Ford Explorer 1995–2001 problems by year and mileage
2nd generation · UN105/UN150
NHTSA data through 18 October 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
Recall areas Vehicle speed control · Suspension · Structure — body
Check the VIN at NHTSA
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
Recall areas Vehicle speed control · Suspension · Structure — body
Check the VIN at NHTSA
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
Recall areas Vehicle speed control · Suspension · Exterior lighting
Check the VIN at NHTSA
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
Recall areas Vehicle speed control · Seats — front assembly · Exterior lighting
Check the VIN at NHTSA
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
Recall areas Vehicle speed control · Seats — front assembly · Vehicle speed control — cables
Check the VIN at NHTSA
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
Recall areas Vehicle speed control · Seats — front assembly · Vehicle speed control — cables
Check the VIN at NHTSA
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
Recall areas Vehicle speed control · Seats — front assembly · Vehicle speed control — cables
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 1995; earliest: the 2000, and the 1995 is 5 years older (part of the gap is age).
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 — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 61,000 to 130,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 1995–2001 Ford Explorer last?
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 (why that is not a lifespan).
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
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 76 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 52 complaints (3.4%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 37,000
- 25%
- 61,000
- Median
- 93,000
- 75%
- 130,000
- 90%
- 167,000
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.
Common Explorer problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Ford Explorer 1995–2001
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Hydraulic brake circuit516 reportsmedian 69,000middle half 48,000–100,000
- Visibility equipment541 reportsmedian 77,000middle half 58,000–108,000
- Engine and its cooling system744 reportsmedian 83,000middle half 53,000–115,000
- Tyres2,790 reportsmedian 90,000middle half 60,000–130,000
- Transmission and driveline740 reportsmedian 90,000middle half 61,000–123,000
- Suspension576 reportsmedian 102,000middle half 59,000–135,000
- Throttle and speed control1,009 reportsmedian 105,000middle half 78,000–145,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
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 |
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.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 26 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check Tires/Rollover on 1995–2001 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check engine on 1997–2001 cars.
- Check Body/Electrical.
- Years differ here: from 375 to 1,965 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Explorer problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| 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
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 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 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
1995–2001 Ford Explorer recalls (26)
NHTSA records 26 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around throttle and speed control (7), body structure (3), equipment (2) (why one area can repeat).
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
Out of 8,673 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 902 (10.4%)
- Fires
- 353
- Injury reports
- 713
- Fatality reports
- 92
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 2026-10-20 · 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 7,911 reports with mileage, most about the steering
- Explorer 2020–2025 622 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline