Ford Explorer engine problems

engine problem

9.0

really awful

Typical Repair Cost:

$4,000.00

Average Mileage:

122,500 miles

Number of complaints:

2 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. 2 new timing chain cassettes (2 reports)

Helpful Websites About 1998 Ford Explorer tensioner guide rattling

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

problem #2

2006Nov 27

(reported on)

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

Pissed off to hear that the timing chain needs replacing and will cost almost as much as the half the value of the car. There seems a common issue with the explorer having timing chain problems with no response from Ford. They appear to bury the head in the sand knowing the extent of the repair time and cost. What a piece of sh*t engineering.

Tony S.

Wantirna, Victoria, Australia

SEND A COMMENT »
Add A Complaint
problem #1

2006Nov 04

(reported on)

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,000 miles

My 1998 Explorer has been my pride and joy for 5 years and I've loved it to bits! But I had a rattle for a few months at start up which disappeared when the engine was warm and was told that this was a tensioner guide rattle and that it shouldn't be a problem. However it appears that a guide became detatched and got caught in the timing chain got carried to the top of the front timing chain cassette and punched a hole in the valve rocker cover. Must be a design fault mustn't it?
According to local Ford dealerships replacement parts will cost about $500 but labour repair costs will be atl least $3,000. My Explorer market value over here is now only about $2,500 - $3,500 max.
It looks as if it's going to be worth more as scrap metal!
So the moral is - ignore engine rattles on your Explorer at your peril.

Paul F.

Pontypridd, Wales, Wales

SEND A COMMENT »
Add A Complaint

We have partnered with JustAnswer to offer online auto repair help and advice from expert professional automotive technicians. You describe your engine problem or ask your question and they try to help you figure it out. The fee is typically $9 to $15, but you can offer to pay more for really tough questions. You will usually receive an answer in 10 minutes or less, and you do not have to pay anything unless you accept the answer.