Ford Explorer owners have reported 46 problems related to timing tensioner (under the engine and engine cooling category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the Explorer.
The timing chain broke off and knocked a hole in the valve cover tensioner. Could smell oil burning prior to problem with timing chain. Vehicle was towed to dealership for repairs of timing chain.
See
all problems of the 1997 Ford Explorer
🔎.
Tensioner plastic piece wich supports the timing chain broke, caused the vehicle to stall while driving which may cause a crash. Please provide further information.
The timing chain tensioners do not support the guides as it was designed to do causing loud rattling. Nlm.
Engine- vehicle began making knocking/ticking noise from engine at 30000 miles, took into dealer to report it, and they said no problems. Noise was at start ups and after vehicle had set for brief time. Noise became louder and longer in duration, took back into dealer at 35000 miles, again, they said no problems-normal noise. At 41900 miles, vehicle became undriveable, noise was extremely loud and metallic in nature. Took to different dealer who stated that they had numerous problems with 1997/98 Explorers with 4. 0sohc engine timing chain tensioner failures. Most were under warranty and they sent entire engine back to manufacturer to repair. Now my vehicle was out of warranty and the reapai cost me $700. 00. The vehicle went back 3 days later with same problem, another $300. 00. I feel that I reported my problem while the vehicle was still in warranty and that Ford should cover the repairs. I also think thatford is fully aware of a widespread problem with these 4. 0 sohc engines and the timing chain/tensioner defects. I have talked with many dealers and individual owners who have stated the defect is not isolated. Had my family and I been traveling at high speed when this thing went bad and the engine quit,there could have been an accident. There needs to be a formal investigation into this issue, it is too widespread and Ford certainly is aware of the problem, but unwilling to address it and compensate consumers who are suffering with this. Fuel system- there is also a hesitation/stalling that occurs on same vehicle that has been into teh dealer on several occasions to fix, but can not be diagnosed or repaired. This is very dangerous especially when pulling into intersections or turning at traffice lights. My wife has had several near misses due to this. Again, this appears to be widespread with this 4. 0 sohc engine. Please let's have something done about this before someone is hurt. Ford's army of engineers surely are aware this exists. Mark ditto.
Vehicle experiencing engine noise, cam tensioners were installed to correct problem, vehicle is still noisy.
See
all problems of the 1998 Ford Explorer
🔎.
1997 Ford Explorer faulty timing chain tensioner started making a noise. Consumer believes Ford should fix the problem at no cost.
Have had a intermittent valve tap since a recall was done ,it's getting progressly worse. Dealer has replaced tappets once and the timing chain tensioner thinking it was that . Now I see two tsbs' NHTSA #sb051948 and #sb051128 and was wondering if they might apply and can I do anything to get the problem resolved ? thankyou for any help ,shannon.
Timing tensioner was fixed under recall a year ago. Currently, when starting up vehicle, it sounded like 2 pieces of metal hitting together. Contacted dealer, and dealer stated nothing they could do. This was common among Explorers. Please add VIN?.
See
all problems of the 2000 Ford Explorer
🔎.
The timing chain and tensioner failed due to design problems causing the vehicle to idle rough and make alot of noise upon startup and while stopped at a light. Nlm.
Chain tensioners have deteriorated and broken up. Engine now rattels and grinds. I have fear of major engine damage. After talking to Ford dealers in reno nv and one in susanville CA I have been told every thing from "your on your own " to " Ford is working on a permanant fix so be patient. Is Ford going to fix my problem . I understand this to be a major widespread problem.
Ford is offering to replace engine components, but damage has already occurred to the motor. The motors should be replaced also. Failure to have a recall for the camshaft tensioners can result in an engine seize resulting in a crash if at highway speeds (for example).