The driver's side door lock became stuck. This was not a gradual problem; one day it was working, the next day it was not. I could not open it with the remote lock control, the inner lock control or the key. I could not lift the lock knob on the door manually. The only way to open the door was to crawl in from the passenger side, reach over the console and pull on the door handle, which sometimes created a grating sound. Occasionally the remote lock control would work but very randomly. 99% of the time the lock would remain stuck. When it did work, I noticed it was only if I locked the door with the remote control. It never worked if I locked the door with the inner lock control on the door. The nearest Ford dealer is over one hundred miles away round trip, so I took the vehicle to a local mechanic who diagnosed the problem as a broken door handle. I paid $92.87 to replace the handle, but the problem persisted. The mechanic then told me he would have to order more parts, which I cannot afford. I have been living with this inconvenience for several months now and recently I began researching the problem on-line. It appears there have been many complaints over a period of several years. According to the data base, other people have reported lock failures on multiple doors of the same vehicle. The mechanical failure of these lock systems not only creates an inconvenience and negative economic impact on vehicle owners, it is a safety hazard. I am not aware of any recall notices for this problem and I am wondering why.

- Dillon, MT, USA

Front door locks on 2001 Explorer Sport Trac rendered malfunctioning by freezing conditions in Michigan. Driver's side can only be unlocked from the inside of vehicle. Passenger's side can be unlocked either electronicly or manually. However when ever the electronic locks are used, even when already unlocked and vehicle is in motion, the passenger's front door releses from the locking lug without touching the door opening handle. Ford has been contacted. The first time was during the speed control recall and the second time was June of 2011.

- Ionia, MI, USA

My 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac front seat broke, doesn't move forward, it makes a pop noise...my latches on my locks bed are broken; the locks fell out of the bed cover; the side latch fell off. I only have 29000 miles, and I am disappointed with the consistency of small problems that occur....I have had other vehicles, who had no problems until around 100,000 miles -- I have to sit on a pillow; can't store anything in the likeable bed -- so have no trunk -- not real happy for the money I spent.

- Wadsworth, OH, USA