1996 Ford Explorer body problems

Filed Sep 2, 2016 · Body · 83,000 miles · AZ

Sudden unintentional acceleration: on three different occasions, from years 1998-2015. The first incident occurred in town, 1998. I had to apply the emergency brake to disengage the surging accelerator. I had the vehicle towed to the dealer, who could find nothing wrong. Perhaps a floor mat problem, they said. I replaced the mats with an after market pair- SUV compatible and mud resistant with many, grippers on the underside. Within a year, I quit driving the vehicle and my husband took the explorer as his daily driver. He never experienced the problem, I had had. I sold my car after retirement and on occasion now drive the 1996 ford explorer again. I have had two more incidents of sua within 2014-2015 - both on the interstate, both with the replacement mats. At the beginning of both trips, I ensured that the mat looked a safe distance from the pedals. But-both times, that the unintentional acceleration happened, I reached down and grabbed the mat behind my feet and pulled it away from the accelerator pedal. This disengaged the runaway speed. I believe the problem is not only the manufacturing structure of the mats, but the size/shape of the ford pedal. The pedal size is a problem for short stature drivers. I am 5'1" and I must pull the seat far enough forward to reach the pedal, but try to stay a safe distance away from the steering wheel airbag. This leaves me stretching my foot/toes to reach the pedal and applying pressure in an area that causes the floor mat to get stuck under the accel. Pedal. I did remove the mat, completely!, now! All three incidents were unexpected and panic attacks to my core. I am immensely fortunate to not have killed someone or myself. It really concerns me that someone else would own my ford explorer, and not know of this hidden danger. My vehicle has only about 84,000 miles on it.

Filed Sep 5, 2014 · Body, Suspension · CA

When ever I go over a bump or a dip in the road. Something (sway bar) seems as if it something is cracked and the tire axes is about to fall off in the middle of the road.

Filed Jan 30, 2014 · Body, Electrical · 130,000 miles · CA

Driver-side front seat belt will not stay connected. Door locks broken (will not lock), and lock key works in the door locks sporadically. In addition, driver-side exterior door handle recently (1/15/2114) will not open door.

Filed Aug 13, 2013 · Body, Electrical · 72,444 miles · WI

Approximately one day after truck was purchased, it was noticed passengers sitting in the back seats of the car could not open their doors. Child safety locks were looked at and reset, but doors still would not open. This is a safety hazard as passengers in the back would not be able to get our safely in the case of an accident.

Filed Sep 5, 2012 · Body, Seats · 139,161 miles · CA

Noticed that the recliner handle was bent on the drivers side. The next time I went to recline the seat the handle broke off at the rivet point. Common problem according to the dealer. The part can only be bought from ford and the cost is $100. There was a service bulletin for this problem for a later year explorer. Dealer said the new part is more heavy duty and made to replace the stock version that was light duty. No recall was issued and they have stopped making the part.

Filed Jan 30, 2009 · Body · 160,000 miles · CA

Gas pedal mounting bracket separated from firewall.

Filed Oct 19, 2007 · Body, Locks · 120,000 miles · NM

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford explorer. The contact stated that the hatchback support gate would not properly support the glass. Also, the child safety locks do not work properly. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealer for inspection. She notified the manufacturer and they stated that her vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 97v137000 (structure:body:hatchback/lift gate:support device) or the federal safety agency campaign id number 96v070000 (latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch). The failure mileage was 120,000 and current mileage was 129,000.

Filed Oct 16, 2007 · Body · 132,000 miles · MA

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford explorer. The contact stated that the liftgate assist gas cylinder bracket snapped at the welding point, which caused the liftgate to close without warning. As of october 16, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The dealer and manufacturer stated that his VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 97v137000 (structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: support device). The failure mileage was 132,000 and current mileage was 134,000.

Filed Aug 24, 2007 · Body · 127,485 miles · WI

Gas pedal came off from its mounting to floor board driving while vehicle. Mounting plate seems to have only one bolt securing it to the floorboard. Their are three mounting holes for the peddle backing plate and three holes through floor board. Top hole had stressed metal indicative of what ever was used to hold gas peddle backing plate. Lucky us for just getting off the express way. Something bad could happen to me and my wife.

Filed Feb 12, 2007 · Body · 144,000 miles · TX

Lifted the hood of the truck and the supports failed. The hood almost came down on my head.