1994 Ford Explorer visibility problems

69 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 78,000.

owner complaints: 69
of this car's complaints: 6%
typical mileage: 78,000
crashes: 0
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Defroster/defogger/HVAC system
19
Rearview mirrors/devices
9
Power window devices and controls
9
Sun/moon roof assembly
6
Defroster/defogger/HVAC system: heater core
5
Rearview mirrors/devices: exterior
4
Glass, side/rear
4
Defroster/defogger/HVAC system: fan/motor
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 visibility problems in other years

Related recalls

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

Related investigations

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

What 1994 Ford Explorer owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 15, 2007 · Visibility · 61,000 miles · PA · fire

The power control for side view mirror shorted out and caused electrical smoke and orange glow/fire from side console. Checking your site, you already list this but dealership and ford do not have a record of this recall (97v083000).

Filed Oct 6, 2004 · Visibility · 101,000 miles · NY

Windshield wipers failed intermittently. Dealer could not duplicate the problem. *ak the power windows worked intermittently.

Filed Apr 20, 2004 · Visibility · VT

Consumer stated that during christmas she and her children were traveling when rear defroster overheated. Consumer tried to cut it off, but the switch did not work. While she was trying to shut it off rear window exploded and blew out. *ak

Filed Mar 9, 2004 · Visibility · 78,000 miles · CA · fire

Recall 97v083000 concerning remote power mirror switch was issued. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. While pulling into a driveway mirror controls began to smoke. Moments later, fire was streaming from the mirror itself, consuming the entire vehicle.

Filed Aug 13, 2003 · Fuel system, Transmission · 75,000 miles · MO

Gasoline guage works intermittently or not at all, 4 wheel drive does not work, passenger window in front side does not work.

Filed Apr 9, 2003 · Visibility · FL

The power mirror caught on fire.

Filed Dec 12, 2002 · Visibility · 60,000 miles · FL · fire

While returning from christmas shopping I disarmed my car alarm. When the driver side door was opened, smoke began emitting from the power mirror switch. Using a screwdriver, I removed the electrical console and swung the screwdriver at the flaming switch assembly until it released. Falling to the ground I quickly smothered the fire and disconnected the battery until all smoke cleared.

Filed May 31, 2002 · Visibility · DE · fire

While driving 50 MPH consumer noticed smoke coming from vents. Engine was shut off, and vents closed. Vehicle has not been inspected by dealer yet.

Filed Mar 6, 2002 · Visibility · NC

Vehicle was filled with smoke and smelled like insulation burning. Consumer indicated remote power mirror switch had burned. Power switch buttons for mirror will not move. Dealer contacted.

Filed Jan 11, 2002 · Visibility · AL · fire

Heater blower resistor blewout, causing vehicle to catch on fire, ford examined vehicle, and found leaves and heater plug resistor to be the cause.

Questions about the 1994 Ford Explorer visibility

Does the 1994 Ford Explorer have visibility problems?

Owners have filed 69 complaints about the visibility of the 1994 Ford Explorer, 6% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1994 Ford Explorer visibility problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 78,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1994 Ford Explorer visibility?

Yes, 1 recall: 97V083000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Explorer have the most visibility problems?

The Ford Explorer model years with the most visibility complaints are 1999 (216 complaints), 2002 (138 complaints) and 2004 (112 complaints).