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.
Of the 2000 reports, 112 involved a crash and 83 involved a fire. 118 people were injured and 4 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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: engine and engine cooling
102 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Apr 6, 2006
I HAVE A 2000 FORD EXPLORER WITH 46,000 MILES ON IT. I NOTICED A DELAY GOING INTO FIRST GEAR ON TRANSMISSION. TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND THEY REPAIRED TRANSMISSION TO THE COST OF $2900. I AM 61 YEARS OLD AND DRIVE VERY LITTLE. I EXPECTED AT LEAST 100,000 MILES FROM THIS VEHICLE BEFORE MAJOR PROBLEMS. DEALER FOUND ELC TRANS DIAGNOSTIC FOUND INTERNAL WEAR. FOUND INTER AND OD SERVO PISTON HARD 2-3 SHIFT VALVE STICKING. R/R VALVE BODY. PISTONS OVERHAULED AND FLUSHED COOLER LINES .REPLACED CONTROL ASSEMBLY,GASKET, PISTON AND ROD, SCREEN ASSEMBLY, CONVERTER ASSEMBLY & FLUID. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 31, 2006
EXPLORER WILL NOT START AFTER RUNNING THE CAR FOR A WHILE, THE FORD SERVICE CAN NOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM, I BROUGHT IT ANOTHER GARAGE AND THEY IDENTIFIED THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE IS FAULTY, PAID 276.23 TO REPAIR. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 18, 2006
HEAD GASKET DEFECTIVE. COOLANT IS MIXING WITH THE OIL. $2000 REPAIR JOB. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 6, 2006
(1) NOTHING REMARKABLE HAPPENED LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE. THE TRUCK WAS IDLING WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. (2) THE FAILURE WAS THE #3 SPARK PLUG BLOWING OUT OF THE HEAD WHICH ALSO DAMAGED THE COIL IN MY 2000 FORD EXPEDITION 5.4L ENGINE, WHICH HAD 82000 MILES. (3) THE HEAD WAS REPAIRED WITH AN AFTERMARKET KIT THAT ALLOWED A NEW SPARK PLUG TO BE INSTALLED. OLD SPARK PLUG HAS BEEN DISCARDED. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 23, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT AN ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH THE EMISSION SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SEEN BY THE SERVICE DEALER FIVE TIMES FOR EMISSION PROBLEMS, AND THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO COMPLETELY REMEDY THE PROBLEM. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED THE SAME EMISSION PROBLEMS RECURRED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND FUMES ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE MANIFOLD GASKET, OXYGEN SENSOR, IDLE CONTROL SENSOR, AND OTHER EMISSION PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. CURRENTLY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, FUMES WERE ENTERING THE VEHICLE, AND THE CONTACT WAS PLANNING TO RETURN THE VEHICLE TO THE SERVICE DEALER FOR ADDITIONAL REPAIRS. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Oct 12, 2005
THERE IS A CUSTOMER COMPLAINT RECALL ON FORD EXPLORER SPORTS THAT FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS SAID INFORMATION WAS SENT OUT ON AND PEOPLE I TALK TO HAVE NOT RECEIVED THIS INFORMATION. I AM CURRENTLY HAVING THIS PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE AND WHEN TAKING TO THE DEALERSHIP I AM TOLD YES THERE WAS AND FORD KNOWS THAT THE TENSIONER CHAIN IS BAD AND THEY HAVE A QUIET RECALL ON THEM AND MINE WAS COVERED BUT BECAUSE OF THE MILES ON MINE IT IS NOT AND FORD WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. THEY KNOW THIS IS A PROBLEM AND THEY SHOULD FIX IT AND IN ALL VEHICLES NOT JUST A COMPLAINT. THE VEHICLE RATTLES AND DOES NOT WANT TO RUN WITH THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS ACTUALLY TWO RECALLS ON THIS PART NOT JUST ONE AND I THINK FORD NEEDS TO FIX ALL THE VEHICLE NO MATTER WHAT MILES IS ON THE VEHICLE THE COVERAGE IS 6 YEARS 72,000 MILE I HAVE A 2000 WITH A LITTLE OVER 77,000 MILE ONLY 5,000 OUT OF THERE COVERAGE AREA AND I HAVE ALSO HAD TO PUT A NEW TRANSMISSION IN THE VEHICLE AND FORD KNOWS THAT THERE TRANSMISSIONS HAVE LOTS OF PROBLEMS ALSO.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, May 25, 2005
2000 FORD EXPLORER MOTOR SKIPS AND RACES WHEN STARTED UP.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE VEHICLE RAN ROUGH AND THE GAS MILEAGE WAS POOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TOT HE DEALER. THE DEALER CLEANED THE MANIFOLD BUT THIS DID NOT RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO AND INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO RAN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE TEST CONCLUDED THAT THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REMOVED AND CLEANED. IT APPEARED THAT THE DEALER NEVER CLEANED THE MANIFOLD AS THEY STATED. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 29, 2005
ON 20 MAR 2005 WHILE DRIVING MY 2000 FORD EXPLORER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I PULLED TO THE SIDE TO CHECK THE PROBLEMS, EVERYTHING SEEMED NORMAL EXCEPT IT WAS IDLING ROUGH. I CALLED THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY TO BRING IT IN. I BROUGHT IT TO THE FORD DEALER ON 21 MAR 2005. I WAS TOLD THAT AFTERNOON, THAT IT WAS THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET. I CALLED THE DEALER ON 22 MAR TO CHECK AND SEE WHEN I COULD PICK IT UP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD NOT BE READY BECAUSE THEY FOUND THE CYLINDER HEAD HAD A CRACK. I CALLED ON 23 MAR TO CHECK AND WAS TOLD BOTH CYLINDER HEADS WERE CRACKED AND THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE ENGINE MAY HAVE TO BE REPLACED. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THEY WERE WAITING FOR AN ADJUSTER FROM FORD TO MAKE A DETERMINATION TO SEE IF THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED OR JUST THE CYLINDER HEADS. IT IS NOW THE AFTERNOON OF 29 MAR AND I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE CYLINDER HEADS ARE ON BACK ORDER AND THEY DO NOT KNOW WHEN MY CAR WILL BE READY. I CALLED FORD (800-392-3673) AND BASICALLY WAS TOLD SORRY NOTHING WE CAN DO THE CYLINDER HEADS ARE ON "NATIONAL BACK ORDER". IF THAT IS TRUE, THERE IS A GREAT DEMAND FOR FORD 4 LITER ENGINE CYLINDER HEADS. IIS THAT A RESULT OF A DEFECT WITH THE ENGINE OR THE CYLINDER HEADS. HAS ANYONE LOOKED INTO THIS? ALSO, DO NOT WHAT CAN BE DONE TO GET FORD MOVING ON MY PROBLEM?
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 14, 2005
CRANKS HAFT CRACKED AND CAUSED ENGINE FAILURE. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 11, 2005, fire
MY 2000 FORD EXPEDITION CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE SITTING IN OUR DRIVEWAY. THE SUV HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 5+ HOURS. OUR NEIGHBOR GOT UP TO USE THE RESTROOM AROUND 11:45 AND NOTICED FLAMES SHOOTING FROM OUR SUV. THE FIRE COMPLETLY DESTROYED OUR TRUCK. THE FIRE GOT SO HOT IT MELTED THE HOOD,FRONT TIRES AND THE FRONT CAB. OUR TRUCK WAS IN GOOD CONDITION NO MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. HOW DOES A TRUCK BURSTT INTO FLAMES WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY?*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Tires, Dec 29, 2004
PURCHASED FORD EXPLORER 2000 IN SEPT OF 04. FIRST THE CRUISE WENT OUT. FRONT TIRES LOOSES AIR ABOUT ONCE A WEEK HAVE TO FILL. STARTS HARD AND WILL NOT IDOL IN MORNINGS SPECIALLY WHEN COLD OUT SIDE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON TWICE, PURCHASED AT SEELYE WRIGHT KIA IN KALAMAZOO MI. CANNOT GET DEALER TO FIX VEHICLE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Visibility, Air bags, Latches/locks/linkages, Seats, Dec 21, 2004
FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO DECEMBER 5TH, 2004, THE HEAT ELEMENT IN MY 2000 FORD EXPLORER DRIVER SEAT WOULD BECOME PAINFULLY HOT UNDER THE LEFT LEG NEAR THE TORSO TO THE POINT WHERE IT NEEDED TO BE MANUALLY TURNED OFF EACH TIME. IT WAS TURNED OFF AS IT BECAME PAINFUL, AND WE WERE CONCERNED WE WOULD BECOME BURNED AND WOULD THE SEAT CATCH ON FIRE. MY OTHER CONCERN FOR THIS IS SOMEONE, SUCH AS A DIABETIC, WITH NEUROPATHY WOULDN'T FEEL THE INTENSITY OF THE HEAT AND BECOME BURNED. 2) APPROX 2 WEEKS AFTER THE INITIAL EVENT THE SEAT LIGHT WILL COME ON BUT NO HEAT IS PRODUCED. WHY DID IT TAKE 2 WEEKS FOR THE ELEMENT (ASSUMED) TO BURN OUT? 3) THE CAR IS SCHEDULED TO GO TO AN INDEPENDANT MECHANIC AS I DO NOT TRUST FORD TO DO THE RIGHT THING. THE DEALER IS NOT CONCERNED THAT MY DRIVER AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF AT WILL FOR DAYS OR WEEKS AT A TIME. THEY RECALLED THE 98 AND 99 MODELS FOR A TENSIONER PULLEY PROBLEM AND ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE '00 BUT THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE $500 FOR THE REPAIR......MOST DEFECTS I TOOK IN FOR WARRANTY REPAIR REMAIN UNFIXED, (MOSTLY ELECTRICAL IN NATURE) INCLUDING A REAR WIPER THAT RARELY GOES ON, RADIO STATIONS AND CLOCK DISPLAY THAT OCCASIONALLY CAN BE SEEN AND A REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE THAT AFTER 5 ATTEMPTS (FORD WENT AGAINST THEIR ENGINEER RECOMMENDATIONS TO DO A RECALL) WILL UNLOCK WITH POWER LOCK BUT THE UNSUSPECTING OR IN A HURRY WILL JUST ABOUT RIP A HAND OFF TO GET IT OPEN.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 14, 2004, fire
