1991 Ford Explorer Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 2%of 609 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 237,150miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1991 Ford Explorer, 2% of the 609 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 237,150 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Traveling 40 MPH in normal weather in moderate traffic. Hood latch failed causing hood to fly open and block visibility. Was able to come to a safe stop and close the hood. Resulted damage to the hood, hinges and cowling,(in addition to scaring me badly). Presently being inspected by a mechanic.”
NHTSA complaint #10093844, filed 2004-10, 237,150 miles“The hood flew up while traveling about 65 MPH on the highway. Safety hood latch did not connect. Consumer was able to pull over to the shoulder. There were no injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #10039708, filed 2003-09“The right support gas assist cylinder on the liftgate failed and pulled away and broke off completely, therefore the liftgate will not hold on its own.”
NHTSA complaint #10063640, filed 2004-03“Doors will not open from inside. Child safety locks are not on. The problem became increasingly worse over time, one door and then the other. The entire handle eventually broke from having to be pulled on so hard.”
NHTSA complaint #717183, filed 2000-01Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 2% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% |
| 2020 | 7 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2018 | 2 | 0% |
| 2017 | 5 | 0% |
| 2016 | 5 | 0% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 3 | 0% |
| 2013 | 16 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 10 | 2% |
| 2004 | 23 | 2% |
| 2003 | 17 | 2% |
| 2002 | 50 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 29 | 3% |
| 1999 | 33 | 2% |
| 1998 | 65 | 3% |
| 1997 | 32 | 2% |
| 1996 | 34 | 2% |
| 1995 | 11 | 1% |
| 1994 | 23 | 2% |
| 1993 | 13 | 1% |
| 1992 | 4 | 1% |
| 1991 | 12 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1991 Ford Explorer
123 complaintsTires
102 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
69 complaintsElectrical system
52 complaintsEngine cooling
52 complaintsSuspension
33 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
32 complaintsBody and structure
31 complaintsVehicle speed control
30 complaintsEquipment
29 complaintsFuel system
26 complaintsSeat belts
26 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1991 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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