FaultScore

1993 Ford Explorer body problems

93 of the 1,151 complaints about the 1993 Ford Explorer are about the body and structure — 8% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 108,000 miles.

D

93

Complaints

0

Crashes

5

Fires

13

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Support Device/Strut 42 45.2%
Door 19 20.4%
Hinge AND Attachments 7 7.5%
Hatchback/Liftgate 6 6.5%
Hinge AND Attachments 5 5.4%
Body 3 3.2%
Hinge AND Attachments 3 3.2%
Frame AND Members 2 2.2%
Tailgate 2 2.2%
Structure 2 2.2%

Body & Structure across every Ford Explorer year

1991 35 0.7%
1992 68 1.3%
1993 93 1.8%
1994 161 3.0%
1995 41 0.8%
1996 70 1.3%
1997 54 1.0%
1998 50 0.9%
1999 55 1.0%
2000 30 0.6%
2001 33 0.6%
2002 490 9.3%
2003 366 6.9%
2004 439 8.3%
2005 154 2.9%
2006 11 0.2%
2007 11 0.2%
2011 111 2.1%
2012 143 2.7%
2013 438 8.3%
2014 276 5.2%
2015 405 7.7%
2016 585 11.1%
2017 649 12.3%
2018 287 5.4%
2019 148 2.8%
2020 44 0.8%
2021 24 0.5%
2022 10 0.2%
2023 10 0.2%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 76,000 miles Panama City Beach, FL Fire 1 injured

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #10509464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Nanticoke, PA

STRUCTURE

SUN ROOF FLEW OFF THE EXPLORER ONTO THE ROAD AND SHATTERED IN A MILLION PIECES ALMOST HITTING A BIKER.

NHTSA complaint #10246938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jacksonville, FL

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT

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.

NHTSA complaint #10082024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Linn, OR

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS AT DIFFERENT TIMES GETTING THE FRONT AND REAR DOORS LOCKED. THE HINGES BROKE, CAUSING THE DOOR TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

NHTSA complaint #10061693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Charlotte, NC

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT

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.

NHTSA complaint #10053579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Stevensville, MI

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

BOTH REAR ROCKER PANELS WERE RUSTED OUT. THE BODY HAS A 6 YEAR WARRANTY AGAINST RUST, BUT THE RUST WAS NOT NOTICED UNTIL THE SIDE SKIRTS OVER THE ROCKER PANELS WERE KNOCKED OFF. WHEN I CALLED FORD, THEY STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OVER 6 YEARS OLD. THE RUST WAS BAD ENOUGH , THAT IT HAD TO BE DEVELOPING WELL WITHIN THE 6 YEAR TIME FRAME.

NHTSA complaint #758553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Salt Lake City, UT

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

DOOR HINGES WOULD CAUSE DOORS TO BE UNEVEN. DRIVER'S DOOR FAILS TO CLOSE PROPERLY DUE TO THE HINGES. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC INDICATED HINGES WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK CONSUMER ADDED THAT THE DESIGN OF THE DOOR HANDLES MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SHUT DOOR.

NHTSA complaint #897111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kent, OH

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

RUSTING, REAR QUATER PANEL, AROUND GAS CAP(INSIDE AND OUT.)FILLER TUBE COULD COME LOSE. KNOW OF 30 VECHICALS 1993-1994 WITH THIS PROBLEM. COULD BECOME A GAS FILLING PROBLEM. CLARKE FORD IN HUDSON, OHIO " THE CAR IS 5 YEARS OLD, WE DONT CARE." CALLED FORD SERVICE 1-800-392-FORD, AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD LOOK INTO IT. ALSO FORD SAID IF I REPAIR IT, SAVE ALL RECIEPTS INCASE OF RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #749448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fallbrook, CA

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

INSIDE LEFT DOOR HANDLE COMES COMPLETLY OFF IN HAND WHEN CLOSING DOOR. BOTTOM HINGE ON LEFT DOOR BROKE. CATALATIC CONVERTER RATTLES WHEN ACCELERATED TO 55 MPH.

NHTSA complaint #745663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fallbrook, CA

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

INSIDE LEFT DOOR HANDLE COMES COMPLETLY OFF IN HAND WHEN CLOSING DOOR. BOTTOM HINGE ON LEFT DOOR BROKE. CATALATIC CONVERTER RATTLES WHEN ACCELERATED TO 55 MPH.

NHTSA complaint #745663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Humble, TX

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT

THERE WAS A RECALL 95V164001/ HYDRAULIC CYLINDERS. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY REPLACED HYDRAULIC CYLINDERS. . WENT BACK TO DEALER FOR A WATER LEAK COMING FROM DOOR, DEALER READJUSTED DOOR, BUT IT WAS STILL LEAKING. DEALER WILL NOT CORRECT PROBLEM AGAIN.

NHTSA complaint #888780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sioux Falls, SD

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

THE INSULATION BLANKET UNDER VEHICLE'S HOOD DETERIORATED AND FELL DOWN INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I HAVE BEEN PEALING AWAY THE HANGING DOWN MATERIAL PERIODICALLY, HOWEVER MY CONCERN IS THAT MATERIAL MAY FALL APART, FALLING UPON THE ENGINE AND POSSIBLY CAUSING A FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #735658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Petaluma, CA

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT

THE BRACKETS ATTACHING THE HATCH DOOR STAY UP WHEN OPENING TRUNK EVEN THOUGH RECALL 95V164001 WAS COMPLETE, DEALER TWEEKED UPPER BACK REAR OF VEHICLE WHEN DOING RECALL. *SLC

NHTSA complaint #555439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wyandotte, MI

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

DRIVERS SIDE DOOR IS SAGGING DOOR DOES NOT SEAL, ARE THERE ANY KNOWN RECALLS ?

NHTSA complaint #730914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wyandotte, MI

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

DRIVERS SIDE DOOR IS SAGGING DOOR DOES NOT SEAL, ARE THERE ANY KNOWN RECALLS ?

NHTSA complaint #730914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

OAK Hill, FL

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT

NHTSA RECALL 99V310001 AND MANUFACTURE'S RECALL 99S34/ HYDRAULIC CYLINDERS BROKE. NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #862486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Antoni, TX

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT

RECALL OF THE BREACKET ON THE LIFTGATE 99V-310 CANNOT BE COMPLETED DUE TO LACK OF PARTS. NLM

NHTSA complaint #551575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Antoni, TX

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT

RECALL OF THE BREACKET ON THE LIFTGATE 99V-310 CANNOT BE COMPLETED DUE TO LACK OF PARTS. NLM

NHTSA complaint #551575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Columbiavi, MI

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT

LIFTGATE FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL (95V-164). YH

NHTSA complaint #551873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Scottsdale, AZ

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT

RECALL COMPONENT FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION, HOWEVER VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED DUE TO SCHEDULING PROBLEM, CONSUMER CONCERNED ABOUT AMOUNT OF TIME REQUIRED FOR REPAIR (99V-310). *MJS

NHTSA complaint #551303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

NEW York, NY

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT

RECALL REPAIR FOR LIFT CYLINDER BRACKETS (99V310001) WAS NOT PERFORMED BECAUSE THERE WERE NO PARTS AVAILABLE. NLM

NHTSA complaint #551666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hollidaysburg, PA

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

WHEN CLOSING DRIVER'S DOOR HANDLE DETACHED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

NHTSA complaint #860365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oklahoma City, OK

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT

THE LIFTGATE CYLINDER FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE 99V310001. NLM

NHTSA complaint #551398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Darien, GA

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT

RECALL 99V310000/ HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDERS. PARTS NEEDED TO PERFORM RECALL REPAIRS WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #859074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Omro, WI

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

THE HANDLE FOR FRONT LEFT SIDE DOOR IS LOOSE. YH

NHTSA complaint #551097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ludlow, WA

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

THE BUILT IN HANDLE USED TO CLOSE THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HAS BROKEN OFF FROM THE DOOR PANEL. I HAVE BROUGHT THE FORD EXPLORER TO A DEALER FOR REPAIR AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I WILL HAVE TO PURCHASE AN ENTIRE DOOR PANEL TO FIX THE PROBLEM. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT INADEQUATE MATERIALS WERE USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THIS DOOR PANEL AND HANDLE UNIT. THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION IS A FORD EXPLOERE, LIMITED EDITION THAT HAS BEEN WELL TAKEN CARE OF.

NHTSA complaint #719143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Castro VAL, CA 1 injured

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

HINGE THAT HOLDS THE BACK DOOR OPEN WAS WELDED INCORRECTLY, WHEN THE DOOR WAS OPENED THE HINGE BROKE AND THE DOOR FELL ON THE CONSUMER'S HEAD. YH

NHTSA complaint #549614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Orangevale, CA

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

APPLICABLE FORD RECALL LETTER #95M87 ISSUED OCTOBER 1995. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONE DIN SUMMARY.

NHTSA complaint #715812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Folsom, CA

STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID

THE WELD FAILED DUE TO MANUFACTURE DEFECT UNDER NORMAL USE. THIS FAILURE SHOULD BE REPAIRED AT THE COST OF THE MANUFACTURE WITH NO LIMITATIONS TO MILEAGE OR YEARS ON THE ROAD.

NHTSA complaint #715643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Laurel, MD

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY HEARD A SNAPPING NOISE LIKE METAL. THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDERS, THAT ARE ATTACHED TO BRACKETS AND WELDED TO THE LIFTGATE, BROKE OFF. THE BRACKET WELDS FRACTURED.

NHTSA complaint #851703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 1993 Ford Explorer problems

← Full 1993 Ford Explorer report