The 1995 Ford Explorer has 9 safety recalls and 843 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is tires (223 complaints).
Recalls9safety recalls
Complaints843filed by owners
Crashes · fires84 · 32reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths110 · 8reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Vehicle speed control
NHTSA recall 09V399000 · Oct 13, 2009 · 4,500,000 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: 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.
Risk: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Fix: 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.
Exterior lighting › Headlights
NHTSA recall 09E025000 · May 11, 2009 · 42,540 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: 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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.
Exterior lighting
NHTSA recall 09E012000 · Apr 7, 2009 · 16,270 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: 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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.
Exterior lighting
NHTSA recall 06E026000 · Mar 23, 2006 · 61,944 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: 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.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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.
Suspension
NHTSA recall 00V402000 · Nov 28, 2000 · 810,000 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, A FRONT SWAY BAR LINK CAN FRACTURE.
Risk: VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strut
NHTSA recall 99V310001 · Nov 3, 1999 · 470,582 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDER BRACKET WELDS COULD FRACTURE.
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.
Fix: 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.
Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
NHTSA recall 95V053000 · Mar 15, 1995 · 49,300 vehicles
Problem: THE INNER TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND CAN FRACTURE CAUSING SHAKING OR SHIMMY AT LOW SPEEDS.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE WHEEL ON THE SIDE WITH THE BROKEN TIE ROD TO TUCK INWARD OR OUTWARD AND SLIDE RESULTING IN AN INCREASED POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INNER TIE RODS AND REPLACE THE SUSPECT TIE RODS.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
NHTSA recall 95V052000 · Mar 15, 1995 · 8,100 vehicles
Problem: IN SOME OF THE VEHICLES, BRAKE TUBES WERE MISROUTED BETWEEN THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT AND RESULTS IN EXCEEDING THE ALLOWABLE STOPPING DISTANCES AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS." IN ADDITION, SEALS WITHIN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD BE ABRADED BY THIS CONDITION OVER TIME RESULTING IN AN INTERNAL LEAK AND A FURTHER REDUCTION IN BRAKE PERFORMANCE.
Risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: STOPPING DISTANCES COULD BE LONGER THAN INTENDED RESULTING IN INCREASED POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE BRAKE TUBES.
Air bags › Frontal
NHTSA recall 95E006002 · Feb 24, 1995 · 8,600 vehicles
Problem: THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG HAS AN INFLATOR BODY THAT CRACKED DURING FORMING OF THE CURL THAT RETAINS THE IGNITER PLUG IN THE END OF THE INFLATOR. ALSO THE IGNITER END CAP CAN SEPARATE FROM THE INFLATOR.
Risk: THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT INFLATE PROPERLY RESULTING IN REDUCED OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. IF THE IGNITER END CAP SEPARATES IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, HOT GASES CAN BE RELEASED AND IGNITE FLAMMABLE MATERIAL OR CAUSE BURN INJURIES.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MODULE.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
1995 Ford Explorer 4-DR 4x4
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Explorer 2WD
18mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 21 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel
Explorer 4WD
17mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 20 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel
Explorer 2WD
16mpg combined
City / highway
14 / 19 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel
Explorer 4WD
15mpg combined
City / highway
14 / 18 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Tires Tread/belt; Sidewall
223
28
0
68
102,000 mi
Power train Automatic transmission; Manual transmission
130
1
1
2
97,155 mi
Suspension Rear; Front
99
6
0
4
131,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Master cylinder
89
16
2
9
110,014 mi
Vehicle speed control Accelerator pedal; Cruise control
84
9
5
4
137,000 mi
Seat belts Front › Buckle assembly; Front › Anchorage
60
6
0
8
120,000 mi
Electrical system Ignition; Wiring › Interior/under dash
58
0
16
1
156,914 mi
Steering Linkages › Tie rod assembly; Steering wheel/handle bar
55
7
1
7
160,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling Engine › Gasoline; Engine
53
0
6
0
—
Structure Body › Door; Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strut
41
2
1
3
—
Air bags Frontal; Side/window
31
25
0
34
—
Visibility Windshield; Defroster/defogger/hvac system
22
1
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Mar 13, 2018 · 175,000 milesSteering THE STEERING COLUMN AND ALL THE PARTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE STEERING OF THE VEHICLE WERE AFFECTED WHEN THE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE CLAMPS THAT SECURE THE BUSHINGS TO THE STEERING COLUMN BEGAN TO LOOSEN. I EXAMINED THE AREA CAREFULLY AND NOTICED THAT BECAUSE THE BOLTS LOOSENED, THE CLAMPS WERE GIVEN TOO MUCH PLAY. WITHIN A SHORT WHILE, A MONTH OR TWO, THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN AND THE SHIFTER WERE COMPLETELY SECURED BY ONE BROKEN CLAMP THAT HELD ITS PLACE BECAUSE OF THE BUSHINGS AND A LOOSE BOLT. THE OTHER CLAMP WAS ALSO BROKEN BUT WAS LAYING ON THE FLOOR BOARD. IT WASN'T AN EXPENSIVE FIX. I CUSTOMIZED A METAL CLAMP FOR EACH OF THE TWO PLACES THE WENT. THEY ARE THE SAME CLAMPS THE ELECTRICIANS…
May 3, 2018 · 200,180 miles · fireElectrical system I GOT IN MY CAR A BATTERY LESS THAN 2 WEEKS OLD WAS ALMOST DEAD NOTHING WAS PLUGGED IN OR ON I DROVE GOT ON THE FREEWAY ABOUT 20 MIN ON FREEWAY CAR STOPS WON'T MOVE MAKES REV NOISE EVENTUALLY STARTS LONG ENOUGH TO STOP AGAIN AT BOTTOM OF FREEWAY EXIT STARTS AGAIN GET IN INTO GAS STATION I SIT IN GAS STATION FOR ABOUT 12 HOURS ADD 5 QUARTS OF TRANSMISSION FLUID EVENTUALLY CAR WILL LET ME DRIVE ABOUT TWO BLOCKS BUT COME TO FIND OUT I WAS DRIVING WELL ON FIRE RACE TO GET MY DOG AND I OUT CAR CATCHES COMPLETELY ON FIRE FIRE MAN SAYS IT ELECTRIC UNDER HOOD NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS OTHER THAN THE BATTERY AND THE OD OFF LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF I HAD THE CAR ABOUT A MONTH POLICE REPORT NUMBER1702207…
Jul 9, 2005Electrical system INTERMITTENT STARTING PROBLEMS AND STALLS WHILE DRIVING
Apr 10, 2015 · 159,370 miles · fireSeats 95 FORD EXPLORER PARKED IN CARPORT WITH ENGINE SHUT OFF FOR 5 MIN WHILE CARRIED GROCERIES UP STAIRS - I HAD LEFT DOG IN CRATE TIL FINISHED UNLOADING BUT WHEN I CAME DOWN NOTICED ELECTRICAL SMELL, GOT OUT LOOKED AROUND CAR BUT DID NOT NOTICE ANY BURNING, GOT DOG OUT AND RETURNED IN THREE MINUTES TO FIND KEY NO LONGER UNLOCKED DOOR AND COULD NOT SEE THROUGH WINDOWS - WHEN DOOR WAS OPENED SMOKE BELLOWED OUT, INTERIOR WAS COVERED WITH BLACK SOOT, A HOLE BIGGER THAN A BASKETBALL WAS BURNT OUT OF SEAT AND BACK OF DRIVER'S SEAT WAS PARCHED - HAD I NOT HAD THE WINDOWS COMPLETELY UP IT MOST LIKELY WOULD HAVE TO CONTINUED TO BURN. *TR
Jan 20, 2013 · 130,000 milesEngine TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Dec 31, 2014 · 23,500 miles · fireSeats SOME ELECTRICAL COMPONENT UNDER THE FRONT DRIVERS SEAT CAUGHT FIRE, CONSUMING THE SEAT PORTION OF THE ASSEMBLY. *TR
Apr 15, 2014 · 190,000 milesElectrical system TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE COULD BE RESTARTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
Oct 24, 2014 · 171,000 milesPower train MY VEHICLE WILL NOT GO IN REVERSE. *TR
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
EA02011 · opened Jul 2, 2002 · closed May 21, 2003SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLY FAILURE ODI RECEIVED 18 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND FORD IDENTIFIED ANOTHER FOUR REPORTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT.MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS INDICATE INABILITY TO LATCH THE DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE CAUSED BY A BROKEN LATCH RELEASE SPRING.NONE OF THESE 22 REPORTS RESULTED IN ANY INJURIES OR CRASHES.NO COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS.FORD CONDUCTED LIFE-CYCLE TESTING ON 6 FIELD SAMPLE BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES.THE RESULTS OF THAT TESTING DEMONSTRATED THAT THE TESTED BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES COULD BE EXPECTED TO OPERATE PROPERLY BEYOND THE EXPECTED LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.BASED ON THE LIMITED NUMBER OF REPORTS AND COMPLAINTS RECEIVED, AND A DECLINING COMPLAINT TREND, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION…
PE02007 · opened Jan 23, 2002 · closed Jul 2, 2002SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLY
PE00039 · opened Sep 20, 2000 · closed Nov 30, 2000 · led to recall 00V402000FRONT SUSPENSION STABILIZER BAR LINK There is no summary currently available
PE99068 · opened Nov 1, 1999 · closed Mar 9, 2000ACCELERATOR PEDAL There is no summary currently available
RQ99016 · opened Jul 29, 1999 · open · led to recall 99V310001LIFTGATE SUPPORT BRACKET FAILURE 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 INSTALL REINFORCEMENTS ON THE BRACKETS.FORD ALSO INITIATED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN IN OCTOBER 1995, FOR 1991-1995 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER VEHICLES WHICH WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, TO INSTALL REINFORCEMENTS ON THOSE BRACKET THAT WERE FOUND TO BE LOOSE OR DETACHED.THIS CAMPAIGN ENDED IN OCTOBER 1996. SINCE NOVEMBER 1996, ODI HAS RECEIVED 51 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING LIFTGATE FAILURES CAUSED BY THE BRACKET SEPARATION, OF WHICH 19 REPORTED THE LIFTGATE STRUCK THE OCCUPANT CAUSING 12 INJURIES.ONE COMPLAINT WAS ON 1992 MODEL YEAR VEHICLE, THREE COMPLAINTS WERE ON 1993 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES, AND 47 COMPLAINTS WERE ON 1994 MODEL…
PE97010 · opened Mar 13, 1997 · closed Sep 4, 1997ELECTRICAL FIRE IN CENTER CONSOLE THIS INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT CONSOLE FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MOST OFTEN OCCURRED WHILE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE LAMP OUTAGE MODULE (LOM), WHICH IS PART OF THE MESSAGE CENTER, WERE TOWING A TRAILER AND WHICH HAD BEEN MODIFIED BY ADDING AN AFTERMARKET TRAILER WIRING HARNESS INTO THE VEHICLE'S TAILLIGHT CIRCUITS.THE OWNER'S MANUAL STATES NEVER AND MORE THAN OTHER TRAILER LIGHT BULB TO ONE CIRCUIT HOWEVER TRAILERS FREQUENTLY CONTAIN SEVERAL BULBS.THE RESULTING EXCESS CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE LOM COULD CAUSE IT TO OVERHEAT RESULTING IN A FIRE.PROPER AFTERMARKET INSTALLATION OF TRAILER WIRING REQUIRES THE USE OF A BYPASS MODULE, WHICH OBTAINS POWER FOR THE TRAILER LIGHTS DIRECTLY FROM THE BATTERY RATHER THAN FROM THE VEHICLE'S TAIL LIGHT AND STOP LAMP CIRCUITS, OR THE USE OF THE MANUFACTURER'S WIRING HARNESS.IN A LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 2, 1997, FORD NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT INTENDS…