1996 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 1996 Ford Explorer problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1996 Ford Explorer, several common problems have been reported:
- Air Conditioning Water Leakage: Owners have reported water dripping onto the floor when the air conditioner is operated due to improperly positioned evaporator strip seals. This issue can lead to interior damage and discomfort for passengers.
- Starting Issues: Some owners have experienced difficulties starting the engine, with symptoms like extended cranking times or stalling. This problem may be caused by a sticking idle air-control valve, affecting the vehicle's reliability and usability.
- Heater Core Leaks: Leaks in the heater core have been reported, which can result in coolant loss and reduced heating efficiency. Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose is a common repair method for addressing this issue.
- Keyless Entry Malfunction: Problems with the keyless entry system failing to operate have been noted, often due to damage from static electricity affecting the Remote Anti-theft Personality (RAP) module. Adding a redundant ground on the passenger seats is a recommended solution.
- Radiator Leaks: Some owners have experienced radiator leaks in cold weather conditions, attributed to a faulty seal between the tank and core. This issue can lead to engine overheating and potential damage if not addressed promptly.
- Suspension Concerns: The sway bar links in the suspension system may bend or break due to rigid original bushings. This issue can affect the vehicle's handling and stability, posing a safety risk if not rectified.
- Transmission Flaring: Transmission flare when shifting from second to third gear has been reported, often caused by a malfunctioning shift solenoid. This issue can lead to erratic shifting behavior and potential transmission damage if left unresolved.
- Vehicle Noise: Various noise issues have been reported, including chattering noises from the rear during turns, caused by factors like lack of friction modifier or internal separation of radius-arm bushings. Addressing these noise concerns is essential for a quieter and smoother driving experience.
These common problems reported by owners of the 1996 Ford Explorer highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt repairs to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance and longevity.
1996 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
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Service brakes problems
- Power train problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Ford Explorer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1996 Ford Explorer
The NHTSA has received 1640 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Ford Explorer. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1996 Ford Explorer vehicles.
2020-09-14
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-14
- VIN: 1FMDU35P4TZ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WHILE STATIONARY AND PREPARING TO SAFELY OPERATE THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RECEPTACLE DOES NOT RETAIN THE SEAT BELT. IT MAY HOLD FOR A BRIEF MOMENT, BUT THEN RELEASES THE BELT RENDERING THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM INEFFECTIVE AND UNSAFE.
2020-02-15
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-08
- VIN: 1FMDU34X5TU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SEATS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING IN "D" IN FIRST TO SECOND IT HAS HAD A PROBLEM SHIFTING BETWEEN THE 1ST AND 2ND GEARS WHEN ACCELERATING AND WILL REV HIGH RPMS AND SOMETIMES DO ABSOLUTLEY NOTHING WHEN DRYING TO MOVE FORWARD UNLESS I DE ACCELERATE AND THEN TRY TO ACCELERATE AGINE THEN FINALLY IT WILL CATCH AND GO IN TO 2ND AND PROCEED TO 3RD AND THEN 4TH AND THEN 5TH ,4TH AND 5TH WHEN ACCELERATING SOUNDS VERY ROUGH WHEN ACCELERATING LIKE IT'S TRYING TO HARD TO DRIVE, LATELY IT JUST THE OTHER DAY I HAD TROUBLE GETTING IT TO GO IN TO D TO 1ST 2ND 3RD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTING WAS NOT WANTING TO CATCH HAD T OK TRY 3-6 TIMES DE ACCELERATING AND ACCELERATING TO TRY TO GET IT TO GO FINALT IT CAUGHT AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT SO I STOPPED AT THE PARTS STORE HAD THEM DO A SCAN AND THE ONLY CODE THAT CAME UP WAS P1701 THEY LOOKED IT UP AND IT SAID SOMETHING TO DO WITH TROUBLE IN REVERSE WITCH IN REVERSE HAS NO PROBLEM AT ALL SO I'M A LITTLE CONFUSED ABOUT IT AND ALSO A LITTLE SCARED TO DRIVE IT WHEN THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION AND IF IT WON'T ENGAGE IN TO GEAR WHEN ACCELERATING WHEN IN D THAT COULD BE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ALSO THE ODOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER DO NOT WORK WAS TOLD IT WAS VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR SO I REPLACED IT STILL HAD ISSUE SO I REPLACED THE ODOMETER SPIRAL GEAR HOPEFULLY IT WILL FIX THE PROBLEM ALSO THE BACK SEAT DOUBLE SIDE WOULD NOT GO DOWN FIXED IT AFTER PULLING IT APART AND DRILLING ANOTHER HOLE INTO THE SPRING LOADED CIRCLE THAT HAS A TENCHENER ON IT FIXED THAT ....AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AUTOMATIC SEATS JUST STOPPED MOVING ABOUT HALF WAY SO IT'S VERY HARD FOR ME TO REACH THE PEDAL AND THE AUTOMATIC SIDE MIRRORS DON'T WORK EATHER ONE AND THE ALL FUSES ARE GOOD THEAS ARE ALL SAFETY ISSUES THAT HAVE ME CONCERNED SINCE IT'S ALL I HAVE SO ANYTHING OR ANYWHERE I CAN TAKE IT OR DO TO IT PLEASE CONTACT ME SO IT CAN GET FIXED ASAP FOR THE SHIFTING ISSUE. TY
2019-07-21
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-01
- VIN: 1FMDU35P3TU
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: THE RIMS ON THIS 1996 FORD EXPLORER-EDDIE BAUER EDITION ARE SHOWING FRACTURES THROUGHOUT THE FACE. THIS HAS WEAKENED THE STABILITY OF THE RIMS.
2018-08-30
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-08-08
- VIN: 1FMDY32XXTU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALL FOUR WINDOWS INTERMITTENTLY STOP WORKING. CANNOT GO UP OR DOWN. DOESNT HAVE A PREFERENCE AS TO WHEN, HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS OFF OR ON.
2018-02-05
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-22
- VIN: 1FMDU32P7TZ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WAS JAMMED AND WOULD NOT UNLATCH. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO CUT THE SEAT BELT. JIM HUDSON FORD (1201 W MAIN ST, LEXINGTON, SC) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 672,000.
2017-11-16
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I PURCHASED THIS EXPLORER THE FIRST YEAR THAT THE V-8 WAS AVAILABLE. THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD FRACTURED 4 TIMES DURING THE 12 YEARS THAT I HAD THE VEHICLE. THE PART COST OVER $300 AND WAS ON "NATIONAL BACKORDER" FOR OVER A YEAR, SO I HAD MY NEPHEW (CERTIFIED WELDER) WELD THE PIECE TOGETHER AND REINSTALLED BY AN AUTO MECHANIC. MY NEPHEW STATED THAT WHEN YOU HAVE "POT-METAL" WELDED TO STEEL, IT WILL ALWAYS FRACTURE, SO THIS PART WAS NEVER MANUFACTURED CORRECTLY. FORD DENIED MY REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT, EVEN AFTER THE 3RD TIME IT FRACTURED (PERSISTENT PROBLEM?) IT RELEASED FUMES INTO THE CAR THROUGH THE VENTS AND FLOORBOARDS. NOW I SEE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE NEWER EXPLORERS AND I FEEL THAT THIS HAS BEEN A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM FOR MANY, MANY YEARS, BUT JUST NOW HAS CAUGHT UP WITH FORD BECAUSE IT WAS INVESTIGATED BY NEWS MEDIA, WHERE I HAD NO RECOURSE BACK IN THE DAY FOR THE CORRECTION ON MY VEHICLE.
2017-05-12
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-05
- VIN: 1FMDU34X1TZ
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SAFETY RECALL 09S09 - SCDS (SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH) ON FORD MODELS MADE AFTER 95 WITH A TEXAS MADE DEACTIVATION SWITCH THAT WAS MADE POORLY. I PURCHASED A 1996 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION 4X4 TRUCK IN DECEMBER OF 2016, FROM A PRIVATE PARTY IN NEVADA.THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED MAINLY SO I COULD DELIVER AS PART OF MY JOB DESCRIPTION AND NEEDED SOMETHING WITH 4X4 SINCE I LIVE IN SNOW. DID A TEST DRIVE, EVERYTHING SEEMED TO WORK PROPERLY AND DRIVE NICELY, DROVE IT FROM RENO, NV TO PORTOLA, CA ABOUT 62 MILES, EVERYTHING STILL FINE. THE NEXT DAY I GOT INTO THE VEHICLE, WAS HEADING TO THE GAS STATION WHEN I REALIZED THE SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, THE ARM WENT TO 20MPH AND DROPPED TO 0 AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHIFTED BAD FROM LOW TO HIGH GEARS ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. AS I CONTINUED TO DRIVE, THE RPM WENT HIGH, LITTLE OVER 3RPH AND FELT LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS STICKING OVER DRIVE LIGHT FLASHES, THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. DID A CODE READER AND SAID MY SEED SENSOR WAS NO GOOD. REPLACED THE VSS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF FOR ABOUT 15 MILES, THEN SAME ISSUE.I DID A FULL TIME UP, NO CHANGE,DID ANOTHER READING, SAME CODE FOR SPEED SENSOR REPLACED AGAIN, SAME ISSUE. SEEN ONLINE I HAVE A RECALL ON THE SPEED SENSOR AND CRUISE CONTROL, MADE APPOINTMENT WITH FORD AFTER FLEXPLATE SHREDDED, FORD SENT ME TO A "FRIENDS" MECHANIC WHO REFUSED TO TOUCH MY TRUCK WHO THEN SENT ME TO ANOTHER MECHANIC UNTIL I CALLED FORD AGAIN WHO RESCHEDULED ME TO COME BACK A WEEK LATER. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR ESPECIALLY IN AND OUT OF STATE DUE TO THIS RECALL AND THE SAFETY CONCERNS THAT GO WITH IT. I'D LIKE HELP ON WHAT I CAN DO IN THIS SITUATION AND BE REIMBURSED FOR THE TIME I HAVEN'T DRIVEN MY VEHICLE OR BEEN ABLE TO PERFORM MY DUTIES AT WORK, AND THE MONEY I'VE SPENT FIXING THE ISSUE THAT SHOULDN'T EVEN EXIST.
2017-05-09
AIR BAGS,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-04
- Number Of Injuries: 5
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FMDU34X4TZ
- Components: AIR BAGS,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING MY FORD EXPLORER AND MY TIRE ON THE DRIVER FRONTSIDE WENT OUT AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP ON ME AND THEN MY VEHICLE HIT THE CURVE AND FLIPPED OVER 15 OR 16 TIMES BEFORE IT STOPPED I WAS FEELING ALL OVER THE ROAD I HAD MY SET BELT ON BUT MY AIR BAGS NEVER CAME OUT AND I WAS ONLY GOING 25 OR 30 AND I WAS ON A CITY STREET TURNING INTO THE NEXT LANE WHEN THE TIRE WENT OUT AND MY VEHICLE FLIPPED YES POLICE ACCOUNT REPORT #170042354 I'M NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED I WAS IN SHOCK THAT IT HAPPENED SO QUICKLY AND I WAS HAPPY TO BE A LIVE MY FORD EXPLORER IS TOTALLY DESTROYED.
2016-09-02
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-08-06
- VIN: 1FMDU32X1TU
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: SUDDEN UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION: ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, FROM YEARS 1998-2015. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED IN TOWN, 1998. I HAD TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO DISENGAGE THE SURGING ACCELERATOR. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. PERHAPS A FLOOR MAT PROBLEM, THEY SAID. I REPLACED THE MATS WITH AN AFTER MARKET PAIR- SUV COMPATIBLE AND MUD RESISTANT WITH MANY, GRIPPERS ON THE UNDERSIDE. WITHIN A YEAR, I QUIT DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND MY HUSBAND TOOK THE EXPLORER AS HIS DAILY DRIVER. HE NEVER EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM, I HAD HAD. I SOLD MY CAR AFTER RETIREMENT AND ON OCCASION NOW DRIVE THE 1996 FORD EXPLORER AGAIN. I HAVE HAD TWO MORE INCIDENTS OF SUA WITHIN 2014-2015 - BOTH ON THE INTERSTATE, BOTH WITH THE REPLACEMENT MATS. AT THE BEGINNING OF BOTH TRIPS, I ENSURED THAT THE MAT LOOKED A SAFE DISTANCE FROM THE PEDALS. BUT-BOTH TIMES, THAT THE UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION HAPPENED, I REACHED DOWN AND GRABBED THE MAT BEHIND MY FEET AND PULLED IT AWAY FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THIS DISENGAGED THE RUNAWAY SPEED. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS NOT ONLY THE MANUFACTURING STRUCTURE OF THE MATS, BUT THE SIZE/SHAPE OF THE FORD PEDAL. THE PEDAL SIZE IS A PROBLEM FOR SHORT STATURE DRIVERS. I AM 5'1" AND I MUST PULL THE SEAT FAR ENOUGH FORWARD TO REACH THE PEDAL, BUT TRY TO STAY A SAFE DISTANCE AWAY FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG. THIS LEAVES ME STRETCHING MY FOOT/TOES TO REACH THE PEDAL AND APPLYING PRESSURE IN AN AREA THAT CAUSES THE FLOOR MAT TO GET STUCK UNDER THE ACCEL. PEDAL. I DID REMOVE THE MAT, COMPLETELY!, NOW! ALL THREE INCIDENTS WERE UNEXPECTED AND PANIC ATTACKS TO MY CORE. I AM IMMENSELY FORTUNATE TO NOT HAVE KILLED SOMEONE OR MYSELF. IT REALLY CONCERNS ME THAT SOMEONE ELSE WOULD OWN MY FORD EXPLORER, AND NOT KNOW OF THIS HIDDEN DANGER. MY VEHICLE HAS ONLY ABOUT 84,000 MILES ON IT.
2016-03-21
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-21
- VIN: 1FMCU22X5TU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: SEARCHING BY VIN: [XXX] NUMBER OF OPEN RECALLS: 0 BUT SEARCHING BY MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR I FOUND THIS RECALL: HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/OWNERS/SEARCHRESULTS;JSESSIONID=SJ1QWW1GVDDYCS6XGGCHZTLTY2TN4KJKBPXV1GCS9VG9XL8B1ZT5!857755995?PRODTYPE=V&SEARCHTYPE=PROD&TARGETCATEGORY=A&SEARCHCRITERIA.MODEL=EXPLORER&STATS=215181%2C11%2C3%2C1611%2C236%2CEXPLORER&MAKESTATS=&JSONBASEURL=%2FDOWNLOADS%2FFOLDERS%2F&SEARCHCRITERIA.MODEL_YR=1996&SEARCHCRITERIA.MAKE=FORD&SEARCHCRITERIA.PROD_IDS=215181 REPORT RECEIPT DATE: OCT 13, 2009 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V399000 COMPONENT(S): VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL THE DEALERSHIP SHOP AND WITH YOUR CHAT REPRESENTATIVE TRIED TO CONVINCE ME THAT THE RECALLS ARE ONLY BY VIN EVEN TOUGH IN YOUR WEB-SITE IT SAYS: "BESIDES THE VIN SEARCH TOOL YOU JUST USED, NHTSA OFFERS ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION BASED ON A VEHICLE'S MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR AND NOT TIED TO ANY PARTICULAR VIN. A SEARCH BY VEHICLE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR GIVES YOU ACCESS TO INFORMATION ABOUT TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS, NHTSA INVESTIGATIONS, AND OWNER COMPLAINTS, AS WELL AS SAFETY RECALLS ON AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT THAT IS OFTEN NOT LINKED TO A PARTICULAR VIN OR EVEN TO YOUR VEHICLE'S MANUFACTURER. " WHERE IS THE TRUTH? DO I HAVE A RECALL 09V399000 FOR MY VEHICLE? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
2015-12-04
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-12-03
- VIN: 1FMDU35P7TZ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVERS SEATBELT WILL NOT REMAIN LATCHED. I WILL BE DRIVING ALONG WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SEATBELT WILL RELEASE FOR NO REASON. IT DOES IT NO MATTER IF YOU ARE DRIVING, SITTING STILL OR WHATEVER. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE LAST MONTH AND IT IS GETTING WORSE.
2014-11-20
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-08
- VIN: 1FMDU32X0TU
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: SUV SUSPENSION SWAYS LIKE ITS ABOUT TO FLIP. THE DRIVER MUST SLOW DOWN TO REGAIN STABILITY. THIS OCCURS ALWAYS WHEN INCREASING SPEED WHILE IN PASSING LANE OR DURING RAPID ACCELERATION! I FEAR THIS WILL CAUSE A WREAK IN THE FUTURE! *TR
2014-09-05
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-08-27
- VIN: 1F,DI32X4TZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO START MY FORD EXPLORER BY TURNING THE KEY IT WOULDN'T START IT WOULD MAKE A SLIGHT BUZZ BUT THAT WAS IT, SO I GOT ONE OF THE MECHANIC TO ASSIST ME AT MY JOB. HE TOLD ME THE BATTERY WAS GOOD, BECAUSE THE LIGHTS AND RADIO WAS WORKING. SO HE STARTED THE SUV BY PUTTING THE KEY IN THE START POSITION AND PLACING A SCREWDRIVER ACROSS THIS ONE PART MOUNTED UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER SIDE I WAS THEN ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. WHEN MY HUSBAND RETURNED FROM OUT TOWN I TOLD HIM ABOUT THE SITUATION AND HE ATTEMPTED TO START THE EXPLORER AND THE SAME THING OCCURRED, SO HE STARTED IT THE SAME WAY THAT THE MECHANIC DID. HOWEVER; THIS TIME HE WASN'T ABLE TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF. THE KEY JUST TURNS A FULL 360 DEGREE IN THE CHAMBER AND MAKES NO CONNECTION WITH ANYTHING. HE END UP DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY TO TURN OFF THE EXPLORER. THIS IS AN 1996 EDDIE BAUER EDITION. HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM. IF SO HOW DID YOU FIX IT AND THE COST? PLEASE REPORT THE SITUATION TO NHTSA. *TR
2014-09-05
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-01-01
- VIN: 1F,DI32X4TZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PRESS THE BRAKES TO STOP THEY OFTEN STICK. I THEN EASY OFF A LITTLE AND PRESS HARD, PUSHING THROUGH THE STICKING. *TR
2014-09-05
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-01-01
- VIN: 1F,DI32X4TZ
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHEN EVER I GO OVER A BUMP OR A DIP IN THE ROAD. SOMETHING (SWAY BAR) SEEMS AS IF IT SOMETHING IS CRACKED AND THE TIRE AXES IS ABOUT TO FALL OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. *TR
2014-02-09
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-02-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMDU32X1TU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: 15 MINUTES AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AND GETTING OFF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ONFIRE UNDER THE HOOD IN THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE FIRE EXPANDED QUICKLY CAUGHT DRIVERS SIDE FRONT TIRE AND MOVED ON TO THE ENTIRE MOTOR BEFORE THE FIREFIGHTERS CAME AND STOPPED THE FIRE. *TR
2014-02-03
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-01-30
- VIN: 1FMDU34X9TZ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN FOR INSPECTION OR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000.
2014-01-30
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-01-01
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
- Summary: DRIVER-SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT WILL NOT STAY CONNECTED. DOOR LOCKS BROKEN (WILL NOT LOCK), AND LOCK KEY WORKS IN THE DOOR LOCKS SPORADICALLY. IN ADDITION, DRIVER-SIDE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE RECENTLY (1/15/2114) WILL NOT OPEN DOOR. *TR
2014-01-21
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-01-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU24X8TU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
- Summary: I OWN A 1996 FORD EXPLORER SPORT 4X4, 4.0 LITER V6 WITH 5 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THIS IS A MOTOR MADE IN GERMANY AND THE TRUCK, IN THE LOUISVILLE, KY. FORD PLANT. RODENTS TOOK UP RESIDENCE IN THE HEATING SYSTEM, AND FILLED THE HEATER BLOWER ASSEMBLY AND DUCTING WITH SCAVENGED MATERIALS, WHICH TOOK UP APPROX. 1 CUBIC FOOT OF SPACE, ONCE EXTRACTED. MUCH TO MY BENEFIT, THE MATERIAL JUST SO HAPPENED TO BE FIRE RESISTANT STUFFING FROM MY ARCHERY TARGET, STORED IN THE SAME BUILDING. I STARTED MY VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY UPON TURNING ON THE HEATER, I HEARD A TERRIBLE NOISE WHICH ENDED ABRUPTLY. MY HEATER STOPPED WHEN THE NOISE STOPPED. IN AN EFFORT TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM I INSPECTED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I THEN NOTICED A BURNT SMELL, BUT SAW NO SMOKE. UPON REPLACING MY BLOWER MOTOR I INSPECTED THE OLD ONE, WHICH HAS CHARRED REMNANTS OF THE FOREIGN MATERIAL INSIDE AND WRAPPED AROUND THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. THE ONLY OPENING TO THE INNER COMPONENTS OF THE BLOWER MOTOR IS ABOUT 1" IN DIAMETER AND HAS A RUBBER TUBE PLUGGED INTO IT. IT APPEARED UNDISTURBED AND WAS CONNECTED WHEN I FIRST SERVICED IT. I ALSO DISCOVERED AN OPENING ON THE LOWER SIDE OF THE BLOWER FAN HOUSING, NEAR THE FIREWALL. THIS UNOBSTRUCTED OPENING FACILITATED THE RODENTS' ENTRY TO THE HEATING SYSTEM. IT IS OF MY OPINION THIS IS UNSAFE, AND HAD THE FOREIGN MATERIAL NOT BEEN FLAME RESISTANT, I'M CONVINCED MY VEHICLE WOULD HAVE BURNED. I ENTERED MY VIN NUMBER INTO FORD'S OFFICIAL WEB SITE, AND WAS RETURNED ZERO RESULTS FOR RECALLS OF ANY SORT. I DID NOT FIND ANY RECALLS RELATED TO HEATER BLOWERS FOR SIMILAR MODELS EITHER. I HAVE REPAIRED THE HEATING SYSTEM BUT AM AT A LOSS FOR HOW TO PREVENT THIS IN THE FUTURE, AS THIS OPENING STILL EXISTS AND I'M UNAWARE OF ANY SANCTIONED REMEDIES. *TR
2013-08-13
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-01-04
- VIN: 1FMDU34X7TZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DRIVING TRUCK DOWN WISCONSIN AVENUE IN APPLETON WHEN TRUCK REFUSED TO SHIFT. IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT TRUCK INTO TO WISCONSIN MOTORS SALES AND SERVICE AND WAS INFORMED THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED IN TRUCK. TRUCK HAD JUST BEEN PURCHASED TEN DAYS EARLIER. *TR
2013-08-13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-12-27
- VIN: 1FMDU34X7TZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
- Summary: APPROXIMATELY ONE DAY AFTER TRUCK WAS PURCHASED FROM DEALER, IT WAS NOTED THAT, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE DRIVER'S WINDOW, NONE OF THE WINDOWS IN THE TRUCK WOULD OPEN. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, PASSENGERS IN THE BACK SEAT WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN WINDOWS IF NEEDED FOR ESCAPE (DOORS IN PASSENGER SECTION OF TRUCK DID NOT WORK EITHER. SEE PREVIOUS COMPLAINT). *TR
2013-08-13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-01-04
- VIN: 1FMDU34X7TZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE IS HIGHLY SUSPECTED OF HAVE THE ODOMETER TAMPERED WITH BY DEALER. MECHANICS HAVE CLAIMED ACTUAL MILEAGE AT TIME OF SALE WAS PROBABLY 172,428 INSTEAD OF 72,428. *TR
2013-08-13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-12-27
- VIN: 1FMDU34X7TZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: APPROXIMATELY ONE DAY AFTER TRUCK WAS PURCHASED, IT WAS NOTICED PASSENGERS SITTING IN THE BACK SEATS OF THE CAR COULD NOT OPEN THEIR DOORS. CHILD SAFETY LOCKS WERE LOOKED AT AND RESET, BUT DOORS STILL WOULD NOT OPEN. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS PASSENGERS IN THE BACK WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUR SAFELY IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. *TR
2013-04-21
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-03-01
- VIN: 1FMDU34X3TU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT NO LONGER LATCHES. RELEASE BUTTON DOES NOT RETURN TO NORMAL POSITION. *TR
2013-03-15
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-01-08
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE VEHICLE BEGAN HESITATING DURING TAKEOFF, ALLOWING THE ENGINE TO EXPERIENCE HIGH RPM'S BUT VERY LITTLE ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO NOT FALL INTO 1ST GEAR, WHEN YOU SHIFTED THE CAR INTO DRIVE FROM PARK THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE FOR ABOUT 4 SECONDS THEN LURCH HEAVILY, THE VEHICLE ALSO DOES THIS AT EVERY STOP, AFTER YOU MAKE A COMPLETE STOP AND PRECEDE TO ATTEMPT TO DRIVE AGAIN THE VEHICLE WILL RPM AS YOU PUSH THE ACCELERATOR BUT WON'T MOVE FOR ABOUT 4 SECONDS, AFTER THE 4 SECONDS THE VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD HEAVILY AND SPINS BOTH REAR TIRES. *TR
1996 Ford Explorer recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 11 recalls for different components of the 1996 Ford Explorer.
2009-10-13
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
- Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
- Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
2009-05-11
- Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
2009-04-07
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
2006-03-23
- Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
2001-05-22
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: TIRES:TREAD/BELT
- Summary: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE DESIGN TO STRESS, AGING, AND MANUFACTURING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANTS. FORD IS REPLACING THESE TIRES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW MAY HAVE BEEN ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES OR MAY HAVE HAD WILDERNESS AT TIRES INSTALLED DURING THE FIRESTONE RECALL LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2000. CERTAIN 1991 THROUGHT 2002 FORD EXPLORER CERTAIN 2001 THROUGHT 2002 EXPLORER SPORT, AND SPORT TRAC CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 2001 RANGER CERTAIN 1999 THROUGH 2001 EXPEDITION CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994, AND 1997 MODEL YEAR F-SERIES CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994 BRONCO NOTE: BOTH ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE AFFECTED.
- Consequence: SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
- Remedy: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, 2002. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-877-917-3673 OR GO ON-LINE TO WWW.FORD.COM FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
2000-11-28
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, A FRONT SWAY BAR LINK CAN FRACTURE.
- Consequence: VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS.
2000-08-21
- Manufacturer: BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE, INC.
- Components: TIRES:TREAD/BELT
- Summary: TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.
- Consequence: IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.
- Remedy: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
1997-08-19
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LIFTGATE ASSIST GAS CYLINDER BRACKET ON THE RIGHT HAND BODYSIDE OUTER PANEL WAS INCORRECTLY WELDED.
- Consequence: THE GAS CYLINDER BRACKET MAY NOT PROPERLY SUPPORT THE LIFTGATE INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENT WITH TWO POP RIVETS.
1997-04-30
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5.0L ENGINES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, IDAHO, IOWA, MAINE, MICHIGAN (UPPER PENINSULA ONLY), MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. THESE VEHICLES, WHEN OPERATED FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND TEMPERATURES BELOW -20 DEGREES FARENHEIT, DO NOT RETURN TO IDLE DUE TO ICE IN THE THROTTLE BODY.
- Consequence: ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE CAN BE CONTROLLED BY EITHER APPLYING THE SERVICE BRAKES OR SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO NEUTRAL, INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORTS OR SOME INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE CAN RESULT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED PCV SYSTEM WITH WATER HEATED VACUUM SOURCE.
1996-08-29
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: THE CERTIFICATION LABELS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES HAS INCORRECT REAR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE DESIGNATIONS. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."
- Consequence: INCORRECT INFLATION PRESSURES COULD CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR OF THE REAR TIRES. .
- Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT CERTIFICATION LABELS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLING THESE LABELS. DEALERS CAN INSTALL THIS LABEL IF THE OWNER SO DESIRES.
1996-04-22
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: WHEN IN THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, THE DRIVER DOOR LATCHES MAY OPEN WHEN SUBJECTED TO TRANSVERSE LOADS LESS THAN THAT SPECIFIED IN FMVSS NO. 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS."
- Consequence: THE DRIVER'S DOOR, WHEN CLOSED ONLY TO THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, MAY NOT SUSTAIN A 1,000 POUND TRANSVERSE LOAD.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE DRIVER DOOR LATCH.
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