The component that malfunctioned was the abs sensor. It is not available for inspection. I was driving going around 45 in traffic and the drivers side rear brake locked up and spun me out of control and caused me to collide with another vehicle. I only lightly pressed the brakes and it happened suddenly and unexpectedly. It was not inspected before it was towed after the accident. There were no warning lamps.
1991 Ford Explorer brakes problems
123 complaints (20% of all complaints for this car). 19 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 123
- of this car's complaints
- 20%
- crashes
- 19
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip51
- Foundation components: master cylinder20
- Foundation components16
- Foundation components: disc: rotor9
- Foundation components: disc8
- Power assist: vacuum7
- Foundation components: disc: pads7
- Foundation components: disc: caliper7
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Ford Explorer brakes problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1991 Ford Explorer brakes
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic
- What is wrong
- The studs which attach the brake master cylinder to the power brake vacuum booster assembly can develop stress corrosion cracking after being operated for an extended period of time in the southern california location.
- Risk
- If a crack occurs, it could result in one or both studs fracturing. The master cylinder could then separate from the vacuum booster, when the brakes are applied, preventing the service brakes from activating increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the power brake vacuum booster assembly.
Recall number 96V024001 · Recall details
Related investigations
Separation of master cylinder
Ford continues to sudy the problem attempting to determine why stud fractures are not frequently occurring in other parts of the country.likewise, odi continues gathering information to ascertain whether the recall scope should include other geographical areas.if evidence indicates the scope should be expanded, odi will reopen the investigation as warranted.
EA95018
Brake master cylinder/booster separation
There is no summary currently available
PE95001
Vacuum boostr valve fails
There is no summary currently available
EA91040
Vacuum boostr valve fails
There is no summary currently available
PE91084
What 1991 Ford Explorer owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Transmission went out, then the front main seal. It hasn't been two months and then my heater core went out and at the same time my heater fan. Also, before the front main seal went out the rotors went bad and I still have problems with the braking system. This has all happened within a years time. I am thoroughly disgusted and broke. I praised ford before this, now I wouldn't recommend ford to anyone I know. I am a single mother trying to make ends meet and now I have no transportation because I can no longer afford to fix this truck. I have replaced the transmission, front main seal, water pump, starter, rotors, alternator, and the low wheel drive on my truck but now its the heater core and I have been quoted over 600-800 to fix this! That is if I can find anyone who wants to do it which by the way no one does. What do I do now?
Vehicle is a 1991 ford explorer xlt eddie bauer edition, 4x4 5-speed manual transaxle, 4.0l v6. Vehicle is equipped with rear-wheel anti-lock brakes. Both rear wheels perform uncommanded full lockup after medium application of brake pedal. Condition persists even when pressure to the brake pedal is removed. Vehicle skids to a stop. Full application of the brakes for several seconds is required to release the rear wheel brake drums and restore normal control to the driver. This could easily result in loss of vehicle control. Symptoms present regardless of weather/road conditions, vehicle speed, or maneuver type.
I bought a 1991 ford explorer 1 1/2 years ago from a neighbor who said he was tired of putting brakes on it. Since he had just done it again, I didn't expect any trouble for a while. 17,000 miles later, all brake pads, calipers etc., needed to be replaced again. It is averaging 20,000 miles on this vehicle. The mechanic said this model was "bad for pushing the pads off the shoes." while paying my bill, I noticed another similar vehicle on the rack getting the same thing done. Is this an epidemic or am I just unlucky? I have contacted ford customer assistance and they say there are no recalls on this subject and nothing is wrong. Right! Vin is [xxx] I can't get this to send without entering something on the equipment pages which does not apply. Please ignore. *la information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
While driving 55mph brake pedal was hard, and had extended stopping distance.
While driving front pad came off, and fell under the truck, causing major damge to vehicle.
While driving about any MPH would step on brake pedal to stop or to reduce vehicle speed, but vehicle would not stop on time, resulting in extended stopping distance. Also, rotors had been replaced a couple of times. Please provide more information.
Consumer was traveling about 35mph on a side street and heard a jingle noise. He pulled over to shoulder, and looked all over the vehicle. When he applied brakes pedal went all the way to the floor, and vehicle swerved/ hit a tree stump, and rolled over. Vehicle was totaled. Manufacturer was notified.
Was driving between 30-35mph on wet road went to apply the brakes and pedal went to floor. Steered vehicle to left to slow down. Vehicle started skidding. Hit a tree stump and vehicle flipped over. Vehicle was totaled. Out of vehicle, and noticed pads had fallen off into rotors. Pads had gouges. Disc pads were missing.
Rear brakes failed without any warning or indication later causing front brakes to fail.
Questions about the 1991 Ford Explorer brakes
Does the 1991 Ford Explorer have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 123 complaints about the brakes of the 1991 Ford Explorer, 20% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 1991 Ford Explorer brakes problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 1991 Ford Explorer brakes?
Yes, 1 recall: 96V024001. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ford Explorer have bad brakes?
The Ford Explorer model years with the most brakes complaints are 1994 (261 complaints), 1993 (244 complaints) and 1996 (132 complaints).
Other 1991 Ford Explorer problems
Tires 102Transmission 70Electrical 52Engine 52Suspension 33Visibility 32Acceleration 30Body 30Fuel system 26Seat belts 26Seats 16Wheels 13Locks 12Steering 10Lights 6Airbags 3
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