2000 Ford Explorer

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Tires is the leading concern among 1,078 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 1,078

Of the 2000 reports, 112 involved a crash and 83 involved a fire. 118 people were injured and 4 people died.

Primary concernTires228 reports · 21% of complaints
Owner complaints1,078Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship15 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Tires228
  2. Power train146
  3. Vehicle speed control129
  4. Engine and engine cooling102
  5. Electrical system101
  6. Air bags70
  7. Suspension69
  8. Service brakes66

Recalls and investigations

  1. Vehicle speed controlOct 13, 2009

    FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

    A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

    FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

    Campaign 09V399000 on NHTSA.gov

  2. Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009

    DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

    Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov

  3. Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

    SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

    Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov

  4. Vehicle speed controlAug 3, 2007

    ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

    THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

    DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

    Campaign 07V336000 on NHTSA.gov

  5. Fuel system, gasolineJun 13, 2006

    CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

    FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

    UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

    Campaign 06E056000 on NHTSA.gov

  6. Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006

    CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

    WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

    PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

    Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov

  7. Seats, front assembly, reclinerAug 5, 2003

    ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HIGH BACK SEATS, THE UPPER BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HIGH BACK SEAT, THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME, COULD FRACTURE. IF THE BOLT FRACTURES AND DOES NOT JAM IN THE SEAT BACK FRAME, THE SEAT BACK MAY RECLINE UNTIL IT MAKES CONTACT WITH AN OBJECT BEHIND THE SEAT, SUCH AS THE SECOND ROW SEAT CUSHION.

    THE DRIVER COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS DURING SUCH AN EVENT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER SEAT UPPER BOLT WITH A METAL SPACER AND BOLT. IN ADDITION, SEATS WITH TUBULAR BACK FRAMES WILL HAVE THE FULLY THREADED LOWER RECLINER BOLT REPLACED WITH A PARTIALLY THREADED BOLT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

    Campaign 03V281000 on NHTSA.gov

  8. Vehicle speed control, cablesAug 5, 2003

    ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL AND 4.0L SOHC ENGINES, IF THE STRAND COVER ON THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE BECOMES FLARED AT THE END, THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE MAY BIND WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS ACTIVATED.

    THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING FORCE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO OVERCOME THE BINDING CONDITION WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS DISENGAGED. BRAKING FUNCTION WOULD BE MAINTAINED THOUGH STOPPING DISTANCES MAY BE INCREASED.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

    Campaign 03V280000 on NHTSA.gov

  9. StructureMar 7, 2003

    CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.

    THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.

    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.

    Campaign 03V094000 on NHTSA.gov

  10. Tires, tread/beltMay 22, 2001

    THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE DESIGN TO STRESS, AGING, AND MANUFACTURING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANTS. FORD IS REPLACING THESE TIRES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW MAY HAVE BEEN ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES OR MAY HAVE HAD WILDERNESS AT TIRES INSTALLED DURING THE FIRESTONE RECALL LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2000. CERTAIN 1991 THROUGHT 2002 FORD EXPLORER CERTAIN 2001 THROUGHT 2002 EXPLORER SPORT, AND SPORT TRAC CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 2001 RANGER CERTAIN 1999 THROUGH 2001 EXPEDITION CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994, AND 1997 MODEL YEAR F-SERIES CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994 BRONCO NOTE: BOTH ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE AFFECTED.

    SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

    THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, 2002. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-877-917-3673 OR GO ON-LINE TO WWW.FORD.COM FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.

    Campaign 01X001000 on NHTSA.gov

  11. Power train, automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Nov 28, 2000

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 3.27 OR 3.55 AXLE RATION. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE THAT COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO EXCEED THE DESIGN INTENT TOP SPEED. AT THESE EXTREME SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE COULD BE CAPABLE OF EXCEEDING THE SPEED RATING OF THE TIRE.

    OPERATING THE VEHICLE ABOVE THE MAXIMUM SPEED RATING COULD LEAD TO A TIRE FAILURE WHICH AT THESE SPEEDS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE.

    Campaign 00V395000 on NHTSA.gov

  12. Tires, tread/beltAug 21, 2000

    TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.

    IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.

    THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.

