Complaints over time
Complaints about the 1996 Ford Explorer peaked in 2000, with 584 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
1996 Ford Explorer
SUV, gasoline, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Nov 30, 1995 to Sep 14, 2020.
Recall campaigns covering this model year1133.1M vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints1,450131.8 times the median 1996 suv
Severity index20.21996 suvs average 17.3
First 24 months158Complaints in its first two years
Components
39% of complaints about the 1996 Ford Explorer name tires
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
11 recall campaigns cover the 1996 Ford Explorer
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09V-399 | Oct 13, 2009 | Scds may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn | Speed control | 4,500,000 | Repair or modification |
| 09E-025 | May 11, 2009 | These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated… | Lighting | 42,540 | Refund or buyback |
| 09E-012 | Apr 7, 2009 | These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated… | Lighting | 16,270 | Refund or buyback |
| 06E-026 | Mar 23, 2006 | Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above | Lighting | 61,944 | Refund or buyback |
| 01X-001 | May 22, 2001 | This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act | Tires | 13,000,000 | Part replacement |
| 00V-402 | Nov 28, 2000 | Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles | Suspension | 810,000 | Part replacement |
| 00T-005 | Aug 21, 2000 | Tire description: firestone wilderness at, size p235/75r15, produced at the decatur, illinois tire plant and all firestone radial atx and radial… | Tires | 14,400,000 | Part replacement |
| 97V-137 | Aug 19, 1997 | Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles | Structure | 2,200 | Not stated |
| 97V-074 | Apr 30, 1997 | Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with 5.0l engines originally sold or currently registered in the states of alaska,… | Speed control | 23,000 | Repair or modification |
| 96V-161 | Aug 29, 1996 | Certification labels on the involved vehicles has incorrect rear tire inflation pressure designations | Equipment | 134,770 | Repair or modification |
| 96V-070 | Apr 22, 1996 | When in the secondary latched position, the driver door latches may open when subjected to transverse loads less than that specified in fmvss no.… | Latches and locks | 73,500 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 1996 Ford Explorer
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
1,450 complaints on file, page 1 of 73.
- Filed Sep 14, 2020Failure Sep 14, 202059,850 milesHampton, VASeat belts
WHILE STATIONARY AND PREPARING TO SAFELY OPERATE THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RECEPTACLE DOES NOT RETAIN THE SEAT BELT. IT MAY HOLD FOR A BRIEF MOMENT, BUT THEN RELEASES THE BELT RENDERING THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM INEFFECTIVE AND UNSAFE.
NHTSA complaint 11354896 - Filed Feb 15, 2020Failure Feb 8, 2020180,770 milesBrush Prairie, WAElectrical system, Seats, Vehicle speed control
WHILE DRIVING IN "D" IN FIRST TO SECOND IT HAS HAD A PROBLEM SHIFTING BETWEEN THE 1ST AND 2ND GEARS WHEN ACCELERATING AND WILL REV HIGH RPMS AND SOMETIMES DO ABSOLUTLEY NOTHING WHEN DRYING TO MOVE FORWARD UNLESS I DE ACCELERATE AND THEN TRY TO ACCELERATE AGINE THEN FINALLY IT WILL CATCH AND GO IN TO 2ND AND PROCEED TO 3RD AND THEN 4TH AND THEN 5TH ,4TH AND 5TH WHEN ACCELERATING SOUNDS VERY ROUGH WHEN ACCELERATING LIKE IT'S TRYING TO HARD TO DRIVE, LATELY IT JUST THE OTHER DAY I HAD TROUBLE GETTING IT TO GO IN TO D TO 1ST 2ND 3RD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTING WAS NOT WANTING TO CATCH HAD T OK TRY 3-6 TIMES DE ACCELERATING AND ACCELERATING TO TRY TO GET IT TO GO FINALT IT CAUGHT AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT SO I STOPPED AT THE PARTS STORE HAD THEM DO A SCAN AND THE ONLY CODE THAT CAME UP WAS P1701 THEY LOOKED IT UP AND IT SAID SOMETHING TO DO WITH TROUBLE IN REVERSE WITCH IN REVERSE HAS NO PROBLEM AT ALL SO I'M A LITTLE CONFUSED ABOUT IT AND ALSO A LITTLE SCARED TO DRIVE IT WHEN THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION AND IF IT WON'T ENGAGE IN TO GEAR WHEN ACCELERATING WHEN IN D THAT COULD BE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ALSO THE ODOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER DO NOT WORK WAS TOLD IT WAS VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR SO I REPLACED IT STILL HAD ISSUE SO I REPLACED THE ODOMETER SPIRAL GEAR HOPEFULLY IT WILL FIX THE PROBLEM ALSO THE BACK SEAT DOUBLE SIDE WOULD NOT GO DOWN FIXED IT AFTER PULLING IT APART AND DRILLING ANOTHER HOLE INTO THE SPRING LOADED CIRCLE THAT HAS A TENCHENER ON IT FIXED THAT ....AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AUTOMATIC SEATS JUST STOPPED MOVING ABOUT HALF WAY SO IT'S VERY HARD FOR ME TO REACH THE PEDAL AND THE AUTOMATIC SIDE MIRRORS DON'T WORK EATHER ONE AND THE ALL FUSES ARE GOOD THEAS ARE ALL SAFETY ISSUES THAT HAVE ME CONCERNED SINCE IT'S ALL I HAVE SO ANYTHING OR ANYWHERE I CAN TAKE IT OR DO TO IT PLEASE CONTACT ME SO IT CAN GET FIXED ASAP FOR THE SHIFTING ISSUE. TY
NHTSA complaint 11309404 - Filed Jul 21, 2019Failure Jan 1, 2008Bedford, VAWheels
THE RIMS ON THIS 1996 FORD EXPLORER-EDDIE BAUER EDITION ARE SHOWING FRACTURES THROUGHOUT THE FACE. THIS HAS WEAKENED THE STABILITY OF THE RIMS.
NHTSA complaint 11233643 - Filed Aug 30, 2018Failure Aug 8, 2018Glendora, CAElectrical system
ALL FOUR WINDOWS INTERMITTENTLY STOP WORKING. CANNOT GO UP OR DOWN. DOESNT HAVE A PREFERENCE AS TO WHEN, HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS OFF OR ON.
NHTSA complaint 11123521 - Filed Feb 5, 2018Failure Jan 22, 2018672,000 milesLeesville, SCSeat belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WAS JAMMED AND WOULD NOT UNLATCH. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO CUT THE SEAT BELT. JIM HUDSON FORD (1201 W MAIN ST, LEXINGTON, SC) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 672,000.
NHTSA complaint 11066933 - Filed Nov 16, 2017Failure Jan 1, 19965,000 milesTempleton, CAEngine, Fuel/propulsion system
I PURCHASED THIS EXPLORER THE FIRST YEAR THAT THE V-8 WAS AVAILABLE. THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD FRACTURED 4 TIMES DURING THE 12 YEARS THAT I HAD THE VEHICLE. THE PART COST OVER $300 AND WAS ON "NATIONAL BACKORDER" FOR OVER A YEAR, SO I HAD MY NEPHEW (CERTIFIED WELDER) WELD THE PIECE TOGETHER AND REINSTALLED BY AN AUTO MECHANIC. MY NEPHEW STATED THAT WHEN YOU HAVE "POT-METAL" WELDED TO STEEL, IT WILL ALWAYS FRACTURE, SO THIS PART WAS NEVER MANUFACTURED CORRECTLY. FORD DENIED MY REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT, EVEN AFTER THE 3RD TIME IT FRACTURED (PERSISTENT PROBLEM?) IT RELEASED FUMES INTO THE CAR THROUGH THE VENTS AND FLOORBOARDS. NOW I SEE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE NEWER EXPLORERS AND I FEEL THAT THIS HAS BEEN A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM FOR MANY, MANY YEARS, BUT JUST NOW HAS CAUGHT UP WITH FORD BECAUSE IT WAS INVESTIGATED BY NEWS MEDIA, WHERE I HAD NO RECOURSE BACK IN THE DAY FOR THE CORRECTION ON MY VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint 11046568 - Filed May 12, 2017Failure May 5, 2017226,000 milesPortola, CAVehicle speed control
SAFETY RECALL 09S09 - SCDS (SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH) ON FORD MODELS MADE AFTER 95 WITH A TEXAS MADE DEACTIVATION SWITCH THAT WAS MADE POORLY. I PURCHASED A 1996 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION 4X4 TRUCK IN DECEMBER OF 2016, FROM A PRIVATE PARTY IN NEVADA.THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED MAINLY SO I COULD DELIVER AS PART OF MY JOB DESCRIPTION AND NEEDED SOMETHING WITH 4X4 SINCE I LIVE IN SNOW. DID A TEST DRIVE, EVERYTHING SEEMED TO WORK PROPERLY AND DRIVE NICELY, DROVE IT FROM RENO, NV TO PORTOLA, CA ABOUT 62 MILES, EVERYTHING STILL FINE. THE NEXT DAY I GOT INTO THE VEHICLE, WAS HEADING TO THE GAS STATION WHEN I REALIZED THE SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, THE ARM WENT TO 20MPH AND DROPPED TO 0 AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHIFTED BAD FROM LOW TO HIGH GEARS ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. AS I CONTINUED TO DRIVE, THE RPM WENT HIGH, LITTLE OVER 3RPH AND FELT LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS STICKING OVER DRIVE LIGHT FLASHES, THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. DID A CODE READER AND SAID MY SEED SENSOR WAS NO GOOD. REPLACED THE VSS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF FOR ABOUT 15 MILES, THEN SAME ISSUE.I DID A FULL TIME UP, NO CHANGE,DID ANOTHER READING, SAME CODE FOR SPEED SENSOR REPLACED AGAIN, SAME ISSUE. SEEN ONLINE I HAVE A RECALL ON THE SPEED SENSOR AND CRUISE CONTROL, MADE APPOINTMENT WITH FORD AFTER FLEXPLATE SHREDDED, FORD SENT ME TO A "FRIENDS" MECHANIC WHO REFUSED TO TOUCH MY TRUCK WHO THEN SENT ME TO ANOTHER MECHANIC UNTIL I CALLED FORD AGAIN WHO RESCHEDULED ME TO COME BACK A WEEK LATER. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR ESPECIALLY IN AND OUT OF STATE DUE TO THIS RECALL AND THE SAFETY CONCERNS THAT GO WITH IT. I'D LIKE HELP ON WHAT I CAN DO IN THIS SITUATION AND BE REIMBURSED FOR THE TIME I HAVEN'T DRIVEN MY VEHICLE OR BEEN ABLE TO PERFORM MY DUTIES AT WORK, AND THE MONEY I'VE SPENT FIXING THE ISSUE THAT SHOULDN'T EVEN EXIST.
NHTSA complaint 10985040 - Filed May 9, 2017Failure May 4, 2017114,855 milesAlbuquerque, NMAir bags, Unknown or other, WheelsCrash5 injured
I WAS DRIVING MY FORD EXPLORER AND MY TIRE ON THE DRIVER FRONTSIDE WENT OUT AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP ON ME AND THEN MY VEHICLE HIT THE CURVE AND FLIPPED OVER 15 OR 16 TIMES BEFORE IT STOPPED I WAS FEELING ALL OVER THE ROAD I HAD MY SET BELT ON BUT MY AIR BAGS NEVER CAME OUT AND I WAS ONLY GOING 25 OR 30 AND I WAS ON A CITY STREET TURNING INTO THE NEXT LANE WHEN THE TIRE WENT OUT AND MY VEHICLE FLIPPED YES POLICE ACCOUNT REPORT #170042354 I'M NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED I WAS IN SHOCK THAT IT HAPPENED SO QUICKLY AND I WAS HAPPY TO BE A LIVE MY FORD EXPLORER IS TOTALLY DESTROYED.
NHTSA complaint 10984405 - Filed Sep 2, 2016Failure Aug 6, 201583,000 milesTucson, AZBody
SUDDEN UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION: ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, FROM YEARS 1998-2015. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED IN TOWN, 1998. I HAD TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO DISENGAGE THE SURGING ACCELERATOR. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. PERHAPS A FLOOR MAT PROBLEM, THEY SAID. I REPLACED THE MATS WITH AN AFTER MARKET PAIR- SUV COMPATIBLE AND MUD RESISTANT WITH MANY, GRIPPERS ON THE UNDERSIDE. WITHIN A YEAR, I QUIT DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND MY HUSBAND TOOK THE EXPLORER AS HIS DAILY DRIVER. HE NEVER EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM, I HAD HAD. I SOLD MY CAR AFTER RETIREMENT AND ON OCCASION NOW DRIVE THE 1996 FORD EXPLORER AGAIN. I HAVE HAD TWO MORE INCIDENTS OF SUA WITHIN 2014-2015 - BOTH ON THE INTERSTATE, BOTH WITH THE REPLACEMENT MATS. AT THE BEGINNING OF BOTH TRIPS, I ENSURED THAT THE MAT LOOKED A SAFE DISTANCE FROM THE PEDALS. BUT-BOTH TIMES, THAT THE UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION HAPPENED, I REACHED DOWN AND GRABBED THE MAT BEHIND MY FEET AND PULLED IT AWAY FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THIS DISENGAGED THE RUNAWAY SPEED. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS NOT ONLY THE MANUFACTURING STRUCTURE OF THE MATS, BUT THE SIZE/SHAPE OF THE FORD PEDAL. THE PEDAL SIZE IS A PROBLEM FOR SHORT STATURE DRIVERS. I AM 5'1" AND I MUST PULL THE SEAT FAR ENOUGH FORWARD TO REACH THE PEDAL, BUT TRY TO STAY A SAFE DISTANCE AWAY FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG. THIS LEAVES ME STRETCHING MY FOOT/TOES TO REACH THE PEDAL AND APPLYING PRESSURE IN AN AREA THAT CAUSES THE FLOOR MAT TO GET STUCK UNDER THE ACCEL. PEDAL. I DID REMOVE THE MAT, COMPLETELY!, NOW! ALL THREE INCIDENTS WERE UNEXPECTED AND PANIC ATTACKS TO MY CORE. I AM IMMENSELY FORTUNATE TO NOT HAVE KILLED SOMEONE OR MYSELF. IT REALLY CONCERNS ME THAT SOMEONE ELSE WOULD OWN MY FORD EXPLORER, AND NOT KNOW OF THIS HIDDEN DANGER. MY VEHICLE HAS ONLY ABOUT 84,000 MILES ON IT.
NHTSA complaint 10903334 - Filed Mar 21, 2016Failure Mar 21, 2016Safety Harbor, FLService brakes, Vehicle speed control
SEARCHING BY VIN: [XXX] NUMBER OF OPEN RECALLS: 0 BUT SEARCHING BY MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR I FOUND THIS RECALL: HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/OWNERS/SEARCHRESULTS;JSESSIONID=SJ1QWW1GVDDYCS6XGGCHZTLTY2TN4KJKBPXV1GCS9VG9XL8B1ZT5!857755995?PRODTYPE=V&SEARCHTYPE=PROD&TARGETCATEGORY=A&SEARCHCRITERIA.MODEL=EXPLORER&STATS=215181%2C11%2C3%2C1611%2C236%2CEXPLORER&MAKESTATS=&JSONBASEURL=%2FDOWNLOADS%2FFOLDERS%2F&SEARCHCRITERIA.MODEL_YR=1996&SEARCHCRITERIA.MAKE=FORD&SEARCHCRITERIA.PROD_IDS=215181 REPORT RECEIPT DATE: OCT 13, 2009 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V399000 COMPONENT(S): VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL THE DEALERSHIP SHOP AND WITH YOUR CHAT REPRESENTATIVE TRIED TO CONVINCE ME THAT THE RECALLS ARE ONLY BY VIN EVEN TOUGH IN YOUR WEB-SITE IT SAYS: "BESIDES THE VIN SEARCH TOOL YOU JUST USED, NHTSA OFFERS ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION BASED ON A VEHICLE'S MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR AND NOT TIED TO ANY PARTICULAR VIN. A SEARCH BY VEHICLE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR GIVES YOU ACCESS TO INFORMATION ABOUT TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS, NHTSA INVESTIGATIONS, AND OWNER COMPLAINTS, AS WELL AS SAFETY RECALLS ON AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT THAT IS OFTEN NOT LINKED TO A PARTICULAR VIN OR EVEN TO YOUR VEHICLE'S MANUFACTURER. " WHERE IS THE TRUTH? DO I HAVE A RECALL 09V399000 FOR MY VEHICLE? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA complaint 10850829 - Filed Dec 4, 2015Failure Dec 3, 2015182,000 milesHuber Heights, OHSeat belts
THE DRIVERS SEATBELT WILL NOT REMAIN LATCHED. I WILL BE DRIVING ALONG WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SEATBELT WILL RELEASE FOR NO REASON. IT DOES IT NO MATTER IF YOU ARE DRIVING, SITTING STILL OR WHATEVER. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE LAST MONTH AND IT IS GETTING WORSE.
NHTSA complaint 10808392 - Filed Nov 20, 2014Failure Oct 8, 2014197,000 milesEdmond, OKSuspension
SUV SUSPENSION SWAYS LIKE ITS ABOUT TO FLIP. THE DRIVER MUST SLOW DOWN TO REGAIN STABILITY. THIS OCCURS ALWAYS WHEN INCREASING SPEED WHILE IN PASSING LANE OR DURING RAPID ACCELERATION! I FEAR THIS WILL CAUSE A WREAK IN THE FUTURE! *TR
NHTSA complaint 10659878 - Filed Sep 5, 2014Failure Jan 1, 2013Long Beach, CAUnderbody shields, Suspension
WHEN EVER I GO OVER A BUMP OR A DIP IN THE ROAD. SOMETHING (SWAY BAR) SEEMS AS IF IT SOMETHING IS CRACKED AND THE TIRE AXES IS ABOUT TO FALL OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. *TR
NHTSA complaint 10631108 - Filed Sep 5, 2014Failure Jan 1, 2013Long Beach, CAService brakes
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PRESS THE BRAKES TO STOP THEY OFTEN STICK. I THEN EASY OFF A LITTLE AND PRESS HARD, PUSHING THROUGH THE STICKING. *TR
NHTSA complaint 10631105 - Filed Sep 5, 2014Failure Aug 27, 2014231,381 milesLong Beach, CAElectrical system
WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO START MY FORD EXPLORER BY TURNING THE KEY IT WOULDN'T START IT WOULD MAKE A SLIGHT BUZZ BUT THAT WAS IT, SO I GOT ONE OF THE MECHANIC TO ASSIST ME AT MY JOB. HE TOLD ME THE BATTERY WAS GOOD, BECAUSE THE LIGHTS AND RADIO WAS WORKING. SO HE STARTED THE SUV BY PUTTING THE KEY IN THE START POSITION AND PLACING A SCREWDRIVER ACROSS THIS ONE PART MOUNTED UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER SIDE I WAS THEN ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. WHEN MY HUSBAND RETURNED FROM OUT TOWN I TOLD HIM ABOUT THE SITUATION AND HE ATTEMPTED TO START THE EXPLORER AND THE SAME THING OCCURRED, SO HE STARTED IT THE SAME WAY THAT THE MECHANIC DID. HOWEVER; THIS TIME HE WASN'T ABLE TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF. THE KEY JUST TURNS A FULL 360 DEGREE IN THE CHAMBER AND MAKES NO CONNECTION WITH ANYTHING. HE END UP DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY TO TURN OFF THE EXPLORER. THIS IS AN 1996 EDDIE BAUER EDITION. HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM. IF SO HOW DID YOU FIX IT AND THE COST? PLEASE REPORT THE SITUATION TO NHTSA. *TR
NHTSA complaint 10631100 - Filed Feb 9, 2014Failure Feb 8, 2014149,000 milesBrownsville, TXElectrical system, Engine, Vehicle speed controlFire
15 MINUTES AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AND GETTING OFF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ONFIRE UNDER THE HOOD IN THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE FIRE EXPANDED QUICKLY CAUGHT DRIVERS SIDE FRONT TIRE AND MOVED ON TO THE ENTIRE MOTOR BEFORE THE FIREFIGHTERS CAME AND STOPPED THE FIRE. *TR
NHTSA complaint 10563623 - Filed Feb 3, 2014Failure Jan 30, 2014151,000 milesMoorpark, CASeat belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN FOR INSPECTION OR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000.
NHTSA complaint 10562711 - Filed Jan 30, 2014Failure Jan 1, 2012130,000 milesConcord, CAElectrical system, Seat belts, Body
DRIVER-SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT WILL NOT STAY CONNECTED. DOOR LOCKS BROKEN (WILL NOT LOCK), AND LOCK KEY WORKS IN THE DOOR LOCKS SPORADICALLY. IN ADDITION, DRIVER-SIDE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE RECENTLY (1/15/2114) WILL NOT OPEN DOOR. *TR
NHTSA complaint 10562244 - Filed Jan 21, 2014Failure Jan 1, 2014178,000 milesOrwell, OHEngine and engine cooling, Fan/motorFire
I OWN A 1996 FORD EXPLORER SPORT 4X4, 4.0 LITER V6 WITH 5 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THIS IS A MOTOR MADE IN GERMANY AND THE TRUCK, IN THE LOUISVILLE, KY. FORD PLANT. RODENTS TOOK UP RESIDENCE IN THE HEATING SYSTEM, AND FILLED THE HEATER BLOWER ASSEMBLY AND DUCTING WITH SCAVENGED MATERIALS, WHICH TOOK UP APPROX. 1 CUBIC FOOT OF SPACE, ONCE EXTRACTED. MUCH TO MY BENEFIT, THE MATERIAL JUST SO HAPPENED TO BE FIRE RESISTANT STUFFING FROM MY ARCHERY TARGET, STORED IN THE SAME BUILDING. I STARTED MY VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY UPON TURNING ON THE HEATER, I HEARD A TERRIBLE NOISE WHICH ENDED ABRUPTLY. MY HEATER STOPPED WHEN THE NOISE STOPPED. IN AN EFFORT TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM I INSPECTED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I THEN NOTICED A BURNT SMELL, BUT SAW NO SMOKE. UPON REPLACING MY BLOWER MOTOR I INSPECTED THE OLD ONE, WHICH HAS CHARRED REMNANTS OF THE FOREIGN MATERIAL INSIDE AND WRAPPED AROUND THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. THE ONLY OPENING TO THE INNER COMPONENTS OF THE BLOWER MOTOR IS ABOUT 1" IN DIAMETER AND HAS A RUBBER TUBE PLUGGED INTO IT. IT APPEARED UNDISTURBED AND WAS CONNECTED WHEN I FIRST SERVICED IT. I ALSO DISCOVERED AN OPENING ON THE LOWER SIDE OF THE BLOWER FAN HOUSING, NEAR THE FIREWALL. THIS UNOBSTRUCTED OPENING FACILITATED THE RODENTS' ENTRY TO THE HEATING SYSTEM. IT IS OF MY OPINION THIS IS UNSAFE, AND HAD THE FOREIGN MATERIAL NOT BEEN FLAME RESISTANT, I'M CONVINCED MY VEHICLE WOULD HAVE BURNED. I ENTERED MY VIN NUMBER INTO FORD'S OFFICIAL WEB SITE, AND WAS RETURNED ZERO RESULTS FOR RECALLS OF ANY SORT. I DID NOT FIND ANY RECALLS RELATED TO HEATER BLOWERS FOR SIMILAR MODELS EITHER. I HAVE REPAIRED THE HEATING SYSTEM BUT AM AT A LOSS FOR HOW TO PREVENT THIS IN THE FUTURE, AS THIS OPENING STILL EXISTS AND I'M UNAWARE OF ANY SANCTIONED REMEDIES. *TR
NHTSA complaint 10560811 - Filed Aug 13, 2013Failure Jan 4, 201372,600 milesAppleton, WIInstrument cluster/panel
VEHICLE IS HIGHLY SUSPECTED OF HAVE THE ODOMETER TAMPERED WITH BY DEALER. MECHANICS HAVE CLAIMED ACTUAL MILEAGE AT TIME OF SALE WAS PROBABLY 172,428 INSTEAD OF 72,428. *TR
NHTSA complaint 10535188
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
3 NHTSA investigations on file
- PE00039 Preliminary evaluation, Suspension
FRONT SUSPENSION STABILIZER BAR LINK
Opened Sep 20, 2000, closed Nov 30, 2000 · led to a recall - PE99068 Preliminary evaluation, Powertrain
ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Opened Nov 1, 1999, closed Mar 9, 2000 - PE97010 Preliminary evaluation, Electrical system
ELECTRICAL FIRE IN CENTER CONSOLE
Opened Mar 13, 1997, closed Sep 4, 1997
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
238 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.
- RCDNN00V4028174 Nov 28, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Letter Pursuant to Part 573 of Title 49 of the Code fof Federal Regulations, Defect and Noncompliance Reports, Ford Motor Company submits the following information concerning a safety-related recall action that it is initiating. - RCDNN-00V402-817 Nov 28, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This recall action involves replacement of the front stabilizer bar links in certain 1995 through 1997 model year Explorer and Mountaineer vehicles. Under certain conditions, predominantly in cold weather areas, a front stabilizer bar link stud can fra… - 030508 Apr 1, 2005 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
FRONT AXLE LEAKS FLUID FROM VENT TUBE - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4X4 OR AWD. *TT - 02176 Sep 2, 2002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ - 16385 Nov 1, 2002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
AIR RIDE CONTROL LAMP ON AFTER SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT / CONTACT REQUEST. *TT - 02221 Nov 11, 2002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ENGINE-GEAR DRIVEN SYNCHRONIZERS-INCORRECT INSTALLATION-CAMSHAFT POSITION SYNCHRONIZER (CMP) INSTALLATION TOOL CORRECT APPLICATION. *MJ - 03261 Jan 5, 2003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
NEW SERVICE PART - NUMBER 5 NEEDLE BEARING AND RACE KIT - 4R70W TRANSMISSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT - 03181 Sep 15, 2003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT - 03148 Jul 21, 2003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT - 16735 Apr 1, 2003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
VARIOUS NOISE ISSUES FROM THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS WHILE DRIVING. *TT - 0358 Mar 17, 2003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
FLUID MAY LEAK OUT OF THE FRONT AXLE VENT TUBE. *TT *JB - 870197 Oct 22, 2002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
INCORRECTLY INSTALLED GEAR DRIVEN CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR SYNCHRONIZER ASSEMBLIES CAUSING SURGE, LOST OF POWER, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1336, P1309 AND P0340. *TT - 12852 Jun 1, 1999 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
USE KLEENEX BRAND JUNIORS OR LI'L TRAVELERS TO REFILL TISSUES FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES WITH THE HIGH SERIES CENTER CONSOLE FACIAL TISSUE COMPARTMENT. *TT - 13118 Aug 1, 1999 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE NOISE WHICH MAY BE PERCEIVED BY THE CUSTOMER AS A PISTON / CONNECTING ROD BEARING KNOCK. *TT - 98163 Aug 17, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
LOCKS FAILED. YD - 13222 Sep 1, 1999 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
INFORMATION REGARDING NEUTRAL TOW KIT AVAILABLE. *MJS - 13180 Sep 1, 1999 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
INFORMATION REGARDING CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR ALIGNMENT TOOL CHART. *MJS - 7083 Sep 1, 1999 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
INFORMATION REGARDING NEUTRAL TOW KIT AVAILABILITY. *MJS - 6997 Sep 1, 1999 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SOME SERVICE MANUALS MAY LIST THE INCORRECT CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR ALIGNMENT TOOL FOR VEHICLES WITH VARIOUS ENGINE SIZES. *TT - 6980 Sep 1, 1999 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE PO420. *TT - 99242 Nov 15, 1999 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
INFORMATION ON REPLACING AND / OR REPAIRING MALFUNCTIONING (DOOR, IGNITION AND DECKLID) LOCKS. *TT - 99238 Nov 15, 1999 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A TEMPERATURE GAUGE FLUCTUATION AND / OR A KNOCKING / THUMPING NOISE MAY BE AUDIBLE INTHE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT ON SOME VEHICLES. *TT - 99234 Nov 15, 1999 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
INFORMATION ON DIAGNOSING A VEHICLE WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442 AND P0455 STORED IN CONTINUOUS MEMORY. *TT - 99196 Sep 20, 1999 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT - 99194 Sep 20, 1999 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
INFORMATION FOR SERVICING AND DIAGNOSING BRAKE VIBRATION, BRAKE INSPECTION, AND BRAKE FRICTION MATERIAL REPLACEMENT. *TT - 99222 Oct 18, 1999 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT - 99206 Oct 4, 1999 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CONCERNS WITH BURNING ODOR OR SMOKE, AND / OR RUSTLING NOISE WHILE BLOWER MOTOR IS ON. *TT - 99203 Oct 4, 1999 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
INFORMATION ON REPLACING THE FRONT BUMPER BRACKET. *TT - 0282 Apr 29, 2002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SOME VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 9/15/2001 MAY EXHIBIT LOW LINE PRESSURE READINGS WHILE IN DRIVE, NO 2ND GEAR, NO 3RD GEAR, NO ENGINE BRAKING IN MANUAL 1ST AND SLIPPING SHIFTS AND / OR DELAYED ENGAGEMENTS. *TT - 15887 May 1, 2002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A NO 1-2 UPSHIFT, NO 2-3 UPSHIFT, A NO ENGINE BRAKING CONDITION IN MANUAL 1 OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0732 (GEAR 2 INCORRECT RATIO) OR P0733 (GEAR 3 INCORRECT RATIO). *TT - 15692 Mar 1, 2002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SQUEAK, SNAP, RATTLE, OR CLUNK IN THE FRONT END WHEN TURNING OR GOING OVER BUMPS. *TT - 16040 Jul 1, 2002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
EXPERIENCING A CLICKING / POPPING NOISE FROM THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN AREA WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. *TT - 0242 Mar 4, 2002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CERTAIN VEHICLES WITH 4X4 OR ALL-WHEEL DRIVE MAY HAVE A FLUID LEAK FROM THE FRONT AXLE VENT TUBE. *TT - 02138 Nov 10, 2003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
LOW LINE PRESSURE READING AT WIDE OPEN THROTTLE (WOT), SLIPPING SHIFTS AND / OR DELAYED ENGAGEMENTS WITH POSSIBLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0732, P0733, P1762 SET ON VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 12/1/2001. *TT - 02142 Jul 22, 2002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND A 4.0L OHV ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A NOISE / VIBRATION, NO DRIVE, UNUSUAL NOISE DURING CRANKING OR A NO CRANK CONDITION. *TT - 01246 Dec 10, 2001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT - 01B77 Oct 1, 2001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT 7 REVISED INFORMATION - REGARDING REPLACEMENT OF WILDERNESS AT TIRES. *TT - 01197 Oct 1, 2001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.0L OHV ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE NOISE WHICH MAY BE PERCEIVED BY THE CUSTOMER AS A PISTON / ONNECTING ROD BEARING KNOCK. *TT - 00M11 Sep 1, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
INFORMATION REGARDING FRONT SWAY BAR LINK . *YH - 15249 Sep 1, 2001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CONCERNS WITH HIGH BRAKE PEDAL FORCE TO STOP AFTER ROTOR MACHINING. *TT - 01181 Sep 17, 2001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB - 01157 Aug 6, 2001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC - 01156 Aug 6, 2001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC - 13879 Mar 1, 2001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
INFORMATION ON REPLACING A GEM MODULE ON 4X4 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L SOHC, OHV AND THE NEUTRAL TOW KIT. *TT - 14847 Apr 1, 2001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CONCERNS WITH VEHICLES EXHBIT FLUID LEAKAGE FROM THE FRONT AXLE VENT TUBE. *TT - 14819 Apr 1, 2001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SOME 4X4 VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FLUID LEAK FROM THE FRONT AXLE VENT TUBE. *TT - 0186 Apr 30, 2001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ON SOME VEHICLES, INCLUDING SPORT AND SPORT TRAC, THE FRONT AXLE LEAKS FLUID FROM THE VENT TUBE. *TT - 00213 Oct 16, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SUBJECT REGARDING CLIMATE CONTROL - EATC - BLOWER MOTOR CONTROL SERVICE TIPS. *JB - 00M11 Oct 1, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SUBJECT REGARDING ADDITIONAL COVERAGE PROGRAM FOR SWAY BAR LINKS. *JB - 00L09 Sep 1, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SUBJECT PERTAINING TO SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE INFLATION LABEL. *JB - 00264 Dec 25, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION ALONG WITH A P0420 DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) STORED IN CONTINUOUS MEMORY WITH NO DRIVEABILITY CONCERNS. *TT - 00243 Nov 27, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ON SOME VEHICLES, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BRACKET MAY BECOME LOOSE OR SEPARATED FROM THE DASH PANEL. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY REPEATED EXCESSIVE FORCE ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, RESULTING IN CRACKING OF THE DASH PANEL SHEET METAL AT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BRACKE… - 002310 Nov 13, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SUBJECT REGARDING CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. *TT - 00234 Nov 13, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION ALONG WITH A P0420 DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) STORED IN CONTINUOUS MEMORY WITH NO DRIVEABILITY CONCERNS. *TT - 12283 Dec 1, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FLUID LEAK CONCERN FROM THE FRONT AXLE VENT TUBE. *TT - 12230 Dec 1, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ALL VEHICLES WITH ANTILOCK BRAKE MODULE CONCERNS THAT REQUIRE A MODULE REPLACEMENT, THE TECHNICIAN MUST CALL FOR APPROVAL BEFORE REMOVING AND / OR REPLACING THE MODULE. *TT - 12227 Dec 1, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
FOR ALL VEHICLES WITH GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE (GEM) CONCERNS THAT REQUIRE A MODULE REPLACEMENT, THE TECHNICIAN MUST CALL FOR APPROVAL BEFORE REMOVING AND / OR REPLACING THE MODULE. *TT - 5369 Dec 1, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FLUID LEAK CONCERN FROM THE FRONT AXLE VENT TUBE. *TT - 5272 Dec 1, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BRIEF INFORMATION REGARDING ENGINE STALL CONDITION. *TT - 5249 Dec 1, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
INFORMATION ON VEHICLES EXHIBITING STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY, VIBRATION OR GRUNT ON SLOW SPEED TURNS. *TT
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.