1996 Ford Explorer problems & reliability
1,450 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Ford Explorer, alongside 2 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
181 complaints report injuries (347 injured, 51 deaths reported).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 1996 Ford Explorer vehicles were involved in 57 fatal crashes with 46 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Tires | 570 | 39% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 148 | 10% |
| Power Train | 120 | 8% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 120 | 8% |
| Suspension | 97 | 7% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 81 | 6% |
| Seat Belts | 78 | 5% |
| Structure | 63 | 4% |
| Electrical System | 47 | 3% |
| Steering | 47 | 3% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 121,881 miles (middle 50% between 79,750 and 162,250 miles), based on 148 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“While stationary and preparing to safely operate the vehicle, the driver's side seat belt receptacle does not retain the seat belt. It may hold for a brief moment, but then releases the belt rendering the seat belt system ineffective and unsafe.”
Seat Belts · filed Sep 14, 2020
“While driving in "d" in first to second it has had a problem shifting between the 1st and 2nd gears when accelerating and will rev high rpms and sometimes do absolutley nothing when drying to move forward unless I de accelerate and then try to accelerate agine then finally it will catch and go in to 2nd and proceed to…”
Vehicle Speed Control · filed Feb 15, 2020
“The rims on this 1996 ford explorer-eddie bauer edition are showing fractures throughout the face. This has weakened the stability of the rims.”
Wheels · filed Jul 21, 2019
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- FRONT SUSPENSION STABILIZER BAR LINK
Preliminary Evaluation PE00039 · opened Sep 20, 2000 · closed Nov 30, 2000 · led to recall 00V402000
- ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Preliminary Evaluation PE99068 · opened Nov 1, 1999 · closed Mar 9, 2000
- ELECTRICAL FIRE IN CENTER CONSOLE
Preliminary Evaluation PE97010 · opened Mar 13, 1997 · closed Sep 4, 1997
Technical service bulletins
238 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1996 Ford Explorer. The 10 most recent:
Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4x4 or awd. *tt
030508 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 1, 2005
Low line pressure reading at wide open throttle (wot), slipping shifts and / or delayed engagements with possible diagnostic trouble codes p0732, p0733, p1762 set on vehicles built before 12/1/2001. *tt
02138 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 10, 2003
Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips. *tt
03181 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 15, 2003
New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included. *tt
03148 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 21, 2003
Various noise issues from the rear leaf springs while driving. *tt
16735 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 1, 2003
Fluid may leak out of the front axle vent tube. *tt *jb
0358 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 17, 2003
New service part - number 5 needle bearing and race kit - 4r70w transmission - service tip. *tt
03261 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 5, 2003
Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application. *mj
02221 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 11, 2002
Air ride control lamp on after shock absorber replacement / contact request. *tt
16385 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 1, 2002
Incorrectly installed gear driven camshaft position (cmp) sensor synchronizer assemblies causing surge, lost of power, malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes p1336, p1309 and p0340. *tt
870197 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 22, 2002
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 1996 Ford Explorer has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1996 Ford Explorer?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 121,881 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.