“I have had 3 blowouts at 60-70 MPH all on the right rear, 2 with firestone and 1 with goodyear, also premature right rear wheel bearing failure that I feel have been caused by vibration at hiway speeds. Ford has a tsb 96-04-16 that repairs this vibration at a cost of $1600.”
Owner complaint, filed May 1, 2002
“While driving on interstate highway at approx 65mph in heavy traffic, the left rear tire, without any warning vibration/noise, peeled off the entire tread significantly damaging the left rear wheel well and decorative molding. The tire remained inflated. *ak (tiresize: p23575r15)( DOT number: tire size: p23575r15 )”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 25, 2001
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the tiresRecall (red: the tires)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 1993 Explorer peaked in 2000, with 271 filed that year. Owners had filed 82 complaints about the tires before the first recall that covers it, 00T005000 in August 2000; 155 more have come in since. In 2020 owners filed 3 so far.
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.
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 › Hatchback/Liftgate › Support Device/Strut99V310001
Filed Nov 3, 1999470,582 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDER BRACKET WELDS COULD FRACTURE.
Risk. WITH A BROKEN BRACKET WELD, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE LIFTGATE BRACKET TO GRADUALLY BEND INWARD ALLOWING THE LIFT CYLINDER BALL STUD TO DISENGAGE, UNEXPECTEDLY ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO FALL FROM AN OPEN POSITION.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL LIFTGATE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS. DEPENDING UPON THE CONDITION OF THE LIFTGATE SHEET METAL IN THE AREA OF THE BRACKET, DEALERS MAY ALSO INSTALL A LARGER REINFORCEMENT.
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.
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.
Filed Sep 7, 1994835,791 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL SELF-ADJUST PAWL DOES NOT LINE UP PROPERLY WITH THE SELF-ADJUST RACHET CAUSING THE PAWL TO SLIP OVER ONE OR MORE TEETH IN THE RACHET.
Risk. WHEN THE ABOVE OCCURS, IT CAN RESULT IN PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM INEFFECTIVENESS. THE PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL FREELY, IF THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT LEFT IN GEAR.
Remedy. A WEDGE WILL BE INSTALLED WHICH WILL SERVE TO LOCK THE PARKING BRAKE SELF-ADJUST MECHANISM PAWL INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE RACHET. ALSO, OWNERS WILL BE ADVISED TO RELEASE AND REAPPLY THE PARKING BRAKE WHENEVER TOOTH SKIP OCCURS AND WILL BE REMINDED TO ALWAYS TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND LEAVE THE VEHICLE IN GEAR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
All 9 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 1993 Explorer.
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 …
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.
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
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.
DRIVER DOOR ELECTRICAL FIREPreliminary evaluation PE96066Closed
Opened Nov 22, 1996Closed May 15, 1997Led to recall 97V083000electrical system
The contact assembly for the remote power mirror control switch may develop a short circuit between the switch positive pad and chassis ground pad as a result of water intrusion.excess current flow resulting from the short circuit condition may overheat the remote power mirror control switch circuit board and cause a fire in the driver's door.FORD has indicated that current in excess of 15 amps can overheat the circuit board enough to cause a fire.circuit protection is provided by a 30 amp fuse.FORD is recalling all 1993-94 4-door explorer vehicles equipped with the subject electronic option …
BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONEngineering analysis EA96017Closed
Opened Jul 24, 1996Closed Oct 29, 1999brakes
There is no summary currently available
WHEEL LOCKUP WITH ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMPreliminary evaluation PE96016Closed
Opened Feb 28, 1996Closed Jul 24, 1996brakes
Odi has received ond hundred seventy-three (173) consumer complaints of alleged failures or malfunctions in the braking system on certain 1993 and 1994 FORD explorers.these alleged failures or malfunctions are reported to have caused thirty-six (36) accidents resulting from vehicle loss of directional control during braking or from the extended distance required to stop the vehicle during braking.the complainants report that the alleged failures or malfunctions occurred during braking mostly on wet or slippery roads, but also have occurred on dry roads.since odi opened this pe based on wheel …
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.
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1993 Explorer. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
transmission 19brakes 13engine 12equipment 9electrical system 5tires 5body and frame 5parking brake 3
INFORMATION ON SETTING THE TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE FOR 1991 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES IN THE PRE-DELIVERY PROCESS AND DURING MAINTENANCE INTERVALS. *TT
INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC
What owners reported
Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Oct 6, 2020198,486 milesCA
IGNITION SWITCH TURNS WITHOUT A KEY AND THEN IT IS HARD TO INSERT THE KEY. ENGINE STALLED POSSIBLY BECAUSE OF THE SWITCH WHILE WAITING FOR TRAFFIC LIGHT TO CHANGE TO GREEN.
Service Brakes2 injured
Filed Jul 22, 202068,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ABS MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REPLACEMENT PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REACH THE MANUFACTURER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000. *BF *AS
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/ModuleCrash2 injured
Filed Jul 22, 202068,000 milesNY
THE ABS MODULE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A CITY STREET AT ABOUT 20 MPH.
Tires
Filed May 23, 201368,940 milesCA
MICHELIN LTX M/S XL P235/75R-15 ON 93 EXPLORER XL. TIRES ARE 5 YRS OLD WITH LESS THAN 5000 MILES. SERIES OF SIDEWALL CRACKS ABOUT 8" LONG APPEARED IN FRONT RIGHT TIRE, APPROX 5/8" FROM RIM, WITH THE LONGEST CRACK ABOUT 4" LONG AND 0.11" DEEP. NO FAILURE YET, AND THE AMERICAS TIRE DEALER SAYS THE CRACKS ARE NOT A PROBLEM, BUT THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS OF SIDEWALL CRACKING AND BLOWOUTS IN MICHELIN TIRES CONCERNS US. *TR
EngineFire1 injured
Filed Apr 24, 201376,000 milesFL
I WAS PULLING INTO MY CONDO'S PARKING GARAGE WHEN DRIVER IN CAR BEHIND ME ALERTED ME THAT MY TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. I STOPPED IMMEDIATELY AND NOTICED SMOKE AND A BURNING SMELL INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND MY FEET GOT REALLY HOT. EXITED VEHICLE AND NOTICED FIRE DRIPPING FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE AND BLACK SMOKE AND FIRE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911 TO REPORT FIRE, AS THE FIRE UNIT WAS ON ITS WAY THE VEHICLE HAD TWO OR THREE EXPLOSIONS UNDER THE HOOD AND THE HORN CAME ON. THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE 22 STORY CONDOMINIUM FIRE ALARMS WENT OFF, ALL THE ELEVATORS STOPPED WORKING AND THE FIRE MARSHALL EVACUATED THE ENTIRE BUILDING. THE PARKING GARAGE WAS FULL OF SOOTH AND DENSE BLACK SMOKE. THE MAIN LOBBY AND ELEVATOR LOBBY WAS FULL OF SMOKE. THE ER DIAGNOSED ME WITH SMOKE INHALATION AND SHORTNESS OF BREATH. SUBSEQUENT LUNG TEST SHOWS 30% DECREASED LUNG CAPACITY. *TR
TiresCrash4 injured
Filed Sep 11, 2012100,000 milesCA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE TIRES, TIRE LINE ATX, AND LINE SIZE P235/75R15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE TREAD OF THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRES SEPARATED. AS A RESULT, SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND FLIPPED OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND FOUR PASSENGERS HAD MINOR INJURIES. THE TIRES WERE NOT THE ORIGINAL TIRES. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Jan 28, 2010102,600 milesFL
