RoadVitals

1994 Ford Explorer Suspension Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the suspension system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Suspension reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
67
Latest Jun 15, 2009
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
6%
of 1,207 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
2

What this page shows

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 1994 Ford Explorer submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 67 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming suspension

The 25 most recent of 67, in the owner's own words

EngineSuspension
Filed Jun 15, 2009

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

NHTSA ID
10273856
Incident
Jun 10, 2009
SteeringSuspensionTires & wheels
Filed Oct 17, 2007

I WAS BROWSING FOR A USED CAR AND CAME ON AN ADD SELLING CARS I HAD NO VEHICLE I ASKED IF THEY CAN PICK ME UP ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CLINTON FERRY. THEY SAID YES THEY WILL PICK ME UP. SO CHECKED OUT THEIR INVENTORY. I PICKED A 1994 FORD EXPLORER LITTLE DAMAGE TO THE BODY, TIRES NEEDED CHANGING, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HAS DAMAGE, AND REAR VIEW MIRROR WAS GONE. I ACCEPTED THESE AND ASKED FOR A TEST RIDE PROCEEDED OFF THE LOT THERE WAS NO GAS MAKING A TEST DRIVE SHORT. IT WAS AS IF THEY RUSHED ME THROUGH THE DEAL NOTHING WAS SAID ABOUT THE PROBLEMS. RETURNING HOME IS WHEN I BEGAN RUNNING INTO PROBLEMS THAT WERE SAFETY ISSUES. THE RPMS HAD GONE TO THE LIMITS OF SAFE OPERATION EXCEEDING 6,000 RPMS AND NOT SHIFTING TO A HIRE GEAR MAKING THE MOTOR SCREEN NEARLY EXPLODING THE MOTOR THIS IS CONSISTENT EVERY TIME YOU OPERATE. SO DROVE HOME WITH THIS PROBLEM. I ACCELERATED AND THEN LET OFF THE GAS AND IT THEN SHIFTED UP. I GAVE IT THE GAS IT SCREAMED AND I LET OFF THE GAS AND IT SHIFTED INTO THE HIGHER GEAR I ALSO HAVE STEERING PROBLEMS IT PULLS TO THE LEFT PULLING ME INTO ON GOING TRAFFIC, SHIMMIES AND THE TIE RODS CONNECTED TO THE STEERING HAD SOME PLAY IN THEM. SO WHEN I TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT I HAD NO STEERING UNTIL IT GOT TO CERTAIN POINT WHERE IT STEERED. THE VEHICLE FLOATS LIKE A BOAT A STRUT PROBLEM. NOW WHEN I WENT TO ESTIMATES FOR THE REPAIRS ITS PARTS AND LABOR CAME TOO ABOUT THE SAME AMOUNT I PAID FOR THE TRUCK APPROXIMATELY 4,400.00. SO NOW I HAVE THIS TRUCK I REFUSE TO DRIVE. I TOLD THEM TO COME AND GET IT AND NO WAY WAS I GOING TO DRIVE AN UNSAFE TRUCK SO IT SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY. I REFUSE TO PAY THEM ANY MONEY. THEY HAVEN'T CALLED ME, NOR MADE ANY DEAL.

NHTSA ID
10206124
Incident
Sep 27, 2007
Mileage
99,999 mi
Suspension
Filed Jan 25, 2007

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

NHTSA ID
10180700
Incident
Jan 12, 2007
Mileage
42,000 mi
ElectricalSuspensionTransmission
Filed Feb 17, 2006

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

NHTSA ID
10150527
Incident
Nov 2, 2002
Mileage
7,300 mi
BrakesElectricalEngine+1 more
Filed Aug 9, 2004

I BOUGHT MY 1994 FORD EXPLORER (4WD) IN MAY OF 1999 AND HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS SINCE. THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 50900 MILES WHEN I BOUGHT IT. IT NOW HAS 89000 MILES. I HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKE ROTORS TWICE AND REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS THREE TIMES. THE LAST TIME I COMPLETED BRAKE WORK WAS BECAUSE THE LEFT FRONT CALIPER OVERHEATED AND FAILED. I THEN REPLACED BOTH FRONT CALIPERS. THERE IS A BAD VIBRATION PROBLEM AT SPEEDS OF 55-67 MPH. I RECENTLY PURCHASED FOUR NEW TIRES, HAD THEM BALANCED, HAD THE FRONT END ALIGNED, AND REPLACED THE SHOCKS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. IT STILL VIBRATES AT THE ABOVE MENTIONED SPEEDS. ALSO, THE VEHICLE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE PCM (CHECK ENGINE LIGHT). I REPLACED THE PCM AS A LAST RESORT BECAUSE I HAD ALREADY REPLACED ALL THE SENSORS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSING THE PROBLEM. REPLACING THE PCM CORRECTED THE PROBLEM FOR ABOUT A YEAR, BUT NOW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN DURING INITIAL STARTING AND THEN GOES OUT AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 2-3 MILES. I ALSO HAVE A SOUND COMING FROM MY AIR VENTS WHEN THE A/C IS TURNED ON. NOW FOR MY MOST RECENT PROBLEM. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS READING HOTTER THAN NORMAL SO I OVERHAULED THE COOLING SYSTEM INCLUDING: NEW THERMOSTAT, NEW COOLING FAN (OLD ONE WAS CRACKED ALL AROUND THE HUB), NEW FAN CLUTCH, NEW RADIATOR, NEW ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR, AND NEW FLUID FLUSH AND REFILL. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE STILL READS THE SAME. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO DO NOW. ANY RECALL INFORMATION YOU COULD PROVIDE WOULD HELP. I HAVE ALL RECEIPTS FOR PARTS PURCHASED AND WORK PERFORMED.*AK

NHTSA ID
10086453
Incident
Aug 6, 2004
Mileage
88,500 mi
Suspension
Filed Apr 9, 2003

THE VEHICLE VIBRATED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT ALL EXPLORERS EXPERIENCED THIS VIBRATION. THE VIBRATION HAS BECOME WORSE AND THE DRIVER FEELS LIKE HE'S GOING TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *NLM

NHTSA ID
10015495
Mileage
68,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Oct 30, 2002

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE FRONT END WILL WOBBLE AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED TS

NHTSA ID
8021889
Incident
Oct 22, 2002
BrakesElectricalEngine+2 more
Filed Jul 2, 2002

CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD GEAR SHIFT PROBLEMS. *YH

NHTSA ID
566429
Incident
Aug 30, 2000
Suspension
Filed Feb 25, 2002

WHILE DRIVING 55-60MPH ON WET PAVEMENT WHEEL LOCKED ,COULD NOT STRAIGHTEN VEHICLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP, AND MECHANIC INDICATED THAT METAL BROKE OUT OF RADIUS ARM. PLEASE ADD VIN. *AK

NHTSA ID
8004477
Incident
Oct 25, 2001
Suspension
Filed Jan 28, 2002

CONSUMER STATED THAT THEY DO NOT OWN THE VEHICLE ANYMORE, BECAUSE IT WAS PLAGUED WITH FRONT-END PROBLEMS. THEIR CONCERN IS THAT THE CAR, IF SOLD, WILL CAUSE DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY IF DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY. *YD

NHTSA ID
564156
SuspensionTires & wheels
Filed Sep 21, 2001

THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE TURNED EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT THE SWAY BAR DID NOT COME BACK TO THE CENTER. *YH

NHTSA ID
563221
EnginePowertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Aug 14, 2001

AT SPEEDS OF 55 TO 70 MPH THE VEHICLE SHAKES AND VIBRATES EXCESSIVELY. DEALER RECOMMENDS REPLACING THE MOTOR MOUNTS AND REAR AXLE-TO-FRAME LATERAL SHOCK ABSORBER.*AK

NHTSA ID
750445
Incident
Jul 24, 2001
BrakesSuspension
Filed Aug 9, 2001

BRAKES ARE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, AND HAD TO REPLACE MASTER CYCLINDER. ALSO, THERE IS MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 96S35 CONCERNING PRIMARY ASSISTANCE BOOSTER FOR 1994 FORD, EXPLORER. HOWEVER, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. CONSUMER FEELS AS THOUGH FORD NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING IN NEAR FUTURE.*AK 4 WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND WOULD NOT GO OFF, DEALER REPLACED SHIFT MOTOR AND SHIFT RELAY. DEALER REPLACED RADIUS ARM BUSHINGS AND CALIPER SLIDE PINS. *SLC

NHTSA ID
893934
Incident
Jul 31, 2001
Suspension
Filed Jun 15, 2001

THE VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM IN THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL AREA (IT APPEARS OTHER INFORMATION WAS SENT BY CONSUMER, HOWEVER IS NOT WITHIN THE DOCUMENTATION PROVIDED FOR ANALYST). *MJS

NHTSA ID
561664
Suspension
Filed Mar 5, 2001

LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END VEHICLE BEEN INTO A DEALER SHOP AND INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, AND BOTH WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE PROBLEM. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK

NHTSA ID
882153
Incident
Feb 10, 2000
Suspension
Filed Dec 18, 2000

RADIUS ARM WORE OUT, AND IF ARM CAME THROUGH, DRIVER WILL LOSE COMPLETE CONTROL. *AK

NHTSA ID
876682
Incident
Oct 18, 2000
Suspension
Filed Dec 18, 2000

PREMATURE WEAR OF STRUT ARM BUSHINGS. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

NHTSA ID
876657
Suspension
Filed Dec 18, 2000

NOTIFICATION PROGRAM 94M85 ON ALL 1991 & 1992 EXPLORER RECALL ON RADIUS ARM INSULATERS , BUT NOT ON 1994 EXPLORER WHICH HAS SAME DEFECTIVE RADIUS ARM INSULATORS.

NHTSA ID
737967
Incident
Oct 22, 2000
Body & structureDriver assistanceSuspension+1 more
Filed Dec 14, 2000

THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS FAILED. *MJS

NHTSA ID
785109
SuspensionTires & wheels
Filed Dec 1, 2000

MY TRUCK WAS MAKING AN AWLFUL CLUNK NOSIE FROM UNDERNEATH. I WENT TO HAVE IT CHECKED AND WAS TOLD IT WAS MY RADIAL ARM....KEEPING MY TIRES FROM SHIMMYING FORWARDS/BACKWARDS. I CONTACTED FORD ON 1-29-00 & WAS TOLD IT WAS A MANF. DEFECT BUT NEVER RECALLED SO I WAS RESPONSIBLE TO FIX IT. WHEN THE TIRE RECALL WAS ANNOUNCED, MY TIRES WERE PART OF THE RECALL, SO I CALLED FORD AGAIN ON 08-07-00. THEY NOTED MY COMPLAINT ONCE AGAIN AND TOLD ME IT WAS MY RESPONSIBILITY ONCE AGAIN. I HAD IT FIXED @ FORD DEALERSHIP TO THE TUNE OF ABOUT $400. THIS WAS DONE ONLY A FEW MONTHS AGO AND NOW THE CLUNK IS BACK! I ALSO ADVISED FORD THAT I WAS WORRIED THAT THIS MIGHT CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRES...TO NO AVAIL. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF SOMEONE LOOKED INTO THIS. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME IF NEEDED. *AK

NHTSA ID
737137
Incident
Jan 29, 2000
Suspension
Filed Oct 31, 2000

VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL AND FLOOR STARTING AT APPROX. 60 MPH THROUGH 70MPH. TIRE BALANCE AND NEW TIRES DID NOT SOLVE.*AK

NHTSA ID
735515
SuspensionTires & wheels
Filed Oct 31, 2000

CONSUMER INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT DUE TO POSSIBLE TIRE FAILURE OR SUSPENTION PROBLEMS WHEN THE CONSUMER OVER COMPENSATED LANE CHANGE RESULTING IN ROLLOVER (FIRESTONE). NLM

NHTSA ID
556980
Incident
Jan 16, 1997
SuspensionTires & wheels
Filed Oct 11, 2000

WHILE TRAVELING NOTICED FRONT SUSPENSION SHAKING. . DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED, CAN'T DUPLICATE PROBLEM. *AK THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SEVERAL DEALERSHIP BUT NON OF THEM CAN FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER BOUGHT A FOURTH SET OF TIRES. *YH

NHTSA ID
872750
Incident
Mar 1, 1997
Suspension
Filed Oct 10, 2000

VEHICLE BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WITH SEVERE VIBRATION WHEN DRVING AT 50-65 MPH, CAUSEING STEERING WHEEL AND VEHICLE TO SHIMMY. VEHICLE BEEN IN/OUT OF DEALER SHOP ON SIX OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ID
872647
Incident
Oct 5, 1994
SteeringSuspension
Filed Oct 10, 2000

FRONT RADIUS ARM BUSHING WAS DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED CAR TO NOT STEER PROPERLY, AND MAKES A SQUEALING NOISE.*AK

NHTSA ID
872612
Incident
May 29, 2000

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.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .