This vehicle was the replacement for the 1997 model with the same problem that ford insisted did not exist 2yrs. Ago. They have now acknowledged a problem with the fuel pump that we feel very strongly is a safety isssue. They have also informed us that there are other explorers in the state of colorado that have the same problem. We feel that ford is deliberately trying to minimize this problem. Vehicle "cuts out/stalls" upon accelleration which by definition of the federal safety agency is a safety defect!! We filled a report on our 1997 vehicle in january of 1998. Please see the federal safety agency ref. #523114.
1998 Ford Explorer fuel system complaints
Page 3 of 3: complaints 41 to 64 of 64, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Prior to recall fuel throttle sticks ( 99v‑062). Yh
Gas tank cap is not holding pressure, allowing gas fumes to escape from the tank. Dealer has not seen vehicle.
Although this vehicle has not been in an accident yet, I am afraid that it will sooner or later due to this problem. Since I have purchased this vehicle, it has stumbed/hesitated (for 1 -2 seconds) when taking off from a dead stop. So far, this problem has only occurred when making a left turn, from a dead stop, in front of oncoming traffic. If it was only a split second thing, it would not be so bad, but it takes a couple of seconds before I have power again. Since it is an intermittent thing that only occurs once every 3-4 months, the dealer was unable to find any problem when it was brought in.
Check engine light lit on 10/29/99 took to university ford, durham 10/30/99 - replaced air flow sensor $320.22. On 11/4/99 check engine light came on again - took back to university ford - stated that it was the fuel injector intake gaskets & o-rings $179.23. Very disappointed in the service of this vehicle no older that it is. What is going to happen next. There was a lady in the lobby who also had a 1998 ford taurus that the check engine light had came on. I think this is something that ford should look into - could this possibly be a recall problem - if so I have copies of all bills which I can submit as proof work was done. I can't understand why ford is having so many problems - this is the 3rd ford that I've owned & they way things are looking will be my last. What happened to "quality is job one" not with this vehicle - I can't believe that ford would put out a product that could give all of these problems so soon with no more miles on this vehicle. I'm a very, very disappointed customer. If ford can't do any better that this - they need to close their doors. It's very hard to make monthly payments when I'm having to spend out $500.00 on something that should not be giving problems this soon. I've had vehicles with close to 100,000 miles & have never had to replace these things & they were ford products. I think someone should check into this - this may possibly be a re-call problem that had not been addressed as of yet. Please feel free to contact me - I'll be happy to discuss any part of this with you or a ford representative - at this point in time, I can't recommend any ford product to anyone & if anyone ask me about a ford I will have to state the true - unless ford is willing to fully rectify this situation.
The gas tank will not fill completely. I have had the vehicle back to dealer at least 4 times regarding this problem, they took the tank off at least twice. When filling the gas tank it shuts off & I am able to continue to fill the tank at least putting in 5 to 6 gallons more. I am never sure if the tank is full or not. This has been an ongoing problem since I took this vehicle home from day 1.
Possible faulty fuel lines, valves and gas cap may be causing check engine light to illuminate. Nlm
Intermittant stalling when acclerating from a stop. Ford claims to have a re-calibration of the air/gas mix.did no good. Still having the same problem.
The gas indicator malfunctioned while applying the brakes. Dealer cannot determine the cause. Please provide further information.
Fuel pump wiring became dislodged.
Gas tank float failed.
I was driving explorer on the freeway at about 65mph with a full tank of 21 gallons fuli saw at the last moment a type of hand tool in my lane. It looked like a wrench or something. Because of the size I couldn't see it until the last moment. I did not swerve to miss it because I did not have time to check for a clear lane to swerve into, and did not want to just move over quickly and cause an accident with a car next to me. Also I did not think that running over this small tool would have such a serious out come. I only heard a small thump as the tool went under my tire. Then less than a mile later when I got off at my exit and stopped at a red light, a man that was at the light next to me ran over to my window and began pounding on it and yelling a t me to get out of my car because it was dumping gasoline all over. I got out and even with the fast response of the fire department and the highway patrol my car had dumped gas all over the road. It is a wonder that even with the car (from driving on the highway) the gasoline did not catch fire. If it had caught fire not only myself, but all those stopped at the red light could have been seriously injured or killed. When ford was making the repairs they informed me that my explorer does not come with skid plates that would have prevented this type of accident, they stated that they are standard on the 4x4 (which mine is not) and an option on my 2wd. They then stated that this kind of problem can happen very easily and the best protection is to pay the extra and have them install the skid plates which you bet your life I did because I already risked my own more than I ever care too. Now tell me how it is that they can know that there is a serious chance that a person could have a small rock or object fly up and rupture a gas tank and cause a fire and that the owner never knew that the car had no protection from this problem. If they knew this was a problem why dont they need to put the skid plates on all of the cars.
Experiencing noise from air intake manifold.
Fuel pump failed.
Gas cap would not lock in correctly,difficult to open and close properly. Yh
Rack and pinion steering was replaced 2x for a griding noice that is still hear...car has been in the shop for a total of over 45 days for warentee work drivers window constantly rattles. Window gate has been replaced numerous times to no help. Fuel pump failed and was replaced
Noisy engine. Dealer replaced intake manifold/timing chain/alternator and starter.
The vehicle will stop operating if the fuel level is below four gallons or if the vehicle is on a down slope - if parked in that position and engine shut off, it will not restart.
Dealer was contacted on july 28, and the bolt was not in. They would contact consumer when it arrived to reschedule an appointment, consumer contacted dealer on august 13, and bolt was in. She had not been notified concerning rescheduling of appointment.
While driving the gas line exploded. Dealer has repaired the vehicle.
While driving the vehicle will not move and the engine is working which almost caused an accident. Had to pull over and problem still occurring. Dealer cannot determine problem. *ak
When vehicle is parked on an incline and fuel tank has less than 9 gallons of fuel, vehicle will not crank.
Received recall notice 98v060000, fuel lines. Had called dealer for appointment. Took vehicle in on due date. After arriving was informed had no parts for the repair work. Parts on order. Will call when they are in. Has not heard anything as of yet.
When vehicle has less than 8 gallons of fuel and is parked on an decline, it will not start until the vehicle is rolled to a level grade.
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