Ford Explorer 1995–2001 problems by year and mileage
2nd generation · UN105/UN150
NHTSA data through 24 September 20268,673 complaints, 1,534 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 1995 Ford Explorer
Close- Median failure report
- 122,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 843
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 1995
- Tyres205 reports
- Transmission and driveline119 reports
- Suspension93 reports
5 recall campaigns name the 1995: Vehicle speed control; Suspension; Structure — body. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 1996 Ford Explorer
Close- Median failure report
- 120,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,450
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 1996
- Tyres570 reports
- Throttle and speed control148 reports · median 134,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline120 reports
6 recall campaigns name the 1996: Vehicle speed control; Suspension; Structure — body. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 1997 Ford Explorer
Close- Median failure report
- 98,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,740
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
Most reported on the 1997
- Tyres670 reports
- Throttle and speed control202 reports · median 100,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system200 reports · median 94,000 mi
7 recall campaigns name the 1997: Vehicle speed control; Suspension; Exterior lighting. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 1998 Ford Explorer
Close- Median failure report
- 99,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,965
- Recalls naming this year
- 9
Most reported on the 1998
- Tyres696 reports
- Throttle and speed control281 reports · median 112,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system189 reports · median 100,000 mi
9 recall campaigns name the 1998: Vehicle speed control; Seats — front assembly; Exterior lighting. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 1999 Ford Explorer
Close- Median failure report
- 82,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,348
- Recalls naming this year
- 9
Most reported on the 1999
- Tyres370 reports
- Visibility equipment216 reports
- Throttle and speed control148 reports · median 100,000 mi
9 recall campaigns name the 1999: Vehicle speed control; Seats — front assembly; Vehicle speed control — cables. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2000 Ford Explorer
Close- Median failure report
- 77,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 952
- Recalls naming this year
- 9
Most reported on the 2000
- Tyres217 reports
- Transmission and driveline133 reports · median 78,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control113 reports · median 85,000 mi
9 recall campaigns name the 2000: Vehicle speed control; Seats — front assembly; Vehicle speed control — cables. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2001 Ford Explorer
Close- Median failure report
- 90,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 375
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2001
- Tyres62 reports
- Suspension43 reports
- Transmission and driveline42 reports
6 recall campaigns name the 2001: Vehicle speed control; Seats — front assembly; Vehicle speed control — cables. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
Each tile shows the median mileage at which that model year’s failures were reported. The 1995 reports latest and the 2000 earliest, but part of that gap is age: the 1995 has had 5 more years on the road to accumulate mileage.
The short answer
“Is the 1995–2001 Ford Explorer reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 93,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 167,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 1,534
- Recalls
- 26
Most reported
- Tyres32.2% of complaints · median 90,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control11.6% of complaints · median 105,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system8.6% of complaints · median 83,000 mi
Owners filed 8,673 complaints with NHTSA about the 1995–2001 Ford Explorer; the tyres leads with 32.2% of them, and half of the 1,534 that record an odometer reading came by 93,000 miles. A count like this can’t rate reliability on its own: NHTSA records what owners chose to report, not how many of each car were sold.
Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 61,000 and 130,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 1995–2001 Ford Explorer last?
Complaint records can’t measure how long a car lasts; they show when reported failures happened. On the 1995–2001 Ford Explorer, half of the 1,534 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 93,000 miles and 90% by 167,000 miles.
262 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 52 past 200,000 — each one proof that an Explorer reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Ford Explorer 1995–2001 · 1,534 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
Complaints per 5,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 76 complaints.
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 52 complaints (3.4%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 37,000
- 25%
- 60,535
- Median
- 93,211
- 75%
- 130,000
- 90%
- 167,299
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 28 | 1.8% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 13 | 0.8% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 12 | 0.8% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 12 | 0.8% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 19 | 1.2% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 17 | 1.1% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 32 | 2.1% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 40 | 2.6% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 38 | 2.5% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 37 | 2.4% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 63 | 4.1% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 53 | 3.5% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 55 | 3.6% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 53 | 3.5% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 60 | 3.9% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 72 | 4.7% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 66 | 4.3% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 54 | 3.5% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 54 | 3.5% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 65 | 4.2% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 76 | 5.0% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 45 | 2.9% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 44 | 2.9% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 43 | 2.8% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 48 | 3.1% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 29 | 1.9% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 40 | 2.6% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 30 | 2.0% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 46 | 3.0% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 28 | 1.8% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 40 | 2.6% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 21 | 1.4% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 31 | 2.0% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 22 | 1.4% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 25 | 1.6% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 15 | 1.0% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 17 | 1.1% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 16 | 1.0% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 17 | 1.1% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 6 | 0.4% |
| 200,000+ | 52 | 3.4% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.
