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1991 Ford Explorer recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

8 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 1991 Ford Explorer. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your Ford been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. Recall repairs are free.

1991 Ford Explorer recalls, newest first

December 18, 1997NHTSA 97V235001185,000 vehicles potentially affected

Structure › Body › Roof and pillars

Summary
Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with factory installed sunroof. The sunroof glass panel assembly can separate while the vehicle is moving due to incorrect hinge engagement. This was caused by improper sunroof installation of the glass panel.
Consequence
Unexpected separation of the sunroof glass panel could possibly distract the driver increasing the risk of a vehicle crash or loss of vehicle control.
Remedy
Owners will be provided with an instruction booklet which thoroughly outlines, with illustrations, the proper procedures for the removal, storage, and reinstallation of the sunroof's glass panel. A warning label for attachment to the sunroof's latch knob will also be provided to the owners.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

February 5, 1996NHTSA 96V024001108,000 vehicles potentially affected

Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Hydraulic

Summary
The studs which attach the brake master cylinder to the power brake vacuum booster assembly can develop stress corrosion cracking after being operated for an extended period of time in the southern california location.
Consequence
If a crack occurs, it could result in one or both studs fracturing. The master cylinder could then separate from the vacuum booster, when the brakes are applied, preventing the service brakes from activating increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the power brake vacuum booster assembly.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

August 17, 1992NHTSA 92V113000565,000 vehicles potentially affected

Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly

Summary
The rigid mounted safety belt buckles are defective in three ways. First, a fastened safety belt buckle will not unlatch when the release button is depressed. This results from interference between the buckle ejector finger and the buckle tongue window. The second defect is the safety belt buckle may not latch. The third possible defect is that the tongue may be retained by the buckle, but it may not be latched sufficiently to provide occupant protection.
Consequence
An insufficiently latched or unlatched safety beltincreases the risk of injury to seat occupants in the event of a sudden stop oraccident. If the safety belt buckle will not unlatch, it will not allow theoccupant to get out of the vehicle in an emergency situation.
Remedy
Ford will replace the rigid mounted safety belt buckles with end release safety belt buckles designed to prevent latch problems.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

November 4, 1991NHTSA 91V189000792,000 vehicles potentially affected

Power train › Automatic transmission

Summary
When the automatic transmission shift lever is placed in the park position, the park pawl does not always abut or engage the park gear.
Consequence
Driver may believe the vehicle is safely engaged in parkwhen the gear is not truly engaged. This can lead to the vehicle jumping out ofgear unintentionally, vehicle rollaway when parked on a sloped surface, andinadvertent motion when the vehicle is started. All of these conditions canresult in a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Repair the transmission with a new park pawl.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

February 12, 1991NHTSA 91V026000220,000 vehicles potentially affected

Structure › Body › Bumpers

Summary
Rear bumper reinforcement may be subject to fatigue cracking under extended trailer tow service when using a bumper-mounted trailer hitch ball.
Consequence
Under extreme conditions, bumper could separate from thevehicle when using a bumper mounted trailer hitch ball.
Remedy
Install two brackets to reinforce the bumper.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

February 11, 1991NHTSA 91V02500018,000 vehicles potentially affected

Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly

Summary
The hot plate weld which attaches the vapor vent valve carrier to the top of the plastic fuel tank may partially fracture, allowing vapor of fuel to escape from the top of the tank.
Consequence
The escaped vapor or leaked fuel could cause a fire inthe presence of a source of ignition.
Remedy
Fuel tank will be removed and inspected for weld integrity. Fuel tanks with inadequate welds will be replaced.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

February 11, 1991NHTSA 91V02400025,000 vehicles potentially affected

Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly

Summary
The front heat shield may contact the front of the plastic fuel tank, causing cuts or other damage to the extent of penetration.
Consequence
This penetration of the fuel tank causes vapors to escapeand possibly fuel to spill, which could catch fire in the presence of anignition source.
Remedy
Relocate the heat shield; inspect and replace damaged fuel fuel tanks.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

May 21, 1990NHTSA 90V0980002,500 vehicles potentially affected

Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly

Summary
If sunroof glass is removed and reinstalled by vehicle operator, hinge assemblies can be accidentally improperly mated.
Consequence
Sunroof could detach from the vehicle while being driven,creating a risk to following vehicles or people in the vicinity, or to vehicleoccupants if the glass should fall into the cabin.
Remedy
Install revised sunroof hinges that will adequately retain sunroof assembly.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

Owners have filed 609 complaints about the 1991 Ford Explorer with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public; NHTSA uses them to decide what to investigate.

Crashes reported
57
Fires reported
63
Injuries reported
44
Deaths reported
4

Most complained-about components

  1. Service brakes147
  2. Tires › Tread/belt54
  3. Hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip52
  4. Tires52
  5. Fuel system26

Other Ford Explorer years

Other 1991 Ford models

Most recalled 1991 vehicles

  1. 1991 Honda Accord (13 recalls)
  2. 1991 Blue Bird TC2000 (12 recalls)
  3. 1991 Acura Integra (11 recalls)
  4. 1991 Thomas School Bus (11 recalls)
  5. 1991 Chevrolet Caprice (10 recalls)
All of 1991’s most recalled vehicles

Questions

Does the 1991 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
8 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: structure, service brakes, hydraulic, seat belts, power train, fuel system, gasoline, visibility. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 1991 Ford Explorer recall has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Ford dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 1991 Ford Explorer?
609 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.