COMPONENT SPOTLIGHT

Ford Explorer electrical problems

2,242 distinct owner reports with an electrical-system component in this snapshot.

Includes the electrical-system component and its detailed subcategories. Related recalls and investigations must also name this component; they are not linked by narrative keyword alone.

44 crash reports312 fire reports36 injury reports

Reports by model year

Recall and investigation columns show each year’s full history. A report naming several years can appear in more than one row.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

246

0–25K

179

25–50K

194

50–75K

154

75–100K

198

100–150K

123

150K+

1,094 reports with mileage · 1,148 unknown

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 owners actually said

2,242 reports

2011 model year · 178,805 miles · Jun 15, 2019

Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

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ENGINE DAMAGE DUE TO OVERHEATING. REGULAR AND REQUIRED OIL CHANGES ARE DOCUMENTED AND IMPLEMENTED AS SCHEDULED. NO OTHER ENGINE OR VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONS DURING THE COURSE OF OWNERSHIP, EXCEPT REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND TIRE REPLACEMENT. HOWEVER, ON MAY 15, 2019, VEHICLE SENSOR NOTIFIED OIL CHANGE NEEDED. FIVE DAYS LATER VEHICLE STALLED AT LOCAL MOTEL DUE TO DECREASED POWER, ROCKING MOTION OF CAR AND LUCKILY WE WERE ABLE TO SLOWLY TURN INTO LOCAL HOTEL TO CUT OFF ENGINE AND GET TO SAFETY. AFTER 2 HOURS OF LETTING VEHICLE SET AND COOL DOWN, LOCAL MECHANIC, CHECKED AND SAID WE HAD ENOUGH OIL IN VEHICLE AND NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE VEHICLE HOME, WITH NO SENSORS ON DASHBOARD ALERTING US TO ANY FURTHER PROBLEMS. THREE DAYS LATER, WITH NO VISIBLE SENSORS FLASHING, CAR BEGAN TO EXHIBIT ROCKING MOTION NOT SPUTTERING MOTION AS I BEGAN TO PULL OUT IN FOUR-WAY INTERSECTION, AND APPROACHING TRAFFIC HEADING MY WAY. THEN SUDDENLY, CAR REGAINED POWER AND WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE TO PROPER LANE AS IF NOTHING WAS WRONG. AFTER TRAVELING ANOTHER 1.6 MILES, CAR JUST STARTING LOSING POWER, CHECK ENGINE, LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT, TEMPERATURE LIGHT WARNING ALL APPEARED SUDDENLY. I WAS ABLE TO DRIFT IN MIDDLE LANE IN FRONT OF DEALERSHIP WHERE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. I IMMEDIATEDLY TURNED VEHICLE OFF AND WALKED TO DEALERSHIP TO GET HELP IN MOVING VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. AFTER 3DAYS OF WAITING, DUNCAH DEALERSHIP IN CHRISTIANSBURG, VA, NOTIFED US THAT HEAD GASGET WAS CRACKED AND OVER 7,000 REPAIR BILL WAS NEEDED TO FIX ENGINE REPAIR. AS NOTED BEFORE NO MAJOR PROBLEMS HAS EVER BEEN REPAIRED OR REPLACED REGARDING THIS VEHICLE. DURING THE TWO INCIDENTS REGARDING THE VEHHICLE LOSING POWER, WITHOUT NO VISIBLE VEHICLE SENSOR NOTIFICATIONS IS OF GREAT CONCERN TO US REGARDING OUR SAFETY IN DRIVING OUR VEHICLE. THANKFULLY, WE WEREN'T ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ODI #11220315

2014 model year · 100,000 miles · Jun 14, 2019

Electrical SystemSteering

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SPORADICALLY TIGHTEN AND THE "STEERING ASSIST FAULT" AND "CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM" INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REFERRED THE CONTACT TO BRANDON FORD (9090 E ADAMO DR, TAMPA, FL 33619, (813) 246-3673) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW ALTERNATOR WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A SECOND OPINION. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER WHO INFORMED HER THAT THE ALTERNATOR SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH ONE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AGAIN. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE DEALER WAS RECOMMENDING A HIGHER REPAIR BILL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #11219977

2013 model year · Mileage unknown · Jun 12, 2019

Electrical System

THE BACK UP CAMERA JUST STARTED WORKING SOMETIMES AND SOMETIMES WHEN WE GO IN REVERSE IT WILL COME ON THEN GO AWAY AND SAYS TO CONTACT DEALERSHIP. THIS ISSUE JUST STARTED.

NHTSA ODI #11219524

2016 model year · 68,000 miles · Jun 12, 2019

Electrical System

1. RIGHT REAR PASSENGER HEATED SEAT SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. THE LIGHT TURNS ON BRIEFLY BUT SHUTS OFF. I HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE BUT NOT ON THIS SITE. 2. FRONT CAMERAS BECAME FOGGED THIS WINTER AND ARE USELESS NOW SHOWING A CLOUDY SCREEN. 3. EVERY TIME I PUT THE VEHICLE IN GEAR I GET A MESSAGE STATING P…

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NHTSA ODI #11219595

2019 model year · 1,100 miles · Jun 6, 2019

Electrical SystemEngine

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED FUMES COMING FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEE FORD LINCOLN (LOCATED AT 4170-C RALEIGH RD PKWY W, WILSON, NC 27896, (252) 291-6000) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,100. *TT SINCE THE INITIAL FAILURE REPORT TO NHTSA ON JUNE 6, 2019, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER IN THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS TO DATE, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. TO THIS DATE, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. EXCESSIVE FUMES IN THE CABIN, MAINLY WHILE ACCELERATING AND/OR DRIVING LONG DISTANCES; THE SMELL IS SO STRONG THAT WE KEEP THE SUNROOF TILT OPEN TO ENSURE GOOD AIR FLOW & REMOVE FUMES FROM CABIN.*JB

NHTSA ODI #11218291

2011 model year · 149,581 miles · Jun 3, 2019

Electrical SystemSteeringUnknown Or Other

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"SERVICE POWER STEERING" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, CODE WAS FOR LEFT STEERING CONTROL MODULE. ONE WEEK LATER, POWER STEERING WAS INTERMITTENT, THEN WENT OUT COMPLETELY. TOOK IN TO FORD DEALERSHIP, CODE FOR SAFETY RECALL 15N01 CAME UP, FORD DEALERSHIP SAYS MY VEHICLE IS COVERED UNDER RECALL BUT FORD MOTOR COMPANY REFUSES TO FIX, STATING "NO HOUSEHOLD LOYALTY", BECAUSE I'VE NOT PURCHASED A FORD BRAND NEW. WHEN CALLING FORD ABOUT THE ISSUE, THEY SAY THEY "WILL STAND BEHIND THE FORD DEALERAHIP IN THEIR DECISION"; YET NOW THAT THE DEALERSHIP IS READY TO FIX AND WAITING FOR THE AUTHORIZATION CODE FROM FMC, FMC WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THE DEALERSHIPS DECISION.

NHTSA ODI #11217641

2017 model year · 50,000 miles · May 31, 2019

Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BLUETOOTH DISCONNECTED AND THE GPS AND TEMPERATURE SENSORS WERE UNRESPONSIVE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE F…

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NHTSA ODI #11217060

2014 model year · Mileage unknown · May 31, 2019

Electrical System

DRIVER VISOR MIRROR AND BUTTONS FOR GARAGE DOOR OPENER FAILED TO FUNCTION IN 2018. DEALER REPLACED THE VISOR. FIRST WEEK OF MAY OF 2019 VISOR MIRROR AND GARAGE DOOR BUTTONS ARE ON THE REPLACEMENT VISOR ARE NOT FUNCTIONING. ALSO THE LIGHTS ON THE SIDE MIRRORS THAT INFORM YOU THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE IS APPROACHING WORK ONLY OCCASI…

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NHTSA ODI #11217179

2016 model year · 43,000 miles · May 29, 2019

Air BagsElectrical SystemSeat Belts

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THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT HAS COME ON. IN TAKING THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, THIS WAS TRACED BACK TO FORD'S ERROR CODE DTC B141B AND/OR B141C. THIS ERROR CODE HAS TO DO WITH FORD INSTALLING A DEFECTIVE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE REAR SEAT INFLATABLE AIRBAGS AND COULD CAUSE THEM TO FAIL TO OPERATE DURING A COLLISION. THE DEALERSHIP (SHEEHY FORD, MIDLOTHIAN, VA) REFUSES TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. I ALSO CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY TWICE (5/29/19 AND IN APRIL 2019) AND THEY ALSO REFUSE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE DESPITE IT BEING AN OBVIOUS SAFETY DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THEIR SAFETY RESTRAINT WARRANTY. THE FACT THAT FORD IS REFUSING TO STAND BEHIND THE SAFETY OF THEIR VEHICLE HAS ME CONCERNED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11210582

2016 model year · Mileage unknown · May 29, 2019

Electrical System

2016 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO INADVERTENT OPENING OR CLOSURE OF REAR CARGO DOOR. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE REAR CARGO DOOR INADVERTENTLY CLOSES IT STRIKES THE OCCUPANT ON THE HEAD OR BACK. *JS

NHTSA ODI #11209877

Related Official recalls

26V165000 · Back Over Prevention:software; Electrical System:adas

Mar 18, 2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The Image Processing Module A (IPMA) may experience multiple unexpected resets, resulting in loss of the rearview camera image and advanced driver assistance (ADAS) features, including pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 Aviator, 2025 Explorer, 2025 Nautilus notified owners on 4/13/2026. Phase 2 will include 2025 Navigator will notify owners on or about 4/20/2026. Phase 3 will include 2022-2024 Navigator will notify owners on or about 6/8/2026. Phase 4 will include 2024 Nautilus will notify owners on or about 6/22/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S21. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 25, 2026.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Back Over Prevention:software

Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 Aviator, 2025 Explorer, 2025 Nautilus notified owners on 4/13/2026. Phase 2 will include 2025 Navigator will notify owners on or about 4/20/2026. Phase 3 will include 2022-2024 Navigator will notify owners on or about 6/8/2026. Phase 4 will include 2024 Nautilus will notify owners on or about 6/22/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S21. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 25, 2026.

Electrical System:adas

Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.

24V685000 · Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables; Hybrid Propulsion System

Sep 13, 2024

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.3L Hybrid engines. The 12-Volt battery cable may chafe against the Belt-integrated Starter Generat (BiSG) and short circuit.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will install a tie strap between the battery cable and high voltage cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S61.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Hybrid Propulsion System

Consequence: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will install a tie strap between the battery cable and high voltage cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S61.

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables

Consequence: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

23V686000 · Back Over Prevention:display Function; Electrical System:wiring

Oct 13, 2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a standard rearview camera. Due to a manufacturing error in the wire harness, the rearview camera may display a blue image on the SYNC screen when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera wire harness and repair any loose splices, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C31.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Back Over Prevention:display Function

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera wire harness and repair any loose splices, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C31.

Electrical System:wiring

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

23V626000 · Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery

Sep 8, 2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford Motor Company's number for this recall is 23S53.

19V687000 · Electrical System:wiring

Sep 30, 2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.3L engines. The wiring harness may not have been properly secured and may contact the air conditioner compressor (A/C) pulley, potentially damaging the harness or the A/C belt.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The A/C pulley may rub through the wiring harness insulation and contact the unfused battery positive wire, resulting in a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a tie strap to the wiring harness at the hand shock tower clip, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S32.

19V575000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel; Parking Brake; Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

Aug 5, 2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The Manual Park Release (MPR) cover may not be installed. In addition, the vehicles may be in Factory Mode, which disables warning alerts and does not display the transmission gear selected. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 114, "Theft Prevention" and 102, "Trans Shift Lever Seq/Starter Interlock/Trans Braking Effect."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Without the cover, the MPR lever may be unintentionally moved, allowing the vehicle to roll away. Being in Factory Mode, the vehicle will not display warnings and/or gear selection on the instrument cluster. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install a MPR cover. Dealers will verify the instrument cluster is not in Factory Mode and clear any fault codes, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C06.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Parking Brake

Consequence: Without the cover, the MPR lever may be unintentionally moved, allowing the vehicle to roll away. Being in Factory Mode, the vehicle will not display warnings and/or gear selection on the instrument cluster. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install a MPR cover. Dealers will verify the instrument cluster is not in Factory Mode and clear any fault codes, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C06.

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

00V072000 · Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers

Mar 7, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L ENGINES AND ALL-TIME 4-WHEEL DRIVE (A4WD) POWERTRAINS. THE GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE (GEM) COULD EXPERIENCE A CONDITION REFERRED TO AS "LOCK-UP" IN WHICH THE GEM CONTROLLED ELECTRONIC FUNCTIONS (E.G., FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, 4X4 SYSTEM, ETC.) COULD NOT BE TURNED ON OR, IN SOME CASES IF THE FUNCTION IS ON, COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AN INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR IN THE GEM CIRCUIT.

97V215000 · Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module

Nov 24, 1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES, EDDIE BAUER AND LIMITED EDITIONS. THE KEY-IN-IGNITION/DOOR OPEN WARNING CHIME MAY NOT FUNCTION WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED. THIS DOES NOT FULLY COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE STANDARD SPECIFIED THAT A WARNING TO THE DRIVER SHALL BE ACTUATED WHENEVER THE KEY HAS BEEN LEFT IN THE LOCKING SYSTEM AND THE DRIVER'S DOOR IS OPENED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A JUMPER WIRE TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY GROUND CIRCUIT IN THESE VEHICLES.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

Related NHTSA investigations

EA05005 · Engine Compartment Fires

Opened Mar 22, 2005 · Closed Aug 2, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD?S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A VACUUM THAT CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE SCDS TO FAIL AND, IN CERTAIN SWITCH INSTALLATION ORIENTATIONS, CATCH FIRE.FORD IS ALSO INCLUDING THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF 1998 EXPLORERS.FORD HAS INFORMED ODI THAT TESTING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURES IN THE 1998 EXPLORERS WILL CONTINUE AFTER THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI BELIEVES THAT THE VEHICLES EXHIBITING THE FACTORS CAUSING SCDS FAILURE DESCRIBED IN THIS REPORT CORRELATE WELL WITH THE OBSERVED FAILURE RATES ON THESE VEHICLES BY MODEL AND MODEL YEAR.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST IN THE NON-RECALLED VEHICLES MANUFACTURED WITH SCDS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN FORD?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE NON-RECALLED POPULATION FOR INCIDENCE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT FOR DETAILS.

Additional source detail variants (21)

Electrical System

Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

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.

PE96066 · Driver Door Electrical Fire

Opened Nov 22, 1996 · Closed May 15, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

THE CONTACT ASSEMBLY FOR THE REMOTE POWER MIRROR CONTROL SWITCH MAY DEVELOP A SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN THE SWITCH POSITIVE PAD AND CHASSIS GROUND PAD AS A RESULT OF WATER INTRUSION.EXCESS CURRENT FLOW RESULTING FROM THE SHORT CIRCUIT CONDITION MAY OVERHEAT THE REMOTE POWER MIRROR CONTROL SWITCH CIRCUIT BOARD AND CAUSE A FIRE IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR.FORD HAS INDICATED THAT CURRENT IN EXCESS OF 15 AMPS CAN OVERHEAT THE CIRCUIT BOARD ENOUGH TO CAUSE A FIRE.CIRCUIT PROTECTION IS PROVIDED BY A 30 AMP FUSE.FORD IS RECALLING ALL 1993-94 4-DOOR EXPLORER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT ELECTRONIC OPTION COMBINATION TO INSTALL AN IN-LINE 10 AMP FUSE IN THE POSITIVE BATTERY FEED TO THE REMOTE POWER MIRROR CONTROL SWITCH ASSEMBLY.NO 2-DOOR EXPLORER VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS.ACCORDING TO FORD, VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE RECALL PRODUCTION RANGE WERE EQUIPPED WITH LOWER CAPACITY CIRCUIT BOARDS FOR THE SUBJECT SWITCH ASSEMBLY THAT WOULD FAIL FROM AN OPEN CIRCUIT IF A SIMILAR SHORT OCCURRED.A NEW SWITCH ASSEMBLY WITH 10 AMP FUSE PROTECTION WAS INTRODUCED BEGINNING WITH THE 1995 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER.MAZDA WILL CONDUCT A PARALLEL COMPAIGN (97V-083.002) TO REMEDY THE SUBJECT CONDITION IN APPROXIMATELY 14,000 NAVAJO VEHICLES.THE NAVAJO VEHICLES WERE AVAILABLE IN ONLY THE 2-DOOR VERSION WHICH, UNLIKE THE EXPLORER VEHICLES, DID USE THE SUBJECT OPTION COMBINATION IN THAT BODY STYLE.