NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
45 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · May 27, 2001
Electrical System
I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE NUMBER OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD SINCE I PURCHASED MY EXPLORER. SINCE NOVEMBER OF 1992, I HAVE HAD 3 BATTERIES SHORT OUT. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY CABLE HARNESS (IF WAS FRIED). I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE A/C, HEATER BLOWER SWITCH ALONG WITH …
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I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE NUMBER OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD SINCE I PURCHASED MY EXPLORER. SINCE NOVEMBER OF 1992, I HAVE HAD 3 BATTERIES SHORT OUT. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY CABLE HARNESS (IF WAS FRIED). I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE A/C, HEATER BLOWER SWITCH ALONG WITH A FUSE BOX THAT TIES INTO THIS SYSTEM. WHEN THE TRUCK IS RUNNING ALL OF THE LIGHTS FLICKER AND NOTICE THE ALTENATOR GAUGE FLUXUATING. WHEN REVIEWING THIS SITE, I NOTICED THE NUMBER OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE EXPLORER, ALONG WITH THE NUMBER OF FIRES. I AM BEGINNING TO WONDER IF I SHOULD BE CONCERNED. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM.*AK
NHTSA ODI #745964
Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2001
Electrical SystemFire
ON 21 JANUARY 2001, WHILE IDLING, A FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSING CABON MONOXIDE TO ENTER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, KILLING MY SON. THE FIRE THEN ENTERED AND SLIGHTLY BURNED HIS BODY BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VIRGINIA STATE POLICE AND FORD MOTOR CO. SUPPOSEDLY INVESTIGATED BUT I HA…
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ON 21 JANUARY 2001, WHILE IDLING, A FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSING CABON MONOXIDE TO ENTER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, KILLING MY SON. THE FIRE THEN ENTERED AND SLIGHTLY BURNED HIS BODY BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VIRGINIA STATE POLICE AND FORD MOTOR CO. SUPPOSEDLY INVESTIGATED BUT I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A REPORT FROM EITHER AGENCY.*AK
NHTSA ODI #743717
Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2001
Electrical SystemFire
VEHICLE WAS PARKED, AND IN MIDDLE OF NIGHT CAUGHT ON FIRE, VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #883512
Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2000
Electrical System
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING, WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, AND CONSUMER WENT IMMEDIATELY TO A PARKING SPACE. TOOK TO DEALER , AND DEALER SAID MODULE NEAR THE BATTERY HAD DIRT IN IT. CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO DUST IN CITY. DEALER PUT IN THE MODULE. CONSUMER SAID WHEN VEHICLE CUT OFF THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING/ BRAKES, EV…
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WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING, WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, AND CONSUMER WENT IMMEDIATELY TO A PARKING SPACE. TOOK TO DEALER , AND DEALER SAID MODULE NEAR THE BATTERY HAD DIRT IN IT. CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO DUST IN CITY. DEALER PUT IN THE MODULE. CONSUMER SAID WHEN VEHICLE CUT OFF THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING/ BRAKES, EVERYTHING STOPPED. *AK THE OWNER IS SAYS THAT SUCH SENSITIVE PART SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN PLACED NEXT TO THE BATTERY IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *YH
NHTSA ODI #871055
Mileage unknown · Jul 16, 2000
Electrical System
THE VEHICLE OCCASIONALLY HESITATES ON ACCELLERATION, AND REPEATEDLY THE ENGINE STALLS (HOWEVER, RADIO ETC STAYS ON) CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER STEERING, BRAKE POWER, ETC. THIS OCCURS IN ALL SEASONS AND AT ALL SPEEDS BUT, SEEMS MORE PREVELANT DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS. THIS STALLING HAS RESULTED IN 10 NEAR MISS ACCIDENTS WHILE ATTEM…
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THE VEHICLE OCCASIONALLY HESITATES ON ACCELLERATION, AND REPEATEDLY THE ENGINE STALLS (HOWEVER, RADIO ETC STAYS ON) CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER STEERING, BRAKE POWER, ETC. THIS OCCURS IN ALL SEASONS AND AT ALL SPEEDS BUT, SEEMS MORE PREVELANT DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS. THIS STALLING HAS RESULTED IN 10 NEAR MISS ACCIDENTS WHILE ATTEMPTING U-TURNS AND LEFT TURNS IN TRAFFIC , AND WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS (65 MPH +). I HAVE REPOTED THIS TO THE DEALER SO MANY TIMES THEY DON'T EVEN TRACK IT ANYMORE. THE RESPONSE DURING THE "SERVICE" CHECKS HAS RANGED FROM, "WE CAN'T GET IT TO CREATE THE SYMPTOMS" TO "IT'S A MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR." IT IS MY BELIEF THAT THERE IS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE WIRING HARNESS, OR THE COMPUTER. I KNOW THAT THIS PROBLEM IS NOT LIMITED TO THE "EXPLORER" AS A WORK ASSOCIATE HAD THE SAME OCCURRANCES WITH HIS AEROSTAR VAN. ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE WILL BE APPRECIATED.
NHTSA ODI #725520
Mileage unknown · Apr 14, 2000
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFire
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 20 MPH VEHICLE WAS LOSING POWER. VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE, FLAMES WERE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *AK.ET.
NHTSA ODI #860393
Mileage unknown · May 12, 1999
Electrical SystemFire
VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT, AFTER TRYING TO START IT 3 TIMES. STARTING SOUNDED FUNNY AND SMOKE BEGIN TO BILLOW. COULD NOT GET THE HOOD OPEN IN TIME TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BURST INTO FLAMES. VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #706443
Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 1998
Electrical SystemFire
WHILE TURNING ONTO ANOTHER ROAD, I SAW FLAMES COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSANGER WHEELWELL. THE FIRE COMPLETELY TOTALED THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE CAME FROM THE FRONT PASS. SIDE, FROM A WIRING HARNESS OR A/C UNIT. NOBODY WOULD HELP, EVEN AFTER OTHER OWNERS HAD TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE SAME 2 ITEMS ON THEIR EXPLO…
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WHILE TURNING ONTO ANOTHER ROAD, I SAW FLAMES COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSANGER WHEELWELL. THE FIRE COMPLETELY TOTALED THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE CAME FROM THE FRONT PASS. SIDE, FROM A WIRING HARNESS OR A/C UNIT. NOBODY WOULD HELP, EVEN AFTER OTHER OWNERS HAD TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE SAME 2 ITEMS ON THEIR EXPLORERS. VELDE FORD OR FO MO CO WOULD NOT DISCLOSE ANY INFO, OR PROVIDE ANY HELP IN THIS MATTER.
NHTSA ODI #701676
Mileage unknown · Sep 10, 1998
Electrical SystemFire
REPORTED PREVIOUSLY THAT IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. FOUND THAT CIRCUIT BOARD SHORTED DUE TO LACK OF FUSES OR FUSABLE LINKS. THE CIRCUIT BOARD WAS AJACENT TO THE IGNITION SWITCH.
NHTSA ODI #540812
Mileage unknown · Feb 11, 1998
Electrical SystemFire
ELECTRICAL FIRE.
NHTSA ODI #530255
NHTSA investigations
14EA00012 · Spare Tire Winch Cable
Opened Apr 14, 2000 · Closed Oct 20, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
PE99072 · Spare Tire Winch Cable
Opened Nov 30, 1999 · Closed Apr 14, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE 1991 MODEL YEAR PRODUCTION UNTIL THE MIDDLE OF THE 1994 MODEL YEAR PRODUCTION, FORD USED A GALVANIZED STEEL CABLE TO LIFT AND HOLD IN STORED POSITION, THE EXPLORER SPARE TIRE.ON MAY 19, 1994, BASED ON THE RESULTS OF FORD DURABILITY TESTING , FORD CHANGED TO A 4.00MM STAINLESS STEEL CABLE.THERE HAVE BEEN OVER 100 INCIDENTS IN WHICH THE ORIGINAL GALVANIZED STEEL CABLE FAILED ALLOWING THE SPARE TIRE TO DROP FROM ITS REAR STORAGE WELL.ONE OF THESE INCIDENTS CAUSED A FOLLOWING VEHICLE TO BE INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AND ON SIX OTHER OCCASIONS THE WHEEL MADE CONTACT WITH FOLLOWING VEHICLES, RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE.
