1999 Ford Explorer Sport from North America - Comments

* First problem was with the airbag system. They first fixed it by replacing the wiring for the airbag. Then, when the airbag light began flashing again about 6 weeks later, they then decided to replace the electrical module running the airbag system. (covered by the Used Car Department because it was existing when the car was purchased)

* The service engine light came on indicating a problem with a known defect that had been recalled. (Why this hadn't been dealt with prior to my purchase either by the dealership or the previous owner is not known to me.)

* The motor for the rear wiper went out and had to be replaced. (covered by my extended warranty)

* The transmission went out and had to be replaced. (covered by my extended warranty, thank heavens)

* The passenger side power window motor quit working and had to be replaced. (covered by my warranty)

* The thermostat went out and had to be replaced. (This was detected by the engine surging when I was stopping resulting in the car trying to lurch forward despite my foot being off the gas and on the brake.) (also covered by my warranty)

The money I spent on the extended warranty is definitely the best money I've ever spent in my life. Otherwise, I don't think I'd have been able to afford the payments with the repairs.

However, despite these problems, I've loved driving the vehicle. It's fun, it's sporty, and it handles nicely. It definitely is a much less economical than my previous car (GEO Storm), but the added space and power and refreshing.

I'm concerned that the previous owners did not take adequate care of the car (transmission problem and the recall not being serviced).

Also, a note about the extended warranties...when the transmission needed to be replaced, the company providing for the warranty first asked if the car had been serviced at 60,000 miles as suggested by Ford. (If you're not familiar, the 60k check is a very thorough exam of the car including flushing the transmission.) Luckily, I HAD done this at 60k. When speaking to the service guy at my local dealership, he said that they might have declined the repair it hadn't been. I definitely recommend that people be diligent about the suggested maintenance program.

I own a 1999 ford explorer sport. I purchased it with only a 30 day warranty, since it was only 3 years old. It ran good for about a year. Now I have replaced the transmission and blown the engine. Think twice before buying one. Or at least get a warranty.

.....The service engine light came on indicating a problem with a known defect that had been recalled. (Why this hadn't been dealt with prior to my purchase either by the dealership or the previous owner is not known to me.) ....

I had the same problem. I have owned the vehicle since it was new. Ford can be pretty lame about sending out recall notices in a timely manner.

There was a recall on my truck when I bought it, but Ford did not tell me about it so I was using a dangerous cruise control system for months that the dealership should have disconnected until it was fixed. Way too many recalls on the vehicle. Never got my Firestone tires replaced as, despite the recall, every time I took the vehicle in to get them replaced, they gave it back with the same tires on. Lots of excuses, such as, they said they made a mistake and didn't have the tires in stock after all, or the mechanic "forgot" to do it. Finally they told me the recall had run out and would not replace them at all!! Several letters and phone calls to Ford did not resolve the problem. When I sell this car, I will NEVER buy another Ford again. There are much more reliable cars on the market with more professional and efficient dealerships.