Ford Explorer

Is your Ford Explorer a lemon?

There's no doubt that the Ford Explorer is roomy and comfortable: it can seat up to seven people if an optional third-row seat is installed. For general use, the V6 engine has ample power, while the V8 is a good choice for those who travel in mountainous regions or who pull trailers. The Ford Explorer has a wide track and long wheelbase that gives it a solid, stable stance. Its independent rear suspension provides passengers with a smooth ride and the driver with superior handling.

As for safety, the Ford Explorer features the AdvanceTrac system with Roll Stability Control. It senses and corrects potential skids and slides and monitors potential rollovers. Anti-lock brakes and a tire pressure monitor are also standard with the Ford Explorer.

Despite these components, government bulletins rife with reports about problems associated with the Ford Explorer.

Common Problems

The following are common problems faced by Ford Explorer owners, as filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• Exterior Lighting
• Visibility: Windshield Wiper/Washer: Motor
• Power Train: Automatic Transmission
• Air bags
• Axle Assembly: Axle Shaft: Seal

A variety of problems have been associated with recalls. In certain vehicles, combination headlights, clear corner, bumper and side marker lights were sold as replacement lamps for use on the Ford Explorer. Some of these combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors; as such, they don't conform to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. Car crashes can result from the vehicle's poor illumination.

In some vehicles, the windshield wiper motor has been assembled without grease being applied to the output shaft gear. After a period of continuous use on the high speed setting, the lack of grease on the output shaft gear can cause the gear to distort or fracture during operation, resulting in a loss of wiper functions. Needless to say, inoperative wipers in inclement weather conditions can cause a crash due to impaired visibility.

The worst problem with the Ford Explorer has been the incidence of rollovers. A class action suit against the tire manufacturer Firestone led to recalls of about 27.4 million tires. But the blame for accidents resulting from rollovers has shifted to the vehicle itself. According to an analysis of more than 3,500 tire failures by the NHTSA, tire failures on Explorers are four times more likely to produce catastrophic rollovers than on other SUVs.

Using a scale of one to five stars that rates the risk for rollovers, in January the Federal Government gave the Ford Explorer just two stars. This rating means that the vehicle has a 30% to 40% chance of flipping in a single vehicle crash.

Legal Rights

See the listing at the above right for things you can do.