Recalls: Ford Explorer
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Ford Explorer
- Over three separate notices, UN, UQ, US and UT Explorer models fitted with cruise control and manufactured from 1995 to 2002 were recalled (PRA 2006/8836, PRA 2007/9665 and PRA 2010/11406). For these vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch mounted on the brake master cylinder may leak and brake fluid contamination in the electrical connector could cause the wiring to overheat, smoke or burn – this could occur when the vehicle was parked or being driven, irrespective of whether the cruise control was in use.
- In October 2004 and May 2005, recalls were issued for all UT and certain UX Explorer models manufactured from 17 July 2001 to 15 September 2003. In these vehicles, the ball stud bracket located on the rear liftgate window could rotate out of position on the glass and cause the window to drop (PRA 2004/7312,PRA 2005/7732).
Problems and faults: Ford Explorer
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Problems and faults: Ford Explorer
- For Ford Explorer models fitted with the 4.6-litre V8 engine, a ticking noise may be due to problems with the valve guides such that the cylinder heads may require replacement.
- Stumbling or hesitation from the engine when turning right may be due to cavitation in the fuel tank as fuel sloshes to one side; if so, a redesigned fuel pump is required.
- A rattling noise from the engine bay may be due to the loose timing chains; if so, a redesigned primary chain tensioner is required.
- The supports for the rear window (tail-gate) may come loose and cause the window break – this may be prevented by tightening the screws and repositioning the brackets.
- Spark plug hole threads in the cylinder heads may be easily damaged or stripped when the spark plugs are removed due to carbon build-up.
