1992 Ford Explorer Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 46about this part
- Share
- 7%of 633 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 111,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 46 complaints about the visibility of the 1992 Ford Explorer, 7% of the 633 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 111,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 15 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.
“I have a 1992 Ford Explorer, am a single mother of 2 and on friday august 1,2003 when driving on a bypass smoke poured out of my mirror adjusting panel on the drivers door. Had to immediatley pulled off road because of smoke and fear of car igniting. Door panel melted slightly, and rear mirror motor and panel burned up.”
NHTSA complaint #10030655, filed 2003-08, 98,000 miles“1992, Ford, Explorer caught on fire at control panel on drivers side door while vehicle was parked in the yard. Damage to control panel, and interior door panel (melted) possible recall issue. Ford showing all recall work performed on vehicle. Cannot get resolution with local dealer or Ford.”
NHTSA complaint #10088655, filed 2004-08, 125,000 miles“The problem was actually with the blower unit common to the A/C and heater. The A/C was on when white smoke started billowing out of the vents. I stopped the car, and the fire extinguished itself. When I took the car into the dealership, they informed that the blower had caught fire due to accumulation of leaves and other debris somewhere inside the ventilation system. Total cost of repairs was roughly $1,500. As the fire destroyed the blower and other A/C-heater components.”
NHTSA complaint #703060, filed 1999-02“Smoke filled the interior of the vehicle within 2 blocks of the start of a trip. The odor was clearly that of buring leaves or wood. Driving was not possible. The dealer initially disbelieved that smoke was at fault, but rather escaping coolant must be the problem. After further investigation the dealer found debris in the ventilation system and cleaned it out, charging me $50. I was told not to park under trees. Hardly possible in north carolina and surely not a design specification for an SUV. …”
NHTSA complaint #703632, filed 1999-02“Shortly after starting the car, blue smoke with a smell of burned wiring poured through interior dash vents. It was a frightening experience; we were in a poor place to pull over and exit the car; all I could do was lower the windows and continue driving about 15-30 seconds in reduced visibility (and breathability) until we could pull over and get out. It occurs to me that a heater fire should not be an expected occurrence in a well-cared-for vehicle with under 30,000 miles on it. I notice there have been other Ford Explorer heater fires. I think Ford should at least reimburse me for the $401. …”
NHTSA complaint #741090, filed 2001-02Related recalls
- 97V083000May 5, 1997A short circuit condition can occur in the remote power mirror control switch circuit board as a result of a separated part of the contact assembly bridging…Covers: Ford Explorer 1992–1994
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 | 48 | 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 1992 Ford Explorer
128 complaintsBrakes
99 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
77 complaintsEngine cooling
64 complaintsBody and structure
62 complaintsSuspension
60 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 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