REAR END (?) WHINES AT VARIOUS SPEEDS,TRANSMISSION SLIPS. DEALER REBUILT DIFFERENTIAL, PROBLEM PERSISTS, DEALER NOW HAS VEHICLE INSTALLING A NEW TRANSMISSION TRYING TO FIX PROBLEM. BRAKE PEDAL PULSES (NOT ABS)AND STEERINGS WHEEL SHUDDERS (LEFT/RIGHT) WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED AT ALL SPEEDS. (NOT REPORTED TO DEALER, HAVE SINCE FOUN…
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REAR END (?) WHINES AT VARIOUS SPEEDS,TRANSMISSION SLIPS. DEALER REBUILT DIFFERENTIAL, PROBLEM PERSISTS, DEALER NOW HAS VEHICLE INSTALLING A NEW TRANSMISSION TRYING TO FIX PROBLEM. BRAKE PEDAL PULSES (NOT ABS)AND STEERINGS WHEEL SHUDDERS (LEFT/RIGHT) WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED AT ALL SPEEDS. (NOT REPORTED TO DEALER, HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE). OIL FILTER- TO REMOVE FILTER IT MUST BE WEDGED PAST THE SOLENOID/STARTER. IT COME IN CONTACT WITH THE EXPOSED WIRES/LUGS? ON THE STARTER. THERE IS NOTHING PROTECTING THIS EXPOSED AREA. MY DEALER HAS BEEN EXTREMELY COURTEOUS AND UNDERSTANDING IN DEALING WITH THE TRANSMISSION/DIFFERENTIAL PROBLEM. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION FROM FORD REGARDING THESE PROBLEMS.THROUGH RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I HAVE COME TO BELIEVE THAT THE PROBLEMS DESCRIBED HERE ARE NOT LIMITED TO MY EXPERIENCES. THANK YOU. *AK
NHTSA ODI #710809
Mileage unknown · Aug 24, 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER. ENGINE FELT LIKE IT HAD DIED. AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. WHEN IN LOWER GEAR ONLY, WOULD DIE OUT. HAVE BEEN TO DEALER'S TWICE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #845712
Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 1999
Power Train
GRINDING NOISE WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN 2, 3. AND 4. REBUILT TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE LOST 1ST & 2ND GEAR. TOWED. DEALER SAID NOTHING WRONG WITH TRANSMISSION. HAPPENED AGAIN. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION. FAILURE HAPPENED AGAIN. DEALER SAID IT WAS THE DRIVER NOT THE TRANSMISSION. FAILURE PART IS THE MAIN BLOCKER RING. BREAKS …
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
NHTSA ODI #710370
Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 1999
Power Train
REAR DRIVESHAFT EXHIBITS A CLUNKING NOISE/FEELING UPON ACCELERATION FROM STOP. BEGINS AT AROUND 10,000 MILES ON NEW VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #710248
Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 1999
Power Train
LOAD SQEAL HEARD WHEN STARTING OUT FROM A STOP AND I THINK I CAN HEAR IT IN SECOND AND THIRD GEAR, BUT NOT CERTAIN AS THE ENGINE NOISE COVERS THE SOUND. IN SEARCHING THE INTERNET I DID FIND ANOTHER CUSTOMER COMPLAIN SIMILAR TO MINE. ALSO I FOUND A SERVICE BULLITEN #2521 THAT STATES THAT THE PARTS CATALOG BOOK REFERENCES AN INCO…
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LOAD SQEAL HEARD WHEN STARTING OUT FROM A STOP AND I THINK I CAN HEAR IT IN SECOND AND THIRD GEAR, BUT NOT CERTAIN AS THE ENGINE NOISE COVERS THE SOUND. IN SEARCHING THE INTERNET I DID FIND ANOTHER CUSTOMER COMPLAIN SIMILAR TO MINE. ALSO I FOUND A SERVICE BULLITEN #2521 THAT STATES THAT THE PARTS CATALOG BOOK REFERENCES AN INCORRECT CLUTCH PART NUMBER FOR SOME VEHICLES WITH THE 3.0L ENGINES. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT MY TRUCK HAD THE WRONG PART IN IT ORIGINALLY OR THEY PUT THE WRONG PART IN ( THROUGOUT BEARING REPLACED JULY 1999) WHEN THEY FIXED IT. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT I AM HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND I WILL BE CONTACTING ANOTHER DEALER WITH THIS PROBLEM, AS I WAS NOT COMPLETELY SATISFIED WITH THE SERVICE THAT I GOT FROM THE DEALER THAT I BOUGHT THE TRUCK FROM. PLEASE ADVISE. THANKS, JAY GROVER
NHTSA ODI #709982
Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 1999
Power Train
WHILE SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #707124
Mileage unknown · May 21, 1999
Electrical SystemPower TrainSeats
FRONT SEAT IS DISTORTED AND SINKING/COLLAPSED, REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES AND CONTINUES TO COLLAPSE. MJS THE CONSUMER WAS WRITING A COMPLEMENT TO THE DEALERSHIP. *YH
NHTSA ODI #545721
Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 1999
Power TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic
LOAD 'SQUEAL' HEARD WHEN RELEASING CLUTCH PEDAL BETWEEN 1ST-2ND, 2ND-3RD, 2WD & 4X4 HIGH. WILL BE SERVICED FOR THE 3RD TIME MARCH 1999. FIRST TWO INSPECTIONS RESULTED IN REPLACEMENT OF PRESSURE PLATE(2) AND FLYWHEEL (1).REAR DRUM BRAKES FAILED TO RELEASE AFTER EMERGENCY LEVER PULLED. OWNER HAD TO APPLY UNACCEPTABLE GAS PEDAL …
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LOAD 'SQUEAL' HEARD WHEN RELEASING CLUTCH PEDAL BETWEEN 1ST-2ND, 2ND-3RD, 2WD & 4X4 HIGH. WILL BE SERVICED FOR THE 3RD TIME MARCH 1999. FIRST TWO INSPECTIONS RESULTED IN REPLACEMENT OF PRESSURE PLATE(2) AND FLYWHEEL (1).REAR DRUM BRAKES FAILED TO RELEASE AFTER EMERGENCY LEVER PULLED. OWNER HAD TO APPLY UNACCEPTABLE GAS PEDAL PRESSURE TO MOVE VEHILCE, RESULTING IN A LOUD 'CLUNK' WHEN DRUM BRAKES FINALLY RELEASED.
NHTSA ODI #704326
Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 1999
Power TrainCrashInjury
VEHICLE HAD BEEN OFF FOR 5 HOURS AND SUDDENLY STARTED UP BY ITSELF. THEN TOOK OFF AND HIT A GARAGE. OWNER HAD TO JUMP IN VEHICLE AND AND TAKE CAR OUT OF FIRST GEAR. *AK
NHTSA ODI #834906
Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 1999
Power TrainCrash
DRIVING ON I90 WEST WITH NO PROBLEMS NOR WARNING THE REAR END SUDDENLY LOCKED UP COMPLETELY, SEVERING THE DRIVESHAFT AND ROTATING THE DIFFERENTIAL SO THAT IT EMBEDED ITSELF IN THE SPARE TIRE (MOUNTED UNDER THE VEHICLE). RESULT WAS AN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF CONTROL, VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE LEFT AND RAN OFF THE FREEWAY INTO THE MEDIAN.…
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DRIVING ON I90 WEST WITH NO PROBLEMS NOR WARNING THE REAR END SUDDENLY LOCKED UP COMPLETELY, SEVERING THE DRIVESHAFT AND ROTATING THE DIFFERENTIAL SO THAT IT EMBEDED ITSELF IN THE SPARE TIRE (MOUNTED UNDER THE VEHICLE). RESULT WAS AN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF CONTROL, VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE LEFT AND RAN OFF THE FREEWAY INTO THE MEDIAN. REAR WHEELS WERE COMPLETELY LOCKED UP AND UN-MOVABLE. INVESTIGATED BY WSP (REPORT # 0570977). CLEARLY AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE VEHICLE DEFECT. FORD DEALERSHIP (EVERGREEN IN ISSAQUAH, WA) MECHANICS ALL CONCURRED THEY HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT.
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES. THE TRANSAXLE MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH THE PARK DETENT SPRING MISALIGNED. IF THE SPRING IS MISALIGNED, THE PARK MECHANISM MAY NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE PARK MECHANISM DOES NOT ENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE OPERATOR HAS NOT APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL FREE AS IF IN NEUTRAL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSAXLE AND ANY WITH MISALIGNED PARK DETENT SPRINGS WILL BE REPLACED.
VEHICLE 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 5.0L ENGINES OR 1998-1999 RANGERS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L, 3.0L FFV/EFI OR 4.0L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM JANUARY 5, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 MUSTANGS EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L, 4.6L 2-VALVE OR 4-VALVE ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1999 F250/F350/F450/F550 (OVER 8,500 LBS.) TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; AND 1999 F-53 STRIPPED CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999. A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CAN INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO PULLEY AND NOT ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE WHEN DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS USED AND THIS CONDITION IS PRESENT, A STUCK THROTTLE COULD RESULT, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLES. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE REPLACEMENT CABLES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. CUSTOMERS ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM UNTIL A REPLACEMENT CAN BE MADE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH OFF-ROAD OPTION. THE TIRE AND RIM IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION IS INCORRECT ON THESE VEHICLES. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE 16" TIRES COULD NOT BE INFLATED ON THE SPECIFIED 15X7.0J RIM.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE SENT A SAFETY CERTIFICAITON LABEL PARTIAL OVERLAY WHICH WILL CONTAIN THE CORRECT RIM SIZE, AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THIS LABEL TO THE VEHICLE. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, THEIR FORD DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L ENGINES. THE FLEXIBLE SECTION OF THE CHASSIS MOUNTED FUEL LINE THAT CONNECTS TO THE ENGINE WAS ROUTED TOO CLOSE TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE LINE COULD CONTACT THE MANIFOLD.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL LINE, OR IN SOME CASES, CAUSE A FUEL LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL CLIP TO HOLD THE FUEL LINE IN THE INTENDED DESIGN POSITION.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1
PE99045 · Steering Knuckle Separations
Opened Jul 6, 1999 · Closed Oct 29, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
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