IllustrationTHE WHOLE '!@#$% FRONT END OF MY 93 EXPLORER KEEPS FALLING APART AFTER FIXING IT TWICE AND IT IS STARTING TO DO IT AGAIN. I CANT KEEP TIRES ON IT AT ALL. *TR
1993 Ford Explorer
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 1993 Ford Explorer do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 609.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Explorer years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 40 of 939 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 243 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 222 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 86 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
86 crash reports48 fire reports77 injury reports
What owners actually said
939 reportsWHILE MY FAMILY WAS DRIVING IN THE CAR, WITH TWO CHILDREN IN CAR SEATS IN THE BACK SEAT, THE TWO YEAR OLD STARTED CRYING AND TOLD US THE BABY'S CAR SEAT WAS BROKEN. WE LOOKED BACK AND THE CAR SEAT WAS SIDEWAYS- THE SEAT BUCKLE THAT HELD IT IN PLACE HAD COMPLETELY GIVEN OUT! WE WERE DRIVING AND I HAD TO LEAN BACK FROM THE FRONT…
Read full complaint
WHILE MY FAMILY WAS DRIVING IN THE CAR, WITH TWO CHILDREN IN CAR SEATS IN THE BACK SEAT, THE TWO YEAR OLD STARTED CRYING AND TOLD US THE BABY'S CAR SEAT WAS BROKEN. WE LOOKED BACK AND THE CAR SEAT WAS SIDEWAYS- THE SEAT BUCKLE THAT HELD IT IN PLACE HAD COMPLETELY GIVEN OUT! WE WERE DRIVING AND I HAD TO LEAN BACK FROM THE FRONT SEAT AND RIGHT THE BABY SEAT WHILE WE PULLED OVER AND MANAGED TO REBUCKLE THE BABY'S SEAT INTO THE MIDDLE. THE SEATS DO NOT ACTUALLY FIT THAT WAY FOR EVERYDAY USE AND OUR CAR HAS BEEN UNUSABLE TO US EVER SINCE BECAUSE WE HAVE TWO CHILDREN IN CAR SEATS AND NO OTHER WAY TO ARRANGE THEM IN THE CAR. WE CALLED ABOUT A PART TO REPLACE THAT SEAT BUCKLE AND WERE TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT AVAILABLE ANY MORE. I THINK THAT THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN- TO HAVE A SEAT BUCKLE GIVE OUT - WHILE DRIVING - WITH A BABY IN IT! WE HAVE TRADED CARS WITH OUR PARENTS IN THE MEANTIME AND HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIND THE PART TO FIX IT. (THIS IS THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BUCKLE.) *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CONTACT NOTICED DARK SMOKE COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTED IT WHEN THE SMOKE CEASED. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE SMOKE REAPPEARED. THE CONTACT LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD, BUT COULD NOT LOCATE THE SOURCE OF THE FAI…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CONTACT NOTICED DARK SMOKE COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTED IT WHEN THE SMOKE CEASED. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE SMOKE REAPPEARED. THE CONTACT LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD, BUT COULD NOT LOCATE THE SOURCE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD THE HEATER FUSE REMOVED, WHICH STOPPED THE VEHICLE FROM SMOKING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT YET BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 89,000. UPDATED 05/27/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE AC ONLY WORKED ON HIGH AND THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER DID NOT WORK. UPDATED
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR SEVERAL HOURS WHEN THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING ELECTRICAL SMELL INSIDE HIS HOME. HE GOT HIS FAMILY OUT OF THE HOME AND THE HOME ALARM BEGAN TO SOUND. WHEN THEY EXITED THE HOUSE, THEY DISCOVERED THE GARAGE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. BY THE TIME THE …
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR SEVERAL HOURS WHEN THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING ELECTRICAL SMELL INSIDE HIS HOME. HE GOT HIS FAMILY OUT OF THE HOME AND THE HOME ALARM BEGAN TO SOUND. WHEN THEY EXITED THE HOUSE, THEY DISCOVERED THE GARAGE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, THE HOME WAS ALSO ENGULFED IN FLAMES. BOTH VEHICLES IN THE GARAGE AND THE HOUSE WERE DESTROYED. THE CONTACT AND HIS WIFE WERE CHARGED WITH ARSON; HOWEVER, THE DAY BEFORE THE TRIAL, THE CHARGES WERE DROPPED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVEN THOUGH THE CHARGES WERE DROPPED, THE FIRE IS STILL LISTED AS SUSPICIOUS. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 99V062001 AND 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) WERE REFERENCED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THIS IS WHAT STARTED THE FIRE, BUT THERE IS NO VEHICLE LEFT TO EXAMINE. A FIRE AND POLICE REPORT WERE FILED. THE VIN AND PURCHASE DATE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
STARTED 1993 FORD EXPLORER AND HEATER FAN WAS ON SETTING 2. BURNING LEAF SMOKE STARTED POURING OUT OF THE DEFROST VENTS (HEATER SELECTOR WAS SET TO DEFROST). IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF IGNITION AND HAD TO DRIVE OTHER VEHICLE TO WORK. WILL HAVE TO REMOVE HEATER BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR ASSEMBLY AND CLEAN OUT DEBRIS FROM BLOWER HOUSING.…
Read full complaint
STARTED 1993 FORD EXPLORER AND HEATER FAN WAS ON SETTING 2. BURNING LEAF SMOKE STARTED POURING OUT OF THE DEFROST VENTS (HEATER SELECTOR WAS SET TO DEFROST). IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF IGNITION AND HAD TO DRIVE OTHER VEHICLE TO WORK. WILL HAVE TO REMOVE HEATER BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR ASSEMBLY AND CLEAN OUT DEBRIS FROM BLOWER HOUSING. NOTICED BURNT LEAF SMELL BEFORE BUT NEVER SAW SMOKE UNTIL TODAY. *NM
DURING NORMAL OPERATION LEFT REAR BRAKE LINE CRACKED, LOST ALL BRAKE FLUID, MANAGED TO STOP VEHICLE ON IN MEDIAN, HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP, AFTER LEFT REAR BRAKE LINE WAS REPLACED MECHANIC WAS BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM, DURING THE PROCESS THE MAIN BRAKE LINE LEADING TO THE REAR BRAKE LINES CRACKED AND DEVELOPED A LEAK, LOST …
Read full complaint
DURING NORMAL OPERATION LEFT REAR BRAKE LINE CRACKED, LOST ALL BRAKE FLUID, MANAGED TO STOP VEHICLE ON IN MEDIAN, HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP, AFTER LEFT REAR BRAKE LINE WAS REPLACED MECHANIC WAS BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM, DURING THE PROCESS THE MAIN BRAKE LINE LEADING TO THE REAR BRAKE LINES CRACKED AND DEVELOPED A LEAK, LOST ALL BRAKE FLUID AGAIN!FORTUNATELY THIS TIME IT HAPPENED AT SHOP, HAD ALL BRAKE LINES REPLACED, ADVISED SHOP TO HOLD ON TO OLD (ORIGINAL) BRAKE LINES. *JB
1993 FORD EXPLORER SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTED IN DRIVEWAY, DAMAGE ORIGINATED IN THE DRIVER SIDE DASHBOARD AREA. VEHICLE WASN'T DRIVEN 24 HOURS PRIOR TO FIRE. NO RECALL FOUND FOR YEAR/MODEL, BUT COUNTLESS FIRES REPORTED FOR BASE FORDS OF ALL MODELS AND YEARS. *NM
I BOUGHT A CAR FROM A DEALER AND HAVE THE CAR FOR LESS THAN 30 DAYS AND THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING OUT. THE DEALER WOULD NOT GIVE ME A TEMPORARY TAG UNLESS I WENT TO HIS MECHANIC FOR A INSPECTION ALSO THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN CONSTANTLY LEAKING OIL SINCE THE 2ND DAY I PURCHASED. *JB
I OWNED A FORD 1992 EXPLORER AND ONE MORNING IT JUST CACTH FIRE FOR NO REASON AT ALL. WE LET IT RUN BEFORE TAKING MY KIDS TO SCHOOL AS WE DO EVERY COLD MORNING AND IF A LITTLE GIRL HAD BEEN WALKING TO THE BUS STOP AND SAW THE CAR ON FIRE WE WOULD HAVE BEEN BURN UP IN THE HOUSE SO LUCKLY SHE SAW AND LET US NO BEFORE IT GOT TO T…
Read full complaint
I OWNED A FORD 1992 EXPLORER AND ONE MORNING IT JUST CACTH FIRE FOR NO REASON AT ALL. WE LET IT RUN BEFORE TAKING MY KIDS TO SCHOOL AS WE DO EVERY COLD MORNING AND IF A LITTLE GIRL HAD BEEN WALKING TO THE BUS STOP AND SAW THE CAR ON FIRE WE WOULD HAVE BEEN BURN UP IN THE HOUSE SO LUCKLY SHE SAW AND LET US NO BEFORE IT GOT TO THE PORCH WE CALL THE FIRE DEPT. *NM
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SAFETY BELT CAME UNLATCHED. THE SAFETY BELT NO LONGER WORKED. THE BUTTON ON THE BUCKLE WAS STUCK ALL THE WAY IN AND LOOSE TO THE TOUCH. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A MECHANIC.*AK UPDATED 11/29/2005 - THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LOCK BROKE AND THERE ARE LOOSE PARTS MOVING AROUND INSID…
Read full complaint
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SAFETY BELT CAME UNLATCHED. THE SAFETY BELT NO LONGER WORKED. THE BUTTON ON THE BUCKLE WAS STUCK ALL THE WAY IN AND LOOSE TO THE TOUCH. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A MECHANIC.*AK UPDATED 11/29/2005 - THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LOCK BROKE AND THERE ARE LOOSE PARTS MOVING AROUND INSIDE THE LOCK. *NM
Official recalls
699V310001 · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut
Nov 3, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDER BRACKET WELDS COULD FRACTURE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: WITH A BROKEN BRACKET WELD, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE LIFTGATE BRACKET TO GRADUALLY BEND INWARD ALLOWING THE LIFT CYLINDER BALL STUD TO DISENGAGE, UNEXPECTEDLY ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO FALL FROM AN OPEN POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL LIFTGATE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS. DEPENDING UPON THE CONDITION OF THE LIFTGATE SHEET METAL IN THE AREA OF THE BRACKET, DEALERS MAY ALSO INSTALL A LARGER REINFORCEMENT.
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.
94V169001 · Parking Brake:conventional
Sep 7, 1994
THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL SELF-ADJUST PAWL DOES NOT LINE UP PROPERLY WITH THE SELF-ADJUST RACHET CAUSING THE PAWL TO SLIP OVER ONE OR MORE TEETH IN THE RACHET.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: WHEN THE ABOVE OCCURS, IT CAN RESULT IN PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM INEFFECTIVENESS. THE PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL FREELY, IF THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT LEFT IN GEAR.
Remedy: A WEDGE WILL BE INSTALLED WHICH WILL SERVE TO LOCK THE PARKING BRAKE SELF-ADJUST MECHANISM PAWL INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE RACHET. ALSO, OWNERS WILL BE ADVISED TO RELEASE AND REAPPLY THE PARKING BRAKE WHENEVER TOOTH SKIP OCCURS AND WILL BE REMINDED TO ALWAYS TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND LEAVE THE VEHICLE IN GEAR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
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
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.
PE96066 · Driver Door Electrical Fire
Opened Nov 22, 1996 · Closed May 15, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
THE CONTACT ASSEMBLY FOR THE REMOTE POWER MIRROR CONTROL SWITCH MAY DEVELOP A SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN THE SWITCH POSITIVE PAD AND CHASSIS GROUND PAD AS A RESULT OF WATER INTRUSION.EXCESS CURRENT FLOW RESULTING FROM THE SHORT CIRCUIT CONDITION MAY OVERHEAT THE REMOTE POWER MIRROR CONTROL SWITCH CIRCUIT BOARD AND CAUSE A FIRE IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR.FORD HAS INDICATED THAT CURRENT IN EXCESS OF 15 AMPS CAN OVERHEAT THE CIRCUIT BOARD ENOUGH TO CAUSE A FIRE.CIRCUIT PROTECTION IS PROVIDED BY A 30 AMP FUSE.FORD IS RECALLING ALL 1993-94 4-DOOR EXPLORER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT ELECTRONIC OPTION COMBINATION TO INSTALL AN IN-LINE 10 AMP FUSE IN THE POSITIVE BATTERY FEED TO THE REMOTE POWER MIRROR CONTROL SWITCH ASSEMBLY.NO 2-DOOR EXPLORER VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS.ACCORDING TO FORD, VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE RECALL PRODUCTION RANGE WERE EQUIPPED WITH LOWER CAPACITY CIRCUIT BOARDS FOR THE SUBJECT SWITCH ASSEMBLY THAT WOULD FAIL FROM AN OPEN CIRCUIT IF A SIMILAR SHORT OCCURRED.A NEW SWITCH ASSEMBLY WITH 10 AMP FUSE PROTECTION WAS INTRODUCED BEGINNING WITH THE 1995 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER.MAZDA WILL CONDUCT A PARALLEL COMPAIGN (97V-083.002) TO REMEDY THE SUBJECT CONDITION IN APPROXIMATELY 14,000 NAVAJO VEHICLES.THE NAVAJO VEHICLES WERE AVAILABLE IN ONLY THE 2-DOOR VERSION WHICH, UNLIKE THE EXPLORER VEHICLES, DID USE THE SUBJECT OPTION COMBINATION IN THAT BODY STYLE.
EA96017 · Brake System Malfunction
Opened Jul 24, 1996 · Closed Oct 29, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
There is no summary currently available
PE96016 · Wheel Lockup With Antilock Brake System
Opened Feb 28, 1996 · Closed Jul 24, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
ODI HAS RECEIVED OND HUNDRED SEVENTY-THREE (173) CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF ALLEGED FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM ON CERTAIN 1993 AND 1994 FORD EXPLORERS.THESE ALLEGED FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS ARE REPORTED TO HAVE CAUSED THIRTY-SIX (36) ACCIDENTS RESULTING FROM VEHICLE LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING BRAKING OR FROM THE EXTENDED DISTANCE REQUIRED TO STOP THE VEHICLE DURING BRAKING.THE COMPLAINANTS REPORT THAT THE ALLEGED FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS OCCURRED DURING BRAKING MOSTLY ON WET OR SLIPPERY ROADS, BUT ALSO HAVE OCCURRED ON DRY ROADS.SINCE ODI OPENED THIS PE BASED ON WHEEL LOCKUP COMPLAINTS, WE HAVE RECEIVED NUMEROUS ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS AB OUT THE EXTENDED DISTANCE REQUIRED TO STOP THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHEN BRAKING UNDER CERTAIN ROAD AND SPEED CONDITIONS.IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) CONCERNING WHEEL LOCKUP COMPLAINTS ONT HE SUBJECT VEHICLES, FORD REPORTED RECEIVING 416 REPORTS (FIELD REPORTS, OWNER COMPLAINTS, AND SUBROGATION CLAIMS) OF WHEEEL LOCKUP ON 1993 AND 1994 FORD EXPLORERS, WITH 24 ALLEGED ACCIDENTS.IN ADDITION, FORD REPORTED RECEIVING 24,916 WARRANTY CLAIMS THAT COULD RELATE TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT OF WHEEL LOCKUP DURING BRAKING ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS WARRANTED TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF THESE ALLEGED BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS ON 1993 AND 1994 FORD EXPLORERS.
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