MyCarTSB

1996 Ford Explorer Body & Structure Problems

56 owner-reported body & structure complaints from NHTSA data

56
Complaints
1
Recalls
1
Crashes
3
Fires
Jan 2001Dec 1996
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Body & Structure Recalls (1)

RECALLCampaign #97V137000

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

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LIFTGATE ASSIST GAS CYLINDER BRACKET ON THE RIGHT HAND BODYSIDE OUTER PANEL WAS INCORRECTLY WELDED.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENT WITH TWO POP RIVETS.

Owner Complaints (56)

criticalSTRUCTURE
Filed: Sep 2016

Your Explorer has experienced sudden unintended acceleration on three separate occasions between 1998 and 2015, requiring emergency braking to regain control. You've identified that the problem occurs when the floor mat shifts and becomes trapped under the accelerator pedal, particularly because your shorter stature requires you to sit very close to the steering wheel and stretch to reach the pedals. The issue stopped once you removed the floor mats entirely. A permanent fix would likely involve replacing the floor mats with ones designed to prevent pedal interference, or having the accelerator pedal assembly inspected and adjusted by a mechanic.

NHTSA #: 10903334
mediumSTRUCTURE,SEATS
Filed: Sep 2012

NOTICED THAT THE RECLINER HANDLE WAS BENT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE NEXT TIME I WENT TO RECLINE THE SEAT THE HANDLE BROKE OFF AT THE RIVET POINT. COMMON PROBLEM ACCORDING TO THE DEALER. THE PART CAN ONLY BE BOUGHT FROM FORD AND THE COST IS $100. THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR A LATER YEAR EXPLORER. DEALER SAID THE NEW PART IS MORE HEAVY DUTY AND MADE TO REPLACE THE STOCK VERSION THAT WAS LIGHT DUTY. NO RECALL WAS ISSUED AND THEY HAVE STOPPED MAKING THE PART. *TR

NHTSA #: 10473996
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Jan 2009

GAS PEDAL MOUNTING BRACKET SEPARATED FROM FIREWALL. *TR

NHTSA #: 10256911
mediumSTRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Filed: Oct 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HATCHBACK SUPPORT GATE WOULD NOT PROPERLY SUPPORT THE GLASS. ALSO, THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. SHE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V137000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFT GATE:SUPPORT DEVICE) OR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 96V070000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 129,000.

NHTSA #: 10206344
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Oct 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFTGATE ASSIST GAS CYLINDER BRACKET SNAPPED AT THE WELDING POINT, WHICH CAUSED THE LIFTGATE TO CLOSE WITHOUT WARNING. AS OF OCTOBER 16, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V137000 (STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: SUPPORT DEVICE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 134,000.

NHTSA #: 10205812
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Aug 2007

GAS PEDAL CAME OFF FROM ITS MOUNTING TO FLOOR BOARD DRIVING WHILE VEHICLE. MOUNTING PLATE SEEMS TO HAVE ONLY ONE BOLT SECURING IT TO THE FLOORBOARD. THEIR ARE THREE MOUNTING HOLES FOR THE PEDDLE BACKING PLATE AND THREE HOLES THROUGH FLOOR BOARD. TOP HOLE HAD STRESSED METAL INDICATIVE OF WHAT EVER WAS USED TO HOLD GAS PEDDLE BACKING PLATE. LUCKY US FOR JUST GETTING OFF THE EXPRESS WAY. SOMETHING BAD COULD HAPPEN TO ME AND MY WIFE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10200716
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Feb 2007

LIFTED THE HOOD OF THE TRUCK AND THE SUPPORTS FAILED. THE HOOD ALMOST CAME DOWN ON MY HEAD. *JB

NHTSA #: 10182399
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Dec 2006

I HAD OPENED MY HOOD TO CHECK THE FLUID LEVELS AND THE TWO GAS SUPPORTS THAT HOLD IT UP FAILED AND THE HOOD ALMOST HIT ME IN THE HEAD. HAD I NOT BEEN PAYING ATTENTION IT WOULD HAVE CAME DOWN ON MY HEAD AND CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY. *JB

