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1994 Ford Explorer body problems

158 complaints (13% of all complaints for this car).

owner complaints
158
of this car's complaints
13%
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut
    81
  • Body: door
    17
  • Body: tailgate: hinge and attachments
    13
  • Body: tailgate
    11
  • Body: trunk lid
    9
  • Body: door: hinge and attachments
    8
  • Body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments
    7
  • Body: hood
    4

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

19911995200020052010201520202026

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

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

What 1994 Ford Explorer owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 2, 2020 · Body · NC

I looked up my vehicle and it has a recall and I want it fixed.

Filed Jan 29, 2011 · Acceleration, Body · 286,000 miles · TX · fire

While driving I turned on air conditioner and immediately light smoke began out of air conditioning vents and then the next moment the smoke was extremely heavy out of the vents and then visible fire underneath front passenger side dashboard. I immediately pulled the vehicle off the side of the road and exited, 10 minutes later it was fully engulfed in flames.

Filed Mar 3, 2009 · Body · 170,000 miles · CA · 1 injury

Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford explorer. The contact stated that the liftgate brackets fractured and the glass fell out and struck her on the head. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 99v310001 (structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support device), although the failures were identical. The contact would have to pay $200 for the repair. Currently, the window can no longer be opened. The failure and current mileages were 170,000.

Filed Jan 5, 2004 · Body, Transmission · 88,000 miles · MI

Door handles on passenger side interior broken. Transmission slipping.

Filed Nov 23, 2002 · Body · CA

The hood latch failed and the hood opened @ 60mph. The hood is still attached to the car but there is damage to the car. Dt

Filed Oct 1, 2002 · Body · NC

Consumer states that the drivers side door would not close. Took to dealer and they stated that the hinges weren't strong enough for door and over time they weaken and fail. Consumer feels unsafe driving under these conditions. Nlm

Filed Jul 16, 2002 · Body · UT

Struts that hold trunk open broke, and hatch door can stay open. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.

Filed Mar 29, 2002 · Body · WV

Due to failure of the liftgate brackets, which are covered by a recall, caused metal fatigue on hinges resulting on them tearing away from body of the vehicle.it is my opinion ford should make repairs to my vehicle because the recalled componet caused the damage.

Filed Sep 22, 2001 · Body · CA

Handle separated from door when pulling door closed. Door fell open into traffic lane. Handle design does not incorporate any structural attachment to door. Handle is retained solely by plastic trim panel subject to age deterioration.

Filed May 4, 2001 · Body · VA

Bolts are separating from hinge of liftgate which has caused problems with door properly opening and closing. *ak consumer states the hinges are separating, breaking away from the body.

Questions about the 1994 Ford Explorer body

Does the 1994 Ford Explorer have body problems?

Owners have filed 158 complaints about the body of the 1994 Ford Explorer, 13% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1994 Ford Explorer body problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 1994 Ford Explorer body?

Yes, 1 recall: 99V310001. 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).

Other 1994 Ford Explorer problems

Tires 327Brakes 261Transmission 85Electrical 75Engine 73Visibility 69Suspension 64Acceleration 51Fuel system 32Locks 23Steering 23Seats 20Seat belts 12Wheels 12Airbags 11Lights 10

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