1994 Ford Explorer Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 71about this part
- Share
- 6%of 1,207 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 71 complaints about the visibility of the 1994 Ford Explorer, 6% of the 1,207 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 27 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.
“While returning from christmas shopping I disarmed my car alarm. When the driver side door was opened, smoke began emitting from the power mirror switch. Using a screwdriver, I removed the electrical console and swung the screwdriver at the flaming switch assembly until it released. Falling to the ground I quickly smothered the fire and disconnected the battery until all smoke cleared.”
NHTSA complaint #10000081, filed 2002-12, 60,000 miles“The power control for side view mirror shorted out and caused electrical smoke and orange glow/fire from side console. Checking your site, you already list this but dealership and Ford do not have a record of this recall (97v083000).”
NHTSA complaint #10190807, filed 2007-05, 61,000 miles“Recall 97v083000 concerning remote power mirror switch was issued. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. While pulling into a driveway mirror controls began to smoke. Moments later, fire was streaming from the mirror itself, consuming the entire vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10061696, filed 2004-03, 78,000 miles“The dealership said it was leaves in the blower. They would have to take apart the dash and charge me. Do I have any recourse against the dealer and manufacturer for this safety hazard. I fear the vehicle will ignite because the smoke is very heavy and billowing out from the interior vents and exterior in front of the windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #703698, filed 1999-02“Fan/heater when used on panel, smells like something is burning, if used as defrost or floor I don't notice the smell as much. Once there was smoke coming out of the vents, we turned it off and it stopped. A mechanic checked it for us and couldn't find any smoke. It hasn't smoked since then, but it continues to smell lkie something is burning if we use the panel vents.”
NHTSA complaint #703909, filed 1999-03Related 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 | 49 | 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 1994 Ford Explorer
331 complaintsBrakes
261 complaintsBody and structure
158 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
86 complaintsElectrical system
75 complaintsEngine cooling
74 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 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