54 of the
1,647 complaints about the 2004 Ford Explorer are about the
braking system — 3% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
75,550 miles.
on [XXX] brought to local shop on power steering leak. Week before, Paid $50 for inspection. on [XXX] appointment was line and replaced. But tech said get pass brake line was rotted and was bad leak of brake fluid. On [XXX] my wife's Explorer was reinspected and rear driver side brake copper line also reported rotted after paying $539.95 for power steering low pressure and brake line. Wife's Eddie Bauer 2004 v8 was reported to FORD Motor Co. Case# [XXX] defective copper brake lines on suv. No good will offered no warrantee fue to latent defective brake line copper tubing coming from ABS modular. ABS LIGHT COMES ON AT TIMES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11591062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesSparta, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE FAILURE, FRONT WHEEL BRAKE HOSE (BURST/FAILED), 3X IN ONE YEAR INCLUDING FAILURE OF NEW PARTS INSTALLED BY FORD. THIS RESULTED IN TOTAL LACK OF BRAKES, IN ONCE CASE WHILE TRAVELING ON I287 AT HIGH SPEED! THIS WAS IN 20011/2012 BEFORE WE TRADED CAR IN. FORD INSISTED THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE PART. THE CAR HAD ABOUT 100,000 MILES ON IT, WAS 6-7 YEARS OLD. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS TYPE OF FAILURE ON ANY OTHER CAR I OWNED INCLUDING MANY THAT WERE MUCH OLDER AND HAD MANY MORE MILES ... LET ALONE 3X ON THE SAME VEHICLE! THIS REALLY MUST BE A DEFECTIVE PART!!! AN THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE ONGOING WITH NEWER MODELS OF THE FORD EXPLORER AS WELL?
NHTSA complaint #11141637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesCorydon, IN
SERVICE BRAKES
TRANSMISSION FAILURE WITH OVERDRIVE LIGHT BLINKING .NO FIRST GEAR,SHIFTS HARD , SOMETIME IT WONT SHIFT WITHOUT LETTING OFF GAS .WITH CODESPO731,PO733,PO734,PO745 NEEDS TOTAL REBUILD THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 40 MILES A HOUR , ABS LIGHT IS ON . CODES SHOW WRONG LINE PRESSURE.ENGINE KNOCKING , TIMMING CHAIN ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #10925613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesKissimmee, FLCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKING, WHICH RESULTED IN A CRASH. ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WAS ONE INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT WAS TREATED FOR SECOND DEGREE BURNS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10924821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 172,472 milesDelta, CO
SERVICE BRAKES
WHEN DRIVING MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER STARTED MAKING A GRINDING AND HUMMING NOISE ON THE LEFT FRONT OF DRIVER SIDE TIRE AREA. ABS AND 4X4 HIGH LIGHTS CAME ON INSTRUMENT PANEL. TRUCK FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING INTO 4X4 MODE ON ITS OWN AND BRAKING FELT LIKE ABS SYSTEM FAILED. TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD THAT BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1053. SINCE THIS TRUCK USES SENSORS AND TRACTION CONTROL THE SENSOR ON THE LEFT DRIVER SIDE HAD GONE OUT CAUSING THIS FEATURE NO LONGER TO WORK. IT IS A GOOD THING THIS DID NOT RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS GOING INTO 4X4 MODE ON IT'S OWN AND THE BRAKES ABS NO LONGER FUNCTIONED. JUST A QUICK SEARCH ONLINE WILL RESULT IN MANY FOUND ISSUES REGARDING THIS THAT FORD HAS NOT DONE A RECALL ON YET. WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE TO GET FORD TO STAND BEHIND THE SAFETY OF TRUCKS THEY SELL?
NHTSA complaint #10886241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesWhitehall, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
CAR STARTS BUT WILL GO FORWARD WHEN SHIFTED IN REVERSE. TURNED THE CAR OFF THEN BACK ON, BUT WHEN I WOULD PUT THE CAR BACK IN REVERSE OR DRIVE, IT STALLED OUT. HAD IT TOWED AND THEN IT WAS FINE AFTER THAT. NOW ITS ABOUT 6 MONTHS LATER, NOW MY ORANGE WRENCH LIGHT POPS UP AND CRUISE CONTROL SHUTS OFF AT 65MPH. THEN IT JERKS A COUPLE TIMES. HAVE HAD IT CHECKED AND CAME BACK WITH 14 CODES MAINLY FOR TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #10721201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesMiddleton, MA
SERVICE BRAKES
THE OEM STEEL BRAKE LINE THAT CONNECTS THE LEFT AND RIGHT REAR BRAKES WAS APPARENTLY RUBBING AGAINST SOME COMPONENTS OVER THE RIGHT FRAME RAIL WHICH ABRADED THE PLASTIC COATING RESULTING IN CORROSION OF THE BRAKE LINE AND FAILURE OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #10676563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,817 milesHornell, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE AND THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED AND MADE A LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO REPLACED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE HUB AND WHEEL BEARING, THE REAR SPRINGS, THE THREE PASSENGER GEAR CALIPERS, FOUR REAR DRIVER SIDE CALIPERS, THE BATTERY, FIVE REAR BRAKE PADS, AND SIX REAR ROTORS PLUS AN OIL CHANGE. THREE WEEKS AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE PEDAL HESITATED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,817.
NHTSA complaint #10676692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,000 milesCheektowaga, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
EXACT DATES ARE VARIOUS , VEHICLE HAS 39000 MILES ON IT PRESENTLY , HAVE MULTIPLE VEHICLES , DRIVE OVER THE ROAD TRUCK DRIVER ... CHANGED BRAKES AND ROTORS TWICE , EMERGENCY BRAKE NOT WORKING , HAD FIXED , HAD TO HAVE EKG REPLACED AND SOME EXHAUST SENSOR , TIRES WORE OUT AT 29000 , EXHAUST SYSTEM REPLACED , BOTH BALL JOINTS REPLACED , PINION GEAR GASKET LEAKING FROM REAR END , BOTH CV JOINTS LEAKING , APPEARS RIGHT CV JOINT NEEDS REPLACING , GETS 14 MPG ( 4.0 LITER ) PAINT PEELING FROM ROOF FOR QUITE AWHILE NOW , RUSTING AROUND FUEL TANK DOOR , AS ALL ARE ...... VEHICLE HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE , GETTING RID OF THIS AT 39000 MILES , FORD HAS A BETTER IDEA , BUY ANOTHER ONE !
NHTSA complaint #10627965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 280,000 milesHouston, TXCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
STOPPING AT RED LIGHT STEPPING ON BRAKE VEHICLE SPEED UP INSTEAD OF STOPPING. CAUSING ME TO SIDE SWIPE FOUR VEHICLES AND GO THROUGH AN INTERSECTION
NHTSA complaint #10583309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 187,600 milesFair Lawn, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AS I WAS ABOUT TO PULL OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. I SHUT THE VEHICLE DOWN AND CALLED FOR A TOW. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A SERVICE STATION. THE MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE RUBBER HOSE COMPONENT OF THE BRAKE LINE HAD SPRUNG A LEAK, LEADING TO THE COMPLETE LACK OF BRAKING. MY CONCERN IS THAT IF IT HAD HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN TRAFFIC, OR JUST ABOUT ANY OTHER MOVING SITUATION, I WOULD LIKELY HAVE CRASHED, WITH DIRE RESULTS TO ME AND POTENTIALLY TO OTHERS. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THERE WERE NO LIGHTS. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED A SITUATION LIKE THIS IN OVER 30 YEARS OF DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 1 MILLION MILES .VERY DISCONCERTING. VERY DISAPPOINTING. I WOULD LIKE FOR FORD ENGINEERS TO EXPLAIN THEMSELVES.
NHTSA complaint #10550892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesCatawba, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP UNTIL AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO APPLY THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES AND OPERATED NORMALLY FOR FIVE MILES. THE VEHICLE THEN ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY, REACHING SPEEDS OF UP TO 65 MPH BEFORE THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,000.
NHTSA complaint #10543084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,902 milesSalisbury, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS SYSTEM WOULD INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE BRAKES TO SEIZE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SWAY 180 DEGREES TO THE SIDE BEFORE STOPPING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE BRAKE HYDRO LOCK SYSTEM. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE ABS ELECTRONIC UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,902.
NHTSA complaint #10520220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,500 milesBarstow, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE JUST SHUT OFF. I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ONCE IT SHUT OFF, EXCEPT TO UTILIZE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO GET ME STOPPED. ONCE STOPPED, I PUT IT IN PARK AND IT STARTED UP FIRST TRY. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. SAME THING HAPPENS ON A REGULAR BASES. USUALLY HAPPENS WHILE BRAKING OR TURNING AT SPEEDS LOWER THAN 30MPH, THEN ENGINE JUST STALLS AND EVERYTHING TURNS OFF. THIS TO ME IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN, BECAUSE WITHOUT TOTAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND VEHICLE LIGHTING AT NIGHT, IT COULD SERIOUSLY INJURE OR KILL SOMEONE. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND INVESTIGATING THIS FURTHER SO WE CAN ALL CONTINUE TO BE SAFE. THANKS!
NHTSA complaint #10505180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesIndependence, KY
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE DRIVING, THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING AND CAR STALLED. AT THE SAME TIME THE ABS LIGHT COMES OFF AND ON.
NHTSA complaint #10493565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesWentworth, NH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE WHEN HE APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ROLLED AWAY. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOP FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE SLACK ADJUSTER ON THE SECOND AXLE WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 415,000.
NHTSA complaint #10490908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesMemphis, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
ON APRIL 6TH OF THIS YEAR I PURCHASED A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK THE CAR FOR CITY INSPECTION...IT PASSED. THE VERY NEXT DAY (SUNDAY) THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE ABS LIGHT WOULD ALSO ILLUMINATE. I TOOK THE CAR TO AUTOZONE TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED (EGR VALVE). ONLY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COULD BE DIAGNOSED BECAUSE THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AT RANDOM WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER THE 1000 MILE WARRANTY SO THE EGR VALVE WAS REPLACED AND A SPEED SENSOR BELIEVED TO BE THE PROBLEM WITH THE ABS LIGHT. I PURCHASED AN INDEPENDENT EXTENDED WARRANTY SO I WOULD BE COVERED FOR ANY SURPRISE EXPENSES. I HAD MY CHANCE TO USE IT IN JUST A FEW MONTHS LATER WHEN THE CAR RAN HOT. THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED. THIS HAPPENED IN JULY, JUST A FEW MONTHS AFTER BUYING THE CAR. EARLIER THIS MONTH (NOVEMBER 2012) THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN BUT IT DIDN'T STAY ON SO I COULDN'T GET IT DIAGNOSED. NO NEED TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED BECAUSE THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON TOO. I TOOK IT TO AUTOZONE ONCE AGAIN AND THE BATTERY TESTED BAD. IT WOULDN'T START AT THE STORE. I BOUGHT THE BATTERY, IT WAS INSTALLED AND CHECKED AGAIN. THE ALTERNATOR SHOWED IT WASN'T CHARGING. I HAD TO HAVE THE ALTERNATOR REPLACED. WITH THE COLD WEATHER, I DISCOVERED THE DEFROST VENTS DON'T WORK. AIR ONLY BLOWS FROM FRONT VENTS. ON THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 19TH, I WAS TAKING MY SON TO SCHOOL AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. IT HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK ON NOVEMBER 21ST. SO NOW I SUPPOSE I HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. FORD NEEDS TO ANSWER FOR THEIR HORRIBLE ENGINEERING.
