1991 Ford Explorer Wheels Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 2%of 609 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,048miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the wheels of the 1991 Ford Explorer, 2% of the 609 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,048 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.
“While driving at a low speed consumer heard a dragging noise. Upon pulling over to inspect the vehicle the left front wheel and its attachments separated and fell off.”
NHTSA complaint #10051880, filed 2003-12, 100,000 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“Just seems a little odd to have had two broken fly wheels in less than a year. A friend who has owned a 1991 exlporer in the past had the same problem. A mechanic we know says the problem is very common, yet the Ford dealer we called wouldn't admit to ever hearing the problem before. Is this an Explorer problem in general or maybe just the older one's. I'm curious to know before I decide to purchase another one.”
NHTSA complaint #736571, filed 2000-11“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 2001-09“Consumer complainied about having problems with tires. Stated that two back tires blewout. Tire size p235/75r15 from firestone which were replacements from the firestone tires that were recalled.manufacture was contacted and stated that there was nothing that they could about it.”
NHTSA complaint #10004674, filed 2003-01Wheels: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 5 | 1% |
| 2020 | 16 | 1% |
| 2019 | 4 | 1% |
| 2018 | 8 | 1% |
| 2017 | 60 | 4% |
| 2016 | 50 | 2% |
| 2015 | 15 | 1% |
| 2014 | 26 | 2% |
| 2013 | 20 | 1% |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 9 | 1% |
| 2010 | 5 | 4% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 9 | 6% |
| 2007 | 10 | 5% |
| 2006 | 6 | 1% |
| 2005 | 15 | 3% |
| 2004 | 41 | 3% |
| 2003 | 56 | 5% |
| 2002 | 78 | 2% |
| 2001 | 10 | 3% |
| 2000 | 12 | 1% |
| 1999 | 6 | 0% |
| 1998 | 18 | 1% |
| 1997 | 12 | 1% |
| 1996 | 15 | 1% |
| 1995 | 4 | 0% |
| 1994 | 12 | 1% |
| 1993 | 6 | 1% |
| 1992 | 10 | 2% |
| 1991 | 13 | 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 28, 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