1998 Ford Explorer

1,959 federal complaints (2,374 component records) · 9 recall campaigns on file · 8 federal investigations · 346 service bulletins · 10 Canadian recalls
See all 43 model years of the Ford Explorer →
Engine
4.0L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
14 city / 19 hwy
Federal complaints
1,959
Recall campaigns
9
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Tires
750
Speed control
287
Engine & cooling
212
Electrical system
120
Glass & wipers
117
Suspension
116
Power train
108
Brakes
98
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 243 complaints01 years old: 206 complaints2 years old: 453 complaints3 years old: 139 complaints4 years old: 87 complaints5 years old: 82 complaints56 years old: 71 complaints7 years old: 63 complaints8 years old: 30 complaints9 years old: 32 complaints10 years old: 30 complaints1011 years old: 28 complaints12 years old: 19 complaints13 years old: 12 complaints14 years old: 4 complaints15 years old: 6 complaints1516 years old: 8 complaints17 years old: 7 complaints18 years old: 3 complaints19 years old: 1 complaints20+ years old: 8 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 1,532 of 1,959 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 5 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 12 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 29 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 52 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 51 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 52 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 33 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 35 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 18 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 7 complaints200,000+ miles: 8 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 302 of 1,959 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Tires

750 complaint records1 fire report81 crash reports
"HEARD BIG BANG NOISE ON HIGHWAY. DID NOT RUN OVER ANYTHING. TIRE WENT FLAT.( DOT NUMBER: W2CD1PX TIRE SIZE: P255/70R16 )..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse tires parts in the directory →

Speed control

287 complaint records49 fire reports31 crash reports
"MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY. IT WAS NOT RUNNING AND IT HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN OVER 3 HOURS. *NM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse speed control parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

212 complaint records17 fire reports2 crash reports
"BROKEN CRANKSHAFT ON 1998 FORD EXPLORER WITH ONLY 83,000 MILES. NO HELP FROM FORD. SEEMS TO BE A MATERIALS DEFECT. *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
DP05005
opened Sep 2005
closed Jan 2006Engine And Engine CoolingSPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE...
EA05005
opened Mar 2005
closed Aug 2006Vehicle Speed ControlENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES - led to recall 08V025000
EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD?S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A...
PE03020
opened May 2003
closed Sep 2003SeatsFRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER ATTACHMENT - led to recall 03V281000
BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 4, 2003, FORD NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO.
PE99049
opened Jul 1999
closed Apr 2000VisibilityWINDSHIELD WIPER MALFUNCTION - led to recall 00V072000
There is no summary currently available
PE99045
opened Jul 1999
closed Oct 1999SteeringSTEERING KNUCKLE SEPARATIONS
There is no summary currently available
Show 3 more closed investigations
InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
SQ99017
opened Jun 1999
closed Feb 2000Power TrainVEHICLE HESITATION/STALLING
There is no summary currently available
EA99001
opened Jan 1999
closed Feb 2001Vehicle Speed ControlTHROTTLE STICKING - led to recall 00V422000
ON JANUARY 23, 1997, FORD MOTOR COMPANY ISSUED SPECIAL SERVICE MESSAGE (SSM) 10240, ANNOUNCING THAT A REVISED THROTTLE BODY WOULD BE AVAILABLE DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1997 FOR 1997 MODEL YEAR FORD EXPLORERS EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.0L SINGLE OVERHEAD CAM...
RQ98020
opened Nov 1998
closed Nov 2000Fuel System, GasolineFUEL LINE DAMAGE FROM JUMP STARTING - led to recall 98V060000
There is no summary currently available

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
09V399000Vehicle Speed ControlFORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY...Normally free
06V286000Vehicle Speed ControlON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.Normally free
03V281000SeatsON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HIGH BACK SEATS, THE UPPER BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HIGH BACK SEAT, THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME, COULD FRACTURE.Normally free
00V422000Vehicle Speed ControlVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L SOHC ENGINES AND STILL RETAIN THE ORIGINAL THROTTLE BODY (PART NUMBERS 97JF-9E926AB OR 97JF-9E926-AC).Normally free
00V168000Exterior LightingVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS, LIGHT PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. OFF LEASE CANADIAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WHICH MEET CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS AND NOT THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF...Normally free
99V164000Latches/Locks/LinkagesVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MAY CORRODE AT THE LATCH PIVOT AND STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION.Normally free
99V062001Vehicle Speed ControlVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1997-1999 RHD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MAY 29, 1996 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEERS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC OR...Normally free
98V060000Fuel System, GasolineVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L SINGLE OVERHEAD CAM ENGINES.Normally free
Show 1 more recall campaigns
CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
97V215000Electrical SystemVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES, EDDIE BAUER AND LIMITED EDITIONS. THE KEY-IN-IGNITION/DOOR OPEN WARNING CHIME MAY NOT FUNCTION WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED. THIS DOES NOT FULLY COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2019420
2019-08-21
Other5,327Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered.
2009292
2009-10-14
Other492,877On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation.
2006079
2006-04-18
Seats And Restraints366On certain Explorer, Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac vehicles, the upper bolt on the driver's high back seat that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame could fracture.
2005028
2005-02-14
Electrical304,417On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation.
2003190
2003-08-11
Seats And Restraints56,363On certain Explorer, Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac vehicles, the upper bolt on the driver's high back seat that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame could fracture.
Show 5 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2000308
2000-12-29
Engine9,657On certain vehicles, the original throttle bodies installed allowed a gap between the plate and bore to be built with reduced clearances or too narrow.
1999133
1999-06-30
Structure40,771On certain vehicles, the secondary hood latch may corrode at the latch pivot and stick in the open position. If this occurs and the primary hood latch is either not engaged or is released, a hood fly-up may occur.
1999061
1999-04-15
Engine35,668On certain vehicles, the speed control cable may interfere with the speed control servo pulley and not allow the throttle to return to idle when disengaging the speed control.
1998052
1998-03-26
Fuel System16,183THE ENGINE FUEL LINES MAY BE DAMAGED IF THE FUEL LINE BRACKET NEAR THE BATTERY IS USED AS A GROUND WHILE JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE. SINCE THE BRACKET IS NOT GROUNDED, THE STAINLESS STEEL FUEL LINE BRAID WILL ACT AS A GROUND.
1997209
1997-11-25
Other66NOTE: EDDIE BAUER AND LIMITED EDITIONS. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 114 - LOCKING SYSTEM. THE KEY-IN-IGNITION/DOOR OPEN WARNING CHIME IN THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT FUNCTION WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
030508
Apr 2005
Power TrainFRONT AXLE LEAKS FLUID FROM VENT TUBE - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4X4 OR AWD. *TT
042107
Dec 2004
Power TrainGENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
042419
Dec 2004
SuspensionREVISED PROCEDURE FOR ADJUSTING ALIGNMENT ON ALL SUSPENSIONS - NEW RIGHT HAND UPPER CONTROL ARM DESIGN FOR TORSION BAR FRONT SUSPENSIONS. *TT
0475
Jan 2004
Electrical SystemDRIVEABILITY-MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED-DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) P0420 AND/OR P0430. *MJ
03251
Dec 2003
Electrical SystemDRIVEABILITY-MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED-DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) P0420 AND/OR P0430. *MJ
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
02138
Nov 2003
Power TrainLOW LINE PRESSURE READING AT WIDE OPEN THROTTLE (WOT), SLIPPING SHIFTS AND / OR DELAYED ENGAGEMENTS WITH POSSIBLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0732, P0733, P1762 SET ON VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 12/1/2001. *TT
17312
Nov 2003
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0420 AND/OR P0430. *TT
03199
Sep 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingRATTLE/BUZZ SOUND FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE ON 4.0L SINGLE OVERHEAD CAM (SOHC) ENGINES. *TT
03181
Sep 2003
Electrical SystemREMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT
03148
Jul 2003
Power TrainNEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT
16935
Jul 2003
Power TrainAN UNCOMMANDED SHIFT TO 4X4 LOW. *TT
0398
May 2003
Fuel SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457, P1442 OR CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0457. *TT
16735
Apr 2003
SuspensionVARIOUS NOISE ISSUES FROM THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS WHILE DRIVING. *TT
0358
Mar 2003
Power TrainFLUID MAY LEAK OUT OF THE FRONT AXLE VENT TUBE. *TT *JB
03261
Jan 2003
Power TrainNEW SERVICE PART - NUMBER 5 NEEDLE BEARING AND RACE KIT - 4R70W TRANSMISSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT
02221
Nov 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE-GEAR DRIVEN SYNCHRONIZERS-INCORRECT INSTALLATION-CAMSHAFT POSITION SYNCHRONIZER (CMP) INSTALLATION TOOL CORRECT APPLICATION. *MJ
16385
Nov 2002
SuspensionAIR RIDE CONTROL LAMP ON AFTER SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT / CONTACT REQUEST. *TT
870197
Oct 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingINCORRECTLY INSTALLED GEAR DRIVEN CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR SYNCHRONIZER ASSEMBLIES CAUSING SURGE, LOST OF POWER, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1336, P1309 AND P0340. *TT
02176
Sep 2002
Exterior LightingLAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ
15887
May 2002
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A NO 1-2 UPSHIFT, NO 2-3 UPSHIFT, A NO ENGINE BRAKING CONDITION IN MANUAL 1 OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0732 (GEAR 2 INCORRECT RATIO) OR P0733 (GEAR 3 INCORRECT RATIO). *TT
15910
May 2002
Service BrakesCONCERNS WITH BRAKE VIBRATION, ROUGHNESS AND / OR GRINDING NOISE, AND EXCESSIVE BRAKE ROTOR CORROSION. *TT
0282
Apr 2002
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 9/15/2001 MAY EXHIBIT LOW LINE PRESSURE READINGS WHILE IN DRIVE, NO 2ND GEAR, NO 3RD GEAR, NO ENGINE BRAKING IN MANUAL 1ST AND SLIPPING SHIFTS AND / OR DELAYED ENGAGEMENTS. *TT
0285
Apr 2002
EquipmentON SOME VEHICLES, THE ELECTRONIC AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL (EATC) BLOWS COLD AIR FROM THE FLOOR DUCTS ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BEFORE 9/30/2000 ONLY. *TT
0242
Mar 2002
Power TrainCERTAIN VEHICLES WITH 4X4 OR ALL-WHEEL DRIVE MAY HAVE A FLUID LEAK FROM THE FRONT AXLE VENT TUBE. *TT
0245
Mar 2002
Electrical SystemINFORMATION REGARDING DISCHARGED BATTERY CHARGING SERVICE TIPS AND GUIDELINES. *TT
15692
Mar 2002
SuspensionSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SQUEAK, SNAP, RATTLE, OR CLUNK IN THE FRONT END WHEN TURNING OR GOING OVER BUMPS. *TT
0232
Feb 2002
Unknown Or OtherSOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.0L SOHC ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0300 (RANDOM MISFIRE) OR P0301. *TT
0214
Jan 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT
15532
Jan 2002
Fuel SystemINFORMATION ON VEHICLES EXHIBITNG FUEL LINE DAMAGE DUE TO PINCHING/SQUEEZING OF THE FUEL RETURN LINE. *TT
15040
Jan 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES INCLUDING 1997 THROUGH 1999 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC EQUIPPED WITH A 4.0L SOHC ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A START-UP NOISE FROM THE LEFT FRONT OF THE ENGINE. *TT
15563
Jan 2002
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION REGARDING MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATING WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0300/P0301.*YH
01246
Dec 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT
15406
Nov 2001
VisibilityCONCERNS WITH REAR WIPERS THAT DO NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAN THE BACK GLASS. *TT
012113
Oct 2001
Electrical SystemSOME IGNITION SWITCH LOCK CYLINDER ASSEMBLIES MAY EXHIBIT ROUGNESS AND / OR EXCESS EFFORT IN TURNING, KEY DOES NOT FULLY RETURN FROM START, A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP MAY ILLUMINATE WITH P0500, P1502 AND U1039 STORED IN POWERTRIAN CONTROL MODULE (PCM). *TT
01205
Oct 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VACUUM OR AIR LEAKS IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND / OR ENGINE SYSTEM CAUSING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171 AND OR P0174. *TT
01197
Oct 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.0L OHV ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE NOISE WHICH MAY BE PERCEIVED BY THE CUSTOMER AS A PISTON / ONNECTING ROD BEARING KNOCK. *TT
01B77
Oct 2001
TiresOWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT 7 REVISED INFORMATION - REGARDING REPLACEMENT OF WILDERNESS AT TIRES. *TT
01181
Sep 2001
Power TrainBRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB
15226
Sep 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.0L OHV ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE NOISE THAT MAY BE PERCEIVED BY THE CUSTOMER A S ADIESEL TYPE NOISE AND IS KNOWN AS MARBLE NOISE. *TT
15249
Sep 2001
Service BrakesCONCERNS WITH HIGH BRAKE PEDAL FORCE TO STOP AFTER ROTOR MACHINING. *TT
01156
Aug 2001
VisibilitySOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC
01157
Aug 2001
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC
15168
Aug 2001
Service BrakesSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INTERMITTENT HIGH FREQUENCY BRAKE SQUEAL NOISE. *YH
15155
Aug 2001
VisibilityON SOME VEHICLES THE REAR WIPER ARM FAILS TO CLEAN BACK GLASS. *ET
15040
Jul 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME EXPLORER / SPORT / SPORT TRAC EQUIPPED WITH A 4.0L SOHC ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A START-UP NOISE CONDITION FROM THE LEFT FRONT OF THE ENGINE. *TT
070101
Jul 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM 01M01 SUPPLEMENT #2: REVISED TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS AND NEW LABOR OPERATION. NLM
01114
Jun 2001
Power TrainSOME 4X4 VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A HIGH-PITCHED SQUEAL OR WHISTLE TYPE NOISE FROM THE FRONT AXLE AREA OF THE VEHICLE AT SPEEDS FROM 16 TO 64 KM/H (10 TO 40 MPH). *TT
15006
Jun 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES WITH 4.0L SOHC ENGINES MAY MAKE A START-UP NOISE FROM THE LEFT FRONT OF THE ENGINE. *TT
0186
Apr 2001
Power TrainON SOME VEHICLES, INCLUDING SPORT AND SPORT TRAC, THE FRONT AXLE LEAKS FLUID FROM THE VENT TUBE. *TT
01M01
Apr 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM 01M01 REGARDING ADDITIONAL COVERAGE FOR FRONT CAM CHAIN GUIDE ASSEMBLY. *TT
0162
Apr 2001
Electrical SystemVEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (PATS) MAY NOT START OR CRANK. *TT
14819
Apr 2001
Power TrainSOME 4X4 VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FLUID LEAK FROM THE FRONT AXLE VENT TUBE. *TT
14847
Apr 2001
Power TrainCONCERNS WITH VEHICLES EXHBIT FLUID LEAKAGE FROM THE FRONT AXLE VENT TUBE. *TT
14868
Apr 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.0 SOHC ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A PRIMARY CHAIN RATTLE NOISE (SOMETIMES DESCRIBED AS A SPARK KNOCK-TYPE NOISE). *TT
0154
Mar 2001
Unknown Or OtherSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FLASHING TRANSMISSION CONTROL INDICATOR LAMP (TCIL) ACCOMPANIED BY A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0741 AND IN SOME CASES P1728. *TT
01411
Mar 2001
Power TrainHIGH-PITCHED FRONT AXLE SQUEAL OR WHISTLE TYPE NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AT SPEEDS FROM 16 TO 64 KM/H (10 TO 40 MPH). *TT
01M01
Mar 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING ADDITIONAL COVERAGE ON THE FRONT CAM CHAIN GUIDE ASSEMBLY FOR RENTAL VEHICLES WITH 4.0L SINGLE OVERHEAD CAM (SOHC) ENGINES. *TT
13154
Mar 2001
Unknown Or OtherSUBJECT REGARDING 4.0L ENGINE HOTLINE PHONE NUMBERS. *TT
13752
Mar 2001
Power TrainSOME 4X4 VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN OIL LEAK FROM THE FRONT AXLE PINION SEAL. *TT
13879
Mar 2001
Electrical SystemINFORMATION ON REPLACING A GEM MODULE ON 4X4 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L SOHC, OHV AND THE NEUTRAL TOW KIT. *TT

Showing 60 of 346 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Read the tire date codes and look for uneven wear.Uneven wear on this vehicle often points back to the suspension. Four different date codes tell their own story.
  2. Test the throttle response and the cruise control on an open road.A surge, a hang in engine speed after lifting off, or cruise that will not set or cancel cleanly are the speed-control complaints on this vehicle.
  3. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 9 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Ford Explorer →