NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Structure complaints
39 reportsClear category filter65,000 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…
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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 · Feb 28, 2010
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure
1995 FORD EXPLORER REAR HATCH WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE HINGE THE SPOT WELDS BROKE. WENT TO 3 FORD DEALER THEY SAY THIS IS BEEN A PROBLEM READ HATCH TO HEAVY WELDS WEAK . THEY SAID TO CONTACT FORD. CALLED FORD SAID NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR ME. TOLD THEN REAR HATCH IS GOING TO FALL OFF. MADE A COMPLAINT . TO SEE IF A RECALL …
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1995 FORD EXPLORER REAR HATCH WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE HINGE THE SPOT WELDS BROKE. WENT TO 3 FORD DEALER THEY SAY THIS IS BEEN A PROBLEM READ HATCH TO HEAVY WELDS WEAK . THEY SAID TO CONTACT FORD. CALLED FORD SAID NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR ME. TOLD THEN REAR HATCH IS GOING TO FALL OFF. MADE A COMPLAINT . TO SEE IF A RECALL OF FIX PROBLEM. THEY SAID MY PROBLEM. MY FIX.. I TOLD THEM YOUR DEALERS SAID THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM AND FORD WILL NOT FIX IT. I NEED FORD TO FIX MY REAR HATCH BE FORE IT FALLS OFF. NEED YOUR HELP THIS IS BEEN GOING G ON FOR A YEAR. I GIVE UP! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10314940
160,523 miles · May 12, 2007
Structure
OUR 1995 FORD EXPLORER WAS PARKED ON THE SIDE OF OUR GARAGE, WELL OFF A QUIET STREET. WHEN WE CAME OUT IN THE MORNING TO GO TO WORK WE DISCOVERED THAT THE BACK LIFTGATE WINDOW EXPLODED. THANKFULLY, THIS HAPPENED WHEN IT WAS PARKED. IT WOULD HAVE POTENTIALLY CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT IF WE HAD BEEN DRIVING ALONE OR WITH OUR CHILDRE…
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OUR 1995 FORD EXPLORER WAS PARKED ON THE SIDE OF OUR GARAGE, WELL OFF A QUIET STREET. WHEN WE CAME OUT IN THE MORNING TO GO TO WORK WE DISCOVERED THAT THE BACK LIFTGATE WINDOW EXPLODED. THANKFULLY, THIS HAPPENED WHEN IT WAS PARKED. IT WOULD HAVE POTENTIALLY CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT IF WE HAD BEEN DRIVING ALONE OR WITH OUR CHILDREN OR FRIENDS. AS WE HAD TALKED WITH NEIGHBORS AND CALLED TO GET ESTIMATES WE HEARD ABOUT THIS HAPPENING FOUR TIMES TO OTHER PEOPLE. THIS WAS A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE AND IT SHOULD BE RECALLED. AS I FILLED OUT THE QUESTIONS BELOW I AM ALSO SO THANKFUL THAT I DID NOT HAVE TO TYPE IN A NUMBER OTHER THAN 0 FOR NUMBER OF DEATHS OR INJURIES. PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY IF/WHEN YOU DECIDE THAT THIS WAS A SERIOUS DANGER TO YOUR BUYERS AND WILL HELP CORRECT AND REPLACE THIS DEFAULT. THANK YOU. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10190583
Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2002
StructureVisibility
BLEND DOOR BREAKS - WINDSHIELD FROSTS IN COLD WHEATER
NHTSA ODI #763495
Mileage unknown · May 2, 2002
StructureCrash
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT 55 MPH, ON DAMP PAVEMENT, CONSUMER STATES ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIFTED INTO HIS LANE, CONSUMER TRIED TO GET TO THE LEFT A LITTLE AND VEHICLE MADE A SHARP TURN TO THE LEFT. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*JB
NHTSA ODI #8009008
Mileage unknown · Aug 13, 2001
StructureFire
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ACROSS BRIDGE AT APPROXIMATELY 50MPH WHEN SMOKE APPEARED FROM CONSOLE. THERE WAS NO EMERGENCY LANE TO PULL OVER. CONSUMER HAD TO KEEP GOING UNTIL OFF THE BRIDGE. VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AT CONSOLE. KEY BURNED UP IN IGNITION. VEHICLE HAD POWER LOCKS WHICH CAUSED CONSUMER, AND 5 YEAR OLD CHILD TO HAVE T…
