After sitting in a turn lane for 2-3 minutes with turn signal on, wisps of smoke began coming from steering column. Upon repeating the scenario in driveway same wisps of smoke were observed, and orange glow could be seen inside steering column when looking through cracks around hazard warning flasher button. In both instances, turn signals being turned off stopped the smoke before any damage could be done. Vehicle was taken to dealer, and turn signal module was replaced. Old part was not returned to me. Dealer service manager stated the module had shorted out.
1999 Ford Explorer lights complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 49, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The rear windshield wiper does not clear the entire window, the left turn signal did not wait until the turn was made before going off. The consumer believes something may have come loose which caused a gas leak while driving. The dealer refused to repair the wiper and turn signal under warranty. *jb
The turn signal shift popped up when the turn signal was used.
Turn signal failed to work. Smoke coming from steering column. Possible fire risk? Dt
While driving at night headlights went out. I was able to stop safely only by other vehicle lights. Possible problem with auto lamp switch in vehicle. After vehicle sat for a while lights came back on. Very difficult to find dash switch and turn on lights while driving in the dark at 65 MPH. Mr
When putting on turn signal signal started to smoke and caught on fire. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.
Consumer stated there have been numerous problems with the drive train, consumer began hearing an odd n oise in august 2000, and in april 2001, at that time dealer could not duplicate the problem, the dealership however did replace the driveshaft assembly, and the joint assembly spindle-arm, several months later the outer tie-rod ends were replaced, lower steering shaft which was leaking power steering fluid, the power steering pump and the rack and pinion, also parking brake does not release, and the cruise control cable was replaced, the check engine light illuminated.*ak
When driving at night, ( this probably happens during the day also but isn't as noticable) dash lights, door panel lights and the cruise control lights go out frequently. I took the car to the dealership and they were "unable" to duplicate the problem, and know of no recalls for this problem. The lights have so far quickly come back on. However each time they go out, they stay out a little longer.
While waiting to make a left turn, the flasher turned on solid (no longer flashing) and smoke came out of the top of the steering column at the emergency flasher button. Smoke stopped when I returned the switch to the neutral position. Right turn position not affected. I replaced the switch on my own - part cost approximately $60.00 and now I understand that some of these were subject to a recall for the same reason (short/electrical fire) that I experienced. I never received a recall notice.
When using left turn signal there is smoke coming from switch. Vehicle not taken to dealer yet.
Consumer has complained to dealer that steering wheel shakes out of control. Steering makes dashboard rumble like front end has hydraulics. Turning vehicle right or left, steering shutters hard. Consumer would have to add a quart of power steering once a week. Dealer found power steering leaking, and replaced rack and pinion and realigned vehicle. On 6-29-01, vehicle was taken back to dealer for still having the problem. Dealer found nothing wrong with vehicle. Problem has not been remedied. *ak the brake light switch was inoperative causing the brake lights to be inoperative, the brakes squeak and the dealer treated the pads with an anti squeak solution, the A/C blows out warm air due to a leaky compressor and o-ring, the torque converter failed causing the transmission to lock up, passenger side goodyear tire blewout while driving, the window on the right side shakes when going up or down. Nlm
When signaling to make a left turn, the indicator light turns on solid (not flashing) and smoke begins to rise from a small opening in the top of the steering column. Returning the switch to the nuetral position stops the smoke. This has happened several times in the last month. Some 1999 explorers are covered under tsb numbers 00s04 & 00b40 but for some reason my VIN does not fall with in the recall. I believe the recall should be expanded to include explorers manufactured around the time of my VIN or that use multifunction switches similar to the one in my vehicle.
Turn signals will not operate when steering wheel is in tilt position .
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 using my turn signals turning left I noticed the flasher on the dash had frozen and that smoke was pouring out of the hazard flasher button and also out of the base of the turn signal stem. This can be repeated almost every time I use the left turn signal. The dealship will be looking at it on 10/27/2000.*ak (dot number: vdhl)
There were no warning lights on the dash when consumer turned on turning signal switch and steering column started smoking, and smoke was coming out of the hazard lights switch. Consumer stated smoke stopped when turning signal was turned off.
Pe00020, orginial equipment with 1999 ford explorer, tire size p23575r15. While driving the front end shakes very hard, and on all tires there are lumps forming and making a whistling noise. *ak there was a constant noise in the front of the vehicle, dealer has replaced the following to remedy the problem: drivesahft, lower control arms, left upper ball joint, lower steering shaft on two occasions, front shaft, lower ball joints, outer tie rod ends, power steering pump and rack, left upper ball joint and finally the arm bushing that was hitting the frame. Brakes were pulsating, dealer machined the front rotors. There was a delay in starting the vehicle, dealer stated this was normal. Radio had no display lights, dealer installed a new radio. The rear brake light burnt out, dealer replaced the bulb. The parking brake sometimes would not release, dealer could not duplicate the problem. The check engine light illuminated. The rear wiper was not cleaning, dealer replaced the wiper arm and blade.
The signal light switch will not lock into place, the steering wheel must be in a specific degree of rotation in order for the lever to lock into place. Nlm
While driving on highway traveling 65mph all of sudden the vehicle cuts off. No warning. No nothing. Interior lights went out, and also the rear wipers work intermittently. Contacted dealer they are aware of the problem, but not able to find whats causing the problem. Problem still exists. *ak
Winshield wipers sometimes go on when turn signal is used. This is distracting and could potentially cause an accident.
Brake lights do not stay on when brakes are applied. Lights come on, but go back out while brakes are still being applied. Dealer has seen vehicle, and said that it is normal. *ak brake switch has been replaced 6 times and power booster has been replaced with no remedies, brake pedal makes a popping noise when released. Message center, miles per gallon, is inaccurate and has been replaced, however consumer states it still does not work. Rear suspension squeaks and groans over bumps, consumer states there is too much roll stiffness built into suspension, alignment checked and toe set due to vehicle wandering. Water leaks inside door frames. Automatic transmission is reluctant to downshift unless the accelerator is pressed flat to the floor. Inside rear view mirrow mounted too low. Consumer states squeaks and rattles show up all the time in the interior of the vehicle, rattles in dash, drivers door area, and b pillar. Cd changer jammed twice. Limited emblem replaced twice. Speedometer reads too fast.
When sitting at stop with turn signal engaged windshield wipers start without engaging switch.
Running lights are being used in the evening and are too bright for oncoming traffic. Ford explorer is just one example. Pontiac cars are just as bad. This is not only a nusance, it is a potential hazzard because it blinds oncoming drivers. How can la
Windshield wipers would go on or off on by themselves. Would sometimes stop in middle of operation. Vehicle would fail to start if steering wheel is not in correct position. The signal lever will not operate properly if the wheels are slightly turned.
The windshield wipers come on without manual opreration or when the signal lights are operated. Please give any further details.
Windshield wipers come on when in on/off position, and when using the turn signals. They don't activate when turned on, cause unknown. Please give any further details.
While driving vehicle & no rain, windshiel wipers came on for no reason. When they are in use, they would fail to work at high or intermittent. The turn signal is erratic. Been to dealer & mechanic repaired problem. Since then, problem with wipers have reappeared. The parts are on back order.
While driving windshield wipers are inadvertently working.this also happens when trying to use turn signals.
While driving on highway approximately 55mph and when the turn signal is on the windshield wipers run. Windshield wipers will come on if vehicle hits a bump in the road. Contacted dealer and manufacturer.
The new headlight which the vehicle is equipped, the low bea light is too bright and blinds other drivers. This may result in a crash. The high beam is way too bright. Please provide further information and VIN#.
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