1992 Ford Explorer

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 633 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the tires. It has been recalled 7 times.

Not among the Ford Explorer years to avoid. Which Ford Explorer years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
111,130 milesMedian miles at failure

32 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 1992 Ford Explorer problems

121 of the 633 complaints (19%) are about the tires.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Tires › Tread/Belt64
8014
Tires49
10015
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes29
1005
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission28
021
Suspension › Front26
100
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine26
010
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Support Device/Strut · body and frame19
002
Power Train › Manual Transmission · transmission19
000
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly18
103
Equipment › Mechanical › Carrier/Rack17
000

1992 Ford Explorer tires problems

19% of all complaints

121 of the 633 complaints are about the tires. This is what owners describe:

  • vibrates or shakes12% · 14

Share of the 121 tires complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
75,125 mi
median of 5 reports
Peak year of filing
2000
88 tires complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
18 · 0 · 29
in these complaints
Recalls on the tires
“Consumer replaced the firestone atx ii tires after 4 tire rotations and tire balances due to vibration and noise, consumer is requesting reimbursement for the replacement tires.(attorney for client) *slc”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 30, 2000
“Consumer was originally told that five of the firestone atx tires on his vehicle were covered in the recall (00t-005),consumer replaced all five tires then was denied complete recall reimbursement for all five tires. Consumer replaced the two rear tires prior due to vibration problems. *mjs”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 6, 2000

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1995: 121 complaints, 0 about the tires'951996: 84 complaints, 2 about the tires1997: 65 complaints, 2 about the tires'971998: 49 complaints, 2 about the tires1999: 51 complaints, 1 about the tires'992000: 141 complaints, 88 about the tires2001: 43 complaints, 11 about the tires'012002: 21 complaints, 5 about the tires2003: 11 complaints, 1 about the tires'032004: 7 complaints, 0 about the tires2005: 10 complaints, 1 about the tires'052006: 10 complaints, 7 about the tires2007: 4 complaints, 1 about the tires'072008: 5 complaints, 0 about the tires2009: 2 complaints, 0 about the tires'092010: 1 complaints, 0 about the tires2011: 1 complaints, 0 about the tires'112012: 4 complaints, 0 about the tires2013: 2 complaints, 0 about the tires'132014: 0 complaints, 0 about the tires2015: 1 complaints, 0 about the tires'15Recall 95V164001 (body and frame)Recall 95I007000 (body and frame)Recall 96V024001 (brakes)Recall 97V083000 (visibility)Recall 97V235001 (body and frame)Recall 00T005000 (tires)Recall 01X001000 (tires)NHTSA investigation EA00012NHTSA investigation PE99072NHTSA investigation RQ99016NHTSA investigation DP98008NHTSA investigation PE98048NHTSA investigation EA95018
All complaintsAbout the tiresRecall (red: the tires)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1992 Explorer peaked in 2000, with 141 filed that year. Owners had filed 40 complaints about the tires before the first recall that covers it, 00T005000 in August 2000; 81 more have come in since. In 2015 owners filed 1 so far.

7 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.

Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices97V083000
Filed May 5, 1997610,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. A SHORT CIRCUIT CONDITION CAN OCCUR IN THE REMOTE POWER MIRROR CONTROL SWITCH CIRCUIT BOARD AS A RESULT OF A SEPARATED PART OF THE CONTACT ASSEMBLY BRIDGING THE SWITCH POSITIVE BATTERY PAD AND ADJACENT CHASSIS GROUND PAD.

Risk. THE CURRENT CAN OVERHEAT THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD AND OTHER PLASTIC AND ELASTOMERIC COMPONENTS OF THE SWITCH ASSEMBLY RESULTING IN SMOKE OR FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN IN-LINE 10 AMP FUSE IN THE POSITIVE BATTERY FEED TO THE REMOTE POWER MIRROR CONTROL SWITCH ASSEMBLY.

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.

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Support Device/Strut95V164001
Filed Aug 25, 1995364,784 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDERS ARE ATTACHED TO BRACKETS THAT ARE WELDED TO THE LIFTGATE. THE BRACKET WELDS CAN FRACTURE.

Risk. WITH A BROKEN BRACKET WELD, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE LIFTGATE BRACKET TO GRADUALLY BEND INWARD ALLOWING THE LIFT CYLINDERBALL STUD TO DISENGAGE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS.

All 7 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 14 name the 1992 Explorer.

SPARE TIRE WINCH CABLEEngineering analysis EA00012Closed
Opened Apr 14, 2000Closed Oct 20, 2000body and frame

There is no summary currently available

SPARE TIRE WINCH CABLEPreliminary evaluation PE99072Closed
Opened Nov 30, 1999Closed Apr 14, 2000body and frame

From the beginning of the 1991 model year production until the middle of the 1994 model year production, FORD used a galvanized steel cable to lift and hold in stored position, the explorer spare tire.on may 19, 1994, based on the results of FORD durability testing , FORD changed to a 4.00mm stainless steel cable.there have been over 100 incidents in which the original galvanized steel cable failed allowing the spare tire to drop from its rear storage well.one of these incidents caused a following vehicle to be involved in a collision and on six other occasions the wheel made contact with …

LIFTGATE SUPPORT BRACKET FAILURERecall query RQ99016Open
Opened Jul 29, 1999Led to recall 99V310001body and frame

Summary:on august 22, 1995, FORD conducted safety recall, 95v-164, on 1992 and 1993 model year explorer due to liftgate failures.the rear liftgate hydraulic cylinder bracket can become unattached allowing the liftgate to suddenly drop.the recall remedy was to install reinforcements on the brackets.FORD also initiated a safety improvement campaign in october 1995, for 1991-1995 model year explorer vehicles which were not included in the recall, to install reinforcements on those bracket that were found to be loose or detached.this campaign ended in october 1996. Since november 1996, odi has …

BLOWER ASSEMBLY FIRESEngineering analysis EA99004Closed
Opened Jan 15, 1999Closed Apr 18, 2000visibility

Based on the relatively low failure frequency measured over an extended exposure time and the fact that the great majoity of incidents are confined within the blower housing, a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of the agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take furthe action if warranted by the circumstances.

HEATER BLOWER ASSEMBLY FIREDefect petition DP98008Closed
Opened Sep 4, 1998Closed Sep 11, 1998visibility

There is no summary currently available

BLOWER ASSEMBLY FIRESPreliminary evaluation PE98048Closed
Opened Sep 4, 1998Closed Jan 15, 1999visibility

There is no summary currently available

HEAVY LATERAL VIBRATIONDefect petition DP98001Closed
Opened Jan 6, 1998Closed Feb 4, 1998body and frame

Nhtsa was petitioned to commence a defect investigation of the subject vehicles on january 6, 1998.the petition alleges that early model FORD explorer sport utility vehicles develop heavy lateral vibrations at speeds above 55 MPH and when encountering bumps at low speeds.the petition further alleges that these vibrations could possibly cause loss of vehicle control.the analysis of the petition is presented in the attached notice which is published in the federal register.

SUNROOF SHATTERING AND SEPARATIONEngineering analysis EA97011Closed
Opened May 23, 1997Closed Jan 20, 1998Led to recall 97V235001body and frame

There is no summary currently available

SUNROOF (AIR ROOF) SHATTERPreliminary evaluation PE96074Closed
Opened Dec 17, 1996Closed May 23, 1997body and frame

The sunroof shattered or was blown off.in all but one case this occurred while driving.

SEPARATION OF MASTER CYLINDEREngineering analysis EA95018Closed
Opened Jun 19, 1995Closed Apr 2, 1996Led to recall 96V024001brakes

Ford continues to sudy the problem attempting to determine why stud fractures are not frequently occurring in other parts of the country.likewise, odi continues gathering information to ascertain whether the recall scope should include other geographical areas.if evidence indicates the scope should be expanded, odi will reopen the investigation as warranted.

BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER/BOOSTER SEPARATIONPreliminary evaluation PE95001Closed
Opened Jan 3, 1995Closed Jun 19, 1995brakes

There is no summary currently available

ENGINE COOLING FAN CRACKSPreliminary evaluation PE94044Closed
Opened Jun 10, 1994Closed Aug 31, 1994engine

There is no summary currently available

AUTO TRANS PRNDL MISALIGNEngineering analysis EA93004Closed
Opened Jan 29, 1993Closed Jul 29, 1994transmission

There is no summary currently available

AUTO TRANS.PRNDL MISALIGNPreliminary evaluation PE92078Closed
Opened Sep 9, 1992Closed Jan 29, 1993transmission

There is no summary currently available

Technical service bulletins

67 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1992 Explorer. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

transmission 18engine 12equipment 9tires 5brakes 5body and frame 5electrical system 4suspension 2
01B77Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 1, 2001tires

OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT 7 REVISED INFORMATION - REGARDING REPLACEMENT OF WILDERNESS AT TIRES. *TT

995157Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 1, 1999tires

INFORMATION ON MAINTAINING TIRE PRESSURE. *TT

12115Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 1, 1998tires

INFORMATION REGARDING THE TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE FOR ALL MODELS DURING PREDELIVERY PROCESS AND DURING MAINTENANCE INTERVALS. *MJS

985157Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 1, 1998tires

INFORMATION ON SETTING THE TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE FOR 1991 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES IN THE PRE-DELIVERY PROCESS AND DURING MAINTENANCE INTERVALS. *TT

9852Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 13, 1998tires

INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel System, GasolineFire
Filed Mar 27, 2015444,980 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE REVERSING, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 444,980. UPDATED 5/18/15*CN THE REPAIR SHOP REPLACED THE FUEL VAPOR CANISTER. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO IN REVERSE. UPDATED 06/02/15*JB

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Oct 22, 2013AZ

MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE AT PARKING LOT WHEN I TRIED STARTING IT UP AFTER MY GIRLS AND I GOT BACK IN CAR AFTER BEING AT MALL FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS FLAMES COMING OUT FROM BOTTOM AND TOP OF ENGINE AND FRONT DASH. THANK GOD WE GOT OUT IN TIME. MY CARS ELECTRICAL WIRES FOR EVERYTHING IS MELTED AND IM UNSURE HOW MUCH MORE IS DAMAGED SINCE IM NOT A MECHANIC. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Feb 16, 2013250,000 milesCT

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LATCH (FEMALE PIECE) DISENGAGED WHILE DRIVING. LATCH WILL NO LONGER STAY ENGAGED WITH THE MALE PART OF THE SEAT BELT IN A RELIABLE MANNER. *TR

Engine
Filed Jul 27, 2012102,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT SLAMMED THE GEAR INTO PARK AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. UPON RESTART, THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED AS NORMAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A PIECE OF PLASTIC IN THE HOSE THAT RAN FROM AIR FILTER TO THE AIR INTAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000. UPDATED 08/28/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THAT IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE RUBBER RING UNDER THE C-CLAMP- THAT THE PLASTIC HOSE IS ATTACHED TO THE AIR-INTAKE WITH WAS THE REASON FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE RUBBER CORRODED TO THE POINT THAT A PIECE OF IT BROKE OFF AND WAS SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE. THE ENTIRE HOSE HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THAT PART ISN'T SOLD SEPARATELY. UPDATED 09/05/2012 *JS

Wheels
Filed Apr 23, 2012126,135 milesWI

I WAS TRAVELING DOWN HIGHWAY AND THE SPARE TIRE CABLE BROKE AND THE WHEEL FELL OUT AND GOT JAMMED UNDER THE EXPLORER. LUCKILY I SOME HOW WAS ABLE TO GET PULLED OVER BEFORE THEIR WAS AN ACCIDENT. AFTER THAT HAD HAPPEN I FOUND OUT THAT THEY HAD A RECALL ON THE CABLES DUE TO THEM BREAKING. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 23, 2012145,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE NUMEROUS CRACKS NEAR THE REAR WINDSHIELD, NEXT TO THE MANUFACTURING EMBLEM.THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jan 31, 2012WV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES AT LOW SPEEDS, SHE NOTICED A GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE BRAKES AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, WHEN TURNING THE HEATER ON SHE COULD SMELL ANTI-FREEZE AND ALSO NOTICED A LEAK. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ADVISED HER THAT THE HEATER COIL AS WELL AS THE BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO SEVERE RUSTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

Seat Belts
Filed Jul 26, 2011170,000 milesCT

DRIVER'S SEAT BELT SOCKET NO LONGER LATCHES. FORD DEALER ADVISES REPLACEMENT IS DISCONTINUED. AFTER MARKET ALTERNATIVES NOT AVAILABLE. WITH "CLICKET OR TICKET" PROGRAMS IN PLACE VEHICLE BECOMES INOPERATIVE. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist
Filed May 20, 2010220,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD FEEL SPONGY WHEN DEPRESSED AND WOULD INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE. THE VEHICLE PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 96V024001 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: POWER ASSIST: HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A MISSING STUD AND NUT FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ALREADY REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL CAMPAIGN AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 220,000.

Steering
Filed Sep 2, 2009130,000 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT STATES WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THERE WAS A LOUD SQUEALING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE . THERE WAS ALSO EXCESSIVE VIBRATION. THE DRIVER CONTINUED OPERATION WITH CAUTION. WHENEVER THE SPEED RATE WAS REDUCED THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed May 13, 2009105,000 milesVA

WENT TO FORD DEALER 3 MONTHS AGO ABOUT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SAID OXYGEN SENSOR OR COLD WEATHER IT BE FINE ON MY WAY HOME SUNDAY IT HAD A BAD MISS THEN FIRE SHOT THROUGH MY FLOOR BOARD AND DASH ALL MY DOORS INSTANTLY LOCKED I BARELY MADE IT OUT OF MY VEHICLE IF WIFE AND CHILDREN HAD BEEN IN PROB WOULDN'T BE HERE AT THE SECOND I MADE IT OUT OF MY CAR I TURNED AND WATCHED THE STEERING WHEEL HIT THE SEAT I OWN I 1992 FORD EXPLORER I CAN BE REACHED I HAVE CONTACTED AN ATTORNEY LOCALLY. *TR

Structure1 injured
Filed Jun 2, 2008250,000 milesOR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RIGHT HYDRAULIC LIFT BRACKET DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE LIFT GATE FELL ON THE CONTACTS HEAD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: SUPPORT DEVICE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #95I007000) HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT FELT THAT HIS VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 255,000.

Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Filed Jan 24, 2008FL

A BLACK TAR-LIKE SUBSTANCE IS LEAKING OUT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. *TR

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor
Filed Jan 24, 2008FL

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, SMOKE STARTED POURING FROM THE AIR VENTS. COULD FIND NO SOURCE FOR THE SMOKE. AFTERWARDS, ONLY FAN SPEED THAT WORKS IS HIGH. *TR

Visibility › Rear Window Wiper/Washer
Filed Jan 24, 2008FL

STARTED UP VEHICLE IN MORNING, REAR WIPER CAME ON AUTOMATICALLY AND COULD NOT SHUT IT OFF. HAD TO REMOVE WIPER AS IT COULD NOT BE STOPPED. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 2, 2008SC

1992 FORD EXPLORER REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION NEEDED. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION AND OIL LEAK FIXED. SHE DOES NOT HAVE THE MONEY AND THE REPAIRS WILL COST AROUND $1500.00. *KB

Tires
Filed Aug 28, 2007AZ

FIRESTONE TIRE RECALL/ REPLACEMENT FOR FORD EXPLORER CUSTOMER STATES THAT FIRESTONE REFUSED TO PROVIDE WARRANTY SERVICE**CC THE CONSUMER STATED HAD A PROBLEM WITH A TIRE RECALL ISSUED FOR HIS SPECIFIC VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE ON THE RECALL BUT NOTICED THE DEALER INSTALLED PASSENGER CAR TIRES ON HIS TRUCK. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE PASSENGER TIRES WERE .75 INCHES SMALLER, THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER INFORMED HIM WHEN PERFORMING THE RECALL HE COULD USE ANY TIRE SIZE HE WANTED TO AND IT DIDNT HAVE TO BE COMPARABLE TO THE OLD TIRES. THE CONSUMER FURTHER STATED WHILE THIS IS A SPARE TIRE HE FEELS VERY UNSAFE IF SOMETHING SHOULD HAPPEN TO HIS TIRES. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire
Filed Apr 23, 2007111,130 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE AT A STOP SIGN SMOKE ASCENDED FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD, AND CONTACT COULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. AFTER ALL PASSENGERS EXITED THE VEHICLE FLAMES IGNITED FROM THE HOOD. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUNCTURED THE HOOD DUE TO THE FLAMES. HOWEVER, THEY OPENED THE HOOD AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS PRESENT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. ON APRIL 16, 2007 THE OIL WAS CHANGED AND THE FLUIDS WERE AT NORMAL LEVELS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS THE CRUISE CONTROL, AND STATED THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN OCCURRENCE FOR FORD VEHICLES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 111,130.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys
Filed Apr 11, 2007103,000 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN PRODUCING A KNOCKING NOISE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AS NEEDING A NEW TIMING CHAIN, BUT THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 103,000.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 5, 200700

TL* - THE CONTACT PURCHASED A 1992 FORD EXPLORER IN 1999 AND HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ON 2002, 2003, 2006. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED TWICE, BUT THE VEHICLEINOPERABLE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE REGARDING TRANSMISSION FAILURES. WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM HAD A DEFECT INVESTIGATION NUMBER: EA93004 UNDER LEMON LAWS REGARDING THIS VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WANTED TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH FORD REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. *AK

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Nov 30, 2006CA

MY FORD EXPLORER WAS ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH THE BRIDGESTONE-FIRESTONE TIRES THAT HAVE SINCE BEEN RECALLED. I REPLACED THESE TIRES IN 2003 WITHOUT EVER HAVING ANY NOTICE OF THE RECALL. RECENTLY I RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THAT I COULD GET MY TIRES REPLACED FOR FREE. THIS WAS THE FIRST NOTICE OF THE RECALL....AT LEAST 4 YEARS AFTER THE SUPPOSED RECALL. AND YES, I HAVE BEEN THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE AND LIVING AT THE SAME ADDRESS FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS. *JB

Tires
Filed Nov 15, 2006WA

I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FIRESTONE REGARDING THE RADIAL ATX TIRES RECALL DATED SEPTEMBER 2006. ON OCTOBER 4, 2006 I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE FIRESTONE STORE AT 7511 NE HIGHWAY 99, VANCOUVER, WA 98665. THEIR SERVICE MAN, BILL AULTMAN, VERIFIED THE TIRE IN QUESTION AND SAID THAT HE WOULD CALL BACK THAT DAY TO ARRANGE FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE RECALLED TIRE. HE NEVER CALLED ME BACK. OCTOBER 6, 2006 I CALLED THE SERVICE MAN (AULTMAN) TO FIND OUT STATUS AND TO ASK WHY HE HAD NOT CALLED ME. HE STATED THAT HE WOULD CHECK ON TIRES AND WOULD CALL ME BACK THAT SAME DAY (FRIDAY) OR FOR SURE THE FOLLOWING MONDAY. HE NEVER CALLED ME BACK. OCTOBER 16, 2006 I CALLED THE FIRESTONE STORE AND ASKED FOR THE PETE DESCHNER, MANAGER. HE WAS NOT IN. OCTOBER 18, 2006 I CALLED THE FIRESTONE STORE AND TALKED WITH PETE DESCHNER, MANAGER. I TOLD DESCHNER ABOUT THE CALLS TO AULTMAN WITH NO RESULTS. DESCHNER SAID HE WOULD CHECK OF AVAILABILITY OF TIRES AND THAT HE WOULD CALL ME BACK "TODAY OR TOMORROW FOR SURE". HE NEVER CALLED ME BACK. OCTOBER 23, 2006 I CALLED THE FIRESTONE STORE AND TALKED TO DESCHNER REGARDING THE RECALLED TIRE AND ASKED WHY NONE OF MY CALLS WERE RETURNED. HE STATED THAT THERE WAS NO REASON TO CALL IF THERE ARE NO TIRES. I MENTIONED THAT HE HAD SAID HE WOULD CALL ME "FOR SURE" AND THAT I WAS NOT SATISFIED THAT HE AND THE SERVICE MAN WERE SIMPLY IGNORING ME. DESCHNER STATED THAT HE WOULD BE GETTING SOME TIRES IN TODAY OR TOMORROW AND THAT HE WOULD CALL ME BACK. HE NEVER CALLED ME BACK. OCTO

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Nov 7, 2006140,000 milesMI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED A NHTSA RECALL LETTER #00T005000 REGARDING TIRES: TREAD/BELT WAS RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED TIRE DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE THE TIRE UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE THE DEALER BELIEVED THE TIRE CAME FROM A JUNK YARD. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO CONTACT THE TIRE MANUFACTURER AFTER FILING A COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSA. THE TIRE WAS A FIRESTONE ATX P235/75R15. *AK UPDATED *JB

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Filed Nov 1, 2006120,000 milesOH

1992 FORD EXPLORER SEAT BELTS DO NOT STAY LATCHED OR COMES UNCONNECTED. DEFECTIVE LIKE THE 1991 EXPLORERS THAT HAVE A RECALL. EMAILED FORD AND REFUSE TO GIVE ANY HELP. *NM

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Oct 12, 2006125,508 milesAZ

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED A NHTSA RECALL LETTER #00T005000 REGARDING TIRES:TREAD/BELT WAS RECEIVED ON 10/07/06, AND AN AUTHORIZED TIRE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE RECALL. ON 10/12/06, THE TIRE WAS TAKEN TO THE TIRE DEALER WHO EXPRESSED THAT THE CONTACT NEEDED TO PURCHASE A NEW TIRE, AND THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WOULD REIMBURSE THE COSTS. THE RECALL STATED THAT THE DEFECTIVE TIRES WOULD BE REPLACED AT NO COST. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED TO THE TIRE DEALER THAT A COMPLAINT WOULD BE TAKEN BY THE NHTSA, AND THE DEALER OFFERED NO RESOLUTION. TIRE MANUFACTURER: FIRESTONE. TIRE LINE: ATX. SIZE: P235/75R15.

TiresCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 10, 2006AR

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 15 MPH IN RAINY CONDITIONS, THE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FLIP OVER TWICE. ONE OCCUPANT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. A NHTSA RECALL LETTER #00T005000 REGARDING TIRES: TREAD/BELT WAS RECEIVED TWO WEEKS AFTER THE INCIDENT. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THAT IF THE LETTER WAS RECEIVED EARLIER, THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS FIRESTONE, MODEL: WILDERNESS AT, SIZE: P235/75R15.

Tires
Filed Aug 4, 2006CT

WITHIN A 2 WEEK PERIOD BOTH OF MY FRONT TIRES POPPED. THESE ARE THE TOYO RADIAL OPEN COUNTRY. I WAS DRIVING EACH TIME ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING AT 65 MPH WHEN THESE OCCURRED. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED A SMALL PATCH CAME OFF OF MY TIRE. ON THE SECOND INCIDENT A MUCH LARGER AND MORE DANGEROUS PATCH TORE, CAUSING ME TO PULL OFF THE ROAD WITH NO CONTROL OVER THE SUV. *NM

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under DashFire1 injured
Filed Apr 6, 2006980,002 milesLA

1992 FORD EXPLORER(EDDIE BAUER ED) CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM UNDER DASHBOARD AND CCAUGHT FIRE AND DESTROYED VEHICLE BEFORE FIREMEN COULD SAVE IT. FORD MOTOR CO HAS DENIED LIABILITY, EVEN THOUGH THIS MODEL WAS UNDER RECALL. FIRE STATRED IN THE CIRCUITRY SYSTEM.

TiresCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 15, 200675,125 milesCA

FUTURA TOURING SE PURCHASED OMFR PEPBOYS IN FRESNO, CA. DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE BLEW OUT ON THE FREEWAY WITH NO APPARENT REASON CAUSED EXPLOSIVE CONCUSSION THAT CAUSED THE COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE TREAD , CAUSING THE CAR TO SPIN 360 DEGREES IN FREEWAY TRAFFIC.- CATASTROPHIC FAILURE WITH COMPLETE TREAD SEPARATION WITH LARGE VISIBLE POINT OF OUTWARD FORCE- TREAD DETACHMENT WAS COMPLETE WITH MOST OF SIDEWALLS INTACT EXCEPT AT FORCE POINT WHERE SIDE WALL COMPLETELY SHEARED TO BEAD. FORCE OF TIRE FAILURE CAUSED SPIN AT HIGHWAY SPEED WITH CATASTROPHIC CONTROL FAILURE, CAUSED VEHICLE CONTROL LOSS AND ACCIDENT WITH SPIN OFF-ROAD VEHICLE WAS TOTAL LOSS WITH MODERATE INJURY TO DRIVER. *NM

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Feb 28, 2006TX

AT 5:30 A.M. ON FEBRUARY 22, 2006, I AWOKE TO A LOUD EXPLOSION. I WENT TO LOOK OUT MY KITCHEN WINDOW AND UNDER THE CARPORT OUR FORD EXPLORER HAD FLAMES COMING OUT OF THE HOOD. AS I WAS TALKING TO 911 TO REPORT THE FIRE I HEARD ANOTHER EXPLOSION. HUNG UP QUICKLY TO GO AND GET ALL OF OUR 4 CHILDREN OUT OF THE HOUSE AND AS WE WERE GOING OUT HEARD ANOTHER EXPLOSION. THANK GOD WE ALL GOT OUT AND THE FIRE DEPT. GOT THE FIRE OUT BEFORE THE HOUSE WENT WITH THE FIRE. WE COULD SEE AFTER THE FIRE WAS OUT THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS BLOWN OFF AND THE BATTERY WAS BLOWN UP AS WELL AS THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. WE WANT FORD TO BE NOTIFIED SO THAT NO ONE HAS TO ENDURE A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE AND GOD FORBID LOOSE ANY FAMILY MEMBERS! *JB

Tires › Sidewall
Filed Nov 11, 200521,400 milesCA

BRIDGESTONE AT DUELER P235/75R R15 TIRE SIDEWALL DISINTEGRATED WHILE DRIVING. *NM

Electrical System › WiringFire
Filed Nov 4, 2005100,000 milesFL

DT:THE CONTACTS STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH THEN PARKED IN A PARKING LOT FOR 20 MINUTES AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THERE WERE NO INDICATOR LIGHTS ON PRIOR TO THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME; HOWEVER THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID THE FIRE COULD POSSIBLY HAVE STARTED FROM THE ENGINE OR FAULTY WIRING. THE DASHBOARD AREA AND UNDER THE HOOD WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND DUE TO THEIR COMPUTER SYSTEM BEING DOWN, THEY COULD NOT TELL HE IF THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS FIRE. *AK UPDATED 1/4/2006 - *NM

Fuel System, GasolineFire
Filed Oct 28, 2005162,000 milesOK

HELLO, MY WIFE HAS A 1992 FORD EXPLORER THAT LOST POWER GOING UP A HILL TO OUR DRIVE THEN SHE MADE THE TURN THEN SHE NOTICED FLAMES COMING OUT FROM AROUND THE HOOD THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSE IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP US OUT? THANKS RICK. *NM

Electrical System › Ignition › SwitchFire
Filed Jun 28, 200562,000 milesCA

I BOUGHT A 1992 FORD EXPLORER ON 2-16-2005 FROM A PRIVITE PARTY THRU THE NEWPAPER. ON 04-16-05 I WAS DRIVING TO SOFTBALL PRACVICE ON A BUSY ROAD WHEN A GENTLEMAN NEXT TO ME IN HIS OWN VEHICLE YELLED GET OUT OF YOUR CAR IT IS ON FIRE. HE LET ME TURN IN FRONT OF HIM AND I PULLED IN TO A PARKING SPACE AND GOT OUT OF MY CAR. WITHIN 3 TO 4 MINUTES THE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS COMPELETLY IN FLAMES. ALL THE WIDOWS BROKE AND THE TIRES POPPED. THE SEAT I WAS SITTING IN ONLY MINUTES BEFORE WAS COMPLETELY IN FLAMES. THE FIREMEN CAME AND PUT THE FIRE OUT. BY THEN MY FORD EXPLORER WAS TOTLED. I WAS VERY LUCKY I DID NOT HAVE MY STEPCHILDREN WITH ME THAT DAY AND I WAS TOLD TO GET OUT OF MY CAR IN TIME FOR MYSELF NOT TO HAVE BEEN HURT. I ONLY HAD LIABILTIY INSURANCE ON THE VEHICLE AND MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS WERE BURNT. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE THAT CAN CAUSE SMOKE AND FIRE.I CALLED THE FORD COMPANY AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED THEY SAID THEY WILL GET BACK TO ME ABOUT THE SITUATION. I RECIEVED A GENERIC LETTER FROM THEM SAYING THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO HELP ME. I FEEL VERY LUCKY IN A SENCE THAT I DID NOT LOSE MY LIFE THAT DAY, BUT ALSO VERY VIOLATED THAT I NOW HAVE TO BUY A NEW CAR AND REPLACE BELONGINGS THAT WERE DESTROYED.

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Filed May 10, 2005CA

DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE IS FALSE LOCKING AND OCCASIONALLY DOES NOT LOCK AT ALL.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed May 3, 200588,652 milesCA

I BOUGHT A 1992 FORD EXPLORER ON 2-16-05 FROM A PRIVITE PARTY THRU THE NEWSPAPER. ON 04-16-05 I WAS DRIVING TO SOFTBALL PRACTICE ON A BUSY ROAD WHEN A GENTLEMAN NEXT TO ME IN HIS OWN VEHICLE YELLED GET OUT OF YOUR CAR IT IS ON FIRE. HE LET ME TURN IN FRONT OF HIM AND I PULLED IN TO A PARKING SPACE AND GOT OUT OF MY CAR. WITHIN 3 TO 4 MINUTES THE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS COMPLETLY IN FLAMES. ALL THE WINDOWS BROKE AND THE TIRE POPPED. THE SEAT I WAS SITTING IN ONLY MINUTES BEFORE WAS COMPLETELY IN FLAMES. THE FIREMEN CAME AND PUT THE FIRE OUT. BY THEN MY FORD EXPLORER WAS TOTLED. I WAS VERY LUCKY I DID NOT HAVE MY STEPCHILDREN WITH ME THAT DAY AND I WAS TOLD TO GET OUT OF MY CAR IN TIME FOR MYSELF NOT TO HAVE BEEN HURT. I ONLY HAD LIABILITY INSURANCE ON THE VEHICLE AND MY BELONGINGS WERE BURNT. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE THAT CAN CAUSE SMOKE AND FIRE. I CALLED THE FORD COMPANY AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPEND THEY SAID THEY WILL GET BACK TO ME ABOUT THE SITUATION. I RECEIVED A GENERIC LETTER FROM THEM YESTERDAY SAYING THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO HELP ME. I FEEL VERY LUCKY IN A SENCE THAT I DID NOT LOSE MY LIFE THAT DAY, BUT ALSO VERY VIOLATED THAT I NOW HAVE TO BUY A NEW CAR AND REPLACE BELONGINGS THAT WERE DESTROYED.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed May 2, 2005178,000 milesFL

MY SON WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE NEXT STREET OVER WHEN MY 1992 FORD EXPLORER STARTED SMOKING IN THE CAB AND THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE DASHBOARD, GLOVE COMPARTMENT BURNED, AND THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM THE HEAT . THE HOOD GOT SCORCHED, AND THE HEAD LINER MELTED, DROPPING THE MELTED LINER ONTO MY SEATS. TRUCK HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED DUE TO COST AT THIS TIME.*AK

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 15, 2005NY

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION,VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP, AND RESULTING IN A CRASH. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BY CONSUMER.*AK VEHICLE WAS ALREADY AT A STAND STILL WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. *TT

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jan 18, 2005103,000 milesNY

92 FORD EXPLORER LEAKING OIL AT 92000 MILES AND BLEW HEAD GASKET AT 103000 400.00 TO FIX NOTIFIED FORD NO REPLY. *NM

Suspension › Front › Hub
Filed Jan 16, 2005150,000 milesNE

I JUST WANT TO FILE A COMPLAINT IN REGARDS TO THE 4WD ON THE 1992 FORD EXPLORER. THE PROBLEM IS THAT IT WILL NOT DISENGAGE FROM 4WD TO 2WD. I FEEL THAT BECAUSE OF THIS IS THE REASON FOR ALL THE NOISE I HEAR COMING FROM THE FRONT END. I HAVE NOT REPLACED IT BECAUSE IT WILL COST ME BETWEEN $300-$800 DEPENDING ON WHAT I PUT ON IT. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT I NEED TO GET THIS REPLACED? I HAVE TWO SMSLL CHILDREN THAT ARE IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME MOST OF THE TIME AND DON'T WANT ANYTHING TO GO WRONG WITH THIS THAT WILL CAUSE ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. *NM

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Dec 6, 2004PA

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY SHUT DOWN. CONSUMER PUT THE GEAR IN PARK. SHE WAS THEN TOLD THAT VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THERE WAS NO WARNING. CONSUMER STATED SHE HEARD A POP. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER AND MANUFACTURER. FOUND THAT IT WAS A COMPUTER PROBLEM. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Oct 28, 2004NJ

DEFECTIVE BRAKE FLUID TUBING TO REAR BRAKES RUSTING IN EXACT SAME PLACE ON BOTH HIS 1992 & 1996 FORD EXPLORERS. *BF *NM

Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/DevicesFire
Filed Aug 26, 2004125,000 milesMS

1992, FORD, EXPLORER CAUGHT ON FIRE AT CONTROL PANEL ON DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE YARD. DAMAGE TO CONTROL PANEL, AND INTERIOR DOOR PANEL (MELTED) POSSIBLE RECALL ISSUE. FORD SHOWING ALL RECALL WORK PERFORMED ON VEHICLE. CANNOT GET RESOLUTION WITH LOCAL DEALER OR FORD.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 24, 2004WI

WHILE STARTING UP THE VEHICLE IT FAILED TO TURN ON. CONSUMER TRIED NUMEROUS TIMES BUT IT FAILED TO TURN ON. MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THAT TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND HE REPLACED IT TWICE. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Carburetor System
Filed Apr 27, 200430 milesCA

WITHIN 24 HOURS OF BUYING MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, I EXPERIENCED MY FIRST PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE HOME ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2002, SATURDAY AFTERNOON AFTER BUYING IT AND ON SUNDAY (9/15) WITH MY WIFE IN THE CAR, THE VEHICLE STARTED HESITATING/JERKING AND FINALLY STALLED OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN A COUNTRY ROAD. IT SEEMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT GETTING ANY GAS. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE STARTED AGAIN AND I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO BE CHECKED AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE FIXED. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM FUTURE FORD TELLING ME THAT I SHOULD ONLY FILL THE GAS TANK FULL TO AVOID PROBLEMS. I INFORMED THE FUTURE FORD REPRESENTATIVE THAT THIS WAS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE OPTION FOR A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. I HAVE TAKEN THIS VEHICLE BACK TO FUTURE FORD 6+ TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND IN EACH CASE IT WAS NOT FIXED, OR IT CANNOT BE FIXED. ONE TIME THIS LAST SUMMER IN 100+ DEGREE HEAT, MY WIFE AND I STOPPED AT A SHOPPING MALL. WHEN WE STARTED TO LEAVE THE MALL, THE VEHICLES AIR-CONDITIONING WOULD NOT WORK, AS WE STARTED DRIVING IT STARTED HESITATING AND THEN BLACK SMOKE WAS COMING OUT THE TAIL PIPE AND IT WAS JERKING VIOLENTLY. I WAS CLOSE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I IMMEDIATELY DROVE IT TO THE DEALER. FUTURE FORD DEALERSHIP STATES THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG, BUT THEY HAVE REPLACED PARTS THEY THOUGHT WERE CAUSING THE PROBLEM AND OTHER ITEMS THEY FOUND WRONG. WHY OR HOW THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE IS BEYOND ME. THIS VEHICLE HAS STALLED

Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/DevicesFire
Filed Mar 28, 2004NY

THE REAR VIEW MIRRORS ON THE EXTERIOR OF MY 1992 FORD EXPLORER DON'T WORK. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE 1992 FORD EXPLORER FOR THE SAME. THIS PROBLEM AND ACCORDING TO THE INFORMATION ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE, MY PROBLEM IS IDENTICAL. HOWEVER, FORD SAYS THAT MY VEHICLE, VIN [XXX] WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I BELIEVE THAT MY VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND I WANT FORD TO FIX THIS SAFETY PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE TO ME. PLEASE ADVISE ME. THANK YOU. *JB UPDATED 07/30/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jan 8, 200480,000 milesNY

FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING GASOLINE. DEALER DID NOT FIND WHAT CAUSED THE LEAK, BUT INDICATED TO THE CONSUMER THAT THE FUEL TANK SHOULD BE REPLACED. *AK CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED WHEN SHE STARTED SMELLING GAS. THE MECHANIC LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD BUT COULDN'T FIND THE SOURCE. AFTER A MONTH, THE GAS TANK WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS IS A COMPONENT THAT SHOULD NEVER BE REPLACED. *PH *NM

Seats
Filed Oct 7, 200370,000 milesWI

DRIVER SIDE HIGH BACK SEAT EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT AS STATED IN RECALL 03 V 281 000 ; BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under DashFire
Filed Oct 6, 200380,000 milesTX

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH SMOKE STARTED TO COME FROM THE DASHBOARD. CONSUMER CONTINUED TO DRIVE. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR 5 MINUTES VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE.*AK

Steering
Filed Sep 29, 2003CA

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SHAKES AND A WHINING NOISE CAN BE HEARD. DEALER MADE SOME REPAIRS TO THE STEERING, BUT DID NOT INFORM THE CONSUMER OF WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THE PROBLEM HAS RETURNED. *AK

Complaints 1-50 of 633, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2002
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20270100Routine
2026441400Routine
20251072000Routine
2024211010Routine
20231131520Routine
20222712410Above average
20214522660Above average
20201,24933100Above average
2019300600Above average
2018734770Above average
20171,70414110Above average
20162,46515140Above average
20151,814910Above average
20141,684762Fatalities reported
20132,23712111Fatalities reported
2012830760Above average
20111,198840Above 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
1992 — this page6337634Fatalities reported
199160911634Fatalities reported
199012010Routine

Compare every Explorer year →

1992 Ford Explorer: questions buyers ask

Is the 1992 Ford Explorer a good car?

It is not among the Explorer years to avoid. Owners filed 633 complaints, against about 939 for a typical Explorer year. The most common complaint is about the tires (19%).

What is the most common problem with the 1992 Ford Explorer?

The tires: 121 of the 633 complaints (19%) are about it. Owners most often say it vibrates or shakes (12%). The typical report comes at 75,125 miles.

How many recalls does the 1992 Ford Explorer have?

7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed May 22, 2001. The largest, 00T005000, covered 14,400,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1992 Ford Explorer problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 111,130 miles. For the tires the midpoint is 75,125 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1992 Ford Explorer?

Yes, 14 times. The latest, EA00012 ("SPARE TIRE WINCH CABLE"), was opened Apr 14, 2000 and closed Oct 20, 2000.

Are there service bulletins for the 1992 Ford Explorer?

The manufacturer filed 67 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (18), the engine (12) and the tires (5). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

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.