IllustrationMY VEHICLE WILL NOT GO IN REVERSE. *TR
1995 Ford Explorer
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 1995 Ford Explorer do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 609.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Explorer years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 97 of 843 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 205 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 119 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 93 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
84 crash reports32 fire reports69 injury reports
Power Train complaints
119 reportsI WAS DRIVING MY CAR WHEN IT BEGAN TO DOWN SHIFT AROUND 35MPH. EVENTUALLY, AFTER ADDING MORE GAS, IT KICKED INTO GEAR. MY VEHICLE IS AN AUTOMATIC. ONCE IT DOWN SHIFTS, THE OD LIGHT BEGINS FLASHING ON AND OFF. IT HAS NOW BEEN DOING THIS CONSISTENTLY. THE DRIVE IS NOT A SMOOTH DRIVE AND WHEN I AM GOING APPROXIMATELY 50-60MPH OR MO…
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I WAS DRIVING MY CAR WHEN IT BEGAN TO DOWN SHIFT AROUND 35MPH. EVENTUALLY, AFTER ADDING MORE GAS, IT KICKED INTO GEAR. MY VEHICLE IS AN AUTOMATIC. ONCE IT DOWN SHIFTS, THE OD LIGHT BEGINS FLASHING ON AND OFF. IT HAS NOW BEEN DOING THIS CONSISTENTLY. THE DRIVE IS NOT A SMOOTH DRIVE AND WHEN I AM GOING APPROXIMATELY 50-60MPH OR MORE, THE CAR BEGINS TO SHAKE. *TR
DRIVING IN LIGHT CITY TRAFFIC, "OVERDRIVE" INDICATOR LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING ON AND OFF A FEW SECONDS AFTER PULLING AWAY FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT, ENGINE RACED AND WOULDN'T UPSHIFT, THEN IT JUST COASTED TO A STOP, AND WOULDN'T GO ANYMORE. WE HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE FLATBEDDED TO A REPAIR SHOP, AND FOUND TRANSMISSION NEEDED A COMPLETE REBU…
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DRIVING IN LIGHT CITY TRAFFIC, "OVERDRIVE" INDICATOR LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING ON AND OFF A FEW SECONDS AFTER PULLING AWAY FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT, ENGINE RACED AND WOULDN'T UPSHIFT, THEN IT JUST COASTED TO A STOP, AND WOULDN'T GO ANYMORE. WE HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE FLATBEDDED TO A REPAIR SHOP, AND FOUND TRANSMISSION NEEDED A COMPLETE REBUILD, WHICH COST ABOUT $3,800. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, SHE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD "SHIMMY AND SHAKE". RECENTLY, SHE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO PARK SO SHE HAD TO USE THE PARKING BRAKE TO KEEP IT STABLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. TH…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, SHE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD "SHIMMY AND SHAKE". RECENTLY, SHE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO PARK SO SHE HAD TO USE THE PARKING BRAKE TO KEEP IT STABLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 184,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING THE OVER-DRIVE WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, AND THEN THE VEHICLE WILL HESITATE BEFORE DECELERATING. HE CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON FAILURE FOR THIS MODEL TYPE. HE THEN ADDED THAT THE TRANSMISSION C…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING THE OVER-DRIVE WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, AND THEN THE VEHICLE WILL HESITATE BEFORE DECELERATING. HE CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON FAILURE FOR THIS MODEL TYPE. HE THEN ADDED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE AND THE PCM HAVE FAILED. THE PCM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT AN EXPENSE OF $500.00. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
ON MY SIXTH TRANSMISSION ON 1995 FORD EXPLORER HAVE A LIFE TIME WARRANTY FROM TANNER TRANSMISSION BUT THEY WILL NO LONGER STAND BEHIND THERE WARRANTY BECAUSE OF THE TRANSMISSION BEING JUNK. *TR
I OWN A 1995 FORD EXPLORER 4X4. I PURCHASED IT NEW AND DID NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION UNTIL LAST YEAR WHEN I HAD IT FLUSHED. I STARTED TO WORK THE NEXT MORNING AND THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP COMING OUT OF FIRST GEAR. I TOOK IT INTO AAMCO AND THEY TOLD ME THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY ALSO IN…
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I OWN A 1995 FORD EXPLORER 4X4. I PURCHASED IT NEW AND DID NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION UNTIL LAST YEAR WHEN I HAD IT FLUSHED. I STARTED TO WORK THE NEXT MORNING AND THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP COMING OUT OF FIRST GEAR. I TOOK IT INTO AAMCO AND THEY TOLD ME THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY ALSO INFORMED ME THE ENGINE WAS STRONG, BUT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE NO PROBLEM AFTER IT GETS TO SECOND AND THIRD GEAR. IT IS REALLY UNSAFE TRYING TO MERGED INTO TRAFFIC, BECAUSE OF THE HESITATION TRYING TO GET OUT OF FIRST. IF FORD KNOWS THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR VEHICLE, THEY SHOULD AT LEAST AGREE TO RECALL THESE TRANSMISSIONS. I AM SURE MOST PEOPLE HAVE JUNKED THERE TRUCKS BY NAME, BUT I AM STILL HANGING IN STRONG 237,000 MILES AND COUNTING, WITH THE SAME SLIPPING TRANSMISSION. IF ANYONE KNOWS A SOLUTION TO THIS ISSUE, PLEASE LET THE REST OF US KNOW HOW TO RECTIFY OUR PROBLEMS WITH THE 1995 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION. *TR
1995 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION. O/D OFF LIGHT BLINKING. FROM THE SOURCES ON THE NET IT LOOKS AS THOUGH I WILL HAVE TO JUNK IT. FORD KNOWS THIS TRANS IS NO GOOD. IT JUST STARTED TONIGHT. MY WIFE HAS HEART DISEASE AND MY HAVE TO CARRY TO HOSPITAL AT ANYTIME NOW I LEARN I WILL HAVE TO HAVE A NEW TRANS. WE ARE BOTH DISABLED AND BOU…
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1995 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION. O/D OFF LIGHT BLINKING. FROM THE SOURCES ON THE NET IT LOOKS AS THOUGH I WILL HAVE TO JUNK IT. FORD KNOWS THIS TRANS IS NO GOOD. IT JUST STARTED TONIGHT. MY WIFE HAS HEART DISEASE AND MY HAVE TO CARRY TO HOSPITAL AT ANYTIME NOW I LEARN I WILL HAVE TO HAVE A NEW TRANS. WE ARE BOTH DISABLED AND BOUGHT THIS FOR DEPENDABILITY. NOW FROM ALL THE SITES I HAVE CHECKED IT IS A PIECES OF JUNK. ON THE HIGHWAY IT JUST REVS AND GOES NO WERE THAT IS BAD IN TRAFFIC CAN CAUSE WRECKS. IT IS NOT RIGHT FOR FORD TO KNOW THIS IS JUNK AND NOT RECALL THESE TRANSMISSION HOPEFULLY U CAN HELP ALL OF US WITH THESE JUNK FORDS. IF SOMEONE THERE WOULD GET ON THE NET AND CHECK OUT O/D OFF BLINKING ON FORD EXPLORER YOU WILL SEE WHAT I AM AND OTHERS ARE TALKING ABOUT. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE FIRST AND SECOND GEAR SLIPPED. THIS FAILURE OCCURS ON ALL ROAD SURFACES, INCLUDING HILLS AND LEVELED ROAD AND BEGINS AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. THE FAILURE BEGAN SIX YEARS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PUR…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE FIRST AND SECOND GEAR SLIPPED. THIS FAILURE OCCURS ON ALL ROAD SURFACES, INCLUDING HILLS AND LEVELED ROAD AND BEGINS AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. THE FAILURE BEGAN SIX YEARS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. AFTER THE TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, FLUID BEGAN LEAKING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE THIRD TIME AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN, BUT THE TRANSMISSION HAS NOT YET BEEN REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 131,000. UPDATED 06/25/08 *BF
O/D LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH THEN THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT, FORD WANTS $2,000, SO IM GOING THROUGH AN AUTO SALVAGE FOR $845, WILL NEVER BUY FORD AGAIN, THEY HAVE A HISTORY OF PROBLEMS WITH THERE TRANSMISSION. OF COURSE THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT 2 WEEKS AFTER MY WARRANTY! I GOT A 1 YEAR WARRANTY FOR FREE FROM THEM BECAUSE I HAD GONE…
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O/D LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH THEN THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT, FORD WANTS $2,000, SO IM GOING THROUGH AN AUTO SALVAGE FOR $845, WILL NEVER BUY FORD AGAIN, THEY HAVE A HISTORY OF PROBLEMS WITH THERE TRANSMISSION. OF COURSE THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT 2 WEEKS AFTER MY WARRANTY! I GOT A 1 YEAR WARRANTY FOR FREE FROM THEM BECAUSE I HAD GONE TO CARFAX.COM AND FOUND OUT THAT WHEN I BOUGHT IT FROM THEM THERE WAS AN ODOMETER ROLL BACK! *TR
Official recalls
509V399000 · Vehicle Speed Control
Oct 13, 2009
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
00V402000 · Suspension
Nov 28, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, A FRONT SWAY BAR LINK CAN FRACTURE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS.
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.
95V052000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Mar 15, 1995
IN SOME OF THE VEHICLES, BRAKE TUBES WERE MISROUTED BETWEEN THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT AND RESULTS IN EXCEEDING THE ALLOWABLE STOPPING DISTANCES AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS." IN ADDITION, SEALS WITHIN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD BE ABRADED BY THIS CONDITION OVER TIME RESULTING IN AN INTERNAL LEAK AND A FURTHER REDUCTION IN BRAKE PERFORMANCE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: STOPPING DISTANCES COULD BE LONGER THAN INTENDED RESULTING IN INCREASED POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE BRAKE TUBES.
95V053000 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly
Mar 15, 1995
THE INNER TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND CAN FRACTURE CAUSING SHAKING OR SHIMMY AT LOW SPEEDS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE WHEEL ON THE SIDE WITH THE BROKEN TIE ROD TO TUCK INWARD OR OUTWARD AND SLIDE RESULTING IN AN INCREASED POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INNER TIE RODS AND REPLACE THE SUSPECT TIE RODS.
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
6EA02011 · Safety Belt Assembly Failure
Opened Jul 2, 2002 · Closed May 21, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
ODI RECEIVED 18 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND FORD IDENTIFIED ANOTHER FOUR REPORTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT.MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS INDICATE INABILITY TO LATCH THE DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE CAUSED BY A BROKEN LATCH RELEASE SPRING.NONE OF THESE 22 REPORTS RESULTED IN ANY INJURIES OR CRASHES.NO COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS.FORD CONDUCTED LIFE-CYCLE TESTING ON 6 FIELD SAMPLE BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES.THE RESULTS OF THAT TESTING DEMONSTRATED THAT THE TESTED BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES COULD BE EXPECTED TO OPERATE PROPERLY BEYOND THE EXPECTED LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.BASED ON THE LIMITED NUMBER OF REPORTS AND COMPLAINTS RECEIVED, AND A DECLINING COMPLAINT TREND, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXIST DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PE02007 · Safety Belt Assembly
Opened Jan 23, 2002 · Closed Jul 2, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
No summary supplied.
PE00039 · Front Suspension Stabilizer Bar Link
Opened Sep 20, 2000 · Closed Nov 30, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
PE99068 · Accelerator Pedal
Opened Nov 1, 1999 · Closed Mar 9, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train
There is no summary currently available
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.
PE97010 · Electrical Fire In Center Console
Opened Mar 13, 1997 · Closed Sep 4, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
THIS INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT CONSOLE FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MOST OFTEN OCCURRED WHILE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE LAMP OUTAGE MODULE (LOM), WHICH IS PART OF THE MESSAGE CENTER, WERE TOWING A TRAILER AND WHICH HAD BEEN MODIFIED BY ADDING AN AFTERMARKET TRAILER WIRING HARNESS INTO THE VEHICLE'S TAILLIGHT CIRCUITS.THE OWNER'S MANUAL STATES NEVER AND MORE THAN OTHER TRAILER LIGHT BULB TO ONE CIRCUIT HOWEVER TRAILERS FREQUENTLY CONTAIN SEVERAL BULBS.THE RESULTING EXCESS CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE LOM COULD CAUSE IT TO OVERHEAT RESULTING IN A FIRE.PROPER AFTERMARKET INSTALLATION OF TRAILER WIRING REQUIRES THE USE OF A BYPASS MODULE, WHICH OBTAINS POWER FOR THE TRAILER LIGHTS DIRECTLY FROM THE BATTERY RATHER THAN FROM THE VEHICLE'S TAIL LIGHT AND STOP LAMP CIRCUITS, OR THE USE OF THE MANUFACTURER'S WIRING HARNESS.IN A LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 2, 1997, FORD NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT INTENDS TO TAKE ACTION TO PRECLUDE FURTHER INCIDENTS INCLUDING ISSUING A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO ITS DEALERS, NOTIFYING TRAILER RENTAL ASSOCIATIONS AND AGENCIES WHERE KNOWN, AND ADVISING OWNERS BY LETTER OF THE PROPER METHOD FOR CONNECTION OF TRAILER TOW WIRING ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THERE WAS NO DEFECT TREND IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IDENTIFIED AS A RESULT OF THIS INVESTIGATION, AND FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT WARRANTED TO CONTINUE THE INVESTIGATION.