RQ99016 · Liftgate Support Bracket Failure
Opened Jul 29, 1999 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Structure
SUMMARY:ON AUGUST 22, 1995, FORD CONDUCTED SAFETY RECALL, 95V-164, ON 1992 AND 1993 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER DUE TO LIFTGATE FAILURES.THE REAR LIFTGATE HYDRAULIC CYLINDER BRACKET CAN BECOME UNATTACHED ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO SUDDENLY DROP.THE RECALL REMEDY WAS TO INSTALL REINFORCEMENTS ON THE BRACKETS.FORD ALSO INITIATED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN IN OCTOBER 1995, FOR 1991-1995 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER VEHICLES WHICH WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, TO INSTALL REINFORCEMENTS ON THOSE BRACKET THAT WERE FOUND TO BE LOOSE OR DETACHED.THIS CAMPAIGN ENDED IN OCTOBER 1996. SINCE NOVEMBER 1996, ODI HAS RECEIVED 51 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING LIFTGATE FAILURES CAUSED BY THE BRACKET SEPARATION, OF WHICH 19 REPORTED THE LIFTGATE STRUCK THE OCCUPANT CAUSING 12 INJURIES.ONE COMPLAINT WAS ON 1992 MODEL YEAR VEHICLE, THREE COMPLAINTS WERE ON 1993 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES, AND 47 COMPLAINTS WERE ON 1994 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES. THIS RQ IS TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE AND THE SCOPE OF SAFETY RECALL 95V-164.FORD AND MAZDA ARE CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN UNDER RECALL NUMBER 99V-310.001/.002.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Structure
SUMMARY:ON AUGUST 22, 1995, FORD CONDUCTED SAFETY RECALL, 95V-164, ON 1992 AND 1993 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER DUE TO LIFTGATE FAILURES.THE REAR LIFTGATE HYDRAULIC CYLINDER BRACKET CAN BECOME UNATTACHED ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO SUDDENLY DROP.THE RECALL REMEDY WAS TO INSTALL REINFORCEMENTS ON THE BRACKETS.FORD ALSO INITIATED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN IN OCTOBER 1995, FOR 1991-1995 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER VEHICLES WHICH WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, TO INSTALL REINFORCEMENTS ON THOSE BRACKET THAT WERE FOUND TO BE LOOSE OR DETACHED.THIS CAMPAIGN ENDED IN OCTOBER 1996. SINCE NOVEMBER 1996, ODI HAS RECEIVED 51 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING LIFTGATE FAILURES CAUSED BY THE BRACKET SEPARATION, OF WHICH 19 REPORTED THE LIFTGATE STRUCK THE OCCUPANT CAUSING 12 INJURIES.ONE COMPLAINT WAS ON 1992 MODEL YEAR VEHICLE, THREE COMPLAINTS WERE ON 1993 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES, AND 47 COMPLAINTS WERE ON 1994 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES. THIS RQ IS TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE AND THE SCOPE OF SAFETY RECALL 95V-164.FORD AND MAZDA ARE CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN UNDER RECALL NUMBER 99V-310.001/.002.
Structure
SUMMARY:ON AUGUST 22, 1995, FORD CONDUCTED SAFETY RECALL, 95V-164, ON 1992 AND 1993 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER DUE TO LIFTGATE FAILURES.THE REAR LIFTGATE HYDRAULIC CYLINDER BRACKET CAN BECOME UNATTACHED ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO SUDDENLY DROP.THE RECALL REMEDY WAS TO INSTALL REINFORCEMENTS ON THE BRACKETS.FORD ALSO INITIATED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN IN OCTOBER 1995, FOR 1991-1995 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER VEHICLES WHICH WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, TO INSTALL REINFORCEMENTS ON THOSE BRACKET THAT WERE FOUND TO BE LOOSE OR DETACHED.THIS CAMPAIGN ENDED IN OCTOBER 1996. SINCE NOVEMBER 1996, ODI HAS RECEIVED 51 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING LIFTGATE FAILURES CAUSED BY THE BRACKET SEPARATION, OF WHICH 19 REPORTED THE LIFTGATE STRUCK THE OCCUPANT CAUSING 12 INJURIES.ONE COMPLAINT WAS ON 1992 MODEL YEAR VEHICLE, THREE COMPLAINTS WERE ON 1993 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES, AND 47 COMPLAINTS WERE ON 1994 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES. THIS RQ IS TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE AND THE SCOPE OF SAFETY RECALL 95V-164.FORD AND MAZDA ARE CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN UNDER RECALL NUMBER 99V-310.001/.002.
EA99004 · Blower Assembly Fires
Opened Jan 15, 1999 · Closed Apr 18, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
BASED ON THE RELATIVELY LOW FAILURE FREQUENCY MEASURED OVER AN EXTENDED EXPOSURE TIME AND THE FACT THAT THE GREAT MAJOITY OF INCIDENTS ARE CONFINED WITHIN THE BLOWER HOUSING, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF THE AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
DP98008 · Heater Blower Assembly Fire
Opened Sep 4, 1998 · Closed Sep 11, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
There is no summary currently available
PE98048 · Blower Assembly Fires
Opened Sep 4, 1998 · Closed Jan 15, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
There is no summary currently available
DP98001 · Heavy Lateral Vibration
Opened Jan 6, 1998 · Closed Feb 4, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
NHTSA WAS PETITIONED TO COMMENCE A DEFECT INVESTIGATION OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ON JANUARY 6, 1998.THE PETITION ALLEGES THAT EARLY MODEL FORD EXPLORER SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES DEVELOP HEAVY LATERAL VIBRATIONS AT SPEEDS ABOVE 55 MPH AND WHEN ENCOUNTERING BUMPS AT LOW SPEEDS.THE PETITION FURTHER ALLEGES THAT THESE VIBRATIONS COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.THE ANALYSIS OF THE PETITION IS PRESENTED IN THE ATTACHED NOTICE WHICH IS PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER.
EA97011 · Sunroof Shattering And Separation
Opened May 23, 1997 · Closed Jan 20, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
Additional source detail variants (2)
Structure
There is no summary currently available
Structure
There is no summary currently available
PE96074 · Sunroof (air Roof) Shatter
Opened Dec 17, 1996 · Closed May 23, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
THE SUNROOF SHATTERED OR WAS BLOWN OFF.IN ALL BUT ONE CASE THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING.
EA95018 · Separation Of Master Cylinder
Opened Jun 19, 1995 · Closed Apr 2, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
FORD CONTINUES TO SUDY THE PROBLEM ATTEMPTING TO DETERMINE WHY STUD FRACTURES ARE NOT FREQUENTLY OCCURRING IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.LIKEWISE, ODI CONTINUES GATHERING INFORMATION TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THE RECALL SCOPE SHOULD INCLUDE OTHER GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS.IF EVIDENCE INDICATES THE SCOPE SHOULD BE EXPANDED, ODI WILL REOPEN THE INVESTIGATION AS WARRANTED.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
FORD CONTINUES TO SUDY THE PROBLEM ATTEMPTING TO DETERMINE WHY STUD FRACTURES ARE NOT FREQUENTLY OCCURRING IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.LIKEWISE, ODI CONTINUES GATHERING INFORMATION TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THE RECALL SCOPE SHOULD INCLUDE OTHER GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS.IF EVIDENCE INDICATES THE SCOPE SHOULD BE EXPANDED, ODI WILL REOPEN THE INVESTIGATION AS WARRANTED.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
FORD CONTINUES TO SUDY THE PROBLEM ATTEMPTING TO DETERMINE WHY STUD FRACTURES ARE NOT FREQUENTLY OCCURRING IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.LIKEWISE, ODI CONTINUES GATHERING INFORMATION TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THE RECALL SCOPE SHOULD INCLUDE OTHER GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS.IF EVIDENCE INDICATES THE SCOPE SHOULD BE EXPANDED, ODI WILL REOPEN THE INVESTIGATION AS WARRANTED.
PE95001 · Brake Master Cylinder/booster Separation
Opened Jan 3, 1995 · Closed Jun 19, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
There is no summary currently available
PE94044 · Engine Cooling Fan Cracks
Opened Jun 10, 1994 · Closed Aug 31, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
There is no summary currently available
EA93004 · Auto Trans Prndl Misalign
Opened Jan 29, 1993 · Closed Jul 29, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train
There is no summary currently available
PE92078 · Auto Trans.prndl Misalign
Opened Sep 9, 1992 · Closed Jan 29, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train
There is no summary currently available
Illustration