NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
24 reportsClear category filter99,999 miles · Oct 17, 2007
Power TrainSteeringSuspension
I WAS BROWSING FOR A USED CAR AND CAME ON AN ADD SELLING CARS I HAD NO VEHICLE I ASKED IF THEY CAN PICK ME UP ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CLINTON FERRY. THEY SAID YES THEY WILL PICK ME UP. SO CHECKED OUT THEIR INVENTORY. I PICKED A 1994 FORD EXPLORER LITTLE DAMAGE TO THE BODY, TIRES NEEDED CHANGING, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HAS D…
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I WAS BROWSING FOR A USED CAR AND CAME ON AN ADD SELLING CARS I HAD NO VEHICLE I ASKED IF THEY CAN PICK ME UP ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CLINTON FERRY. THEY SAID YES THEY WILL PICK ME UP. SO CHECKED OUT THEIR INVENTORY. I PICKED A 1994 FORD EXPLORER LITTLE DAMAGE TO THE BODY, TIRES NEEDED CHANGING, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HAS DAMAGE, AND REAR VIEW MIRROR WAS GONE. I ACCEPTED THESE AND ASKED FOR A TEST RIDE PROCEEDED OFF THE LOT THERE WAS NO GAS MAKING A TEST DRIVE SHORT. IT WAS AS IF THEY RUSHED ME THROUGH THE DEAL NOTHING WAS SAID ABOUT THE PROBLEMS. RETURNING HOME IS WHEN I BEGAN RUNNING INTO PROBLEMS THAT WERE SAFETY ISSUES. THE RPMS HAD GONE TO THE LIMITS OF SAFE OPERATION EXCEEDING 6,000 RPMS AND NOT SHIFTING TO A HIRE GEAR MAKING THE MOTOR SCREEN NEARLY EXPLODING THE MOTOR THIS IS CONSISTENT EVERY TIME YOU OPERATE. SO DROVE HOME WITH THIS PROBLEM. I ACCELERATED AND THEN LET OFF THE GAS AND IT THEN SHIFTED UP. I GAVE IT THE GAS IT SCREAMED AND I LET OFF THE GAS AND IT SHIFTED INTO THE HIGHER GEAR I ALSO HAVE STEERING PROBLEMS IT PULLS TO THE LEFT PULLING ME INTO ON GOING TRAFFIC, SHIMMIES AND THE TIE RODS CONNECTED TO THE STEERING HAD SOME PLAY IN THEM. SO WHEN I TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT I HAD NO STEERING UNTIL IT GOT TO CERTAIN POINT WHERE IT STEERED. THE VEHICLE FLOATS LIKE A BOAT A STRUT PROBLEM. NOW WHEN I WENT TO ESTIMATES FOR THE REPAIRS ITS PARTS AND LABOR CAME TOO ABOUT THE SAME AMOUNT I PAID FOR THE TRUCK APPROXIMATELY 4,400.00. SO NOW I HAVE THIS TRUCK I REFUSE TO DRIVE. I TOLD THEM TO COME AND GET IT AND NO WAY WAS I GOING TO DRIVE AN UNSAFE TRUCK SO IT SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY. I REFUSE TO PAY THEM ANY MONEY. THEY HAVEN'T CALLED ME, NOR MADE ANY DEAL.
NHTSA ODI #10206124
Mileage unknown · Sep 18, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WILL STALL. IN DOING SO POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT, AND CONSUMER CAN NO LONGER CONTROL VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. *AK
NHTSA ODI #8018940
Mileage unknown · Aug 13, 2001
Electrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicSteering
IGNITION TURNS OFF WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING ON I-95. ALSO OCCURS AT SLOW SPEEDS. POWER STEERING AND BRAKES STOP WORKING WITHOUT POWER, MAKING MANEUVERING DIFFICULT. AFTER 10 MINUTES, WILL RESTART. FORD CORP. OFFICE HAS NO RECORD OF PROBLEM, YET IS SETTLING 5 STATE LAWSUIT ACCORDING TO TODAYS NEWSPAPER.*AK
NHTSA ODI #750291
Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2001
Steering
THE CAR WAS PARKED AT THE CURB. I BACKED UP ABOUT TWO (2) FEET , PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND TRIED TO TURN THE WHEEL LEFT INTO THE STREET AND IT WOULD NOT TURN THE WHEELS. I HAD THE CAR TAKEN BY FLATBED TRUCK TO WAYMAN FORD 1713 SPRINGFIELD AVE MAPLEWOOD NJ 973 275 0965. NO SAFETY DEFEC TMENTIONED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #746494
Mileage unknown · Apr 2, 2001
Steering
SPINDLE ON RIGHT FRONT WHEEL IS BROKEN. *AK
NHTSA ODI #884846
Mileage unknown · Dec 21, 2000
Steering
WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 5 MPH WHEEL BROKE AT SPINDLE, AND ROLLED PAST VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #876866
Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2000
SteeringSuspension
FRONT RADIUS ARM BUSHING WAS DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED CAR TO NOT STEER PROPERLY, AND MAKES A SQUEALING NOISE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #872612
Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2000
Steering
BOLTS ON THE STEERING GEAR BROKE. CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND WHEN BOLTS BROKE. ALSO, NOTICED LOOSENESS IN THE STEERING. HAD OVER COMPENSATED WHILE STEERING. WAS ABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE. DEALER INFORMED OF PROBLEMS. MECHANIC INDICATED NOTHING COULD BE DONE. HAD THE PARTS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #866749
Mileage unknown · Apr 4, 2000
Power TrainSteeringSuspension
CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER BECAUSE IT WASN'T SHIFTING. DEALER SAID TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER HAS 70,000 MILES ON TRUCK, AND IT WAS SERVICED ON TIME. ALSO TOLD THAT THE TRUCK NEEDE NEW SHOCKS, BALL JOINTS, AND TIE-RODS. VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN DRIVEN OFF-ROAD OR IN A HARSH MANNER. *AK
NHTSA ODI #859660
Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 1999
SteeringCrash
SHAFT BROKE, ALL STEERING LOST, CAUSE ACCIDENT, LOW SPEED FEW OBSTACLES AVOIDED SERIOUS DAMAGE & INJURY - FORD MOTOR COMPANY NO HELP!
NHTSA ODI #702375
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
Illustration