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Fuel systemPart report

1994 Ford Explorer Fuel system Problems

Complaints
33about this part
Share
3%of 1,207 total for the year
Median mileage
86,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the fuel system of the 1994 Ford Explorer, 3% of the 1,207 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

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

“I was told by a certified Ford dealer that the fuel tank was bad and therefore the pump and fuel line were also destroyed by rust and corrosion. Ford has recently severed it's relationship with the manufacturer but will not comment why. Ford refuses to address our concern, though one c/s rep did state that the fuel tank went bad due to the mileage of the vehicle. If this is the case, Ford needs to tell consumers that the purchase of used vehicles may be putting the consumer at risk for serious personal injury after 135,000 miles.”

NHTSA complaint #761406, filed 2002-05

“The contact owns a 1994 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, an odor of gasoline fumes emitted inside of the vehicle and the engine warning light illuminated. In addition, there was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact experienced bronchial health issues that required medical attention as a result from inhaling the fumes. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who diagnosed that the fuel line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000. …”

NHTSA complaint #10614481, filed 2014-07, 190,000 miles

“Explorer engine light comes on after combination of 1) driving on highway for approx. 1 hr and 2) have to climb a large hill...approx. 5 miles at 60 MPH. Truck stutters and bucks while cruising at 55-66mph when this happens. Truck was diagnosed approx. 10 times. I have all documentation for trying to resolve problem. Truck has shut down completely during one of these episodes losing power to steering and braking. As a parent of two small children I'm even more concerned. Dealership tried replacing fuel pump(2x), tp sensor, potentiometer with no fix. …”

NHTSA complaint #700981, filed 1998-11

“While driving, the consumer heard fuel splashing around in the tank, which caused fumes to come through the vents. The consumer took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, who stated the gas tank was getting soaked from the fuel leakage. The fuel tank would need to be replaced.”

NHTSA complaint #10064925, filed 2004-03

“Investigation of a motor vehicle traffic collision revealed that the accelerator pedal on 1994 Ford Explorer (unknown miles) may become stuck in the full open throttle position. Condition occurs when the accelerator pedal arm wears a slit in the rubber sound/heat insluation on the floor board. After that occurs, when the accelerator is fully depressed, the arm can become stuck in the rubber. Condition was discovered during investigation of a fatal crash. After the condition was discovered, it could be easily and repeatedly replicated. …”

NHTSA complaint #10427754, filed 2011-09

Fuel system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202637%
202533%
202333%
20223714%
2021286%
2020423%
2019176%
2018233%
2017493%
20161125%
2015945%
2014724%
20131537%
2012344%
2011403%
201098%
200926%
200821%
200742%
2006274%
20056613%
2004333%
2003111%
2002722%
2001113%
2000192%
1999343%
1998633%
1997563%
1996232%
1995162%
1994333%
1993121%
1992183%
1991264%
1990217%

Other parts of the 1994 Ford Explorer

Tires
331 complaints
Brakes
261 complaints
Body and structure
158 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
86 complaints
Electrical system
75 complaints
Engine cooling
74 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
71 complaints
Suspension
65 complaints
Vehicle speed control
51 complaints
Equipment
32 complaints
Steering
24 complaints
Latches, 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 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