MYRModel Year Report

1986 Ford Explorer

○ Not enough data
1986 Ford Explorer
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:43:27.737Z

Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Explorer Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1986 highlighted. 1984: 1 complaints 1984 1985: 1 complaints 1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 3 complaints 1988: 4 complaints 1989: 1 complaints 1990: 12 complaints 1990 1991: 616 complaints 1992: 640 complaints 1993: 944 complaints 1994: 1231 complaints 1995: 843 complaints 1996: 1450 complaints 1996 1997: 1731 complaints 1998: 1959 complaints 1999: 1348 complaints 2000: 952 complaints 2001: 375 complaints 2002: 3295 complaints 2002 2003: 1131 complaints 2004: 1304 complaints 2005: 497 complaints 2006: 630 complaints 2007: 208 complaints 2008: 148 complaints 2008 2009: 33 complaints 2010: 115 complaints 2011: 1197 complaints 2012: 825 complaints 2013: 2230 complaints 2014: 1675 complaints 2014 2015: 1774 complaints 2016: 2447 complaints 2017: 1683 complaints 2018: 725 complaints 2019: 292 complaints 2020: 1207 complaints 2020 2021: 417 complaints 2022: 262 complaints 2023: 107 complaints 2024: 20 complaints 2025: 95 complaints 2026: 34 complaints 2026 2027: 0 complaints 2027
1986: 3 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
19851
19863
19873
19884
19891
199012
1991616
1992640
1993944
19941231
1995843
19961450
19971731
19981959
19991348
2000952
2001375
20023295
20031131
20041304
2005497
2006630
2007208
2008148
200933
2010115
20111197
2012825
20132230
20141675
20151774
20162447
20171683
2018725
2019292
20201207
2021417
2022262
2023107
202420
202595
202634
20270

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

STEERING

1 of 3 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.

Show complaint excerpts

STEERING COLUMN GRINDING.

NHTSA ODI report, 19990107

SERVICE BRAKES

1 of 3 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 of 3 total reports mentions: exterior lighting, most commonly citing high/low beam dimmer switch.

Show complaint excerpts

HEADLIGHT SWITCH CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED DASH.

NHTSA ODI report, 19980424

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 19920316 — PE (closed 19920831)

WHL SEPARATION/TORQUE LOSS

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1986 Ford Explorer — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2009 ▲ 2026 ▲ 2025

WORST YEARS

■ 2002 ■ 2016 ■ 2013

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1986 Ford Explorer reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1986 Ford Explorer?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1986 Ford Explorer have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.