This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle caught fire while being serviced for the radio. The dealer stated that the cruise control caused the fire. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 07V336000 (vehicle speed control). The dealer disconnected the vehicle speed control. As of November 1, 2007, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. The failure mileage was 70,000 and current mileage was 106,000.
- the contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. The mechanic informed the contact that there was a recall for the cruise control deactivation switch. The dealer informed the contact that this vehicle was not part of the recall. Therewas recall 06V286000 for 1998 Ford Explorer. The contact felt that this vehicle should be included as part of this recall. The vehicle has currently 170000 miles.
While driving my 1997 Ford Explorer on I-64 E at approximately 60 mph, smoke started to pour into the car from under the dashboard. I pulled over as fast as possible and was met by a Virginia dot truck who noticed me suddenly cross two lanes to get to the breakdown lane. He grabbed his fire extinguisher and put the fire out within seconds of my stopping. The fire department was not called because it was put out so quickly. After having it towed to a shop, I was informed that it appears to have started in the cruise control switch and burned through the master cylinder. The fire was extinguished within 15-30 seconds from the time I stopped but the mechanic said that the car does not have any brakes as a result of the fire. I consider myself lucky to have been able to stop at all. My car was not and still has not been recalled. After contacting Ford they have declined to help us with any repairs. Had I known about the switchfire problems earlier, I would have called the fire department to do a formal investigation of the cause. The car has not been fixed as of yet.
- the contact stated that while driving with cruise control on at a speed of 65 mph the cruise control did not disengage. The weather was clear and about 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and the odometer reading was 121000 miles. The failure did not allow the throttle to return to idle. He was able to stop the vehicle by shifting gears and putting it into park on the side of the highway. The vehicle was at the dealership, and he was concerned because vehicle should be covered under NHTSA campaign recall 99V062001. Presently, the dealer was asking the contact to pay for the repair. Updated 1/22/2007 - the dealer indicated that the cruise control off button had shorted out. As a result the cruise control could not be turned off once turned on.
- Liverpool, NY, USA
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: the contact stated while driving various speeds the cruise control was inoperative when engaged. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined the cruise control switch needed to be replaced. After the cruise control switch replacement, the problem persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop who determined the electrical wiring had melted in the interior dash panel area. No fire was seen. After new wiring was installed, the problem was corrected. There was a NHTSA recall, # 05V388000, regarding the vehicle speed control. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The manufacturer was alerted. Updated 9/22/2006 -
: the contact stated the cruise control was set at 55 mph while driving on the highway when the vehicle accelerated on its own. The cruise control would not disengage. The vehicle revved to 85 mph before the contact turned the key to the off position and pulled off of the road. Each time the vehicle was restarted the vehicle continued to accelerate on its own. Finally the contact disengaged the cruise control under the engine and drove the vehicle one mile to a dealership where it was determined the cruise control switch was faulty. Updated 09/11/06.
Cruise control under the hood caused power outage to overhead temperature/direction display. When taken to dealership for repair the tech along with the service manager, indicated that sparks and smoke was coming from the cruise control located under the hood when power was applied. This is the same cruise control that has caused accidents and death. This cruise control is the same one that has sparked a large recall from Ford but the Ford Motor Company elected not to include the Explorer.
I have a 1997 Ford Explorer that caught fire. The fire originated around the wiring harness in and around the master cylinder. When my vehicle caught fire I lost my brakes instantly.
The cruise control on our 1997 Ford Explorer stopped working. I called and check to see if there were any recalls on this problem because we know of the Expedition having problems where this was causing fires to start with the vehicle. We were told this did not involve the Explorer. I was concerned because I feel that there could be a connection. We had the repairs done but I felt that this needed to be reported. I also feel that Ford should be required to report to the NHTSA each time the Ford Explorer has to repair cruise control failures to help determine if there is a problem that is widespread.
The cruise control switch stopped working, the consumer lifted up the hood and noticed that fluid was leaking around the master brake unit. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and they confirmed that it was a problem and they replaced the cruise control switch about a week ago.
Idle not returning after cruise control was disengaged and brakes would not work. Cruise control kept accelerating. My three children were in the car, was able to stop the car by putting it in neutral, at that point the brakes worked. Pulled to the side of the interstate and shut the car off. When trying to start car again, engine revved to the point where it sounded like it was going to blow up.
While stopping at a light consumer had to put vehicle in neutral due to engine idling high. Consumer states this has been happening ever since the vehicle was new, the engine idles at 1400 RPM, dealer can not remedy the problem.
Nov '00 - truck would not start, had to get jump start. Took into the dealer for service. Diagnosis - idle air control valve replaced. Dec '00 - truck would not start, had to jump start. Took to a local mechanic. Diagnosis - GEM module replaced. Jan '01 - truck would not start or jump start. Towed to dealer. Diagnosis - crank positioning sensor replaced. Told by dealer that these all were electronic parts. No explanation as to why they would fail with such low mileage. Currently, the 4WD indicator lights on the dash flash periodically. Left voice message with dealer service on 2/5 to discuss/fix.
Engine idle is erratic when engine is warm, vehicle is in neutral or park and heater or air conditioner is on. This component has now failed twice. Is this a common problem?
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- New Bern, NC, USA