The 1996 Ford Explorer has 112 suspension complaints filed with NHTSA — 6% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.
112
Suspension complaints
6%
Share of year
18
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, A FRONT SWAY BAR LINK CAN FRACTURE.
Consequence
VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS.
“1996 FORD EXPLORER WAS BEGINNING TO HAVE MECHANICAL ISSUES. CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF AND IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS REMOVED FROM THE SCENE. *KB THE POLICE REPORT STATED THE WHEEL BEARING AREA WAS DRY AND RUSTY, WHICH UNDER NORAML CIRCUMSTANCES WOULD BE LUBRICATED…”
NHTSA has 112 complaints about the 1996 Ford Explorer suspension — 6% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the suspension: 00V402000.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.