1999 Ford Explorer: pulls to one side

Filed Jun 12, 2001 · Steering · TX

On july 7, 2000, while traveling on ih-10 from san antonio, tx to my home in kerrville, at approximately 70 MPH, my explorer developed an uncontrollable wobble, best described as a tire losing air pressure. The vehicle was taken to ken stoepel ford inc where several tests were performed, the short rack (part of the power steering) was replaced and then the firestone tires were replaced. The vehicle continues to have a wobble/wander problem at highway speeds and it constantly pulls/drifts to the left. Ken stoepel ford inc's rationale for first replacing the short rack was that they thought the wobble was caused by an overly sensitive power steering problem. Since july 7 the vehicle has been in the shop five (5) times for the same problem,and each time, all they have checked is the front end alignment. If anything, the problem is just as bad and more constant than the july 7 incident. A ford field service engineer was dispatched to kerrville on may 30, 2001 and all he checked was the alignment and did not wish to consult with me reference the steering problem. Ken stoepel ford inc now refuses to perform any additional work on the steering problem even though the problem surfaced within the first year of ownership and the vehicle has more than fifteen (15) months of warranty remaining. They maintain the problem now rests between ford motor company and me. To this date, ford motor company is unresponsive to this steering problem which I view as a serious safety defect.

Filed May 29, 2001 · Suspension · FL

While driving at 45 MPH and above vehicle wanders all over the road, and is very difficult to control. This wandering is worse under windy conditions. Consumer has contacted dealership, and was informed that vehicle' handling is typical of sport utility vehicles. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

Filed May 25, 2001 · Suspension, Transmission · MA

While traveling at approximately 20 MPH vehicle was making a rumbling noise, and vehicle was being pulled to right. Consumer suddenly lost control of steering and brakes. Consumer was able to bring vehicle to a stop. Dealership examined vehicle, and determined that front wheel bearings have blown apart, and axle popped which resulted in loss of steering and brakes. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

Filed Mar 9, 2001 · Suspension · GA

Vehicle pulled to right at any speed. Dealer notified, and was unable to find a solution. *ak

Filed Oct 6, 2000 · Suspension · CA

From new we have complained about the car wandering at freeway speeds, it feels like you have limited control of the car. Also there is a vibration on the steering as if the wheels are unbalanced. The problem actually got worse after the tires where replaced as my car was one of the cars which had the recalled firestone tires on it. Its been to the dealer on 4 occasions and they cannot solve the problem, they are now calling in the ford engineers to try and solve the problem. We have also had a suspension squeek which occurs when you are driving normally and also on bumpy roads.the car has been in 4 times as well and the dealers have just lubed the suspension, the squeek is back after a day or so, the dealers also cannot solve the problem, and find some lovely excuses as to why there is a squeek ie after market running boards. The front brakes had a vibration and the dealer found the rotors out of round and skimmed them. When I queried why they did not replace the rotors, I was informed it was normal for rotors to go out of round,this has never happened on any of my other cars so I find this a poor excuse. There have been other problems as well with this car and I feel the dealers have had enough attempts to repair the car,and its time for ford to take this car back and give me a new one,or refund me my money so that I can go and purchase something else.I bought a new car so that I would not have to worry about brake downs ect and because new cars are supposed to be safer. This is not the case with this ford explorer.

Filed Aug 10, 2000 · Electrical, Tires · CA

I was traveling at 3:00am on a freeway I was traveling about 70mph when the rear right tire began to shake I pulled to the right because my car began to lose control. I looked at the tire it was shredded. The tire was barely attached to the rim. This was a brand new car I knew something was wrong I called the dealer he said to contact firestone I took the tire in for inspection he could not find any reason for the rupture so I had to purchase a new tire. On 7/22/00 I had another tire go flat same area of the car the tire had a puncture in it I replaced it again. *ak( dot number: tire size: p235/75r15 )

Filed Aug 8, 2000 · Suspension · CA

Car pulled left and right on highway. *ak( dot number: tire size: p235/70r15 )

Filed Aug 8, 2000 · Tires · FL

Tread separation on two rear tires; irregular tread wear on steer axle tires; steering very irratic; vehicle pulls to right; conversation with tire dealer, dealer stated if tires deemed damaged would be prorated with replacement firestone or bridgestone tires. Statement from corporation said all tires would be replaced if customer dissatisfied, this is contradictory to the statement from the dealer. With current knowledge made it necessary to purchase new tires (another manufacturer) due to contradictory info from firestone and dealer. We did not feel comfortable with their replacement products. After inspection of tires by service department of local dealer, we were advised to replace tires immediately to avoid accident. *ak( dot number: unknown tire size: l235r75/15 )

Filed Aug 7, 2000 · Tires · NY

Driving on li expressway in right lane left rear tire totally fell apart at 50-55 miles per hour in traffic. I immediately pulled to right shoulder and found tire had totally fallen apart, the tread seperated from the sidewalls. The tire was in pieces. I went the next day to a tire dealer and purchased a new replacement of the same tire. *ak( dot number: tire size: p235/75r15 )

Filed Aug 5, 2000 · Suspension · LA

Vehicle started pulling right after dealer rotated tires. Dealer aligned, rotated tires back and installed cams. No change. Horn does not honk on demand without excessive pushing.

Filed Aug 4, 2000 · Suspension · FL

While driving about 60 MPH consumer felt like he was losing grip of road, and vehicle would wander from side to side.

Filed May 31, 2000 · Suspension · GA

When traveling about 60mph vehicle pulls to the right. When making a turn, vehicle makes a thumping noise. Truck sways and tires ride as if they need to be balanced, although tires have been balanced and problem still exists. Dealer says that there is nothing else that they can do. *ak