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6.9

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
157,200 miles
Total Complaints:
7 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (5 reports)
  2. i replaced my rpm control valve (1 reports)
  3. replace serpantine belt (1 reports)
1998 Ford Explorer engine problems

engine problem

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1998 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #7

Dec 282015

Explorer XL V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 271,485 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

water in oil(grey puddy texture) & engine rattling loud

what has not gone wrong with the vehicle you name it bingo replaced!

- seancca, Union City, CA, US

problem #6

Jul 012012

Explorer 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 223,000 miles

Pretty ridiculous to find out that the vehicle my dad left behind when he passed away has a consistant timing chain issues. I hear a loud rattle at start, seems like its preparing for something. Then it calms down, and you can hear it at idle. Sometime when im driving down the road, i can hear it. But to be quite honest, the noise occurs more often than it doesn't. I hear that damn rattle noise 95% of the time my vehicle is running. I feel that this is FORD'S issue, its a huge complaint and a huge costly fix for us american drivers that choose to DRIVE an american made vehicle. Ford should be cutting us a huge break, especially after hearing that this fix could cost me over $6,000 dollars depending on the problem. I'm quite confident that if Ford doesnt do something to redeem themselves after this explorer mistake, that the explorers won't be a future purchase for most people. IF anyone can help me out on a real fix for this problem, its very important to me that this vehicle stay's up and running. Its pretty much the last thing I have from my father. So its very disappointing to read up on all these poor people that have to spend double the worth of the vehicle, and that I may have to do the same thing. Thank's Ford, you're a real american company.

- Jesse P., Dowagiac, MI, US

problem #5

Jun 032010

Explorer Sport

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

I'm a little paranoid the noise is definitely annoying. It seems to be worse when I run the a/c and it’s to hot to drive with out it. It also feels like the car wants to shut off when I stop at a light.

Any suggestions? I hate going to the mechanic. They seem to want to tell me anything because I’m a woman...lol

Update from Jul 7, 2010: I finally heard the noise and was near a mechanic. He said it was my rpm valve that needed to be replaced.

- torress, Brooklyn, NY, US

problem #4

Oct 172007

Explorer Limited V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

this was 2st problem.still under 30 day warranty,1st was retractable antenna didn't retract. then serpantine belt broke and idler pulley needed replaced. still under 30 day warranty.

- ppa, Bedford, PA, US

problem #3

Nov 012008

Explorer Sport 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 185,632 miles

I see that others have experienced the same problem. Basically a loud constant humming noise that will SOMETIMES stop when a/c is turned on or off and also when tapping the gas pedal. The noise comes and goes; and seems to happen during the hotter months. Does anyone out there have any idea what the problem is? As I am a worry wart with no extra cash at this time, I need to know if I am damaging the truck by continuing to drive despite the noise. Thanks for any input offered!!

- Stephanie R., Fort Myers, FL, US

problem #2

Aug 022008

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 128,000 miles

A loud whistling noise coming from the engine. I have no idea what is causing it. It seems to be in the air intake system or throttle body area but I am not sure.

It almost sounds like a train whistle. I can be driving, parked and idling and starts.

- tbocamp, Sherman, TX, US

problem #1

Oct 172006

(reported on)

Explorer Sport 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,000 miles

I've replaced my alternator, ac, and power steering, nothing has stopped the loud train horn sound, it sounds like its coming from the throttle body, i have no idea whats wrong with it, it makes the noise after it has been running for a while and is at full peak in traffic or idling, when i'm on the road it ceases to make the noise, but when i slow down at a stop it starts up again....

- Jimmy N., Clearwater, FL, US

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