On starting the engine on my Ford Explorer, an alarm sounded and stated a light malfunction. I checked all the lights and they were ok. Later, I was stopped at an intersection with my left turn signal on and the brakes applied. I then noticed a puff of smoke rise from around the emergency light switch from the steering column. I then noted that the turn signal was not working. The smoke stopped when I turned off the turn signal but when I turned it back on, there was another puff of smoke from the top of the steering columb.

- Cape Elizabweth, ME, USA

Headlight switch and wiring harness burnt. Car was parked, not running or lights on. Car filled full of smoke. Was lucky it did not set the car on fire.

- St. Charles, MO, USA

I have the same switch for cruise control operation on my 1999 Ford Explorer and am afraid that one day I will have a fire caused by its failure. This failure was reported on cnn on June 16, 2005. Will there be a recall?

- Nepean, 00, USA

While driving down rt.10 in whippany, NJ my '99 Ford Explorer caught on fire. Elieve it was an electrical fire - fire was behind the dash board. I saw flames coming from the passenger side on the floor and the car quickly filled up with smoke. I pulled off the road - called 911 - police and fire truck assisted me.

- Mine Hill, NJ, USA

Consumer stated while traveling dash indicator panel air bag indicator would flash throughout travel. Dealer had been contacted.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Claremont, NH, USA

Instruments panel lights keep going out intermittently. Vehicle been in dealer shop on four occasions, and still unable to locate problem. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.

- Millbury, MA, USA

When I entered my truck I smell a sulfur burning smell, when I started the truck I noticed the interior dome light lit and smoke pouring out of the socket assembly.

- Bristol, RI, USA

I was traveling at 3:00am on a freeway I was traveling about 70mph when the rear right tire began to shake I pulled to the right because my car began to lose control. I looked at the tire it was shredded. The tire was barely attached to the rim. This was a brand new car I knew something was wrong I called the dealer he said to contact Firestone I took the tire in for inspection he could not find any reason for the rupture so I had to purchase a new tire. On 7/22/00 I had another tire go flat same area of the car the tire had a puncture in it I replaced it again.( dot number: Tire size: P235/75R15 )

- San Bernardino, CA, USA

All problems are electrical:wipers/washer failed-transmission shifted erratically-4WD failed to engage. After connector repairs, replacing 3 wire harnesses and PCM, problem has apparently been fixed--for now. Wiper/4WD problems appear related to GEM (general electronics module) and wiring harnesses. Transmission shifting problems associated with PCM (powertrain control module). This problem occurred at 1150 and 2500 miles including 3 different visits to service dept. Vehicle out of service nearly 3 weeks in 2 1/2 months of ownership.

- Sandy, UT, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Buford, GA, USA

I purchased this 99 Explorer in February and already it has been in the shop several times for different defects including on the first day I bought the truck and took in home with 6 miles on it the transmission began slipping and eventually went out on the truck. Since it was a Saturday that this happened the truck sat till Monday when the dealer had it towed back (I did notice transmission fluid on the ground).the dealer said this problem was due to a connector on the transmission fluid line not being sealed or tightened. I asked if there was damage to the transmission which they said it wouldn't be but this leads me to my next problem. The truck does not accelerate through the gears properly but Ford says there is nothing wrong with after looking at it again. Next it was in for the speed control cable which they sent a letter to me for but did not have the cable in stock and were suppose to disable the speed control until one came in. They did not disable it which was very hazardous safety wise. Next the truck has been in because one of the speakers was blown and in fact after getting that one replaced the others sound just as bad as the blown one and the radio has never been turned past halfway. My latest problem is that my windshield wipers will come on sporactically at any time and stay on for about 30 seconds and I cannot turn them off seeing as I didn't turn them on. This happens about every 45 minutes to an hour. I have not been to the dealer about this because one I am very unhappy about the vehicle and am tired of finding another means for transportation while they fix my truck. I even asked for another truck but was told that there shouldn't be moe problems with the truck, this was after the transmission went on the first day I bought it.

- Mt. Prospect, IL, USA

The windsheild wipers begin running without the controls being activated. This will happen 2-3 times in a 30 minute driving period and can be associated with using the left turn signal, but also occuring at random intervals. It has been two weeks since I attempted to have it repaired and it is waiting for parts. This causes quite a distraction.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA