Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
13 owner complaints analyzed
7 distinct recall campaigns
102,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1982 to 1994 model years. Data updated: . 4 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.
Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 4 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
1982: 4; 1983: 1; 1984: 2; 1987: 0; 1988: 1; 1989: 0; 1994: 0
7 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
Reported: 1981-04-07 (April 7, 1981) · Model years: 1982
CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY NOT MEET APPLICABLE MINIMUM FUEL SPILLAGE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY". DURING A 30 MPH REAR IMPACT TEST, FUEL SPILLAGE LIMITS WERE EXCEEDED BY VEHICLE.
Remedy: REVISED FUEL FILLER AND VENT PIPE ASSEMBLIES WILL BE INSTALLED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES, WITHOUT CHARGE.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Reported: 1981-07-07 (July 7, 1981) · Model years: 1982
SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER BRAKE BOOSTERS HAVE FRONT AND REAR SHELLS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY JOINED. IMPROPERLY JOINED BOOSTER SHELLS MAY SEPARATE EITHER PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY DURING BRAKE APPLICATION.
Remedy: ALL DEFECTIVE BOOSTERS WILL BE REPLACED AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Reported: 1982-05-11 (May 11, 1982) · Model years: 1982
ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, A THERMAL LIMITER IN THE BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR CIRCUIT OF THE AIR CONDITIONER/HEATER ASSEMBLY MAY NOT FUNCTION AS INTENDED. IF THE BLOWER MOTOR BECOMES JAMMED WHEN THE SYSTEM IS OPERATING IN THE MEDIUM-LOW BLOWER SPEED, THE RESISTOR COILS CAN OVERHEAT CAUSING MELTING AND POSSIBLE IGNITION.
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE RESISTOR ASSEMBLY WITH AN IMPROVED VERSION WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Reported: 1983-06-22 (June 22, 1983) · Model years: 1982, 1983
DOOR LOCK PILLARS COULD DEVELOP FATIGUE CRACKS FROM NORMAL USAGE OF DOOR, AT THE POINT WHERE DOOR LATCH STRIKER REINFORCEMENTS ARE ATTACHED.
Remedy: ANY DAMAGED LOCK PILLARS WILL BE REPAIRED AND REINFORCEMENTS WILL BE INSTALLED BETWEEN THE DOOR LATCH STRIKER AND LOCK PILLARS.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Reported: 1983-12-20 (December 20, 1983) · Model years: 1984
THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE D-SHAPED RING FOR THE SHOULDER BELT ARE INADEQUATELY SUPPORTED BY THE MATERIAL IN WHICH THEY ARE MOUNTED. THE ATTACHMENT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES".
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW ATTACHING HARDWARE TO IMPROVE THE STRENGTH OF THE MOUNTING.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Reported: 1989-06-12 (June 12, 1989) · Model years: 1984
EXTERNAL CRACKS ABOVE THE NUMBER 3 CYLINDER (1984 MODELS) OR ROCKER ARM COVER GASKETS SPLITTING (1985 MODELS) COULD ALLOW OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.
Consequence: ENGINE OIL LEAKING ONTO A HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD COULDRESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy: REPLACE CRACKED CYLINDER HEADS (1984 MODELS); REPLACE ROCKER ARM COVER GASKETS (1985 MODELS).
NHTSA campaign record ↗Reported: 1996-04-25 (April 25, 1996) · Model years: 1988
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
13 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 1982 | 1983 | 1984 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1994 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System:Ignition:Switch | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 983150IGNITION SWITCH WILL SHUT OFF ON ITS OWN AND WILL TURN ON BY ITSELF. *AK | 266.7%ODI 515145CONSUMER HAD IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED UNDER RECALL, HOWEVER AFTER THE REPAIR THERE WERE SEVERAL FAILURES THAT WERE NOT PRESENT PRIOR TO THE REPAIR. THE POWER STEERING/HEADLIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE, THE BATTERY WAS DOWN AND THE INSIDE LIGHTS WOULD NOT GO OFF. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 150.0% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 10223474 · 115,000 mi1998 FORD EXPEDITION 5.4 BLEW OUT SPARK PLUG #2 ON WIFE'S CAR. RAW FUEL WAS PUMPED OUT ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD. WITH TOWING AND REPAIR $5,000.00 FOR THIS VERY COMMON KNOWN FORD DEFECT. DOCUMENTATION THIS ON YOU-TUBE BECAUSE FORD WILL NOT RECALL THESE ENGINE TYPES FOR THIS LIFE THREATENING DEFECT. SPARK PLUGS HAVE NEVER BEEN REPLACED TO MY KNOWLEDGE THEREFORE RULING OUT IMPROPER TORQUE. *TR | 116.7%ODI 533553VEHICE VIBRATES AT HIGH SPEEDS, ANTI-VIBRATION KIT INSTALLED. |
| Electrical System:Wiring | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 116.7%ODI 838330CONSUMER'S WIFE WAS DRIVING WHEN AUTOMOBILE DIED. SHE GOT OUT TO CALL HUSBAND, AND WHEN SHE RETURNED AUTOMOBILE WAS IN FLAMES. WAS TOLD BY FIREMEN THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. *AK |
| Engine | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 116.7%ODI 10677070 · 77,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 CHEVROLET EXPRESS VAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SHUTTING THE ENGINE OFF, HEAVY SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND FLAMES BECMAE PRESENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000. UPDATED 03/24/15*LJ UPDATED 9/19/2017*CN |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 10223474 · 115,000 mi1998 FORD EXPEDITION 5.4 BLEW OUT SPARK PLUG #2 ON WIFE'S CAR. RAW FUEL WAS PUMPED OUT ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD. WITH TOWING AND REPAIR $5,000.00 FOR THIS VERY COMMON KNOWN FORD DEFECT. DOCUMENTATION THIS ON YOU-TUBE BECAUSE FORD WILL NOT RECALL THESE ENGINE TYPES FOR THIS LIFE THREATENING DEFECT. SPARK PLUGS HAVE NEVER BEEN REPLACED TO MY KNOWLEDGE THEREFORE RULING OUT IMPROPER TORQUE. *TR | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hood:Latch | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 116.7%ODI 10141614WELL I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE DOING THE SPEED LIMIT OF 70 MPH AND ALL OFF A SUDDEN THE HOOD FLEW OPEN AND SMASHED IN THE WINDSHIELD AND THE ROOF AND RUINED THE HOOD ALONG WITH IT IT PULLED THE BUMPER. NO ONE HAD BEEN IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FOR WELL OVER 2 WEEKS AND I HAD BEEN DRIVING IT ALL OVER AND AS WELL ON THE INTERSTATE SEVERAL TIMES. ALSO, I WAS TOLD THAT IT FLEW OPEN BECAUSE IT WAS A FAULTLY HOOD LATCH, I WAS TOLD THAT BY COLLISION CONNECTIONS IN SPRINGDALE, ARKANSAS. I ALSO HAVE THE PAPERS HE GAVE ME THAT STATED THAT, BUT I CH… |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 116.7%ODI 10125977 · 90,000 miON JUNE 8, 2005 MY HUSBAND, DAUGHTER AND I WERE ON VACATION. WE WERE DRIVING DOWN A ONE WAY, ONE LANE ROAD IN GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE AT ABOUT 10 MILES AN HOUR. THE EXPLORER MADE A STRANGE NOISE AND WHEN MY HUSBAND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CAME TO A STOP THE EXPLORER FILLED UP WITH SMOKE ON THE INSIDE. WE GOT OUT AND THEN SAW THAT THE EXPLORER WAS ON FIRE. FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE EXPLORER AND SHOOTING OUT THE GRILL. IN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES THE ENTIRE SUV WAS COMPLETELY CONSUMED BY FIRE. WE ASSUMED AT THE TIME THAT THE CAUS… |
| Service Brakes, Air:Disc:Caliper | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 537073THE BRAKES FAIL APPROXIMATELY EVERY SIX TO SEVEN MONTHS, EVEN AFTER REPLACING PADS, CALIPERS, ROTORS, AND A NEW MASTER CYLINDER AND METERING VALVE. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | Too few reports for a range | 115,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10223474 · 115,000 mi1998 FORD EXPEDITION 5.4 BLEW OUT SPARK PLUG #2 ON WIFE'S CAR. RAW FUEL WAS PUMPED OUT ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD. WITH TOWING AND REPAIR $5,000.00 FOR THIS VERY COMMON KNOWN FORD DEFECT. DOCUMENTATION THIS ON YOU-TUBE BECAUSE FORD WILL NOT RECALL THESE ENGINE TYPES FOR THIS LIFE THREATENING DEFECT. SPARK PLUGS HAVE NEVER BEEN REPLACED TO MY KNOWLEDGE THEREFORE RULING OUT IMPROPER TORQUE. *TR |
| Engine | Too few reports for a range | 77,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10677070 · 77,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 CHEVROLET EXPRESS VAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SHUTTING THE ENGINE OFF, HEAVY SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND FLAMES BECMAE PRESENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000. UPDATED 03/24/15*LJ UPDATED 9/19/2017*CN |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe | Too few reports for a range | 115,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10223474 · 115,000 mi1998 FORD EXPEDITION 5.4 BLEW OUT SPARK PLUG #2 ON WIFE'S CAR. RAW FUEL WAS PUMPED OUT ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD. WITH TOWING AND REPAIR $5,000.00 FOR THIS VERY COMMON KNOWN FORD DEFECT. DOCUMENTATION THIS ON YOU-TUBE BECAUSE FORD WILL NOT RECALL THESE ENGINE TYPES FOR THIS LIFE THREATENING DEFECT. SPARK PLUGS HAVE NEVER BEEN REPLACED TO MY KNOWLEDGE THEREFORE RULING OUT IMPROPER TORQUE. *TR |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | Too few reports for a range | 90,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10125977 · 90,000 miON JUNE 8, 2005 MY HUSBAND, DAUGHTER AND I WERE ON VACATION. WE WERE DRIVING DOWN A ONE WAY, ONE LANE ROAD IN GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE AT ABOUT 10 MILES AN HOUR. THE EXPLORER MADE A STRANGE NOISE AND WHEN MY HUSBAND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CAME TO A STOP THE EXPLORER FILLED UP WITH SMOKE ON THE INSIDE. WE GOT OUT AND THEN SAW THAT THE EXPLORER WAS ON FIRE. FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE EXPLORER AND SHOOTING OUT THE GRILL. IN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES THE ENTIRE SUV WAS COMPLETELY CONSUMED BY FIRE. WE ASSUMED AT THE TIME THAT THE CAUS… |
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-10 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
1989: 0 complaints · 1994: 0 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 1994 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Electrical System:Ignition:Switch | Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | Electrical System:Wiring | Engine | Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe | Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hood:Latch | Power Train:Automatic Transmission | Service Brakes, Air:Disc:Caliper |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System:Ignition:Switch | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 10223474 · 115,000 mi1998 FORD EXPEDITION 5.4 BLEW OUT SPARK PLUG #2 ON WIFE'S CAR. RAW FUEL WAS PUMPED OUT ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD. WITH TOWING AND REPAIR $5,000.00 FOR THIS VERY COMMON KNOWN FORD DEFECT. DOCUMENTATION THIS ON YOU-TUBE BECAUSE FORD WILL NOT RECALL THESE ENGINE TYPES FOR THIS LIFE THREATENING DEFECT. SPARK PLUGS HAVE NEVER BEEN REPLACED TO MY KNOWLEDGE THEREFORE RULING OUT IMPROPER TORQUE. *TR | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System:Wiring | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe | 0 | 1ODI 10223474 · 115,000 mi1998 FORD EXPEDITION 5.4 BLEW OUT SPARK PLUG #2 ON WIFE'S CAR. RAW FUEL WAS PUMPED OUT ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD. WITH TOWING AND REPAIR $5,000.00 FOR THIS VERY COMMON KNOWN FORD DEFECT. DOCUMENTATION THIS ON YOU-TUBE BECAUSE FORD WILL NOT RECALL THESE ENGINE TYPES FOR THIS LIFE THREATENING DEFECT. SPARK PLUGS HAVE NEVER BEEN REPLACED TO MY KNOWLEDGE THEREFORE RULING OUT IMPROPER TORQUE. *TR | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hood:Latch | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air:Disc:Caliper | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
2 patterns with matching reports.
1 mentions · 7.7% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
THE BRAKES FAIL APPROXIMATELY EVERY SIX TO SEVEN MONTHS, EVEN AFTER REPLACING PADS, CALIPERS, ROTORS, AND A NEW MASTER CYLINDER AND METERING VALVE.
\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b1 mentions · 7.7% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
CONSUMER HAD IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED UNDER RECALL, HOWEVER AFTER THE REPAIR THERE WERE SEVERAL FAILURES THAT WERE NOT PRESENT PRIOR TO THE REPAIR. THE POWER STEERING/HEADLIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE, THE BATTERY WAS DOWN AND THE INSIDE LIGHTS WOULD NOT GO OFF.
\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b