FaultScore

1992 Ford Explorer transmission problems

91 of the 848 complaints about the 1992 Ford Explorer are about the transmission — 11% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 298,990 miles.

C

91

Complaints

3

Crashes

6

Fires

2

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Automatic Transmission 41 45.1%
Manual Transmission 19 20.9%
Column Shift 4 4.4%
Axle Hubs 4 4.4%
Driveshaft 3 3.3%
Clutch Assembly 3 3.3%
Power Train 2 2.2%
Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch 2 2.2%
Pedal/Hand Lever(Motorcycle) 2 2.2%
Axle Shaft 2 2.2%

Transmission & Drivetrain across every Ford Explorer year

1991 75 1.3%
1992 91 1.6%
1993 78 1.4%
1994 91 1.6%
1995 130 2.3%
1996 134 2.4%
1997 119 2.1%
1998 108 1.9%
1999 120 2.2%
2000 143 2.6%
2001 44 0.8%
2002 1,584 28.4%
2003 357 6.4%
2004 473 8.5%
2005 100 1.8%
2006 301 5.4%
2007 58 1.0%
2008 36 0.6%
2010 29 0.5%
2011 64 1.1%
2012 56 1.0%
2013 119 2.1%
2014 79 1.4%
2015 84 1.5%
2016 216 3.9%
2017 126 2.3%
2018 47 0.8%
2019 36 0.6%
2020 476 8.5%
2021 114 2.0%
2022 60 1.1%
2023 11 0.2%
2025 15 0.3%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 444,980 miles Lake Havasu City, AZ Fire

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.

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.

Alberta, Canada, 00

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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

NHTSA complaint #10181725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Milwaukee, WI

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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

NHTSA complaint #10074173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 153,000 miles Fayetteville, GA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TRASMISSION OIL BURNT CAUSING TRASMISSION FAILURE AND WAS REBUILT. 20,000 MILES LATER TRASMISSION FAILED AGAIN (BURNT FLUID) DUE TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER BEING TOO CLOSE TO ALUMINUM TRANSMISSION PAN. THERE NEEDS TO BE A HEAT SHIELD TO PROTECT IT FROM BURNING.

NHTSA complaint #10039512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Boise, ID Fire

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP FROM A DEALERSHIP AND DRIVEN FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES TO HAVE EMISSION SYSTEM CHECKED. WHEN HOOD WAS RAISED FOR THIS EXAMINATION AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE STARTED. AN EXAMINATION OF VEHICLE DETERMINED THAT FIRE ORIGINATED CLOSE TO BOTTOM OF ENGINE WHERE IT MET THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY. POSSIBLE CAUSE WAS AUTOMATIC TRANMISSION OVERHEATING AND CAUSING A GROUP OF WIRES AND GREASE TO IGNITE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION. NOTE: PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THE DEALERSHIP WAS EXAMINING THE FOR THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS: ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM, A HUB & WHEEL NOISE, AND A LEAKING EXHAUST MANIFOLD LOCATED CLOSE TO THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL UNIT.

NHTSA complaint #8001578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LOS Angeles, CA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

I AM VERY UNSATISFIED WITH THIS VEHICLE, PLEASE HELP. NO SAFETY DEFECT.

NHTSA complaint #754337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Carmel, NY Crash 1 injured

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

CONSUMERS CHILD GOT HOLD OF KEY AND TURNED IT HALF WAY TO THE ON POSITION, PUT VEHICLE IN GEAR ROLLED DOWN THE HILL AND HIT A TREE. CHILD WAS TAKEN TO HOSPITAL FOR TRAUMA. CONSUMER WAS NOT AWARE THAT VEHICLE DIDN'T HAVE A SAFETY DEVICE. CONSUMER WAS CURRENTLY CHECKING THINGS WITH THE MANUFACTURER. PLEASE ADD THE VIN# TO COMPLAINT FORM.

NHTSA complaint #890116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Elma, WA

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:PEDAL/HAND LEVER(MOTORCYCLE)

WHEN CLUTCH PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED CLUTCH DIDN'T ENGAGE. DEALERSHIP WILL BE MADE AWARE OF PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #888865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Riverton, WI

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TRANSMISSION STOPPED OPERATING WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 75 MPH. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ITS WARRANTY. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER.

NHTSA complaint #880170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Isanti, MN

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

3 TIMES WE HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED, WE COMMUTE 88 MILES ROUNDTRIP A DAY (HIGHWAY MILES) AND SELDOM IF EVER TOW ANYTHING.

NHTSA complaint #735592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Salinas, CA

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

TRANSMISSION QUIT, POWER STEERING QUIT, CLUTCH AND BEARINGS QUIT!

NHTSA complaint #735192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Salinas, CA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TRANSMISSION QUIT, POWER STEERING QUIT, CLUTCH AND BEARINGS QUIT!

NHTSA complaint #735192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Salinas, CA

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

TRANSMISSION QUIT, POWER STEERING QUIT, CLUTCH AND BEARINGS QUIT!

NHTSA complaint #735192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Boulder CR, CA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TRANSMISSION FAILED AND REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. MJS

NHTSA complaint #550073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Boulder CR, CA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TRANSMISSION FAILED AND REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. MJS

NHTSA complaint #550073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wilton, CT

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

THIS IS THE FOURTH TRANSMISSION.

NHTSA complaint #725504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mechanicsville, VA Fire 1 injured

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

REBUILT TRANSMISSION FAILED :AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID BEING EXPELLED FORM THE FILLER TUBE , ALLOWING IT TO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE MUFFLER , DURING OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING FLUID TO INGNITE WHICH RESULTED IN THE ENSUING FIRE AND AND LOSS. THE REMAINING EVIDENCE AND EXAMINATION OF THE TRANSMISSION INDICATE THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER , INSTALLED JUST PRIOR TO THE FIRE FAILED RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #723781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

EXPLORER (AUTO TRASMISSION) GETS STUCK IN SECOND OR THIRD GEAR FIRST THING IN THE MORNING. AFTER ABOUT 2 MINUTES, IT KICKS INTO GEAR AND IS FINE. IT SEEMS ONLY TO HAPPEN IN THE MORNING WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD.

NHTSA complaint #723956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Livingston, CA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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.

Taylorsville, UT

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #718119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Boulder CR, CA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TRANSMISSION FAILED AND REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. MJS

NHTSA complaint #550073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Boulder CR, CA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TRANSMISSION FAILED AND REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. MJS

NHTSA complaint #550073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Center Port, NY

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH TRANSMISSION DIED OUT, AND THE VEHICLE WENT INTO NEUTRAL AND WOULDN'T SHIFT INTO LOW GEAR. THIS WAS THE 4TH TRANSMISSION THAT CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE, AND THE DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #850912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Seven Valleys, PA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #710863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Georgetown, OR

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED TWICE, AND FLUID IS LEAKING ONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CONSUMER CAN SMELL SMOKE.

NHTSA complaint #838761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Norwalk, CT

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

NO SUMMARY

NHTSA complaint #706130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Decatur, GA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TRANSMISSION FAILED, WAS REBUILT.

NHTSA complaint #508793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hampstead, MD

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TRANSMISSION FAILED DUE TO FAULTY DESIGN OF THE FIRST/SECOND GEAR SYNCHRONIZER WHICH HAS SINCE BEEN REDESIGNED.

NHTSA complaint #522313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wallingford, CT

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

WHEN IN DRIVE CAR ACTS LIKE IN NEUTRAL, THEN WITH GAS ADDED, JERKS AND GOES INTO GEAR - ONLY IN COLD SEASON AND FIRST THING IN MORNING

NHTSA complaint #703756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 1992 Ford Explorer problems

← Full 1992 Ford Explorer report