1996 Ford Explorer Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 1%of 1,450 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 163,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1996 Ford Explorer, 1% of the 1,450 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 163,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The multi-function switch operating the windshield wipers and turn signals fails, resulting in turn signal staying in the on position and results in wire shortage inside the steering column, causing electrical smoke to come out of the steering column. Had I not manually pushed the switch off, there would have been fire within seconds. This has now happened twice in the same vehicle. The switch was replaced the first time, in 2006. That switch also failed, but I was told the part was only under warranty for 12/12, so I cannot have it replaced for free. …”
NHTSA complaint #10302342, filed 2010-01, 163,000 miles“My wife and I are scared to drive our 96 Explorer once we learned of all the recalls ( rear side glass, bad suspension, exterior lighting, headlights.) just to name a few I know of.”
NHTSA complaint #10367349, filed 2010-11“Consumer was traveling on the highway about 70mph and then she felt vibration, and all of a sudden tread came off of the tires and damaged vehicle. Also, tail light was broken, as well as fender well and the bumper. The original atw tires were on this vehicle. Consumer had them replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #865855, filed 2000-07“Heat from headlamp burns top portion of assembly causing a crack which allows water to seep in and burn out bulb. Heat shield does not appear to adequately cover the affected area.”
NHTSA complaint #712817, filed 1999-10“Upon braking, rear brake lights illuminate but flick intermittently. Owner wants to identify his other fords dating back to 1986 w/same problem. Describe.”
NHTSA complaint #984635, filed 1996-05Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 5% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 5 | 2% |
| 2021 | 8 | 2% |
| 2020 | 56 | 4% |
| 2018 | 4 | 1% |
| 2017 | 12 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 0% |
| 2015 | 17 | 1% |
| 2014 | 25 | 1% |
| 2013 | 25 | 1% |
| 2012 | 6 | 1% |
| 2011 | 6 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 12 | 8% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 5 | 1% |
| 2004 | 7 | 1% |
| 2003 | 6 | 1% |
| 2002 | 19 | 1% |
| 2001 | 9 | 2% |
| 2000 | 26 | 3% |
| 1999 | 46 | 3% |
| 1998 | 38 | 2% |
| 1997 | 20 | 1% |
| 1996 | 15 | 1% |
| 1995 | 16 | 2% |
| 1994 | 9 | 1% |
| 1993 | 7 | 1% |
| 1992 | 3 | 0% |
| 1991 | 6 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Explorer
570 complaintsVehicle speed control
148 complaintsBrakes
132 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
120 complaintsSuspension
97 complaintsEngine cooling
81 complaintsSeat belts
78 complaintsBody and structure
63 complaintsElectrical system
47 complaintsSteering
47 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
47 complaintsAir bags
41 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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