1994 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

PE00 020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 65MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE. TREAD SEPARATED SIX FEET OFF, AND TREAD WAS HANGING OFF THE BACK OF TIRE. LEFT REAR TIRE ON THE FIRST INCIDENT. RIGHT FRONT TIRE TREAD SEPARATED ON THE SECOND INCIDENT. TIRES WERE FIRESTONE#AT, P235/75R15. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, JUST SOME DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. CONSUMER NOTIFIED FIRESTONE DEALERSHIP ON SECOND FAILURE, AND ATTENDANT REPLACED THE TIRES.*AK

HEAD GASKET FAILED.

EGR SENSOR/HOSE FAILED.

UPPER BRACKET THAT SUPPORTS THE REAR LILFTGATE STRUT BROKE OFF, RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED DUE TO VIN. (QCAW)

REAR LIFTGATE HINGE TORE OFF THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE DOOR TO FALL ON AN ADULT'S BACK.

REAR LIFTGATE CYLINDER BRACKET RIPPED OFF VEHICLE HITTING CONSUMER, RECALL ON COMPONENT HOWEVER VEHICLE DENIED DUE TO TIME.

THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE AND THE REAR LEFT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE DOES NOT UNLATCH, CAUSING THE SEATBELT TO BE INOPERATIVE IN WHICH IT WONT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT.

VEHICLE VIBRATES FROM BENEATH.

I WAS DRIVING MY DAUGHTER TO HER SOFTBALL GAME FROM MUSTANG, OK TO EL RENO, OK ON I-40. WE WERE HEADING WEST AT ABOUT 70 MPH IN THE PASSING LANE. WE NOTICED THE CAR SHAKING AND WHEN I LOOKED IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR I SAW PIECES OF RUBBER FLYING BEHIND ME. I DID NOT HEAR A BLOWOUT AND WHEN I REALIZED THE TIRES THAT WERE SHREDDING WERE MINE AND NOT A TRUCKERS I STARTED TO MOVE OVER TO THE RIGHT LANE SO I COULD GET OFF ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY. BY THE TIME I GOT OVER TO THE SHOULDER, I WAS DRIVING ON THE RIM. THE COST TO REPAIR THE RIM WAS $125.00. THE REMAINING ORIGINAL FOUR FIRESTONE TIRES WERE REPLACED IN NOVEMBER 1999 AT MONTGOMERY WARDS AT CROSSROADS MALL IN OKLAHOMA CITY. ACCORDING TO THE CURRENT RECALL WE CAN NOT GET REIMBURSED BECAUSE THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED BEFORE JAN. 2000. I AM THANKFUL MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED LIKE MANY OTHERS, BUT I DO NOT THINK IT IS FAIR WE CANNOT GET REIMBURSED FOR FAULTY TIRES OR THE REPAIR OF THE RIM BECAUSE THE PROBLEM SHOULD HAVE BEEN BROUGHT TO LIGHT SOONER THAN IT WAS. ALSO, WE DID EXPERIENCE THE SHREDDING OF OUR RIGHT REAR TIRE AND HOPEFULLY THIS INFORMATION WILL HELP YOUR CONTINUED INVESTIGATION BECAUSE THERE MAY BE MORE INCIDENTS OF FAULTY TIRES LIKE OURS, BUT BECAUSE NO ACCIDENT NEEDED TO BE REPORTED AND INSURANCE COVERAGE DOES NOT APPLY BECAUSE THE DEDUCTIBLE IS TOO HIGH, CONSEQUENTLY, NOTHING WAS EVER REPORTED BECAUSE THE EXPENSE FELL ON THE OWNER.( DOT NUMBER: ? TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )

THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEWOUT PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICFICATION , AFTER THE BLOWOUT THE CONSUMER REPLACED ALL FOUR FIRESTONE TIRES, THE MANUFACTURER IS REFUSING THE REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT OF THE NEW TIRES BECAUSE THEY WERE PURCHASED PRIOR TO JANUARY 2000. NLM

RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD IN REFERENCE TO A POTENTIAL FAILURE OF THE BRACKET THAT RETAINS THE REAR LEFT GATE PISTON MECHANISM. FORD INFORMED ME THAT MY VEHICLE WAS BEYOND THE MILEAGE LIMIT FOR THIS REPAIR.

IN JUNE OF 1998 I WAS PREPARING FOR A VACATION AND MY MECHANIC SAID THAT I NEEDED TWO TIRES BECAUSE THE TREAD HAD SEPERATED FROM THE SIDEWALL AND THEY WERE UNSAFE. UPON MY EXAM, HE WAS CORRECT. I JUST REPLACED THEM AND WROTE IT OFF AS BAD LUCK. THREE WEEKS AGO I WENT ON ANOTHER TRIP AND CAME HOME ON SUNDAY. MONDAY MORNING WHEN I WENT TO GO TO WORK, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS FLAT. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND HE SAID THAT IT HAD ALSO SEPERATED AND THE RIGHT FRONT WAS SOON TO GO. I HAVE CHANGED ALL THE TIRES NOW. I HAVE THE RIGHT FRONT THAT WENT FLAT, THE LEFT FRONT THAT IS READY TO GO, AND THE SPARE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN ON THE ROAD. DO YOU WANT THEM FOR EXAMINATION? THESE TIRES WERE FROM THE N. CAROLINA PLANT, BUT MAYBE IT'S NOT THE PLANT, IT'S THE PROCESS. WHAT SHOULD I DO? I HAVE THE RECEIPTS FROM THE LAST TIRES, BUT, I'M NOT SURE ABOUT THE FIRST SET I CHANGED.( DOT NUMBER: W2HL 1MO TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AT TIMES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TOWING A SMALL TRAILER AND USING THE TRANSMISSION IN DRIVE INSTEAD OF OVERDRIVE. VEHICLE MILEAGE AND DRIVEABILITY/PERFORMANCE SUFFER. O2 SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY DEALER WITH NEW YET PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.*AK

LIFTGATE CYLINDER SEPARATED. WELDS THAT HOLD THE DOOR OPEN FAILED/BROKE. NO INJURIES.*AK

OPENED THE HATCHBACK OF THE TRUCK AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER BROKE AND THE HATCHBACK FELL DOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK

WHILE DRIVING NORTH ON FLA. TURNPIKE ON A CLEAR, WARM MORNING IN JUNE, 1998 AT 70 MPH, THE TREAD ON MY LEFT REAR TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE (TIRE STAYED INFLATED). I LOST STEERING CONTROL, CRASHING INTO A MEDIAN RETAINING WALL AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED, RESULTING IN PHYSICAL INJURY TO MYSELF AND TOTAL LOSS OF MY VEHICLE.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P235 75R15 )

WHILE OPENING REAR HATCH DOOR HINGES TORE AWAY FROM DOOR CYLINDER, CAUSING DOOR TO HIT CONSUMER IN THE HEAD. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE UNDER A RECALL AND REPAIRS WOULD BE CHARGED TO CONSUMER. SEEKING HELP IN NHTSA THIS MATTER. *AK

FOR NO APPARENT REASON VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT SLAMMING IT INTO SIDE OF BRIDGE RIPPING OFF FRONT RIGHT WHEEL AND AXLE OVERTURNING FOR EXPLOYER. POLICE HAS NO EXPLANATION SO THEY BLAMED IT ON DRIVER ERROR. (DIRVER WAS 16 - SO THEY NATURALLY FOUND IT HER FAULT). HAVE PICTURES OF AUTO AND TIRES FROM INSURANCE COMPANY AS THEY TOTALED VEHICLE. THE TIRES ON VEHICLE WERE ONLY 3 MONTHS OLD. *AK (TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )

I HAVE RECEIVED A COPY OF A RECALL #94S91 AND THE DESCRIPTION ASSOCIATED WITH THIS RECALL IS IDENTICAL WITH THE PROBLEM I HAVE HAD WITH MY VEHICLE SINCE I PURCHASED IT USED IN 6/98. I CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND MANUFACTURER, AND I WAS TOLD MY VIN # IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. I ASKED WHY THE RECALL LIST MY VEHICLE YEAR ,MAKE, & MODEL AND I HAVE THE EXACT SYMTOMS LISTED BUT I WAS BEING TOLD AGAIN IT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I WAS TOLD I WOULD NEED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE FIXED AT MY OWN EXPENSE. I DON'T FEEL LIKE I SHOULD BE FORCED TO PAY FOR THIS FIX WHEN MY VEHICLE HAS THE EXACT DEFECT LISTED AND THE EXACT YEAR, MAKE, & MODEL LISTED. I CONSTANTELY HAVE TO CHECK TO SEE IF MY PARKING BRAKE IS ENGAGED BECAUSE AT LEAST HALF THE TIME IT ISN'T BECAUSE THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE. I WOULD APPRECIATE A RESPONSE BACK AND ANY HELP YOU MAY BE ABLE TO OFFER IN THIS MATTER. THANKS YOU VERY MUCH. V. RON DELITERIS.*AK

WHILE HUSBAND, WIFE AND CHILD WERE SITTING IN THE BACK OF THE EXPLORER WITH THE LIFTGATE UP, THE LIFTGATE CAME CRUSHING DOWN. HUSBAND AND WIFE WERE ABLE TO CATCH THE LIFTGATE BEFORE ANYONE WAS INJURED. THE LIFTGATE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *AK

97V083000. WHILE WIFE WASA DRIVING CAR, SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE MIRROR. THE INSIDE OF THE DOOR BURST INTO FLAMES. A STATE TROOPER CAME TO HELP THE DRIVER. APPARENTLY HE HAD THE SAME VEHICLE, AND WAS AWARE OF A RECALL. FORD WAS CONTACTED. SINCE THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD LOOKED AT THE CAR AFTER THE INCIDENT, THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT TOUCH THE CAR. STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE AFTER SOMEONE ELSE HAD LOOKED AT THE CAR. *AK

VEHICLE EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WITH PINE NEEDLES COLLECTED INTO OUTSIDE HEATER DUCT AND CATCHING ON FIRE. ALSO, REAR HYDRAULIC CYLINDER DEATCHED FROM VEHICLE BODY. DEALER NOTIFIED OF BOTH INCIDENTS, AND CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER NO RECALLS. SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA INTHIS MATTER. *AK

THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN IN THE RIGHT LANE WHEN THE RIGHT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED, THE VHEICLE TRAVELED TO THE RIGHT ONTO THE GRASSY SHOULDER, THE VEHICLE WAS STEERED TO THE LEFT AND TRAVELED ACROSS THE NORTHBOUND LANES, ACROSS THE MEDIAN AND INTO THE TREELINE ON THE SHOULDER, THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE STRUCK A TREE AND SPUN TO THE RIGHT STRIKING ANOTHER TREE WITH ITS RIGHT SIDE, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INCAPACITATING INJURIES (FLORIDA TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT, CRASH REPORT NUMBER 50163972, BRIDGESTONE,FIRESTONE P235.75R15, RADIAL ATX M/S W2HL1M0403). NLM

APPLIED THE BRAKES AT THE SPEED OF 35 MPH TO AVOID A RUT ON THE ROAD, ANTI-LOCK BRAKES LOCKED UP AND VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND SKIDDED UP THE ROAD. ENDED UP UPSIDE DOWN IN A DITCH. *AK

HAD 2 OF THESE TIRES FAIL ON HOT SUMMER DAY WITHIN 15 MINUTES OF EACH OTHER. ONE ON PASSENGER REAR AND ANOTHER ON DRIVER FRONT. TWO REMAINING TIRES SHOWED EVIDENCE OF TREAD BEGINNING TO SEPARATE FROM CORE. TURNED TIRES INTO FIRESTONE FOR ANALYSIS (THEIR NASHVILLE LABORATORY) AND THEY REIMBURSED ME FOR STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO REAR OF CAR. THEY ADJUSTED THE TREADWARE AND CHARGED ME $300.38 FOR A NEW SET OF TIRES. THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE OR ADJUST THE ORIGINAL SPARE (WHICH I STILL HAVE) OR REIMBURSE FOR THE USED TIRE I WAS FORCED TO BUY IN ORDER TO GET THE VEHICLE HOME (HAD 2 FAILURES WITHIN 10 MILES). THE TIRES IN QUESTION WERE EXHIBITING EXCEPTIONAL WEAR. THE TIRES SPENT MOST ALL THEIR LIFE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND MEMPHIS, TN. THE TIRES HAD BEEN INSPECTED, BALANCED, ROTATED 8 DAYS BEFORE THEY FAILED BY THE LOCAL FIRESTONE DEALER.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 23575R15 )

BRAKE SWITCH ON THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED.

BRAKE LINES FAILED FROM RUST AND CORROSION.

DOOR SLAMMED, WEDGING CYLINDER BETWEEN DOOR/BODY, BENDING DOOR ASSEMBLY. QCAW

THE LIFTGATE SHOCK ON DRIVERS SIDE DOOR BROKE COMPLETELY OFF THE DOOR PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE CAUSING IT TO FALL DOWN ON CONSUMER. NLM

EA96012, THE BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING NO BRAKING ABILITY AND PEDAL NOT DEPRESSING AT ALL. THE OCCUPANT HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. INTERMITTENTLY WHEN BRAKING HARD THE VEHICLE TENDS TO GO TO THE RIGHT SIDE. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. *AK

THE WELDS WHICH HOLD THE LIFTGATE BRACKETS TOGETHER ARE COMING APART, CAUSING THE LIFTGATE TO COME DOWN VERY RAPIDLY. *AK

THERE WERE NEW FIRESTONE TIRES ON MY EXPLORER WHEN I PURCHASED IT IN 1998. I HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES JUST BEFORE A TRIP BECAUSE IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE TREAD HAD SEPARATED TO THE DEGREE THAT TWO OF THE TIRES WOULD NOT LONGER HOLD AIR! I REPLACED THEM WITH ANOTHER BRAND OF TIRE - THEN A FEW MONTHS LATER FIRESTONE RECALLED THE TIRES I HAD (I STILL HAVE THE SPARE). I APPLIED FOR REIMBURSEMENT, HOWEVER THEY REFUSE TO PAY BECAUSE I GOT THEM REPLACED WITH A COMPETITORS TIRE AND PRIOR TO THE RECALL. THE VERY REAL ISSUE HERE IS HAD I NOT NOTICED THE PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES PRIOR TO MY CAR TRIP THINGS COULD HAVE TURNED OUT VERY DIFFERENTLY FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. I HAVE DOCUMENTATION FROM FIRESTONE, FORD, THE DEALER I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM AND THE THE DEALER WHERE I REPLACED THE FIRESTONE TIRES - BUT FIRESTONE STILL REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAD THE FAULTY TIRES OR REIMBURSE ME FOR THEM BECAUSE THEY WERE REPLACED PRIOR TO THE RECALL. I WOULD URGE THAT THE RECALL BE WIDENED BECAUSE I DON'T THINK I CAN BE THE ONLY PERSON THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. THANK YOU. *AK (TIRESIZE: PT23575R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: PT23575R15 )

NO SUMMARY FOR THIS VEHICLE.

A PORTION OF THE TREAD CAME OFF THE TIRE, WITH THE REMAINING FLAP OF TIRE BEATING ON MY SIDE MOLDING AND REAR FENDER. THE TIRE DID NOT BLOW OUT. I HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ONLY A SHORT DISTANCE (AT NIGHT) AND WITHOUT ANY LOAD OR OTHER OCCUPANTS. NOTE: THE DOT CODE PROVIDED IS FROM THE LAST REMAINING OEM FIRESTONE ON THE VEHICLE (WHICH IS BEING USED AS THE SPARE). OTHER TIRES WERE REPLACED AFTER THE INCIDENT. VEHICLE IS STILL SHOWS DAMAGE FROM THE INCIDENT. I WAS TOLD BY THE FORD DEALERS SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (ON THE PHONE) THAT THE TIRE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THAT MY INSURANCE WOULD HAVE TO COVER REPAIRS. I CHOSE TO MAKE MINOR REPAIRS AND DID NOT REPORT THE FAILURE OTHER THAN VERBALLY.( DOT NUMBER: W2HL1MO284 TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )

REAR HATCHBACK SUPPORT ROD DISCONNECTED. *AK

THE SHOCKS THAT HOLD THE TAILGATE UP HAVE FAILED AND BROKEN AWAY FROM THERE WELDS. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND THEY INFORMED US OF A RECALL THAT HAD STARTED AND ENDED IN 96. I CANT BELIEVE HOW FORD IS HANDELING THIS. I HAVE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME NATURE ON THIS WEB SITE AND IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW. FORD CANT ISSUE A RECALL ON SOMETHING THAT HAS TO BROKE WHEN THE RECALL IS ISSUED KNOWING THAT AT SOME POINT IT IS GOING TO BREAK BUT WE ARENT GOING TO FIX IT. THIS IS OFFENSIVE TO ME BECOUSE THE EXPLORER HAS MULTIPLE MECHANICAL PROBLEMS BUT I WRITE THOSE OFF TO WEAR AND TEAR. THE TAILGATE SHOULD NOT FAIL. FORD SHOULD BE OBLIGATED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM ON WHATEVER YEAR THE VEHICLE MAY BE. I AM GOIN TO CONTINUE INVESTIGATING AND FIND SOME WAY TO GET THEM TO FIX IT. I WOULD JUST LIKE TO KNOW IF MAYBE YOU HAVE ALREADY SOLVED THE NEGOTIATING PROBLEM. IN MY MANUAL THERE IS A WARRANTY THAT SAYS ITS AGAINST ANY SHEETMETAL DETERIORATION FOR 6 YRS OR 100,000 MILES I WONDER IF THIS APPLIES IN MY SITUATION. I SURE HOPE THAT YOU ALL CAN HELP ME OUT OR LET ME KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH THIS PROBLEM. THANX

WHILE DRIVING 35MPH THE DRIVER STARTED COUGHING & LOST VISIBILITY. DRIVER SLAMMED ON BRAKES & REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

WHEN OPENNING THE HATCH DOOR ,THE PISTON ON THE RIGHT SIDE SEPARATED FROM THE WELD. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THE PROLBEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED.

EXCESSIVE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS/PADS AND ROTORS. *AK

EXCESSIVE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS/PADS AND CALIPERS, CAUSING VIBRATION. FORD REFUSED TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. *AK

4-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATES IN 2-WHEEL DRIVE. GOING AROUND CORNER IN 2-WHEEL DRIVE, AUTOMATIC HUB ENGAGES & STARTS TO DRAG. ACTS LIKE BRAKE LOCKUP. NEARLY CAUSED VEHICLE TO BE OUT OF CONTROL. TOOK TO DEALER & INFORMED PROBLEM IS KNOWN.*AK CONSUMER STATES WITHOUT WARNING, EITHER AUTOMATIC FRONT HUB WILL START TO ENGAGE WHEN GOING AROUND A CORNER.*JB

THE UPPER SUPPORT BRACKET FOR THE RIGHT HAND GAS STRUT RIPPED OUT OF TAILGATE FRAME, TORE THE METAL. WHEN DEALER WAS CONTACTED, VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. CONSUMER PAID FOR REPAIR, OTHER INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING SAME PROBLEM QUOTED A FORD REPRESENTATIVE. *AK

TRANSMISSION ONLY ENGAGES IN PARK AND REVERSE. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO REPLACE CONVERTER RESULTED IN COMPLET TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION IS BEING REPLACED. THE PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. MANUFACTURE DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE A PROBLEM WITH THE EXPLORER. *AK

WHILE LIFTING UP THE TAILGATE, THE WELD BROKE FREE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. OWNER DID NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE (95I-007). *AK

WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE, CANNOT PROPERLY SHIFT FROM 4 WHEEL DRIVE TO 2 WHEEL DRIVE WHEN IT'S NEEDED. VEHICLE WOULD MAKE A LOT OF NOISE. SOUNDS LIKE BEARINGS ROLLING AROUND LOOSE INSIDE. *AK

THIS IS THE SECOND INSTANCE OF A "FIRE" IN THE HEATER/AIRCONDITIONER DUCTS. *AK

FIRESTONE ATX RADIAL TIRES (P235 75 R15) EXPERIENCED VIBRATION AND BELT SEPARATION. *SLC

LEFT FRONT FIRESTONE TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE 00T-005 RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT, CONSUMER PURCHASED FOUR NEW TIRES, CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. NLM

DRIVER'S DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE ALL THE WAY UNLESS DRIVER SLAMS IT, USING EXCESSIVE FORCE WITH AN UPWARD MOVEMENT. ALSO UNABLE TO OPEN DOOR BY USING KEY FROM THE OUTSIDE.

DESIGN OF THE HEATER FAN/UNIT ALLOWS LEAVES TO ENTER AND CATCH FIRE.