1997 FORD EXPLORER Power Train Problems

THIS LETTER IS INTENDED TO ADDRESS INEFFECTIVE SERVICE BY AAMCO THAT LED TO FAILURE OF A TRANSMISSION IN MY VEHICLE. AS YOU SEE BY THE ATTACHED LETTER, I VOICED CONCERN ABOUT THIS LAST YEAR AND ALL AAMCO SUGGESTED WAS TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER THAT PERFORMED THE INEFFECTIVE SERVICE. I REQUESTED THE RIGHT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER AAMCO CENTER, BUT YOUR RESPONSE WAS TO TAKE IT TO THE CENTER THAT I ALREADY HAD DOUBTS ABOUT. LET ME SET THE SCENARIO AGAIN. ?WITH INITIAL GRINDING SOUNDS AND LACK OF REVERSE, I TOOK TO CLINTON TRANSMISSIONS IN 2011 AND THEY INFORMED ME THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED UNTIL 2012. ?IN 2012, I CALLED THE WALDORF AAMCO CENTER AND THEY INFORMED ME IT MAY NOT BE THE TRANSMISSION AND TO LET THEM LOOK AT IT. IT WAS TOWED IN AND I WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FINE BUT THE TRANSFER CASE WAS BAD. ?ALL TOTALED, I PAID $1534.76 FOR TRANSFER CASE, $430.03 FOR PARTS, AND $600 FOR LABOR. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE OTHER SERVICES THAT THE CENTER SAID I NEEDED. ?THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TWICE FOR AN OD LIGHT THAT CAME ON AS SOON AS I LEFT THE CENTER. THEY SEEMED UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. ?I FELT CONCERN FOR THE PERIOD I WAS DRIVING AND WROTE CORPORATE TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE. ?EARLIER THIS YEAR WHILE DRIVING TO SOUTH CAROLINA, THE GRINDING SOUND STARTED AGAIN AND REVERSE WENT OUT. I NOTIFIED CORPORATE AND THE WALDORF CENTER AND WAS TOLD TO GO TO THE NEAREST AAMCO. ?I WENT TO THE COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA AAMCO AND AFTER DIAGNOSTIC, TOLD ME THE SAME THING THAT THE CLINTON TRANSMISSION TOLD ME IN 2011. THE TRANSMISSION HAD INTERNAL DAMAGE AND NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. ?I LEFT THE VEHICLE IN COLUMBIA AND HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW VEHICLE. WITH THESE FACTS IN MIND, AAMCO CAN SURELY SEE WHERE INEFFECTIVE SERVICE LED TO A SAFETY FAILURE. *TR

Mileage: 155,000

AFTER TURNING A CORNER AT LESS THAN 15 MPH A LOUD SOUND WAS HEARD AND THE ENGINE RACED BUT STOPPED MOVING. TRIED ALL GEARS AND AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY I WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE BROKE.I HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED. *TR

Mileage: 97,000

WE MAINTAINED OUR VEHICLES REGULARLY, AFTER REPLACING THE TRANSFER CASE NOT 8 MONTHS AGO NOW THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. SPENT $2400 FOR A REBUILD. SHOP STATES THIS MODEL IS A PIECE OF [XXX], AND THE HAVE MADE A LOT OF MONEY FROM FORDS POOR ENGINEERING ON THIS MODEL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 99,000

THE ENGINE SLOWED DOWN AND JUST QUIT. WOULD NOT RESTART. HAD IT TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY *AGAIN* AND FOUND OUT THAT *2 (TWO)* TIMING CHAINS WENT OUT. THE DRIVERS SIDE SNAPPED IN TWO AND THE PASSENGER SIDE (REAR) HAD OVER 1 1/2 INCHES OF PLAY IN IT AND OBVIOUS STRETCHING OF THE TIMING CHAIN. THE FRONT BROKEN ONE TOTALED THE ENGINE, ALL TENSIONERS, SPACERS ETC WERE NOR IN PIECES LYING IN THE ENGINE. AND GUESS WHAT TO REPLACE THE REAR TIMING CHAIN YOU HAVE TO COMPLETELY REMOVE THE ENGINE FROM THE VEHICLE! THANKS AGAIN FORD!!!!!!!! *TR

Mileage: 147,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING THE RPMS TO INCREASE CONTINUOUSLY. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 256,000.

Mileage: 256,000

I KEPT HEARING THE GEARS SPINNING WHEN I WOULD PRESS ON THE BRAKES. ACCORDING TO MY TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST, THE TRANSFER CASES WERE NOT BUILT RIGHT IN THIS YEAR OF EXPLORER. HE SAYS HE SEES THE SAME PROBLEM ALL THE TIME AND IS UNSURE WHY THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THIS. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK EXCESSIVELY. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE AXLE WAS SPLIT IN HALF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE WINDOWS, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, AND THE 4X4 ALSO FAILED TO OPERATE. THE DEALER HAS NOT DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS PRIOR TO THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT IS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50,000. UPDATED 03-04-08 *BF

Mileage: 56,000

TL*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.

Mileage: 100,000

ON A 1997 FORD EXPLORER HAD PROBLEMS WITH TRANSFER CASE. FIRST NOTICED WHEN DRIVING ON INTERSTATE WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON VEHICLE MADE GRINDING NOISE AND WOULD NOT DECELERATE HAD TO PUT INTO NEUTRAL TO STOP. WHEN DECELERATING WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IT WOULD ALSO MAKE GRINDING NOISE ALMOST SOUNDING LIKE IT WAS NOT DOWN SHIFTING. FEW WEEKS LATER WHEN VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO REVERSE IT WOULD MAKE A GRINDING NOISE AND WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. DID NOT FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE. ENDING UP HAVING TO HAVE A MECHANIC REBUILD TRANSFER CASE, COST ALMOST $1000.00. NOW FIVE MONTHS LATER HAVING PROBLEMS WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY COMING ON. REPLACED SENSORS AND SPARK PLUG ON #4 CYLINDER TWICE. THIS WILL BE REPLACEMENT NUMBER 3 FOR SPARK PLUG IN FOUR MONTH PERIOD. MECHANICS CANNOT SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHY. *JB

PARKED ON A SLIGHT SLOPE WITH THE ENGINE OFF, MY 97 FORD EXPLORER ROLLED BACK 5 FEET BY ITSELF, COMING CLOSE WITH COMING TRAFFIC! *NM

Mileage: 88,215

DT: 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONSUMER STATES THE FOUR WHEEL/ TWO WHEEL LIGHTS ARE FLASHING ON AND OFF. THIS WILL HAPPEN UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGES INTO FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. THE ONLY WAY ONE CAN TELL THIS HAS HAPPENED IS FROM THE POPPING AND CRACKING NOISES COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CUMBERLAND FALLS FORD TWICE. THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, THEY THOUGHT IT WAS THE SWITCH. THE TRANSFER SWITCH WAS REPLACED, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY SLOWS DOWN WHEN IT GOES INTO FOUR WHEEL DRIVE.*AK

DT: 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.*AK *SB

Mileage: 128,000

WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH TRANSMISSION ENGAGED ITSELF INTO 4-WHEEL DRIVE. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE LOST POWER, AND WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS. DEALER STATED TRANSMISSION BURNED ITSELF OUT, AND NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. *AK

Mileage: 123,260

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. *AK

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.*AK

ON 5 SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHEN DRIVING IN THE SNOW, THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE FAILED, RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE SKIDDING AND HITTING A GUARD RAIL, A MAIL BOX AND ROCKS. *AK WHEN THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ENGAGED THE VEHICLE WENT INTO A SKID. *JB

Mileage: 25,000

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. *JB

Mileage: 42,000

THE AUTOMATIC 4WD SYSTEM SELECTS 4WD ON DRY PAVEMENT DURING SHARP TURNS CAUSING THE GEARS TO BIND, INTERMITTENTLY - ABOUT HALF THE TIME. HOWEVER THE SAME "AUTOMATIC" 4WD SELECTION DOES NOT RESULT IN 4WD WHEN WHEELS ARE SLIPPING. IN FACT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF 4WD WHEN "AUTO" IS SELECTED SEEMS TO BE COMPLETELY RANDOM. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW. I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER WHEN IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY SAID "IT IS SUPPOSED TO DO THAT." I AM ABOUT TO REWIRE THE SYSTEM TO A MANUAL SELECTOR AS I AM NOW ON MY OWN WITH THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. HOWEVER FORD HAS SEEN THE LAST OF MY MONEY. *CB

TRANSFER CASE FAILED WITH NO APPARENT PROBLEMS. WHEN TAKEN APART BY TECH. IT LOOKED PERFECTLY FINE. MUST HAVE COMPLETE REPLACE OF TRANSFER CASE, CAN'T JUST CHANGE PARTS. MSN AUTO-TECS BRINGS UP A NUMBER OF MECHANICS WHO FOUND SAME PROBLEMS. FORD HAS BUILT BETTER AFTER MARKET REPLACEMENT BUT NEVER NOTIFIED ANYONE OF THIS PROBLEM. SOME MECHANICS SAY THAT CUSTOMERS HAVE BROUGHT IN WITH THIS PROBLEM AND THEY HAVE NEVER ENGAGED THEIR 4X4.

Mileage: 112,000

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.*AK

Mileage: 78,000

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. *NLM

Mileage: 61,000

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. *LA

Mileage: 61,061

CONSUMER TURNED ON THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE ALARM CHIMED, INDICATING THAT A DOOR WAS AJAR. DRIVER GOT OUT TO CHECK THE DOORS. HEARD SOMETHING THAT SOUNDED LIKE THE GEAR WAS ENGAGING. THEN VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS. CONSUMER GRABBED THE STEERING WHEEL BUT WAS DRAGGED 300 FEET BEFORE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP BY SLAMMING INTO A NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE.*AK

Mileage: 46,000

THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL HAD TO BE REPLACED.*JB

Mileage: 61,000

THE VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT BACK TO AUTO, ITS STUCK ON AUTO LOW. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. PH

Mileage: 94,187

TRANSMISSION FAILURE. TS

Mileage: 50,000

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, CONSUMER STATES "THERE WAS A SUDDEN BIG BANG AND THEN SOUND LIKE A MACHINE GUN". CONSUMER TRIED TO KEEP DRIVING, WHEN A BIG CLOUD OF SMOKE EMERGED FROM THE REAR. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. DEALER STATES TRANSFER CASE HAD COMPLETELY LOCKED UP. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

LOSS OF DRIVE ACCOMPANIED BY A RATCHETING NOISE COMING FROM THE TRANSFER CASE DURING COAST OR DECELERATION OR WHEN IN REVERSE. AFTER RESEACHING THIS PROBLEM ON THE NET I HAVE FOUND MANY WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALER SAYS THE TRANSFER CASE MUST BE REPLACED AT COST OF $3000.00. THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF GEARS MAGIZINE HAS AN ARTICLE ON PAGE 64 THAT ADDRESS THE CAUSE AND HOW TO CORRECT IT. AND STATES THAT THIS IS A DEFECT. HOWEVER THE ARTICLE SAYS THAT IT IS CHEAPER AND MORE EFFICIENT TO BUY A NEW UNIT. YOU WOULD THINK THAT A PROBLEM LIKE THIS SHOULD AT LEASED BE ADDRESSED BY FORD. DT

MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED ACCELERATING WHEN I WAS PROCEEDING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. I COULD SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN SOMEWHAT BY AGGRESSIVELY APPLYING THE BRAKES. HOWEVER, THIS WOULD JUST GET ME SLOWED DOWN A LITTLE UNTIL I WOULD RELEASE THE BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SPEED UP AGAIN. I WAS TRAVELING ON A FAIRLY BUSY STRETCH OF INTERSTATE AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. I LUCKILY DID NOT HAVE A NEED TO STOP QUICKLY WHILE THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED. I TRIED HITTING THE ACCELERATOR A FEW TIMES TO GET IT TO STOP STICKING IN THE "WIDE OPEN" POSITION. I EVEN TRIED MANIPULATING THE CRUISE CONTROL (WHICH WAS OFF). AFTER SEVERAL FAILED ATTEMPTS TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM, I STARTED TRYING TO THINK OF A QUICK GAME PLAN TO GET OUT OF THIS POTENTIAL DISASTER. I AM VERY THANKFUL THAT MY WIFE WAS NOT DRIVING AT THE TIME AND THAT I DID NOT HAVE OTHERS IN THE CAR DURING THIS NIGHTMARE. I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO FIND A SHOULDER WHERE I COULD PULL OFF THE ROAD. AS I SAID, THE ROAD WAS EXTREMELY BUSY AND I WAS VERY WORRIED ABOUT GETTING OFF THE ROAD SAFELY WITH A SEMI-TRUCK NOT FAR BEHIND ME. I PULLED TOWARD THE SHOULDER AND PUT THE CAR INTO "NEUTRAL". THE RPM'S, WHICH HAD BEEN RUNNING EXTREMELY HIGH FOR ABOUT 3 MINUTES, MOVED EVEN HIGHER AT THIS POINT. THE RPM'S WERE PEGGED TO THE TOP OF THE GAUGE FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS. AS SOON AS I FELT I WAS OFF OF THE ROADWAY ENOUGH, I TURNED THE KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION. WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE CAR THERE WAS A HORRIBLE BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. I AM NOT ONLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE PROBLEM THAT MAY HAVE TRIGGERED THIS INCIDENT, BUT I AM ALSO VERY WORRIED ABOUT COLLATERAL DAMAGE THAT THIS UNDOUBTEDLY CAUSED. I FEEL THAT THIS CAUSED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF WEAR AND TEAR TO THE ENGINE AND THE BRAKING SYSTEM. ON TOP OF ALL OF THE PHYSICAL DAMAGE DONE TO THE CAR, THE EXPERIENCE WAS SCARY TO SAY THE LEAST. MY WIFE REFUSES TO EVEN GET IN THE CAR AT THIS POINT. NEEDLESS TO SAY, SHE DOESN'T WANT MY KIDS TO RIDE IN IT EITHER.

TRANFER CASE WILL LOCK UP FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. AND THERE WAS DIFFICULTY IN STEERING. SEE SERVICE BULLENTIN 99-14-2. *AK

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!!*AK

ON SLIGHT INCLINES VEHICLE ROLLS EITHER UP OR DOWN HILL. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK

WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON SLIGHT INCLINE, VEHICLE ROLLS EITHER UP OR DOWN HILL. *AK CONSUMER STATES THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAS NOT BEEN APPLIED. *SLC

TRANSFER CASE BEARING BROKE WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING EXCESSIVE SHIMMERING AND SHAKING, DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY. AFTER REPAIRS, MAIN DRIVESHAFT BEARING FAILED WITH SAME RESULT.*AK

TRANSFER CASE BEARING BROKE WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING EXCESSIVE SHIMMERING AND SHAKING, DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY. AFTER REPAIRS, MAIN DRIVESHAFT BEARING FAILED WITH SAME RESULT.*AK

WHILE DRIVING STEERING WAS STIFF, AND CONSUMER COULD HEAR A GRINDING NOISE IN FRONT END OF VEHICLE. WHEN MAKING A TURN FELT LIKE WHEELS WERE GOING TO LOCK UP. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A FORD DEALER, AND THEY STATED THAT FRONT AND REAR SENSOR IN TRANSFER CASE HAD GONE BAD. CONSUMER STATED THAT ON MAY 4TH PROBLEM REOCCURRED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

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. *AK

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.*AK

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.*AK

CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSFER CASE IN THE FRONT AND REAR FELL OUT, DEALER WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM COMPLETELY, THE VEHICLE WAS EVENTUALLY SOLD.*JG

CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSFER CASE IN THE FRONT AND REAR FELL OUT, DEALER WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM COMPLETELY, THE VEHICLE WAS EVENTUALLY SOLD.*JG

THE CONSUMER STATES THAT BOTH FRONT AXLES FAILED IN THE SAME WAY: THE RUBBER SLEEVE SPLIT ALLOWING GREASE TO COME OUT CAUSING THE MOVING METAL PARTS TO DISINTEGRATE. THE CONSUMER DOESN'T DRIVE OVER ROUGH TERRAIN, ALTHOUGH I WOULD EXPECT AN ALL WHEEL DROVE TO BE ABLE TO DO SO W/OUT DAMAGE TO THE AXLES. THE CONSUMER'S MECHANIC HAS REPLACED THE AXLES ON THREE EXPLORERS IN TWO MONTHS IN AN AREA WITH A SMALL POPULATION SEEMS MORE THAN COINCIDENCE. *SCC

DRIVERS DOOR LOCK NOT WORKING PROPERLY, GASKET CYLINDER FRONT COVER, TORQUE CONVERTER SHUDDER, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, RT BANK EXHAUST MANIFOLD; THESE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN CORRECTED, BUT NEW ONES MOUNT EVERY WEEK. NOW THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING, BEING CHECKED TOMORROW. *AK

VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP DUE TO NOISE COMING FROM FRONT END. DEALER DETERMINED THAT FRONT DIFFERENTIAL WAS BROKEN AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.*AK

VEHICLE WOULD MAKE A "GRINDING" NOISE WHILE ACCELERATING AND STOPPING. A DEALERSHIP AND INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CONCLUDED THAT NOISE WAS COMING FROM TRANSFER CASE, V8 ENGINE, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, ALL-WHEEL DRIVE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION. *AK

THE SWAY BAR LINKS BROKE PRIOR TO THE RECALL NOTICE, CONSUMER WAS SENT A CHECK FOR THE REPAIRS OF THE FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS, HOWEVER THE LEFT FRONT DRIVE SHAFT WAS ALSO REPLACED DUE TO THE LINKS BREAKING WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE DRIVE SHAFT, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE DRIVE SHAFT AS WELL.*YH

THE SWAY BAR LINKS BROKE PRIOR TO THE RECALL NOTICE, CONSUMER WAS SENT A CHECK FOR THE REPAIRS OF THE FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS, HOWEVER THE LEFT FRONT DRIVE SHAFT WAS ALSO REPLACED DUE TO THE LINKS BREAKING WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE DRIVE SHAFT, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE DRIVE SHAFT AS WELL.*YH

LEFT FRONT DRIVE SHAFT WORN OUT AND REPLACED. *YH

THE SWAY BAR LINKS BROKE PRIOR TO THE RECALL NOTICE, CONSUMER WAS SENT A CHECK FOR THE REPAIRS OF THE FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS, HOWEVER THE LEFT FRONT DRIVE SHAFT WAS ALSO REPLACED DUE TO THE LINKS BREAKING WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE DRIVE SHAFT, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE DRIVE SHAFT AS WELL.*YH

CONSUMER STATED THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE SERVICED AT A TRANSMISSION SHOP.*JB

CONSUMER STATED THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE SERVICED AT A TRANSMISSION SHOP.*JB

GETTING ON HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH, STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT OF CAR BEGAN EXCESSIVE VIBRATING (SHAKING AND SPUTTERING). CAR CUT OFF AT SIDE OF ROAD. TOWED TO DEALER WHO SAID THEY NEVER HEARD OF SYMPTOMS AND COULD NOT REPRODUCE PROBLEM (AFTER 4 DAYS). ON DAY 4 THEY TOLD ME IT WAS MY DRIVESHAFT WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CAR HAS NOT BEEN THE SAME SINCE AND STILL MAINTAINS A CONSTANT VIBRATING ALTHOUGH SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT THAN FIRST EPISODE. CAR STILL HAS TROUBLES AT 70-75 MPHS.*AK

CONSUMER EXPLAINS THAT WHILE HAVING PARKED THE VEHICLE IN A DRIVEWAY WITH A SLIGHT INCLINE, DRIVER LEFT THE VEHICLE RUNNING IN PARK, WHILE STANDING IN THE DOORWAY THE VEHICLE ROLLED UP THE DRIVEWAY AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. *JG

CONSUMER EXPLAINS THAT WHILE HAVING PARKED THE VEHICLE IN A DRIVEWAY WITH A SLIGHT INCLINE, DRIVER LEFT THE VEHICLE RUNNING IN PARK, WHILE STANDING IN THE DOORWAY THE VEHICLE ROLLED UP THE DRIVEWAY AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. *JG

AFTER THE CAR WAS BROKEN ON HIGHWAY 20 WEST, :MAKING A LOT OF NOISE [ SOUND LIKE THE FLAT , BUT LUCKY, THE TIRES ARE GOOD ] . THE CAR LOST CONTROL AND STOP NEAR THE EXIT , ABOUT 1 MILE TO THE " MILLBURY FORD DEALER ". , L LOOKED DOWN UNDER THE CAR : SEEING THE AXLE WHICH CONNECTED TO THE REAR DIFFDERENTIAL ASSEMBLY BY THE "U JOIN " WAS BROKEN , IT PULL APART , AND DROP ON THE GROUND . THEN CALL A TOW-TRUCK , AND A POLICEMAN STOPPED BY FOR GUIDING THE TRAFFIC TO AVOID ,PREVENT ACCIDENT ..ETC.. FOR SAFETY .*AK

AT 45,000 MILES TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. AT 70, 000 VEHICLE STARTED TO HESITATE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

THERE'S A WINDING AND GRINDING NOISE WHENEVER TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS. IT IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE GOING INTO REVERSE WITHOUT WARNING.*AK

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. *AK

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.*AK

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 FORDS 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).

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 FORDS 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).

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 FORDS 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).

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 FORDS 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).

THE CRANK/DRIVE SHAFT COMPLETELY SHEARED OFF AND FELL OUT WITH THE PULLEY STILL ATTACHED. THE DEALER'S SERVICE MANAGER AND THREE OTHER SERVICE PERSONNEL STATED THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE. THE SERVICE MANAGER ALSO STATED HE COULD NOT EVEN BEGIN TO EXPLAIN HOW IT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED.

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, AND ODOMETER WILL STAY STUCK IN PLACE.*AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED, AND TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REBUILT. *JB

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.

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

ON TWO OCCASIONS THE DRIVESHAFT BROKE WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOOSE TEMPORARY CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. NLM

CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE O RING IN INTAKE MANIFOLD, AND TRANSFER BOX OF 4- WHEEL DRIVE.

