IllustrationCHECK AIR RIDE LIGHT ILLUMINATES INTERMITTENTLY. MJS
1996 Ford Explorer
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Explorer years
Owner complaints for the 1996 Ford Explorer are substantially higher than 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: 153 of 1,450 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 570 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 148 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 120 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
195 crash reports37 fire reports179 injury reports
What owners actually said
1,450 reportsCONSUMER WAS DRIVING WHEN GAS PEDAL BROKE OFF FIREWALL. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT REPAIRS WOULD BE MADE AT CONSUMER EXPENSE. *AK
LEFT REAR DOOR HANDLE BROKE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
THIS IS IN ADDITION TO PREVIOUS COMMUNICATION... I HAVE VERY STRONG EVIDENCE THAT, FORD IS NOT ONLY NEGLIGENT IN NOT ADMITTING WRONG DOING AND, OR JUST DOING WHAT IT TAKES TO FIX MY VEHICLE. I CAN SEE NOW, WITH YOUR WEBSITE INFO AND INFORMATION RECENTLY GIVEN TO ME, THAT THERE IS GROSS NEGLIGENCE IN OTHER SERVICE ISSUES AND A "B…
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THIS IS IN ADDITION TO PREVIOUS COMMUNICATION... I HAVE VERY STRONG EVIDENCE THAT, FORD IS NOT ONLY NEGLIGENT IN NOT ADMITTING WRONG DOING AND, OR JUST DOING WHAT IT TAKES TO FIX MY VEHICLE. I CAN SEE NOW, WITH YOUR WEBSITE INFO AND INFORMATION RECENTLY GIVEN TO ME, THAT THERE IS GROSS NEGLIGENCE IN OTHER SERVICE ISSUES AND A "BUYBACK" (RECENTLY LEARNED PROCEDURE) WHICH SHOULD HAVE TAKEN PLACE ON MY 1995 FORD EXPLORER BOUGHT FROM SHARP FORD WHICH HAD VERY SERIOUS PROBLEMS. THEN, FURTHER INSULT TO INJURY, I AM BEING TOLD THAT THERE WAS A "DISAPPEARING TRADE-IN" (ANOTHER RECENTLY LEARNED TERM) ON THAT 1995 EXPLORER. PLEASE TRY TO CONTACT ME OR HAVE ONE OF YOUR REPRESENTATIVES DO SO TO TRY AND STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING TO OTHERS. NO AFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
THIS IS IN RE: TO A VIBRATION ISSUE WHICH HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE BEFORE MY VEHICLE REACHED 11,000 MILES. I HAVE GIVEN NO LESS THAN 25 OPPORTUNITIES TO 2 FORD DEALERS, AND THIER REPRESENTATIVES, AND HAVE GOTTEN NO MORE THAN A "NO PROBLEM FOUND" OR "THIS IS A TIRE ISSUE" (OR THE 2 TECHNICIANS WHO STATED THE OBVIOUS "I HAVE NO ID…
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THIS IS IN RE: TO A VIBRATION ISSUE WHICH HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE BEFORE MY VEHICLE REACHED 11,000 MILES. I HAVE GIVEN NO LESS THAN 25 OPPORTUNITIES TO 2 FORD DEALERS, AND THIER REPRESENTATIVES, AND HAVE GOTTEN NO MORE THAN A "NO PROBLEM FOUND" OR "THIS IS A TIRE ISSUE" (OR THE 2 TECHNICIANS WHO STATED THE OBVIOUS "I HAVE NO IDEA..." ONE STATED, " IF YOU FIND OUT WHAT IT IS, LET US KNOW, ALL RIGHT?". I HAVE SINCE THE LAST DEALER VISIT, AND SUBSEQUENT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER CALLS, TAKEN MY TRUCK TO 3 DIFFERENT AUTO REPAIR SHOPS. 3 OF 3 SAID IT WAS DRIVE TRAIN RELATED. 2 OF 3 SAID IT WAS THE DRIVESHAFT OR ATTACHED COMPONENTRY. PATTERSON DRIVESHAFTS IN INDIANAPOLIS REBALANCED AND TRUED THE DRIVE SHAFT AND 50% OF THE VIBRATION PROBLEMS WERE IMMEDIATELY DONE AWAY WITH, (THIS WAS IN ONE DAY, FIRST VISIT). ONE FORD DEALER SERVICE SHOP ASSERTED THEY HAD REPLACED THE DRIVESHAFT ON ONE OF THE SERVICE CALLS. BUT THIS IS ONLY SOMETHING WRITTEN ON A RECEIPT TO ME, SINCE THIS PARTICULAR SERVICE CALL SEEMED TO DO LITTLE, IF ANYTHING FOR THE PROBLEM. I CALLED FORD C.S.D. TO ASK HOW THIS CAN BE THAT AN "OUTSIDE" SERVICE COMPANY COULD FIND THIS PROBLEM CAUSE WITH SEEMINGLY LITTLE EFFORT. I WAS TOLD BY THE FMC REP. THAT WE(FORD)DO NOT RECOGNIZE THE 'OPINION' OF OUTSIDE CONTRACTORS, RELATIVE TO REPAIRS". (I HAVE SINCE BEEN TOLD THAT PATTERSON DRIVESHAFT IS ONE OF FORD'S MOST USED DRIVESHAFT CONTRACTOR/TECHNICIANS), THEY KNOW FROM WHENCE THEY SPEAK. THEN RECENTLY, I HEARD FROM A FRIEND ABOUT YOUR WEBSITE, (I HAD CALLED ONCE SEVERAL MONTHS AGO). THIS IS GREAT! I CAN SEE NO LESS THAN 3 TSB'S ON MY PARTICULAR ISSUE, AND SOME MORE COMPLAINTS THAT I'VE VOICED TO FORD ("NO PROBLEM FOUND"), I SEE ARE LISTED TOO. NOW IF I ONLY KNEW WHAT TO DO FROM HERE. I HAVE PAID FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSTICS, AND BEEN TOLD THAT THIS MAY TAKE UPWARDS OF 16 HOURS @ $78.00 PER HOUR TO PINPOINT THE LAST OF THE VIB. PROBLEMS(THOUGH THE VIBRATION NOW FEELS MORE PREVALANT (PLEASE CONTACT ME FMI).
REAR DOOR HANDLES ON BOTH SIDES HAVE FAILED. PLEASE CONTACT IF A RECALL IS PENDING.
I AM HAVING TROUBLE FINDING A CAR SEAT THAT FITS THE MIDDLE OF THE BACK SEAT. MY CHILD IS 8 MONTHS OF AGE AND NEEDS TO BE REAR FACING. FOR SOME REASON THE LARGER CAR SEATS DO SEEM TO FIT SECURLY, NO MATTER WHAT WE DO IT'S VERY LOOSE. IS THERE A LISTING OF APPROVED CAR SEATS FOR OUR VEHICLE. THANK YOU. *AK
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION RESULTING IN COLLISION, INJURIES. (POLICE REPORT ATTACHED). MJS
BOTH REAR DOORS HAVE MALFUNCTIONED AT VAROIUS TIMES, CAUSING THEM TO NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION AND THE DEALER WILL FIX BUT ONLY IF I PAY. *AK
IE98-038. LINKAGE BETWEEN THROTTLE CABLE AND THROTTLE BODY BROKEN, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SUDDENLY ACCELERATE AND LUNGE FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY, WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH. *AK
Official recalls
609V399000 · 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.
97V137000 · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut
Aug 19, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LIFTGATE ASSIST GAS CYLINDER BRACKET ON THE RIGHT HAND BODYSIDE OUTER PANEL WAS INCORRECTLY WELDED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE GAS CYLINDER BRACKET MAY NOT PROPERLY SUPPORT THE LIFTGATE INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENT WITH TWO POP RIVETS.
97V074000 · Vehicle Speed Control
Apr 30, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5.0L ENGINES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, IDAHO, IOWA, MAINE, MICHIGAN (UPPER PENINSULA ONLY), MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. THESE VEHICLES, WHEN OPERATED FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND TEMPERATURES BELOW -20 DEGREES FARENHEIT, DO NOT RETURN TO IDLE DUE TO ICE IN THE THROTTLE BODY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE CAN BE CONTROLLED BY EITHER APPLYING THE SERVICE BRAKES OR SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO NEUTRAL, INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORTS OR SOME INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE CAN RESULT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED PCV SYSTEM WITH WATER HEATED VACUUM SOURCE.
96V161000 · Equipment:other:labels
Aug 29, 1996
THE CERTIFICATION LABELS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES HAS INCORRECT REAR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE DESIGNATIONS. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: INCORRECT INFLATION PRESSURES COULD CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR OF THE REAR TIRES. .
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT CERTIFICATION LABELS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLING THESE LABELS. DEALERS CAN INSTALL THIS LABEL IF THE OWNER SO DESIRES.
96V070000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
Apr 22, 1996
WHEN IN THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, THE DRIVER DOOR LATCHES MAY OPEN WHEN SUBJECTED TO TRANSVERSE LOADS LESS THAN THAT SPECIFIED IN FMVSS NO. 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE DRIVER'S DOOR, WHEN CLOSED ONLY TO THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, MAY NOT SUSTAIN A 1,000 POUND TRANSVERSE LOAD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE DRIVER DOOR LATCH.
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
3PE00039 · 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
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.