IllustrationTIRES SUFFERED FROM CURBING EFFECT AND CONSUMER REPLACED THEM, DEALER DEEMED CONSUMER INELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT BECAUSE THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED PRIOR TO JAN. 1, 2000, CONSUMER STILL REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT (FIRESTONE ATX II P235/75R15). NLM
1995 Ford Explorer
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 1995 Ford Explorer do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 609.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Explorer years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 97 of 843 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Tires. Review the 205 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 119 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 93 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
84 crash reports32 fire reports69 injury reports
Tires complaints
205 reportsVEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO FAULTY FIRESTONE TIRES (P255/R16), CONSUMER STATED THAT THE TIRES HAVE PROBLEMS WITH SKIDDING AND TREAD. *SLC
WE "DID NOT" FEEL "SAFE" WITH THESE TIRES ON OUR VEHICLE. WE TALKED TO REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE HOTLINE AND HE GAVES US THE OKAY TO GET NEW TIRES AND SEND IN THE FORMS. WELL WE WENT AND GOT THE NEW TIRES AND SENT IN THE PAPER WORK, AND WE GOT BACK A LETTER SAYING, "WE HAVE REVIEWED THE ENTIRE FILE AND UNFORTUNATELY, WE MUST RES…
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WE "DID NOT" FEEL "SAFE" WITH THESE TIRES ON OUR VEHICLE. WE TALKED TO REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE HOTLINE AND HE GAVES US THE OKAY TO GET NEW TIRES AND SEND IN THE FORMS. WELL WE WENT AND GOT THE NEW TIRES AND SENT IN THE PAPER WORK, AND WE GOT BACK A LETTER SAYING, "WE HAVE REVIEWED THE ENTIRE FILE AND UNFORTUNATELY, WE MUST RESPECTFULLY DENY YOUR REQUEST FOR A REFUND. WE ARE UNABLE TO PROCESS YOUR REFUND FOR ONE OR MORE REASONS: THE TYPE OF TIRE YOU REQUESTED REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSTMENT FOR WAS NOT PART OF THE VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL" WE HAVE ALSO WRITEN THEM A LETTER STATING THAT THEY WERE NOT SATISFING ALL THEIR CUSTOMERS. PLEASE HELP ME. *AK (DOT NUMBER: W2HLIPY308 TIRESIZE: P2357515)
ALL 4 TIRES HAVE CRACKS ALL AROUND TOP EDGE OF TIRE AND IN TREAD. ALSO CRACKS ALL AROUND SIDEWALL OF TIRE WHERE RIM MOUNTS. TIRE DEALER INSPECTED TIRES AND SAID THEY ARE DANGEROUS AND TREAD IS READY TO SEPARATE. NEED TO TAKE THEM TO FIRESTONE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. TIRES WORE OUT TO SOON. SHOULD HAVE 10-15000 MILES LEFT BASED O…
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ALL 4 TIRES HAVE CRACKS ALL AROUND TOP EDGE OF TIRE AND IN TREAD. ALSO CRACKS ALL AROUND SIDEWALL OF TIRE WHERE RIM MOUNTS. TIRE DEALER INSPECTED TIRES AND SAID THEY ARE DANGEROUS AND TREAD IS READY TO SEPARATE. NEED TO TAKE THEM TO FIRESTONE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. TIRES WORE OUT TO SOON. SHOULD HAVE 10-15000 MILES LEFT BASED ON TREAD DEPTH. TOOK TO FIRESTONE DEALER AND THEY SAID TOO BAD. FOR $500 WE WILL GIVE YOU 4 NEW TIRES. THEY WILL ONLY HONOR TIRES THAT ARE ON RECALL LIST. HE ALSO SAID CRACKS NEED TO BE LOWER THAN THEY ARE ON SIDEWALL. PLEASE HELP! ALL THESE WILDERNESS TIRES ARE DANGEROUS. PLEASE PUT PRESSURE ON THIS MANUFACTURE SO THEY CAN HELP PEOPLE TO FEEL SAFER ON PRODUCTS THEY PURCHASE. THESE TIRES ARE UNSAFE! *AK (DOT NUMBER: E4026555 TIRESIZE: P255/70R16)
THE CONSUMER IS HAVING DIFFICULTLY GETTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR FAULTY FIRESTONE TIRES BECAUSE SHE DOES NOT HAVE THE SERIAL NUMBERS OF THE TIRE BECAUSE THEY WERE DISPOSED OF BY THE TIRE DEALER, THE TIRES HAD EARLY SIGNS OF TREAD SEPARATION WHICH CAUSED NOISE WHILE DRIVING (FIRESTONE ATX). NLM
I HAD TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED IN THE SUMMER 2000 BECAUSE HANDLING WAS EXTREMELY BAD ESPECIALLY AT HIGH SPEED (OVER 45MPH) AND GOING AROUND CURVES. IT FELT LIKE THE VEHICLE WAS GOING TO ROLL OVER. THE REPAIRS WERE MADE AT A GARAGE AND NOT AT A DEALER.*AK
CONSUMER NEEDED A TIRE PATCHED, DEALER WOULD NOT PATCH TIRE BECAUSE CONSUMER WAS WAITING FOR REPLACEMENT TIRES DUE TO RECALL 00T005 AND SAID THAT HAVING A NEW TIRE ON THE VEHICLE FOR A FEW WEEKS WOULD BE FINE, CONSUMER SENT A PHOTOCOPY OF THE RECEIPT FOR REIMBURSEMENT AND IS BEING DENIED BECAUSE THE ORIGINAL WASN'T SENT, CONSUME…
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CONSUMER NEEDED A TIRE PATCHED, DEALER WOULD NOT PATCH TIRE BECAUSE CONSUMER WAS WAITING FOR REPLACEMENT TIRES DUE TO RECALL 00T005 AND SAID THAT HAVING A NEW TIRE ON THE VEHICLE FOR A FEW WEEKS WOULD BE FINE, CONSUMER SENT A PHOTOCOPY OF THE RECEIPT FOR REIMBURSEMENT AND IS BEING DENIED BECAUSE THE ORIGINAL WASN'T SENT, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE ROAD HAZARD WARRANTY THAT IS NOW USELESS AND FOR THE PRORATED COST OF A FAULTY TIRE THAT WAS REPLACED. *SLC
REAR FIRESTONE ATX TIRE CAME COMPLETELY OFF WHILE DRIVING CAUSING VEHICLE TO ROLLOVER AND SLIDE 60 FEET UPSIDE DOWN, CONSUMER SUSTAINED SOME GLASS IN FACE, EARS, SOME CUTS AROUND LEFT EYE AND BRUISE FROM WHERE SEAT BELT RESTRAINED DRIVER, CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR DAMAGES SUFFERED AS A RESULT OF ACCIDENT. NLM
FIRESTONE ATX 15" TIRE EXPERIENCED BLOWOUT AND ALSO CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE REAR CHROME PANEL AND RIGHT REAR CHROME MOLDING, THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC
FIRESTONE ATX TIRE EXPERIENCED AN EXPOSED STEEL WIRE ON THE INNER EDGE OF THE LEFT FRONT TIRE, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPLACEMENT TIRES AND FOR AN UNNECESSARY ALIGNMENT. *SLC
Official recalls
509V399000 · Vehicle Speed Control
Oct 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.
00V402000 · Suspension
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.
99V310001 · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut
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.
95V052000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
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.
95V053000 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly
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.