The 1996 Ford Explorer has 35 latches & locks complaints filed with NHTSA — 2% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
35
Latches & Locks complaints
2%
Share of year
1
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Defect
WHEN IN THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, THE DRIVER DOOR LATCHES MAY OPEN WHEN SUBJECTED TO TRANSVERSE LOADS LESS THAN THAT SPECIFIED IN FMVSS NO. 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS."
Consequence
THE DRIVER'S DOOR, WHEN CLOSED ONLY TO THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, MAY NOT SUSTAIN A 1,000 POUND TRANSVERSE LOAD.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE DRIVER DOOR LATCH.
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the 1996 Ford Explorer latches & locks — 2% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the latches & locks: 96V070000.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.