Bulletins

BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
POWER TRAIN
028204/29/2002637922Some vehicles built prior to 9/15/2001 may exhibit low line pressure readings while in drive, no 2nd gear, no 3rd gear, no engine braking in manual 1st and slipping shifts and / or delayed engagements. *tt12/09/2002
1588705/01/2002637755Some vehicles may exhibit a no 1-2 upshift, no 2-3 upshift, a no engine braking condition in manual 1 or diagnostic trouble code p0732 (gear 2 incorrect ratio) or p0733 (gear 3 incorrect ratio). *tt12/04/2002
1374501/01/2000612742Some vehicles may experience a condition of no 4 x 4 low range engagement or a stuck in 4 x 4 low range. *mjs06/12/2000
994303/08/1999604751Information regarding reprogramming powertrain control modules (pcms). *tt05/11/1999
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
0326101/05/200310008279New service part - number 5 needle bearing and race kit - 4r70w transmission - service tip. *tt07/26/2004
98032001/01/1998607723Gear dtc's and extended/delayed/ no shift. *ak02/06/2001
9915207/26/1999608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda. *tt01/05/2001
9672603/25/1996613348When replacing an internal wiring harness on 4r44e/4r55e transmissions built before 11/30/95 with a new harness, the fluid pan must be replaced also. failure to change over or convert the fluid pan may result in a transmission fluid leak06/22/2000
001501/10/2000612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *mjs06/06/2000
735311/01/1999610785Some vehicles may exhibit a condition of no 4x4 low range engagement or a stuck in 4x4 low range, with no diagnostic trouble codes stored in the gem module. *tt05/15/2000
1341210/01/1999609668Some vehicles may exhibit a condition of no 4x4 low range engagement or a stuck in 4x4 low range, with no (dtc) diagnostic trouble code stored in the gem. *tt04/06/2000
999605/17/1999606428Experiencing a delayed or no 2-3 upshift, primarily when the transmission is cold on vehicles with ford qality remanufactured (fqr) 4r70w transmission exchange units with julian build between 062-97 and 040-99. *tt08/20/1999
9811201/19/1998605573Subject regarding a new service center support that uses a thrust bearing (#3 and #4) in place of thrust washers has been released. *tt07/12/1999
9751103/03/199751945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts. *jd07/17/1997
BC074196101810/18/199650384For stalling concerns, reflash the pcm w/ 96 calibration (r11 level). *tt04/24/1997
95191209/01/199546468On transmissions built before 6/20/95 (fig 1) an extended shift and a higher engine rpm than expected and/or no shift condition, possibly along with a flashing 'o/d off' lamp and/or the diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) listed above, may occ04/25/1996
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
749411/01/1999610853All vehicles with electronic shift on the fly transfer cases will display contact plate pids opposite of what the 1999 or earlier workshop manual indicates when using ngs with 15.0 level or later software. *tt05/16/2000
9709029718309/02/199754069Experiencing difficulties with the malfunction indicator lamp (mil). *yc03/30/1998
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
0314807/21/200310003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included. *tt10/29/2003
00231011/13/2000616522Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system. *tt03/05/2001
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT
1350511/01/1999614630All 4x4 vehicles with electronic shift onthe fly transfer cases will display contact plate pids opposite of the 1999 or earlier workshop manual indicates when using ngs with 15.0 level or later software. *tt11/29/2000
98031804/01/1998603511Conditions with axle wind-up on tight turns with control trac transfer case. *yc02/23/1999
BC101989723001/23/199751558Performing tsb 96-24-16, the existing transfer case vibration damper should not be adapted and reinstalled to the service replacement transfer case.06/27/1997
BC348497230101/23/199751481When performing tsb 96-24-16, the existing transfer case vibration damper should not be adapted and reinstalled to the service replacement transfer case. *jd06/27/1997
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
0118109/17/2001625715Brake shift interlock.*jb11/30/2001
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TORQUE CONVERTER
96261212/16/199650997Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip. *tw06/17/1997
9624911/18/199650908Torque converter - leak test procedure - service tip. *tw06/17/1997
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
03050804/01/20050562010017891Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4x4 or awd. *tt12/06/2005
035803/17/200310001922Fluid may leak out of the front axle vent tube. *tt *jb07/25/2003
024203/04/2002636056Certain vehicles with 4x4 or all-wheel drive may have a fluid leak from the front axle vent tube. *tt11/04/2002
1481904/01/2001619314Some 4x4 vehicles may exhibit a fluid leak from the front axle vent tube. *tt05/23/2001
1484704/01/2001619330Concerns with vehicles exhbit fluid leakage from the front axle vent tube. *tt05/23/2001
018604/30/2001619276On some vehicles, including sport and sport trac, the front axle leaks fluid from the vent tube. *tt05/22/2001
1228312/01/1998615532Some vehicles may exhibit a fluid leak concern from the front axle vent tube. *tt01/18/2001
