Tl* the contact owns a 1992 ford explorer. While reversing, the vehicle lost power. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle caught fire. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 444,980. Updated 5/18/15*cn the repair shop replaced the fuel vapor canister. Also, the vehicle would not go in reverse. Updated 06/02/15
The worst 1992 Ford Explorer problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Tires128
- Brakes99
- Transmission77
- Engine67
- Body62
- Suspension60
- Visibility46
- Electrical45
- Steering25
- Seat belts24
- Seats20
- Fuel system18
- Acceleration14
- Wheels10
- Locks4
- Lights3
- Airbags1
- Driver assistance1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1992 Ford Explorer
Tire blowout 54Fire or smoke 43Transmission failure 21ABS 20Brake failure 18Seat belt 17Door locks 11Stalling 10Grinding brakes 6Loss of power 6Adaptive cruise 5Jerking 5Power steering loss 5Pulling 5
Recalls 4
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
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices
- What is wrong
- A short circuit condition can occur in the remote power mirror control switch circuit board as a result of a separated part of the contact assembly bridging the switch positive battery pad and adjacent chassis ground pad.
- Risk
- The current can overheat the printed circuit board and other plastic and elastomeric components of the switch assembly resulting in smoke or fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install an in-line 10 amp fuse in the positive battery feed to the remote power mirror control switch assembly.
Recall number 97V083000 · Recall details
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
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut
- What is wrong
- The hydraulic lift cylinders are attached to brackets that are welded to the liftgate. The bracket welds can fracture.
- Risk
- With a broken bracket weld, there is a potential for the liftgate bracket to gradually bend inward allowing the lift cylinderball stud to disengage.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install reinforcement brackets.
Recall number 95V164001 · Recall details
See all 4 recalls for the 1992 Ford Explorer
Defect 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
Blower assembly fires
Based on the relatively low failure frequency measured over an extended exposure time and the fact that the great majoity of incidents are confined within the blower housing, a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of the agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take furthe action if warranted by the circumstances.
EA99004
Heater blower assembly fire
There is no summary currently available
DP98008
Blower assembly fires
There is no summary currently available
PE98048
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
Sunroof (air roof) shatter
The sunroof shattered or was blown off.in all but one case this occurred while driving.
PE96074
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
Engine cooling fan cracks
There is no summary currently available
PE94044
Auto trans prndl misalign
There is no summary currently available
EA93004
Auto trans.prndl misalign
There is no summary currently available
PE92078
Technical service bulletins for the 1992 Ford Explorer 67
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included. tt
- Various noise issues from the rear leaf springs while driving. tt
- Some vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a 4.0L ohv engine may exhibit a noise /...
- Some vehicles equipped with the 4.0L ohv engine may exhibit an engine noise which may be perceived by the...
- Owner notification program supplement 7 revised information - regarding replacement of wilderness at tires. tt
- Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. slc
- Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. slc
- On some vehicles, the accelerator pedal bracket may become loose or separated from the dash panel. this...
- Subject pertaining to supplemental tire inflation label. jb
- Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. mjs
1992 Ford Explorer fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 20 | 16-17 |
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 14-15 | 18-20 | 15-17 |
What 1992 Ford Explorer owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My car caught fire at parking lot when I tried starting it up after my girls and I got back in car after being at mall for about 2 hours flames coming out from bottom and top of engine and front dash. Thank god we got out in time. My cars electrical wires for everything is melted and im unsure how much more is damaged since im not a mechanic.
Driver's side seat belt latch (female piece) disengaged while driving. Latch will no longer stay engaged with the male part of the seat belt in a reliable manner.
Tl* the contact owns a 1992 ford explorer. The contact stated that he attempted to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle continued to accelerate. The contact slammed the gear into park and turned the engine off. Upon restart, the vehicle functioned as normal. The contact stated that he inspected the vehicle and noticed that there was a piece of plastic in the hose that ran from air filter to the air intake. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified. The failure mileage was 102,000. Updated 08/28/12*lj the consumer stated that it is also important to note that the rubber ring under the c-clamp- that the plastic hose is attached to the air-intake with was the reason for the malfunction. The rubber corroded to the point that a piece of it broke off and was sucked into the engine. The entire hose had to be replaced because that part isn't sold separately. Updated 09/05/2012
Tl* the contact owns a 1992 ford explorer. The contact stated there were numerous cracks near the rear windshield, next to the manufacturing emblem.the vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.
I was traveling down highway and the spare tire cable broke and the wheel fell out and got jammed under the explorer. Luckily I some how was able to get pulled over before their was an accident. After that had happen I found out that they had a recall on the cables due to them breaking.
Tl* the contact owns a 1992 ford explorer. The contact stated that when depressing the brakes at low speeds, she noticed a grinding noise. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic and they advised her that the front driver and passenger side brakes and rotors needed to be replaced. In addition, when turning the heater on she could smell anti-freeze and also noticed a leak. The independent mechanic advised her that the heater coil as well as the brake lines needed to be replaced due to severe rusting. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been contacted. The failure and the current mileages were unknown.
Driver's seat belt socket no longer latches. Ford dealer advises replacement is discontinued. After market alternatives not available. With "clicket or ticket" programs in place vehicle becomes inoperative.
Tl* the contact owns a 1992 ford explorer. The contact stated the brake pedal would feel spongy when depressed and would increase stopping distance. The vehicle previously received repairs under the federal safety agency recall campaign id number 96v024001 (service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic). The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who advised that there was a missing stud and nut from the master cylinder. The manufacturer advised that the vehicle was already repaired under the recall campaign and would not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 220,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1992 ford explorer xlt. The contact states while driving approximately 55 MPH on normal road conditions. There was a loud squealing noise coming from the front end of the vehicle . There was also excessive vibration. The driver continued operation with caution. Whenever the speed rate was reduced the failure occurred without warning. The vehicle has not been repaired for the failure. The failure and current mileages were 130,000.
Compare the 1992 Ford Explorer
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Other model years
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Questions about the 1992 Ford Explorer
Is the 1992 Ford Explorer reliable?
Owners have filed 633 complaints about the 1992 Ford Explorer, close to a typical Explorer model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1992 Ford Explorer?
Tires, with 128 complaints, typically around 125,508 miles. Next is brakes (99).
How many recalls does the 1992 Ford Explorer have?
4 recalls, covering structure, visibility and service brakes, hydraulic.
What gas mileage does the 1992 Ford Explorer get?
Official estimates for the 1992 Ford Explorer range from 15 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 20 highway.
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