1991 Ford Explorer Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 5%of 609 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the suspension of the 1991 Ford Explorer, 5% of the 609 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Have had to replace radius arm brackets twice already since we have owned this vehicle in the past 3 yrs and the bushings are squeaking again so I am sure the brackets are cracked again. This is getting rediculous and I would like to know why these crack so easily and need replaced so much.”
NHTSA complaint #746534, filed 2001-06“While driving 10 MPH after hearing a strange dragging noise my left wheel came off after retreiving the tire I noticed the rotor brake chamber was still bolted tightly to the wheel some bearings looked like they had fallen out the brake line was snapped the suspention around the wheel was broken I had the vehicle towed by my triple aaa towing company rented a car and used the internet to investigate and make this report because it looks like an manufactures default I also took pictures and have not worked on the vehicle I am waaiting your response so I can get an estimate from an certified…”
NHTSA complaint #10050895, filed 2003-12“Manufacturer's recall 94m85 repairs for radius arm bushing on right side was performed in january 1995. Radius arm bushing on right side failed again, allowing vehicle to have poor stability after rolling over uneven pavements/bumps. Manufacturer was denying any responsibibity on repairing recall failures a second time. Please describe details.”
NHTSA complaint #8014509, filed 2002-07“Inherent design flaw in 1991-1994 Ford 4x4 Explorer models, wheels bearings can come loose and result in wheel failure and possible accident. Design flaw allows locking nut to work loose when under loads such as off-raod use or larger off-road tires.”
NHTSA complaint #764896, filed 2002-07“There is a vibration that occurs at speeds between 65mph and 70mph. Vibration was present with old tires and did not go away with a new set on rims and tires. Engine cooling problem, especially fan clutch froze, causing the fan itself to develop stress cracks. Had to replace both units.”
NHTSA complaint #702912, filed 1999-02Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 | 3 | 14% |
| 2023 | 14 | 12% |
| 2022 | 13 | 5% |
| 2021 | 15 | 3% |
| 2020 | 36 | 3% |
| 2019 | 11 | 4% |
| 2018 | 23 | 3% |
| 2017 | 58 | 3% |
| 2016 | 73 | 3% |
| 2015 | 83 | 5% |
| 2014 | 103 | 6% |
| 2013 | 79 | 4% |
| 2012 | 22 | 3% |
| 2011 | 24 | 2% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 3% |
| 2006 | 5 | 1% |
| 2005 | 15 | 3% |
| 2004 | 37 | 3% |
| 2003 | 63 | 6% |
| 2002 | 422 | 13% |
| 2001 | 43 | 11% |
| 2000 | 62 | 7% |
| 1999 | 65 | 5% |
| 1998 | 111 | 6% |
| 1997 | 105 | 6% |
| 1996 | 97 | 7% |
| 1995 | 93 | 11% |
| 1994 | 65 | 5% |
| 1993 | 59 | 6% |
| 1992 | 60 | 9% |
| 1991 | 33 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1991 Ford Explorer
123 complaintsTires
102 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
69 complaintsElectrical system
52 complaintsEngine cooling
52 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 30, 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