1997 Ford Explorer: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed May 3, 2021 · Brakes, Engine · 147,000 miles · WY

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started to shake abnormally, the contact was unable to drive in 4 wheel drive. The contact stated the check gauge warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the front drive shaft, the control arms, the front oxygen sensor, and the front and rear brakes needing to be replaced. The control arms were replaced however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

Filed Apr 12, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 175,000 miles · OR · crash · 1 injury

My lights don't work stabilizing bar is bad,speed control dose not work security key code not working,door controls do not work.wiper work sometimes.ball joint are bad, tires wearing bad,,bushings are very bad.transmission is starting to slip,all wheel drive does not work, it grinding sound.heaf light only brights work.

Filed Aug 25, 2006 · Electrical, Lights · 176,000 miles · CO

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 50 MPH on any road condition, the vehicle swayed violently from side to side. The sway bar was replaced in 2003. A few months later, the contact noticed there was a the federal safety agency recall, #00v402000, regarding the suspension. The service dealer was contacted and determined that a diagnostics test needed to be performed before any work was to be done. The test showed the upper and lower ball joints along with the camber castor kit were damaged. Also the passenger and both rear doors did not open. The front driver's door had difficulties closing on two occasions. The contact received a letter from the manufacturer which offered $6000 for a trade in. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The locks were inoperative, the headlamp switch was broken. The vehicle needed upper and lower ball joints, however the consumer declined all repairs. Updated 10/11/06.

Filed Aug 11, 2005 · Suspension · 133,000 miles · WI

Over rough pavement or entering ramped driveways at an angle, vehicle rocked side-to-side more than normal, with an occasional "clunk". Inspection revealed a bolt holding the anti-roll bar to the upper control arm had rusted and failed, rendering the anti-roll bar non-functional. Given the propensity of this type of vehicle to roll over if driven improperly, this failure increases the risk / decreases the rollover threshold.

Filed May 19, 2005 · Suspension · ND

1997 ford explorer lower ball joints on explorer, both sides, left and right, had a clunk when going over dips in road. Ford did not find the problem. The problem was there from new, I have 57,000 miles on the explorer. The problem was found at firestone when rotating the tires and getting ready for a front end alinement. I was told that the ball joints were bad on both sides . Nothing has been done. I talked to ford, they say the warranty is gone and will do nothing, but will turn it over to the engineers

Filed May 11, 2004 · Suspension · 50,077 miles · MN

While having the tires rotated dealership noticed that the upper and lower ball joints wore out prematurely, and needed to be replaced. *ak

Filed Feb 12, 2004 · Body, Engine · 78,132 miles · MT

Consumer is a victim of odometer fraud, encountering problems with the vehicle that's uncharacteristic for the mileage on the vehicle. (nar) *ph exhaust system, ball joint, and instrument panel had to be replaced.

Filed Sep 27, 2002 · Suspension · CO

Tires were cupping at 29,000 miles in sept. 01. Dealer replaced both lower ball joints. New tires were installed and vehicle aligned. Cupping has returned 12 mo and 8,000 miles later. Ford refuses to address problem without me having to pay a non-refundable "diagnostic" charge. Ts

Filed Apr 8, 2002 · Suspension · WI

Ball joints again on 3/15/02.

Filed Aug 22, 2001 · Steering · CA

When turning there would be moaning noises. No effect on steering ability. Took vehicle to first dealer, and mechanic could not locate cause. At an independent mechanic was informed inner tie rod was causing moaning noises.

Filed Jul 2, 2001 · Steering · MI

While driving 25 MPH consumer lost steering control and vehicle dropped to right side. Dealer is replacing broken right tie rod. In oct 1997, left tie rod had broken.

Filed May 15, 2001 · Steering · ND

Pin and bolt that connect tie rod to front end fell off, causing tire to blow. Dealer has inspected vehicle. *ak tire blew in driveway.