRE OUT. WHEN THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT, ALL THAT WAS LEFT WAS A BIG MESS. MY TRUCK WAS GONE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN RUNNING FINE. MY CRUISE CONTROL HAD WENT OUT ABOUT 1 MONTH PRIOR TO THE FIRE. I WAS UNAWARE OF ANY RECALLS EXCEPT FOR A SCREW IN THE DRIVERS SEAT (WHICH WAS THE ONLY RECALL LETTER THAT I HAD RECEIVED.) FOR DAYS THAT THEY CAN'T SPEAK TO ME ABOUT THE VEHICLE OR INCIDENT BECAUSE I HAVE AN INSURANCE CLAIM AND MY INSURANCE ADJUSTER SAYS THAT THEY WON'T SPEAK TO HIM EITHER. WHAT ARE WE AS CONSUMERS SUPPOSED TO DO WHEN THE PRODUCTS WE PURCHASE, AND FOR THE AMOUNT THEY ASK FOR THEIR PRODUCT , ARE LOST DUE TO THE MANUFACTURERS DEFECTS? HOW ARE WE AS CONSUMERS PROTECTED? *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WITHOUT WARNING THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE STEERING AND BRAKES LOCKED UP. THIS OCCURRED AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. A FAMILY MEMBER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THE CRANKSHAFT BUSTED, CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE. THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST HIGHER THAN THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TRIED TO REPLACE IT WITH A USED ENGINE, BUT WAS TOLD BY SEVERAL MECHANICS THAT FORD MANUFACTURED A BAD ENGINE WITH THE 4.0 SOHC, AND TO PUT A USED ENGINE WOULD BE A WAIST OF MONEY SINCE IT WOULD FAIL AGAIN. *AK

I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER PERTAINING TO THE TIRES ON MY VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES DUE TO A BLOW OUT THAT HAD OCCURRED ALL TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE PRIOR TO THE LETTER. I DO STILL CARRY THE P255/70R16 WILDERNESS AS A SPARE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF I AM ENTITLED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF MY TIRES. *JB

FAULTY TRANSMISSION IN 1998 FORD EXPLORER. VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT FROM FORD DEALERSHIP, APPROXIMATELY 4 YRS. OLD WHEN PURCHASED. TRANS. NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY AFTER FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP OR APPROX. 65,000 MILES. WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE AT ALL SHORTLY AFTERWARD. HARD AND LATE SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD, AND TRANSMISSION WILL FREQUENTLY TOTALLY DISENGAGE WHILE DRIVING AT 55 TO 60 MPH, ENGINE WILL REV., BUT CAR WILL START SLOWING DOWN. ENGINE SOUNDS LIKE IT'S GOING TO BLOW UP WHILE WAITING FOR TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT. HAD TRANSMISSION REBUILT BY PRIVATE MECHANIC AND PROBLEM IS STILL THE SAME. *TR

I ARRIVED BACK FROM TAKING MY SON TO THE PARK AT APPROXIMATELY 6:00PM, WATCHED TV AND THEN FIRED UP THE GRILL AROUND 7:45PM. I CAME BACK IN THE HOUSE AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE. I YELLED UPSTAIRS TO MY HUSBAND AND ASKED IF HE HAD HEARD THE NOISE, HE YELLED BACK AND SAID, CALL 911 YOUR TRUCK IS ON FIRE. HE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO FIGHT THE FIRE WITH TWO FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND THE WATER HOSE. WE WERE SCARED AS THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD NOT YET ARRIVED AND WE WERE WORRIED IT WAS GOING TO BLOW UP AS IT WAS ONLY APPROXIMATELY 7 FEET FROM THE HOUSE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED US THE AREA IN WHICH THE FIRE STARTED WHICH WAS UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, HOWEVER, DEEMED IT INDETERMINABLE. I WAS IN SHOCK THAT THIS OCCURRED AS I ONLY HAD ONE PAYMENT LEFT TO PAYOFF THE LOAN. I RESEARCHED AND FOUND OUT THAT THE SAME VEHICLES THAT WERE BEING RECALLED BY FORD FOR A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WAS ALSO USED ON MY 1998, HOWEVER, HAD NOT BEEN RECALLED. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLES THAT ARE THE SAME YEAR AS MINE WERE CATCHING ON FIRE FOR NO APPARENT REASON WITHOUT WARNING. THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS, HOWEVER, NOT ON MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE. FORD SENT ME A FORM LETTER THAT WAS ADDRESSED TO MY HUSBAND WITH OUR ADDRESS, HOWEVER, THE LETTER STATES DEAR MS. X. (A TRUE INDICATION OF THEIR CONCERN FOR MY ISSUE) I AM ANGERED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY VEHICLES THAT HAVE BURST INTO FLAMES WITHOUT WARNING, BURNED DOWN CARS AND HOMES AND LIVES LOST AND FORD BELIEVES THEY HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY. COULD THEY HAVE NOT ISSUED A CONSUMER ALERT FOR ALL VEHICLES AND AT LEAST AFFORDED THE CONSUMER THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DECISION TO PAY $20 TO REPLACE THIS PART? I WILL BE PAYING TO HAVE A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION DONE TO PROVE TO FORD THAT THEY ARE IN FACT RESPONSIBLE AND WILL TAKE THIS AS FAR AS I HAVE TO. SOMEONE NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND DO SOMETHING TO INFORM THE PUBLIC OF THIS HAZARD AND POTENTIALLY SAVE SOMEONE'S LIFE. *NM

FORD EXPLORER 1998 DATE 8-3-06 I'VE HAD THIS CAR FOR THREE YEARS. I'VE NEVER HAD ANY MAJOR OR MINOR PROBLEMS. I HAVE REGULAR REQUIRED MAINTENANCE DONE (EXAMPLE) FLUID CHANGES AND BRAKES. EARLY FEBRUARY. I NOTICED AROUND NOVEMBER 2005, MY CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. I DIDN'T TAKE IT TO BE CHECKED; I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS A BIG ISSUE. I NOTICED WHEN STARTING MY CAR, THE BATTERY SOUNDED WEAK. I TOOK THE CAR TO NTB TO HAVE THE BATTERY CHECKED. THE BATTERY WAS BAD AND WAS REPLACED WITH THE EXIDE 72 MONTH BATTERY. I HAD NEVER THE BATTERY REPLACED. NTB INSTALLED THE NEW BATTERY ON FEBRUARY 5, 2006. I DRIVE THIS CAR TO AND FROM WORK REGULARLY, ABOUT 12 MILES. ON FEBRUARY 28, 2006, LEAVING WORK HEADING HOME, I STOPPED AT THE GROCERY STORE ABOUT 1 MILE FROM MY HOUSE. I LEFT THE STORE AND WENT HOME. AFTER TURNING THE ENGINE OFF APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES LATER STANDING ON MY PORCH, I NOTICED HEAVY WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER MY HOOD BEHIND THE BATTERY AREA. I RAN TO MY CAR AND OPEN THE DOOR AND RELEASED THE HOOD. WHEN I RAISED THE HOOD, I SAW THE HEAVY SMOKE COMING FROM WHAT APPEARED TO BE NEAR ARE IN FRONT OF THE WIRING IN FRONT OF THE MASTER CYLINDER. I RAN IN THE HOUSE TO CALL 911 AND GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. WHEN I WENT BACK TO THE CAR UNDER HOOD AREA WAS FULLY INVOLVED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. AFTER HEARING AND READING THE REPORTS ABOUT THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH, I REALLY THINK THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE. *JB

FORD EXPLORER 1998 DATE 8-3-06 I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR THREE YEARS. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY MAJOR OR MINOR PROBLEMS. I HAVE REGULAR REQUIRED MAINTENANCE DONE (EXAMPLE) FLUID CHANGES AND BRAKES. EARLY FEBRUARY. I NOTICED AROUND NOVEMBER 2005, MY CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. I DIDN'T TAKE IT TO BE CHECKED; I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS A BIG ISSUE. I NOTICED WHEN STARTING MY CAR, THE BATTERY SOUNDED WEAK. I TOOK THE CAR TO NTB TO HAVE THE BATTERY CHECKED. THE BATTERY WAS BAD AND WAS REPLACED WITH THE EXIDE 72 MONTH BATTERY. I HAD NEVER THE BATTERY REPLACED. NTB INSTALLED THE NEW BATTERY ON FEBRUARY 5, 2006. I DRIVE THIS CAR TO AND FROM WORK REGULARLY, ABOUT 12 MILES. ON FEBRUARY 28, 2006, LEAVING WORK HEADING HOME, I STOPPED AT THE GROCERY STORE ABOUT 1 MILE FROM MY HOUSE. I LEFT THE STORE AND WENT HOME. AFTER TURNING THE ENGINE OFF APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES LATER STANDING ON MY PORCH, I NOTICED HEAVY WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER MY HOOD BEHIND THE BATTERY AREA. I RAN TO MY CAR AND OPENED THE DOOR AND RELEASED THE HOOD. WHEN I RAISED THE HOOD, I SAW THE HEAVY SMOKE COMING FROM WHAT APPEARED TO BE NEAR THE WIRING IN FRONT OF THE MASTER CYLINDER. I RAN IN THE HOUSE TO CALL 911 AND GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. WHEN I WENT BACK TO THE CAR UNDER HOOD AREA WAS FULLY INVOLVED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. AFTER HEARING AND READING THE REPORTS ABOUT THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH, I REALLY THINK THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE. *JB

