1995 Ford Explorer

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 843 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the tires › tread/belt. It has been recalled 12 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

96 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000150,000 miles; the median is 122,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Tires › Tread/Belt99
11025
Tires89
14034
Power Train › Automatic Transmission67
001
Vehicle Speed Control41
422
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip38
917
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly30
100
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline25
040
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal23
201
Suspension22
200
Air Bags › Frontal19
17018

12 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Vehicle Speed Control09V399000
Filed Oct 13, 20094,500,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Risk. A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Remedy. FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

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.

Suspension00V402000
Filed Nov 28, 2000810,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, A FRONT SWAY BAR LINK CAN FRACTURE.

Risk. VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS.

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 › 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.

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.

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly95V053000
Filed Mar 15, 199549,300 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THE INNER TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND CAN FRACTURE CAUSING SHAKING OR SHIMMY AT LOW SPEEDS.

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE WHEEL ON THE SIDE WITH THE BROKEN TIE ROD TO TUCK INWARD OR OUTWARD AND SLIDE RESULTING IN AN INCREASED POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INNER TIE RODS AND REPLACE THE SUSPECT TIE RODS.

Showing 10 of 12 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed May 22, 2019175,000 milesCA

THE STEERING COLUMN AND ALL THE PARTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE STEERING OF THE VEHICLE WERE AFFECTED WHEN THE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE CLAMPS THAT SECURE THE BUSHINGS TO THE STEERING COLUMN BEGAN TO LOOSEN. I EXAMINED THE AREA CAREFULLY AND NOTICED THAT BECAUSE THE BOLTS LOOSENED, THE CLAMPS WERE GIVEN TOO MUCH PLAY. WITHIN A SHORT WHILE, A MONTH OR TWO, THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN AND THE SHIFTER WERE COMPLETELY SECURED BY ONE BROKEN CLAMP THAT HELD ITS PLACE BECAUSE OF THE BUSHINGS AND A LOOSE BOLT. THE OTHER CLAMP WAS ALSO BROKEN BUT WAS LAYING ON THE FLOOR BOARD. IT WASN'T AN EXPENSIVE FIX. I CUSTOMIZED A METAL CLAMP FOR EACH OF THE TWO PLACES THE WENT. THEY ARE THE SAME CLAMPS THE ELECTRICIANS USE TO SECURE CABLES AND WIRES TO THE WALLS AND CEILINGS. I USED THE ONES MADE FROM BRONZE. THEY ARE MORE PLIABLE TO SHAPE FOR AN ALMOST PERFECT FIT. WITH A LITTLE GREASE ABOVE AND BELOW THE BUSHINGS AND ALSO SOME WHERE THE NOW BRONZE CLAMPS HOLD THE BUSHINGS, I BELIEVE THAT THE STEERING COLUMN IS AS SAFE AS CAN BE. ALSO, THE PLASTIC THAT HOLDS THE CABLE THAT IS USED TO ADJUST THE SHIFT INDICATOR NEEDS TO BE MADE OF A DIFFERENT MATERIAL. I'LL GET TO THAT SOON.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed May 5, 2018200,180 milesCA

I GOT IN MY CAR A BATTERY LESS THAN 2 WEEKS OLD WAS ALMOST DEAD NOTHING WAS PLUGGED IN OR ON I DROVE GOT ON THE FREEWAY ABOUT 20 MIN ON FREEWAY CAR STOPS WON'T MOVE MAKES REV NOISE EVENTUALLY STARTS LONG ENOUGH TO STOP AGAIN AT BOTTOM OF FREEWAY EXIT STARTS AGAIN GET IN INTO GAS STATION I SIT IN GAS STATION FOR ABOUT 12 HOURS ADD 5 QUARTS OF TRANSMISSION FLUID EVENTUALLY CAR WILL LET ME DRIVE ABOUT TWO BLOCKS BUT COME TO FIND OUT I WAS DRIVING WELL ON FIRE RACE TO GET MY DOG AND I OUT CAR CATCHES COMPLETELY ON FIRE FIRE MAN SAYS IT ELECTRIC UNDER HOOD NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS OTHER THAN THE BATTERY AND THE OD OFF LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF I HAD THE CAR ABOUT A MONTH POLICE REPORT NUMBER1702207 OAKLAND CA POLICE DEPARTMENT

Electrical System
Filed Jul 25, 20161,500,000 milesNY

INTERMITTENT STARTING PROBLEMS AND STALLS WHILE DRIVING

SeatsFire
Filed Apr 12, 2015159,370 milesCA

95 FORD EXPLORER PARKED IN CARPORT WITH ENGINE SHUT OFF FOR 5 MIN WHILE CARRIED GROCERIES UP STAIRS - I HAD LEFT DOG IN CRATE TIL FINISHED UNLOADING BUT WHEN I CAME DOWN NOTICED ELECTRICAL SMELL, GOT OUT LOOKED AROUND CAR BUT DID NOT NOTICE ANY BURNING, GOT DOG OUT AND RETURNED IN THREE MINUTES TO FIND KEY NO LONGER UNLOCKED DOOR AND COULD NOT SEE THROUGH WINDOWS - WHEN DOOR WAS OPENED SMOKE BELLOWED OUT, INTERIOR WAS COVERED WITH BLACK SOOT, A HOLE BIGGER THAN A BASKETBALL WAS BURNT OUT OF SEAT AND BACK OF DRIVER'S SEAT WAS PARCHED - HAD I NOT HAD THE WINDOWS COMPLETELY UP IT MOST LIKELY WOULD HAVE TO CONTINUED TO BURN. *TR

Engine
Filed Jan 20, 2015130,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

SeatsFire
Filed Jan 17, 201523,500 milesAZ

SOME ELECTRICAL COMPONENT UNDER THE FRONT DRIVERS SEAT CAUGHT FIRE, CONSUMING THE SEAT PORTION OF THE ASSEMBLY. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Dec 24, 2014190,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE COULD BE RESTARTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.

Power Train
Filed Oct 28, 2014171,000 milesGA

MY VEHICLE WILL NOT GO IN REVERSE. *TR

Suspension
Filed Mar 24, 201460,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SWAY BAR WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LINK ROD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE OVER A ONE YEAR PERIOD. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Aug 15, 2013WA

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LATCH IS DEFECTIVE, (SPRING?) IT IS DIFFICULT TO LATCH AND REPEATEDLY UNLATCHES DURING DRIVE TIMES. I WAS TICKETED FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 13, 2013CO

THE VEHICLE DOESN'T SHIFT SINCE ITS MISSING THE TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS O/D SENSOR CANT LOCATE A REPLACEMENT PART THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON ALL THE TIME IT USES A LOT OF ANTIFREEZE SPEED CONTROL DON'T WORK FUEL PUMP KEEPS GOING OUT. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Dec 12, 2012MN

THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT FORD'S RECALL PROCESS. I RECENTLY RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE REGARDING A FIRE HAZARD. I HAVE NOT OWNED MY 1995 EXPLORER FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS. WHEN I CALLED THE NUMBER LISTED IN THE RECALL NOTICE I GOT A DEPARTMENT AT FORD - THE MAN SAID THEY CONTRACT OUT THEIR RECALLS TO A THIRD PARTY AND THAT HE COULD NOT HELP ME, NOR COULD HE GIVE ME THEIR NUMBER. HE SAID THE COMPANY GETS OWNER INFORMATION BY USING THE DMV. IF THEY HAD DONE THAT THEY WOULD KNOW I HAVE NOT OWNED THIS VEHICLE IN MANY YEARS. THIS RECALL NOTICE WAS ABOUT A FIRE HAZARD AND OBVIOUSLY WILL NOT GET TO THE PERSON WHO MAY NOW OWN THE VEHICLE, SO IT ISN'T A VERY EFFECTIVE RECALL. THE THIRD PARTY COMPANY WHO IS DOING THIS FOR FORD IS NOT DOING A VERY GOOD JOB ON SOMETHING AS CRITICAL AS A SAFETY RECALL. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 14, 2012220,000 milesIN

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR WHEN IT BEGAN TO DOWN SHIFT AROUND 35MPH. EVENTUALLY, AFTER ADDING MORE GAS, IT KICKED INTO GEAR. MY VEHICLE IS AN AUTOMATIC. ONCE IT DOWN SHIFTS, THE OD LIGHT BEGINS FLASHING ON AND OFF. IT HAS NOW BEEN DOING THIS CONSISTENTLY. THE DRIVE IS NOT A SMOOTH DRIVE AND WHEN I AM GOING APPROXIMATELY 50-60MPH OR MORE, THE CAR BEGINS TO SHAKE. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 14, 2012IN

SINCE I'VE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, THE CRUISE CONTROL HAS NEVER WORKED. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 13, 201256,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 2, 2012143,000 milesCA

VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AND ENGINE HAD BEEN OFF FOR 30 MINUTES. DRIVER WAS SITTING IN VEHICLE MAKING PHONE CALLS WHEN HE SMELLED SMOKE AND SAW FLAMING WIRE UNDER DRIVER'S SEAT. DRIVER ESCAPED UNHARMED AND WAS ABLE TO REMOVE SOME CONTENTS BUT VEHICLE WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAME WITHIN A FEW MINUTES, DESTROYING VEHICLE ENTIRELY, MELTING PAVEMENT, BURNING NEARBY GRASS AND TREES, AND MELTING BUMPER AND PAINT ON A NEARBY PARKED VEHICLE. FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH VEHICLE. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Feb 21, 2012WA

I AM WIRTING BECAUSE THERE ARE SEVERAL RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE HOWERVER I WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALLS ARE VIN SPECIFIC. MEANING THAT EVEN THOUGH MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIANCEING THE SAME PROBLEMS OF CARS THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED OF THE SAME MAKE MODEL AND MODEL YEAR THE MANUFACTURE IS NOT REQUIRED TO CORRECT THE DEFECT. I HAVE A PROBLEM WITTH THAT BECAUSE IT PLACES THE PUBLIC AT RISK. IN MY CASE I HAVE A 1995 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE TIE RODS, SWAY BAR LINKS, AND BRAKES. ALL ISSUES THAT ARE SAFTEY RELATED. I HAVE TALKED WITH OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME CAR THAT HAVE THE EXCAT ISSUES. OBVIOUSLY THE PROBLEM IS SYSTEMIC AND PLACES THE PUBLIC AT RISK AS THIS WAS ONE OF THE BEST SELLING MODELS OF THAT YEAR. I AM ASKING THAT YOU ISSUE A RECALL ALL VEHICLES OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL FOR THAT YEAR. THIS WOULD ALLEVIATE THE SAFTEY RISK CASUED BY THE DEFECT. I BELIEVE THAT YOUR OFFICE AND THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO ADRESS THE ISSUE AND ACT IN THE PUBLICS INTEREST. PLEASE CONTACT ME. *TR

Suspension
Filed Jan 21, 201265,000 milesWA

I HAVE A 1995 FORD EXPLORER AND THE DEALER REFUSES TO HONOR SOME OF THE RECALLS THAT HAVE BEEN ORDERED FOR MY VEHICLE THE RECALLS ARE LISTED BELOW RECALL DATE: MAR 15, 1995 MODEL AFFECTED: 1995 FORD EXPLORER SUMMARY: THE INNER TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND CAN FRACTURE CAUSING SHAKING OR SHIMMY AT LOW SPEEDS. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INNER TIE RODS AND REPLACE THE SUSPECT TIE RODS. POTENTIAL UNITS AFFECTED: 49300 RECALL DATE: MAR 15, 1995 MODEL AFFECTED: 1995 FORD EXPLORER SUMMARY: IN SOME OF THE VEHICLES, BRAKE TUBES WERE MISROUTED BETWEEN THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT AND RESULTS IN EXCEEDING THE ALLOWABLE STOPPING DISTANCES AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS." IN ADDITION, SEALS WITHIN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD BE ABRADED BY THIS CONDITION OVER TIME RESULTING IN AN INTERNAL LEAK AND A FURTHER REDUCTION IN BRAKE PERFORMANCE. REMEDY: DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE BRAKE TUBES. POTENTIAL UNITS AFFECTED: 8100 RECALL DATE: JAN 31, 1996 MODEL AFFECTED: 1995 FORD EXPLORER SUMMARY: 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. REMEDY: FORD DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENTS. POTENTIAL UNITS AFFECTED: 1029380 RECALL DATE: N

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 19, 2012150,500 milesNC

PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM PRIVATE SELLER. I ASKED THE SELLER WHY THE O/D LIGHT OFF WAS FLASHING ON THE DASH. HE SAID HE HAD NO EXPERIENCE WITH ENGINES AND HE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT IT WAS FOR. THE NEXT DAY, I WAS CHECKING ALL FLUIDS AND LEVELS. ANYWAY, I LOOK IN THE TRANSMISSION FILLING AREA AND NOTICED THE LEVEL WAS WAAAYYY PAST FULL (ABOVE CROSSBAR AREA); I SEE THAT THERE IS ONLY MILKY-PINK LIKE SUBSTANCE IN IT. FROM ALL THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE ALREADY, I THINK THE PINK SUBSTANCE IS A MIXTURE OF TRANSMISSION FLUID AND ANTI-FREEZE. I HAVE NOT HAD A CHANCE (OR THE MONEY) TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT, BUT I DO KNOW THAT ANTI-FREEZE IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AREA(S). MY GUESS IS THAT THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY AN INTERNAL FAILURE IN THE RADIATOR COOLING LINE. I BELIEVE THAT FORD SHOULD RECALL THESE TRANSMISSIONS BECAUSE THEY KNOW IT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM. PLEASE, IS THERE ANYONE THAT HAS ALREADY STARTED A CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT ON FORD BECAUSE OF THIS MATTER? KNOWING THAT THEY ARE SELLING (OR SOLD) A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT TO HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF CUSTOMERS.THIS HAS TO BE A MANUFACTURER ISSUE! THE CONSUMER SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS ISSUE. *TT

Power Train
Filed Jan 1, 2012137,000 milesVA

DRIVING IN LIGHT CITY TRAFFIC, "OVERDRIVE" INDICATOR LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING ON AND OFF A FEW SECONDS AFTER PULLING AWAY FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT, ENGINE RACED AND WOULDN'T UPSHIFT, THEN IT JUST COASTED TO A STOP, AND WOULDN'T GO ANYMORE. WE HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE FLATBEDDED TO A REPAIR SHOP, AND FOUND TRANSMISSION NEEDED A COMPLETE REBUILD, WHICH COST ABOUT $3,800. *TR

20 of 843 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
1995 — this page84312328Fatalities reported
19941,20778220Fatalities reported
19939399481Fatalities reported
19926337634Fatalities reported
199160911634Fatalities reported
199012010Routine

Compare every Explorer year →

Reading this record

8 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: Oct 13, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.