COMPONENT SPOTLIGHT

Ford Explorer electrical problems

2,242 distinct owner reports with an electrical-system component in this snapshot.

Includes the electrical-system component and its detailed subcategories. Related recalls and investigations must also name this component; they are not linked by narrative keyword alone.

44 crash reports312 fire reports36 injury reports

Reports by model year

Recall and investigation columns show each year’s full history. A report naming several years can appear in more than one row.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

246

0–25K

179

25–50K

194

50–75K

154

75–100K

198

100–150K

123

150K+

1,094 reports with mileage · 1,148 unknown

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 owners actually said

2,242 reports

2003 model year · 80,000 miles · Jan 30, 2012

Electrical SystemPower TrainUnknown Or Other

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I PAYED 18,000 FOR MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH THE FLEX FUEL IN 2006. ITS A VERY NICE LOOKING SUV BUT I ONLY DROVE IT FOR 2 YEARS BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO FAIL. I BELEAVE A TRANSMISSION SHOULD LAST MORE THAN 2 YEARS. MY CONCEARN IS THAT ITS DEFECTIVE ALL AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND I COULD STILL DRIVE IT IF I WASNT IN FEAR FOR MY LIFE. I HAVE HAD IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, THEY WANTED ME TO PAY THEM TO TAKET OUT THE TRANNY AND WANTED WAY TO MUCH FOR ANY PARTS,SO I HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A TRANSMISSION PLACE THAT BEEN AROUND A LONG TIME AND HE HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS WRONG.REPLACED THE SELENOID FOR LIKE 900 AND MY IT RAN FINE FOR LIKE 2 WEEKS UNTIL I PUT IN 4 W/D THAN MY O/D LIGHT STARTED BLIKING AGAIN AND THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED, THE O/D LIGHT ELUMINATED THE FIRST TIME MY TRANSMISSION EVER SLIPPED.AND IF I WENT AND DROVE IT RIGHT NOW IT WOULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND SOME PEOPLE MIGHT STILL DEPEND ON THERE DEFECTIVE EXPLORER TO GET SOMEWHERE.IT ACCELERATES BY ITS SELF IT SOMETIMES DOSNT WANT TO GO IN GEAR AND IF THIS IS ELECTRICAL SOMEONES VEHICLE COULD STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGHWAY WITH NO WARNING BUT A BLINKING O/D LIGHT.AND WORST THING IS, IF FORD WOULD RECONIZE THIS PROBLEM WITH OUT SELLING NEW TRANSMISSIONS THAT WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH I COULD HAVE IT FIXED BUT NO ONE BUT FORD KNOWS WHAT IS WRONG AND THEY OBVIOUSLY DONT KNOW HOW TO FIX IT OR KNOW IF THEY ADMIT THEIR MISTAKE IT WAS A DESIGN FLAW I WANT MY MONEY BACK.I BET YOU THEY WOULDNT EVEN TAKE MY EXPLORER ON A TRADE IN. AND IF YOU JUST GOOGLE FORD EXPLORER ANYTHING FROM 1999 TO 2007 I THINK....ITS GOING TO HAVE LIKE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS MINE AND PROBALY LIKE FROM 40,000 MILES UP, WAY TO EARLY FOR TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10445821

2002 model year · 140,000 miles · Jan 20, 2012

Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

AT A STOP, BEGAN ACCELERATING TO ENTER HIGHWAY, ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UP TO 90 MPH AT FULL THROTTLE BEFORE I SHUT VEHICLE OFF AND PUT IT IN NEUTRAL. HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, ALL EXACTLY THE SAME. VEHICLE ACCELERATES AT FULL THROTTLE AND HAS TO BE SHUT OFF BEFORE AN ACCIDENT OCCU…

