1992 Ford Explorer Problems & Reliability

When it comes to classic SUVs, the 1992 Ford Explorer often pops up in conversations, especially among those who appreciate a good throwback to the early days of the sport utility vehicle craze. If you were around in the ’90s, you might remember the Explorer as a game-changer, offering a blend of rugged capability and family-friendly features that made it a popular choice for many. However, like any vehicle that’s been around for a few decades, the 1992 Explorer has its share of quirks and issues that have surfaced over the years. In this post, we’ll dive into some of the common problems owners have faced and take a closer look at the overall reliability of this iconic SUV. Whether you’re a nostalgic car enthusiast or someone considering a vintage ride, understanding the ins and outs of the 1992 Ford Explorer is crucial. From transmission troubles to suspension woes, we’ll explore the typical challenges that have been reported by drivers. But it’s not all doom and gloom—many owners have found ways to keep their Explorers running smoothly, proving that with a little TLC, this SUV can still hold its own on the road. So, buckle up as we journey through the highs and lows of the 1992 Ford Explorer, and see if this classic ride still has what it takes to be a reliable companion.
Body Components

Parts Assessed:

Windows, power locks, manual locks, doors, trunk, tailgate, mirrors, power and manual seat controls, seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defects.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake lines, brake master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake, brake sensors, regenerative braking system (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • A Cosmetic Crack May Develop on the Liftgate

Analysis:

The 1992 Ford Explorer seems to have a minor issue with a cosmetic crack that can develop on the liftgate. While this might be a bit annoying for those who care about the vehicle’s appearance, it doesn’t seem to affect the overall functionality or reliability of the SUV. So, if you’re considering this classic ride, just keep in mind that the liftgate might not look perfect over time.

Parts Assessed

Air conditioning compressor, AC condenser, AC evaporator, heater core, blower motor, automatic climate control system, refrigerant leaks, HVAC electrical components, temperature sensors, ventilation system.

Reported Problems:

  • Noise Over Bumps Due to Radius Arm Bushing Wear

Analysis:

The 1992 Ford Explorer is known to have some issues with noise over bumps, often due to wear in the radius arm bushings. This problem can lead to a clunking sound when driving over uneven surfaces, which might be annoying but is generally fixable with a bushing replacement. Overall, while this issue is relatively common, it doesnt significantly impact the vehicles reliability if addressed promptly.

Parts Assessed

CV joints, driveshaft, axles, differential, limited-slip differential (if applicable), traction control system, electronic stability control (ESC), four-wheel-drive (4WD) components, all-wheel-drive (AWD) components, transfer case, driveline vibration.

Reported Problems:

  • O-ring seals in AC couplings may leak/condensors may crack

Analysis:

The 1992 Ford Explorer has a couple of common issues that can affect its overall reliability, particularly with the O-ring seals in the AC couplings and the potential for condensers to crack. These problems can lead to leaks and reduced efficiency in the air conditioning system, which might be a hassle, especially during hot weather. While these issues are not uncommon for a vehicle of its age, regular maintenance can help mitigate some of these concerns.

Parts Assessed

Infotainment system, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen display, phone pairing, backup camera, rear entertainment system, head-up display, instrument cluster, digital gauges.

Reported Problems:

  • Updated Differential Clutch Kit Available if Rear End Noise is Heard

Analysis:

The 1992 Ford Explorer has had some issues with rear-end noise, but there’s an updated differential clutch kit available to address this problem. While this fix can improve the situation, it’s important to keep in mind that older vehicles like the ’92 Explorer might still face other age-related reliability challenges. Overall, if you’re hearing that noise, getting the updated kit could be a good move to keep your ride smoother.

Parts Assessed

Radiator, radiator hoses, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, engine coolant reservoir, overheating prevention system, intercooler (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Front Brake Caliper Pins Can Corrode and Cause Brakes to Stick

Analysis:

The 1992 Ford Explorer has a known issue with the front brake caliper pins, which can corrode and cause the brakes to stick. This problem can affect the overall reliability of the vehicle, as it may lead to decreased braking performance and increased wear on the brake components. Regular maintenance and inspection of the brake system can help mitigate these issues and keep the Explorer running smoothly.

Parts Assessed

Alternator, battery, ignition switch, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, engine control module (ECM), electronic ignition system, auto stop/start function, battery cables, engine wiring harness, fuse box, relays, starter motor.

Reported Problems:

  • Change Power Steering Fluid to Avoid Steering Pump/Gearbox Problems

Analysis:

The 1992 Ford Explorer is known for having some issues with its power steering system, but regularly changing the power steering fluid can help prevent problems with the steering pump and gearbox. By keeping up with this maintenance task, you can enhance the overall reliability of your Explorer and enjoy smoother steering performance. It’s a simple step that can save you from more significant headaches down the road.

Parts Assessed

Engine rebuilds, cylinder head, head gasket, timing chain, timing belt, camshaft, crankshaft, connecting rods, turbocharger or supercharger (if applicable), valve train, piston rings, oil control system, engine knocking, engine misfires.

Reported Problems:

  • Reseal engine if oil leaks from gaskets/seals

Analysis:

The 1992 Ford Explorer is known for a few common issues, and one of them is oil leaks from gaskets and seals, which often requires resealing the engine. While this problem can be a bit of a hassle, it’s not uncommon for vehicles of this age and can usually be fixed without too much trouble. Overall, if you’re willing to keep up with regular maintenance, the Explorer can still be a reliable ride.

Parts Assessed

Muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, exhaust pipes, oxygen (O₂) sensors, resonator, exhaust leaks, emissions control system.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, fuel gauge sensor, evaporative emissions system, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve, charcoal canister, fuel filter, fuel tank, vapor leaks.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

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Onboard Electronics

Parts Assessed

Cruise control, keyless entry system, push-button start, wiper motor, warning lights, power mirrors, interior lighting, exterior lighting, dashboard indicators, electronic parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), alarm and security system, remote engine start, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Dashboard rattles, squeaks, wind noise, door seals, weather stripping, water leaks, air leaks, excessive road noise, suspension noise, drivetrain noise, exhaust rattles, engine bay noises.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Paint durability, clear coat protection, rust prevention, corrosion resistance, body panel alignment, door seals, window trim, plastic trim, metal finishes, fading, cracking, peeling.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Struts, shocks, control arms, sway bars, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, power steering pump, power steering fluid leaks, electronic power steering (EPS), steering rack and pinion, steering linkage, alignment issues, torsion bars, springs, air suspension (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Transmission rebuild, transmission replacement, torque converter, transmission solenoids, gear selector, gear shifting, transmission control module (TCM), transmission fluid leaks, clutch (manual transmission), automatic transmission valve body, CVT (continuously variable transmission) components, dual-clutch transmission (DCT) components.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Conclusion

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