NHTSA complaint #10485460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesHebron, KY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I PURCHASED A 2004 FORD EXPLORER IN JULY 0F 2011, AND TRADED IN MY 2001 OLDSMOBILE OF 5 YEARS. I ALSO PURCHASED THE 12 MONTH 12,000 MILE WARRANTY. BEFORE DRIVING IT OFF THE LOT I HAD THE DEALER FIX THE ABS SYSTEM BECAUSE THE LIGHT WAS ON. THERE IS A CRACK GOING DOWN THE BACK OF THE TRUNK BUT NOTHING ELSE WAS WRONG AT THE TIME SO I LEFT THE CRACK ALONE. IN APRIL OF 2012 I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A BELT, CHECK TRANS, SHOCKS, BALL JOINTS, AND A TICKING IN THE HEATER WHEN KNOB WAS TURNED TO HEAT (NOT COOL). I TOLD HIM TO JUST FIX WHAT WAS ON THE WARRANTY AND ALSO GIVE IT A OIL CHANGE. HE INFORMED ME THAT THE TRANS WAS FINE. AFTER GETTING THE CAR BACK MY HEAT WENT OUT AND I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC BUDDY THAT MY BRAKES, ROTTERS, EMERGENCY BRAKE PADS AND THE BACK TIRES WERE SHOT. SO I HAD HIM REPLACED THEM BECAUSE THIS WAS ALSO NOT COVERED ON WARRANTY. JUST LAST WEEK MY RPM STARTED JUMPING WITH MILES OVER 65.(NO LIGHTS WERE ON AT THE TIME)SO I TOOK IT TO 6 DIFFERENT PLACES GETTING ESTIMATES ON WHAT COULD BE WRONG. ALL SHOPS SAID THE SAME THING. "START WITH FUEL FILTER, OIL FILTERS AND OIL CHANGE". THE DAY AFTER I PAID FOR ALL THIS THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. (EGR VALVE CODE) THE MAN AT AUTO ZONE TOLD ME TO TAKE IT OFF AND CLEAN IT WITH SPRAY AND LET IT DRY BEFORE REPLACING. I TOOK IT TO A SHOP AND HAD THEM DO THIS. THE SAME DAY I PICKED UP THE CAR MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN, O/D LIGHT AND THE CAR WAS DRIVING LIKE I WAS HAULING A BUS AND JUMPING. I TOOK IT BACK THE NEXT DAY AND HE REPLACED THE EGR VALVE NEW SINCE THE SAME CODE WAS SHOWING UP. LATER THAT DAY AFTER GETTING IT BACK THE CAR STARTED DOING THE SAME THING AFTER DRIVING FOR 5 MILES THIS WAS FRIDAY 9/21/12.
NHTSA complaint #10476778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesTell City, IN
SERVICE BRAKES
TRANSMISSION SHIFTS VERY HARD SO BAD THAT IT JERKS ME AND MY CHILDREN'S HEADS FORWARD WHEN IT HAPPENS. THIS OCCURS THE WORST WHEN GOING INTO REVERSE AND INTO 2ND AND 3RD GEARS. BRAKES LOCK UP/STICK AFTER BEING PRESSED FOR 3 SECONDS.
NHTSA complaint #10472096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesAustin, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE GOING 45 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED BUT FAILED. THE CONTACT TRIED TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WOULD ONLY DEPRESS PARTIALLY. SHE TRIED AGAIN A FEW MOMENTS LATER AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED COMPLETELY INTO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE THE PARKING BRAKE IN ORDER TO SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE IN THE BRAKE LINE, WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115000.
NHTSA complaint #10460666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,031 milesFlorissant, MOCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I BACKED SUV OUT OF GARAGE AND PUT IN PARK, GOT OUT OF VEHICLE WHILE STILL RUNNING (TO CLOSE GARAGE DOOR), CLOSED THE SUV DOOR, TURNED AROUND AND SAW THAT SUV WAS MOVING FORWARD INTO MY GARAGE. I OPENED THE SUV DOOR WHILE IT WAS MOVING AND JUMPED IN THE DRIVERS SEAT, PUSHED ON THE BRAKE AND SUV DID NOT STOP, I WAS LOOKING DOWN AT THE FLOOR TO SEE WHY SUV DID NOT STOP, PULLED UP MY FOOT AND PLACED IT BACK DOWN ON THE BRAKE. SUV STILL DID NOT STOP. IT THEN MADE A LOUD NOISE LIKE THE ENGINE WAS REEVING UP AND THEN THE SUV TOOK OFF FORWARD, RAN THROUGH THE BACK OF MY GARAGE, RAN THROUGH MY BACK YARD, RAN OVER A TREE IN THE YARD, RAN THROUGH MY BACK YARD FENCE AND MY NEIGHBOR'S FENCE AND CRASHED INTO THE BACK SIDE OF NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE. ALL WHILE THIS WAS OCCURRING, I WAS INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WITH MY LEFT LEG STICKING OUT OF THE CAR (SINCE I JUMPED IN THE SUV IN A HURRY, I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT MY LEG WAS STILL OUT OF THE SUV), I CONTINUALLY ATTEMPTED TO STEP ON THE BRAKES (EACH TIME LIFTING MY FOOT UP SO THAT I COULD PLACE IT DIRECTLY ON THE BRAKE), THE ENGINE REEVED UP AGAIN WHILE GOING THROUGH THE YARD. THE ONLY THING THAT STOPPED THE SUV WAS THE TALL CONCRETE FOUNDATION OF MY NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE THAT IT RAN INTO. I JUMPED OUT OF THE SUV, FELL TO THE GROUND AND LAID THERE FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE I REALIZED THAT MY SUV WAS STILL RUNNING, THEN I JUMPED BACK INTO THE SUV AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10368953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesHillburn, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
WERE A FAMILY A FORD EXPLORER MY FAMILY HAS 4 OF THEM RANGING FROM THE YEARS 1996,99,2002,2004 AND EVERYONE OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE SERIOUS ISSUES. RANGING FROM ROTTING SUSPENSION PARTS,TO WHEEL BEARING ISSUES ON NEWER MODELS,ROTTING FUEL AND BRAKE LINES,THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE AN AMERICAN MADE COMPANY THAT IS JEOPARDIZING THE LIVES OF AMERICAN AND CHILDREN WITH TOTAL DISREGARD OF HUMAN LIFE,BUT I BET YOU THE OWNERS OF FORD DON'T HAVE THESE ISSUES THEY PROBABLY DRIVES FOREIGN HAHA BUT SERIOUSLY SOMEONE WILL GET HURT BY THIS AND IT COSTING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OUT OF POCKET TO FIX AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THESE TRUCKS PLEASE DO A RECALL ITS SO UNFAIR AT THIS POINT.
NHTSA complaint #10365355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesSpring, TXFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER CAUGHT ON FIRE TODAY. THE FIRE BEGAN UNDER THE HOOD. PER THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, THE FIRE STARTED AROUND THE CRUISE CONTROL AND BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AREA. FORD DOES NOT HAVE A RECALL OUT FOR THIS YEAR MODEL, UNLIKE THE 2003 AND OLDER MODELS, BUT THIS IS DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM. THE CAR WAS DRIVEN TO SEVERAL POINTS, DROP THE KIDS OF AT SCHOOL, ONE AT DAYCARE, AND A STOP FOR BREAKFAST. NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH OUR CAR. AFTER ARRIVING TO WORK, MY WIFE GOT A CALL THAT HER CAR WAS ON FIRE. THERE WERE NO SIGNS, MALFUNCTIONS THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE WERE ALWAYS PERFORMED.
NHTSA complaint #10360726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,505 milesCalais, ME
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE BRAKING FROM SPEEDS OF 25 MPH, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE SENSOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 92,505.
NHTSA complaint #10331446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesWalcott, IA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE THE VEHICLE STALLS WHEN BRAKING. THIS FAILURE OCCURS ONLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS AT 1/4 TANK OF GAS OR LESS. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO FORD FOR REPAIR ON 3 OCCASIONS. THE HAVE REPLACED THE ABS SENSOR, THROTTLE BODY AND A FUEL INJECTION CLEANING WAS PERFORMED. NONE OF THIS HAS FIXED THE PROBLEM. DEC 4 2009 WAS THE FIRST OCCURRENCE AND HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES WITH THE LAST BEING TODAY 2-24-2010.
NHTSA complaint #10313955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,325 milesVirginia Beach, VA
PARKING BRAKE
PARKING LEVER DOES NOT PROPERLY LINE UP. HOPE THAT THIS DOES NOT LEAD TO THE "ROLL AWAY" ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #10297271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesStruce Pine, NC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE REAR BRAKES ALSO FAILED DURING BRAKE APPLICATION ON GRAVEL ROADS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AT LEAST FIVE TIMES, AND WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
NHTSA complaint #10288648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,100 milesSAN Jose, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
EASTER SUNDAY, MY FAMILY WAS ON THEIR WAY BACK HOME ON THE FREEWAY. OUT OF NO WHERE THEY HEAR LOUD SNAPPING NOISES AND NEXT THING THEY KNEW THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE CAME OFF. THE CARS SKIDDING ON THE ROAD AND FINALLY COMES TO A STOP. LUCKILY FOR MY FAMILY THEY WALKED AWAY UNHARMED. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT MY HOME, WON'T TURN ON ANYMORE, THE WHEEL STUDS ARE ALL BROKEN OFF, THE ROTOR ALONG WITH THE REST OF THE ASSEMBLY IS DAMAGED. THE CAR IS A MESS AND NOW I'M TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW IM SUPPOSED TO DEAL WITH THE SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10265480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesLake Geneva, WI
PARKING BRAKE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS SERVICING THE VEHICLE, HE OBSERVED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS DEFECTIVE. THERE WAS A BRAKE LINING DEFECT ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE. THE FAILURES OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. ALL FOUR BRAKE ROTORS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE BRAKE LINE HAVE NOT YET BEEN REPLACED AT THIS TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,000. UPDATED 04/15/09. *LJ WHILE CHANGING THE ROTORS ON THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE LINING FOR THE PARKING BRAKE HAD SEPARATED FROM THE SHOES . UPDATED 04/16/09.
NHTSA complaint #10260973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
White Lake, MI
PARKING BRAKE
DEAR NHTSA, BELOW IS MY ORIGINAL CONTACT TO FORD MOTOR CORP (FMC). I RECENTLY REPLACED THE BRAKES ON MY 2004 EXPLORER, BUT WHEN I PULLED THE REAR ROTORS, THE FRICTION MATERIAL FROM THE E-BRAKE SHOES FELL ON THE GROUND. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE! SUMMARY: FRICTION MATERIAL WAS NOT BONDED TO E-BRAKE SHOE. BASED ON THE EXTENSIVE CORROSION OF THE E-BRAKE SHOES AT TIME OF REPLACEMENT, THIS CONDITION HAS EXISTED FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. FMC REQUESTED MORE INFORMATION, AND I COMPLIED. I HAVE PICTURES, BUT DO NOT KNOW HOW TO ATTACH THEM. I ALSO HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE IN MY AREA (S.E. MICHIGAN, AND IT IS COMMON BASED ON INPUT FROM A FORD DEALER AND ANOTHER SERVICE FACILITY) PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW I CAN ATTACH PICS.
NHTSA complaint #10259451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.