The 1992 Ford Explorer has 6 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk from the power mirror control switch, where a short circuit can overheat the switch assembly and surrounding plastic components, producing smoke or fire inside the cabin.
A brake system recall covers the studs that bolt the master cylinder to the brake vacuum booster: these studs can develop cracks over time and fracture, which can reduce or eliminate power-assisted braking. This issue was specifically identified in Southern California, where environmental conditions accelerate the cracking.
On the body and structure side, three recalls address the rear liftgate and one the sunroof. The liftgate recalls all trace back to the same underlying problem: the welded brackets that hold the rear gas-assist cylinders can crack or pull away from the liftgate, allowing the cylinder to disengage. When that happens, the remaining cylinder cannot hold the liftgate open on its own, and the hatch can drop unexpectedly on someone standing behind the vehicle. On vehicles equipped with a factory-installed sunroof, the glass panel can separate from the roof while the vehicle is moving due to improper hinge engagement during installation, creating a distraction that raises the risk of losing control.
At a glance
What can fail
The sunroof glass panel can separate from the vehicle while driving because the hinges weren't engaged correctly during factory installation.
What the fix does
You'll receive an instruction booklet with illustrations showing how to remove, store, and reinstall the glass panel, plus a warning label for the latch knob.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
A part inside the power mirror control switch can come loose and bridge the positive battery pad to the ground pad, causing a short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will add a 10-amp fuse to the positive battery wire feeding the mirror control switch.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The metal studs that hold the brake master cylinder to the power brake booster can crack from stress and corrosion after extended use in Southern California's climate.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the entire power brake booster assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bracket attachments that hold the rear liftgate gas assist cylinders in place could pull away from inside the liftgate.
What the fix does
Dealers will reinforce the bracket attachments to secure the gas assist cylinders.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brackets welding the hydraulic lift cylinders to the liftgate can fracture because they were mislocated during manufacturing. The bracket may gradually bend inward, causing the lift cylinder to disconnect.
What the fix does
Reinforcement brackets will be installed to strengthen the attachment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brackets that hold the hydraulic lift cylinders to the liftgate are welded in place, and these welds can crack or break.
What the fix does
Dealers will install reinforcement brackets to strengthen the welds.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
