1991 Ford Explorer suspension problems
33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the suspension on the 1991 Ford Explorer — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“While driving 10 mph after hearing a strange dragging noise my left wheel came off after retreiving the tire I noticed the rotor brake chamber was still bolted tightly to the wheel some bearings looked like they had fallen out the brake line was snapped the suspention around the wheel was broken I…”
filed Dec 21, 2003
“Inherent design flaw in 1991-1994 ford 4x4 explorer models, wheels bearings can come loose and result in wheel failure and possible accident. Design flaw allows locking nut to work loose when under loads such as off-raod use or larger off-road tires.*ak”
filed Jul 31, 2002
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Various noise issues from the rear leaf springs while driving. *tt
16735 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 1, 2003
Suspension problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Explorer | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 Explorer | 3 | 15% |
| 2023 Explorer | 13 | 12% |
| 2022 Explorer | 12 | 5% |
| 2021 Explorer | 15 | 4% |
| 2020 Explorer | 35 | 3% |
| 2019 Explorer | 11 | 4% |
| 2018 Explorer | 23 | 3% |
| 2017 Explorer | 57 | 3% |
| 2016 Explorer | 73 | 3% |
| 2015 Explorer | 82 | 5% |
| 2014 Explorer | 102 | 6% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1991 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.