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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

1992 Ford Explorer Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
77about this part
Share
12%of 633 total for the year
Median mileage
153,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 77 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1992 Ford Explorer, 12% of the 633 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 153,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

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

“Trasmission oil burnt causing trasmission failure and was rebuilt. 20,000 miles later trasmission failed again (burnt fluid) due to catalytic converter being too close to aluminum transmission pan. There needs to be a heat shield to protect it from burning.”

NHTSA complaint #10039512, filed 2003-09, 153,000 miles

“Consumers child got hold of key and turned it half way to the on position, put vehicle in gear rolled down the hill and hit a tree. Child was taken to hospital for trauma. Consumer was not aware that vehicle didn't have a safety device. Consumer was currently checking things with the manufacturer. Please add the VIN# to complaint form.”

NHTSA complaint #890116, filed 2001-06

“1992 Ford Explorer replacement transmission needed. Consumer states that the vehicle needs a new transmission and oil leak fixed. She does not have the money and the repairs will cost around $1500.00.”

NHTSA complaint #10213906, filed 2008-01

“While starting up the vehicle it failed to turn on. Consumer tried numerous times but it failed to turn on. Mechanic inspected the vehicle, and determined that transmission needed to be replaced, and he replaced it twice. However, the problem recurred.”

NHTSA complaint #10074173, filed 2004-05

“Rebuilt transmission failed :as a direct result of the transmission fluid being expelled form the filler tube , allowing it to come in contact with the muffler , during operation of the vehicle causing fluid to ingnite which resulted in the ensuing fire and and loss. The remaining evidence and examination of the transmission indicate that the torque converter , installed just prior to the fire failed resulting in the loss of the vehicle.”

NHTSA complaint #723781, filed 2000-06

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202637%
20251615%
202415%
20231211%
20226123%
202112728%
202050440%
20193512%
2018507%
20171257%
20162159%
2015865%
2014805%
20131195%
2012557%
2011645%
20102824%
200939%
20083624%
20075727%
200629647%
20059920%
200446035%
200333530%
20021,50246%
20014211%
200013314%
19991159%
19981035%
19971046%
19961208%
199511914%
1994867%
1993728%
19927712%
19916911%
1990217%

Other parts of the 1992 Ford Explorer

Tires
128 complaints
Brakes
99 complaints
Engine cooling
64 complaints
Body and structure
62 complaints
Suspension
60 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
46 complaints
Electrical system
45 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 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