ALMOST HOME, WHEN I NOTICED A BURNING SMELL INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IT THEN BEGAN TO SLOW SPEED, VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE INSIDE AND OUT WHILE PULLING INTO YARD. GOT OUT AND THEN NOTICED FIRE DRIPPING FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE AND SMOKE EXITING FROM HOOD. IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911 TO REPORT FIRE, AS THE FIRE UNIT WAS ON ITS WAY THE VEHICLE HAD A EXPLOSION UNDER THE HOOD AND WAS TOTALED. THE ATTENDING FIRE INVESTIGATOR SAID THAT HE HAD SEEN THIS TYPE OF FIRE BEFORE WITH FORD F150'S AND OTHER FORD SPORTS UTILITY VEHICLES AND THAT IT WAS POSSIBLY THE SPEED OR CRUISE CONTROL THAT STARTED THE FIRE, AND TO LOOK. PLEASE RESPOND SO THAT I KNOW WHICH STEPS TO TAKE. *TW
Engine and Engine Cooling › EngineFire1 injured
Filed Nov 9, 2009200,000 milesOR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD EXPLORER. . AFTER THREE ATTEMPTS OF ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE MISFIRED. A BYSTANDER NEAR THE DRIVER-SIDE DOOR SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER EYES, HAIR, AND UPPER PORTION OF HER BODY. SHE HAD TO BE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE A LITTLE OVER 200,000.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Oct 20, 2009CA
FUEL FILLER HOSE HAS LEAK SO IT DID NOT PASS SMOG, NONE AT USED CAR LOTS, REPAIR SHOP STATES HE HAS SEEN THIS ALOT. *TR
Structure
Filed Oct 28, 2008140,000 milesPA
SUN ROOF FLEW OFF THE EXPLORER ONTO THE ROAD AND SHATTERED IN A MILLION PIECES ALMOST HITTING A BIKER. *TR
Suspension › Front
Filed Jul 21, 2008NY
THE WHOLE '!@#$% FRONT END OF MY 93 EXPLORER KEEPS FALLING APART AFTER FIXING IT TWICE AND IT IS STARTING TO DO IT AGAIN. I CANT KEEP TIRES ON IT AT ALL. *TR
Seat Belts
Filed Jun 18, 2008175,000 milesMI
WHILE MY FAMILY WAS DRIVING IN THE CAR, WITH TWO CHILDREN IN CAR SEATS IN THE BACK SEAT, THE TWO YEAR OLD STARTED CRYING AND TOLD US THE BABY'S CAR SEAT WAS BROKEN. WE LOOKED BACK AND THE CAR SEAT WAS SIDEWAYS- THE SEAT BUCKLE THAT HELD IT IN PLACE HAD COMPLETELY GIVEN OUT! WE WERE DRIVING AND I HAD TO LEAN BACK FROM THE FRONT SEAT AND RIGHT THE BABY SEAT WHILE WE PULLED OVER AND MANAGED TO REBUCKLE THE BABY'S SEAT INTO THE MIDDLE. THE SEATS DO NOT ACTUALLY FIT THAT WAY FOR EVERYDAY USE AND OUR CAR HAS BEEN UNUSABLE TO US EVER SINCE BECAUSE WE HAVE TWO CHILDREN IN CAR SEATS AND NO OTHER WAY TO ARRANGE THEM IN THE CAR. WE CALLED ABOUT A PART TO REPLACE THAT SEAT BUCKLE AND WERE TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT AVAILABLE ANY MORE. I THINK THAT THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN- TO HAVE A SEAT BUCKLE GIVE OUT - WHILE DRIVING - WITH A BABY IN IT! WE HAVE TRADED CARS WITH OUR PARENTS IN THE MEANTIME AND HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIND THE PART TO FIX IT. (THIS IS THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BUCKLE.) *TR
Electrical System › Wiring
Filed Dec 4, 200789,000 milesTX
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CONTACT NOTICED DARK SMOKE COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTED IT WHEN THE SMOKE CEASED. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE SMOKE REAPPEARED. THE CONTACT LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD, BUT COULD NOT LOCATE THE SOURCE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD THE HEATER FUSE REMOVED, WHICH STOPPED THE VEHICLE FROM SMOKING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT YET BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 89,000. UPDATED 05/27/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE AC ONLY WORKED ON HIGH AND THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER DID NOT WORK. UPDATED
Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Nov 8, 200773,000 milesMD
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR SEVERAL HOURS WHEN THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING ELECTRICAL SMELL INSIDE HIS HOME. HE GOT HIS FAMILY OUT OF THE HOME AND THE HOME ALARM BEGAN TO SOUND. WHEN THEY EXITED THE HOUSE, THEY DISCOVERED THE GARAGE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, THE HOME WAS ALSO ENGULFED IN FLAMES. BOTH VEHICLES IN THE GARAGE AND THE HOUSE WERE DESTROYED. THE CONTACT AND HIS WIFE WERE CHARGED WITH ARSON; HOWEVER, THE DAY BEFORE THE TRIAL, THE CHARGES WERE DROPPED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVEN THOUGH THE CHARGES WERE DROPPED, THE FIRE IS STILL LISTED AS SUSPICIOUS. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 99V062001 AND 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) WERE REFERENCED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THIS IS WHAT STARTED THE FIRE, BUT THERE IS NO VEHICLE LEFT TO EXAMINE. A FIRE AND POLICE REPORT WERE FILED. THE VIN AND PURCHASE DATE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Windshield › Electrical Heating ElementFire
Filed Oct 31, 2006146,000 milesWI
STARTED 1993 FORD EXPLORER AND HEATER FAN WAS ON SETTING 2. BURNING LEAF SMOKE STARTED POURING OUT OF THE DEFROST VENTS (HEATER SELECTOR WAS SET TO DEFROST). IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF IGNITION AND HAD TO DRIVE OTHER VEHICLE TO WORK. WILL HAVE TO REMOVE HEATER BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR ASSEMBLY AND CLEAN OUT DEBRIS FROM BLOWER HOUSING. NOTICED BURNT LEAF SMELL BEFORE BUT NEVER SAW SMOKE UNTIL TODAY. *NM
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Jul 30, 2006143,231 milesNJ
DURING NORMAL OPERATION LEFT REAR BRAKE LINE CRACKED, LOST ALL BRAKE FLUID, MANAGED TO STOP VEHICLE ON IN MEDIAN, HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP, AFTER LEFT REAR BRAKE LINE WAS REPLACED MECHANIC WAS BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM, DURING THE PROCESS THE MAIN BRAKE LINE LEADING TO THE REAR BRAKE LINES CRACKED AND DEVELOPED A LEAK, LOST ALL BRAKE FLUID AGAIN!FORTUNATELY THIS TIME IT HAPPENED AT SHOP, HAD ALL BRAKE LINES REPLACED, ADVISED SHOP TO HOLD ON TO OLD (ORIGINAL) BRAKE LINES. *JB
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 24, 2006TX
1993 FORD EXPLORER SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTED IN DRIVEWAY, DAMAGE ORIGINATED IN THE DRIVER SIDE DASHBOARD AREA. VEHICLE WASN'T DRIVEN 24 HOURS PRIOR TO FIRE. NO RECALL FOUND FOR YEAR/MODEL, BUT COUNTLESS FIRES REPORTED FOR BASE FORDS OF ALL MODELS AND YEARS. *NM
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 6, 2006MO
I BOUGHT A CAR FROM A DEALER AND HAVE THE CAR FOR LESS THAN 30 DAYS AND THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING OUT. THE DEALER WOULD NOT GIVE ME A TEMPORARY TAG UNLESS I WENT TO HIS MECHANIC FOR A INSPECTION ALSO THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN CONSTANTLY LEAKING OIL SINCE THE 2ND DAY I PURCHASED. *JB
Electrical System › WiringFire
Filed Dec 12, 2005GA
I OWNED A FORD 1992 EXPLORER AND ONE MORNING IT JUST CACTH FIRE FOR NO REASON AT ALL. WE LET IT RUN BEFORE TAKING MY KIDS TO SCHOOL AS WE DO EVERY COLD MORNING AND IF A LITTLE GIRL HAD BEEN WALKING TO THE BUS STOP AND SAW THE CAR ON FIRE WE WOULD HAVE BEEN BURN UP IN THE HOUSE SO LUCKLY SHE SAW AND LET US NO BEFORE IT GOT TO THE PORCH WE CALL THE FIRE DEPT. *NM
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Filed Nov 8, 2005PA
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SAFETY BELT CAME UNLATCHED. THE SAFETY BELT NO LONGER WORKED. THE BUTTON ON THE BUCKLE WAS STUCK ALL THE WAY IN AND LOOSE TO THE TOUCH. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A MECHANIC.*AK UPDATED 11/29/2005 - THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LOCK BROKE AND THERE ARE LOOSE PARTS MOVING AROUND INSIDE THE LOCK. *NM
Parking Brake › Conventional
Filed Oct 26, 2005163,000 milesNC
DT: THE CONTACT HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE PARKING BRAKE STAYING IN PLACE. THE PARKING BRAKE GOES TO THE FLOOR AND DOES NOT HOLD. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A YEAR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN CHECKED BY A DEALER. *AK UPDATED 01/23/06. *JB
Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Sep 12, 2005120,000 milesWI
DT: THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE STARTED SPUTTERING LIKE IT NEEDED A TUNE UP. TRIED TO ACCELERATE AND SMOKE CAME FROM THE HEATING AND COOLING VENTS. AS SOON AS THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER SMOKED STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS THE VEHICLE WAS IN FLAMES. CONTACTED FORD, THEY SAID THEY WERE NOT RECALLING THIS VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME OUT BUT WERE NOT SURE WHERE THE FIRE STARTED FROM. THIS HAPPENED ON OCTOBER 1, 2004. *AK
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed Aug 26, 2005130,000 milesNY
DT: CONTACT STATED ACCELERATOR STUCK ONCE IN MARCH 2005, AND HE IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE REPAIRMAN SAID SOMETHING NEEDED TO BE CLEANED. HE DID NOT RECALL THE PART THAT MECHANIC CLEANED. THE MECHANIC SAID HE HAD NOTICED THIS HAPPENING A LOT IN FORD EXPLORERS. CONSUMER HAD NOT NOTICED IT HAPPENING SINCE THEN. HE WAS DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED OF 25 MPH AND ALL OF SUDDEN VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO THE MAXIMUM. HE STOMPED THE GAS PEDAL IN ORDER TO MAKE IT DISENGAGE. THERE WAS NO CRASH. HE HAS NOT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AS OF YET. *AK *JB
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Jun 17, 2005210,000 milesTX
DT: DEFECTIVE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THE MODEL IS 1993 FORD EXPLORER. THE OWNER HAS JUST SEEN THIS ON THE NEWS. THE OWNER SAYS, YES, HE IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE, HIS HOUSE MAY BURN DOWN. THIS IS COMING FROM WHAT THE CONSUMER HAS SEEN ON THE NEWS. THE OWNER HAS BEEN ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND CHECKED FOR RECALLS AND INVESTIGATIONS. THE OWNER HAS NOT HAD THIS CHECKED YET, BUT THE OWNER HAS ALREADY CONTACTED FORD WITH NO COOPERATION AT ALL. THERE HAS BEEN NO COOPERATION WITH THE 2 DEALERSHIPS THAT THE CONSUMER HAS TALKED TO. CONSUMER FEELS LIKE THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND FIXED BECAUSE OF SAFETY. ISSUES.*AK
Power Train › Axle Hubs
Filed Jun 3, 2005PA
1993 FORD EXPLORER NEEDS HUBS FOR THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE.*MR *NM
Parking BrakeCrash
Filed May 31, 2005250,000 milesGA
DT: VECHICLE WAS IN PARK WITH THE PARKING BRAKE ON AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN A HILL.*AK
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 1, 200565 milesOK
INTERMITTENTLY ENGINE STALLING. *JB
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire
Filed Jan 5, 2005WI
WHILE TRAVELING SPARE TIRE SHEARED OFF FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. NO INJURIES TO REPORT. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO RETRIEVE THE TIRE. GOODYEAR, WRANGLER, LTR 235/75R15. *AK
Electrical System › WiringFire
Filed Dec 8, 2004CA
WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE. *AK
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Nov 30, 2004DC
MULTIPLE FAILURES, CONTINUALLY BRAKE PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE ALSO OVERHEATED, THERMOSTAT REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. A/C COMPRESSOR MALFUNCTION, ETC. *BF A BLOWOUT RIPPED THE RUNNING BOARD ASSEMBLY, THE ABS LIGHT WAS INTERMITTENT AND THE MECHANIC COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHY, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP ON THE VEHICLE AND VIOLENTLY SKIDDED TO A STOP, THE EXHAUST WAS REPLACED TWICE, THERE WAS A NOISE THAT LINGERED ON IN THE FRONT END AND A LOUD CREAKING SOUND. *SC
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 7, 2004171,000 milesVA
WHILE DRIVING, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WENT UP. THE CABLE THAT HOLDS THE SPARE TIRE IN PLACE, SNAPPED CAUSING THE SPARE TIRE TO FALL OUT FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB WHEN THE TIRE FELL IT THREW THE BACK END OF THE VEHICLE INTO THE AIR. *TC
Tires
Filed Aug 12, 2004DC
GOODYEAR REGATTA 2 TIRES.*MR ONE OF THE TIRES HAS A CONCAVE/CIRCULAR INDENTATION OF APPROXIMATELY 1/2-3/4 INCH BEGINNING AT THE TREAD SURFACE AND RUNNING VERTICALLY UP THE SIDEWALL ARE 2-3 INCHES FROM THE OUTER TREAD. *NM
Tires › Tread/BeltCrash
Filed Jul 17, 200491,000 milesCA
DUNLOP LIGHT TRUCK TIRES LT 235-75R15 RADIAL ROVER AT FIRST PROBLEM WAS A TIRE BLISTER THAT CAUSED AN UNEVEN TIRE WEAR PROBLEM. I BROUGHT THE TIRE BACK TO THE TIRE STORE, WHERE I PURCHASED SAID TIRES, AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A ROAD HAZARD THAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. NO WARRANTY COVERAGE ON THE TIRE, EVEN THOUGH I HAD PUT LESS THAN 50% WEAR ON TIRE. ON JUNE 13, 2004, WHILE RETURNING FRIM A TRIP DOWN TO LONG BEACH, HEADING NORTH BOUND ON INTERSTATE 5 IN CALIFORNIA I EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE TIRE FAILURE OF THE LEFT REAR TIRE. THE TIRE DETREADED OR BLEW ITS TREAD OFF AND THIS CAUSED ME TO LOOSE CONTROL OF MY FORD EXPLORER ( BUBBLES, WAS THE CARS NAME SINCE SHE WAS CHAMPAGNE COLORED ). I SLID BETWEEN THE LANES OF THE HIGHWAY TRYING TO REGAIN CONTROL OF MY CAR. I DIDN'T REGAIN CONTROLL BUT ENDED UP ROLLING IT DOWN THE SHOULDER AND AFTER BOUNCING AROUND LANDED UPRIGHT ON MY TIRES FACING THE WRONG DIRECTION. SOME HOW I DIDN'T GET HURT BUT I DID DESTROY MY 1993 EXPLORER. THE TRUCK I LOVED AND SINCE I DIDN'T GET HURT IN THE ROLL OVER I HAVE ZERO COMPLAINTS ABOUT MY FORD IN FACT I THINK I WILL TELL THEM ABOUT THE ROLL OVER AND THANK THEM FOR BUILDING A CAR THAT I ROLLED AND STILL DIDN'T GET HURT. MY DUNLOPS TIRES ON THE OTHER HAND I HAVE MANY COMPLAINTS, ONE COMPLETE TIRE FAILURE THAT DIRECTLY LEAD TO ME WRECKING MY CAR AND ONE BLISTER THAT MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN A ROAD HAZARD. I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT THIS TO YOU TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THESE TIRES AND IF YOU N
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Support Device/Strut
Filed Jul 15, 2004FL
CONSUMER STATED THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN RECALL #95V164001 FAILED. THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDERS WERE ATTACHED TO BRACKETS THAT WERE WELDED TO THE LIFTGATE. THE BRACKET WELDS CAN FRACTURE. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THEY DID ALL THAT THEY WERE GOING TO DO. *JB
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 15, 2004FL
WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DID NOT SHIFT PROPERLY FROM FIRST TO THE SECOND GEAR. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jul 11, 2004180,300 milesCA
INTERMITENT - ANTI LOCK BRAKES FAILURE. PEDAL DROPS DOWN AND NOISE (GROWL) OCCURS, FOLLOWED BY VEHICAL PULLING TO ONE SIDE WITH LONG STOPPING DISTANCE. RECENT INCIDENT REQUIRED EXTREME BRAKING AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP AND THE VEHICLE SLID OUT OF CONTROL.*AK
Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Wheel Speed Sensor
Filed Jun 18, 2004TX
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES BRAKE PEDAL GOT STUCK. THIS CAUSED THE ABS LIGHT TO APPEAR ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAIN ON. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND REPLACED IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Jun 4, 200430,000 milesKY
TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. *MR THIS PROBLEM HAD BEEN PRESENT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST PURCHASED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON 5 OCCASIONS WITH NO SUCCESS UNTIL ANOTHER CHEVY DEALER FOUND THAT THERE WAS A BAD BATTERY CABLE. *SC *JB
Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Mar 9, 2004OR
CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS AT DIFFERENT TIMES GETTING THE FRONT AND REAR DOORS LOCKED. THE HINGES BROKE, CAUSING THE DOOR TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. *AK
Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Mar 3, 200498,000 milesCA
WHEN DRIVING AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS OPERATE ERRATICALLY*AK
Tires › Sidewall
Filed Feb 26, 2004144,000 milesGA
RIGHT REAR TIRE SIDEWALL BLEW OUT AT 45 MPH IN 4 DIFFERENT SECTIONS. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE ALMOST FLIPPED OVER. *AK
Tires
Filed Feb 26, 2004144,000 milesGA
RIGHT REAR TIRE SIDEWALL BLEW OUT AT 45 MPH IN FOUR DIFFERENT PLACES. *AK
Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Feb 14, 200499,500 milesNH
1ST CASE WAS SUMMER TIME, ENGINE WOULDN'T EVEN TURN OVER WHEN TRYING TO START IT. AIR CONDITIONER HAD BEEN ON EARLIER. TURNED THE AIR CONDITIONER SWITCH TO OFF AND ENGINE STARTED AND RAN JUST FINE. ATTRIBUTED THE PROBLEM TO BAD COMPRESSOR LOADING DOWN THE ENGINE. $900 LATER WITH NEW COMPRESSOR AND CONVERSION TO NEW REFRIGERANT I ASSUMED EVERYTHING WAS FIXED. TRUCK IS 2ND VEHICLE NOT USED MUCH UNTIL WINTER. DECEMBER WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, I ACCIDENTALLY PUSHED THE HEATER SWITCH IN, (AIR-CONDITIONER ON MODE) AND THE ENGINE INSTANTLY SHUT OFF, AS WELL AS ALL THE LIGHTS AND THE HORN. RESET THE SWITCH AND ONCE AGAIN EVERYTHING WAS FINE. NEVER BLEW A FUSE! EXPECTED A WIRE HARNESS FIRE AFTER THAT! I'D EXPECT THE LOAD LINE TO THE COMPRESSOR TO BE ON A SEPARATE CIRCUIT AND ISOLATED BY A FUSE LINK OR REPLACEABLE FUSE! REPLACED THE $95 SWITCH AND INSPECTED IT. IT WAS ALL MELTED INSIDE. I WONDER IF THE SWITCH WAS THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM AND THE COMPRESSOR WAS ACTUALLY GOOD SINCE THE AIR WAS COLD WHEN IT WAS RUNNING. COULD IT GO FROM GOOD TO INSTANTLY SEIZED? COULD THE CIRCUITRY IN THE EXPLORER SPORT ALLOW A LARGE CURRENT DRAW TO MELT THE SWITCH? IF SO FORD OWES ME FOR THE COMPRESSOR AND LABOR. CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY A FUSELINK OR FUSE DIDN'T BLOW. ONLY A DEAD SHORT WOULD KNOCK OUT THE LIGHTS, AND HORN. LUCKILY THE SWITCH COULD BE SWITCHED OFF, AS I ROLLED TO A STOP. SECOND ITEM TO REPORT WAS THAT WHILE REPLACING THE BAD RESISTOR COILS FOR FAN'S SPEED CONTROL, THE HEATER ENCLOSURE WAS PACKED
Seats
Filed Jan 7, 2004119,987 milesKY
FAILURE OF 1993 FORD EXPLORER FRONT SEAT LOWER HALF AT MOUNTING POINTS. FORD PART 61704, LEFT AND RIGHT. MATERIAL FAILURE DUE TO METAL FATIGUE. MOVEMENT AND FLEXING OF LOWER SEAT FRAME CAUSES MATERIAL FAILURE APPROX. INCH ABOVE ATTACHMENT BOLT POSITION. REPEATED LOSS OF SEAT ATTACHMENT BOLT TORQUE ALLOWED FRAME MOVEMENT, WHICH RESULTS IN MATERIAL FAILURE. SEAT MOVES BACK AND LATERALLY AWAY FROM NORMAL DRIVING POSITION. CAN CAUSE ACCIDENT OR SERIOUS INJURY.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Support Device/Strut
Filed Dec 24, 2003NC
MANUFACTURER CLOSED THE RECALL CASE AND WILL NOT PERFORM REPAIR ACCORDING TO THE DEALER. *LA THE SERVICE DEALER HAD INSPECTED THE REAR LIFT GATE AND SAID THAT THE REPAIR WAS SUBJECT OF A RECALL THAT FORD ISSUED. RECALL#95V164001 *SC THE CONSUMER STATED THE PAPER WORK STATED THE REPAIR HAD BEEN PERFORMED WHEN IT HAD NOT BEEN, BECAUSE THE FIRST TIME THE CONSUMER WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP, DUE TO TIME CONSTRAINTS THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE. *JB
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Heater CoreFire
Filed Dec 11, 2003CA
FIRE IN HEATER BLOWER, 1993 FORD EXPLORER, HEAVY SMOKE IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.*AK
Steering › Gear Box (other Than Rack and Pinion)
Filed Dec 10, 200327,000 milesTX
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, VEHICLE LOST STEERING CONTROL. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT AN INCIDENT OR ANY FURTHER DAMAGE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT STEERING GEAR BOX BROKE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK REPAIR COMPLETED 9/18/03. CONSUMER NOTED HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW AND WITH 27K MILES ON IT, IT HAS ALREADY BEEN IN THE SHOP TWICE IN ONE YEAR. *PH
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Dec 2, 2003135,000 milesNY
CONSUMER NOTICED WHILE TRAVELING, THE BRAKES WERE SMOKING DUE TO OVER HEATING. DEALER HAD BEEN CONTACTED AND THE BRAKING SYSTEM WAS REPLACED. THE BRAKES CONTINUED TO WEAR OUT ONCE A MONTH, THE BRAKES HAD BEEN RESURFACED, ADJUSTED AND REPLACED 5 TIMES. *AK *TT *JB
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan
Filed Nov 26, 2003124,000 milesNJ
THE VEHICLES COOLING FAN CRACKED. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FAN WOULD FAIL WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Nov 19, 2003TX
CYLINDER HEADS NEED REPLACING. *LA
Complaints 1-50 of 939, newest first, reproduced as filed.
It is not among the Explorer years to avoid. Owners filed 939 complaints, against about 939 for a typical Explorer year. The most common complaint is about the tires (25%).
What is the most common problem with the 1993 Ford Explorer?
The tires: 237 of the 939 complaints (25%) are about it. Owners most often say it vibrates or shakes (10%). The typical report comes at 111,897 miles.
How many recalls does the 1993 Ford Explorer have?
9 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 1993 Ford Explorer problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 119,987 miles. For the tires the midpoint is 111,897 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 1993 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 1993 Ford Explorer?
The manufacturer filed 83 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (19), the brakes (13) and the engine (12). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
1 death 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.