Engine
4.0L 6-cyl
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Brakes
147 complaint records19 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING, MADE AN ATTEMPT TO BRAKE THEN REALIZED HAD NO BRAKE PRESSURE, AND HAD TO PUSH BRAKE TO FLOOR TO STOP. TT..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Tires
113 complaint records17 crash reports
"THE FIRESTONE ATX II TIRE ON THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION WHICH RESULTED IN TREAD WRAPPING AROUND THE VEHICLE'S AXLE. *MJS..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse tires parts in the directory →
Power train
75 complaint records2 fire reports6 crash reports
"MANUAL TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR BY ITSELF AND VEHICLE MOVE FORWARD 3 TIMES, TWICE RESULTING IN ACCIDEMTS. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA00012 opened Apr 2000 | closed Oct 2000 | Structure | SPARE TIRE WINCH CABLE There is no summary currently available |
| PE99072 opened Nov 1999 | closed Apr 2000 | Structure | SPARE TIRE WINCH CABLE FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE 1991 MODEL YEAR PRODUCTION UNTIL THE MIDDLE OF THE 1994 MODEL YEAR PRODUCTION, FORD USED A GALVANIZED STEEL CABLE TO LIFT AND HOLD IN STORED POSITION, THE EXPLORER SPARE TIRE.ON MAY 19, 1994, BASED ON THE RESULTS OF FORD DURABILITY... |
| RQ99016 opened Jul 1999 | OPEN | Structure | LIFTGATE SUPPORT BRACKET FAILURE - led to recall 99V310002 SUMMARY:ON AUGUST 22, 1995, FORD CONDUCTED SAFETY RECALL, 95V-164, ON 1992 AND 1993 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER DUE TO LIFTGATE FAILURES.THE REAR LIFTGATE HYDRAULIC CYLINDER BRACKET CAN BECOME UNATTACHED ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO SUDDENLY DROP.THE RECALL REMEDY WAS TO... |
| DP98001 opened Jan 1998 | closed Feb 1998 | Structure | HEAVY LATERAL VIBRATION NHTSA WAS PETITIONED TO COMMENCE A DEFECT INVESTIGATION OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ON JANUARY 6, 1998.THE PETITION ALLEGES THAT EARLY MODEL FORD EXPLORER SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES DEVELOP HEAVY LATERAL VIBRATIONS AT SPEEDS ABOVE 55 MPH AND WHEN ENCOUNTERING BUMPS... |
| RQ97015 opened Oct 1997 | closed Apr 1999 | Power Train | PARKING PAWL - led to recall 91V189000 WHEN THE AUTOMATIC SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE PARKING PAWL DOES NOT ALWAYS ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR.THIS CAN LEAD TO THE VEHICLE JUMPING OUT OF GEAR UNINTENTIONALLY AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO START ROLLING INADVERTENTLY |
| EA97011 opened May 1997 | closed Jan 1998 | Structure | SUNROOF SHATTERING AND SEPARATION - led to recall 97V235002 There is no summary currently available |
| EA95018 opened Jun 1995 | closed Apr 1996 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | SEPARATION OF MASTER CYLINDER - led to recall 96V024002 FORD CONTINUES TO SUDY THE PROBLEM ATTEMPTING TO DETERMINE WHY STUD FRACTURES ARE NOT FREQUENTLY OCCURRING IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.LIKEWISE, ODI CONTINUES GATHERING INFORMATION TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THE RECALL SCOPE SHOULD INCLUDE OTHER GEOGRAPHICAL... |
| PE95001 opened Jan 1995 | closed Jun 1995 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER/BOOSTER SEPARATION There is no summary currently available |
| PE94044 opened Jun 1994 | closed Aug 1994 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE COOLING FAN CRACKS There is no summary currently available |
| EA93003 opened Jan 1993 | closed Jan 1994 | Vehicle Speed Control | THROTTLE STICKING There is no summary currently available |
| PE92084 opened Oct 1992 | closed Feb 1993 | Seats | FRONT SEAT TRACK FAILURE There is no summary currently available |
| PE92029 opened Mar 1992 | closed Aug 1992 | Suspension | WHL SEPARATION/TORQUE LOSS There is no summary currently available |
| EA91040 opened Oct 1991 | closed Aug 1992 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | VACUUM BOOSTR VALVE FAILS There is no summary currently available |
| PE91127 opened Sep 1991 | closed Nov 1991 | Power Train | PARK PAWL BENDING - led to recall 91V189001 There is no summary currently available |
| EA91034 opened Jul 1991 | closed Apr 1992 | Vehicle Speed Control | THROTTLE RELEASE FAILURE There is no summary currently available |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 97V235001 | Structure | 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. | Normally free |
| 96V024001 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 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. | Normally free |
| 92V113000 | Seat Belts | THE RIGID MOUNTED SAFETY BELT BUCKLES ARE DEFECTIVE IN THREE WAYS. FIRST, A FASTENED SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH WHEN THE RELEASE BUTTON IS DEPRESSED. | Normally free |
| 91V189000 | Power Train | WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE PARK PAWL DOES NOT ALWAYS ABUT OR ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR. | Normally free |
| 91V026000 | Structure | REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT MAY BE SUBJECT TO FATIGUE CRACKING UNDER EXTENDED TRAILER TOW SERVICE WHEN USING A BUMPER-MOUNTED TRAILER HITCH BALL. | Normally free |
| 91V025000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | THE HOT PLATE WELD WHICH ATTACHES THE VAPOR VENT VALVE CARRIER TO THE TOP OF THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK MAY PARTIALLY FRACTURE, ALLOWING VAPOR OF FUEL TO ESCAPE FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK. | Normally free |
| 91V024000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | THE FRONT HEAT SHIELD MAY CONTACT THE FRONT OF THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK, CAUSING CUTS OR OTHER DAMAGE TO THE EXTENT OF PENETRATION. | Normally free |
| 90V098000 | Visibility | IF SUNROOF GLASS IS REMOVED AND REINSTALLED BY VEHICLE OPERATOR, HINGE ASSEMBLIES CAN BE ACCIDENTALLY IMPROPERLY MATED. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001193 2001-07-16 | Other | 139,310 | Certain vehicles, from Ontario to Newfoundland, could experience a corrosion related failure of the spare tire winch cable. |
| 1998016 1998-01-28 | Structure | 9,815 | NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY INSTALLED SUNROOFS WITH REMOVABLE GLASS PANELS. IF MISINSTALLED BY THE OPERATOR, THE SUNROOF'S REMOVABLE GLASS PANEL MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE IT IS BEING DRIVEN. |
| 1992120 1992-09-29 | Seats And Restraints | 36,066 | SEAT BELT BUCKLES ON THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE CONDITIONS WHEREBY THE BUCKLE MAY NOT UNLATCH WHEN THE RELEASE BUTTON IS DEPRESSED OR MAY NOT LATCH, OR IN SOME CASES, MAY LATCH PARTIALLY BUT NOT SUFFICIENTLY TO PROVIDE OCCUPANT... |
| 1992077 1992-06-30 | Lights And Instruments | 464,543 | NOTE: ALSO INCLUDES SOME MEDIUM AND HEAVY TRUCKS. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 108 - LIGHTING. |
| 1991149 1991-11-06 | Powertrain | 73,771 | THE PARK MECHANISM OF THE A4LD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION. IF PARKED ON AN INCLINE, THE VEHICLE MAY ROLL AS IF IN NEUTRAL IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT SET. |
| 1991028 1991-02-25 | Fuel System | 932 | THE CORNER OF THE FRONT HEAT SHIELD MAY CONTACT THE UPPER FRONT CORNER OF THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK. THIS COULD DAMAGE THE TANK AND ALLOW FUEL OR FUEL VAPOUR TO ESCAPE. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR. |
| 1991029 1991-02-25 | Structure | 11,168 | THE REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FATIGUE CRACKING UNDER EXTENDED TRAILER TOW SERVICE WHEN USING A BUMPER-MOUNTED TRAILER HITCH BALL. |
| 1991030 1991-02-25 | Fuel System | 1,234 | THE HOT PLATE WELD WHICH ATTACHES THE VAPOUR VENT VALVE TO THE TOP OF THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK MAY PARTIALLY FRACTURE, ALLOWING VAPOUR OR FUEL TO ESCAPE FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK THROUGH THE FRACTURE. |
| 1990078 1990-05-30 | Structure | 222 | ON FOUR DOOR VEHICLES SO EQUIPPED, IF THE SUNROOF GLASS IS REMOVED AND REINSTALLED BY THE VEHICLE OPERATOR, THERE IS A RISK THAT THE HINGED ASSEMBLIES ON THE SUNROOF CAN BE IMPROPERLY MATED BY MISTAKE. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16735 Apr 2003 | Suspension | VARIOUS NOISE ISSUES FROM THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS WHILE DRIVING. *TT | |
| 02142 Jul 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND A 4.0L OHV ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A NOISE / VIBRATION, NO DRIVE, UNUSUAL NOISE DURING CRANKING OR A NO CRANK CONDITION. *TT | |
| 01197 Oct 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.0L OHV ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE NOISE WHICH MAY BE PERCEIVED BY THE CUSTOMER AS A PISTON / ONNECTING ROD BEARING KNOCK. *TT | |
| 01B77 Oct 2001 | Tires | OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT 7 REVISED INFORMATION - REGARDING REPLACEMENT OF WILDERNESS AT TIRES. *TT | |
| 01156 Aug 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC | |
| 01157 Aug 2001 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC | |
| 00243 Nov 2000 | Vehicle Speed Control | ON SOME VEHICLES, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BRACKET MAY BECOME LOOSE OR SEPARATED FROM THE DASH PANEL. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY REPEATED EXCESSIVE FORCE ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, RESULTING IN CRACKING OF THE DASH PANEL SHEET METAL AT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BRACKET. *TT | |
| 00L09 Sep 2000 | Equipment | SUBJECT PERTAINING TO SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE INFLATION LABEL. *JB | |
| 0015 Jan 2000 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS | |
| 7366 Nov 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION MAY EXHIBIT NEUTRAL GEAR ROLLOVER NOISE (A LIGHT METALLIC RATTLING SOUND FROM THE TRANSMISSION) WHICH OCCURS AT IDLE WITH TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL CLUTCH ENGAGED (CLUTCH PEDAL UP). *TT | |
| 99222 Oct 1999 | Electrical System | SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT | |
| 99206 Oct 1999 | Equipment | CONCERNS WITH BURNING ODOR OR SMOKE, AND / OR RUSTLING NOISE WHILE BLOWER MOTOR IS ON. *TT | |
| 99196 Sep 1999 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT | |
| 6896 Aug 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE NOISE WHICH MAY BE PERCEIVED BY THE CUSTOMER AS A PISTON / CONNECTING ROD BEARING KNOCK. *TT | |
| 13118 Aug 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE NOISE WHICH MAY BE PERCEIVED BY THE CUSTOMER AS A PISTON / CONNECTING ROD BEARING KNOCK. *TT | |
| 99156 Jul 1999 | Equipment | 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 | |
| 99152 Jul 1999 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT | |
| 6603 Jul 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN AUDIBLE PINGING OR CREAKING NOISE THAT MAY BE HEARD FROM THE DRIVELINE WHEN ENGINE TORQUE IS INITIALLY APPLIED TO THE DRIVELINE. *TT | |
| 99129 Jun 1999 | Equipment | EXPERIENCING A WHINE / BUZZ TYPE NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO ON VEHICLES WITH AN IN-TANK ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP. *TT | |
| 12905 Jun 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE AXLE WIND UP AND / OR CLUNKING, POPPING, RATCHETING TYPE NOISES WHEN MAKING CORNERING MANEUVERS ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FOUR WHEEL DRIVE HI OR LOW RANGE MODE. *TT | |
| 99816 May 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT | |
| 995157 May 1999 | Tires | INFORMATION ON MAINTAINING TIRE PRESSURE. *TT | |
| 98246 Dec 1998 | Electrical System | FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC | |
| 982310 Nov 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MASS AIR FLOW (MAF)- SENSOR CONTAMINATION- SERVICE TIP. *AK | |
| 12115 Nov 1998 | Tires | INFORMATION REGARDING THE TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE FOR ALL MODELS DURING PREDELIVERY PROCESS AND DURING MAINTENANCE INTERVALS. *MJS | |
| 985157 Nov 1998 | Tires | INFORMATION ON SETTING THE TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE FOR 1991 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES IN THE PRE-DELIVERY PROCESS AND DURING MAINTENANCE INTERVALS. *TT | |
| 9888 Apr 1998 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC | |
| 9852 Apr 1998 | Tires | INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC | |
| 9873 Apr 1998 | Equipment | EXPERIENCING A WHINING / BUZZING NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO. *TT | |
| 9864 Mar 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT |
Showing 30 of 63 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Read the tire date codes and look for uneven wear.Uneven wear on this vehicle often points back to the suspension. Four different date codes tell their own story.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 8 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Ford Explorer →