1996 Ford Explorer: sudden loss of power

Filed Apr 29, 2002 · Engine · NY

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.

Filed Apr 1, 2002 · Engine · OR

While traveling at various speeds (5 MPH - 75 MPH), the engine stalls without warning for approximately 5-10 seconds and then either resumes operation on its own, or must be restarted while coasting in neutral. Sometimes the engine will restart easily, but sometimes it turns over several times before restarting. Obviously this has created some extremely dangerous situations for myself and my family. Losing power assisted functions (steering, braking) at high speeds has left me with little control of the vehicle on several occasions. I have had this problem investigated twice at a ford dealership but they have been unable to find a problem. They also installed a flight recorder on the vehicle to monitor the error codes when the problem happened but were unable to fnd anything conclusive. After reading the many reports of stalling on this website I find it hard to understand how this issue could not be considered a defect and a serious safety issue. I would truly like to receive any assistance or guidance on how to resolve this matter. It is unfair that ford sells the explorer with obvious saftely issues but is unable to fix them.

Filed Dec 3, 2001 · Acceleration · AZ

While accelerating on interstate 17 to pass a truck, the entire gas pedal assembly separated from the firewall of vehicle, causing a sudden loss of power and a near-collision.

Filed Jan 28, 2001 · Engine, Fuel system · HI

Transmission failed twice under normal driving conditions. Lost power under certain circumstances. Same problem both times. Engine seized when vehicle hit a puddle of water at low speed. Air intake is mounted unusally low on this explorer allowing water into the combustion chamber and causing hydrostatic lock. Ford motor company has been contacted and reads a scripted response when I have tried to get any additional information about what I consider a serious design flaw.

Filed Oct 24, 2000 · Steering · FL

Tensioner that keeps belt tight sheared off causing loss of belt tension and loss of power stearing. Lucky that car was in driveway at the time. (engine was at idle). Tensioner fell to the driveway. Was putting grand babies in the car in preparation for making a trip. Could have been a catastrophe if the event had happened a few minutes later while driving at highway speed.

Filed Aug 14, 2000 · Engine · NY

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.

Filed Nov 24, 1999 · Transmission · OH

While driving on the highwayvehicle was going up a hill when it started to lose power and suddenly cut off due to a broken transmission part.

Filed Sep 22, 1998 · Transmission · GA

Oil is leaking from the front axle seal unto the power steering belt, causing it to slip resulting in loss of power steering control. Please give any further details.

Filed Jul 16, 1997 · Engine · OH · crash

While driving at slow speeds the serpintine belt slipped, causing loss of power steering, resulting in an accident.