536912/01/1998615444Some vehicles may exhibit a fluid leak concern from the front axle vent tube. *tt01/16/2001
008304/17/2000613577Some vehicles equipped with a 5.0l engine may exhibit a rubbing noise during right hand turns from the rear of the vehicle. **mr07/21/2000
98307402/27/1998607369Concerns with axle wind-up and / or clunking, popping, ratcheting type noises when making cornering maneuvers. *tt09/21/1999
1290506/01/1999606937Some vehicles may experience axle wind up and / or clunking, popping, ratcheting type noises when making cornering maneuvers on vehicles equipped with a four wheel drive hi or low range mode. *tt09/08/1999
BC031896110111/01/199650726Vibration/shudder at 4000 - 5000 rpm wide open throttle. *tw06/17/1997
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - PEDAL/LINKAGE
BC018497020101/02/199751052Procedure to purge potential water contamination from transfer case. *jd06/27/1997
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE
660307/01/1999610704Some vehicles may exhibit an audible pinging or creaking noise that may be heard from the driveline when engine torque is initially applied to the driveline. *tt05/11/2000
97111097231211/10/199753668Concerns with pinging or creaking being heard from the driveline when shifting from park to drive or reverse, between drive and reverse, or when engaging the clutch. *yc03/30/1998
96241711/18/199650915Noise - pinging or creaking from driveline when vehicle is put into gear. *tw06/17/1997
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DRIVESHAFT
96241611/18/199650914Vibration - in floor pan - at wide open throttle (wot) and/or steady highway speeds (70+ mph) - 5.0l vehicles with all wheel drive (awd) - explorers and mountaineers built in louisville through 7/29/96 and/or st. louis through 8/12/96. *tw06/17/1997
BC053496110811/08/199650776Driveshaft design may cause floorpan vibration while at highway speeds or with throttle wide open. *tw06/17/1997
BC522596100110/01/199650500Vehicles may experience a vibration during wide open throttle acceleration or while cruising at highway speeds. revised front driveshaft. *tt04/24/1997
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
0213811/10/2003032210635998Low line pressure reading at wide open throttle (wot), slipping shifts and / or delayed engagements with possible diagnostic trouble codes p0732, p0733, p1762 set on vehicles built before 12/1/2001. *tt11/04/2002
9671103/25/1996613332Some 4r70w transmissions were built with a unique case and require a spacer to be installed between the low / reverse servo cover and retaining ring. *tt06/21/2000
736611/01/1999610793Some vehicles equipped with manual transmission may exhibit neutral gear rollover noise (a light metallic rattling sound from the transmission) which occurs at idle with transmission in neutral clutch engaged (clutch pedal up). *tt05/15/2000
BC230197050105/01/199752797New clutch slave cylinder with a redesigned lip seal. *tw09/12/1997
101499702001/02/199751209Update to tsb 96-21-9 additional calibration added- any calibration revision level for a vehicle with a manual transmission that is not called out in tsb 96-21-9 should also be included as part of that tsb. *jd06/27/1997
POWER TRAIN - TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
1372301/01/2000612712Some all wheel drive vehicles may experience a low speed whining noise from the transfer case. *mjs06/12/2000
1257103/01/1999605295Experiencing a whinning noise from the transfer case. *tt06/07/1999
BC101129702001/02/1997511764.0l ohv/sohc 4x4 explorers with transfer case bind or shudder. *jd06/27/1997
BC101279702001/02/199751191Revised vent tube for vehicles with water ingestion into transfer case. *jd06/27/1997
BC020697020101/02/199751077Transfer case bind or shudder. *jd06/27/1997
9731402/03/199751676Transfer case- binding or shudder- diagnostics- vehicles with 4.0l engine- service tip. *jd06/27/1997
BC013397020101/02/199751039Revised vent tube for 1995-97 explorers & mountaineers with water ingestion into transfer case. *jd06/27/1997

Investigations

NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
POWER TRAIN
PE99068FORD MOTOR COMPANY11/01/199903/09/2000ACCELERATOR PEDAL
 There is no summary currently available

Consumer Complaints

Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
POWER TRAIN
12/18/2012170000
 I replaced the front hub assemblies in december 2011 with parts purchased from autopartsmidwest.com. on december 18, 2012, the left hub assembly failed and the wheel came off. the outer portion of the ball bearing race came off the splined hub. i was going very slowly at the time the failure occurred and there was no injury or damage other than to the hub assembly, caliper bracket and some other brake parts. the total cost of repair parts not including labor is about $500. i have no knowledge of the manufacturer of the hub assembly. it should be reasonable to expect a critical part like a hub assembly to last more than about 6000 miles. if the hub assembly had come apart two minutes or a half mile earlier, i might not be filing this report. i have asked autopartsmidwest to refund the purchase price of the defectuve hub assemblies as well as the cost of replacement parts. the sale of dangerously defective parts by autopartsmidwest and other on line seller must stop. it is impossible to inspect something like a hub assembly to verify its quality. buyers must depend on the seller and manufacturer to provide safe car parts.
