general problems of the 2003 Ford Explorer - part 2

2003 Explorer limited. Recently had to replace my tires. I replaced all four tires at a local sears. The wheels that came with the car were optional equipment that the previous owner must have requested. 17" 5 spoke chrome. As sears was removing wheels two of the 4 center caps fell apart and could not be used again. After the tires were placed back onto my car sears rep asked that I put about 20 miles on the car and bring it back just to check. About two days later as I was returning to sears I heard a rubbing sound coming from what appeared to be the left front. As I pulled into sears, the garage the rep listened and said it was coming from left rear. As a mechanic placed a key on the lug nuts all lugs had worked themselves loose and he actually could turn them with his hand. I had to put my spare tire on as a replacement. A couple of the other lugs on the other wheels were about a 1/4 turn loose. I reported this to kenny ross only to get no real answer from them just as I did with the bubbling/peeling paint on my hood. Evidently their corporate office told them to always blame them because that is what they seem to always do is blame their corporate off office and their hands are tied, your out of warranty, or warranty does not cover. What happened to just honestly working with people to resolve the issue. No wonder they are in trouble. Anyway all four chrome wheels also had visible cracking as well and sears said that the lug holes on the wheels are slightly oblong so that is why the lugs work loose. I had to purchase aluminum spoke wheels. This is on a 2003!! go figure. I also told the kenny ross rep that I should have bought a Toyota or gm. His reply was this happens on all cars. Haha, what a response and just what you want to hear. No Fords in my future and I will unload this one as soon as I can!.

Three wheels on my 2003 Ford Explorer were replaced due to cracking of the "chrome" finish in the hub area, the 4th was not done since there was no cracking at that time; it now requires replacement . I am dealing with that at this point but I am concerned that this cracking may be more than the finish material; it may be the casting itself. If this is the case this could be a serious problem. I am curious if there have been any other reports of this and should this warrant an investigation by your department. The numbers for this wheel, from the dealer work order, are: 3l2z-1007-ka and a801881.

While driving, the front right wheel pinion disengaged.