According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1995 Ford Explorer has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Firestone/Wilderness AT Tire Tread Separation Causing Blowouts and Rollovers (Recall EA00-023) ($0-$900 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $120 to $900. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 1995-2001 Ford Explorer, the 1995-2001 Explorer was factory-fitted with P235/75R15 Firestone Radial ATX, ATX II and Wilderness AT tires that suffered tread-belt separation, especially in hot climates and when underinflated to Ford's low placard pressure. A rear tread separation at highway speed frequently sent the tall, relatively narrow-track Explorer into a rollover. NHTSA linked the failures to hundreds of deaths and over 700 injuries, triggering the August 2000 recall of 6.5 million tires and the 2000 TREAD Act. Owners of surviving high-mileage examples still search this because any period-original or old-stock Firestone AT tire is suspect.
Loss of vehicle control / rollover tendency after a rear tire failure
How to Fix
Replace any remaining original-era Firestone ATX/ATX II/Wilderness AT tires immediately regardless of tread depth (age/dry-rot alone condemns them). Fit a modern LT/P-metric all-season from a current manufacturer and, critically, inflate to a safe modern pressure (~30-35 psi) rather than Ford's original low 26 psi placard figure, which contributed to heat build-up. Inspect for uneven wear indicating worn ball joints or alignment that accelerate belt separation.
Medium ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jul 2026
On the 1995-2010 Ford Explorer, the cable-drive window regulators on the Explorer/Mountaineer/Sport Trac fail as their plastic cable guides crack and the steel lift cable frays or jumps off the drum. The window then binds, drops crooked, or falls down inside the door — the motor often still runs. The front door regulators are the most common, and the original glass/regulator is riveted, complicating the repair. A very high-frequency 'window fell down' search across the whole 1994-2010 range.
Grinding/clunk from inside the door while the motor spins
Window rises crooked or binds partway
Popping noise then a stuck window
Glass off its track/loose
How to Fix
Replace the window regulator (motor is usually reusable, but many buy the regulator-plus-motor assembly). Drill out the factory rivets and secure the new regulator with bolts; tape or suction-cup the glass in the up position before unbolting so it can't drop and shatter. Lubricate the run channels to reduce load on the new regulator.
Medium ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jul 2026
⚠️NHTSA Recalls7 recalls
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, EXPLORER, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND MERCURY MILAN AND MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 15, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2010 EQUIPPED WITH FRONT SEAT MANUAL RECLINERS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINT." THE RECLINER GEAR PLATE TEETH MAY BE OUT OF DIMENSION SPECIFICATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN LIMITED PAWL TO GEAR PLATE TOOTH ENGAGEMENT.
Campaign #10V16100020/04/2010
EQUIPMENT
MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Campaign #10E04300003/09/2010
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
Campaign #07E10400011/12/2007
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.6L ENGINE AND 6R TRANSMISSION, THE BOLT SECURING THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE FITTINGS AT THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TORQUED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. AS A RESULT, THE BOLT MAY LOOSEN AND THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING A TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK.
Campaign #07V45300026/09/2007
STEERING
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE TWO BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY TO THE FRAME MAY HAVE BEEN OVER-TIGHTENED. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN ONE OR BOTH OF THE BOLTS FRACTURING, CAUSING THE STEERING GEAR TO BECOME LOOSE.
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1995-1995 Ford Explorer has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Firestone/Wilderness AT Tire Tread Separation Causing Blowouts and Rollovers (Recall EA00-023), Power Window Regulator Cable/Clip Failure Causing Window to Fall Into the Door. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Explorer reliable?
The 1995-1995 Ford Explorer has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Firestone/Wilderness AT Tire Tread Separation Causing Blowouts and Rollovers (Recall EA00-023). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Explorer problems?
Repair costs for known Ford Explorer issues range from $0 to $900, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Firestone/Wilderness AT Tire Tread Separation Causing Blowouts and Rollovers (Recall EA00-023), typically costs $0-$900 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1995-2001 Ford Explorer Firestone/Wilderness AT Tire Tread Separation Causing Blowouts and Rollovers (Recall EA00-023)?
The 1995-2001 Explorer was factory-fitted with P235/75R15 Firestone Radial ATX, ATX II and Wilderness AT tires that suffered tread-belt separation, especially in hot climates and when underinflated to Ford's low placard pressure. A rear tread separation at highway speed frequentl… Repairs typically run $0-$900. Severity: high.
What is the 1995-2010 Ford Explorer Power Window Regulator Cable/Clip Failure Causing Window to Fall Into the Door?
The cable-drive window regulators on the Explorer/Mountaineer/Sport Trac fail as their plastic cable guides crack and the steel lift cable frays or jumps off the drum. The window then binds, drops crooked, or falls down inside the door — the motor often still runs. The front door… Repairs typically run $120-$400. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