03/19/201296500
 Tl- the contact owns a 1996 ford explorer. the contact stated that the vehicle was shifted into park with the engine on when the vehicle rolled away as the contact attempted to exit the vehicle. the vehicle crashed into a tree, injuring the contact. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. the manufacturer was notified and was in the process of assisting the contact with the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 96,500 and the current mileage was 96,934. kmj
03/19/201296500
 Tl- the contact owns a 1996 ford explorer. the contact placed the vehicle in park, but the vehicle was still on. the contact began to exit the vehicle when the vehicle began to reverse, hitting a tree. the contact was injured. the dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. the manufacturer was notified and was in the process with assisting the contact with the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 96,500 and the current mileage was 96,934. nw
10/01/2008800001
 4x4 fails to activate leaving vehicle impaired in 2 wheel mode during critical driving times. switch on dash goes out, appears to be failure of 4x4 control module and transfer motor. problem occurs after battery has been disconnected. repair for vehicle requires changing out control module or transfer case motor. problem appears to occur in all models of ford explorer 1991 - to date. *tr
104/01/1996
 While driving, vehicle makes a loud humming sound which comes from front end of vehicle. also, transmission has failed. consumer constantly has to take vehicle to dealer. *ak the check engine light illuminated. the speed sensor and the o2 sensor were replaced. jg
209/01/1997
 Tachometer/ driver's side interior handle failed.
11/01/19951
 Power train failed.
10/01/1996109/01/1995
 Tachometer inoperative.
09/24/19961
 Odometer fraud.
 With key in ignition w/engine running, truck rolled backwards across highway into school yard. please describe details.*ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
11/17/20091498001
 Our 96 ford explorer transmission has slipped out of gear at unpredictable times, speeds, and inclines. only have had a back bumper bumped when this happened, but would really like for some dept or entity to refer us to a truly knowledgeable and experienced transmission shop or other helpful source. *tr
02/02/20051202/01/2005
 Dt: the vehicle started on february 2, 2005 took it to the dealer, and they said the water pump went out, but did not replace it. also, there was a radiator leak. they did not replace anything. when putting the vehicle into gear the truck will jerk. ford said this was the way it was suppose to drive. took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, they said it was the transmission. the independent mechanic could tell it was not hooked up properly. now the independent mechanic stated this was why the vehicle was torn up due to the way ford had the consumer drive the vehicle.*ak
07/29/2004888275101/27/2002
 Thursday july 29th,2004 started to make left turn stalled rolled out of way of to avoid accident.few seconds later was able to go forward drove app.20 miles no problems,normal.parked in drive vehicle sat over night app.14hrs.july 30th drove app.5-6 miles then begin to not feel gears shifting,drove home.parked waited 3-4 hrs checked transmissiom fluid did not look right.waited over night was told looked like water in fluid,was told to check radiator,found transmission fluid in radiator.how did this happen.no warning,nothing. *ak
123345202/01/2001
 Problems with 1996 ford explorer's engine and transmission. *mr *sc *jb
750001
 While pulling out of a parking lot vehicle died. vehicle would not go into reverse or drive. *ak
1530001
 While driving vehicle suddenly hesitated to accelerate, transmission had gone bad, per dealership.*ak
05/07/2003109/01/1999
 We purchased our vehicle used in 1999 with 33000 miles. 6 months after the purchase we needed a new transmission, another new transmission last year (2002), new ball joints, and now we are being told the rack and pinion needs to be replaced. ford has not offered any recalls on this part but i have seen other complaints regarding this. my vehicle is constantly shaking (feels like i am going over rumble strips) when i am over 30-40 mph. we also just had our vehicle aligned and it is out of alignment again because of this problem. *jb
02/06/200374000
 We have a 1996 ford explorer with only 74,000 miles. when we bought the vehicle it had only 25,000 miles. the maintenance on the transmission was done according to the maintenance book. when the vehicle is put into gear it slips in each forward gear. reverse gear no longer works. when in reverse its as though in park. the overdrive light flashes rapidly.
11/18/20027800005/10/1998
 1) no heat, only blows cold air. 2) transmission does not shift smoothly from reverse to drive.
