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7.1

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
8,103 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

1996 Ford Explorer engine problems

engine problem

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1996 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #22

Jul 012001

Explorer

  • 125,000 miles

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

The heads on the engine cracked. As a result the engine skipped when the vehicle was started. Please provide any additional information.

- West Springfield, MA, USA

problem #21

Sep 242003

Explorer

  • miles
While vehicle idled engine started to race. Then, vehicle was trying to move with brakes applied.

- Metairie, LA, USA

problem #20

Aug 102003

Explorer 6-cyl

  • 53,264 miles
While driving at any speed and without warning, the engine shut off, which caused the consumer to pull over. Dealer had been notified. The lower engine locked, the power steering leaked at the rack assembly, the belt tensioner was faulty and there was a whining noise from the power steering when turning left, right or at stand still.

- Lake Jackson, TX, USA

problem #19

Mar 272003

Explorer

  • miles

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

The fly wheel in the engine was replaced 4 times.

- East Palatka, FL, USA

problem #18

May 152002

Explorer

  • miles
Engine overheated due to leak from head gasekts. Too much wear on gaskets for only 75,000 miles.

- Lexington, KY, USA

problem #17

Aug 092001

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
The crankshaft split directly in half.

- Camas, WA, USA

problem #16

Apr 252002

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

At 65mph the vehicle lost all power because flywheel's center hub broke. Vehicle is currently being inspected by a independent mechanic. Manufacturer and dealer have not been notified. Please add more information.

- Fairport, NY, USA

problem #15

Aug 092001

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
The crankshaft split directly in half.

- Camas, WA, USA

problem #14

Jul 312001

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
The vehicle shut off completely while the consumer were driving on highway, the dealer found out that the crankshaft had split in half, consumer wants the manufacturer to pay part of the cost of repair.

- Camas, WA, USA

problem #13

Jul 122001

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
On the freeway car stopped running. Crank split in two. Service rep couldn't believe it.

- Camas, WA, USA

problem #12

Aug 172000

Explorer

  • miles

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

Consumer states he heard a strange noise coming from front part of vehicle, he took vehicle in to be inspected and when mechanic put the key in the ignition and turned it, there was a loud banging sound and the engine seized, according to the mechanic's report, something behind the torque converter locked up and ruined the transmission, the transmission, flywheel and starter motor had to be replaced.

- Wilmington, DE, USA

problem #11

Nov 131998

Explorer

  • miles
While having vehicle repaired at the Ford dealership for anti freeze leaking from the head gaskets the repair was not done properly, the dealership damaged/scatched vehicle and did not bolt down repair areas properly.

- Glendale, NY, USA

problem #10

Nov 202000

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Engine check light came on, and consumer made an appointment, but head gasket blewout before appointment.

- Souix City, IA, USA

problem #9

Aug 122000

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
When driving my 1996 Explorer at 50 mph on a highway I heard a loud click and lost all power. I managed to steer the car to the side of the road. The car cranked but would not turn over. My mechanic towed the car and upon examining the car found that the crankshaft was broken. He felt that my Explorer's crankshaft has a definite manufacturing defect since the car mileage is only 28000miles. He urged me to contact tower Ford where I purchased the Explorer. Tower Ford advised me that they would not pay anything toward the repair of my vehicle since the warranty had expired. I am frustrated. I was lucky that I was able to escape injury on the highway and now I have a vehicle with only 28000miles with a broken crankshaft -with no help from Ford. I believe that the crankshaft in my Explorer has a definite manufacturing defect and Ford needs to be investigated.

- Bayside, NY, USA

problem #8

May 012000

Explorer

  • miles
Head gasket failed. Nlm

- Lutz, FL, USA

problem #7

May 192000

Explorer

  • miles
Engine crankshaft cracked. There was no warning. Mechanic said it broke in half.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #6

Apr 202000

Explorer

  • miles
Water was leaking from engine head gasket. Dealer has repaired the vehicle.

- Strongsville, OH, USA

problem #5

Dec 061999

Explorer

  • miles
Temperature gauge showed hot. Drove to dealer 5 miles away. Dignosis: Blown head gasket.

- Sherman Oaks, CA, USA

problem #4

Nov 011996

Explorer 4WD

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Oil baffle kit failed, causing oil/grease leak from front of vehicle.

- Santee, CA, USA

problem #3

Jun 101997

Explorer

  • miles
She is involved in a manufacturer's recall dealing with the crankcase and the dealership refuses to do the recall because they say it is too dangerous for them to perform.

- Belle Harbor, NY, USA

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