1996 Ford Explorer XLT from North America - Comments

29th Mar 2004, 21:13

"A High Maintenance Rip Off"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

Check engine light numerous times. Fixed by replacing all O2 sensors.

Replaced Hub Bearing/ABS Sensor in front right.

Replaced Left and Right Upper Control Arms/Ball Joints.

Strange squeaking/vibrating noise coming from engine compartment. Dealer claimed it was a cotter pin. It turns out the flywheel had a crack in it and eventually destroyed the transmission causing over $2000 in damage.

Same transmission problem as described above, but caused by starter.

Replaced all shocks.

Replaced three lights in dashboard. Which is not a simple job if you were wondering.

General comments?

I used to be a die hard Ford guy. I think I am slowly changing my mind after this vehicle. It is in the shop at least once a month for the past two years.

On a better note, this vehicle handles very well in the snow. The 4.0 engine works very well with this vehicle.

Very poor on gas mileage.


5th Jul 2004, 21:23

The O2 sensor problem seems to just go on and on with almost every review I have read here. I have the same problem with the check engine light, but it usually happens when there are weather changes. I took it in twice, got charged 80 bucks (like everyone else) and told there was nothing wrong. Now I just ignore the light and it turns off by itself after a week or so. I have had the whole front end replaced, all brakes, rad, alternator replaced twice, serpentine belt 3 times, belt tensioner, and the list goes on. I don't think that there is a repair that can be done for under 500.00 CDN on this vehicle. Gas economy is brutal. I go through about 75 litres for every 500 kilometers driven on the highway. City driving is worse. Very expensive to fix. Other than that, it's great.

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