All four side curtain airbags deployed while I was driving my car in a parking lot. There was no collision and no reason whatsoever for the airbags to deploy. The airbags in the dash did not deploy. The airbag hit me in the side of the head and shrapnel from the airbag, hit me in the face and eyes and knocked me sideways toward the passenger seat. I was completely stunned and had piercing pain throughout my head and neck. I was able to pull into a parking spot and call police dispatch, and get the car towed. The car will be inspected tomorrow by the insurance company, but because there was no reason for the airbags to deploy, this could be a major problem! Imagine if I was driving on the freeway or in another situation and the airbags just deployed for no reason with no warning. Please take immediate action to get these unsafe airbags off the road. The car will be inspected by the insurance company in the morning and the service provider in the following days. If you would like those reports, I will be happy to send them to you.
1 injured
THE BODY OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC XLT HAS RIVETS ON THE TOP OF THE ROOF THAT HOLD WATER. INSTEAD OF BEING A FLAT SURFACE WHERE RAIN CAN NATURALLY FALL OFF THE TOP OF THE ROOF IT SITS IN THESE RIVETS AND ACCUMULATES RUST. THIS LEADS TO A LOT MORE PROBLEMS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RETRACT AND LOCK IN POSITION. THE CONTACT CALLED SANDERS FORD (LOCATED AT 1006 W CORBRELT AVE, SWANSBORO, NC 28584, 910-326-1801) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEAT BELTS WERE NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC AND REPAIR COST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.
SEATBELT MECHANISM FOR DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE IS INOPERABLE. IT DOESN'T LOCK AFTER YOU PUT YOUR SEATBELT ON. THE MECHANISM YOU PUT THE SEATBELT BUCKLE IN IS GOOD BUT AFTER THAT THE LOCK MECHANISM FOR THE BELT TO RETRACT ISN'T WORKING PROPERLY. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU ARE DRIVING OR PARKED.
DURING NORMAL USE, USUALLY WHEN IN MOTION BUT FREQUENTLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN MOTION, THE DRIVERS SEAT SUDDENLY FLOPS BACKWARDS TO THE RECLINE POSITION. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE THE TRUCK WAS ABOUT THREE YEARS OLD. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER ONE TIME BUT THEY SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO KEEP THE TRUCK; THAT DIDNT WORK FOR ME BECAUSE I WOULD HAVE NO TRANSPORTATION AND I ALWAYS HAVE TO GO TO WORK, THEN AND NOW. I SAW A RECALL ON THE 2010 FOR THIS AND FIGURED I WOULD LET YOU KNOW IT WAS FOR A LOT LONGER THAN THAT. IT MIGHT HELP EXPLAIN SOME DEAD PEOPLE IN SPORT TRACS. I CERTAINLY HAD SOME ANXIOUS MOMENTS AT TIMES IN THE 15 YEARS WITH MY TRUCK..IVE TRIED TO FIX IT SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO REAL SUCCESS, A NEW SEAT IS EXPENSIVE, USED SEATS ARE GOING TO DO THE SAME THING BUT SINCE MY SEAT HAS ALSO COLLAPSED I GUESS I NEED TO REPLACE IT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS, THERE WAS A LOSS OF TRACTION AND STEERING ABILITY. THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL, ROLLED OVER AT LEAST FIVE TIMES, AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINED THE DRIVER; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE BRUISING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BODY, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. MILLER MOTOR SALES INC (1196 MILWAUKEE AVE, BURLINGTON, WI 53105, (888) 449-0974) WAS NOTIFIED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A YARD BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 204,000.
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1 injured
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS, THERE WAS A LOSS OF TRACTION AND STEERING ABILITY. THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL, ROLLED OVER AT LEAST FIVE TIMES, AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINED THE DRIVER; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE BRUISING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BODY, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. MILLER MOTOR SALES INC (1196 MILWAUKEE AVE, BURLINGTON, WI 53105, (888) 449-0974) WAS NOTIFIED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A YARD BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 204,000.
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1 injured
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS, THERE WAS A LOSS OF TRACTION AND STEERING ABILITY. THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL, ROLLED OVER AT LEAST FIVE TIMES, AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINED THE DRIVER; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE BRUISING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BODY, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. MILLER MOTOR SALES INC (1196 MILWAUKEE AVE, BURLINGTON, WI 53105, (888) 449-0974) WAS NOTIFIED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A YARD BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 204,000.
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1 injured
INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER GAUGES AND ODOMETER DROP TO ZERO AT TIMES WHILE DRIVING, AND I DON'T KNOW MY SPEED AND WELL AS RPM'S. AFRAID THE ENGINE MIGHT SLOW DOWN OR STOP CREATING A POSSIBLE FREEWAY ACCIDENT. ON LINE THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS PROBLEM.
HAVE HAD 2 OF THESE 2004 FORD SPORT TRAC TRUCKS. ONE WHICH WAS FLIPPED ONTO MY DRIVER SIDE AND TOTALED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE I WAS HIT DOING 25MPH DOWN A BACK ROAD WHITH A STOP SIGN INTERSECTION, NO AIRBAGS WENT OFF THE ONLY THING THAT SAVED ME WAS MY SEAT BELT FROM WORSE INJURES. MY CURRENT TRUCK WHICH HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND I STILL HAVE ALL RECEIPTS FOR OVER 5000 WORTH OF WORK DONE, RECENTLY WITH OVER A QUARTER TANK OF GAS TURNING LEFT WILL CUT OUT AND DIE COMPLETELY IN TRAFFIC WHICH HAS ALMOST CAUSE ME TO BE HIT A COUPLE TIMES WITH MY CHILD IN THE CAR. ALSO MY TRANSMISSIONS WENT OUT AND LOST GEARS AT LOW MILEAGE. I TOOK MY CURRENT TRUCK TO RICHARDS TRANSMISSION WHERE THEY TOLD ME THE FORD SPORT TRACK TRANSMISSION NORMALLY DOESN'T LAST PAST 50,000 MILES THAT FORD DID NOT MACHINE THE TRANSMISSION CORRECTLY WHICH IS A KNOWN PROBLEM IN THE FORD SPORT TRAC. BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP MY O/D WOULD KICK ON AND CAUSE SEVERE JERKING OUT OF FIRST GEAR BUT ONLY WHILE THE O/D WAS ON. I COULD NOT GET IT TO TURN OFF UNLESS I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. I'VE HAD MY COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID MIX AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR TWICE BECAUSE OF THIS ABOUT 3000 MILES BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY LOST SECOND GEAR. I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD FIX THIS, I ENJOY MY TRUCK BUT COULD HAVE BEEN CRITICALLY INJURED A FEW TIMES DUE TO MALFUNCTIONING THAT FORD SHOULD FIX.
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2 injured
HAVE HAD 2 OF THESE 2004 FORD SPORT TRAC TRUCKS. ONE WHICH WAS FLIPPED ONTO MY DRIVER SIDE AND TOTALED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE I WAS HIT DOING 25MPH DOWN A BACK ROAD WHITH A STOP SIGN INTERSECTION, NO AIRBAGS WENT OFF THE ONLY THING THAT SAVED ME WAS MY SEAT BELT FROM WORSE INJURES. MY CURRENT TRUCK WHICH HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND I STILL HAVE ALL RECEIPTS FOR OVER 5000 WORTH OF WORK DONE, RECENTLY WITH OVER A QUARTER TANK OF GAS TURNING LEFT WILL CUT OUT AND DIE COMPLETELY IN TRAFFIC WHICH HAS ALMOST CAUSE ME TO BE HIT A COUPLE TIMES WITH MY CHILD IN THE CAR. ALSO MY TRANSMISSIONS WENT OUT AND LOST GEARS AT LOW MILEAGE. I TOOK MY CURRENT TRUCK TO RICHARDS TRANSMISSION WHERE THEY TOLD ME THE FORD SPORT TRACK TRANSMISSION NORMALLY DOESN'T LAST PAST 50,000 MILES THAT FORD DID NOT MACHINE THE TRANSMISSION CORRECTLY WHICH IS A KNOWN PROBLEM IN THE FORD SPORT TRAC. BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP MY O/D WOULD KICK ON AND CAUSE SEVERE JERKING OUT OF FIRST GEAR BUT ONLY WHILE THE O/D WAS ON. I COULD NOT GET IT TO TURN OFF UNLESS I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. I'VE HAD MY COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID MIX AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR TWICE BECAUSE OF THIS ABOUT 3000 MILES BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY LOST SECOND GEAR. I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD FIX THIS, I ENJOY MY TRUCK BUT COULD HAVE BEEN CRITICALLY INJURED A FEW TIMES DUE TO MALFUNCTIONING THAT FORD SHOULD FIX.
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2 injured
I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE LIFTGATE BOTTOM ABS PANEL TO THE RIGHT OF THE FORS EMBLEM IN OCTOBER 2015. ON DECEMBER 8, 2015 THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE BACK WINDOW GLASS IN THE LIFTGATE BLEW-OUT. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT FILE IN CALIFORNIA REGARDING THIS SAFETY DEFECT. I FEEL IT IS UNSAFE, BECAUSE I COULD BE DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE AND THE GLASS HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BREAK-OUT WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING OPERATOR DISTRACTON TO DRINING WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND PARTS WERE FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME AND THE FRONT AND REAR MOTOR MOUNTS WERE RUSTED AND NEEDED BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE FRONT END MOTOR MOUNT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE PINION, BARONS, AND SEALS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000. MA 10/23/15 *CN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND PARTS WERE FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME AND THE FRONT AND REAR MOTOR MOUNTS WERE RUSTED AND NEEDED BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE FRONT END MOTOR MOUNT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE PINION, BARONS, AND SEALS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000. MA 10/23/15 *CN
I HAD UNEVEN WEAR ON MY TIRES THAT WERE THE ORIGINAL TIRES FROM THE FACTORY. I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW FROM THE FORD DEALER. I WAS TOLD THAT THE TIRE SPECS AND BRAND WERE NOT THE IDEAL TYPE FOR THIS KIND OF VEHICLE. NO WARRANTY COVERAGE GIVEN. I DID BUY MICHELIN AT OWL AND THEY HAVE HELD UP TO PRESENT 2014 AT 106250 MILES. *TR
I HAD UNEVEN WEAR ON MY TIRES THAT WERE THE ORIGINAL TIRES FROM THE FACTORY. I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW FROM THE FORD DEALER. I WAS TOLD THAT THE TIRE SPECS AND BRAND WERE NOT THE IDEAL TYPE FOR THIS KIND OF VEHICLE. NO WARRANTY COVERAGE GIVEN. I DID BUY MICHELIN AT OWL AND THEY HAVE HELD UP TO PRESENT 2014 AT 106250 MILES. *TR
I HAD UNEVEN WEAR ON MY TIRES THAT WERE THE ORIGINAL TIRES FROM THE FACTORY. I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW FROM THE FORD DEALER. I WAS TOLD THAT THE TIRE SPECS AND BRAND WERE NOT THE IDEAL TYPE FOR THIS KIND OF VEHICLE. NO WARRANTY COVERAGE GIVEN. I DID BUY MICHELIN AT OWL AND THEY HAVE HELD UP TO PRESENT 2014 AT 106250 MILES. *TR
MY GAS GAUGE NEEDLE STARTED GOING BEYOND FULL THEN INTERMITTENTLY WOULD BE ON E WHEN I JUST FILLED IT. EACH TIME I WOULD START THE TRUCK THE GAS GAUGE WOULD SHOW DIFFERENT NEEDLE READINGS. AFTER A MONTH OR SO IT THE GAS NEEDLE QUIT MOVING OR READING AT ALL. I ASSUMED IT WAS IN THE FUEL TANK. I TOOK IT IN TO SHOP AND AFTER TAKING OFF THE FUEL TANK THERE WAS NO PROBLEM FOUND. I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE CLUSTER PANEL. COST ALMOST $1000. THERE ARE QUITE A FEW COMMENTS ON THE GAS GAUGE NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHEN THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD. ON A DIFFERENT OCCASION, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER TURNING THE ENGINE OFF AND BACK ON THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,300.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAM SENSOR, CRANK SENSOR, AND THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED BY THE CONTACT BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATELY FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAM SENSOR, CRANK SENSOR, AND THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED BY THE CONTACT BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATELY FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
FUEL GAUGE DOESN'T NOTICE WHEN YOU GO FROM AN EMPTY TANK TO FULL. STILL READING NO CHANGE. THEN SLOWLY WILL CLIMB TO THE PROPER AMOUNT OF FUEL WITHIN AN HOUR. THERE IS NO WAY TO ACCURATELY TELL HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN THE VEHICLE. *TR
THE DOORS DON'T OPEN GOOD AND THE DOOR HANDLES BREAK. WE HAVE HAD FIXED TWICE AND THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD FIXED ALSO! *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS LOOSE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE DIAGNOSED AND WAS ADVISED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,437.
WHILE DRIVING AT 45MPH NOTICED TOO MUCH BODY ROLL AND BOUNCING. INSTALLED NEW SHOCKS AND SWAY BARS AND HAD IT ALIGNED AND IT STILL HAD TOO MUCH BODY ROLL AND BOUNCING. HAD IT UP ON A LIFT AN NOTICED THE BODY BUSHING WERE ALL DETERIORATED AND FALLING APART. GOOGLED THIS ITEM AND FOUND MANY SPORT TRAC OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. IT SEEMS FORD PURCHASED INFERIOR BODY BUSHINGS FROM A VENDOR AND HAS NEVER CORRECTED THIS ISSUE. THE VEHICLE FEELS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE! IN ORDER TO CHANGE THESE OUT YOU HAVE TO REMOVE THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE 1ST. THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR AND IF LEFT UNDONE THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS BEING A MAINTENANCE ITEM ON ANY OTHER VEHICLE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE TIRE WELL FROM UNDER THE CARRIAGE. THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO A FRACTURED CABLE HARNESS. VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,600.
BODY/CHASSIS MOUNTS ARE DETERIORATING AND CRUMBLING. BODY IS NOW LOOSE ON THE FRAME AND HAS SLIGHT MOVEMENT. THESE MOUNTS ARE NOT RUBBER LIKE MOST; THEY ARE SOME SORT OF URETHANE COMPOSITE. INTERNET RESEARCH AND TRUCK OWNER SITES CONFIRM THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. FORD DOES NOT SEE THIS AS A SAFETY/RECALL ISSUE AND HAS DIRECTED OWNERS OF SUSPECT VEHICLES TO YOUR DEPARTMENT. THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN SALT OR SNOW . THE CAB SHAKING AND RATTLING IS CAUSING MOVEMENT THAT WILL UNDOUBTEDLY EFFECT THE BRAKE LINES AND STEERING COLUMN AS THEY ARE ATTACHED TO BOTH THE BODY AND THE CHASSIS. FORD IS NOW USING ANOTHER COMPOUND FOR THE MOUNTS APPARENTLY IN RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC WITH MASTERCRAFT COURSER A/T 2 TIRES (SIZE: LT265/75R16). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE EXPLODED, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE HIGHWAY MEDIAN. THE FRONT AXLE AND TIE ROD FRACTURED DURING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED BACK AND A CONCUSSION. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. THE POLICE REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08T005000 (TIRES:SIDEWALL) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THE RECALL THE DOT NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS 110,000. ...UPDATED 07/19/12 *BF
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VEHICLE WAS MAKING A WHINNING NOISE FROM FRONT END AT 60 MPH. I CHECKED TIRES IN FRONT AND NOTICED EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE INSIDE OF BOTH TIRES, THE MILEAGE WAS 25650.I HAD THE ALIGNMENT CHECKED AT A LOCAL TIRE AND LUBE AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS. SUGGESTED ROTATING THE TIRES,THESE WERE THE TIRES THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE, TIRES WERE ROTATED.HOWEVER, AT ABOUT 31000 MILES THE NOISE WAS BACK AND THE TIRE WEAR WAS BACK AGAIN, EXCESSIVE WEAR. I BOUGHT NEW TIRES AT THIS TIME, THEY HAVE BEEN ROTATED A EVERY OIL CHANGE AND THE PROBLEM PERSIST. NO ONE CAN FIND A REASON FOR THIS OCCURRENCE, WE DON'T HAVE A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. THE SHOP I TAKE THE VEHICLE TOO CANNOT FIND ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. I THINK FORD KNOWS THEY HAVE THIS ISSUE AND IS WILLING TO IGNORE THE PROBLEM. THEY WILL NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT ME OR MY FAMILY BUYING ANY MORE FORD PRODUCTS. THIS IS THE FIRST AND LAST FORD PRODUCT I WILL EVER OWN.
TIRES CUPPING AND WHINE AT ABOUT 40 MPH AND UP. *TR
TIRES CUPPING AND WHINE AT ABOUT 40 MPH AND UP. *TR
I WENT TO INSTALL A PAIR OF STEP BARS ON MY TRUCK, AND NOTICED THAT MY BODY BUSHINGS LOOKED ODD. I TOUCHED ONE OF THEM AND IT CRUMBLED, AND UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I NOTICED AT LEAST 3 SETS ON EACH SIDE WERE IN THE SAME SHAPE. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED, AND THAT THERE WAS NO WARRANTY, CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PLAN, OR RECALL. I TOLD THEM I WAS A MECHANIC AND DID NOT NEED TO GO TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY DID REGISTER MY COMPLAINT. I HAVE NEVER SEEN BODY BUSHINGS IN SUCH STATE ON ANY NAME BRAND OR MODEL VEHICLE, EVEN AFTER THEY WERE 20 OR SO YEARS OLD. I HAVE SEEN THEM FLATTEN OUT, BUT NEVER DETERIORATE. I FEEL SURE THAT THE MATERIAL USED IS OF POOR QUALITY. BY NOT REPLACING THEM, THERE IS A RISK OF BODY CRACKING OR OTHER FAILURES. I FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON THEM. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I FIND THAT I AM NOT ALONE, AND FEEL THAT THERE ARE MANY MORE PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, THEY JUST DONT KNOW IT. *KB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE VEHICLE WA TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE SERVICE WHEN THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK WITHIN THE ENGINE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 80,000.
BODY TO FRAME MOUNTING BUSHINGS ARE FAILING. WHEN TOUCHED THEY CRUMBLE. I LIVE IN SE TEXAS. NO ROAD SALT OR WINTER CHEMICALS TO DEAL WITH. MADE FROM POOR QUALITY MATERIAL. SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. ONCE THEY COMPLETELY FAIL THE CAB WILL BE LOOSE ON THE FRAME. CREATING AN UNSAFE TRUCK. I'M A MEMBER OF MYSPORTTRAC.COM. THIS APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM ON 2001 TO 2005 SPORT TRACS. I HAVEN'T TALKED TO A FORD DEALER. REASON IS, OTHER MEMBERS NATION WIDE, HAVE NOT GOT ANY HELP FROM FORD MOTOR CO. REPAIRS HAVE BEEN OUT OF POCKET. IN MY OPINION THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL.
2004 FORD SPORT TRAC XLT GAS EFI 4.0 HARMONIC BALANCER FAILURE WITH LESS THAN 100,000 MILES. *TR
BEGAN TO NOTICE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO. FORD ADVISED FLUID CHANGE. FLUID CHANGE DID NOT HELP. PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE, NOW OCCURS DAILY. MECHANIC SAYS HE CANNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM AND NO ERROR CODES SHOW UP WHEN TEST IS RUN. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON FOR THIS VEHICLE BUT THE DEALERSHIPS DO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE IT. PROBLEM CAN RESULT IN ACCIDENT DUE TO NO OR LITTLE ACCELERATION UNEXPECTEDLY. TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT IS ADVISED AT A COST OF $3500 FOR FORD REBUILT WITH 3 YEAR/36 MONTH WARRANTY. *LN
I OWN A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORTTRAC THAT CAME WITH MICHELIN CROSS TERRAIN TIRES. AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS MY FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE CAME APART, RUBBER STARTED TO FLY EVERYWHERE, BEATING MY TRUCK UP PRETTY BAD. THE TIRE WAS STILL HOLDING AIR WHEN I MADE IT TO THE SHOULDER, THE TIRE HELD ITS AIR PRESSURE FOR 2 DAYS AFTER I HAD TAKEN IT OFF. JUST THOUGHT I SHOULD LET SOMEONE KNOW. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN A VEHICLE UNEXPECTANTLY PULLED IN FRONT OF HIM. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE OTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT SHOULDER AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE CONTACTS INSURANCE COMPANY WHO DEEMED THE VEHICLE AS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000. UPDATED 01/31/11 *BF UPDATED 04/21/11
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1 injured
I WAS LEAVING MY FRIEND'S HOUSE TO DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES AND WHEN I WENT TO PARK MY TRUCK WHICH IS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC XLT, THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS VERY LOOSE GOING INTO PARK, BUT DID NOT ENGAGE BECAUSE I WAS STILL ROLLING BACK, I THEN PROCEEDED TO PUT ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. I TURNED OFF MY TRUCK AND THEN STARTED IT AGAIN AND THIS TIME MY TRUCK WILL NOT TURN OVER AND THE SHIFTER IS STILL EXTREMELY LOOSE. I LOOKED ON SEVERAL FORUMS AND THEY ALL SAY THAT I MIGHT HAVE TO REPLACE MY STEERING COLUMN, AND AS FAR AS MY TRUCK NOT STARTING, I DON'T KNOW. *TW
HARMONIC BALANCER WENT BAD MAY 2009, JUST UNDER 19,000 MILES ON MY 2004 ST! LEFT MY FAMILY AND I STRANDED ON I-95 IN PHILADELPHIA. FORD HAS SOLD A LOT OF REPLACEMENTS BUT WON'T ISSUE RECALL OR TSB. THE SERPENTINE JUMPED OFF THE BALANCER PULLEY AND LANDED ON THE RUBBER MOUNT OF THE BALANCER THEN ATE THROUGH THE SENSOR. JAN 21, 2010: STARTED UP THE ST, NO PROBLEM. DROVE ONE BLOCK, STOPPED AT STOP SIGN. MADE RIGHT TURN AND ACCELERATED, THEN THE ST DIED; 22,000 MILES. JUST BEFORE IT LOST ALL POWER IN THE ENGINE, I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A TURBINE QUICKLY DECELERATING. NOW I TURN THE KEY, HEAR THE STARTER CLICKING, AND NOTHING HAPPENS WITH THE ENGINE. TOWED TO FORD DEALERSHIP. THERE WAS A RATTLE JUST BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. FORD SERVICE DEPT. REP CALLED ME LATE YESTERDAY AND SAID IT MAY BE ATTRIBUTED TO POOR INSTALLATION OF HARMONIC BALANCER, POSSIBLY NOT TORQUED CORRECTLY; SOUNDED LIKE PASSING THE BUCK. HE NEEDED PERMISSION TO PULL THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE APART TO LOOK INSIDE, I GAVE HIM A GREEN LIGHT TO DO SO. HE JUST CALLED TODAY AND SAID THE "KEY WAY AND SPROCKET" ARE BAD. HE SAID THEY COME IN A KIT WITH A NEW TIMING CHAIN; PARTS AND LABOR AFTER A FRIENDLY DISCOUNT: $925. THE TRUCK IS ALREADY THERE AND APART, SO I GAVE THEM THE GO AHEAD TO FIX IT. NORMAL PRICE WOULD HAVE BEEN ABOUT $1100. STRANGE, THEY HAVE A "REPAIR KIT" TO FIX THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE, BUT FORD SAYS THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE! HARMONIC BALANCER GOES BAD, FIX IT WITH NEW AND IMPROVED ONE. THEN THIS HAPPENS, FIX IT WITH NEW AND IMPROVED PARTS FROM A "REPAIR KIT"! FORD SAYS THERE ARE NO KNOWN PROBLEMS WITH THIS ENGINE! *TR
WHILE OPERATING 2004 FORD EXPLORER, STOPPED AT STOP SIGN AND THE REAR HATCH GLASS LITERALLY EXPLODED. UPON LOOKING, IT WAS REALIZED THE HATCH ARMS/ SPRINGS LET GO, BENDING THE HATCH CAUSING THE GLASS TO COMPLETELY SHATTER. *TR
STARTED HEARING A SQUEAL LIKE A SLIPPING FAN BELT, CHECKED IT OUT AND FOUND THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY SEPARATED FROM THE DAMPER, THE BELT CAME OFF THE PULLEY AND WAS RIDING ON THE DAMPER. IT IS NOW COSTING ME $500 TO HAVE THE PULLEY REPLACED, I HAVE NOTICED OTHERS HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE, IT SEAMS THAT THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART AND FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO FIX THIS AT THEIR COST. IF I HAD CONTINUED TO DRIVE WITHOUT GETTING IT FIXED IT WOULD HAVE BROKEN THE CRANKSHAFT TIMING SENSOR CAUSING ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND MAYBE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. *TR
ON VACATION WE HAD A TIRE EXPLODE ON THE WAY HOME FROM VACATION TWO EXPLODED ON THE SAME SIDE WITHOUT WARNING WE ROLLED OUR FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC FOUR TIMES BEFORE STOPPING A DAY AFTER THE ACCIDENT WE INVESTIGATED THE TIRE AND FOUND THEY ALL WE BOUGHT NEW HAD 65,000 MILE WARRANTY WE ONLY USED HALF THAT AND FOUND THAT THEY WE ON RECALL FOR A YEAR PRIOR TO FIRESTONE SELLING THEM TO US. *TR
Crash
2004 FORD EXPLORER, SPORT TRAC XLT. ONLY HAVE 37,871 MILES ON THIS TRUCK AND ALREADY HAVING PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION SLIPS IN 2ED GEAR AND TAKE ABOUT 3 TO 4 SECONDS FOR REVERSE TO ENGAGE. FORD DEALER CHARGED ME 159.00 DOLLARS TO CHANGE TRANS FLUIDS. I TOLD THEM THAT THE FLUID WAS DARK AND SMELLS LIKE METAL. I CALL THEM BACK UP TELLING THEM IT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. I TALKED TO ANOTHER SERVICE PERSON AND HE STATED THAT IF THERE WAS A METAL SMELL THERE IS SOMETHING ELSE WRONG. AND WILL COST 75.00 TO CHECK IT OUT . THANK YOU FORD FOR A WASTED FLUID CHANGE. *TR
ON APRIL 12, 2008 MY BOYFRIEND AND I SPENT THE MORNING AT HIS SISTERS HOUSE FOR EASTER. WE DROVE THE TRUCK TO HER HOUSE THAT MORNING AND EVEN MADE A STOP AT THE GROCERY STORE ON THE WAY WITH NO ISSUES. THAT EVENING AROUND 6 WE HAD RETURNED HOME FOR A WHILE AND DECIDED TO GO OUT AGAIN. THE TRUCK WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY WITH THE MOTOR RUNNING. MY BOYFRIEND WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVERS SEAT AND I WAS STANDING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE DOORWAY ABOUT TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE. WE WERE TALKING AND HE SHUT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR, NORMALLY. WHEN HE DID SO THE SIDE AIRBAGS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE TRUCK DEPLOYED. HE WAS HIT IN THE FACE AND HAS SINCE HAD A BAD EARACHE AND HEADACHE. I WAS HIT IN MY LEFT ARM CAUSING BRUSH BURNS, SWOLLEN AND TENDERNESS AND BRUISING. WE WERE UNSURE OF HOW TO GET THE AIRBAGS TO SHRINK BACK SO IN AN ANGRY MOVE MY BOYFRIEND SIMPLY CUT THEM DOWN SO WE COULD STILL USE THE VEHICLE. I CONTACTED A FORD DEALERSHIP NEAR MY HOUSE AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD LOOK AT THE VEHICLE BUT I HAD NO MORE WARRANTY AVAILABLE. I THEN CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND WAS TOLD THAT MY COMPLAINT WAS BEING SENT TO A REVIEW BOARD AND I WOULD HEAR FROM THEM IN WRITING IN 14 BUSINESS DAYS! AT THIS POINT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE AND I AM VERY FRUSTRATED WITH THE LACK OF HELP I AM GETTING. *TR
2 injured
ON APRIL 12, 2008 MY BOYFRIEND AND I SPENT THE MORNING AT HIS SISTERS HOUSE FOR EASTER. WE DROVE THE TRUCK TO HER HOUSE THAT MORNING AND EVEN MADE A STOP AT THE GROCERY STORE ON THE WAY WITH NO ISSUES. THAT EVENING AROUND 6 WE HAD RETURNED HOME FOR A WHILE AND DECIDED TO GO OUT AGAIN. THE TRUCK WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY WITH THE MOTOR RUNNING. MY BOYFRIEND WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVERS SEAT AND I WAS STANDING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE DOORWAY ABOUT TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE. WE WERE TALKING AND HE SHUT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR, NORMALLY. WHEN HE DID SO THE SIDE AIRBAGS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE TRUCK DEPLOYED. HE WAS HIT IN THE FACE AND HAS SINCE HAD A BAD EARACHE AND HEADACHE. I WAS HIT IN MY LEFT ARM CAUSING BRUSH BURNS, SWOLLEN AND TENDERNESS AND BRUISING. WE WERE UNSURE OF HOW TO GET THE AIRBAGS TO SHRINK BACK SO IN AN ANGRY MOVE MY BOYFRIEND SIMPLY CUT THEM DOWN SO WE COULD STILL USE THE VEHICLE. I CONTACTED A FORD DEALERSHIP NEAR MY HOUSE AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD LOOK AT THE VEHICLE BUT I HAD NO MORE WARRANTY AVAILABLE. I THEN CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND WAS TOLD THAT MY COMPLAINT WAS BEING SENT TO A REVIEW BOARD AND I WOULD HEAR FROM THEM IN WRITING IN 14 BUSINESS DAYS! AT THIS POINT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE AND I AM VERY FRUSTRATED WITH THE LACK OF HELP I AM GETTING. *TR
2 injured
ON AUGUST 8TH 2008 I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR WRECK WHILE DRIVING MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHEN THE VEHICLE WRECKED IT FLIPPED OVER ONTO THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, AND SLID DOWN THE HIGHWAY ON ITS SIDE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND THE POINT OF CONTACT WITH THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE CORNER PANEL OF THE TRUCK. I FEEL THAT THE IMPACT OF THE WRECK SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED THE AIRBAGS. *TR
Crash
1 injured
I OWN A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE REAR HARD COVER THAT COVERS THE BED OF THE TRUCK DOES NOT SEAL TIGHTLY. DURING HEAVY OR STEADY RAIN, WATER WILL TRICKLE INTO THE BED OF THE TRUCK. DAMPENING ANYTHING STORED IN THAT AREA. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS TO LODGE A COMPLAINT. FORD CLAIMS THE COVER WAS NEVER ADVERTISED AS BEING WEATHER SEALED. HAS ANYONE ELSE ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM? IS THERE A CURE FOR IT ? I HAVE TRIED ADJUSTING THE COVER. THIS ONLY HELPED SLIGHTLY. *TR
MY TRUCK BEGAN MAKING LOUD WHINNING NOISES JUNE 2007, THE STEERING WAS VERY TIGHT WHEN USING THE A/C AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, A/C DID NOT COOL OR GET A TIGHT SEAL FOR AIR FLOW, FRONT TIRE WEAR HAS ACCELERATED CAUSING SHAKY STEERING, POWER STEERING GOT WORSE, ALTHOUGH ALL FLUIDS WERE NEW AND BELTS LOOK WORN OUT AND WITH ALL THIS I ONLY HAD 52,120 MILES. I HAD WRECK IN 07 BECAUSE OF THE STEERING AND REPORTED IT TO MY INSURANCE FOR PAYMENT. WHEN ALL THE PROBLEMS CONTINUED TO PILE UP AND REGULAR MAINTENANCE DIDN'T SOLVE ANYTHING, I TOOK IT TO 3 MECHANICS AND ALL SAID AC COMPRESSOR OR POWER STEERING NEEDED REPLACING AND OTHER COMPONENTS LOOKED PREMATURELY WORN. FINALLY HAD AC COMPRESSOR REPAIRED ON 7/26/08 ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THE HARMONIC BALANCER WAS THE CAUSE OF ALL MY PROBLEMS AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. THE MECHANIC GAVE ME THE PARTS AND SAID IT LOOKED LIKE A WEAK LEGO BLOCK. I HAVE ALL THE OLD PARTS IN MY TRUNK AND EVEN THOUGH MY VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, IT STILL RUNS BAD, BUT THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HARMONIC BALANCER IS THE INITIATOR, DUE TO POOR MANUFACTURING. *TR
WHEN SERVICING FRONT BRAKE PADS, CALIPER PISTON CRUMBLED WHEN OPENING CALIPER. NORMALLY, SUCH PISTONS ARE METAL. THIS WAS OBVIOUSLY MANUFACTURED WITH SUBSTANDARD MATERIALS. IF THIS HAPPENED WITH THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, AN ACCIDENT MIGHT HAVE OCCURRED. *TR