1994 Ford Explorer

Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE DESIGN TO STRESS, AGING, AND MANUFACTURING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANTS. FORD IS REPLACING THESE TIRES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW MAY HAVE BEEN ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES OR MAY HAVE HAD WILDERNESS AT TIRES INSTALLED DURING THE FIRESTONE RECALL LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2000. CERTAIN 1991 THROUGHT 2002 FORD EXPLORER CERTAIN 2001 THROUGHT 2002 EXPLORER SPORT, AND SPORT TRAC CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 2001 RANGER CERTAIN 1999 THROUGH 2001 EXPEDITION CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994, AND 1997 MODEL YEAR F-SERIES CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994 BRONCO NOTE: BOTH ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE AFFECTED.

Risk. SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy. THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, 2002. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-877-917-3673 OR GO ON-LINE TO WWW.FORD.COM FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.

Defect. TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.

Risk. IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy. THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDER BRACKET WELDS COULD FRACTURE.

Risk. WITH A BROKEN BRACKET WELD, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE LIFTGATE BRACKET TO GRADUALLY BEND INWARD ALLOWING THE LIFT CYLINDER BALL STUD TO DISENGAGE, UNEXPECTEDLY ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO FALL FROM AN OPEN POSITION.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL LIFTGATE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS. DEPENDING UPON THE CONDITION OF THE LIFTGATE SHEET METAL IN THE AREA OF THE BRACKET, DEALERS MAY ALSO INSTALL A LARGER REINFORCEMENT.

Defect. A SHORT CIRCUIT CONDITION CAN OCCUR IN THE REMOTE POWER MIRROR CONTROL SWITCH CIRCUIT BOARD AS A RESULT OF A SEPARATED PART OF THE CONTACT ASSEMBLY BRIDGING THE SWITCH POSITIVE BATTERY PAD AND ADJACENT CHASSIS GROUND PAD.

Risk. THE CURRENT CAN OVERHEAT THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD AND OTHER PLASTIC AND ELASTOMERIC COMPONENTS OF THE SWITCH ASSEMBLY RESULTING IN SMOKE OR FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN IN-LINE 10 AMP FUSE IN THE POSITIVE BATTERY FEED TO THE REMOTE POWER MIRROR CONTROL SWITCH ASSEMBLY.

Defect. THE STUDS WHICH ATTACH THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY CAN DEVELOP STRESS CORROSION CRACKING AFTER BEING OPERATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LOCATION.

Risk. IF A CRACK OCCURS, IT COULD RESULT IN ONE OR BOTH STUDS FRACTURING. THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD THEN SEPARATE FROM THE VACUUM BOOSTER, WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, PREVENTING THE SERVICE BRAKES FROM ACTIVATING INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THE CAMPAIGN WILL REINFORCE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENTS OF THE REAR LIFTGATE GAS ASSIST CYLINDERS WHICH COULD PULL AWAY FROM THE INSIDE OF THE LIFTGATE.

Risk. IF A BRACKET AND GAS ASSIST CYLINDER WERE TO DETACH COMPLETELY FROM THE LIFTGATE AND NO LONGER BEAR AGAINST THE LIFTGATE AS INTENDED, THE REMAINING ASSIST CYLINDER WOULD NOT HOLD THE LIFTGATE IN AN OPEN POSITION. PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. FORD DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENTS.

Defect. THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL SELF-ADJUST PAWL DOES NOT LINE UP PROPERLY WITH THE SELF-ADJUST RACHET CAUSING THE PAWL TO SLIP OVER ONE OR MORE TEETH IN THE RACHET.

Risk. WHEN THE ABOVE OCCURS, IT CAN RESULT IN PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM INEFFECTIVENESS. THE PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL FREELY, IF THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT LEFT IN GEAR.

Remedy. A WEDGE WILL BE INSTALLED WHICH WILL SERVE TO LOCK THE PARKING BRAKE SELF-ADJUST MECHANISM PAWL INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE RACHET. ALSO, OWNERS WILL BE ADVISED TO RELEASE AND REAPPLY THE PARKING BRAKE WHENEVER TOOTH SKIP OCCURS AND WILL BE REMINDED TO ALWAYS TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND LEAVE THE VEHICLE IN GEAR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.

There is no summary currently available

From the beginning of the 1991 model year production until the middle of the 1994 model year production, FORD used a galvanized steel cable to lift and hold in stored position, the explorer spare tire.on may 19, 1994, based on the results of FORD durability testing , FORD changed to a 4.00mm stainless steel cable.there have been over 100 incidents in which the original galvanized steel cable failed allowing the spare tire to drop from its rear storage well.one of these incidents caused a following vehicle to be involved in a collision and on six other occasions the wheel made contact with …

Summary:on august 22, 1995, FORD conducted safety recall, 95v-164, on 1992 and 1993 model year explorer due to liftgate failures.the rear liftgate hydraulic cylinder bracket can become unattached allowing the liftgate to suddenly drop.the recall remedy was to install reinforcements on the brackets.FORD also initiated a safety improvement campaign in october 1995, for 1991-1995 model year explorer vehicles which were not included in the recall, to install reinforcements on those bracket that were found to be loose or detached.this campaign ended in october 1996. Since november 1996, odi has …

Based on the relatively low failure frequency measured over an extended exposure time and the fact that the great majoity of incidents are confined within the blower housing, a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of the agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take furthe action if warranted by the circumstances.

There is no summary currently available

There is no summary currently available

Nhtsa was petitioned to commence a defect investigation of the subject vehicles on january 6, 1998.the petition alleges that early model FORD explorer sport utility vehicles develop heavy lateral vibrations at speeds above 55 MPH and when encountering bumps at low speeds.the petition further alleges that these vibrations could possibly cause loss of vehicle control.the analysis of the petition is presented in the attached notice which is published in the federal register.

There is no summary currently available

The contact assembly for the remote power mirror control switch may develop a short circuit between the switch positive pad and chassis ground pad as a result of water intrusion.excess current flow resulting from the short circuit condition may overheat the remote power mirror control switch circuit board and cause a fire in the driver's door.FORD has indicated that current in excess of 15 amps can overheat the circuit board enough to cause a fire.circuit protection is provided by a 30 amp fuse.FORD is recalling all 1993-94 4-door explorer vehicles equipped with the subject electronic option …

There is no summary currently available

Odi has received ond hundred seventy-three (173) consumer complaints of alleged failures or malfunctions in the braking system on certain 1993 and 1994 FORD explorers.these alleged failures or malfunctions are reported to have caused thirty-six (36) accidents resulting from vehicle loss of directional control during braking or from the extended distance required to stop the vehicle during braking.the complainants report that the alleged failures or malfunctions occurred during braking mostly on wet or slippery roads, but also have occurred on dry roads.since odi opened this pe based on wheel …

Ford continues to sudy the problem attempting to determine why stud fractures are not frequently occurring in other parts of the country.likewise, odi continues gathering information to ascertain whether the recall scope should include other geographical areas.if evidence indicates the scope should be expanded, odi will reopen the investigation as warranted.

There is no summary currently available

OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT 7 REVISED INFORMATION - REGARDING REPLACEMENT OF WILDERNESS AT TIRES. *TT

INFORMATION ON MAINTAINING TIRE PRESSURE. *TT

INFORMATION REGARDING THE TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE FOR ALL MODELS DURING PREDELIVERY PROCESS AND DURING MAINTENANCE INTERVALS. *MJS

INFORMATION ON SETTING THE TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE FOR 1991 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES IN THE PRE-DELIVERY PROCESS AND DURING MAINTENANCE INTERVALS. *TT

INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC

I LOOKED UP MY VEHICLE AND IT HAS A RECALL AND I WANT IT FIXED. *TR

PURCHASED VEHICLE TRANSMISSION OUT,CAME WITH REBUILT TRANSMISSION,INSTALLED,LASTED ABOUT 1 YEAR.KEPT BLOWING FRONT SEALS.ALWAYS HEATED UP GOING UPHILL.NEXT TRANSMISSION,SAME STORY.SERVICED REGULAR,WITH FILTER CHANGE.CURRENT TRANSMISSION IN TRANS. SHOP,BURNT UP,NEW CLUTCHES,BANDS,SEALS,YOU NAME IT.IT STILL WILL NOT SHIFT CORRECTY DUE TO SERVO PISTON FAILURE,THAT ALSO NEEDS FIXED.A4LD TRANSMISSION IN TOO SMALL FOR THE EXPLORER VEHICLE.I LIKE THE VEHICLE IN GENERAL,EVEN INSTALLED MANUAL LOCKOUTS TO HELP THIS SIDUATION.THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD GOOD CARE,BUT TO NO AVAIL.I BELIEVE THAT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR PRESENTING THE AMERICAN CONSUMER WITH SUCH BAD DRIVETRAIN SIDUATIION,THAT I AM SURE THAT THEY BOTH KNEW ABOUT,AND JUST DID NOT CARE.IT LEFT ME,A SERVICE CONNECTED DISABLED VETERAN,ON THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY,MANY TIMES.EVEN ON MY WAY TO THE VA HOSPITAL.REGUARDS

HIGH BEAMS ACT AS LOW BEAMS ALL THE TIME, UNLESS YOU PULL THE BRIGHTS TOWARDS YOU AND HOLD WHICH IS ALSO A FATALITY. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, AN ODOR OF GASOLINE FUMES EMITTED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED BRONCHIAL HEALTH ISSUES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION AS A RESULT FROM INHALING THE FUMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL LINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

APRIL, 1996 I, MY EX WIFE, AND MY DAUGHTER WERE COMING BACK FROM PALMDALE, LA COUNTY, TRAVELING EAST ON 138 HIGHWAY BACK TO ONTARIO, SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, WHERE I USED TO RESIDE. WHILE I WAS PASSING SLOW TRUCK IN TWO HIGHWAY TRYING TO GET BACK IN THE FRONT OF THE TRUCK ONE OF THE FRONT TIRES EXPLODED I LOST CONTROL OF THE 1994 FORD EXPLORER GOT ON THE DIRT THE CAR WAS AIRBORNE LANDED TURN GOD KNOWS HOW MANY TIMES AND LANDED ON THE SIDE. *TR

MY TENANT'S VEHICLE - A 1994 FORD EXPLORER - SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN MY PROPERTY'S GARAGE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES AND DETERMINED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS THE CAR ITSELF - LIKELY A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL VALVE ACCORDING TO THEM. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WILL CONDUCT ITS OWN INVESTIGATION. *TR

I WAS SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRUCK ACCELERATED FORWARD. THE NEXT EVENT I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 40 MILES AN HOUR AND THE TRUCK ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND I WAS UNABLE TO STOP IT, THE BRAKES WOULDN'T STOP IT, FINALLY I TURNED THE KEY OFF AND IT SHUT DOWN. IT'S BEEN HAPPENING ON AND OFF SINCE THEN. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN ALL THE TIME, BUT, I NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. I CONTACTED FORD SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND THEY TOLD ME IT COULD BE ALOT OF DIFFERENT REASONS, THEY NAMED OFF SOME PARTS AND I REPLACED ALOT OF THEM AND AM STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY DID SAY THEY HAVE HEARD OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS, BUT THEY WERE NOT ALL FOR THE SAME REASONS. *TR

INVESTIGATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE TRAFFIC COLLISION REVEALED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ON 1994 FORD EXPLORER (UNKNOWN MILES) MAY BECOME STUCK IN THE "FULL OPEN THROTTLE" POSITION. CONDITION OCCURS WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM WEARS A SLIT IN THE RUBBER SOUND/HEAT INSLUATION ON THE FLOOR BOARD. AFTER THAT OCCURS, WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS FULLY DEPRESSED, THE ARM CAN BECOME STUCK IN THE RUBBER. CONDITION WAS DISCOVERED DURING INVESTIGATION OF A FATAL CRASH. AFTER THE CONDITION WAS DISCOVERED, IT COULD BE EASILY AND REPEATEDLY REPLICATED. NOTE: FATALITY OCCURRED WHEN THE DRIVER, FOR UNKNOWN REASONS, EXITED THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS STILL IN MOTION AT UNKNOWN SPEED. DRIVER DIED UPON IMPACT WITH ROAD. VEHICLE CONTINUED OFF ROAD AND CAME TO REST, MOSTLY UNDAMAGED, IN A FIELD WELL OFF ROAD SURFACE. *TT

WHILE DRIVING I TURNED ON AIR CONDITIONER AND IMMEDIATELY LIGHT SMOKE BEGAN OUT OF AIR CONDITIONING VENTS AND THEN THE NEXT MOMENT THE SMOKE WAS EXTREMELY HEAVY OUT OF THE VENTS AND THEN VISIBLE FIRE UNDERNEATH FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED THE VEHICLE OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EXITED, 10 MINUTES LATER IT WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *LN

1994 FORD EXPLORER HAD SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE AIR-CONDITIONER VENTS INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, SLIGHT AT FIRST, THEN SO HEAVY THAT FORWARD VISIBILITY WAS OBSCURED. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE, A SMALL FIRE WAS SEEN BURNING THE PLASTIC EVAPORATOR COVER WHERE THE BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR ASSEMBLY IS MOUNTED IN THE EVAPORATOR COVER. SOME SNOW THROWN ON THE FIRE PUT IT OUT. THE BLOWER MOTOR APPEARS TO BE SHORTED OR MAYBE JAMMED FROM ROTATING, CAUSING THE RESISTOR TO GET HOTTER THAN NORMAL, IGNITING THE PLASTIC COVER. MAYBE LEAVES OR OTHER FLAMMABLE DEBRIS CONTACTED THE RESISTOR, BUT I CAN'T TELL AS THE FLAMES BURNED UP ANYTHING IN THE AREA AROUND THE RESISTOR ASSEMBLY. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE STOP, IN SPITE OF VERY LIMITED VISIBILITY IN THE HEAVY SMOKE. I WAS ON A SLOW SPEED, LOW TRAFFIC CITY STREET. THE RESULTS WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE IF THE FIRE OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE BLOWER MOTOR WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION WHEN I REMOVE AND REPLACE IT TO TRY AND GET THE AIR SYSTEM WORKING FOR HEAT AT LEAST. *TR

LIGHT CONTROL SWITCH HEATS UP SO HOT THAT WIRES AND PLUG IN MELT,BURN AND CRACK CAUSING LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE THAT COULD GO UNKNOWN CAUSING A CRASH OR FIRE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, DARK SMOKE BEGAN EMITTING FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF WHICH IMMEDIATELY BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 200,000.

WHILE DRIVING, THE SUV CAUGHT FIRE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMED BY FLAMES IN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES. ALTHOUGH MANY MAKES AND MODELS OF FORDS HAVE BEEN RECALLED ( FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL - POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD), THE 1994 FORD EXPLORER HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE FIRE INSPECTOR WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 175,000.

THE GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE AT A HIGHER THAN NORMAL SPEED IN AN APARTMENT PARKING LOT, WHICH CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO RUN INTO THE APARTMENT BUILDING AND CAUSED STRUCTURAL DAMAGE AND FRONT END DAMAGE TO THE EXPLORER. IT IS INOPERABLE AT THIS TIME DUE TO THIS INCIDENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS MADE AND INSURANCE COMPANY NOTIFIED. *TR

I DRIVE A 1994 FORD EXPLORER 4X4. MY COMPLAINT IS WITH THE FRONT BRAKES. WHEN THE INNER BRAKE PADS WEAR TO A CERTAIN POINT, THEY FALL OUT OF THE CHANNELS THAT THEY SLIDE IN CAUSING BRAKE FAILURE. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, ALL THAT IS LEFT TO STOP THE VEHICLE IS THE PISTON OF THE BRAKE CALIPER. THERE IS NO WEAR INDICATOR TO WARN THE DRIVER THAT DISC PADS ARE WORN OUT. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. *TR

MY VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AS IS AND I HAVE HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH IT . I NEED ROCKER PANELS , 3 BALL JOINTS AND A NEW MUFFLER. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFTGATE BRACKETS FRACTURED AND THE GLASS FELL OUT AND STRUCK HER ON THE HEAD. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V310001 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY $200 FOR THE REPAIR. CURRENTLY, THE WINDOW CAN NO LONGER BE OPENED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 170,000.

RECALLED FIRESTONE ATX AND WILDERNESS TIRES. **NAR** *NJ THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT 70 MPH WHEN THE LEFT REAR TIRE SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC TREAD BELT SEPARATION. THE VEHICLE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AND SUBSEQUENTLY ROLLED WHICH CAUSED A FATAL HEAD INJURY TO A RESTRAINED 12 YEAR OLD OCCUPANT. IT WAS ALSO STATED THAT THE SPARE TIRES WERE ALSO DEFECTIVE AND THEY TOO SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM VEHICLES. *JB

WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE HAD COMPLETE TREAD-SEPARATION, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE, LEFT SIDE OF VEHICLE, AND FLATTENING THE REAR LEFT TIRE. ALTHOUGH THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE HAD COMPLETE TREAD SEPARATION, IT REMAINS INFLATED. THE DEFECTIVE TIRE, AS WELL AS ALL TIRES ON THE VEHICLE, HAD PLENTY OF TREAD LEFT, PASSING BOTH THE PENNY AND QUARTER TEST, WERE PROPERLY INFLATED, AND SHOW NO CRACKING OR WEARING. ALL THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED AT THE SAME TIME AND ARE TOYO RADIAL OPEN COUNTRY P235/75R15. A STEVENS COUNTY POLICE OFFICER WITNESSED THE TREAD SEPARATION AND STOPPED TO HELP. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25-30 MPH, WHITE SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING VENTS. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SMOKE AND THEN CAUGHT FIRE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 150,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD EXPLORER. AFTER MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLOWLY GAINED SPEED AND THEN UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN MOMENTARILY, BUT DID NOT STOP COMPLETELY. THE SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYED 80 MPH AND THE REAR WHEELS BEGAN TO SMOKE, DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL ACCELERATING. HE MANAGED TO TURN THE KEY AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE ENGINE, BUT THE RPM DIAL WAS IN THE RED ZONE. HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO HIS RESIDENCE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE THROTTLE PLATE WAS STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. HE REPAIRED THE FAILURE ON HIS OWN, WITHOUT THE DEALER'S ASSISTANCE. HE BELIEVES THAT HAD HE NOT BEEN KNOWLEDGEABLE OF THE FAILURE, IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT MORE SEVERE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 90,000. UPDATED 07/15/08

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE STALLED MINUTES LATER, BUT QUICKLY RESTARTED. SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD AND THEN THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND NUMBER OF CYLINDERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 90,000.

I WAS BROWSING FOR A USED CAR AND CAME ON AN ADD SELLING CARS I HAD NO VEHICLE I ASKED IF THEY CAN PICK ME UP ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CLINTON FERRY. THEY SAID YES THEY WILL PICK ME UP. SO CHECKED OUT THEIR INVENTORY. I PICKED A 1994 FORD EXPLORER LITTLE DAMAGE TO THE BODY, TIRES NEEDED CHANGING, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HAS DAMAGE, AND REAR VIEW MIRROR WAS GONE. I ACCEPTED THESE AND ASKED FOR A TEST RIDE PROCEEDED OFF THE LOT THERE WAS NO GAS MAKING A TEST DRIVE SHORT. IT WAS AS IF THEY RUSHED ME THROUGH THE DEAL NOTHING WAS SAID ABOUT THE PROBLEMS. RETURNING HOME IS WHEN I BEGAN RUNNING INTO PROBLEMS THAT WERE SAFETY ISSUES. THE RPMS HAD GONE TO THE LIMITS OF SAFE OPERATION EXCEEDING 6,000 RPMS AND NOT SHIFTING TO A HIRE GEAR MAKING THE MOTOR SCREEN NEARLY EXPLODING THE MOTOR THIS IS CONSISTENT EVERY TIME YOU OPERATE. SO DROVE HOME WITH THIS PROBLEM. I ACCELERATED AND THEN LET OFF THE GAS AND IT THEN SHIFTED UP. I GAVE IT THE GAS IT SCREAMED AND I LET OFF THE GAS AND IT SHIFTED INTO THE HIGHER GEAR I ALSO HAVE STEERING PROBLEMS IT PULLS TO THE LEFT PULLING ME INTO ON GOING TRAFFIC, SHIMMIES AND THE TIE RODS CONNECTED TO THE STEERING HAD SOME PLAY IN THEM. SO WHEN I TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT I HAD NO STEERING UNTIL IT GOT TO CERTAIN POINT WHERE IT STEERED. THE VEHICLE FLOATS LIKE A BOAT A STRUT PROBLEM. NOW WHEN I WENT TO ESTIMATES FOR THE REPAIRS ITS PARTS AND LABOR CAME TOO ABOUT THE SAME AMOUNT I PAID FOR THE TRUCK APPROXIMATELY 4,400.00. SO NOW I HAVE THIS TRUCK I REFUSE TO DRIVE

THE POWER CONTROL FOR SIDE VIEW MIRROR SHORTED OUT AND CAUSED ELECTRICAL SMOKE AND ORANGE GLOW/FIRE FROM SIDE CONSOLE. CHECKING YOUR SITE, YOU ALREADY LIST THIS BUT DEALERSHIP AND FORD DO NOT HAVE A RECORD OF THIS RECALL (97V083000).

I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BRIDGESTONE FIRESTONE NORTH AMERICA TIRE ABOUT A NOTICE REGARDING THE SAFETY OF TIRES. THE 1994 FORD EXPLORER ORIGINALLY CAME WITH P235/75R 15 RADIAL ATX. TODAY I TRIED TO RETURN THE TIRE, ORIGINAL SPARE, FOR A FREE REPLACEMENT AS STATED IN THE LETTER. HOWEVER I WAS TOLD BY AN AUTHORIZED FIRESTONE DEALER AT HAYWOOD MALL GREENVILLE SC THAT THE RECALL HAD BEEN TERMINATED. THE LETTER FROM BRIDGESTONE FIRESTONE NORTH AMERICA DID NOT INDICATE AN END DATE. IN FACT THIS LETTER INDICATED THE COMPANY WAS TRYING TO ROOT OUT THE LAST REMAINING TIRE SPARES. THE DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL. AK

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE HEATER AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VENTS. SHE TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. SHE THEN RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND ACTIVATED THE AIR CONDITIONER. THE CONTACT NOTICED FIRE ASCENDING FROM THE HOOD NEAR THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED YET, AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 145,000.*AK

1994 FORD EXPLORER BRIDGESTONE FIRESTONE TIRES DEFECT, TIRES RECALLED, CONSUMER HAD TIRES REPLACED AT HIS EXPENSE AND WOULD LIKE TO GET REIMBURSEMENT FROM MANUFACTURER. *MC *JB

TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BEARINGS ON THE 1994 FORD EXPLORER WERE INSTALLED INCORRECTLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000. THE CONTACT CANNOT GIVE DETAILS OF THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE. THE BEARINGS WERE NOT PRE-LOADED. THE WHEELS ON THE VEHICLE WERE VIBRATING. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE PREVIOUS MECHANIC DID NOT PRELOAD THE BEARINGS. ONCE BEARINGS WERE LOADED PROPERLY AND THE VEHICLE NO LONGER VIBRATED. *AK THE REAPIR SHOP INSTALLED THE BEARINGS INCORRECTLY, HOWEVER THEY DENIED THEY DID ANYTHING WRONG. UPDATED 02/27/07. *JB

TL* - THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR FIRESTONE TIRES ON HIS 1994 FORD EXPLORER. THE LETTER STATED AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WOULD REPLACE THE TIRES FREE OF CHARGE. HE CALLED THE NUMBER ON THE LETTER TO FIND AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. AFTER CONTACTING THE AUTHORIZED DEALER HE WAS TOLD THEY WOULD REPLACE THE TIRES. THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY FOR THE TIRES AND THE DEALER KEPT THE TWO TIRES HE REPLACED. THE TIRES ARE RADIAL ATX 235S.

1994 EXPLORER TIRE TREAD HAS CRACKS ON ALL FOUR TIRES. *TS *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AFTER THE VEHICLE COLLIDED INTO A STONE WALL WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE AND WAS DEEMED TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED RECALL LETTER # 01X001000 FOR THE TIRES: TREAD/BELT WAS RECEIVED FROM BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE FOR THE TIRES ON THE 1994 FORD EXPLORER. THE PAPERWORK WAS RETURNED TO THE MANUFACTURER FOR THE REFUND, BUT THE REFUND WAS DENIED.

WHEN I BOUGHT MY FORD EXPLORER USED IN 1997 WITH 39,000 MILES ON IT THE TIRES WERE BLOATED OUT OF SHAPE AND THE VEHICAL SHOOK VIOLENTLY AT ANY SPEED ABOVE 35 MPH. I REPLACED THE TIRES BECAUSE THEY WERE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THEN THE TIRES WERE RE-CALLED. I CONTACTED FIRESTONE AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD NOT REIMBURSE ME FOR THE TIRES BECAUSE I DID NOT SAVE THEM AFTER THEY WERE REMOVED AND I COULD NOT PROVE I EVER HAD THEM. NOW I HAVE A RECALL FOR THE SPARE TIRE (WHICH IS THE ORIGIONAL FIRESTONE ATX DEFECTIVE TIRE. I CONTACTED FIRESTONE BY EMAIL WITH THIS FACT AND FIRESTONE IS IGNORING ME. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT I NEED TO DO NOW THAT I HAVE THE PROOF THAT FIRESTONE DEMANDED THAT THEY SOLD ME DEFECTIVE TIRES. THANKS, JOHN ULRICH. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 72 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE TWO FRONT TIRES BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND EMBANKED INTO A DITCH. THERE WAS NO WARNING SIGNALS PRIOR THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE DEALER WHO PROVIDED USED TIRES TO MAKE THE VEHICLE OPERABLE. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGES TO THE FRONT END, WHICH THE TIRE DEALER DID NOT RECOGNIZE AS CONSEQUENCE OF THE TIRE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECENTLY, RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER # 00T005000, WHICH WAS TAKEN TO THE TIRE DEALER. THE RECALL LETTER WAS NOT HONORED FOR THE TIRES REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT WAS ONLY ALLOWED TO KEEP THE USED TIRES PROVIDED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE INCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE TIRES WERE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT I, SIZE: 23575R/15.

MY SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THIS CAR ON THE INTERSTATE. SHE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM BEHIND THE CAR AND PULLED OFF. A FIRE FIGHTER HAPPENED TO BE BEHIND HER AND HE OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW THE TOP OF THE ENGINE ON FIRE. HE CUT THE BATTERY CABLES AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. DAMAGE TO THE CAR WAS MINIMAL. THE ENGINE WIRING AND HOSES WERE EITHER COMPLETELY MELTED OR DAMAGED IN SOME WAY. THE FIRE BURNED FROM CENTER ENGINE AND MOVE ACROSS TO THE LEFT REAR. *JB

VEHICLE'S AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ENGAGED AT 2500 RPM DURING A CA. STATE SMOG INSPECTION . RESULTED IN TECHNICIAN BEING PINNED AND CRUSHED TO VEHICLE PARKED IN FRONT . TECH WAS AMBULANCED TO HOSPITAL WITH SEVERE LOWER LEG AND ANKLE INJURIES TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT AT OTHER SHOP AFTER SAID FAILURE. *JB

(1) PURCHASE OF A NEW 2002 FORD EXPLORER; (2) DEFECTIVE VEHICLE FROM THE ONSET. ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH SERIOUS "SAFETY" ISSUES. (3) HAVE REPEATED TAKEN THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP, BUT THE PROBLEMS HAVE NOT BEEN RECTIFIED. *NM

CONSUMER COMPLAINT REGARDING THE BRIDGESTONE FIRESTONE NORTH AMERICAN TIRE RECALL IN 2000 AND 2001**CC THE CONSUMER DIDN'T RECEIVE THE RECALL INFORMATION UNTIL AFTER HE HAD ALREADY REPLACED HIS FAULTY TIRES (1993 AND 1994 FORD EXPLORER XL 4X4). THE RECALL INDICATED THAT THE CONSUMER COULD TAKE HIS RECEIPT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP TO BE REIMBURSED. THE LOCAL DEALER REFUSED TO HANDLE THE PROCESSING OF THE PAPERWORK. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER WHO GRACIOUSLY PROCESSED THE PAPERWORK, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER STILL WASN'T REIMBURSED FOR THE TIRES. *NM

I EXPERIENCED AN UNEXPLAINABLE VIBRATION IN MY VEHICLE 2 DAYS PRIOR TO MY TIRE ( UNIROYAL RADIAL TRAIL KING A/T 31-10.50/R15) HAVING A TREAD SEPARATION/BLOWOUT ON MY TRUCK. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SEARCH FOR WHERE I COULD OBTAIN A REPLACEMENT , I FOUND A RECALL ( NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 91T001000) FOR THESE TIRES. I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER UNIROYAL WHO INSTRUCTED ME TO GO TO SEARS & ROEBUCK AUTOMOTIVE. I WAS THEN INFORMED BY SEARS THAT THEY DO NOT DEAL IN UNIROYAL TIRES AND COULD NOT HELP ME. I THEN RE-CONTACTED UNIROYAL AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND THIS RECALL EVEN THOUGH I COULD SUPPLY THEM WITH THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID. I WAS THEN TOLD THAT IT WAS IRRELEVANT BECAUSE MY TIRES ARE OVER 6 YRS OLD ANYWAY ( * THESE TIRES WERE STORED IN LIKE "NEW" CONDITION, DEW TO MY DEPLOYMENT IN THE MILITARY). I EXPERIENCED THIS BLOWOUT WITHIN ONLY A FEW HUNDRED MILES AFTER REMOUNTING THEM ( THIS CAN BE TOLD BY THE EXTREME AMOUNT OF TREAD THAT IS ON THE TIRES , REGARDLESS OF THERE MANUFACTURE DATE. THIS VEHICLE STILL HAS THREE MORE OF THESE TIRES ON IT AND I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN. THIS WAS NOT A SIMPLE FLAT TIRE, THIS TIRE EXPLODED AND TREAD SEPARATED SIMILAR TO HOW A TRACTOR TRAILER TIRE VIOLENTLY BLOWS. THESE ARE NOT THE ORIGINAL TIRES THAT CAME ON THIS TRUCK , MY COMPLAINT IS AGAINST UNIROYAL NOT THE CAR MANUFACTURER. *JB

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD EXPLORER THAT CAUGHT ON FIRE AND EXPLODED. SHE BELIEVES THIS WAS RELATED TO THE FORD RECALL 05V388000 CONCERNING THE SCDS. THIS HAPPENED ON 9-22-05. THE CAR WAS PARKED, AND THE FIRE DID ORIGINATE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE WERE CALLED. SHE REPORTED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD INTERMITTENTLY GO OUT AND NOT WORK. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. SHE TOOK PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE. HAD NO ANYONE TO TELL HER THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. BUT, BECAUSE OF THE RECALLS A AND THE RECENT PROBLEMS WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL THE CONTACT FELT THIS WAS RELATED TO THE FORD RECALLS OF SCDS WHICH CAUSED COMPARTMENT FIRES. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD HER SHE WOULD NEED THE VIN NUMBER BEFORE THEY COULD TELL HER IF HER VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A RECALL. SHE HAS NOT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER. *AK

I BOUGHT THIS 1994 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER SUV FROM A DEALER. THE CAR HAD A PROBLEM WITH ALARM SO THE DEALER REMOVED IT. THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF. A WEEK AFTER THE PURCHASE, WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE STOPS, CAR COMES TO A HALT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, AND THE STEERING LOCKS. I ALMOST GOT HIT BY A TRUCK. IT STARTS BACK ON AFTER FEW MINUTES. IT DOES NOT START IF HAZARDS, HEADLIGHTS OR ANY ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ARE ON. AFTER THAT THE SAME THING HAPPENED 5 TIMES IN 2 WEEKS ONCE AT NIGHT 12''O CLOCK. IT IS HIGHLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR NOW. I'M NOT DRIVING IT ANYMORE. THE DEALER DOES NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE THE CAR BACK. *JB

DT: 1994, FORD, EXPLORER LIMITED, CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHCILE STARTED SMOKING. CONSUMER STARTED HAVING BREATHING PROBLEMS. THE SMOKE STARTED THICK, AND CONSUMER COULDN'T SEE, AND HE PULLED OVER. WHEN THE CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE CAR HE EEN SPARKS, THEN THE CAR BLEW UP. OWNER HAD NO PHYSICAL INJURIES. THE FIRE WAS SO HOT THAT TIRES MELTED AND EVEN THE KEYS MELTED. *AK

THE BRAKES WERE MAKING NOISE AND LOCKING UP WHEN THEY WERE APPLIED. TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR CHECK UP, AND RESULTS SHOWED THAT THEY WERE WORN OUT AND LEAKING FLUID. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY CONSUMER.*AK ABS SYSTEM WAS CONTAMINATED. FOUR TIMES IN FEB., 2005 THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MIDAS. THE CONSUMER ASKED THE MIDAS MANAGER TO CHECK THE BRAKED BECAUSE HE FELT THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THEM. EACH TIME THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE BRAKES WERE FINE. MIDAS AUTO CORP WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE IS PARKED IN HIS DRIVEWAY AND IN NOT DRIVABLE. *BF *NM

VEHICLE WAS ON THE ROAD WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR CHECKUP, BUT THE CAUSE WAS UNDETERMINED AT THIS TIME.*AK

THE BRAKES WERE MAKING NOISE AND LOCKING UP WHEN THEY WERE APPLIED. TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR CHECK UP, AND RESULTS SHOWED THAT THEY WERE WORN OUT AND LEAKING FLUID. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY CONSUMER.*AK

THE BRAKES ARE MAKING A GRINDING NOISE AND LOCKING UP WHEN THEY ARE APPLIED. TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR A CHECK UP, AND RESULTS SHOW THAT THERE IS FLUID LEAKAGE AND BRAKES ARE WORN OUT.*AK

1994 FORD EXPLORER - SPARE TIRE DROPPED ON HIGHWAY AT 65 MILES PER HOUR. TIRE BOUNCED IN AIR 3 - 4 FEET IN FRONT ON VEHICLE FOLLOWING, WHICH SWERVED TO AVOID. CABLE SUPPORTING SPARE TIRE HAD RUSTED THROUGH. TYPICAL UNDER VEHICLE SUPPORT SYSTEM ON PICKUPS AND SUVS.

CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING UNDER DASH TOTAL LOSS TO VEHICLE. *AK

ON JULY 31, 2004, AT 5:00AM, I WAS AWAKEN BY POUNDING ON MY DOORS AND WINDOWS. AS I WAS COMING DOWN THE STAIRS I LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW CAUSE I SAW ALOT OF LIGHT. I OPENED THE DOOR TO FIND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TELLING ME AND MY KIDS TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE. HE STATED THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. THIS HAD HAPPEN AFTER MY CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE SAME SPOT SINCE 7:00PM THE PRIOR DAY. MY VEHICLE WAS A 1994 FORD EXPLORER XL, 4 DOOR. THANK GOD THAT SOMEONE HAD SAW IT BECAUSE WHERE MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED WAS RIGHT NEXT TO MY GAS METER ON THE HOUSE. THIS COULD OF KILLED ME AND MY CHILDREN. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO PRY OPEN MY HOOD TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. THEY EVEN TRYED BREAKING OUT MY WINDOW TO GET TO IT. BY THEN THE WHOLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS DESTROYED THE DASH BOARD, GLOVE BOX AND EVERYTHING IN THE FRONT END WAS DESTROYED. I ONLY HAD NO-FAULT INSURANCE SO THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING TO BE DONE. I DIDN'T RECEIVE ANYTHING TO HELP ME FIX OR REPLACE IT. I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK TO TAKE IT AWAY. I DIDN'T RECEIVE ANYTHING FROM THEM EITHER. I DID TAKE PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE AFTER THIS HAPPENED.