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

1994 model year · 185,876 miles · Jan 5, 2011

Electrical SystemFire

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1994 FORD EXPLORER HAD SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE AIR-CONDITIONER VENTS INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, SLIGHT AT FIRST, THEN SO HEAVY THAT FORWARD VISIBILITY WAS OBSCURED. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE, A SMALL FIRE WAS SEEN BURNING THE PLASTIC EVAPORATOR COVER WHERE THE BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR ASSEMBLY IS MOUNTED IN THE EVAPORATOR COVER. SOME SNOW THROWN ON THE FIRE PUT IT OUT. THE BLOWER MOTOR APPEARS TO BE SHORTED OR MAYBE JAMMED FROM ROTATING, CAUSING THE RESISTOR TO GET HOTTER THAN NORMAL, IGNITING THE PLASTIC COVER. MAYBE LEAVES OR OTHER FLAMMABLE DEBRIS CONTACTED THE RESISTOR, BUT I CAN'T TELL AS THE FLAMES BURNED UP ANYTHING IN THE AREA AROUND THE RESISTOR ASSEMBLY. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE STOP, IN SPITE OF VERY LIMITED VISIBILITY IN THE HEAVY SMOKE. I WAS ON A SLOW SPEED, LOW TRAFFIC CITY STREET. THE RESULTS WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE IF THE FIRE OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE BLOWER MOTOR WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION WHEN I REMOVE AND REPLACE IT TO TRY AND GET THE AIR SYSTEM WORKING FOR HEAT AT LEAST. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10374872

2008 model year · 32,000 miles · Dec 30, 2010

Electrical SystemInterior LightingSeats

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WE HAVE A 2008 EDDIE BAUER FORD EXPLORER THAT WE PURCHASED FROM THE DEALERSHIP IN 2008. EARLIER THIS YEAR WHEN WE WENT OVER A BUMP, THE ELECTRONIC DRIVERS SEAT MOVED BACK AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS TURNED ON. IT TOOK A MOMENT FOR THE LIGHTS TO TURN OFF, BUT THE SEATS DID NOT MOVE BACK IN TO PLACE. I MENTIONED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP DURING AN OIL CHANGE AND THEY COULDN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. NOW THE PROBLEM IS SO FREQUENT THAT IT HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING, EVEN ON THE HIGHWAY. IT DOES NOT MATTER IF THERE ARE BUMPS OR NOT. AT NIGHT IT IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE INTERIOR LIGHT IMPAIRS YOUR VISION UNTIL YOUR EYES ADJUST. I CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO TOLD ME THAT SINCE MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY NOW WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO FIX IT, IF THEY CAN ISOLATE THE PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THAT THIS PROBLEM CAN SERIOUSLY ENDANGER OTHER'S LIVES. I AM LUCKY BECAUSE I AM TALL, SO WHEN THE SEAT GOES BACK I CAN REACH THE PEDALS, BUT MY WIFE SOMETIMES HAS ISSUES WHEN THIS HAPPENS. WE FINALLY GOT FED UP TODAY BECAUSE IT HAPPENED 5 TIMES DURING A 20 MINUTE DRIVE DOWN THE HIGHWAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10373572

2000 model year · 170,000 miles · Dec 14, 2010

Electrical SystemFire

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF WHEN SHE ENGAGED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH TO SHUT OFF THE HEADLIGHTS. THE KNOB HAD BECOME ABNORMALLY HOT AND FELL TO THE FLOOR WHEN ENGAGED. SHE THEN OBSERVED A CHEMICAL COMING FROM THE KNOB CASING AND BLACK SMOKE BEGAN EMITTING FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD NEAR THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED NEAR A GASOLINE FUEL LINE AND THE VEHICLE THEN EXPLODED. THE STEREO WAS BLOWN OUT INTO THE STREET AND GLASS EXPLODED IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. A SECOND VEHICLE THAT WAS PARKED NEARBY WAS ALSO DAMAGED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND A FIRE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURED WAS NOT CONTACTED IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

NHTSA ODI #10370564

2004 model year · Mileage unknown · Dec 14, 2010

Electrical SystemEquipmentInterior Lighting

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I HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER WHICH WHILE DRIVING LAST YEAR I WAS TOLD THAT MY HUB ASSEMBLY ON MY DRIVER'S SIDE WAS BAD AND THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE IT. I REPLACED IT WITH A HUB ASSEMBLY FROM ADVANCE AUTO PARTS IN JAN 2010. I JUST HAD TO REPLACE THIS PART AGAIN IN DEC 2010. I LOST BREAKS. I ALSO HAVE A HORRIBLE JERKING WHEN I AM BACKING UP FROM A TIGHT SPOT AND THE WHEELS ARE TURNED SHARPLY. MY DOOR AJAR LIGHT AND ALL INTERIOR LIGHTS DO NOT GO OFF WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED OR THE VEHICLE IS CRANKED UNLESS I TURN THE INTERIOR LIGHT SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITION AND BACK TO THE ON WHEN THE DOORS OPEN POSITION. I HAVE HAD THE ELECTRICAL ISSUE REVIEWED TWICE IN THE PAST. I HAVE HAD THE JERKING LOOKED AT WITH NO REASON GIVEN MORE THAN ONCE. I HAD MY VEHICLE INSPECTED ON NOV 30TH AND NOTHING WAS MENTIONED ABOUT THE TERRIBLE CONDITION THE HUB ASSEMBLY WAS IN NOR THE BEARINGS THAT A MOBILE MECHANIC SHOWED ME WERE TERRIBLY WORN. I AM REPLACING THEM SOON. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT FORD MUST KNOW ABOUT ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS AND IT SHOULD BE SOMETHING THAT THEY ARE WILLING TO HELP THE CONSUMER IN FIXING SINCE MOST FORD BUYERS ARE DIEHARD FORD OWNERS LIKE MYSELF. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10370674

1998 model year · 150,000 miles · Nov 16, 2010

Electrical SystemFire

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TL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SLEEPING THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BOMB. THE CONTACT LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW AND THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. THE CONTACT CALLED THE FIRE DEPT. TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. NO ONE WAS INJURED NOR WAS ANY PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING ANY RECALLS AND THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THE VEHICLE HAS NO OUTSTANDING RECALLS. THE FIRE DEPT. DETERMINED THE FIRE WAS STARTED BY A ELECTRICAL COMPONENT ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED DUE TO THE FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. JO

NHTSA ODI #10365949

2008 model year · 40,000 miles · Nov 9, 2010

Electrical System

WHILE DRIVING ALONG, ALL OF A SUDDEN THE INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON, SEAT MOVES ALL THE WAY BACK, I ASSUME THE PROBLEM IS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AREA AS I WIGGLE THE KEYSWITCH, THE PROBLEM WILL COME AND GO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10365144

2000 model year · 100,000 miles · Oct 27, 2010

Electrical SystemSteeringFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN WITH THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL ENGAGED WHEN WHITE SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE DEALER WAS CALLED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH COULD POTENTIALLY BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…

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NHTSA ODI #10362675

2002 model year · 99,350 miles · Oct 21, 2010

Electrical SystemVisibility

HEATER FAILED CAUSING WINDOWS TO "FOG" OVER AND DECREASED ABILITY TO SEE OUT WINDSHIELD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10361495

2003 model year · 135,000 miles · Sep 27, 2010

Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingLatches/locks/linkages

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THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER SINCE I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN AUGUST OF 2003. BUT IRONICALLY THEY HAVE ALL APPEARED AFTER THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. IN SEPTEMBER 2007 THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT NO LONGER WORKED. IT COST ME $2000 AND A WEEK WITHOUT A CAR, TO GET IT FIXED. IN AUGUST 2009 THE PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW WOULD NO LONGER WORK. IN SEPTEMBER 2009 MY SUV STARTED MAKING A CLICKING SOUND WHEN TURNING ON THE HEATER. SINCE WE LIVED IN A WARM CLIMATE THIS DID NOT CONCERN US MUCH, AS THE HEAT HAD WORKED EVEN WITH THE CLICKING SOUND. BUT WE MOVED TO A COLDER CLIMATE AND THE HEATER WENT OUT IN MARCH 2010. IN APRIL 2010 THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE MECHANIC, HE SAID IT WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM THAT OCCURRED WHEN THE CAR SHIFTED FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR AND FROM 4TH TO 5TH GEAR. HE COULD NOT GIVE ME ANY MORE INFORMATION AND WAS NOT WILLING TO FIX MY TRANSMISSION PROBLEM (HE SUGGESTED I GO ELSEWHERE BECAUSE HE WAS NOT AN EXPERT IN TRANSMISSIONS). IN MAY 2010 THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING OFF. AFTER SPEAKING TO MECHANIC AGAIN, HE SAID IT WAS RELATED TO THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. IN AUGUST 2010 THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT STARTED COMING ON RANDOMLY, EVEN WHEN THE DOOR IS NOT OPEN. AND IN SEPTEMBER 2010, I NOTICED MY ABS LIGHT WILL COME ON RANDOMLY. IT DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE TRIGGERED BY ANY SPECIFIC REASON, AND DOES NOT ALWAYS COME ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10357758

2007 model year · 54,000 miles · Sep 21, 2010

Electrical SystemPower Train

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2007 FORD EXPLORER MAKING A LOUD ROARING SOUND UPON ACCELERATION. I FINALLY GOT IT TO DO IT AT THE DEALER. THE SERVICE MANAGER, LEAD TECH AND MYSELF WENT FOR A RIDE. THEY AGREED THAT THE FAN CLUTCH WAS LOCKING UP AND FELT THAT A SIMPLE R&R WOULD FIX IT. HOWEVER AT THE LAST MINUTE THE SERVICE MANAGER DECIDED TO CALL FORD ENGINEERING AND HE TALKED TO AN ENGINEER WHO EXPLAINED THAT THE FAN CLUTCH IS CONTROLLED BY THE PCM (MODULE) AND THAT REPLACING THE FAN WOULD NOT SOLVE THE ISSUE. HE EXPLAINED THAT FOR SOME REASON THE PCM THINKS THE ENGINE IS OVERHEATING AND IT IS TRYING TO INCREASE AIR FLOW THROUGH THE RADIATOR. MAKES SENSE. HOWEVER THERE ARE NO CODES SHOWING AN OVERHEATING PROBLEM. HMMMM'' UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE TRANS WAS THROWING OF AN OVERHEAT CODE! I'M NOT SURE WHY THAT WAS NOT APPARENT FROM THE BEGINNING. THE LAPTOP SHOWED THE TRANS TEMP AT 270!. NO WAY! SO UP ON THE LIFT, AND PHYSICALLY CHECK THE TRANS TEMP AND FLUID TEMP. WELL, 160 ALL DAY LONG! TURNS OUT THAT THE THERMO BYPASS WAS FAULTY AND WAS MISINFORMING THE PCM THAT THE TRANS WAS OVERHEATING AND THE PCM WAS LOCKING UP THE FAN CLUTCH TO PULL MORE AIR TO COMPENSATE. REPLACED THE THERMO BYPASS AND SO FAR PROBLEM SOLVED. TO DO THIS YOU MUST DROP THE TRANS PAN AND REMOVE THE VALVE BODY AS THE THERMO BYPASS IS LOCATED IN THE VALVE BODY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10356757

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.