1991 Ford Explorer Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 32about 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 32 complaints about the visibility of the 1991 Ford Explorer, 5% of the 609 complaints for this model year. 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.
“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 2005-01“For about a year there was at times a smell of something burning when the vehicle was started. In january, 1999 smoke porede out of the dash and the heater blower stopped working. Burning leaves in the air intake. Now the vent systems exude a burnt smell and the interior of the car is permeated with the smell. The blower motor relay (or switch?) was replaced by an independent mechanic. How do we avoid another fire? How do we get rid of the smell?”
NHTSA complaint #703732, filed 1999-02“Upon starting vehicle and driving approximantly one mile I turned on the heater and started smelling a burning smell and cab filled with smoke. I stopped the vehical and turned it off. Smoke was so thick I had to exit the vehical. Upon investigation under the hood I could find no source of fire or damage to the truck.I used the heater the following day and have had no further problem. This seems to match up with the feb,23 1999 newspaper artical I read. I am intrested to know what might have caused this.”
NHTSA complaint #703710, filed 1999-02“While driving down the highway, with the A/C running, all of sudden black smoke starting pouring out of the heating vents, vehicle caught on fire. After five or ten minutes, driver restarted engine and was able to drive truck home. Dealer found leaves and other debris inside the blower system which caused the problem. The problem was corrected at owner's expense. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #852316, filed 1999-11“While driving the sunroof went flying off the car, no indication the roof was coming off. It was not in use. After sunroof was off, looking at the roof, it had been closed, the hinges were broken in half. Dealer states the hinges failed and broke, and the roof came off from the front, instead of the rear.”
NHTSA complaint #828179, filed 1998-09Related recalls
- 90V098000May 21, 1990If sunroof glass is removed and reinstalled by vehicle operator, hinge assemblies can be accidentally improperly mated.Covers: Ford Explorer 1991
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 14% |
| 2025 | 13 | 12% |
| 2024 | 3 | 14% |
| 2023 | 11 | 10% |
| 2022 | 31 | 11% |
| 2021 | 49 | 11% |
| 2020 | 70 | 6% |
| 2019 | 8 | 3% |
| 2018 | 27 | 4% |
| 2017 | 77 | 5% |
| 2016 | 68 | 3% |
| 2015 | 45 | 2% |
| 2014 | 53 | 3% |
| 2013 | 63 | 3% |
| 2012 | 24 | 3% |
| 2011 | 23 | 2% |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 9 | 4% |
| 2006 | 16 | 3% |
| 2005 | 26 | 5% |
| 2004 | 112 | 9% |
| 2003 | 62 | 5% |
| 2002 | 138 | 4% |
| 2001 | 17 | 5% |
| 2000 | 46 | 5% |
| 1999 | 217 | 16% |
| 1998 | 108 | 6% |
| 1997 | 90 | 5% |
| 1996 | 47 | 3% |
| 1995 | 19 | 2% |
| 1994 | 71 | 6% |
| 1993 | 56 | 6% |
| 1992 | 46 | 7% |
| 1991 | 32 | 5% |
| 1990 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1991 Ford Explorer
123 complaintsTires
102 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
69 complaintsElectrical system
52 complaintsEngine cooling
52 complaintsSuspension
33 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 29, 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