    Campaign 00T005000 on NHTSA.gov

  13. Seat beltsAug 18, 2000

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."

    IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON CERTAIN SEAT BELT BUCKLES OF YOUR VEHICLE AND REPLACE ALL SEAT BELT BUCKLES THAT FALL WITHIN THE SUSPECT DATE CODE RANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 26, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

    Campaign 00V228001 on NHTSA.gov

  14. Air bags, side/windowJul 5, 2000

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4-DOOR SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIR BAGS. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A REVISED LEVEL SIDE CRASH SENSOR THAT COULD DEPLOY THE SIDE AIR BAG IF THE IGNITION KEY IS IN THE "RUN" POSITION AND THE SEATBELT WEBBING IS FORCIBLY EXTRACTED FROM A LOCKED RETRACTOR WITH A JERKING MOTION.

    INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT COULD CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE CRASH SENSORS WITH A REVISED DESIGN THAT WILL REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF AN UNEXPECTED SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.

    Campaign 00V179000 on NHTSA.gov

  15. Electrical system, wiring, fuses and circuit breakersMar 7, 2000

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L ENGINES AND ALL-TIME 4-WHEEL DRIVE (A4WD) POWERTRAINS. THE GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE (GEM) COULD EXPERIENCE A CONDITION REFERRED TO AS "LOCK-UP" IN WHICH THE GEM CONTROLLED ELECTRONIC FUNCTIONS (E.G., FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, 4X4 SYSTEM, ETC.) COULD NOT BE TURNED ON OR, IN SOME CASES IF THE FUNCTION IS ON, COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF.

    AN INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR IN THE GEM CIRCUIT.

    Campaign 00V072000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints: electrical system

101 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Electrical system, Air bags, Apr 25, 2024, crash

    Driving at the correct speed limit swerved to avoid hitting deer that ran out into the road hit a covert had seatbelt on airbags came out before that something hit me in side of my right arm it hit my elbow so hard and fast my arm was flung outwards and upwards which broke out the passenger side window the top of my elbow is broken that gave me a large purple bruise I got 2 pretty good size gashes on my arm also one on the bottom of my forearm and on the back side of my arm. Refer to request 1500509 and Request 1500511.

  2. Electrical system, Engine, Jul 24, 2023, fire

    The contact owns a 2000 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon pulling into a gas station, both white and black colored smoke began to emit from the vehicle without warning. Before the contact could fully react, the vehicle soon caught fire. The contact managed to pull away from the gas pumps as a gas attendant brought out fire extinguishers that they both used to exterminate the fire. The fire department arrived at the scene; however, the contact was unsure if a fire report was filed. The contact suffered minor scrapes and bruises as a result of the fire but did not seek medical attention. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained at the gas station. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 223,000.

  3. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 24, 2020

    MY OVERHEAD LIGHT MELTED SMOKED AND DOESN'T WORK ANYMORE AND NOW I'M HAVING TROUBLE W MY DASH LIGHTS FLICKERING AND MY AUTOMATIC LIGHTS DON'T EVER SHUT OFF

  4. Electrical system, Engine, Apr 5, 2017

    I AM DEEPLY DISGUSTED WITH YOUR SERVICE. I HAD FILED A COMPLAINT ONLINE AND ON THE PHONE ABOUT THE VEHICLE I HAVE SPECIFIED ON THIS ONLINE SYSTEM. THIS WAS DONE BACK IN 2011 AND FOLLOWED THROUGH WITH THE MANUFACTURE AND THE CA STATE DEPT. OF INVESTIGATIONS WITH DMV. I HAD ALSO SENT THE 20 PAGE OR SO COMPLAINT DIRECTLY TO A CA STATE SENATOR. I WAS SOLD A VEHICLE WITH A FIRE RECALL STILL IN EFFECT AND REGISTERED TO THE AUTO DEALER OF AUTO WEST GROUP. THE VEHICLE COME TO FIND OUT HAD WELL OVER 15 SAFETY RELATED RECALLS IN ITS HISOTRY. FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO AQUIRE COPIES OF WHAT I HAD SENT INTO YOUR DEPARTMENT, THE FTC, THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND THE BUREAU OF AUTO REPAIRS. NOW I FIND THAT I AM BEING STONEWALLED AND BEING TOLD THINGS LIKE THEY NO LONGER HAVE ANY RECORDS OF THE PROBLEMS. I NEVER RECEIVED A REPLACMENT VEHICLE AND I WAS IN FACT A VICTIM OF FINANCIAL FRAUD ASSOCIATED WITH THE PURCHASING OF THIS VEHICLE. BANK OF AMERICA AND THE USED VEHICLE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALER. SINCE THIS TIME THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA HAD ENACTED A FEW NEW LEMON LAW PROTECTIONS. I AM CERTAIN THAT MY PAPERWORK AND COMPLAINT WRITE-UPS ASSISTED IN SERVING THE LEGISLATION. IT COULDN'T BE MORE APPARENT THAT I AM BEING HARASSED AS A WHISTLE BLOWER.. I HAVE RECEIVED NO INFORMATION OR FOLLOWUP LETTERS FROM ANY SOURCE. ALL OF THEM ARE SIMPLY TRYING TO PRETEND I DO NOT EXIST. THEIR HAS BEEN NO RESOLVE OF THIS MATTER.

  5. Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jun 13, 2016, fire

    2000 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL STATES ENGINE RUNNING WITHOUT IGNITION KEY COULD START A FIRE. CONSUMER STATES THOUGHT DEALERSHIP REPAIRED RECALL PROBLEMS. VEHICLE EXPLODED SEVEN MINUTES AFTER CONSUMER EXISTS VEHICLE. *SMD

  6. Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 21, 2015

    BEFORE MY TRANSMISSION WENT OUT MY OVER DRIVE WOULD FLASH THEN MY 4WHEEL DRIVE STOPPED WORKING. I HAD THE 4WHEEL DRIVE SWITCH REPLACED AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE UNTIL I WENT TO SACRAMENTO. AFTER TAKING CARE OF MY EDDIE BAUER EXPLORER HAVING THE TRANSMISSION FLUSHED AND FILLED ON A REGULAR BASIS. WHILE LEAVING SACRAMENTO STOPPED AT A CHEVRON TO FILL UP BEFORE HEADING BACK UP TO TAHOE. AS IM LEAVING THE GAS STATION ALL OF THE SUDDEN THERE'S A LOUD CRUNCH OF METAL SOUND COMING FROM UNDER MY CAR AND IT WONT KICK INTO ANY GEAR. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED AND AFTER READING THE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER OWNERS ABOUT THEIR EXPLODERS DOING THE SME THING I FIGURED I WOULD COMPLAIN. IM TIRED OF BIG COMPANIES SCREWING THE LITTLE PEOPLE OVER WHO PURCHASE THEIR PRODUCTS WHEN THEY ARE PERFECTLY ABLE TO FIX IT. SHAME ON U FORD.

  7. Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Aug 20, 2014, fire

    MY VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE WAS DEFECTIVE. THERE WAS A RECALL IN JUNE 13, 2006 FOR MY VEHICLE, I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS DEFECT BY FORD COMPANY. IT IS NOW THAT IT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT THIS WAS AN OCCURRING PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE. *TR

  8. Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jun 10, 2014, fire

    I CAME HOME FROM DROPPING MY SON OFF AT HIS SCHOOL SOCIAL. I HEARD SOME SPARKING NOISE. UNPLUGGED MY CELL PHONE CHARGER. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT IT WAS AT FIRST. 1 MINUTE LATER I SAW SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM MY HOOD. I JUMPED OUT THE CAR AND CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT. GUYS FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD PUT FIRE OUT. IT STARTED AROUND THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. THE CORD THAT ATTACHES TO IT. LATER FOUND OUT IT IS CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. I'M TRYING TO SEE WHO'S RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING THE VEHICLE. WASN'T INFORMED ABOUT RECALL. *TR

  9. Electrical system, Aug 23, 2013, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THERE WAS A SHORTAGE IN THE WIRING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

  10. Electrical system, Feb 28, 2013, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT BURST INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. NO ONE WAS INJURED DURING THE FIRE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE FIRE WAS NOT CAUSED BY ANY MANUFACTURER DESIGN DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

