1998 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer review from North America

The vehicle was recalled for hood latch replacement.

The vehicle was recalled for throttle plate modification.

The vehicle was recalled for modification of the (OBD-II) on-board diagnostics system.

The vehicle was recalled for replacement of "Wilderness AT" tires, after we had replaced four tires with Bridgestone tires. The dealer declined any reimbursement for the cost of replacement tires. The vehicle is currently equipped with the original "Wilderness AT" spare tire.

We recently left the vehicle with our local Ford dealer for completion of the manufacturer's recommended 60,000 mile check, with a note indicating "the front suspension screeches during any vertical movement". The dealer's maintenance facility completed the 60,000 mile check (including lubrication) for a cost of slightly more than $1100.00. Maintenance personnel employed by the dealer indicated they could not locate the squeak/screech, but they would like to disassemble the mounting grommets for the front sway bar so they could lubricate them, and the proposed disassembly would cost an additional $42.00. I believe their actions constitute price gouging, deception, and laziness. They could have taken a squirt can filled with rubber lube and lubricated all of the suspension gromments and engine mounts in two minutes.

The 4.0 SOHC 6 cylinder engine seems inadequate for operation in mountain areas at altitudes in excess of 5,000 feet.