Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||||
| 0538 | 02/21/2005 | 10012950 | Increased turning effort during low speed sharp turns false 4x4 engagement. *eh | 04/05/2005 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | ||||||
| EA09013 | Ford Motor Company | 08/18/2009 | 02/12/2013 | Vehicle Rollaway Allegations | ||
| This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.by the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during ea09-013, odi identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.the highest rate for any particular failure mechanism, the failure of the automatic transmission parking system, was 4.4/100k.the next-highest failure rate was for the bsi system, at 3.4/100k.for all identified failure mechanisms there has been a drastically declining trend including very few incidents occurring in recent years.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.for additional information regarding this investigation, see the complete closing resume in the document file for ea09-013. the odi reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints under the following identification (odi) numbers:10168454, 10279630, 10280078. | ||||||
| PE09020 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 04/21/2009 | 08/19/2009 | VEHICLE ROLLAWAY ALLEGATIONS | ||
| In response to an information request (ir) letter sent by the office of defects investigation (odi), ford stated consumer reports of higher than expected efforts when shifting into and out of park could be a result of a groove being worn into the swing arm ramp of the steering column. the swing arm is a component bolted to the steering column that assists in shifting through the transmission gears.an engineering evaluation conducted by ford of returned steering columns found the groove could be created over time if consumer shift more quickly from the drive or reverse to park than the brake shift interlock (bsi) solenoid pin retracts after the brake pedal is applied. in november of 2004, ford released a redesigned bsi solenoid with a shorter pin retracting time as a serviceable component. ford has noted the shorter retraction time significantly lessens the likelihood of bsi solenoid pin to swing arm contact even with rapid consumer shifts.ford also issued a technical service bulletin, tsb 04-22-12, to instruct service technicians on the proper diagnosis and vehicle repair. reviewing complaints to odi and data submitted by ford, odi has identified 200 alleged incidents of unintended vehicle movement after consumers believe they have shifted the vehicle into park, resulting in 85 alleged crashes and 32 alleged injuries.in addition to the reports of alleged incidents of unintended vehicle movement, odi has also identified 883 reports of consumers alleging difficulty or the inability to shift the vehicle into park.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea09-013) to further assess the scope, frequency and risk to motor vehicle safety of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. | ||||||
| EA09013 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 08/18/2009 | VEHICLE ROLLAWAY ALLEGATIONS | |||
| In response to an information request (ir) letter sent by the office of defects investigation (odi), ford stated consumer reports of higher than expected efforts when shifting into and out of park could be a result of a groove being worn into the swing arm ramp of the steering column. the swing arm is a component bolted to the steering column that assists in shifting through the transmission gears.an engineering evaluation conducted by ford of returned steering columns found the groove could be created over time if consumers shift more quickly from the drive or reverse to park than the brake shift interlock (bsi) solenoid pin retracts after the brake pedal is applied. in november of 2004 ford released a redesigned bsi solenoid with a shorter pin retracting time as a serviceable component. ford has noted the shorter retraction time significantly lessens the likelihood of bsi solenoid pin to swing arm contact even with rapid consumer shifts.ford also issued a technical service bulletin, tsb 04-22-12, to instruct service technicians on the proper diagnosis and vehicle repair. reviewing complaints to odi and data submitted by ford, odi has identified 200 alleged incidents of unintended vehicle movement after consumers believe they have shifted the vehicle into park, resulting in 85 alleged crashes and 32 alleged injuries.in addition to the reports of alleged incidents of unintended vehicle movement, odi has also identified 883 reports of consumers alleging difficulty or the inability to shift the vehicle into park.preliminary evaluationpe09-020 has been upgraded to an engineering analysis to further assess the scope, frequency and risk to motor vehicle safety of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. | ||||||
| STEERING - COLUMN | ||||||
| EA09013 | Ford Motor Company | 08/18/2009 | 02/12/2013 | Vehicle Rollaway Allegations | ||
| This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.by the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during ea09-013, odi identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.the highest rate for any particular failure mechanism, the failure of the automatic transmission parking system, was 4.4/100k.the next-highest failure rate was for the bsi system, at 3.4/100k.for all identified failure mechanisms there has been a drastically declining trend including very few incidents occurring in recent years.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.for additional information regarding this investigation, see the complete closing resume in the document file for ea09-013. the odi reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints under the following identification (odi) numbers:10168454, 10279630, 10280078. | ||||||
| PE09020 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 04/21/2009 | 08/19/2009 | VEHICLE ROLLAWAY ALLEGATIONS | ||
| In response to an information request (ir) letter sent by the office of defects investigation (odi), ford stated consumer reports of higher than expected efforts when shifting into and out of park could be a result of a groove being worn into the swing arm ramp of the steering column. the swing arm is a component bolted to the steering column that assists in shifting through the transmission gears.an engineering evaluation conducted by ford of returned steering columns found the groove could be created over time if consumer shift more quickly from the drive or reverse to park than the brake shift interlock (bsi) solenoid pin retracts after the brake pedal is applied. in november of 2004, ford released a redesigned bsi solenoid with a shorter pin retracting time as a serviceable component. ford has noted the shorter retraction time significantly lessens the likelihood of bsi solenoid pin to swing arm contact even with rapid consumer shifts.ford also issued a technical service bulletin, tsb 04-22-12, to instruct service technicians on the proper diagnosis and vehicle repair. reviewing complaints to odi and data submitted by ford, odi has identified 200 alleged incidents of unintended vehicle movement after consumers believe they have shifted the vehicle into park, resulting in 85 alleged crashes and 32 alleged injuries.in addition to the reports of alleged incidents of unintended vehicle movement, odi has also identified 883 reports of consumers alleging difficulty or the inability to shift the vehicle into park.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea09-013) to further assess the scope, frequency and risk to motor vehicle safety of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. | ||||||
| EA09013 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 08/18/2009 | VEHICLE ROLLAWAY ALLEGATIONS | |||
| In response to an information request (ir) letter sent by the office of defects investigation (odi), ford stated consumer reports of higher than expected efforts when shifting into and out of park could be a result of a groove being worn into the swing arm ramp of the steering column. the swing arm is a component bolted to the steering column that assists in shifting through the transmission gears.an engineering evaluation conducted by ford of returned steering columns found the groove could be created over time if consumers shift more quickly from the drive or reverse to park than the brake shift interlock (bsi) solenoid pin retracts after the brake pedal is applied. in november of 2004 ford released a redesigned bsi solenoid with a shorter pin retracting time as a serviceable component. ford has noted the shorter retraction time significantly lessens the likelihood of bsi solenoid pin to swing arm contact even with rapid consumer shifts.ford also issued a technical service bulletin, tsb 04-22-12, to instruct service technicians on the proper diagnosis and vehicle repair. reviewing complaints to odi and data submitted by ford, odi has identified 200 alleged incidents of unintended vehicle movement after consumers believe they have shifted the vehicle into park, resulting in 85 alleged crashes and 32 alleged injuries.in addition to the reports of alleged incidents of unintended vehicle movement, odi has also identified 883 reports of consumers alleging difficulty or the inability to shift the vehicle into park.preliminary evaluationpe09-020 has been upgraded to an engineering analysis to further assess the scope, frequency and risk to motor vehicle safety of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. | ||||||
| STEERING - COLUMN LOCKING - ANTI-THEFT DEVICE | ||||||
| EA09013 | Ford Motor Company | 08/18/2009 | 02/12/2013 | Vehicle Rollaway Allegations | ||
| This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.by the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during ea09-013, odi identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.the highest rate for any particular failure mechanism, the failure of the automatic transmission parking system, was 4.4/100k.the next-highest failure rate was for the bsi system, at 3.4/100k.for all identified failure mechanisms there has been a drastically declining trend including very few incidents occurring in recent years.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.for additional information regarding this investigation, see the complete closing resume in the document file for ea09-013. the odi reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints under the following identification (odi) numbers:10168454, 10279630, 10280078. | ||||||
| PE09020 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 04/21/2009 | 08/19/2009 | VEHICLE ROLLAWAY ALLEGATIONS | ||
