1996 Ford Explorer locks problems

Filed Nov 24, 2010 · Lights, Locks · IN

My wife and I are scared to drive our 96 explorer once we learned of all the recalls ( rear side glass, bad suspension, exterior lighting, headlights.) just to name a few I know of.

Filed Sep 30, 2008 · Locks · 158,000 miles · ME

1996 ford explorer. Vehicle keys only work infrequently. New keys from ford dealer continue to have the same problem. For safety, any individual needs to know that their vehicle key will operate reliably. If you feel threatened or are being followed and needed the security of entering and locking your vehicle but were unable this could result in a personal safety risk including death. I have found that the issue as described above is a common complaint from other owners and ford has refused to acknowledge the issue or correct it. Having to leave a vehicle unlocked simply to allow entry is unacceptable. I might as well place a sign on my vehicle saying steal me. This problem has been ongoing for 3 years without a solution. New keys may work for a period of time and then simply stop working. They may even work later, it is not a key problem but a vehicle design issue. None of the keys operate the rear hatch, none of the keys operate the passenger door any longer even though there is no mechanical issue with either. The drivers door works approximately 50% of the time. These are not "chip keys", there is no security issue in that regard. These are simply standard dealer cut keys. There is no distinguishable difference between keys and all have worked at times. Again, the issue is the vehicle design.

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 Mar 28, 2005 · Locks · 79,000 miles · IA · 2 injuries

The driver side door will not unlock properly, trapping the driver and child in the vehicle. Pressing the 'unlock' button does nothing. So far, the ford dealer wants around $400 to fix this problem and says it is not a recall item.

Filed Jan 3, 2005 · Locks · 117 miles · PA

1996 ford explorer ,opened liftgate and support shock popped off of bracket the ball on bracket broke off,now talked to local dealer service manger to see if there was a recall,but he said there wasnt,but he seen other explorers do the same thing,now luckily this happened when I was opening the gate,not when I was under the gate,which made me think that this could a very potental injurie,or even a life threating hazzard if it was a small person like a child,if this gate lets loose when someone is under it.this gate is very heavy and slams very hard without the support of both shocks.

Filed Sep 29, 2004 · Locks · 167,000 miles · MD

Rear passenger doors will not open from the inside. Vehicle is equipped with the child safety locks which may be the cause of defect.

Filed Mar 17, 2004 · Locks · 25,000 miles · MO

Bothe rear doors do not open from inside...sometimes left rear door will not close due to child safety latch not working properly.

Filed Jul 28, 2003 · Locks · KS

Defect with faulty interior door latch/release mechanism prevents doors from being opened by passengers.*mr

Filed Dec 13, 2001 · Locks · FL · 1 injury

The device caused my 2 year old daughter to lose a portion of her right pointer finger and we feel this could be prevented if that part was covered up (at the very least) in the models it exists in. It can happen when the rear door is being opened and the front door is already open. My daughter was standing in the doorway of the front door and apparently touched this roller mechinism as my husband was opening the rear door, it bascially sucked her finger in and cut it off (due to the pressure - the roller uses the car body to hold the door open). We have checked and some vehicles have this and other do not and some have it covered up! It would only be applicable in 4 door vehicles. Please contact me for further information, as I know it is somewhat confusing. But we would like to prevent anyone else from going through what we did - my daughter (2 years old) had to have emergency surgery to remove more of the bone/finger and repair the tip the best it could be. She still has discomfort at times and it has been 2 1/2 months since the accident. We have checked it out and she could have fit her whole hand in there which would of been even more tragic! I hope you will help us get the word out about this dangerous part in many cars.

Filed Aug 21, 2001 · Locks · TX

Consumer is unable to unlock tailgate because right side latch will stick. Please provide further information.