1991 Ford Explorer Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1991 Ford Explorer, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes12418.4%
- Tires & wheels11016.3%
- Engine537.9%
- Transmission517.6%
- Electrical466.8%
- Interior & seats355.2%
- Suspension345.1%
- Visibility324.8%
- Body & structure314.6%
- Driver assistance304.5%
- Other / unspecified284.2%
- Seat belts274.0%
- Fuel system263.9%
- Powertrain (other)162.4%
- Steering101.5%
- Exterior lighting50.7%
- Airbags30.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The component that malfunctioned was the abs sensor. It is not available for inspection. I was driving going around 45 in traffic and the drivers side rear brake locked up and spun me out of control and caused me to collide with another vehicle. I only lightly pressed the brakes and it happened suddenly and unexpectedly. It was not inspected before it was towed after the accident. There were no warning lamps.
COMPLAINT RECEIVED VIA E-MAIL. THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON MY 1991 FORD EXPLORER CANNOT BE MADE TO WORK CONSISTENTLY. THIS PRESENTS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY HAZARD TO THE DRIVERS FOLLOWING MY VEHICLE. WHEN I HIT MY BRAKES THEY CAN'T TELL. I HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED TWICE ALREADY, AND I AM TIRED OF IT. BUT FORTUNATELY THE REAR BUMPER IS VERY STRONG, AND ONLY IS BENT IN A LITTLE SO FAR, SINCE THE VEHICLE BEHIND HITS THE TOW HITCH, WHICH IS CAPABLE OF TOWING 3,500 POUNDS. RACEWAY FORD IN RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM BY REPLACING THE SWITCH AT LEAST TWICE SINCE 1997. I HAVE NOT YET GONE THROUGH THE PAPER WORK BEFORE 1997 TO SEE HOW MANY ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO CORRECT THE DESIGN DEFECT. I REPLACED THE SWITCH AGAIN, AND STILL CANNOT GET THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO WORK PROPERLY.*AK
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED TWO MICHELIN LTX MS2 235/75R15 TIRES FROM TIRE RACK.COM, E732381. THEY WERE DELIVERED SEPTEMBER 15, 2011 WITH AN INCORRECTLY COMPLETED OMB CONTROL NO. 2127-0050 TIRE REGISTRATION CARD. THE CARD LISTED THE BRAND AS BF GOODRICH AND THE TIRE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS AS BETJMX912711. THE TIRES I RECEIVED ARE MICHELIN B3DDDVOX2511 ACCORDING TO THE TIRE SIDEWALLS. I CONTACTED TIRE RACK'S CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THEY ADVISED THAT THERE SYSTEM SHOWED THAT I WAS SENT MICHELIN B3DDDVOX2511 TIRES AND THAT IT WAS NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO CORRECTLY COMPLETE THE TIRE REGISTRATION CARD. DOES THIS COMPLY WITH DOT REGULATIONS REGARDING TIRE RETAILER'S CONDUCT REGARDING TIRE RECALL REGISTRATION? *TR
UNIROYAL TIRE SIDE WALL CRACKS LT 235 75R15 - NO FAILURE - JUST CRACK. ALL 4 OF MY TIRES HAD A SIDE WALL CRACK THE ENTIRE DIAMETER OF THE TIRE ABOUT 3 INCHES DOWN ON THE SIDE WALL . I NOTICED THE CRACK ON THE INSIDE AS WELL SO IT APPEARS THE TIRES HAD SOME ISSUE. I HAD NEVER APPLIED TIRE FOAM CLEANER(ARMOR ALL TIREFOAM PRIOR ) BUT ONE TIME THIS LAST WEEK I DID APPLY SOME AND FOUND THE CRACK. LOOKING UNDER THE 1991 FORD EXPLORER 4X4 I DID SEE THE SAME ISSUE ON THE INSIDE OF A FRONT TIRE AS WELL...I NEVER APPLIED ANY ARMOR ALL TYPE CLEANER ON THE INSIDE EITHER. UNIROYAL FACTORY PHONE SUPPORT BLAMED ME OF APPLYING TIRE CLEANER WHICH RUINS TIRES AND SO DID THE WALMART TIRE STORE STAFF . I NEVER APPLIED ANYTHING AS THIS IS AN OLDER VEHICLE WHICH AND NO PR OR SHOW APPEAL. WALMART REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES ON 10-25-09 BUT THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS NOT 35 PSI ITS WAS AROUND 43 ACCORDING TO MY GAGE..THE TIRES ARE RATED FOR 50PSI. WALMART CHARGED THE PROBLEM TO MY WARRANTY AND THEN WANTED TO CHARGE AGAIN FOR A NEW WARRANTY. THIS WAS A TIRE FACTORY PROBLEM AS BOTH SIDE OF THE TIRES HAD A CRACK NOT A FIELD ROAD HAZARD ISSUE. KINGMAN AZ HAS TEMP RANGES FROM 110 IN JULY TO 9 DEGREES IN WINTER...THIS MAY BE FACTOR. *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH ON A DRIVEWAY INCLINE, THE ENGINE IDLED EXCESSIVELY HIGH AND THE VEHICLE STALLED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE ENGINE RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT DETECTED SMOKE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND MASSIVE FLAMES ERUPTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND HAS NOT BEEN TOWED AWAY FROM THE SCENE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO HER HANDS. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE.
THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ENGINE REPAIRS. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS READY TO BE DRIVEN. THE CONSUMER WENT TO THE GAS STATION BECAUSE THERE WAS NO FUEL IN IT. WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS LEAVING THE GAS STATION, THE VEHICLE LOST ITS FRONT WHEEL. IT WAS THEN DISCOVERED THAT NO LUGS; BOLTS WERE PUT BACK ON THE FRONT WHEEL. THE CONSUMER WAS HAVING ENGINE WORK DONE TO THE VEHICLE. WHY WOULD THEY TAKE THE WHEELS OFF TO SERVICE THE ENGINE, AND THEN NOT PUT THE BOLTS BACK ON. *AK THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THIS WAS AN ACT OF VANDALISM. *SC *JB
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND THEY CLAIMED TO REPAIR IT, BUT ACTUALLY DID NOT. THE VEHICLE FAILED AND WAS TOWED TO A FORD DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN THE POSSESSION OF ANOTHER MECHANIC. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE GREATER THAN 100,000. UPDATED 03/11/08. *LJ
I FOUND SEVERAL RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE. IT IS AN OLD VEHICLE, BUT I ONLY BOUGHT IT IN 2003. I KNOW SOME OF THEM EXPIRED, AND IT SAYS TO CONTACT FOD. I DID VIA WEB SITE. THEY DO NOT SHOW ANY RECALLS. BUT, YOU SHOWED ME OVER 5 RECALLS? CAN I STILL GET THEM FIXED? MY TIRES I GUESS, HAVE BEEN REPLACED BUT THEY DID NIT REPLACE THE SPARE TIRE. I STILL HAVE THE RECALLED SPARE TIRE?? WHAT DO I DO NOW? CAN I DO ANYTHING? BUT, I STILL HAVE BAD TIRES, THE 2001 TIRE RECALL DOES NOT SAY WHAT BRAND? I HAVE ATX AND APT FIRESTONE TIRES. CAMPAIN #92V113000,91V189000,00T005000 AND ANOTHER TIRE RECALL, I DID NOT GET THE #, BUT IT WAS IN 2001. THANK YOU. *AK
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 1991 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. SHE MANAGED TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER AND LEFT TO CALL FOR HELP. UPON RETURNING TO THE VEHICLE, IT WAS CONSUMED IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE OVER 100,000.
