Model year record

1996 Ford Explorer

6 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 1,818 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 09V399000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
4,500,000
Reported to NHTSA
2009-10-13
Owners notified
2009-10-27

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V402000

Suspension

Component
Suspension
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
810,000
Reported to NHTSA
2000-11-28
Owners notified
2000-12-15

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, A FRONT SWAY BAR LINK CAN FRACTURE.

Safety risk

VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V137000

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

Component
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
2,200
Reported to NHTSA
1997-08-19
Owners notified
1997-09-30

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LIFTGATE ASSIST GAS CYLINDER BRACKET ON THE RIGHT HAND BODYSIDE OUTER PANEL WAS INCORRECTLY WELDED.

Safety risk

THE GAS CYLINDER BRACKET MAY NOT PROPERLY SUPPORT THE LIFTGATE INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENT WITH TWO POP RIVETS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V074000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
23,000
Reported to NHTSA
1997-04-30
Owners notified
1997-06-02

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED PCV SYSTEM WITH WATER HEATED VACUUM SOURCE.

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V161000

Equipment: other: labels

Component
Equipment: other: labels
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
134,770
Reported to NHTSA
1996-08-29
Owners notified
1996-12-11

Defect description

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."

Safety risk

INCORRECT INFLATION PRESSURES COULD CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR OF THE REAR TIRES. .

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V070000

Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch

Component
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
73,500
Reported to NHTSA
1996-04-22
Owners notified
1996-05-15

Defect description

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."

Safety risk

THE DRIVER'S DOOR, WHEN CLOSED ONLY TO THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, MAY NOT SUSTAIN A 1,000 POUND TRANSVERSE LOAD.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE DRIVER DOOR LATCH.

Owner complaints

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

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Tires: tread/belt369140,000 mi
Tires260139,000 mi
Vehicle speed control85149,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission78123,345 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip76106,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal39130,000 mi
Suspension: front37106,000 mi
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly35109,915 mi
Structure: body: door3272,444 mi
Air bags: frontal29
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline28
Suspension28170,000 mi
Unknown or other28106,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch2779,000 mi
Seat belts26151,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine2253,264 mi
Electrical system17130,000 mi
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar17
Suspension: rear16165,865 mi
Tires: sidewall16140,000 mi
Air bags15114,855 mi
Vehicle speed control: linkages15
Structure14139,161 mi
Seats13139,161 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components13
Vehicle speed control: cruise control12100,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system1278,000 mi
Power train11170,000 mi
Seat belts: front: anchorage11
Seats: front assembly: recliner1170,900 mi
Visibility: windshield11
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control948,000 mi
Power train: driveline: differential unit9
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor9
Steering953,981 mi
Suspension: front: springs: torsion bar9
Wheels9114,855 mi
Engine and engine cooling8178,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages8
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly7
Fuel system, other7205,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission7
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe6163,400 mi
Equipment: mechanical: carrier/rack6
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift6
Seats: front assembly: power adjust6120,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic697,400 mi
Structure: body683,000 mi
Structure: frame and members697,000 mi
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar685,000 mi
Visibility: glass, side/rear6
Child seat5
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood5
Parking brake: conventional5
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads5
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder5127,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion5
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut5120,000 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing5
Visibility: power window devices and controls572,444 mi
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs5
Electrical system: ignition4
Electrical system: wiring486,568 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers4
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash4143,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system41 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)4
Exterior lighting4163,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights4
Exterior lighting: tail lights4
Interior lighting4
Power train: driveline: driveshaft4
Seat belts: front: retractor4
Service brakes, air: antilock4
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper4
Steering: hydraulic power assist system453,264 mi
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly4
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire475,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer4147,789 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch3
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system3
Equipment3158,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.3
Exterior lighting: brake lights3
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump3
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly3
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap3157,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch3
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter3
Seat belts: front3
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields3127,485 mi
Suspension: front: shock absorber3
Vehicle speed control: cables3
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element3
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel272,600 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery2
Engine25,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys2
Fuel system, gasoline2194,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system2
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system2
Latches/locks/linkages2158,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: tailgate: latch2
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)2
Power train: axle assembly2
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal2
Power train: clutch assembly2138,579 mi
Power train: driveline: universal joint2
Service brakes2
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: shoes/linings2
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device2
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)2
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump2
Steering: linkages2
Steering: rack and pinion: rack2
Structure: body: hood: hinge and attachments2144,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper arm2
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor269,000 mi
Wheels: hubcap/cover2
Air bags: side/window1
Child seat: harness retainer/chest clip1
Electrical system: horn1
Electrical system: wiring: rear compartment/trunk1
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan1
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner1
Equipment: mechanical: accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift1
Equipment: mechanical: wrecker and wheel lift devices1
Equipment: other: labels1
Exterior lighting: fog lights1
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors1
Fuel system, other: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Fuel/propulsion system15,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: lock1117 mi
Parking brake: driveline: hydraulic: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings166,195 mi
Parking brake: indicator light1
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft1
Power train: axle hubs1
Power train: driveline1
Power train: driveline: center support bearing1
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint1
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)1
Seat belts: front: warning light/devices1
Seat belts: front: webbing1
Service brakes, air: antilock: wheel speed sensor1
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings168,781 mi
Steering: gear box: shaft sector1120,416 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid1
Steering: linkages: arm: idler and attachment1
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm1
Structure: body: bumpers1
Structure: body: roof and pillars1
Suspension: front: control arm150,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint1
Suspension: front: springs: air suspension system1
Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly118,462 mi
Suspension: rear: shock absorber1
Suspension: rear: springs118,462 mi
Tires: bead1
Vehicle speed control: springs1170,617 mi
Visibility1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core1
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior1
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: interior1
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly1
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor1

The 1995 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. The 1997 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

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.