10/31/2002
 While driving vehicle will skip gears. vehicle will shift from first to third gear. consumer had vehicle serviced and was informed by the mechanic that the 2nd gear band had broken. vehicle has an automactic transmission. mr
03/18/2002111/01/2099
 Transmission failed. *ak
104/01/1996
 While driving, vehicle makes a loud humming sound which comes from front end of vehicle. also, transmission has failed. consumer constantly has to take vehicle to dealer. *ak the check engine light illuminated. the speed sensor and the o2 sensor were replaced. jg
03/09/200211/01/1995
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
02/01/2002
 Within a 6 month span consumer has replaced transmission twice. transmiission exploded while consumer was driving. consumer was trying to accelerate, and the vehicel was not accelerati ng.*ak
10/01/2000
 After i bought this vehicle, i have taken it back at least 6 times due to a vibration. on feb.2001, the transmission was replaced. this problem still existed, just not as much. i took the mechanic on a test drive 2 times after the transmission was replaced. unfortunitely it did not do the vibration. just recently, it started getting worse. i took it to another ford dealer today, i was told that it was the torque converter. at the time of the transmission replacement, i asked about the torque converter, i was told that it was replaced with the transmission. obviously this was not done.*ak
04/01/2000
 Vehicle stopped running while driving at 35-40 mph. vehicle taken to a independent repair shop for transmisson repairs. please provide any further information.*ak
09/07/20013
 Was traveling 30mph and vehicle would not shift into 3rd gear from 2nd gear. transmission would slip hard. vehicle would jerk when this happened. at dealership, transmission was replaced with a used one, but same problem occurred. *ak
06/01/20011
 The vehicles overdrive failed resulting in transmission failure, the manufacturer has been contacted. nlm
05/22/2001102/01/2001
 O/d light flashes after 15 min. of running vehicle. transmission then shifts hard up and down. ford service says they cannot find anything wrong.*ak
08/25/2000305/01/2000
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
04/16/2000102/01/1996
 This vehicle was professionally serviced and maintained. at 74,000 miles the transmission began slipping. when ford tested the vehicle they told me it broke down an that the starter, flywheel, torque converter and entire transmission had to be replaced. they said they have never seen this before. the more i talk about this, the more i hear about ford explorer transmission problems.*ak
03/16/20010
 Vehicle got stuck oin park position. also, sometimes while driving transmission could be stuck in drive gear. *ak
05/01/1998
 During a routine transmission fluid and filter change i discovered a potential problem.during the refill and check of proper fluid level the dipstick gives a false indication that the fluid is at the correct level. it indicated to me that the level was over full. this was even verified by a certified ase technician at a local walmart. he noted the level was low. i discovered that you have to look at the opposite side of the dipstick to acquire the correct reading. by doing this i discovered the fluid was nearly 2 quarts low. the reading on the front side never changed where the cross hatched indicators are. this could be fixed by a simple change in the dipstick. this presents a problem of transmission failure due to improper fluid levels. i believe owners should be notified. *ak
11/05/1999107/01/1996
 Transmission failed twice under normal driving conditions. lost power under certain circumstances. same problem both times. engine seized when vehicle hit a puddle of water at low speed. air intake is mounted unusally low on this explorer allowing water into the combustion chamber and causing hydrostatic lock. ford motor company has been contacted and reads a scripted response when i have tried to get any additional information about what i consider a serious design flaw. *ak
06/25/1998311/01/1995
 Uncontrolled rapid acceleration. only stop by set tronsmission in neutral and/or punch down on gas pedal. happened 3 times to date. *ak
01/01/200112/01/1995
 Transmission not shifting into 3rd gear onced warmed up. this vehicle has been serviced by ford since new at the dealer it was purchased at. service verified problem but didn't know what caused it, said they've seen this 3-4 times and could only recommend overhual or replacement. fluid for transmission had been overfilled when serviced by them in febuary 2000. est cost of repair 2-3000. *ak
01/01/19980
 Transmission was whistling/rubbling, and would not drive. at 13 months old transmission was replaced. currently, noises were back, but it was running. dealer told consumer not to drive vehicle. *ak
12/28/2000104/01/1996
 No safety defect listed. *ak
12/23/19991
 In june of 1996, 1 new tire blew out, and i was lucky to get a replacement and goodyear reinbursed me for the cost of a new tire. eventually, my tires started wearing oddly, and after getting a whole new set, my sway bar link broke. i had the sway bar replaced, but my new tires are also wearing very oddly. i have had several front end alignments, tire balance and frequent rotations. no one is sure why my tires are wearing as they are, on the inside only. the tread is very thin, and i think i will need a third set of tires on this truck. i wonder if the sway bar is part of the problem. it seems like everything big and expensive went out on this car as soon as it hit just over 100k miles. of course my transimission, and catalytic converter problems were not covered under warranty, even though both were very close. i plan to take the car to ford to discuss the tire problem, i hope someone can explain why i am going through so many sets of tire. i have never had an accident in this vehicle, and have maintined it carefully. could the sway bar be a problem? *ak( dot number: tire size: lt23s/75r1 )
11/24/2000101/01/1996
 This suv v-8 is four years old with 63,000 miles on it, and the transmission went out, i am the original owner and had taken the car in for all of it services , there is no reason why this transmission should of gone out @ 63,000 miles, 4 years old, something is wrong with the make of this, it cost 2,300.00 to replace it with a ford rebuilt transmission. *ak
12/23/19991
 In june of 1996, 1 new tire blew out, and i was lucky to get a replacement and goodyear reinbursed me for the cost of a new tire. eventually, my tires started wearing oddly, and after getting a whole new set, my sway bar link broke. i had the sway bar replaced, but my new tires are also wearing very oddly. i have had several front end alignments, tire balance and frequent rotations. no one is sure why my tires are wearing as they are, on the inside only. the tread is very thin, and i think i will need a third set of tires on this truck. i wonder if the sway bar is part of the problem. it seems like everything big and expensive went out on this car as soon as it hit just over 100k miles. of course my transimission, and catalytic converter problems were not covered under warranty, even though both were very close. i plan to take the car to ford to discuss the tire problem, i hope someone can explain why i am going through so many sets of tire. i have never had an accident in this vehicle, and have maintined it carefully. could the sway bar be a problem? *ak (tiresize: lt23s/75r1)( dot number: tire size: lt23s/75r1 )
07/17/20004
 The transmission has been replaced three times and is continuing to experience failure. *mjs
09/09/1998103/01/1996
 The transmission will not shift into drive. when in drive the car coasts at about 1 mph. it will go into reverse and park ok. the car is driven under normal to light driving conditions. i has never been used for towing. the transmission fluid has been checked and it is fine. the warranty expired on 3/9/2000. just a week prior to the warranty expiration warranty work was completed on the transfer case and nothing was noted as being wrong with the transmission. the last scheduled maintenance was completed on the vehicle in june 2000. the brakes pulsate when slowing down from high speeds. they were serviced once by ford for this problem and the servicing did not correct it. ford refused to service them again and they continue to pulsate when slowing down from high speeds.
03/01/1999102/01/1997
 Transmission failed. yh
07/01/2000103/09/1996
 On august 9, 2000, explorer was towed to dealership because transmission would not shift into drive. dealership stated that transmission needed to be replaced. *ak consumer states that prior to transmission replacement there had been some slipping, consumer is requesting reimbursement. *slc
07/02/2000110/01/1996
 Transmission failed while driving 30 mph. vehicle drives only in reverse. *ak
06/22/2000108/01/1996
 I will never buy a ford again. nosafety defect listed in summary. *ak
11/01/1998
 I purchased my 1996 ford explorer, in november of 1998. when i purchased it, the mileage was at 23,000 miles. i took it to the dealership two or three times for minor repair work while it was still under warranty. it currently has aprrox. 54,000 miles on it and i am experiencing problems with the automatic transmission. it is slipping in first and second gear, and is on the verge of needing to be replaced. after doing some checking i found that it is going to cost me at least $2,400.00 for the repairs to the transmission. i normally do not have any problems with having to take care of vehicle repairs because i depend on my vehicles , for both myself and my family. however, it is my considered opinion that a nearly new vehicle such as this one with the low amount of mileage that it has, should not be having problems like it is currently having with the transmission. i would very much appreciate for this matter to be investigated so that i can determine if i am able to receive any assistance by ford motor company, or to determine if there are additonal consumers that are having the same type of problem that i am having and just simply do not know how to resolve this matter. thank you for any assistance that you may be able to offer me concerning this matter. *ak
106/01/1998
 The transmissions computer ruined the torque converter and several other components. nm
02/01/200003/01/1996
 The broken interior door handle may have been broken for a long time but, because of the child safety lock feature being activated it wasn't noticed until the child safety lock was deactiveted only to find that the door handle would not open the door. upon disassembly, i found the plastic cam that unlocks the latch of the door to be cracked off rendering the handle useless. as for the transmission, the premature and expensive failure should become a recall item for ford as i have found that many owners of this type vehicle are experiencing problems of great financial consequence and possible tragic health consequence.. i'd say a disporportionate number of explorer owners are encountering similar transmission failures. the life threatening condition of a bad transimission could have led to a lock-up or unexpected rapid deceleration at highway speeds which could have rolled the truck. internal components were badly scarred and irrepairebly damaged. initial symptons were hesitation on accelleration at shift points ford issued several service bulletins to address these symptoms but never recalled the defective product.*ak
106/01/1998
 The transmissions computer ruined the torque converter and several other components. nm
03/14/2000110/01/1999
 My vehicle was in need of multiple transmission parts under 40,000miles, is this common for this vehicle? *ak
01/15/2000
 Vehicle experienced problem with transmisson. after shifting into four- wheel drive. transmission lost low gears. dealer and manufacturer notified. common problem. *ak *ml
06/01/1998
 Noticed gas was being splattered on the wheel wells, and on the back of the car. called ford, and was not able to help. while driving on local street stopped in the middle of traffic. could not get the vehicle out of neutral. vehicle was towed home. *ak
02/13/19970
 Problem started at 23115 miles. while going at 25 or 60 mph vehicle will drop out of gear. this may happen while trying to change lanes, vehicle will just drop out of gear. consumer feels this is very unsafe, especially with children aboard. also, when changing lanes there is just no control. *ak
01/21/200003/01/1997
 O/d and check engine light went on and the truck would not shift from first to second gear
11/30/1999103/01/1999
 No summary
09/17/1999205/01/1996
 While driving on the highwayvehicle was going up a hill when it started to lose power and suddenly cut off due to a broken transmission part.
09/01/199905/01/1996
 While driving on the highway transmission went out, and the vehicle was not able to accelerate. dealer has seen vehicle. *ak
09/29/1999101/01/1999
 Replaced overdrive assembly. mjs
10/13/1999
 While driving vehicle at approximately 20-25mph, forward drum broke on the transmission. vehicle kept trying to downshift on its own. vehicle would work fine in reverse, but not in forward. had vehicle towed to dealer to correct problem. *ak
09/08/1999511/01/1998
 3rd transmission in 35k miles, ford won't warranty. transmissions fail at highway speed and has nearly caused 3 accidents.
04/27/1999307/01/1998
 On 4-27-99 the truck was brought to the dealership because i felt the transmission was not shifting properly. after driving it, the mechanic said that the transmission was burnt.it was then rebuilt by dealer. 2-3 weeks later returned because too much delay when put into reverse. fixed. mid july 99 odometer stopped turning. 8-12-99 was told did not have 4wd. dealer said nothing to do with trans overhaul and part was $500 + install. my feeling is that these things are all related, and should not be going bad this early in life of truck. ford says too bad.
07/28/1999
 Transmission is slipping.consumer contacted dealer. *ak
06/04/19995
 While backing out vehicle started to roll. shifted into drive, but vehicle kept rolling. shifted into park & vehicle still failed to stop. had to use the emergency brakes. after several attempts, it finally stopped. dealer is having vehicle towed to be checked by the mechanic. *ak
06/04/1999112/01/1995
 Speed control failed to disengage when braking or using off button, throttle cable hung up shifted to neutral, but transmission shifted between neutral and reverse and destroyed transmission. *ak
 Two pistons in the transmission busted, causing the transmission to go. the manufacturer and dealer have been notified. *ak
10/12/1996
 The consumer when driving at any speed and there wa s a problem with the overdrive. also, when consumer applied brakes, they went straight to the floorboard and the vehicle accelerated by itself. vehicle has been into repair shop 20 times for repairs, and the dealer can't determine the problem. *ak
02/01/1999105/01/1996
 No summary listed for this vehicle. *ak
03/01/1999102/01/1997
 Transmission failed. yh
12/12/1998
 Transmission malfunctions. also, when driving at 35 to 45 mph without prior warning, the vehicle will cut off.dealer has the vehicle in shop to repair the problem. *ak
105/02/1996
 Transmission was not bolted in during manufacturing.
08/25/1996108/06/1996
 Transmission jerks/bucks.
03/01/199801/01/1996
 Transmission failure.
109/20/1995
 Transmission mounts failed.
06/06/199710/01/1996
 Vehicle fire, originating in the dash area. also, replaced transmission control module. *ak
1
 Transmission slips from out of second and third gear.
05/07/19970
 The consumer went to reverse out of a parked position when the shift gear got stuck and would not move.c onsumer kept moving the gear when suddenly it made loud noise and engaged at a quick speed. due to this defect, it almost caused the consumer to hit a pedestrian. *ak
12/30/1996109/01/1995
 Overdrive unit broke.
12/29/1996
 Vehicle parked in driveway, went to unlock the door to the house and went back out to turn motor off vehicle started moving back and driver was unable to stop vehicle. ran over driver's arm and ankle and backed into a gravel pit. *ak
10/05/1996102/14/1996
 The vehicle was in park position and the key was in the ignition and the vehicle jumped out of gear in reverse. *ak
10/01/19963
 Transmission jumped out of gear forward when going from park into drive and from reverse into drive. *ak
 With key in ignition w/engine running, truck rolled backwards across highway into school yard. please describe details.*ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
11/01/1996
 Vehicle was parked and left in garage, vehicle jumped out gear, rolled forward, impact 12:00 position in for repair, found not problem, occurred again dec-95. *ak
05/26/1996212/01/1996
 Parked on incline, emergency brake applied, indicator moved between park and reverse. this is the second inciden, also abs brake failure. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT
04/01/200008/01/1998
 Keeps trying to shift into 4-wheel drive. it does have 4-wheel switch on dashboard. *ak
01/08/1998104/01/1996
 When shifting into four wheel drive, vehicle lost control resulting in vehicle accident.
01/08/1998
 While driving the vehicle driver turned on the 4-wheel drive, light started flashing, indicating a problem and the four wheel drive would not kick in. the auto sensor was replaced by dealer. please describe details. *ak
09/01/1995109/01/1995
 4 wheel drive assembly defective.
06/04/19964
 Drive train 4 wheel drive fails to engage. *sd
12/25/1995
 Auto-trans: computer chip causes wheels to spin uncontrollably; manufacturer's defect; various speeds. tt
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TORQUE CONVERTER
10/01/2000
 After i bought this vehicle, i have taken it back at least 6 times due to a vibration. on feb.2001, the transmission was replaced. this problem still existed, just not as much. i took the mechanic on a test drive 2 times after the transmission was replaced. unfortunitely it did not do the vibration. just recently, it started getting worse. i took it to another ford dealer today, i was told that it was the torque converter. at the time of the transmission replacement, i asked about the torque converter, i was told that it was replaced with the transmission. obviously this was not done.*ak
04/16/2000102/01/1996
 This vehicle was professionally serviced and maintained. at 74,000 miles the transmission began slipping. when ford tested the vehicle they told me it broke down an that the starter, flywheel, torque converter and entire transmission had to be replaced. they said they have never seen this before. the more i talk about this, the more i hear about ford explorer transmission problems.*ak
08/17/20001
 Consumer states he heard a strange noise coming from front part of vehicle, he took vehicle in to be inspected and when mechanic put the key in the ignition and turned it, there was a loud banging sound and the engine seized, according to the mechanic's report, something behind the torque converter locked up and ruined the transmission, the transmission, flywheel and starter motor had to be replaced. *jb
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
07/07/2000
 After noticing fluid all over the driveway truck was taken to the dealership. dealership stated that fluid was leaking from front axle. repairs were made at owner's expense. a service bulletin was issued about this problem. please provide any further information. *ak
07/25/1996204/02/1996
 Front axle has a manufacturing defect which does not allow the axle to vent properly, this causes oil to foam and spray ou of the vent tube, oil has gotten all over the underside of the vehicle including the brake system, which causes faded braking. *slc
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT
02/17/2000111/01/1998
 Beerings were shot, truck was not used off road at all, feel that it is a manufacturers defect. the part alone was $ 285.00 . i am aware that i am reporting thisvery late, but the real reason is that i am upset that the gear shift indicator is not working i.e. the little arrow in the dashboard that tells you what gear you are in. they want $ 150.00 to replace that piece. i feel that the indicator should last the life of the vehicle. i plan on writing ford about both of these problems and hope to have them pay for the gear shift indicator repair. thank you. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT - SEAL
05/01/1999105/01/1998
 The seals that are being replaced have been re-designed and are not covered under any extended service plan (even the premiumcare). *ak
08/25/1998
 Oil is leaking from the front axle seal unto the power steering belt, causing it to slip resulting in loss of power steering control. please give any further details. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AXLE HUBS
05/05/1996
 4-wheel drive locking hubs failed, causing front end noise.
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
02/15/2000138579208/01/1996
 I have an explorer sport with manual transmission. this car is will taken care of even if it has alot of miles on it. the manual shift shakes considerably. if there is a rough surface on the highway, it seems to be ready to take flight. at 165,000 miles i had the clutch, pressure plate, and throwout bearings replaced. the machine at the dealership couldn't tell me why it happened but he thought something was still wrong. now at 212,000 miles the bearings and clutch are out again. while looking at some other explorers at the dealership, i noticed that the newwer explorers have a vibration damper mounted on the rear axle. ford would be happy to put one on my car for $4,000. i am very upset since it was their design flaw that is causing all my problems.i have already spent alot of money trying to fix their design error. *ak
107/20/1996
 Vehicle will stall when clutch is depressed. ford is aware and has a technical service bulletin, but repairs will not start until possibly three months away. *ak *slc
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE
05/01/1996104/30/1996
 Drive train has vibration while accelerating between 40/50 mph.
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - CENTER SUPPORT BEARING
10/01/1996111/01/1996
 The center console has rattled and squashed, while car was in first driven.
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
09/12/199703/13/1997
 Power steering made a squealing noise due to a defective power steering rack. also inner tie rods and cv boot malfunctioned. *ak
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
08/15/2000112/01/1998
 I know leaking oil from vent tube is a larger problem because ford has had to have a retro kit made to solve leaking oil. i received no help from ford for repair cost.
01/07/199905/01/1996
 Phil caldwell from the auto service department stated that ford put out a technical bulletin on the front differential (leak) problem. to prevent future leaks, the cover needed to be replaced. ford had identified a problem, but failed to recall. it was a design flaw. as a consumer, i had to pay the repairs. *ak
06/01/199811/01/1995
 Front differential leaks oil.
05/01/1997311/01/1995
 Drive train differential unit failure.
03/26/1996101/01/1996
 Differential assembley failure.
07/01/1996202/12/1996
 Oil is leaking out of front differential vent tube, also increased vibration felt in steering column along with clunking noises when going over bumps or turning. *ak
06/07/19961
 Defective front differential cover plate, causing oil leak.
