Since the Explorer was 5 years old the driver side of the truck was starting to settle/ be lower than the passenger side. Until it was so bad the shop stated we needed to replace the rear springs, shocks and stabilizer and *** the rear was also lower than the front. So we had to replace the front shocks and several suspension parts to try to level the vehicle back to normal. Now with the engine blown the truck again was settling to the passenger side and toward the rear!!!!!

- Kenosha, WI, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20-30 mph, the vehicle would misfire and seem as if it would stall. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who informed the contact that she needed to replace the engine. The manufacturer was then contacted and advised her that her vehicle was included in any recalls. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

- Long Beach, WA, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. The contact was driving approximately between 35-40 mph when he smelled a burning odor. The vehicle was immediately taken to a local repair facility. While exiting the vehicle, the contact noticed flames erupting from under the hood. There was no prior warning. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was completely destroyed. The cause of failure had not been determined at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was 190,000.

- College Park, GA, USA

My 1997 Ford Explorer died while I was driving. I had the vehicle towed to a Ford dealership and was informed that the cam shaft chain was broken or let go. I was advised by Ford they knew about this problem, but didn't notify everyone who owned them because they didn't have enough parts to repair or replace and they only told the Ford dealerships about this problem and not the public. And they also purged all the "old records" as they call them and cannot tell if they notified the Ford dealership where I purchased my vehicle. I was told by hackettstown Ford when I purchased my vehicle that it was one of the sales managers wifes car and it is in mint condition and well maintained. When I found out about the problem with my vehicle., I was told by Ford that there are over 5 million Ford exploreres and Mercury SUV still on the road. There is no way a consumer can tell if this is going to happen youor vehicle just dies, and I cannot imagine how many people have been in accidents or even killed because of this problem or are still driving these vehicles and wont know until it happens. It cost me $14,999 when I purchased this vehicle and it cost me over $6,000. For a new engine. Who is watching out for us? if I was told to have my vehicle checked I would have it only cost about $100 to pull they engine down to the cam shaft chain and check for the problem. I had my vehicle looked at by four mechanics who knew right away what the problem was. Please help me and the public with this problem, I am disabled and had to borrow the money for the engine and will have to pay the money back for the next 4 years. I couldn't buy a new vehicle because my vehicle fits me perifect because of having 35 surgeries from a auto accident in 1974.if I see another Explorer I stay far away from it.. the funny thing is when you call Ford in detroit they ask you how many Ford you have purchased in your lifetime and would you ever buy another one.

- Hackettstown, NJ, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. While driving 5 mph, the vehicle began to shake. The contact placed the vehicle in park and shut off the engine. He exited the vehicle, raised the hood, and noticed that the engine was on fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed to his residence and has not been to a mechanic. The cause of the fire and the dealer information were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 15,200.

- Albaqerque, NM, USA

On a 1997 Ford Explorer had problems with transfer case. First noticed when driving on interstate with cruise control on vehicle made grinding noise and would not decelerate had to put into neutral to stop. When decelerating while driving vehicle it would also make grinding noise almost sounding like it was not down shifting. Few weeks later when vehicle was put into reverse it would make a grinding noise and would not go into gear. Did not feel safe to drive. Ending up having to have a mechanic rebuild transfer case, cost almost $1000. Now five months later having problems with check engine light continuously coming on. Replaced sensors and spark plug on #4 cylinder twice. This will be replacement number 3 for spark plug in four month period. Mechanics cannot seem to figure out why.

- Grand Island, NE, USA

- the contact stated that he had not been able to start up the 1997 Ford Explorer since 02/09/07. The contact had replaced the starter, the spark plugs, and continues to experience the same failure. They pulled the front end of the motor and noticed something snapped and was sitting in the pan. The contact had been on the internet and had noticed that other Explorer were having the same problem. The current and failure mileage were both 98000 miles.

- Terre Haute, IN, USA

When I stopped using my ac and turned on the heat in my 97 Ford Explorer all I get is cold air. This happens at all heat settings including defrost. I talked to a Ford dealership and the service man there said it is probably the blend door and that it would cost $800-1000 to repair. Nothing has been done yet as I don't have that much spare cash for this repair. The vehicle does have 116,000 miles on it but I have been checking this out on the internet and it seems to be a major safety issue with 95-99 Explorer. Is there any recourse from Ford on this?

- Stuarts Draft, VA, USA

The vehicle in question is a 1997 Ford Explorer with 38643km. The A/C heater unit was blowing out only cool air. Does not help when you get -30C weather and you try to defrost your windshield with cold air. Yes it is out of the 3 year warranty period but certainly not the 60000km. I do not understand how a vehicle with less than 40000km can have such a problem ? Ford's answer is as follows: Cause: Diagnosed-temp blend door is broke. Correction: Replaced interior heater case. Ford refuses to pay any portion because it is out of warranty. Other websites with same problem listed: www.mightyautoparts.com/data/otl1200.pdf www.carsurvey.org/viewcomments_review_16717.html www.epinions.com/content_66590314116

- Winnipeg, UN, USA

While driving at 35 mph consumer heard a noise, then vehicle stalled. The spark plugs blew out. An independent technician indicated that engine cylinder need to be replaced.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Ford is aware of a recurring problem, the particular problem being a worn or broken cam chain guide which creates a noisy symptom which my vehicle has, then Ford should be willing, if not liable, to fix it.

- San Antonia, TX, USA

While driving engine will overheat without a prior warning. Had been taken to dealer, but no repair had been made.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

Vehicle experienced several engine problems, consumer stated that the engine sounded like no oil was in it when started, dealer has replaced gaskets, upper intake cam tensioner three times, and there was a coolant leak. Left front door hinge replaced, it was making noise. Power steering pump was replaced, it was noisy when turning the wheel. Vanity mirror on driver's side would not close all the way and popped when opened, dealer replaced it. The right front of the vehicle was lower than the left front. Brakes were squeaky, dealer replaced front brake pads and turned rotors. A tap noise was heard while playing cd's. vehicle experienced several transmission problems, while going over bumps and railroad tracks, transmission jumped out of gear, dealer intalled overhaul kit because the clutch had burned. 4 wheel drive was inoperable and made a rubbing/groan noise, when reversing and putting intor drive, consumer heard popping noise, dealer replaced rear transfer case flange and removed driveshaft. Vehicle would not start, it would turn over, dealer found the PCM was not wiring, dealer replaced PCM.

- Steilacoom, WA, USA

Temperature gauge failed.

- Litchfield, MI, USA