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

2015 model year · 73,000 miles · Apr 9, 2021

Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

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THE HIGHWAY WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS DRIVING. AND THE CAR SUDDENLY HAD NO WAS ON EVERYTHI PULL OVER BUT I HAD TO PULL OVER. BECAUSE. THE CAR DIDN'T SHUT OFF, BUT I STEPPED ON THE PEDAL AND THERE WAS NO POWER. SO I PUL THE ROAD TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. I STARTED IT BACK UP AND DID FINE AND WENT HOME. BUT THIS WAS DANGEROUS. IT HAPPENED AGAIN. WHEN I WAS AT A RED LIGHT, IT TURNED GREEN. I STEPPED ON THE PEDAL AND THE CAR DID NOT MOVE. I THINK IT'S SOMETHING IN ELECTRICAL OR THROTTLEL NOT SURE.

NHTSA ODI #11407276

2014 model year · Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2021

Air BagsElectrical SystemSeat Belts

AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON DUE TO FAULTY WIRING , COSTS 600 TO REPAIR . THIS IS SECOND FORD CAR WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. I WAS TOLD PROBLEM WAS IN BACK SEATS. NO ONE EVER USES BACK SEATS.

NHTSA ODI #11405929

2011 model year · 90,000 miles · Mar 31, 2021

Electrical SystemEngineSteering

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DRIVING AT 35+ ENTERING ON RAMP MPH THE CAR LOST ALL POWER AND JUST STOPPED. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ALARMS WENT OFF BEFOREHAND. ONCE THE CAR STOPPED, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE LOW PRESSURE LAMP TOO AND AN ALARM SOUNDED. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD IT TOWED TO (TOLD ME MY ENGINE WAS MILKY DESTOYED)TWO DEALEARS THEN TO FORD. THEY CALLED THIS MORNING AND SAID THE WATER PUMP WENT OUT CAUSING CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACED. THEY QUOTED $8,000.00. HAD TO GET A $10,000 LOAN. [TO REPLACE STEERING AND ENGINE] THIS IS THE FIRST ONE (IT SEEMS TO BE HEADED IN THE SAME DIRECTION BUT ONLY SOONER) *PLEASE HELP ME I CAN'T AFFORD THIS AGAIN**WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. I LOST ALL POWER STEERING AND THEN THE POWER STEERING ALARM CAME ON. TOOK IT TO FORD AND HAD THE POWER STEERING REPLACED AT A COST OF $1800.00. THEN, LESS THEN 2 WEEKS LATER WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AGAIN. AND AGAIN, NO WARNING LIGHTS UNTIL THE POWER STEERING WEN OUT. FORD SAID IT WAS BECAUSE MY TIRES HAD LOW TREAD AND I NEEDED TO REPLACE MY FRONT TIRES, WHICH WE HAD THEM DO. 8 MONTHS AGO, THE TRANSFER CASE WENT OUT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED ALSO WHEN PLACED IN PARK VEHICLE SHUT OFF COMPLETELY SHOWING A LOW PRESSURE OIL LAMP. HAPPENED IN MY FIRST ENGINE NOW IT'S HAPPENING IN THIS NEW ONE AND ITS NOT 2YRS OLD YET JUST GOT THE NEW ENGINE MAY/ JUNE OF 2019. THE FIRST ENGINE WASN'T 10 YEARS OLD . THE FIRST ENGINE ALL THIS HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 2016 AND 2019 ONGOING UNTIL 2019 I GUESS THE WATER PUMP GAVE UP.O1 O1 2020 FOR THE SECOND ENGINE ON THE SAME COURSE AS THE FIRST

NHTSA ODI #11405841

2014 model year · 150,000 miles · Mar 29, 2021

Electrical SystemSteering

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WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN AN UPDATED RECALL ON THE 2014 EXPLORER ON LOSING ITS POWER STEERING? I JUST TURNED MY VEHICLE ON TO AUTONATION FORD IN BURLESON, TX TO GET THE REAR TOW LINK RECALL REPAIRED AND THE ASSOCIATE TOLD ME THE POWER STEERING WAS NOT A CAUSE IN THE RECALL AND THAT IT WAS SOMETHING WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE FIXED. THIS IS NOT HAPPENING DUE TO FAILURE TO MAINTENANCE OR DUE TO LACK OF TAKING CARE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING ISSUE AND THE HISTORY PROVES IT! THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2011-2013 MODEL FOR THIS BUT NOW THAT IT IS CONTINUING, IT IS NOW THE OWNERS RESPONSIBILITY? THIS EFFECTS THE DRIVING AND IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. YOU HAVE LOW TURNING RADIUS, IT DISENGAGES ALL THE ADVANCED DRIVING MODES, IT ALSO EFFECTS THE BLINKERS. YOU HAVE TO HOLD THE BLINKER DOWN FOR IT TO STAY ON, YOU CANT JUST CLICK THE LEVER AND IT STAYS IN THE BLINKING MODE LIKE IT IS SUPPOSED TOO. IF YOU PUT CRUISE CONTROL ON, THE STEERING CAN LOCK UP AND YOU LITERALLY HAVE TO JERK IT TO GET IT OUT OUT AND BE ABLE TO TURN OR EVEN SWERVE. FORD NEEDS TO TAKE CARE OF THIS BECAUSE YOU CAN SEE BY ALL THE COMPLAINTS AND HISTORY OR REOCCURRENCE, THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND NOT A OWNER ISSUE. IF FORD DOES NOT TAKE CARE OF THIS ISSUE FOR US AND EVEN THE THOUGHT OF IT BEING A CHARGEABLE SERVICE, I WILL HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO THIS TO A HIGHER DEMAND TO GET HELP AND TO BRING THIS TO THE ATTENTION TO THE ONES THAT NEED ACT. THIS IS UNSAFE TO ME AND MY FAMILY AS WELL AS ALL THE OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS. THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT NEEDS TO BE FIXED OR OFFER SOME SORT OF SOLUTION FOR THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11405330

2013 model year · 142,000 miles · Mar 26, 2021

Electrical SystemSteering

VEHICLE HAD A FAULTY PSCM ALONG WITH THE POWER ASSIST STEERING RACK. CAR SHOP RECOMMEND I FILE A COMPLAINT BECAUSE THEY HAVE SEEN THE SAME ISSUE IN THESE SAME EXACT VEHICLES.

NHTSA ODI #11404996

2019 model year · 45,600 miles · Mar 26, 2021

Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HORN FAILED TO WORK WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE…

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NHTSA ODI #11404975

2014 model year · 94,000 miles · Mar 22, 2021

Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS FAILED TO LOCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER RAY PRICE STROUD FORD (6320 US-209 SUITE B, STROUDSBURG, PA 18360, (570) 402-2222) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT AN UNKNOWN PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 94,000.

NHTSA ODI #11404232

2020 model year · 17,000 miles · Mar 21, 2021

Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering

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TRANSMISSION WAS GRINDING AND STOPPED PULLING AT APPROXIMATELY 17,000 MILES. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALER. THERE WAS A TRANSMISSION LEAK. IT WAS REPAIRED AND 6 QUARTS OF FLUID ADDED. SINCE THE REPAIRS, TRANSMISSION IS HARD SHIFTING AND JERKING. I'VE HAD THE CAR BACK AT THE DEALER FOR STEERING ISSUES 3 TIMES. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (65MPH AND ABOVE) THE CAR WANDERS ALL OVER THE ROAD, LIKE THERE'S SLACK IN THE RACK AND PINION. THE DEALER SAYS THE ALIGNMENT IS OKAY AND REFUSES TO LISTEN TO MY COMPLAINTS. HAVE ISSUES WITH THE SYNC. THE RADIO WILL RANDOMLY NOT LET YOU ADJUST THE VOLUME AND HAVE HAD THE BACK-UP CAMERA REPLACED. ALSO, RANDOMLY WILL NOT SYNC-UP WITH IPHONE.

NHTSA ODI #11404111

2015 model year · 99,720 miles · Mar 18, 2021

Air BagsElectrical System

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OUR AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GORDIE BOUCHER FORD IN JANESVILLE WI FOR REPAIRS. THE ENTIRE AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL NOT WORK IF THIS LIGHT IS ON. FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, IT IS WELL DOCUMENTED IF YOU SEARCH THE INTERNET. A COMMON PROBLEM THAT REQUIRES A WIRING HARNESS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A FRAYED WIRE. THE COST TO REPAIR THIS IS $1200. I DID HAVE THE REPAIR DONE BECAUSE WITHOUT IT I WOULD HAVE NO WORKING AIRBAGS ON MY VEHICLE. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD IS AWARE OF AND SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY RECALLED. I DID REQUEST THE OLD WIRING HARNESS IF THAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD NEED TO HELP GET THIS SAFETY RECALL STARTED. I WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR MY EXPENSES.

NHTSA ODI #11403721

2020 model year · 24,000 miles · Mar 12, 2021

Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes

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WHEN SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, VEHICLE WILL RANDOMLY HAVE A HARD BRAKE PEDAL AND VEHICLE WILL LURCH FORWARD WITH INCREASED RPM. USE OF E-BRAKE OR PUTTING TRANSMISSION IN PARK REQUIRED TO STOP MOVEMENT. PLACE TRANS IN PARK AND RESTART OF ENGINE AND PROBLEM GONE UNTIL NEXT TIME. USE OF REVERSE, VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY STOP AND SOUND AS IF YOU HIT SOMETHING. BRAKE PEDAL VERY HARD. HAVE TO PLACE TRANS IN PARK AND RESTART ENGINE. THE ISSUE OCCURS FROM A STATIONARY CONDITION, IN DRIVEWAY OR PUBLIC PARKING AREAS, SO THIS CAUSES CONCERN THAT THIS MAY ULTIMATELY RESULT IN ACCIDENT OR COLLISION WITH A STRUCTURE, ANOTHER VEHICLE, OR A PEDESTRIAN! ISSUE CANNOT BE REPEATED ON DEMAND. IT IS ENTIRELY RANDOM AND EVERY DRIVE HAS TO BE APPROACHED WITH THE EXPECTANCY THAT THE VEHICLE WILL MOVE WITHOUT NORMAL BRAKES TO STOP. THERE ARE NO ALERTS TO TELL US WHY (OR WHICH SYSTEM) IS THE ISSUE. THIS HAS OCCURRED RANDOMLY SINCE BUYING THIS EXPLORER ST. FORD SERVICE SEEMS SURPRISED AND UNAWARE OF THIS ISSUE (AND MORE).

NHTSA ODI #11402569

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.