1990 Ford Explorer
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1990 Ford Explorer is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.
1990 Ford Explorer at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1990 Ford Explorer recalls 0
No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 1990 Ford Explorer.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1990 Ford Explorer common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1990 Ford Explorer — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 2
FRONT SEAT TRACK FAILURE Closed
NHTSA #PE92084 · Seats · opened Oct 1992 · closed Feb 1993WHL SEPARATION/TORQUE LOSS Closed
NHTSA #PE92029 · Suspension · opened Mar 1992 · closed Aug 1992An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 6
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered.
SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.0L OHV ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE NOISE WHICH MAY BE PERCEIVED BY THE CUSTOMER AS A PISTON / ONNECTING ROD BEARING KNOCK. *TT
Bulletin 01197 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2001SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE NOISE WHICH MAY BE PERCEIVED BY THE CUSTOMER AS A PISTON / CONNECTING ROD BEARING KNOCK. *TT
Bulletin 13118 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 1999SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE NOISE WHICH MAY BE PERCEIVED BY THE CUSTOMER AS A PISTON / CONNECTING ROD BEARING KNOCK. *TT
Bulletin 6896 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 1999VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A VIBRATION DURING WIDE OPEN THROTTLE ACCELERATION OR WHILE CRUISING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. REVISED FRONT DRIVESHAFT. *TT
Bulletin BC5225961001 · Power Train · Oct 1996HIGH ALTITUDE TRANSMISSION AVAILABLE. *TW
Bulletin BC1350950906 · Power Train · Sep 1995TEMPERATURE GAUGE - FLUCTUATING AND /OR INACCURATE HIGH READINGS. *SD
Bulletin 95153 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 1995Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the EXPLORER. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 1
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1990 Ford Explorer. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Lights And Instruments
NOTE: ALSO INCLUDES SOME MEDIUM AND HEAVY TRUCKS. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 108 - LIGHTING. DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT MODULE MAY MALFUNCTION WHICH CAN RESULT IN DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS THAT DIM, FLICKER OR GO OFF OR IN SOME INSTANCES MAY REMAIN ON AFTER THE IGNITION IS TURNED OFF. CORRECTION: DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT MODULE WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Transport Canada #1992077 · Jun 1992Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is a range of SUVs manufactured by the Ford Motor Company since the 1991 model year. The first five-door SUV produced by Ford, the Explorer was introduced as a replacement for the three-door Bronco II. As with the Ford Ranger, the model line derives its name from a trim package previously offered on Ford F-Series pickup trucks. In 2020, the Explorer became the best-selling SUV in the American market.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.