NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,207 reportsMileage unknown · Feb 10, 2000
Tires
WE LOANED OUR EXPLORER TO OUR SON-IN-LAW TO DRIVE TO KERRVILLE, TEXAS AT CHRISTMASTIME AND ON THE WAY UP THERE ONE OF THE TIRES BLEW ALL THE TREAD OFF. WE DID NOT KNOW THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR TIME AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SEARS AND TRADED THE TIRE IN FOR AN IDENTICAL TIRE FOR THE EXPLORER. THESE ARE THE ORIGINA…
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WE LOANED OUR EXPLORER TO OUR SON-IN-LAW TO DRIVE TO KERRVILLE, TEXAS AT CHRISTMASTIME AND ON THE WAY UP THERE ONE OF THE TIRES BLEW ALL THE TREAD OFF. WE DID NOT KNOW THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR TIME AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SEARS AND TRADED THE TIRE IN FOR AN IDENTICAL TIRE FOR THE EXPLORER. THESE ARE THE ORIGINAL TIRES THAT CAME ON THE VEHICLE, WHICH HAS 49,000 MILES ON IT. THE TIRES STILL LOOK GOOD, BUT APPARENTLY THERE WAS A DEFECT. MY SON-IN-LAW WAS DRIVING 70 MILES AN HOUR WHEN THIS HAPPENED. HE AND MY DAUGHTER WERE PRETTY SHOOK-UP, BUT NOT INJURED. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
NHTSA ODI #718563
Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2000
TiresCrashInjury
FIRESTONE TIRES MODEL ATX; WHILE TRAVELING PASSENGER'S REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM TIRE, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AND TOTALLING VEHICLE. *AK *ML
NHTSA ODI #856619
Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2000
Structure
BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE GAS CYLINDER BROKE OFF TWICE, CAUSING THE LIFTGATE TO FALL DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY, AND MAY RESULT IN INJURIES. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
NHTSA ODI #854908
Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2000
Tires
I WAS DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEED, WHEN I HEARD A "FLOP FLOP" LOUD NOISE. I PULLED TO THE RIGHT AND FOUND THAT THE TREAD WAS IN 1 LONG STRIP, STILL ATTATCHED TO PART OF THE TIRE. THE TIRE WAS NOT COMPLETELY FLAT, BUT NOT DRIVEABLE. A LOCAL SHERIFF DEPUTY STOPPED TO HELP ME. HE THOUGHT THAT I HAD A "RE-TREAD" TIRE. I TOD HIM THAT IT…
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I WAS DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEED, WHEN I HEARD A "FLOP FLOP" LOUD NOISE. I PULLED TO THE RIGHT AND FOUND THAT THE TREAD WAS IN 1 LONG STRIP, STILL ATTATCHED TO PART OF THE TIRE. THE TIRE WAS NOT COMPLETELY FLAT, BUT NOT DRIVEABLE. A LOCAL SHERIFF DEPUTY STOPPED TO HELP ME. HE THOUGHT THAT I HAD A "RE-TREAD" TIRE. I TOD HIM THAT IT WAS THE ORIGINAL SPARE. HE TOLD ME TO CONTACT THE DEALER AND FIRESTONE. I DID. THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T HELP ME. THE DAMAGE TO MY SUV, WAS TO THE LEFT REAR FENDER, LEFT PASSENGER DOOR, AND TRIM. I HAVE SINCE REPLACED ALL TIRES AND KEPT 1 OF THE ORIGINAL FIRESTONE TIRES.*AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
NHTSA ODI #718537
Mileage unknown · Feb 8, 2000
Structure
RIGHT SIDE CARGO DOOR HINGE RIPPED METAL AND CAME OUT, AND DOOR FELL. CALLED DEALER-SAID HE WAS UNAWARE OF PROBLEM IN EXPLORERS. YET SAFETY HOTLINE LISTED EXACT PROBLEM AS A SAFETY CAMPAIGN. CONSUMER CALLE D FORD MOTOR COMPANY AS INSTRUCTED. THEY STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN PROBLEMS WITH THIS YEAR EXPLORER, AND THEY WOULD FIX IT…
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RIGHT SIDE CARGO DOOR HINGE RIPPED METAL AND CAME OUT, AND DOOR FELL. CALLED DEALER-SAID HE WAS UNAWARE OF PROBLEM IN EXPLORERS. YET SAFETY HOTLINE LISTED EXACT PROBLEM AS A SAFETY CAMPAIGN. CONSUMER CALLE D FORD MOTOR COMPANY AS INSTRUCTED. THEY STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN PROBLEMS WITH THIS YEAR EXPLORER, AND THEY WOULD FIX IT IF VEHICLE WAS UNDER 60, 000 MILES. *AK
NHTSA ODI #852020
Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2000
Electrical SystemFire
WHILE DRIVING BACK FROM AIRPORT TRAVELING 15MPH STARTED SMELLING SMOKE FROM THE HEATER. TURNED OFF HEATER. PULLED UP IN THE DRIVEWAY AND TURNED OFF CAR. VEHICLE WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD. SMOKE GOT WORSE. WHOLE CAR ENGULFED IN FLAMES. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED THE FIRE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #855614
Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2000
Visibility
WAS DRIVING DOWN ON HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 55MPH WHEN THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING THAT THIS WOULD HAPPEN. THE TEMPERATURE INSIDE & OUTSIDE VEHICLE DID NOT CHANGE. NOTHING HIT THE SUNROOF. WASN'T CLOSING OR OPENING THE SUN ROOF WHEN IT SHATTERED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #855445
Mileage unknown · Jan 6, 2000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ON TWO OCCASIONS THE BRAKE DRUMS, SHOES AND LININGS IN THE REAR WHEELS DISINTEGRATED CAUSING THE BRAKES TO LOCK UP WHEN APPLIED ON WET OR DRY PAVEMENT. *ET
NHTSA ODI #783637
Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2000
Power Train
TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT INTO SECOND GEAR. CLUTCH MATERIAL FOUND IN PAN. VEHICLE HAS BEEN USED SOLELY FOR COMMUTING. *AK
NHTSA ODI #716933
Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 1999
Parking BrakeStructureInjury
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 94V16900 AND 99V310001. DEALER REFUSED TO FIX PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #716555
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