Copy of letter to fmc: I own a 1991 ford explorer 4wd xlt [xxx]. I purchased this vehicle on 11/9/96, from crown dodge, ventura, california. The selling dealer assured me at the time that no recalls were outstanding on this vehicle. On november 11/22/06, as I closed the hatch on this vehicle, the bracket that attaches the right-side liftgate gas assist cylinder to the hatch tore away from the hatch. I have just learned that a safety improvement campaign (number 95i007000) was issued in october 1995 to reinforce this bracket. The campaign stated that "if a bracket and gas assist cylinder were to detach completely from the liftgate and no longer bear against the liftgate as intended, the remaining cylinder would not hold the liftgate in an open position. Personal injury could occur." the corrective action was for ford dealers to reinforce the bracket attachments. My local ford dealer service representative stated today they could not honor this safety improvement campaign. Rebecca (#6048) at the ford customer service call center told me the campaign had expired, and couldn't offer assistance. Your company's response to date is not acceptable. The bracket was attached to the hatch by only two small spot welds, as is the left-side bracket. The failure still has the potential for causing serious injury, especially if the left-side bracket were to fail. The vehicle was apparently not repaired under this safety improvement campaign. I was not notified of the campaign nor offered an opportunity to have this defect repaired. Since the safety hazard that this safety improvement campaign sought to resolve still exists on my vehicle, I request that the broken bracket be repaired and the remaining bracket reinforced at no charge to me, per the intent of the safety improvement campaign. Thank you for your assistance. [xxx] *nm updated 07/12/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
1991 Ford Explorer body problems
30 complaints (5% of all complaints for this car). 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 30
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Body: door10
- Frame and members7
- Body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut5
- Body5
- Body: bumpers2
- Body: hood1
- Body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments1
- Body: hatchback/liftgate1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Ford Explorer body problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1991 Ford Explorer body
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Structure: body: roof and pillars
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with factory installed sunroof. The sunroof glass panel assembly can separate while the vehicle is moving due to incorrect hinge engagement. This was caused by improper sunroof installation of the glass panel.
- Risk
- Unexpected separation of the sunroof glass panel could possibly distract the driver increasing the risk of a vehicle crash or loss of vehicle control.
- Remedy
- Owners will be provided with an instruction booklet which thoroughly outlines, with illustrations, the proper procedures for the removal, storage, and reinstallation of the sunroof's glass panel. A warning label for attachment to the sunroof's latch knob will also be provided to the owners.
Recall number 97V235001 · Recall details
Structure: body: bumpers
- What is wrong
- Rear bumper reinforcement may be subject to fatigue cracking under extended trailer tow service when using a bumper-mounted trailer hitch ball.
- Risk
- Under extreme conditions, bumper could separate from thevehicle when using a bumper mounted trailer hitch ball.
- Remedy
- Install two brackets to reinforce the bumper.
Recall number 91V026000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Spare tire winch cable
There is no summary currently available
EA00012
Spare tire winch cable
From the beginning of the 1991 model year production until the middle of the 1994 model year production, ford used a galvanized steel cable to lift and hold in stored position, the explorer spare tire.on may 19, 1994, based on the results of ford durability testing , ford changed to a 4.00mm stainless steel cable.there have been over 100 incidents in which the original galvanized steel cable failed allowing the spare tire to drop from its rear storage well.one of these incidents caused a following vehicle to be involved in a collision and on six other occasions the wheel made contact with following vehicles, resulting in property damage.
PE99072
Liftgate support bracket failure
Summary:on august 22, 1995, ford conducted safety recall, 95v‑164, on 1992 and 1993 model year explorer due to liftgate failures.the rear liftgate hydraulic cylinder bracket can become unattached allowing the liftgate to suddenly drop.the recall remedy was to install reinforcements on the brackets.ford also initiated a safety improvement campaign in october 1995, for 1991-1995 model year explorer vehicles which were not included in the recall, to install reinforcements on those bracket that were found to be loose or detached.this campaign ended in october 1996. Since november 1996, odi has received 51 consumer complaints alleging liftgate failures caused by the bracket separation, of which 19 reported the liftgate struck the occupant causing 12 injuries.one complaint was on 1992 model year vehicle, three complaints were on 1993 model year vehicles, and 47 complaints were on 1994 model year vehicles. This rq is to determine the extent of the problem experience and the scope of safety recall 95v‑164.ford and mazda are conducting a safety recall campaign under recall number 99v‑310.001/.002.
RQ99016
Heavy lateral vibration
The federal safety agency was petitioned to commence a defect investigation of the subject vehicles on january 6, 1998.the petition alleges that early model ford explorer sport utility vehicles develop heavy lateral vibrations at speeds above 55 MPH and when encountering bumps at low speeds.the petition further alleges that these vibrations could possibly cause loss of vehicle control.the analysis of the petition is presented in the attached notice which is published in the federal register.
DP98001
Sunroof shattering and separation
There is no summary currently available
EA97011
What 1991 Ford Explorer owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The rear liftgate was in the up position and it dropped while the consumer was unloading groceries. The right side hinge broke. This vehicle was not included in liftgate recall campaign 04v442000. *ak *sc
In 2001 the right side bracket attachment of the rear liftgate gas assist cylinder came off from the inside of the liftgate of my 1991 ford explorer. The remaining assist cylinder does not hold the liftgate in an open position. As I understand from the federal safety agency campaign id no 95i007000 over a million vehicles had the brackets reinforced, but my explorer wasn't included although in my opinion it clearly should have been. I haven't priced the repairs.
Mva, damage to rearend & drivetrain; driverseat & seatbelt poss. Compromised.
Both rear door latchs failed. Causing the rear door to open while driving. Does not shut properly when closed. Dt
Lift gate open the hydrolic lift bracket snapped off causing the liftgate to fall on my sons head. Bracket was poorly welded. They claim that there was a recall aroung the time the car, but it is no longer in effect. The recall was to be reenforce the brackets. This is still a safety issue.
Driver's side and passenger side doors are coming off the hinges. Dealer has been contatced. Please provide further details.
Cracks developing in crossmember frame around radius arm bushings on both sides. Bushings have been replaced before so the excuse of worn bushings is bull.
Sheet metal roof is rusting badly at the point of three of five screws which hold luggage rack to vehicle.
The questionnaire does not fit my complaint. The door handle on the front left and rear right have broken. This makes it nearly impossible to close the doors tightly. I have looked into several other ford explorers with the same inside door panels and they also have at least one of the handles broken. I feel this must be a defect in design since it seems to have occured in several vehicles. I have not looked into one like mine yet and not found at least one handle broken. I e-mailed to ford inquiring into rather there had been an recall on the inside door panels and have not received any reply. Also the front right pannel has a crack in it.
Questions about the 1991 Ford Explorer body
Does the 1991 Ford Explorer have body problems?
Owners have filed 30 complaints about the body of the 1991 Ford Explorer, 5% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1991 Ford Explorer body problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 1991 Ford Explorer body?
Yes, 2 recalls: 97V235001, 91V026000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ford Explorer have the most body problems?
The Ford Explorer model years with the most body complaints are 2017 (661 complaints), 2016 (594 complaints) and 2002 (486 complaints).
Other 1991 Ford Explorer problems
Brakes 123Tires 102Transmission 70Electrical 52Engine 52Suspension 33Visibility 32Acceleration 30Fuel system 26Seat belts 26Seats 16Wheels 13Locks 12Steering 10Lights 6Airbags 3
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