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Electrical systemPart report

1992 Ford Explorer Electrical system Problems

Complaints
45about this part
Share
7%of 633 total for the year
Median mileage
94,326miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 45 complaints about the electrical system of the 1992 Ford Explorer, 7% of the 633 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,326 miles. 26 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“My son was driving home from the next street over when my 1992 Ford Explorer started smoking in the cab and then caught on fire. The dashboard, glove compartment burned, and the windshield cracked from the heat . The hood got scorched, and the head liner melted, dropping the melted liner onto my seats. Truck has not been repaired due to cost at this time.”

NHTSA complaint #10118856, filed 2005-05, 178,000 miles

“Went to Ford dealer 3 months ago about check engine light said oxygen sensor or cold weather it be fine on my way home sunday it had a bad miss then fire shot through my floor board and dash all my doors instantly locked I barely made it out of my vehicle if wife and children had been in prob wouldn't be here at the second I made it out of my car I turned and watched the steering wheel hit the seat I own I 1992 Ford Explorer I can be reached I have contacted an attorney locally.”

NHTSA complaint #10268682, filed 2009-05, 105,000 miles

“I bought a 1992 Ford Explorer on 2-16-05 from a privite party thru the newspaper. On 04-16-05 I was driving to softball practice on a busy road when a gentleman next to me in his own vehicle yelled get out of your car it is on fire. He let me turn in front of him and I pulled in to a parking space and got out of my car. Within 3 to 4 minutes the front end of my car was completly in flames. All the windows broke and the tire popped. The seat I was sitting in only minutes before was completely in flames. The firemen came and put the fire out. By then my Ford Explorer was totled. …”

NHTSA complaint #10119627, filed 2005-05, 88,652 miles

“I bought a 1992 Ford Explorer on 2-16-2005 from a privite party thru the newpaper. On 04-16-05 I was driving to softball pracvice on a busy road when a gentleman next to me in his own vehicle yelled get out of your car it is on fire. He let me turn in front of him and I pulled in to a parking space and got out of my car. Within 3 to 4 minutes the front end of my car was compeletly in flames. All the widows broke and the tires popped. The seat I was sitting in only minutes before was completely in flames. The firemen came and put the fire out. By then my Ford Explorer was totled. …”

NHTSA complaint #10126847, filed 2005-06, 62,000 miles

“Dt:the contacts stated while driving approximately 10 MPH then parked in a parking lot for 20 minutes and the vehicle caught on fire. There were no indicator lights on prior to the fire. The fire department was called and the fire was extinguished. The cause of the fire was unknown at this time; however the fire department said the fire could possibly have started from the engine or faulty wiring. The dashboard area and under the hood was completely destroyed. …”

NHTSA complaint #10141805, filed 2005-11, 100,000 miles

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026921%
20252322%
2024210%
20231413%
20223914%
20214811%
202018815%
2019207%
2018588%
2017946%
20161295%
2015935%
20141006%
20131637%
2012648%
2011958%
20101210%
200926%
20083826%
20072512%
2006396%
2005367%
2004554%
2003545%
20021484%
2001298%
2000788%
1999927%
19981146%
1997805%
1996473%
1995557%
1994756%
1993455%
1992457%
1991529%

Other parts of the 1992 Ford Explorer

Tires
128 complaints
Brakes
99 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
77 complaints
Engine cooling
64 complaints
Body and structure
62 complaints
Suspension
60 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
46 complaints
Steering
25 complaints
Seat belts
24 complaints
Equipment
23 complaints
Seats
20 complaints
Fuel system
18 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1992 Ford Explorer

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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