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NHTSA ODI #10445348

2002 model year · 122,000 miles · Jan 9, 2012

Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

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I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER THAT IS IN THE SHOP RIGHT NOW WITH A TORN DOWN ENGINE. I WENT OUT TO START IT ONE MORNING AND IT HAD A HARD START THEN IT STARTED TICKING. COME TO FIND OUT IT THE TIMING CHAIN. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ ONLINE IT IS A VERY COMMON COMPLAINT AND I AM REALLY SURPRISED THAT THIS TRUCK HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED AGAIN FOR THIS PROBLEM. I AM HAVING TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT FORD MADE A MISTAKE ON. THE PULLEY ON THE TRUCK IS PLASTIC, AND IT IS FAILING. I ALSO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY ELECTRICAL PARTS ON IT. THE LIGHTS INSIDE WILL STAY ON AFTER I TURN IT OFF AND GET OUT AND IF I TURN ON MY REAR DEFROST MY TRUCK DINGS AND SAYS DOOR AJAR..... THIS TRUCK IS AWFUL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10442875

2011 model year · 7,000 miles · Jan 5, 2012

Electrical System

THE FORD SYNC SYSTEM DECIDED TO DO AN UPGRADE AND DISABLED ALL RELATED FEATURES FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES. THIS INCLUDED AUDIO, CELL PHONE LINK, RADIO, HEATER AND THE REAR VIEW CAMERA! IT HAS OCCURRED AGAIN AND APPEARS TO ALWAYS HAPPEN IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING THE CAR, WHICH IS WHEN THE REAR VIEW CAMERA IS VERY LIKELY TO BE NEEDE…

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NHTSA ODI #10442557

2006 model year · 47,422 miles · Jan 4, 2012

Air BagsElectrical SystemPower Train

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THE AIR BAG MALFUNCTION LIGHT AND WRENCH LIGHT BOTH LITE UP ON THE DASH. THE CAR APPEARED TO BE RUNNING STRANGE, SHIFTING HARD. AFTER TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT RESTART FOR APPROX 20 MINUTES. IT WOULD RUN FINE FOR A DAY OR SO THEN THE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON AGAIN. TOOK THE CAR TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP, THEY DROVE IT FOR APPROX 23 MILES AND THE LIGHTS WOULDN'T COME ON. THE BATTERY TESTED LOW SO THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY. WHEN TEST DRIVING AFTER THE BATTERY REPLACEMENT THE WRENCH LIGHT AND AIRBAG LIGHT FINALLY CAME ON. THEY TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND IT WOULDN'T START. AFTER WAITING 15 MINUTES TO AN HOUR IT WOULD START BUT THE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON AGAIN AND ONCE AGAIN AFTER TURNING IT OFF IT WOULDN'T RESTART. THEY CHARGED ME AN ADDITIONAL $759 TO FIX THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (AFTER AROUND $300 FOR THE BATTERY AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING). VERY FRUSTRATING - MY 2006 ONLY HAS 47K MILES AND IS RARELY DRIVEN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10442461

1995 model year · Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2011

Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

MY VEHICLE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT IS OUT ALL OF A SUDDEN DON'T DRIVE IT OFTEN AND SORELY SURPRISE THAT IT WOULD JUST BE COMPLETELY OUT. IT IS EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE AND SHOULD BE OPERABLE TO THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. AS IT STANDS WON'T PASS INSPECTION AND SHOULD BE A RECALL ON IT. THANKS *KB

