The contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on three different occasions, the vehicle shut off and the keys could not be removed from the ignition. Additionally, the vehicle suddenly rolled backwards. The dealer was notified of the roll backs. The contact places bricks behind two wheels to keep the vehicle secure. The engine size was unknown. The current mileage is 120,000 and failure mileage was 100,000.

- Cross Plains, TN, USA

Parked on a slight slope with the engine off, my 97 Ford Explorer rolled back 5 feet by itself, coming close with coming traffic!

- Harrodsburg, IN, USA

The overdrive light intermittently came on. Dealer said it could either be a loose connection or moisture in the system. After about five miles on the road, the transmission was slipping. Pulls in second gear. Transmission finally failed.

- Ironton, MO, USA

While shifting gears vehicle jerked and vibrated uncontrollably. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to a garage for inspection. Mechanic determined that transmission needed to be replaced, and replaced it. However, the problem recurred.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

While driving at any speed vehicle jerked and the overdrive light appeareed on the dashboard and remained on. Vehicle was taken to dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that transmission needed to be replaced.

- Peoria, IL, USA

In searching the internet, I've found there are many people who have suffered the same problems that I have had. I have a 1997 Ford Explorer eddie bauer edition. The climate control system failed in 1998 and I took it to les pinkam Lincoln Mercury in elizabethtown, ky for repair. Without even looking at it, the technician told me that the blend air door had broken and it would costs $800 to repair it. Thinking he was lying, I took it to bill collins Ford in louisville, ky. Again, the same results and repair estimate. Technicians at both places, told me it's a common problem. I eventually had les pinkam repair it. It seems that Ford would design a system that wouldn't require the complete removal of the dash to repair it, much continue with a design with so many problems. Years later and the problem has happened again. In addition I came across tsb article number 98-23-20 in my searches, but couldn't find the article at your web-site. I also have had the transmission rebuilt twice and finally replaced it with one from a salvage yard. I couldn't see repairing it a third time when a Ford technician and private yard couldn't fix it. Both times within 13 months after repair, the car would suddenly completely fail and tach out as if it were in neutral. I could get it to do it with a Ford technician and his code sensor plugged in. This has come close to having me get rear ended on the interstate 65, especially when its in cruise control. For no reason at all the transmission would completely disengage and the engine would almost completely tack out before I could hit the brake pedals to dis-engage. To make a long story short, I've spent almost $6000 in repairs since owning this vehicle. In addition, I've had it in for many recalls. All I've ever got out of Ford or the dealers is, sorry about your luck. Surely there is something your Agency can do about this. My transmission problems, were pretty scary.

- New Haven, KY, USA

Transmission out before I reached 87,000 miles. When my husband changed the transmission fluid, large chunks of metal came out. The problem occured when driving home from krogers and vehicle did not shift out of 2nd gear, rmps went up past 4000, then vehicle would loss power. Would take my foot off gas til rmps 0, then repeat this cycle for my 5 miles home. My husband towed vehicle to peffley Ford of dayton, Ohio on Dec 24, 2003. They said this is normal for that many miles, but according to my search, this is not. Ford transmissions have been problems for other buyers. Could have been fatal if I was on interstate. We are being charge $2100 for a new transmission, today is Jan 1, 2004 and I don't even have it back.

- Bc, OH, USA

The truck's overdrive light blinked and the engine lights came on. When this occurred the truck failed to go into overdrive and the # 3 cylinder misfired. The dealership indicated this could be caused by automatic transmission failure. Please provide any additional information.

- Columbus, GA, USA

Loss of reverse. Failure of bearing race above valve body caused fluid to be ported to both forward and reverse drive at same time. When reverse was selected, the vehicle would only travel in rearward direction two to three feet before binding and all motion ceased. Drive forward was not adversely effected before the repairs were completed. Ford Motor Company recommended the replacement of the transmission with a rebuilt unit at the cost of $2800. With only 61000 miles on the vehicle, I opted for a second opinion. A reliable transmission shop diagnosed the problem with the "exploder" transmission and completely rebuilt the unit for half the Ford replacement cost.

- Eupora, MS, USA

Transmission failure.

- Schaumburg, IL, USA

While on vacation from California going to Montana I was driving down a 7% grade with my family in the car, our transmission started to spin and we lost all foward/backward propulsion. Upon contacting the nearest Ford dealer, they stated the O-rings on our new transmission filter were broken. They stated they replaced them and charged us 200+ dollars (we have since found out that there are no O-rings on the transmission filter for this make and modle of vehicle) the problem reoccured while in the mountains. Ford then stated that we needed a new transmission, however, in the town we were in on vacation, they were unable to put one in. We then took the vehicle to the GMC dealer who put in the transmission according the instruciton and recommendation from Ford at a cost of $2700. The GMC dealer was having difficulty finding a suitable place to attach the overdrive wireing to the new transmission. Ford talked them through it and I and my two small children were on our way home (after flying my husband home who had to return to work). We were headed out of town and the transmission started to spin again. We were towed back to the GMC dealer who contacted the Ford techs. The Ford techs. Stated that the transmission harness that was originally put on our vehicle was not correct and that they have been having a lot of problems with them because they don't allow the vehicle to shift properly and eventually everything locks up. They stated that it should be recalled but hasn't yet. They sent the GMC dealer a new harness which still was not the right one. The GMC dealer then built a harness for my vehicle to get me home as I had been stranded in Montana for three weeks at this point living in motel rooms with my two small children. At this point Ford is taking no responsiblity for this problem. Now my vehicle is at the Ford service center in temecula ca and there cont. To be a problem with the transmission. Help please this is an extreme danger!!

- Murrieta, CA, USA

On slight inclines vehicle rolls either up or down hill. Dealer has been notified.

- Quinay, MA, USA

Engine has been sounding different since throttle recall oov422000 was done in December of 2001. While driving 75-80 mph there was a loud noise. Vehicle was taken to dealer who stated transmission needed to be replaced.

- Maumee, OH, USA

My vehicle developed a clunk in the rear end which I assumed was a problem with the rear differential. When I took it to my mechanic he found there was a problem in the transfer case. After repairing the transfer case he then found that the problem originated in the transmission and that it was a costly repair. I would not have thought much about this except for the fact that he had another Ford Explorer with the same problem in his shop at the same time. I contacted Ford Motor Company about this problem but they deny ever having this problem or having any dealerships reporting this type of defect.

- Chariton, IA, USA

At 45,000 miles transmission had to be replaced. At 70, 000 vehicle started to hesitate. Consumer took vehicle to dealer.

- Cromwell, IN, USA

There's a winding and grinding noise whenever traveling at high speeds. It is an intermittent problem with vehicle going into reverse without warning.

- Farmington Hills, MI, USA

Had started vehicle & shifted into reverse and transmission locked up. Reshifted back to driveand then into reverse again transmission locked up. When it happened a third time, transmission damaged left front tire. Vehicle now at dealership.

- Columbia, MO, USA

When trying to pass, or even when accelerating, the transmission will completely disengage! the problem is that you never know when it's going to happen. This has almost caused me to crash in two cases while passing another vehichle. When this occurs it's as if you intentionally put the transmission in neutral. There is no slippage, just complete disengagement. I have even had it completely shift into neutral while operating in cruise control on the interstate. Believe me it's really scary when your enginge completely tachs out at this speed. It's a wonder the engine didn't blow before I tapped the brake pedal. The transmission has been completely rebuilt twice and repaired once. Costs to me so far in repairing this transmission have been $3000 and counting for the last time. The repairs were made at a Ford dealer and an independent. Again, the transmission is doing the same thing after 13,000 miles. What's bad is that Ford technicians, nor their technical service department, can correct the problem. Their diagnostic equipment shows no problem. I have to take it on the road to show the mechanic how it's operating which takes a pretty good test drive. Again their only suggestion is another complete rebuild since they are clueless. Unfortunatley, this time, it is one thousnand miles over their warranty period. This is extremely dangerous in my opinion. If I'm haveing this trouble, then surely others are experiencing the same. Thanks for your time, and if you need further information please call or contact me. I have all my records.

- New Haven, KY, USA

This vehicle has a emmisions related torque converter problem which must be repaired by an authorized Ford dealer. It effects the the shifting of the transmission and the engaging of the torque converter. This problem was reported to the dealer on August 17, 1999 with 22,941 miles and again on February 2, 2000 with 32,304 miles. The dealer stated it was a normal characteristic and since no trouble lights come on that the Ford division would not be willing to do anything about the problem. This is Ford problem not mine I have been driving this vehicle under much stress daily and Ford needs to own up to the problem and make the repair at their cost not mine. Ford made the faulty vehicle and I should not be left with the expense of fixing their faulty equipment. Let me add torrington Ford will not be involved in this nor will they touch this vehicle. The Ford dealership will be of my choice and I want a loaner vehicle while the repair is being made. I don't care if they have to replace the transmission, torque converter, front driveshaft and the pinion seal. This vehicle is faulty and it will not be at my expense. Thank you, [xxx] parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Harwinton, CT, USA

Is this legal to sell a vehicle new or used with serious safety recalls, they have jeopordized my safety in this vehicle. Sudden engine acceleration and tachometer re-line at passing gear. Shifting into low gear prior to 1800rpms. Engine noise at start up. Overheating causing damage to the transmission, I.e. torque converter failure. Idles at 1200.rpms and fluctuates. What ethics do these dealer possess and do they not safety inspect them prior to sales, they let me drive off the lot. This vehicle is currently in service for the failed parts after purchasing it on novemeber 1,2000. I have Firestone at tires yet to be inspected.

- California, CA, USA