10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 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.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1996 Ford Explorer:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #2

Apr 011998

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
The assemlby of both front wheel hubs was bad. This caused the vehicle's wheels to squeak and finally loose stability in handling.

- Monticello, VA, USA

Add Complaint
problem #1

Apr 011998

Explorer

  • miles
In 1996 Ford implemented new sealed hub assemblies to replace standard wheel bearings. At approximately 3000 miles a constant squeaking developed in my front wheels. The mechanic diagnosis was brake noise annoying but harmless. At 40,000 miles the squeak turned suddenly into the sound of gravel in the wheels. The vehicle lost stability in handling and I immediately brought it into the closest garage. They reported that the bearings were bad and further diagnosis they discovered the existence of the sealed hub assemblies. The assemblies on both front wheels were bad. According to the shop Ford has a national backorder on the parts due to the large number of problems. The local Ford dealer will not discuss the issue with and has sent me directly to Ford. (I assume that this is due to their familiarity with the problem and inability to assist.) Ford refuses to offer any assistance as I am currently out of warranty. They can not even tell me when the parts will be available. I have no course of action.

- Charlottesville, VA, USA

Add Complaint