10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
5 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
7 / 2
Average Mileage:
16,880 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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problem #9

Feb 012007

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,940 miles
Was driving a 1996 Ford Explorer on dry concrete on a 2 year old (I.e., in great condition) interstate highway at 75 mph. Was driving perfectly straight, not changing lanes, nothing. Suddenly and violently, the vehicle swerved first to the left, then to the right. The vehicle went over an ice hump on the side of the right shoulder, went airborne, and slid to a stop in the ditch. No airbags deployed, no seat belt bruises, so very fortunate that the runout was clear and smooth. The 2 driver-side tires were flat and no longer mounted on the rims. Both driver-side rims were bent, both driver side hubs were bent, rear axle was bent. Item of note -- the tires were fine, and are still in-use on the vehicle after repairs were made. No patches were necessary. Driver and passenger are absolutely positive that this was a vehicle malfunction, not caused by driver error or road conditions. 2 repair shops (Ford dealership and independent shop) could find no cause for the swerving.

- Fort Collins, CO, USA

problem #8

Aug 052001

Explorer 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 53,981 miles
1996 Explorer front end began shaking violently. Vehicle then pulled to the right and consumer lost control striking a guard rail. The steering arm broke on the right wheel resulting in an accident.

- Fresno, CA, USA

problem #7

Aug 082004

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Sudden tread separation on left rear tire of Ford Explorer caused loss of control and on-road rollover. Tire was a cooper eldorado radial ZR1, size P23575R15, dot# 3dhlekn2900.

- Addison, TX, USA

problem #6

Apr 011999

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
On three occasions vehicle experienced loss of control while driving in bad weather conditions, on one incident vehicle spun out of control, hitting a guardrail which resulted in property damage.

- U S A F Ac, CO, USA

problem #5

Mar 041999

Explorer

  • miles
Vehicle was involved in an accident due to hitting a deer. As a result, vehicle went into an embankment and rolled over on its top. Both air bags did not deploy. Dealer notified and had nothing postive to say. Seeking NHTSA for help in this matter.

- Patriot, OH, USA

problem #4

Jun 151998

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
While driving 55 mph owner moved steering wheel slightly to the left and vehicle went into a rocking motion, causing vehicle to turn on its side. Cause unknown.

- Murray, KY, USA

problem #3

Apr 281998

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
While driving vehicle starts shaking, and it is impossible to steer. Dealer can't find the problem.

- Williston Park, NY, USA

problem #2

Feb 081997

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Steering went out while driving under normal conditions.

- Franklin, KY, USA

problem #1

Mar 211996

Explorer

  • miles
While driving & making a turn, owner noticed vehicle veering. Steering wheel had seperated from column, turning freely. Had 80 miles on odometer, brand new.

- Morganville, NJ, USA