1986 Ford Explorer
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.
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1986: 3 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 3 |
| 1987 | 3 |
| 1988 | 4 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 12 |
| 1991 | 616 |
| 1992 | 640 |
| 1993 | 944 |
| 1994 | 1,231 |
| 1995 | 843 |
| 1996 | 1,450 |
| 1997 | 1,731 |
| 1998 | 1,959 |
| 1999 | 1,348 |
| 2000 | 952 |
| 2001 | 375 |
| 2002 | 3,295 |
| 2003 | 1,131 |
| 2004 | 1,304 |
| 2005 | 497 |
| 2006 | 630 |
| 2007 | 208 |
| 2008 | 148 |
| 2009 | 33 |
| 2010 | 115 |
| 2011 | 1,198 |
| 2012 | 827 |
| 2013 | 2,234 |
| 2014 | 1,684 |
| 2015 | 1,793 |
| 2016 | 2,459 |
| 2017 | 1,695 |
| 2018 | 729 |
| 2019 | 297 |
| 2020 | 1,242 |
| 2021 | 442 |
| 2022 | 270 |
| 2023 | 113 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 105 |
| 2026 | 43 |
| 2027 | 0 |
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, 1999-01-07
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, 1998-04-24
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1992-03-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-08-31 Whl separation/torque loss
Buy-smart checklist
1986 Ford Explorer — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 1 report on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 1 report on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 1 report on file for this year.
Other years of this model
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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.