NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Suspension complaints
60 reportsClear category filter130,000 miles · Sep 2, 2009
SteeringSuspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT STATES WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THERE WAS A LOUD SQUEALING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE . THERE WAS ALSO EXCESSIVE VIBRATION. THE DRIVER CONTINUED OPERATION WITH CAUTION. WHENEVER THE SPEED RATE WAS REDUCED THE …
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT STATES WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THERE WAS A LOUD SQUEALING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE . THERE WAS ALSO EXCESSIVE VIBRATION. THE DRIVER CONTINUED OPERATION WITH CAUTION. WHENEVER THE SPEED RATE WAS REDUCED THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #10282669
150,000 miles · Jan 16, 2005
Suspension
I JUST WANT TO FILE A COMPLAINT IN REGARDS TO THE 4WD ON THE 1992 FORD EXPLORER. THE PROBLEM IS THAT IT WILL NOT DISENGAGE FROM 4WD TO 2WD. I FEEL THAT BECAUSE OF THIS IS THE REASON FOR ALL THE NOISE I HEAR COMING FROM THE FRONT END. I HAVE NOT REPLACED IT BECAUSE IT WILL COST ME BETWEEN $300-$800 DEPENDING ON WHAT I PUT ON IT. …
Read full complaint
I JUST WANT TO FILE A COMPLAINT IN REGARDS TO THE 4WD ON THE 1992 FORD EXPLORER. THE PROBLEM IS THAT IT WILL NOT DISENGAGE FROM 4WD TO 2WD. I FEEL THAT BECAUSE OF THIS IS THE REASON FOR ALL THE NOISE I HEAR COMING FROM THE FRONT END. I HAVE NOT REPLACED IT BECAUSE IT WILL COST ME BETWEEN $300-$800 DEPENDING ON WHAT I PUT ON IT. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT I NEED TO GET THIS REPLACED? I HAVE TWO SMSLL CHILDREN THAT ARE IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME MOST OF THE TIME AND DON'T WANT ANYTHING TO GO WRONG WITH THIS THAT WILL CAUSE ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10106419
Mileage unknown · Jun 8, 2001
Suspension
DURING HARD BRAKING IN VEHICLE CHASSIS FEELS LIKE IT IS STOPPING, BUT CAB OF VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT CONTINUES TO MOVE FORWARD EXCESSIVELY. DEALERSHIP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE AND REPLACED "RADIUS CONTROL ARM BUSHING" BECAUSE THIS COMPONENT WAS DETERMINED TO BE BAD. HOWEVER, PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. *AK CONSUMER STAT…
Read full complaint
DURING HARD BRAKING IN VEHICLE CHASSIS FEELS LIKE IT IS STOPPING, BUT CAB OF VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT CONTINUES TO MOVE FORWARD EXCESSIVELY. DEALERSHIP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE AND REPLACED "RADIUS CONTROL ARM BUSHING" BECAUSE THIS COMPONENT WAS DETERMINED TO BE BAD. HOWEVER, PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. *AK CONSUMER STATES WHILE BRAKING, VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPOND VERY WELL, IN REVERSE AND WHILE TURNING, VEHICLE WILL THUMP AND POP UNDER PASSENGER SIDE. *SLC
NHTSA ODI #890034
Mileage unknown · May 7, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicSuspension
THE FAULTY ENGINE MOUNT AND REAR AXLE SHOCK ABSORBER CAUSE EXTREME VIBRATION IN THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE IS NOT HARMONICALLY BALANCED AND SETS UP A VIBRATION THAT EXTENDS TO THE FRAME AND THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS. *YH . CONSUMER STATES THAT THIS PROBLEM IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT, BUT MANUFACTURER IS N OT WILL…
Read full complaint
