1993 Ford Explorer body problems

85 complaints (9% of all complaints for this car).

owner complaints: 85
of this car's complaints: 9%
crashes: 0
recalls: 3

Which part fails

Body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut
41
Body: door
16
Body: door: hinge and attachments
7
Body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments
5
Body: hatchback/liftgate
5
Body: tailgate: hinge and attachments
3
Frame and members
2
Body: tailgate
2

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 body problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 1993 Ford Explorer body

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Sunroof shattered 7

Related recalls

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

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

Related 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

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

What 1993 Ford Explorer owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

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 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.

Filed Jul 15, 2004 · Body · FL

Consumer stated the federal safety agency campaign recall #95v164001 failed. The hydraulic lift cylinders were attached to brackets that were welded to the liftgate. The bracket welds can fracture. The dealership stated they did all that they were going to do.

Filed Mar 9, 2004 · Body · OR

Consumer had problems at different times getting the front and rear doors locked. The hinges broke, causing the door to become inoperative.

Filed Dec 24, 2003 · Body · NC

Manufacturer closed the recall case and will not perform repair according to the dealer. *la the service dealer had inspected the rear lift gate and said that the repair was subject of a recall that ford issued. Recall#95v164001 *sc the consumer stated the paper work stated the repair had been performed when it had not been, because the first time the consumer was at the dealership, due to time constraints the consumer was unable to leave the vehicle.

Filed Feb 24, 2002 · Body · MI

Both rear rocker panels were rusted out. The body has a 6 year warranty against rust, but the rust was not noticed until the side skirts over the rocker panels were knocked off. When I called ford, they stated there was nothing they could do, because the vehicle was over 6 years old. The rust was bad enough , that it had to be developing well within the 6 year time frame.

Filed Oct 1, 2001 · Body · UT

Door hinges would cause doors to be uneven. Driver's door fails to close properly due to the hinges. Took to dealership, and mechanic indicated hinges were defective and needed to be replaced.*ak consumer added that the design of the door handles made it difficult to shut door.

Filed Jul 30, 2001 · Body · OH

Rusting, rear quater panel, around gas cap(inside and out.)filler tube could come lose. Know of 30 vechicals 1993-1994 with this problem. Could become a gas filling problem. Clarke ford in hudson, ohio " the car is 5 years old, we dont care." called ford service 1-800-392-ford, and they said they would look into it. Also ford said if I repair it, save all reciepts incase of recall.

Filed May 22, 2001 · Body, Engine · CA

Inside left door handle comes completly off in hand when closing door. Bottom hinge on left door broke. Catalatic converter rattles when accelerated to 55 MPH.

Filed May 21, 2001 · Body · TX

There was a recall 95v164001/ hydraulic cylinders. Took vehicle to dealer, and they replaced hydraulic cylinders. . Went back to dealer for a water leak coming from door, dealer readjusted door, but it was still leaking. Dealer will not correct problem again.

Questions about the 1993 Ford Explorer body

Does the 1993 Ford Explorer have body problems?

Owners have filed 85 complaints about the body of the 1993 Ford Explorer, 9% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1993 Ford Explorer body problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 1993 Ford Explorer body?

Yes, 3 recalls: 99V310001, 97V235001, 95V164001. 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).