What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.
Common Explorer problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Ford Explorer 1995–2001
When each system fails
Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.
- Hydraulic brake circuit516 reports69,00048,000–100,000Hydraulic brake circuit: 516 reports, median 69,000 miles, middle half 48,000 to 100,000 miles.
- Visibility equipment541 reports77,00058,000–108,000Visibility equipment: 541 reports, median 77,000 miles, middle half 58,000 to 108,000 miles.
- Engine and its cooling system744 reports83,00053,000–115,000Engine and its cooling system: 744 reports, median 83,000 miles, middle half 53,000 to 115,000 miles.
- Tyres2,790 reports90,00060,000–130,000Tyres: 2,790 reports, median 90,000 miles, middle half 60,000 to 130,000 miles.
- Transmission and driveline740 reports90,00061,000–123,000Transmission and driveline: 740 reports, median 90,000 miles, middle half 61,000 to 123,000 miles.
- Suspension576 reports102,00059,000–135,000Suspension: 576 reports, median 102,000 miles, middle half 59,000 to 135,000 miles.
- Throttle and speed control1,009 reports105,00078,000–145,000Throttle and speed control: 1,009 reports, median 105,000 miles, middle half 78,000 to 145,000 miles.
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 2,790 | 32.2% | 90,000 | 60,000–130,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 1,009 | 11.6% | 105,000 | 78,000–145,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 744 | 8.6% | 83,000 | 53,000–115,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 740 | 8.5% | 90,000 | 61,000–123,000 |
| Suspension | 576 | 6.6% | 102,000 | 59,000–135,000 |
| Visibility equipment | 541 | 6.2% | 77,000 | 58,000–108,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 516 | 5.9% | 69,000 | 48,000–100,000 |
| Electrical system | 495 | 5.7% | 98,000 | 66,000–143,000 |
| Airbag system | 322 | 3.7% | 70,000 | 50,000–115,000 |
| Body structure | 306 | 3.5% | 102,000 | 72,000–135,000 |
System by system, in words
Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 93,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
The tyres account for 32.2% of complaints (2,790 reports, 75 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 90,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 60,000 and 130,000 miles.
A single system taking 32.2% of all complaints is a concentration worth noting. It means that for this generation, most of what owners reported came back to one area of the car rather than being distributed across many small faults.
Throttle and speed control accounts for 11.6% of complaints (1,009 reports, 264 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 105,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 78,000 and 145,000 miles.
The engine and its cooling system accounts for 8.6% of complaints (744 reports, 156 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 83,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 53,000 and 115,000 miles.
The transmission and driveline accounts for 8.5% of complaints (740 reports, 217 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 90,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 61,000 and 123,000 miles.
The suspension accounts for 6.6% of complaints (576 reports, 92 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 102,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 59,000 and 135,000 miles.
Visibility equipment accounts for 6.2% of complaints (541 reports, 68 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 77,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 58,000 and 108,000 miles.
Known problems with the 1995–2001 Explorer
Tires/Rollover 1995–2001
Firestone ATX/Wilderness AT tread-separation failures leading to rollover; 6.5 million tires recalled in 2000 and Ford replaced a further 13 million in 2001. This is the dominant complaint cluster in ODI for these model years and it is a tire/vehicle-dynamics interaction, not a single component fault.
Engine 1997–2001
4.0L SOHC V6 timing chain cassette (plastic guide) and tensioner wear on the rear-mounted chain, producing a cold-start rattle and eventual chain jump; repair requires engine removal because the rear cassette is behind the block.
Body/Electrical
Door lock actuator failure and door-ajar switch corrosion causing interior lights and chime to stay on and battery drain.
Before you buy a 1995–2001 Explorer: the 3-minute check
Generated from 1,534 mileage-tagged complaints, 26 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 26 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
- Check tires/rollover on 1995–2001 cars. Firestone ATX/Wilderness AT tread-separation failures leading to rollover; 6.5 million tires recalled in 2000 and Ford replaced a further 13 million in 2001. This is the dominant complaint cluster in ODI for these model…
- Check engine on 1997–2001 cars. 4.0L SOHC V6 timing chain cassette (plastic guide) and tensioner wear on the rear-mounted chain, producing a cold-start rattle and eventual chain jump; repair requires engine removal because the rear cassette is behind…
- Check body/electrical. Door lock actuator failure and door-ajar switch corrosion causing interior lights and chime to stay on and battery drain.