THE FAULTY ENGINE MOUNT AND REAR AXLE SHOCK ABSORBER CAUSE EXTREME VIBRATION IN THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE IS NOT HARMONICALLY BALANCED AND SETS UP A VIBRATION THAT EXTENDS TO THE FRAME AND THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS. *YH . CONSUMER STATES THAT THIS PROBLEM IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT, BUT MANUFACTURER IS N OT WILLING TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY, CONSUMER WAS ADVISED BECAUSE OF THE AGE AND THE MILEAGE IT WOULD BE THE CONSUMER'S RESPONSIBILITY,*JB
NHTSA ODI #561085
Mileage unknown · Feb 14, 2001
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension
IT IS OBVIOUS THAT WHEN FRONT SUSPENSION COMPRESSES STEERING LINKAGE OR TIE ROD HITS THE RUBBER BRAKE LINE. BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING! *AK
NHTSA ODI #740907
Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSuspension
FROM THE BEGINNING THE EXPLORER HAS HAD ENGINE VIBRATION,OIL LEAKAGE PROBLEMS,AT 98 MILES, OF BUYING THE EXPLORER FROM THE DEALER FROM BRAND NEW. AS TO DATE THE EXPLORER HAS NOT BEEN FIXED, AND WHEN I HAVE TAKEN THE EXPLORER IN TO BE FIXED,THEY ASK ME TO TAKE IT HOME FOR THEY DONE WANT TO FIX IT.I HAVE REPORTED IT TO THE ATTERNE…
Read full complaint
FROM THE BEGINNING THE EXPLORER HAS HAD ENGINE VIBRATION,OIL LEAKAGE PROBLEMS,AT 98 MILES, OF BUYING THE EXPLORER FROM THE DEALER FROM BRAND NEW. AS TO DATE THE EXPLORER HAS NOT BEEN FIXED, AND WHEN I HAVE TAKEN THE EXPLORER IN TO BE FIXED,THEY ASK ME TO TAKE IT HOME FOR THEY DONE WANT TO FIX IT.I HAVE REPORTED IT TO THE ATTERNEY GENERALS OFFICE,AND FORD WROTE THEM A LETTER AND SAID THERE WASN'T ANYTHING WRONG,BUT THEY LYIED???? THE ENGINE HAS BEEN FIXED 22 TIMES FOR OIL LEAKS,TRANSMITTION 3 TIMES,VIBRATION 12 TIMES OR MORE,3 TIMES FOR THE ENGINE MISSING,3 TIMES FOR THE ENGINE BEENING NOISEY,AND ONE DEALER WORKED ON IT HAS SAID IT CAN'T BE FIXED, THAT FORD SHOULD REPLACE IT, BUT THIS WAS DENIED BY FORD AS THE DEALER HAD MADE THE REQUEST. AFTER ALL OF THIS ?? THIS DOESN'T SEAM FAIR??? FOR WE STILL HAVE THE EXPLORER WITH ALL THE SAME PROBLEMS,OIL LEAKS ,VIBRATIONS,TRANSMITTION NOT RIGHT,GAS IN THE OIL,AND STILL MISSES. CAN ANYTHING BE DONE BY YOU??
NHTSA ODI #740356
Mileage unknown · Dec 20, 2000
Suspension
GREAT VEHICLE IF I DIDN'T HAVE TO KEEP REPLACING THESE FRONT SUSPENSION PARTS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #738036
Mileage unknown · Dec 15, 2000
Suspension
WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THEN LOST TEMPORARY CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL, VEHICLE HIT THE BRIDGE AND FROM THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, THEN SLIDE SIDEWAYS, CONSUMER SAYS IT WAS NOT A FAULTY TIRE. *SLC
NHTSA ODI #876561
Mileage unknown · Oct 9, 2000
Suspension
WHEN THIS BUSHING FAILS IT AFFECTS THE STEERING AND CONTROL OF THE EXPLORER AND MIGHT BE A CAUSE OF THE FIRESTONE TIRE FAILERS (WARE AND HEATING OF TIRES). I HAVE BEEN CHECKING OTHER EXPLORERS AND HAVE FOUND THAT ALMOST HALF OF THE EXPLORERS I HAVE SEEN SHOW VISABLE SIGNS OF THIS BUSHING BEING EXCESSIVELY WORN. THE RIGHT SIDE BU…
Read full complaint
WHEN THIS BUSHING FAILS IT AFFECTS THE STEERING AND CONTROL OF THE EXPLORER AND MIGHT BE A CAUSE OF THE FIRESTONE TIRE FAILERS (WARE AND HEATING OF TIRES). I HAVE BEEN CHECKING OTHER EXPLORERS AND HAVE FOUND THAT ALMOST HALF OF THE EXPLORERS I HAVE SEEN SHOW VISABLE SIGNS OF THIS BUSHING BEING EXCESSIVELY WORN. THE RIGHT SIDE BUSHING IS NEXT TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND SUBJECT TO EXCESSIVE HEAT.
NHTSA ODI #733838
Mileage unknown · Sep 28, 2000
Suspension
EXTREME VIBRATION OCCURS WHILE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. PROBLEM BECOMES MORE PRONOUNCED WHEN SPEED IS 65 MPH OR WHEN TREAD IS BEGINNING TO SEPARATE FROM THE TIRES. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #871714
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