Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Our 1995 Ford Explorer was parked on the side of our garage, well off a quiet street. When we came out in the morning to go to work we discovered that the back liftgate window exploded. Thankfully, this happened when it was parked. It would have potentially caused a major accident if we had been driving alone or with our children or friends. As we had talked with neighbors and called to get estimates we heard about this happening four times to other people. This was a definite safety issue and it should be recalled. As I filled out the questions below I am also so thankful that I did not have to type in a number other than 0 for number of deaths or injuries. Please notify us immediately if/when you decide that this was a serious danger to your buyers and will help correct and replace this default. Thank you.
Consumer was driving across bridge at approximately 50mph when smoke appeared from console. There was no emergency lane to pull over. Consumer had to keep going until off the bridge. Vehicle caught on fire at console. Key burned up in ignition. Vehicle had power locks which caused consumer, and 5 year old child to have to climb out of window.consumer had to jerk several times on seat to get the child out. Fire department determined it was caused by electrical fire. The vehicle was totaled. The dealership was very concerned. But if no lives were taken , it wasn't much thaat could be done.
Consumer states that while traveling at 55 MPH, on damp pavement, consumer states another vehicle drifted into his lane, consumer tried to get to the left a little and vehicle made a sharp turn to the left. Consumer states vehicle was totalled. Please provide any further information.
I have a 1995 Ford Explorer and the dealer refuses to honor some of the recalls that have been ordered for my vehicle the recalls are listed below recall date: mar 15, 1995 model affected: 1995 Ford Explorer summary: the inner tie rod assemblies were improperly manufactured and can fracture causing shaking or shimmy at low speeds. Dealers will inspect the inner tie rods and replace the suspect tie rods. Potential units affected: 49300 recall date: mar 15, 1995 model affected: 1995 Ford Explorer summary: in some of the vehicles, brake tubes were misrouted between the master cylinder and the hydraulic control unit and results in exceeding the allowable stopping distances as required by FMVSS no. …
At 5,000 miles a popping sound is coming from steering column. Dealer was notified, and replaced steering column on two separate occasions. But, problem is still reoccurring. Clip for upper bearing was out, dealer replaced and also retorqued bolts for lower shaft bearings, upper and lower steering shafts were replaced, lower was replaced twice , consumer states there is still problems with the steering. Popping noise in right front seat. Radio inoperable, dealer replaced, radio failed again, dealer replaced and repositioned wiring. Console assembly replaced.
1995 Ford Explorer rear hatch where it connects to the hinge the spot welds broke. Went to 3 Ford dealer they say this is been a problem read hatch to heavy welds weak . They said to contact Ford. Called Ford said nothing they could do for me. Told then rear hatch is going to fall off. Made a complaint . To see if a recall of fix problem. They said my problem. My fix.. I told them your dealers said this has been a problem and Ford will not fix it. I need Ford to fix my rear hatch be fore it falls off. Need your help this is been going g on for a year. I give up!
Recall 99V310001/hydraulic left cylinders: vehicle was repaired concerning this recall. Currently, vehicle is experiencing the same problem except at the top of the weld. Dealer was not notified at this time. Because of the recall bottom two brackets were fixed and two tops were not fixed therefore, top right bracket weld broke off.
Both interior rear door handles failed within 2 weeks of each other. Failure of the door handle prevented egress from the the vehicle without someone opening the door from the outside. Local Ford parts department verified that there have been numerous failures of these parts but indicated there is no TSB or recall.
The drive gear in the transfer case failed and was replaced, 27K miles later the problem reoccured, the consumer believes that an incorrect component was installed, therefore causing it to fail again, while this was being repaired the dealer tore the door molding and the dash lights became inoperative.
The door handle on both rear sides is inoperative. Feels as though something is bent in the mechanism system of the inside door. Only way to open the doors are by outside. Dealer replaced new handle one year ago, defect is still reoccurring. This defect can result in an accident or injuries.
Related recalls
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strut
Vehicle description: on certain sport utility vehicles, the hydraulic lift cylinder bracket welds could fracture.
Remedy: Dealers will install liftgate reinforcement brackets. Depending upon the condition of the liftgate sheet metal in the area of the bracket, dealers May also install a larger reinforcement.
NHTSA investigations
Liftgate support bracket failure
Summary:on August 22, 1995, Ford conducted safety recall, 95v-164, on 1992 and 1993 model year explorer due to liftgate failures.the rear liftgate hydraulic cylinder bracket can become unattached allowing the liftgate to suddenly drop.the recall remedy was to install reinforcements on the brackets.Ford also initiated a safety improvement campaign in October 1995, for 1991-1995 model year explorer vehicles which were…
Body complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 1995 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the body & structure of the 1995 Ford Explorer, 5% of the model year's 843 complaints. The component named most often is body › door (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Ford Explorer body problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V310001 (support device/strut, Nov 3, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 Ford Explorer body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 161,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.