03/28/1996
 The front differential leaks oil and sprays it on the engine. *ak
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DRIVESHAFT
10/27/199604/01/1996
 This is in re: to a vibration issue which has been ongoing since before my vehicle reached 11,000 miles. i have given no less than 25 opportunities to 2 ford dealers, and thier representatives, and have gotten no more than a no problem found or this is a tire issue (or the 2 technicians who stated the obvious i have no idea... one stated, if you find out what it is, let us know, all right?. i have since the last dealer visit, and subsequent ford motor company customer service center calls, taken my truck to 3 different auto repair shops. 3 of 3 said it was drive train related. 2 of 3 said it was the driveshaft or attached componentry. patterson driveshafts in indianapolis rebalanced and trued the drive shaft and 50% of the vibration problems were immediately done away with, (this was in one day, first visit). one ford dealer service shop asserted they had replaced the driveshaft on one of the service calls. but this is only something written on a receipt to me, since this particular service call seemed to do little, if anything for the problem. i called ford c.s.d. to ask how this can be that an outside service company could find this problem cause with seemingly little effort. i was told by the fmc rep. that we(ford)do not recognize the 'opinion' of outside contractors, relative to repairs. (i have since been told that patterson driveshaft is one of ford's most used driveshaft contractor/technicians), they know from whence they speak. then recently, i heard from a friend about your website, (i had called once several months ago). this is great! i can see no less than 3 tsb's on my particular issue, and some more complaints that i've voiced to ford (no problem found), i see are listed too. now if i only knew what to do from here. i have paid for further diagnostics, and been told that this may take upwards of 16 hours @ $78.00 per hour to pinpoint the last of the vib. problems(though the vibration now feels more prevalant (please contact me fmi).
12/22/1996104/05/1996
 Drive shaft disconnected.
12/22/1996004/05/1996
 Driving vehicle in fast lane, heard a horrible noise, looked back & saw universal joint had blown out; had to coast to slow lane & side of hwy; driveshaft broke, had no power; had vehicle towed. *ak
07/07/19961
 Driveshaft came off while driving the vehicle. *ak while driving about 15-20 mph the driveshaft became disconnected which forced consumer to glide of to the shoulder .*jb
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - UNIVERSAL JOINT
109/20/1995
 U joints failed.
12/22/1996104/05/1996
 Universal joint broke/disconnected.
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
01/01/2004103/01/2003
 I currently own a 1996 ford explorer xlt, 4x4, 5-speed manual transmission. one thing i have noticed with this vehicle is when i am either stopping moderately hard/fast or making sharp right turns, the engine tends to stall. this only happens when the transmission is in neutral or i have the clutch in. the main reason this is a problem is because when the vehicle is stalled, the power steering is off. most of my problems have been on off ramps where i'm traveling realitively fast and a right turn. towards the end of the ramp i start to straigten out the wheel and realize i can't move it. generally i am forced to slam on the breaks before running into something or if i have enough time, i will quickly attempt to start it. there was no specific incident date. this did not start to happen until after my 30-day warranty was up at from the dealer so i have not had anything done to attempt to fix it. i have found on the internet that several explorers have had this problem. some people blamed it on a valve. below are listed websites where people have submitted to forums. these are people in similar situations as myself. thanks http://www.carconsumers.com/ford_explorer.html http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2001/04/13/national/main285613.shtml http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2000/10/10/national/main240067.shtml http://www.cartrackers.com/forums/live/gremlins/191.html http://www.thecomplaintstation.com/cgi-bin/datacgi/database.cgi/forum/subtopic/topicid=0351/subtopicid=0000857 7/firstrecord=0/finalrecord=14/ http://forums.vmag.com/pm-1001/messages/3445.html. *ak
06/25/20011
 The transmission failed while driving. nlm
08/19/1997701/01/1996
 Consumer had taken vehicle to dealer regarding transmission problems on seven occasions, when shifted into reverse, vehicle will hesitate and then pop into reverse after 15-20 seconds, vehicle will not always go in reverse, dealer stated that transmission was going, but not to do anything until all gears were affected. *et
 Vehicle was in park, with motor running, when the transmission slipped into reverse causing vehicle to back into another parked vehicle.
06/16/199712/06/1996
 Front end is misaligned and the mud was found in the transmission.
112/21/1996
 The clutch squeaks when pedal pushed; therefore clutch slave cylinder replaced also, hub and bearing failed and clutch release replaced.
107/20/1996
 Vehicle will stall when clutch is depressed. ford is aware and has a technical service bulletin, but repairs will not start until possibly three months away. *ak *slc
POWER TRAIN - TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
3
 Whenever placeing in 4x4 mode, and then pressing gas pedal, vehicle would slip out of 4x4 mode. this is a constant problem. been to dealership 3 times for problem , but it was not resolved. *ak

Some parts © 2024 Advameg, Inc.
Based on public records. Inadvertent errors are possible.
This web site is not associated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by and has no official or unofficial affiliation with the vehicle's manufacturer.