1997 Ford Explorer faulty timing chain tensioner started making a noise. Consumer believes Ford should fix the problem at no cost.

- Richland, MO, USA

1997 Ford Explorer 4.0 SOHC, my engine is making a terrible rattle sound while running, I have been told by many that its the timing chain tensioners, and that Ford knows about the problem but is not doing anything to help owners to get this repaired.

- Milaca, MN, USA

Ford 4.0L SOHC timing chain issue. Currently my timing chains are still in one piece. The plastic tensioners break, leading to chain slack, and eventually, breakage. There has been nothing done to correct it as of yet, the only way to repair them is to buy $500-$600 worth of parts and tools, remove the engine from the car and repair and replace the timing chains and guides.

- Richmond, VA, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. While driving 30 mph, the contact smelled smoke and then noticed smoke rising from the engine compartment. He pulled over approximately two minutes later and discovered flames coming from the engine compartment. There was a small explosion on the driver side of the vehicle. The vehicle was destroyed and a police report was filed. As of November 1, 2007, the dealer and manufacturer had not inspected the vehicle. His VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 07V336000 (vehicle speed control). The contact felt that a leak in the engine compartment caused the fire. The current and failure mileages were 130,000.

- Bridgewater, NJ, USA

: the contact stated the engine idled roughly. While sitting at a stop sign the vehicle idled erratically. While traveling around curves or down hills, at any speed, the engine felt as if it was going to stall. However, the engine has never completely stalled. The vehicle has been seen by the service dealer several times, but the problem could never be duplicated. Updated 06/07/2006.

- Arlington, VA, USA

Engine crank broke off at pulley. No previous warning, it happened while driving at low speeds. 110 miles on engine at time of catastrophic failure. Dealership laughed at request for repairs, "warranty expired". I paid for new "rebuilt engine" cost= $3000.

- Newport News, VA, USA

1997 Ford Explorer, 5.0 L engine, automatic transmission. The car's engine unexpectedly races to the point that its brakes will not hold it back. This sometimes happens when backing from a cold start and sometimes when braking for a stop at an intersection. The only way to stop the vehicle is to shift into park and turn off the engine. The effect is like being slammed into by a large vehicle. It almost killed my pregnant daughter and me earlier this month when it happened as I was braking for a traffic light. It felt like we had been hit from the rear, but it was the engine pulling its old trick again. The local Ford dealer has been unable to diagnose and repair the problem. One year ago he said that it was the PCV valve and he replaced the valve. The car then behaved for about one year. Then, without warning, with my wife at the wheel, the car, in reverse, raced out of our garage into the street. It was unstopable. Later it did the same thing, while in drive, at intersections. I returned it to the dealer who could find nothing wrong. It then happened to me and my daughter and I returned it to the dealer who tested it for a week without results.

- Fairfax, VA, USA

Ford Explorer 1997, consumer paid for replacement of engine prior to Ford recall. The consumer was denied reimbursement under the recall because the replacement engine was not purchased from Ford.

- Dubuque, IA, USA

Replacement of engine due to defective parts; throttle body plate and cam chain guide on motors. The engine throttle plate stuck while the consumer was warming the vehicle on a cold day. Recall #00V422000. The consumer requested reimbursement for the defective engine. The starter did not kick in per invoice.

- Dubuque, IA, USA

First evidence of noise reported to dealer on 7/22/98. They said there was no problem. Noise became unbearable and engine began lossing power. Took it to dealer ON1/2/01 and found out the front cam tensioner disintegrated causing severe metalic noises from the engine compartment. Bankston Ford supposidly did the well known recall. My paperwork shows they replaced the tensioner cassette and changed the oil. I obtained their own proceedures for this issue because many engines have had to be replace due to the pieces of the broken tensioner clogging oil passages and destroying the engines. The instructions they should have followed included inspecting the heads for clogged passages and other things. I believe they should have replaced the engine then, but they made me take it. As soon as I left dealer, the noise was back. Called them and they said to give it a week and see if it goes away. It got worse and I brought it back in to the dealer. This time they said it was the rear tensioner (the one not coverered by their recall since it requires removing the engine. Same part- same defect, but not covered due to cost). Since Ford was losing too much money on their defect replacing engines, they stopped helping their customers. The dealer offered a $500 and 75,000 mile warrantee dealer concession, but I expected it to be taken care of like everyone else. The defective part ruined the engine and it should be replaced, or at least repaired properly. Have been at a stand-still for almost 2 years now with a non-funcioning vehicle. Ford customer service will not do anything and the dealer now wants $5000 for a new engine.

- Plano, TX, USA

I have had MY1997 Ford Explorer for two years, the same problem keeps recurring. It becomes suligish on the on set, than the check engine light comes on. 12 times now I have had to replace the spark plugs, 3 times I have done fuel enjection cleans, 2 times I have changed the O2 sensor. I have talked to other owners that speak of the same problems.

- Charleston, SC, USA

Type "E" motor failure at only 90,000 miles resulting in replacement motor.

- Grove City, OH, USA

While driving at 65 mph vehicle suddenly started to decrease in speed without warning. Engine had blown.

- Midway, GA, 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

Idle not returning after cruise control was disengaged and brakes would not work. Cruise control kept accelerating. My three children were in the car, was able to stop the car by putting it in neutral, at that point the brakes worked. Pulled to the side of the interstate and shut the car off. When trying to start car again, engine revved to the point where it sounded like it was going to blow up.

- Springfield, IL, USA

Head gasket - leaking anti freeze

- Bordentown , NJ, USA

Backed out of driveway and proceeded down street at about 10 mph. Engine made a "thunk" noise and went into a "no start" condition. My '97 Explorer was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the problem as a snapped crankshaft. At 103K miles the dealer did not acknowledge that this was any sort of manufacturing defect and emphatically stated that they'd never heard of this problem. They refused customer request that they review NHTSA webiste for history of prior reports. The dealer stated that the engine was only designed to last 100K miles but that might be extended with regular oil changes. This customer asked if engine replacement at 100K miles was an expected event and the dealer repeated that it could be. Ford's national customer service was no help. The zone manager would not meet to discuss the problem. Customer paid $4,800 to replace the engine. Customer kept the broken shaft which shows multiple internal surface textures. To date there have been other complaints about this same problem without a response on this safety and manufacturing issue from Ford. Other websites report Ford employees aware of this problem, loosely referred to as a "stacking of tolerences" whereby the tolerences exert pressure on the crankshaft just behind the key where it attaches to the dampner. This is reportedly not a condition that the owner can prevent, diagnose or otherwise be aware of until the crankshaft breaks. Ford reportedly cannot make a prior determination either, seemingly leaving it to chance whether a vehicle will have problems. Certain engine compnents are expected to fail during engine life such as water pumps, alternators and so forth but major components should not. Ford should address this issue by revealing the design life of the crankshaft. J.D. powers relayed to this customer that crankshafts are routinely designed to last 200 - 250K miles, contrary to dealer assertations. The NHTSA needs to investigate this issue and take appropriate action.

- Orange, CA, USA

Broken crankshaft on a 97 Ford Explorer.crank broke while driving on the interstate at 55 mph. All dash lights came on and engine quit.Ford dealer confirmed crank was broken and new engine was needed at a cost of $4400.

- Culloden, GA, USA

The consumer stated, while driving, the crankshaft sheared off. The consumer contacted the dealer and was told that there was nothing they can do.

- Miami, FL, USA

When starting up the car, a loud noise came from engine. My personal mechanic advised it was a timing chain. Ford towed it to the dealership and I found out that there was additional warranty coverage for this part. It was a failed timing chain guide. They are now in the process of reviewing it for Ford to pay for repairs. Entire engine may need replaced.

- Westlake, OH, USA