1993 Ford Explorer Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 56about this part
- Share
- 6%of 939 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 117,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 56 complaints about the visibility of the 1993 Ford Explorer, 6% of the 939 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 117,500 miles. 12 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.
“Started 1993 Ford Explorer and heater fan was on setting 2. Burning leaf smoke started pouring out of the defrost vents (heater selector was set to defrost). Immediately shut off ignition and had to drive other vehicle to work. Will have to remove heater blower motor resistor assembly and clean out debris from blower housing. Noticed burnt leaf smell before but never saw smoke until today.”
NHTSA complaint #10172248, filed 2006-10, 146,000 miles“This problem was addressed by NHTSA campaign id # 97v083000. Ford maintains that my VIN was not affected even though it falls within the make, model and years described and I had the exact problem described. I purchased a $32 replacement switch (identical to the original) and I await the next fire.”
NHTSA complaint #711081, filed 1999-09“In 1998 my Ford Explorer was recalled for nhtsb id # 97v083000, component: visual systems: mirrors. The recall was to correct a short circuit condition that could occur in the remote power mirror control swith circuit board as a result of a separated part of the contact assembly bridging the switch positive battery pad and adjacent chassis ground pad. The recall was completed. But, the exact defect stated in the recall ocurred on my vehicle. Evidently the installation of a 10 amp inline fuse was not a positive correction to this defect! …”
NHTSA complaint #760194, filed 2002-04“I was parked in my driveway and was opening up the glass portion of the tailgate when it suddenly exploded in my face. The glass broke into a million small pieces and many large jagged pieces. I found glass as far as 20 feet away, I also found several pieces in my face and hand. When I contacted the local Ford dealer I was informed that this was very common and every vehicle equipped with a rear defogger will have this happen. Usually as they are driving down the road or shutting one of the side doors. …”
NHTSA complaint #713224, filed 1999-10“I was driving to work when my sunroof exploded into splinters of glass all over the inside of the vehicle. The sunroof was closed and I had my driver's side window open.”
NHTSA complaint #721088, filed 2000-04Related 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 1993 Ford Explorer
244 complaintsTires
243 complaintsBody and structure
86 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
72 complaintsSuspension
59 complaintsEngine cooling
55 complaintsElectrical system
45 complaintsVehicle speed control
38 complaintsSeats
30 complaintsEquipment
27 complaintsSteering
19 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1993 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