Ten problems related to gasoline engine have been reported for the 1996 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Vehicle was idling for approximately five minutes.
After vehicle had been driven and was parked it caught on fire without prior warning. Consumer believed fire had started in the engine.
Transmission failed twice under normal driving conditions. Lost power under certain circumstances. Same problem both times. Engine seized when vehicle hit a puddle of water at low speed. Air intake is mounted unusally low on this Explorer allowing water into the combustion chamber and causing hydrostatic lock. Ford motor company has been contacted and reads a scripted response when I have tried to get any additional information about what I consider a serious design flaw.
The air intake system points down at the wheel well, causing it to injest water during stream crossings. I crossed 3 streams at shallow depth (less than hub high), and just enough speed to make it through. On the third stream crossing, the engine died. At the dealer's, water was found in the air intake system, and in the engine, causing it to seize up, & need to be replaced.
While driving engine compartent caught on fire. Dealer cannot determine the cause of the fire. Please provide further information.
On several occasions while driving the vehicle would shut off for unknown reason. Vehicle has been in/out of dealer shop on two occasions and they cannot resolve the problem.
Vehicle fire, originating in the dash area. Also, replaced transmission control module.
Engine flooded by water thru air intake.
When making a turn vehicle will cut off , giving the driver no indication. The dealer has repaired vehicle twice, problem still exists.
Oil seal failed.