- Complaint reports are not spread evenly across model years here — see the by-model-year table below before you settle on a year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.
For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 61,000 and 130,000 miles, with a median of 93,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.
On inspection, the tyres and throttle and speed control are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The tyres in particular shows a median failure mileage of 90,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.
None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.
Explorer problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer reading, or read the common mileages in the table. Your marker lands on the timing chart above and on the curve below.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi24% below | At 90k mi47% below | At 120k mi69% below | At 150k mi83% below | At 200k mi97% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 60,000–130,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Throttle and speed control | 78,000–145,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Engine and its cooling system | 53,000–115,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 61,000–123,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Suspension | 59,000–135,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Visibility equipment | 58,000–108,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 48,000–100,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Ford Explorer 1995–2001 · 1,534 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.
- 60,000 mi — 24% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 47% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 69% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 83% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 97% of reports below
- Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it above
The staircase tops out at 97%: the remaining 3.4% of reports (52) came above 200,000 miles.
Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
1995–2001 Ford Explorer recalls (26)
NHTSA records 26 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.
The campaigns cluster around throttle and speed control (7), body structure (3), equipment (2). Several campaigns against one area can mean a remedy that did not hold, or separate defects in parts filed under the same heading; the summaries below name each defect.
Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.
Oct 2009 · 1995–2001 · Vehicle Speed ControlA vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
The free fix. 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…
Aug 2007 · 1999–2001 · Vehicle Speed ControlThis could result in an underhood fire.
The defect. On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
What can happen. This could result in an underhood fire.
The free fix. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness. Owners of the passenger cars included in this campaign will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation…
Aug 2006 · 1998 · Vehicle Speed ControlOverheating could result in smoke or burn and an underhood fire.
The defect. On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.
What can happen. Overheating could result in smoke or burn and an underhood fire.
The free fix. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. The recall began on august 7, 2006. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. (Note: also see recalls 05v017…
Aug 2003 · 1998–2001 · SeatsThe driver could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event…
The defect. On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with high back seats, the upper bolt on the driver's side high back seat, that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame, could fracture. If the bolt fractures and does not jam in the seat back…
What can happen. The driver could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the driver seat upper bolt with a metal spacer and bolt. In addition, seats with tubular back frames will have the fully threaded lower recliner bolt replaced with a partially…
Aug 2003 · 1999–2001 · Vehicle Speed ControlThe throttle return spring force may not be sufficient to overcome the binding condition when the speed…
The defect. On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control and 4.0L sohc engines, if the strand cover on the speed control cable becomes flared at the end, the speed control cable may bind when the speed control is activated.
What can happen. The throttle return spring force may not be sufficient to overcome the binding condition when the speed control is disengaged. Braking function would be maintained though stopping distances may be…
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the speed control cable and, if necessary, replace it. Owner notification began august 29, 2003. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Mar 2003 · 2000–2001 · StructureThis overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
The defect. Certain pickup truck, van, and MINI van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, inc. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might…
What can happen. This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began march 7, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do…
Dec 2000 · 1997–1998 · Vehicle Speed ControlThis could result in engine surge when the accelerator pedal breaks free.
The defect. Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles equipped with 4.0L sohc engines and still retain the original throttle body (part numbers 97jf-9e926ab or 97jf-9e926-ac). Some of the original throttle bodies installed allowed a gap between the plate and bore to be…
What can happen. This could result in engine surge when the accelerator pedal breaks free.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the original throttle bodies.
Nov 2000 · 1995–1997 · SuspensionVehicle handling could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Under certain conditions, a front sway bar link can fracture.
What can happen. Vehicle handling could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace both the left and right front sway bar links.
Nov 2000 · 1999–2000 · Power TrainOperating the vehicle above the maximum speed rating could lead to a tire failure which at these speeds could…
The defect. Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles equipped with the 3.27 Or 3.55 Axle ration. The subject vehicles have a powertrain control module that could allow the vehicle to exceed the design intent top speed. At these extreme speeds, the vehicle could be…
What can happen. Operating the vehicle above the maximum speed rating could lead to a tire failure which at these speeds could result in a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module.
