1996 Ford Explorer Recalls

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 1996 Ford Explorer. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.

• 09V399000Oct 13, 20094,500,000 vehicles potentially affected
  Vehicle speed control
  Covers: Ford Explorer 1995–2002, E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +12 more

  Reported issue: 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 1994 f53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (scds). The scds may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.

  Possible consequence: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.

  Remedy: Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the abs control module connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 27, 2009…

  Full campaign details →

• 00V402000Nov 28, 2000810,000 vehicles potentially affected
  Suspension
  Covers: Ford Explorer 1995–1997, Mercury Mountaineer 1997

  Reported issue: Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Under certain conditions, a front sway bar link can fracture.

  Possible consequence: Vehicle handling could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace both the left and right front sway bar links.

  Full campaign details →

• 97V137000Aug 19, 19972,200 vehicles potentially affected
  Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strut
  Covers: Ford Explorer 1996, Mercury Mountaineer 1997

  Reported issue: Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles. The liftgate assist gas cylinder bracket on the right hand bodyside outer panel was incorrectly welded.

  Possible consequence: The gas cylinder bracket may not properly support the liftgate increasing the risk of personal injury.

  Remedy: Dealers will reinforce the bracket attachment with two pop rivets.

  Full campaign details →

• 97V074000Apr 30, 199723,000 vehicles potentially affected
  Vehicle speed control
  Covers: Ford Explorer 1996–1997, Mercury Mountaineer 1996–1997

  Reported issue: Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with 5.0l engines originally sold or currently registered in the states of alaska, idaho, iowa, maine, michigan (upper peninsula only), minnesota, montana, nebraska, new hampshire, new york, north dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin, and wyoming. These vehicles, when operated for extended periods of time at highway speeds and temperatures below -20…

  Possible consequence: Although the vehicle can be controlled by either applying the service brakes or shifting the transmission to neutral, increased brake pedal efforts or some increase in stopping distance can result.

  Remedy: Dealers will install a revised pcv system with water heated vacuum source.

  Full campaign details →

• 96V161000Aug 29, 1996134,770 vehicles potentially affected
  Equipment › Other › Labels
  Covers: Ford Explorer 1996, F-150 1996–1997, F-250 1996–1997 +3 more

  Reported issue: The certification labels on the involved vehicles has incorrect rear tire inflation pressure designations. This does not comply with fmvss no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars."

  Possible consequence: Incorrect inflation pressures could cause premature wear of the rear tires. .

  Remedy: Owners will be provided with correct certification labels and instructions for installing these labels. Dealers can install this label if the owner so desires.

  Full campaign details →

• 96V070000Apr 22, 199673,500 vehicles potentially affected
  Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
  Covers: Ford Explorer 1996, Thunderbird 1996, Lincoln Town CAR 1996 +4 more

  Reported issue: When in the secondary latched position, the driver door latches may open when subjected to transverse loads less than that specified in fmvss no. 206, "door locks and door retention components."

  Possible consequence: The driver's door, when closed only to the secondary latched position, may not sustain a 1,000 pound transverse load.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the driver door latch.

  Full campaign details →

NHTSA investigations

• PE00039Front suspension stabilizer bar linkClosed · Sep 20, 2000
• PE99068Accelerator pedalClosed · Nov 1, 1999
• PE97010Electrical fire in center consoleClosed · Mar 13, 1997

← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford Explorer