Engine
4.6L 8-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 1,297 of 1,304 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 1,061 of 1,304 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
473 complaint records2 fire reports18 crash reports
"WHEN DOWN SHIFTING TO REVERSE GEAR VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK..."- 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 →
Body & structure
439 complaint records1 fire report2 crash reports
"FORD EXPLORER LIFT GATE PANEL CRACKED I HAVE NOT REPLACED IT YET I SEE A LOT OF THESE ON THE ROAD SINCE MY HAS CRACKED. *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 body & structure parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
116 complaint records6 fire reports2 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK..."- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA09013 opened Aug 2009 | closed Feb 2013 | Steering | 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... |
| PE09020 opened Apr 2009 | closed Aug 2009 | Steering | 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... |
| RQ08003 opened Jun 2008 | closed Oct 2008 | Visibility | REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HATCH FAILURE THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON JUNE 23, 2008, BASED ON 34 COMPLAINTS INVOLVING EIGHT INJURIES IN WHICH THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HATCH ON MODEL YEAR 2004 FORD EXPLORERS OR MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS BROKE OFF AND FELL, USUALLY WHILE INDIVIDUALS WERE OPERATING THE... |
| 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... |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSB 19-2026 Feb 2019 | Structure | Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. | |
| SSM 46085 Sep 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. | |
| TSB-12-8-1 Aug 2012 | Electrical System | FORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY: MAY HAVE SLUDGE BUILDUP IN THROTTLE BODY LEADING TO LESS AIRFLOW OR ENGINE IDLING RPM FLUCTUATION AND HARD STARTS OR BATTERY DISCONNECT OR DEAD BATTERY AFTER KEEP ALIVE MEMORY (KAM) CLEAR. | |
| TSB-12-7-4 Jul 2012 | Engine | FORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY: IF BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED OR DEAD, VEHICLES/TRUCKS MAY EXPERIENCE HARD STARTS AND ENGINE IDLE RPM FLUCTUATION AND EXHIBIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0505, P0506, P2111 AND P2112. *PE | |
| TSB-08-19-3 May 2009 | Power Train | FORD: SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT OIL SEPARATION FROM THE INTERNAL LUBE FOUND IN THE UNITIZED CARTRIDGE SEAL. OIL SEPARATION APPEARS TO BE AND IS OFTEN MISDIAGNOSED, AS AN AXLE LUBE LEAK. *PE |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07212 Oct 2007 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME 1997-2008 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, OR 6.8L 2V ENGINE--SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR PROCEDURE--NOT COVERED UNDER NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PE | |
| 06216 Jan 2006 | Power Train | LIMITED SLIP AXLE CHATTER, SHUDDER, BINDING SENSATION, OR VIBRATION DURING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS. *TT | |
| 05252 Jan 2006 | Trailer Hitches | NEUTRAL TOW CAPABILITY -- SERVICE KIT REQUIREMENTS. *TT | |
| 05213 Jan 2006 | Fuel System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH PCM DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0463 AND/OR IC DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B1201 - FUEL GAUGE DROPS TO EMPTY OR SLOW TO UPDATE AFTER REFUELING. *TT | |
| 0637 Jan 2006 | Tires | LOW TIRE INDICATOR ON - TPMS SYSTEM SENSOR WAKE UP. *TT | |
| 0645 Jan 2006 | Power Train | NEUTRAL TOW CAPABILITY - SERVICE KIT REQUIREMENTS. *TT | |
| 041601 Nov 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING. *TT | |
| 042115 Oct 2005 | Fuel System | FUEL GAUGE SLOW TO UPDATE AFTER REFUELING. *EH | |
| 051710 Oct 2005 | Suspension | NOISE FROM REAR WHEEL HUB BEARINGS. *TT | |
| 18719 Jul 2005 | Fuel System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP COMING ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0171, P0172, P0174 AND/OR P0175 (FUEL SYSTEM TOO RICH OR LEAN). *TT | |
| 04105 Jun 2005 | Power Train | AXLE SEAL LEAKS. LEAKS FROM REAR HALFSHAFT AXLE SEAL. SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 0537 Jun 2005 | Power Train | DRIVELINE 1ST ORDER VIBRATION/BOOM/DRONE. *TT | |
| 04219 Jun 2005 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) AND ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) LAMPS ON WITH BOTH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P2106 AND P2135. *TT | |
| 042421 Jun 2005 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT | |
| 051016 Jun 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | NO START/HARD START ON COLD SOAK - 4.0L ENGINE. *TT | |
| 04B22 May 2005 | Power Train | IMPROPERLY FORMULATED TRANSMISSION FLUID THAT, OVER TIME, MAY CAUSE DELAYED/HARSH REVERSE ENGAGEMENTS. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 04B22. 5R55S/E & 5R44E TRANSMISSION FLUID ADDITIVE. *TT SUPPLEMENT #1. *TT SUPPLEMENT #2. *TT SUPPLEMENT #3. *TT | |
| 18478 May 2005 | Power Train | AXLE SEAL LEAKS. *EH | |
| 18573 Apr 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | NO START/HARD START ON COLD SOAK. *TT | |
| 05618 Apr 2005 | Power Train | REAR AXLE NOISE REPAIR. *TT | |
| 05612 Apr 2005 | Power Train | DELAYED OR HARSH REVERSE ENGAGEMENTS - 5R55S TRANSMISSION - VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 09/23/2004. *TT | |
| 0561 Apr 2005 | Electrical System | WRENCH LAMP ON AND NO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) STORED. *TT | |
| 05416 Mar 2005 | Seats | FRONT SEAT(S) SLIGHT MOVEMENT WHEN ACCELERATING AND/OR DECELERATING. *TT | |
| 18466 Mar 2005 | Power Train | AXLE WHINE HOWL. THIS INCLUDES 1997-05 FORD VEHICLES. *EH | |
| 0531 Feb 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MAF DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE TIP - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH EGR SYSTEM MODULE (ESM). *TT | |
| 0538 Feb 2005 | Steering | INCREASED TURNING EFFORT DURING LOW SPEED SHARP TURNS FALSE 4X4 ENGAGEMENT. *EH | |
| 0539 Feb 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MIL ON AND/ OR RUNS ROUGH/MISFIRE DTCS P0300-P0308 P0316 AND OR P0171/P0174 4.6L ENGINE. *EH | |
| 0527 Feb 2005 | Power Train | 5R55S TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKS FROM CONVERTER HOUSING AREA. DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1783 ON VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 12/12/2004. *TT | |
| 18423 Feb 2005 | Power Train | AXLE WHINE HOWL SERVICE WITH INDIVIDUAL PARTS INSTEAD OF AN AXLE ASSEMBLY. *EH | |
| 04259 Jan 2005 | Visibility | REAR POWER WINDOW(S) INOPERATIVE. *TT | |
| 0485 Jan 2005 | Structure | LIFTGATE GLASS APPLIQUE DAMAGED/CRACKED. SERVICE PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 18381 Jan 2005 | Electrical System | OPEN FUSE F2.20 (5 AMP) AND/OR F2.1 (30 AMP) WHICH MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF FUNCTION OF SEVERAL SYSTEMS INCLUDING POWER SEATS, ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND POWER DOOR LOCKS. *TT | |
| 050618 Jan 2005 | Suspension | REAR AXLE NOISE REPAIR. *SC | |
| 05136 Jan 2005 | Visibility | BACKGLASS DIFFICULT TO CLOSE AND AN INTERMITTENT DOOR AJAR LAMP. *TT | |
| 05262 Jan 2005 | Electrical System | MIL ON WITH DTC P0191 WITH OR WITHOUT VARIOUS DRIVABILITY SYMPTOMS AND/OR ADDITIONAL DTCS. *TT | |
| 052624 Jan 2005 | Wheels | VIBRATION DIAGNOSIS - TIRE/WHEEL RUNOUT. *TT | |
| 0471 Dec 2004 | Electrical System | WARNING INDICATORS-PARKING AID-REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (RSS) AND FORWARD SENSING SYSTEM (FSS)-FALSE ACTIVATION OF WARNING TONE-SERVICE TIPS. *MJ UPDATE. *TT | |
| 04225 Dec 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | THROTTLE PEDAL RESPONSE ON TIP IN VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 10/4/2004 EQUIPPED WITH A 4.0L ENGINE. *EH | |
| 04268 Dec 2004 | Power Train | INCREASED EFFORT DURING LOW SPEED SHARP TURNS ON 4X4 VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 04251 Dec 2004 | Structure | ALUMINUM CORROSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 04189 Dec 2004 | Visibility | REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT | |
| 042107 Dec 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 04197 Nov 2004 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) P0172 AND/OR P0175. *TT | |
| 042212 Nov 2004 | Power Train | GEAR SELECTOR LEVER - INCREASED EFFORT TO SHIFT FROM DRIVE TO PARK. *TT | |
| 042112 Nov 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ROUGH IDLE IN DRIVE. *EH | |
| 04195 Oct 2004 | Visibility | FRONT WINDOW CLUNK NOISE. *TT | |
| 041910 Oct 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | OIL LEAK FROM OIL FILTER ADAPTER - 4.0L SOHC ENGINE BUILT BEFORE 4/1/2004. *TT | |
| 18202 Oct 2004 | Power Train | UNINTENDED 4X4 ENGAGEMENT DURING LOW SPEED PARKING LOT TURNS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2005 EXPLORER AND MOUNTAINEER. *TT | |
| 18215 Oct 2004 | Structure | BROKEN REAR CARGO STORAGE DOOR LIFT HANDLE. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2005 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEER. *TT | |
| 18217 Oct 2004 | Fuel System | MULTIPLE VEHICLES - FUEL LEVEL INDICATION CONCERNS - SERVICE TIP. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2005 SUPER DUTY F-SERIES, EXCURSION, EXPEDITION, EXPLORER, MOUNTAINEER AND AVIATOR. *TT | |
| 18221 Oct 2004 | Power Train | REAR AXLE NOISE. OASIS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2005 EXPLORER, MOUNTAINEER AND AVIATOR. *TT | |
| 18254 Oct 2004 | Vehicle Speed Control | SPEED CONTROL INOPERATIVE OR NOT HOLDING THE SET SPEED. OASIS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2005 EXPLORER, SPORT TRAC, MOUNTAINEER AND AVIATOR. *TT | |
| 03198 Sep 2004 | Power Train | CHATTER, SHUDDER, A BINDING SENSATION, OR VIBRATION DURING LOW SPEED TURNS ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 9.75 INCH OR 8.8 INCH LIMITED SLIP REAR AXLE. *TT | |
| 04174 Sep 2004 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - SYSTEM LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) - SERVICE TIPS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 F-SERIES. *TT | |
| 041715 Sep 2004 | Power Train | FRONT AXLE TUBE LEAK. *EH | |
| 18121 Sep 2004 | Fuel System | FUEL GAUGE SLOW TO UPDATE. *TT |
Showing 60 of 108 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.
- 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.
- Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
- 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.
- 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 →