NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
633 reportsMileage unknown · Jan 31, 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
MY EXPLORER CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THE FIRE WAS AROUND THE ENGINE. THE FIRE ALSO IN THE DASH OF THE VEHICLE, SO FIRE IS UNKNOWN WHERE STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. WHEN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT GOT THERE THE POWER LOCKS HAD LOCKED THE DOORS AND HAD TO BREAK WINDOWS TO PROCEED PUTTING FIRE OUT FROM T…
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MY EXPLORER CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THE FIRE WAS AROUND THE ENGINE. THE FIRE ALSO IN THE DASH OF THE VEHICLE, SO FIRE IS UNKNOWN WHERE STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. WHEN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT GOT THERE THE POWER LOCKS HAD LOCKED THE DOORS AND HAD TO BREAK WINDOWS TO PROCEED PUTTING FIRE OUT FROM THE INSIDE. PLEASE LOOK IN TO THIS MATTER OR CONTACT ME ON WHO I NEED TO CONTACT WITH THIS MATTER.
NHTSA ODI #702786
Mileage unknown · Jan 28, 1999
Latches/locks/linkagesSeat Belts
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT LATCH PROPERLY; INTERMITTENTLY IT WOULD UNLATCH ITSELF OR WOULD NOT LATCH AT ALL. ALSO BOTH REAR DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE; NOTHING WRONG WITH THE HANDLES, DOOR WOULD NOT UNLATCH FROM THE INSIDE. DEALER NOTIFIED AND INFORMED CONSUMER REPAIRS WOULD ONLY BE MADE AT CONSUMER'S COST. NEED…
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DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT LATCH PROPERLY; INTERMITTENTLY IT WOULD UNLATCH ITSELF OR WOULD NOT LATCH AT ALL. ALSO BOTH REAR DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE; NOTHING WRONG WITH THE HANDLES, DOOR WOULD NOT UNLATCH FROM THE INSIDE. DEALER NOTIFIED AND INFORMED CONSUMER REPAIRS WOULD ONLY BE MADE AT CONSUMER'S COST. NEEDS HELP IN THIS MATTER. *AK
NHTSA ODI #834110
Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 1999
Suspension
THE FRONT RADIUS ARM BUSHINGS HAVE FAILED TWICE, I-BEAM BUSHING FAILED ONCE. THRUST BEARINGS ALSO FAILED, RELATED TO A-ARM BUSHINGS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #702510
Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
ENGINE FIRE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT).
NHTSA ODI #543439
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 · Dec 24, 1998
Power Train
STANDARD TRANSMISSION IS MAZADA-BUILT 5-SPEED AND WAS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. PROCEEDING ON INTERSTATE AT SPEED. DOWNSHIFT FROM 5TH TO 4TH FOR TRAFFIC. COULDN'T UP SHIFT TO 5TH. COULD SHIFT FROM 4TH TO NEUTRAL. STOPPED VEHICLE. COULDN'T SHIFT TRANSMISSION INTO 1ST, 2ND, 3RD, 5TH OR REVERSE. ONLY HAD 4TH GEAR. AT APPROXIMATELY 78,500…
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STANDARD TRANSMISSION IS MAZADA-BUILT 5-SPEED AND WAS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. PROCEEDING ON INTERSTATE AT SPEED. DOWNSHIFT FROM 5TH TO 4TH FOR TRAFFIC. COULDN'T UP SHIFT TO 5TH. COULD SHIFT FROM 4TH TO NEUTRAL. STOPPED VEHICLE. COULDN'T SHIFT TRANSMISSION INTO 1ST, 2ND, 3RD, 5TH OR REVERSE. ONLY HAD 4TH GEAR. AT APPROXIMATELY 78,500 MILES TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL AND QUALITY CHECKED BY OWNER AS PART OF ROUTINE SELF-MAINTENANCE AND OIL CHANGE. FLUID LEVEL AND QUALITY LAST CHECKED BY DEALER AS PART OF 60,000 MILE SERVICE. HAVE INVESTIGATED COMPLAINT DATABASE AND TSB DATABASE. I BELIEVE THERE MANY RECURRING INCIDENTS OF THIS PROBLEM. REPAIR SOLUTION WAS REPLACEMENT OF TRANSMISSION WITH A REBUILT TRANSMISSION BY THE DEALER. ATTEMPTING TO DETERMINE IF CONDITIONS WARRANTY INVESTIGATION AND POTENTIAL RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #701582
Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 1998
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension
CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH FRONT END SUSPENSION. ALSO, THERE IS A BANGING SOUND WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #832061
Mileage unknown · Dec 3, 1998
Suspension
DP98001 HEAVY LATERAL VIBRATION; WHILE DRIVING DRIVER FEELS A VIBRATION IN THE VEHICLE. THE VIBRATION IS FELT MORE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNDER 50 MPH. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #831752
Mileage unknown · Dec 3, 1998
Wheels
THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WIT WHEEL HUB. THE CONSUMER VEHICLE MAKES A HUMMNG AND CLONKING SOUND. THE HUB CAME LOOSE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #831695
Mileage unknown · Nov 6, 1998
VisibilityFire
VENTILATION SYSTEM CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING AT 35MPH. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #830325
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