TRANSFER CASE FAILED WITH NO REASON. THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE IS NEVER USED. WHEN BEING FIXED THEY FOUND CHUNCKS OF METAL IN THE TRANSFER CASE. IT APPEARED TO BE DEFECTIVE. FORD IS IS DENYING THIS. *AK

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ENGINE PROBLEMS, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ENGINE SOUNDED LIKE NO OIL WAS IN IT WHEN STARTED, DEALER HAS REPLACED GASKETS, UPPER INTAKE CAM TENSIONER THREE TIMES, AND THERE WAS A COOLANT LEAK. LEFT FRONT DOOR HINGE REPLACED, IT WAS MAKING NOISE. POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED, IT WAS NOISY WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. VANITY MIRROR ON DRIVER'S SIDE WOULD NOT CLOSE ALL THE WAY AND POPPED WHEN OPENED, DEALER REPLACED IT. THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOWER THAN THE LEFT FRONT. BRAKES WERE SQUEAKY, DEALER REPLACED FRONT BRAKE PADS AND TURNED ROTORS. A TAP NOISE WAS HEARD WHILE PLAYING CD'S. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, WHILE GOING OVER BUMPS AND RAILROAD TRACKS, TRANSMISSION JUMPED OUT OF GEAR, DEALER INTALLED OVERHAUL KIT BECAUSE THE CLUTCH HAD BURNED. 4 WHEEL DRIVE WAS INOPERABLE AND MADE A RUBBING/GROAN NOISE, WHEN REVERSING AND PUTTING INTOR DRIVE, CONSUMER HEARD POPPING NOISE, DEALER REPLACED REAR TRANSFER CASE FLANGE AND REMOVED DRIVESHAFT. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, IT WOULD TURN OVER, DEALER FOUND THE PCM WAS NOT WIRING, DEALER REPLACED PCM. *SLC

WHILE TRAVELING DOWN A HILL AND LETTING OFF THE GAS, THE TRANSFER CASE MAKES A GRINDING SOUND, DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE IS DEFECTIVE. *SLC

THE LAST REPAIR WAS A THIRD TIME THE FRONT END SEAL HAVE FAILED. THE SERVICE DEALER CUSTOMER SERVICE ATTENDENT STATE THAT HE HAD SIX EXPLORERS THAT MORNING FOR THE SAME FAILURE. FORD MOTOR CO. COULD NOT PROVIDE ME WITH INFROMATION REGARDING IF THIS WAS A COMMON OCCURANCE FOR THIS VEHICLE.*AK

SEE DESCRIPTION FROM ANOTHER DISSATISFIED OWNER AT ODI ID: 702324. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK( DOT NUMBER: )

INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DRIVING OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHES AND JERKS FORWARD. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE. *AK

WHILE GOING UP HILL CAR WAS BACKING BACK DOWN HILL. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND HAD TRANSMSSIION REPLACED. FEBRUARY 2000, CONSUMER HAD TO GET A TOTAL OF 3 TRANSMSSIONS.ON 07-OCT-2000, WHILE WAITING AT A LIGHT, CONSUMER TOOK FOOT OFF OF BRAKE AND VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS. *AK

WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION, AND EMERGENCY BRAKE ON, VEHICLE JERKED AND ROLLED, CAUSING A COLLISION. DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE.*AK

4 WHEEL DRIVE IS INOPERATIVE, THE DEALER DRAINED AND FILLED THE TRANSFER CASE. *SLC

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WHEN GOING DOWN A HILL THE VEH. STARED TO MAKE A GRINDING NOISE. I HAD TO GET UP OUT OF THE HOLE TO PULL OFF AND I NOTED THAT WHEN I STEPED BACK ON THE GAS IT STOPED. IT ONLY DOES THIS WHEN COASTING OR BRAKING. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WAS A FAILURE IN THE TRANSFER CASE. I STARTED LOOKING FOR A NEW ONE ON THE NET AND FOUND ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE DESCRIBING THE SAME PROBLEM TO A T. ONE GUY STATED THAT HIS MECHANIC SAID THAT THE GEM CONTROL MODULE HAD FAILED OR PARTIALLY FAILED AND COMMANDED THE TRANFER CASE TO DISENGAGE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE CASE. IT APPEARED TO BE A FORD ELECTRONIC DEFECT NOT HAVING A FAIL SAFE MODE BUT INSTEAD ORDERING THE TRANFER CASE TO SELF DESTRUCT. THE OXYGEN SENORS I REPLACE THEM AND THEY GO RIGHT BACK OUT.

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WHEN GOING DOWN A HILL THE VEH. STARED TO MAKE A GRINDING NOISE. I HAD TO GET UP OUT OF THE HOLE TO PULL OFF AND I NOTED THAT WHEN I STEPED BACK ON THE GAS IT STOPED. IT ONLY DOES THIS WHEN COASTING OR BRAKING. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WAS A FAILURE IN THE TRANSFER CASE. I STARTED LOOKING FOR A NEW ONE ON THE NET AND FOUND ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE DESCRIBING THE SAME PROBLEM TO A T. ONE GUY STATED THAT HIS MECHANIC SAID THAT THE GEM CONTROL MODULE HAD FAILED OR PARTIALLY FAILED AND COMMANDED THE TRANFER CASE TO DISENGAGE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE CASE. IT APPEARED TO BE A FORD ELECTRONIC DEFECT NOT HAVING A FAIL SAFE MODE BUT INSTEAD ORDERING THE TRANFER CASE TO SELF DESTRUCT. THE OXYGEN SENORS I REPLACE THEM AND THEY GO RIGHT BACK OUT.

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN NOVEMBER OF 1998. AT THE TIME IT HAD 10,000 MILES ON IT. I NOTICED THE VEHICLE HAD WHAT SEEMED TO BE A SHUTTER OR VIBRATION. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE SERVICE MANAGER DROVE WITH ME FOR MANY MILES. HE STATED THAT THIS WAS A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE. EVERYTHING IS A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED TRANSMISSION REPAIR/REPLACEMENT SHOP AND HAVE FOUND THAT THIS PROBLEM IS ACTUALLY AN EMISSIONS PROBLEM, AND THAT THE COMPUTER NEEDS TO BE FLASHED TO CHANGE THE STRATEGY OF THE TORQUE CONVERTER. I WOULD LIKE THIS ISSUE ADDRESSED AS IT CAUSES MY VEHICLE TO VIBRATE AND AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE VEHICLE FEELS VERY UNSAFE.*AK

CONNECTOR SEAL BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING CAUSING A BANG WHEN VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO REVERSE. NLM

CONSUMER HAD SEEN LEFT FRONT TIRE SHOW INITIAL SEPARATION. CONSUMER BELIEVED IT WAS THE AXLE. *AK

MECHANIC MADE COMMENT THAT SEALS IN TRANSMISSION WERE DEFECTIVE AND WERE SUPPOSED TO BE REPLACED BUT DEALER NEGLECTED TO DO SO WHEN VEHICLE WAS TRADED IN OR IN FOR PRIOR SERVICES. *AK

TRANSFER CASE FAILED. *MJS

THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE LITES (4-WHEEL DR-LOW & 4-WHEEL DR) AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LITE BEGAN FLASHING ON THE DASH. I STOPPED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP, POCATELLO, IDAHO. THEY PUT ON COMPUTER, BUT SAID THEY COULD FIND NOTHING IN THE GEM MEMORY, SO ADVISED ME TO DRIVE ON TO SALT LAKE CITY, BUT DO NOT PUT IN CRUISE CONTROL, AND THIS WOULD NOT HARM THE CAR'S EQUIPMENT OR BE UNSAFE. I RETURNED FROM MY TRIP AND STOPPED AT A RETIREMENT HOME'S PARKING LOT IN IDAHO FALLS ON JULY 1, 2000 AND THE CAR MADE "BANGING" NOISES WHEN REVERSED OUT OF THE PARKING SLOT. THE DASH LITES THAT HAD BEEN FLASHING PREVIOUSLY WERE NOT SHOWING. I CALLED THE BROADWAY FORD DEALERSHIP THAT SERVICES THE CAR TO HAUL IT IN FOR REPAIR. THEY FOUND THE SENSORS WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THEN THEY TEST DROVE THE CAR AND SAID IT HAD A NOISE IN THE TRANSFER CASE AND THOUGHT THEY SHOULD INVESTIGATE. THEY FOUND SHAVINGS IN THE FLUID, AND HAVE PARTS ON ORDER. I AM ALARMED AT WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE TO AND FROM SALT LAKE CITY AT 75 MPH, AS THE CAR LURCHED AND BANGED IN REVERSE AND FORWARD GEAR WHEN I TRIED TO DRIVE OUT OF THE PARKING LOT AT THE RETIREMENT HOME. IT SEEMED TO HAVE THE GEARS LOCKED UP, OR THE TWO 4-WHEEL DRIVE TRANSMISSIONS NOT WORKING TOGETHER. THEY CANNOT ASSURE ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION MIGHT ALSO BE DAMAGED FROM THESE SENSORS NOT WORKING.*AK

THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE LITES (4-WHEEL DR-LOW & 4-WHEEL DR) AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LITE BEGAN FLASHING ON THE DASH. I STOPPED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP, POCATELLO, IDAHO. THEY PUT ON COMPUTER, BUT SAID THEY COULD FIND NOTHING IN THE GEM MEMORY, SO ADVISED ME TO DRIVE ON TO SALT LAKE CITY, BUT DO NOT PUT IN CRUISE CONTROL, AND THIS WOULD NOT HARM THE CAR'S EQUIPMENT OR BE UNSAFE. I RETURNED FROM MY TRIP AND STOPPED AT A RETIREMENT HOME'S PARKING LOT IN IDAHO FALLS ON JULY 1, 2000 AND THE CAR MADE "BANGING" NOISES WHEN REVERSED OUT OF THE PARKING SLOT. THE DASH LITES THAT HAD BEEN FLASHING PREVIOUSLY WERE NOT SHOWING. I CALLED THE BROADWAY FORD DEALERSHIP THAT SERVICES THE CAR TO HAUL IT IN FOR REPAIR. THEY FOUND THE SENSORS WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THEN THEY TEST DROVE THE CAR AND SAID IT HAD A NOISE IN THE TRANSFER CASE AND THOUGHT THEY SHOULD INVESTIGATE. THEY FOUND SHAVINGS IN THE FLUID, AND HAVE PARTS ON ORDER. I AM ALARMED AT WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE TO AND FROM SALT LAKE CITY AT 75 MPH, AS THE CAR LURCHED AND BANGED IN REVERSE AND FORWARD GEAR WHEN I TRIED TO DRIVE OUT OF THE PARKING LOT AT THE RETIREMENT HOME. IT SEEMED TO HAVE THE GEARS LOCKED UP, OR THE TWO 4-WHEEL DRIVE TRANSMISSIONS NOT WORKING TOGETHER. THEY CANNOT ASSURE ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION MIGHT ALSO BE DAMAGED FROM THESE SENSORS NOT WORKING.*AK

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY STARTED SLOWING DOWN AND HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE. WHEN LET GO THE GAS PEDAL, ALL 4 WHEELS LOCKED UP. ALSO, CV JOINT ON THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT HAD SEPARATED. *AK

ENGINE "TICKS" PRIMARILY AT COLD STARTUP. PROBLEM BECOMING MORE PREVELANT HOWEVER, NOW IT OCCURS ALSO AT A WARM STARTUP. ENGINE ALSO "HISSES" AT LOW SPEEDS TO IDLE. REAR END LEAKS FLUID AND ALSO SHUDDERS AT HIGH SPEEDS. "CLUNKING" NOISE OFTEN HEARD AND FELT FROM REAR END WHEN VEHICLE STOPS.

VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN IN 4 TIMES - SOME PARTS REPLACED -DEALER CAN NOT FIND PROBLEM. FORD MOTOR COMPANY CONTACTED NOT RESOLVED. VEHICLE 4- WHEEL DRIVE LOW AND HIGH LIGHTS BLINK WHILE DRIVING THEN THE VEHICLE WILL NOT GO INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE. AFTER YOU TURN OFF CAR AND RESTART THE SYSTEM RESETS AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE WORKS. THIS PROBLEM COULD BE DANGERIOUS AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF 4 WHEEL DRIVE DOES NOT WORK AND THIS WOULD ALSO PROBABLY INCLUDE AUTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE MODE FOR SLIPPERY CONDITIONS. *AK

4-WHEEL DRIVE ACTIVATED WHILE DRIVING AT 30MPH, CAUSING THE STEERING TO LOCK WHICH RESULTED IN A CRASH

- WHEEL DRIVE HIGH AND LOW ACTIVATED WHILE DRIVING AT 30MPH CAUSING THE STEERING TO LOCK WHICH RESULTED IN A CRASH. *AK

EA99001, THROTTLE BODY SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO JUMP FORWARD OR BACKWARD. ALSO, WHILE STARTING VEHICLE, IT WILL STALL OUT WHEN PLACING IT IN GEAR. OWNER THINKS PART SHOULD BE RECALLED. *AK *ML

AUTOMOBILE JUMPED OUT OF PARK AND ROLLED FORWARD AND HIT A POLE. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. *AK

TRANSFER CASE WENT OUT TRAVELING BETWEEN SPEEDS OF 40-60 MPH, NO PULLING POWER IN GEAR.*AK

4 WHEEL DRIVE STUCK IN LOW. IF SWITCHED OUT OF LOW THE TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES FROM BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR AXEL SO THE VEHICLE JUST STOPS. EVEN THOUGH THE LIGHTS ON DASH INDICATE THE VEHICLE IS IN 4 WHEEL HIGH THE VEHICLE REMAINS IN 4 WHEEL LOW. WE HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 2 1/2 YEARS AND NEVER ONCE USED 4 WHEEL LOW. WITH THE SNOW THIS WEEK I USED 4 WHEEL LOW TO GET OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. I DID NOT GO MORE THEN 3 FEET FORWARD WHEN THE TRANSMISSION BECAME STUCK. NOTHING I DID WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. WHEN I CONTACTED FORD ALL THEY TOLD ME WAS MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRENTY SO I HAD TO PAY FOR IT. I KNOW FROM OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. THE FEAR HERE IS THAT THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM COMPLETELY DISENGAGES AND MY VEHICLE WITH MY FAMILY IS PUT AT RISK AS OTHERS COME UP ON US AT SPEED. THANKS FOR THE SITE. KEVIN

4 WHEEL DRIVE STUCK IN LOW. IF SWITCHED OUT OF LOW THE TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES FROM BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR AXEL SO THE VEHICLE JUST STOPS. EVEN THOUGH THE LIGHTS ON DASH INDICATE THE VEHICLE IS IN 4 WHEEL HIGH THE VEHICLE REMAINS IN 4 WHEEL LOW. WE HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 2 1/2 YEARS AND NEVER ONCE USED 4 WHEEL LOW. WITH THE SNOW THIS WEEK I USED 4 WHEEL LOW TO GET OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. I DID NOT GO MORE THEN 3 FEET FORWARD WHEN THE TRANSMISSION BECAME STUCK. NOTHING I DID WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. WHEN I CONTACTED FORD ALL THEY TOLD ME WAS MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRENTY SO I HAD TO PAY FOR IT. I KNOW FROM OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. THE FEAR HERE IS THAT THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM COMPLETELY DISENGAGES AND MY VEHICLE WITH MY FAMILY IS PUT AT RISK AS OTHERS COME UP ON US AT SPEED. THANKS FOR THE SITE. KEVIN

WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH WITH SNOW ON PAVEMENT CONSUMER HEARD NOISE UNDER VEHICLE. ALL 4 WHEELS LOCKED UP, CAUSING TRUCK TO ROLLOVER. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

WE (HERNDON, VA RESIDENTS - JANE, MY SON TJ-15, MY DAUGHTER BOBBIE-13, AND I) WERE RETURNING FROM SPENDING CHRISTMAS WITH JANE'S SISTER, ANNE, AND OUR BROTHER-IN-LAW, JACK, IN DETROIT. WE DEPARTED FROM FARMINGTON HILLS MI (DETROIT) AT 9:30AM IN A LIGHT SNOW. IT WORSENED AS WE GOT INTO OHIO, BUT THE ROADS WERE CLEARED AND IN SOME AREAS WERE SALTED. MOST TRAFFIC WAS MOVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH IN ONE LANE, THE FAR RIGHT ONE CLOSEST TO THE SHOULDER. THAT IS WHERE I WAS WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. SHORTLY AFTER WE STARTED THE TRIP I HEARD A SERIES OF LOUD NOISES FROM UNDER THE CAR. MY SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE (SUV), A 1997 FORD EXPLORER, HAS A SERIES OF SETTINGS FOR 4 WHEEL DRIVE (4WD), I.E., AUTO 4WD, 4WD HIGH, AND 4WD LOW. AT THE TIME I BELIEVED THE NOISE TO BE THE CAR SHIFTING FROM 2WD TO 4WD AS IT SENSED THE ROAD CONDITIONS. I ATTEMPTED TO SET IT TO 4WD, BUT THE NOISE CONTINUED. SINCE THE NOISE DID NOT STOP I SET IT BACK TO THE SETTING I HAD IT IN MOST OF THE TIME. AT APPROXIMATELY 1PM, I AM CERTAIN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED LOCKING THE WHEELS, WHICH PUT ME INTO A SPIN. DURING THE SPIN THE CAR ROLLED OVER, WENT IN AND OUT OF A DITCH (LOCATED TO THE RIGHT OF THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD) ON ITS SIDE, AND EVENTUALLY SETTLED RIGHT SIDE UP WITH THE FRONT OF THE CAR POINTED DOWNWARD INTO THE DITCH TOWARD THE HIGHWAY. I CONTACTED MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE CAR IS CURRENTLY LOCATED AT SUBURBAN COLLISION CENTER, 1151 WEST BAGLEY ROAD, BUREA, OH 44017 (440) 243-5533. *AK

