1997 Ford Explorer: sudden loss of power

Filed Apr 18, 2004 · Engine · 86,000 miles · MD

Without any warning, lost all power, engine totally shut off at 45 MPH. Had towed and was told crankshaft broke. Ford knows of problems with the crankshaft and has actually replaced some but as more are breaking, refuses to deal with the problem. Had this happened the previous weekend while traveling rt. 95 this could have had serious consequences. Please look into the numerous complaints about the 1997/1998 ford explorer crankshaft problems.

Filed Jan 1, 2004 · Transmission · 78,000 miles · OH

Transmission out before I reached 87,000 miles. When my husband changed the transmission fluid, large chunks of metal came out. The problem occured when driving home from krogers and vehicle did not shift out of 2nd gear, rmps went up past 4000, then vehicle would loss power. Would take my foot off gas til rmps 0, then repeat this cycle for my 5 miles home. My husband towed vehicle to peffley ford of dayton, ohio on dec 24, 2003. They said this is normal for that many miles, but according to my search, this is not. Ford transmissions have been problems for other buyers. Could have been fatal if I was on interstate. We are being charge $2100 for a new transmission, today is jan 1, 2004 and I don't even have it back.

Filed Jul 11, 2003 · Engine · 139,280 miles · DE

I have experienced loss of power in the engine in my 1997, ford\explorer(purchased used, in june of 1999) causing me to lose my brakes while driving, I have taken this vehicle to several mechanics (for diagnosis) and have been told that this is a recurring problem, that ford knows about, and that there is something defective in the timing system, and I should take it to the dealer, for further diagnostics, after taking it to the dealer I was told, that the timing chain and timing casette had went and that there had been a service bulletin out pertaining to this problem and that owners had been notified, however I was never notified that there were problems with the engine in this vehicle, the dealer also told me that it would cost me $4500.00 for a remanufactured engine-replacement because the car was beyond the milage of the service bulleten. After paying $28,000.00 for a vehicle, as a consumer I would not expect to be subject to repetitive safety concerns for self, family and the public at large, especially when the manufacturer knows of the defective product (1997 explorer), and then told that I must pay the amount it would cost fora down payment ($4500.00) on a new vehicle, just to keep my investment safely on the road. Everytime I have taken this vehicle to the dealer I have been robbed of my finances and dignity. I should not have to keep paying for repairs of this car, when ford knows they have manufactured a defective product. This is not the first time I have had to take this vehicle to the dealer for expensive repairs for defects that ford knows about and refuses to take responsibility for.merican auto manufacturers want to know why the american citizen has stopped buying american cars? Well the answer is simple. We want to get what we are paying for ($28,000.00 worth)!! And ford auto manufacturer, is not giving us what we are paying for... Instead they are taking us to the cleaners financially..

Filed May 22, 2001 · Engine · MD

Cam chain tensioner failed, as described in technical service bulletins 00m12, 01m01, 12150, 6926. Ford customer relations refuses to cover the repair. They claim this is not a safety issue. I claim it is. When mine failed, I was nearly run over by a semi tractor trailer following behind me due to instantaneous loss of power without warning. Ford should be compelled to issue a general recall on all such engines with this known defect.

Filed Mar 21, 2001 · Engine · UN

While driving the vehicle shut down and lost all power, the dealer replaced the timing chain, 2 days after this repair the vehicle broke down again, this time it was determined that the vehicle needed a new engine. Nlm

Filed Aug 2, 2000 · Acceleration · NY

Experiencing a noice and vibration at idle stage, when acelerating lose of power, smoke from engine do not know the source.

Filed Oct 4, 1999 · Engine, Steering · FL

Engine misses and stalls in various situations including highway speeds and from a stop. Dealer has been unable to repair after replacing ignition wires and vaccuum assembly. I consider this to be a very dangerous situation because of loss of power steering and brakes. It also causes the vehicle to act as if the brakes have been applied causing a stop from high speeds.

Filed Oct 2, 1999 · Brakes · CO

Lost power assist to braking system during freeway rush hour. No warning of loss of power brakes. Almost unable to stop in time. Lost of power assist traced to loss of motor vacuum due to air filter clogged with auto transmission fluid. Filter recieved auto trans oil from transmission fluid leaking from oil cooler. See service bulletin number 99-4-6, bulletin sequence number 477, date 9903, the federal safety agency item number sb60476. Dealer says service bulletin does not indicate that air filter should be checked when repairing leak or that a clogged air filter can lead to loss of power assist to breaks. Also note that the antilock breaking system will not work without the power assist.

Filed Sep 2, 1999 · Engine · PR

While traveling at any speed vehicle will stall and hesitate without prior warning, causing loss of power steering and power brakes . Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has replaced parts. Please provide any further details.

Filed Jun 16, 1999 · Steering · CA

Rack and pinion steering is defective. Also, power steering makes loud noises when turning. Would lose power steering fluid. Will be taking to dealer to have it checked.

Filed Feb 24, 1999 · Transmission · NJ

Transmission problem occurred beginning in october 1997 until november 1998 when vehicle was returned to ford per a lemon law settlement. Transmission problems included lack of power, loss of power, erratic idle and throttle. Please contact me for more information per your investigation.

Filed Aug 6, 1997 · Brakes · CA

Brake lost 3 times where the brakes went to the floor before stopping. The brakes slowed the vehicle down, but took a long time to stop. Felt like a loss of power in the brakes.