Seven problems related to engine failure have been reported for the 1998 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Engine failure. Engine code p0300. Cylinders 4, 5, 6 have weak compression. Timing chain is damaged. Dealer has previously serviced timing chain twice and after second service Ford extended engine warranty to 100k miles (now expired). Dealer now recommends engine replacement at cost of $5,500. What was once a $30,000 beautiful eddie bauer rig now has a kelly bb retail value of ~$8000, but without engine, car is a total (auction block) loss! while no one was hurt when this engine failed, it is both a potential safety hazard and yet another shock to a vehicle with a troublesome (and expensive) past, and to a loyal Ford customer who expected a better quality product. I can't help but wonder how many more 1998 Explorers are out on the roads about to loose their engines. Is 10 years too long to own a Ford? I am still pondering what to do with this vehicle which now sits as a 2-ton "bookend" in my garage.
: the contact stated without warning the engine stalled and the steering and brakes locked up. This occurred at 55 mph, the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. A family member inspected the vehicle and determined the crankshaft busted, causing engine failure. The engine would need to be replaced at a cost higher than the value of the vehicle. The contact tried to replace it with a used engine, but was told by several mechanics that Ford manufactured a bad engine with the 4. 0 sohc, and to put a used engine would be a waist of money since it would fail again.
I have read 24 complaints concerning the failure of the camshaft chain on the 1998 Ford Explorers with the 4. 0 sohc engines and seen 23 technical service bulletins concerning this same problem. This type of failure can cause serious injury if this occurs while operating the vehicle due to engine failure,not to mention the fact that it also blows the engine requiring it to be replaced at a cost near $5000. Ford has acknowledged this problem and has offered replacement with mileage limitations. If this is a defect and a safety hazard causing the loss of control of the vehicle when this failure occurs ,why is this not important enough to warrant an investigation? my Ford is 4000 miles over the limit set by Ford to replace the parts in question. Although this did not lessen the danger when this failure occurred to my wife, 5 year old and 1 year old daughters while in the vehicle causing her to lose control due to the engine failure as a result of these defective parts. I was told in a phone conversation that the recall was voluntary by Ford and it is legal for them to set those limitations. This is unconceivable that they can place individuals in harms way knowingly and in an effort to save a buck, not a life , set limits to the remedy of the situation. Why are these complaints not being investigated and if they have what was the end results of this investigation? david kyde 810 third st. #5 trenton, ohio 45067 513-988-6516.
4. 0l sohc engine failed within 9,000 miles of replacing timing chain cassette under Ford program oom12. Towed to a Ford dealership and was told that I would need to pay 5,800 for a rebuilt engine and there was nothing they could do with regard to oom12 which is a known problem with the Ford 4. 0l sohc engine failing prematurely.
Engine failed.
Read report of others having this stall engine failure, vehicle engine doesn't go dead will will litterally almost quit but then regains without warniing.
Engine failure causing vehicle stalling. Yh.