NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
12.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
12.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
37.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
615.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1539.5%
150,000+ miles
1231.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 48Mar 2015
NHTSA investigations into the 1992 Ford Explorer
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
RQ99016Opened 29 Jul 1999Still openSTRUCTURE
LIFTGATE SUPPORT BRACKET FAILURE
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 REC...
EA00012Opened 14 Apr 2000Closed 20 Oct 2000STRUCTURE
SPARE TIRE WINCH CABLE
PE99072Opened 30 Nov 1999Closed 14 Apr 2000STRUCTURE
SPARE TIRE WINCH CABLE
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 FOLL...
EA99004Opened 15 Jan 1999Closed 18 Apr 2000VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
BLOWER ASSEMBLY FIRES
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.
DP98008Opened 4 Sep 1998Closed 11 Sep 1998VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
HEATER BLOWER ASSEMBLY FIRE
PE98048Opened 4 Sep 1998Closed 15 Jan 1999VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
BLOWER ASSEMBLY FIRES
DP98001Opened 6 Jan 1998Closed 4 Feb 1998STRUCTURE
HEAVY LATERAL VIBRATION
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.
EA97011Opened 23 May 1997Closed 20 Jan 1998STRUCTURE
SUNROOF SHATTERING AND SEPARATION
Recalls on the 1992 Ford Explorer
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
01X001000
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
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.
00T005000
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
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.
97V235001
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
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.
97V083000
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
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.
96V024001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC
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.
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.
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2001193139,310 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicles, from Ontario to Newfoundland, could experience a corrosion related failure of the spare tire winch cable. If the cable breaks while the vehicle is being driven, the spare tire could drop down, potentially creating a roadway obstacle. Correction: Owners are to inspect the cable, and if corrosion or broken wire strands are present the vehicle is to be taken to a dealer for replacement of the winch assembly. Program ends September 30, 2003.
Recall 19980169,815 units in Canada
Structure
NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY INSTALLED SUNROOFS WITH REMOVABLE GLASS PANELS. IF MISINSTALLED BY THE OPERATOR, THE SUNROOF'S REMOVABLE GLASS PANEL MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE IT IS BEING DRIVEN. THE SEPARATED GLASS PANEL MAY POTENTIALLY STRIKE OTHER VEHICULAR TRAFFIC OR FORCE OTHER MOTORISTS TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION. CORRECTION: OWNER'S OF AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN INSTRUCTION BOOKLET WHICH THOROUGHLY OUTLINES THE PROPER PROCEDURE FOR REMOVAL, STORAGE AND REINSTALLATION OF THE SUNROOF'S GLASS PANEL. OWNER'S WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED WITH A WARNING LABEL TO BE ATTACHED TO THE SUNROOF'S LATCH KNOB.
Recall 199515518,224 units in Canada
Structure
DEFECT: THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDERS ON THESE VEHICLES ARE ATTACHED TO BRACKETS THAT ARE WELDED TO THE LIFTGATE. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE BRACKET WELDS MAY FRACTURE DUE TO THE BRACKETS BEING INADVERTENTLY MISLOCATED RELATIVE TO THE LIFTGATE. THERE MAY BE A POTENTIAL FOR THE LIFTGATE BRACKET TO GRADUALLY BEND INWARD WHICH MIGHT ALLOW THE LIFT CYLINDER BALL STUD TO DISENGAGE. CORRECTION: REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS WILL BE INSTALLED.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 444,980 milesLake Havasu City, AZFire
POWER TRAIN
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
NHTSA complaint #10702264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 444,980 milesLake Havasu City, AZFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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
NHTSA complaint #10702264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 444,980 milesLake Havasu City, AZFire
ENGINE
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
NHTSA complaint #10702264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bisbee, AZFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #10548921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bisbee, AZFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10548921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bisbee, AZFire
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10548921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 444,980 milesLake Havasu City, AZFire
POWER TRAIN
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
NHTSA complaint #10702264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 444,980 milesLake Havasu City, AZFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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
NHTSA complaint #10702264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 444,980 milesLake Havasu City, AZFire
ENGINE
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
NHTSA complaint #10702264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bisbee, AZFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #10548921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bisbee, AZFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10548921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bisbee, AZFire
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10548921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 250,000 milesEast Hartford, CT
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10498360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesFortworth, TX
ENGINE
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
NHTSA complaint #10468013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,135 milesMonroe, WI
WHEELS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10456084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesGreenville, SC
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10456111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,135 milesMonroe, WI
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10456084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charleston, WV
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10446007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charleston, WV
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
NHTSA complaint #10446007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesMystic, CT
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10415214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 220,000 milesLancaster, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
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.
NHTSA complaint #10331433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesBoynton Beach, FL
SUSPENSION:FRONT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10282669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesBoynton Beach, FL
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10282669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesBIG Stone GAP, VAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10268682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 250,000 milesTHE Dalles, OR1 injured
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10229659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
A BLACK TAR-LIKE SUBSTANCE IS LEAKING OUT OF THE STEERING WHEEL.
NHTSA complaint #10215889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #10215892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
VISIBILITY:REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #10215895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Travelers Rest, SC
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10213906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Travelers Rest, SC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10213906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler, AZ
TIRES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10201550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.