1991 Ford Explorer Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 52about this part
- Share
- 9%of 609 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,096miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 52 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1991 Ford Explorer, 9% of the 609 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,096 miles. 14 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 1991 Ford Explorer and at 91026.8 miles it blew the head gaskets . I have since learned that this truck is bad for doing this . It has a 4.0 - v6i don't know why Ford is not held accountable for this .”
NHTSA complaint #10014376, filed 2003-04, 91,250 miles“The consumer had taken the vehicle to the dealer for engine repairs. The consumer was told that the vehicle was ready to be driven. The consumer went to the gas station because there was no fuel in it. When the consumer was leaving the gas station, the vehicle lost its front wheel. It was then discovered that no lugs; bolts were put back on the front wheel. The consumer was having engine work done to the vehicle. Why would they take the wheels off to service the engine, and then not put the bolts back on. The consumer felt that this was an act of vandalism.”
NHTSA complaint #10099632, filed 2004-12, 74,096 miles“Engine began to overheat. By the time I pulled over steam and smoke was pouring from the engine compartment. Within 2 minutes it caught fire. We were unable to extinguish the fire. The truck was a total loss. Ford was unable to provide us with any information about a reason.”
NHTSA complaint #703675, filed 1999-02“I have questions to why there are these failures in these 4 important areas of my vehicle, and would like some answers! Thank you, I. E. Stowell. No safety defec tlisted. (DOT number: lt1018-d5 tiresize: p235/75r15)”
NHTSA complaint #754538, filed 2001-11“Black goo oozes out from around the lacing of steering wheel. Constantly have the wipe wheel & hands. Driver's seat broke and went backwards while driving. I only weight 185 lbs. So weight should not be a problem. There had been no rear-end collision either. Front wheel hubs failed due to engineering defect. Dealer tried to make me pay the first $55. I refused and won. The transmission problem was a shaft that snapped. Valve gaskets are inferior material. Have been tightened, but still leak.”
NHTSA complaint #752295, filed 2001-09Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 10 | 2% |
| 2020 | 21 | 2% |
| 2019 | 6 | 2% |
| 2018 | 29 | 4% |
| 2017 | 77 | 5% |
| 2016 | 114 | 5% |
| 2015 | 66 | 4% |
| 2014 | 67 | 4% |
| 2013 | 67 | 3% |
| 2012 | 14 | 2% |
| 2011 | 21 | 2% |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 10 | 5% |
| 2006 | 164 | 26% |
| 2005 | 29 | 6% |
| 2004 | 71 | 5% |
| 2003 | 69 | 6% |
| 2002 | 163 | 5% |
| 2001 | 39 | 10% |
| 2000 | 90 | 9% |
| 1999 | 100 | 7% |
| 1998 | 189 | 10% |
| 1997 | 198 | 11% |
| 1996 | 81 | 6% |
| 1995 | 45 | 5% |
| 1994 | 74 | 6% |
| 1993 | 55 | 6% |
| 1992 | 64 | 10% |
| 1991 | 52 | 9% |
| 1990 | 2 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1991 Ford Explorer
123 complaintsTires
102 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
69 complaintsElectrical system
52 complaintsSuspension
33 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
32 complaintsBody and structure
31 complaintsVehicle speed control
30 complaintsEquipment
29 complaintsFuel system
26 complaintsSeat belts
26 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1991 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology