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
What owners actually said
843 reports
Mileage unknown · Nov 1, 2002
Power Train
THIS IS THE SECOND FORD MOTOR CO REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE LAST ONE LASTED 18,00 MILES. FORD MOTOR COMPANY INFORMS ME THAT THERE ARE OVER 500 BACKORDERS FOR THIS REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION. IF THIS IS THE CASE THEN THERE SEEMS TO BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSIONS. I'VE BEEN GIVEN THE RUN AROUND FOR …
Read full complaint
THIS IS THE SECOND FORD MOTOR CO REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE LAST ONE LASTED 18,00 MILES. FORD MOTOR COMPANY INFORMS ME THAT THERE ARE OVER 500 BACKORDERS FOR THIS REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION. IF THIS IS THE CASE THEN THERE SEEMS TO BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSIONS. I'VE BEEN GIVEN THE RUN AROUND FOR TWO WEEKS, TOLD TODAY 10/31/02 THAT IT WILL BE ANOTHER MONTH BEFORE I CAN GET A TRANSMISSION. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND FORD NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR PRODUCING INFERIOR EXPLORER AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THANK YOU, DT *TR
NHTSA ODI #769161
Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling
THERE WOULD BE A KNOCKING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE AND THIS CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE WHILE DRIVING. THE SPEED COULD VARY FOR THE KNOCKING BUT WHEN VEHICLE IS OVER 40MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE. HAVE TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND INDICATED NO RECALLS. WOULD NOT REPAIR VEHICLE FOR FREE. TS
NHTSA ODI #8021581
Mileage unknown · Oct 17, 2002
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
CONSUMER STATES WAS DRIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. ATTEMPTED TO PASS ANOTHER CAR WHEN VEHICLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY. CONSUMER PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL AND COASTED TO SIDE OF HIGHWAY. ATTEMPTED TO RESTART VEHICLE AND ENGINE REVVED UP TO 6000 RPMS. ON 10/12/02 WHILE DRIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED CAR ACCELERTED W/O WARNING…
Read full complaint
CONSUMER STATES WAS DRIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. ATTEMPTED TO PASS ANOTHER CAR WHEN VEHICLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY. CONSUMER PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL AND COASTED TO SIDE OF HIGHWAY. ATTEMPTED TO RESTART VEHICLE AND ENGINE REVVED UP TO 6000 RPMS. ON 10/12/02 WHILE DRIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED CAR ACCELERTED W/O WARNING AGAIN. THIS TIME CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND CRASHED SUSTAINING INJURIES. TS
NHTSA ODI #8021053
Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2002
Seat Belts
LEFT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FEMALE RECEPTICLE DOES NOT SECURE LAP AND SHOULDER SAFETY BELT AT ALL. CLIP IN RECEPTICLE BROKE AND WILL BE PROPERLY SECURE SAFETY BELT RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR DRIVERS SIDE. MR
NHTSA ODI #768531
Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2002
Seat Belts
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT WILL NOT STAY CONNECTED, IT SLIDES OUT. CONSUMER DOES NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS WAY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *MR
NHTSA ODI #8020225
Mileage unknown · Oct 2, 2002
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringSuspension
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN TRYING TO APPLY THE BRAKES THEY CAN HEAR A LOUD NOISE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL GO TO THE FLOOR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HAVE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER NOTIFIED. NLMTHE ABS SENSOR WENT BAD CAUSING THE FRONT DISC BRAKE TO WEAR QUICKLY. THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED REGARDING THE FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS…
Read full complaint
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN TRYING TO APPLY THE BRAKES THEY CAN HEAR A LOUD NOISE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL GO TO THE FLOOR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HAVE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER NOTIFIED. NLMTHE ABS SENSOR WENT BAD CAUSING THE FRONT DISC BRAKE TO WEAR QUICKLY. THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED REGARDING THE FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS. CONSUEMR WAS CHARGED FOR LABOR AND PARTS. ALSO THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE OUTER TIE RODS. *JG
NHTSA ODI #8020054
Mileage unknown · Oct 1, 2002
Tires
BOUGHT VEHICLE FROM MY PARENTS. TIRES WERE NEW TIRES DUE TO FORD/FIRESTONE RECALL. A SECOND TIRE IS NOW EXHIBITING A BELT SHIFT CONDITION. SYMPTOM IS A SPEED RELATED TIRE NOISE SIMILAR TO A FLAT SPOT ON THE TIRE BUT NO VIBRATION OR BUMP IS FELT. FIRST REPLACEMENT PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE BY DEALER. SECOND FAILURE TO BE LOOK…
Read full complaint
BOUGHT VEHICLE FROM MY PARENTS. TIRES WERE NEW TIRES DUE TO FORD/FIRESTONE RECALL. A SECOND TIRE IS NOW EXHIBITING A BELT SHIFT CONDITION. SYMPTOM IS A SPEED RELATED TIRE NOISE SIMILAR TO A FLAT SPOT ON THE TIRE BUT NO VIBRATION OR BUMP IS FELT. FIRST REPLACEMENT PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE BY DEALER. SECOND FAILURE TO BE LOOKED AT BY GOODYEAR RETAILER DUE TO DISTANCE TO FORD DEALER. GOODYEAR RETAILER HAS ADVISED OF A PRORATED CHARGE DUE TO WEAR ON TIRES. MR
NHTSA ODI #767956
Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2002
Seat Belts
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES WILL NOT LATCH PROPERLY. DEALER NOTIFIED. *MR
NHTSA ODI #8019661
Mileage unknown · Sep 6, 2002
Suspension
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING REAR SUSPENSION WILL LEAN TO LEFT, AND WILL CAUSE THE CONSUMER TO HAVE STEERING PROBLEMS. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #8018073
Mileage unknown · Aug 31, 2002
Seat Belts
THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT LATCH FAILED WHILE DRIVING RELEASING THE SEATBELT, THE SEATBELT COULD BE REBUCKLED BUT THE LATCH CONTINUED TO RELEASE INTERMITTENTLY AND EVENTUALLY FAILED ALTOGETHER. NLM
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.
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.
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.
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
6
EA02011 · 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.
Illustration