1996 Ford Explorer: engine failure

9 of the 1,448 complaints about the 1996 Ford Explorer describe engine failure.

owner complaints: 9
of this car's complaints: 1%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 42 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

2026
2
2025
1
2023
1
2022
6
2021
15
2020
23
2019
4
2018
38
2017
42
2016
70
2015
38
2014
58
2013
89
2012
34
2011
67
2010
2
2008
2
2007
1
2006
16
2005
8
2004
10
2003
10
2002
27
2001
3
2000
12
1999
6
1998
20
1997
27
1996
9
1995
3
1994
3
1993
3
1992
2
1991
3

What owners say

Filed Mar 27, 2003 · Engine · FL

The fly wheel in the engine was replaced 4 times.

Filed Mar 29, 2001 · Engine, Transmission · DE

Consumer states he heard a strange noise coming from front part of vehicle, he took vehicle in to be inspected and when mechanic put the key in the ignition and turned it, there was a loud banging sound and the engine seized, according to the mechanic's report, something behind the torque converter locked up and ruined the transmission, the transmission, flywheel and starter motor had to be replaced.

Filed Jan 28, 2001 · Engine, Fuel system · HI

Transmission failed twice under normal driving conditions. Lost power under certain circumstances. Same problem both times. Engine seized when vehicle hit a puddle of water at low speed. Air intake is mounted unusally low on this explorer allowing water into the combustion chamber and causing hydrostatic lock. Ford motor company has been contacted and reads a scripted response when I have tried to get any additional information about what I consider a serious design flaw.

Filed Oct 16, 2000 · Engine · CA

Engine failure lost oil pressure locked engine

Filed Aug 17, 2000 · Tires · CA · fire

Pe00020, tire tread separation: while driving at 65 MPH, the tread on the rear driver's side tire came off. Tread wrapped around the axle and seized the brakes, causing a fire. The tire was a firestone, atx, p235/75r15, original equipment. Four other passenger's were in the explorer. No one was injured. Tire and repairs to vehicle were made by a ford dealership at owner's expense.

Filed Oct 14, 1999 · Engine · CO

The air intake system points down at the wheel well, causing it to injest water during stream crossings. I crossed 3 streams at shallow depth (less than hub high), and just enough speed to make it through. On the third stream crossing, the engine died. At the dealer's, water was found in the air intake system, and in the engine, causing it to seize up, & need to be replaced.

Filed Mar 23, 1999 · Engine, Transmission · GA

Engine failed. Yh

Filed Apr 20, 1998 · Engine, Transmission · IA

Engine failure.

Filed Nov 6, 1996 · Electrical · NJ

While driving experienced engine shut down at 40mph while accelerating onto hwy, dlr just prior replaced engine with mfr's new engine.

Service bulletins that may apply

Nov 11, 2002 Service bulletinEngine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation...
Oct 22, 2002 Service bulletinIncorrectly installed gear driven camshaft position (cmp) sensor synchronizer assemblies causing surge,...
Jul 22, 2002 Service bulletinSome vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a 4.0L ohv engine may exhibit a noise /...
Dec 10, 2001 Service bulletinEngine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure. tt
Oct 1, 2001 Service bulletinSome vehicles equipped with the 4.0L ohv engine may exhibit an engine noise which may be perceived by the...
Apr 1, 2000 Service bulletinSome vehicles may experience an oil leak at the rear crankshaft area after service. mr
Nov 15, 1999 Service bulletinA temperature gauge fluctuation and / or a knocking / thumping noise may be audible inthe passenger...
Sep 1, 1999 Service bulletinSome service manuals may list the incorrect camshaft position sensor alignment tool for vehicles with...

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the 1996 Ford Explorer engine failure

Is engine failure a common problem on the 1996 Ford Explorer?

9 of 1,448 owner complaints about the 1996 Ford Explorer (1%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2013.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Ford Explorer?

There are 0 recalls and 42 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

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