Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM | |||||
| 982320 | 11/23/1998 | 603780 | Some vehicles with a very low odometer reading may experience a lack temperature control. *yc | 03/04/1999 | |
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - BLOWER | |||||
| 11512 | 04/01/1998 | 613774 | Engineering is investigating concerns of noisy front system blower motors on certain vehicles. *tt | 08/02/2000 | |
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - HEATER CORE | |||||
| 01156 | 08/06/2001 | 623944 | Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *slc | 10/31/2001 | |
| VISIBILITY - REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER | |||||
| 15406 | 11/01/2001 | 630418 | Concerns with rear wipers that do not sufficiently clean the back glass. *tt | 04/17/2002 | |
| VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD | |||||
| 9811487 | 04/01/1998 | 613398 | Engineering is investigating vehicles with windshield stress cracks. *tt | 07/11/2000 | |
| 982550 | 04/01/1998 | 603567 | Engineering is investigating some vehicles with windshield stress cracks. *yc | 02/25/1999 | |
| VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER | |||||
| 15155 | 08/01/2001 | 624934 | On some vehicles the rear wiper arm fails to clean back glass. *et | 11/15/2001 | |
| 13310 | 10/01/1999 | 6092133 | The rear wiper blade on some vehicles built through 1/22/99 may flip over when run through soft cloth style car washes. *tt | 11/27/2000 | |
| 7238 | 10/01/1999 | 6090816 | A condition with the rear wiper blade on vehicles built through 1/22/1999 may flip over when run through soft cloth style car washes. *tt | 03/30/2000 | |
| 12500 | 03/01/1999 | 605267 | On some vehicles built through 1/22/99 the rear wiper blade may flip over when ran through soft cloth style car washes. *tt | 06/07/1999 | |
| 5799 | 03/01/1999 | 605212 | Complaints that the rear wiper blade flips over. *tt | 06/04/1999 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY | ||||||
| PE99049 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 07/28/1999 | 04/24/2000 | WINDSHIELD WIPER MALFUNCTION | 00V072000 | |
| Odi has received 35 complaints alleging malfunction of the windshield wipers on certain 1997-1999 ford explorers and mercury mountaineers.the complainants allege that the wiper system is prone to erratic operation including failure to operate consistently during precipitiation as well as inadvertent operation when the control switch is disengaged.of the 35 complaints received,11 allege that the wipers stopped sweeping the windshield without warning, 16 allege inadvertent operation, and 8 allege to have experience both conditions.wipers are a critical automotive safety system without which a vehicle operator is unable to adequately see the road surface and other vehicles during precipitation.this inability to see could result in a crash.a preliminary evaluation is warranted to invetigate the alleged problem. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY | |||
| 05/03/2005 | 79000 | 05/03/2005 | |
| The blend door , plenum, that controls the tempature of the air coming into the cabin is broken in the same place that many others have experienced. this will not allow heated air to come from the defroster vents resulting in a safety issue.failure date given is approximate. | |||
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM | |||
| 10/02/2002 | 1 | 06/09/2000 | |
| Heater blend door broken, ford is aware of it in 1995 to about 1999-2000 ford explorers, with blend door broken there is not a proper flow of heat to the windshield, and the cost from ford is $1000.00 dollars to replace, and they state there is no recall or warranty. *la | |||
| 04/09/2001 | 1 | 04/09/2001 | |
| Broken blend door in 1998 ford explorer, a/c only runs on high and heat only runs on high, common problem on numerous explorers from 1995 to 1999-2000. ford either states they have never heard of it, or its not a big deal but either way will not cover the 800.00 to 1,000.00 cost to repair the broken door unit.*ak | |||
| 08/01/2001 | 1 | 03/18/1998 | |
| Consumer was unable to defrost vehicle because of air temperture coming out of defrogger. contacted dealer. they sad this was a result of blend door case being broken.*ak | |||
| 05/20/2002 | 01/01/2099 | ||
| This problem started out as an inconvenience but has grown to be a safety issue as the defrosters fail to function. i have no control over the heat/ac and when the windows are hit with water below freezing i have a safety problem. at times fog and moisture cannot be removed from the window w/o pulling ofer to wipe it. the dealer says that it is a $1000 repair and tsb's say it is a known issue. please advise. | |||
| 09/01/2001 | 1 | 06/01/2098 | |
| Blend door in the ventilation system does not operate. leads to excessive heat in the summer and significant difficulty defrosting the windshield in the winter. this is a known problem to ford. they have begun to replace the original plastic blend doors with nylon blend doors.*ak | |||
| 10/30/1999 | 1 | 11/01/1998 | |
| My client suffered 3rd and 4th degree burns of right forefoot and toes from extreme heat emitted by vehicle's manually controlled heater. the heater vent is just inches above the gas pedal, directed at driver's foot. burn victim required skin grafts, then 3 toes amputated. over $400,000 in medical bills and treatment. heater tested at 180 degrees over the gas pedal. client's feet were numb due to diabetes, and didn't feel extreme heat while driving car on highway for 25 miles over, 1/2 hour with heater on. ford says no defect - other explorers with same temp readings. *ak | |||
| 01/31/2002 | 1 | 01/27/2001 | |
| While driving consumer notice flames coming from rear window, consumer took vehicle to dealer, the delaer stated connection to rear defroster unit caught on fire. *ak. delaer stated it was a short in the circuit.*slc | |||
| 03/01/2001 | 0 | ||
| When consumer turns on heat it is out of control heat gets hotter and hotter. when she turns air conditioning on cold air is cold for a moment, and then heat comes on while air conditioning is running. dealership is aware of problem.*ak | |||
| 03/01/2001 | 1 | ||
| When consumer turns on heat it is out of control heat gets hotter and hotter. when she turns air conditioning on cold air is cold for a moment, and then heat comes on while air conditioning is running. dealership is aware of problem.*ak lock broke on drivers door and was repaired. *slc | |||
| 11/15/1997 | |||
| Ongoing problem with defogger fogging up window for a short peroid of time before it clears up. mfr. notified dealer, and was informed to contact nhtsa on this matter. *ak | |||
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - CONTROLS/WIRING | |||
| 11/17/2007 | 1 | ||
| Blend door motor failed permitting only hot air to enter vehicle. *tr | |||
| 02/01/2006 | 70000 | 1 | 01/01/2006 |
| I purchased my 1998 ford explorer limited from my mother in january of 2006 with 68000 miles on the odometer. in feburary i first noticed vehicle was unable to defrost the front windshield and defog the vehicles windows. the cause of the problem was the climate control would sometimes not blow warm air. this would also result in a very cold interior. after researching the problem on the internet i found many complaints regarding the 1996-1998 ford explorer and a common problem with the climate control's air blending door breaking, making it impossible to regulate heat and cold. the vehicle was parked until i could determine if this was in fact the issue i was having. i had no choice but to park the vehicle until i was sure i had no need to operate the climate control. i was instructed how to check for a broken blend door and indeed found mine to be broken. i took the vehicle to a local ford dealer in carson city nevada and was told that despite the frequency of this problem it was not a recall issue and without a warranty the cost for repair was $1100. i was also informed the broken parts were being replaced with parts constructed of improved material (nylon) because of their tendency to break using the previous material (abs plastic). i feel ford is well aware of this hazardous problem but because of the cost, won't issue a recall or even a technical service bulletin. instead the leave the consumer to cough up the labor and parts cost to repair something that should be the responsibility of a reputable automobile manufacturer. *jb | |||
| 09/21/2005 | 150000 | 1 | 01/08/2000 |
| Temperature control system locked in cold ac mode. system will only blow cold air due to a broken air blend door. driver can not defrost windshield with cold air conditioned defrost. i believe this is a safety issue for the driver. the problem has not been fixed because the cost will be $1200.*jb | |||
| 11/16/2003 | 1 | ||
| Blend door broken on 98 ford explorer. this caused the heating and cooling in the engine to be stuck in the cold position throughout winter. while driving in winter, i had to look out the freezing cold window to drive because the defroster in my windsheild would not heat the window. | |||
| 10/01/2001 | |||
| Heater/defroster control is no longer working. took vehicle to dealer, and informed consumer that heater box needed to be replaced.*ak | |||
| 07/06/2000 | 1 | 02/01/1999 | |
| Air conditioner failed due to a defective accumulator....not covered by ford esp plan. also, lower ball joints failed....covered by ford esp plan. *ak | |||
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - HEATER CORE | |||
| 11/01/2000 | 0 | ||
| Vehicle stopped producing heat. heater core needed to be replaced, and consumer had to replaced it herself. *ak | |||
| VISIBILITY - GLASS, SIDE/REAR | |||
| 01/30/2002 | |||
| While opening manual tailgate window right hinge detached and hit consumer on the head.*ak | |||
| 07/15/1998 | |||
| While vehicle was parked tailgate window blewout. dealer replaced it under warranty. on 30.jan.2002. while vehicle was parked tailgate window blewout again. *ak | |||
| 07/02/2001 | 10/01/1999 | ||
| It started with the rear driver window intermittently not working. then the lock drop down inside door making the door unable to unlock and open. also engine stalled. took to the dealer. they fixed the door but couldn't find anything wrong with the engine or the window. window worked for them. brought the truck home that night and while i was driving it the battery light on the dash when on and the battery gauge started fluctuating to the h and finally held there. turned truck off and let sit and everything went back to normal. didn't reacurr for a couple of days but then started up again. abs light also started coming on and outside temp gauge started to go crazy. also engine idle started to surge as the battery gauge surged. this was on a weekend. took truck back to dealer. they couldn't make it do any of these things. they kept it for 5 days and drove it. still nothing. they decided to look at the electrical system and found the maxi fuse and wiring system burnt. i asked if it could have caught fire and they said no. however i looked at your web site under consumer complaints and found the several people have complained that their explorer had caught fire because of the wiring harness. some of these explorers were not running at the time of the fire and were parked in a garge. the dealer did replace the fuse and wiring harness however it took 11/2 weeks to get the parts in because they were backordered. obviously there is a problem with the wiring systems. i also park mine in a garge. i am now worried and afraid to park it in the garge. i have two small children and their safety is my first concern.*ak | |||
| The rear hatchback window blew out completly out after the consumer parked the vehicle . dealer has been contacted. *ak | |||
| 08/03/1999 | |||
| Rear window blow out for no reason. *ak | |||
| 09/01/1998 | 1 | ||
| Rear window hinge failed. | |||
| 11/18/1997 | 2 | 11/14/1997 | |
| Windows have blown out on two separate occasions | |||
| VISIBILITY - POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS | |||
| 1 | 02/08/1999 | ||
| Defective tires, hood latch, seat latch, cruise control, rear window wiper, etc... *ph the consumer stated the hood latch , seat recliner, cruise control and tires were all recalled. the rear windshield wiper and passenger power window were inoperative. *jb | |||
| 05/15/2002 | 77657 | ||
| Back in may 2002 my drivers door lock stuck in the locked position it has power locks and i could not get it unlocked unless i pulled the lock button up while i pressed the power lock and unlock switch open an close a multiple amount of times.i brought it to a ford dealer and had it fixed,it cost me $219.35 nit was the door lock actuator that needed to be replaced,it has been 1 year almost to the day and it failed again. i think is a big saftey problem because if there is a fire or there is an accident and the automobile ends up in a lake or river the door lock can get stuck locked and a person could get stuck in the automobile. | |||
| 05/01/2001 | 1 | 05/06/2000 | |
| Trunk door will not shut properly. consumer is able to slide his hand in while door is shut. *ak consumer contacted dmv and found out vehicle had been in an accident, consumer specifically asked for a vehicle that had not been damaged, however dealer sold it to him anyway, consumer feels deceived and is experiencing multiple problems with vehicle. radio is inoperative at times. hatch rubs agains frame of vehicle. taillight and headlight are out of alignment, fog lights had lamp failure. vehicle experiences problems with absorbing road shock, vehicle pulls to right. check engine light illuminates, vehicle experiences low power. rear power window motor failed. power antenna failed. right windshield wiper interior garnish molding loose, rear wiper blade skips center of glass, dealer replaced rear wiper arm and blade assembly. steering gear assembly replaced due to noisy. bumper not even. *slc | |||
| When trying to lower power windows and turn dome lights on they did not work, also, windshield wipers would not work at any time. dealer has been contacted, and technician cant duplicate problem. please provide further information.*ak | |||
| 09/30/1998 | 1 | ||
| Electrical windows switch failed. mjs | |||
| 09/01/1998 | 1 | 07/01/1998 | |
| Power window switch failed. yh | |||
| 12/01/1998 | 3 | 07/01/1998 | |
| Power windows failed on three occasions. *yc | |||
| 08/10/1998 | 5 | 12/01/1997 | |
| Throttle pedal continually sticks when initially engaged in either drive or reverse. causes lunge in direction of travel if driver unaware of defect. submitted to dealer twice, still not repaired. poor seatbelt design has driver's seatbelt continually stuck in drivers door upon exit from vehicle. rear passenger window scrapes and makes noise during operation. dealer did not fix when initially brought up after initial purchase. abs light intermittently appears during driving. dealer noted code of 1924 but had no response for problem. not resolved. dissapointed with quality of vehicle for $$ paid. | |||
| 10/11/1998 | |||
| While driving down the highway, the rear back window blew out for no apparent reason. consumer has contacted the dealer. dealer did not replace window, a window repair shop replaced the window. *ak | |||
| 06/15/1998 | 2 | 04/01/1998 | |
| Rack and pinion steering was replaced 2x for a griding noice that is still hear...car has been in the shop for a total of over 45 days for warentee work drivers window constantly rattles. window gate has been replaced numerous times to no help. fuel pump failed and was replaced | |||
| VISIBILITY - REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES | |||
| Driver side mirror vibrates at speeds 40mph and above. | |||
| 08/11/1999 | 09/01/1998 | ||
| I bought my truck in sept 1998. in aug 1999 i took it into the dealer because the drivers mirror vibrates at speeds of 55mph and up. also the steering wheel vibrates and the left front tire feels like it is going to come off at about 65 mph. i have everything documented and have been in now 7 times. the first time they changed the mirror, the 2nd the balanced/rotated the tires, the 3 time they had me buy new tires, the 4th the put another set of new tires on, the 5th i had the service mgr and head mechanic drive it again the tires were balanced/rotated, the 6th time the regional service manager drove it. then a factory rep from ford motor company came down from detroit and called me on the phone. with each time i had it in i was told it is normal for a mirror to vibrate but each of them said they didn't feel the virbration in the front end or steering column. i wrote a letter to the owner of the dealership along with a c/c to the president/ceo of ford motor co. i stated the ga lemon law/new car warrenty act of 1990 and per the lemon law giving them 1 more opportunity to fix the problem. the service manager called me on 11/4/99 and i took it in the am of 11/5/99 for the 7th time. he looked the suspension over and said he could not find anything wrong. i have copies of everything i mailed out and all the times i have been in. the vehicle has gotten worse, it is hard to see anything out of the drivers mirror at 50 mph and i can not see anything at 70 mph. the left front tire feels like it is going to come off when i reach about 65 mph, and it also is hard to control the vehicle. the steering wheel has a vibration in it and the front seats now have a vibration. i feel very unsafe in this vehicle. i ask on 11/5/99 about a replacement and the service manager said the dealership said they would not do that. i would have to go persue the lemon law. i don't want my children or anyone else to get hurt. please help!! | |||
| 10/16/1998 | 10/01/1998 | ||
| Both these mirrors vibrate so badly, that they cannot safely be used. they also make me dizzy. ford knows of this defect and seems to be doing nothing about it. | |||
| VISIBILITY - REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES - EXTERIOR | |||
| 12/15/2003 | 80000 | 1 | 09/01/1997 |
| The spare tire which was located underneath the vehicle, snapped and fell to the ground while driving. *jb (the wench system) *sc the passenger side mirror was replaced. *jb | |||
| While driving side driver mirror fell completey off the vehicle. please provide any further information.*ak | |||
| 03/01/1998 | 3 | 03/01/1998 | |
| Rear view mirror on the driver's side vibrates excessively. | |||
| VISIBILITY - REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES - INTERIOR | |||
| 1 | |||
| Design of rear view mirror, causes poor visibility. *yc | |||
| 1 | 01/01/1998 | ||
| Rear view center mirror causing poor visibility. *yc | |||
| VISIBILITY - REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER | |||
| 1 | 02/08/1999 | ||
| Defective tires, hood latch, seat latch, cruise control, rear window wiper, etc... *ph the consumer stated the hood latch , seat recliner, cruise control and tires were all recalled. the rear windshield wiper and passenger power window were inoperative. *jb | |||
| 3 | |||
| Rear window wiper not working when raining. *la the vehicle has been to the dealer three times and there's nothing they can do. *ph *jb | |||
| 1 | 08/10/1998 | ||
| Rear wiper doesn't work. nlm | |||
| 10/01/1998 | 1 | 02/01/1998 | |
| Rear windshield wiper failed. yh | |||
| 1 | 05/01/1998 | ||
| Rear window wiper failed. yh | |||
| 1 | 03/01/1998 | ||
| Rear window wiper failure. | |||
| 11/01/1998 | 02/01/1998 | ||
| Rear window wiper. | |||
| 07/15/1998 | |||
| Rear windshield wiper. | |||
| 04/01/1998 | 3 | 04/01/1998 | |
| Rear window wiper failure. | |||
| VISIBILITY - REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER - LINKAGES | |||
| 03/01/1998 | 03/01/1998 | ||
| Rear wiper blades. | |||
| VISIBILITY - REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER - MOTOR | |||
| 05/13/2004 | 44134 | 1 | 10/19/1998 |
| One month after getting my 1998 ford explorer in october 1998 the rear wiper motor failed and was replaced under warranty. the dealer said that they were having problems with the wiper on all explorers. in july 2001 the rear wiper moter again failed and was again replaced under warranty. again the dealer said that this was a continuing problem with the explorers. on may 13, 2004 the rear wiper motor has again failed. now the dealer wants $320 to replace the motor assembly. this time there was no acknowledgement that this has been a continuing problem with the explorer. without the rear window wiper being opperable it is impossible to see out of the rear window during rain storms or when the road is wet and dirt splashes up onto the window. this creates a hazard that ford should address as soon as possible.*ak | |||
| 06/01/2000 | 2 | 10/01/1998 | |
| Rear wiper motor failed at approximately 25,000 miles. replacement motor failed in less than two weeks. dealer acknowledged that there is a known problem with explorer rear wiper motor failures but stated that ford has not acknowledged the problem nor have they made a redesigned wiper motor available.*ak | |||
| 06/21/1999 | 3 | ||
| Rear windshield wiper is inoperable. when consumer turns switch windshield wiper will not move. dealership has replaced rear windshield wiper motor and windshield wiper assembly. dealership is currently looking into defect for third time. *ak *jb | |||
| 11/12/1998 | 2 | 08/01/1998 | |
| The rear wiper motor failed twice. nlm | |||
| 02/15/1998 | |||
| Ongoing problem with rear windshield wiper failure. on one occasion motor was replaced. later on, windshield wiper commenced to operate erratically or not at all. also, noticed instrument panel would get too hot to touch. dealer notified, and informed consumer that it was normal. please feel free to provide any further details on both of these matter. *ak | |||
| 3 | 03/28/1998 | ||
| Rear wiper failed. yh | |||
| 06/26/1998 | 4 | 07/01/1999 | |
| Rear wiper motor failed. nlm | |||
| 05/01/1998 | 1 | 04/01/1998 | |
| Motor of rear window wiper failed. | |||
| VISIBILITY - REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER - SWITCH/WIRING | |||
| 07/01/1998 | |||
| Knob for rear window wiper. master switch to unlock doors. air bag light. | |||
| VISIBILITY - SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY | |||
| 05/20/2001 | |||
| While traveling at highway speed of 55-60 mph sun roof came off vehicle. dealer was notified, and informed consumer that it was out of warranty and not cover under a recall. feel free to provide us with any further details on this matter. *ak | |||
| 1 | 01/01/1998 | ||
| Sun roof mulfunctions. yh | |||
| 09/22/1998 | 4 | ||
| Whenever it rains the sun roof would leak excessively on driver's side onto the instrument panel/dashboard & the floor. had been at dealer 2 times for same problem. they resealed it the first time, but problem still exists. will be replacing entire sun roof. *ak | |||
| VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD | |||
| 11/14/2005 | 90000 | 1 | 10/06/2005 |
| Dt: contact stated that right after purchasing the vehicle he had replace the brakes, tires, fuel filter, the fuel injection was cleaned , the anti lock sensors where replaced, the windshield was replaced . the air bags are also deployed. while driving the vehicle it vibrates on the left side. he took the vehicle to a mechanic they put the vehicle on a rack trying to line the vehicle. it would not line up. they found that the ball joints bad, also the motor mounts are broken. the mechanic told him that the frame is bent beyond repair. *nm | |||
| 1 | 03/01/1999 | ||
| The front windshield detached from the adhesive. the dealer/manufacturer had been notified and refused to repair because the vehicle was out of warranty. mr scc *jb | |||
| 08/24/2002 | |||
| Front windshield frame is corroded from inside out, and it could cause consumer to have visibility problems. dealer notified.*ak | |||
| 02/17/2002 | 3 | 02/01/2002 | |
| When making turns, especially right turns, vehicle slides and almost turns over.*ak. consumer states vehicle is experiencing acceleration problems,and there was a humming noise coming from the engine, signals are not working, dealer replaced a defective connector and multi-function switch, firestone tires have experienced tread separation, which were replaced in july 2001, the rear seats move/bounce when driving, the rear seat belts were inoperative, the dealer replaced the buckles, there was smoke coming from the steering column, dealer replaced the multi-function switch, the windshield was chipped, the alarm would not chut off at times, dealer replaced a bad loose wire.*jb | |||
| 02/05/2001 | 0 | ||
| Windshield was leaking for about 4 months, then consumer was driving slammed on brakes and windshield separated from frame.*ak | |||
| 05/11/1999 | 1 | 01/01/1998 | |
| Also experiencing right flood light failure. this is the 3rd bulb replacement. i, the customer would like some resolution to these problems. the vehicle cost too much to experience these many problems.( dot number: 274 tire size: p235/75r15 ) | |||
| 08/09/1999 | |||
| Windshield had cracked while vehicle was parked. no sign of problem before or of being hit by stones/rocks. crack started at top, near roof, & spread downward in middle. *ak | |||
| 03/01/1998 | 3 | 02/01/1998 | |
| Window failed. nlm | |||
| 09/14/1998 | 1 | 06/01/1998 | |
| Left rear window inoperative. nlm | |||
| 03/16/1999 | |||
| Vehicle had a pinhole in the corner of windshield through which debris entered, and caused windshield to crack. this may have resulted in injuries. please provide further information. *ak | |||
| 08/14/1998 | 1 | ||
| While driving 65 mph the side window on the driver's side shattered onto the road. cause unknown. *ak consumer states that the large glass panel flew off the vheicle, the service manager stated that the window was never bolted on, it was only glued. *slc | |||
| VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER | |||
| 12/03/2001 | 2 | 05/01/1998 | |
| This is the second time this component has been replaced. original component was replaced in june, 1999, at 18,000 miles. vehicle is based in a dry climate and windshield wiper is rarely used. failure occurs without warning. failure of wiper motor compromises rearward visibility in inclement weather. dealer advises premature failure of this component is common.*ak | |||
| 01/01/2001 | 0 | ||
| When turning on windshield wipers they will not work. however at times will will work intermittently, which will not give any help to consumer.*ak | |||
| 05/01/2001 | 1 | 05/06/2000 | |
| Trunk door will not shut properly. consumer is able to slide his hand in while door is shut. *ak consumer contacted dmv and found out vehicle had been in an accident, consumer specifically asked for a vehicle that had not been damaged, however dealer sold it to him anyway, consumer feels deceived and is experiencing multiple problems with vehicle. radio is inoperative at times. hatch rubs agains frame of vehicle. taillight and headlight are out of alignment, fog lights had lamp failure. vehicle experiences problems with absorbing road shock, vehicle pulls to right. check engine light illuminates, vehicle experiences low power. rear power window motor failed. power antenna failed. right windshield wiper interior garnish molding loose, rear wiper blade skips center of glass, dealer replaced rear wiper arm and blade assembly. steering gear assembly replaced due to noisy. bumper not even. *slc | |||
| When trying to lower power windows and turn dome lights on they did not work, also, windshield wipers would not work at any time. dealer has been contacted, and technician cant duplicate problem. please provide further information.*ak | |||
| Windshield wipers become inoperable in rainy weather conditions, cause unknown. please give any further details. *ak | |||
| 03/01/1998 | |||
| 15 wheel too small for vehicle, suspension not as stable as a 2000 year model, rear wiper failed 2 times (also failed in 2000 model,) turn signal cancels too quickly/easily replaced 2 times still lousy, (dot number: not applic tiresize: 235/75/r15) | |||
| 07/30/2000 | 1 | 07/01/1998 | |
| Wiper motor on rear window failed | |||
| 07/01/2000 | 1 | 08/01/1998 | |
| Wiper motor for rear window failed | |||
| 07/30/2000 | 1 | 07/01/1998 | |
| Wiper motor on rear window failed | |||
| 07/01/2000 | 1 | 08/01/1998 | |
| Wiper motor for rear window failed | |||
| 06/15/2000 | 10 | 04/01/1998 | |
| When i tried to push the control on the end of the windshield washer stalk to activate washer, the fluid didn;t come out even when the reservoir was full. the wipers started working but no washer fluid ejected like it is supposed to. *ak | |||
| 06/25/2000 | 0 | ||
| Consumer was traveling about 25mph and upon making a left turn windshield wipers came on intermittently.*ak | |||
| 12/31/1998 | 100 | 12/01/1997 | |
| Rear windshield wiper arm lift off the glass when using. appears to be a design flaw. *ak | |||
| 1 | 03/06/1998 | ||
| Rear wiper failed. yh | |||
| 08/20/1998 | 2 | ||
| Rear windshield wiper failed. nm | |||
| 05/21/1998 | |||
| Windshield wipers will work sometimes, and sometimes it will not work, they have completely stopped working. dealer has repaired or replaced the equipment four times, and dealer currently cannot duplicate the problem. *ak | |||
| 10/02/1998 | 10/01/1997 | ||
| When pushing the button for the fluid to come out from windshield washer fluid reservoir and clean the windows, it would take about two to three minutes before the fluid comes out to clean the windows. *ak *ml | |||
| 2 | |||
| Rear windshield wiper motor failed, front wipers failed. | |||
| VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER - MOTOR | |||
| 09/22/2004 | 1 | ||
| While driving in inclement weather windshield wipers would come on and off on their on. this problem was intermittent, and consumer was aware of the problem. *ak | |||
| 06/26/1999 | 3 | 06/01/1998 | |
| The wiper motor failed and was replaced. *yh | |||
| 05/01/2001 | 2 | 03/01/1998 | |
| Rear windshield wiper motor on my explorer failed for the second time in a 3 year period. so far, i seem to be going through a rear windshield wiper motor each year. the dealer told me that it was not uncommon for that part to fail. ford customer service told me that the second replacement that i received was an upgraded motor that ford was using as a replacement for the failed part, to address the failure issues.*ak | |||
| 07/02/2001 | 4 | 09/01/1998 | |
| Rear motor has failed 3 times now, front motor failed once-all failed while in operation. *ak | |||
| 10/23/1998 | 09/01/1998 | ||
| Rear wiper motor needed replacement 3 times in under 4 years! the dealers know a problem exists with this part but have no recourse except to replace and charge. there is no way to tell when the part will stop working again! i don't trust the wipers at all anymore. *ak | |||
| 2 | 06/01/1998 | ||
| Motor on rear windshield wiper has gone out 3 times. local ford dealership has replaced it twice but refused to replace it a third time. they say fmc will not replace the rear windshield washer motor on this particular make of vehicle until they can find. *ak( dot number: ) | |||
| 07/31/2000 | 2 | 10/01/1997 | |
| The cds in the single cd player heat up to where it is hot to touch. this could be a fire hazard. the outside of the cd/radio unit is also hot. i was told by ford that this was common. the advisor at ford said he has a 2000 ford truck and his wife a 1998 mustang that does the same thing. i noted this on my 30000 mile service and ford did not even look at the problem. it was dismissed and not even noted on my repair record/invoice. also, the rear windshield wiper motor has been replaced for the second time. in fact, i only used it once or twice after the first time it was replaced. . | |||
| 12/01/1998 | 30 | 08/01/1998 | |
| Windshield wipers don't work and 4-wd dash light flashes when engine is cold and outside temperature is less than 40 deg f. wipers work ok after engine warms up (about 5 min). | |||
| 06/30/1999 | 1 | 09/01/1998 | |
| Replaced passenger side rear window motor due to failure. *yc | |||
| 10/01/1998 | 06/01/1998 | ||
| Rear windshield washer motor. | |||
| 12/01/1998 | 1 | 06/01/1998 | |
| Windshield wiper motor failed. *yc | |||
| 08/01/1998 | 1 | 07/01/1998 | |
| Rear windshield wiper motor failed. *yc | |||
| 01/26/1999 | 1 | ||
| Wiper motor failed causing the rear window washer/sprayer to experience intermittent failure. mjs | |||
| 08/12/1998 | 3 | ||
| Driving down the road in a heavy rain and windshield wiper did not work. windshield wipers have been replaced already three times. consumer contacted dealer. *ak | |||
| 01/10/1999 | 2 | 01/01/1998 | |
| When i tried to use the ac in march it blew out only hot air. a new compressor had to be put in it. it still leaks under the dash when it rains hard or going through car wash. rear wiper motor burnt out. wiper would not work, had to be replaced. rear seal, pinon seals, and rear drive shaft were replaced twice. the rear passenger door panel and window rattled really bad. had repaired. now front driver door panel and window rattles. had a vibrating noise repaired. when vehicle idled a piece of metal vibrated. several times i have gone to turn on the headlights and they won't come on. i have to turn the button several times before they will come on. after my auto has set overnight and i start it, it idles very rough for a few minutes. the gas pedal has been sticking for quite a few months. only when you initially push on the gas to go. you have to tap on it to get it to unstick; there has been a recall on this, the pa | |||
| 12/23/1998 | 1 | 07/01/1998 | |
| Rear windshield wiper motor. mjs | |||
| 04/23/1999 | 2 | 01/01/1998 | |
| Ford dealer states that there is a design flaw with all rear wiper motors in 1998 explorers, and that there is a technical bulletin stating so. can this part be recalled? | |||
| 4 | 03/01/1998 | ||
| Rea wiper motor failed. | |||
| 06/01/1998 | 4 | 03/01/1998 | |
| Rear windshield wiper motor keeps shorting out has burn four motors completly up. now total system out. no door locks, windows, seats or anything electric. can smell burning wires. ford will not do replacement or buyback. their solution is to bring it in once a month for a new motor, sooner or later it will quit burning them up. | |||
| 2 | |||
| Rear windshield wiper motor failed, front wipers failed. | |||
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | |||
| 06/20/2011 | 99000 | ||
| May 20, apporoximately 03:30am, while driving about 35mph to work in the dark with head lights on; headlights unexpectedly turned off. luckily that section of the street, had street lights working properly; but, i was approaching an unlighted stretch of winding road with a 45mph speed limit. this could have become very dangerous. (dashboard lights were not affected.) turning the normal headlight switch did not seem to fix the problem. i tried the bright light function, which is part of the turn signal lever. they did not come on at first; however when jiggling the turn signal lever, i noticed a looseness in the lever, at the base where it connects to the steering column. wiggling it, turned the head lights back on, temporarily; but, wiggling from vibration in traffic caused them to turn off again. the turn signal lever on the 1998 ford explorer is used to control the bright lights and also controls windshield wipers. i am not certain; but, i believe i had the turn signal lever assembly repaired several years ago by a ford dealer in san diego...neither of the dealers i used to have service my vehicle are still in business. i believe the problem with the turn signal lever at that time, had to do with the wipers cutting off unexpectedly; and, eventually, not working all together. first: is this something the government should investigate before having the vehicle repaired? second: should ford be the one investigating this problem? third: should ford replace the turn lever assembly and provide the labor at their expense? ... on a personal note, after working for the same company for 12 years and being a workaholic, i just got laid off last week. this expense is definitely going to cost several hundred dollars in parts and labor, when i can least afford it. at this time, i can rule out trying to apply for a night job. | |||