1994 Ford Explorer Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 75about this part
- Share
- 6%of 1,207 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 122,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 75 complaints about the electrical system of the 1994 Ford Explorer, 6% of the 1,207 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 122,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 28 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“There was no warning. My 1994 Ford Explorer caught on fire and was totally damaged due to a recall on a mirror harness switch. Ford was notified and admitted fault. They agreed to send me a check and closed the account before anything was ever sent out to me.”
NHTSA complaint #10067741, filed 2004-04, 130,000 miles“On july 31, 2004, at 5:00am, I was awaken by pounding on my doors and windows. As I was coming down the stairs I looked out the window cause I saw alot of light. I opened the door to find the fire department telling me and my kids to get out of the house. He stated that my car was on fire. This had happen after my car had been parked in the same spot since 7:00pm the prior day. My vehicle was a 1994 Ford Explorer xl, 4 door. Thank god that someone had saw it because where my vehicle was parked was right next to my gas meter on the house. This could of killed me and my children. …”
NHTSA complaint #10112308, filed 2005-02, 90,000 miles“I bought my 1994 Ford Explorer (4wd) in may of 1999 and have had numerous problems since. The vehicle had approximately 50900 miles when I bought it. It now has 89000 miles. I have replaced the brake rotors twice and replaced the brake pads three times. The last time I completed brake work was because the left front caliper overheated and failed. I then replaced both front calipers. There is a bad vibration problem at speeds of 55-67 MPH. I recently purchased four new tires, had them balanced, had the front end aligned, and replaced the shocks to fix this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10086453, filed 2004-08, 88,500 miles“While driving, the SUV caught fire from under the hood. The vehicle was consumed by flames in less than 5 minutes. Although many makes and models of fords have been recalled ( faulty cruise control - potential fire hazard), the 1994 Ford Explorer has not been recalled.”
NHTSA complaint #10308714, filed 2010-02, 150,000 miles“Dt: 1994, Ford, Explorer limited, consumer was driving on highway when the vehcile started smoking. Consumer started having breathing problems. The smoke started thick, and consumer couldn't see, and he pulled over. When the consumer got out of the car he een sparks, then the car blew up. Owner had no physical injuries. The fire was so hot that tires melted and even the keys melted.”
NHTSA complaint #10123740, filed 2005-06, 124,000 milesElectrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | 21% |
| 2025 | 23 | 22% |
| 2024 | 2 | 10% |
| 2023 | 14 | 13% |
| 2022 | 39 | 14% |
| 2021 | 48 | 11% |
| 2020 | 188 | 15% |
| 2019 | 20 | 7% |
| 2018 | 58 | 8% |
| 2017 | 94 | 6% |
| 2016 | 129 | 5% |
| 2015 | 93 | 5% |
| 2014 | 100 | 6% |
| 2013 | 163 | 7% |
| 2012 | 64 | 8% |
| 2011 | 95 | 8% |
| 2010 | 12 | 10% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 38 | 26% |
| 2007 | 25 | 12% |
| 2006 | 39 | 6% |
| 2005 | 36 | 7% |
| 2004 | 55 | 4% |
| 2003 | 54 | 5% |
| 2002 | 148 | 4% |
| 2001 | 29 | 8% |
| 2000 | 78 | 8% |
| 1999 | 92 | 7% |
| 1998 | 114 | 6% |
| 1997 | 80 | 5% |
| 1996 | 47 | 3% |
| 1995 | 55 | 7% |
| 1994 | 75 | 6% |
| 1993 | 45 | 5% |
| 1992 | 45 | 7% |
| 1991 | 52 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1994 Ford Explorer
331 complaintsBrakes
261 complaintsBody and structure
158 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
86 complaintsEngine cooling
74 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
71 complaintsSuspension
65 complaintsVehicle speed control
51 complaintsFuel system
33 complaintsEquipment
32 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
23 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1994 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