1996 Ford Explorer problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Tires:tread/Belt (328) · Tires (222) · Vehicle Speed Control (80)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Ford Explorer model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
150 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (238)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Power Train:axle Assembly 2005-04-01 · 030508 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4x4 or awd. *tt
Power Train:manual Transmission 2003-11-10 · 02138 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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
Electrical System 2003-09-15 · 03181 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips. *tt
Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines 2003-07-21 · 03148 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
new transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included. *tt
Suspension:rear 2003-04-01 · 16735 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
various noise issues from the rear leaf springs while driving. *tt
Power Train:axle Assembly 2003-03-17 · 0358 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
fluid may leak out of the front axle vent tube. *tt *jb
Showing the 6 most recent of 238 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
No detailed complaint narratives on file.
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.