Engine
4.0L 6-cyl
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.
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
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 68 of 71 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 41 of 71 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.
Power train
13 complaint records
"TRANSMISSION IN THIS EXPLORER (VIN 'X') STARTED SLIPPING AT 55K MILES BETWEEN 2-3 SHIFT. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT BY FELLOW MECHANICS FOR $1200 TOTAL BEFORE TOTAL FAILURE. *TR..."- 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 power train parts in the directory →
Electrical system
13 complaint records3 fire reports
"WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP WORKING,POWER WINDOWS NOT WORKING, DOME LIGHT NOT WORKING, FOG LIGHTS NOT WORKING AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND AUTO NOT WORKING. *TR..."- 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 electrical system parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
12 complaint records
"THERE SEEMS TO BE A ROD KNOCKING IN THE VEHICLE. BUERGE FORD HAS SERVICED IT FOR THE NOISE BUT IT STILL KNOCKS. CONSUMER BELIEVES THEY WERE SOLD A FAULTY VEHICLE AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANYTHING NHTSA CAN DO...."- 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.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP05005 opened Sep 2005 | closed Jan 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SPARK 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... |
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.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00V394000 | Structure | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH STEEL HOODS AND CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SHEET MOLDING COMPOUND HOODS. A WIRE FORMED HOOD STRIKER COULD BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FATIGUE FRACTURES. | 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.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019420 2019-08-21 | Other | 5,327 | Issue: 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 | Other | 492,877 | On 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. |
| 2007258 2007-08-07 | Electrical | 165,447 | On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The failure mode appears to be different than that of Recall 2005028 (05S28). |
| 2006079 2006-04-18 | Seats And Restraints | 366 | On 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. |
| 2003189 2003-08-11 | Other | 28,596 | On certain Explorer, Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Tract vehicles, the speed control cable strand cover could impact the conduit end fitting during speed control engagement. |
Show 7 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003190 2003-08-11 | Seats And Restraints | 56,363 | On 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. |
| 2001002 2001-01-12 | Structure | 8,497 | Certain Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Rander Edge and Ranger XLT vehicles may have a wire formed hood striker that may be susceptible to fatigue fractures. |
| 2001003 2001-01-12 | Powertrain | 5,281 | On certain vehicles, the Powertrain Control Module may allow the vehicle to exceed the design intent top speed. At these extreme speeds. the vehicle may be capable of exceeding the speed rating of the tires. |
| 2000227 2000-10-16 | Seats And Restraints | 3,469 | Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements C.M.V.S.S. 209 - Seat Belt Assemblies. The seat belt assemblies may not withstand the force requirements of the standard. |
| 2000149 2000-07-10 | Seats And Restraints | 52 | Certain vehicles have a revised level side crash sensor that may deploy the side airbag if the ignition is in the "run" position and the seat belt webbing is forcibly extracted from a locked retractor with a jerking motion. |
| 2000078 2000-03-21 | Electrical | 18,576 | On certain vehicles, the generic electronic module (GEM) may experience a condition referred to as "lock-up" in which the GEM controlled functions (front windshield wipers, interior lights, 4X4 system etc.) could not be turned ON or, in... |
| 1999178 1999-10-19 | Lights And Instruments | 1,167 | Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. |
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.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSP-08B01 May 2008 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD: CERTAIN 1999-2001 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES UP TO 6000 LB GVWR REGISTERED IN NEW YORK AND CERTAIN 2001 VEHICLES UP TO 6000 LB GVWR REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF MAINE, CERTIFIED FOR SALE IN CALIFORNIA-FEDERAL EMISSION WARRANTY REFUND. *PE | |
| 042421 Jun 2005 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT | |
| 042419 Dec 2004 | Suspension | REVISED PROCEDURE FOR ADJUSTING ALIGNMENT ON ALL SUSPENSIONS - NEW RIGHT HAND UPPER CONTROL ARM DESIGN FOR TORSION BAR FRONT SUSPENSIONS. *TT | |
| 04217 Nov 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 02138 Nov 2003 | Power Train | LOW 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 |
Show 23 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03181 Sep 2003 | Electrical System | REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 16437 Nov 2002 | Service Brakes | DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) C1233 & C1234 - REPLACE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM EUC. *MJ | |
| 02176 Sep 2002 | Exterior Lighting | LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ | |
| 16131 Aug 2002 | Air Bags | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT REPEAT SERVICE FOR AN AIR BAG LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES B1994 AND B1998 SET. *TT | |
| 16021 Jul 2002 | Service Brakes | SOME VEHICLES WITH 4WABS MAY EXHIBIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES C1233 AND C1234 (ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SENSOR OUTPUT FAILURES) IN SLIPPERY CONDITIONS. *TT | |
| 15859 May 2002 | Service Brakes | SOME VEHICLES WITH 4WABS MAY EXHIBIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES C1233 AND C1234 (ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SENSOR OUTPUT FAILURE). *TT | |
| 15887 May 2002 | Power Train | SOME 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 Brakes | CONCERNS WITH BRAKE VIBRATION, ROUGHNESS AND / OR GRINDING NOISE, AND EXCESSIVE BRAKE ROTOR CORROSION. *TT | |
| 0282 Apr 2002 | Power Train | SOME 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 | |
| 0245 Mar 2002 | Electrical System | INFORMATION REGARDING DISCHARGED BATTERY CHARGING SERVICE TIPS AND GUIDELINES. *TT | |
| 0232 Feb 2002 | Unknown Or Other | SOME 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 | |
| 15040 Jan 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME 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 | |
| 15567 Jan 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE APRIL 23, 2001 MAY EXHIBIT A HARD START/LONG CRANK AFTER SITTING FOR AN HOUR OR MORE. *TT | |
| 15496 Dec 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE APRIL 23, 2001 MAY EXHIBIT A HARD START/LONG CRANK AFTER SITTING FOR AN HOUR OR MORE DUE TO FUEL SYSTEM CONTAMINATION. *TT | |
| 15406 Nov 2001 | Visibility | CONCERNS WITH REAR WIPERS THAT DO NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAN THE BACK GLASS. *TT | |
| 15422 Nov 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A HARD START/LONG CRANK CONDITION AFTER SITTING FOR AN HOUR OR MORE. *TT | |
| 012113 Oct 2001 | Electrical System | SOME 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 Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VACUUM OR AIR LEAKS IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND / OR ENGINE SYSTEM CAUSING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171 AND OR P0174. *TT | |
| 15217 Sep 2001 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION ON SERVICE PARTS FOR HARD START CONDITION. *TT | |
| 15155 Aug 2001 | Visibility | ON SOME VEHICLES THE REAR WIPER ARM FAILS TO CLEAN BACK GLASS. *ET | |
| 15006 Jun 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES WITH 4.0L SOHC ENGINES MAY MAKE A START-UP NOISE FROM THE LEFT FRONT OF THE ENGINE. *TT | |
| 0186 Apr 2001 | Power Train | ON SOME VEHICLES, INCLUDING SPORT AND SPORT TRAC, THE FRONT AXLE LEAKS FLUID FROM THE VENT TUBE. *TT | |
| 01110 Jan 2001 | Service Brakes | AIR BAG LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES B1994 AND / OR B1998 STORED IN MEMORY. *TT |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- 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.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign 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.
- 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 Sport →