1998 Ford Explorer visibility problems

Filed Feb 6, 2012 · Electrical, Visibility · 130,000 miles · WV

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-70 MPH, the vehicle would loose power but the engine would continue to run. The vehicle would eventually stall but was able to be restarted after several minutes. In addition, the wiper blades would also fail and would not operate as they should when inclement weather arose. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised the contact that the wiring in the entire vehicle needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Jul 23, 2010 · Airbags, Lights · KY

Wipers works when they want too. Power windows work when they want too. The interior lights works when they want too.

Filed Nov 18, 2007 · Visibility · NC

Blend door motor failed permitting only hot air to enter vehicle.

Filed May 1, 2006 · Visibility · 70,000 miles · NV

I purchased my 1998 ford explorer limited from my mother in january of 2006 with 68000 miles on the odometer. In feburary I first noticed vehicle was unable to defrost the front windshield and defog the vehicles windows. The cause of the problem was the climate control would sometimes not blow warm air. This would also result in a very cold interior. After researching the problem on the internet I found many complaints regarding the 1996-1998 ford explorer and a common problem with the climate control's air blending door breaking, making it impossible to regulate heat and cold. The vehicle was parked until I could determine if this was in fact the issue I was having. I had no choice but to park the vehicle until I was sure I had no need to operate the climate control. I was instructed how to check for a broken blend door and indeed found mine to be broken. I took the vehicle to a local ford dealer in carson city nevada and was told that despite the frequency of this problem it was not a recall issue and without a warranty the cost for repair was $1100. I was also informed the broken parts were being replaced with parts constructed of improved material (nylon) because of their tendency to break using the previous material (ABS plastic). I feel ford is well aware of this hazardous problem but because of the cost, won't issue a recall or even a technical service bulletin. Instead the leave the consumer to cough up the labor and parts cost to repair something that should be the responsibility of a reputable automobile manufacturer.

Filed Nov 15, 2005 · Airbags, Body · 90,000 miles · CA

Dt: contact stated that right after purchasing the vehicle he had replace the brakes, tires, fuel filter, the fuel injection was cleaned , the anti lock sensors where replaced, the windshield was replaced . The air bags are also deployed. While driving the vehicle it vibrates on the left side. He took the vehicle to a mechanic they put the vehicle on a rack trying to line the vehicle. It would not line up. They found that the ball joints bad, also the motor mounts are broken. The mechanic told him that the frame is bent beyond repair.

Filed Sep 21, 2005 · Visibility · 150,000 miles · FL

Temperature control system locked in cold AC mode. System will only blow cold air due to a broken air blend door. Driver can not defrost windshield with cold air conditioned defrost. I believe this is a safety issue for the driver. The problem has not been fixed because the cost will be $1200.

Filed Jun 5, 2005 · Visibility · 79,000 miles · NY

The blend door , plenum, that controls the tempature of the air coming into the cabin is broken in the same place that many others have experienced. This will not allow heated air to come from the defroster vents resulting in a safety issue.failure date given is approximate.

Filed Sep 22, 2004 · Visibility · TN

While driving in inclement weather windshield wipers would come on and off on their on. This problem was intermittent, and consumer was aware of the problem.

Filed Jun 4, 2004 · Visibility · 80,000 miles · DE

The spare tire which was located underneath the vehicle, snapped and fell to the ground while driving. *jb (the wench system) *sc the passenger side mirror was replaced.

Filed May 13, 2004 · Visibility · 44,134 miles · DE

One month after getting my 1998 ford explorer in october 1998 the rear wiper motor failed and was replaced under warranty. The dealer said that they were having problems with the wiper on all explorers. In july 2001 the rear wiper moter again failed and was again replaced under warranty. Again the dealer said that this was a continuing problem with the explorers. On may 13, 2004 the rear wiper motor has again failed. Now the dealer wants $320 to replace the motor assembly. This time there was no acknowledgement that this has been a continuing problem with the explorer. Without the rear window wiper being opperable it is impossible to see out of the rear window during rain storms or when the road is wet and dirt splashes up onto the window. This creates a hazard that ford should address as soon as possible.