Wheel Problems of Ford Explorer Sport

Was driving the vehicle when I noticed smoke coming out from under the hood. I pulled over as quick as possible into a strip mall parking lot. Before I got out flames were coming out of the engine compartment. I ran into a store and got a fire extinguisher to try and put out the fire. I failed, as the whole front of the explorer was in flames as well as the interior. The vehicle is a total loss. The fire department put it out. I had the vehicle for 7 weeks. The used dealer will not take any responsibility. Should they? I purchased the vehicle on Mar. 3,2014 at oc auto expo in westminster, CA.

See all problems of the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport 🔎.

These tires are still under warranty. When they were first installed, we noticed a strange sound. We did not assume it was from the tires, but thought it was related to the rotors. This is not our only vehicle and we don't drive it all of the time; in fact it is parked much of the time. We did not get the rotors replaced until August of 2013. The sound continued even with the new rotors, to our surprise. So we went back and checked a second mechanic who then removed all of the tires. After inspecting the tires, the mechanic showed us where they were defective. He physically pointed out some areas where they were deformed. He told us to take them back to where we purchased them for replacement. In short, we were not able to get them replaced at wal mart where they were purchased. I would like these tires independently inspected so that we can verify that they are indeed defective. Thank you.

See all problems of the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport 🔎.

I purchased a new 2002 Explorer Sport 4x4, and drove it conservatively under normal conditions; no off-road, never towed, garaged, etc. With the original tires and suspension system, at 27,000 miles, the left front wheel bearing (referred to as a joint in the Ford shop manual) and hub assembly (a single, sealed unit) failed so badly the vehicle could not be driven. This was replaced at a Ford dealership, but as I was over three years since purchase, the repair was not covered by the warranty, and cost $500. 00. After the repair, at 65 mph, a fairly bad vibration was present in the front-end. At 36,000 miles, the right front wheel bearing and hub assembly also completely failed, and required a tow to the Ford dealership for replacement. The vibration is gone, so was caused by the right bearing, but not caught by the technician when the left side was replaced. As Ford will admit, their parts are now manufactured in china and mexico. Premature part failure is rampant, so obviously there is little quality control. Additionally, china has a huge counterfeit auto parts problem, and it seems reasonable these parts are being used in new american vehicles. I do have the left front hub assembly, which failed at 27,000 miles. This part failure has the potential to cause serious injury or death.

See all problems of the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport 🔎.