NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Fuel System, Gasoline complaints
18 reportsClear category filter444,980 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
162,000 miles · Oct 28, 2005
Fuel System, GasolineFire
HELLO, MY WIFE HAS A 1992 FORD EXPLORER THAT LOST POWER GOING UP A HILL TO OUR DRIVE THEN SHE MADE THE TURN THEN SHE NOTICED FLAMES COMING OUT FROM AROUND THE HOOD THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSE IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP US OUT? THANKS RICK. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10141175
30 miles · Apr 27, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline
WITHIN 24 HOURS OF BUYING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, I EXPERIENCED MY FIRST PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE HOME ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2002, SATURDAY AFTERNOON AFTER BUYING IT AND ON SUNDAY (9/15) WITH MY WIFE IN THE CAR, THE VEHICLE STARTED HESITATING/JERKING AND FINALLY STALLED OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN A COU…
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WITHIN 24 HOURS OF BUYING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, I EXPERIENCED MY FIRST PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE HOME ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2002, SATURDAY AFTERNOON AFTER BUYING IT AND ON SUNDAY (9/15) WITH MY WIFE IN THE CAR, THE VEHICLE STARTED HESITATING/JERKING AND FINALLY STALLED OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN A COUNTRY ROAD. IT SEEMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT GETTING ANY GAS. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE STARTED AGAIN AND I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO BE CHECKED AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE FIXED. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM FUTURE FORD TELLING ME THAT I SHOULD ONLY FILL THE GAS TANK FULL TO AVOID PROBLEMS. I INFORMED THE FUTURE FORD REPRESENTATIVE THAT THIS WAS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE OPTION FOR A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. I HAVE TAKEN THIS VEHICLE BACK TO FUTURE FORD 6+ TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND IN EACH CASE IT WAS NOT FIXED, OR IT CANNOT BE FIXED. ONE TIME THIS LAST SUMMER IN 100+ DEGREE HEAT, MY WIFE AND I STOPPED AT A SHOPPING MALL. WHEN WE STARTED TO LEAVE THE MALL, THE VEHICLES AIR-CONDITIONING WOULD NOT WORK, AS WE STARTED DRIVING IT STARTED HESITATING AND THEN BLACK SMOKE WAS COMING OUT THE TAIL PIPE AND IT WAS JERKING VIOLENTLY. I WAS CLOSE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I IMMEDIATELY DROVE IT TO THE DEALER. FUTURE FORD DEALERSHIP STATES THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG, BUT THEY HAVE REPLACED PARTS THEY THOUGHT WERE CAUSING THE PROBLEM AND OTHER ITEMS THEY FOUND WRONG. WHY OR HOW THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE IS BEYOND ME. THIS VEHICLE HAS STALLED OUT OR HESITATED NUMEROUS TIMES BESIDES THOSE I HAVE TAKEN IT IN FOR. I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE TO THIS POINT THAT WHEN IT HESITATES AND/OR STALLS OUT THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN IN THE MIDDLE OF TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT OR HEAVY COMMUTER TRAFFIC. BECAUSE WHEN IT DIES THERE IS NOT ANY POWER STEERING. I WILL NOT TAKE IT ON ANY LONG TRIPS BECAUSE I FEEL THAT IT IS NOT SAFE OR DEPENDABLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10067938
80,000 miles · Jan 8, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING GASOLINE. DEALER DID NOT FIND WHAT CAUSED THE LEAK, BUT INDICATED TO THE CONSUMER THAT THE FUEL TANK SHOULD BE REPLACED. *AK CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED WHEN SHE STARTED SMELLING GAS. THE MECHANIC LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD BUT COULDN'T FIND THE SOURCE. AFTER A MONTH, THE GAS …
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FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING GASOLINE. DEALER DID NOT FIND WHAT CAUSED THE LEAK, BUT INDICATED TO THE CONSUMER THAT THE FUEL TANK SHOULD BE REPLACED. *AK CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED WHEN SHE STARTED SMELLING GAS. THE MECHANIC LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD BUT COULDN'T FIND THE SOURCE. AFTER A MONTH, THE GAS TANK WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS IS A COMPONENT THAT SHOULD NEVER BE REPLACED. *PH *NM
NHTSA ODI #10050189
Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2001
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL LINE LEAK. REPAIRS WERE DONE BY CONSUME. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE PART WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
NHTSA ODI #881046
Mileage unknown · Jan 30, 2001
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE, CAUSE BELIEVED TO BE A POORLY DESIGNED TANK MOUNTING, WHICH ALLOWED MUD AND SNOW TO ACCUMULATE ON THE TOP OF TANK, TANK ROTTED FROM THE OUTSIDE, FUEL TANK, FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT AND RETAINING RING REPLACED, NOW FUEL GAUGE NOT AS ACCURATE. CJ
NHTSA ODI #559253
Mileage unknown · Sep 1, 2000
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL REGULATOR DIAPHRAM BLEW CAUSING THE VACCUM RETURN LINE TO DETERIATE AND COME OFF. WHILE THE KEY WAS ON IT WAS BLOWING GAS EVERYWHERE. THANKFULLY THE MOTOR WASN'T HOT BECAUSE IT WAS RUNNING RIGHT OVER THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR FIRE POSSIBLY HURTING PASSENGERS IF THE VEHICLE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY. BEIN…
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FUEL REGULATOR DIAPHRAM BLEW CAUSING THE VACCUM RETURN LINE TO DETERIATE AND COME OFF. WHILE THE KEY WAS ON IT WAS BLOWING GAS EVERYWHERE. THANKFULLY THE MOTOR WASN'T HOT BECAUSE IT WAS RUNNING RIGHT OVER THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR FIRE POSSIBLY HURTING PASSENGERS IF THE VEHICLE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY. BEING A FIREFIGHTER MYSELF I FEEL THAT IF IT WAS HOT AND THE CONSTANT FLOW OF GAS WITH NO WAY OF KNOWING WHAT WAS GOING ON IT WOULD HAVE BEEN AN INSTANT BALL OF FLAMES. MY MAJOR CONCERN IS MAKING THEM AWARE OF THIS TO PREVENT ANY PROBLEMS OR POSSIBLY EVEN DEATHS. THIS IS MY FAMILY VEHICLE ALONG WITH MANY OTHER PEOPLES WHAT IF THERE WAS KIDS IN IT? THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT I FEEL AND IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.
NHTSA ODI #729909
Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 1999
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
ON-GOING / INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATING. WHENEVER RPMS REACHED 3500, THEY CAUSED ACCELERATION. ALSO, VAPOR LOCK FAILURE. CONTACTED.
NHTSA ODI #852041
Mileage unknown · Apr 28, 1999
Fuel System, GasolineFire
FORD MOTOR COMPANY FAILED TO HELP ME EVEN THOUGH IT WAS CLEARLY A MECHANICAL DEFECT. THE CAR WAS RUNNING FINE, AND I HAD NO WARNING, SUCH AS ENGINE LIGHT, PRIOR TO THE ENGINE CATCHING ON FIRE
NHTSA ODI #706077
Mileage unknown · Apr 2, 1998
Fuel System, Gasoline
THERE WAS A SMELL OF GAS IN THE VEHICLE AND THAT THE FUEL TANK LEAKED. THE FUEL SENDING UNIT HAS BEEN REPLACED BY A MECHANIC. THE FILLER NECK WAS BEGINNING TO RUST. *AK
NHTSA ODI #822015
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
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