1992 Ford Explorer Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 60about this part
- Share
- 9%of 633 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 140,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 60 complaints about the suspension of the 1992 Ford Explorer, 9% of the 633 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 140,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I just want to file a complaint in regards to the 4wd on the 1992 Ford Explorer. The problem is that it will not disengage from 4wd to 2wd. I feel that because of this is the reason for all the noise I hear coming from the front end. I have not replaced it because it will cost me between $300-$800 depending on what I put on it. I would like to know what I need to get this replaced? I have two smsll children that are in the vehicle with me most of the time and don't want anything to go wrong with this that will cause me to have an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10106419, filed 2005-01, 150,000 miles“When this bushing fails it affects the steering and control of the Explorer and might be a cause of the firestone tire failers (ware and heating of tires). I have been checking other explorers and have found that almost half of the explorers I have seen show visable signs of this bushing being excessively worn. The right side bushing is next to the catalytic converter and subject to excessive heat.”
NHTSA complaint #733838, filed 2000-10“From the beginning the Explorer has had engine vibration,oil leakage problems,at 98 miles, of buying the Explorer from the dealer from brand new. As to date the Explorer has not been fixed, and when I have taken the Explorer in to be fixed,they ask me to take it home for they done want to fix it.I have reported it to the atterney generals office,and Ford wrote them a letter and said there wasn't anything wrong,but they lyied???? …”
NHTSA complaint #740356, filed 2001-02“Severe vibration problem between 55 and 65 MPH. I have owned two 1992 explorers and both have this problem. Dealer and tire manufacturers deny knowledge of any such problem. I see there are multiple complaints in your data base that identify the same problem. Local Ford dealer has said there is no service bulletin on this problem, however, I see your data base lists sb033695 as a likely bulletin that addresses this issue. How can I get a copy of the bulletin if Ford denies it exists? …”
NHTSA complaint #710296, filed 1999-08“The contact owns a 1992 Ford Explorer xlt. The contact states while driving approximately 55 MPH on normal road conditions. There was a loud squealing noise coming from the front end of the vehicle . There was also excessive vibration. The driver continued operation with caution. Whenever the speed rate was reduced the failure occurred without warning. The vehicle has not been repaired for the failure. The failure and current mileages were 130,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10282669, filed 2009-09, 130,000 milesSuspension: 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 1992 Ford Explorer
128 complaintsBrakes
99 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
77 complaintsEngine cooling
64 complaintsBody and structure
62 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
46 complaintsElectrical system
45 complaintsSteering
25 complaintsSeat belts
24 complaintsEquipment
23 complaintsSeats
20 complaintsFuel 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 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