What is a major problem with the Ford Explorer?
The Ford Explorer's most widely cited problem is a higher risk of rollover crashes, linked to certain tire combinations, especially in its earlier models. This safety issue sparked a major recall saga in the late 1990s and early 2000s, shaping public perception and regulatory response for years.
In this article we examine what made this problem so consequential, how regulators and the company responded, and what it means for Explorer buyers today.
Historical context: Rollover risk and the Firestone tie-in
During the 1990s, reports of rollover crashes involving Ford Explorers gained national attention, particularly when paired with select Firestone tires. Industry investigations and court cases highlighted how a combination of vehicle dynamics and tire behavior could lead to loss of control in certain driving conditions.
Key factors that contributed to the era's rollover crashes include the Explorer's relatively high ride height and center of gravity, the possibility of tire tread separation or blowouts on some Firestone tires used on Explorers and other SUVs at the time, and the stresses of abrupt steering maneuvers or cornering at speed. The convergence of these elements prompted large-scale recalls and regulatory scrutiny.
- Vehicle design factors: high center of gravity and a ladder-like physical stance on some trims, which can increase rollover susceptibility during abrupt maneuvers.
- Tire-related issues: tread separation and blowouts observed with certain Firestone tires used on Explorers and other SUVs at the time.
- Driving conditions: higher-risk scenarios included high-speed cornering, sudden lane changes, or hot pavement in warm weather.
- Regulatory and industry response: investigations by the NHTSA and, together with Firestone, large-scale tire recalls and Ford safety campaigns.
Taken together, these factors produced a safety controversy that compelled recalls, influenced vehicle design choices for years, and left an enduring cautionary note for SUV owners.
Modern status: safety improvements and ongoing vigilance
Since that era, Ford redesigned parts of the Explorer lineup and incorporated safety technologies designed to reduce rollover risk and improve overall stability. Modern Explorers feature electronic stability control, a broader stability assist suite, and more advanced tires, alongside updated airbags and restraint systems.
Here's how safety and reputation have evolved for later Explorer generations, and what this means for consumers today:
- Engineering fixes: introduction of electronic stability control, traction control improvements, roll stability technologies, and redesigned suspension architectures across model years to better manage cornering loads.
- Regulatory actions and recalls: ongoing compliance with federal safety standards, plus targeted recalls and service campaigns to address various issues beyond the rollover risk, including airbag and suspension-related concerns.
- Consumer protections and features: expanded driver-assistance offerings such as Ford Co-Pilot360, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking that contribute to overall accident avoidance.
In practice, modern Explorers are built with a stronger safety package and lower rollover risk compared with the vehicles from the height of the controversy, but buyers should still stay up to date on recalls and perform regular maintenance, especially with aging tires and suspension components.
What owners should know
If you own or are considering an Explorer, check for any open recalls with Ford or the NHTSA, verify tire condition and pressure regularly, and ensure the vehicle's stability systems are functioning properly. Routine maintenance and cautious driving in adverse conditions remain important, even with newer safety technology.
Summary
The major problem historically associated with the Ford Explorer is rollover risk linked to vehicle design and certain tire combinations, particularly during the late 1990s Firestone recall era. While safety features and engineering revisions have significantly reduced the risk in modern models, the episode reshaped consumer expectations and regulatory oversight, underscoring the importance of recalls, maintenance, and informed buying decisions for SUV owners.
