Model year record

1993 Ford Explorer

6 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 1,151 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V310001

Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut

Component
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
470,582
Reported to NHTSA
1999-11-03
Owners notified
2000-01-03

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDER BRACKET WELDS COULD FRACTURE.

Safety risk

WITH A BROKEN BRACKET WELD, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE LIFTGATE BRACKET TO GRADUALLY BEND INWARD ALLOWING THE LIFT CYLINDER BALL STUD TO DISENGAGE, UNEXPECTEDLY ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO FALL FROM AN OPEN POSITION.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL LIFTGATE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS. DEPENDING UPON THE CONDITION OF THE LIFTGATE SHEET METAL IN THE AREA OF THE BRACKET, DEALERS MAY ALSO INSTALL A LARGER REINFORCEMENT.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V235001

Structure: body: roof and pillars

Component
Structure: body: roof and pillars
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
185,000
Reported to NHTSA
1997-12-18
Owners notified
1998-03-02

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY INSTALLED SUNROOF. THE SUNROOF GLASS PANEL ASSEMBLY CAN SEPARATE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING DUE TO INCORRECT HINGE ENGAGEMENT. THIS WAS CAUSED BY IMPROPER SUNROOF INSTALLATION OF THE GLASS PANEL.

Safety risk

UNEXPECTED SEPARATION OF THE SUNROOF GLASS PANEL COULD POSSIBLY DISTRACT THE DRIVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN INSTRUCTION BOOKLET WHICH THOROUGHLY OUTLINES, WITH ILLUSTRATIONS, THE PROPER PROCEDURES FOR THE REMOVAL, STORAGE, AND REINSTALLATION OF THE SUNROOF'S GLASS PANEL. A WARNING LABEL FOR ATTACHMENT TO THE SUNROOF'S LATCH KNOB WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED TO THE OWNERS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V083000

Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices

Component
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
610,000
Reported to NHTSA
1997-05-05
Owners notified
1997-06-04

Defect description

A SHORT CIRCUIT CONDITION CAN OCCUR IN THE REMOTE POWER MIRROR CONTROL SWITCH CIRCUIT BOARD AS A RESULT OF A SEPARATED PART OF THE CONTACT ASSEMBLY BRIDGING THE SWITCH POSITIVE BATTERY PAD AND ADJACENT CHASSIS GROUND PAD.

Safety risk

THE CURRENT CAN OVERHEAT THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD AND OTHER PLASTIC AND ELASTOMERIC COMPONENTS OF THE SWITCH ASSEMBLY RESULTING IN SMOKE OR FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN IN-LINE 10 AMP FUSE IN THE POSITIVE BATTERY FEED TO THE REMOTE POWER MIRROR CONTROL SWITCH ASSEMBLY.

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V024001

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
108,000
Reported to NHTSA
1996-02-05
Owners notified
1996-03-22

Defect description

THE STUDS WHICH ATTACH THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY CAN DEVELOP STRESS CORROSION CRACKING AFTER BEING OPERATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LOCATION.

Safety risk

IF A CRACK OCCURS, IT COULD RESULT IN ONE OR BOTH STUDS FRACTURING. THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD THEN SEPARATE FROM THE VACUUM BOOSTER, WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, PREVENTING THE SERVICE BRAKES FROM ACTIVATING INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY.

Recall campaignNHTSA 95V164001

Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut

Component
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
364,784
Reported to NHTSA
1995-08-25
Owners notified
1995-08-30

Defect description

THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDERS ARE ATTACHED TO BRACKETS THAT ARE WELDED TO THE LIFTGATE. THE BRACKET WELDS CAN FRACTURE.

Safety risk

WITH A BROKEN BRACKET WELD, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE LIFTGATE BRACKET TO GRADUALLY BEND INWARD ALLOWING THE LIFT CYLINDERBALL STUD TO DISENGAGE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 94V169001

Parking brake: conventional

Component
Parking brake: conventional
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
835,791
Reported to NHTSA
1994-09-07
Owners notified
1994-12-16

Defect description

THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL SELF-ADJUST PAWL DOES NOT LINE UP PROPERLY WITH THE SELF-ADJUST RACHET CAUSING THE PAWL TO SLIP OVER ONE OR MORE TEETH IN THE RACHET.

Safety risk

WHEN THE ABOVE OCCURS, IT CAN RESULT IN PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM INEFFECTIVENESS. THE PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL FREELY, IF THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT LEFT IN GEAR.

Manufacturer remedy

A WEDGE WILL BE INSTALLED WHICH WILL SERVE TO LOCK THE PARKING BRAKE SELF-ADJUST MECHANISM PAWL INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE RACHET. ALSO, OWNERS WILL BE ADVISED TO RELEASE AND REAPPLY THE PARKING BRAKE WHENEVER TOOTH SKIP OCCURS AND WILL BE REMINDED TO ALWAYS TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND LEAVE THE VEHICLE IN GEAR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Tires: tread/belt16791,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip144180,300 mi
Tires91100,000 mi
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut42
Power train: automatic transmission41
Engine and engine cooling: engine2665 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components25
Suspension: front25
Vehicle speed control2573,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline22
Suspension20
Structure: body: door19
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor18
Seats1776,000 mi
Equipment: mechanical: carrier/rack15
Parking brake: conventional15163,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads12
Unknown or other1192,800 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner10
Seats: front assembly: recliner1078,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system10
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly10
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc9
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper9
Tires: sidewall9111,897 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices9
Power train: manual transmission830,000 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing8
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood7120,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash799,500 mi
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments7
Electrical system: wiring689,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate: lock6
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder6
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate6
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior6
Visibility: windshield6
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery5
Electrical system: ignition5
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system5
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly5
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar5
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments5
Visibility: power window devices and controls5
Air bags: frontal4125,000 mi
Electrical system4101,000 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables430,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system4
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical4
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft4
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings4143,231 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic4
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)427,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm4
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire4
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal4130,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core4
Wheels4
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly3
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch3
Parking brake3250,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)3
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift3
Power train: axle assembly3
Power train: axle hubs3
Seat belts: front: anchorage3
Seat belts: front: retractor3
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module368,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum3
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages3
Steering: hydraulic power assist system3
Structure: body376,000 mi
Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments3
Suspension: rear: shock absorber3
Vehicle speed control: cruise control3210,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: linkages3
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: interior3
Electrical system: horn2
Electrical system: ignition: module2
Electrical system: ignition: switch2
Electrical system: starter assembly2
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers2
Engine and engine cooling2
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan2124,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor2
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.2
Exterior lighting: brake lights2
Exterior lighting: headlights2
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch2
Fuel system, gasoline2
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump2
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings2
Fuel system, other2
Latches/locks/linkages298,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch2
Power train2
Power train: clutch assembly2
Power train: driveline2
Seat belts2125,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: power adjust2
Service brakes, air: antilock2
Service brakes, hydraulic2135,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: drum2
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum2
Steering2
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump2
Steering: linkages2
Structure2140,000 mi
Structure: body: tailgate2
Structure: frame and members2
Suspension: front: shock absorber2
Suspension: multiple axle2
Vehicle speed control: cables2
Air bags1
Child seat1100,000 mi
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator1
Engine176,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly1
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe1
Equipment: mechanical: winch1
Equipment: mechanical: wrecker and wheel lift devices1
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch1
Exterior lighting: turn signal1
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system1
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap1
Fuel system, other: storage1
Fuel system, other: storage: fuel gauge system1
Interior lighting1
Latches/locks/linkages: tailgate: latch1
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines1
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch1
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal1
Power train: driveline: differential unit1
Power train: driveline: driveshaft1
Power train: driveline: universal joint1
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)1
Seat belts: front: webbing1
Seats: mid/rear assembly1
Service brakes168,000 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock: wheel speed sensor1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: shoes/linings1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: wheel cylinders1
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device1
Structure: body: hood1
Structure: body: trunk lid1
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint1
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint1
Suspension: front: springs: torsion bar1
Tires: bead1
Vehicle speed control: springs1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor189,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element1146,000 mi
Visibility: glass, side/rear1
Wheels: hubcap/cover1
Wheels: rim1

The 1992 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. The 1994 model has about half as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Open investigations

An investigation is not a recall. It indicates that NHTSA is currently evaluating an alleged defect but has not reached a final determination.

RQ99016LIFTGATE SUPPORT BRACKET FAILURE

Structure

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.