1997 Ford Explorer
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Explorer › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Ford Explorer. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
12 recalls name the 1997 Ford Explorer. Newest first.
Ford IS recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 F-250 sd through F-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 E-150 through E-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and 1994 F53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (scds). the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. on 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module connector and repair as necessary. repairs will be completed free of charge. the safety recall began on october 27, 2009. owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.
Dope, inc. IS recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on july 28, 2009. owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. the recall began on april 3, 2006. owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
This IS not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it IS deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. equipment description: ford IS replacing all firestone wilderness at 15, 16, and 17 inch tires mounted on ford trucks and suvs. ford reports tread separation can occur due to a combination of the sensitivity of the tire…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Should the tread separate at highway speeds, a vehicle crash could occur, possibly resulting in personal injury or death.
Remedy
The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on march 31, 2002. however, customers can contact ford at 1-877-917-3673 or go on-line to www.ford.com for possible assistance.
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles equipped with 4.0L SOHC engines and still retain the original throttle body (part numbers 97jf-9e926ab or 97jf-9e926-ac). some of the original throttle bodies installed allowed a gap between the plate and bore to be built too narrow. this reduced clearance allowed the engine deposits normally present in the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in engine surge when the accelerator pedal breaks free.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the original throttle bodies.
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. under certain conditions, a front sway bar link can fracture.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Vehicle handling could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace both the left and right front sway bar links.
Tire description: firestone wilderness at, size p235/75r15, produced at the decatur, illinois tire plant and all firestone radial atx and radial atx II tires, size p235/75r15. operation of these tires at low inflation pressures, high speed, and in hot weather, can contribute to separation of the tire tread.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the tread separates from the tire, the driver can lose control of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash causing injury or death.
Remedy
The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on august 29, 2001. however, customers should contact firestone customer service at 1-800-465-1904 for possible assistance.
Vehicle description: MINI vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the photometric requirements of fmvss 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." according to ford, the vehicles were imported into the u.s. Erroneously.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The light given off from the daytime running lights IS brighter than allowed by u.s. Standards.
Remedy
Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
Vehicle description: certain 1997-1999 rhd explorer equipped with 4.0L ohv/sohc engines and cruise control built from may 29, 1996 through march 4, 1999; 1998-1999 explorer/mountaineers equipped with 4.0L ohv/sohc or 5.0L engines or 1998-1999 rangers equipped with 2.5L, 3.0L ffv/efi or 4.0L engines and cruise control built from january 5, 1998 through…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the cruise control IS used and this condition IS present, a stuck throttle could result, which could potentially result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the cruise control cables. at the present time, the replacement cables are not available. customers are being advised not to use the cruise control system until a replacement can be made.
Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with 4.0L single overhead cam engines. the engine fuel lines can be damaged if the vehicle IS jump started and the ground cable IS attached to the fuel line bracket that IS located near the battery. since the bracket IS not grounded, the stainless steel fuel line braid could act as a ground…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The fuel lines can leak, and in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could potentially result.
Remedy
Dealers will install a warning label on the fuel line bracket advising owners not to use it for a jump start ground. also a revised bolt will be installed in the alternator bracket to provide a convenient jump start ground location.
Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with 5.0L engines originally sold or currently registered in the states of alaska, idaho, iowa, maine, michigan (upper peninsula only), minnesota, montana, nebraska, new hampshire, new york, north dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin, and wyoming. these vehicles, when operated for extended…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Although the vehicle can be controlled by either applying the service brakes or shifting the transmission to neutral, increased brake pedal efforts or some increase in stopping distance can result.
Remedy
Dealers will install a revised pcv system with water heated vacuum source.
