1997 Explorer 4.0 SOHC purchased in 1999.made knocking noise went to dealership several times under warranty and was told my motor was pulled and tensioner (pulley, cam tensioner) was replaced.after recieving notification from Ford of "in warranty" service bulletin, different dealer said it hadnt been replace or documented by previous service.so, it was supposedley replaced again (2 time).still making the noise after so long, and told several times "we cant find anything wrong" kept driving.now, I am in dealership for about 10th time and my tesnioners, possibly my timing chain, and possible other components (hopefully not motor)need to be replaced again(3time, more damage)??!!this time theres no warranty or reason why I shouldent "have to pay" so it is costing me $1600 so far...possibly more if there was more damage.this must be documented because I have tried in good faith and numerous, tiring efforts to repair this from day one!do not want to have to replace motor in near future like others.

- Troy, MI, USA

Without any warning, lost all power, engine totally shut off at 45 mph. Had towed and was told crankshaft broke. Ford knows of problems with the crankshaft and has actually replaced some but as more are breaking, refuses to deal with the problem. Had this happened the previous weekend while traveling rt. 95 this could have had serious consequences. Please look into the numerous complaints about the 1997/1998 Ford Explorer crankshaft problems.

- Frederick, MD, USA

While driving serpentine belt came off, and driver lost control of the vehicle. Also, when braking there was a grinding noise.

- Middletown, PA, USA

Consumer took vehicle into inspection station and didn't pass inspection because of the timing belt was making noise. Dealer stated it would cost about $1500.

- Darlington, PA, USA

I have experienced loss of power in the engine in my 1997, Ford\Explorer(purchased used, in June of 1999) causing me to lose my brakes while driving, I have taken this vehicle to several mechanics (for diagnosis) and have been told that this is a recurring problem, that Ford knows about, and that there is something defective in the timing system, and I should take it to the dealer, for further diagnostics, after taking it to the dealer I was told, that the timing chain and timing casette had went and that there had been a service bulletin out pertaining to this problem and that owners had been notified, however I was never notified that there were problems with the engine in this vehicle, the dealer also told me that it would cost me $4500 for a remanufactured engine-replacement because the car was beyond the milage of the service bulleten. After paying $28,000 for a vehicle, as a consumer I would not expect to be subject to repetitive safety concerns for self, family and the public at large, especially when the manufacturer knows of the defective product (1997 Explorer), and then told that I must pay the amount it would cost fora down payment ($4500) on a new vehicle, just to keep my investment safely on the road. Everytime I have taken this vehicle to the dealer I have been robbed of my finances and dignity. I should not have to keep paying for repairs of this car, when Ford knows they have manufactured a defective product. This is not the first time I have had to take this vehicle to the dealer for expensive repairs for defects that Ford knows about and refuses to take responsibility for.merican auto manufacturers want to know why the american citizen has stopped buying american cars? well the answer is simple. We want to get what we are paying for ($28,000 worth)!! and Ford auto manufacturer, is not giving us what we are paying for... instead they are taking us to the cleaners financially..

- Claymont, DE, USA

The vehicle was serviced on 4/1/03 for the check engine light. On 4/14/03 consumer entered a parking lot and turned off vehicle ignition. Consumer restarted the vehicle, heard a thump, and noticed the battery indicator light was illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the serpentine belt popped.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

New engine needed. I have had Ford replace the cam tensioners, only to have had it fail now for the 3rd time in 8 mos. I am going to request the engine be replaced at dealer cost, as it was a recalled part. The warranty was extended to 72K miles back in Jan 0F '01. I now have 90K and the problem has reocurred. The problem was never really corrected, so its my opinion that Ford is obligated to correct this. Was told engine needs replacement. Have had a constant 'ticking' since purchased. Now very loud clattering and 'rapping' noises in timing chain area. I was told there are 6 chains on this engine and they only replaced the front, saying if the back ones are bad, the engine needs to be replaced...and that that is the problem since the first 2 replacements have gone bad again.

- Lewisville, TX, USA

Consumer was starting vehicle in the morning and there was a loud boom with a toxic smell. There were no flames. Started it again, and it didn't do anything. There was a small MINIexplosion underneath hood. Dealer stated that uper intake had blown to pieces. Undetermined of the cause, but assuming a missed fire. Right rear gasket intake manifold failed and was replaced. Spark plugs were replaced. The fan belt were replaced.

- Ramsey, NJ, USA

Faulty serpentine belt causes squealing noise at times, there is also an oil leak from the vehicle. Nlm

- La Grange, KY, USA

Tensioner failed.

- Harbor Cit, CA, USA