The contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 70 mph, the contact noticed that the defroster was not functioning and the windshield would not clear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technician advised that the dashboard would have to be removed and the blending chamber would have to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000. Updated 07/10/13 updated 07/12/13

- Holland, MI, USA

Waiting at a traffic light the sunroof shattered nothing but rain had fallen on the vehicle.

- Palm Springs, CA, USA

Have experienced periods when the windshield wipers do not operate when the control is on. Has occurred when first turning on the control as well as when changing from a different speed setting on the control. No regularity in the occurrence, seems to be random. This has occurred many times during my ownership since 2000. I was checking the database and found an entry on this problem under "defect investigations" so I am adding my experience to your records.

- Martinez, CA, 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 heater blend door failed on my 1997 Ford Explorer while driving it in snowy conditions. I only had cold air blowing on my windows. After reviewing web sites, I have found that the top piece of my heaters hot and cold blend door is broken. The cost of replacing this one piece of plastic is around $1000. Ford has a replacement part that is now stronger, but fails to realize the defect in the older doors.

- Highlands Ranch, CO, 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

My heater temperature control became inoperative. The blend door inside the plenum chamber is broken and no longer moves (on full heat). The new plenum chamber now contains a nylon door in stead of plastic. This looks like Ford knows there is a problem with the old style doors but will not give any assistance on repairs. The cost of repair is steep! I was quoted $108 for the plenum chamber and $598 to install it. From what I have learned the problem is not isolated to me, in fact the dealer I phoned had just sold a replacement plenum the previous day and was waiting for one to arrive to fill there stock. When a dealer stocks a part there usually is a large demand for it!

- Temple, PA, USA