NHTSA #: 10176917
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Nov 2006

VEHICLE IS AN SUV WITH A REAR LIFTGATE / HATCH THAT RAISES UPWARDS WHEN OPEN. ON THIS DAY I WAS LOADING SOME ITEM IS THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE LIFTGATE SUDDENLY FELL AND STUCK ME ON THE HEAD. THE LIFTGATE IS NORMALLY SUPPORTED BY A GAS TYPE STRUT ON EACH SIDE. THERE ARE BALL TYPE PINS ATTACHED TO THE LIFTGATE AND THE BODY FOR THESE GAS STRUTS TO ATTACH TO. THE UPPER PIN ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LIFT GATE SNAPPED OFF AND ALLOWED THE LIFTGATE TO FALL. IT APPEARS IT WAS RUSTING THROUGH, HOWEVER THERE IS NO OTHER RUST ON ANY PORTION OF THE LIFTGATE. ONLY ONE GAS TYPE STRUT WILL NOT SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE TAILGATE. IN ONLY TWO DAYS I HAVE FOUND FOUR OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH 1995 & 1996 EXPLORERS. *NM

NHTSA #: 10174403
mediumSTRUCTURE
CrashFiled: Aug 2006

1996 FORD EXPLORER ROLLED OVER IN AND ACCIDENT. CONSUMER REQUESTING INFORMATION ON RISKS FOR FORD EXPLORERS. *KB THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING WHEN THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE CONSUMER LEARNED OF PROBLEMS WITH THE FORD EXPLORER'S ROOF STRENGTH AND UNSTABLE WHEEL BASE. *JB UPDATED *JB

NHTSA #: 10165857
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Mar 2005

ON OR AROUND THE DATE INDICATED, A GENTLEMAN FROM STAPLES OFFICE SUPPLY WAS LOADING A CHAIR AND DESK INTO THE BACK OF MY FORD EXPLORER WHEN THE HATCH COLLAPSED. LUCKILY, I WAS STANDING THERE AND CAUGHT THE HATCH BEFORE IT FELL ON HIS HEAD AND BACK AND POSSIBLY REALLY INJURED HIM. APPARENTLY, THE LEFT HYDRAULIC ARM OF THE HATCH SHEARED COMPLETELY OFF THE BRACKET WELDED TO THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, BOTH SIDES ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED AND THE OTHER ARM COULD SHEAR OFF AT ANY TIME. NOWHERE ON THIS VEHICLE IS THERE RUST AND THESE WELDED BRACKETS ARE IN THE INTERIOR SEAL OF THE REAR HATCH AND ARE IN NO WAY EXPOSED TO WATER. WE WERE ABLE TO UNHOOK THE ARM TOTALLY WITH THE LITTLE PINS HOLDING IT IN PLACE. THEN THE HATCH WOULDN'T CLOSE PROPERLY ONCE THE ARM WAS REMOVED. (I WAS TOLD THIS WAS PROBABLY DUE TO THE CHANGE IN WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION.) I CALLED FORD (NATIONAL 800 NUMBER NOT THE LOCAL DEALER) AND ASKED THEM ABOUT IT. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE WOMAN IMMEDIATELY TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD NO COMPLAINTS ON THAT AND THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL SO I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A BODY SHOP WHICH GAVE ME A QUOTE OF $468 TO WELD NEW BRACKETS ON (BOTH SIDES WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED TO PREVENT FUTURE INJURIES). THE HYDRAULIC ARMS THEMSELVES WORK FINE. UPON VIEWING YOUR SITE, I SEE THERE WAS A RECALL THE YEAR AFTER THE CAR WAS MADE DEALING WITH THE RIGHT SIDE HYDRAULIC ARM AND IMPROPER WELDING. (RECALL # 97V137000) I BASICALLY JUST WANT IT FIXED AND WANT THEM TO FIX ANYBODY ELSE'S SO NOBODY ELSE WILL GET HURT. WHAT IF A MOM IS UNLOADING GROCERIES WITH HER KID AND THE DOOR COMES CRASHING DOWN ON THEM??? HOW MANY INJURIES OR DEATHS WILL IT TAKE FOR THEM TO FIX SOMETHING LIKE THIS??!! *JB

NHTSA #: 10112474
mediumSTRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Filed: Nov 2004

NHTSA CAMPAIGN 97V074000, 97V137000, 97V070000. FORD ISSUED A THROTTLE, LIFTGATE, AND DOOR ASSEMBLY RECALLS. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS, BUT THE CONSUMER WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS THOSE VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS OUTSIDE THE REMEDY SCOPE. *JB

NHTSA #: 10101502
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Oct 2004

AFTER THE DISCOVERY OF SOME SMALL RUST ON MY PASSENGER DOORS I TOOK IT TO FORD TO BE FIXED. THEY ENDED UP DISCOVERING MY FRAME IS RUSTED ALONG THE BOTTOM OF MY DOORS. I AM NOW VERY CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY WITH THIS VEHICLE. IT HAS ONLY 97,000 WHICH FOR A SUV IS NOT MUCH.*AK

NHTSA #: 10093643
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Oct 2002

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DOOR BEHIND THE DRIVERS SEAT HAS A LOT OF PLAY IN THE HANDLE. CONSUMER CAN'T OPEN DOOR. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. MR

NHTSA #: 8020929
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Dec 2001

WHEN SHUTTING OFF ENGINE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS ENGAGED. DRIVER'S REAR DOOR LOCK WAS REPLACED IN SEPTEMBER 2001, PASSENGER REAR DOOR LOCK WAS REPLACED DECEMBER 19, 2001.

NHTSA #: 8000997
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Sep 2001

SUPPORT FRAME THAT HOLDS CAR TOGETHER ON FRONT OF VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY CRACKED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY WERE NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING. CONSUMER FELT THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF VEHICLE COULD FALL OFF. THEN, CAR WOULD FLIP OVER, AND PASSENGER COULD BE INJURED OR KILLED. VEHICLE WAS ROLLING DEATH TRAP. FRAME SHOULD NEVER BREAK, IT COULD BE BENT, BUT NOT BROKEN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA #: 895682
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Aug 2001

POWER DOOR LOCKS ARE NOT WORKING, THEREFORE THE DOORS DO NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. THIS COULD BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IF TRAPPED INSIDE. SHOULDN'T THEY ALWAYS OPEN MANUALLY? ISN'T THERE A LAW PROVIDING SAFETY FOR DOOR LOCKS?

NHTSA #: 750118
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Aug 2001

POWER DOOR LOCKS ARE NOT WORKING, THEREFORE THE DOORS DO NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. THIS COULD BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IF TRAPPED INSIDE. SHOULDN'T THEY ALWAYS OPEN MANUALLY? ISN'T THERE A LAW PROVIDING SAFETY FOR DOOR LOCKS?

NHTSA #: 750118
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: May 2001

INSIDE HANDLES ON LEFT AND RIGHT REAR DOORS ARE BROKEN. DOORS CANNOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK

NHTSA #: 888734
mediumSTRUCTURE,TIRES
Filed: Mar 2001

THIS FIRESTONE WILDERNESS/AT TIRE, P23575R15 WAS LOOKED AT BY A GARAGE WHEN TREAD SEPRATION WAS NOTICED.*AK CONSUMER STATES FIRST FAULTY TIRE RESULTED IN A BLOWOUT, 2 OTHERS WERE NOTICED AT A GARAGE WITH TREAD SEPARATION. CONSUMER STATES INSIDE PASSENGER DOOR HANDLES ON BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT DO NOT WORK. *SLC

NHTSA #: 882193
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Feb 2001

FRONT BOLTS AND/OR RIVITS IN THE FRONT FRAME MAY BE LOOSE CAUSING SQUEAKS, CLICKS AND MOVEMENT OF THE FRAME, IT IS FELT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN MAKING TIGHT TURNS. NLM

NHTSA #: 559457
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Feb 2001

DOOR LOCKS WILL LOCK AND UNLOCK FOR NO REASON, DEALER STATED THERE IS NO WAY OF TESTING THE LOCKS, CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT, THE LOCKS MIGHT LOCK. *SLC

NHTSA #: 785257
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Jan 2001

PASSENGER'S DOOR IN REAR WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS UNSAFE. *AK

NHTSA #: 877302
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Nov 2000

CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES FOR AN UPCOMING TURN WHEN THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER AND WENT DOWN AN EMBANKMENT, THE ROLLOVER RESULTED IN 3 PEOPLE SUSTAINING INJURIES. *SLC

NHTSA #: 557126
mediumSTRUCTURE,TIRES
Filed: Sep 2000

THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PROCEEDED TO SKID INTO THE SOUTHSIDE OF THE ROADWAY INTO A DITCH AND COLLIDED WITH A UTILITY POLE, THERE WERE 2 FATALITIES(TEXAS OFFICERS ACCIDENT REPORT, BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE, P235/75R15, RADIAL ATX M/S, VDHL1PM435, LEFT REAR). NLM

NHTSA #: 554980
mediumSTRUCTURE,TIRES
Filed: Sep 2000

THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PROCEEDED TO SKID INTO THE SOUTHSIDE OF THE ROADWAY INTO A DITCH AND COLLIDED WITH A UTILITY POLE, THERE WERE 2 FATALITIES(TEXAS OFFICERS ACCIDENT REPORT, BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE, P235/75R15, RADIAL ATX M/S, VDHL1PM435, LEFT REAR). NLM

NHTSA #: 554980
mediumSTRUCTURE,TIRES
Filed: Sep 2000

THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PROCEEDED TO SKID INTO THE SOUTHSIDE OF THE ROADWAY INTO A DITCH AND COLLIDED WITH A UTILITY POLE, THERE WERE 2 FATALITIES(TEXAS OFFICERS ACCIDENT REPORT, BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE, P235/75R15, RADIAL ATX M/S, VDHL1PM435, LEFT REAR). NLM

NHTSA #: 554980
mediumSTRUCTURE,TIRES
Filed: Sep 2000

AS REPORTED ON 9/5/00 (BEFORE THE TIRE RECALL HEARINGS ON 9/6/00) TO SENATORS RICHARD SHELBY AND FRANK LAUTENBERG AND HOUSE REPRESENTATVES W.J. "BILLY" TAUZIN AND FRED UPTON: I RECENTLY READ IN THE TIMES THAT THE EXPLORER TIRE THAT BLOWS OUT MOST OFTEN IS THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE, WHICH MAKES ME WONDER IF THERE IS A DESIGN DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE. UPON CLOSELY EXAMINING MY 96 EXPLORER (WHICH DIDN'T COME WITH FIRESTONE TIRES, BY THE WAY), I FOUND THAT THE BODY LEANS TO THE LEFT (DRIVER'S SIDE), RESULTING IN A VERTICAL SAG OF ABOUT HALF AN INCH ON THAT SIDE. I CONFIRMED THAT THE SAG IS NOT RELATED TO VEHICLE LOADING - THE SAG PERSISTS WITH BOTH VEHICLE AND GAS TANK EMPTY; OR TO WEAKENED SPRINGS - THE CHASIS STAYS LEVEL, ONLY THE BODY SAGS. ALSO, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS. SINCE THEN, OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS OR SO, I HAVE BEEN CLOSELY OBSERVING EXPLORERS AND OTHER SUV'S ON THE ROAD AND IN PARKING LOTS. THE RESULTS OF MY ADMITTEDLY NOT-SO-SCIENTIFIC SURVEY ARE AS FOLLOWS: (1) ABOUT 50% OF THE OLDER EXPLORERS ON THE ROAD SHOW A SIMILAR SAG TO THE LEFT. (2) NONE OF THE EXPLORER'S OBSERVED SHOWED A SAG TO THE RIGHT. (3) LESS THAN 5% OF THE OTHER SUV'S OBSERVED SHOWED ANY SAG, WHICH WAS EQUALLY LIKELY TO BE TO THE LEFT OR TO THE RIGHT. I THOUGHT I SHOULD PASS ON THIS INFORMATION TO YOU, FOR WHATEVER IT IS WORTH, BEFORE THE TIRE RECALL HEARINGS IN THE SENATE TOMORROW. SINCERELY, RAMESH DHINGRA. *AK

NHTSA #: 730412
mediumSTRUCTURE,TIRES
Filed: Sep 2000

AS REPORTED ON 9/5/00 (BEFORE THE TIRE RECALL HEARINGS ON 9/6/00) TO SENATORS RICHARD SHELBY AND FRANK LAUTENBERG AND HOUSE REPRESENTATVES W.J. "BILLY" TAUZIN AND FRED UPTON: I RECENTLY READ IN THE TIMES THAT THE EXPLORER TIRE THAT BLOWS OUT MOST OFTEN IS THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE, WHICH MAKES ME WONDER IF THERE IS A DESIGN DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE. UPON CLOSELY EXAMINING MY 96 EXPLORER (WHICH DIDN'T COME WITH FIRESTONE TIRES, BY THE WAY), I FOUND THAT THE BODY LEANS TO THE LEFT (DRIVER'S SIDE), RESULTING IN A VERTICAL SAG OF ABOUT HALF AN INCH ON THAT SIDE. I CONFIRMED THAT THE SAG IS NOT RELATED TO VEHICLE LOADING - THE SAG PERSISTS WITH BOTH VEHICLE AND GAS TANK EMPTY; OR TO WEAKENED SPRINGS - THE CHASIS STAYS LEVEL, ONLY THE BODY SAGS. ALSO, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS. SINCE THEN, OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS OR SO, I HAVE BEEN CLOSELY OBSERVING EXPLORERS AND OTHER SUV'S ON THE ROAD AND IN PARKING LOTS. THE RESULTS OF MY ADMITTEDLY NOT-SO-SCIENTIFIC SURVEY ARE AS FOLLOWS: (1) ABOUT 50% OF THE OLDER EXPLORERS ON THE ROAD SHOW A SIMILAR SAG TO THE LEFT. (2) NONE OF THE EXPLORER'S OBSERVED SHOWED A SAG TO THE RIGHT. (3) LESS THAN 5% OF THE OTHER SUV'S OBSERVED SHOWED ANY SAG, WHICH WAS EQUALLY LIKELY TO BE TO THE LEFT OR TO THE RIGHT. I THOUGHT I SHOULD PASS ON THIS INFORMATION TO YOU, FOR WHATEVER IT IS WORTH, BEFORE THE TIRE RECALL HEARINGS IN THE SENATE TOMORROW. SINCERELY, RAMESH DHINGRA. *AK

NHTSA #: 730412
mediumSTRUCTURE,TIRES
Filed: Jul 2000

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 65MPH ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE TREAD SEPARATED FROM LEFT REAR TIRE, AND DAMAGED THE LEFT REAR QUARTER PANEL, KNOCKING OFF THE CHROME COVER OFF, AND BOLTS BROKEN AND BENT THE REAR QUARTER PANEL. *AK

NHTSA #: 866382
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: May 2000

RIGHT FRONT AND LEFT REAR DOOR HANDLES ON THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE BROKE, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO GET OUT OF VEHICLE. DEALER HAS SEEN VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA #: 862352
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: May 2000

FRONT AND REAR DOOR HANDLES FAIL - UNABLE TO OPEN DOORS FROM INSIDE. *AK

NHTSA #: 723093
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Feb 2000

THE DOOR HANDLE HAS BROKEN THREE TIMES. FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT FIX,RE-DESIGN THE HANDLE. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ALSO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THERE 1996 EXPLORER. I'M A SAFETY EXPERT FOR DOL-OSHA AND FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM AND FORD NEEDS TO FIX "ASAP" THE PLASTIC DESIGN OF THE HANDLE. IF YOU CAN NOT GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE DURING A POTENTIAL CRASH THIS COULD BE A SAFETY PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA #: 718861
mediumSTRUCTURE
FireFiled: Jan 2000

CONSUMER STARTED EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE, THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE, ONE PERSON WAS INJURED WHILE PUTTING OUT THE FIRE, THE AXLE HAD BROKEN AND MELTED, BUT NO ONE KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. *SLC

NHTSA #: 558831
mediumSTRUCTURE
FireFiled: Jan 2000

CONSUMER STARTED EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE, THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE, ONE PERSON WAS INJURED WHILE PUTTING OUT THE FIRE, THE AXLE HAD BROKEN AND MELTED, BUT NO ONE KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. *SLC

NHTSA #: 558831
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Nov 1999

THIS IS A LEASED VEHICLE FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY, THE DOOR LOCKS AND TAIL GATE LOCK HAVE A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAT CAUSES THE LOCKS TO GO UP AND DOWN AND THE MOTOR TO STAY ON INSIDE THE DOORS CAUSING THEM TO OVERHEAT AND CREATE POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARDS. THE FUSE HAD TO BE TAKEN OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO SHUT THE LOCK MECHANISHMS OFF, THE FORD COMPANY REFUSES TO FIX THIS DEFECT IN THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA #: 714983
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Jun 1999

LEFT REAR DOOR HANDLE BROKE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

NHTSA #: 838785
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: May 1999

REAR DOOR HANDLES ON BOTH SIDES HAVE FAILED. PLEASE CONTACT IF A RECALL IS PENDING.

NHTSA #: 706846
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Mar 1999

ICE BUILDS UP ON RUNNING BOARD DUE TO DESIGN, MAKING IT UNSAFE TO EXIT VEHICLE.

NHTSA #: 544208
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Mar 1999

FREEZING RAIN CAUSES THE DOORS TO FREEZE TO THE SEAL MOULDINGS MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO ENTER VEHICLE.

NHTSA #: 544208
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Mar 1999

ICE BUILD UP ON REAR QUARTER PANEL.

NHTSA #: 544208
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Nov 1998

INSIDE HANDLES ARE BREAKING, CAUSING THE BACK DOORS TO BECOME STUCK. WILL NOT OPEN, RESULTING IN CONSUMER BEING TRAPPED IN VEHICLE. *AK *ML

NHTSA #: 831311
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Sep 1998

INSIDE REAR DOOR HANDLE IS INOPERATIVE.

NHTSA #: 540799
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Aug 1998

REAR DOORS WILL NOT OPEN . ONE HANDLE HAS BEEN SPRUNG AND THE OTHER BROKE OFF. OWNER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER. *AK

NHTSA #: 826768
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Aug 1998

BOTH INSIDE REAR DOORS DO NOT OPEN WHEN HANDLES ARE USED. DEALER HAS REPLACED BOTH HANDLES AND CONDITION REOCCURS. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA #: 826707
mediumSTRUCTURE
FireFiled: Apr 1998

WHILE PARKED, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE CENTER CONSOLE, CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA #: 822336
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Dec 1997

THE REAR DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S DOOR HANDLE ON THE INSIDE HAS BROKEN 3TIMES WITHIN 2 YEARS, AND THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S DOORS CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE WHEN THE HANDLE IS BROKEN. MILEAGE 18062, 19364, 29265. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT HE HAS WRITTEN FORD, HOWEVER THEY HAVE NOT REPLIED. *SLC

NHTSA #: 819858
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Dec 1997

VEHICLE FLOODED WITH WATER DUE TO MANUFACTURER NEVER INSTALLING THE HOSES THAT CONNECT AND DRAIN EXCESS WATER FROM THE ROOF AREA, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO INTERIOR OF VEHICLE.

NHTSA #: 525596
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Nov 1997

AUTOMATIC LOCKING SYSTEM FAILED.

NHTSA #: 604527
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Oct 1997

CONSOLE FAILED.

NHTSA #: 604501
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Oct 1997

THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HAS BROKEN TWICE WHICH DOES NOT ALLOW THE DOOR TO BE OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. THE HANDLE WAS REPLACED IN FEB OF 97, AND ON 10/7/97 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA #: 817024
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Sep 1997

ELECTRIC DOOR LOCK ACTUCTOR FAILED.

NHTSA #: 603844
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Apr 1997

INTERIOR DOOR RELEASE LEVER FAILED TWICE.

NHTSA #: 603157
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Dec 1996

REAR PASSENGER'S DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE.

NHTSA #: 513324
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Sep 1996

DOOR ASSEMBLY RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED DUE TO UNAVAILABILITY OF PARTS (96V-070). *AK

NHTSA #: 800590
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Aug 1996

EXTENSIVE CORROSIN/RUST OF ENTIRE UNDERCARRIAGE.*AK

NHTSA #: 506772

Other 1996 Ford Explorer Issues