1996 Ford Explorer Wheels Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 1%of 1,450 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 114,855miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the wheels of the 1996 Ford Explorer, 1% of the 1,450 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 114,855 miles. 2 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.
“In 1996 Ford implemented new sealed hub assemblies to replace standard wheel bearings. At approximately 3000 miles a constant squeaking developed in my front wheels. The mechanic diagnosis was brake noise annoying but harmless. At 40,000 miles the squeak turned suddenly into the sound of gravel in the wheels. The vehicle lost stability in handling and I immediately brought it into the closest garage. They reported that the bearings were bad and further diagnosis they discovered the existence of the sealed hub assemblies. The assemblies on both front wheels were bad. …”
NHTSA complaint #544657, filed 1998-07“1996 Ford Explorer was beginning to have mechanical issues. Consumer pulled over and the right front wheel fell off and it caught fire. The vehicle was removed from the scene. The police report stated the wheel bearing area was dry and rusty, which under noraml circumstances would be lubricated with oil. (ohio traffic crash report)”
NHTSA complaint #10207178, filed 2007-10“Dt: consumer's son was driving on dry pavement street and the vehicle fish tailed without warning. There were witnesses to this. The front right side wheel with tire intact came out. The vehicle leaned and flipped, and tipped over. It landed halfway on sidewalk and halfway in street. Emergency crews were called. Vehicle has not been to a dealer, and has not had any repairs done.”
NHTSA complaint #10126262, filed 2005-06“Driver side trailer wheel sheared off while driving. The vehicle was towing a trailer. The left side trailer wheel sheared off while driving. Another vehicle struck the debris in the roadway. Upon inspection all the lug nuts were missing from the left side along with the tire. There was damage to the left side wheel on the trailer.”
NHTSA complaint #10046444, filed 2003-11“Driver hear strange rumbling noise coming from vehicle then was unable to maintain control of steering. Vehicle veered to the right and struck rear of a parked vehicle. The front right wheel had fallen off due to a broken upper control arm. The air bags did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #515702, filed 1997-08Wheels: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 5 | 1% |
| 2020 | 16 | 1% |
| 2019 | 4 | 1% |
| 2018 | 8 | 1% |
| 2017 | 60 | 4% |
| 2016 | 50 | 2% |
| 2015 | 15 | 1% |
| 2014 | 26 | 2% |
| 2013 | 20 | 1% |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 9 | 1% |
| 2010 | 5 | 4% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 9 | 6% |
| 2007 | 10 | 5% |
| 2006 | 6 | 1% |
| 2005 | 15 | 3% |
| 2004 | 41 | 3% |
| 2003 | 56 | 5% |
| 2002 | 78 | 2% |
| 2001 | 10 | 3% |
| 2000 | 12 | 1% |
| 1999 | 6 | 0% |
| 1998 | 18 | 1% |
| 1997 | 12 | 1% |
| 1996 | 15 | 1% |
| 1995 | 4 | 0% |
| 1994 | 12 | 1% |
| 1993 | 6 | 1% |
| 1992 | 10 | 2% |
| 1991 | 13 | 2% |
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 27, 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