NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
75 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Feb 21, 2012
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I AM WIRTING BECAUSE THERE ARE SEVERAL RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE HOWERVER I WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALLS ARE VIN SPECIFIC. MEANING THAT EVEN THOUGH MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIANCEING THE SAME PROBLEMS OF CARS THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED OF THE SAME MAKE MODEL AND MODEL YEAR THE MANUFACTURE IS NOT REQUIRED TO CORRECT THE DEFECT. I HAVE A PROBLEM W…
Read full complaint
I AM WIRTING BECAUSE THERE ARE SEVERAL RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE HOWERVER I WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALLS ARE VIN SPECIFIC. MEANING THAT EVEN THOUGH MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIANCEING THE SAME PROBLEMS OF CARS THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED OF THE SAME MAKE MODEL AND MODEL YEAR THE MANUFACTURE IS NOT REQUIRED TO CORRECT THE DEFECT. I HAVE A PROBLEM WITTH THAT BECAUSE IT PLACES THE PUBLIC AT RISK. IN MY CASE I HAVE A 1995 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE TIE RODS, SWAY BAR LINKS, AND BRAKES. ALL ISSUES THAT ARE SAFTEY RELATED. I HAVE TALKED WITH OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME CAR THAT HAVE THE EXCAT ISSUES. OBVIOUSLY THE PROBLEM IS SYSTEMIC AND PLACES THE PUBLIC AT RISK AS THIS WAS ONE OF THE BEST SELLING MODELS OF THAT YEAR. I AM ASKING THAT YOU ISSUE A RECALL ALL VEHICLES OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL FOR THAT YEAR. THIS WOULD ALLEVIATE THE SAFTEY RISK CASUED BY THE DEFECT. I BELIEVE THAT YOUR OFFICE AND THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO ADRESS THE ISSUE AND ACT IN THE PUBLICS INTEREST. PLEASE CONTACT ME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10448641
65,000 miles · Jan 21, 2012
Service Brakes, HydraulicStructureSuspension
I HAVE A 1995 FORD EXPLORER AND THE DEALER REFUSES TO HONOR SOME OF THE RECALLS THAT HAVE BEEN ORDERED FOR MY VEHICLE THE RECALLS ARE LISTED BELOW RECALL DATE: MAR 15, 1995 MODEL AFFECTED: 1995 FORD EXPLORER SUMMARY: THE INNER TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND CAN FRACTURE CAUSING SHAKING OR SHIMMY AT LOW…
Read full complaint
I HAVE A 1995 FORD EXPLORER AND THE DEALER REFUSES TO HONOR SOME OF THE RECALLS THAT HAVE BEEN ORDERED FOR MY VEHICLE THE RECALLS ARE LISTED BELOW RECALL DATE: MAR 15, 1995 MODEL AFFECTED: 1995 FORD EXPLORER SUMMARY: THE INNER TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND CAN FRACTURE CAUSING SHAKING OR SHIMMY AT LOW SPEEDS. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INNER TIE RODS AND REPLACE THE SUSPECT TIE RODS. POTENTIAL UNITS AFFECTED: 49300 RECALL DATE: MAR 15, 1995 MODEL AFFECTED: 1995 FORD EXPLORER SUMMARY: 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. REMEDY: DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE BRAKE TUBES. POTENTIAL UNITS AFFECTED: 8100 RECALL DATE: JAN 31, 1996 MODEL AFFECTED: 1995 FORD EXPLORER SUMMARY: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THE CAMPAIGN WILL REINFORCE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENTS OF THE REAR LIFTGATE GAS ASSIST CYLINDERS WHICH COULD PULL AWAY FROM THE INSIDE OF THE LIFTGATE. REMEDY: FORD DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENTS. POTENTIAL UNITS AFFECTED: 1029380 RECALL DATE: NOV 28, 2000 MODEL AFFECTED: 1995 FORD EXPLORER SUMMARY: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, A FRONT SWAY BAR LINK CAN FRACTURE. DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS. POTENTIAL UNITS AFFECTED: 810,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10444749
Mileage unknown · Dec 15, 2009
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC DETAILS: I TOOK MY 95 EXPLORER IN FOR A RECALL (09S09) FOR A SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WHICH MAY POSE A RISK OF FIRE IF IT LEAKED. WHEN I GOT MY VEH. BACK I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD TO CHECK THEIR WORK. (I AM A MECHANIC MY SELF BY OCCUPATION) THEY HAD REPLACED THE PIGTAIL TO THE SWITCH BUT NOT …
Read full complaint
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC DETAILS: I TOOK MY 95 EXPLORER IN FOR A RECALL (09S09) FOR A SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WHICH MAY POSE A RISK OF FIRE IF IT LEAKED. WHEN I GOT MY VEH. BACK I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD TO CHECK THEIR WORK. (I AM A MECHANIC MY SELF BY OCCUPATION) THEY HAD REPLACED THE PIGTAIL TO THE SWITCH BUT NOT THE SWITCH ITSELF. THE LETTER TALKED ABOUT THE SWITCH AND NOT A PIGTAIL LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE SWITCH IS MOUNTED ON THE MASTER CLY.ABOVE THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AREA. THE RECALL INTENT WAS TO HAVE FORD REPLACE THE PIGTAIL AND SWITCH OR THE SWITCH BUT ONLY IF THE SWITCH WAS LEAKING. THE SERVICE MANAGER WOULD NOT GIVE ME ANY EXPLANATION. IS FORD CHANGING THE WRONG PART. I AM NOT SURE HOW THE PIG TAIL WILL STOP THE BRAKE FLUID FROM LEAKING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10295910
145,286 miles · Dec 1, 2009
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control
I TOOK MY 95 EXPLORER IN FOR A RECALL (09S09) FOR A SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WHICH MAY POSE A RISK OF FIRE IF IT LEAKED. WHEN I GOT MY VEH. BACK I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD TO CHECK THEIR WORK. (I AM A MECHANIC MY SELF BY OCCUPATION) THEY HAD REPLACED THE PIGTAIL TO THE SWITCH BUT NOT THE SWITCH ITSELF. WHEN I TALKED TO TH…
Read full complaint
I TOOK MY 95 EXPLORER IN FOR A RECALL (09S09) FOR A SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WHICH MAY POSE A RISK OF FIRE IF IT LEAKED. WHEN I GOT MY VEH. BACK I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD TO CHECK THEIR WORK. (I AM A MECHANIC MY SELF BY OCCUPATION) THEY HAD REPLACED THE PIGTAIL TO THE SWITCH BUT NOT THE SWITCH ITSELF. WHEN I TALKED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER ABOUT IT HE STATED THAT THE PIGTAIL WAS THE FIRE HAZARD AND THEY ONLY RELOCATED THE SWITCH IF IT WAS LEAKING AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL. THE LETTER TALKED ABOUT THE SWITCH AND NOT A PIGTAIL LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE SWITCH IS MOUNTED ON THE MASTER CLY.ABOVE THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AREA. WAS YOUR RECALL INTENT TO HAVE FORD REPLACE THE PIGTAIL AND SWITCH OR THE PIGTAIL AND THE SWITCH BUT ONLY IF THE SWITCH WAS LEAKING. I WILL BE WAITING YOUR REPLY THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10294170
120,000 miles · Nov 6, 2007
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrashInjury
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE MAKING A TURN AT 55 MPH, THE BRAKES LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE SLID AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH BEFORE ROLLING OVER THREE TIMES. THE CRASH DESTROYED THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. AS OF NOVEMBER 6, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. TH…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE MAKING A TURN AT 55 MPH, THE BRAKES LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE SLID AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH BEFORE ROLLING OVER THREE TIMES. THE CRASH DESTROYED THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. AS OF NOVEMBER 6, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BRUISES TO THE BACK AND SHOULDER BLADES ALONG WITH CUTS AND SCRATCHES ON HIS LEFT ARM. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE ANTILOCK BRAKES CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
NHTSA ODI #10208048
200,000 miles · Nov 6, 2006
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed ControlFire
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE IDLING IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR FIVE MINUTES, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THE MASTER CYLINDER SWITCH ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE STARTED THE FIRE. THE DEALER WAS NOT ALERTED.
NHTSA ODI #10172746
160,000 miles · Nov 18, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteering
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS NHTSA RECALL 95V053000 CONCERNING TIE ROD ASSEMBLY, AND RECALL 95V052000 CONCERNING SERVICE BRAKES; HOSES, LINES, PIPING AND FITTINGS. THIS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALLS, BUT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS DUE TO VIN. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AT THIS…
Read full complaint
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS NHTSA RECALL 95V053000 CONCERNING TIE ROD ASSEMBLY, AND RECALL 95V052000 CONCERNING SERVICE BRAKES; HOSES, LINES, PIPING AND FITTINGS. THIS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALLS, BUT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS DUE TO VIN. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AT THIS TIME. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10143125
Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control
WE OWN A 1995 FORD EXPLORER XLT THAT HAS A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. FORD WILL NOT FIX THE SWITCH, BUT HAS RECALLED OTHER AUTO MODELS TO FIX THE SAME PROBLEM. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10135777
79,840 miles · Apr 25, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
CONSUMER STATED CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED. CONSUMER STATED THAT BRAKE FLUID LEAKED ONTO THE CRUISE CONTROL TERMINAL. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE WILL CATCH ON FIRE. *AK THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO BUY A REPLACEMENT PART FROM THE DEALER, HOWEVER, HE WAS TOLD THE PART WAS ON BACK ORDER. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10115867
96,000 miles · Jan 3, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
THE BRAKE LINE RUSTED, CAUSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO GO TO THE FLOOR WHEN DEPRESSED. CONSUMER REPAIRED THE PROBLEM BY HIMSELF. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE/RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10106642
Official recalls
5Oct 13, 2009
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 & remedy
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 BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Nov 28, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, A FRONT SWAY BAR LINK CAN FRACTURE.
Consequence & remedy
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.
Nov 3, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDER BRACKET WELDS COULD FRACTURE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
Mar 15, 1995
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: STOPPING DISTANCES COULD BE LONGER THAN INTENDED RESULTING IN INCREASED POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE BRAKE TUBES.
Mar 15, 1995
THE INNER TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND CAN FRACTURE CAUSING SHAKING OR SHIMMY AT LOW SPEEDS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INNER TIE RODS AND REPLACE THE SUSPECT TIE RODS.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
6EA02011 · Safety Belt Assembly Failure
Opened Jul 2, 2002 · Closed May 21, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
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 DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXIST DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PE02007 · Safety Belt Assembly
Opened Jan 23, 2002 · Closed Jul 2, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
No summary supplied.
PE00039 · Front Suspension Stabilizer Bar Link
Opened Sep 20, 2000 · Closed Nov 30, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
PE99068 · Accelerator Pedal
Opened Nov 1, 1999 · Closed Mar 9, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train
There is no summary currently available
RQ99016 · Liftgate Support Bracket Failure
Opened Jul 29, 1999 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Structure
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 YEAR VEHICLES. THIS RQ IS TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE AND THE SCOPE OF SAFETY RECALL 95V-164.FORD AND MAZDA ARE CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN UNDER RECALL NUMBER 99V-310.001/.002.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Structure
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 YEAR VEHICLES. THIS RQ IS TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE AND THE SCOPE OF SAFETY RECALL 95V-164.FORD AND MAZDA ARE CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN UNDER RECALL NUMBER 99V-310.001/.002.
Structure
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 YEAR VEHICLES. THIS RQ IS TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE AND THE SCOPE OF SAFETY RECALL 95V-164.FORD AND MAZDA ARE CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN UNDER RECALL NUMBER 99V-310.001/.002.
PE97010 · Electrical Fire In Center Console
Opened Mar 13, 1997 · Closed Sep 4, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
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 TO TAKE ACTION TO PRECLUDE FURTHER INCIDENTS INCLUDING ISSUING A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO ITS DEALERS, NOTIFYING TRAILER RENTAL ASSOCIATIONS AND AGENCIES WHERE KNOWN, AND ADVISING OWNERS BY LETTER OF THE PROPER METHOD FOR CONNECTION OF TRAILER TOW WIRING ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THERE WAS NO DEFECT TREND IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IDENTIFIED AS A RESULT OF THIS INVESTIGATION, AND FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT WARRANTED TO CONTINUE THE INVESTIGATION.
Illustration