1991 FORD EXPLORER Recalls, Complaints & Safety

The component that malfunctioned was the abs sensor. It is not available for inspection. I was driving going around 45 in traffic and the drivers side rear brake locked up and spun me out of control and caused me to collide with another vehicle. I only lightly pressed the brakes and it happened suddenly and unexpectedly. It was not inspected before it was towed after the accident. There were no warning lamps.

Crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH WITH ANOTHER PASSENGER, THE SEAT BELTS DISENGAGED AND CAUSED THE PASSENGER SEAT TO OVERTURN BETWEEN THE SEATS. THE PASSENGER WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.

ON JUNE 4TH MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE DRIVING EAST BOUND ON 62ND AND OVER-HILL IN LOS ANGELES CA. SHORTLY AFTER 12:00PM. WHEN SUDDENLY THE FORD EXPLORER WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE ORDERED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF A RECALL. DUE TO INVESTIGATION ON MY OWN I HAVE RECEIVED A RECALL NUMBER. IT IS 96S35. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO RESOLVE THIS MATTER WITH FORD HOWEVER I JUST RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THEM REFUSING TO ASSIST ME. MY DAUGHTER AND I COULD HAVE BEEN BURNED ALIVE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU COULD ASSIST ME. THE VEHICLE HAS SINCE BEEN DESTROYED. I ONLY HAVE IN MY POSSESSION THE PICTURE, AND A FIRE REPORT. *TR

Fire

I PURCHASED TWO MICHELIN LTX MS2 235/75R15 TIRES FROM TIRE RACK.COM, E732381. THEY WERE DELIVERED SEPTEMBER 15, 2011 WITH AN INCORRECTLY COMPLETED OMB CONTROL NO. 2127-0050 TIRE REGISTRATION CARD. THE CARD LISTED THE BRAND AS BF GOODRICH AND THE TIRE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS AS BETJMX912711. THE TIRES I RECEIVED ARE MICHELIN B3DDDVOX2511 ACCORDING TO THE TIRE SIDEWALLS. I CONTACTED TIRE RACK'S CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THEY ADVISED THAT THERE SYSTEM SHOWED THAT I WAS SENT MICHELIN B3DDDVOX2511 TIRES AND THAT IT WAS NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO CORRECTLY COMPLETE THE TIRE REGISTRATION CARD. DOES THIS COMPLY WITH DOT REGULATIONS REGARDING TIRE RETAILER'S CONDUCT REGARDING TIRE RECALL REGISTRATION? *TR

UNIROYAL TIRE SIDE WALL CRACKS LT 235 75R15 - NO FAILURE - JUST CRACK. ALL 4 OF MY TIRES HAD A SIDE WALL CRACK THE ENTIRE DIAMETER OF THE TIRE ABOUT 3 INCHES DOWN ON THE SIDE WALL . I NOTICED THE CRACK ON THE INSIDE AS WELL SO IT APPEARS THE TIRES HAD SOME ISSUE. I HAD NEVER APPLIED TIRE FOAM CLEANER(ARMOR ALL TIREFOAM PRIOR ) BUT ONE TIME THIS LAST WEEK I DID APPLY SOME AND FOUND THE CRACK. LOOKING UNDER THE 1991 FORD EXPLORER 4X4 I DID SEE THE SAME ISSUE ON THE INSIDE OF A FRONT TIRE AS WELL...I NEVER APPLIED ANY ARMOR ALL TYPE CLEANER ON THE INSIDE EITHER. UNIROYAL FACTORY PHONE SUPPORT BLAMED ME OF APPLYING TIRE CLEANER WHICH RUINS TIRES AND SO DID THE WALMART TIRE STORE STAFF . I NEVER APPLIED ANYTHING AS THIS IS AN OLDER VEHICLE WHICH AND NO PR OR SHOW APPEAL. WALMART REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES ON 10-25-09 BUT THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS NOT 35 PSI ITS WAS AROUND 43 ACCORDING TO MY GAGE..THE TIRES ARE RATED FOR 50PSI. WALMART CHARGED THE PROBLEM TO MY WARRANTY AND THEN WANTED TO CHARGE AGAIN FOR A NEW WARRANTY. THIS WAS A TIRE FACTORY PROBLEM AS BOTH SIDE OF THE TIRES HAD A CRACK NOT A FIELD ROAD HAZARD ISSUE. KINGMAN AZ HAS TEMP RANGES FROM 110 IN JULY TO 9 DEGREES IN WINTER...THIS MAY BE FACTOR. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH ON A DRIVEWAY INCLINE, THE ENGINE IDLED EXCESSIVELY HIGH AND THE VEHICLE STALLED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE ENGINE RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT DETECTED SMOKE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND MASSIVE FLAMES ERUPTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND HAS NOT BEEN TOWED AWAY FROM THE SCENE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO HER HANDS. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE.

Fire 1 injured

TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 1991 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. SHE MANAGED TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER AND LEFT TO CALL FOR HELP. UPON RETURNING TO THE VEHICLE, IT WAS CONSUMED IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE OVER 100,000.

Fire

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD EXPLORER. AFTER RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL, THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART FOR THE REPAIR; HOWEVER, THE RECALL STATED THAT THEY WERE AVAILABLE. THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WOULD ARRIVE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 81,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND THEY CLAIMED TO REPAIR IT, BUT ACTUALLY DID NOT. THE VEHICLE FAILED AND WAS TOWED TO A FORD DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN THE POSSESSION OF ANOTHER MECHANIC. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE GREATER THAN 100,000. UPDATED 03/11/08. *LJ

COPY OF LETTER TO FMC: I OWN A 1991 FORD EXPLORER 4WD XLT [XXX]. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON 11/9/96, FROM CROWN DODGE, VENTURA, CALIFORNIA. THE SELLING DEALER ASSURED ME AT THE TIME THAT NO RECALLS WERE OUTSTANDING ON THIS VEHICLE. ON NOVEMBER 11/22/06, AS I CLOSED THE HATCH ON THIS VEHICLE, THE BRACKET THAT ATTACHES THE RIGHT-SIDE LIFTGATE GAS ASSIST CYLINDER TO THE HATCH TORE AWAY FROM THE HATCH. I HAVE JUST LEARNED THAT A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (NUMBER 95I007000) WAS ISSUED IN OCTOBER 1995 TO REINFORCE THIS BRACKET. THE CAMPAIGN STATED THAT "IF A BRACKET AND GAS ASSIST CYLINDER WERE TO DETACH COMPLETELY FROM THE LIFTGATE AND NO LONGER BEAR AGAINST THE LIFTGATE AS INTENDED, THE REMAINING CYLINDER WOULD NOT HOLD THE LIFTGATE IN AN OPEN POSITION. PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR." THE CORRECTIVE ACTION WAS FOR FORD DEALERS TO REINFORCE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENTS. MY LOCAL FORD DEALER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE STATED TODAY THEY COULD NOT HONOR THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN. REBECCA (#6048) AT THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE CALL CENTER TOLD ME THE CAMPAIGN HAD EXPIRED, AND COULDN'T OFFER ASSISTANCE. YOUR COMPANY'S RESPONSE TO DATE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THE BRACKET WAS ATTACHED TO THE HATCH BY ONLY TWO SMALL SPOT WELDS, AS IS THE LEFT-SIDE BRACKET. THE FAILURE STILL HAS THE POTENTIAL FOR CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY, ESPECIALLY IF THE LEFT-SIDE BRACKET WERE TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS APPARENTLY NOT REPAIRED UNDER THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE CAMPAIGN NOR OFFERED AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE THIS DEFECT REPAIRED. SINCE THE SAFETY HAZARD THAT THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN SOUGHT TO RESOLVE STILL EXISTS ON MY VEHICLE, I REQUEST THAT THE BROKEN BRACKET BE REPAIRED AND THE REMAINING BRACKET REINFORCED AT NO CHARGE TO ME, PER THE INTENT OF THE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. [XXX] *NM UPDATED 07/12/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I HAVE JUST PURCHASED A VEHICLE NOT TOO LONG AGO THAT HAS THE WILDERNESS HT TIRES ON IT THAT LOOK VERY UNSAFE. I LOOKED THEM UP ON YOUR WEBSITE AND THEY WERE RECALLED. IS THERE ANYWAY I COULD GET A RECALL INFO SHEET TO REPLACE THE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE...THERE ARE HARDLY ANY MILES ON THE TIRES AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE THEY ARE SO UNSAFE. THEY ARE MODEL # P22570R15. I HAVE 2 LITTLE GIRLS THAT I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP SAFE!

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED 4 OUT OF THE 5 SAFETY BELTS IN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT LATCH PROPERLY. IF THEY WERE SHAKEN, OR IF THERE WAS ANY FORCE APPLIED TO THEM THEY BECAME UNLATCHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 92V113000, PERTAINING TO THE FRONT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 10/04/06. *JB

I HAVE CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP IE.. HANSEL FORD AND CURTIS FORD. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT SINCE MY VEHICLE (1991) FORD EXPLORER WAS OVER 10 YEARS. OLD THEY NO LONGER HAD ANY INFORMATION ON RECALLED PARTS OR RECALLED PAINT ECT. PLEASE MAIL OR E-MAIL ME A COMPLETET LIST OF ALL RECALLS 1991 FORD EXLPORER. *JB

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS A TOTAL LOSS

Fire

DT: THE CONSUMER SMELL SMOKE, AND THEN SOME SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE HOOD. ALL OF THE GAUGES LOOKED OKAY AND THE CONSUMER THOUGHT IT WAS OVERHEATING. THEN THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE FAST WITH SMOKE ON THE LEFT AND FIRE ON THE RIGHT OF THE HOOD AND BURNED ALL THE WAY TO THE BACK OF MY CAR, AND THE TWO CARS ON EITHER SIDE. THIS HAPPENED IN A DENNY'S PARKING LOT IN FAIRBANKS ON 6/30/05. FIRE DEPARTMENT CASE NUMBER: 051947. TOWED VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC. *NM *NM

Fire

SPARE TIRE WINCH CABLE ON 1991 FORD EXPLORER FAILED AT INTERSECTION FOLLOWING BUMP ON REAR FROM ANOTHER MOTORIST. NO DAMAGE TO REAR BUT CORRODED CABLE BROKE AND TIRE FELL TO GROUND.*AK

I FOUND SEVERAL RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE. IT IS AN OLD VEHICLE, BUT I ONLY BOUGHT IT IN 2003. I KNOW SOME OF THEM EXPIRED, AND IT SAYS TO CONTACT FOD. I DID VIA WEB SITE. THEY DO NOT SHOW ANY RECALLS. BUT, YOU SHOWED ME OVER 5 RECALLS? CAN I STILL GET THEM FIXED? MY TIRES I GUESS, HAVE BEEN REPLACED BUT THEY DID NIT REPLACE THE SPARE TIRE. I STILL HAVE THE RECALLED SPARE TIRE?? WHAT DO I DO NOW? CAN I DO ANYTHING? BUT, I STILL HAVE BAD TIRES, THE 2001 TIRE RECALL DOES NOT SAY WHAT BRAND? I HAVE ATX AND APT FIRESTONE TIRES. CAMPAIN #92V113000,91V189000,00T005000 AND ANOTHER TIRE RECALL, I DID NOT GET THE #, BUT IT WAS IN 2001. THANK YOU. *AK

PENINSULA FORD, SUNNYVALE, CA REFUSED TO SERVICE EXISTING SAFETY RECALL, WITHOUT EXPLANATION. NHTSA CAMPAIGN 92V113000. THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION FITS ALL APPLICABILITY CRITIERIA LISTED IN RECALL DOCUMENTS. ONE OF THREE SYMPTOMS (UNEXPLAINED AND REPEATED, SUDDEN FRONT SEAT BELT RELEASE) DESCRIBED BY THIS RECALL OCCURS REGULARLY.

MY WIFE [XXX] WAS DRIVING MY 1991 FORD EXPLORER TO SEE HER SON ON 2-2-04( AND NEVER USES CRUISE CONTROL)WHEN ON HWY 161 HEADING NORTH THE CRUISE CONTROL TOOK OVER AND MADE THE THROTTLE STICK WIDE OPEN, THE BRAKES WOULD NOT HOLD AND VEHICLE WENT UP TO ABOUT 70 BEFORE SHE FINALLY TURNED OFF KEY, THE BRAKES WERE SMOKING FROM ABOUT 1 MILE OF FIGHTING TO STOP THE THING, SHE FINALLY STOPPED AFTER HITTING A TRUCK IN FRONT OF BLACKSTONE COLLISION, WHOSE OWNER DEMANDED SHE REMOVE IT DUE TO BLOCKING DRIVEWAY, (2) SALESMEN FROM JET CHEV SAW THE WHOLE THING AND SINCE THE OTHER DRIVERS VEHICLE WAS NOT BADLY DAMAGED HE WANTED TO LEAVE, THE SALESMAN STARTED THE FORD EXPLORER AND IT WAS STILL FLOORED HE WAS ABLE TO MOVE IT AND PARKED IT, HE ALSO UNSTUCK THE THROTTLE THEREBY DESTROYING EVIDENCE,MY INSURANCE CO. WAS GOING TO GO AFTER FORD BUT DIDN'T , SO WE WERE CANCELLED AND NOW I PAY TWICE AS MUCH DUE TO FORD DEFECTS THEY NEED TO OWN UP TO THIS. VEH ID [XXX] MY WIFE HAD TO GO TO HOSPITAL FOR 2 CRACKED ANKLES DUE TO THIS AS X RAYS WERE TAKEN WITHIN 4 HRS OF WRECK (SHE HAD BOTH FEET ON BRAKE PEDAL TRYING TO STOP IT.) I AM GOING TO ALSO REPORT ANOTHER INCIDENT FROM THIS SAME VEHICLE, MFG DEFECT. *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Crash 1 injured

AFTER PURCHASING THIS FORD EXPLORER I CHECK ALL FLUIDS AND ADDED AND CHANGED AS NESSASARY ABOUT 2 WEEKS AFTER I PURCHASED IT MY STEPSON AND MY WIFE AND LARGE DOG WENT ON A LITTLE TRIP TO CHECK OUT THIS THING, AFTER LETTING OUT THE WIFE AND DOG MY STEPSON AND MYSELF TRIED TO GO UP A SLIGHT HILL IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE TO SEE IF IT WORKED, AFTER IT WOULDN'T MAKE IT UP THE HILL WE BACKED IT DOWN AND HEADED BACK FOR MY WIFE WHEN THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WHEEL AND BRAKE ASSY FELL OFF DUE TO THE PLASTIC PIECE FAILING INSIDE AUTOMATIC HUBS CAUSING C CLIP TO FAIL, I HAD TO CALL MY BROTHER IN LAW TO GET MY TRUCK AND TRAILER TO GET THIS THING HOME WHERE BY SKINNING MY KNUCKLES ON ROCKS TRYING TO GET THIS ON A JACK, I LATER WENT TO FORD TO TRY TO BUY JUST DAMAGED PART THEY WANTED 385 DOLLARS FOR WHOLE KIT WHICH NOW HAS A LOCKING DEVISE THAT WILL NOT ALLOW THE NUT TO FREELY SPIN OFF, I BELIEVE THE NEW PIECE IS NO LONGER MADE OF PLASTIC EITHER, I WENT TO JUNK YARD AND GOT A USED PLASTIC PIECE AND MADE MY OWN PERMANT LOCKING DEVISE TO KEEP THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. FAULTY DESIGN.

1 injured

ON DEC 23, 2004, MY 1991 FORD EXPLORER CAUGHT FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE HAD 208,000 MILES ON IT. IT HAD BEEN PROFESSIONALY SERVICED A WEEK PRIOR TO THE FIRE. WHILE I WAS DRIVING, I NOTICED A BURNING SMELL. I LOOKED IN THE REAR-VIEW MIRROR & SAW SOME WHITE SMOKE BEHIND ME. WITHIN SECONDS THE ENGINE DIED. BY THE TIME I GOT IT PULLED ONTO THE SHOULDER, SMOKE WAS STREAMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE BURNED THROUGH THE FIREWALL AND CAUGHT THE INTERIOR ON FIRE VERY QUICKLY.*AK

