NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
86 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · May 17, 2001
Power Train
THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE 1994 FORD EXPLORER THAT THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE. I KNOW OF 3 OTHER OWNERS PERSONALLY THAT HAVE THE SAME COINCIDENTAL PROBLEM. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR UNLESS NURSED TO DO SO. THIS HAS NEARLY CAUSED SEVERAL POTENTIAL CRASHES. NOT TO MENTI…
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THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE 1994 FORD EXPLORER THAT THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE. I KNOW OF 3 OTHER OWNERS PERSONALLY THAT HAVE THE SAME COINCIDENTAL PROBLEM. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR UNLESS NURSED TO DO SO. THIS HAS NEARLY CAUSED SEVERAL POTENTIAL CRASHES. NOT TO MENTION VERY VERY POOR FUEL ECONOMY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #745439
Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2001
Power TrainCrashInjury
VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THEN WAS TURNED ON AND TRANSMISSION JUMPED INTO REVERSE, AND HIT CONSUMER'S WIFE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #886802
Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2001
Power Train
WENT TO FORD DEALER AND THEY DIAGNOSED PROBLEM WAS FRONT HUBS NEEDED REPLACEMENT FOR $1000, TALKED TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND HE SAID SAMETHING BUT IS NOT ABLE TO GET ANY HUBS BECAUSE HE HAS BEEN TOLD THAT FORD IS BUYING UP ALL OF THE NEW/REBUILT HUBS BECAUSE THEY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM. SECOND MECHANIC ASKED SOME DEALERS WHEN MO…
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WENT TO FORD DEALER AND THEY DIAGNOSED PROBLEM WAS FRONT HUBS NEEDED REPLACEMENT FOR $1000, TALKED TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND HE SAID SAMETHING BUT IS NOT ABLE TO GET ANY HUBS BECAUSE HE HAS BEEN TOLD THAT FORD IS BUYING UP ALL OF THE NEW/REBUILT HUBS BECAUSE THEY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM. SECOND MECHANIC ASKED SOME DEALERS WHEN MORE HUBS WOULD BE AVAILABLE AND WAS TOLD NO DATES AVAILABLE DUE TO FORD BUYING SO MANY.*AK
NHTSA ODI #741255
Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2001
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WILL NOT UPSHIFT, AND HAS PROBLEMS SHIFTING INTO DIFFERENT GEARS, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #880262
Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2001
Power Train
LOW RANGE SYSTEM APPEARS TO OPPERATE BUT REGUALAR 4X4 SYSTEM DOES'T ENGAGE THE HUBS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #740253
Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2001
Power Train
CLUTCH, SLAVE CYLINDER, AND 5HT GEAR IN TRANSMISSION REPLACED
NHTSA ODI #740252
Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 2001
Power Train
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #739915
Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 2001
Power Train
SPEEDOMETER READING FLUCTUATES 20+ MPH AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. BUZZING SOUND ASSOCIATED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #739914
Mileage unknown · Jan 17, 2001
Power Train
WHEN PUTTING CAR IN PARK IT WILL ROLL FORWARD. CONSUMER FEELS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION. THERE IS A RECALL FOR SAME PROBLEM, BUT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK
NHTSA ODI #878285
Mileage unknown · Dec 14, 2000
Power TrainStructureSuspension
THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS FAILED. *MJS
NHTSA ODI #785109
NHTSA investigations
13EA00012 · 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
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
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