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CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ACROSS BRIDGE AT APPROXIMATELY 50MPH WHEN SMOKE APPEARED FROM CONSOLE. THERE WAS NO EMERGENCY LANE TO PULL OVER. CONSUMER HAD TO KEEP GOING UNTIL OFF THE BRIDGE. VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AT CONSOLE. KEY BURNED UP IN IGNITION. VEHICLE HAD POWER LOCKS WHICH CAUSED CONSUMER, AND 5 YEAR OLD CHILD TO HAVE TO CLIMB OUT OF WINDOW.CONSUMER HAD TO JERK SEVERAL TIMES ON SEAT TO GET THE CHILD OUT. FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED IT WAS CAUSED BY ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS VERY CONCERNED. BUT IF NO LIVES WERE TAKEN , IT WASN'T MUCH THAAT COULD BE DONE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #894213
Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2001
Interior LightingPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic
THE DRIVE GEAR IN THE TRANSFER CASE FAILED AND WAS REPLACED, 27K MILES LATER THE PROBLEM REOCCURED, THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT AN INCORRECT COMPONENT WAS INSTALLED, THEREFORE CAUSING IT TO FAIL AGAIN, WHILE THIS WAS BEING REPAIRED THE DEALER TORE THE DOOR MOLDING AND THE DASH LIGHTS BECAME INOPERATIVE. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #561982
Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2001
SeatsSteeringStructure
AT 5,000 MILES A POPPING SOUND IS COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND REPLACED STEERING COLUMN ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. BUT, PROBLEM IS STILL REOCCURRING. *AK CLIP FOR UPPER BEARING WAS OUT, DEALER REPLACED AND ALSO RETORQUED BOLTS FOR LOWER SHAFT BEARINGS, UPPER AND LOWER STEERING SHAFTS WERE REPLAC…
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AT 5,000 MILES A POPPING SOUND IS COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND REPLACED STEERING COLUMN ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. BUT, PROBLEM IS STILL REOCCURRING. *AK CLIP FOR UPPER BEARING WAS OUT, DEALER REPLACED AND ALSO RETORQUED BOLTS FOR LOWER SHAFT BEARINGS, UPPER AND LOWER STEERING SHAFTS WERE REPLACED, LOWER WAS REPLACED TWICE , CONSUMER STATES THERE IS STILL PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING. POPPING NOISE IN RIGHT FRONT SEAT. RADIO INOPERABLE, DEALER REPLACED, RADIO FAILED AGAIN, DEALER REPLACED AND REPOSITIONED WIRING. CONSOLE ASSEMBLY REPLACED. *SLC
NHTSA ODI #891193
Mileage unknown · Mar 1, 2001
StructureInjury
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WANDERS TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD (NO SHOULDER), WHEN STEERING BACK INTO THE LANE THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FISHTAIL AND SKID, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER, NO SERIOUS INJURIES ONLY ACHES AND BRUISES. NLM
NHTSA ODI #560007
Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2000
Structure
RECALL 99V310001/HYDRAULIC LEFT CYLINDERS: VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED CONCERNING THIS RECALL. CURRENTLY, VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM EXCEPT AT THE TOP OF THE WELD. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK BECAUSE OF THE RECALL BOTTOM TWO BRACKETS WERE FIXED AND TWO TOPS WERE NOT FIXED THEREFORE, TOP RIGHT BRACKET…
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RECALL 99V310001/HYDRAULIC LEFT CYLINDERS: VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED CONCERNING THIS RECALL. CURRENTLY, VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM EXCEPT AT THE TOP OF THE WELD. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK BECAUSE OF THE RECALL BOTTOM TWO BRACKETS WERE FIXED AND TWO TOPS WERE NOT FIXED THEREFORE, TOP RIGHT BRACKET WELD BROKE OFF. *YH
NHTSA ODI #865137
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.
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