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1992 Ford Explorer

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1992 Ford Explorer do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 609.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 34 of 633 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Tires. Review the 128 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 97 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 77 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

47 crash reports63 fire reports37 injury reports

Engine complaints

3 reports
Clear category filter
444,980 miles · Mar 27, 2015
EngineFuel System, GasolinePower TrainFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE REVERSING, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 444,980. UPDATED 5/18/15*CN THE REPAIR SHOP REPLACED THE FUEL …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE REVERSING, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 444,980. UPDATED 5/18/15*CN THE REPAIR SHOP REPLACED THE FUEL VAPOR CANISTER. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO IN REVERSE. UPDATED 06/02/15*JB

NHTSA ODI #10702264

Mileage unknown · Oct 22, 2013
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or OtherFire

MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE AT PARKING LOT WHEN I TRIED STARTING IT UP AFTER MY GIRLS AND I GOT BACK IN CAR AFTER BEING AT MALL FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS FLAMES COMING OUT FROM BOTTOM AND TOP OF ENGINE AND FRONT DASH. THANK GOD WE GOT OUT IN TIME. MY CARS ELECTRICAL WIRES FOR EVERYTHING IS MELTED AND IM UNSURE HOW MUCH MORE IS DAMAGED SINCE IM N…

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MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE AT PARKING LOT WHEN I TRIED STARTING IT UP AFTER MY GIRLS AND I GOT BACK IN CAR AFTER BEING AT MALL FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS FLAMES COMING OUT FROM BOTTOM AND TOP OF ENGINE AND FRONT DASH. THANK GOD WE GOT OUT IN TIME. MY CARS ELECTRICAL WIRES FOR EVERYTHING IS MELTED AND IM UNSURE HOW MUCH MORE IS DAMAGED SINCE IM NOT A MECHANIC. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10548921

102,000 miles · Jul 27, 2012
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT SLAMMED THE GEAR INTO PARK AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. UPON RESTART, THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED AS NORMAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THERE WA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT SLAMMED THE GEAR INTO PARK AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. UPON RESTART, THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED AS NORMAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A PIECE OF PLASTIC IN THE HOSE THAT RAN FROM AIR FILTER TO THE AIR INTAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000. UPDATED 08/28/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THAT IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE RUBBER RING UNDER THE C-CLAMP- THAT THE PLASTIC HOSE IS ATTACHED TO THE AIR-INTAKE WITH WAS THE REASON FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE RUBBER CORRODED TO THE POINT THAT A PIECE OF IT BROKE OFF AND WAS SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE. THE ENTIRE HOSE HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THAT PART ISN'T SOLD SEPARATELY. UPDATED 09/05/2012 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10468013

Official recalls

4

97V235001 · Structure:body:roof And Pillars

Dec 18, 1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY INSTALLED SUNROOF. THE SUNROOF GLASS PANEL ASSEMBLY CAN SEPARATE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING DUE TO INCORRECT HINGE ENGAGEMENT. THIS WAS CAUSED BY IMPROPER SUNROOF INSTALLATION OF THE GLASS PANEL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: UNEXPECTED SEPARATION OF THE SUNROOF GLASS PANEL COULD POSSIBLY DISTRACT THE DRIVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN INSTRUCTION BOOKLET WHICH THOROUGHLY OUTLINES, WITH ILLUSTRATIONS, THE PROPER PROCEDURES FOR THE REMOVAL, STORAGE, AND REINSTALLATION OF THE SUNROOF'S GLASS PANEL. A WARNING LABEL FOR ATTACHMENT TO THE SUNROOF'S LATCH KNOB WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED TO THE OWNERS.

97V083000 · Visibility:rearview Mirrors/devices

May 5, 1997

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

Consequence & remedy

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

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

96V024001 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:hydraulic

Feb 5, 1996

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

Consequence & remedy

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

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

95V164001 · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut

Aug 25, 1995

THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDERS ARE ATTACHED TO BRACKETS THAT ARE WELDED TO THE LIFTGATE. THE BRACKET WELDS CAN FRACTURE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: WITH A BROKEN BRACKET WELD, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE LIFTGATE BRACKET TO GRADUALLY BEND INWARD ALLOWING THE LIFT CYLINDERBALL STUD TO DISENGAGE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

14

EA00012 · 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

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