1999 Ford Explorer Sport Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1999 Ford Explorer Sport, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Interior & seats2118.1%
- Electrical1512.9%
- Driver assistance119.5%
- Engine108.6%
- Airbags97.8%
- Visibility97.8%
- Body & structure76.0%
- Brakes65.2%
- Steering65.2%
- Transmission65.2%
- Tires & wheels54.3%
- Suspension43.4%
- Seat belts21.7%
- Fuel system21.7%
- Powertrain (other)21.7%
- Exterior lighting10.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
1999 FORD EXPLORER SPORT DRIVERS SEAT BACK UNLATCHED ITSELF WHILE DRIVING. LUCKILY ONLY 20 MPH! REAR PASSENGER DRIVERS SIDE SEAT IS FOLDED DOWN FORWARD TO HOLD DRIVERS SEAT IN PLACE, UNTIL I CAN FIND ANOTHER USED SEAT. *TR
WAS DRIVING AROUND THE CITY WHEN I REACH INTO MY POCKET TO GET MY PHONE AND HEAR A LOUD THUMP COMING FROM THE SEAT AND THE NEXT THING I NOTICE IS THE SEAT RECLINING ALL THE WAY BACK. I WAS ABLE TO BRING IT BACK UP BY FOLDING THE EXTERIOR PASSENGER SEAT TO PROVIDE SOME SORT OF SUPPORT. WHEN I ARRIVED HOME I TRIED INSPECTING WHAT THE ISSUE WAS AND SAW A LARGE FRACTURE RIGHT NEXT TO THE RECLINING MECHANISM. THIS IS POTENTIALLY A HAZARD THAT CAN ONE DAY CAUSE A SEVERE ACCIDENT. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE BEEN DRIVING SLOW BUT IF I WERE TO BE IN THE FREEWAY THEN IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN SOMETHING MORE SERIOUS. THIS LARGE FRACTURE SEEMS TO DERIVE FROM A POORLY DESIGNED SEAT THAT WEAK METAL OF SOME SORT. *TR
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LOCK WONT UNLOCK WITH KEY OR WITH HANDLE, CANT UNLOCK DOOR WITH PULL KNOB EITHER,IT'S A DEATH TRAP IF U NEED TO ESCAPE IN THE EVENT OF FIRE OR ACCIDENT, THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY FORD ASAP!!! *TR
FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE:FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL TO WORK CONSISTENTLY. WIPERS COME ON EVEN THOUGH IT IS SET TO THE OFF POSITION. SOMETIMES WIPERS DO NOT COME ON WHEN THEY ARE TURNED TO THE ON POSITION. IN ORDER FOR WIPERS TO WORK CONSISTENTLY THEY WOULD HAVE TO BE MANUALLY ENGAGE WITH HAND AND HAND HAS TO BE KEPT ON THE WIPER CONTROL SWITCH SWITCHING IT ON AND OFF TO MOVE THE WIPER BLADES. WIPERS WOULD COME ON INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. WIPERS WOULD ACT ERRATICALLY AND FAIL TO OPERATE PROPERLY 90% OF THE TIME. WIPERS SOMETIMES WOULD COME ON AFTER VEHICLE HAS WARMED UP. WIPERS CAN COME ON ANYTIME WHILE DRIVING. FAULTY HOOD/WEAK HYDRAULIC ARMS: THE HOOD CANNOT SAFELY STAY UP BECAUSE THE HYDRAULIC ARM SUPPORTS ARE TOO WEAK TO HOLD THE WEIGHT OF THE HOOD. THE HOOD SUPPORT DOES NOT LOCK INTO PLACE SO THAT THE HOOD WOULD STAY UP SAFELY. NO SAFETY BAR WAS INSTALLED ON THIS VEHICLE TO SAFELY HOLD UP/PROP UP THE HOOD IN CASE OF HYDRAULIC ARM/SUPPORT FAILURE. IF THE VEHICLE GETS BUMPED WHILE THE HOOD IS UP THE HOOD WOULD FALL AND CLOSE SHUT. BECAUSE THE HOOD WILL NOT STAY UP IT REQUIRES TWO PEOPLE WHEN CHECKING UNDER THE HOOD. ONE PERSON TO HOLD THE HOOD WHILE OTHER IS UNDER IT. EXTREME RUST & RUST THROUGH INTERIOR RUNNING BOARDS/STEP UP: BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE INTERIOR RUNNING BOARDS/STEP UP HAVE EXTREME RUST AND RUSTED HOLES THROUGH THE FRAME IN MANY SPOTS.WHEN THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE DOORS ARE OPEN ALL RUST CAN BE SEEN.SOME RUST AND RUSTED HOLES THROUGH THE FRAME IN MANY SPOTS IS VISIBLE FROM THE EXTERIOR EVEN WHEN DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE DOORS ARE CLOSED. *TR
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT 4:00AM IN MORNING. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). IN AUGUST OF 2007, SHE CALLED HER LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THEY HAVE STATED SINCE THAT TIME THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER HAS NOT OFFERED TO DISCONNECT THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,800. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I BOUGHT A 1999 FORD EXPLORER IN 02 FOR 17,292.44 IN 05 WE HAD TO PUT A NEW MOTOR IN FOR 5,502.47 NOW HERE WE ARE IN 06 AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT TO REPLACE WILL COST US ANOTHER 2,900.00 SO HERE WE HAVE A FORD THAT IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD WITH 22,794.91 IN IT AND STILL NOT RUNNING I CAN NOT FIND THE RIGHT PERSON TO TALK TO CAUSE THE DEALERSHIP WENT OUT OF BUSINESS. *JB
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND A LOUD NOISE CAME FROM MY ENGINE I TOOK IT TO A SHOP TO LOOK AT IT AND THEY NEW WHAT IT WAS RIGHT AWAY IT WAS THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER AND THE OWNER OF THE SHOP TOLD ME THIS HAS BEEN A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE 4.0L ENGINES WITH THAT SAD WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL ON THIS PART THEY MAKE REPLACEMENT KITS JUST FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THIS LEAD TO MORE DAMAGE TO MY TRUCK REPLACING THE CHAIN IN ALL IT'S COASTING ME ABOUT 800 DOLLARS SHOULD THIS BE A RECALL BECAUSE IF THE CHAIN WOULD HAVE BROKE THE MOTOR WOULD HAVE BENT THE RODS IN THE ENGINE AND WHO KNOWS WHAT COULD OF HAPPENED? *NM
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN IT IS HOT OUTSIDE, THE CAR WILL NOT START. IT JUST CRANKS AND CRANKS,BUT, WILL NOT TURN OVER.....AS IF IT WAS OUT OF GAS WHEN IT IS NOT. THERE ARE MANY TRICKS TO GETTING THIS THING TO START THOUGH. IF THE WINDOWS ARE ROLLED UP ALL OF THE WAY, AND IT HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN BEFORE NOON, IT WONT START. IF I DRIVE IT IN THE MORNING WHEN IT IS COOL OUTSIDE, IT WILL ALMOST ALWAYS START LATER IN THE DAY. IF I DON'T DRIVE IT UNTIL THE AFTERNOON, AND THE WINDOWS HAVE BEEN LEFT DOWN AND IT IS PARKED IN THE SHADE, IT WILL ALMOST ALWAYS START. THIS PROBLEM HAS BECOME A NIGHTMARE. I HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP 2 DIFFERENT TIMES AND THEY HAVE YET TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS CAUSING THIS TO HAPPEN. THEY HAVE REPLACED RELAY SWITCH'S AND FUEL FILTER, BUT HAS NOT HELPED. I HAVE NOTICED THE "THEFT LIGHT" BLINKS RAPIDLY WHEN IT WONT START, EVEN THOUGH I HAVE NO THEFT DEVICE ACTIVATED IN THE VEHICLE!!! THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF WHEN IT FEELS LIKE IT, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW DOESN'T ROLE DOWN HALF THE TIME, AND THE SEAT BELTS IN THE BACK SEAT "LOCK UP" EVERY TIME SOMEONE USES THEM TO THE POINT WHERE WHOM EVER IS USING IT HAS TO TAKE IT OFF AND LET IT RETRACT ALL THE WAY TO GET IT TO UNLOCK. THIS HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES DURING A TRIP IN THE CAR. I AM OVER ALL DISAPPOINTED WITH THE CAR AT THIS POINT, AND WOULD LOVE TO SELL IT, BUT, I CAN NOT PREDICT FROM DAY TO DAY IF IT WILL EVEN START FOR A BUYER TO TEST DRIVE IT!!!! THE STARTING ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A FEW MONTHS, THE OTHER ISSUES HAVE BEEN HAPPENING FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW. *TR
WHILE DRIVING THE AIRBAG LIGHT LIGHTS UP WITHOUT ANY IMPACT. *JB
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE:FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL TO WORK CONSISTENTLY. WIPERS COME ON EVEN THOUGH IT IS SET TO THE OFF POSITION. SOMETIMES WIPERS DO NOT COME ON WHEN THEY ARE TURNED TO THE ON POSITION. IN ORDER FOR WIPERS TO WORK CONSISTENTLY THEY WOULD HAVE TO BE MANUALLY ENGAGE WITH HAND AND HAND HAS TO BE KEPT ON THE WIPER CONTROL SWITCH SWITCHING IT ON AND OFF TO MOVE THE WIPER BLADES. WIPERS WOULD COME ON INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. WIPERS WOULD ACT ERRATICALLY AND FAIL TO OPERATE PROPERLY 90% OF THE TIME. WIPERS SOMETIMES WOULD COME ON AFTER VEHICLE HAS WARMED UP. WIPERS CAN COME ON ANYTIME WHILE DRIVING. FAULTY HOOD/WEAK HYDRAULIC ARMS: THE HOOD CANNOT SAFELY STAY UP BECAUSE THE HYDRAULIC ARM SUPPORTS ARE TOO WEAK TO HOLD THE WEIGHT OF THE HOOD. THE HOOD SUPPORT DOES NOT LOCK INTO PLACE SO THAT THE HOOD WOULD STAY UP SAFELY. NO SAFETY BAR WAS INSTALLED ON THIS VEHICLE TO SAFELY HOLD UP/PROP UP THE HOOD IN CASE OF HYDRAULIC ARM/SUPPORT FAILURE. IF THE VEHICLE GETS BUMPED WHILE THE HOOD IS UP THE HOOD WOULD FALL AND CLOSE SHUT. BECAUSE THE HOOD WILL NOT STAY UP IT REQUIRES TWO PEOPLE WHEN CHECKING UNDER THE HOOD. ONE PERSON TO HOLD THE HOOD WHILE OTHER IS UNDER IT. EXTREME RUST & RUST THROUGH INTERIOR RUNNING BOARDS/STEP UP: BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE INTERIOR RUNNING BOARDS/STEP UP HAVE EXTREME RUST AND RUSTED HOLES THROUGH THE FRAME IN MANY SPOTS.WHEN THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE DOORS ARE OPEN ALL RUST CAN BE SEEN.SOME RUST AND RUSTED HOLES THROUGH THE FRAME IN MANY SPOTS IS VISIBLE FROM THE EXTERIOR EVEN WHEN DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE DOORS ARE CLOSED. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE DURING ACTIVATION. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD OPERATE WHENEVER THE WINDSHIELD WASHER CONTROL DEVICE WAS ENGAGED. ALSO, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS OPERATED WHEN MANUALLY TURNING THE CONTROL LEVER. ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED WHILE IN THE OFF MODE. IN ADDITION, THE HOOD SUPPORT ARM WOULD NOT REMAIN IN AN UPWARD POSITION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,500. UPDATED 02/22/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE WIPERS WOULD ACTIVATE, WHEN THE DEFROSTER WAS ON. UPDATED 03/01/12
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
DOORS WILL NOT OPEN HAVE TO CLIMB OUT OF CAR WINDOW ON GROWING PROBLEM FIRST PASSENGER SIDE KNOW DRIVER SIDE A LOT OF EMBARRASSING MOMENTS TRYING TO GET OUT OF CAR AT WORK. *TR
FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE:FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL TO WORK CONSISTENTLY. WIPERS COME ON EVEN THOUGH IT IS SET TO THE OFF POSITION. SOMETIMES WIPERS DO NOT COME ON WHEN THEY ARE TURNED TO THE ON POSITION. IN ORDER FOR WIPERS TO WORK CONSISTENTLY THEY WOULD HAVE TO BE MANUALLY ENGAGE WITH HAND AND HAND HAS TO BE KEPT ON THE WIPER CONTROL SWITCH SWITCHING IT ON AND OFF TO MOVE THE WIPER BLADES. WIPERS WOULD COME ON INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. WIPERS WOULD ACT ERRATICALLY AND FAIL TO OPERATE PROPERLY 90% OF THE TIME. WIPERS SOMETIMES WOULD COME ON AFTER VEHICLE HAS WARMED UP. WIPERS CAN COME ON ANYTIME WHILE DRIVING. FAULTY HOOD/WEAK HYDRAULIC ARMS: THE HOOD CANNOT SAFELY STAY UP BECAUSE THE HYDRAULIC ARM SUPPORTS ARE TOO WEAK TO HOLD THE WEIGHT OF THE HOOD. THE HOOD SUPPORT DOES NOT LOCK INTO PLACE SO THAT THE HOOD WOULD STAY UP SAFELY. NO SAFETY BAR WAS INSTALLED ON THIS VEHICLE TO SAFELY HOLD UP/PROP UP THE HOOD IN CASE OF HYDRAULIC ARM/SUPPORT FAILURE. IF THE VEHICLE GETS BUMPED WHILE THE HOOD IS UP THE HOOD WOULD FALL AND CLOSE SHUT. BECAUSE THE HOOD WILL NOT STAY UP IT REQUIRES TWO PEOPLE WHEN CHECKING UNDER THE HOOD. ONE PERSON TO HOLD THE HOOD WHILE OTHER IS UNDER IT. EXTREME RUST & RUST THROUGH INTERIOR RUNNING BOARDS/STEP UP: BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE INTERIOR RUNNING BOARDS/STEP UP HAVE EXTREME RUST AND RUSTED HOLES THROUGH THE FRAME IN MANY SPOTS.WHEN THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE DOORS ARE OPEN ALL RUST CAN BE SEEN.SOME RUST AND RUSTED HOLES THROUGH THE FRAME IN MANY SPOTS IS VISIBLE FROM THE EXTERIOR EVEN WHEN DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE DOORS ARE CLOSED. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
WENT TO APPLY BREAK PRESSURE DUE TO ANOTHER CAR RUNNING STOP SIGN IN PARKING LOT. WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. LOST BREAK PRESSURE AND COULD BARELY STOP. CHECKED BREAK FLUID WHICH WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY. NO BREAK LIGHT NOTICE PRIOR TO INCIDENT INDICATING LOW BREAK FLUID. ASKED FORD DEALERSHIP IF MY CAR WAS SERVICED DUE TO A RECALL NOTICE FOR THIS DEFECT. WAS TOLD MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL POSSIBLE DUE TO BEING MANUFACTURE AT A DIFFERENT PLANT AND IT INVOLVED REAR BREAKS.
BRAKE LINE BROKE AND CAUSED ACCIDENT. NO WARNING AND I'VE NEVER HAD AN ISSUE WITH BRAKES BEFORE VERY FRUSTRATED AND A SCARY SITUATION SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED . *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
SON WAS DRIVING TO SCHOOL. MANEUVERED TO AVOID CONTACT WITH A DEER AND HE LOST CONTROL. TIRE BURST AND FRONT END COLLAPSED. HE DIDN'T MAKE CONTACT WITH ANY OBJECT. CALLED TRIPLE A TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED. TOW DRIVER IMMEDIATELY NOTICED AFTER PLACING VEHICLE ON HIS TRUCK THAT PART OF THE INNER OPERATIONS OF THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING CONTROL ARM ON ONE SIDE HAD CORRODED AND BROKE. HE STATED THAT THIS IS WHY OUR SON WAS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. HE SUGGESTED FOR US TO CALL THE MAKER OF THE VEHICLE AND SEE IF THE PART IS ON RECALL AND TO TAKE PICTURES BECAUSE THIS WAS A COMPONENT OF THE VEHICLE THAT SHOULDN'T HAVE GONE BAD. THE STEERING AND BRAKES WERE COMPLETELY SEVERED WHEN THIS PART OF THE STEERING CORRODED AND SNAPPED UPON A SIMPLE MANUEVER. WE HAVE NOT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THIS IS A PRODUCT LIABILITY SITUATION BY AN ATTORNEY. OUR SON WAS NOT INJURED. AND ALL OF THE DAMAGE IS UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THIS IN OUR OPINION IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. IF HE HAD BEEN GOING ANY FASTER ON THE MAIN HIGHWAY THE OUTCOME WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH DIFFERENT BECAUSE OF THIS CORROSION OF THE INNER AREA OF THIS PART OF THE STEERING MECHANISM. *TR
SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY,ALSO WHEN SIGNAL IS ACTIVATED . THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME. HAVE NOT SEEN ANY RECALLS OF THIS MATTER. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY O/D LIGHT FLASHES ON AND OFF. THERE ARE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ON GOOGLE WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. SOME HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION STICK LEADING TO CRASHES. FORD SHOULD HAVE A RECALL AND BE MAKE TO FIX THESE BEFORE THEY KILL SOMEONE, IF THEY HAVEN'T ALREADY. FORD IS VERY AWARE OF THIS ISSUE, AND NHTSA NEEDS TO HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE AND GET OUR VEHICLES REPAIRED!!! *TR
NO MY TRANNY IS NOT WORK CORRECTLY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TIRE BLOW OUT RESULTING IN CRASH. *TR
DRIVING ON I-10 WHEN MY REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE SEPARATED CAUSING MY SUV TO SERVE AND ALMOST LOSE CONTROL. IT CAUSED OVER $3,000 IN DAMAGE. LUCKILY NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE DAMAGED AND NO ONE WAS HURT. IT IS STILL IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REVIEWED BY THE TIRE COMPANY TO SEE IF IT WAS A MANUFACTURER'S ERROR. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
COMPLAINED OF LOUS RATTLING NOISE IN ENGINE ON 7/07/03, AND AGAIN ON 09/29/04 AT A DIFFERENT FORD DEALER. THERE ARE MAJOR MECHINICAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE IN CONCERN TO THE ENGINE CAM GUIDES, REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND LOWER BASLL JOINTS WORN, WHY WASN'T MY FORD EXPLORER SPORT RECALLED FOR THESE PROBLEMS OR GIVEN THE SAME TSB AS THE 1999 FORD EXPLORER?
BOUGHT VEHICLE FROM AMERICAN FORD IN HACKENSACK NJ CAR ALWAYS HAD A HUMMING SOUND IN THE FRONT THOUGHT ONLY TO BE TIRES TOOK CAR BACK TO FIX THREE TIMES WHILE I STILL HAD ORGINAL WARRANTY AND NOT ONCE DID ANYONE SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THE HUMMING. ON THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THEY SAY THIS PART IS NOT COVERED AND WAITED UNTIL NOW TO SAY, OH BY THE WAY YOU HAVE A BAD HUB AND IT WILL COST YOU 500.00 TO GET IT FIXED. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT THIS PART WAS DEFECTIVE BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND THEY OUGHT TO BE RESPONSIBLE IN FIXING IT. I ORIGINALLY TOOK THE CAR BACK THE 4TH TIME BECAUSE WHEN I CAME TO A STOP THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE AGAIN WHEN PRESSING DOWN THE ACCELERATOR. *MR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN IT IS HOT OUTSIDE, THE CAR WILL NOT START. IT JUST CRANKS AND CRANKS,BUT, WILL NOT TURN OVER.....AS IF IT WAS OUT OF GAS WHEN IT IS NOT. THERE ARE MANY TRICKS TO GETTING THIS THING TO START THOUGH. IF THE WINDOWS ARE ROLLED UP ALL OF THE WAY, AND IT HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN BEFORE NOON, IT WONT START. IF I DRIVE IT IN THE MORNING WHEN IT IS COOL OUTSIDE, IT WILL ALMOST ALWAYS START LATER IN THE DAY. IF I DON'T DRIVE IT UNTIL THE AFTERNOON, AND THE WINDOWS HAVE BEEN LEFT DOWN AND IT IS PARKED IN THE SHADE, IT WILL ALMOST ALWAYS START. THIS PROBLEM HAS BECOME A NIGHTMARE. I HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP 2 DIFFERENT TIMES AND THEY HAVE YET TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS CAUSING THIS TO HAPPEN. THEY HAVE REPLACED RELAY SWITCH'S AND FUEL FILTER, BUT HAS NOT HELPED. I HAVE NOTICED THE "THEFT LIGHT" BLINKS RAPIDLY WHEN IT WONT START, EVEN THOUGH I HAVE NO THEFT DEVICE ACTIVATED IN THE VEHICLE!!! THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF WHEN IT FEELS LIKE IT, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW DOESN'T ROLE DOWN HALF THE TIME, AND THE SEAT BELTS IN THE BACK SEAT "LOCK UP" EVERY TIME SOMEONE USES THEM TO THE POINT WHERE WHOM EVER IS USING IT HAS TO TAKE IT OFF AND LET IT RETRACT ALL THE WAY TO GET IT TO UNLOCK. THIS HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES DURING A TRIP IN THE CAR. I AM OVER ALL DISAPPOINTED WITH THE CAR AT THIS POINT, AND WOULD LOVE TO SELL IT, BUT, I CAN NOT PREDICT FROM DAY TO DAY IF IT WILL EVEN START FOR A BUYER TO TEST DRIVE IT!!!! THE STARTING ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A FEW MONTHS, THE OTHER ISSUES HAVE BEEN HAPPENING FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW. *TR
AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD BLINK ON/OFF ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND REPLACED THE WIRING HARNESS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN IT IS HOT OUTSIDE, THE CAR WILL NOT START. IT JUST CRANKS AND CRANKS,BUT, WILL NOT TURN OVER.....AS IF IT WAS OUT OF GAS WHEN IT IS NOT. THERE ARE MANY TRICKS TO GETTING THIS THING TO START THOUGH. IF THE WINDOWS ARE ROLLED UP ALL OF THE WAY, AND IT HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN BEFORE NOON, IT WONT START. IF I DRIVE IT IN THE MORNING WHEN IT IS COOL OUTSIDE, IT WILL ALMOST ALWAYS START LATER IN THE DAY. IF I DON'T DRIVE IT UNTIL THE AFTERNOON, AND THE WINDOWS HAVE BEEN LEFT DOWN AND IT IS PARKED IN THE SHADE, IT WILL ALMOST ALWAYS START. THIS PROBLEM HAS BECOME A NIGHTMARE. I HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP 2 DIFFERENT TIMES AND THEY HAVE YET TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS CAUSING THIS TO HAPPEN. THEY HAVE REPLACED RELAY SWITCH'S AND FUEL FILTER, BUT HAS NOT HELPED. I HAVE NOTICED THE "THEFT LIGHT" BLINKS RAPIDLY WHEN IT WONT START, EVEN THOUGH I HAVE NO THEFT DEVICE ACTIVATED IN THE VEHICLE!!! THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF WHEN IT FEELS LIKE IT, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW DOESN'T ROLE DOWN HALF THE TIME, AND THE SEAT BELTS IN THE BACK SEAT "LOCK UP" EVERY TIME SOMEONE USES THEM TO THE POINT WHERE WHOM EVER IS USING IT HAS TO TAKE IT OFF AND LET IT RETRACT ALL THE WAY TO GET IT TO UNLOCK. THIS HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES DURING A TRIP IN THE CAR. I AM OVER ALL DISAPPOINTED WITH THE CAR AT THIS POINT, AND WOULD LOVE TO SELL IT, BUT, I CAN NOT PREDICT FROM DAY TO DAY IF IT WILL EVEN START FOR A BUYER TO TEST DRIVE IT!!!! THE STARTING ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A FEW MONTHS, THE OTHER ISSUES HAVE BEEN HAPPENING FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW. *TR
FUEL PUMP IS ALLOWING VEHICLE TO DIE, BACK FIRE, AND/OR STALL WHILE TAKING OFF. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES AND THE LAST TIME THEY DECIDED THE PROBLEM IS DUE TO THE FUEL PUMP NEEDING AN UPDATE INSTEAD OF THE PROBLEM BEING DUE TO THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER AS THEY SAID THE FIRST TWO TIMES. TS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
COMPLAINED OF LOUS RATTLING NOISE IN ENGINE ON 7/07/03, AND AGAIN ON 09/29/04 AT A DIFFERENT FORD DEALER. THERE ARE MAJOR MECHINICAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE IN CONCERN TO THE ENGINE CAM GUIDES, REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND LOWER BASLL JOINTS WORN, WHY WASN'T MY FORD EXPLORER SPORT RECALLED FOR THESE PROBLEMS OR GIVEN THE SAME TSB AS THE 1999 FORD EXPLORER?
CONSUMER HAD THE BOLT TO THE CV BOOT BREAK ON THE WAY TO THE SERVICE STATION CAUSING THE STEERING KNUCKLE TO GIVE AWAY WHICH AIDED IN CONSUMER LOSING CONTROL OF VEHICLE. CONSUMER TRADE VEHICLE IN FOR A NEWER MODEL. *JG
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN USING TURNING SIGNALS STEERING COLUMN BEGAN TO SMOKE. NO FIRE REPORTED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .