1996 FORD Explorer Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
VIN Decoder
1640
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
TIRES
629 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE HAD TBC CORPORATION, STAMPEDE SIGMA TIRES, SIZE P255/70/R16 WITH DOT#UPCUTX61707. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE SUDDENLY BLEW OUT, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND ROLL OVER 5 TIMES BEFORE IT WENT AIRBORNE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED ON SITE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
Aug 25, 2011
ON JULY 28, AT APPROX 4PM EST WE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE THAT CAUSED OUR FORD EXPLORER TO TEMPORARILY LOSS CONTROL. THE TIRE WAS A FIRESTONE WILDERNESS TIRE THAT WAS PROVIDED BY FORD FOR A RECALL REPLACEMENT ABOUT 8 OR 9 YEARS AGO. THE RIGHT PASSENGER FRONT TIRE SEPARATED ON RT I95 NEAR THE SHARON, MA EXIT. LOUD SOUNDS CAME FROM ENGINE AREA OF CAR AND TREAD HIT SIDE OF CAR AND FP WINDOW. CAR BEGAN TO LOSS CONTROL, BUT THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STABILIZE AND PULL OFF OF THE HIGHWAY. WE WERE TRAVELING FROM PA TO MA (WE LEFT CONSHOHCKEN, PA AT 9:45 AM) AND I WAS AVERAGING 65 TO 70 MILES PER HOUR, BUT WAS SLOWING DOWN WHEN TREAD SEPARATED. I WAS MOVING FROM THE RIGHT TO THE LEFT LANE, EXIT WAS ABOUT 1 TO 2 MILES AHEAD OF US. THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WELL PLASTIC COVERING, SOME AIR CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT, AND THE RADIO ANTENNA ALL HAVE BEEN DAMAGED. THERE IS SOME PAINT DAMAGE ON RIGHT SIDE OF CAR AND THE AND RUNNING BOARD SEEMS TO HAVE SOME DAMAGE AS WELL. A ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PERSON CAME TO HELP US REMOVE THE TIRE AND REPLACE IT WITH A SPARE. WE BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO A FIRESTONE DEALER IN BROCKTEN, MA AND WAS TOLD THAT FIRESTORE WOULD LIKELY FIX THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR. THERE WERE FOUR OF US IN THE CAR, WE WERE ALL SHAKEN UP, AND BUMPED AROUND, NO ONE WAS CUT. A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PERSON, BUT NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. *TR
Jul 28, 2010
1996 FORD EXPLORER ACCIDENT DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION. CW ACCORDING TO AN EYE WITNESS STATEMENT, THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE CROSSED SEVERAL LANES, STRUCK A GUARDRAIL AND WENT AIRBORNE AND LANDED ON IT'S ROOF. THE WITNESS STATED TWO PEOPLE WERE EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY DIED. (LAWYER WROTE IN ON BEHALF OF CLIENTS) *JB
Feb 23, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE HAS GOODYEAR WRANGLER TIRES, SIZE P235/75/R15. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED ABNORMAL VIBRATION IN THE VEHICLE AND HEARD ROAD NOISE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT ALL OF THE TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE AND SUSTAINED ABNORMAL GROOVES IN THE TREAD. THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED THAT THE TIRES BE REPLACED. THE TIRES HAVE NOT YET BEEN REPLACED AND THE CONTACT STILL HAS THEM IN HIS POSSESSION. HE CALLED THE PLACE FROM WHERE THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED AND WAS NOT PROVIDED ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 4,000. UPDATED 05/05/09. *LJ
Mar 05, 2009
FIRESTONE TIRE P235 75 R15 FR480 MS SEPARATED CAUSING OUR FORDEXPLORER TO ROLL OVER. NEAR VENUS, TEXAS ON HWY 67 SOUTH. *TR
May 28, 2008
+ 624 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
119 complaints
SAFETY RECALL 09S09 - SCDS (SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH) ON FORD MODELS MADE AFTER 95 WITH A TEXAS MADE DEACTIVATION SWITCH THAT WAS MADE POORLY. I PURCHASED A 1996 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION 4X4 TRUCK IN DECEMBER OF 2016, FROM A PRIVATE PARTY IN NEVADA.THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED MAINLY SO I COULD DELIVER AS PART OF MY JOB DESCRIPTION AND NEEDED SOMETHING WITH 4X4 SINCE I LIVE IN SNOW. DID A TEST DRIVE, EVERYTHING SEEMED TO WORK PROPERLY AND DRIVE NICELY, DROVE IT FROM RENO, NV TO PORTOLA, CA ABOUT 62 MILES, EVERYTHING STILL FINE. THE NEXT DAY I GOT INTO THE VEHICLE, WAS HEADING TO THE GAS STATION WHEN I REALIZED THE SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, THE ARM WENT TO 20MPH AND DROPPED TO 0 AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHIFTED BAD FROM LOW TO HIGH GEARS ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. AS I CONTINUED TO DRIVE, THE RPM WENT HIGH, LITTLE OVER 3RPH AND FELT LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS STICKING OVER DRIVE LIGHT FLASHES, THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. DID A CODE READER AND SAID MY SEED SENSOR WAS NO GOOD. REPLACED THE VSS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF FOR ABOUT 15 MILES, THEN SAME ISSUE.I DID A FULL TIME UP, NO CHANGE,DID ANOTHER READING, SAME CODE FOR SPEED SENSOR REPLACED AGAIN, SAME ISSUE. SEEN ONLINE I HAVE A RECALL ON THE SPEED SENSOR AND CRUISE CONTROL, MADE APPOINTMENT WITH FORD AFTER FLEXPLATE SHREDDED, FORD SENT ME TO A "FRIENDS" MECHANIC WHO REFUSED TO TOUCH MY TRUCK WHO THEN SENT ME TO ANOTHER MECHANIC UNTIL I CALLED FORD AGAIN WHO RESCHEDULED ME TO COME BACK A WEEK LATER. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR ESPECIALLY IN AND OUT OF STATE DUE TO THIS RECALL AND THE SAFETY CONCERNS THAT GO WITH IT. I'D LIKE HELP ON WHAT I CAN DO IN THIS SITUATION AND BE REIMBURSED FOR THE TIME I HAVEN'T DRIVEN MY VEHICLE OR BEEN ABLE TO PERFORM MY DUTIES AT WORK, AND THE MONEY I'VE SPENT FIXING THE ISSUE THAT SHOULDN'T EVEN EXIST.
May 12, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 80 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMALLY LOUD SNAPPING SOUND AS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ASSEMBLY FRACTURED FROM THE FIREWALL AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Dec 09, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND SHE TRIED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SHE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL AND TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 179,321.
Dec 01, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER. SHE STATED THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR. WHEN THE CONTACT RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH HAD OVERHEATED AND MELTED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THERE WAS NOT A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 91,309.
Jun 28, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED REPAIRS FOR RECALL 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) IN APRIL 2010. HOWEVER, THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS HAD MELTED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SEPARATE FROM THE RECALL PROBLEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL PRIOR TO THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 12,700. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 127,155.
May 24, 2010
+ 114 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
104 complaints
DRIVING TRUCK DOWN WISCONSIN AVENUE IN APPLETON WHEN TRUCK REFUSED TO SHIFT. IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT TRUCK INTO TO WISCONSIN MOTORS SALES AND SERVICE AND WAS INFORMED THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED IN TRUCK. TRUCK HAD JUST BEEN PURCHASED TEN DAYS EARLIER. *TR
Aug 13, 2013
OUR 96 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION HAS SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR AT UNPREDICTABLE TIMES, SPEEDS, AND INCLINES. ONLY HAVE HAD A BACK BUMPER "BUMPED" WHEN THIS HAPPENED, BUT WOULD REALLY LIKE FOR SOME DEPT OR ENTITY TO REFER US TO A TRULY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION SHOP OR OTHER HELPFUL SOURCE. *TR
Feb 23, 2010
4X4 FAILS TO ACTIVATE LEAVING VEHICLE IMPAIRED IN 2 WHEEL MODE DURING CRITICAL DRIVING TIMES. SWITCH ON DASH GOES OUT, APPEARS TO BE FAILURE OF 4X4 CONTROL MODULE AND TRANSFER MOTOR. PROBLEM OCCURS AFTER BATTERY HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED. REPAIR FOR VEHICLE REQUIRES CHANGING OUT CONTROL MODULE OR TRANSFER CASE MOTOR. PROBLEM APPEARS TO OCCUR IN ALL MODELS OF FORD EXPLORER 1991 - TO DATE. *TR
Jan 03, 2009
DT: THE VEHICLE STARTED ON FEBRUARY 2, 2005 TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, AND THEY SAID THE WATER PUMP WENT OUT, BUT DID NOT REPLACE IT. ALSO, THERE WAS A RADIATOR LEAK. THEY DID NOT REPLACE ANYTHING. WHEN PUTTING THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR THE TRUCK WILL JERK. FORD SAID THIS WAS THE WAY IT WAS SUPPOSE TO DRIVE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THEY SAID IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC COULD TELL IT WAS NOT HOOKED UP PROPERLY. NOW THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THIS WAS WHY THE VEHICLE WAS TORN UP DUE TO THE WAY FORD HAD THE CONSUMER DRIVE THE VEHICLE.*AK
Sep 22, 2005
THURSDAY JULY 29TH,2004 STARTED TO MAKE LEFT TURN STALLED ROLLED OUT OF WAY OF TO AVOID ACCIDENT.FEW SECONDS LATER WAS ABLE TO GO FORWARD DROVE APP.20 MILES NO PROBLEMS,NORMAL.PARKED IN DRIVE VEHICLE SAT OVER NIGHT APP.14HRS.JULY 30TH DROVE APP.5-6 MILES THEN BEGIN TO NOT FEEL GEARS SHIFTING,DROVE HOME.PARKED WAITED 3-4 HRS CHECKED TRANSMISSIOM FLUID DID NOT LOOK RIGHT.WAITED OVER NIGHT WAS TOLD LOOKED LIKE WATER IN FLUID,WAS TOLD TO CHECK RADIATOR,FOUND TRANSMISSION FLUID IN RADIATOR.HOW DID THIS HAPPEN.NO WARNING,NOTHING. *AK
Aug 02, 2004
+ 99 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
86 complaints
1996 FORD EXPLORER WITH BRAKE PROBLEMS. CONSUMER STATES THAT BRAKE PEDAL IS LOCATED TO CLOSE TO THE FLOOR BOARD. AND IS TO CLOSE TO THE ACCELERATOR CAUSING YOU TO HIT THE ACCELERATOR AND THE BRAKE PEDAL AT THE SAME TIME. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKE, HIS FOOT ALSO HIT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
Apr 14, 2008
ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED CAUSING A NONE TO VERY LITTLE BAKING. 2ND TIME WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKES CAUSING A REAR END COLLISION. *NM
Sep 18, 2006
BRAKE FAILURE - REAR BRAKES FAILED, BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. BRAKE LINE RUSTED OUT AT REAR BY AXLE. NEW LINE INSTALLED. GARAGE SAID COMMON PROBLEM ON FORDS.
Jun 21, 2005
WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKE, THEY LOCKED UP AND THE VEHICLE SLID AND REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THEN ROLLED OVER. *AK
Mar 23, 2005
ANTI-BRAKE SENSORS REPLACED TWICE SINCE OWNING CAR. *JB
Sep 05, 2004
+ 81 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
81 complaints
SUV SUSPENSION SWAYS LIKE ITS ABOUT TO FLIP. THE DRIVER MUST SLOW DOWN TO REGAIN STABILITY. THIS OCCURS ALWAYS WHEN INCREASING SPEED WHILE IN PASSING LANE OR DURING RAPID ACCELERATION! I FEAR THIS WILL CAUSE A WREAK IN THE FUTURE! *TR
Nov 20, 2014
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A STRANGE NOISE. HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SWAY BAR FAILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V402000 (SUSPENSION); THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 105,000.
Apr 30, 2009
DRIVER SIDE FRONT TORSION BAR BROKE/SPLIT, APPROXIMATELY AT ITS HALF LENGTH POSITION, WHILE SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY DURING THE SUMMER. FIX WAS TO DONATE VEHICLE. *TR
Jul 15, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 45-55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING AND COULD NOT BE STEERED. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED AND ROLLED OVER. THE CONTACT AND HER BABY RECEIVED MINOR BRUISES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES AVAILABLE. HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V402000 (SUSPENSION). THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 140,000.
Apr 03, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF HER VEHICLE WHEN SHE DROVE OVER A BUMP. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE SUSPENSION (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 00V402000) HOWEVER; THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE REPAIR WAS PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 164,827. UPDATED 04/11/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE SWAY BAR LINK BROKE. UPDATED
Mar 25, 2008
+ 76 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
78 complaints
1996 FORD EXPLORER VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE TRAVELING. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0629-91)8JB UPDATED 04/22/11 *BF
Dec 06, 2010
FIRST MY ENGINE SEEMED TO OVERHEAT A BIT THEN EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE IT WOULD SOUND LIKE THE ENGINE WAS GRINDING ON SOMETHING AND WOULDN'T STOP.. SOUNDED LIKE A BUNCH OF CHAINS IN MY HOOD. BUT THEN ON OCCASIONS THE STUPID THING WOULDN'T SHUT OFF WHEN IT WAS MAKING THE CHAIN SOUND, EVEN WITH MY KEY OUT. IT JUST HAPPENED AGAIN AND NOW THE THING SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING AND I HAVE NO POWER WHAT SO EVER IN MY VEHICLE. BEFORE WHEN IT FINALLY SHUT OFF IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS ABOUT TO SPARK. THEN IT WAS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE THAT WASN'T COOL. *TR
Oct 10, 2008
I HAD TO REPLACE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD OF THE 1996 FORD EXPLORER AT MILE NUMBER 163400 ON MARCH 30, 2007. IT WAS LEAKING AT #1 CYLINDER. THERE WAS A 'ECRET WARRANTY' IN EFFECT. I BELEIVED FOR EXPLORER'S 10 YEARS OLD AND YOUNGER. MINE WAS JUST OVER THE 10 YEAR MARK. *AK
Jun 16, 2007
ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 11, 2005 WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY I EXPIRED A SUDDEN SPIKE IN TEMPERATURE ON MY 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. AFTER TAKING MY CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP I WAS INFORMED THAT MY "PLASTIC" INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD CRACKED. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE CURRENT INVESTIGATION AND HAD NEVER RECEIVED ANY SORT OF CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION FROM FORD. I HEARD ABOUT THE MANIFOLD ISSUE FROM A FELLOW EMPLOYEE. THE TOTAL COST OF REPAIRS FOR THIS FAULTY MANIFOLD WAS $978.00. I FEEL IF THEY KNEW THEY NEEDED TO UPDATE IT WITH AN ALUMINUM MANIFOLD THAN THEY KNEW THE PLASTIC ONES WERE FAULTY.*JB
Dec 14, 2005
CONTINUOUS ISSUES WITH THE PCV/EGR SINCE VEHICLE PURCHASE IN 1998. SPENT OVER $1200 ATTEMPTING TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. BOTH INDEPENDENT AND DEALER MECHANICS HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH NO SUCCESS. THE CEL LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR OVER THREE YEARS NOW BECAUSE I NO LONGER WISHED TO SPEND MONEY DIAGNOSING THIS PROBLEM. *JB
Dec 28, 2004
+ 73 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
72 complaints
WHILE STATIONARY AND PREPARING TO SAFELY OPERATE THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RECEPTACLE DOES NOT RETAIN THE SEAT BELT. IT MAY HOLD FOR A BRIEF MOMENT, BUT THEN RELEASES THE BELT RENDERING THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM INEFFECTIVE AND UNSAFE.
Sep 14, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WAS JAMMED AND WOULD NOT UNLATCH. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO CUT THE SEAT BELT. JIM HUDSON FORD (1201 W MAIN ST, LEXINGTON, SC) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 672,000.
Feb 05, 2018
THE DRIVERS SEATBELT WILL NOT REMAIN LATCHED. I WILL BE DRIVING ALONG WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SEATBELT WILL RELEASE FOR NO REASON. IT DOES IT NO MATTER IF YOU ARE DRIVING, SITTING STILL OR WHATEVER. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE LAST MONTH AND IT IS GETTING WORSE.
Dec 04, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN FOR INSPECTION OR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000.
Feb 03, 2014
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT NO LONGER LATCHES. RELEASE BUTTON DOES NOT RETURN TO NORMAL POSITION. *TR
Apr 21, 2013
+ 67 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
46 complaints
SUDDEN UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION: ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, FROM YEARS 1998-2015. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED IN TOWN, 1998. I HAD TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO DISENGAGE THE SURGING ACCELERATOR. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. PERHAPS A FLOOR MAT PROBLEM, THEY SAID. I REPLACED THE MATS WITH AN AFTER MARKET PAIR- SUV COMPATIBLE AND MUD RESISTANT WITH MANY, GRIPPERS ON THE UNDERSIDE. WITHIN A YEAR, I QUIT DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND MY HUSBAND TOOK THE EXPLORER AS HIS DAILY DRIVER. HE NEVER EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM, I HAD HAD. I SOLD MY CAR AFTER RETIREMENT AND ON OCCASION NOW DRIVE THE 1996 FORD EXPLORER AGAIN. I HAVE HAD TWO MORE INCIDENTS OF SUA WITHIN 2014-2015 - BOTH ON THE INTERSTATE, BOTH WITH THE REPLACEMENT MATS. AT THE BEGINNING OF BOTH TRIPS, I ENSURED THAT THE MAT LOOKED A SAFE DISTANCE FROM THE PEDALS. BUT-BOTH TIMES, THAT THE UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION HAPPENED, I REACHED DOWN AND GRABBED THE MAT BEHIND MY FEET AND PULLED IT AWAY FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THIS DISENGAGED THE RUNAWAY SPEED. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS NOT ONLY THE MANUFACTURING STRUCTURE OF THE MATS, BUT THE SIZE/SHAPE OF THE FORD PEDAL. THE PEDAL SIZE IS A PROBLEM FOR SHORT STATURE DRIVERS. I AM 5'1" AND I MUST PULL THE SEAT FAR ENOUGH FORWARD TO REACH THE PEDAL, BUT TRY TO STAY A SAFE DISTANCE AWAY FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG. THIS LEAVES ME STRETCHING MY FOOT/TOES TO REACH THE PEDAL AND APPLYING PRESSURE IN AN AREA THAT CAUSES THE FLOOR MAT TO GET STUCK UNDER THE ACCEL. PEDAL. I DID REMOVE THE MAT, COMPLETELY!, NOW! ALL THREE INCIDENTS WERE UNEXPECTED AND PANIC ATTACKS TO MY CORE. I AM IMMENSELY FORTUNATE TO NOT HAVE KILLED SOMEONE OR MYSELF. IT REALLY CONCERNS ME THAT SOMEONE ELSE WOULD OWN MY FORD EXPLORER, AND NOT KNOW OF THIS HIDDEN DANGER. MY VEHICLE HAS ONLY ABOUT 84,000 MILES ON IT.
Sep 02, 2016
GAS PEDAL MOUNTING BRACKET SEPARATED FROM FIREWALL. *TR
Jan 30, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFTGATE ASSIST GAS CYLINDER BRACKET SNAPPED AT THE WELDING POINT, WHICH CAUSED THE LIFTGATE TO CLOSE WITHOUT WARNING. AS OF OCTOBER 16, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V137000 (STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: SUPPORT DEVICE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 134,000.
Oct 16, 2007
GAS PEDAL CAME OFF FROM ITS MOUNTING TO FLOOR BOARD DRIVING WHILE VEHICLE. MOUNTING PLATE SEEMS TO HAVE ONLY ONE BOLT SECURING IT TO THE FLOORBOARD. THEIR ARE THREE MOUNTING HOLES FOR THE PEDDLE BACKING PLATE AND THREE HOLES THROUGH FLOOR BOARD. TOP HOLE HAD STRESSED METAL INDICATIVE OF WHAT EVER WAS USED TO HOLD GAS PEDDLE BACKING PLATE. LUCKY US FOR JUST GETTING OFF THE EXPRESS WAY. SOMETHING BAD COULD HAPPEN TO ME AND MY WIFE. *TR
Aug 24, 2007
LIFTED THE HOOD OF THE TRUCK AND THE SUPPORTS FAILED. THE HOOD ALMOST CAME DOWN ON MY HEAD. *JB
Feb 12, 2007
+ 41 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
43 complaints
96' FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION CLIMATE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. IT ONLY BLOWS COOL AIR. SHOP WANTS $900 TO REPLACE THE BLEND DOOR. I CAN'T DRIVE DURING WINTER IF THE WINDOWS FROST OR FREEZING RAIN. IMPAIRED VISIBILITY. *TR
Nov 13, 2009
MY FORD EXPLORER '96 SUV CABIN CLIMATE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING 2 YRS AGO AT 70K MILES. IT ONLY BLOWS BURNING HOT AIR OR FREEZING COLD AIR. DEALER WANTS $900 TO REPLACE THE BLEND DOOR. FORD WILL NOT FIX THIS. THE VEHICLE WAS EXPENSIVE & THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT RUINS THE UTILITY OF THE VEHICLE. IN WINTER, WINDOWS FROST IMPAIRING VISIBILITY. THIS IS THE TOP-OF-THE-LINE EDDIE BAUER EDITION...FORD NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS MANUFACTURING DEFECTS. *JB
Oct 15, 2007
FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL TO OPERATE DURING WET/RAINING WEATHER. THE CONDITION IS INTERMITTENT, IE MOST WET CONDITIONS CAUSE THIS 'LOCK-UP' CONDITION. TURNING IGNITION OFF-AND-ON AGAIN IN ATTEMPT TO RESET FUNCTION DOES NOT WORK. IN ADDITION THE INTERIOR LIGHTS, REAR WIPER, ALL POWER WINDOWS, AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE FUNCTIONS FAIL. THE DEALERSHIP ENDED UP REPLACING THE, YOU GUESSED IT, GEM MODULE - THE SAME ONE CITED IN THE RECALL FOR OTHER YEAR VEHICLES. THERE IS A RECALL (NUMBER 00V072000) FOR A SIMILAR PROBLEM ON THE SAME VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL BUT FOR YEARS 1999 AND 2000. THIS IS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER 4X4 AND HAS EXHIBITED THIS PROBLEM FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW, ONLY RECENTLY WAS THE DEALERSHIP ABLE TO DETERMINE THAT THE GEM MODULE WAS THE APPARENT CULPRIT. *NM
Jan 27, 2007
THE AIR CONDITIONING BLEND DOOR ON MY CAR IS STUCK AND WILL NOT DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD EVEN ON COLD WINTER AND ICE DAYS, INCLUDING DURING ICE STORMS. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE WE CANNOT GET THE ICE OFF THE WINDSHIELD. WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THIS PROBLEM RESOLVED AND FIXED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY FOR A LONG TIME NOW WITH NO RESULTS. NOW THAT ITS SUMMER, THE BLEND DOOR IS STUCK ON HOT AND ITS ONLY BLOWING COMPLETELY HOT AIR - THIS IS DUE TO A KNOWN DESIGN AND MATERIAL DEFECT WITH THE BLEND DOOR AND HAS BEEN REPORTED BY THOUSANDS OF OWNERS FOR ALL 1995 - 1999 FORD EXPLORERS AND STILL FORD REFUSES TO FIX IT AND TO PROVIDE COVERAGE TO ITS CONSUMERS TO FIX IT. IN THE WINTERS THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE OF THE CAR'S INABILITY TO DEFROST/DEFOG THE WINDSHIELD. *JB
Jun 15, 2006
FORD EXPLORER REAR WINDOW: ON 4/19/2006, TEMP. NEVER REACHED OVER 80 DEGREES AND THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED. SUMMER OF 2005, I HAVE 5 CO-WORKERS STATED THEIR REAR WINDOW EXPLODED AS WELL. THE COMPANY WHO REPLACED THE REAR WINDOW, STATED THEY (FORD EXP.) ARE NOTORIOUS FOR THIS. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL FOR THIS OR FORD BE MADE TO PUT A HIGHER QUALITY WINDOW IN? *JB
May 24, 2006
+ 38 more complaints for this component
STEERING
40 complaints
WAS DRIVING A 1996 FORD EXPLORER ON DRY CONCRETE ON A 2 YEAR OLD (I.E., IN GREAT CONDITION) INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT 75 MPH. WAS DRIVING PERFECTLY STRAIGHT, NOT CHANGING LANES, NOTHING. SUDDENLY AND VIOLENTLY, THE VEHICLE SWERVED FIRST TO THE LEFT, THEN TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WENT OVER AN ICE HUMP ON THE SIDE OF THE RIGHT SHOULDER, WENT AIRBORNE, AND SLID TO A STOP IN THE DITCH. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, NO SEAT BELT BRUISES, SO VERY FORTUNATE THAT THE RUNOUT WAS CLEAR AND SMOOTH. THE 2 DRIVER-SIDE TIRES WERE FLAT AND NO LONGER MOUNTED ON THE RIMS. BOTH DRIVER-SIDE RIMS WERE BENT, BOTH DRIVER SIDE HUBS WERE BENT, REAR AXLE WAS BENT. ITEM OF NOTE -- THE TIRES WERE FINE, AND ARE STILL IN-USE ON THE VEHICLE AFTER REPAIRS WERE MADE. NO PATCHES WERE NECESSARY. DRIVER AND PASSENGER ARE ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE THAT THIS WAS A VEHICLE MALFUNCTION, NOT CAUSED BY DRIVER ERROR OR ROAD CONDITIONS. 2 REPAIR SHOPS (FORD DEALERSHIP AND INDEPENDENT SHOP) COULD FIND NO CAUSE FOR THE SWERVING. *JB
Feb 20, 2007
1996 EXPLORER FRONT END BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY. VEHICLE THEN PULLED TO THE RIGHT AND CONSUMER LOST CONTROL STRIKING A GUARD RAIL. *TS THE STEERING ARM BROKE ON THE RIGHT WHEEL RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *NM
Feb 17, 2006
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH STEERING WHEEL TURNED RIGHT. WHEN CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE DIRECTION OF THE STEERING WHEEL VEHICLE ROLLED OVER SIX TIMES. NO REPORT OF AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES. *AK *TC
Dec 29, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 10-15 MPH VEHICLE STEERED LEFT. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE, AND HIT A CONCRETE DIVIDER, CAUSING $ 4000.00 DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. DEALER DETERMINED THAT SPINDLE ASSEMBLY HAD BROKEN ON RIGHT FRONT.*AK
Jun 18, 2002
RACK AND PINION STEERING IS LEAKING FLUID, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. *AK
Mar 18, 2002
+ 35 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
34 complaints
ALL FOUR WINDOWS INTERMITTENTLY STOP WORKING. CANNOT GO UP OR DOWN. DOESNT HAVE A PREFERENCE AS TO WHEN, HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS OFF OR ON.
Aug 30, 2018
WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO START MY FORD EXPLORER BY TURNING THE KEY IT WOULDN'T START IT WOULD MAKE A SLIGHT BUZZ BUT THAT WAS IT, SO I GOT ONE OF THE MECHANIC TO ASSIST ME AT MY JOB. HE TOLD ME THE BATTERY WAS GOOD, BECAUSE THE LIGHTS AND RADIO WAS WORKING. SO HE STARTED THE SUV BY PUTTING THE KEY IN THE START POSITION AND PLACING A SCREWDRIVER ACROSS THIS ONE PART MOUNTED UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER SIDE I WAS THEN ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. WHEN MY HUSBAND RETURNED FROM OUT TOWN I TOLD HIM ABOUT THE SITUATION AND HE ATTEMPTED TO START THE EXPLORER AND THE SAME THING OCCURRED, SO HE STARTED IT THE SAME WAY THAT THE MECHANIC DID. HOWEVER; THIS TIME HE WASN'T ABLE TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF. THE KEY JUST TURNS A FULL 360 DEGREE IN THE CHAMBER AND MAKES NO CONNECTION WITH ANYTHING. HE END UP DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY TO TURN OFF THE EXPLORER. THIS IS AN 1996 EDDIE BAUER EDITION. HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM. IF SO HOW DID YOU FIX IT AND THE COST? PLEASE REPORT THE SITUATION TO NHTSA. *TR
Sep 05, 2014
VEHICLE IS HIGHLY SUSPECTED OF HAVE THE ODOMETER TAMPERED WITH BY DEALER. MECHANICS HAVE CLAIMED ACTUAL MILEAGE AT TIME OF SALE WAS PROBABLY 172,428 INSTEAD OF 72,428. *TR
Aug 13, 2013
1996 FORD EXPLORER CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE WITHIN MINUTES.
Feb 03, 2010
ON MONDAY DEC 22 I DROVE MY EDDIE BAUER EXPLORER TO WORK PARKED IT AND WENT ON WITH MY DUTIES AT WORK WITHIN 5 MIN A RESIDENT PULLS UP TELLING ME THAT MY VEHICLE IS ON FIRE .THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD AND COMPLETELY BURNED THE WHOLE VEHICLE I AM LOOKING FOR A ANY INFORMATION THAT WOULD EXPLAIN THIS THANK YOU. *TR
Dec 23, 2008
+ 29 more complaints for this component
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
30 complaints
THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK PROPERLY, TRAPPING THE DRIVER AND CHILD IN THE VEHICLE. PRESSING THE 'UNLOCK' BUTTON DOES NOTHING. SO FAR, THE FORD DEALER WANTS AROUND $400 TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AND SAYS IT IS NOT A RECALL ITEM. *JB
Mar 28, 2005
1996 FORD EXPLORER ,OPENED LIFTGATE AND SUPPORT SHOCK POPPED OFF OF BRACKET THE BALL ON BRACKET BROKE OFF,NOW TALKED TO LOCAL DEALER SERVICE MANGER TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL,BUT HE SAID THERE WASNT,BUT HE SEEN OTHER EXPLORERS DO THE SAME THING,NOW LUCKILY THIS HAPPENED WHEN I WAS OPENING THE GATE,NOT WHEN I WAS UNDER THE GATE,WHICH MADE ME THINK THAT THIS COULD A VERY POTENTAL INJURIE,OR EVEN A LIFE THREATING HAZZARD IF IT WAS A SMALL PERSON LIKE A CHILD,IF THIS GATE LETS LOOSE WHEN SOMEONE IS UNDER IT.THIS GATE IS VERY HEAVY AND SLAMS VERY HARD WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF BOTH SHOCKS.*AK
Jan 03, 2005
REAR PASSENGER DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS WHICH MAY BE THE CAUSE OF DEFECT. *AK
Sep 29, 2004
BOTHE REAR DOORS DO NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE...SOMETIMES LEFT REAR DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE DUE TO CHILD SAFETY LATCH NOT WORKING PROPERLY.
Mar 17, 2004
DEFECT WITH FAULTY INTERIOR DOOR LATCH/RELEASE MECHANISM PREVENTS DOORS FROM BEING OPENED BY PASSENGERS.*MR *CB
Jul 28, 2003
+ 25 more complaints for this component
SEATS
25 complaints
DRIVERS SEATBACK FAILURE. THE DRIVERS SEAT IN OUR 1996 FORD EXPLORER COLLAPSED. THE UPPER PORTION OF OUR SEAT SUDDENLY FLEW BACKWARDS ONLY STOPPING WHEN IT STRUCK THE REAR SEAT. LUCKILY THIS FAILURE OCCURRED IN OUR DRIVEWAY. MY WIFE WAS HURLED BACKWARDS HER FEET FLYING UPWARDS AND STRIKING THE UNDERSIDE OF THE DASHBOARD. HER HANDS CAME OFF THE STEERING WHEEL AND SHE WAS LEFT PRONE STARING AT THE CEILING OF THE VEHICLE. THIS SHOULD BE A GREAT CONCERN TO NHTSA SINCE ANY DRIVER EXPERIENCING SUCH A FAILURE WHILE DRIVING WOULD BE IN GRAVE DANGER. AFTER REMOVING THE SEAT AND RESEARCHING ISSUES WITH EXPLORER SEATS I FOUND THE 1998 EXPLORER RECALL THAT EXACTLY DESCRIBED OUR SEAT FAILURE. THE SAME EXACT BOLT IN THE 1998 RECALL WAS THE CAUSE OF OUR SEAT COLLAPSE. I HAVE SAID BOLT ( BROKEN IN TWO PIECES)AND WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE NHTSA EXAMINING IT TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO BAD BOLTS OR IF THE SEAT DESIGN CAUSED THE BOLT TO FAIL. I HAVE SINCE REPLACED THE BOLT WITH A NEW BOLT AND STEEL SPACER (I BELIEVE THAT WAS THE REMEDY CALLED FOR IN THE 1998 RECALL) IF I HAD NOT REMOVED THE SEAT THE WHOLE PROCESS WOULD HAVE TAKEN UNDER 20 MINUTES AND THE PARTS CAN BE HAD FOR UNDER $2 . PLEASE CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG BUT DOESN'T YOUR WEB SEAT SAY THAT IF A SAFETY RELATED REPAIR IS NECESSARY THE MANUFACTURER WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR SAID REPAIR. THIS REPAIR CLEARLY FALLS INTO THAT CATEGORY. I WOULD HOPE NHTSA SHARES MY CONCERN AND DOES A THROUGH INVESTIGATION. THANK YOU, GREG CAMPBELL *TR
May 15, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE SITTING IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT OF THE VEHICLE, THE SEAT SPONTANEOUSLY COLLAPSED BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT CALLED A DEALER AND A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE EITHER THE RECLINER BOLTS OR THE SEAT ASSEMBLY AT HIS EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE RECLINER BOLTS, BUT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED BECAUSE IT WAS MANUFACTURED AT A DIFFERENT PLANT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED BECAUSE IT WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME MODEL. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
May 02, 2008
DT: THE DRIVER'S SEATS BROKE FROM THE METAL PART BY WHERE ONE ADJUSTS SEAT FORWARD AND BACKWARD. WAS SITTING IN THE SEAT AND THE BOLT THAT HOLDS SEAT IN PLACE BROKE. A MECHANIC THAT INSTALLS THE SEATS IN THE FORD EXPLORER COME LOOKED AT IT AND SAID IT SHOULD HAVE NEVER OF HAPPENED. WAS INJECTED INTO THE BACK SEAT, AND THEN GOT OUT. THEN HUSBAND GOT IN AND MOVED VEHICLE , INJECTED HIM FORWARD . ALSO, IT BLEW ALL THE ELECTRICAL FUSES , BOUGHT NEW FUSES AND NOW IT WORKS.*AK
Jun 06, 2005
MY FAMILY DROVE TO A STORE (6/21/04) AND LEFT OUR 1996 FORD EXPLORER IN THE PARKING LOT FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR. WHEN WE RETURNED THE FRONT OF THE CAB WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE. WE STARTED TRYING TO FIND WHAT SMELLED SO BAD, AND WHAT WAS SMOKING. MY HUSBAND REALIZED THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT. HE WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE SEAT UP (ELECTRONIC) AND AFTER BURNING HIS FINGER HE WAS ABLE TO UNPLUG THE SIX WAY SEAT ADJUSTMENT MOTOR. WHEN WE CALLED FORD THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING, BUT DID SAY THEY WOULD CHARGE US $72 TO DIAGNOSE WHAT WAS WRONG. IT IS EVIDENT THE ELECTRONIC MOTOR HAD CAUGHT FIRE AND HAS A HOLE BURNED THROUGH THE SIDE OF IT. IF WE HAD NOT RETURNED TO OUR SUV WE WOULD NOW HAVE ASHES, AS THE ELECTRIC POWER IS A CONSTANT FEED. I CONTACTED FORD, IN MICHIGAN, WITH THIS MATTER. I WAS TOLD ON 6/24/04 THAT I WOULD NEED TO PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC IN ORDER FOR FORD TO EVEN LOOK INTO THE MATTER. THEY STATED I COULD CALL MY INSURANCE AND GO THAT ROUTE. I EXPLAINED I WAS WORRIED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF OTHERS AND THEY SAID IT WAS UP TO ME WHAT I DID. THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING UNLESS I PAID FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC. I STATED THAT IT WAS NOT MY RESPONSIBILITY BUT FORD'S AND SHE RESPONDED YES. IN FRUSTRATION I HUNG UP AND BEGAN THIS COMPLAINT. IF SOMEONE WERE TO LEAVE HIS OR HER CHILD IN THE CAR AND THIS HAPPENS THE CHILD WILL BE SEVERELY INJURED. IF I HAD BEEN ALONE WHEN THIS HAPPENED I WOULD NOT HAVE KNOWN TO UNPLUG THE SEAT MOTOR. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. MY HUSBAND STATED THAT THE HEAT WAS SO INTENSE HE WAS SURPRISED THE SEAT HAD NOT CAUGHT ON FIRE. HE HAS SINCE TAKEN THE MOTOR OUT AND WILL REPLACE IT WHEN THE PART COMES IN. WE STILL HAVE THE ORIGINAL MOTOR. PLEASE DO SOMETHING BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED.*AK
Jun 24, 2004
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE. DEALER FIXED IT AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE OF $593.00. ON FEBRUARY 19, 2004, THE SEAT BROKE AGAIN. A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED ON SIMILAR MAKES AND MODELS. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK *JB
Mar 17, 2004
+ 20 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
25 complaints
1996 FORD EXPLORER, 4X4. DRIVING IN DESERT WENT OVER A BUMP A LITTLE FAST, WHICH SET OFF MY AIRBAGS. MY RIDER IS IN THE HOSPITAL FOR BROKEN NOSE, CHEEK AND SOME KIND OF SMOKE INHALATION. MY WINDSHIELD IS BROKEN BECAUSE THE BAG HIT THE MIRROR WHICH THEN HIT THE WINDSHIELD. MY STEERING WHEEL IS DESTROYED, CRUISE CONTROL AND HORNS ARE OUT OF SERVICE. BEFORE I COULD DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN I HAD TO CUT THE AIRBAGS OUT. WHAT THE HELL IS THIS! NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR EXCEPT WHAT THE AIRBAGS DID. I WANT THIS ALL FIXED AT FORD'S EXPENSE. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR 10 YEARS WITH NO PROBLEMS EXCEPT; RECALLED TIRES, STEERING BARS AND BRAKES (ALL RECALL). *TR
Jan 18, 2008
DT: THE CONSUMER OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND NONE OF HIS AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONSUMER WAS HIT IN THE FRONT END. *TT
Jun 07, 2005
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 50 MPH, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL AND TO ROLL OVER. CONSUMER STATED THAT BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AS A RESULT. *LA THE VEHICLE WAS PRONOUNCED A TOTAL LOSS. *SC
Aug 05, 2004
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE 45 MPH, CONSUMER RAN INTO THE BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NO ONE WAS HURT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Aug 26, 2002
I WAS IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT ON 4/16/02 AND MY AIR BAG DID NOT INFLATE. I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 20-25 MPH WHEN A VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN AND CROSSED MY PATH. WHY DIDN'T THE AIR BAG INFLATE? I HAVE SEVERE BRUSING AND CONTUSIONS ON MY CHEST AS A RESULT OF BEING THRUSTED FOREWARD HITTING THE STEERING COLUMN.*AK
Apr 25, 2002
+ 20 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
22 complaints
ON 06/03/2005, A GOVERNMENT OWNED, 1996 FORD BRONCO, WAS OBSERVED ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN A PARKING GARAGE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TURNED OFF AND PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY EIGHT HOURS WHEN THE FIRE OCCURRED. THE FIRE WAS OBSERVED AT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, AND BURNED FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE IT COULD BE EXTINGUISHED. THE FIRE WAS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH.
Jun 27, 2005
THE BLEND DOOR ON MY 1996 FORD EXPLORER BROKE DUE TO A DEFECTIVE DESIGN. FROM THE FORD OWNERS GROUPS WEB SITES, I HAVE SEEN NUMBEROUS OTHER OWNER'S WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. MY HEATING IS STUCK IN HOT UNLESS MAX AIR IS TURNED ON. THERE IS NO IN BETWEEN. ALTHOUGH IT IS NOT AN EXTREAM SAFTY ISSUE, IT IS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE FOR MY INFANT CHILD. THE FORD DEALER WILL FIX IT BUT FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND IT WILL COST ARROUND $1000. I SIMPLY CAN'T AFFORD THAT KIND OF MONEY TO FIX FORD'S DEFECTIVE PARTS.
Feb 14, 2003
1996 FORD EXPLORER HEATER/ AC BLEND DOOR FAILURE
Jan 15, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A SPEED OF 70 MPH. THE CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES BUT THEY DIDN'T HOLD. CONSUMER HAD TO PUT VEHICLE IN PARK GEAR TO STOP VEHCILE, WHILE VEHICLE WAS COASTING. TS
Dec 05, 2002
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON WHENEVER IT PLEASES. HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES TO FIX PROBLEM, AND THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DO SO. LIGHT WOULD STAY OFF FOR UP TO 1 WEEK AFTER REPAIR, THEN COME BACK ON. DEALER ADVISED THEY HAD REPLACED AN O2 SENSOR, AND REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER WHICH SHOULD HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM, WHICH IT DIDN'T. VEHICLE THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE GARAGE WHERE ANOTHER O2 SENSOR REPLACED. THAT TIME LIGHT STAYED OFF THE LONGEST IT EVER HAD, BUT IT STILL CAME BACK ON. BATTERY CABLES HAVE EVEN BEEN DISCONNECTED TO ALLOW COMPUTER TO RESET, BUT LIGHT ALWAYS COMES BACK ON. AS OF NOW I HAVE SPENT OVER $500 OUT OF MY POCKET TO TRY AND FIX PROBLEM, BUT IT STILL EXISTS.
Oct 25, 2001
+ 17 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
19 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE PLACING FUEL IN THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. HE OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS DOUSED WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE DAMAGE AND NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD MELTED, AS WELL AS THE MASTER CYLINDER. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 127,000.
May 20, 2008
MY 1996 EXPLORER IS A 5.0 LITRE AWD EDDIE BAUR PURCHSED USED. AFTER DRIVING USING THE CRUISE CONTROL WITHOUT INCIDENT, I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT. COASTING SLOWLY INTO A PARKING SLOT APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE ENGINE APPEARED TO INCREASE POWER MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STOP. THE MORE I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL THE MORE THE ENGINE POWER INCREASED PREVENTING THE VEHICLE FROM STOPPING UNTIL COLLIDING WITH A VEHICLE IN FRONT. WITH THE BRAKE STILL APPLIED, THE ENGINE RACED WHEN PUT IN NUETRAL UNTIL SWITCHING THE IGNITION OFF. THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR OPERATED NORMALLY AFTER RESTARTING. DAMAGE RESULTED TO THE EXPLORER BUMPER. I DID NOT OBSERVE THE GAS PEDAL POSITION DURING THE INCIDENT BUT ASSUMED IT COULD HAVE BEEN DRIVEN BY THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE UNDER UNCOMMANDED OPERATION AND SEVERED THE CRUISE CABLE BEFORE PROCEDING. A SIMILAR PROBLEM HAD OCCURED DURING A PRIOR STOP THE SAME TRIP BUT ABRUPTLY RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION POSSIBLY AFTER HAVING PUMPED THE BRAKES TO CHECK THEM. THE SAME TYPE PROBLEM WITH ENGINE POWER SURGE DURING BRAKING TO A STOP OCCURED ON PRIOR DAYS WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD NOT BEEN USED AND MAY HAVE CORRECTED AFTER PUMPING THE BRAKE. REVIEWING NHSTA COMPLAINT ODI ID 736277 AND SUBSEQUENT EXPERIMENT ON MY VEHICLE, IT APPEARS THE PROBLEM COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT FROM INADVERTANT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL DURING BRAKING DUE TO PROXIMITY OF THE PEDALS BUT I CAN'T RULE OUT UNCOMMANDED CRUISE CONTROL OPERATION ACTIVATED BY A BRAKE SIGNAL. PLEASE ADVISE IF INVESTIGATION AND DISCOVERY HAVE RESULTED IN ANY PROBABLE CAUSES AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CORRECTIVE MAINTENANCE FOR THIS SAFETY HAZARD. DOES NOT DISPLAY SYMPTOMS CORRECTED BY RECALLS FOR THROTTLE BODY STICKING AND JAMMED CRUISE CONTROL CABLE.*AK
Feb 23, 2004
TRUCK WAS IN PARK. PUT MY FOOT ON BRAKE, SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, TRUCK IMMEDIATELY MOVED FORWARD WITH FOOT STILL ON BRAKE, AT APPROX 2- 5 MPH. PUSHED CONTINUALLY HARDER ON BRAKE WITH NO RESPONSE. LIFTED FOOT COMPLETELY OFF BRAKE AND PUSHED AGAIN, THEN TRUCK STOPPED. WENT THROUGH A GARAGE DOOR IN THE PROCESS, COULDN'T STOP UNTIL TRUCK WAS FULLY THROUGH.*AK
Sep 03, 2003
CONSUMER STATES, WHILE DRIVING AND APPLYING THE ABS BRAKES SYSTEM TAKE LONGER TO STOP AND ALWAYS REMAIN THE LIGHT ON. ALSO HAS PROBLEM WITH SUDDEN ACCELARATION. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. NLM
Sep 30, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AT GA400, NOTICED THAT VEHICLE CAN NOT BE SLOWED DOWN AFTER APPLYING BRAKE PEDALS SEVERAL TIMES. NOTICE THAT THE RPM IS INCREASING. FEARING THAT SINCE THERE IS NOT WAY TO SLOWING DOWN THE CAR,I SHIFTED TO THE GEAR TO NEUTRAL AND EXIT AT HOLCOMB BRIDGE EXIT. SINCE THE SPEED IS STILL AT 70MPH, THE CAR HIT THE ENBANKMENT, WENT DOWN THE GRASSY AREA AND (FFG IS WHAT I CAN REMEMBER HAPPENED)AND HIT A WATER RUN-OFF/DITCH, DID A SPIN AND CAME UP AND STOP AT THE GRASSY AREA. I WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF OF THE ENGINE WHEN I CAME BACK TO SENSES AND RAN TO THE CLOSEST GAS STATION (CHEVRON) TO CALL AAA. THE TOW TRUCK OPERATOR NOTICED THAT WHEN HE RESTARTED THE ENGINE, IT WAS ROARING AT 5000RPM. TOWED IT TO FORD DEALER/SERVICE AT MANSELL ROAD, WAS TOLD 2-DAYS LATER THAT THEY HAVE INSPECT LINKAGE FOR BINDING AND TROTTLE BODY FOR BINDING, BUT DID NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM, AND SINCE THEY CAN NOT REPRODUCE THE SITUATION, THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO BUT TO BRING IT BACK WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN??? I FEARED FOR THE NEXT TIME THAT IT HAPPENED, LIFES WOULD BE AFFECTED.*AK
Jun 26, 2001
+ 14 more complaints for this component
EQUIPMENT
13 complaints
I DID NOT RECEIVE A REMEDY OR NOTIFICATION LETTER FROM FORD ABOUT MY SAFETY DEFECTS ON MY 1996 FORD EXPLORER. WHAT DO I DO NOW, IS THERE STILL TIME TO FIX THESE DEFECTS? *TR
Feb 22, 2010
1996 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER - CD CHANGER, CD PLAYER FAULT. *AK
Dec 09, 2003
CABLE HOLDING SPARE UP AGAINST VEHICLE WAS ABOUT TO BREAK. WIRING WAS WEARING OUT. CONTACT DEALER, AND DEALER STATED IT WAS WEAR AND TEAR OF VEHICLE.*AK
Jul 09, 2001
AAA CAME TO REPLACE THE SPARE TIRE. TURNED THE CABLE FOR THE SPARE TIRE TO COME DOWN. TIRE WAS LOWERED FROM STORAGE AREA, REACHED UP, AND THE CABLE BROKE. MOVEMENT OR THE POSITION OF THE CABLE COULD BE RUBBING UP AGAINST THE RIM OF THE SPARE TIRE. CONTACTED DEALER AND MANUFACTURER. *AK
Feb 02, 2000
EXPLORERS EQUIPPED WITH MESSAGE CENTERS HAVE A POTENTIAL FOR FIRE WHENN USING THE TOWING HARNESS.
Mar 31, 1998
+ 8 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
13 complaints
THIRD BRAKE LIGHT ON THIS VEHICLE SHORTED OUT WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED AND STARTED A FIRE (OPEN FLAME) ON THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE.
Jan 17, 2002
THE SIDE REAR TAIL LIGHT IS BROKEN. *SLC
Sep 19, 2000
THE SIDE REAR TAIL LIGHT IS BROKEN. *SLC
Sep 19, 2000
THE STEREO DOES NOT LIGHT UP AT NIGHT. YH
Jan 21, 2000
HEAT FROM HEADLAMP BURNS TOP PORTION OF ASSEMBLY CAUSING A CRACK WHICH ALLOWS WATER TO SEEP IN AND BURN OUT BULB. HEAT SHIELD DOES NOT APPEAR TO ADEQUATELY COVER THE AFFECTED AREA.
Oct 05, 1999
+ 8 more complaints for this component
WHEELS
10 complaints
THE RIMS ON THIS 1996 FORD EXPLORER-EDDIE BAUER EDITION ARE SHOWING FRACTURES THROUGHOUT THE FACE. THIS HAS WEAKENED THE STABILITY OF THE RIMS.
Jul 21, 2019
DT: CONSUMER'S SON WAS DRIVING ON DRY PAVEMENT STREET AND THE VEHICLE FISH TAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE WITNESSES TO THIS. THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE WHEEL WITH TIRE INTACT CAME OUT. THE VEHICLE LEANED AND FLIPPED, AND TIPPED OVER. IT LANDED HALFWAY ON SIDEWALK AND HALFWAY IN STREET. EMERGENCY CREWS WERE CALLED. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A DEALER, AND HAS NOT HAD ANY REPAIRS DONE. *AK
Jun 22, 2005
DRIVER SIDE TRAILER WHEEL SHEARED OFF WHILE DRIVING.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS TOWING A TRAILER. THE LEFT SIDE TRAILER WHEEL SHEARED OFF WHILE DRIVING. ANOTHER VEHICLE STRUCK THE DEBRIS IN THE ROADWAY. UPON INSPECTION ALL THE LUG NUTS WERE MISSING FROM THE LEFT SIDE ALONG WITH THE TIRE. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE LEFT SIDE WHEEL ON THE TRAILER. *PH *NLM
Nov 05, 2003
LUGS: NUTS IS WEARING OFF FROM WHEEL WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY CAUSE WHEEL TO COMPLETLEY SEPARATE FROM VEHICLE. *AK *JB
May 15, 2001
THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL MOLDING IS LOOSE AND IS MISSING THE SCREWS. *SLC
Sep 19, 2000
+ 5 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
10 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THE STRAPS TO THE GAS TANK RUSTED AND BROKE CAUSING THE GAS TANK TO DROP TANK DROPPED ONTO DRIVESHAFT CAUSING FUEL LEAKAGE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 194,000. UPDATED 09/29/2011 *LN *TR
Aug 17, 2011
MY 1996 MERCURY VILLAGER DEVELOPED A FAILURE IN THE AIR FLOW SENSOR (PART $330) THAT RESULTED IN VEHICLE STALLS, INCLUDING STOPS ON THE HIGHWAY, THAT NEARLY RESULTED IN CRASHES. THE REQUIRED REPAIRS EXCEEDED $500. I KNOW FORD HAS A SIMILAR RECALL OUT NOW FOR THE 1997-2003 (/) MODELS). *TR
Dec 07, 2007
I HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH MYH 1994 EXPLORER. WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS OVER 85 DEGREES OUTSIDE AND THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ON, WE GET AN EXTREMELY STRONG ODOR OF RAW GASOLINE INSIDE THE CAR. IT MAKES US NAUCEOUS. THIS HAPPENS ESPECIALLY WITH IN-TOWN STOP AND GO DRIVING. *AK
Aug 26, 2001
FUEL PUMP WAS BEING REPLACED. TOWNSEND FORD PERFORMED THE JOB. TECH BROKE CHEAP PLASTIC CLIP REQUIRING FUEL FILLER NECK TO BE REPLACED. IT'S DEFECTIVE. WILL NOT SEAL. GAS VAPOR LEAK. CHECK ENGINE STAYS ON. FORD HAS PROBLEM WITH SUPPLIER. NONE IN COUNTRY TOLD TO ME ABOUT A COUPLE MONTHS AGO. STILL NONE NOW. GAS VAPOR LEAK IS HEALTH HAZARD AND UNSAFE IN MY OPINION. THEY KEEP BLOWING ME OFF ON RESOLUTION. CAN YOU HELP? -THANKS-*AK
Aug 06, 2001
FUEL PUMP WAS BEING REPLACED. TOWNSEND FORD PERFORMED THE JOB. TECH BROKE CHEAP PLASTIC CLIP REQUIRING FUEL FILLER NECK TO BE REPLACED. IT'S DEFECTIVE. WILL NOT SEAL. GAS VAPOR LEAK. CHECK ENGINE STAYS ON. FORD HAS PROBLEM WITH SUPPLIER. NONE IN COUNTRY TOLD TO ME ABOUT A COUPLE MONTHS AGO. STILL NONE NOW. GAS VAPOR LEAK IS HEALTH HAZARD AND UNSAFE IN MY OPINION. THEY KEEP BLOWING ME OFF ON RESOLUTION. CAN YOU HELP? -THANKS-*AK
Aug 06, 2001
+ 5 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
7 complaints
WHILE WE WERE DRIVING ON I-84 NEAR MIDDLETON, ID, OUR GAS PEDAL (THROTTLE PEDAL) UN-WELDED (FELL OFF) COMPLETELY. WE GOT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD (IT SLOWED DOWN--WASN'T "STUCK" AT ANY SPEED) AND DIDN'T HAVE AN ACCIDENT. WE WERE TOWED TO CALDWELL, ID, WHERE A MECHANIC REPAIRED IT. I THINK HE PUT IN 3 NUTS/BOLTS TO KEEP THE PEDAL AFFIXED. I HAVE CALLED FORD MOTOR CO. (DID ON 8/16/10), BUT OBVIOUSLY THIS COULD'VE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS. WE GOT LUCKY. I WONDER IF OTHER FORDS HAVE HAD WELDED PARTS FALL OFF/UN-WELD WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Aug 26, 2010
STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE VEHICLE.*AK
Aug 09, 2004
FUEL SHUT OFF SWITCH ACTIVATED BY FRONT PASSENGER'S LEG TWICE WHILE VEHICLE IN OPERATION*AK
Nov 04, 2000
FUEL SWITCH CONNECTOR FAILED.
Sep 11, 1997
FUEL GAUGE FAILED.
Sep 10, 1997
+ 2 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE,TIRES
7 complaints
THIS FIRESTONE WILDERNESS/AT TIRE, P23575R15 WAS LOOKED AT BY A GARAGE WHEN TREAD SEPRATION WAS NOTICED.*AK CONSUMER STATES FIRST FAULTY TIRE RESULTED IN A BLOWOUT, 2 OTHERS WERE NOTICED AT A GARAGE WITH TREAD SEPARATION. CONSUMER STATES INSIDE PASSENGER DOOR HANDLES ON BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT DO NOT WORK. *SLC
Mar 06, 2001
THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PROCEEDED TO SKID INTO THE SOUTHSIDE OF THE ROADWAY INTO A DITCH AND COLLIDED WITH A UTILITY POLE, THERE WERE 2 FATALITIES(TEXAS OFFICERS ACCIDENT REPORT, BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE, P235/75R15, RADIAL ATX M/S, VDHL1PM435, LEFT REAR). NLM
Sep 30, 2000
THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PROCEEDED TO SKID INTO THE SOUTHSIDE OF THE ROADWAY INTO A DITCH AND COLLIDED WITH A UTILITY POLE, THERE WERE 2 FATALITIES(TEXAS OFFICERS ACCIDENT REPORT, BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE, P235/75R15, RADIAL ATX M/S, VDHL1PM435, LEFT REAR). NLM
Sep 30, 2000
THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PROCEEDED TO SKID INTO THE SOUTHSIDE OF THE ROADWAY INTO A DITCH AND COLLIDED WITH A UTILITY POLE, THERE WERE 2 FATALITIES(TEXAS OFFICERS ACCIDENT REPORT, BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE, P235/75R15, RADIAL ATX M/S, VDHL1PM435, LEFT REAR). NLM
Sep 30, 2000
AS REPORTED ON 9/5/00 (BEFORE THE TIRE RECALL HEARINGS ON 9/6/00) TO SENATORS RICHARD SHELBY AND FRANK LAUTENBERG AND HOUSE REPRESENTATVES W.J. "BILLY" TAUZIN AND FRED UPTON: I RECENTLY READ IN THE TIMES THAT THE EXPLORER TIRE THAT BLOWS OUT MOST OFTEN IS THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE, WHICH MAKES ME WONDER IF THERE IS A DESIGN DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE. UPON CLOSELY EXAMINING MY 96 EXPLORER (WHICH DIDN'T COME WITH FIRESTONE TIRES, BY THE WAY), I FOUND THAT THE BODY LEANS TO THE LEFT (DRIVER'S SIDE), RESULTING IN A VERTICAL SAG OF ABOUT HALF AN INCH ON THAT SIDE. I CONFIRMED THAT THE SAG IS NOT RELATED TO VEHICLE LOADING - THE SAG PERSISTS WITH BOTH VEHICLE AND GAS TANK EMPTY; OR TO WEAKENED SPRINGS - THE CHASIS STAYS LEVEL, ONLY THE BODY SAGS. ALSO, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS. SINCE THEN, OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS OR SO, I HAVE BEEN CLOSELY OBSERVING EXPLORERS AND OTHER SUV'S ON THE ROAD AND IN PARKING LOTS. THE RESULTS OF MY ADMITTEDLY NOT-SO-SCIENTIFIC SURVEY ARE AS FOLLOWS: (1) ABOUT 50% OF THE OLDER EXPLORERS ON THE ROAD SHOW A SIMILAR SAG TO THE LEFT. (2) NONE OF THE EXPLORER'S OBSERVED SHOWED A SAG TO THE RIGHT. (3) LESS THAN 5% OF THE OTHER SUV'S OBSERVED SHOWED ANY SAG, WHICH WAS EQUALLY LIKELY TO BE TO THE LEFT OR TO THE RIGHT. I THOUGHT I SHOULD PASS ON THIS INFORMATION TO YOU, FOR WHATEVER IT IS WORTH, BEFORE THE TIRE RECALL HEARINGS IN THE SENATE TOMORROW. SINCERELY, RAMESH DHINGRA. *AK
Sep 06, 2000
+ 2 more complaints for this component
CHILD SEAT
6 complaints
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HARNESS CLIP CRACKED, AND ALSO THE HARNESS BUCKLE WOULD NOT LOCK INTO PLACE, WHICH ALLOWS THE CHILD TO GET OUT.
Jul 07, 2006
INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT 5-POINT HARNESS CLIP WHICH GOES ACROSS THE CHILD'S CHEST DOESN'T FASTEN SECURELY. *AK
Aug 31, 1999
I AM HAVING TROUBLE FINDING A CAR SEAT THAT FITS THE MIDDLE OF THE BACK SEAT. MY CHILD IS 8 MONTHS OF AGE AND NEEDS TO BE REAR FACING. FOR SOME REASON THE LARGER CAR SEATS DO SEEM TO FIT SECURLY, NO MATTER WHAT WE DO IT'S VERY LOOSE. IS THERE A LISTING OF APPROVED CAR SEATS FOR OUR VEHICLE. THANK YOU. *AK
May 25, 1999
INTEGRATED CHILD SAFETY SEAT IS LOCATED AGAINST THE RIGHT REAR DOOR, PRESENTING POSSIBILITY OF CHILD'S FINGERS/ARMS OF LEGS GETTING SHUT IN DOOR.
Feb 06, 1997
BUILT IN CHILD SEAT DESIGN ALLOWS CHILD'S LEG TO SLIP OUT OF SEAT/HANG BETWEEN DOOR AND SEAR, ALSO DESIGN OF SEAT BELT BUCKLE ON CHILD SEAT CAUSES DISCOMFORT/PAIN FOR CHILDREN.
Nov 18, 1996
+ 1 more complaint for this component
PARKING BRAKE
6 complaints
I WAS PULLING OUT OF A POST OFFICE PARKING LOT WITH MY 1996 FORD EXPLORER AND MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AS I WAS DRIVING HOME I TESTED MY BRAKES AND THEY STILL FELT SPONGY. JUST AS I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY MY BRAKE LIGHT WENT ON AND I LOST ALL MY BRAKE FLUID ON CLOSER INSPECTION IT WAS DETERMINED THAT MY REAR BRAKE LINE RUSTED THROUGH. I MADE A APPOINTMENT TO HAVE IT FIXED AND IT COST ME 368.69. I HAVE HAD OTHER VEHICLES AND I NEVER HAD TO REPLACE BRAKE LINES. THIS TRUCK IS ONLY 8YEARS OLD AND I DO NOT BELIEVE A BRAKE LINE IS PART OF NORMAL MAINTENANCE. *AK
Oct 23, 2004
DRIVER'S SIDE EMERGENCY BRAKE LINE IS TOO LONG , ABOUT 6-8 INCHES LONGER, AND IT RUBS AGAINST AND WEARS INTO LEFT REAR TIRE, ALMOST INTO SIDEWALL. THIS COULD CAUSE AN UNEXCEPTED BLOWOUT WITHOUT WARNING, AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. IT WAS RUBBING SO BADLY AGAINST TIRE THAT IT HAS BEGUN TO WEAR OFF NAME OFF TIRE.PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK CONSUMER STATES CABLE APPEARS TO BE TO LONG AND THE PLASTIC CLIP THAT IS SUPPOSE TO HOLD THECABLE AWAY FROM THE TIRE CAN SLIP DOWN AND ALLOW THE SITUATION TO OCCUR, THE TIRE HAD WORN THROUGH THE VINYL PROTECTIVE COATING OF THE CABLE IT ALSO WORE THROUGH THE VINYL CABLE COATING AND HAD BEGUN TO WEAR AWAY THE INSIDE SIDEWALL OF THE LEFT REAR TIRE. *JB
Apr 26, 2001
EMERGENCY BRAKE "DISINTEGRATED" W/O INDICATION OTHER THAN RATTLE
Oct 24, 2000
PARKING BRAKE JAMMED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO ROLL DOWN HILL. *AK
Aug 30, 1996
PARKING BRAKE FAILED TO HOLD VEHICLE, CAUSING ACCIDENT. *DH
May 21, 1996
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SUSPENSION,TIRES
5 complaints
THE CONSUMER BEGAN TO HEAR NOISE IN THE FRONT END IF THE VEHICLE AT 9K MILES, THE CONSUMER HAD THE FRONT END CHECKED AND THE TIRES ROTATED, AT 22K MILES THE NOISE DEVELOPED AGAIN AND ONE TIRE BLEWOUT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FOR ANOTHER 10K MILES WHEN THE NOISE STARTED AGAIN AND UPON INSPECTED IT WAS NOTED THAT THE TREAD WAS SEPARATING, THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE TIRES (FIRESTONE P 235 AT). NLM
May 30, 2001
THE SWAY BAR (00S47) AND TWO FIRESTONE TIRES FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICES, WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS ATTEMPTING TO DODGE ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIS VEHICLE TWO OF THE FIRESTONE TIRE FAILED AND THE SWAY BAR BROKE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLLOVER 3 TIMES INTO A DITCH, THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED CUTS, BRUISES AND MUSCLE PULLS AND TEARS IN THE UPPER BODY (FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 255/70R16). NLM
Feb 28, 2001
CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED VARIOUS SUSPENSION PROBLEMS, INSTALLATION OF THE CASTER/CAMBER KIT WAS NECESSARY TO PROPERLY ALIGN THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO POSSIBLE SUSPENSION PROBLEMS WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO FISHTAIL AND CRASH INTO A UTILITY POLE, TWO INJURIES DUE TO COLLISION. *MJS THE CONSUMER NOW BELIEVES THE ACCIDENT WAS DUE TO THE ADVISIORY TO INFLATE ALL 15 INCH TIRES TO 26 PSI, THE CONSUMER HAD 45 PSI ON REAR TIRES AND THE DEALER DEFLATED THEM TO 26 PSI WHICH SHE BELIEVES CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL. NLM
Oct 22, 2000
PE-00-020; ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TIRES WERE WRANGLERS.. TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH FOUR OTHER SETS OF TIRES EVERY 15 THOUSAND MILES DUE TO THE CUPPING ON THE FRONTAL TIRES, AROUND THE OUTTER EDGE, WHICH WAS CAUSING EXCESSIVE WEAR AND VIBRATION WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. VEHICLE HAVE BEEN ALIGNED. EXCESSIVE WEAR CONTROL TO OCCUR ..*AK *JB
Sep 12, 2000
WHILE WIFE WAS DRIVING FELT SOME VIBRATION AND STARTED TO SLOW DOWN, THEN AUTOMIBILE BEGAN TO SWAY- LATER, FOUND OUT FROM THE POLICE OFFICER THAT FIRESTONE TIRE THAT WAS ON AND TREAD HAD BEGAN TO PEEL OFF. *AK
Aug 22, 2000
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4 complaints
THE VEHICLE BEGAN HESITATING DURING TAKEOFF, ALLOWING THE ENGINE TO EXPERIENCE HIGH RPM'S BUT VERY LITTLE ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO NOT FALL INTO 1ST GEAR, WHEN YOU SHIFTED THE CAR INTO DRIVE FROM PARK THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE FOR ABOUT 4 SECONDS THEN LURCH HEAVILY, THE VEHICLE ALSO DOES THIS AT EVERY STOP, AFTER YOU MAKE A COMPLETE STOP AND PRECEDE TO ATTEMPT TO DRIVE AGAIN THE VEHICLE WILL RPM AS YOU PUSH THE ACCELERATOR BUT WON'T MOVE FOR ABOUT 4 SECONDS, AFTER THE 4 SECONDS THE VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD HEAVILY AND SPINS BOTH REAR TIRES. *TR
Mar 15, 2013
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SUDDENLY HESITATED TO ACCELERATE, TRANSMISSION HAD GONE BAD, PER DEALERSHIP.*AK
Jul 16, 2003
UNCONTROLLED RAPID ACCELERATION. ONLY STOP BY SET TRONSMISSION IN NEUTRAL AND/OR PUNCH DOWN ON GAS PEDAL. HAPPENED 3 TIMES TO DATE. *AK
Dec 20, 2000
SPEED CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE WHEN BRAKING OR USING OFF BUTTON, THROTTLE CABLE HUNG UP SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL, BUT TRANSMISSION SHIFTED BETWEEN NEUTRAL AND REVERSE AND DESTROYED TRANSMISSION. *AK
Jun 11, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
4 complaints
1996 EXPLORER, HAS BEEN A GREAT VEHICLE. STARTED LOOSING POWER AND SHIFTING DOWN AND STRANGE TIMES. THEN THE O/D FAIL LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE AND FORD KNOWS ABOUT IT BUT REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE FACT OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. THEY NEED TO RECALL THESE TRANSMISSIONS. *TR
May 03, 2010
1) NO HEAT, ONLY BLOWS COLD AIR. 2) TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT SMOOTHLY FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE.
Jan 16, 2003
CONSUMER STATES HE HEARD A STRANGE NOISE COMING FROM FRONT PART OF VEHICLE, HE TOOK VEHICLE IN TO BE INSPECTED AND WHEN MECHANIC PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND TURNED IT, THERE WAS A LOUD BANGING SOUND AND THE ENGINE SEIZED, ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC'S REPORT, SOMETHING BEHIND THE TORQUE CONVERTER LOCKED UP AND RUINED THE TRANSMISSION, THE TRANSMISSION, FLYWHEEL AND STARTER MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB
Mar 29, 2001
VEHICLE FIRE, ORIGINATING IN THE DASH AREA. ALSO, REPLACED TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. *AK
Aug 15, 1997
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
4 complaints
FRONT SWAY BAR BRACKET BROKEN, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, REAR SUSPENSION BAD, REAR BUMPER & FRAME BENT, ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE, FRONT & REAR BRAKES NEEDED, REAR -END SHIFTS. AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE I WAS LIED TO BECAUSE I DID INQUIRE ABOUT AND ACCIDENT BUT WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT. ALSO, ALLIGNMENT NEEDED.
Apr 02, 2002
CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE NEW MICHELIN TIRES, AND WAS SERVICED FOR THE ABS LIGHT AND TWO DAYS AFTER WORK COMPLETED VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER FOR NO KNOWN REASON (02-MAY-00), DEALER CLAIMS IT IS NO FAULT OF THE ABS, THE VEHICLE FLIPPED ON TWO OTHER OCCASIONS (07-OCT-00 AND 14-OCT-00). *MJS
Oct 24, 2000
WHEN BRAKE PADS WERE BEING REPLACE, MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE BUSHING ON THE FRONT LEFT DRIVER'S SIDE WAS MISSING. THE BUSHING HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Sep 13, 1999
FRONT WHEEL BEARING STARTED TO WOBBLE, CAUSING THE SENSOR TO FAIL, WHICH CAUSED THE ABS TO FAIL. THE DEALER HAS REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. *AK
Oct 24, 1997
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
4 complaints
THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK IN THE REAR BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AROUND AND ROLL. DURING THE ACCIDENT, THE DRIVER DOOR CAME OPEN AND THE DRIVER SEAT BELT CAME LOOSE. AS A RESULT, DRIVER WAS THROWN OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT ALSO BECAME LOOSE. THE DRIVER DIED INSTANTLY. THE PASSENGER SUFFERED SERIOUS INJURIES. THE AIR BAGS ALSO FAILED TO DEPLOY.(SISTER ON BEHALF OF DECEASED BROTHER) *YH
Dec 17, 2001
THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK IN THE REAR BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AROUND AND ROLL. DURING THE ACCIDENT, THE DRIVER DOOR CAME OPEN AND THE DRIVER SEAT BELT CAME LOOSE. AS A RESULT, DRIVER WAS THROWN OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT ALSO BECAME LOOSE. THE DRIVER DIED INSTANTLY. THE PASSENGER SUFFERED SERIOUS INJURIES. THE AIR BAGS ALSO FAILED TO DEPLOY.(SISTER ON BEHALF OF DECEASED BROTHER) *YH
Dec 17, 2001
THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK IN THE REAR BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AROUND AND ROLL. DURING THE ACCIDENT, THE DRIVER DOOR CAME OPEN AND THE DRIVER SEAT BELT CAME LOOSE. AS A RESULT, DRIVER WAS THROWN OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT ALSO BECAME LOOSE. THE DRIVER DIED INSTANTLY. THE PASSENGER SUFFERED SERIOUS INJURIES. THE AIR BAGS ALSO FAILED TO DEPLOY.(SISTER ON BEHALF OF DECEASED BROTHER) *YH
Dec 17, 2001
ON 09/23/01 MY 24YR. OLD SONINLAW WAS KILLED WHEN HE LOST CONTROL AND HIT A MEIDIAN AND TREE WAS ON TWO TIRES THEN WENT 30FT THRU THE AIR BEFORE THE EXPLORER HE WAS DRIVING ROLLED AND THREW HIM OUT THE DRIVER WINDOW. HE WAS WEARING SEAT BELT WHICH HE HAD HAD TROUBLE WITH SINCE PURCHASE FAILED AND HE WAS EJECTED ALSO HIS BROTHER IN PASSENGER SIDE COULDNT GET HIS BELT TO LATCH BUT HE WAS LUCKY AND WALKED AWAY. THE TRUCK WAS ALSO EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS ON BOTH SIDES WHICH DIDNT DEPLOY EITHER. MY SON IN LAW DIED THAT NIGHT WHEN HE WAS EJECTED AND THE TRUCK LANDED ON HALF OF HIS FACE. HE LEFT BEHIND A WIFE AND 2SONS AND A 1 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER. THESE EXPLORERS ARE DEATH TRAPS PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE ONE.*AK
Oct 01, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
4 complaints
ON OCTOBER 21, 1998 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTOMOBLE ACCIDENT. A FORD TAURUS PULLED OUT OF A PARKING LOT (FROM A COMPLETE STOP) DIRECTLY INTO MY PATH. I WAS TRAVELING AT 30 MPH AND WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES I SLID DIRECTLY INTO THE DRIVERS DOOR. RAIN HAD BEEN FALLING ALL DAY(THE FIRST RAIN OF THE YEAR). THEREFORE, I DO NOT FEEL THAT MY EXPLORER SLOWED AT ALL, MY TOTAL SKID WAS BETWEEN FIVE AND TEN FEET IN LENGTH. MY QUESTION/COMPLAINT IS WHY DID MY AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOY? I WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT, BUT I STILL HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING ON THE INTERNET FOR INFORMATION ON THE SPEED A VEHICLE HAS TO BE TRAVELING IN ORDER FOR THE AIRBAG TO ACTIVATE. THE NATIONAL INSURANCE INSTITUTE WEB PAGE SAID THE AVERAGE SPEED SHOULD BE BETWEEN 12-16 MPH. MY EXPLORER HAS MANY PROBLEMS (IT'S A LEMON). THIS, HOWEVER, WORRIES ME. WOULD MY AIRBAG ACTIVATE AT A HIGHER SPEED? SHOULD I BE AFRAID TO PUT MY FAMILY INSIDE AND GO FOR A RIDE? THIS ALL MAY BE IN VANE, THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE MY INSURANCE COMPANY MAY CONSIDER IT TOTALED. MY OTHER MAIN CONCERN WAS THE SEVERITY OF DAMAGE TO THE TAURUS. THE DRIVER WAS NOT HURT OTHER THAN GLASS IN HIS FACE, BUT ALL I COULD SEE WAS MY GRILL AND HOOD GOING DIRECTLY INTO HIS WINDOW. I HAVE READ YOUR
Jan 12, 1999
WHILE TRAVELING LESS THAN 25 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND ALLOWING COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY EITHER.
Apr 16, 1998
POOR ABS BRAKE PERFORMANCE, DURING A PANIC STOP, EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE OR UNEVEN BRAKING, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CONTINUE TO ROLL FORWARD. *AK CONSUMER ALSO STATES AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*JB
Nov 15, 1996
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ONTO THE INTERSECTION, GOING DOWN MAIN STREET, CAME TO STOP SIGN, ANOTHER VEHICLE PULLED OUT OF THE INTERSECTION, FORD HIT SIDE DOOR OF OTHER VEHICLE, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND BRAKES (ABS) DID NOT HOLD.*AK
Sep 04, 1996
AIR BAGS,TIRES
3 complaints
ON 8 AUG 09, MY RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE GOING NORTH ON I95 AT EXIT 132 NEAR ROCKY MOUNT, NC. MY SUV FLIPPED OVER A FEW TIMES AND MY DAUGHTER AND I ENDED UP UPSIDE DOWN LOOKING AT THE TRAFFIC. I NOTICED THAT MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
Sep 06, 2009
WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH REAR RIGHT TIRE TREAD SEPARATED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT A POLE AND ROLL ONCE. VEHICLE LANDED UPSIDE DOWN ON AN EMBANKMENT. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. *AK
Mar 03, 2004
DRIVING 65MPH & HEARD A THUMPING NOISE AGAINST VEHICLE. IT STARTED TO FISHTAIL. DRIVER LOST CONTROL. IT VEERED HARD TO RIGHT & HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH FRONT , AND AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. WENT TO RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD & THEN FLIPPED & ROLLED OVER TWICE. VEHICLE LANDED ON ITS ROOF. LEFT REAR TIRE HAD ITS TREAD PEELED COMPLETELY OFF. HAVE THE TIRE & TREAD. ALSO HAVE COPY OF POLICE REPORT. VEHICLE REGISTERED IN TEXAS, BUT PHYSICALLY LOCATED IN CALIFORNIA. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. FIRESTONE, RADIAL ATX, P235/75R15 DOT VDHL WITH 46,000 MILES ON THEM.*AK
Sep 11, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
3 complaints
THE CONSUMER WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND THERE WA S A PROBLEM WITH THE OVERDRIVE. ALSO, WHEN CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES, THEY WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOORBOARD AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BY ITSELF. VEHICLE HAS BEEN INTO REPAIR SHOP 20 TIMES FOR REPAIRS, AND THE DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Apr 02, 1999
FRONT AXLE HAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WHICH DOES NOT ALLOW THE AXLE TO VENT PROPERLY, THIS CAUSES OIL TO FOAM AND SPRAY OU OF THE VENT TUBE, OIL HAS GOTTEN ALL OVER THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE INCLUDING THE BRAKE SYSTEM, WHICH CAUSES FADED BRAKING. *SLC
Aug 27, 1996
PARKED ON INCLINE, EMERGENCY BRAKE APPLIED, INDICATOR MOVED BETWEEN PARK AND REVERSE. THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDEN, ALSO ABS BRAKE FAILURE. *AK
Jun 20, 1996
INTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaints
ENGINE LIGHT FAILED.
Oct 27, 1997
DOME LIGHTS WOULD NOT GO OFF WHEN DOOR WAS CLOSED DUE TO WIRING FAILURE.
Sep 19, 1997
PASSENGER MAP LIGHT FAILED.
Sep 10, 1997
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
WHEN EVER I GO OVER A BUMP OR A DIP IN THE ROAD. SOMETHING (SWAY BAR) SEEMS AS IF IT SOMETHING IS CRACKED AND THE TIRE AXES IS ABOUT TO FALL OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. *TR
Sep 05, 2014
WHILE TRAVELING AT 50 MPH 10:30P.M., WITHOUT CAUSE VEHICLE SLID ACROSS HIGHWAY TO THE LEFT, ROLLED AND FLIPPED, AND COLLIDED WITH A TREE - VEHICLE LANDED ON ITS SIDE WITH ROOF IN TO THE STEERING WHEEL: ALL WINDOWS BROKEN AND WINDSHIELD SHATTERED. ROOF ACTUALLY CAVED IN ON TEENAGE DRIVER -FATALITY FROM MULTIPLE BRAIN INJURIES.*AK
Jul 14, 2004
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
APPROXIMATELY ONE DAY AFTER TRUCK WAS PURCHASED, IT WAS NOTICED PASSENGERS SITTING IN THE BACK SEATS OF THE CAR COULD NOT OPEN THEIR DOORS. CHILD SAFETY LOCKS WERE LOOKED AT AND RESET, BUT DOORS STILL WOULD NOT OPEN. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS PASSENGERS IN THE BACK WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUR SAFELY IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Aug 13, 2013
FIRE BURNED CENTER OF CONSOLE, WHEN BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED FIRE WENT OUT. *AK
Feb 12, 1997
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
I REPLACED THE FRONT HUB ASSEMBLIES IN DECEMBER 2011 WITH PARTS PURCHASED FROM AUTOPARTSMIDWEST.COM. ON DECEMBER 18, 2012, THE LEFT HUB ASSEMBLY FAILED AND THE WHEEL CAME OFF. THE OUTER PORTION OF THE BALL BEARING RACE CAME OFF THE SPLINED HUB. I WAS GOING VERY SLOWLY AT THE TIME THE FAILURE OCCURRED AND THERE WAS NO INJURY OR DAMAGE OTHER THAN TO THE HUB ASSEMBLY, CALIPER BRACKET AND SOME OTHER BRAKE PARTS. THE TOTAL COST OF REPAIR PARTS NOT INCLUDING LABOR IS ABOUT $500. I HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE MANUFACTURER OF THE HUB ASSEMBLY. IT SHOULD BE REASONABLE TO EXPECT A CRITICAL PART LIKE A HUB ASSEMBLY TO LAST MORE THAN ABOUT 6000 MILES. IF THE HUB ASSEMBLY HAD COME APART TWO MINUTES OR A HALF MILE EARLIER, I MIGHT NOT BE FILING THIS REPORT. I HAVE ASKED AUTOPARTSMIDWEST TO REFUND THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE DEFECTUVE HUB ASSEMBLIES AS WELL AS THE COST OF REPLACEMENT PARTS. THE SALE OF DANGEROUSLY DEFECTIVE PARTS BY AUTOPARTSMIDWEST AND OTHER ON LINE SELLER MUST STOP. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO INSPECT SOMETHING LIKE A HUB ASSEMBLY TO VERIFY ITS QUALITY. BUYERS MUST DEPEND ON THE SELLER AND MANUFACTURER TO PROVIDE SAFE CAR PARTS. *TR
Dec 20, 2012
FRONT END IS MISALIGNED AND THE MUD WAS FOUND IN THE TRANSMISSION.
Aug 30, 1997
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES
2 complaints
MULTIPLE FAILURES INCLUDING: DEFECTIVE TIRES, ROTORS AND BRAKES CRYSTALLIZING, "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" ILLUMINATING, CROSS BARS ON THE TRUNK, PAINT PEELING AND DEFECTIVE CRUISE CONTROL. *TS
Apr 14, 2003
EXCESSIVE WEAR OF THE BRAKES AND TIRES.
Nov 04, 1997
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaints
VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT AND LOSE POWER STEERING AND ABS SYSTEM WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANY WORK ON VEHICLE. *AK
Feb 07, 2002
RETURNED VEHICLE TO DEALER MANY TIMES COMPLAINING ABOUT BRAKES, HE REPLACED ONE PAD ON ONE TIRE. SAYS IT WAS THE ONLY ONE WORN, NOW CAR SKIDS ON BRAKING AND PULLS TO THE SIDE. EGR VALVE IS ALSO BAD AND HE REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE ANYTHING IS WRONG WITH VEHICLE. HE STATES HE REPLACED OXYGEN SENSOR UNIT BUT, IT STILL APPEARS OLD AND RUSTED IN.AFTER THE FIRST DAY OF HAVING VEHICLE I COMPLAINED ABOUT BRAKES.IDLER BEARING IMOBILIZED CAR 2 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE,HE GERYY RIGGED IT WITHOUT FIXING IT PROPERLY.
Dec 08, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,WHEELS
2 complaints
WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A GRINDING SOUND, THEN ABS LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, AND FRONT RIGHT WHEEL CAME OFF VEHICLE.*AK
Mar 27, 2001
ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSORS FAILED.*ET
Dec 06, 1999
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,TIRES
2 complaints
IN JUNE OF 1996, 1 NEW TIRE BLEW OUT, AND I WAS LUCKY TO GET A REPLACEMENT AND GOODYEAR REINBURSED ME FOR THE COST OF A NEW TIRE. EVENTUALLY, MY TIRES STARTED WEARING ODDLY, AND AFTER GETTING A WHOLE NEW SET, MY SWAY BAR LINK BROKE. I HAD THE SWAY BAR REPLACED, BUT MY NEW TIRES ARE ALSO WEARING VERY ODDLY. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL FRONT END ALIGNMENTS, TIRE BALANCE AND FREQUENT ROTATIONS. NO ONE IS SURE WHY MY TIRES ARE WEARING AS THEY ARE, ON THE INSIDE ONLY. THE TREAD IS VERY THIN, AND I THINK I WILL NEED A THIRD SET OF TIRES ON THIS TRUCK. I WONDER IF THE SWAY BAR IS PART OF THE PROBLEM. IT SEEMS LIKE EVERYTHING BIG AND EXPENSIVE WENT OUT ON THIS CAR AS SOON AS IT HIT JUST OVER 100K MILES. OF COURSE MY TRANSIMISSION, AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER PROBLEMS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH BOTH WERE VERY CLOSE. I PLAN TO TAKE THE CAR TO FORD TO DISCUSS THE TIRE PROBLEM, I HOPE SOMEONE CAN EXPLAIN WHY I AM GOING THROUGH SO MANY SETS OF TIRE. I HAVE NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT IN THIS VEHICLE, AND HAVE MAINTINED IT CAREFULLY. COULD THE SWAY BAR BE A PROBLEM? *AK (TIRESIZE: LT23S/75R1)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: LT23S/75R1 )
Dec 02, 2000
IN JUNE OF 1996, 1 NEW TIRE BLEW OUT, AND I WAS LUCKY TO GET A REPLACEMENT AND GOODYEAR REINBURSED ME FOR THE COST OF A NEW TIRE. EVENTUALLY, MY TIRES STARTED WEARING ODDLY, AND AFTER GETTING A WHOLE NEW SET, MY SWAY BAR LINK BROKE. I HAD THE SWAY BAR REPLACED, BUT MY NEW TIRES ARE ALSO WEARING VERY ODDLY. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL FRONT END ALIGNMENTS, TIRE BALANCE AND FREQUENT ROTATIONS. NO ONE IS SURE WHY MY TIRES ARE WEARING AS THEY ARE, ON THE INSIDE ONLY. THE TREAD IS VERY THIN, AND I THINK I WILL NEED A THIRD SET OF TIRES ON THIS TRUCK. I WONDER IF THE SWAY BAR IS PART OF THE PROBLEM. IT SEEMS LIKE EVERYTHING BIG AND EXPENSIVE WENT OUT ON THIS CAR AS SOON AS IT HIT JUST OVER 100K MILES. OF COURSE MY TRANSIMISSION, AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER PROBLEMS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH BOTH WERE VERY CLOSE. I PLAN TO TAKE THE CAR TO FORD TO DISCUSS THE TIRE PROBLEM, I HOPE SOMEONE CAN EXPLAIN WHY I AM GOING THROUGH SO MANY SETS OF TIRE. I HAVE NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT IN THIS VEHICLE, AND HAVE MAINTINED IT CAREFULLY. COULD THE SWAY BAR BE A PROBLEM? *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: LT23S/75R1 )
Dec 02, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT INTO DRIVE. WHEN IN DRIVE THE CAR COASTS AT ABOUT 1 MPH. IT WILL GO INTO REVERSE AND PARK OK. THE CAR IS DRIVEN UNDER NORMAL TO LIGHT DRIVING CONDITIONS. I HAS NEVER BEEN USED FOR TOWING. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HAS BEEN CHECKED AND IT IS FINE. THE WARRANTY EXPIRED ON 3/9/2000. JUST A WEEK PRIOR TO THE WARRANTY EXPIRATION WARRANTY WORK WAS COMPLETED ON THE TRANSFER CASE AND NOTHING WAS NOTED AS BEING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE LAST SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE WAS COMPLETED ON THE VEHICLE IN JUNE 2000. THE BRAKES PULSATE WHEN SLOWING DOWN FROM HIGH SPEEDS. THEY WERE SERVICED ONCE BY FORD FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THE SERVICING DID NOT CORRECT IT. FORD REFUSED TO SERVICE THEM AGAIN AND THEY CONTINUE TO PULSATE WHEN SLOWING DOWN FROM HIGH SPEEDS.
Sep 08, 2000
THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT INTO DRIVE. WHEN IN DRIVE THE CAR COASTS AT ABOUT 1 MPH. IT WILL GO INTO REVERSE AND PARK OK. THE CAR IS DRIVEN UNDER NORMAL TO LIGHT DRIVING CONDITIONS. I HAS NEVER BEEN USED FOR TOWING. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HAS BEEN CHECKED AND IT IS FINE. THE WARRANTY EXPIRED ON 3/9/2000. JUST A WEEK PRIOR TO THE WARRANTY EXPIRATION WARRANTY WORK WAS COMPLETED ON THE TRANSFER CASE AND NOTHING WAS NOTED AS BEING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE LAST SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE WAS COMPLETED ON THE VEHICLE IN JUNE 2000. THE BRAKES PULSATE WHEN SLOWING DOWN FROM HIGH SPEEDS. THEY WERE SERVICED ONCE BY FORD FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THE SERVICING DID NOT CORRECT IT. FORD REFUSED TO SERVICE THEM AGAIN AND THEY CONTINUE TO PULSATE WHEN SLOWING DOWN FROM HIGH SPEEDS.
Sep 08, 2000
VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
I WAS DRIVING ALONG AND HEARD A BIG THUMP, LIKE SOMEONE THREW SOMETHING AND HIT THE SIDE OF THE TRUCK. I TOOK IT INTO FORD AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. IN THE MEANTIME MY ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON (SECOND TIME WITHIN 16000 MILES) AND MY WINDOW WASHER WAS BROKE SO THEY HAD TO ORDER THE PART. I WENT IN A WEEK LATER AND THEY PUT IT UP ON THE RACK AND THAT'S WHEN THE BOLT FELL OUT HOLDING MY FRONT END TOGETHER. I WAS TOLD I WAS LUCKY TO BE THERE FOR THEM TO FIX IT. IF IT WENT OUT ON ME WHEN I WAS DRIVING I WOULD HAVE BE KILLED. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT SEEING HOW THEY COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM THE FIRST TIME I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL IT DID IT CONSTANTLY . IF I WOULD HAVE WAITED , I WOULDN' T HAVE BEEN AROUND FOR THEM TO FIND THE PROBLEM. NO ONE COULD EXPLAIN TO ME WHY THIS HAPPENED. I WAS TOLD BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY THAT THIS ISN'T A RECALL ITEM. $500 PLUS LATER I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THEY COULDN'T PAY FOR IT BECAUSE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. HOW WOULD THEY LIKE MY FAMILY OWNING FORD MOTOR COMPANY FOR THEIR SHODDY WORKMANSHIP??? THAT COULD HAVE BEEN A NICE LAW SUIT. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR 2 YEARS AND I'M CONSTANTLY PUTTING MONEY INTO IT (BESIDES MY MONTHLY CAR PAYMENTS) TO KEEP IT ON THE ROAD. I AM VERY DISSATISFIED WITH THIS VEHICLE AND WILL NEVER BUY A FORD PRODUCT AGAIN. I JUST WANT THE BUYERS TO BEWARE!!! *AK
Apr 11, 2000
EVAPORATION SYSTEM KEEPS FAILING, CAUSING GAS FUMES TO COME INTO VEHICLE AND OVERFLOW GAS FROM TOP OF TANK. ALSO ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON.
May 18, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
2 complaints
TRAVELLING AT 45MPH IN CENTER LANE OF 6 LANE HIGHWAY WITH LITTLE TRAFFIC IN A MODERATE RAIN STORM. ROAD WAS STRAIGHT. DID NOT TURN STEERING WHEEL. DID NOT APPLY BRAKES. VEHICLE STARTED FOR NO APPARENT REASON TO SPIN BY ITSELF TO THE RIGHT. AT THIS MOMENT, BRAKES WERE APPLIED HARD AND STEADY. VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND AND CONTINUED TO SPIN TURNING BACKWARDS REGARDLESS OF FRANTIC TURNING OF STEERING WHEEL INTO TURN INTO THE SKID. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO TRAVEL BACKWARDS AND SLIGHTLY TOWARDS THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. VEHICLE SLOWED SOMEWHAT, BUT CONTINUED TO TRAVEL ACROSS THE REMAINING LANES OF THE HIGHWAY AND SHOULDER HITTING THE GUARDRAIL WITH THE LEFT REAR CORNER FIRST, THEN BOUNCING UNTIL THE RIGHT FRONT HIT THE GUARDRAIL AND FINALLY STOPPED. VEHICLE WAS NOW FACING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC. ABS DASH LIGHT WAS BURNING INDICATING A FAILURE. THE IMPACT KNOCKED MOST OF THE AIR OUT OF THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WHICH CONTINUED TO HOLD AIR PERFECTLY ONCE REINFLATED. MY PASSENGER WAS SLIGHTLY HURT ON THE SCALP AND CHEEK. SEATBELTS WERE BEING WORN. THIS FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE OCCURRED WITHOUT ANY INPUT FROM THE DRIVER. THE REPAIRS WILL REACH ABOUT $8000.00. I HAVE REQUESTED TO THE REPAIR SHOP TO PROVIDE ME AN EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THE ABS LIGHT IS STAYING ON AND IF IT COULD HAVE GONE ON CAUSING THE START OF THE VEHICLE ROTATION. THIS IS THE 3RD EXPLORER I HAVE OWNED AND HAVE CONSIDERABLE EXPERIENCE DRIVING THESE TYPE SUV'S IN ALL KINDS OF WEATHER. SOMETHING HAD TO CAUSE THIS ACCIDENT OTHER THAN DRIVER ERROR.
Oct 26, 1999
FALSE ABS ACTIVATION WHILE LIGHT BRAKING AT LOW SPEEDS. THAT IS
Sep 24, 1999
STEERING,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
POWER STEERING MADE A SQUEALING NOISE DUE TO A DEFECTIVE POWER STEERING RACK. ALSO INNER TIE RODS AND CV BOOT MALFUNCTIONED. *AK
Jan 22, 1998
OIL IS LEAKING OUT OF FRONT DIFFERENTIAL VENT TUBE, ALSO INCREASED VIBRATION FELT IN STEERING COLUMN ALONG WITH CLUNKING NOISES WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS OR TURNING. *AK
Oct 30, 1996
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SEATS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING IN "D" IN FIRST TO SECOND IT HAS HAD A PROBLEM SHIFTING BETWEEN THE 1ST AND 2ND GEARS WHEN ACCELERATING AND WILL REV HIGH RPMS AND SOMETIMES DO ABSOLUTLEY NOTHING WHEN DRYING TO MOVE FORWARD UNLESS I DE ACCELERATE AND THEN TRY TO ACCELERATE AGINE THEN FINALLY IT WILL CATCH AND GO IN TO 2ND AND PROCEED TO 3RD AND THEN 4TH AND THEN 5TH ,4TH AND 5TH WHEN ACCELERATING SOUNDS VERY ROUGH WHEN ACCELERATING LIKE IT'S TRYING TO HARD TO DRIVE, LATELY IT JUST THE OTHER DAY I HAD TROUBLE GETTING IT TO GO IN TO D TO 1ST 2ND 3RD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTING WAS NOT WANTING TO CATCH HAD T OK TRY 3-6 TIMES DE ACCELERATING AND ACCELERATING TO TRY TO GET IT TO GO FINALT IT CAUGHT AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT SO I STOPPED AT THE PARTS STORE HAD THEM DO A SCAN AND THE ONLY CODE THAT CAME UP WAS P1701 THEY LOOKED IT UP AND IT SAID SOMETHING TO DO WITH TROUBLE IN REVERSE WITCH IN REVERSE HAS NO PROBLEM AT ALL SO I'M A LITTLE CONFUSED ABOUT IT AND ALSO A LITTLE SCARED TO DRIVE IT WHEN THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION AND IF IT WON'T ENGAGE IN TO GEAR WHEN ACCELERATING WHEN IN D THAT COULD BE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ALSO THE ODOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER DO NOT WORK WAS TOLD IT WAS VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR SO I REPLACED IT STILL HAD ISSUE SO I REPLACED THE ODOMETER SPIRAL GEAR HOPEFULLY IT WILL FIX THE PROBLEM ALSO THE BACK SEAT DOUBLE SIDE WOULD NOT GO DOWN FIXED IT AFTER PULLING IT APART AND DRILLING ANOTHER HOLE INTO THE SPRING LOADED CIRCLE THAT HAS A TENCHENER ON IT FIXED THAT ....AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AUTOMATIC SEATS JUST STOPPED MOVING ABOUT HALF WAY SO IT'S VERY HARD FOR ME TO REACH THE PEDAL AND THE AUTOMATIC SIDE MIRRORS DON'T WORK EATHER ONE AND THE ALL FUSES ARE GOOD THEAS ARE ALL SAFETY ISSUES THAT HAVE ME CONCERNED SINCE IT'S ALL I HAVE SO ANYTHING OR ANYWHERE I CAN TAKE IT OR DO TO IT PLEASE CONTACT ME SO IT CAN GET FIXED ASAP FOR THE SHIFTING ISSUE. TY
Feb 15, 2020
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I PURCHASED THIS EXPLORER THE FIRST YEAR THAT THE V-8 WAS AVAILABLE. THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD FRACTURED 4 TIMES DURING THE 12 YEARS THAT I HAD THE VEHICLE. THE PART COST OVER $300 AND WAS ON "NATIONAL BACKORDER" FOR OVER A YEAR, SO I HAD MY NEPHEW (CERTIFIED WELDER) WELD THE PIECE TOGETHER AND REINSTALLED BY AN AUTO MECHANIC. MY NEPHEW STATED THAT WHEN YOU HAVE "POT-METAL" WELDED TO STEEL, IT WILL ALWAYS FRACTURE, SO THIS PART WAS NEVER MANUFACTURED CORRECTLY. FORD DENIED MY REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT, EVEN AFTER THE 3RD TIME IT FRACTURED (PERSISTENT PROBLEM?) IT RELEASED FUMES INTO THE CAR THROUGH THE VENTS AND FLOORBOARDS. NOW I SEE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE NEWER EXPLORERS AND I FEEL THAT THIS HAS BEEN A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM FOR MANY, MANY YEARS, BUT JUST NOW HAS CAUGHT UP WITH FORD BECAUSE IT WAS INVESTIGATED BY NEWS MEDIA, WHERE I HAD NO RECOURSE BACK IN THE DAY FOR THE CORRECTION ON MY VEHICLE.
Nov 16, 2017
AIR BAGS,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING MY FORD EXPLORER AND MY TIRE ON THE DRIVER FRONTSIDE WENT OUT AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP ON ME AND THEN MY VEHICLE HIT THE CURVE AND FLIPPED OVER 15 OR 16 TIMES BEFORE IT STOPPED I WAS FEELING ALL OVER THE ROAD I HAD MY SET BELT ON BUT MY AIR BAGS NEVER CAME OUT AND I WAS ONLY GOING 25 OR 30 AND I WAS ON A CITY STREET TURNING INTO THE NEXT LANE WHEN THE TIRE WENT OUT AND MY VEHICLE FLIPPED YES POLICE ACCOUNT REPORT #170042354 I'M NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED I WAS IN SHOCK THAT IT HAPPENED SO QUICKLY AND I WAS HAPPY TO BE A LIVE MY FORD EXPLORER IS TOTALLY DESTROYED.
May 09, 2017
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
SEARCHING BY VIN: [XXX] NUMBER OF OPEN RECALLS: 0 BUT SEARCHING BY MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR I FOUND THIS RECALL: HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/OWNERS/SEARCHRESULTS;JSESSIONID=SJ1QWW1GVDDYCS6XGGCHZTLTY2TN4KJKBPXV1GCS9VG9XL8B1ZT5!857755995?PRODTYPE=V&SEARCHTYPE=PROD&TARGETCATEGORY=A&SEARCHCRITERIA.MODEL=EXPLORER&STATS=215181%2C11%2C3%2C1611%2C236%2CEXPLORER&MAKESTATS=&JSONBASEURL=%2FDOWNLOADS%2FFOLDERS%2F&SEARCHCRITERIA.MODEL_YR=1996&SEARCHCRITERIA.MAKE=FORD&SEARCHCRITERIA.PROD_IDS=215181 REPORT RECEIPT DATE: OCT 13, 2009 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V399000 COMPONENT(S): VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL THE DEALERSHIP SHOP AND WITH YOUR CHAT REPRESENTATIVE TRIED TO CONVINCE ME THAT THE RECALLS ARE ONLY BY VIN EVEN TOUGH IN YOUR WEB-SITE IT SAYS: "BESIDES THE VIN SEARCH TOOL YOU JUST USED, NHTSA OFFERS ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION BASED ON A VEHICLE'S MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR AND NOT TIED TO ANY PARTICULAR VIN. A SEARCH BY VEHICLE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR GIVES YOU ACCESS TO INFORMATION ABOUT TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS, NHTSA INVESTIGATIONS, AND OWNER COMPLAINTS, AS WELL AS SAFETY RECALLS ON AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT THAT IS OFTEN NOT LINKED TO A PARTICULAR VIN OR EVEN TO YOUR VEHICLE'S MANUFACTURER. " WHERE IS THE TRUTH? DO I HAVE A RECALL 09V399000 FOR MY VEHICLE? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Mar 21, 2016
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PRESS THE BRAKES TO STOP THEY OFTEN STICK. I THEN EASY OFF A LITTLE AND PRESS HARD, PUSHING THROUGH THE STICKING. *TR
Sep 05, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
15 MINUTES AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AND GETTING OFF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ONFIRE UNDER THE HOOD IN THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE FIRE EXPANDED QUICKLY CAUGHT DRIVERS SIDE FRONT TIRE AND MOVED ON TO THE ENTIRE MOTOR BEFORE THE FIREFIGHTERS CAME AND STOPPED THE FIRE. *TR
Feb 09, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
DRIVER-SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT WILL NOT STAY CONNECTED. DOOR LOCKS BROKEN (WILL NOT LOCK), AND LOCK KEY WORKS IN THE DOOR LOCKS SPORADICALLY. IN ADDITION, DRIVER-SIDE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE RECENTLY (1/15/2114) WILL NOT OPEN DOOR. *TR
Jan 30, 2014
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
I OWN A 1996 FORD EXPLORER SPORT 4X4, 4.0 LITER V6 WITH 5 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THIS IS A MOTOR MADE IN GERMANY AND THE TRUCK, IN THE LOUISVILLE, KY. FORD PLANT. RODENTS TOOK UP RESIDENCE IN THE HEATING SYSTEM, AND FILLED THE HEATER BLOWER ASSEMBLY AND DUCTING WITH SCAVENGED MATERIALS, WHICH TOOK UP APPROX. 1 CUBIC FOOT OF SPACE, ONCE EXTRACTED. MUCH TO MY BENEFIT, THE MATERIAL JUST SO HAPPENED TO BE FIRE RESISTANT STUFFING FROM MY ARCHERY TARGET, STORED IN THE SAME BUILDING. I STARTED MY VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY UPON TURNING ON THE HEATER, I HEARD A TERRIBLE NOISE WHICH ENDED ABRUPTLY. MY HEATER STOPPED WHEN THE NOISE STOPPED. IN AN EFFORT TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM I INSPECTED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I THEN NOTICED A BURNT SMELL, BUT SAW NO SMOKE. UPON REPLACING MY BLOWER MOTOR I INSPECTED THE OLD ONE, WHICH HAS CHARRED REMNANTS OF THE FOREIGN MATERIAL INSIDE AND WRAPPED AROUND THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. THE ONLY OPENING TO THE INNER COMPONENTS OF THE BLOWER MOTOR IS ABOUT 1" IN DIAMETER AND HAS A RUBBER TUBE PLUGGED INTO IT. IT APPEARED UNDISTURBED AND WAS CONNECTED WHEN I FIRST SERVICED IT. I ALSO DISCOVERED AN OPENING ON THE LOWER SIDE OF THE BLOWER FAN HOUSING, NEAR THE FIREWALL. THIS UNOBSTRUCTED OPENING FACILITATED THE RODENTS' ENTRY TO THE HEATING SYSTEM. IT IS OF MY OPINION THIS IS UNSAFE, AND HAD THE FOREIGN MATERIAL NOT BEEN FLAME RESISTANT, I'M CONVINCED MY VEHICLE WOULD HAVE BURNED. I ENTERED MY VIN NUMBER INTO FORD'S OFFICIAL WEB SITE, AND WAS RETURNED ZERO RESULTS FOR RECALLS OF ANY SORT. I DID NOT FIND ANY RECALLS RELATED TO HEATER BLOWERS FOR SIMILAR MODELS EITHER. I HAVE REPAIRED THE HEATING SYSTEM BUT AM AT A LOSS FOR HOW TO PREVENT THIS IN THE FUTURE, AS THIS OPENING STILL EXISTS AND I'M UNAWARE OF ANY SANCTIONED REMEDIES. *TR
Jan 21, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
APPROXIMATELY ONE DAY AFTER TRUCK WAS PURCHASED FROM DEALER, IT WAS NOTED THAT, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE DRIVER'S WINDOW, NONE OF THE WINDOWS IN THE TRUCK WOULD OPEN. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, PASSENGERS IN THE BACK SEAT WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN WINDOWS IF NEEDED FOR ESCAPE (DOORS IN PASSENGER SECTION OF TRUCK DID NOT WORK EITHER. SEE PREVIOUS COMPLAINT). *TR
Aug 13, 2013
STRUCTURE,SEATS
1 complaint
NOTICED THAT THE RECLINER HANDLE WAS BENT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE NEXT TIME I WENT TO RECLINE THE SEAT THE HANDLE BROKE OFF AT THE RIVET POINT. COMMON PROBLEM ACCORDING TO THE DEALER. THE PART CAN ONLY BE BOUGHT FROM FORD AND THE COST IS $100. THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR A LATER YEAR EXPLORER. DEALER SAID THE NEW PART IS MORE HEAVY DUTY AND MADE TO REPLACE THE STOCK VERSION THAT WAS LIGHT DUTY. NO RECALL WAS ISSUED AND THEY HAVE STOPPED MAKING THE PART. *TR
Sep 05, 2012
SEAT BELTS,SEATS
1 complaint
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT RECEIVER DOES NOT CLASP SEAT BELT. WE ARE TAKING THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL SHOP TO REPLACE THE RECEIVER AT $100 FOR THE PART PLUS LABOR. A SEAT BELT RECEIVER SHOULD BE BUILT TO LAST NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. THIS VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY KIND OF ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT COLLAPSED IN THE RECLINE POSITION ON 8/24/2011, FORTUNATELY THIS OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN MOTION. THE RECLINE MECHANISM DOES NOT WORK, AND THE SEAT DOES NOT STAY UPRIGHT. THESE TWO ITEMS ARE DEFINITELY SAFETY ISSUES. *TR
Sep 26, 2011
SUSPENSION,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,SEATS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
MY WIFE AND I ARE SCARED TO DRIVE OUR 96 EXPLORER ONCE WE LEARNED OF ALL THE RECALLS ( REAR SIDE GLASS, BAD SUSPENSION, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, HEADLIGHTS.) JUST TO NAME A FEW I KNOW OF. *TR
Nov 24, 2010
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DASHBOARD LIGHTS WERE TOO DIM. THE GAS CAP WAS NOT SECURE ON THE TANK AND DID SHE WAS UNABLE TO REPLACE THE GAS CAP ON TIGHT. THE DEALER ADVISED HER THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT ADDED TO THE POLLUTION. SHE RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 09V399000,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER INSTEAD OF THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. SHE CALLED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER BUT RECEIVED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 157,000.
Mar 04, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH OPERATING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND TURN SIGNALS FAILS, RESULTING IN TURN SIGNAL STAYING IN THE ON POSITION AND RESULTS IN WIRE SHORTAGE INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN, CAUSING ELECTRICAL SMOKE TO COME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. HAD I NOT MANUALLY PUSHED THE SWITCH OFF, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN FIRE WITHIN SECONDS. THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED TWICE IN THE SAME VEHICLE. THE SWITCH WAS REPLACED THE FIRST TIME, IN 2006. THAT SWITCH ALSO FAILED, BUT I WAS TOLD THE PART WAS ONLY UNDER WARRANTY FOR 12/12, SO I CANNOT HAVE IT REPLACED FOR FREE. SINCE IT IS FAULTY, (NOT CAUSED BY THE DRIVER) AND IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD THAT COULD LEAD TO INJURY OR DEATH, I BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT TO RAISE AWARENESS AND GET THIS HANDLED IMMEDIATELY. *TR
Jan 26, 2010
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
1996 FORD EXPLORER. VEHICLE KEYS ONLY WORK INFREQUENTLY. NEW KEYS FROM FORD DEALER CONTINUE TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. FOR SAFETY, ANY INDIVIDUAL NEEDS TO KNOW THAT THEIR VEHICLE KEY WILL OPERATE RELIABLY. IF YOU FEEL THREATENED OR ARE BEING FOLLOWED AND NEEDED THE SECURITY OF ENTERING AND LOCKING YOUR VEHICLE BUT WERE UNABLE THIS COULD RESULT IN A PERSONAL SAFETY RISK INCLUDING DEATH. I HAVE FOUND THAT THE ISSUE AS DESCRIBED ABOVE IS A COMMON COMPLAINT FROM OTHER OWNERS AND FORD HAS REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE OR CORRECT IT. HAVING TO LEAVE A VEHICLE UNLOCKED SIMPLY TO ALLOW ENTRY IS UNACCEPTABLE. I MIGHT AS WELL PLACE A SIGN ON MY VEHICLE SAYING STEAL ME. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR 3 YEARS WITHOUT A SOLUTION. NEW KEYS MAY WORK FOR A PERIOD OF TIME AND THEN SIMPLY STOP WORKING. THEY MAY EVEN WORK LATER, IT IS NOT A KEY PROBLEM BUT A VEHICLE DESIGN ISSUE. NONE OF THE KEYS OPERATE THE REAR HATCH, NONE OF THE KEYS OPERATE THE PASSENGER DOOR ANY LONGER EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NO MECHANICAL ISSUE WITH EITHER. THE DRIVERS DOOR WORKS APPROXIMATELY 50% OF THE TIME. THESE ARE NOT "CHIP KEYS", THERE IS NO SECURITY ISSUE IN THAT REGARD. THESE ARE SIMPLY STANDARD DEALER CUT KEYS. THERE IS NO DISTINGUISHABLE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KEYS AND ALL HAVE WORKED AT TIMES. AGAIN, THE ISSUE IS THE VEHICLE DESIGN. *TR
Sep 30, 2008
SUSPENSION,WHEELS
1 complaint
1996 FORD EXPLORER WAS BEGINNING TO HAVE MECHANICAL ISSUES. CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF AND IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS REMOVED FROM THE SCENE. *KB THE POLICE REPORT STATED THE WHEEL BEARING AREA WAS DRY AND RUSTY, WHICH UNDER NORAML CIRCUMSTANCES WOULD BE LUBRICATED WITH OIL. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)*JB
Oct 24, 2007
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HATCHBACK SUPPORT GATE WOULD NOT PROPERLY SUPPORT THE GLASS. ALSO, THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. SHE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V137000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFT GATE:SUPPORT DEVICE) OR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 96V070000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
Oct 19, 2007
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS LEAKING FLUID. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL ON OTHER FORD VEHICLES. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, THE REPAIR WERE MADE FOR A FEE. ALSO EVERY 25000 MILES, THE OIL PAN GASKET NEEDED TO BE CHANGED DUE A SMALL LEAK. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THIRD, THE EXHAUST AND INTAKE MANIFOLDS WERE LEAKING CAUSING A NOXIOUS SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE SAME SERVICE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED BOTH MANIFOLDS, AND DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK DRIPPING ONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.
Jun 22, 2006
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
DT: CONTACT STATED IN 02-05 THE CAR STARTED SMOKING WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND THERE WAS A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE CAR WAS DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED. THE CONSUMER REPORTED OF HAVING NO PROBLEMS WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THE FIRE. HE WAS NOT SURE IF IT WAS ELECTRICAL OR CAUSED BY THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL. *AK *NM
Oct 20, 2005
STEERING,SUSPENSION,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,TIRES
1 complaint
SUDDEN TREAD SEPARATION ON LEFT REAR TIRE OF FORD EXPLORER CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL AND ON-ROAD ROLLOVER. TIRE WAS A COOPER ELDORADO RADIAL ZR1, SIZE P23575R15, DOT# 3DHLEKN2900.
Jun 08, 2005
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED ON 1996 THUNDERBIRD IN 2000. IT IS NOW CRACKED, AND AFTER SPENDING 550.00 TO FIND THAT OUT, THERE IS NOTHING FORD WILL DO EVEN THOUGH IT IS ON CAMPAIGN (97M91). NOW I CAN NOT DRIVE MY CAR.
May 25, 2005
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
NHTSA CAMPAIGN 97V074000, 97V137000, 97V070000. FORD ISSUED A THROTTLE, LIFTGATE, AND DOOR ASSEMBLY RECALLS. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS, BUT THE CONSUMER WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS THOSE VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS OUTSIDE THE REMEDY SCOPE. *JB
Nov 22, 2004
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
BOUGHT FORD EXPLORER IN 1996, NEW. FILED A COMPLAINT WITH BBB REGARDING PROBLEMS. NOTHING WAS ACHIEVED. IN NOVEMBER OF 2002 WAS IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER, MY SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK, NOR DID THE AIR BAGS DEPLOY, WHICH RESULTED IN SEVERE INJURIES TO MYSELF. BROKEN NECK (C-2, TBI TRAMIC BRAIN INJURY AND BROKEN BONES. I BELEIVE THE FAILURE OF THE SEAT BELT, ROOF STABILITY AND AIRBAGS MALFUNCTION CAUSED MY INJURIES. THE DRIVER AND OTHER OCCUPANT RECEIVED NO SERIOUS INJURIES. NOTHING WAS DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE NUMEROUS LAW SUITS AGAINIST FORD MOTOR CO. *AK
Oct 04, 2004
STEERING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
LOWER STEERING SHAFT HAD TO BE CHANGED IN MY 1996 FORD EXPLORER IN AUG. 2000 (68250 MILES) AND OCTOBER 2003 (120000+ MILES). FIRST TIME IT OCCURRED, I HAD ALMOST NO STEERING. THE RUBBER BOOT KEEPS TEARING AND RIPPING. I BOUGHT CAR NEW IN OCTOBER 1995. *AK
Oct 29, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
WHILE VEHICLE IDLED ENGINE STARTED TO RACE. THEN, VEHICLE WAS TRYING TO MOVE WITH BRAKES APPLIED. *AK
Sep 24, 2003
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO PULL OVER. DEALER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK THE LOWER ENGINE LOCKED, THE POWER STEERING LEAKED AT THE RACK ASSEMBLY, THE BELT TENSIONER WAS FAULTY AND THERE WAS A WHINING NOISE FROM THE POWER STEERING WHEN TURNING LEFT, RIGHT OR AT STAND STILL. *SCC *JB
Sep 23, 2003
STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
WE PURCHASED OUR VEHICLE USED IN 1999 WITH 33000 MILES. 6 MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE WE NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION, ANOTHER NEW TRANSMISSION LAST YEAR (2002), NEW BALL JOINTS, AND NOW WE ARE BEING TOLD THE RACK AND PINION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. FORD HAS NOT OFFERED ANY RECALLS ON THIS PART BUT I HAVE SEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS. MY VEHICLE IS CONSTANTLY SHAKING (FEELS LIKE I AM GOING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS) WHEN I AM OVER 30-40 MPH. WE ALSO JUST HAD OUR VEHICLE ALIGNED AND IT IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AGAIN BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. *JB
May 07, 2003
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
CENTER CONSOLE WITH COMPUTER INFO DISPLAY CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING.
Jan 25, 2003
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE MAKES A LOUD HUMMING SOUND WHICH COMES FROM FRONT END OF VEHICLE. ALSO, TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED. CONSUMER CONSTANTLY HAS TO TAKE VEHICLE TO DEALER. *AK THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE SPEED SENSOR AND THE O2 SENSOR WERE REPLACED. JG
May 03, 2002
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,TIRES
1 complaint
VEHICLE WAS GOING 30-35MPH AND FLIPPED OVER DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WOULDN'T UNLOCK, LEAVING CONSUMER IN A UPSIDE DOWN POSITION. CONSUMER USED A SCREW DRIVER TO UNLATCH THE SEAT BELT. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. SEAT BELT PART# TRW TC077. *AK THE AIR BAG ALSO FAILED DURING THE ACCIDENT. THE CAUSE FOR LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS DUE TO THE TIRE WHICH ROLLED OFF FROM THE SAFETY RIM. *YH
Mar 11, 2002
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES
1 complaint
THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TIRE BLEW OUT AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED ( SIDEWALL FAILURE), THERE WAS GOOD TREAD LEFT ON THE TIRE, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED DUE TO A AFTER MARKET ALARM SYSTEM THAT WAS INSTALLED BY TAPPING IN TO THE BRAKE LIGHTS FOR POWER. DEALER FAILED TO MENTION ANY ALARM SYSTEM.*AK (TIRESIZE: P2257015)
Sep 23, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
THE DEALER IS BEEN INFORMING THAT THEY ARE WORKING ON FUEL GUAGE PROBLEM FOR ALMOST 1 YEAR AND REPLACED THE ASSEMBLY IN THE FUEL TANK AND CONTACTED FORD SEVERAL TIMES. I ALSO CONTACTED THEM AND SPOKE TO SHAWN @ 1-800-392-3673 EXTN: 3066. HE TOLD ME FORD WILL CONTACT ME, BUT, FAILED TO CONTACT. ABS PROBLEM CAME RECENTLY. DEALER REAPLACED A PART, BUT, DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. AS PER THE DEALER THE FORD MOTORS ARE AWARE OF THE FUEL GUAGE PROBLEM FROM THE BEGINING BUT, FAILED TO COME UP WITH A RECOMMENDATION.
Jul 22, 2001
SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE REAR LEFT SIDE WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN IT ROLLING OVER 3 1/4 TIMES, THE PASSENGER WAS KILLED AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE INJURIES INCLUDING A BROKEN NECK, THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THE RECALL 00V-402 FOR FRONT SWAY BARS MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT AND WAS RECEIVED AFTER THE ACCIDENT OCCURED, DURING THE ACCIDENT NEITHER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. NLM
Feb 23, 2001
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING INTERIOR LIGHTS COMES ON AND OFF WITHOUT MANUAL OPERATION. PROBLEM OCCURS WITHIN ELECTRIAL SYSTEM WHICH CAUSES DOOR LOCKS TO MALFUNCTION. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Feb 08, 2001
STEERING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
DURING A ROUTINE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FILTER CHANGE I DISCOVERED A POTENTIAL PROBLEM.DURING THE REFILL AND CHECK OF PROPER FLUID LEVEL THE DIPSTICK GIVES A FALSE INDICATION THAT THE FLUID IS AT THE CORRECT LEVEL. IT INDICATED TO ME THAT THE LEVEL WAS OVER FULL. THIS WAS EVEN VERIFIED BY A CERTIFIED ASE TECHNICIAN AT A LOCAL WALMART. HE NOTED THE LEVEL WAS LOW. I DISCOVERED THAT YOU HAVE TO LOOK AT THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE DIPSTICK TO ACQUIRE THE CORRECT READING. BY DOING THIS I DISCOVERED THE FLUID WAS NEARLY 2 QUARTS LOW. THE READING ON THE FRONT SIDE NEVER CHANGED WHERE THE CROSS HATCHED INDICATORS ARE. THIS COULD BE FIXED BY A SIMPLE CHANGE IN THE DIPSTICK. THIS PRESENTS A PROBLEM OF TRANSMISSION FAILURE DUE TO IMPROPER FLUID LEVELS. I BELIEVE OWNERS SHOULD BE NOTIFIED. *AK
Feb 05, 2001
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
FUEL PUMP BROKE. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED BY RECALL ALTHOUGH IT HAS SAME PROBLEM. *AK WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, VEHICLE WON'T STOP UNLESS CONSUMER STOMPED ON GAS PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES, CONSUMER STATES THE GAS PEDAL SEEMED STUCK AND ACCELERATION WOULDN'T STOP. *SLC
Jan 31, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
TRANSMISSION FAILED TWICE UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. LOST POWER UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES. SAME PROBLEM BOTH TIMES. ENGINE SEIZED WHEN VEHICLE HIT A PUDDLE OF WATER AT LOW SPEED. AIR INTAKE IS MOUNTED UNUSALLY LOW ON THIS EXPLORER ALLOWING WATER INTO THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER AND CAUSING HYDROSTATIC LOCK. FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND READS A SCRIPTED RESPONSE WHEN I HAVE TRIED TO GET ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT I CONSIDER A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW. *AK
Jan 28, 2001
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WAS DRIVING AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON & STAYED. BEEN TO DEALER. HAD SENSORS REPLACED, BUT PROBLEM CAME BACK. TEMPERATURE GAUGE HAD FAILED TO REGISTER. FUEL GUAGE WAS NOT WORKING, AND STABLIZER BAR HAD BROKEN AND WAS REPLACED. ALSO, POWER LOCKS FAILED TO RELEASE. *AK THE SENSORS WERE BEING REPLACED OVER AND OVER AGAIN. *YH
Jan 17, 2001
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
I NEVER CONTACTED FORD TO MAKE A COMPLAINT BECAUSE I THOUGHT MY SUSPENSION WAS FALLING APART DUE TO TOWING AND BAD ROADS IN MY AREA.. THEN I GET A RECALL FOR END LINKS... BUT THEY REFUSE TO PAY FOR ADDITION DAMAGED RELATED TO THE SWAY BAR LINKS. I'M NOT LOOKING FOR PAYMENT BUT I THINK THAT IT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO BY SOMEONE. I HAVE ALMOST ROOLED THE VEHICLE MANY TIMES BECAUSE OF THE END LINKS BREAKING AND I AM A VERY UNHAPPY CONSUMER. THE PARTS WERE REPLACED TWICE AND THE BALL JOINT ONCE, THE BALL JOINT FAILED WHEN THE END LINK FAILED THE SECOND TIME. I MIGHT ADD I WAS A FORD LOVER AT ONE TIME, AND I OWN MANY CLASSIC FORDS, BUT I WILL NEVER BUY A NEW FORD AGAIN, NOR WILL ANY OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS. I JUST FEEL THAT THE CONSER GETS RIPPED OFF BY BIG BUSINESS LIKE IN MY CASE, I'M FORCED TO PAY FOR DAMAGE DONE TO MY VEHICLE THAT WAS CAUSED BY THE MANUFACTURER. WHAT A JOKE, HENRY FORD IS ROLLING IN HIS GRAVE. WHAT A SHAME THAT A COMPANY DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE PEOPLE THAT LINE THIER POCKETS WITH MONEY. I WOULD LIKE TO THAT YOU FOR READING THIS. SINCERLY JOHN BUGDONOVITCH. *AK
Jan 12, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, AND CONSUMER MADE AN APPOINTMENT, BUT HEAD GASKET BLEWOUT BEFORE APPOINTMENT. *AK
Jan 10, 2001
SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
ON DEC. 13, 2000, MY 22 YEAR OLD SON TOTALLED THIS VEHICLE AFTER HITTING A PATCH OF "BLACK ICE" WHILE TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH. THE VEHICLE ROLLED ACCORDING TO AN EYEWITNESS 4 TIMES AND LANDED ON ITS ROOF. MY SON WAS, THANK GOD, WEARING HIS SEATBELT! HE WAS ABLE TO RELEASE HIS SEATBELT AND CRAWLED THROUGH THE DRIVER'S WINDOW WHICH HAD BEEN BROKEN OUT. HE ESCAPED WITHOUT ANY INJURIES! MY CONCERN IS SO MUCH EMPHASIS HAS BEEN PLACED ON THE ROLLOVER POSSIBILITIES WHEN A TIRE BLOWS, WHY NOT THE POSSIBILITY OF FLIPPING WHEN HITTING ICE? IS ANYTHING BEING INVESTIGATED TO CORRECT THE TOP HEAVINESS OF THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY THE 2-DOOR MODELS. MORE EMPHASIS NEEDS TO BE PLACED ON THE NECESSITY OF WEARING SEATBELTS TO SURVIVE A ROLLOVER.. *AK
Jan 09, 2001
SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,SEATS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I BOUGHT THIS SUV USED AND I THOUGHT I WAS GETTING A GREAT VEHICLE, BOY WAS I WRONG. IT HAS BEEN ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER WITH THIS SUV. PLEASE CHECK ALL OF MY COMPLAINTS THIS IS AN INTERIOR PROBLEM, THESE THINGS CANNOT BE CAUSED BY EVEY DAY USE. THE PROBLEMS I AM HAVING ARE, BACK SEAT DOOR HANDLES ARE BROKE, THE SPARE TIRE RELEASE BROKE THE FIRST TIME IT WAS USED, THE AIR BAG LIGHT WENT OFF AND CAUSED AN INCONVIENCE TO MY FAMILY, THE TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND THE ALINGMENT HASEN'T BEEN RIGHT SENSE I'VE OWNED IT, THE BACK SEAT DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY, IT WILL NOT RELEASE TO FOLD FORWARD, AND THE MOTOR ON THE HATCH HASEN'T WORKED PROPERLY FROM DAY ONE OF MY OWNERSHIP. PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS MATTER. THANK FOR ALL YOU DO. MARGIE HULSEY. ML
Nov 13, 2000
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
DESIGN OF CONSOLE CAUSES REARVIEW MIRROR PLACEMENT TO BE TOO LOW. THIS CREATES A BLIND SPOT FOR DRIVER WHEN TRYING TO MERGE RIGHT. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP SEEMS TO RECOGNIZE THAT THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW. FORD HAS AGREED TO LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURHTER INFORMATION.*AK
Nov 07, 2000
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN A LEMON SINCE I LEASED IT AND THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS DONE NOTHING TO TRY AND STOP THE PROBLEMS. THEY HAVE REFUSED ON ALL ACCOUNTS TO EVEN RIGHT UP A SERVICE COMPLAINT SO THERE WILL BE A RECORD OF THE TIMES I HAVE TAKEN IT IN FOR PROBLEMS. THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS, IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TOTALLY TAKEN OFF THE ROAD YEARS AGO. THE DOOR LOCK IN THE REAR GOES UP AND DOWN AT RANDOM AND IT DOES IT REPEATLY UNTIL I HAVE TO SHUT THE CAR OFF BECAUSE I,M AFRAID IT WILL CATCH FIRE. THE TIRES STARTED WEARING THROUGH WHEN THERE WAS ONLY 30,000. MILES ON THEM, AND NOW IT WILL NOT CRANK UNLESS I HOLD THE GEAR SHIFT UP PAST THE P MARK ON THE COLUM AND I LIVE ON A FLAT PAVED ROAD. THE FORD COMPANY SAID IT WAS FROM PARKING ON A HILL. I LIVE IN SOUTH EAST GA, WE HAVE NO HILLS.*AK( DOT NUMBER: )
Oct 28, 2000
SUSPENSION,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,TIRES
1 complaint
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY ABOUT 70MPH AND THEN SHE FELT VIBRATION, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN TREAD CAME OFF OF THE TIRES AND DAMAGED VEHICLE. ALSO, TAIL LIGHT WAS BROKEN, AS WELL AS FENDER WELL AND THE BUMPER. THE ORIGINAL ATW TIRES WERE ON THIS VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD THEM REPLACED. *AK
Jul 21, 2000
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
THE BROKEN INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE MAY HAVE BEEN BROKEN FOR A LONG TIME BUT, BECAUSE OF THE CHILD SAFETY LOCK FEATURE BEING ACTIVATED IT WASN'T NOTICED UNTIL THE CHILD SAFETY LOCK WAS DEACTIVETED ONLY TO FIND THAT THE DOOR HANDLE WOULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR. UPON DISASSEMBLY, I FOUND THE PLASTIC CAM THAT UNLOCKS THE LATCH OF THE DOOR TO BE CRACKED OFF RENDERING THE HANDLE USELESS. AS FOR THE TRANSMISSION, THE PREMATURE AND EXPENSIVE FAILURE SHOULD BECOME A RECALL ITEM FOR FORD AS I HAVE FOUND THAT MANY OWNERS OF THIS TYPE VEHICLE ARE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS OF GREAT FINANCIAL CONSEQUENCE AND POSSIBLE TRAGIC HEALTH CONSEQUENCE.. I'D SAY A DISPORPORTIONATE NUMBER OF EXPLORER OWNERS ARE ENCOUNTERING SIMILAR TRANSMISSION FAILURES. THE LIFE THREATENING CONDITION OF A BAD TRANSIMISSION COULD HAVE LED TO A LOCK-UP OR UNEXPECTED RAPID DECELERATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHICH COULD HAVE ROLLED THE TRUCK. INTERNAL COMPONENTS WERE BADLY SCARRED AND IRREPAIREBLY DAMAGED. INITIAL SYMPTONS WERE HESITATION ON ACCELLERATION AT SHIFT POINTS FORD ISSUED SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS TO ADDRESS THESE SYMPTOMS BUT NEVER RECALLED THE DEFECTIVE PRODUCT.*AK
May 08, 2000
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION, VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE CRUISE CONTROL STICKING/THROTTLE BODY FAILURE, VEHICLE ACCIDENT RESULTING FROM ACCELERATION, NO DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAGS DURING COLLISION RESULTING IN INJURY TO CONSUMER. *MJS
May 08, 2000
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
O/D AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND THE TRUCK WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR
Jan 30, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH CONSUMER TRIED TO REDUCE SPEED OF CRUISE CONTROL BY APPLYING BRAKES PEDAL, BUT ABS LOCKED UP, MAKING THE VEHICLE TURN/ROLL OVER. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NO TDEPLOY, AND VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
Sep 07, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE
1 complaint
CROSSED INTERSECTION & APPLIED BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN. VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. USED EMERGENCY BRAKES & VEHICLE KEPT GOING. FINALLY SHIFTED INTO PARK & VEHICLE STOPPED. TOWED VEHICLE TO HOME. NOTICED THICK HEM OF CARPETING HAD MOVED OVER ACCELERATOR PEDAL. *AK
Jun 07, 1999
STEERING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO HITTING A DEER. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE WENT INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND ROLLED OVER ON ITS TOP. BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER NOTIFIED AND HAD NOTHING POSTIVE TO SAY. SEEKING NHTSA FOR HELP IN THIS MATTER. *AK
Mar 05, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH WENT TO APPLY FOR THE BRAKES ON WET PAVEMENT AND BRAKES DIDN'T WORK. CONSUMER HIT A TREE. PULLING THE VEHICLE FROM THE TREE THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK
Nov 13, 1998
STEERING,WHEELS
1 complaint
THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY DISCONNECTED FROM AXLE AND SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL.THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD DURIN AN EVASIVE MANEUVER TO AVOID A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE AT WHICH TIME THE ASSEMBLY FAILED.
Sep 02, 1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
GAS GAUGE DOES NOT MOVE WHEN FILLED WITH GAS OR WHILE DRIVING. CAUSE UNKOWN. DEALER CANNOT CORRECT PROBLEM. *AK THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE IS ERRATIC, DEALER REPLACED A WIRING HARNESS, HOWEVER THIS DID NOT WORK, DEALER CAN NOT REMEDY THE ERRATIC TEMPERATURE GAUGE OR THE INACCURATE GAS GAUGE. *SLC
Jun 12, 1998
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
TACHOMETER/ DRIVER'S SIDE INTERIOR HANDLE FAILED.
Apr 05, 1998
SUSPENSION,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AND ATTEMPTING TO CORRECT DIRECTION OF VEHICLE. IT ROTATED CONTER-CLOCKWISE AND WENT INTO A SLIDE. VEHICLE ROLLED OVER 4 TIMESS. IN ADDITION, DURING ITS FIRST ROTATION, DOOR LATCH FAILED, DOOR OPENED AND DRIVER PARTIALLY EJECTED. DRIVER DIED FROM FATAL INJURIES AND PASSSENGER WA S INJURED. DRIVER WAS NOT INFORMED BY FORD OF RECALL REGARDING DOOR LATCHES AND LOCKS (96V-070). *AK
Feb 13, 1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
ENGINE AND FUEL INJECTION MALFUNCTION. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED, ENGINE RPM'S RAISE TO 4000-5000 WITHOUT ACCELERATION, VEHICLE JERKS AS IF RECEIVING FUEL INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE SOMETIMES STALLS AND/OR WILL NOT START.
Jan 30, 1998
AIR BAGS,WHEELS
1 complaint
DRIVER HEAR STRANGE RUMBLING NOISE COMING FROM VEHICLE THEN WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF STEERING. VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND STRUCK REAR OF A PARKED VEHICLE. THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL HAD FALLEN OFF DUE TO A BROKEN UPPER CONTROL ARM. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
Aug 11, 1997
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING, ALSO BRAKE CALIPER FAILED, VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT FROM LANE TO LANE. *AK
Oct 01, 1996
FORD Explorer VIN Decoder — Free VIN Check Video Guide
Watch our quick FORD Explorer VIN decoder walkthrough. Learn how to decode any FORD Explorer VIN number to get full vehicle history, recall alerts, specifications, fuel economy (MPG), safety ratings, and known problems — completely free on ForCar.org.
Where to Find VIN for Problems Check
To check for problems and complaints on your 1996 FORD Explorer, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.
Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports
Each character in your 1996 FORD Explorer 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.
How to Check 1996 FORD Explorer Problems in 3 Steps
1
Locate Your VIN
Find the 17-character VIN on your 1996 FORD Explorer dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.
2
Review by Component
Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.
3
Check Safety Issues
Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your FORD dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1996 FORD Explorer have?
The 1996 FORD Explorer currently has 1640 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 1996 FORD Explorer?
The most common problems reported for the 1996 FORD Explorer are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 1996 FORD Explorer problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1996 FORD Explorer comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
How do I report problems with my 1996 FORD Explorer?
You can report safety problems with your 1996 FORD Explorer directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.
Where can I find my VIN to check problems?
Your 1996 FORD Explorer VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.
Is the 1996 FORD Explorer reliable?
Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 1996 FORD Explorer. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.
Other Years - FORD Explorer Problems
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
Other FORD Models
'34
1500 Foldaway
A8513
A9513
A9522
Aerostar
Affordable Aluminum
Affordable Trailers
Aspire
AT8513
AT9513
AT9522
Similar Brands
ST
3,555 models
RS
3,484 models
NC
2,822 models
ND
2,385 models
Z
1,951 models
MOTO
1,583 models
NU
1,189 models
RC
1,122 models