Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Was driving a 1996 Ford Explorer on dry concrete on a 2 year old (I.e., in great condition) interstate highway at 75 MPH. Was driving perfectly straight, not changing lanes, nothing. Suddenly and violently, the vehicle swerved first to the left, then to the right. The vehicle went over an ice hump on the side of the right shoulder, went airborne, and slid to a stop in the ditch. No airbags deployed, no seat belt bruises, so very fortunate that the runout was clear and smooth. The 2 driver-side tires were flat and no longer mounted on the rims. Both driver-side rims were bent, both driver side hubs were bent, rear axle was bent. Item of note -- the tires were fine, and are still in-use on the vehicle after repairs were made. No patches were necessary. Driver and passenger are absolutely positive that this was a vehicle malfunction, not caused by driver error or road conditions. …
1996 Explorer front end began shaking violently. Vehicle then pulled to the right and consumer lost control striking a guard rail. The steering arm broke on the right wheel resulting in an accident.
While driving at any speed and without warning, the engine shut off, which caused the consumer to pull over. Dealer had been notified. The lower engine locked, the power steering leaked at the rack assembly, the belt tensioner was faulty and there was a whining noise from the power steering when turning left, right or at stand still.
Lower steering shaft had to be changed in my 1996 Ford Explorer in aug. 2000 (68250 miles) and October 2003 (120000+ miles). First time it occurred, I had almost no steering. The rubber boot keeps tearing and ripping. I bought car new in October 1995.
Vehicle was involved in an accident due to hitting a deer. As a result, vehicle went into an embankment and rolled over on its top. Both air bags did not deploy. Dealer notified and had nothing postive to say. Seeking NHTSA for help in this matter.
While driving 35 MPH steering wheel turned right. When consumer attempted to correct the direction of the steering wheel vehicle rolled over six times. No report of airbag deployment. Driver sustained head injuries.
While driving 10-15 MPH vehicle steered left. Consumer was unable to control vehicle, and hit a concrete divider, causing $ 4000.00 damage to vehicle. Dealer determined that spindle assembly had broken on right front.
I never contacted Ford to make a complaint because I thought my suspension was falling apart due to towing and bad roads in my area.. Then I get a recall for end links... But they refuse to pay for addition damaged related to the sway bar links. I'm not looking for payment but I think that it should be looked into by someone. I have almost rooled the vehicle many times because of the end links breaking and I am a very unhappy consumer. The parts were replaced twice and the ball joint once, the ball joint failed when the end link failed the second time. I might add I was a Ford lover at one time, and I own many classic fords, but I will never buy a new Ford again, nor will any of my family members. I just feel that the conser gets ripped off by big business like in my case, I'm forced to pay for damage done to my vehicle that was caused by the manufacturer. …
This vehicle has been a lemon since I leased it and the Ford motor company has done nothing to try and stop the problems. They have refused on all accounts to even right up a service complaint so there will be a record of the times I have taken it in for problems. This vehicle is dangerous, it should have been totally taken off the road years ago. The door lock in the rear goes up and down at random and it does it repeatly until I have to shut the car off because I,m afraid it will catch fire. The tires started wearing through when there was only 30,000. Miles on them, and now it will not crank unless I hold the gear shift up past the p mark on the colum and I live on a flat paved road. The Ford company said it was from parking on a hill. I live in south east ga, we have no hills.( dot number: )
During a routine transmission fluid and filter change I discovered a potential problem.during the refill and check of proper fluid level the dipstick gives a false indication that the fluid is at the correct level. It indicated to me that the level was over full. This was even verified by a certified ase technician at a local walmart. He noted the level was low. I discovered that you have to look at the opposite side of the dipstick to acquire the correct reading. By doing this I discovered the fluid was nearly 2 quarts low. The reading on the front side never changed where the cross hatched indicators are. This could be fixed by a simple change in the dipstick. This presents a problem of transmission failure due to improper fluid levels. I believe owners should be notified.
Steering complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1996 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Ford Explorer, 3% of the model year's 1,450 complaints. The component named most often is steering wheel/handle bar (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Ford Explorer steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1996 Ford Explorer, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Ford Explorer steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 0 fires and 15 injuries and 2 deaths to steering 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.