1995 Ford Explorer Problems
- Complaints
- 843filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 121,585miles, 96 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 4.0L 6-cyl RWD · 16 city / 21 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1995 Ford Explorer (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about driveline and front-end problems on a vehicle that is now decades old and typically well past 100,000 miles. Transmission trouble shows up as a flashing overdrive light followed by slipping or a lost gear, and front suspension and steering complaints center on a fractured sway bar link, tie rod noise, and low-speed shimmy. Tire tread separation and seat belt buckles that release on their own are also frequently described.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Overdrive light flashing, transmission slips or fails
- 74 complaints (9%)
- median 103,310 mi at 12.3 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,906 (median of 12 quotes)
- filed 1995–2018
Owners describe the overdrive indicator flashing on the dash, followed by harsh downshifts, slipping out of first or second gear, or the vehicle refusing to move at all. Several report rebuilds or replacement transmissions, sometimes more than once, and some note fluid leaks after a dealer service. Complaints describe the sequence starting with the light and ending with a shop diagnosis that the transmission needs to come out. Mostly reported between roughly 80,000 and 170,000 miles, often after a fluid service or during ordinary city driving.
What to check: Drive the vehicle from a cold start and watch the overdrive light; any flashing means a stored transmission code. Check transmission fluid color and level, and ask for service records.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving my car when it began to down shift around 35mph. Eventually, after adding more gas, it kicked into gear. My vehicle is an automatic. Once it down shifts, the od light begins flashing on and off. It has now been doing this consistently. The drive is not a smooth drive and when I am going approximately 50-60mph or more, the car begins to shake.”
NHTSA complaint #10475384, filed 2012-09, 220,000 miles“I have had 3 transmission failures on my 1995 Ford Explorer. I bought it new. The first failure occured just out of warranty. It was rebuilt. The next failure occurred just out of the warranty for the first rebuild. I had a new transmission put in. The third failure is just beginning with the od light flashing and a hard clunk when the auto transmission downshifts into first gear.”
NHTSA complaint #10075259, filed 2004-06, 61,000 miles - Vehicle speed control
Cruise control inoperative, throttle sticking, underhood
- 276 complaints (33%)
- median 132,000 mi at 10.8 yrs old (30 state mileage)
- 65 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $500 (median of 16 quotes)
- filed 1995–2018
Owners describe the cruise control failing to set, brake fluid weeping around the speed control switch, repeated blown fuses, and in some cases a fire starting under the hood while the vehicle was parked. Others report the accelerator pedal sticking or the engine revving unexpectedly, traced in one case to the throttle cable catching the hood release. One owner said a dealer replaced only the switch pigtail rather than the switch itself during recall work. Reported from around 100,000 miles upward, including at rest with the engine off as well as while driving.
What to check: Ask whether the speed control deactivation switch campaign 09V399000 was performed and what parts were replaced. Check around the switch on the master cylinder for brake fluid residue and inspect the throttle cable routing.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 1995 Explorer was sitting and at 12:30am, when it caught on fire and burned. The fire started under the hood, and the vehicle was a total loss. The incident occurred on the evening march 23. This was the same evening that Ford recalled the expedition for this very same type of problem, a cold vehicle catches fire under the hood. This was what our Explorer did as well. However when we called Ford they said that the Explorer was not on the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10118440, filed 2005-04, 170,000 miles“I have experienced an under the hood fire on my 1995 Ford Explorer which I believe was caused by a faulty speed control deactivation switch. My vehicle had begun to exhibit symptoms which have been described in relation to recall campaign number 05v388000. Specifically, the cruise control had stopped functioning, brake fluid was leaking around the switch and my vehicle had started blowing fuses. On october 29th my fiance drove the vehicle to work. …”
NHTSA complaint #10142323, filed 2005-11, 148,085 miles - Seat belts
Seat belt buckle releases or will not latch
- 58 complaints (7%)
- median 118,759 mi at 10.0 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1996–2013
Owners report the driver or passenger buckle either will not stay latched or pops open while driving, sometimes after taking several attempts to engage. Several suspect the return spring inside the buckle has failed, and dealers who looked at it pointed to the buckle assembly needing replacement. A related complaint describes the seat back collapsing when the occupant leaned against it. Reported across a wide range, roughly 70,000 to 155,000 miles, under ordinary use.
What to check: Buckle and tug each belt firmly, and repeat the test a few times; ask whether any buckle has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Driver's seatbelt does not latch. The spring which presses the latch in place does not return to its intended position, keeping the seatbelt from being latched securely. Normal use has LED to this failure. Fortunately, there have been no consequences yet. I plan on taking the vehicle into the dealer sometime soon, but unfortunately it may be a couple of days before I can get it serviced.”
NHTSA complaint #10129039, filed 2005-07, 118,759 miles“1995 Ford Explorer - driver's side seat belt no longer latches. I fear the others will fail in the event of an accident. I am currently trying to find a replacement.”
NHTSA complaint #10251225, filed 2008-12, 150,000 miles - Suspension
Front sway bar link fractures, front-end shimmy and noise
- 95 complaints (11%)
- median 136,500 mi at 14.1 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- 10 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2019
Complaints describe a fractured front stabilizer bar link, sometimes more than once and even after the link was replaced under an earlier campaign. Owners also report the front end feeling loose or leaning, clunking noises, and vibration or shimmy through the steering wheel at low speed. Some say the vehicle never sat level and that dealers offered no help once the warranty had expired. Reported from about 60,000 miles upward, with several cases in cold-weather areas.
Recall 00V4020002 related service bulletins
What to check: Look at both front sway bar links and their studs for cracks, and ask whether the stabilizer bar link campaign was completed. Check rear spring shackles for heavy rust.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Front driver's side sway bar link fractured. The link had already been replaced as part of the nov. 28, 2000 NHTSA recall 00v402000, which was performed because, under certain conditions, a front sway bar link can fracture.”
NHTSA complaint #10253786, filed 2009-01, 135,000 miles“Front suspension; the right front wheel and sterring wheel vibrate and shimmy at all speeds. The truck has never sat right it always seems to be leaning.”
NHTSA complaint #10007661, filed 2003-02, 122,000 miles
Buying note. With most examples now well past 100,000 miles, records matter more than mileage: confirm which open campaigns were completed, verify transmission service and fluid condition on a test drive, and inspect tires, front-end links and seat belt buckles before purchase.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 843 consumer complaints for the 1995 Ford Explorer. 96 of the complaints include a mileage, and 4% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 121,585 miles. Of all complaints, 84 involved a crash, 32 a fire, 110 an injury, 8 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 3 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Tires205 24%
- Transmission and drivetrain119 14%
- Suspension93 11%
- Vehicle speed control81 9.6%
- Brakes80 9.5%
- Seat belts59 7.0%
- Electrical system55 6.5%
- Steering52 6.2%
- Engine cooling45 5.3%
- Body and structure39 4.6%
Also reported: Air bags (27), Seats (19), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (19), Exterior lighting (16), Fuel system (16), Other or unknown (16), Latches, locks and linkages (11), Equipment (7), Interior lighting (5), Wheels (4), Engine (2).
Example complaints
Tires: “The vehicle experienced a problem with the goodyear wrangler rtf tire model # p235/75r15. The tires had cracks and bubbles on the side wall. The manufacturer was contacted and they replaced the tires. These were replacement tires for the recalled firestone tires.”
NHTSA complaint #10025131, filed 2003-07, 30,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I have a 1995 Ford Explorer that has had many problems..currently I am having trouble with the coverter clutch. I have checked into this and it seems that many explorers are having this same trouble. I wrote a letter to Ford motors companies and recieved a phone call from them telling me how sorry they were to hear of my complaints... I think this is pretty poor that they won't do something about this”
NHTSA complaint #10040835, filed 2003-09, 91,000 milesSuspension: “I have a 1995 Ford Explorer and the dealer refuses to honor some of the recalls that have been ordered for my vehicle the recalls are listed below recall date: mar 15, 1995 model affected: 1995 Ford Explorer summary: the inner tie rod assemblies were improperly manufactured and can fracture causing shaking or shimmy at low speeds. Dealers will inspect the inner tie rods and replace the suspect tie rods. …”
NHTSA complaint #10444749, filed 2012-01, 65,000 milesVehicle speed control: “I presses the throtle very hard to accelerate and the pedal froze full throtle it tool about 50 yards to stop the engine remained full throtle it finally changed after I switched to park gear,but only after the engine raced higher for about 5 seconds.”
NHTSA complaint #10114470, filed 2005-03, 115,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
4% of the 96 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 91,000 and 150,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1995 Ford Explorer. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1995 Ford Explorer version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Explorer 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Explorer 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Explorer 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 09V399000Oct 13, 2009Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford Explorer 1995–2002, E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +12 more
Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and…
- 00V402000Nov 28, 2000SuspensionCovers: Ford Explorer 1995–1997, Mercury Mountaineer 1997
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Under certain conditions, a front sway bar link can fracture.
- 99V310001Nov 3, 1999Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strutCovers: Ford Explorer 1993–1995
Vehicle description: on certain sport utility vehicles, the hydraulic lift cylinder bracket welds could fracture.
- 95V052000Mar 15, 1995Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Ford Explorer 1995
In some of the vehicles, brake tubes were misrouted between the master cylinder and the hydraulic control unit and results in exceeding the allowable stopping distances as required by fmvss no. 105, "hydraulic brake systems." in addition, seals within the…
- 95V053000Mar 15, 1995Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assemblyCovers: Ford Explorer 1995
The inner tie rod assemblies were improperly manufactured and can fracture causing shaking or shimmy at low speeds.
Recall details for the 1995 Ford Explorer → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA02011Safety belt assembly failureClosed · Jul 2, 2002
- PE02007Safety belt assemblyClosed · Jan 23, 2002
- PE00039Front suspension stabilizer bar linkClosed · Sep 20, 2000
- PE99068Accelerator pedalClosed · Nov 1, 1999
- RQ99016Liftgate support bracket failureOpen · Jul 29, 1999
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 3 on record; the latest 3 are shown.
- 10017891Apr 1, 2005Transmission and drivetrain. Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4x4 or awd.
- 10204995Nov 28, 2000Suspension. Letter Pursuant to Part 573 of Title 49 of the Code fof Federal Regulations, Defect and Noncompliance Reports, Ford Motor Company submits the following information concerning a safety-related recall…
- 10076008Nov 28, 2000Suspension. This recall action involves replacement of the front stabilizer bar links in certain 1995 through 1997 model year Explorer and Mountaineer vehicles. Under certain conditions, predominantly in cold…
Other model years of the Ford Explorer
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 42 | 2,600 | 14 | 5 | 24 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 107 | 3,000 | 20 | 5 | 21 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 21 | 8,832 | 10 | 5 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 111 | 17,000 | 15 | 5 | 23 | 19 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 271 | 37,000 | 25 | — | 23 | 39 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 448 | 44,000 | 27 | 5 | 24 | 54 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 1,244 | 23,750 | 34 | 5 | 24 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 300 | 54,000 | 6 | 5 | 20 | 2 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 734 | 50,000 | 7 | 5 | 20 | 42 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 1,704 | 50,000 | 13 | 5 | 20 | 86 · More | Rising |
| 2016 | 2,463 | 48,850 | 14 | 5 | 20 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 1,812 | 57,000 | 8 | 5 | 20 | 91 · More | Rising |
| 2014 | 1,684 | 66,000 | 6 | 5 | 20 | 71 · More | Rising |
| 2013 | 2,237 | 76,439 | 11 | 5 | 20 | 73 · More | Rising |
| 2012 | 830 | 70,000 | 5 | 4 | 23 | 46 · Typical | Rising |
| 2011 | 1,197 | 70,000 | 6 | — | 20 | 76 · More | Rising |
| 2010 | 115 | 40,707 | 1 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 33 | 77,000 | 0 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 148 | 77,000 | 1 | — | 16 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 208 | 67,250 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 630 | 55,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 497 | 70,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,304 | 65,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 1,131 | 73,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 3,295 | 79,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 375 | 90,000 | 6 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 952 | 77,419 | 9 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 1,348 | 82,193 | 9 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 1,959 | 100,000 | 9 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 1,731 | 99,500 | 7 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 1,450 | 120,208 | 6 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 843 | 121,585 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 1,207 | 99,041 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 939 | 117,494 | 6 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1992 | 633 | 108,065 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 609 | 121,902 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 12 | 58,410 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Explorer model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1995 Ford Explorer?
Owners of this model year most often write about driveline and front-end problems on a vehicle that is now decades old and typically well past 100,000 miles. The issues reported most often: Overdrive light flashing, transmission slips or fails; Cruise control inoperative, throttle sticking, underhood; Seat belt buckle releases or will not latch.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1995 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA recorded 843 consumer complaints for the 1995 Ford Explorer as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1995 Ford Explorer is reported most often?
Tires is named most often, in 205 complaints (24% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 119.
Has the 1995 Ford Explorer been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1995 Ford Explorer get?
The EPA rates the 1995 Ford Explorer (Explorer 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 21 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1995 Ford Explorer reported?
Among the 96 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 121,585 miles and the middle half falls between 91,000 and 150,000 miles; 4% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.