3.5

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
36,947 miles

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problem #4

Jan 162007

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 147,789 miles
Front windshield wipers fail to operate during wet/raining weather. The condition is intermittent, ie most wet conditions cause this 'lock-up' condition. Turning ignition off-and-on again in attempt to reset function does not work. In addition the interior lights, rear wiper, all power windows, and 4-wheel drive functions fail. The dealership ended up replacing the, you guessed it, GEM module - the same one cited in the recall for other year vehicles. There is a recall (number 00V072000) for a similar problem on the same vehicle make and model but for years 1999 and 2000. This is a 1996 Ford Explorer 4X4 and has exhibited this problem for several years now, only recently was the dealership able to determine that the GEM module was the apparent culprit.

- Baker, FL, USA

problem #3

Sep 152003

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Wipers fail regularly. 5/01 motor replaced. 10/02 stem replaced. 1/03 relay replaced. 9/03 motor replaced again.

- Mt Holly, NJ, USA

problem #2

Feb 022000

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
I was driving along and heard a big thump, like someone threw something and hit the side of the truck. I took it into Ford and they couldn't find anything wrong. In the meantime my engine check light came on (second time within 16000 miles) and my window washer was broke so they had to order the part. I went in a week later and they put it up on the rack and that's when the bolt fell out holding my front end together. I was told I was lucky to be there for them to fix it. If it went out on me when I was driving I would have be killed. I was also told that seeing how they couldn't find the problem the first time I would have to wait until it did it constantly. If I would have waited, I wouldn' T have been around for them to find the problem. No one could explain to me why this happened. I was told by Ford Motor Company that this isn't a recall item. $500 plus later I was also told that they couldn't pay for it because it was out of warranty. How would they like my family owning Ford Motor Company for their shoddy workmanship"?" that could have been a nice law suit. I have owned this vehicle for 2 years and I'm constantly putting money into it (besides my monthly car payments) to keep it on the road. I am very dissatisfied with this vehicle and will never buy a Ford product again. I just want the buyers to beware!!!

- Signal Mountain, TN, USA

problem #1

Mar 021999

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
The design of the wipers allows ice to build up on wipers and windshield resulting in poor visibility.

- Middletown, NY, USA