Nine problems related to structure have been reported for the 1996 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Noticed that the recliner handle was bent on the drivers side. The next time I went to recline the seat the handle broke off at the rivet point. Common problem according to the dealer. The part can only be bought from Ford and the cost is $100. There was a service bulletin for this problem for a later year Explorer. Dealer said the new part is more heavy duty and made to replace the stock version that was light duty. No recall was issued and they have stopped making the part.
Gas pedal mounting bracket separated from firewall.
While traveling at 50 mph 10:30p. M. , without cause vehicle slid across highway to the left, rolled and flipped, and collided with a tree - vehicle landed on its side with roof in to the steering wheel: all windows broken and windshield shattered. Roof actually caved in on teenage driver -fatality from multiple brain injuries.
Consumer started experiencing difficulty controlling the vehicle, the abs light came on and the vehicle caught fire, one person was injured while putting out the fire, the axle had broken and melted, but no one knows exactly what caused the fire.
The driver lost control of the vehicle and proceeded to skid into the southside of the roadway into a ditch and collided with a utility pole, there were 2 fatalities(texas officers accident report, bridgestone/firestone, p235/75r15, radial atx m/s, vdhl1pm435, left rear). Nlm.
Consumer applied the brakes for an upcoming turn when the vehicle rolled over and went down an embankment, the rollover resulted in 3 people sustaining injuries.
1996 Ford Explorer rolled over in and accident. Consumer requesting information on risks for Ford Explorers. The consumers daughter was driving when the vehicle rolled over. After the accident, the consumer learned of problems with the Ford Explorer's roof strength and unstable wheel base. Updated.
Ice build up on rear quarter panel.
Front bolts and/or rivits in the front frame may be loose causing squeaks, clicks and movement of the frame, it is felt through the steering wheel when making tight turns. Nlm.