1998 FORD EXPLORER, 5.0, SN [XXX], SPEED CONTROL AFTER LEARNING ABOUT THE FIRES CAUSED BY THE SPEED CONTROL ON OTHER FORD VEHICLES I CHECK THE '98. VOLTAGE IS MEASURED AT THE SPEED CONTROL DISENGAGE SWITCH LOCATED ON MASTER CYLINDER. USING A VOLTAGE METER I MEASURED 12 VOLTS TO THIS SWITCH WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THE OFF POSITION WITH THE KEY REMOVED. THIS INDICATES THAT THE SWITCH IS HOT 100% OF THE TIME. I HAVE NOT HAD A FAILURE YET, BUT AM CONCERNED THAT THIS REPRESENTS A POSSIBLE FAILURE IN THE FUTURE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO URN UP. I HAVE NOTED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN 16 FAILURES AND FIRES ON 1998 FORD EXPLORERS DO TO THIS PROBLEM. *JB UPDATED 07/17/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

1. MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER XLT BURST INTO FLAMES WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING WHILE PARKED AT MY DAUGHTER'S HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT. 2. THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMED BY FLAMES AND IS A TOTAL LOSS. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT BROUGHT TWO UNITS TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. 3. AFTER FILING MY INSURANCE CLAIM, I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT THE FORD EXPLORER POSES A BIG FIRE RISK. 4. SPECIFICALLY, MY CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING 3 MONTHS AGO AND JUST AS BEEN DOCUMENTED BY THE NHTSA, THE DEFECTIVE CRUISE CONTROL CAUSED THE ELECTRICAL FIRE. 5. I THANK MY LUCKY STARS NOBODY WAS HURT....BUT IF MY EXPLORER HAD BEEN PARKED INSIDE MY APARTMENT BUILDING THIS INCIDENT WOULD HAVE BURNED DOWN MY BUILDING. PLS LET ME KNOW IF YOU REQUIRE ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION OR PHOTOS. *NM

THE WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED ON VEHICLE ON 09 AUG, 2003, NECESSITATING REMOVAL AND RE-INSTALLATION OF THE AIR INTAKE HOSE CONNECTED TO THE THROTTLE BODY. ON THE MORNING OF 09 FEB, 2006 THE ACCELERATOR WAS BRIEFLY DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR WHILE NAVIGATING IN FREEWAY TRAFFIC. THE ACCELERATOR REMAINED IN THIS POSITION AFTER HAVING REMOVED THE DRIVER'S FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR. FULL PRESSURE WAS BEING APPLIED TO THE BRAKES WITH NO APPARENT SLOWING OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STEERED TOWARDS AN OPEN CONSTRUCTION AREA ADJACENT TO THE FREEWAY, AND SHIFTED INTO 'PARK' WHILE STILL MOVING AT ABOUT 50 MPH. THE VEHICLE STOPPED SAFELY, AND WITHOUT COLLISION. THE VEHICLE REMAINED DRIVABLE AFTER THIS INCIDENT. UPON INVESTIGATION, IT APPEARS THAT THE BODY OF THE HOSE CLAMP THAT SECURES THE AIR INTAKE HOSE TO THE THROTTLE BODY WAS INTERFERING WITH THE THROTTLE MECHANISM SUCH THAT WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS FULLY DEPRESSED, A PLASTIC TAB ON THE THROTTLE MECHANISM WOULD RUB AGAINST THE BODY OF THE HOSE CLAMP WITH ENOUGH FORCE TO HOLD THE THROTTLE IN THE FULLY OPEN POSITION. AS PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED, THIS HOSE HAD BEEN REMOVED AND RE-INSTALLED, POSSIBLY CAUSING THE HOSE AND ATTACHED HOSE CLAMP TO BE ROTATED SEVERAL DEGREES FROM THEIR ORIGINAL (FACTORY) POSITION. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THERE ARE NO FEATURES ON THE HOSE OR THROTTLE BODY TO ENSURE PROPER ORIENTATION UPON RE-INSTALLATION. TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, THE AIR INTAKE HOSE WAS RE-POSITIONED , AND THE OFFENDING CORNER OF THE PLASTIC TAB ON THE THROTTLE LINKAGE WAS FILED OFF. (DIGITAL PHOTOS AND VIDEO OF THE FAILURE CONDITION ARE AVAILABLE)*JB

I HAVE A 1998 FORD EXPLORER THAT I HAVE BEEN GETTING A LOUD GRUNTING NOISE EVERYTIME I TURN LEFT. REPLACED RACK N PINION AND POWER STEERING PUMP, AND STILL NO CHANGE. NOISE IS STILL THERE. *NM

I PURCHASED MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED FROM MY MOTHER IN JANUARY OF 2006 WITH 68000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. IN FEBURARY I FIRST NOTICED VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO DEFROST THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND DEFOG THE VEHICLES WINDOWS. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS THE CLIMATE CONTROL WOULD SOMETIMES NOT BLOW WARM AIR. THIS WOULD ALSO RESULT IN A VERY COLD INTERIOR. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET I FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE 1996-1998 FORD EXPLORER AND A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE CLIMATE CONTROL'S AIR BLENDING DOOR BREAKING, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO REGULATE HEAT AND COLD. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED UNTIL I COULD DETERMINE IF THIS WAS IN FACT THE ISSUE I WAS HAVING. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO PARK THE VEHICLE UNTIL I WAS SURE I HAD NO NEED TO OPERATE THE CLIMATE CONTROL. I WAS INSTRUCTED HOW TO CHECK FOR A BROKEN BLEND DOOR AND INDEED FOUND MINE TO BE BROKEN. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER IN CARSON CITY NEVADA AND WAS TOLD THAT DESPITE THE FREQUENCY OF THIS PROBLEM IT WAS NOT A RECALL ISSUE AND WITHOUT A WARRANTY THE COST FOR REPAIR WAS $1100. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THE BROKEN PARTS WERE BEING REPLACED WITH PARTS CONSTRUCTED OF IMPROVED MATERIAL (NYLON) BECAUSE OF THEIR TENDENCY TO BREAK USING THE PREVIOUS MATERIAL (ABS PLASTIC). I FEEL FORD IS WELL AWARE OF THIS HAZARDOUS PROBLEM BUT BECAUSE OF THE COST, WON'T ISSUE A RECALL OR EVEN A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. INSTEAD THE LEAVE THE CONSUMER TO COUGH UP THE LABOR AND PARTS COST TO REPAIR SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF A REPUTABLE AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER. *JB

ON JANUARY 26TH, 2006 AT 3AM OUR 1998 FORD EXPLORER EXPLODED IN 33 DEGREE WEATHER AFTER SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR 15 HOURS. THE FIRE CAUSED MY VEHICLE, A 1994 BUICK CENTURY TO CATCH FIRE AS WELL. BOTH VEHICLES WERE TOTALED. THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR RULED THE FIRE AS AND "UNKNOWN CAUSE" AND RULED OUT ARSON OR FOUL PLAY. WE BELIEVE THIS SPONTANEOUS FIRE WAS CAUSED BY THE DEFECTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH ON THE FORD EXPLORER DUE TO THE QUICKNESS AND FIERCENESS OF THIS BLAZE. DUE TO QUICK THINKING WE SAVED AND PREVENTED THE FIRE FROM SPREADING TO OUR HOME. *NM

WE RETURNED HOME FROM A CONCERT AT APPROXIMATELY 11 PM ON JANUARY 21,2006. THIS WAS THE LAST TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN. ON S JANUARY 22 2006 AT APPROXIMATELY 8:30 AM WE WERE AWAKENED BY OUR FIRE DEPARTMENT CONCERNING 1998 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED WAS IN FLAMES. NO INVESTIGATION WAS DONE , BUT THEY SAID IT WAS AN APPARENT ELECTRICAL FIRE. EXPLODED FRONT TIRES, BUSTED WINDSHIELD ,HOOD AND GRILL DEMOLISHED, ENGINE COMPARTMENT DESTROYED, BOTH FRONT FENDERS BURNT , GAS AND BRAKE PEDALS MELTED, DASHBOARD DAMAGED IT IS BASICALLY A TOTAL LOSS. *AK

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER'S DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A DEALERSHIP TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK

AM/FM/CASSETTE CD RADIO DISPLAY NO LONGER WORKS. AT TIMES THE DISPLAY APPEARS BUT THEN GOES BLANK FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON. CURRENTLY THE DISPLAY HAS BEEN BLANK FOR MONTHS. *JB

1998 FORD EXPLORER CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *JB

MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER WAS PARKED IN OUR ATTACHED GARAGE. MY WIFE USED THE VEHICLE EARLIER IN THE DAY AND PARKED IT IN THE GARAGE AT ABOUT 2:30 PM. AT ABOUT 8:15 PM A SMOKE DETECTOR IN THE GARAGE ALERTED US THERE WAS SMOKE IN THE GARAGE. I OPENED THE DOOR BETWEEN THE LAUNDRY ROOM AND GARAGE TO SEE THE LEFT FRONT TIRE OF THE EXPLORER IN FLAMES. I IMMEDIATELY HAD MY WIFE CALL 911 AND I TRIED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A GARDEN HOSE. THIS DID NOT STOP THE FIRE. I THEN HAD TO REMOVE ANOTHER VEHICLE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. WE BOTH SAFELY ESCAPED THE FIRE. IN THE TIME BETWEEN THE CALL TO 911 AND WHEN THE CORPUS CHRISTI FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, TWO VEHICLES WERE DESTROYED, EXTENSIVE DAMAGE WAS CAUSED TO THE HOUSE AND MUCH PERSONAL PROPERTY WAS LOST. *JB

I AM THE PRIMARY DRIVER OF MY NIECE'S 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. ONE AFTERNOON I DROVE THE 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TO THE SUPERMARKET, AND PHARMACY. THE 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPORT WAS RUNNING FINE, ALL THE GAUGES WERE IN THE MIDDLE, NO SMOKE, NO SMELLS, NO PROBLEMS. . AFTER ARRIVING HOME I PARKED THE FORD 1998 EXPLORER SPORT IN MY DRIVEWAY, APPROXIMATELY 2 FEET FROM THE GARAGE DOOR, AND APPROXIMATELY 4 FEET FROM THE ENTRANCE TO MY HOUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, SHUT OFF AND SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY WITH NO PROBLEMS. DURING THE NEXT HOUR, I BEGIN TO HANG CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS ON MY FRONT DOOR, AND I WAS IN & OUT OF THE HOUSE. THE 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPORT WAS STILL FINE IN THE DRIVEWAY. APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR AFTER I FINISHED MY DECORATING, I BEGAN TO SMELL SOMETHING LIKE RUBBER BURNING. I CHECKED MY STOVE, AND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS, AND EVERYTHING APPEARED TO BE FINE. I FIGURE THE BURNING SMELL WAS COMING FROM MY NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE. THEY HAD WORKERS THERE DRILLING AND MAKING REPAIRS. SO I THEN CONTINUE TO DO MY CHORES. APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES LATER I WENT TO LOOK OUT MY FRONT DOOR, AND I SAW DARK SMOKE POURING OUT THE HOOD OF THE 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. I PANICKED, CLOSED THE DOOR, GRABBED THE PHONE, RAN OUT TO THE BACKYARD, AND CALL 911. I WAS TO AFRAID TO GO OUT THE FRONT DOOR, AND ALSO AFRAID TO STAY IN THE HOUSE, THINKING THE HOUSE AND GARAGE WOULD ALSO CATCH FIRE. THANK GOD, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED SWIFTLY, AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED TO THE VEHICLE ONLY, THE FIREMEN AT THE SCENE EXAMINE THE 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPORT, AND DETERMINED THE FIRE ORIGINATED UNDER THE HOOD, THE CAUSE APPEARED TO BE ELECTRICAL. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WAS PERMANENTLY STUCK CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT IT WAS AN INTERNAL PROBLEM THAT CAUSED THE DOOR TO STAY JAMMED. NO REPAIRS HAD BEEN MADE.

DOORS AND LOCKS ON MY 1998 FORD HAS BEEN OUT OF ORDER THEY WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO!! I SAW THAT IT HAD A RECALL IN 1999 I GUESS THE LAST OWNER DIDN'T GET IT FIXED IM SOMETIMES LOCKED OUT OF MY CAR 10-15 MIN AT A TIME!! I WAS WONDERING CAN YOU DO SOMETHING OR IS IT TOO LATE!! I REALLY NEED TO GET THIS TAKEN CARE OF BECAUSE WHEN I LEAVE WORK IT'S DARK!! *TR

DT: CONTACT STATED THAT RIGHT AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE HE HAD REPLACE THE BRAKES, TIRES, FUEL FILTER, THE FUEL INJECTION WAS CLEANED , THE ANTI LOCK SENSORS WHERE REPLACED, THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED . THE AIR BAGS ARE ALSO DEPLOYED. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT VIBRATES ON THE LEFT SIDE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC THEY PUT THE VEHICLE ON A RACK TRYING TO LINE THE VEHICLE. IT WOULD NOT LINE UP. THEY FOUND THAT THE BALL JOINTS BAD, ALSO THE MOTOR MOUNTS ARE BROKEN. THE MECHANIC TOLD HIM THAT THE FRAME IS BENT BEYOND REPAIR. *NM

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE KEY DID NOT UNLOCK THE DOORS. IT STILL WORKED ON THE IGNITION AND THE REAR DOOR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSIS. BUT ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP THE COMPUTER CHIP IN THE KEY FAILED. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THEY COULD MAKE A NEW KEY FOR THE DOORS, BUT IF IT WAS PUT IN THE IGNITION IT COULD DAMAGE THE IGNITION. *AK

1998 FORD EXPLORER, PLENUM DOOR FAILURE, RESULTING IN NO HEAT. CANNOT DEFROST WINDOWS CAUSING SAFETY HAZARD. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH, COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD EXPLORERS. SHOULD BE A FACTORY DEFECT. GARAGE WANTS $1000 TO FIX. *JB

FORD EXPLORER SPORT 2 DOOR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE. IT WAS NOT TURNED ON IT JUST CAUGHT FIRE ON IT'S OWN. *JB

DRIVER'S SIDE POWER DOOR LOCK DID NOT UNLOCK EITHER WITH THE KEY OR LOCK BUTTON. IT TOOK MANY ATTEMPTS TO GET THE DOOR UNLOCKED, LEAVING ME NO CHOICE BUT TO EXIT OUT OF THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. *AK

DT:1998 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN A WRECK THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, WHO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THERE WERE RECALLS 00M12 AND 01M01, BUT THE RECALLS EXPIRED, DEALERSHIP SAID THEY WERE NOT OFFICIAL RECALLS. FORD M SAID IT WAS THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET.*AK

TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM LOCKED IN COLD AC MODE. SYSTEM WILL ONLY BLOW COLD AIR DUE TO A BROKEN AIR BLEND DOOR. DRIVER CAN NOT DEFROST WINDSHIELD WITH COLD AIR CONDITIONED DEFROST. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR THE DRIVER. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED BECAUSE THE COST WILL BE $1200.*JB

I OWN A 1998 FORD EXPLORER XL 4 DOOR MODEL WITH 29744 ORIGINAL MILES ON IT. THE VEHICLE IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND HAS NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY KIND OF ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR 3 DIFFERENT SAFETY RECALLS, THROTTLE CABLE, HOOD LATCH AND DRIVERS SEAT IN THE EARLY PART OF MY OWNERSHIP. ON SEPTEMBER 21 2005 WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE HOME FROM WORK THE DRIVERS SEAT FELL BACKWARDS ABOUT 4-5 INCHES MAKING ME MOMENTARILY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND NEARLY CAUSED AND ACCIDENT. UPON INSPECTION OF THE SEAT WHEN I GOT HOME IT WAS APPARENT THAT THE SEAT FRAME JUST IN FRONT OF THE HINGE MECHANISM HAD BROKEN AND BENT UPWARD ALLOWING THE ENTIRE MECHANISM AND THE BACK OF THE SEAT TO MOVE REARWARD. THE VEHICLE IS NOW UNUSABLE DUE TO THIS EXTREME SAFETY DEFECT. ON SEPTEMBER 22 2005 THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTH BAY FORD AT 5100 W ROSECRANS AVE. HAWTHORNE CA. 90250 AND PRESENTED TO THE SERVICE ADVISER AARON ESTRADA AND ASKED IF THIS WAS A RESULT OF THE SAFETY RECALL OF THE DRIVERS SEAT. I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS WAS NOT PART OF THAT RECALL AND THAT FORD WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS POTENTIALLY DEADLY SEAT DEFECT AND OTHER THAN SELLING ME A NEW SEAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY WOULD DO. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SAFETY DEFECT THAT FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING. SOUTH BAY FORD SAID THEY WANTED A MINIMUM OF $87 TO EVEN INITIATE A REPAIR TICKET TO LOOK AT THE DEFECTIVE SEAT. I NOW OWN A FORD VEHICLE THAT LOOKS TO BE IN PERFECT CONDITION BUT IS IN FACT, THE VEHICLE CAN NOT BE DRIVEN OR SOLD. I COULD NEVER RECOMMEND THIS VEHICLE TO ANYONE IN GOOD CONSCIENCE KNOWING IT COULD KILL THEIR FAMILY!. *JB

DT: 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONSUMER PARKED CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY AND FIVE HOURS LATER THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE CAR EXPLODED, AND THAT WAS WHAT ALERTED THE CONSUMER TO THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNING LIGHTS ON BEFORE THE FIRE. THE CRUISE CONTROL STILL WORKED WHEN CONSUMER PARKED THE CAR. ALSO, THE BRAKES WORKED FINE WHEN SHE PARKED THE VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS ONLY USED FOR LOCAL ACTIVITIES. THE CAR WAS INSPECTED IN NOVEMBER 2004 AND NOTHING WAS FOUND TO BE WRONG . THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED , AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. IN ADDITION, A POLICE REPORT AN INSURANCE COMPANY REPORT WERE TAKEN. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE IT CAUGHT THE CONSUMER DAUGHTER'S HOUSE ON FIRE. THERE WAS AT LEAST 50% DAMAGE TO THE HOUSE. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO OTHER CARS THAT WERE PARKED CLOSE TO VEHICLE ON FIRE, AND DAMAGE TO OTHER PEOPLE'S PROPERTY. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD COSTUMER SERVICE, AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. SINCE THEN SHE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD'S LEGAL DEPARTMENT STATING THEY WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH HER. *AK

I HAVE A 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPORT 2 DOOR 4WD WITH A SINGLE REAR LEAF SPRING ON EACH SIDE THE TRUCK SITS ABOUT 1-2 INCHES LOWER ON THE LEFT SIDE AND THE SPRING ARE ALMOST COMPLETELY FLAT. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST I HAVE HEARD OF THIS I HAVE TALKED TO MANY PEOPLE WITH THE MODEL EXPLORER THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM IS THERE SOMETHING THAT THE FACTORY CAN DO TO FIX IT WITHOUT ME THE CONSUMER HAVING TO PUT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS INTO THIS VEHICLE. *JB

DT: THE CONTACT STATED ALL FOUR DOORS WERE SHUT AND WILL NOT OPEN. THE TWO FRONT DOORS WILL UNLOCK WITH THE KEY, BUT THEY COULD NOT BE PULLED OPEN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION, AND THE SERVICE REPAIRMAN DETERMINED THAT THE LINKAGES ON THE INSIDE OF THE DOORS WERE WORN OUT AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THEY OFFERED NO FREE REMEDY. NO REPAIR HAS BEEN MADE DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE COST.*AK

INTERMITTENT STALLING WHEN COMING TO A STOP. *NM

DT: THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK BY KEY, REMOTE OR THE INSIDE HANDLE. WHEN THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER, THEY TOLD HER THAT IT WAS NOT ON RECALL AND THAT SHE HAD TO TAKE CARE OF THE ISSUE HERSELF. THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IF THERE WAS AN EMERGENCY ONE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE QUICKLY. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOOR WHEN SHE LEFT FOR WORK ON 8-29-05. AS OF NOW THE PROBLEM IS STILL HAS NOT BEEN SOLVED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED SON-IN-LAW WAS ABLE TO FIX THE DOOR. UPDATE 4/25/07 *TR

DT: 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING THE GAS PEDAL FELL OFF INCLUDING THE MOUNTED METAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED TO SEE WHY THIS OCCURRED. THE CONSUMER'S FATHER FIXED THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN REPORTED TO FORD. THERE WERE NO PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE PEDAL. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 24, 2005. THIS PROBLEM DID NOT CAUSE A CRASH.*AK *MR

1998 FORD EXPLORER HAD BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO THE BRAKE FLUID EATING THROUGH THE METAL. *NJ WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED, THE CONSUMER HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE BRAKE LINE WAS MADE OF METAL AND HAD A HOLE IN IT. *JB

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I PURCHASED A USED 1998 FORD EXPLORER 13 MONTHS AGO. ON AUG 15,2005 I STARTED MY TRUCK UP AND I COULD NOT ROLL MY WINDOWS DOWN THEN I WENT ON TO TESTING THE WIND SHIELD WIPERS ( FRONT & BACK ) THEY DID NOT WORK (THIS IS A SAFETY HAZZARD ) I TRIED THE INTERIOR LIGHTS THEY DID NOT WORK AND AS WELL AS THE 4X4 SYSTEM. I HAD TO GET HOME SO WHEN AS I WAS DRIVING ( LUCKILY IT WAS NOT RAINING ) I RANDOMLY TESTED EVERYTHING AGAIN STILL NOTHING WORKED, SO I LEFT THE SWITCHES ON AND EVERY NOW AND THEN EVERYTHING WOULD COME ON FOR A SPLIT SECOND. WHEN I GOT HOME I WAS BAFFLED AND STARTED LOOKING THROUGH MY OWNERS MANUAL, NO INFO THAT COULD HELP ME FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE. SO I WENT ONLINE AND DID SOME RESEARCH ON FORD EXPLORERS AND ITS ELECTRONICS. MY SEARCH BROUGHT ME TO THE RECALL SIGHTS AND WHEN I LOOKED ON THAT SIGHT I NOTICED THAT I HAD FOUND THE SAME EXCACT PROBLEMS I AM HAVING AS THE 1999 & 2000 FORD EXPLORER RECALLS AS WELL AS 1999 & 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINERS WHICH IS BY THE FORD COMPANY. THEY ARE UNDER THE TITLE - COMPONENT: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUSES, AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS AND THE NHTSA RECALL # 00V072000 AND THE REMEDY FOR THIS PROBLEM IS THAT THE DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR IN THE GEM CIRCUIT. I CALLED FORD COMPANY AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE MY TRUCK IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST AND I FEEL THAT IT SHOULD BE AND THAT SOMEONE NEEDS TO UNDERSTAND THAT IF THIS PROBLEM IS HAPPENING TO THE 1999 & 2000' S THEN IT IS HAPPENING TO THE 1998 AS WELL, THEY ARE THE SAME TRUCK MADE WITH THE SAME MATERIALS AND ONLY UPDATED WITH MORE PHYSICAL FEATURES OR OMITTED OUT DATED PHYSICAL FEATURES. UNFORTUNATLY I CAN'T DRIVE MY TRUCK NOW UNLESS I KNOW THE WEATHER IS GOING TO BE CLEAR OF RAIN OR OTHER BAD WEATHER. I AM NOT ABLE TO GET IT FIXED BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD IT SO I AM STUCK AT THE MOMENT IF ANYONE CAN HELP OR ADVISE IT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED - THANK YOU DAVID STANSBURY

AT ABOUT 6:00 PM ON SATURDAY 13 AUG 2005 I WENT INTO MY GARAGE TO GET SOMETHING AND NOTICED IT WAS FULL OF SMOKE. I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN I RAISED THE HOOD, FLAMES ROLLED FROM BENEATH IT. I IMMEDIATELY EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND THEN DISCONNECTED THE NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL. MY WIFE HAD ALREADY CALLED 911 BY THIS TIME. THE FIRE FIGHTERS DETERMINED THE SOURCE OF THE ELECTRICAL FIRE TO BE A CONNECTOR ON THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. I WAS VERY LUCKY TO HAVE CAUGHT THE FIRE IN TIME. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHEN WE WERE SLEEPING WE MIGHT NOT BE ALIVE NOW. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A NOTICE OF RECALL FOR THIS. I AM SENDING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP ON MONDAY, IF THIS IS NOT A RECALL PART I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. I THINK THAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND PROBABLY NOT PARK THEIR FORD IN THE GARAGE. *JB

DT: THE CONSUMER STATES THAT 1998 FORD EXPLORER HAD A STEERING PROBLEM. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNING TO THE LEFT, SHE HEARD A CLUNG, AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNING, BUT SHE WAS NOT MOVING. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND WAS TOLD THAT A STEERING SHAFT BROKE. THE SHAFT WAS REPLACED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING FINE NOW. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY SAID THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY, AND THE CONSUMER WAS LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO PAY THE BILL. *AK