Check a VIN

1993 Ford Explorer problems

The most common problem on the 1993 Ford Explorer is brakes, typically around 143,231 miles. It has 1.3 times the complaints of a typical Explorer model year.

Typical year1.3x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
937
Recalls
6
Service bulletins
83
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
16-18mpg

The worst 1993 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.

Specific symptoms reported on the 1993 Ford Explorer

Tire blowout 114ABS 94Brake failure 39Fire or smoke 37Transmission failure 20Grinding brakes 16Stalling 13Pulling 11Sudden acceleration 9Adaptive cruise 8Door locks 8Ball joint 7Seat belt 7Sunroof shattered 7No deployment 5Overheating 5Premature wear 5Slipping 5

Recalls 6

Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strutReported November 3, 1999 · 470,582 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: on certain sport utility vehicles, the hydraulic lift cylinder bracket welds could fracture.
Risk
With a broken bracket weld, there is a potential for the liftgate bracket to gradually bend inward allowing the lift cylinder ball stud to disengage, unexpectedly allowing the liftgate to fall from an open position.
Remedy
Dealers will install liftgate reinforcement brackets. Depending upon the condition of the liftgate sheet metal in the area of the bracket, dealers may also install a larger reinforcement.

Recall number 99V310001 · Recall details

Structure: body: roof and pillarsReported December 18, 1997 · 185,000 vehicles affected
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/devicesReported May 5, 1997 · 610,000 vehicles affected
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: hydraulicReported February 5, 1996 · 108,000 vehicles affected
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/strutReported August 25, 1995 · 364,784 vehicles affected
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

Parking brake: conventionalReported September 7, 1994 · 835,791 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The parking brake control self-adjust pawl does not line up properly with the self-adjust rachet causing the pawl to slip over one or more teeth in the rachet.
Risk
When the above occurs, it can result in parking brake system ineffectiveness. The parking brake will not hold the vehicle, causing the vehicle to roll freely, if the transmission is not left in gear.
Remedy
A wedge will be installed which will serve to lock the parking brake self-adjust mechanism pawl into engagement with the rachet. Also, owners will be advised to release and reapply the parking brake whenever tooth skip occurs and will be reminded to always turn off the engine and leave the vehicle in gear when the vehicle is parked.

Recall number 94V169001 · Recall details

See all 6 recalls for the 1993 Ford Explorer

Defect investigations

Spare tire winch cableOpened April 14, 2000, closed October 20, 2000

There is no summary currently available

EA00012

Spare tire winch cableOpened November 30, 1999, closed April 14, 2000

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 failureOpened July 29, 1999, still open

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 firesOpened January 15, 1999, closed April 18, 2000

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 fireOpened September 4, 1998, closed September 11, 1998

There is no summary currently available

DP98008

Blower assembly firesOpened September 4, 1998, closed January 15, 1999

There is no summary currently available

PE98048

Heavy lateral vibrationOpened January 6, 1998, closed February 4, 1998

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 separationOpened May 23, 1997, closed January 20, 1998

There is no summary currently available

EA97011

Sunroof (air roof) shatterOpened December 17, 1996, closed May 23, 1997

The sunroof shattered or was blown off.in all but one case this occurred while driving.

PE96074

Driver door electrical fireOpened November 22, 1996, closed May 15, 1997

The contact assembly for the remote power mirror control switch may develop a short circuit between the switch positive pad and chassis ground pad as a result of water intrusion.excess current flow resulting from the short circuit condition may overheat the remote power mirror control switch circuit board and cause a fire in the driver's door.ford has indicated that current in excess of 15 amps can overheat the circuit board enough to cause a fire.circuit protection is provided by a 30 amp fuse.ford is recalling all 1993-94 4-door explorer vehicles equipped with the subject electronic option combination to install an in-line 10 amp fuse in the positive battery feed to the remote power mirror control switch assembly.no 2-door explorer vehicles were built with the subject components.according to ford, vehicles built prior to the recall production range were equipped with lower capacity circuit boards for the subject switch assembly that would fail from an open circuit if a similar short occurred.a new switch assembly with 10 amp fuse protection was introduced beginning with the 1995 model year explorer.mazda will conduct a parallel compaign (97v‑083.002) to remedy the subject condition in approximately 14,000 navajo vehicles.the navajo vehicles were available in only the 2-door version which, unlike the explorer vehicles, did use the subject option combination in that body style.

PE96066

Brake system malfunctionOpened July 24, 1996, closed October 29, 1999

There is no summary currently available

EA96017

Wheel lockup with antilock brake systemOpened February 28, 1996, closed July 24, 1996

Odi has received ond hundred seventy-three (173) consumer complaints of alleged failures or malfunctions in the braking system on certain 1993 and 1994 ford explorers.these alleged failures or malfunctions are reported to have caused thirty-six (36) accidents resulting from vehicle loss of directional control during braking or from the extended distance required to stop the vehicle during braking.the complainants report that the alleged failures or malfunctions occurred during braking mostly on wet or slippery roads, but also have occurred on dry roads.since odi opened this pe based on wheel lockup complaints, we have received numerous additional complaints ab out the extended distance required to stop the subject vehicles when braking under certain road and speed conditions.in response to odi's information request (ir) concerning wheel lockup complaints ont he subject vehicles, ford reported receiving 416 reports (field reports, owner complaints, and subrogation claims) of wheeel lockup on 1993 and 1994 ford explorers, with 24 alleged accidents.in addition, ford reported receiving 24,916 warranty claims that could relate to the alleged defect of wheel lockup during braking on the subject vehicles.an engineering analysis is warranted to determine the scope of these alleged braking system failures or malfunctions on 1993 and 1994 ford explorers.

PE96016

Separation of master cylinderOpened June 19, 1995, closed April 2, 1996

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 separationOpened January 3, 1995, closed June 19, 1995

There is no summary currently available

PE95001

Technical service bulletins for the 1993 Ford Explorer 83

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 83 bulletins for the 1993 Ford Explorer

1993 Ford Explorer fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.0L 6‑cylRWD15-1620-2217-18
4.0L 6‑cyl4WD14-1518-2016-17

What 1993 Ford Explorer owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 6, 2020 · Electrical · 198,486 miles · CA

Ignition switch turns without a key and then it is hard to insert the key. Engine stalled possibly because of the switch while waiting for traffic light to change to green.

Filed Jul 22, 2020 · Brakes · 68,000 miles · NY · crash · 2 injuries

The ABS module failed without warning while driving straight on a city street at about 20 MPH.

Filed Jul 22, 2020 · Brakes · 68,000 miles · NY · 2 injuries

Tl* the contact owns a 1993 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS module failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the replacement part was unavailable. The contact was unable to reach the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000. *bf

Filed May 23, 2013 · Tires · 68,940 miles · CA

Michelin ltx m/s xl p235/75r-15 on 93 explorer xl. Tires are 5 yrs old with less than 5000 miles. Series of sidewall cracks about 8" long appeared in front right tire, approx 5/8" from rim, with the longest crack about 4" long and 0.11" deep. No failure yet, and the americas tire dealer says the cracks are not a problem, but the number of complaints of sidewall cracking and blowouts in michelin tires concerns us.

Filed Apr 24, 2013 · Body, Engine · 76,000 miles · FL · fire · 1 injury

I was pulling into my condo's parking garage when driver in car behind me alerted me that my truck was on fire. I stopped immediately and noticed smoke and a burning smell inside of the vehicle and my feet got really hot. Exited vehicle and noticed fire dripping from underneath vehicle and black smoke and fire from under the hood. Immediately called 911 to report fire, as the fire unit was on its way the vehicle had two or three explosions under the hood and the horn came on. The entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. It was a total loss. The 22 story condominium fire alarms went off, all the elevators stopped working and the fire marshall evacuated the entire building. The parking garage was full of sooth and dense black smoke. The main lobby and elevator lobby was full of smoke. The er diagnosed me with smoke inhalation and shortness of breath. Subsequent lung test shows 30% decreased lung capacity.

Filed Sep 11, 2012 · Tires · 100,000 miles · CA · crash · 4 injuries

Tl*the contact owns a 1993 ford explorer equipped with firestone tires, tire line atx, and line size p235/75r15. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the tread of the rear driver side tires separated. As a result, she lost control of the vehicle and flipped over. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed and four passengers had minor injuries. The tires were not the original tires. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Jan 28, 2010 · Acceleration · 102,600 miles · FL · fire

Almost home, when I noticed a burning smell inside of the vehicle it then began to slow speed, vehicle began to smoke inside and out while pulling into yard. Got out and then noticed fire dripping from underneath vehicle and smoke exiting from hood. Immediately called 911 to report fire, as the fire unit was on its way the vehicle had a explosion under the hood and was totaled. The attending fire investigator said that he had seen this type of fire before with ford f150's and other ford sports utility vehicles and that it was possibly the speed or cruise control that started the fire, and to look. Please respond so that I know which steps to take.

Filed Nov 9, 2009 · Engine · 200,000 miles · OR · fire · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 1993 ford explorer. . After three attempts of attempting to start the vehicle, the engine misfired. A bystander near the driver-side door sustained injuries to her eyes, hair, and upper portion of her body. She had to be transported to the hospital. The vehicle was completely destroyed. The failure and current mileages were a little over 200,000.

Filed Oct 20, 2009 · Fuel system · CA

Fuel filler hose has leak so it did not pass smog, none at used car lots, repair shop states he has seen this alot.

Filed Oct 28, 2008 · Body · 140,000 miles · PA

Sun roof flew off the explorer onto the road and shattered in a million pieces almost hitting a biker.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1993 Ford Explorer before you buy

Compare the 1993 Ford Explorer

Explorer vs Dodge DurangoExplorer vs Kia SorentoExplorer vs Honda PilotExplorer vs Nissan PathfinderExplorer vs Toyota HighlanderExplorer vs GMC AcadiaExplorer vs Chevrolet TraverseExplorer vs Buick Enclave

Other model years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 1993 Ford Explorer

Is the 1993 Ford Explorer reliable?

Owners have filed 937 complaints about the 1993 Ford Explorer, 1.3 times a typical Explorer model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1993 Ford Explorer?

Brakes, with 244 complaints, typically around 143,231 miles. Next is tires (243).

How many recalls does the 1993 Ford Explorer have?

6 recalls, covering structure, visibility and service brakes, hydraulic.

What gas mileage does the 1993 Ford Explorer get?

Official estimates for the 1993 Ford Explorer range from 16 to 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 15-16 city and 20-22 highway.

Share your experience with the 1993 Ford Explorer

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1993 Ford Explorer?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN