10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 2 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 9,944 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
Engine check light came on. Consumer took vehicle to a mechanic who told her that a hole was produced in the intake manifold.
- Detuniak, FL, USA
Maufactures should alert customers that using a fuel not recommended for California emission could result in damage to vehicle.yh
- Long Beach, CA, USA
No summary listed for above vehicle.
- Geneva, FL, USA
The very first time I went to use the spare tire on this 97 Explorer the winch failed and had to be replaced.( dot number: Tire size: P235/75R15 )
- Olmsted Falls, OH, USA
Ford powertrain system disengaged while driving down a highway with a steep grade. Auto engine braking control was lost with loud gear tearing sounds. Vehicle speed immediately encreased to a dangerous level during curved down-hill setion of the road. Heavy application of brakes kept us from sliding off the highway and down the mountain side. There was no warning that the Ford GEM control module was failing and subsequently instructing the transmission "transfer" case to release/engage in such a manner as to destroy the powertrain and disconnect the vehicle from the powertrain.
- Grants Pass, OR, USA
Check engine light came on while dirving 25-35 mph. Vehicle had no power/ brakes. Vehicle coasted to a parking lot to avoid an accident. Was not able to steer car.
- Blackwood, NJ, USA
When consumer was trying to turn off the engine the vehicle suddenly accelerated. Driver couldn't stop vehicle by applying brakes, and he had to move the pawl to neutral and turn switch off. Cruise control failed. The entire keyless entry electronic system failure caused the starter kept turning over and over, but the engine did not start.
- Memphis, TN, USA
No summary
- Indianapolis, IN, USA
Rear door locks won't unlock unless you use unlock button on front door first. Child safety door lock won't disengage on left rear door, someone has to open left rear door from the outside. Keyless control will not unlock either if right rear door lock gets hung up. I have tried several times to get repaired, but have no documentation except once in 1997. I seldom have passengers in the back, but if there was an accident anyone in the rear could not get out. I just want the door locks fixed. There are some similiar complaints with the NHTSA, idi id 702648, 827786, 829733, 537402, 538918, and 530692. Any help will be appreciated.
- Meridian, MS, USA
In early March of 1997 the Ford assembly plant in louisville, ky flooded. This plant produces Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, and Ford Ranger pickup trucks. Ford estimated that "approximately 2000 vehicles were affected." Ford also stated that "none of the damaged vehicles will be shipped to dealerships." Not true. I bought one of the damaged vehicles at don reid Ford in maitland, Florida. Don reid Ford failed to disclose the material fact that my truck had been flooded and cleaned as a result of the flood. My guess is that Ford sold all or most of the 2000 damaged vehicles. My truck is rusting, on the bumper and the underside of the car. I also have an electrical problem: My windshield wipers come on of their own volition. I assume that the other owners of these damaged vehicles might be having electrical problems, or other unexplained problems related to the flood, which could pose safety problems. The problem is that these owners don't know that their vehicles had been sitting in the floodwaters of Kentucky. My guess is that Ford has secret warranties for these cars.
- Shaker Heights, OH, USA
Anecdotal description emailed to NHTSA webmaster 5 minutes ago
- San Antonio, TX, USA
Check engine light continually lighting for no apparent reasons.
- Haddonfiel, NJ, USA
While driving about 15 mph the Explorer began to travel at a speed of 80 mph because the floor mat got stuck under the pedal. Driver shifted the transmission into neutral to stop the SUV while using the brakes. Problem has not been reported to dealership.
- La Place, LA, USA
Check engine light comes on frequently.
- Long Beach, CA, USA
Check engine light comes on.
- Burbank, CA, USA
- San Bernardino, CA, USA