1996 Ford Explorer Tires Problems
- Complaints
- 570about this part
- Share
- 39%of 1,450 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 139,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 570 complaints about the tires of the 1996 Ford Explorer, 39% of the 1,450 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 139,500 miles. 104 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.
“On july 28, at approx 4pm est we experienced tread separation from the front passenger tire that caused our Ford Explorer to temporarily loss control. The tire was a firestone wilderness tire that was provided by Ford for a recall replacement about 8 or 9 years ago. The right passenger front tire separated on rt i95 near the sharon, ma exit. Loud sounds came from engine area of car and tread hit side of car and fp window. Car began to loss control, but the driver was able to stabilize and pull off of the highway. …”
NHTSA complaint #10345978, filed 2010-07, 103,000 miles“Ford Explorer with 4 firestone wilderness ht tires. While driving at highway speed on interstare 12 near milemarker 75 the left rear tire experienced a blowout. The tread separated from the sidewalls of the tires. I replaced all 4 tires but have the failed tire and digital photos if they are needed”
NHTSA complaint #10002947, filed 2003-01, 139,000 miles“There were two tires blowouts at the sidewall simultaneously while driving. The blowouts caused damage to both driver's front and rear wheels. Tire info: firestone wilderness 235/75r15 (DOT/unavailable) 20k miles on both tires driver's front and rear. Ts scc”
NHTSA complaint #10001201, filed 2002-12, 60,000 miles“While driving 70 MPH rear right tire tread separated, causing the vehicle to hit a pole and roll once. Vehicle landed upside down on an embankment. Upon impact, airbags did not deploy. Driver sustained minor injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #10061258, filed 2004-03, 165,000 miles“While driving on the road at normal speed, the truck winch cable that holds spare tire underneath the vehicle, popped and tire fell onto the road. Dealer has been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #10042898, filed 2003-10, 75,000 milesTires: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 2 | 0% |
| 2020 | 2 | 0% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 10 | 1% |
| 2017 | 22 | 1% |
| 2016 | 15 | 1% |
| 2015 | 3 | 0% |
| 2014 | 4 | 0% |
| 2013 | 2 | 0% |
| 2011 | 2 | 0% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 21 | 10% |
| 2006 | 4 | 1% |
| 2005 | 10 | 2% |
| 2004 | 19 | 1% |
| 2003 | 15 | 1% |
| 2002 | 38 | 1% |
| 2001 | 62 | 17% |
| 2000 | 217 | 23% |
| 1999 | 370 | 27% |
| 1998 | 696 | 36% |
| 1997 | 669 | 39% |
| 1996 | 570 | 39% |
| 1995 | 205 | 24% |
| 1994 | 331 | 27% |
| 1993 | 243 | 26% |
| 1992 | 128 | 20% |
| 1991 | 102 | 17% |
| 1990 | 2 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Explorer
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 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
34 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 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