FORD POWERTRAIN SYSTEM DISENGAGED WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY WITH A STEEP GRADE. AUTO ENGINE BRAKING CONTROL WAS LOST WITH LOUD GEAR TEARING SOUNDS. VEHICLE SPEED IMMEDIATELY ENCREASED TO A DANGEROUS LEVEL DURING CURVED DOWN-HILL SETION OF THE ROAD. HEAVY APPLICATION OF BRAKES KEPT US FROM SLIDING OFF THE HIGHWAY AND DOWN THE MOUNTAIN SIDE. THERE WAS NO WARNING THAT THE FORD GEM CONTROL MODULE WAS FAILING AND SUBSEQUENTLY INSTRUCTING THE TRANSMISSION "TRANSFER" CASE TO RELEASE/ENGAGE IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO DESTROY THE POWERTRAIN AND DISCONNECT THE VEHICLE FROM THE POWERTRAIN. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, APPLIED BRAKES, AND THEY WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOORBOARD. ALSO, EMERGENCY BRAKE DIDN'T WORK AT ALL, AND CONSUMER IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVE TRAIN. *AK

TRANSMISSION PROBLEM OCCURRED BEGINNING IN OCTOBER 1997 UNTIL NOVEMBER 1998 WHEN VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO FORD PER A LEMON LAW SETTLEMENT. TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS INCLUDED LACK OF POWER, LOSS OF POWER, ERRATIC IDLE AND THROTTLE. PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR MORE INFORMATION PER YOUR INVESTIGATION.

PINION SEAL LEAKING.

VEHICLE IS NOT CONSITENT SWITCHING IN/OUT OF OVERDRIVE/4 WD -STICKS-FORD DENIES THERE IS A PROBLEM.

BROUGHT VEHICHLE INTO DIFFERENT FORD DEALER TO COMPLAIN OF NOISE, WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE AIR PRESSSURE VALVE AND TO WAIT TILL IT GOT LOUDER TILL THEY WOULD FIX, ONE WEEK LATER TRANSMISSION FAILED, THEY SAY IT IS A CRACKED DRUM AND REPLACED ENTIRE TRANSMISSION...NEVER HAD AN AIR VALVE PROBLEM

WHILE THE TRUCK WAS PARKED WITH THE IGNITION RUNNING, THE GEAR POPPED OUT OF PARK AND TOOK OFF IN DRIVE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO JUMP IN THE TRUCK AND TURN OFF THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE TRUCK HIT A MAIL BOX, AND THE HOOD AND FENDER WERE DENTED. *AK

STARTED APPLYING BRAKES AFTER GOING 30MPH. VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN OR STOP. REARENDED SEVERAL VEHICLES. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. LEFT FRONT WHEEL CAME OFF. PRIOR TO IMPACT, CV JOINT MADE KNOCKING NOISE WHEN TURNING. TOOK TO DEALER TWICE FOR KNOCKING NOISE. *AK

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE MADE A CRACKING NOISE, DRIVESHAFT FAILED, AND THEN BECAME UNABLE TO DRIVE. DEALER HAS FIXED IT. *AK

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD AUTOMATICALLY GO INTO 4- WHEEL DRIVE. CANNOT DRIVE ON DRY PAYMENT WHEN IN 4- WHEEL DRIVE. VHEICLE IS HEAVY GOING FOR STEERING. DEALER RESET COMPUTER & COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. *AK

WHEN CHANGING GEAR INTO REVERSE DEFECT IN TRANSMISSION WILL CAUSE A TEN SECONDS DELAY, VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE BEFORE IT WILL ACTUALLY ENGAGE THE REVERSE GEAR. DEALER HAS REBUILT TRANSMISSION, NOW SAYING THIS IS NORMAL WITH VEHICLE. *AK

WHEN BACKING UP, THE GAS PEDAL MAY STICK. YOU MUST TAP THE PEDAL TO DISENGAGE IT. IF THE TRANSMISSION IS IN DRIVE, THE VEHICLE MAY LURTCH FORWARD AND IF YOU'RE ON AN INCLINE IT MAY ROLL BACKWARDS BEFORE ENGAGING.

TRANSMISSION LEAKED ON THE CONVERTER CAUSING FIRE.

WHILE DRIVING ALONG AT 25-3M MPH IN RAIN, AND AFTER ENGAGING 4-WHHEL DRIVE, VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER ON ITS TOP.

DRIVING 68MPH ON HIGHWAY WHEN VEHICLE STARTED VIBRATING EXCESSIVELY. SLOWED DOWN FOR 1ST EXIT & VIBRATIONS DECREASED; BUT STARTED UP AGAIN. TOOK TO MECHANIC AT GAS STATION TO CHECK OUT & INFORMED WAS DRIVESHAFT. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO NEAREST DEALER. *AK *JB

4 WHEEL DRIVE INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHES.

VEHICLE TENDS TO BUCK WHEN MAKING TIGHT TURNS.

VIBRATION/GRINDING IN FRONT DRIVE LINE.

MANUAL CLUTCH FAILED SEVERAL TIMES, REPAIRS MADE HOWEVER STILL FAILED.