1999 ford explorer. Turn signal "multi-function switch" shorts out, causing smoke to pour out of steering column. When I contacted ford regarding this $300.00 repair, the service tech said he has seen it before and knew exactly what was wrong.*ak this has happened twice and we are now scheduled to go in for repairs.
1999 Ford Explorer electrical complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 92, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The oil pressure gauge shorted out, the air bag wiring harness, front axle seals, brake caliper pads, brake line, power door lock assembly and multi function switch assembly were all replaced. *ts the timing chain, tensioner, idle air control, valve intake gaskets and the seats which ripped were also replaced. * jb
Electrical harness was found to be defective at the PCM connector resulting in sporadic dying and failure to start problems. This problem exists in the vehicle to this day despite several attempts to tighten the individual female pin connectors within the PCM connector. Each attempt cures the problem from weeks to months, but in the end it comes back. As a side note, the airbag indicator light illuminated. It is assumed to be also due to this defective wiring harness. This is a dangerous dying condition and has resulted in several near accidents.
My air bag malfunction light came on and upon a ford certified diagnostic I was told there was a short in the system that controls the deployment of the air bags. In this case, the air bags will not deploy in the case of an accident. It was called a defective overlay harness that controls the voltage of the system.
Spark plug wires failing. Vehicle has only 20500 miles. Resulted in severe vehicle bucking, misfiring, loss of acceleration, and unpredictable engine performance.two occurrences to tw0 different plug wires within 20 miles. Number 3 and 7 aluminum heat shielded wires.
The vehicle caught on fire, consumer was informed there was an electrical problem.
I have had several problems w/ the multi function switch. First, my wipers would randomly turn on. The dealership fixed the problem. Next, the wipers would not turn on when it was really cold. The dealership could not replicate or fix the problem. Next, the wipers could not reach full speed. At 35,000 miles, we forced the dealership to replace the mfs under warranty. Finally, at 59,000 miles, white smoke started spewing from the mfs. After calling the dealership, I had the car towed and the mfs replaced. When I complained, the dealership referred me to the ford complaint line. Their response was unacceptable
Spark plug wires failing. Vehicle has only 35000 miles. Resulted in severe vehicle bucking, misfiring, stalling, loss of acceleration, and unpredictable engine performance. 3 occurrences to three different plug wires within 300 miles
The consumer states that there are problems with the left turn signal. The consumer states that the left turn signal was placed on, and stayed on for about 10 seconds and stopped blinking, but the arrow(left) was still illuminated. Immediately after smoke began coming from the steering column. The dealer suggested it was a fuse. The consumer feels there should be a recall. *ts *scc
Vehicle had 4 electrical system failures. The battery was replaced four times under warranty. Also when the vehicle is hot, the transmission does not shift positively from low to intermediate.
Engine heads cracked on both sides. The hood latch assembly rusted and cannot be opened, also the horn filled up with water and would not work as a result.
When driving, alternator would steadily decrease the power of vehicle. This causes the vehicle to eventually shut down, the vehicle has been taken to the dealership several times and had alternator replaced each time.
While driving the vehicle the dash light illuminates all light activated. The lights blink on and off, the windshield wipers stop working, the turn signals are erratic. Nlm
Brake lights remain illuminated after vehicle has been shut off, dealer has yet to be contacted, please provide further details.
The steering column started smoking as I used the blinker. The local ford service says that the "clock spring" in the air bag caught fire and damaged the steering column and possibly the air bag. This is not covered under warranty as it is a safty device.
Consumer states that vehicle sometimes does not start, however after days and hours it would start on its own.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
No throttle response and nearly stalling on occasion, due to a bad ignitions coil pack for the fourth cylinder. The bad coil was caused by anti-freeze leaking from the radiator. This caused cylinder 4 to die.
The explorer would go dead unless I kept my foot on the gas pedal when starting up. The only way that I could get it to go was to floor the gas pedal in park. Every time.
Airbag light came on dashboard. Dealership is aware of problem. Electrical system to computer was indicating that there was an airbag inside of door. But there is no airbag inside of door.
Back up light on radio flicker on/off while driving. Consumer fears that it may be a short that could lead to a fire. Ford has not been contacted.*ak also, air bag light stays on sometimes. The interior lights over the rear seat failed. The consumer had contacted the dealer.
While signaling for a left lane change signal does not work. But, consumer can hear static coming from radio when signaling left.
While merging vehicle did not respond to acceleration. Traveling about 35 MPH vehicle exibited a sluggish acceleration, and then a sound that resembled a stick shift not changing gears. Pulled off road, turned off vehicle, and restarted and proceeded home. Drove to dealer following day, and dealer said vehicle was safe to drive. Has not shut off, but one time. However, has shown acceleration problems. Recalls # 00v72000/ electronic problems99v062001/ cruise control cable failure.
Instruments panel lights keep going out intermittently. Vehicle been in dealer shop on four occasions, and still unable to locate problem. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.
Vehicle fails to start on occasion; runs rough on occasion..
When I entered my truck I smell a sulfur burning smell, when I started the truck I noticed the interior dome light lit and smoke pouring out of the socket assembly.
My family and I are afraid to ride in this vehicle. (dot number: vd tiresize: 235/75/r15)
3 times(once in dec, jan, jul) vehicle stalled out, and would not restart. Vehicle was towed to dealer. On all 3 incidents, dealer claimed defect was caused by parts relating to ignition. *ak the vehicle had stalled two more time and was towed to the dealership. The consumer states that the vehicle is no longer reliable and the problem is beyond repair.
Vehicile started on with ignition switch. His grandson was inside of vehicle, and rear back window came up, and grandson stuck his head outside of the window and the window came up. Owner came out just in time to release the window.*ak the dealer replaced the electric start system. The main problem was the automatic start system which starts spontaneously without using the key pad. The vehicle started several times without notice.
Consumer received recall 00v072000. Contacted dealer who refused to correct problem .*ak dot# vdhl. Consumer is having difficulty obtaining recall repair for the firestone tires.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1999 Ford Explorer?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history