Owner complaints
1,731 complaints156 involved a crash53 involved a fire214 injuries34 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Service brakes · Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 mph, the vehicle started to shake abnormally, the contact was unable to drive in 4 wheel drive. The contact stated the check gauge warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 mph, the vehicle started to shake abnormally, the contact was unable to drive in 4 wheel drive. The contact stated the check gauge warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the front drive shaft, the control arms, the front oxygen sensor, and the front and rear brakes needing to be replaced. The control arms were replaced however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle caught on fire while parked in his driveway. The contact stated that an independent mechanic diagnosed that the hydraulic fluid was leaking due to the faulty cruise control switch causing the fire. The contact mentioned…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle caught on fire while parked in his driveway. The contact stated that an independent mechanic diagnosed that the hydraulic fluid was leaking due to the faulty cruise control switch causing the fire. The contact mentioned that the hydraulic fluid leaked out when it gets warm even when the vehicle not running. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for a diagnostic testing and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000. The vin was not available. *Bf
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Suspension
My lights don't work stabilizing bar IS bad,speed control dose not work security key code not working,door controls do not work.wiper work sometimes.ball joint are bad, tires wearing bad,,bushings are very bad.transmission IS starting to slip,all wheel drive does not work, it grinding sound.heaf light only brights work.
- Unknown or other
Running on the highway the right axle of the differential brokeoff and the wheel came off with the brake caliper and brake hose and because of this cause loose control and crash .the vehicle IS total loss.
- Seat belts · Seats · Vehicle speed control
The drivers side seatbelt will not engage to the lock position.
- Electrical system
I recently found out my vehicle has an open recall regarding the possible leakage of the speed control deactivation switch, which could cause a fire whether the vehicle IS running or not. The ford manufacturer's recall #09s09 and the nhtsa recall #09v399000. This IS still an open recall.i contacted…
I recently found out my vehicle has an open recall regarding the possible leakage of the speed control deactivation switch, which could cause a fire whether the vehicle IS running or not. The ford manufacturer's recall #09s09 and the nhtsa recall #09v399000. This IS still an open recall.i contacted ford recall center today and they are refusing to remedy this hazardous recall due to the age of the recall and the age and miles of my vehicle. This IS a safety issue and ford should fix it as bodily injury or even possible death could occur if this recall IS not remedied. My vehicle IS running properly for the moment but since this IS a safety issue, ford motor co. Should be required to fix it no matter the age of my vehicle.
- Electrical system
On december 23RD, 2016 I was coming home from work around 6:00 pm. My car was a 1997 ford explorer eddie bauer edition. I had just gotten off of the highway and turned onto my road when I began to smell smoke, so, I pulled off into an empty parking lot beside a walking trail. I could tell that it…
On december 23RD, 2016 I was coming home from work around 6:00 pm. My car was a 1997 ford explorer eddie bauer edition. I had just gotten off of the highway and turned onto my road when I began to smell smoke, so, I pulled off into an empty parking lot beside a walking trail. I could tell that it was an electrical fire, but, it took me quite a while to figure out where it was coming from. I checked under the hood - but nothing seemed to be wrong there. Then, I got back into the car and the smoke kept getting heavier. I began feeling around for something that was hot. I checked the dash, the vents, the steering wheel, the seats - almost everything before I checked the center computer console. In the middle of my car - directly under the radio - there IS a computer module that displays the gas mileage, oil status, and if there IS a problem with the lights on the car. The module had recently started displaying a "check headlamps" message. Well - I had done so and they were working fine - so I did not think anything of it. Turns out that the fire had started under the center computer module. I guess that the car should have blown a fuse but instead - started a fire. I tried to rip the cover and the console up - but it was screwed down and I had no luck. At that point, the flames started to spread very quickly and the entire car went up in flames in a matter of minutes. I called 911 and got as far away as I could with my belongings. The fire truck and fire fighters came within five minutes or so and put out the fire before it reached the gas tank. The bottom half of the car remained untouched, however, the interior was completely destroyed. The seats had burnt off and the steering wheel was completely gone. I'm still in my teenage years - so I did not know how to deal with this situation properly. I am just glad I am alive and that I was able to get out of the car in time.
- Seat belts
Driver side seat belt buckle will no longer securely latch. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
With no warning or hint of anything going wrong on the brake system, as traffic slowed to stop for a light, the brakes went completely out on my ford explorer. the pedal went to the floor and pumping had no effect. I was in mid day traffic and had almost 2 car lengths between myself and the SUV…
With no warning or hint of anything going wrong on the brake system, as traffic slowed to stop for a light, the brakes went completely out on my ford explorer. the pedal went to the floor and pumping had no effect. I was in mid day traffic and had almost 2 car lengths between myself and the SUV in front of me, which unfortunately, was what stopped me. Thankfully, I was only going 20 mph and no one was hurt nor did air bags deploy. after the police arrived and had us pull into a parking lot, the pedal felt like it had the brakes back however, the brake pedal went to the floor after cranking up. I was able to stop from rolling out the other side of a parking space in the back of the lot by using the emergency brakes. Even though the truck has shows high mileage,most of which IS highway miles, the truck as been maintained. I had the truck towed to the shop and two mechanics could find nothing wrong. I had the master cylinder and booster was changed even though I was assured it was fine. that seemed to help my peace of mind for about a week until I was stopped at a light and the brake pedal eased down to the floor. I ran an internet search to see if anyone else has had this problem and surprised to see it seems to be a common problem with explorer. I'm sure everyone who mentioned having this problem has not reported it that should have.
- Structure › Body
The driver side interior door handle return spring unseated resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation. if the interior door handle return spring IS unseated, could the door unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury? *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
The 1997 ford explorer 4D eddie bauer edition has a computer controlled message center. the message center controls among other things the vehicle headlights and fog lamps. the light out module (lom) also known as the indicator warning system control IS located inside the message center console…
The 1997 ford explorer 4D eddie bauer edition has a computer controlled message center. the message center controls among other things the vehicle headlights and fog lamps. the light out module (lom) also known as the indicator warning system control IS located inside the message center console and runs "hot" in temperature because of a flawed design. the current design leads to internal electrical system failures that result in a loss of the low beam headlights. the system IS designed to notify the driver of a headlight or lamp failure, etc, however, the failure of the notification system causes the low beam headlights (and fog lamps as they are on the same circuit) to fail. on june 25, 2014, the second failure of the system occurred (we are the original owners and have previously replaced the indicator warning system control or light out module (lom) at great expense). ford motor company must recall the 1997 ford explorer eddie bauer edition and any other like designed ford product with a light out module (lom) that fails leaving the driver without low beams and no means of fixing the said defect without an authorized ford dealer's repair (at great expense) that IS life threatening in the interim. such repairs are not possible if on an extended trip in rural settings. the absence of low beam headlights after sunset and before sunrise IS life threatening and unacceptable to the occupants of a 1997 ford explorer as well as to pedestrians and other vehicles who cannot see the ford explorer operating without headlights. the corrective solution needs a venting system such that the message center does not continually melt the indicator warning system control or light out module (lom). thank you for your service and for your prompt attention to this defect requiring a corrective recall. *tr
- Tires
On 7/29/2013 we purchased a set of 4 kumho solus KR21 tires. the car IS used primarily for highway travel ? Once weekly work commute and for vacation road trips. we had not yet driven it off pavement with the new tires. on 4/16/2014 I started the car to go to work. I heard an odd noise from…
On 7/29/2013 we purchased a set of 4 kumho solus KR21 tires. the car IS used primarily for highway travel ? Once weekly work commute and for vacation road trips. we had not yet driven it off pavement with the new tires. on 4/16/2014 I started the car to go to work. I heard an odd noise from the rear passenger side, almost like a rhythmic popping sound, but it stopped, and since it wasn't identifiable I proceeded to leave my driveway. about a block away, I heard the noise again, but again it stopped. at this point the car was handling fine. as soon as I got on the freeway (approximately 2 miles from my house), I noticed I was having trouble accelerating to speed (65mph). I also began to hear a rhythmic bumping noise, so began to pull over to the shoulder. by the time I got over, I could feel the bumping and knew I had a flat. the rear passenger side wheel had suffered a complete sidewall separation (see photo). the tires only had 6,624 miles on them ? All paved road, no dirt. they were supposedly warrantied to 85,000 miles. in retrospect, I believe the sounds I heard in my driveway were the initial sidewall separation. the separation did not cause immediate loss of air pressure or structural integrity; that only happened once I got on the highway and started driving at 60mph. there was no explosive noise like a blowout. in subsequently researching kumho tires, I discovered that this brand has a long history with sudden sidewall separation and/or blowouts ? All at low mileages. this occurs across several tire models and years. the complaints were so consistent that I went back to the tire dealer and requested a different brand. they replaced them and I notified them of my research results. I am very concerned that kumho IS allowed to continue selling tires with such a safety risk. I was very lucky that I did not lose control and that traffic at that moment was light. *tr
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · Seat belts
1997 ford explorer driver's seat belt latch receiver failure. after owning the car for 12 to 13 years, the latch/receiver would not engage the strap. I replaced it with one from a salvage yard and after three years this replacement latch/receiver has failed also. *tr
- Power train
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…
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
- Wheels
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact stated that the rims were completely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vin was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer with winston win winner at tires, size: 255/70r16. The contact stated that the side wall of the front passenger's side was leaking and the other three tires had developed cracks throughout the tires. The vehicle was not diagnosed and the tires were replaced…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer with winston win winner at tires, size: 255/70r16. The contact stated that the side wall of the front passenger's side was leaking and the other three tires had developed cracks throughout the tires. The vehicle was not diagnosed and the tires were replaced by the contact. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage of the vehicle and tires was 170,000. The dot number was not available.
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving 5 mph, the accelerator pedal became detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 215,000.
- Electrical system
Approx. 2AM, the vehicle caught on fire. Fire dept. Report confirmed electrical fire. *tr
- Exterior lighting · Structure › Body
I own a ford explorer xlt 1997 and the rear passenger door on the drivers side only opens from the inside while the other rear passenger door will not open from the inside or out (child lock not activated). the drivers door doesn't lock and when it does lock, it doesn't unlock or sticks so bad it…
I own a ford explorer xlt 1997 and the rear passenger door on the drivers side only opens from the inside while the other rear passenger door will not open from the inside or out (child lock not activated). the drivers door doesn't lock and when it does lock, it doesn't unlock or sticks so bad it has be unlocked with pliers, causing the driver to have to get in and out of the car through the front passenger side door. the interior map light and rear interior door light above the backseats stay on constantly even when switched off and the lightbulbs had to be removed because they wouldn't turn off and were overheating. *tr
- Vehicle speed control · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 mph on a steep uphill grade, the bracket that supported the gas pedal suddenly broke away from the firewall and the bracket and gas pedal slid into the floor board and under the seat. The vehicle was backed…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 mph on a steep uphill grade, the bracket that supported the gas pedal suddenly broke away from the firewall and the bracket and gas pedal slid into the floor board and under the seat. The vehicle was backed down the hill in neutral and maneuvered to the side of the road in light oncoming traffic. Assistance was summoned and upon inspection the gas pedal was found with the bracket that attached to the firewall in a new like condition, except where three spot welds attached to the gas pedal bracket to the firewall had broken away. The vehicle was rigged to a running condition to travel approximately two miles or less to the owners residence where a more reliable repair was made. The repair was over seen by a licensed a&p mechanic. The manufacturer was notified by the owner of the weld failure. The approximate mileage was well over 100,00 and IS currently back in service. updated 06/18/13*lj
- Seats
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The contact stated that the driver and passenger seat bolts fractured and caused the seats to separate from the frame. the bolts were replaced several times; however the failure was not corrected. The manufacturer advised that the vehicle was not included…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The contact stated that the driver and passenger seat bolts fractured and caused the seats to separate from the frame. the bolts were replaced several times; however the failure was not corrected. The manufacturer advised that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 03v281000 (seats). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage as 330,000.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The contact stated that when driving approximately 35-40 mph over a road bump, the vehicle would sway from left to right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who advised that the front stabilizer bar needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired three…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The contact stated that when driving approximately 35-40 mph over a road bump, the vehicle would sway from left to right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who advised that the front stabilizer bar needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired three times however, the failure recurred after each repair. the manufacturer was notified and stated that there were no recalls for the vehicle and offered no other assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
- Electrical system · Engine
I have no explanation for the fire, the car was parked in my driveway. it had been driven about a block from my home and then it was returned to the driveway. my uncle son sitting in the living room when they heard the car alarm and looked out of the window to see clouds of black smoke coming…
I have no explanation for the fire, the car was parked in my driveway. it had been driven about a block from my home and then it was returned to the driveway. my uncle son sitting in the living room when they heard the car alarm and looked out of the window to see clouds of black smoke coming from the truck. my son attempted to put the fire out but it was to intense, my son called 911. this would have killed someone if they had been in the car. photos are available. Fire department could not say what caused this fire. The tires even melted. All severe damage was to the front end. the car had not been in any kind of accident, there IS no explanation for this fire. please contact me for photos. Not sure what to do but I need to make sure no families. *Tr
- Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
We were lucky this time, we had the explorer in the shop and I got a call from the lead tech that stated while the were servicing the brakes no less than 3 lines rotted through, but*** the antilock controller sprung a leak and sprayed fluid all over the hot engine causing a small fire!!! no damage but we were lucky... *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Suspension
Since the explorer was 5 years old the driver side of the truck was starting to settle/ be lower than the passenger side. Until it was so bad the shop stated we needed to replace the rear springs, shocks and stabilizer and *** the rear was also lower than the front. So we had to replace the front…
Since the explorer was 5 years old the driver side of the truck was starting to settle/ be lower than the passenger side. Until it was so bad the shop stated we needed to replace the rear springs, shocks and stabilizer and *** the rear was also lower than the front. So we had to replace the front shocks and several suspension parts to try to level the vehicle back to normal. now with the engine blown the truck again was settling to the passenger side and toward the rear!!!!! *Tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or…
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi IS not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in any of the 10,319,810 subject vehicles.in addition, odi IS aware of only two incidents where the vehicle stalled without restart.information contained in the odi consumer complaints and obtained from 72 telephone interviews with complainants showed the following:(1) 99% of the complaints were on my 1997 to 2002 subject vehicles.(2) most the complainants reported hearing a loud pop while driving or upon starting up the vehicle followed by a loud, repetitive clicking or popping sound.(3) many of the complainants reported that the popping sound was accompanied by some loss of vehicle power; however, in 99% of the incidents reported, the vehicle did not stall.in the very few incidents where the vehicle did stall, most vehicles could be restarted.(4) only a small percentage of the complainants cited that they smelled gas or a slight burning smell when the incident occurred.(5) in all but a very few incidents, vehicle damage was limited to the engine.in one incident, the complaint reported that the fuel rail was damaged and replaced after one of the spark plugs ejected from the engine; however, the complainant reported that the damage did not result in any type of fuel leak or fire.in another incident, the only incident where a fire was alleged, the complainant reported that no fluid leak was observed, but that a fire resulted after the spark plug had ejected from the engine and he had restarted the vehicle and driven to another location.none of the complainants reported any damage to the vehicle hood.(6) only two complainants reported that they observed what appeared to be some drops of fuel coming from the cylinder where the spark plug had failed or on the spark plug itself; however, each of these complainants reported that there was no smoke or flames as a result of his incident.as the petitioner noted, and odi?s analysis showed, it IS possible for a spark plug to detach from the engine cylinder threads in the subject vehicles.however, odi?s analysis of 474 complaints describing such incidents found only a very few alleged any safety-related consequences.none of these showed any evidence of a serious safety consequence.given the large population and relatively long exposure time of the subject vehicles, the complaint analysis indicates that the risk to motor vehicle safety from the alleged defect IS very low.in view of the foregoing, it IS unlikely that nhtsa would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition IS denied.
- Windshield wiper malfunction
There is no summary currently available
- Steering knuckle separations
There is no summary currently available
- Throttle sticking
On january 23, 1997, ford motor company issued special service message (ssm) 10240, announcing that a revised throttle body would be available during the first quarter of 1997 for 1997 model year ford explorers equipped with the 4.0L single overhead cam (SOHC) engine.the ssm stated the revised throttle body would…
On january 23, 1997, ford motor company issued special service message (ssm) 10240, announcing that a revised throttle body would be available during the first quarter of 1997 for 1997 model year ford explorers equipped with the 4.0L single overhead cam (SOHC) engine.the ssm stated the revised throttle body would address increased throttle efforts that had been experienced on these vehicles.on july 31, 1998, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened service query sq98-014 to determine whether a safety recall was warranted for the problem addressed by ssm 10240.at that time odi had 14 reports alleging throttles sticking open, including three crashes, on 1997 explorers with the 4.0L SOHC engine.ea99-001 investigated alleged throttle body sticking, and loss of throttle control, in the subject vehicles.on december 22, 2000, ford motor company filed a defect information report concerning throttle body sticking in 1997-1998 model year explorer and mountaineer vehicles with 4.0 SOHC engines that still retain the original throttle body; safety recall 00v-422.the engineering analysis closing report IS attached.
- Fuel line damage from jump starting
There is no summary currently available
- Throttle sticking
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10204995Letter Pursuant to Part 573 of Title 49 of the Code fof Federal Regulations, Defect and Noncompliance Reports, Ford Motor Company submits the following information concerning a safety-related recall action that it is initiating.
- 10076008This recall action involves replacement of the front stabilizer bar links in certain 1995 through 1997 model year Explorer and Mountaineer vehicles. Under certain conditions, predominantly in cold weather areas, a front stabilizer bar link stud can fracture from bending fatigue. Bushing load/deflection testing indicates that the stiffness of the bushing urethane material increases as the temperature is lowered, which could increase the bending fatigue load on the stud from the bushing material.
- 10017891Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4X4 or AWD.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008322Air ride control lamp on after shock absorber replacement / contact request.
- 10008304Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application.
- 10008279New service part - number 5 needle bearing and race kit - 4r70w transmission - service tip.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003831An uncommanded shift to 4X4 low.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10002780Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457.
- 10002643Various noise issues from the rear leaf springs while driving.
- 10001922Fluid may leak out of the front axle vent tube.
- 10000592Incorrectly installed gear driven camshaft position (cmp) sensor synchronizer assemblies causing surge, lost of power, malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes p1336, p1309 and p0340.
- 6092199Some 4X4 vehicles may exhibit an oil leak from the front axle pinion seal.
- 6092122Some vehicles with 4.0L SOHC engines may exhibit a vibration / moan / boom at idle.
- 6092013Use kleenex brand juniors or li'l travelers to refill tissues for certain vehicles with the high series center console facial tissue compartment.
- 6091965Subject regarding engine hotline phone numbers.
- 6091931Some vehicles may exhibit an engine noise which may be perceived by the customer as a piston / connecting rod bearing knock.
- 6091841Exhibiting a power steering fluid leak from the steering gear boot(s).
- 6091778Some vehicles may exhibit an air bag light on intermittently with diagnostic trouble code b1924.
- 6091761Concerns with the in-dash cd stops operating when hot / radio display reads cd too hot.
- 6091754Brief information on checking transmission fluid level. *T
- 6091686Some vehicles may exhibit a no start condition when parked on an incline with the vehicle in a noise down position and less than 1/4 tank of fuel.
- 6091661Service tips when servicing a 4.0L SOHC short block assembly.
- 6090873Locks failed. Yd
- 6090871Some vehicles equipped with 4.0L SOHC engines may exhibit a vibration / moan / boom at idle.
- 6090757Service tip information when servicing the 4.0L SOHC short block assembly.
- 6090690Service tips information provided to assist when servicing vehicles with short block assembly.
- 6090598Information regarding neutral tow kit available. *Mjs
- 6090591Information regarding seat that willl not move forward. *Mjs
- 6090538Information regarding camshaft position (cmp) sensor alignment tool chart. *Mjs
- 6090532Information regarding 4.0L SOHC engine repair procedure update. *Mjs
- 6090522Information regarding SOHC engine noise (cam chain noise). *Mjs
- 6090520Information regarding 4.0L SOHC engine noise (cam chain noise). *Mjs
- 6090518Information regarding 4.0 l SOHC camshaft bolt torque. *Mjs
- 6090438Information regarding neutral tow kit availability. *Mjs
- 6090430Information regarding seat that will not move forward. *Mjs
- 6090310Some service manuals may list the incorrect camshaft position sensor alignment tool for vehicles with various engine sizes.
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