Oct 2000 · 2001 · EquipmentIncorrect tire inflation pressure could result in tire tread separation, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Vehicle description: certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of part 567.4, "Certification." These vehicles were shipped from the assembly plant without safety certification labels.
What can happen. Incorrect tire inflation pressure could result in tire tread separation, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the certification labels.
Aug 2000 · 2000 · Seat BeltsIn the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained.
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and MINI vans equipped with trw seat belt buckle assemblies. The buckle base of these seat belt assemblies were not properly heat treated and therefore do not pass the load…
What can happen. In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the date code on certain seat belt buckles of your vehicle and replace all seat belt buckles that fall within the suspect date code range. Owner notification began october 26…
Jul 2000 · 2000 · Air BagsInadvertent side air bag deployment could cause personal injury to the seat occupant.
The defect. Vehicle description: 4-door sport utility vehicles equipped with side air bags. The subject vehicles have a revised level side crash sensor that could deploy the side air bag if the ignition key is in the "run" position and the seatbelt webbing is forcibly…
What can happen. Inadvertent side air bag deployment could cause personal injury to the seat occupant.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the side crash sensors with a revised design that will reduce the likelihood of an unexpected side air bag deployment.
Jun 2000 · 1997–1998 · Exterior LightingThe light given off from the daytime running lights is brighter than allowed by u.S.
The defect. Vehicle description: MINI vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the photometric requirements of fmvss 108, "lamps, reflective devices…
What can happen. The light given off from the daytime running lights is brighter than allowed by u.S. Standards.
The free fix. Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
Mar 2000 · 1999–2000 · Electrical SystemAn inoperative windshield wiper system could affect driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. An inoperative windshield wiper system could affect driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will install a resistor in the gem circuit.
Nov 1999 · 1995 · StructureWith a broken bracket weld, there is a potential for the liftgate bracket to gradually bend inward allowing…
The defect. Vehicle description: on certain sport utility vehicles, the hydraulic lift cylinder bracket welds could fracture.
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. 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.
Jun 1999 · 1998–1999 · Latches/Locks/LinkagesIf this occurs and the primary hood latch is either not engaged or is released, a hood fly-up could occur.
The defect. Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The secondary hood latch may corrode at the latch pivot and stick in the open position.
What can happen. If this occurs and the primary hood latch is either not engaged or is released, a hood fly-up could occur.
The free fix. Dealers will install a secondary hood latch with components that are coated prior to assembly for improved latch pivot corrosion protection.
May 1999 · 1999 · Service Brakes, HydraulicThis could result in a loss of brake pressure to the front wheels, increasing the stopping distance.
The defect. Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The right front brake line to the hydraulic control unit (hcu) connection could separate causing the line to leak when the brake pedal is applied.
What can happen. This could result in a loss of brake pressure to the front wheels, increasing the stopping distance.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the flare nut on the brake line.
Mar 1999 · 1997–1999 · Vehicle Speed ControlIf the cruise control is used and this condition is present, a stuck throttle could result, which could…
The defect. Vehicle description: certain 1997-1999 rhd Explorer equipped with 4.0L ohv/sohc engines and cruise control built from may 29, 1996 through march 4, 1999; 1998-1999 Explorer/mountaineers equipped with 4.0L ohv/sohc or 5.0L engines or 1998-1999 rangers equipped…
What can happen. If the cruise control is used and this condition is present, a stuck throttle could result, which could potentially result in a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the cruise control cables. At the present time, the replacement cables are not available. Customers are being advised not to use the cruise control system until a replacement can…
Mar 1998 · 1997–1998 · Fuel System, GasolineThe fuel lines can leak, and in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could potentially result.
The defect. Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with 4.0L single overhead cam engines. The engine fuel lines can be damaged if the vehicle is jump started and the ground cable is attached to the fuel line bracket that is located near the…
What can happen. The fuel lines can leak, and in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could potentially result.
The free fix. Dealers will install a warning label on the fuel line bracket advising owners not to use it for a jump start ground. Also a revised bolt will be installed in the alternator bracket to provide a…
Nov 1997 · 1998 · Electrical SystemThe standard specified that a warning to the driver shall be actuated whenever the key has been left in the…
The defect. 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."
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Dealers will install a jumper wire to provide the necessary ground circuit in these vehicles.
Aug 1997 · 1996 · StructureThe gas cylinder bracket may not properly support the liftgate increasing the risk of personal injury.
The defect. Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles. The liftgate assist gas cylinder bracket on the right hand bodyside outer panel was incorrectly welded.
What can happen. The gas cylinder bracket may not properly support the liftgate increasing the risk of personal injury.
The free fix. Dealers will reinforce the bracket attachment with two pop rivets.
Apr 1997 · 1996–1997 · Vehicle Speed ControlAlthough the vehicle can be controlled by either applying the service brakes or shifting the transmission to…
The defect. Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with 5.0L engines originally sold or currently registered in the states of alaska, idaho, iowa, maine, michigan (upper peninsula only), minnesota, montana, nebraska, new hampshire, new york, north…
What can happen. Although the vehicle can be controlled by either applying the service brakes or shifting the transmission to neutral, increased brake pedal efforts or some increase in stopping distance can result.
The free fix. Dealers will install a revised pcv system with water heated vacuum source.
Aug 1996 · 1996 · EquipmentIncorrect inflation pressures could cause premature wear of the rear tires.
The defect. The certification labels on the involved vehicles has incorrect rear tire inflation pressure designations. This does not comply with fmvss no. 120, "Tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars."
What can happen. Incorrect inflation pressures could cause premature wear of the rear tires. .
The free fix. Owners will be provided with correct certification labels and instructions for installing these labels. Dealers can install this label if the owner so desires.
Apr 1996 · 1996 · Latches/Locks/LinkagesThe driver's door, when closed only to the secondary latched position, may not sustain a 1,000 pound…
The defect. When in the secondary latched position, the driver door latches may open when subjected to transverse loads less than that specified in fmvss no. 206, "Door locks and door retention components."
What can happen. The driver's door, when closed only to the secondary latched position, may not sustain a 1,000 pound transverse load.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the driver door latch.
Mar 1995 · 1995 · SteeringThis condition can cause the wheel on the side with the broken tie rod to tuck inward or outward and slide…
The defect. The inner tie rod assemblies were improperly manufactured and can fracture causing shaking or shimmy at low speeds.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the inner tie rods and replace the suspect tie rods.
Mar 1995 · 1995 · Service Brakes, HydraulicConsequence of non-compliance: stopping distances could be longer than intended resulting in increased…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. Consequence of non-compliance: stopping distances could be longer than intended resulting in increased potential for a vehicle accident.
The free fix. Dealers will reroute the brake tubes.
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 8,673 complaints against this generation:
- Crashes
- 902 (10.4%)
- Fires
- 353
- Injury reports
- 713
- Fatality reports
- 92
These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.
Explorer problems by model year
The 1998 drew the most complaints of this generation, 1,965, most of them about the tyres, and the 2001 the fewest, 375. A typical year drew about 1,348.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 843 | 96 | 122,000 | Tyres (205) | 5 |
| 1996 | 1,450 | 150 | 120,000 | Tyres (570) | 6 |
| 1997 | 1,740 | 236 | 98,000 | Tyres (670) | 7 |
| 1998 | 1,965 | 310 | 99,000 | Tyres (696) | 9 |
| 1999 | 1,348 | 303 | 82,000 | Tyres (370) | 9 |
| 2000 | 952 | 326 | 77,000 | Tyres (217) | 9 |
| 2001 | 375 | 113 | 90,000 | Tyres (62) | 6 |
What Explorer owners reported
The contact owned a 1999 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, and the brakes were depressed, the vehicle fishtailed crashed into a ditch and rolled two times. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained head, arm, and back, injuries and the passenger sustained…
2000 · 190,000 miles · Brakes
The contact owns a 2000 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon pulling into a gas station, both white and black colored smoke began to emit from the vehicle without warning. Before the contact could fully react, the vehicle soon caught fire. The contact managed to pull away from the gas pumps as a gas attendant…
2000 · 223,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2000 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the local dealer or…
2000 · 153,000 miles · Engine
The contact owns a 2000 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, she noticed that the hood was shuddering. The contact veered to the side of the road and manually pushed the hood down several times however, the hood failed to close completely and would not latch securely. There were no warning lights…
2000 · 87,000 miles · Latches and locks
Built from 1,534 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-09-26 · open data · how it is built
Other Explorer generations
- Explorer 1991–1994 175 reports with mileage, most about the tyres
- Explorer 2002–2005 4,953 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline
- Explorer 2006–2010 980 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline
- Explorer 2011–2019 7,896 reports with mileage, most about the steering
- Explorer 2020–2025 611 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline