NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Structure complaints
158 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Sep 16, 1999
StructureInjury
THE HYDRAULIC CYLINDER SUPPORT BRACKET ON THE REAR TRUNK LID OF THE EXPLORER SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE TRUNK LID TO FALL ON MY WIFE. WE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER NOTIFYING THEM OF THE ISSUE AND THE SAFETY BULLETIN THAT WAS ISSUED (95I007000). THEY STATED THE TRUCK WAS 3,000 MILES OUT OF THE SAFETY MILEAG…
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THE HYDRAULIC CYLINDER SUPPORT BRACKET ON THE REAR TRUNK LID OF THE EXPLORER SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE TRUNK LID TO FALL ON MY WIFE. WE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER NOTIFYING THEM OF THE ISSUE AND THE SAFETY BULLETIN THAT WAS ISSUED (95I007000). THEY STATED THE TRUCK WAS 3,000 MILES OUT OF THE SAFETY MILEAGE COVERAGE AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED. THIS WAS A FORD DEFECT AND NOW IT HAS RESULTED IN AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD FOR OUR FAMILY AS WELL AS A POTENTIAL $1,400 REPAIR BILL.
NHTSA ODI #711456
Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 1999
Structure
WHILE GETTING SOME ITEMS OUT OF THE HATCHBACK THE BRACKET BROKE, CAUSING THE HATCHNBACK TO FAIL. *AK
NHTSA ODI #846964
Mileage unknown · Aug 25, 1999
Structure
VEHICLE HATCHBACK BRACKET TORN FROM ATTACHED BODY; CAMPAIGN ISSUE , NHTSA RECALL 95 I 007 000/ REPAIR WAS NEVER MADE, AND DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR . INFORMED CONSUMER THAT RECALL CAMPAIGN WAS VOID AFTER 60,0000 MILES OR 6 YEARS. SEEKING INFORMATION FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER. *AK
NHTSA ODI #838560
Mileage unknown · Aug 24, 1999
Structure
THE HYDRAULIC CYLINDER SUPPORT ROD FELL FROM THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE HATCH TO FALL INJURING THE OWNER . THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #845742
Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 1999
Structure
REAR LIFTGATE HYDRAULIC CYLINDERS BROKE AWAY FROM THE TRUCK, WHICH MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO HOLD UP DOOR. *YC
NHTSA ODI #839922
Mileage unknown · Aug 18, 1999
Structure
PASSENGER'S SIDE HATCHBACK SUPPORT ROD SEPARATED FROM HATCHBACK. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #845279
Mileage unknown · Aug 18, 1999
Structure
PASSENGER'S SIDE HATCHBACK SUPPORT ROD SEPARATED FROM HATCHBACK, CAUSING IT TO COLLAPSE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #845278
Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 1999
Structure
THE HOOD LATCH ON THIS VEHICLE BECAME RELEASED AND THE SAFTY CATCH GOT STUCK IN THE RELEASED POSITION. THE HOOD BLEW OPEN WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MILES PER HOUR CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. I WILL DOCUMENT THIS RELEASE FAILURE WITH THE AUTO BODY SHOP AND I WILL KEEP THE OLD LATCH FOR PROOF. THE LATCH SAFTY DOES NOT RETUR…
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THE HOOD LATCH ON THIS VEHICLE BECAME RELEASED AND THE SAFTY CATCH GOT STUCK IN THE RELEASED POSITION. THE HOOD BLEW OPEN WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MILES PER HOUR CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. I WILL DOCUMENT THIS RELEASE FAILURE WITH THE AUTO BODY SHOP AND I WILL KEEP THE OLD LATCH FOR PROOF. THE LATCH SAFTY DOES NOT RETURN TO THE LATCHED POSITION AFTER CLOSING THE HOOD. THE DEALER WAS NOT THE LEAST BIT CONCERNED NOR DID HE CARE OR OFFER ANY COMPANSATION IN THIS MATTER. HE SAID THE VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL AND IT IS OUT OF WARRANTEE AND IT IS NOT SOMETHING THAT COULD BE DEALT WITH AT THE DEALER LEVEL. HE NEVER EVEN ASKED IF ANYBOBY WAS INJURED. I ALSO CALLED FORD MOTOR CO. AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THEY DIDEN'T EVEN WANT TO EXAMINE THE LATCH. I ASKED THE ADJUSTER IF THE HOOD LATCH WAS THE SAME ONE THAT IS IN THE 1997 AND 1998 VEHICLES BECAUSE THE WEEK BEFORE I HEARD ON THE NEWS THAT THERE WAS A RECALL BECAUSE THE HOOD COULD BLOW OPEN. HE SAID THEY APPEAR TO BE THE SAME LATCH EXCEPT FOR ONE NUMBER IS DIFERENT.I SERIOUSLY BELIEVE THAT IF SOMEONE PULLS THE RELEASE THINKING IT WAS THE PARKING BREAK AND DRIVES OFF THE SAFTY LATCH MAY FAIL AS MINE DID. THANK YOU
NHTSA ODI #709846
Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 1999
Structure
THE ROOF RACK ON THE VEHICLE CAME LOOSE, AND FLEW OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #842968
Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 1999
StructureInjury
THE LIFT ARM SUPPORT BRACKET ON THE TAILGATE RIPPED OUT, CAUSING THE TAILGATE TO FALL CAUSING AN INJURY. ALTHOUGH THE MANUFACTURER ACKNOWLEDGED THERE HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THESE AND THEY ARE AWARE OF IT AND HAVE BEEN REINFORCING THESE, THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR IT DUE TO MILEAGE OVER 60,000. *AK
NHTSA ODI #708755
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