NHTSA ODI #10441745

2012 model year · 6 miles · Dec 13, 2011

Electrical System

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IN THE WORDS OF ONE OF THE SEVERAL FORD MOTOR CO. CUSTOMER CARE CASE MANAGER I'VE SPOKEN TO SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ABOUT 6 WEEKS AGO, FORD'S MYTOUCH SYSTEM IS "TOTALLY DYSFUCNTIONAL". THE SOFTWARE UPON WHICH THIS SYSTEM IS BASED WAS APPARENTLY CO-AUTHORED BY MICROSOFT AND FORD IS CURRENTLY TELLING CUSTOMERS THEY HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT RELEASE, SUPPOSEDLY DUE TO BE RELEASED IN "THE FIRST QUARTER OF NEXT YEAR". HAS ANYONE EVER HEARD THIS KIND OF MESSAGE BEFORE...THINK MS VISTA! MY EXPLORER HAS AN APPROX. 8"X5" TOUCHSCREEN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DASH. IT IS SUPPOSED TO COME ON WHEN I START THE VEHICLE AND MANY FUNCTIONS OF THE VEHICLE ARE CONTROLLED BY TOUCHING ICONS ON THE SCREEN. UNFORTUNATELY, WHEN THE SCREEN FAILS TO COME ON, USUALLY FOR ABOUT THE INITIAL 20 MINUTES AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER CONTROLS ARE UNAVAILABLE. THIS INCLUDES FEATURES LIKE BEING ABLE TO VIEW THE REAR-VIEW CAMERA, TURNING ON THE HEATED SEATS, CLIMATE CONTROL FEATURES, DEALING WITH PHONE CALLS AND SELECTING MUSIC SOURCES AND RADIO CHANNELS, ETC.. MYTOUCH ALSO INCLUDES A FEATURE WHERE ITS SUPPOSED TO SYNC TO THE DRIVER'S MOBILE PHONE, BUT THIS ONLY WORKS INTERMITTENTLY AT BEST. THE WORST PROBLEM WITH THIS SYSTEM, WHICH I BELIEVE MAKES THE VEHICLE UNSAFE FOR NIGHTTIME DRIVING, IS WHEN THE TOUCHSCREEN, WHICH CANNOT BE TURNED OFF OR DIMMED, STARTS FLICKERING (FORD'S TERM IS "STROBING") VERY RAPIDLY WHILE DRIVING AFTER DARK. THIS CAN CONTINUE FOR UP TO 30 MINUTES AT A TIME, AND IS INCREDIBLE DISTRACTING WHILE TRYING TO DRIVE. I'VE POSTED A VIDEO ON YOUTUBE UNDER THE HEADING "FORD MYTOUCH STOBING". THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN KNOWN TO FORD SINCE THE 2011 MODEL YEAR AND THEY CONTINUE TO SELL THESE PROBLEMATIC VEHICLES WITHOUT TELLING CUSTOMERS UNTIL AFTER THEY TAKE POSSESSION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10439743

2004 model year · 19,000 miles · Dec 11, 2011

Electrical System

CRUISE CONTROL IS INTERMITTENT, SOMETIMES ACCELERATES UNEXPECTEDLY ESPECIALLY WHEN PUSHING THE BUTTON TO TURN IT OFF. SO FAR HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STOP CAR, BUT IT IS A SCARY SITUATION. ALSO, REAR WARNING INDICATOR WORKS ONLY OCCASIONALLY. COULD RUN OVER OR INTO SOMEONE IF DEPENDING ON IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10439307

2002 model year · 120,000 miles · Dec 6, 2011

Electrical SystemPower TrainSuspension

REAR SPRING CRACKED AT 100,000 MIL TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 120,000 MIL BODY ELECTRICAL NOT SEALED WELL AND KEEPS SHORTING IN DIFFERENT PLACES CRUISE GETS STUBBORN AND SCARED TO USE IT , IM AFRAID OF IT GETTING STUCK IN CRUISE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10438819

2011 model year · 500 miles · Nov 30, 2011

Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

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MORE LIKE ADAPTIVE 'CURSE' CONTROL. MY 2011 EXPLORER LIMITED 4X4 WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE ALWAYS CATCHES THE REAR OF SEMI TRUCKS IN OTHER LANES, CAUSING IT TO APPLY FULL BRAKES AND PEOPLE BEHIND ME ALMOST CRASH INTO ME. MY 2011 LIMITED IS TOTALLY FACTORY ORIGINAL, NO TOW BARS. HERE IN CALIFORNIA THE SEMI TRUCK SPEED IS 55 WHILE AUTOS CAN GO 65-70MPH (AND IN MOST CASES EVERYONE GOES 80+). SO WHEN I'M GOING ALONG AT 65-70 WITH NO VEHICLES HEAD OF ME IN MY LANE AND THE THING GOES 100% BRAKES I ALMOST CRASH. I ALSO GET THE CRUISE CONTROL TOTALLY DISABLED BECAUSE OF AN ERROR IN THE SYNC MODULES. THE SYNC COMPUTER MODULES CONTROL THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE, STABILITY CONTROL, BACK UP DETECTION SYSTEM, AUTO WIPERS, AUTO PARKING SYSTEM, TRACTION CONTROL, 4X4 SYSTEM, ETC, ETC. I FEAR THAT THE SRS IS ALSO TIED INTO THESE SAME SYNC COMPUTER MODULES. FORD CLAIMS THE SYNC SYSTEM AUTOMATICALLY RESETS/REBOOTS ITSELF EVERY 24 HOURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS OFF TO AVOID SYSTEM OUTAGES. WHAT HAPPENS MOST OF THE TIME IS THE SYSTEM WILL RUN (EVEN THOUGH THE SCREEN IS OFF) FOR ABOUT A WEEK UNTIL, WHILE DRIVING, THE SYNC COMPUTER CRASHES JUST LIKE HOME COMPUTERS & CELL PHONES DO IF LEFT ON CONTINUOUSLY. WHILE THIS CRASH IS TAKING PLACE THE TOUCH SCREEN FREEZES, MUSIC PLAYING WILL STOP, OR CHANGE VOLUME, OR CHANGE TRACK, OR CHANGE SOURCE; WIPERS WILL STOP WORKING, CRUISE CONTROL WILL SHUT OFF, BACKUP CAMERA SYSTEM GOES DOWN OR SCREEN FREEZES WHILE BACKING UP, 4X4 IS DISABLED, CENTER DISPLAYS WILL GO BLANK. MY 2011 EXPLORER HAS BEEN IN THE FORD SERVICE DEPT FOR SYNC MODULE REPLACEMENT AND REPROGRAMMING 4 TIMES NOW SINCE JAN 2011. STILL NO FIX. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10437851

Related Official recalls

26V165000 · Back Over Prevention:software; Electrical System:adas

Mar 18, 2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The Image Processing Module A (IPMA) may experience multiple unexpected resets, resulting in loss of the rearview camera image and advanced driver assistance (ADAS) features, including pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 Aviator, 2025 Explorer, 2025 Nautilus notified owners on 4/13/2026. Phase 2 will include 2025 Navigator will notify owners on or about 4/20/2026. Phase 3 will include 2022-2024 Navigator will notify owners on or about 6/8/2026. Phase 4 will include 2024 Nautilus will notify owners on or about 6/22/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S21. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 25, 2026.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Back Over Prevention:software

Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 Aviator, 2025 Explorer, 2025 Nautilus notified owners on 4/13/2026. Phase 2 will include 2025 Navigator will notify owners on or about 4/20/2026. Phase 3 will include 2022-2024 Navigator will notify owners on or about 6/8/2026. Phase 4 will include 2024 Nautilus will notify owners on or about 6/22/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S21. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 25, 2026.

Electrical System:adas

Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.

24V685000 · Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables; Hybrid Propulsion System

Sep 13, 2024

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.3L Hybrid engines. The 12-Volt battery cable may chafe against the Belt-integrated Starter Generat (BiSG) and short circuit.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will install a tie strap between the battery cable and high voltage cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S61.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Hybrid Propulsion System

Consequence: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will install a tie strap between the battery cable and high voltage cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S61.

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables

Consequence: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

23V686000 · Back Over Prevention:display Function; Electrical System:wiring

Oct 13, 2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a standard rearview camera. Due to a manufacturing error in the wire harness, the rearview camera may display a blue image on the SYNC screen when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera wire harness and repair any loose splices, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C31.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Back Over Prevention:display Function

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera wire harness and repair any loose splices, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C31.

Electrical System:wiring

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

23V626000 · Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery

Sep 8, 2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford Motor Company's number for this recall is 23S53.

19V687000 · Electrical System:wiring

Sep 30, 2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.3L engines. The wiring harness may not have been properly secured and may contact the air conditioner compressor (A/C) pulley, potentially damaging the harness or the A/C belt.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The A/C pulley may rub through the wiring harness insulation and contact the unfused battery positive wire, resulting in a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a tie strap to the wiring harness at the hand shock tower clip, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S32.

19V575000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel; Parking Brake; Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

Aug 5, 2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The Manual Park Release (MPR) cover may not be installed. In addition, the vehicles may be in Factory Mode, which disables warning alerts and does not display the transmission gear selected. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 114, "Theft Prevention" and 102, "Trans Shift Lever Seq/Starter Interlock/Trans Braking Effect."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Without the cover, the MPR lever may be unintentionally moved, allowing the vehicle to roll away. Being in Factory Mode, the vehicle will not display warnings and/or gear selection on the instrument cluster. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install a MPR cover. Dealers will verify the instrument cluster is not in Factory Mode and clear any fault codes, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C06.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Parking Brake

Consequence: Without the cover, the MPR lever may be unintentionally moved, allowing the vehicle to roll away. Being in Factory Mode, the vehicle will not display warnings and/or gear selection on the instrument cluster. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install a MPR cover. Dealers will verify the instrument cluster is not in Factory Mode and clear any fault codes, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C06.

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

00V072000 · Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers

Mar 7, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L ENGINES AND ALL-TIME 4-WHEEL DRIVE (A4WD) POWERTRAINS. THE GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE (GEM) COULD EXPERIENCE A CONDITION REFERRED TO AS "LOCK-UP" IN WHICH THE GEM CONTROLLED ELECTRONIC FUNCTIONS (E.G., FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, 4X4 SYSTEM, ETC.) COULD NOT BE TURNED ON OR, IN SOME CASES IF THE FUNCTION IS ON, COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AN INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR IN THE GEM CIRCUIT.

97V215000 · Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module

Nov 24, 1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES, EDDIE BAUER AND LIMITED EDITIONS. THE KEY-IN-IGNITION/DOOR OPEN WARNING CHIME MAY NOT FUNCTION WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED. THIS DOES NOT FULLY COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE STANDARD SPECIFIED THAT A WARNING TO THE DRIVER SHALL BE ACTUATED WHENEVER THE KEY HAS BEEN LEFT IN THE LOCKING SYSTEM AND THE DRIVER'S DOOR IS OPENED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A JUMPER WIRE TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY GROUND CIRCUIT IN THESE VEHICLES.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

Related NHTSA investigations

EA05005 · Engine Compartment Fires

Opened Mar 22, 2005 · Closed Aug 2, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD?S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A VACUUM THAT CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE SCDS TO FAIL AND, IN CERTAIN SWITCH INSTALLATION ORIENTATIONS, CATCH FIRE.FORD IS ALSO INCLUDING THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF 1998 EXPLORERS.FORD HAS INFORMED ODI THAT TESTING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURES IN THE 1998 EXPLORERS WILL CONTINUE AFTER THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI BELIEVES THAT THE VEHICLES EXHIBITING THE FACTORS CAUSING SCDS FAILURE DESCRIBED IN THIS REPORT CORRELATE WELL WITH THE OBSERVED FAILURE RATES ON THESE VEHICLES BY MODEL AND MODEL YEAR.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST IN THE NON-RECALLED VEHICLES MANUFACTURED WITH SCDS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN FORD?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE NON-RECALLED POPULATION FOR INCIDENCE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT FOR DETAILS.

Additional source detail variants (21)

Electrical System

Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

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.

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.