10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
42,500 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #6

Jun 032005

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 135,000 miles
The driver's seats broke from the metal part by where one adjusts seat forward and backward. Was sitting in the seat and the bolt that holds seat in place broke. A mechanic that installs the seats in the Ford Explorer come looked at it and said it should have never of happened. Was injected into the back seat, and then got out. Then husband got in and moved vehicle, injected him forward. Also, it blew all the electrical fuses, bought new fuses and now it works.

- Arnold, MO, USA

problem #5

Jun 212004

Explorer 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles
My family drove to a store (6/21/04) and left our 1996 Ford Explorer in the parking lot for approximately one hour. When we returned the front of the cab was filled with smoke. We started trying to find what smelled so bad, and what was smoking. My husband realized the smoke was coming from under the drivers seat. He was able to move the seat up (electronic) and after burning his finger he was able to unplug the six way seat adjustment motor. When we called Ford they would not do anything, but did say they would charge us $72 to diagnose what was wrong. It is evident the electronic motor had caught fire and has a hole burned through the side of it. If we had not returned to our SUV we would now have ashes, as the electric power is a constant feed. I contacted Ford, in Michigan, with this matter. I was told on 6/24/04 that I would need to pay for the diagnostic in order for Ford to even look into the matter. They stated I could call my insurance and go that route. I explained I was worried about the safety of others and they said it was up to me what I did. They would not do anything unless I paid for the diagnostic. I stated that it was not my responsibility but Ford's and she responded yes. In frustration I hung up and began this complaint. If someone were to leave his or her child in the car and this happens the child will be severely injured. If I had been alone when this happened I would not have known to unplug the seat motor. This is very dangerous. My husband stated that the heat was so intense he was surprised the seat had not caught on fire. He has since taken the motor out and will replace it when the part comes in. We still have the original motor. Please do something before someone is killed.

- Holloman Afb, NM, USA

problem #4

Jul 182002

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
While removing child from car seat on second row of vehicle driver's side seat reclines back on top of consumer's leg. Dealer has been notified. However, has no remedy for seat.

- Cicero, IL, USA

problem #3

Dec 112000

Explorer

  • miles
Left front seat rocks in full elevated position, dealer said it was normal play in the power seat track. Nlm

- Malvern, PA, USA

problem #2

Aug 162000

Explorer

  • miles
Bolts holding back of front driver's seat have sheared off. This caused seat to recline backwards. Driver's view would be obstructed when either accelerating or braking.

- Mobile, AL, USA

problem #1

Aug 011996

Explorer

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Power seat controls failed.

- Arcadia, CA, USA