Fire

THE REAR LIFTGATE WAS IN THE UP POSITION AND IT DROPPED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS UNLOADING GROCERIES. THE RIGHT SIDE HINGE BROKE. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN LIFTGATE RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V442000. *AK *SC *JB

COMPLAINT RECEIVED VIA E-MAIL. THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON MY 1991 FORD EXPLORER CANNOT BE MADE TO WORK CONSISTENTLY. THIS PRESENTS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY HAZARD TO THE DRIVERS FOLLOWING MY VEHICLE. WHEN I HIT MY BRAKES THEY CAN'T TELL. I HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED TWICE ALREADY, AND I AM TIRED OF IT. BUT FORTUNATELY THE REAR BUMPER IS VERY STRONG, AND ONLY IS BENT IN A LITTLE SO FAR, SINCE THE VEHICLE BEHIND HITS THE TOW HITCH, WHICH IS CAPABLE OF TOWING 3,500 POUNDS. RACEWAY FORD IN RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM BY REPLACING THE SWITCH AT LEAST TWICE SINCE 1997. I HAVE NOT YET GONE THROUGH THE PAPER WORK BEFORE 1997 TO SEE HOW MANY ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO CORRECT THE DESIGN DEFECT. I REPLACED THE SWITCH AGAIN, AND STILL CANNOT GET THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO WORK PROPERLY.*AK

Crash

I WAS DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRASMISSION SLIPPED AND I WOUDNT GO FORWARD TEN SMOKED POURED OUT AND PEOPLE IN THE STREETS STARTED YELLING SAYING "THERE'S FIRE COMING OUT THE HOOD!!" I PULLED OVER AND JUMPED OUT AND THE WHOLE ENGINE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES!!! VEHICLE TOTALLED. *AK

Fire

TRANSMISSION WENT OUT, THEN THE FRONT MAIN SEAL. IT HASN'T BEEN TWO MONTHS AND THEN MY HEATER CORE WENT OUT AND AT THE SAME TIME MY HEATER FAN. ALSO, BEFORE THE FRONT MAIN SEAL WENT OUT THE ROTORS WENT BAD AND I STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THIS HAS ALL HAPPENED WITHIN A YEARS TIME. I AM THOROUGHLY DISGUSTED AND BROKE. I PRAISED FORD BEFORE THIS, NOW I WOULDN'T RECOMMEND FORD TO ANYONE I KNOW. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER TRYING TO MAKE ENDS MEET AND NOW I HAVE NO TRANSPORTATION BECAUSE I CAN NO LONGER AFFORD TO FIX THIS TRUCK. I HAVE REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION, FRONT MAIN SEAL, WATER PUMP, STARTER, ROTORS, ALTERNATOR, AND THE LOW WHEEL DRIVE ON MY TRUCK BUT NOW ITS THE HEATER CORE AND I HAVE BEEN QUOTED OVER 600-800 TO FIX THIS! THAT IS IF I CAN FIND ANYONE WHO WANTS TO DO IT WHICH BY THE WAY NO ONE DOES. WHAT DO I DO NOW? *NM

THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ENGINE REPAIRS. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS READY TO BE DRIVEN. THE CONSUMER WENT TO THE GAS STATION BECAUSE THERE WAS NO FUEL IN IT. WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS LEAVING THE GAS STATION, THE VEHICLE LOST ITS FRONT WHEEL. IT WAS THEN DISCOVERED THAT NO LUGS; BOLTS WERE PUT BACK ON THE FRONT WHEEL. THE CONSUMER WAS HAVING ENGINE WORK DONE TO THE VEHICLE. WHY WOULD THEY TAKE THE WHEELS OFF TO SERVICE THE ENGINE, AND THEN NOT PUT THE BOLTS BACK ON. *AK THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THIS WAS AN ACT OF VANDALISM. *SC *JB

TRAVELING 40 MPH IN NORMAL WEATHER IN MODERATE TRAFFIC. HOOD LATCH FAILED CAUSING HOOD TO FLY OPEN AND BLOCK VISIBILITY. WAS ABLE TO COME TO A SAFE STOP AND CLOSE THE HOOD. RESULTED DAMAGE TO THE HOOD, HINGES AND COWLING,(IN ADDITION TO SCARING ME BADLY). PRESENTLY BEING INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. *NM

VEHICLE IS A 1991 FORD EXPLORER XLT EDDIE BAUER EDITION, 4X4 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSAXLE, 4.0L V6. VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH REAR-WHEEL ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. BOTH REAR WHEELS PERFORM UNCOMMANDED FULL LOCKUP AFTER MEDIUM APPLICATION OF BRAKE PEDAL. CONDITION PERSISTS EVEN WHEN PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IS REMOVED. VEHICLE SKIDS TO A STOP. FULL APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES FOR SEVERAL SECONDS IS REQUIRED TO RELEASE THE REAR WHEEL BRAKE DRUMS AND RESTORE NORMAL CONTROL TO THE DRIVER. THIS COULD EASILY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. SYMPTOMS PRESENT REGARDLESS OF WEATHER/ROAD CONDITIONS, VEHICLE SPEED, OR MANEUVER TYPE.*AK

LETTER REGARDING RECALL 03S04 SEAT RECLINER BOLT..*MR (NAR) *CB THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT A NEW WIRING HARNESS WAS NEEDED. *JB

TIRE BLOW OUT OCCURRED. NAR 07/02/2003. *MR FORD INITIATED A PROGRAM TO GIVE AWAY TIRES TO THEIR CUSTOMERS. WHEN THE CUSTOMERS WANTED TO RECEIVE THE TIRES, THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT HAVE THEM AVAILABLE. NOW THAT THE PROGRAM HAS EXPIRED THEY HAVE NOT GIVEN OUT ANY OF THE REPLACEMENT TIRES TO THE CONSUMERS WHO WERE ON A LIST TO RECEIVE THEM. IT IS EVIDENT THAT THE PREVIOUS TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE OR THEY WOULD HAVE NOT BEEN GIVING OUT NEW ONES. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND FOUND OUT WHETHER FORD WILL GIVE REPLACEMENT TIRES. *CB *JB

IN 2001 THE RIGHT SIDE BRACKET ATTACHMENT OF THE REAR LIFTGATE GAS ASSIST CYLINDER CAME OFF FROM THE INSIDE OF THE LIFTGATE OF MY 1991 FORD EXPLORER. THE REMAINING ASSIST CYLINDER DOES NOT HOLD THE LIFTGATE IN AN OPEN POSITION. AS I UNDERSTAND FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NO 95I007000 OVER A MILLION VEHICLES HAD THE BRACKETS REINFORCED, BUT MY EXPLORER WASN'T INCLUDED ALTHOUGH IN MY OPINION IT CLEARLY SHOULD HAVE BEEN. I HAVEN'T PRICED THE REPAIRS.*AK

I HAVE A FIRESTONE ATX SPARE TIRE AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON MY 1991 FORD EXPLORER. BOTH FORD AND FIRESTONE PARTICIPATED IN A RECALL OF THESE TIRES. I WAS NEVER CONTACTED ABOUT THE RECALL. I HAVE CONTACTED BOTH FORD AND FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE TO GET THIS TIRE REPLACED AND THEY SAY THEY CAN NO LONGER REPLACE MY TIRE. *JB

THE RIGHT SUPPORT GAS ASSIST CYLINDER ON THE LIFTGATE FAILED AND PULLED AWAY AND BROKE OFF COMPLETELY, THEREFORE THE LIFTGATE WILL NOT HOLD ON ITS OWN. *AK

SEAT BELTS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW. CHILD SAFETY RESTRAINT IS REQUIRED BY LAW. I OWN A 1991 FORD EXPLORER, OH YES, THE ONE SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN INJURED OR KILLED IN BECAUSE OF FIRESTONE TIRES?????, OR MAYBE IT WAS THE SEAT BELTS. FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS OBSOLETED THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE FOR THE CENTER REAR AND LEFT REAR, WHICH IS NOW BROKEN, BUT REQUIRED BY LAW IN ORDER TO SECURE MY CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT, WHICH IS ALSO REQUIRED BY LAW. THIS IS NOT A COLORED PART, IT IS A BLACK TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE USED IN MANY FORDS IN THE 1990'S. AUTO MANUFACTURERS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO HAVE AVAILABLE ANY SAFETY ITEM REQUIRED BY LAW THAT WAS ORGINALLY IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF ORIGINAL SALE. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS CENTER, THEY DO NOT WANT TO DEAL WITH IT, TELL ME TO CONTACT DEALERSHIP, WHO HAS ABSOLUTELY NO CONTROL OVER PART PHASE OUT. I KNOW FORDS SYSTEM, I WAS A PARTS AND SERVICE DIRECTOR FOR A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR 18 YEARS, UP UNTIL 2 YEARS AGO. I HAVE SEEN MANY FORD SEAT BELT BUCKLES BREAK OVER THE YEARS, AND LUCKY FOR THE CUSTOMER, I WAS ALWAYS ABLE TO GET THE PART FOR THEM. I AM NOT SO LUCKY. I DO NOT WANT TO GO TO A SALVAGE YARD AND BUY A USED BUCKLE TO SECURE MY 10 MONTH OLD SON. I SPENT $280 TO BUY A BRITAX CAR SEAT TO ENSURE HIS SAFETY. THEY SEAT BELT BUCKLE BROKE WHILE WE WERE REMOVING HIS INFANT SEAT TO INSTALL THE NEW CAR SEAT. THE MANUAL STATES TO INSTALL THE SEAT IN THE CENTER REAR POSITION FOR THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF SAFETY. HOW CAN THE LAW REQUIRE ME TO USE SOMETHING THAT CAN NOT BE OBTAINED FROM THE AUTO MANUFACTURER, AT ANY PRICE? SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. I CAN'T GO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE BECAUSE FORD CAN'T SUPPLY A SAFETY ITEM. PLEASE REVIEW THIS, AND IF POSSIBLE, TAKE ACTION ON FORD FOR A POOR PRACTICE REGARDING SAFETY.

SUN ROOF FAILURE . *AK

WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED CONSUMER HEARD A DRAGGING NOISE. UPON PULLING OVER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL AND ITS ATTACHMENTS SEPARATED AND FELL OFF. *AK

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 HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED BY MY TRIPLE AAA TOWING COMPANY RENTED A CAR AND USED THE INTERNET TO INVESTIGATE AND MAKE THIS REPORT BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE AN MANUFACTURES DEFAULT I ALSO TOOK PICTURES AND HAVE NOT WORKED ON THE VEHICLE I AM WAAITING YOUR RESPONSE SO I CAN GET AN ESTIMATE FROM AN CERTIFIED MECHANIC AS OF YET I HAVE NOT CONSULTED AN ATTORNEY. *AK

I BOUGHT A 1991 FORD EXPLORER 1 1/2 YEARS AGO FROM A NEIGHBOR WHO SAID HE WAS TIRED OF PUTTING BRAKES ON IT. SINCE HE HAD JUST DONE IT AGAIN, I DIDN'T EXPECT ANY TROUBLE FOR A WHILE. 17,000 MILES LATER, ALL BRAKE PADS, CALIPERS ETC., NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. IT IS AVERAGING 20,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC SAID THIS MODEL WAS "BAD FOR PUSHING THE PADS OFF THE SHOES." WHILE PAYING MY BILL, I NOTICED ANOTHER SIMILAR VEHICLE ON THE RACK GETTING THE SAME THING DONE. IS THIS AN EPIDEMIC OR AM I JUST UNLUCKY? I HAVE CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE AND THEY SAY THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS SUBJECT AND NOTHING IS WRONG. RIGHT! VIN IS [XXX] I CAN'T GET THIS TO SEND WITHOUT ENTERING SOMETHING ON THE EQUIPMENT PAGES WHICH DOES NOT APPLY. PLEASE IGNORE. *LA INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE DRIVER SMELLED GAS COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED GAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. PLEASE ADD ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *NLM

FUEL IS SPILLING OUT FROM THE FUEL TANK. THERE'S A RECALL 91V024000 FOR THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY. THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT PROVIDING PROPER INFORMATION. THEY ARE INDICATING THAT THE VIN NUMBER MAY NOT BE INCLUDED OR THE RECALL WAS ALREADY PERFORMED. *NLM