| In response to an information request (ir) letter sent by the office of defects investigation (odi), ford stated consumer reports of higher than expected efforts when shifting into and out of park could be a result of a groove being worn into the swing arm ramp of the steering column. the swing arm is a component bolted to the steering column that assists in shifting through the transmission gears.an engineering evaluation conducted by ford of returned steering columns found the groove could be created over time if consumer shift more quickly from the drive or reverse to park than the brake shift interlock (bsi) solenoid pin retracts after the brake pedal is applied. in november of 2004, ford released a redesigned bsi solenoid with a shorter pin retracting time as a serviceable component. ford has noted the shorter retraction time significantly lessens the likelihood of bsi solenoid pin to swing arm contact even with rapid consumer shifts.ford also issued a technical service bulletin, tsb 04-22-12, to instruct service technicians on the proper diagnosis and vehicle repair. reviewing complaints to odi and data submitted by ford, odi has identified 200 alleged incidents of unintended vehicle movement after consumers believe they have shifted the vehicle into park, resulting in 85 alleged crashes and 32 alleged injuries.in addition to the reports of alleged incidents of unintended vehicle movement, odi has also identified 883 reports of consumers alleging difficulty or the inability to shift the vehicle into park.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea09-013) to further assess the scope, frequency and risk to motor vehicle safety of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. | ||||||
| EA09013 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 08/18/2009 | VEHICLE ROLLAWAY ALLEGATIONS | |||
| In response to an information request (ir) letter sent by the office of defects investigation (odi), ford stated consumer reports of higher than expected efforts when shifting into and out of park could be a result of a groove being worn into the swing arm ramp of the steering column. the swing arm is a component bolted to the steering column that assists in shifting through the transmission gears.an engineering evaluation conducted by ford of returned steering columns found the groove could be created over time if consumers shift more quickly from the drive or reverse to park than the brake shift interlock (bsi) solenoid pin retracts after the brake pedal is applied. in november of 2004 ford released a redesigned bsi solenoid with a shorter pin retracting time as a serviceable component. ford has noted the shorter retraction time significantly lessens the likelihood of bsi solenoid pin to swing arm contact even with rapid consumer shifts.ford also issued a technical service bulletin, tsb 04-22-12, to instruct service technicians on the proper diagnosis and vehicle repair. reviewing complaints to odi and data submitted by ford, odi has identified 200 alleged incidents of unintended vehicle movement after consumers believe they have shifted the vehicle into park, resulting in 85 alleged crashes and 32 alleged injuries.in addition to the reports of alleged incidents of unintended vehicle movement, odi has also identified 883 reports of consumers alleging difficulty or the inability to shift the vehicle into park.preliminary evaluationpe09-020 has been upgraded to an engineering analysis to further assess the scope, frequency and risk to motor vehicle safety of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 06/22/2012 | 88000 | ||
| While driving, the cruise control stopped working and car stalled. at the same time the abs light comes off and on. | |||
| 11/16/2012 | 106000 | 1 | |
| While putting the car in reverse in the parking lot the gear shift completely snapped off and the car was stuck in reverse. the keys were stuck in the ignition and i couldn't turn the car off. i had to put the emergency brake on and call for help on my cell phone. when help arrived after a couple of hours they were able to manuever what was left of the gear shift enough to put the car back in park and turn the car off. i called the ford customer service division and spoke with a representative named [xxx], he preceded to tell me that ford has never heard of such a problem and that he couldn't help me. he said there are currently no recalls available for this part. i searched the internet and found hundreds of the same complaint on fords and advised [xxx] and again he said ford has never heard of such a problem. i am relieved that it happened in a parking lot and it didn't cause an accident. ford should be ashamed of themselves and their shoddy workmanship and take the necessary steps to resolve this problem. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr | |||
| 11/16/2012 | 106000 | ||
| While putting the car in reverse in the parking lot the gear shift completely snapped off and the car was stuck in reverse. the keys were stuck in the ignition and i couldn't turn the car off. i had to put the emergency break on and call for help on my cell phone. when help arrived after a couple of hours they were able to manuerver what was left of the gear shift enough to put the car back in park and turn the car off. i called the ford customer service division and spoke with a representative named aaron, he preceded to tell me that ford has never heard of such a problem and that he couldn't help me. he said there are currently no recalls available for this part. i searched the internet and found hundreds of the same complaint on fords and advised aaron and again he said ford has never heard of such a problem. i am relieved that it happened in a parking lot and it didn't cause an accident. ford should be ashamed of themselves and their shoddy workmanship and take the necessary steps to resolve this problem. | |||
| 10/12/2012 | 94834 | 1 | |
| Started driving and when i went to make a turn i felt a grab. thought i might be imaging things but happened again on the next intersection turn this time causing me to have to make a wheel correction. on the third turn it was markedly worse and a grunch sound accompanied it and it was more difficult to make the turn. and then next few turns markedly worse again to the point i am considering pulling over and getting a tow as now it is dangerous. i figured out that it was mostly straight driving to the mechanic garage and three turns so i drove cautiously. a very difficult drive making turns and i could barely turn into the garage drive as the steering barely worked and was accompanied by very loud grunching. it was a quick fix as a bolt in the steering column had come out. had this happening on a highway this could have been a life threatening situation to navigate off the highway. no injuries. *tr | |||
| 10/12/2012 | 94834 | ||
| Started driving and when i went to make a turn i felt a grab. thought i might be imaging things but happened again on the next intersection turn this time causing me to have to make a wheel correction. on the third turn it was markedly worse and a grunch sound accompanied it and it was more difficult to make the turn. and then next few turns markedly worse again to the point i am considering pulling over and getting a tow as now it is dangerous. i figured out that it was mostly straight driving to the mechanic garage and three turns so i drove cautiously. a very difficult drive making turns and i could barely turn into the garage drive as the steering barely worked and was accompanied by very loud grunching. it was a quick fix as a bolt in the steering column had come out. had this happening on a highway this could have been a life threatening situation to navigate off the highway. no injuries. | |||
| 03/09/2012 | 900000 | ||
| After starting vehicle and moving shift lever from park to reverse - rotating shift handle mount broke off- required towing and $1800 repair cost. have seen similar instances on consumer complaint boards - ford fails to recognize as being a safety manufacturing defect. | |||
| 01/03/2012 | 131027 | ||
| I was trying to park the car when i took it from drive to reverse the whole gear shift came right off. it will no longer switch gears nor can i drive it. i searched online and there are numerous other 2004 explorers that this has happened too. there are 16 different complaints which all were exactly like mine on carcomplaints.com. this is super dangerous, imagine if my children were in the car when i went to switch gears and it broke off and the were no way to move or stop it from hitting someone. the expense to fix this 'little' problem of fords is costing me more than i make in 2 months. | |||
| 10/17/2011 | 145000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. the contact stated that smoke emitted from the steering column while the vehicle was parked. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where they confirmed that the multi function switch malfunctioned. the manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 145,000. kmj | |||
| 10/17/2011 | 145000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. the contact stated smoke emitted from the steering column while the vehicle was parked. the vehicle was not destroyed. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they confirmed the multi function switch malfunctioned. the manufacturer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 145,000. rds | |||
| 03/02/2009 | 80000 | ||
| I currently own a 2004 ford explorer and purchased new in 2005. have had to replace, the 2 front hubs 3 times, the rack and pinion steering and the transmission slips exesively. this vehicle is driven by my wife to school and home and used for transporting my family. i keep seeing the same problems onine but no aciton by ford. can you say piece of junk | |||
| 05/22/2011 | 81000 | ||
| While attempting to shift from park, into reverse, the column-mounted gear selector, broke away from the column and into my mother's hand. the vehicle sat in a parking lot for a few hours. later on, we found a temporary workaround utilising a pair of vise-grips, and we were able to drive the vehicle home. the gear selector has not been repaired; and the vehicle just sits there, because the she is too afraid to drive it. | |||
| 12/20/2010 | 27995 | ||
| Noise in front end, premature failure of tie rod ends | |||
| 07/15/2010 | 26500 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. while the vehicle was parked, he attempted to place the vehicle in park and the shifter lever broke. the contact turn the vehicle off and called a tow company. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer. the contact stated the dealer advised him that the entire steering column has to be replaced. the dealer was performing the repairs at the time of the complaint. the contact stated that the failure happen three months before and the steering column was replaced. the failure and current mileage were 27,650. vwb | |||
| 05/01/2009 | 82000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. the contact was driving approximately between 55-65 mph. the transmission vibrated excessively. also, on a separate occasion the vehicle wobbled and made a roaring noise outside of the vehicle. the noise occurred whenever the contact drove more than 55 mph. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic with the replacement of the wheel bearing; however, the failure continued to occur. the vehicle was recently towed to an independent mechanic and the cause of failure has not been determined. the failure mileage was 82,000. the current mileage was 95,000. | |||
| 11/18/2009 | 55600 | 1 | |
| In the days prior to the failure, when i turned the wheel far right or left for extreme turns, there would be a slight thump to the extent i thought something let loose. i had the car in for a regular oil change etc(scheduled maint) and told the shop about this event but they said they checked it and could find nothing wrong. i was turning into a head in parking spot and noticed when i turned the wheel to the left, i felt that i had lost control of the steering. when i put the car in park, the gear shift lever fell apart in my hands. it had detached from the steering column and i could not remove the key. *tr | |||
| 11/25/2009 | 700000 | 1 | |
| When shifting into reverse there is a hard shift also hard shifts up and down while going forward. *tr | |||
| 11/18/2009 | 55000 | 1 | |
| I own a 2004 ford explorer 4wd, xlt 6 cy engine. i was driving it last week and the front end felt loose. i pulled into a parking spot and when i tried to put it in park the shift lever fell apart in my hand and the steering column fell apart. i was only going 5 mph at the time but i wonder what would happen if i was going 40 or so., i had lost control as i parked!! the ford mechanic said he had never seen this before. *tr | |||
| 03/07/2009 | 94271 | 1 | |
| No accident or injury has occurred. the transmission shifter binds when shifting into park. the interlock solenoid pin has worn a grove in the cam in which it contacts. when shifting from any gear to park, if you release the brake pedal at the right time the vehicle will not go fully into park. *tr | |||
| 08/24/2007 | 1 | 07/14/2004 | |
| On friday, august 24, 2007, i was attempting to back out of a driveway. i put my foot on the brake, started my 2004 ford explorer and began shifting the gear out of park into reverse when the shift broke. i could not do anything, the engine wouldn't turn over or anything. since it was late friday, i left the suv parked until saturday, the next morning, when i had it towed to doug stanley ford in desoto, texas, where i purchased the vehicle. a service technician told me they would have to order a needed part to repair the suv. he said he thought they'd receive the part by monday or tuesday. on monday, he told me they wouldn't get it until november 12. he said that he'd called all around and had to get the part from the manufacturer. i checked online and others have experienced this very same problem. i am thankful i wasn't somewhere far from home when this happened. i have a new baby and need reliable transportation. i have never heard of a dealership needing 2 months to get a part. i truly think this is a serious defect that could eventually get someone hurt. | |||
| 09/25/2006 | 26998 | 4 | 01/05/2005 |
| 2004 explorer had problems with brakes and windows. *ts three months after the vehicle was purchased thee was a recall on the transmission. the abs malfunctioned and the power windows would not go down. the rear hatch door would not open. the transmission began to slam into gear. the rotors vibrated in the rear. consumer heard a howling noise at 40-55 mph. the dealer replaced the ring and pinion. nm | |||
| 09/04/2005 | 120 | 09/23/2004 | |
| Dt: 2004 ford explorer - the consumer complained about steering difficulty as well as popping/jolting sensation. this happens regardless of speed, but only occurs in sharp turns. vehicle has been fixed, but this information is necessary for the public to be informed. this applies to four wheel drive on 2004 and 2005 models. there is a technical service bulletin (tsb) regarding this problem. while trying to make a u turn the vehicle is in two wheel drive because the four wheel drive did not engage on its on.*ak | |||
| 10/16/2004 | 5000 | 100 | 11/20/2003 |
| Steering feels like the power steering unit is not up to speed or the 4 wd is engaged during low speed turns like in shopping center parking lots or tight turns on off ramps. *jb | |||
| 4 | 10/31/2003 | ||
| 4the steering wheel sticks intermittently when it's turned to the left or right and does not return without pulling it back. *ph this was a major problem when pulling out in traffic or going around a sharp bend. the vehicle had been to the ford dealer three times and was told that all the new explorers were made that way and there was nothing they could do about it. there was a big clunk at times when backing up and turning to the right or left. the ride was very bumpy and caused the occupants to be thrown from side to side while driving. *sc | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN | |||
| 08/24/2007 | 1 | 07/14/2004 | |
| On friday, august 24, 2007, i was attempting to back out of a driveway. i put my foot on the brake, started my 2004 ford explorer and began shifting the gear out of park into reverse when the shift broke. i could not do anything, the engine wouldn't turn over or anything. since it was late friday, i left the suv parked until saturday, the next morning, when i had it towed to doug stanley ford in desoto, texas, where i purchased the vehicle. a service technician told me they would have to order a needed part to repair the suv. he said he thought they'd receive the part by monday or tuesday. on monday, he told me they wouldn't get it until november 12. he said that he'd called all around and had to get the part from the manufacturer. i checked online and others have experienced this very same problem. i am thankful i wasn't somewhere far from home when this happened. i have a new baby and need reliable transportation. i have never heard of a dealership needing 2 months to get a part. i truly think this is a serious defect that could eventually get someone hurt. | |||
| STEERING - GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) | |||
| 02/07/2004 | 48 | 20 | 12/07/2003 |
| I brought my suv dec 2004. i had only 40 miles on it. i now have a little over 7,000. one month after purchasing my suv it wouldn't start up. i took it in to be serviced but they were unable to find anything. a month later it would stall while driving and when i shift from drive to reverse the whole truck jumps into reverse. it also hesitate to go into reverse. i've been having this problem for the past 8 months. i continue to take it ford to get service. first they didn't find anything wrong now thye're saying that it's a recall and fixed the problem. but i continue to have the problem.. i'm currently in the process of tryimg to get ford to give me a new truck. but they only trying to offer 2,500 dollars. i don't want the money i want a new truck. i paid for a new truck not a truck that will contiue to have problems. my abs light keeps coming on too. i'm going to take it back to ford to have it looked at again. it's such a hassel to keep taking my truck back for the same problems and it's not being fixed. i don't think they know what is wrong with my truck. i have lemon. *ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 01/09/2004 | 2 | 01/06/2004 | |
| Problems with the starter and wheels not returning to center position after making a turn. (nar) *ph *cb there was a possibility that the wrong type of sway bar had been installed on the vehicle at the factory. the power steering unit was the problem. the problem still existed. the steering wheel did not return to the center after turning, especially when turned to the right. the consumer would have to physically bring the vehicle back to the center, or it would continue running of the road. *sc *jb | |||
| 05/24/2004 | 13000 | 15 | 11/05/2003 |
| Power steering fails when driving at all/various speeds. failure is felt during/attempted turning of the wheel in either direction while driving. steering becomes very difficult and suddenly power steering kicks in and becomes unsafe as great pressure is being applied to steering wheel to overcome power steering failure. dealership claims no known failures and cannot find problem with my steering system. as a systems safety engineer, i suspect defect in system and manufacture has yet to admit. request assistance to force manufacture/dealership to investigate and determine problem. *nm | |||
| 16 | 1 | ||
| At slow speed when turning the steering wheel shakes and vibrates. consumer took the vehicle to the dealer. however, dealer is unable to correct the defect. *ak | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY | |||
| 12/27/2005 | 23532 | 1 | 02/28/2003 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while driving on the highway the vehicle started swaying as if it were in a lot of wind. two days later the vehicle was taken to the dealership. upon inspection, the mechanics discovered the rear tie rod ends were packed with mud causing the tie rods to corrode and rust. the tie rod ends were replaced. the dealership explained to the contact the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the manufacturer was alerted. | |||
| 10/30/2005 | 1 | 09/01/2004 | |
| Dt: the contact stated the tie rod housing that attaches to the wheel failed, causing the contact to lose control of the passenger's side wheel. this incident cause d an accident with no injuries. this occurred while traveling at 15 -20 mph. the wheel hit the telephone pole which caused major structural damage under the vehicle. the dealership stated they did not know what to do with the vehicle, and urged him to file a complaint with the insurance company. *ak | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | |||
| 10/07/2005 | 29700 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. the contact was driving approximately 25 to 55 mph when he noticed an abnormal howling from the rear of the vehicle. the vehicle was inspected by a dealer and they advised that they would shim the pinion and ring gears to silence them. the vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred twice after the repairs. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 29,700. | |||
| 06/01/2007 | 52768 | 20 | 05/01/2007 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford explorer. while driving 20 mph, the contact heard a humming noise. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the bearings were worn in the rack and pinion and needed to be replaced. the replacement would cost $400 because no recalls were available. the powertrain was unknown. the current mileage was 54,000 and failure mileage was 52,768. | |||