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

2013 model year · 35,000 miles · Apr 5, 2018

Electrical SystemSeat BeltsStructure

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THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT IN THE SECOND ROW REFUSED TO LATCH WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER OUR WARRANTY. THE SUN/MOON ROOF HAS LEAKED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS CAUSING ME TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR REPAIRS. THE REPAIR SHOP INDICATED THAT WE SHOULD BLOW AIR INTO THE TUBES TO KEEP THEM CLEAR EVEN THOUGH WE ALWAYS PARK IN THE GARAGE AND AT WORK THERE ARE NO TREES AROUND THE PARKING LOT TO HAVE ANYTHING BE ABLE TO GET INTO THE DRAIN TUBES. I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL VEHICLES WITH SUN ROOFS AND NEVER HAD THEM LEAK OR NEED TO BE BLOWN OUT EVEN WHEN THEY WERE STORED 100%V OUTSIDE. AGAIN NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH WE HAD LESS THAN 40K MILES AND A FORD CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED WARRANTY. THIS IS A BAD DESIGN AND SHOULD BE A RECALL. THE SUN ROOF WAS STUCK OPEN ON 3 OCCASIONS. THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW TRIM PILLAR FLEW OFF WHEN I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY AND HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE IT REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP. IT IS NOW COMING LOOSE AGAIN AND I DO NOT EXPECT IT TO LAST MUCH LONGER WITH HOW LOOSE IT IS. IT IS A DANGER TO ANYONE DRIVING BEHIND ME AS IT COULD FLY OFF AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS A BAD DESIGN AND SHOULD BE A RECALL. THESE EVENTS HAPPENED OVER MULTIPLE DATES BUT WE WERE NOT AWARE OF A WAY TO COMPLAIN ABOUT ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS AS WE WERE TOLD THEY WERE NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY.

NHTSA ODI #11083472

2002 model year · 167,000 miles · Apr 4, 2018

Electrical System

BLINKERS AND GAUGES WON'T WORK ALSO BRIGHT LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. EVERYTHING ELSE WORKS FINE INCLUDING EMERGENCY FLASHERS. I'VE CHANGED RELAY AND CHECKED FUSES.

NHTSA ODI #11083324

2016 model year · 23,000 miles · Apr 2, 2018

Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

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DASH/SPEEDOMETER WENT BLACK - HEAT AND AIR SYSTEM INOPERABLE - NO TURN SIGNALS - POWER DECREASED AND POWER STEERING NOT FULLY FUNCTIONING. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED WHEN I PLACED THE CAR IN PARK AND REALIZED THE RADIO AND INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE NOT AUTOMATICALLY SHUTTING OFF SO I RESTARTED THE CAR AND STILL NOTHING. DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY - THIS DID FIX PART OF THE PROBLEMS BUT THE SYNCH HEALTH REPORT IS STILL NOT SHOWING COMPLETLELY CLEAR AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THEN WENT OFF AFTER DRIVING A FEW MILES . CONCERNED IF IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE ESPECIALLY IF THIS IS A POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM - CAR IS JUST AT 23K MILES AND ALSO HAD TO HAVE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED AT AROUD ONLY 3K MILES. NOT FELING SAFE IN THE CAR AT THIS POINT.

NHTSA ODI #11082611

2008 model year · Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2018

Electrical SystemSeats

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION SWITCH WILL ACTIVATE THE MEMORY SEAT FUNCTION CAUSING INTERIOR LIGHTS TO ACTIVATE AND THE DRIVER SEAT TO MOVE BACKWARD LEAVING THE DRIVER UNABLE TO REACH PEDALS OR STEERING WHEEL WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. OCCURS ON BOTH CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS. UNSEEN CAUSE TRIGGERS THE EVENT.

NHTSA ODI #11080811

2008 model year · 62,334 miles · Mar 12, 2018

Electrical System

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A MAIN COMPUTER CHIP HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,334.

NHTSA ODI #11078740

2002 model year · 175,098 miles · Mar 5, 2018

Electrical SystemFire

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WELL I HAVE A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT. IT HAS THE TRAILER BRAKE WHICH I NEVER HAVE USED YET. I HAVE A COUPLE ISSUES WITH IT. THE THEFT LIGHT BLINKS AS LONG AS THE VEHICLE AIN'T RUNNING. SOME TIMES IT DOESN'T LIKE TO START AND HAS A BRAND NEW BATTERY. SOMETIMES WHEN PUT IN GEAR WHILE RUNNING IT WILL SHUT IT'S SELF OFF. I ALSO NOTICED WHEN I BOUGHT IT FROM ANOTHER PRIVATE SELL THAT WHEN I WAS DRIVING THE EXPLORER THAT I KEPT SMELLING A BURNING SMELL LIKE PLASTIC AND WIRES AS WELL AS SMOKE AND HEAT ADMITTING FROM THE CENTER CONSOLE AREA. I DROPPED A PIECE OF PLASTIC IN THE CENTER CONSOLE AREA. I PULLED UP THE CENTER CONSOLE AREA PLASTIC AND WITNESSED THE FACTORY WIRING THAT RUNS TO THE CENTER CONSOLE LIGHTER AND ELSE WHERE SPARKING AND SMOKING. I GOT IT TO STOP AND NOTICED THAT THE FIBERGLASS CLOTH THING THE FACTORY PUT AROUND IT WAS BADLY BURNED AS WELL AS ALMOST HALFWAY THROUGH ALL THE CENTER CONSOLE ARE WIRES ABOUT AN INCH LONG AS WELL AS THE PLASTIC BOTTOM AREA TO THE CENTER CONSOLE CUP AREA. THE BURNED PLASTIC AREA IS ALSO STARTED TO MELT. I HAVE PICTURES ON MY CELL PHONE. I SHOWED THE PICTURES TO THE RECEPTION GUY AT THE JAMESTOWN NY 14701 FORD DEALER SERVICE DESK. HE GASPED AND LOOKED GENUINELY SCARED THAT , THAT HAPPENED. I'M SCARED THAT THIS HAPPENED. I DON'T WANT IT TO CATCH FIRE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY KIDS AND NEWBORN BABY IN IT. THIS IS A MANUFACTURE ISSUE WHICH I FEEL SHOULD BE FIXED AT FORDS EXPENSE NOT OURS.

NHTSA ODI #11076345

2013 model year · 39,000 miles · Feb 16, 2018

Electrical System

WARNING THAT CAR NEEDS TO BE SHIFTED INTO PARK. ALARM DINGS EVEN WHEN CAR IS IN PARK. DISPLAY DOES NOT INDICATE CAR IS IN PARK . CAR IS STATIONARY POSITION IN PARKING LOT AND ENGINE IS ON.

NHTSA ODI #11073323

2015 model year · 39,000 miles · Feb 14, 2018

Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

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WHILE DRIVING IN THE CAR WITH MY TWO CHILDREN ON ROUTE 193 IN MARYLAND (NOT A HIGHWAY BUT A BUSY ROAD), THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED ACCELERATING, AN ERROR APPEARED ON THE SCREEN THAT SAID "TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ERROR", A WRENCH INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AND THE LIGHT ON THE TMS KNOB WENT OUT (CAR HAD FULL TANK OF GAS). I PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED THE CAR OFF, RESTARTED IT AND THE ERROR INDICATORS WERE GONE. IT THEN DROVE WITH NO PROBLEMS. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND ASKED THEM TO LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM. AFTER CHARGING US $175 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC, THEY TOLD US THAT THEY COULDN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND NO CODES WERE STORED IN THE COMPUTER SO THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. WE PICKED UP THE CAR AND BROUGHT IT HOME. SUNDAY MORNING, ONCE AGAIN IT ABRUPTLY STOPPED ACCELERATING, AND THE SAME ERROR MESSAGES APPEARED. THE TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ERROR ONLY APPEARED FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS AND WAS THEN REPLACED WITH A WRENCH ERROR ON THE SCREEN. THIS TIME I TOOK PICTURES IN THE HOPES THAT IT MIGHT HELP THE DEALER PINPOINT THE PROBLEM. I THEN CUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED AGAIN. IT DROVE WITH NO PROBLEMS AGAIN BUT WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE CAR AT THE DEALER ON TUESDAY BECAUSE CLEARLY THERE IS A PROBLEM. I SHOWED THE PICTURES AND WAS TOLD, IN ORDER FOR ANYTHING TO BE FIXED, THEY HAVE TO BE ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND BECAUSE WHEN I RESTART THE CAR THE ERROR CODES ARE DELETED FROM THE HISTORY, THERE'S NOTHING FOR THE DEALER TO DO. I RECEIVED A CALL TODAY (2/14/18) AND AGAIN WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM COULDN'T BE REPLICATED SO NO FIX IS AUTHORIZED. I UNDERSTAND WANTING TO DIAGNOSE THE CORRECT PROBLEM, HOWEVER THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. BOTH TIMES THIS HAS HAPPENED I HAVE BEEN WITH MY KIDS AND THANKFULLY IN PLACES WHERE I COULD SAFELY PULL OVER BUT WHAT IF IT HAPPENS WHILE I AM ON A HIGHWAY OR IN AN INTERSECTION?

NHTSA ODI #11072937

2013 model year · 130,000 miles · Feb 13, 2018

Electrical SystemSteering

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SO, IT WAS -17 DEGREES THE OTHER DAY IN MINNESOTA AND WE PACKED OUR CAR TO LEAVE TOWN. WENT TO START THE VEHICLE AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT LIGHT CAME ON. ALONG WITH SERVICE ADV. TRAC FAILURE AND TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME IT HAS HAPPENED, IT HAS HAPPENED THREE OR FOUR TIMES. EXCEPT USUALLY WE CAN SHUT THE CAR OFF AND THEN RESTART IT AND "WALLA" IT WORKS FINE. EXCEPT THIS TIME:( (SAD FACE)! I WAS A LITTLE WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING IT TO THE FORD DEALER IN ORDER TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT HOWEVER LIFE GOES ON (I'M EX MILITARY). THE WIFE DROVE THE F350 I DROVE THE EXPLORER. WE "FIST BUMPED" SHE WISHED ME LUCK AND WE DROVE 12 MILES WITHOUT KILLING ANYONE. YIPPEE . $47.48 LATER THEY TOLD ME THE COMPUTER IS READING BLA BLA BLA.. DOLLAR SIGNS ARE GOING THROUGH MY HEAD. ($1910.42) IS THE ESTIMATE. HMMM... IM THINKING MAYBE THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS. I FOUND THE RECALL!!! SO I THOUGHT! MY CAR WAS A FEW MONTHS TO NEW??? (WHAT THE) WELL, THAT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE OR (CENTS) (IT DOES FOR FORD) I CONTACT THE NHTSA AND FORD TO SEE IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE SO I DONT HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS OUT OF MY POCKET. I EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM TO THE FORD CONSUMER AND TOLD HER THAT WE NEED TO DRIVE THIS CAR IF FORD CANT RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THE GIRL ON THE OTHER END BLESS HER HEART, TOLD ME WE WILL JUST HAVE TO DRIVE IT THE WAY IT IS. WHAT??? I DON"T THINK SHE UNDERSTOOD THE PROBLEM AT HAND! WHAT IF THE STEERING KICKS IN AT 60 MILES AN HOUR? (UMM NOT GOOD)!!! IM HOPING FORD READS THIS BLOG AND UNDERSTANDS THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ME STRENGTH TO DRIVE THIS CAR AND THE REFLEXES IT MAY TAKE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. THANKS FOR NOTHING AT THE MOMENT FORD. I DO BELIEVE IN YOU!!

NHTSA ODI #11072764

2002 model year · 164,000 miles · Feb 11, 2018

Electrical System

HAD A BAD BATTERY AND NOW 4X4 WON'T WORK

NHTSA ODI #11072133

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.