142 of the
848 complaints about the 1992 Ford Explorer are about the
braking system — 17% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
157,000 miles.
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 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.
Fredon, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
DEFECTIVE BRAKE FLUID TUBING TO REAR BRAKES RUSTING IN EXACT SAME PLACE ON BOTH HIS 1992 & 1996 FORD EXPLORERS. *BF
NHTSA complaint #10098939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesWestel, TNCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
WHILE REVERSING VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10038381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Simi Valley, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
BRAKE STUDS THAT ATTACHED MASTER CYLINDER TO POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY BROKE. BRAKE PEDAL WENT DOWN TO FLOOR,AND DIDNOT STOP VEHICLE. HAD TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKES TO STOP VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #894716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Coast, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
THE FRONT BRAKES FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #561085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Curtice, OHCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
I BELIEVE THAT A VERY SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW EXIST IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM ON THE FORD EXPLORER. THE LIGHT ON MY ABS BRAKES WOULD COME ON ONCE IN A WHILE THEN GO OUT. I THINK THAT MOST PEOPLE WOULD NOT EVEN NOTICE. IT HAPPENED TO ME TWICE THAT I AM AWARE OF, THE FIRST TIME I WAS BRAKING MODERATELY HARD FOR A RED LIGHT MY VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY SPUN HARD TO THE LEFT I WAS ABLE TO CORRECT IT AND REGAIN CONTROL I WAS DRIVING AT 40 MPH. THE SECOND TIME IT OCCURRED I WAS DRIVING AT 50 MPH UNDER THE EXACT SAME CONDITIONS BUT THIS TIME I SPUN OUT AND HIT A CURB DAMAGING MY LEFT REAR RIM AND BREAKING THE SUPPORT CABLE FOR MY SPARE TIRE. THIS TIME I TRACED THE PROBLEM TO THE SWITCH ON THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR. ON A VEHICLE THAT SPINS OUT SO EASY I DONT THINK THAT IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO DISABLE THE ABS BRAKES WITH A LOW FLUID SENSOR. I HAD PLENTY OF FLUID IN MY RESERVOIR THE SWITCH JUST FAILED, IF THE FAULTY SWITCH HAD BEEN SET UP TO JUST INDICATE LOW FLUID THE DANGEROUS CONDITIONS THAT HAPPENED WOULD NOT OCCURRE. THIS IS A COPY OF THE LETTER I SENT TO FORD. I THINK THAT A LOT OF THE ROLL OVER ACCIDENTS ARE CAUSED BY THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #743858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Placerville, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
ENGINE BACKFIRE CAUSES SUDDEN LOSS OF BRAKES. SEVEN VACUUM HOSES TIE INTO THE ONE PIPE AND THEN INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. ONLY THE BRAKE VACUUM ASSIST HAS A CLAMP ON THE HOSE. WHEN THE ENGINE BACKFIRES INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, IT BLEW OFF THREE OF THESE HOSES RESULTING IN INADEQUATE VACUUM FOR THE POWER ASSIST BRAKES. THE ENGINE FUNS VERY ROUGH BUT MAYBE IT WILL SMOOTH OUT WHEN DRIVEN A LITTLE. SO, YOU DRIVE AND SUDDENLY FIND NO BRAKES. IF YOU ARE LUCKY, YOU HAVE TIME AND ROOM ENOUGH TO STOP.
NHTSA complaint #742534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Largo, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
IT IS OBVIOUS THAT WHEN FRONT SUSPENSION COMPRESSES STEERING LINKAGE OR TIE ROD HITS THE RUBBER BRAKE LINE. BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING!
NHTSA complaint #740907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lexington, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CONSUMER FEELS THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM IS INFERIOR TO STANDARD BRAKES ESPECIALLY WHILE ON SNOW, ICE, WET OR SLICK PAVEMENT, OR IF A VEHICLE RUNS OFF THE ROAD ONTO GRASS OR DIRT SURFACES, THE CONSUMER HAS DONE MANY SELF TESTS WHICH RESULTED IN THE USE OF ANTI-LOCK BRAKES IN 4-WHEEL DRIVE HAVING A BETTER STOPPING DISTANCE IN SNOW CONDITIONS COMPARED TO THE USE OF ANTI-LOCK BRAKES NOT IN 4-WHEEL DRIVE, CONSUMER ALSO HAD DRUMS TURNED AT 71837 MILES AND A COMPLETE FRONT AND REAR BRAKE JOB. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #558457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lexington, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
CONSUMER FEELS THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM IS INFERIOR TO STANDARD BRAKES ESPECIALLY WHILE ON SNOW, ICE, WET OR SLICK PAVEMENT, OR IF A VEHICLE RUNS OFF THE ROAD ONTO GRASS OR DIRT SURFACES, THE CONSUMER HAS DONE MANY SELF TESTS WHICH RESULTED IN THE USE OF ANTI-LOCK BRAKES IN 4-WHEEL DRIVE HAVING A BETTER STOPPING DISTANCE IN SNOW CONDITIONS COMPARED TO THE USE OF ANTI-LOCK BRAKES NOT IN 4-WHEEL DRIVE, CONSUMER ALSO HAD DRUMS TURNED AT 71837 MILES AND A COMPLETE FRONT AND REAR BRAKE JOB. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #558457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
FRONT BRAKES FELL APART. ON A HILL VEHICLE WILL SLIDE RIGHT THOUGH A STOP SIGN. CONSUMER STATED TGHAT AT 20,000 MILES BRAKES SHOULD NOT FALL APART. CONSUMER HAS ALMOST REAR ENDED ANOTHER DRIVER.
NHTSA complaint #876515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Apple Valley, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC
RECALL 96V024000; WHEN DRIVING AND UPON DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL TO MAKE A GRAUDAL STOP, BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE WAS ENGAGED TO STOP VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. DEALER STATED THAT AIR BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY WAS BAD AND SHOULD BE REPLACED. *AK THE VEHICLE HAD POWER BRAKE ASSEMBLY REPLACED IN MARCH 1966 DUE TO RECALL ON THIS PART. SO, THE CURRENT FAILURE IS DUE TO THE IMPROPER FIXING BY THE DEALER AT RECALL FIXING.
NHTSA complaint #865769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Springs, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
AFTER PURCHASING THIS UV FROM A DEALER.PAYING TOP DOLLAR FOR THIS EDDIE BAUER UV,I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. COULD NOT GO MORE THAN 60 MILES AN HIUR,UV WAS SHAING SO BAD. OIL LEAKING ,BRAKES BAD. IT WAS BANDAIDED T SELL I AM SURE. A 8 YEAR OLD CAR WITH ONLY 52,000MILES AND IN THIS HORRIBLE REPAIR CONDITION,IS ALMOST SUSPECT TO INQUIRE Y OF A ODOMETER TURN BACK, LUCKILY I BOUGHT INS, TOOK TO A FORD DEALERAND HAD REPAIRS TOTOALLING ALMOST $2500.OF WHICH I HAD TO PAY $800. OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE WORKED ON, THER WERE 3 RECA;LLS WHICH WERE TAKEN CARE OF. THE ENGINE WAS NEEDING SEALS AND MUCH MORE . THE DRIVER SEAT BELT IS BROKE,NOW AND THE ENGINE IS NOW LEAKING AGAIN AND I HAVE TO PUT A QT. OF OIL EVERY WEK. THE CAR IS BASICALLY UNSFAE TO DRIVE,BETWEEEN THE BRAKES AND THE ENGINE LEAKING OIL,WHICH I WAS TOLD IF IT GOT INTO THE GEAR BOX,IT WOULD START A FIRE. THIS WAS THE WORDS OF THE FORD DEALER.WHRE I HAD THE UV SERVICED. RECENTLY I NOTICED AN ARTICLE IN THE NEWSPAPER COMMENTING ONTHE FROD GASKET FLAW.I HAVE BEEN TRYING FRO DAYS TO CALL THEIR TOLL FREE NUMBER FOR INFROMATION LINE ALWAYS BUSY. THEY DO RECALL SOME OF THIS MODEL.IDONT KNOW WHERE TO TURN TO ANY MORE I HAVE 3 CHILDREN AND AM CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR SAFTEY,A SINGLE MOTHER WITH NO INCOME OTHER THAN 900.. AMONTH FROM WORKMASN COMP. CANT AFFORD ANYMORE REPAIRS NEEED HELP TO WHERE I NEED TO GO, I FEEL THE UV IS NOT SAFE AND I FEEL THAT THE ODOMETER MAY HAVE BEEN SET BACK, THE DEALERS WHERE I PURCHASED ARE TIRED OF HERING MY COMPLAINTS. THEY WORKED ONTHE UV ONCE, BUT NEVER GAVE ME A LIST OF WHAT WORK THEY DID AFTER HAVING THE CAR IN THEIR SHOP FOR 10 DAYS. I WOULD LIKE MY MONEY BACK,BUT I WILL HAVE TO PROVE THE CAR IS NOT SAFE . TELL ME WHAT I CAN DO. I CAN FGAX YOU ALL THE COPIES OF REPAIR WORK THAT WAS SERVICED ON THIS CAR IN FEB. IF YOU NEED THEM IT MAY HELP U MAKE A DESICION AS TO WHERE I TURN TO NEXT. PLEASE RESPOND WHAT DO I DO??
NHTSA complaint #723657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MT. Vernon, AR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN DRIVING AT 30 MPH LEFT REAR WHEELS SHEARED OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKES AND STEERING CONTROL. ALSO, WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 15-20 MPH AND UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO MAKE A GRAUDAL STOP, RIGHT REAR WHEELS SHEARED OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND LOSS OF BRAKES. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. DEALER HAS REPLACED PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #861318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Livingston, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WOULD SHIFT VEHICLE INTO REVERSE & APPLIED GAS, AND IT WOULD TAKE TOO LONG TO KICK INTO REVERSE. ALSO, BRAKES WOULD MAKE A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN THIS HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #860730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chester, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35MPR , BOTH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND ANTILOCK LIGHTS CAME ON. I PULLED OVER TO CHECK THE SITUATION. COULDN'T DETERMINE A PROBLEM SO DROVE TWO BLOCKS TO A SERVICE STATION WHERE I DETERMINED THAT I WAS LOOSING BREAK FLUID. AFTER POURING IN BRAKE FLUID AND IT CAME RIGHT OUT ON THE GROUND I LEFT THE CAR TO BE WORKED ON THE NEXT DAY. THE MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS SEVERED DUE TO THE MAIN SPRING SUPPORT BROKE AND CUT THE BRAKE LINE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO DID THE REPAIR. THE SECOND MECHANIC SUGGESTED THAT I REPORT THIS VERY UNUSAL FAILURE. HE DETERMINED THAT THE SPRING SUPPORT RUSTED AWAY AND THE SPRING MOVED AND CUT BRAKE LINE. HE HAD TO INSTALL SPRING SUPPORT MEMBER CUT OFF RIVETS AND REPAIR CHASSIS AND NEW BRAKE HOSE AND STEEL LINES.
NHTSA complaint #720323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chester, VA
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35MPR , BOTH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND ANTILOCK LIGHTS CAME ON. I PULLED OVER TO CHECK THE SITUATION. COULDN'T DETERMINE A PROBLEM SO DROVE TWO BLOCKS TO A SERVICE STATION WHERE I DETERMINED THAT I WAS LOOSING BREAK FLUID. AFTER POURING IN BRAKE FLUID AND IT CAME RIGHT OUT ON THE GROUND I LEFT THE CAR TO BE WORKED ON THE NEXT DAY. THE MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS SEVERED DUE TO THE MAIN SPRING SUPPORT BROKE AND CUT THE BRAKE LINE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO DID THE REPAIR. THE SECOND MECHANIC SUGGESTED THAT I REPORT THIS VERY UNUSAL FAILURE. HE DETERMINED THAT THE SPRING SUPPORT RUSTED AWAY AND THE SPRING MOVED AND CUT BRAKE LINE. HE HAD TO INSTALL SPRING SUPPORT MEMBER CUT OFF RIVETS AND REPAIR CHASSIS AND NEW BRAKE HOSE AND STEEL LINES.
NHTSA complaint #720323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chester, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35MPR , BOTH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND ANTILOCK LIGHTS CAME ON. I PULLED OVER TO CHECK THE SITUATION. COULDN'T DETERMINE A PROBLEM SO DROVE TWO BLOCKS TO A SERVICE STATION WHERE I DETERMINED THAT I WAS LOOSING BREAK FLUID. AFTER POURING IN BRAKE FLUID AND IT CAME RIGHT OUT ON THE GROUND I LEFT THE CAR TO BE WORKED ON THE NEXT DAY. THE MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS SEVERED DUE TO THE MAIN SPRING SUPPORT BROKE AND CUT THE BRAKE LINE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO DID THE REPAIR. THE SECOND MECHANIC SUGGESTED THAT I REPORT THIS VERY UNUSAL FAILURE. HE DETERMINED THAT THE SPRING SUPPORT RUSTED AWAY AND THE SPRING MOVED AND CUT BRAKE LINE. HE HAD TO INSTALL SPRING SUPPORT MEMBER CUT OFF RIVETS AND REPAIR CHASSIS AND NEW BRAKE HOSE AND STEEL LINES.
NHTSA complaint #720323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakewood, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH FRONT END SUSPENSION. ALSO, THERE IS A BANGING SOUND WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #832061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND APPLYING THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE S BACK WHEELS LOCKED UP. OWNER HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED IN ORDER TO GET IT OFF THE FREEWAY. DEALER HAS VEHICLE NOW.
NHTSA complaint #852604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monrovia, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER BOOSTER SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE BRAKES TO FAIL.
NHTSA complaint #851922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seven Valleys, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #710863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Playa DEL REY, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
SLOWING DOWN , COSNUMER TAPPED BRAKES AND ABS LOCKED UP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SPIN, AND RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #838678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
CALIPER SLIDE PINS AND ROTORS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #514940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
CALIPER SLIDE PINS AND ROTORS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #514940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ANTI LOCK BRAKE VALVE FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #514940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flower Mound, TXCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES LOCKED UP WHILE SLOWING FOR A 15MPH CURVE AND THE EXPLORER TRACKED STRAIGHT AHEAD. ANY AND ALL BRAKING SEEMED USELESS DURING THE ATTEMPTED DECELARATION PROCESS. I'M TARDY IN REPORTING THIS EVENT,BUT A SIMILAR ACCIDENT BY FRIENDS OF OURS IN A 1993 EXPLORER MADE ME THINK THEV WHOLE ACCIDENT OVER. I FIRMLY BELIEVE FORD HAS A PROBLEM WITH THEIR EARLIER EXPLORERS IN REGARDS TO ABS/DISC BRAKES/AND SLOWING IN GENERAL. WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS IS AN ISOLATED EVENT OR WHETHER THIS IS SOMEWHAT COMMOM IN THE EARLIER PRODUCTION EXPLORERS.
NHTSA complaint #702819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CAFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #514312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CAFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #514312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.