DT: THE CONSUMER SMELL SMOKE, AND THEN SOME SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE HOOD. ALL OF THE GAUGES LOOKED OKAY AND THE CONSUMER THOUGHT IT WAS OVERHEATING. THEN THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE FAST WITH SMOKE ON THE LEFT AND FIRE ON THE RIGHT OF THE HOOD AND BURNED ALL THE WAY TO THE BACK OF MY CAR, AND THE TWO CARS ON EITHER SIDE. THIS HAPPENED IN A DENNY'S PARKING LOT IN FAIRBANKS ON 6/30/05. FIRE DEPARTMENT CASE NUMBER: 051947. TOWED VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC. *NM *NM
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRAVELING 40 MPH IN NORMAL WEATHER IN MODERATE TRAFFIC. HOOD LATCH FAILED CAUSING HOOD TO FLY OPEN AND BLOCK VISIBILITY. WAS ABLE TO COME TO A SAFE STOP AND CLOSE THE HOOD. RESULTED DAMAGE TO THE HOOD, HINGES AND COWLING,(IN ADDITION TO SCARING ME BADLY). PRESENTLY BEING INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. *NM
THE RIGHT SUPPORT GAS ASSIST CYLINDER ON THE LIFTGATE FAILED AND PULLED AWAY AND BROKE OFF COMPLETELY, THEREFORE THE LIFTGATE WILL NOT HOLD ON ITS OWN. *AK
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH AFTER HEARING A STRANGE DRAGGING NOISE MY LEFT WHEEL CAME OFF AFTER RETREIVING THE TIRE I NOTICED THE ROTOR BRAKE CHAMBER WAS STILL BOLTED TIGHTLY TO THE WHEEL SOME BEARINGS LOOKED LIKE THEY HAD FALLEN OUT THE BRAKE LINE WAS SNAPPED THE SUSPENTION AROUND THE WHEEL WAS BROKEN I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED BY MY TRIPLE AAA TOWING COMPANY RENTED A CAR AND USED THE INTERNET TO INVESTIGATE AND MAKE THIS REPORT BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE AN MANUFACTURES DEFAULT I ALSO TOOK PICTURES AND HAVE NOT WORKED ON THE VEHICLE I AM WAAITING YOUR RESPONSE SO I CAN GET AN ESTIMATE FROM AN CERTIFIED MECHANIC AS OF YET I HAVE NOT CONSULTED AN ATTORNEY. *AK
MVA, DAMAGE TO REAREND & DRIVETRAIN; DRIVERSEAT & SEATBELT POSS. COMPROMISED. *AK
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRANSMISSION WENT OUT, THEN THE FRONT MAIN SEAL. IT HASN'T BEEN TWO MONTHS AND THEN MY HEATER CORE WENT OUT AND AT THE SAME TIME MY HEATER FAN. ALSO, BEFORE THE FRONT MAIN SEAL WENT OUT THE ROTORS WENT BAD AND I STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THIS HAS ALL HAPPENED WITHIN A YEARS TIME. I AM THOROUGHLY DISGUSTED AND BROKE. I PRAISED FORD BEFORE THIS, NOW I WOULDN'T RECOMMEND FORD TO ANYONE I KNOW. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER TRYING TO MAKE ENDS MEET AND NOW I HAVE NO TRANSPORTATION BECAUSE I CAN NO LONGER AFFORD TO FIX THIS TRUCK. I HAVE REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION, FRONT MAIN SEAL, WATER PUMP, STARTER, ROTORS, ALTERNATOR, AND THE LOW WHEEL DRIVE ON MY TRUCK BUT NOW ITS THE HEATER CORE AND I HAVE BEEN QUOTED OVER 600-800 TO FIX THIS! THAT IS IF I CAN FIND ANYONE WHO WANTS TO DO IT WHICH BY THE WAY NO ONE DOES. WHAT DO I DO NOW? *NM
SUN ROOF FAILURE . *AK
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
COPY OF LETTER TO FMC: I OWN A 1991 FORD EXPLORER 4WD XLT [XXX]. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON 11/9/96, FROM CROWN DODGE, VENTURA, CALIFORNIA. THE SELLING DEALER ASSURED ME AT THE TIME THAT NO RECALLS WERE OUTSTANDING ON THIS VEHICLE. ON NOVEMBER 11/22/06, AS I CLOSED THE HATCH ON THIS VEHICLE, THE BRACKET THAT ATTACHES THE RIGHT-SIDE LIFTGATE GAS ASSIST CYLINDER TO THE HATCH TORE AWAY FROM THE HATCH. I HAVE JUST LEARNED THAT A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (NUMBER 95I007000) WAS ISSUED IN OCTOBER 1995 TO REINFORCE THIS BRACKET. THE CAMPAIGN STATED THAT "IF A BRACKET AND GAS ASSIST CYLINDER WERE TO DETACH COMPLETELY FROM THE LIFTGATE AND NO LONGER BEAR AGAINST THE LIFTGATE AS INTENDED, THE REMAINING CYLINDER WOULD NOT HOLD THE LIFTGATE IN AN OPEN POSITION. PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR." THE CORRECTIVE ACTION WAS FOR FORD DEALERS TO REINFORCE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENTS. MY LOCAL FORD DEALER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE STATED TODAY THEY COULD NOT HONOR THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN. REBECCA (#6048) AT THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE CALL CENTER TOLD ME THE CAMPAIGN HAD EXPIRED, AND COULDN'T OFFER ASSISTANCE. YOUR COMPANY'S RESPONSE TO DATE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THE BRACKET WAS ATTACHED TO THE HATCH BY ONLY TWO SMALL SPOT WELDS, AS IS THE LEFT-SIDE BRACKET. THE FAILURE STILL HAS THE POTENTIAL FOR CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY, ESPECIALLY IF THE LEFT-SIDE BRACKET WERE TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS APPARENTLY NOT REPAIRED UNDER THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE CAMPAIGN NOR OFFERED AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE THIS DEFECT REPAIRED. SINCE THE SAFETY HAZARD THAT THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN SOUGHT TO RESOLVE STILL EXISTS ON MY VEHICLE, I REQUEST THAT THE BROKEN BRACKET BE REPAIRED AND THE REMAINING BRACKET REINFORCED AT NO CHARGE TO ME, PER THE INTENT OF THE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. [XXX] *NM UPDATED 07/12/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
THE REAR LIFTGATE WAS IN THE UP POSITION AND IT DROPPED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS UNLOADING GROCERIES. THE RIGHT SIDE HINGE BROKE. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN LIFTGATE RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V442000. *AK *SC *JB
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD EXPLORER. AFTER RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL, THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART FOR THE REPAIR; HOWEVER, THE RECALL STATED THAT THEY WERE AVAILABLE. THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WOULD ARRIVE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 81,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND THEY CLAIMED TO REPAIR IT, BUT ACTUALLY DID NOT. THE VEHICLE FAILED AND WAS TOWED TO A FORD DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN THE POSSESSION OF ANOTHER MECHANIC. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE GREATER THAN 100,000. UPDATED 03/11/08. *LJ
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ENGINE REPAIRS. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS READY TO BE DRIVEN. THE CONSUMER WENT TO THE GAS STATION BECAUSE THERE WAS NO FUEL IN IT. WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS LEAVING THE GAS STATION, THE VEHICLE LOST ITS FRONT WHEEL. IT WAS THEN DISCOVERED THAT NO LUGS; BOLTS WERE PUT BACK ON THE FRONT WHEEL. THE CONSUMER WAS HAVING ENGINE WORK DONE TO THE VEHICLE. WHY WOULD THEY TAKE THE WHEELS OFF TO SERVICE THE ENGINE, AND THEN NOT PUT THE BOLTS BACK ON. *AK THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THIS WAS AN ACT OF VANDALISM. *SC *JB
WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED CONSUMER HEARD A DRAGGING NOISE. UPON PULLING OVER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL AND ITS ATTACHMENTS SEPARATED AND FELL OFF. *AK
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH WITH ANOTHER PASSENGER, THE SEAT BELTS DISENGAGED AND CAUSED THE PASSENGER SEAT TO OVERTURN BETWEEN THE SEATS. THE PASSENGER WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED 4 OUT OF THE 5 SAFETY BELTS IN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT LATCH PROPERLY. IF THEY WERE SHAKEN, OR IF THERE WAS ANY FORCE APPLIED TO THEM THEY BECAME UNLATCHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 92V113000, PERTAINING TO THE FRONT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 10/04/06. *JB
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON JUNE 4TH MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE DRIVING EAST BOUND ON 62ND AND OVER-HILL IN LOS ANGELES CA. SHORTLY AFTER 12:00PM. WHEN SUDDENLY THE FORD EXPLORER WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE ORDERED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF A RECALL. DUE TO INVESTIGATION ON MY OWN I HAVE RECEIVED A RECALL NUMBER. IT IS 96S35. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO RESOLVE THIS MATTER WITH FORD HOWEVER I JUST RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THEM REFUSING TO ASSIST ME. MY DAUGHTER AND I COULD HAVE BEEN BURNED ALIVE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU COULD ASSIST ME. THE VEHICLE HAS SINCE BEEN DESTROYED. I ONLY HAVE IN MY POSSESSION THE PICTURE, AND A FIRE REPORT. *TR
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE DRIVER SMELLED GAS COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED GAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. PLEASE ADD ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *NLM
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
AFTER PURCHASING THIS FORD EXPLORER I CHECK ALL FLUIDS AND ADDED AND CHANGED AS NESSASARY ABOUT 2 WEEKS AFTER I PURCHASED IT MY STEPSON AND MY WIFE AND LARGE DOG WENT ON A LITTLE TRIP TO CHECK OUT THIS THING, AFTER LETTING OUT THE WIFE AND DOG MY STEPSON AND MYSELF TRIED TO GO UP A SLIGHT HILL IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE TO SEE IF IT WORKED, AFTER IT WOULDN'T MAKE IT UP THE HILL WE BACKED IT DOWN AND HEADED BACK FOR MY WIFE WHEN THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WHEEL AND BRAKE ASSY FELL OFF DUE TO THE PLASTIC PIECE FAILING INSIDE AUTOMATIC HUBS CAUSING C CLIP TO FAIL, I HAD TO CALL MY BROTHER IN LAW TO GET MY TRUCK AND TRAILER TO GET THIS THING HOME WHERE BY SKINNING MY KNUCKLES ON ROCKS TRYING TO GET THIS ON A JACK, I LATER WENT TO FORD TO TRY TO BUY JUST DAMAGED PART THEY WANTED 385 DOLLARS FOR WHOLE KIT WHICH NOW HAS A LOCKING DEVISE THAT WILL NOT ALLOW THE NUT TO FREELY SPIN OFF, I BELIEVE THE NEW PIECE IS NO LONGER MADE OF PLASTIC EITHER, I WENT TO JUNK YARD AND GOT A USED PLASTIC PIECE AND MADE MY OWN PERMANT LOCKING DEVISE TO KEEP THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. FAULTY DESIGN.
MVA, DAMAGE TO REAREND & DRIVETRAIN; DRIVERSEAT & SEATBELT POSS. COMPROMISED. *AK
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR CONDITION (A/C) WORKS OFF AND ON. IT WILL RUN FOR A WHILE THEN IT STARTS BLOWING HOT AIR, PUSH THE A/C BUTTON AND GO TO VENT AND 5-10 MIN. LATER YOU CAN TURN A/C BACK ON AGAIN FOR AWHILE UNTIL YOU HAVE TO DO IT AGAIN. THIS WAS HAPPENING BEFORE I HAD IT SWITCHED OVER FROM FREON AND IT IS STILL DOING IT. IT HAS BEEN TO 2 DIFFERENT SHOPS AND BOTH SAY THE "FREON" LEVEL IS FINE AND THAT THEY CANT FIND A PROBLEM WITH IT. *LA
STARTER FAILED. *SLC RADIUS ARM NEEDED REPLACED. AIR CONDITIONER NEEDED REPLACED. HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT NEEDED REPLACED. *SLC
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING HOSE WHICH LEAKED. MJS
POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK CAUSED FIRE.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
HEADLIGHTS & DASH LIGHTS BLINK. THEY WILL BE FINE FOR A WHILE BUT THEN JUST START BLINKING. TURNING THEM OFF, THEN ON AGAIN, MAKES THEM STAY ON FOR A FEW MINUTES UNTIL THEY START BLINKING AGAIN. SOMETIMES THEY DON'T BLINK. SOMETIMES THEY WON'T GO ON AT ALL AND I HAVE TO HOLD THE BRIGHTS SWITCH BACK IF I WANT TO HAVE LIGHT. MY SISTER HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM ON HER 1993 FORD THUNDERBIRD.*AK
HEADLIGHT/TAIL LIGHT SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES AND HAS BEEN DEFECTIVE FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
LETTER REGARDING RECALL 03S04 SEAT RECLINER BOLT..*MR (NAR) *CB THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT A NEW WIRING HARNESS WAS NEEDED. *JB
WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH VEHICLE HIT A POLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE AND ROLLED OVER. DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPOLY. DEALER / MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .