1991 Ford Explorer Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 69about this part
- Share
- 11%of 609 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 69 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1991 Ford Explorer, 11% of the 609 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“After purchasing this Ford Explorer I check all fluids and added and changed as nessasary about 2 weeks after I purchased it my stepson and my wife and large dog went on a little trip to check out this thing, after letting out the wife and dog my stepson and myself tried to go up a slight hill in 4 wheel drive to see if it worked, after it wouldn't make it up the hill we backed it down and headed back for my wife when the left front tire wheel and brake assy fell off due to the plastic piece failing inside automatic hubs causing c clip to fail, I had to call my brother in law to get my truck…”
NHTSA complaint #10114819, filed 2005-03, 75,200 miles“When driving 4-wheel drive engaged without warning. This caused steering wheel to pull either right or left. Had to maintain control. Driver shifted into reverse to disengage 4-wheel drive.”
NHTSA complaint #10044439, filed 2003-10, 12,000 miles“I was driving and all of a sudden the trasmission slipped and I woudnt go forward ten smoked poured out and people in the streets started yelling saying there's fire coming out the hood!! I pulled over and jumped out and the whole engine was engulfed in flames!!! Vehicle totalled.”
NHTSA complaint #10108395, filed 2005-02“I found several recalls for my vehicle. It is an old vehicle, but I only bought it in 2003. I know some of them expired, and it says to contact fod. I did via web site. They do not show any recalls. But, you showed me over 5 recalls? Can I still get them fixed? My tires I guess, have been replaced but they did nit replace the spare tire. I still have the recalled spare tire?? What do I do now? Can I do anything? But, I still have bad tires, the 2001 tire recall does not say what brand? I have atx and apt firestone tires. …”
NHTSA complaint #10116768, filed 2005-04“Transmission went out, then the front main seal. It hasn't been two months and then my heater core went out and at the same time my heater fan. Also, before the front main seal went out the rotors went bad and I still have problems with the braking system. This has all happened within a years time. I am thoroughly disgusted and broke. I praised Ford before this, now I wouldn't recommend Ford to anyone I know. I am a single mother trying to make ends meet and now I have no transportation because I can no longer afford to fix this truck. …”
NHTSA complaint #10106282, filed 2005-01Related recalls
- 91V189000Nov 4, 1991When the automatic transmission shift lever is placed in the park position, the park pawl does not always abut or engage the park gear.Covers: Ford Explorer 1991, Aerostar 1989–1991, Ranger 1990–1991 +1 more
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 7% |
| 2025 | 16 | 15% |
| 2024 | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 | 12 | 11% |
| 2022 | 61 | 23% |
| 2021 | 127 | 28% |
| 2020 | 504 | 40% |
| 2019 | 35 | 12% |
| 2018 | 50 | 7% |
| 2017 | 125 | 7% |
| 2016 | 215 | 9% |
| 2015 | 86 | 5% |
| 2014 | 80 | 5% |
| 2013 | 119 | 5% |
| 2012 | 55 | 7% |
| 2011 | 64 | 5% |
| 2010 | 28 | 24% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 36 | 24% |
| 2007 | 57 | 27% |
| 2006 | 296 | 47% |
| 2005 | 99 | 20% |
| 2004 | 460 | 35% |
| 2003 | 335 | 30% |
| 2002 | 1,502 | 46% |
| 2001 | 42 | 11% |
| 2000 | 133 | 14% |
| 1999 | 115 | 9% |
| 1998 | 103 | 5% |
| 1997 | 104 | 6% |
| 1996 | 120 | 8% |
| 1995 | 119 | 14% |
| 1994 | 86 | 7% |
| 1993 | 72 | 8% |
| 1992 | 77 | 12% |
| 1991 | 69 | 11% |
| 1990 | 2 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1991 Ford Explorer
123 complaintsTires
102 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 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