1991 Ford Explorer

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 609 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the tires › tread/belt. It has been recalled 11 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

34 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 150,000200,000 miles; the median is 130,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Tires › Tread/Belt48
9015
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip48
1405
Tires44
804
Vehicle Speed Control18
502
Power Train › Automatic Transmission17
210
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline17
0113
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly16
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder16
000
Equipment › Mechanical › Carrier/Rack13
100
Unknown or Other12
000

11 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Tires › Tread/Belt01X001000
Filed May 22, 200113,000,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE DESIGN TO STRESS, AGING, AND MANUFACTURING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANTS. FORD IS REPLACING THESE TIRES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW MAY HAVE BEEN ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES OR MAY HAVE HAD WILDERNESS AT TIRES INSTALLED DURING THE FIRESTONE RECALL LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2000. CERTAIN 1991 THROUGHT 2002 FORD EXPLORER CERTAIN 2001 THROUGHT 2002 EXPLORER SPORT, AND SPORT TRAC CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 2001 RANGER CERTAIN 1999 THROUGH 2001 EXPEDITION CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994, AND 1997 MODEL YEAR F-SERIES CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994 BRONCO NOTE: BOTH ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE AFFECTED.

Risk. SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy. THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, 2002. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-877-917-3673 OR GO ON-LINE TO WWW.FORD.COM FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.

Tires › Tread/Belt00T005000
Filed Aug 21, 200014,400,000 vehiclesBridgestone/Firestone, Inc.

Defect. TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.

Risk. IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy. THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.

Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars97V235001
Filed Dec 18, 1997185,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY INSTALLED SUNROOF. THE SUNROOF GLASS PANEL ASSEMBLY CAN SEPARATE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING DUE TO INCORRECT HINGE ENGAGEMENT. THIS WAS CAUSED BY IMPROPER SUNROOF INSTALLATION OF THE GLASS PANEL.

Risk. UNEXPECTED SEPARATION OF THE SUNROOF GLASS PANEL COULD POSSIBLY DISTRACT THE DRIVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN INSTRUCTION BOOKLET WHICH THOROUGHLY OUTLINES, WITH ILLUSTRATIONS, THE PROPER PROCEDURES FOR THE REMOVAL, STORAGE, AND REINSTALLATION OF THE SUNROOF'S GLASS PANEL. A WARNING LABEL FOR ATTACHMENT TO THE SUNROOF'S LATCH KNOB WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED TO THE OWNERS.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Hydraulic96V024001
Filed Feb 5, 1996108,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THE STUDS WHICH ATTACH THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY CAN DEVELOP STRESS CORROSION CRACKING AFTER BEING OPERATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LOCATION.

Risk. IF A CRACK OCCURS, IT COULD RESULT IN ONE OR BOTH STUDS FRACTURING. THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD THEN SEPARATE FROM THE VACUUM BOOSTER, WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, PREVENTING THE SERVICE BRAKES FROM ACTIVATING INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY.

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Support Device/Strut95I007000
Filed Jan 31, 19961,029,380 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THE CAMPAIGN WILL REINFORCE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENTS OF THE REAR LIFTGATE GAS ASSIST CYLINDERS WHICH COULD PULL AWAY FROM THE INSIDE OF THE LIFTGATE.

Risk. IF A BRACKET AND GAS ASSIST CYLINDER WERE TO DETACH COMPLETELY FROM THE LIFTGATE AND NO LONGER BEAR AGAINST THE LIFTGATE AS INTENDED, THE REMAINING ASSIST CYLINDER WOULD NOT HOLD THE LIFTGATE IN AN OPEN POSITION. PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. FORD DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENTS.

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly92V113000
Filed Aug 17, 1992565,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THE RIGID MOUNTED SAFETY BELT BUCKLES ARE DEFECTIVE IN THREE WAYS. FIRST, A FASTENED SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH WHEN THE RELEASE BUTTON IS DEPRESSED. THIS RESULTS FROM INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE BUCKLE EJECTOR FINGER AND THE BUCKLE TONGUE WINDOW. THE SECOND DEFECT IS THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY NOT LATCH. THE THIRD POSSIBLE DEFECT IS THAT THE TONGUE MAY BE RETAINED BY THE BUCKLE, BUT IT MAY NOT BE LATCHED SUFFICIENTLY TO PROVIDE OCCUPANT PROTECTION.

Risk. AN INSUFFICIENTLY LATCHED OR UNLATCHED SAFETY BELTINCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO SEAT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT. IF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH, IT WILL NOT ALLOW THEOCCUPANT TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION.

Remedy. FORD WILL REPLACE THE RIGID MOUNTED SAFETY BELT BUCKLES WITH END RELEASE SAFETY BELT BUCKLES DESIGNED TO PREVENT LATCH PROBLEMS.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission91V189000
Filed Nov 4, 1991792,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE PARK PAWL DOES NOT ALWAYS ABUT OR ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR.

Risk. DRIVER MAY BELIEVE THE VEHICLE IS SAFELY ENGAGED IN PARKWHEN THE GEAR IS NOT TRULY ENGAGED. THIS CAN LEAD TO THE VEHICLE JUMPING OUT OFGEAR UNINTENTIONALLY, VEHICLE ROLLAWAY WHEN PARKED ON A SLOPED SURFACE, ANDINADVERTENT MOTION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. ALL OF THESE CONDITIONS CANRESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy. REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW PARK PAWL.

Structure › Body › Bumpers91V026000
Filed Feb 12, 1991220,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT MAY BE SUBJECT TO FATIGUE CRACKING UNDER EXTENDED TRAILER TOW SERVICE WHEN USING A BUMPER-MOUNTED TRAILER HITCH BALL.

Risk. UNDER EXTREME CONDITIONS, BUMPER COULD SEPARATE FROM THEVEHICLE WHEN USING A BUMPER MOUNTED TRAILER HITCH BALL.

Remedy. INSTALL TWO BRACKETS TO REINFORCE THE BUMPER.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly91V024000
Filed Feb 11, 199125,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THE FRONT HEAT SHIELD MAY CONTACT THE FRONT OF THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK, CAUSING CUTS OR OTHER DAMAGE TO THE EXTENT OF PENETRATION.

Risk. THIS PENETRATION OF THE FUEL TANK CAUSES VAPORS TO ESCAPEAND POSSIBLY FUEL TO SPILL, WHICH COULD CATCH FIRE IN THE PRESENCE OF ANIGNITION SOURCE.

Remedy. RELOCATE THE HEAT SHIELD; INSPECT AND REPLACE DAMAGED FUEL FUEL TANKS.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly91V025000
Filed Feb 11, 199118,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THE HOT PLATE WELD WHICH ATTACHES THE VAPOR VENT VALVE CARRIER TO THE TOP OF THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK MAY PARTIALLY FRACTURE, ALLOWING VAPOR OF FUEL TO ESCAPE FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK.

Risk. THE ESCAPED VAPOR OR LEAKED FUEL COULD CAUSE A FIRE INTHE PRESENCE OF A SOURCE OF IGNITION.

Remedy. FUEL TANK WILL BE REMOVED AND INSPECTED FOR WELD INTEGRITY. FUEL TANKS WITH INADEQUATE WELDS WILL BE REPLACED.

Showing 10 of 11 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service BrakesCrash
Filed Dec 20, 2021CO

The component that malfunctioned was the abs sensor. It is not available for inspection. I was driving going around 45 in traffic and the drivers side rear brake locked up and spun me out of control and caused me to collide with another vehicle. I only lightly pressed the brakes and it happened suddenly and unexpectedly. It was not inspected before it was towed after the accident. There were no warning lamps.

Seat Belts
Filed May 7, 201591,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH WITH ANOTHER PASSENGER, THE SEAT BELTS DISENGAGED AND CAUSED THE PASSENGER SEAT TO OVERTURN BETWEEN THE SEATS. THE PASSENGER WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Jul 5, 201315,000 milesCA

ON JUNE 4TH MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE DRIVING EAST BOUND ON 62ND AND OVER-HILL IN LOS ANGELES CA. SHORTLY AFTER 12:00PM. WHEN SUDDENLY THE FORD EXPLORER WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE ORDERED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF A RECALL. DUE TO INVESTIGATION ON MY OWN I HAVE RECEIVED A RECALL NUMBER. IT IS 96S35. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO RESOLVE THIS MATTER WITH FORD HOWEVER I JUST RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THEM REFUSING TO ASSIST ME. MY DAUGHTER AND I COULD HAVE BEEN BURNED ALIVE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU COULD ASSIST ME. THE VEHICLE HAS SINCE BEEN DESTROYED. I ONLY HAVE IN MY POSSESSION THE PICTURE, AND A FIRE REPORT. *TR

Tires
Filed Oct 21, 2011MT

I PURCHASED TWO MICHELIN LTX MS2 235/75R15 TIRES FROM TIRE RACK.COM, E732381. THEY WERE DELIVERED SEPTEMBER 15, 2011 WITH AN INCORRECTLY COMPLETED OMB CONTROL NO. 2127-0050 TIRE REGISTRATION CARD. THE CARD LISTED THE BRAND AS BF GOODRICH AND THE TIRE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS AS BETJMX912711. THE TIRES I RECEIVED ARE MICHELIN B3DDDVOX2511 ACCORDING TO THE TIRE SIDEWALLS. I CONTACTED TIRE RACK'S CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THEY ADVISED THAT THERE SYSTEM SHOWED THAT I WAS SENT MICHELIN B3DDDVOX2511 TIRES AND THAT IT WAS NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO CORRECTLY COMPLETE THE TIRE REGISTRATION CARD. DOES THIS COMPLY WITH DOT REGULATIONS REGARDING TIRE RETAILER'S CONDUCT REGARDING TIRE RECALL REGISTRATION? *TR

Tires
Filed Oct 25, 20092,000 milesAZ

UNIROYAL TIRE SIDE WALL CRACKS LT 235 75R15 - NO FAILURE - JUST CRACK. ALL 4 OF MY TIRES HAD A SIDE WALL CRACK THE ENTIRE DIAMETER OF THE TIRE ABOUT 3 INCHES DOWN ON THE SIDE WALL . I NOTICED THE CRACK ON THE INSIDE AS WELL SO IT APPEARS THE TIRES HAD SOME ISSUE. I HAD NEVER APPLIED TIRE FOAM CLEANER(ARMOR ALL TIREFOAM PRIOR ) BUT ONE TIME THIS LAST WEEK I DID APPLY SOME AND FOUND THE CRACK. LOOKING UNDER THE 1991 FORD EXPLORER 4X4 I DID SEE THE SAME ISSUE ON THE INSIDE OF A FRONT TIRE AS WELL...I NEVER APPLIED ANY ARMOR ALL TYPE CLEANER ON THE INSIDE EITHER. UNIROYAL FACTORY PHONE SUPPORT BLAMED ME OF APPLYING TIRE CLEANER WHICH RUINS TIRES AND SO DID THE WALMART TIRE STORE STAFF . I NEVER APPLIED ANYTHING AS THIS IS AN OLDER VEHICLE WHICH AND NO PR OR SHOW APPEAL. WALMART REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES ON 10-25-09 BUT THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS NOT 35 PSI ITS WAS AROUND 43 ACCORDING TO MY GAGE..THE TIRES ARE RATED FOR 50PSI. WALMART CHARGED THE PROBLEM TO MY WARRANTY AND THEN WANTED TO CHARGE AGAIN FOR A NEW WARRANTY. THIS WAS A TIRE FACTORY PROBLEM AS BOTH SIDE OF THE TIRES HAD A CRACK NOT A FIELD ROAD HAZARD ISSUE. KINGMAN AZ HAS TEMP RANGES FROM 110 IN JULY TO 9 DEGREES IN WINTER...THIS MAY BE FACTOR. *TR

Engine and Engine CoolingFire1 injured
Filed Apr 30, 2009KY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH ON A DRIVEWAY INCLINE, THE ENGINE IDLED EXCESSIVELY HIGH AND THE VEHICLE STALLED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE ENGINE RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT DETECTED SMOKE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND MASSIVE FLAMES ERUPTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND HAS NOT BEEN TOWED AWAY FROM THE SCENE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO HER HANDS. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 8, 2008100,000 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 1991 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. SHE MANAGED TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER AND LEFT TO CALL FOR HELP. UPON RETURNING TO THE VEHICLE, IT WAS CONSUMED IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE OVER 100,000.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Mar 27, 2008NC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD EXPLORER. AFTER RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL, THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART FOR THE REPAIR; HOWEVER, THE RECALL STATED THAT THEY WERE AVAILABLE. THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WOULD ARRIVE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 81,000.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Feb 26, 2008100,000 milesMO

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND THEY CLAIMED TO REPAIR IT, BUT ACTUALLY DID NOT. THE VEHICLE FAILED AND WAS TOWED TO A FORD DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN THE POSSESSION OF ANOTHER MECHANIC. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE GREATER THAN 100,000. UPDATED 03/11/08. *LJ

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Support Device/Strut
Filed Nov 27, 2006161,000 milesTX

COPY OF LETTER TO FMC: I OWN A 1991 FORD EXPLORER 4WD XLT [XXX]. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON 11/9/96, FROM CROWN DODGE, VENTURA, CALIFORNIA. THE SELLING DEALER ASSURED ME AT THE TIME THAT NO RECALLS WERE OUTSTANDING ON THIS VEHICLE. ON NOVEMBER 11/22/06, AS I CLOSED THE HATCH ON THIS VEHICLE, THE BRACKET THAT ATTACHES THE RIGHT-SIDE LIFTGATE GAS ASSIST CYLINDER TO THE HATCH TORE AWAY FROM THE HATCH. I HAVE JUST LEARNED THAT A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (NUMBER 95I007000) WAS ISSUED IN OCTOBER 1995 TO REINFORCE THIS BRACKET. THE CAMPAIGN STATED THAT "IF A BRACKET AND GAS ASSIST CYLINDER WERE TO DETACH COMPLETELY FROM THE LIFTGATE AND NO LONGER BEAR AGAINST THE LIFTGATE AS INTENDED, THE REMAINING CYLINDER WOULD NOT HOLD THE LIFTGATE IN AN OPEN POSITION. PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR." THE CORRECTIVE ACTION WAS FOR FORD DEALERS TO REINFORCE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENTS. MY LOCAL FORD DEALER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE STATED TODAY THEY COULD NOT HONOR THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN. REBECCA (#6048) AT THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE CALL CENTER TOLD ME THE CAMPAIGN HAD EXPIRED, AND COULDN'T OFFER ASSISTANCE. YOUR COMPANY'S RESPONSE TO DATE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THE BRACKET WAS ATTACHED TO THE HATCH BY ONLY TWO SMALL SPOT WELDS, AS IS THE LEFT-SIDE BRACKET. THE FAILURE STILL HAS THE POTENTIAL FOR CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY, ESPECIALLY IF THE LEFT-SIDE BRACKET WERE TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS APPARENTLY NOT REPAIRED UNDER THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE CAMPAIGN NOR OFFERED AN

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Sep 25, 2006NC

I HAVE JUST PURCHASED A VEHICLE NOT TOO LONG AGO THAT HAS THE WILDERNESS HT TIRES ON IT THAT LOOK VERY UNSAFE. I LOOKED THEM UP ON YOUR WEBSITE AND THEY WERE RECALLED. IS THERE ANYWAY I COULD GET A RECALL INFO SHEET TO REPLACE THE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE...THERE ARE HARDLY ANY MILES ON THE TIRES AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE THEY ARE SO UNSAFE. THEY ARE MODEL # P22570R15. I HAVE 2 LITTLE GIRLS THAT I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP SAFE!

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Filed Aug 31, 2006113,804 milesCA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED 4 OUT OF THE 5 SAFETY BELTS IN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT LATCH PROPERLY. IF THEY WERE SHAKEN, OR IF THERE WAS ANY FORCE APPLIED TO THEM THEY BECAME UNLATCHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 92V113000, PERTAINING TO THE FRONT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 10/04/06. *JB

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 12, 2006CA

I HAVE CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP IE.. HANSEL FORD AND CURTIS FORD. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT SINCE MY VEHICLE (1991) FORD EXPLORER WAS OVER 10 YEARS. OLD THEY NO LONGER HAD ANY INFORMATION ON RECALLED PARTS OR RECALLED PAINT ECT. PLEASE MAIL OR E-MAIL ME A COMPLETET LIST OF ALL RECALLS 1991 FORD EXLPORER. *JB

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 30, 2005138,000 milesAK

DT: THE CONSUMER SMELL SMOKE, AND THEN SOME SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE HOOD. ALL OF THE GAUGES LOOKED OKAY AND THE CONSUMER THOUGHT IT WAS OVERHEATING. THEN THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE FAST WITH SMOKE ON THE LEFT AND FIRE ON THE RIGHT OF THE HOOD AND BURNED ALL THE WAY TO THE BACK OF MY CAR, AND THE TWO CARS ON EITHER SIDE. THIS HAPPENED IN A DENNY'S PARKING LOT IN FAIRBANKS ON 6/30/05. FIRE DEPARTMENT CASE NUMBER: 051947. TOWED VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC. *NM *NM

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 19, 200543,000 milesTN

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS A TOTAL LOSS

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Apr 18, 200515,000 milesOR

THE REAR LIFTGATE WAS IN THE UP POSITION AND IT DROPPED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS UNLOADING GROCERIES. THE RIGHT SIDE HINGE BROKE. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN LIFTGATE RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V442000. *AK *SC *JB

Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire
Filed Apr 12, 2005MI

SPARE TIRE WINCH CABLE ON 1991 FORD EXPLORER FAILED AT INTERSECTION FOLLOWING BUMP ON REAR FROM ANOTHER MOTORIST. NO DAMAGE TO REAR BUT CORRODED CABLE BROKE AND TIRE FELL TO GROUND.*AK

Seat Belts
Filed Apr 11, 2005MA

I FOUND SEVERAL RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE. IT IS AN OLD VEHICLE, BUT I ONLY BOUGHT IT IN 2003. I KNOW SOME OF THEM EXPIRED, AND IT SAYS TO CONTACT FOD. I DID VIA WEB SITE. THEY DO NOT SHOW ANY RECALLS. BUT, YOU SHOWED ME OVER 5 RECALLS? CAN I STILL GET THEM FIXED? MY TIRES I GUESS, HAVE BEEN REPLACED BUT THEY DID NIT REPLACE THE SPARE TIRE. I STILL HAVE THE RECALLED SPARE TIRE?? WHAT DO I DO NOW? CAN I DO ANYTHING? BUT, I STILL HAVE BAD TIRES, THE 2001 TIRE RECALL DOES NOT SAY WHAT BRAND? I HAVE ATX AND APT FIRESTONE TIRES. CAMPAIN #92V113000,91V189000,00T005000 AND ANOTHER TIRE RECALL, I DID NOT GET THE #, BUT IT WAS IN 2001. THANK YOU. *AK

Seat Belts › Front
Filed Mar 29, 2005181,000 milesCA

PENINSULA FORD, SUNNYVALE, CA REFUSED TO SERVICE EXISTING SAFETY RECALL, WITHOUT EXPLANATION. NHTSA CAMPAIGN 92V113000. THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION FITS ALL APPLICABILITY CRITIERIA LISTED IN RECALL DOCUMENTS. ONE OF THREE SYMPTOMS (UNEXPLAINED AND REPEATED, SUDDEN FRONT SEAT BELT RELEASE) DESCRIBED BY THIS RECALL OCCURS REGULARLY.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 27, 200579,284 milesWA

MY WIFE [XXX] WAS DRIVING MY 1991 FORD EXPLORER TO SEE HER SON ON 2-2-04( AND NEVER USES CRUISE CONTROL)WHEN ON HWY 161 HEADING NORTH THE CRUISE CONTROL TOOK OVER AND MADE THE THROTTLE STICK WIDE OPEN, THE BRAKES WOULD NOT HOLD AND VEHICLE WENT UP TO ABOUT 70 BEFORE SHE FINALLY TURNED OFF KEY, THE BRAKES WERE SMOKING FROM ABOUT 1 MILE OF FIGHTING TO STOP THE THING, SHE FINALLY STOPPED AFTER HITTING A TRUCK IN FRONT OF BLACKSTONE COLLISION, WHOSE OWNER DEMANDED SHE REMOVE IT DUE TO BLOCKING DRIVEWAY, (2) SALESMEN FROM JET CHEV SAW THE WHOLE THING AND SINCE THE OTHER DRIVERS VEHICLE WAS NOT BADLY DAMAGED HE WANTED TO LEAVE, THE SALESMAN STARTED THE FORD EXPLORER AND IT WAS STILL FLOORED HE WAS ABLE TO MOVE IT AND PARKED IT, HE ALSO UNSTUCK THE THROTTLE THEREBY DESTROYING EVIDENCE,MY INSURANCE CO. WAS GOING TO GO AFTER FORD BUT DIDN'T , SO WE WERE CANCELLED AND NOW I PAY TWICE AS MUCH DUE TO FORD DEFECTS THEY NEED TO OWN UP TO THIS. VEH ID [XXX] MY WIFE HAD TO GO TO HOSPITAL FOR 2 CRACKED ANKLES DUE TO THIS AS X RAYS WERE TAKEN WITHIN 4 HRS OF WRECK (SHE HAD BOTH FEET ON BRAKE PEDAL TRYING TO STOP IT.) I AM GOING TO ALSO REPORT ANOTHER INCIDENT FROM THIS SAME VEHICLE, MFG DEFECT. *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20 of 609 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2002
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20270100Routine
2026341400Routine
2025982000Routine
2024201010Routine
20231081520Routine
20222642410Above average
20214232650Above average
20201,21233100Above average
2019294600Above average
2018728770Above average
20171,69114110Above average
20162,44915140Above average
20151,782910Above average
20141,676762Fatalities reported
20132,23412111Fatalities reported
2012827760Above average
20111,197840Above average
2010115200Routine
200933100Routine
2008148330Routine
2007208352Fatalities reported
2006630470Above average
2005497361Fatalities reported
20041,3044150High concern
20031,1317102Fatalities reported
20023,29510575Fatalities reported
200137512216Fatalities reported
200095215644Fatalities reported
19991,34815444Fatalities reported
19981,9591410216Fatalities reported
19971,731125334Fatalities reported
19961,450113751Fatalities reported
199584312328Fatalities reported
19941,20778220Fatalities reported
19939399481Fatalities reported
19926337634Fatalities reported
1991 — this page60911634Fatalities reported
199012010Routine

Compare every Explorer year →

Reading this record

4 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 22, 2001. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.