1996 Ford Explorer Wheels Problems
10 owner-reported wheels complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (10)
Your 1996 Ford Explorer's wheels are developing visible cracks across the rim surface, which is compromising their structural integrity and stability. This issue requires prompt attention to ensure safe handling. You'll likely need to have the damaged rims replaced with new ones.
Parts you may need:
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DT: CONSUMER'S SON WAS DRIVING ON DRY PAVEMENT STREET AND THE VEHICLE FISH TAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE WITNESSES TO THIS. THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE WHEEL WITH TIRE INTACT CAME OUT. THE VEHICLE LEANED AND FLIPPED, AND TIPPED OVER. IT LANDED HALFWAY ON SIDEWALK AND HALFWAY IN STREET. EMERGENCY CREWS WERE CALLED. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A DEALER, AND HAS NOT HAD ANY REPAIRS DONE. *AK
DRIVER SIDE TRAILER WHEEL SHEARED OFF WHILE DRIVING.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS TOWING A TRAILER. THE LEFT SIDE TRAILER WHEEL SHEARED OFF WHILE DRIVING. ANOTHER VEHICLE STRUCK THE DEBRIS IN THE ROADWAY. UPON INSPECTION ALL THE LUG NUTS WERE MISSING FROM THE LEFT SIDE ALONG WITH THE TIRE. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE LEFT SIDE WHEEL ON THE TRAILER. *PH *NLM
LUGS: NUTS IS WEARING OFF FROM WHEEL WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY CAUSE WHEEL TO COMPLETLEY SEPARATE FROM VEHICLE. *AK *JB
THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL MOLDING IS LOOSE AND IS MISSING THE SCREWS. *SLC
THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL MOLDING IS LOOSE AND IS MISSING THE SCREWS. *SLC
WHILE DRIVING THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL CAME OFF DUE TO LUGS: NUTS AND BOLTS BREAKING OFF. NO INJURIES. *AK
IN 1996 FORD IMPLEMENTED NEW SEALED HUB ASSEMBLIES TO REPLACE STANDARD WHEEL BEARINGS. AT APPROXIMATELY 3000 MILES A CONSTANT SQUEAKING DEVELOPED IN MY FRONT WHEELS. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSIS WAS BRAKE NOISE ANNOYING BUT HARMLESS. AT 40,000 MILES THE SQUEAK TURNED SUDDENLY INTO THE SOUND OF GRAVEL IN THE WHEELS. THE VEHICLE LOST STABILITY IN HANDLING AND I IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT IT INTO THE CLOSEST GARAGE. THEY REPORTED THAT THE BEARINGS WERE BAD AND FURTHER DIAGNOSIS THEY DISCOVERED THE EXISTENCE OF THE SEALED HUB ASSEMBLIES. THE ASSEMBLIES ON BOTH FRONT WHEELS WERE BAD. ACCORDING TO THE SHOP FORD HAS A NATIONAL BACKORDER ON THE PARTS DUE TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF PROBLEMS. THE LOCAL FORD DEALER WILL NOT DISCUSS THE ISSUE WITH AND HAS SENT ME DIRECTLY TO FORD. (I ASSUME THAT THIS IS DUE TO THEIR FAMILIARITY WITH THE PROBLEM AND INABILITY TO ASSIST.) FORD REFUSES TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE AS I AM CURRENTLY OUT OF WARRANTY. THEY CAN NOT EVEN TELL ME WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. I HAVE NO COURSE OF ACTION.
THE ASSEMLBY OF BOTH FRONT WHEEL HUBS WAS BAD. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE'S WHEELS TO SQUEAK AND FINALLY LOOSE STABILITY IN HANDLING.
WHEEL LUG FAILED.