History of the 98 Ford Explorer Sport 27,000 miles.
September 2000 27,000 miles
purchased vehicle from North Shore Lincoln Mercury Peabody, Ma
2 weeks later concerns on Firestone tires that were splitting at treads
was told nothing can do, Had to purchase new tires.
Dec 5,2001 32,755 miles
oil burning smell, *COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM*
Feb 20, 2001 35,323 miles
Throttle body replaced, camshaft chain tensioner replaced, lower intake manifold gasket replaced, replced, upper intake, & timing chain, check front end noise,,,,,,,,,,,,,
replaced and lubed seals on axles, still noise, oil seal- front axle drive pinion replaced
spindle arm replaced, & thermostat housing and gasket replaced.
June 11 2001 39,118 miles
balanced tire for vibration in front end.
Sept 25, 2001 42,568 miles
truck died control solenoid replaced idle air control replaced.
Dec 10, 2001 47,101 miles
check noise in front end again,, unable to duplicate burning oil again, faulty oil filter.
Jan 7, 2002 49,156 miles
Knock in front end,,, replaced lower steering shaft, noise in rear end, unable to duplicate.
Feb 4, 2002 48,925 miles
vibration in front end. balanced all 4 tires seat belts not working, not covered. (safety issue?)
June 17, 2002 53,760 miles
keyless entry quit, tail light filling with water, steering rack replaced, steering gear assembly (replaced?)
Feb 19, 2003 61,000 miles
4wheel drive kicking out an making loud noise,,,, cannot duplicate problem front end noise,,replaced front and left ball joints
had 60,000 tuneup done $429.00 later and runs rough.
March 4, 2003 61,300 miles
replaced stablizer links, replace lower steering shaft 2nd time.
April, 16, 2003 62,703 miles
erratic idle sloppy handling quoted from Richard Griffin of Danvers Ford it is normal for these vehicles and said I should take it where I got it 1 mechanic told me the wheel base is too short causes problems with driveshaft
ABS acting up can't stop frequently cannot duplicate problem
told swaying was shocks were bad.
This Car is the biggest Headache I've ever dealt with Ford deffinitely didn't
care about customer satisfaction on this 1 I'm not shy if any one is having similar issues email me at lillianthorner@aol.com.
Your list is impressive. I can only think of two reasons it is so long- either you enjoy making unreasonable donations to your mechanic for unnecessary work, or you bought a vehicle that has been bagged. Either case shows no reflection on the quality of the vehicle. You either need to have a pre-purchase inspection, or find a new (honest) mechanic.
I purchased a 1998 Ford Explorer with 100,000 on it in 2001. The day I drove it home it ran fine before I when home I stopped and filled up the tank and the next morning the truck ran like crap I thought it was bad gas, but as I drove it it ran perfect then the next morning it ran rought again. Every morning it runs rought for about 2 or 3 minutes depending on the temperature outside (the hotter the better on start up. Othe than that it served me well for about 4,000 miles then the timing chains went to the tune of $1700 then the electric locks actuatiors went after that then at about 110,000 the rack and pinion and upper and lower ball joints went and the AC would not blow cold if you put a ice cube in front of the vent other than that I like the explorer despite all the problems I admit I have not been quite driving Mrs. Daisy so I might have caused so extra wear and tear, but I still like the truck.
Explorer 4.0 sohc motors that exhibit rough idling under cooler temperatures, is usually due to deteriorating o-rings between the upper and lower intake.
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