1993 Ford Explorer brakes problems

244 complaints (26% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 143,231. 20 crashes reported.

owner complaints: 244
of this car's complaints: 26%
typical mileage: 143,231
crashes: 20
recalls: 2

Which part fails

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
140
Foundation components
25
Foundation components: disc: rotor
18
Conventional
15
Foundation components: disc: pads
12
Foundation components: disc: caliper
9
Foundation components: disc
9
Foundation components: master cylinder
6

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 1993 Ford Explorer brakes

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

ABS 94 Brake failure 39 Grinding brakes 16 Premature wear 5

Related recalls

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

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

Related investigations

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

What 1993 Ford Explorer owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

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 Jul 30, 2006 · Brakes · 143,231 miles · NJ

During normal operation left rear brake line cracked, lost all brake fluid, managed to stop vehicle on in median, had vehicle towed to repair shop, after left rear brake line was replaced mechanic was bleeding brake system, during the process the main brake line leading to the rear brake lines cracked and developed a leak, lost all brake fluid again!fortunately this time it happened at shop, had all brake lines replaced, advised shop to hold on to old (original) brake lines.

Filed Oct 26, 2005 · Brakes · 163,000 miles · NC

Dt: the contact had a problem with the parking brake staying in place. The parking brake goes to the floor and does not hold. This has been happening for a year. The vehicle has not been checked by a dealer. *ak updated 01/23/06.

Filed May 31, 2005 · Brakes · 250,000 miles · GA · crash

Dt: vechicle was in park with the parking brake on and the vehicle rolled down a hill.

Filed Nov 30, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · DC

Multiple failures, continually brake problems. The vehicle also overheated, thermostat replaced several times. A/c compressor malfunction, etc. *bf a blowout ripped the running board assembly, the ABS light was intermittent and the mechanic could not figure out why, the brakes locked up on the vehicle and violently skidded to a stop, the exhaust was replaced twice, there was a noise that lingered on in the front end and a loud creaking sound.

Filed Jul 11, 2004 · Brakes · 180,300 miles · CA

Intermitent - anti lock brakes failure. Pedal drops down and noise (growl) occurs, followed by vehical pulling to one side with long stopping distance. Recent incident required extreme braking and the brakes locked up and the vehicle slid out of control.

Filed Jun 18, 2004 · Brakes · TX

While applying the brakes brake pedal got stuck. This caused the ABS light to appear on the dashboard and remain on. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that the rear wheel speed sensor needed to be replaced and replaced it. However, the problem recurred.

Filed Dec 2, 2003 · Brakes · 135,000 miles · NY

Consumer noticed while traveling, the brakes were smoking due to over heating. Dealer had been contacted and the braking system was replaced. The brakes continued to wear out once a month, the brakes had been resurfaced, adjusted and replaced 5 times. *ak *tt

Filed Sep 25, 2002 · Brakes, Steering · CT

The vehicle had severely rusted power steering hoses which were replaced when consumer noticed seepage of fluid through the steel lines.

Questions about the 1993 Ford Explorer brakes

Does the 1993 Ford Explorer have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 244 complaints about the brakes of the 1993 Ford Explorer, 26% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 1993 Ford Explorer brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 143,231 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1993 Ford Explorer brakes?

Yes, 2 recalls: 96V024001, 94V169001. 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).