IllustrationWHILE DRIVING ABOUT 70 MPH LEFT REAR TIRE BLEWOUT, CAUSING VEHICLE TO ROLLOVER. FIRESTONE WILDERNESS TIRES, SIZE P225/70R15. *AK
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
Tires complaints
205 reportsI NO LONGER OWN THIS TRUCK, HENCE THE MISSING INFORMATION. I WAS DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED ON A NICE SUNNY 70- SOME DEGREE DAY WHEN A PART OF THE TREAD PEELED OFF AND THE SIDEWALL BLEW OUT. I WAS ABLE TO STEER TO THE SHOULDER AND STOP, WITH SIGNIFICANT DIFFICULTY. I DID NOT KNOW THIS INFO MIGHT BE SIGNIFICANT UNTIL NOW. I WAS NOT…
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I NO LONGER OWN THIS TRUCK, HENCE THE MISSING INFORMATION. I WAS DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED ON A NICE SUNNY 70- SOME DEGREE DAY WHEN A PART OF THE TREAD PEELED OFF AND THE SIDEWALL BLEW OUT. I WAS ABLE TO STEER TO THE SHOULDER AND STOP, WITH SIGNIFICANT DIFFICULTY. I DID NOT KNOW THIS INFO MIGHT BE SIGNIFICANT UNTIL NOW. I WAS NOT IN A SOUTHERN STATE IN HOT WEATHER. THE TIRE WAS ONLY SIX MONTHS OLD, I HAD RUINED THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TIRE AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE. *AK( DOT NUMBER: )
WE SUFFERED A SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE ON THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WHILE TRAVELING NORTHBOUND ON I10 BETWEEN TUCSON AND PHOENIX AND TOWING A 1970 VW BEETLE. JUST PRIOR TO THE TIRE FAILURE, I FELT SOMETHING WAS NOT RIGHT, SO I STOPPED THE VEHICLE ON THE SHOULDER OF THE INTERSTATE AND INSPECTED THE HITCH, THE VW BEETLE AND THE REAR TIRES O…
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WE SUFFERED A SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE ON THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WHILE TRAVELING NORTHBOUND ON I10 BETWEEN TUCSON AND PHOENIX AND TOWING A 1970 VW BEETLE. JUST PRIOR TO THE TIRE FAILURE, I FELT SOMETHING WAS NOT RIGHT, SO I STOPPED THE VEHICLE ON THE SHOULDER OF THE INTERSTATE AND INSPECTED THE HITCH, THE VW BEETLE AND THE REAR TIRES ON MY EXPLORER AND FOUND NOTHING OF CONCERN. AS I WAS GETTING BACK UP TO SPEED, THE TIRE TREAD ON THE REAR LEFT TIRE CAME TOTALLY OFF AND THE EXPLORER FELT LIKE I WAS DRIVING ON ICE, ESSENTIALLY NO STEERING WITHOUT DANGER OF LOSING CONTROL. I STABILIZED THE VEHILCLE BUT IT GRADUALLY SLIDE TO THE LEFT AND I SENSED THAT IF I TRIED TO CORRECT THE CAR WOULD GO OUT OF CONTROL. FORTUNATELY, I WAS IN THE RIGHT LANE ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY WITH NO ONE AROUND BUT I THE CAR GRADUALLY MOVE TO THE LEFT SLOWING SLOWLY; WHEN THE BEETLE CAUGHT THE SHOULDER GRAVEL WE LAUNCHED INTO TO A ROLL OVER. WE ROLLED TWICE AND LANDED UPRIGHT AND THE TREADLESS TIRE WAS STILL INFLATED. TOWING THE BEETLE PROVIDED A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF DRAG SLOWING BOTH VEHICLES LESSENING THE SEVERITY OF THE EXPLORER'S ROLL. WHEN THE BEETLE BROKE LOOSE DURING THE ROLL IT TOOK A LOT OF MOMENTUM WITH IT AS IT ROLLED MUCH FURTHER THAN THE EXPLORER CAUSING THE EXPLORER TO HIT ON BOTH ROOF EDGES ON SUBSEQUENT ROLLS AND LANDING ON THE TIRES WITHOUT THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYING; BOTH PASSENGER WERE WEARING SEATBELTS AND DESPITE SPRAINS, BRUISES AND SCRATCHES WE WALKED AWAY FROM THE ACCIDENT. HOWEVER, BOTH CARS WERE TOTALED AND CONTENTS DAMAGED AND LOST. A FEW WEEKS BEFORE THIS, I HAD THE FRONT TIRE DEVELOP A SEVERE BUMP AND TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL FIRESTONE DEALER AND BOUGHT NEW FRONT TIRE AND ASKED THEM TO CHECK THE REAR TIRES WHICH STILL HAD PLENTY OF TREAD DEPTH WHICH BY THE WAY THE FRONT TIRE THAT DEVELOPED THE BUMP ALSO HAD PLENTY OF TREAD LEFT. FIRESTONE DEALER ASSURED ME THE BACK TIRES DID NOT NEED REPLACING. *AK( DOT NUMBER: )
SINCE THESE TIRES WERE OFFICIALLY RECALLED YESTERDAY (8/9/00), WE HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER WHERE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THEY STATED THAT IT WILL PROBABLY TAKE UP TO SIX MONTHS BEFORE WE ARE CONTACTED AND CAN BEGIN TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. I FEEL THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. MY WIFE AND CHILDREN USE THIS VEHICLE PRIMARILY AND I AM…
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SINCE THESE TIRES WERE OFFICIALLY RECALLED YESTERDAY (8/9/00), WE HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER WHERE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THEY STATED THAT IT WILL PROBABLY TAKE UP TO SIX MONTHS BEFORE WE ARE CONTACTED AND CAN BEGIN TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. I FEEL THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. MY WIFE AND CHILDREN USE THIS VEHICLE PRIMARILY AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE DANGERS. IS THE INFORMATION FROM THE DEALER CORRECT? I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THROUGH TO THE FIRESTONE HOTLINE 800#, BUT CANNOT GET THROUGH FOR ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. ANY INFO YOU COULD GIVE ME WOULD BE APPRECIATED. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P175R15 )
ON JULY 5, 2000, WHILE TRAVELING WEST ON INTERSTATE 40, THREE MILES EAST OF GRANTS, NM, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW APART. WE WERE ABLE TO SAFELY GET OFF THE HIGHWAY. THIS WAS THE THIRD FIRESTONE TIRE THAT HAS BLOWN OR EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION ON ME. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 235X75R15 )
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ON MAY 30, 2000, THE FIRESTONE ATX TIRE'S OUTER SURFACE SPLIT OFF FROM THE REST OF THE TIRE. ABOUT 30% OF THE TREAD SPLIT FROM THE TIRE RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE REAR WHEEL WELL BODY DAMAGE AT THE REAR AND TEARING OFF PLASTIC TRIM. THIS OCCURRED ON A PARTICULARLY DANAGEROUS STRETCH OF ROAD THROUGH TIJE…
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WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ON MAY 30, 2000, THE FIRESTONE ATX TIRE'S OUTER SURFACE SPLIT OFF FROM THE REST OF THE TIRE. ABOUT 30% OF THE TREAD SPLIT FROM THE TIRE RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE REAR WHEEL WELL BODY DAMAGE AT THE REAR AND TEARING OFF PLASTIC TRIM. THIS OCCURRED ON A PARTICULARLY DANAGEROUS STRETCH OF ROAD THROUGH TIJERAS CANYON EAST OF ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO. OUR SON WAS FORTUNATE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND GET OFF THE FREEWAY TO CHANGE THE TIRE. WHEN HE TOOK THE TIRE TO FIRESTONE TIRE AT 9500 MONTGOMERY NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87111, TEL: 505-293-4921, HE WAS TOLD HE MUST BUY A NEW TIRE AND THAT HE COULD MAIL THE DEFECTIVE TIRE SOMEWHERE AND THEN GET PART OF IT REIMBURSED. FIRESTONE IMPLIES THAT HE MUST HAVE BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DAMAGE. THIS TIRE AND THE FOUR OTHERS ON THE EXPLORER HAVE BEEN REPLACED THIS DATE WITH FOUR NEW MICHELIN TIRES. WE WANT NOTHING MORE TO DO WITH FIRESTONE TIRES. THE COST OF REPLACING THE TIRES WAS OVER $500 INCLUDING TAX, BALANCING, CAPS. FIRESTONE'S RECALL AND OFFER TO REPLACE TIRES OF THE SAME KIND WOULD BE UNACCEPTABLE TO US. WE HAVE LOST TOTAL CONFIDENCE IN THIS COMPANY. IT IS DESPICABLE THAT THEY HAVE COVERED UP THE DEFECTS IN THEIR TIRES FOR THIS LONG AND THAT PEOPLE HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES. THEY DON'T DESERVE TO BE IN BUSINESS. THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO REGISTER OUR COMPLAINT. THE TIMEIM FROM THE VEHICLE.CASING.( DOT NUMBER: VNHL P8 TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
I HAVE SUBMITTED A CLAIM TO FIRESTONE, AND AM AWAITING THEIR REPLY.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P235/75/R1 )
THIS ACCIDENT OCCURRED DURING RAIN AND HIGH WIND. HOWEVER, GIVEN THE PROBLEMS RECENTLY REPORTED IN THE PRESS I WANTED TO REPORT THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE DID ROLL OVER AND BOTH TIRES ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WERE BLOWN OUT. I DON'T KNOW THE BLOWN TIRE/TIRES CAUSED OR OCCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE CAR ROLLING OVER.( DOT NUMBER: )
WHILE DRIVING ACROSS ALLIGATOR ALLEY (I-75) IN FLORIDA IN MY 95 FORD EXPLORER AROUND 8:30PM AT A SPEED OF 75MPH WITH FOUR WELL-KEPT INFLATED TIRES WITH NO VISUAL DEFECTS, THE LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD PEALED OFF FROM THE CORE OF THE TIRE WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT OF ANY OBJECT IN THE ROAD. MY SUVS REAR END BEGAN TO SWERVE, I WAS AB…
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WHILE DRIVING ACROSS ALLIGATOR ALLEY (I-75) IN FLORIDA IN MY 95 FORD EXPLORER AROUND 8:30PM AT A SPEED OF 75MPH WITH FOUR WELL-KEPT INFLATED TIRES WITH NO VISUAL DEFECTS, THE LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD PEALED OFF FROM THE CORE OF THE TIRE WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT OF ANY OBJECT IN THE ROAD. MY SUVS REAR END BEGAN TO SWERVE, I WAS ABLE TO KEEP SOME CONTROL LONG ENOUGH TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP WITH NO INJURES. THE ONLY DAMAGE WAS TO THE CAR FROM THE TREAD BREAKING WAY.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
NO SUMMARY( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P225/70R15 )
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.