NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
633 reports105,000 miles · May 13, 2009
Electrical SystemFire
WENT TO FORD DEALER 3 MONTHS AGO ABOUT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SAID OXYGEN SENSOR OR COLD WEATHER IT BE FINE ON MY WAY HOME SUNDAY IT HAD A BAD MISS THEN FIRE SHOT THROUGH MY FLOOR BOARD AND DASH ALL MY DOORS INSTANTLY LOCKED I BARELY MADE IT OUT OF MY VEHICLE IF WIFE AND CHILDREN HAD BEEN IN PROB WOULDN'T BE HERE AT THE SECOND I MAD…
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WENT TO FORD DEALER 3 MONTHS AGO ABOUT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SAID OXYGEN SENSOR OR COLD WEATHER IT BE FINE ON MY WAY HOME SUNDAY IT HAD A BAD MISS THEN FIRE SHOT THROUGH MY FLOOR BOARD AND DASH ALL MY DOORS INSTANTLY LOCKED I BARELY MADE IT OUT OF MY VEHICLE IF WIFE AND CHILDREN HAD BEEN IN PROB WOULDN'T BE HERE AT THE SECOND I MADE IT OUT OF MY CAR I TURNED AND WATCHED THE STEERING WHEEL HIT THE SEAT I OWN I 1992 FORD EXPLORER I CAN BE REACHED I HAVE CONTACTED AN ATTORNEY LOCALLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10268682
250,000 miles · Jun 2, 2008
StructureInjury
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RIGHT HYDRAULIC LIFT BRACKET DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE LIFT GATE FELL ON THE CONTACTS HEAD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: SUPPORT DEVICE (NHTSA CAMPA…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RIGHT HYDRAULIC LIFT BRACKET DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE LIFT GATE FELL ON THE CONTACTS HEAD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: SUPPORT DEVICE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #95I007000) HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT FELT THAT HIS VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 255,000.
NHTSA ODI #10229659
Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2008
Visibility
STARTED UP VEHICLE IN MORNING, REAR WIPER CAME ON AUTOMATICALLY AND COULD NOT SHUT IT OFF. HAD TO REMOVE WIPER AS IT COULD NOT BE STOPPED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10215895
Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2008
Visibility
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, SMOKE STARTED POURING FROM THE AIR VENTS. COULD FIND NO SOURCE FOR THE SMOKE. AFTERWARDS, ONLY FAN SPEED THAT WORKS IS HIGH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10215892
Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2008
Steering
A BLACK TAR-LIKE SUBSTANCE IS LEAKING OUT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10215889
Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
1992 FORD EXPLORER REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION NEEDED. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION AND OIL LEAK FIXED. SHE DOES NOT HAVE THE MONEY AND THE REPAIRS WILL COST AROUND $1500.00. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10213906
Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2007
Tires
FIRESTONE TIRE RECALL/ REPLACEMENT FOR FORD EXPLORER CUSTOMER STATES THAT FIRESTONE REFUSED TO PROVIDE WARRANTY SERVICE**CC THE CONSUMER STATED HAD A PROBLEM WITH A TIRE RECALL ISSUED FOR HIS SPECIFIC VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE ON THE RECALL BUT NOTICED THE DEALER INSTALLED PASSENGER CAR TIRES …
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FIRESTONE TIRE RECALL/ REPLACEMENT FOR FORD EXPLORER CUSTOMER STATES THAT FIRESTONE REFUSED TO PROVIDE WARRANTY SERVICE**CC THE CONSUMER STATED HAD A PROBLEM WITH A TIRE RECALL ISSUED FOR HIS SPECIFIC VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE ON THE RECALL BUT NOTICED THE DEALER INSTALLED PASSENGER CAR TIRES ON HIS TRUCK. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE PASSENGER TIRES WERE .75 INCHES SMALLER, THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER INFORMED HIM WHEN PERFORMING THE RECALL HE COULD USE ANY TIRE SIZE HE WANTED TO AND IT DIDNT HAVE TO BE COMPARABLE TO THE OLD TIRES. THE CONSUMER FURTHER STATED WHILE THIS IS A SPARE TIRE HE FEELS VERY UNSAFE IF SOMETHING SHOULD HAPPEN TO HIS TIRES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10201550
111,130 miles · Apr 23, 2007
Vehicle Speed ControlFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE AT A STOP SIGN SMOKE ASCENDED FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD, AND CONTACT COULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. AFTER ALL PASSENGERS EXITED THE VEHICLE FLAMES IGNITED FROM THE HOOD. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUNCTURED THE HOOD DUE TO THE FLAMES. HOWEVER, THEY OPENED TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE AT A STOP SIGN SMOKE ASCENDED FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD, AND CONTACT COULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. AFTER ALL PASSENGERS EXITED THE VEHICLE FLAMES IGNITED FROM THE HOOD. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUNCTURED THE HOOD DUE TO THE FLAMES. HOWEVER, THEY OPENED THE HOOD AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS PRESENT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. ON APRIL 16, 2007 THE OIL WAS CHANGED AND THE FLUIDS WERE AT NORMAL LEVELS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS THE CRUISE CONTROL, AND STATED THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN OCCURRENCE FOR FORD VEHICLES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 111,130.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10188572
103,000 miles · Apr 11, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN PRODUCING A KNOCKING NOISE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AS NEEDING A NEW TIMING CHAIN, BUT THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 103,000.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10187579
Mileage unknown · Feb 5, 2007
Power Train
TL* - THE CONTACT PURCHASED A 1992 FORD EXPLORER IN 1999 AND HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ON 2002, 2003, 2006. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED TWICE, BUT THE VEHICLEINOPERABLE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE REGARDING TRANSMISSION FAILURES. WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM HAD A DEFECT INVESTIGATION NUMBER: EA93004 UNDER LEMON LAWS …
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TL* - THE CONTACT PURCHASED A 1992 FORD EXPLORER IN 1999 AND HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ON 2002, 2003, 2006. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED TWICE, BUT THE VEHICLEINOPERABLE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE REGARDING TRANSMISSION FAILURES. WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM HAD A DEFECT INVESTIGATION NUMBER: EA93004 UNDER LEMON LAWS REGARDING THIS VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WANTED TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH FORD REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10181725
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