1996 Ford Explorer steering problems
47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 1996 Ford Explorer — 3% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Feb 20, 2007
“1996 explorer front end began shaking violently. Vehicle then pulled to the right and consumer lost control striking a guard rail. *ts the steering arm broke on the right wheel resulting in an accident. *nm”
filed Mar 21, 2006
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Steering problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 Explorer | 8 | 9% |
| 2024 Explorer | 2 | 11% |
| 2023 Explorer | 12 | 12% |
| 2022 Explorer | 9 | 4% |
| 2021 Explorer | 5 | 1% |
| 2020 Explorer | 25 | 2% |
| 2019 Explorer | 9 | 3% |
| 2018 Explorer | 20 | 3% |
| 2017 Explorer | 75 | 4% |
| 2016 Explorer | 528 | 22% |
| 2015 Explorer | 343 | 20% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1996 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.