1994 Ford Explorer: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1994 Ford Explorer: 4 recalls, 1207 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 3 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Parking brake Vehicle recall #94V169001 · 1994 · 835,791 vehicles
What's wrong: The parking brake control self-adjust pawl does not line up properly with the self-adjust rachet causing the pawl to slip over one or more teeth in the rachet.
Why it matters: When the above occurs, it can result in parking brake system ineffectiveness. The parking brake will not hold the vehicle, causing the vehicle to roll freely, if the transmission is not left in gear.
The fix: A wedge will be installed which will serve to lock the parking brake self-adjust mechanism pawl into engagement with the rachet. Also, owners will be advised to release and reapply the parking brake whenever tooth skip occurs and will be reminded to always turn off the engine and leave the vehicle…
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #96V024001 · 1996 · 108,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The studs which attach the brake master cylinder to the power brake vacuum booster assembly can develop stress corrosion cracking after being operated for an extended period of time in the southern california location.
Why it matters: If a crack occurs, it could result in one or both studs fracturing. The master cylinder could then separate from the vacuum booster, when the brakes are applied, preventing the service brakes from activating increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will replace the power brake vacuum booster assembly.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #97V083000 · 1997 · 610,000 vehicles
What's wrong: A short circuit condition can occur in the remote power mirror control switch circuit board as a result of a separated part of the contact assembly bridging the switch positive battery pad and adjacent chassis ground pad.
Why it matters: The current can overheat the printed circuit board and other plastic and elastomeric components of the switch assembly resulting in smoke or fire.
The fix: Dealers will install an in-line 10 amp fuse in the positive battery feed to the remote power mirror control switch assembly.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #99V310001 · 1999 · 470,582 vehicles
What's wrong:
Why it matters: With a broken bracket weld, there is a potential for the liftgate bracket to gradually bend inward allowing the lift cylinder ball stud to disengage, unexpectedly allowing the liftgate to fall from an open position.
The fix: 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.
3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Body & structure Recall #95I007000 · 1996 · 1,029,380 vehicles
What's wrong: This is not a safety recall in accordance with federal regulation 573. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. The campaign will reinforce the bracket attachments of the rear liftgate gas assist cylinders which could pull away from the inside of the liftgate.
Why it matters: If a bracket and gas assist cylinder were to detach completely from the liftgate and no longer bear against the liftgate as intended, the remaining assist cylinder would not hold the liftgate in an open position. Personal injury could occur.
The fix: Ford dealers will reinforce the bracket attachments.
Tires Tire recall #00T005000 · 2000 · 14,400,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Tire description: firestone wilderness at, size p235/75r15, produced at the decatur, illinois tire plant and all firestone radial atx and radial atx II tires, size p235/75r15. Operation of these tires at low inflation pressures, high speed, and in hot weather, can contribute to separation of the tire tread.
Why it matters: If the tread separates from the tire, the driver can lose control of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash causing injury or death.
The fix: The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on August 29, 2001. However, customers should contact firestone customer service at 1-800-465-1904 for possible assistance.
Tires Recall #01X001000 · 2001 · 13,000,000 vehicles
What's wrong: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Equipment description: Ford is replacing all firestone wilderness at 15, 16, and 17 inch tires mounted on Ford trucks and suvs. Ford reports tread separation can occur due to a combination of the sensitivity of the tire design to stress, aging, and manufacturing differences between…
Why it matters: Should the tread separate at highway speeds, a vehicle crash could occur, possibly resulting in personal injury or death.
The fix: The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on March 31, 2002. However, customers can contact Ford at 1-877-917-3673 or go on-line to www.Ford.com for possible assistance.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 82 mention a fire, 154 injuries and 20 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Tires (327): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (315).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (238): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (53), noise or vibration (23).
- Body & structure (158): the most common themes are door / lock issues (58), noise or vibration (5).
- Transmission & drivetrain (86): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (19), noise or vibration (11).
The 1994 Ford Explorer has 1207 owner complaints, ranking #13 of 38 Explorer model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 909). Complaints peaked in 2000 (340 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 99,041 miles. Neighboring years: 1993 (939 complaints, 6 recalls), 1995 (843 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 20 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1994 Ford Explorer.
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FAQ
Does the 1994 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1994 Ford Explorer, plus 3 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1994 Ford Explorer problems?
Owners have filed 1207 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are tires (327), brakes (hydraulic) (238), body & structure (158).
What gas mileage does the 1994 Ford Explorer get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1994 Ford Explorer repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.