1998 Ford Explorer: sudden loss of power

Filed Aug 2, 2016 · Acceleration · 140,000 miles · CA

When I stepped on the gas pedal and started to proceed through an intersection, I lost all power and had to roll or coast very slowly through the intersection and stop on the other side in a dangerous position in traffic when I could coast no further. The gas pedal bracket had completely broken off the firewall and was laying on the floor. The bracket had been attached by three spot welds. Some other people stopped traffic and pushed me to a safe place to park. The ford dealer parts' department has no parts to fix it and suggested we buy some bolts somewhere and reattach it ourselves somehow. To completely lose power without warning was extremely dangerous! Thank god I was in a controlled intersection and not turning left across oncoming traffic or it could have turned out much worse. Reading online blogs and comments shows this problem of the gas pedal bracket falling off ford products and losing power is not uncommon.

Filed Oct 27, 2014 · Acceleration · 164,581 miles · CO

When accelerating from a stop, the bracket that suspends the accelerator pedal broke free from the firewall (it was tack welded in several spots). This caused an immediate loss of power. Luckily I was leaving my residence with no traffic behind. If I had been accelerating via on ramp to highway with vehicles right behind me might have been a different story. Local garage repaired ($47.50) by drilling holes and reattaching with bolts. According to "serious explorations" users group, not an uncommon problem.

Filed May 14, 2007 · Engine · 101,000 miles · OH

My wife was just leaving our house and the crankshaft broke. This happened without any warning and LED to sudden loss of power steering. She was able to get it to the side of the road without mishap. This was at a low speed. This failure at highway speed could resulted in an accident.

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 Jan 30, 2004 · Transmission · 59,000 miles · VA

Vehicle lost power (to accelerate) yesterday after grinding noise from transmission. Coasted into a parking lot, but was unable to move it from there. Continued to grind moving shift lever from any gear into park. Vehicle has less than 60,000 miles on it. Current transmission is a replacement. Previous (original) transmission dropped into neutral and engine revved (w/ loss of power) at inopportune moments- while accelerating or trying to accelerate, while coasting or while at a complete stop. Began complaining about this about a month after purchase, but transmission was not replaced until jan. 2002. I was given a 12-month warranty on it then, although the vehicle was purchased with the extended warranty, which was supposed to cover everything (bumper to bumper) to 50,000 miles.

Filed Sep 20, 2003 · 76,000 miles · AZ

Issue: ford explorer has fuel cut off switch directly below the glove box against the passenger side pillar (directly above the carpet on passenger size) approximately 1 foot above floorboard. Passenger may be able to knock the connector or switch loose, causing fuel shut down and loss of power in the vehicle. Connector is on bottom of switch; cable runs directly below carpet and can be tugged loose with enough force (connector is standard ford locking blade type). Incident occurred on interstate 10 w in los angeles on the interstate 5 north on ramp. Heavy traffic caused wife to straighten legs and kicked the connector loose at 60 MPH. Vehicle lost total engine power and stalled in traffic. Vehicle was towed to dealership once before this incident. Fortunately it was in a parking lot. Dealer mentioned issue was resolved after plugging switch back in. Resolved issue using cable ties, but a more suitable recall should be done to ensure other owners do not encounter the same situation. Recommend a plate or fastener that makes it impossible for plug to come loose when hit with foot or other objects. Also recommend repositioning switch to rear of vehicle, or underneath rear seat on newer models, if it has not already occurred. Discussed this with a friend who recommended I file a complaint, even though it occurred almost a year ago. *jb thank you.

Filed Aug 21, 2002 · Transmission · VA

Vehicle lost power to wheels, grinding gear noise in all gears - park selection would not hold.

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 Jan 8, 2002 · Engine · IL

Rear timing chain failed and caused cylinder head damage. Not covered under extended warranty for front timing chain. The vehicle lost all power while driving 45mph, stranding driver and small child. Vehicle was towed to dealer. Engine was pulled out of truck and the head and timing chain replaced. Cost was $2800. Ford gave "goodwill" warranty of 50%.

Filed Aug 18, 2001 · Fuel system · CA

While driving late at night in a residential neighborhood my wifes explorer stalled in the middle of the street. She had the explorer towed home for me to diagnose. I examined the explorer and found that the inertia switchs electrical connector had slid off. This resulted in the loss of power to the fuel pump. Ford has located this switch near the floor on the passenger side foot area with the wiring routed under the carpet. Repeated passenger foot pressure on the floor had resulted in the connector sliding off. While driving this reduces steering and braking efficiency as well as forward movement. Thank goodness she was not on a freeway, bridge, tunnel or maneuvering through a curve which could have resulted in a serious accident.

Filed Mar 16, 2001 · Acceleration · MI

While driving on road engine will lose power. Each time when stepping on gas pedal vehicle will not go.vehicle had been recalled for this problem. But consumer had never taken care of defect.

Filed Jan 17, 2001 · Engine · CA

When wheather is hot vehicle will lose power for a couple of seconds, then it will come back on.