1998 Ford Explorer: engine failure

Filed Mar 8, 2008 · Engine · 130,022 miles · OR

Engine failure. Engine code p0300. Cylinders 4, 5, 6 have weak compression. Timing chain is damaged. Dealer has previously serviced timing chain twice and after second service ford extended engine warranty to 100k miles (now expired). Dealer now recommends engine replacement at cost of $5,500. What was once a $30,000 beautiful eddie bauer rig now has a kelly bb retail value of ~$8000, but without engine, car is a total (auction block) loss! While no one was hurt when this engine failed, it is both a potential safety hazard and yet another shock to a vehicle with a troublesome (and expensive) past, and to a loyal ford customer who expected a better quality product. I can't help but wonder how many more 1998 explorers are out on the roads about to loose their engines. Is 10 years too long to own a ford? I am still pondering what to do with this vehicle which now sits as a 2-ton "bookend" in my garage.

Filed Jul 30, 2006 · Engine · 184,000 miles · AL

Very heavy rattling in the engine of my 1998 explorer 4.0 sohc. Took to local ford dealer, they claimed characteristics of the motor, twice. Some time later tensioners broke while driving and motor ceased. No cooperation offered on ford's part. Had to replace engine out of pocket for ford's design flaw, which has been getting swept under the rug for years now. One month after the replacement ford offered to fix others, if found before 75k miles, etc. Too late for me. How many failures have occurred? What if this failure had of occurred at highway speed, instead of idle speed. Check the figures on this problem, it's scary, and ford is pitiful.

Filed Mar 28, 2006 · Engine · 122,000 miles · MI

Dt*: the contact stated without warning the engine stalled and the steering and brakes locked up. This occurred at 55 MPH, the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. A family member inspected the vehicle and determined the crankshaft busted, causing engine failure. The engine would need to be replaced at a cost higher than the value of the vehicle. The contact tried to replace it with a used engine, but was told by several mechanics that ford manufactured a bad engine with the 4.0 sohc, and to put a used engine would be a waist of money since it would fail again.

Filed Nov 9, 2004 · Engine · 131,111 miles · NY

The timing chain tensioner inside of the engine failed, causing the timing chain to come loose. As a result heads and pistons inside of the engine came loose, destroying other parts inside of the engine. The ultimate result of this was that the engine seized and the vehicle lost power, making it difficult to steer at highway speed prior to getting off of the highway. Manufacturer has a waranty extension in place prior to 72,000 miles, but no recall, and considers a vehicle that looses power and cannot be completed steered as a result of an explosion in the engine not to be a safety issue!?!?!? The manufacturer acknowledged that there is a potential problem with these engines, but will only do something about it if the vehicle has symptoms. I had the first minor symptom on a sunday afternoon, and a major problem the next day, monday.

Filed Jun 1, 2004 · Engine · 86,482 miles · TX

I had problems with my ford explorer engine since the first day I bought the truck. It has been in the shop a few times for recallas on the engine, the last time only this past december. Last saturday, may 22nd the truck stopped in the middle of traffic. I had it towed to ford dealer and was told my crankshaft broke. Two different dealers told me the same thing and agreed that that should not have happend but also told me that there is nothing they can do. Basically to bad on you. I have seen many messages on the internet on this very same problem happening to others. This could have been deadly if I were on a highway when it stopped. Ford should be responsible to cover costs when something that should not break does. Ford could care less. Cost to me over $4,500.00 for a new engine on a maintained 6 year old car. Per an attorney this is known as a latent defect and it took this time to happen, when that kind of part should last a long time.

Filed Mar 11, 2004 · Engine, Fuel system · WI

The harmonic balancer came loose and the camshaft had broken right at the engine block. *ph consumer was given an option by the dealer to either overhaul the engine, with no warranty, or replace the engine, with a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty. A service technician found out that upon inspecting the harmonic balancer camshaft area that the long bolt holding the pulley to the camshaft was never tightened was able to removed with the technician's fingers. In addition, the bolt should have some markings on it consistent with an impact wrench. It was confirmed that the bolt would have been removed in order to replace the timing chain. When engine was replaced and performed additional test on vehicle, dealer found a small fuel line leak. Fuel line was repaired and made another test on vehicle. Consumer currently seeking reimbursement of all expenses incurred due to mechanical error that rendered vehicle inoperable.

Filed Jan 4, 2004 · Engine · 76,000 miles · OH

I have read 24 complaints concerning the failure of the camshaft chain on the 1998 ford explorers with the 4.0 sohc engines and seen 23 technical service bulletins concerning this same problem. This type of failure can cause serious injury if this occurs while operating the vehicle due to engine failure,not to mention the fact that it also blows the engine requiring it to be replaced at a cost near $5000. Ford has acknowledged this problem and has offered replacement with mileage limitations. If this is a defect and a safety hazard causing the loss of control of the vehicle when this failure occurs ,why is this not important enough to warrant an investigation? My ford is 4000 miles over the limit set by ford to replace the parts in question. Although this did not lessen the danger when this failure occurred to my wife, 5 year old and 1 year old daughters while in the vehicle causing her to lose control due to the engine failure as a result of these defective parts. I was told in a phone conversation that the recall was voluntary by ford and it is legal for them to set those limitations. This is unconceivable that they can place individuals in harms way knowingly and in an effort to save a buck, not a life , set limits to the remedy of the situation. Why are these complaints not being investigated and if they have what was the end results of this investigation? *la david kyde 810 third st. #5 trenton, ohio 45067 513‑988‑6516

Filed Sep 8, 2003 · Engine · 105,754 miles · GA

4.0l sohc engine failed within 9,000 miles of replacing timing chain cassette under ford program oom12. Towed to a ford dealership and was told that I would need to pay 5,800 for a rebuilt engine and there was nothing they could do with regard to oom12 which is a known problem with the ford 4.0l sohc engine failing prematurely.

Filed Aug 8, 2003 · Engine · 102,000 miles · NJ

2nd time this happened...tensioner pulley failed (broke off) while driving on the highway. Serpentine belt came off, car overheated/engine failure/etc. First time was ay 40,000 miles. This time, at 102,000 miles. Towed to a texaco station in aberdeen, md. Service manager says tensioner pulley failure common in explorers. Had to replace pulley/belt. Once I returned home to nj, I started to notice minor dripping of radiator fluid. 2 weeks later, it all gushed out, causing me to also replace my radiator. To know this has now happened twice, caused secondary damage both times, and that you get left stranded on a highway each time is very concerning.

Filed Apr 18, 2003 · Engine · 76,000 miles · CA

Rear chain guide tensioner broke - part of cam chain guide assembly. Engine died in morning rush hour, but car coasted safely to emergency lane.

Filed Jul 16, 2002 · Engine · CT

While driving on highway vehicle completely lost power and stalled. Vehicle was checked by dealer who advised consumer that crankshaft had broken, and vehicle needed a new engine.

Filed Jun 8, 2001 · Engine · FL

Engine failure due to camshaft pulley. Dealer notified and replaced engine under ford program. Please feel free to provide any further details concerning this matter .