  11. Electrical system, Engine, Sep 18, 2012, fire

    VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIREWALL WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT FIRE AND PARTIALLY MELTED SHORTING OUT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WHILE VEHICLE WAS WAS UNDER STEADY LOAD (3500 RPM) FOR LESS THAN 5 MINUTES PULLING OUT A STUMP. FIRE WAS UNDER HOOD AND WAS EXTINGUISHED WITHIN SECONDS WITH WATER. ENGINE RUNS BUT DASH WARNING LIGHTS PERIODICALLY APPEAR: ENGINE, ABS BRAKES, GAS CAP, ETC. *TR

  12. Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jul 18, 2012

    THE PROBLEM STARTED WITH THE DRIVERS DOOR IT WOULD NOT OPEN , WITH THE REMOTE CONTROL , THE ACTUATOR WORKS BUT THE DOOR LATCH WOULD NOT OPEN AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS OF HAVING TO OPEN IT WITH THE KEYS I TOOK THE DOOR PANEL OPEN AND SPAY SOME WD-40 AND IT STARTED TO OPEN BUT AS TIME WHEN ON THE REAR PASSENGER DOORS HAVE STARTED TO DO THE SAME , THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS HAVE GOT JAM AND NOW BOTH DOORS ARE FAILING AT ONE POINT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR DIDN'T OPEN AND I HAD TO TAKE IT TO A MECHANIC TO GET IT TO WORK BUT THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS AND NOW THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR DOES NOT OPEN IT GOT STOCK AND THE HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR HAS FALLEN OFF IT HAS BEEN SUCH A FRUSTRATING PROBLEM AND I WENT TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST FOR THE PARTS AND ITS GOING TO COST ABOUT $87.00 PER DOOR NOT INCLUDING THE LABOR AND IT VERY FRUSTRATING I WISH THEY DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT ALSO THEIR WAS A RECALL FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL I WENT TO THE DEALER TO GET IT FIX , AND THEY DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL I HAVE CALL SEVERAL TIMES THEY SAY THEIR IS NO OPENINGS AND IT HAS NOW BEEN FOUR YEARS I HAVE GIVEN UP. *TR

  13. Electrical system, Aug 29, 2011, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING HER VEHICLE SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THEN VEHICLE ENGULFED INTO FLAMES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HER THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT HAVE NOT FOLLOWED UP WITH THE CONTACT REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.

  14. Electrical system, Dec 14, 2010, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF WHEN SHE ENGAGED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH TO SHUT OFF THE HEADLIGHTS. THE KNOB HAD BECOME ABNORMALLY HOT AND FELL TO THE FLOOR WHEN ENGAGED. SHE THEN OBSERVED A CHEMICAL COMING FROM THE KNOB CASING AND BLACK SMOKE BEGAN EMITTING FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD NEAR THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED NEAR A GASOLINE FUEL LINE AND THE VEHICLE THEN EXPLODED. THE STEREO WAS BLOWN OUT INTO THE STREET AND GLASS EXPLODED IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. A SECOND VEHICLE THAT WAS PARKED NEARBY WAS ALSO DAMAGED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND A FIRE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURED WAS NOT CONTACTED IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

  15. Steering, Electrical system, Oct 27, 2010, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN WITH THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL ENGAGED WHEN WHITE SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE DEALER WAS CALLED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH COULD POTENTIALLY BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

  16. Electrical system, Sep 29, 2010

    WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP WORKING,POWER WINDOWS NOT WORKING, DOME LIGHT NOT WORKING, FOG LIGHTS NOT WORKING AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND AUTO NOT WORKING. *TR

  17. Electrical system, Sep 6, 2010

    SMOKE COMING OUT OF STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURN SIGNAL ENGAGED. TOOK TO DEALER AND TOLD IGNITION SWITCH HAD SIGNS OF A HOT POINT AND WAS MELTING. HAD IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED AT A SERVICE STATION, HOWEVER, THEY SAID THEY SAW NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF DAMAGE. *TR

  18. Electrical system, Jun 17, 2010, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 70 MPH, SMOKE BEGAN POURING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. AS THE CONTACT WAS MOVING THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND ADVISED THE FIRE WAS SO SEVERE THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FIRE CHIEF RULED THE FIRE AS MECHANICAL. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER AN UNKNOWN RECALL CAMPAIGN IN ORDER TO PREVENT A VEHICLE FIRE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 125,000.

  19. Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 1, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER DOOR LOCKS HAVE FAILED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE DOOR LOCKS CONTINUED TO FAIL AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILES WERE NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 04/15/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE LOCKS HAVE FAILED ONE-BY-ONE. THE PASSENGER REAR AND DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR LOCKS COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE TRUNK LOCK ALSO STICKS. UPDATED 09/02/10

  20. Electrical system, Jan 30, 2010

    MY FORD FOCUS 2000 HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCKS UP SO THAT I CAN PUT MY CAR KEY IN... BUT IT WILL NOT TURN. I WAS LEFT STRANDED AT A GAS STATION AT NIGHT, IF THAT ISN'T DANGEROUS THAN I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS. I PUT MY KEY IN THE IGNITION AND IT WOULD NOT BUDGE. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE FORD DEALER AND THEY FIXED THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER BUT COST ALOT OF MONEY AND FROM WHAT I READ ALOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND EVEN WHEN FIXED IT STILL HAPPENING TO PEOPLE! WE NEED HELP, NO PERSON SHOULD BE LEFT STRANDED LIKE I WAS IT WAS SCARY TO SAY THE LEAST. *TR

  21. Electrical system, Jan 10, 2010, fire

    2000 FORD EXPLORER XLS. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 25 MILES PER HOUR. VEHICLE RUNNING PROPERLY AND SMOOTHLY. SMOKE BEGAN BELLOWING FROM UNDER HOOD. STOPPED VEHICLE TO OPEN HOOD TO DISCOVER ENGINE FIRE. VEHICLE HAS REGULAR MAINTENANCE WITH FULL DIAGNOSTIC LESS THAN A WEAK BEFORE HAND WITH NO ISSUES. VIN NUMBER IS NOT PART OF CURRENT RECALLS. BAFFLED AS TO THE START OF FIRE. MAINLY BURNED THE MAIN ENGINE ELECTRICAL HARNESS. *TR

  22. Electrical system, Oct 24, 2009

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AT STEERING COLUMN: SMELL OF WIRES GETTING HOT AND SMOKE. *TR

  23. Electrical system, Oct 15, 2009, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FUSE INTERMITTENTLY FAILED. SHE REPLACED THE FUSE AT LEAST FOUR TIMES WITHIN TWO MONTHS. THE CAR WAS PARKED IN FRONT HER HOME WHEN SHE HEARD THE VEHICLE ALARM GOING OFF. SHE WAS UNABLE TO SHUT THE ALARM OFF WITH THE KEYLESS ENTRY. SHE FOUND THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE VENTS OF THE VEHICLE. THE VENTS BEGAN TO MELT AND SHE THEN NOTICED FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED HOWEVER SHE WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT BEFORE THEY ARRIVED. THE DEALER ADVISED HER VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL HOWEVER SHE FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ONLINE PERTAINING TO POSSIBLE FIRES AND ONE RECALL PERTAINING TO THE FAILURE OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR (SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V072000) HER VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY OF THE RECALLS. NO REPAIRS HAD BEEN MADE TO THE VEHICLE TO DATE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNDER 125,149. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.

  24. Electrical system, Jul 16, 2009

    TOTAL BATTERY DRAIN WITHIN 48 HOURS OF CHARGE....ALTERNATOR CHECKS OK....BATTERY CHECKS OK....REGULATOR CHECKS OK... *TR

  25. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Vehicle speed control, Apr 11, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. FOR THE PAST TWO MONTHS, THE CONTACT HAS EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL FAILURE WITH HIS VEHICLE. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND HEADLIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY, AND THE BATTERY IS ALWAYS LOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE AUTO GARAGE, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON APRIL 8, 2008 AND THEY STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT AND GLOBE WIRING WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE COST OF THE REPAIR IS $800. ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER, THE DEALER INFORMED THEM THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT UNDER THE HOOD; THEREFORE, THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT HIS VEHICLE IS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V072000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS) AND HE DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND NUMBER OF CYLINDERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000. UPDATED 05/19/08 *BF UPDATED 05/19/08. *JB