Purchased this truck used in 2006, one year old with only 10,000 miles on it. For the most part has been a great vehicle. During the warranty the 4 wheel drive transfer case failed and had to be repaired. Covered under the warranty, otherwise would have cost $4500. Drove the truck for the next several years with no issues.

Now we hit 75,000; still pretty low miles for a truck. Started hearing a rattle in the engine near the passenger fire wall. Took it to two repair shops (one dealership). Both said the same thing. A timing chain problem; design flaw according to the private shop and the Ford Dealer confirmed this is a known problem. Dealership wanted $4500 to repair but really advised to trade it in or drive till the engine breaks. They said that could be tomorrow or a few years. Private shop wanted $1600 so I had them fix it. Glad I did. The tension arm for the rear timing chain had broke and was laying in the engine.

After this was done I had to go back a week later, a new rattle developed on one of the front new timing chains ( We had them all replaced while the engine was out of the vehicle) The oil pressure tension-er that came in the new kit was faulty. Had to be replaced. The real issue here that bugs me is that Ford knows about this problem and has not corrected the design so far in new models from what I have read or talked to Ford Dealership mechanics. They are still building the engine with this flaw.

I can't believe it!!!! CHRISTMAS OF ALL THINGS!!! Our 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has had all scheduled maintenance, all oil changes, everything. NOTHING WAS EVER WRONG WITH THIS TRUCK! Driving to my in-laws for our Christmas celebration left us stranded for 2 hours not knowing what exactly happened. We were in the drive thru at McDonalds because my four-year-old son was hungry. My husband is on the phone with his daughter. I hear a "pop" as he pulls out of the drive-thru lane to finish his conversation. The engine stops. No warning, gauges all normal, NOTHING. I get out and push the truck to a parking spot as we try to figure out what is wrong. The coolant was all gone, so my husband walks to Walmart to buy some. This scares us...if the coolant was completely empty then why didn't the gauges work? Why didn't it say it was overheating? (FOUND ON ROADSIDE DEAD) The engine will crank, but it will not turn over. We have to have a tow and have our 18 year old rescue me and her lil brother in her DODGE...smart move not to buy a FORD. What does the repair consist of A NEW ENGINE. IT SAYS THE "REAR" TIMING CHAIN IS OFF!!!....IT'S ENCASED IN THE BACK OF THE ENGINE AND WILL COST MORE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE ENGINE THAN TO FIX THE TIMING CHAIN!!!!!! I HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE!!!! Seems that FORD (FOUND ON ROADSIDE DEAD) needs to spend more money in their engineering of a vehicle than they do on their stupid commercials. I am ALL ABOUT BUYING AMERICAN MADE, BUT COME ON!!!!!! I WILL NEVER IN MY LIFE EVER EVEN GIVE FORD ANOTHER GLANCE!!!!!! Then I try to complain to Ford....funny, I can't get through to the phone number or else the want me to PAY for my ranting online....oh yes, I want you to tell me what is wrong when I already know!!!! Reading these blogs has made me realize that we are NOT the only ones this has happened to. What happened to being proud to be AMERICAN MADE? UGHHHHHH

Update from Dec 29, 2010: No question.....We have to pay for a NEW ENGINE AND HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT INSTALLED!!!! FORD, YOU SUCK. THANK YOU!!!!