THIS IS A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. LAST YEAR THERE WAS A FIRE STRARTED BY A RELAY FAILURE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THIS REPAIR WAS $2300.00, $435.00 WAS NOT COVERED BY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WE PURCHASED. IN THE PAST MONTH I HAVE NOTICED PAINT FAILURE LEADING TO RUST ON THE ROOF, AND LAST FRIDAY THE ENGINE FAILED WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING. CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. FORD SAYS WE NEED A NEW ENGINE WHICH WILL COST $5,500.00. THE ENGINE HAS 71,000 MILES ON IT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY RAN OUT AT 65,000. WHEN THE ENGINE FAILED, IT EFFECT THE BREAKING AND POWER STEERING. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE AND FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 5, 2004
9 MONTHS OF SERVICE VISITS FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON WITH NO APPARANT CAUSE EXCEPT ONCE; CAR WOULD RIDE ROUGH AND SOMETIMES FELT LIKE IT WOULD STALL; TWO CRACKED ENGINES WOUDL CAUSED THE CAR TO NOT RUN IN THE MIDDLE OF A TRIP; HAD TO REBUILD THE CRACKED CYLINDER HEADS. *AK
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 3, 2004
THE ENGINE HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SMOKE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A MECHANICAL DEFECT IN THE STEERING COLUMN. *JB THE KNOCKING WOULD ONLY OCCUR IN THE FALL AND WINTER MONTH'S. ON ONE OCCASION THE WHILE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT, SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. *SC
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Aug 20, 2004, fire
THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING WHEN SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE WHILE TURNING INTO HER DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS SMOKING AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT WITH A GARDEN HOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE. ON THE NEXT INCIDENT, THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC TO HAVE THE FRONT END ALIGNED, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED THE BALL JOINT FELL OFF INTO THE MECHANIC'S HAND JULY 8, 2004. *LA ALL OF THE PROBLEMS HAD BEEN ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THERE WERE ALSO PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE. *SC *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 20, 2004
MY FORD YEAR 2000 IDLES ROUGH AND STALLS IN COLD WEATHER. I THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS DIRTY INJECTORS AND KEPT HAVING THEM FLUSHED WHICH TEMP. FIXED PROB. A MECHANIC STATED THAT IT WAS THE TIMING CHAIN AND THAT FORD WOULD FIX IT FOR FREE, FOR THEY DID ON HIS EXPLORER. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY SAID THAT I WAS OVER THE MILES AND THAT IT WAS A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION RECALL. WELL NOT ONLY AM I NOT SATISFIED, BUT IT SEEMS TO BE A SAFETY FACTOR AS WELL. WHAT IF A PULL OUT INTO AN INTERSECTION AND MY CAR STALLS. CROSSING A HIGHWAY AND MY CAR STALLS. I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT FORD WOULD HAVE CARED MORE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS ESPECIALLY GIVEN THAT THIS IS MY 3RD FORD AND I AM ONLY 30 YRS OLD. REGARDLESS, OF THAT FACT, THAEY SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO FIX THE PROBLEM IN ORDER TO KEEP THEIR DRIVERS SAFE ON THE ROAD. *LA
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 15, 2004
CAR WOULD NOT START WITHOUT PRESSING GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR. ONCE STARTED HAD TO KEEP MY FOOT ON THE GAS TO PREVENT IT FROM STALLING. *LA
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 24, 2004
WHEN STARTING VEHICLE AFTER FUELING IT BEGAN TO HESITATE/STALL. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 17, 2004
COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE OIL. *PH THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE COOLANT TO LEAK. THE ENTIRE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 11, 2004
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING SMOKE CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. BUT THERE WAS NO FIRE. SHE STATES THAT SOME TIMES YOU CAN SMELL IT BURNING, BUT NEVER SEE FIRE. ALSO, CONSUMER COMPLAINED THAT VEHICLE STALLED WHEN SHE STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR. VEHICLE HESITATED BEFORE MOVING, THEN WHEN IT MOVED, ONE COULD SMELL GAS. CONSUMER DID NOT TAKE VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP FOR CHECKING ON THESE PROBLEMS BECAUSE SHE WAS THE SECOND OWNER . *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Jan 15, 2004
THE FIRST TIME I HAD A PROBLEM IS WHEN MY CAR WOULDN?T START ON MY WAY TO WORK, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. IT WAS A FEW DAYS AFTER I GOTTEN IT. SO I TOOK IT IN AND THEY SAID THEY CHECKED THE ENGINE AND TURNED OFF THE LIGHT. THEY TOLD ME I SHOULD HAVE IT SERVICED. SO I DID. THE OTHER TIME I TOOK IT IN, IT HAD DIED ON ME WHILE DRIVING DOWN MY UNCLES APARTMENT HILL. THEY SAID THEY WERE GETTING SOME WEIRD CODES FROM THE COMPUTER OR SOMETHING. THEY SAID THEY WOULD GET ME AN APPOINTMENT WITH FORD. THEN THEY CALL LATER THAT DAY AND TELL ME THEY WILL BRING SOMEONE IN TO LOOK AT THE CAR WHO SPECIALIZES IN FORD MODELS. I NEEDED A CAR SO I HAD TO RENT A CAR WHILE THEY HAD MY CAR IN THE SHOP SO THAT I COULD TAKE MY SON TO THE SITTERS AND HAVE A WAY TO WORK. ONLY TO FIND OUT WHEN I GOT MY CAR BACK, THAT UNFORTUNATELY THEY DIDN?T HAVE THE TOOLS TO FIX THE PROBLEM SO THEY WILL BE SENDING MY CAR TO FORD. SO FAR ITS BEEN ABOUT A WEEK, THEY HAVE NOT CALLED ME WITH A CONFIRMED DATE ON WHEN I CAN TAKE MY CAR IN TO FIX. YESTERDAY, (NOV. 11) THE ENGINE WOULD LUG, ONCE IN A WHILE MY CAR WILL DIE OUT. WHEN I STARTED IT UP AGAIN ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULDN?T GO OFF. I CALLED IT IN WHEN I GOT TO WORK. THEY TOLD ME THAT I COULD STILL DRIVE IT IF IT DOESN?T SEEM DIFFERENT FROM BEFORE. I AM STILL DRIVING IT, MOSTLY BECAUSE IF I TAKE IT IN, I WON?T HAVE ANY WAY TO WORK AND BACK HOME. THEY SAID THEY DON?T GIVE OUT LOANERS. I?VE BEEN TOLD THAT THE CAR HAS MULTIPLE PROBLEMS, AND MOST OF THEM DIFFERENT EVERY TIME I GO IN. ONE TIME IT WAS SOME KIND OF CODE STATING THAT IT THINKS IT?S A STOLEN CAR, NOW IT SOME KIND OF TIMER. THE FIRST TIME IT WAS CAUSE I NEEDED A SERVICE. IT SEEMS LIKE THE LONGER I DRIVE MY CAR THE WORSE IT?S GETTING. BUT REALLY I HAVE NO CHOICE. THEY WON?T GIVE ME A LOANER. I AM PAYING MAJOR BUCKS TO RENT A CAR SINCE I?M ONLY 19. IT COST ME $65 THE TIME I RENTED ONE CAUSE I WOULDN?T HAVE A WAY TO WORK.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 12, 2004
THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT ADJUST CORRECTLY WHEN DRIVING. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS. THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE SOLVED. *AK IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CONTROL SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND AFTER BEING REPLACED IT STILL FAILED. AS OF YET THE CONSUMER HAS NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT OR BEEN INJURED BUT IS CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED BEFORE IT DOES HAPPEN. *CB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND DIED, THE COMPUTER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE IDLE CONTROL SPEED SENOR AND A VALVE, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM CONTINUED *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Visibility, Jan 2, 2004
VEHICLE OVERHEATED/ THERMOSTAT, REAR WIPER MOTOR STOPPED WORKING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON CONTINUALLY, BELT SQUEALS ON RAINY DAYS, RADIO COMES ON BY ITSELF, TIRES TO BE REPLACED, LIVED AT SAME ADDRESS SINCE VEHICLE PURCHASE AND NOT EVEN A NOTICE FOR RECALL ON TIRES.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 1, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE STALLED IN TRAFFIC. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK