1996 FORD EXPLORER — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

1,818

Owner Complaints

248 Crashes 46 Fires 89 Deaths

11

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

23

Service Bulletins

2

Investigations

Overview of the 1996 FORD EXPLORER

The 1996 FORD EXPLORER has received a total of 1,818 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 11 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 23 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Tirestreadbelt (369 complaints), Tires (260 complaints), and Vehicle Speed Control (85 complaints).

Recalls for the 1996 FORD EXPLORER

NHTSA has recorded 11 recalls for the 1996 FORD EXPLORER, potentially affecting up to 33,064,224 vehicles.

Recall 09V399000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

| 4,500,000 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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Recall 09E025000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 42,540 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 16,270 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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Recall 06E026000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 61,944 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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Recall 01X001000 — TIRES:TREAD/BELT

| 13,000,000 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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.

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Recall 00V402000 — SUSPENSION

| 810,000 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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Recall 00T005000 — TIRES:TREAD/BELT

| 14,400,000 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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Recall 97V137000 — STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT

| 2,200 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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Recall 97V074000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

| 23,000 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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.

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Recall 96V161000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

| 134,770 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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Recall 96V070000 — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

| 73,500 vehicles affected

Defect: 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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Owner Complaints for the 1996 FORD EXPLORER

1,818 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1996 FORD EXPLORER. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 369 58 Crashes 1 Fire 148 Injuries 32 Deaths
Tires
Complaints: 260 47 Crashes 121 Injuries 24 Deaths
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 85 11 Crashes 4 Fires 14 Injuries 1 Death
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 78 3 Crashes 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 76 20 Crashes 1 Fire 25 Injuries 2 Deaths
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 39 5 Crashes 4 Injuries
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 37 8 Crashes 3 Injuries 2 Deaths
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 35 2 Crashes 2 Injuries 1 Death
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 32
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 29 28 Crashes 18 Injuries 4 Deaths
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 28 4 Fires
Suspension
Complaints: 28 4 Crashes 14 Injuries 3 Deaths
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 28 2 Crashes 1 Fire 6 Injuries 2 Deaths
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 27 1 Crash 5 Injuries 1 Death
Seat Belts
Complaints: 26 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 22
Electrical System
Complaints: 17 6 Fires
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 17 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 16 3 Crashes 3 Injuries
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 16
Air Bags
Complaints: 15 10 Crashes 18 Injuries 1 Death
Vehicle Speed Controllinkages
Complaints: 15 3 Crashes 1 Injury
Structure
Complaints: 14 3 Crashes 2 Fires 11 Injuries 9 Deaths
Seats
Complaints: 13 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 13 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 12 3 Fires
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 12 1 Fire
Power Train
Complaints: 11
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 11 3 Crashes 3 Injuries 3 Deaths
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 11 1 Injury
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 11
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 9
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
Complaints: 9
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 9
Steering
Complaints: 9 5 Crashes 7 Injuries 2 Deaths
Suspensionfrontspringstorsion Bar
Complaints: 9 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Wheels
Complaints: 9 3 Crashes 9 Injuries
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 8 2 Fires
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
Complaints: 8 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 7
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 7
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 7
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 6
Equipmentmechanicalcarrierrack
Complaints: 6
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
Complaints: 6
Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust
Complaints: 6 1 Fire 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 6 2 Crashes 6 Injuries
Structurebody
Complaints: 6 1 Fire
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 6
Suspensionfrontstabilizer Bar
Complaints: 6
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 5 Injuries 2 Deaths
Child Seat
Complaints: 5
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 5 Fires
Parking Brakeconventional
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Fire
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 5
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgatesupport Devicestrut
Complaints: 5 1 Injury
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 5 1 Fire
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 5
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 5 1 Fire
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 4 3 Fires
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 2 Fires 2 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
Complaints: 4
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 4
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 4
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 4
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
Complaints: 4
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Service Brakes Airantilock
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 4
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Injury
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 4 8 Injuries
Tirestemporaryemergency Spare Tire
Complaints: 4
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 3
Equipment
Complaints: 3
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 3
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
Complaints: 3
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 3
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 3
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 3
Suspensionfrontshock Absorber
Complaints: 3
Vehicle Speed Controlcables
Complaints: 3
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemwindshieldelectrical Heating Element
Complaints: 3
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 2
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 2
Engine
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 2
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 2
Latcheslockslinkagestailgatelatch
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 2
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaftseal
Complaints: 2
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 2
Power Traindrivelineuniversal Joint
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumshoeslinings
Complaints: 2
Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device
Complaints: 2
Steeringgear Box Other Than Rack And Pinion
Complaints: 2
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 2
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 2
Steeringrack And Pinionrack
Complaints: 2
Structurebodyhoodhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Arm
Complaints: 2 1 Injury
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemfanmotor
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Wheelshubcapcover
Complaints: 2
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Child Seatharness Retainerchest Clip
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring Rear Compartmenttrunk
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift
Complaints: 1
Equipmentmechanicalwrecker And Wheel Lift Devices
Complaints: 1
Equipmentotherlabels
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingfog Lights
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systeminjectors
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Fuel System Otherdeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlock
Complaints: 1
Parking Brakedrivelinehydraulichoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Parking Brakeindicator Light
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Hubs
Complaints: 1
Power Traindriveline
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelinecenter Support Bearing
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelineconstant Velocity Joint
Complaints: 1
Power Traintransfer Case 4 Wheel Drive
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontwarning Lightdevices
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontwebbing
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airantilockwheel Speed Sensor
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Steeringgear Boxshaft Sector
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagesarmidler And Attachment
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagesknucklespindlearm
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Structurebodybumpers
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Structurebodyroof And Pillars
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontspringsair Suspension System
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearaxlenon Powered Axle Assembly
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Suspensionrearshock Absorber
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearsprings
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Tiresbead
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlsprings
Complaints: 1
Visibility
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesinterior
Complaints: 1
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11354896 | SEAT BELTS | | 59,850 miles
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.
#11309404 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 180,770 miles
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
#11309404 | SEATS | | 180,770 miles
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
#11309404 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | | 180,770 miles
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
#11233643 | WHEELS | | N/A miles
THE RIMS ON THIS 1996 FORD EXPLORER-EDDIE BAUER EDITION ARE SHOWING FRACTURES THROUGHOUT THE FACE. THIS HAS WEAKENED THE STABILITY OF THE RIMS.

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Safety Rating for the 1996 FORD EXPLORER

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1996 FORD EXPLORER in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1996 FORD EXPLORER

Ford Motor Company has issued 23 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1996 FORD EXPLORER. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

16385 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM

AIR RIDE CONTROL LAMP ON AFTER SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT / CONTACT REQUEST. *TT

13879 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

INFORMATION ON REPLACING A GEM MODULE ON 4X4 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L SOHC, OHV AND THE NEUTRAL TOW KIT. *TT

00264 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION ALONG WITH A P0420 DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) STORED IN CONTINUOUS MEMORY WITH NO DRIVEABILITY CONCERNS. *TT

00234 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION ALONG WITH A P0420 DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) STORED IN CONTINUOUS MEMORY WITH NO DRIVEABILITY CONCERNS. *TT

13415 — SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

EXHIBITING A SQUEAK TYPE NOISE FROM THE REAR STABILIZER BAR WHILE DRIVING, ESPECIALLY WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. *TT

13424 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FOUR WHEEL ANTI LOCK BRAKES MAY EXHIBIT WHEEL SPEED PARAMETER IDENTIFICATIONS WHICH READ N/A IMMEDIATELY OR ABOVE 7 MPH. *TT

99156 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A BURNING ODOR OR SMOKE, AND / OR RUSTLING NOISE OCCURING WHEN THE BLOWER MOTOR IS RUNNING IF LEAVES OR FOREIGN MATERIAL ENTERS THE BLOWER CASE. *TT

9988 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

CONCERNS OR ERRATIC OR INSUFFICIENT TEMPERATURE CONTROL. *TT

980319 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT

CONCERNS WITH FALSE ABS ACTIVATION WHILE LIGHT BRAKING AT LOW SPEEDS. *YC

98610 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A STALL AND/OR STUMBLE DURING A COLD ENGINE DECEL. *YC

Showing 10 of 23 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 1996 FORD EXPLORER

NHTSA has opened 2 investigations into potential safety defects in the 1996 FORD EXPLORER.

Investigation PE00039 — SUSPENSION Closed

Opened:

FRONT SUSPENSION STABILIZER BAR LINK

Investigation PE97010 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Closed

Opened:

ELECTRICAL FIRE IN CENTER CONSOLE

Other Model Years of the FORD EXPLORER

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Other FORD Models

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