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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
11 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
14 / 1
Average Mileage:
25,151 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1996 Ford Explorer engine problems

engine problem

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1996 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 4 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #25

Sep 271998

Explorer

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Turned into driveway brakes failed, vehicle accelerated and crashed into garage.

- Reading, MA, USA

problem #24

Jan 301998

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle was started and the choke was on when driver backed up and the vehicle took off. Consumer slammed on brakes, and the car gained speed and tire hit the side of the garage. The dealer could not duplicate the problem. Vehicle was under an extended warranty, and the vehicle has been sold.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #23

May 061998

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
Throttle body air intake and accewlerator cable failed.

- West Palm, FL, USA

problem #22

Feb 061998

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration resulting in an accident.

- Hollywood, FL, USA

problem #21

Jun 011996

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration while in reverse on three occasions, two occasions resulted in vehicle collisions.

- Reistersto, MD, USA

problem #20

Feb 081998

Explorer

  • miles
While driving 68mph with cruise control on, vehicle suddenly increased in speed. Had pumped accelerator pedal. Shifted into neutral but rpms were very high. Shifted out of neutral & placed feet on brakes to slow down or stop. Brakes started smoking. Called dealer to relay problem.

- Hurst, TX, USA

problem #19

Jan 231998

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Throttle/accelerator pedal stuck in the down position.

- Bronxville, NY, USA

problem #18

Mar 031997

Explorer 4WD

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Vehicle did not return to idle. Consumer has contacted the manufacturer about the incident, and was informed that his vehicle was not included in the recall.

- Ithaca, NY, USA

problem #17

Nov 291997

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When engaging reverse gear the vehicle occasionally will experience sudden acceleration, causing vehicle collisions.

- Reistersto, MD, USA

problem #16

Jun 011996

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Sudden reverse acceleration when in reverse gear on three occasions, accidents occurred on two occasions.

- Reistersto, MD, USA

problem #15

Nov 091997

Explorer

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Upon making a stop and proceeding to make a left hand turn the vehicle accelerated, causing the consumer to lose control of the vehicle. Consumer has not contacted the dealer.

- Castle Rock, CO, USA

problem #14

Jul 111997

Explorer

  • miles
The cruise control "froze" while traveling 70 mph and neither the brake pedal or the off button would deactivate it.

- High Ridge, MO, USA

problem #13

Sep 071997

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While pullng onto highway, engine suddenly accelerated on its own, shifted to neutral seconds later, brakes locked up, causing vehicle to skid/spinout onto shoulder, hit curb/sign/guardrail/tree. Towed to dealer, not inspected as of yet.

- Glen Rock, NJ, USA

problem #12

Jun 011996

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Cruise control failed.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #11

Dec 011996

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Cruise control off button inoperative.

- Arcadia, CA, USA

problem #10

Jun 271997

Explorer

  • miles
While traveling at or about 30mph owner tried to decelerate and the car did not return to idle. A recall was issued on the vehicle.

- Oakdale, MN, USA

problem #9

Apr 021997

Explorer

  • miles
While merging onto the interstate vehicle accelerated once on the interstate when consumer took foot off the gas pedal and the vehicle accelerated. The pedal was stuck and had to tap the brakes which had locked up. Also had to put the vehicle in neutral, and the vehicle swerved around into a tractor trailer. The vehcle flipped 3 times before it came to a stop.

- Schapin, SC, USA

problem #8

May 261997

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Turned overdrive off and vehicle suddenly accelerated.

- Randolph, MA, USA

problem #7

Aug 251996

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Engine surges when driving in cruise control.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #6

Jan 221997

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Cruise control engaged, pressed brakes, vehicle slowed down, released brakes, cruise control did not disengage, engine accelerated back to original speed, wet pavement, vehicle spun around, crashed into cement barrier, cruise control sensor defective.

- Jamestown, RI, USA

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