1987 Ford Explorer problems
The Ford Explorer is a range of SUVs manufactured by Ford Motor Company since the 1991 model year. As the first four-door SUV produced by Ford, the Explorer was introduced as a replacement for the two-door Bronco II. Within the current Ford SUV range in North America, the Explorer is slotted between the Ford Edge and Ford Expedition. As with the Ford Ranger, the Explorer derives its name from a trim package previously offered on the Ford F-Series pickup trucks.
The Explorer has been offered in multiple chassis and powertrain layouts. The first two generations were directly derived from the Ford Ranger, switching to a model-specific chassis for the third and fourth generations. The fifth generation was repackaged as a crossover SUV, adopting a variant of the Ford Taurus chassis architecture.
Alongside the five-door Explorer wagon, a three-door Explorer wagon was offered from 1991 to 2003, officially referred to as the Explorer Sport after 1999, serving as the direct replacement of the Bronco II; the 2001–2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac was a crew-cab pickup derived from the model line. For police use, the Ford Police Interceptor Utility has been derived from the fifth and sixth-generation Explorer to replace the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (and the later Taurus-based Police Interceptor Sedan). Through rebranding, Mazda, Mercury, and Lincoln have sold versions of the Explorer; Lincoln currently markets the sixth-generation model line as the Lincoln Aviator.
For the North American market, the first four generations of the Explorer were produced by Ford at its Louisville Assembly Plant (Louisville, Kentucky) and at its now-closed St. Louis Assembly Plant (Hazelwood, Missouri); the model line is currently produced at Chicago Assembly Plant (Chicago, Illinois).
In 2020, CNBC reported the Ford Explorer range as the best-selling SUV of all time in America.
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Common 1987 Ford Explorer problems
The Ford Explorer, a popular sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by Ford Motor Company since 1991, has been subject to various issues and recalls throughout the years. This article will discuss common problems with the Ford Explorer, focusing on the 1987 model based on complaints from owners. However, due to the lack of specific information available for the 1987 model, this article will also include issues reported for other early model years, as they may provide insights into potential problems that could affect the 1987 model.
Suspension Problems:
Numerous Ford Explorers, including the 1987 model, have experienced suspension issues that result in an unacceptably bouncy ride quality. This problem is often caused by worn-out shock absorbers, which can be replaced to improve the ride quality. If you're experiencing this issue, it's essential to check your tire pressures first, as incorrect tire pressure settings can also contribute to a bouncy ride. If the tires are at the correct pressure, replacing all four shock absorbers should resolve the problem.
Ventilation System Issues:
Some Ford Explorers, including the 1987 model, have encountered problems with their ventilation systems. Specifically, some owners have reported that not enough air is sent to the floor area when defrosting the windshield, resulting in cold feet. This issue is typically caused by excessive air bleed to the defroster due to a faulty floor/defroster door. The solution involves installing a new door, which requires removing the affected section of the ventilation system, fitting the new door, and reinstalling the ventilation set-up in the Explorer.
Rattling Steering Column:
Many Ford Explorers, including the 1987 model, have been reported to have a rattling steering column caused by a dislocated spring in the tilt lever. This issue can be resolved by following the steps outlined in the Haynes Explorer manual, which provides detailed instructions on how to fix this problem.
Power Door Locks:
Ford Explorers, including the 1987 model, have experienced issues with power door locks, particularly when the actuator disengages from the bracket, preventing vehicle entry. This problem can be resolved by following the instructions provided in the Haynes Explorer manual.
Rear Wipers:
Rear wipers on Ford Explorers, including the 1987 model, are known to be prone to erratic or failed operation, especially during rainy days. This issue can be resolved by following the instructions provided in the Haynes Explorer manual for replacing or repairing the rear wiper motor or mechanism.
While this article focuses on common problems with the Ford Explorer, it's important to note that many model years have received positive reviews and have been reliable for most owners. If you're considering purchasing a used Ford Explorer, it's crucial to research the specific model year and vehicle history to ensure you're making an informed decision.
1987 Ford Explorer car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Explorer problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Tires problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Ford Explorer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Ford Explorer complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Ford Explorer.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-06
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE "DETREADED" AT HIGHWAY SPEED, CAUSING MAJOR FENDER AND ELECTRICAL DAMAGE TO TAILLIGHT. FORTUNATELY THE TIRE DID NOT GO FLAT. *AK (DOT NUMBER: HYKC FRX TIRESIZE: P205 75 R1)
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-01
- VIN: 1FMDUS4E3VZ
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: PE00 020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD A SLAPPING NOISE. HE CONTINUED TO DRIVE, AND AND WHEN HE GOT HOME, HE NOTICED THAT LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD HAD SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE. FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS AT, P23575R16, THERE WERE NO INJURIES.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-16
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ANTILOCK BRAKES LOCK UP UPON ENGAGEMENT, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SKID MOMENTARILY.
Other years of Ford Explorer
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