1996 Ford Explorer Ford Explorer 1996

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1996 Ford Explorer repairs by problem area

Engine (50%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (0%)

Brakes and Traction Control (7%)

Suspension and Steering (14%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (21%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (0%)

Other (7%)

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Chart based on 14 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 1996 Ford Explorer.

1996 Ford Explorer repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (0%)

$500 - $999 (14%)

$100 - $499 (64%)

< $100 (21%)

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Chart based on 14 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

1996 Ford Explorer

Engine not specified

Ford in Georgia, United States
Nov 2010 - Dec 2011
Dec 2010

143000 mi

US $450
Replaced driver side front door lock mechanism. Was not working at all. 
Ford in California, United States
Nov 2011 - Dec 2011
Dec 2011

137000 mi
I get a high and low simultanious whistle or whining sound from either the engine or transmission when I first start car. Once car warms, I still get the sounds but intermittently. Hoping its not the valve assembly on the transmission?? 
Ford in Missouri, United States
Feb 2011 - Jul 2012
Sep 2011

177000 mi

US $200
replaced gaskets 
Ford in Georgia, United States
Oct 2015 - Nov 2016
Nov 2016

167000 mi

US $80
Serpentine belt broke after AC clutch seized. Ran hot and triggered fail-safe thermostat to stay open. Replaced belt, thermostat and disconnected power to AC compressor. AC compressor must be emptied and replaced. 

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1996 Ford Explorer 4-door

8-cylinder automatic AWD

Ford in Arizona, United States
Sep 2011 - Nov 2011
Nov 2011

161000 mi

US $140
r&r rt front hub assembly 
Ford in Florida, United States
Nov 2010 - Jun 2012
Mar 2011

208000 mi

US $120
Headlight out lamp indicated driver's side headlight not functioning. Replaced bulbs, but light not repaired. Investigated other areas and determined lamp out module failed and switch corroded. Ordered replacement parts, but not installed. 
Oct 2011

208000 mi

US $100
Replaced Lampout module and headlight switch. Discovered old headlight switch corroded and dashboard mount broken. Installed new switch and taped in place. New lampout module did not fix headlight issue. Wiring is the next item to fix. 

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1996 Ford Explorer 4-door

6-cylinder automatic 4WD

Ford in Florida, United States
Nov 2010 - May 2011
Jan 2011

US $750
lower and upper intakes needed replacing 
Apr 2011

141000 mi

US $150
belt tensioner and belt needed replacement 
Ford in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2010 - Sep 2012
Apr 2011

185000 mi

US $30
Timing chain cover was leaking coolant. Replaced all gaskets involved. 
Sep 2012

191000 mi

US $160
Replaced fuel pump. The Explorer would not start in my parents driveway. I replaced the fuel pump myself and sold it two weeks later. 
Ford in California, United States
Jan 2011 - Feb 2016
Apr 2011

186800 mi

US $530
Lower ball joints and outer tie rods replaced 
Aug 2011

193300 mi

US $240
Battery dripped acid on fuel regulator beneath battery and created vaccuum leak. easy fix, getting better gas mileage than before problem occured.  
Dec 2011

199000 mi

US $384
Master Cylinder failure - leaking 

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1996 Ford Explorer Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 1996 Ford Explorer problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.