Franklin, NC
STRUCTURE:BODY
I LOOKED UP MY VEHICLE AND IT HAS A RECALL AND I WANT IT FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #11337134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1994 Ford Explorer body problems
161 of the 1,531 complaints about the 1994 Ford Explorer are about the body and structure — 11% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 170,000 miles.
161
Complaints
0
Crashes
7
Fires
19
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Support Device/Strut
82
50.9%
Door
17
10.6%
Hinge AND Attachments
13
8.1%
Tailgate
11
6.8%
Trunk LID
9
5.6%
Hinge AND Attachments
8
5.0%
Hinge AND Attachments
7
4.3%
Hood
4
2.5%
Body
4
2.5%
Hatchback/Liftgate
4
2.5%
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 286,000 miles
SAN Antonio, TX
Fire
STRUCTURE:BODY
WHILE DRIVING I TURNED ON AIR CONDITIONER AND IMMEDIATELY LIGHT SMOKE BEGAN OUT OF AIR CONDITIONING VENTS AND THEN THE NEXT MOMENT THE SMOKE WAS EXTREMELY HEAVY OUT OF THE VENTS AND THEN VISIBLE FIRE UNDERNEATH FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED THE VEHICLE OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EXITED, 10 MINUTES LATER IT WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES.
NHTSA complaint #10379515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 miles
LOS Angeles, CA
1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFTGATE BRACKETS FRACTURED AND THE GLASS FELL OUT AND STRUCK HER ON THE HEAD. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V310001 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY $200 FOR THE REPAIR. CURRENTLY, THE WINDOW CAN NO LONGER BE OPENED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 170,000.
NHTSA complaint #10260565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 miles
Detroit, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
DOOR HANDLES ON PASSENGER SIDE INTERIOR BROKEN. TRANSMISSION SLIPPING.
NHTSA complaint #10052417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
THE HOOD LATCH FAILED AND THE HOOD OPENED @ 60MPH. THE HOOD IS STILL ATTACHED TO THE CAR BUT THERE IS DAMAGE TO THE CAR. DT
NHTSA complaint #770041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raleigh, NC
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE HINGES WEREN'T STRONG ENOUGH FOR DOOR AND OVER TIME THEY WEAKEN AND FAIL. CONSUMER FEELS UNSAFE DRIVING UNDER THESE CONDITIONS. NLM
NHTSA complaint #8019911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clear Field, UT
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
STRUTS THAT HOLD TRUNK OPEN BROKE, AND HATCH DOOR CAN STAY OPEN. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.
NHTSA complaint #8014039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alkol, WV
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
DUE TO FAILURE OF THE LIFTGATE BRACKETS, WHICH ARE COVERED BY A RECALL, CAUSED METAL FATIGUE ON HINGES RESULTING ON THEM TEARING AWAY FROM BODY OF THE VEHICLE.IT IS MY OPINION FORD SHOULD MAKE REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE BECAUSE THE RECALLED COMPONET CAUSED THE DAMAGE.
NHTSA complaint #759993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
HANDLE SEPARATED FROM DOOR WHEN PULLING DOOR CLOSED. DOOR FELL OPEN INTO TRAFFIC LANE. HANDLE DESIGN DOES NOT INCORPORATE ANY STRUCTURAL ATTACHMENT TO DOOR. HANDLE IS RETAINED SOLELY BY PLASTIC TRIM PANEL SUBJECT TO AGE DETERIORATION.
NHTSA complaint #752466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VA
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
BOLTS ARE SEPARATING FROM HINGE OF LIFTGATE WHICH HAS CAUSED PROBLEMS WITH DOOR PROPERLY OPENING AND CLOSING. *AK CONSUMER STATES THE HINGES ARE SEPARATING, BREAKING AWAY FROM THE BODY. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #887432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milford, CT
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 95I00700. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP. REPAIRS WERE MADE. NOTICED ONE SIDE INCOMPLETE. INFORMED SERVICE MANAGER, WHO REFUSED TO DO REPAIRS. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AFTER 10 MONTHS. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER, AND WAS REFERRED TO DEALERSHIP. NOT WILLING TO GET INVOLVED, STATING THEIR REPAIR WAS ADEQUATE.*AK FIRESTONE TIRE EXPERIENCED WALL FAILURE, NOS IZE OR KIND OF TIRE IS GIVEN BY CONSUMER. AFTER RECALL 99534, THE GAP BETWEEN THE LIFTGATE AND THE MAIN BODY ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE IS EXCESSIVE, PRIOR TO THE REPAIR, THE GAP WAS ABOUT 1/8 INCHES AS IS THE PRESENT GAP AT THE RIGHT HAND SIDE, NOW THE LEFT HAND SIDE IS 3/8 INCH, WHEN THE LIFT GATE IS CLOSED WITH NORMAL FORCE THE BOTTOM LATCH AT THE LEFT HAND SIDE DOES NOT ENGAGE. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #887014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hamilton, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
RECALL REPAIR 99V-310 WAS SCHEDULED TO TAKE 7 HOURS, THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A RENTAL BUT WAS TOLD HE WOULD HAE TO PAY FOR IT, THE CONSUMER BELIEVES A RENTAL SHOULD BE FREE OF CHARGE WHILE THE REPAIR IS BEING MADE. NLM
NHTSA complaint #559602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
HYDRAULIC CYLINDER FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL CAMPAIGN 95I-007, RECALL CAMPAIGN NOT HONORED, LIFT CYLINDER REMOVED AND HATCH BRACKET SPOT-WELDED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE.
NHTSA complaint #558728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Watsontown, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
HATCH CAME APART. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #785109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Watsontown, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
HATCH CAME APART. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #785109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
LIFTGATE WAS REPLACED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE, CONSUMER REQUESTED REFUND BUT ONLY RECIEVED PARTIAL REFUND AND WANTS THE REMAINING UNREFUNDED BALANCE. NLM
NHTSA complaint #554957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VA
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY AND WELDS ON BRACKET TORE AWAY FROM SHEET METAL, ALLOWING HATCHBACK TO FALL. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE.
NHTSA complaint #874163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bogalusa, LA
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE
MY TEENAGE SON DRIVES THE FORD EXPLORER, I DO NOT FEEL THAT THIS SPORTS UTILITY IS SAFE.
NHTSA complaint #729617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bogalusa, LA
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
MY TEENAGE SON DRIVES THE FORD EXPLORER, I DO NOT FEEL THAT THIS SPORTS UTILITY IS SAFE.
NHTSA complaint #729617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aloha, OR
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
HYDRAULIC LIFTGATE WELD CYNLINDER HATCH UNEXPECTEDLY CAME DOWN ON CONSUMER'S HEAD.
NHTSA complaint #867775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carrollton, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FAILURE OF THE RECALL COMPONENT PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION, OWNER COMPLETED REPAIR DUE TO DEALERSHIP ESTIMATION OF THE COMPLETE REPAIR BEING EXCESSIVE, CONSUMER IS BEING DENIED REIMBURSEMENT DUE TO REPAIR CIRCUMSTANCES (99V-310). *MJS
NHTSA complaint #552909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Foothill Ranch, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
CONSUMER WAS INSIDE OF A SCHOOL PARKING LOT AND SHE WENT TO LIFT THE LIFTGATE WINDOW/DOOR AND SHE HEARD A POPPING NOISE. HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDERS CAME LOOSE, AND THE BRACKET THAT ATTACHED THE HYDRAULIC LIFT, THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY PART DETACHED. *AK PRIOR TO RECALL THE LIFTGATE FAILED ( 95I-007). VEHICLE TOOK TO DEALER AND IT WOULD TAKE 2 WEEKS TO FIX AND NO LOONER CAR WOULD PROVIDE.
NHTSA complaint #865530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
RECALLED LIFTGATE BRACKET FAILED, HOWEVER VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. #. NK
NHTSA complaint #552117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winsted, CT
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
NHTSA RECALL 99V310001 AND MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 99S34. THERE WAS A MISSING BRACKET. WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE BRACKET WAS PART OF THE LIFTGATE, AND THAT THEY NEEDED IT IN ORDER TO REPAIR VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #864654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corpus Christi, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THAT VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #724162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poulsbo, WA
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
THE BUSHINGS AROUND THE HINGE PINS WERE WEAK, CAUSING THE DOOR TO SAG, WHICH IN TURN MADE THE DOOR DIFFICULT TO CLOSE. EVENTUALLY THE LATCH MECHANISM HAS BEEN WEAKENED AND THE INTERIOR PANEL/DOOR HANDLE PULLED OFF. I HAVE CALLED ALL AREA WRECKING YARDS (IN WESTERN WASHINGTON AND OREGON) AND WAS TOLD THAT THESE COMPONENTS ARE SOLD OFF THE EXPLORERS AS SOON AS THEY ARRIVE. THE FELLOW AT THE PARTS-DESK AT THE COURTESY FORD DEALER IN POULSBO SAYS HE HAS HAD TO ORDER MANY HINGES AND LATCH REPLACEMENTS FOR EXPLORERS. THIS WOULD LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A WIDE-SPREAD PROBLEM BETWEEN EXPLORER OWNERS.
NHTSA complaint #722203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW York, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE BRACKETS CONNECTING THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDERS FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE (99V-310). NLM
NHTSA complaint #551771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW York, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE BRACKETS CONNECTING THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDERS FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE (99V-310). NLM
NHTSA complaint #551771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Great Falls, MT
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
RECEIVED RECALL 99V31001 & CONTACTED DEALERSHIP FOR AN APPOINTMENT. WAS INFORMED PARTS NEEDED TO BE ORDERED BEFORE WORK COULD BE DONE. TOOK VEHICLE IN & NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. MECHANIC HAD NO ANSWER TO QUESTIONS OF PARTS FOR HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDERS. OWNER'S ONLY TRANSPORTATION.
NHTSA complaint #861883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
BOTH INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES BROKE OFF WHILE BEING USED DUE TO DESIGN FLAW. YH
NHTSA complaint #551866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.