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1994 Ford Explorer

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1994 Ford Explorer do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 609.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 68 of 1,207 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 331 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 238 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 158 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

109 crash reports82 fire reports98 injury reports

Tires complaints

331 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Aug 4, 2000
Tires

FIRESTONE ATX REAR RIGHT TIRE BLEWOUT WHILE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH. NO DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #866838

Mileage unknown · Aug 4, 2000
Tires

2 BLOWOUTS IN 7 MONTHS!!!. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: ORG EQ FRD )

NHTSA ODI #726663

Mileage unknown · Aug 4, 2000
Tires

FIRESTONE TIRE TREAD SEPARATION OCCURRED ON I-75 NEAR BRADENTON, FL, IN LAST OCTOBER. WITHOUT WARNING, THE TREAD SEPARATED AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND WRAPPED AROUND REAR AXLE. I BRIEFLY LOST CONTROL AND NARROWLY AVOIDED FLIPPING THE VEHICLE. THE TIRE NEVER DEFLATED. MY 8-YEAR OLD SON WAS WITH ME AT THE TIME. THIS OCCURRED ON A WE…

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FIRESTONE TIRE TREAD SEPARATION OCCURRED ON I-75 NEAR BRADENTON, FL, IN LAST OCTOBER. WITHOUT WARNING, THE TREAD SEPARATED AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND WRAPPED AROUND REAR AXLE. I BRIEFLY LOST CONTROL AND NARROWLY AVOIDED FLIPPING THE VEHICLE. THE TIRE NEVER DEFLATED. MY 8-YEAR OLD SON WAS WITH ME AT THE TIME. THIS OCCURRED ON A WEEKEND, AND THE FOLLOWING MONDAY I BROUGHT THE TIRE INTO THE FIRESTONE DEALERSHIP IN PALM BAY, FLORIDA. THE MANAGER DESCRIBED THE FAILURE AS "DE-VULCANIZATION" OF THE TREAD, AND MENTION THAT IT SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED. I FILED A CLAIM THROUGH THHE FIRESTONE'S INSURANCE FOR THE DAMAGED THAT OCCURRED TO MY EMERGENCY BRAKE AND QUARTER-PANEL. FIRESTONE PROCESSED THE CLAIM AND PAID FOR THE DAMAGES WHICH I HAD REPAIRED TOTALLY $800. THEY MADE ME MAIL THEM THE FAILED TIRE, BUT I DID TAKE PHOTOS AND COPIED THE CLAIM PAPERWORK. THE SET OF ATX TIRES, WHICH WERE MY SECOND SET, HAD ABOUT 40,000 MILES ON THEM AT THE TIME, AND WERE IN GREAT SHAPE. FIRESTONE COMPENSATED ME FOR THE FAILED TIRE, BUT BECAUSE I WAS NOW UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE OTHER THREE, AND REPLACED THEM, ALL WITH BRIDGESTONES, AT MY OWN COST.( DOT NUMBER: )

NHTSA ODI #726636

Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2000
TiresCrashInjury

PE00020; CONSUMER TRAVELING 70 MPH ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD A THUMPING NOISE. THEN, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE AND VEERED LEFT AND CROSSED THE MEDIAN AND CRASHED. CAR THEN ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES. HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS WAS CAUSED BY TREAD SEPARATING FROM THE TIRES. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #866772

Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2000
Tires

PE00020; TIRE TREAD SEPARATION: WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, TREAD ON THE REAR DRIVER'S TIRES CAME OFF. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE. TIRE WAS A FIRESTONE ATX, NOT ORGINAL EQUIPMENT. TIRE HAD ABOUT 3,000 MILES ON IT. THE TIRE WAS SENT TO FIRESTONE FOR POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AKFIRE…

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PE00020; TIRE TREAD SEPARATION: WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, TREAD ON THE REAR DRIVER'S TIRES CAME OFF. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE. TIRE WAS A FIRESTONE ATX, NOT ORGINAL EQUIPMENT. TIRE HAD ABOUT 3,000 MILES ON IT. THE TIRE WAS SENT TO FIRESTONE FOR POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AKFIRESTONE ATX 235/75/R15 *MW

NHTSA ODI #866728

Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2000
Tires

WHILE ON FREEWAY REAR TIRE BLEW OUT CAUSING ME TO LOSE PARTIAL CONTROL. CAME VERY CLOSE TO FLIPPING THE VEHICLE. IN FACT WITNESSES SAY VEHICAL WAS ON TWO WHEELS AT ONE POINT. DUE TO GOOD FORTUNE AND MY SKILL I WAS ABLE TO STEER OUT OF THE LOSS OF CONTROL. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 235/75 R15 )

NHTSA ODI #726596

Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2000
Tires

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO DO ABOUT THE SAFTEY ISSUES OF THIS TIRE. A REPORT WAS BROADCAST ON THE NEWS YESTERDAY ABOUT THE HAZARDS OF THIS TIRE WHICH CAME WITH OUR EXPLORER. IT WAS MENTIONED THAT FORD HAD TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE TIRES IN ALL COUNTRIES EXCEPT THE USA. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEIR COMMENT WAS THAT T…

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I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO DO ABOUT THE SAFTEY ISSUES OF THIS TIRE. A REPORT WAS BROADCAST ON THE NEWS YESTERDAY ABOUT THE HAZARDS OF THIS TIRE WHICH CAME WITH OUR EXPLORER. IT WAS MENTIONED THAT FORD HAD TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE TIRES IN ALL COUNTRIES EXCEPT THE USA. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEIR COMMENT WAS THAT THEY WERE LOOKING INTO IT. I WANT A RECALL. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P23575R14M )

NHTSA ODI #726551

Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2000
Tires

AS I WAS DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON I25 BETWEEN ALBUQUERQUE AND SANTA FE NM, I FELT MY EXPLORER START SHAKING AND THEN THERE WAS A VERY LOUD POP AND I SAW SOMETHING FLY PAST ME. I MANAGED TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE AND GOT OUT TO SEE IF I COULD DISCOVER WHAT HAPPENED. I FOUND THE TREAD OF THE LEFT REAR TIRE HAD COME OFF. …

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AS I WAS DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON I25 BETWEEN ALBUQUERQUE AND SANTA FE NM, I FELT MY EXPLORER START SHAKING AND THEN THERE WAS A VERY LOUD POP AND I SAW SOMETHING FLY PAST ME. I MANAGED TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE AND GOT OUT TO SEE IF I COULD DISCOVER WHAT HAPPENED. I FOUND THE TREAD OF THE LEFT REAR TIRE HAD COME OFF. PART OF THE TREAD WAS WRAPPED AROUND THE AXLE. THE TIRE DID NOT BLOWOUT. LUCKILY I WAS NOT INJURED, ONLY VERY VERY SCARED! THE RUNNING BOARD ON THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY RIPPED OFF AND GONE, BOTH LEFT DOORS ARE DAMAGED, THERE IS DAMAGE TO THE QUARTER PANEL, AND TO THE TAIL GATE. I FILED A CLAIM WITH FIRESTONE ON 5/10/00 AND SENT IN 3 ESTIMATES OF $3,000; SO FAR I SEEM TO BE GETTING THE RUNAROUND. WHEN I WAS GETTING MY ESTIMATES, I WAS TOLD THIS IS BECOMING "NORMAL" FOR FIRESTONE TIRES AND EXPLORERS AND TO COUNT MYSELF AMONG THE FEW NOT INJURED. THANK YOU. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 23575R15 )

NHTSA ODI #726522

Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2000
Tires

THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE WHILE WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. WE IMMEDIATELY PURCHASED NEW FIRESTONE WILDERNESS HT TIRES AND THEN I HEARD OF THE ACCIDENTS ETC.. SO, NOW I WANT TO SEE IF THERE IS ANYWAY TO RETURN MY TIRES AND BUY A DIFFERENT BRAND. WE HAD PREVIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE ATX HAVING UNEVEN WEAR DESPITE PROPE…

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THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE WHILE WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. WE IMMEDIATELY PURCHASED NEW FIRESTONE WILDERNESS HT TIRES AND THEN I HEARD OF THE ACCIDENTS ETC.. SO, NOW I WANT TO SEE IF THERE IS ANYWAY TO RETURN MY TIRES AND BUY A DIFFERENT BRAND. WE HAD PREVIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE ATX HAVING UNEVEN WEAR DESPITE PROPER MAINTENCE AND FIRESTONE JUST SAID TO ROTATE THEM IN A SPECIFIC WAY AND NOT TO WORRY AND THEN THE TIRE BLEW, NOT THE SAME TIRE WITH UNEVEN WEAR. THANK YOU. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P235/75/15 )

NHTSA ODI #726491

Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 2000
Tires

WAS DRIVING 70MPH ON CLEAR SUNNY DAY WHEN TIRE BLEWOUT FOR NO REASON. WAS ABLE TO CONTROL & GUIDE VEHICLE TO SIDE OF ROAD. AAA CAME & CHANGED FIRESTONE TIRE. NOTICED TREAD IN MIDDLE OF TIRE HAD SEPARATED & HANGING OFF,BUT STILL ON TIRE. TOOK VEHICLE TO TIRE SHOP & HAD FIRESTONE TIRE REPLACED. SHOP KEPT TIRE & HAVE NO REPORT. WA…

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WAS DRIVING 70MPH ON CLEAR SUNNY DAY WHEN TIRE BLEWOUT FOR NO REASON. WAS ABLE TO CONTROL & GUIDE VEHICLE TO SIDE OF ROAD. AAA CAME & CHANGED FIRESTONE TIRE. NOTICED TREAD IN MIDDLE OF TIRE HAD SEPARATED & HANGING OFF,BUT STILL ON TIRE. TOOK VEHICLE TO TIRE SHOP & HAD FIRESTONE TIRE REPLACED. SHOP KEPT TIRE & HAVE NO REPORT. WAS ORIGINAL FIRESTONE ATX P235/75R15 ON A 1994 FORD EXPLORER. *AK

NHTSA ODI #866236

Official recalls

4

99V310001 · 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.

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.

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

13

EA00012 · 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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