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: power train
146 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, May 18, 2010
VEHICLES TRANSMISSION SLIPS CAUSING LOSS OF POWER TO GEARING. UNSAFE CONDITIONS EXISTS WHILE TRYING TO USE POWER TO AVOID ACCIDENTS. WHEN VEHICLE KEY IS SWITCHED OFF THEN ON AGAIN, TRANSMISSION RESETS UNTIL NEXT EVENT OF POWER LOSS. *TR
Power train, Apr 26, 2010
MY TRANSMISSION ON MY 2000 FORD EXPLORER XLT OVER DRIVE O/D LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH ON AND OFF. I ONLY HAVE 169,000 MILES ON THE TRUCK. WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT STARTED TO JERK AND SLIP OUT OF GEAR. NOW IT ONLY LET ME DRIVE ONLY IN ONE GEAR. I'VE CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIPS AND SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO. IT SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE SO MANY FORD EXPLORER OWNERS UP TO THE 2002 MODEL HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR TRUCK AND THEY THE SAME RESPONSE WHEN CALL FORD DEALERSHIPS. THIS THE WEBSITE WITH ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/TRANSMISSION/O_D_LIGHT_IS_BLINKING.SHTML. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO ADDRESSED BECAUSE NO ONE WANTS TO BE IN THE MIDDLE OF ON COMING TRAFFIC AND CAN'T MOVE BECAUSE OF THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION WANT ALLOW THEM TOO. THEY WILL BE IN AN ACCIDENT OR CAUSE ONE. *TR
Power train, Apr 14, 2010
2000 FORD EXPLORER HAS O/D LIGHT BLINKING. ROUGH SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND. BARELY IS ABLE TO GET INTO PARK WHICH LEAVES THE VEHICLE ABLE TO ROLL AWAY. (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). *TR
Power train, Apr 12, 2010
WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR THREE YEARS AGO IT HAD JUST A REBUILT TRANSMISSION IN IT. LESS THAN A MONTH AFTER I PURCHASED IT I HAD TO HAVE A 2ND REBUILT TRANSMISSION PUT IN IT WHEN MY O/D LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. JUST YESTERDAY I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY(I-5 IN SEATTLE, WA) WHEN MY TRANSMISSION FAILED AND I HAD TO COAST ACROSS 3 LANES OF FREEWAY TRAFFIC TO COME TO A STOP ON THE SHOULDER. THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT SAFELY TO THE SHOULDER BUT THE SITUATION COULD HAVE ENDED VERY DIFFERENTLY. I COULD HAVE VERY EASILY GOTTEN INTO AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING ONLINE AND AM FINDING THAT HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE HAD THE EXACT SAME ISSUES THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCE! IT MAKES ME SICK THAT FORD HAD YET TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Equipment, Feb 22, 2010
2000 FORD EXPLORER THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM IT SLOW DOWN IN GEAR AND SECOND GEAR. FORD DEALER WILL PAID ATTEND TO THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 8, 2010
2000 FORD EXPLORER HAS A DELAY IN SHIFTING ON TRANSMISSION, O/D OFF LIGHT FLASHING AND CAR WINDS OUT IN BETWEEN GEARS... VERY COSTLY SO FAR AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!!!!!!!!! *CN
Power train, Feb 1, 2010
2000 FORD EXPLORER 4.0 V6 SOHC WITH LESS THAN 120,000MILES- 5 SPEED OVERDRIVE TRANSMISSION IS GOING INTO FAILURE. SLIPS CONSISTENTLY WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN SECOND AND THIRD GEAR, RPMS HAVE TO RAISE WELL ABOVE THE NECESSARY LEVEL TO ACTUATE THE SHIFTING MECHANISM, WHETHER IT MAY BE VALVES OR THE BANDS. *TR
Power train, Nov 28, 2009
2000 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION. THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM WHICH SEEMS TO BE RAPID ON THE FORD EXPLORER LINE IN SEVERAL YEARS. THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO FAIL AT AN EARLY OR LATE INTO OWNERSHIP. I TALKED TO DEALER IN MY AREA AND THERE COMMENTS WHERE. DON'T TELL TRANSMISSION O/D LIGHT BLINKING AND TRANNY SLIPS, THE MINUTE I JUST SAID LIGHT COMES ON! THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS WHEN DRIVING IT JUST GIVES OUT WITHOUT WARNING AND SLIPS WHEN ACCELERATING. I'M SURE IF YOU GET A SERVICE RELATED TRANSMISSION PROBLEM FOR THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE YOU WILL FIND FORD HAS AND IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. BUT IT GOES BACK TO MONEY! I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND IT JUST SLIPPED AND HAD TO PUNCH IT TO LEAVE INTERSECTION. *TR
Power train, Oct 14, 2009
I HAVE A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. SEVERAL YEARS AGO I HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH I UNDERSTAND IS VERY COMMON IN FORD VEHICLES. NOW JUST A FEW YEARS LATER I'M HAVING TRANSMISSION ISSUES AGAIN. THE CAR IS JOLTING AHEAD WHEN AT A COMPLETE STOP. AND ALSO NOT WANT TO GET INTO THE NEXT GEAR PROPERLY. I AM NOW TOLD THAT I HAVE TO REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY. IT SEEMS THESE VEHICLES HAVE WAY TOO MANY TRANSMISSION ISSUES. *TR
Power train, Sep 4, 2009
ON AUGUST 28, 2009 I WAS DRIVING WITH MY HUSBAND AND TWO CHILDREN UNDER AGE 2 ON THE MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE WHEN OUR 2000 FORD EXPLORER SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR WITH THE BRAKES AND WAS FORCED TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO FINALLY GET THE CAR TO STOP. I WAS USING THE CRUISE CONTROL AT THE TIME AND HAD IT SET JUST UNDER 70 MPH. MY CAR AT ONE POINT WAS GOING ALMOST 90 AS WE TRIED TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO WHILE MY FOOT WAS ALL THE WAY ON THE BRAKE. WE WERE LUCKY TO HAVE SURVIVED THIS INCIDENT. A LOCAL GARAGE SAID THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL MUST HAVE STUCK AND THEY HAVE DISCONNECTED THE WIRES BUT NOW LEAVE US WITH DAMAGE TO THE CAR WE ARE STILL TRYING TO DIAGNOSE. *TR
Power train, May 10, 2009
MY FIRST CAR WAS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER AND I COULD NOT BE MORE DISAPPOINTED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS VEHICLE. ALTHOUGH I HAVE HAD THE CAR NOW FOR A FEW YEARS, IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. THERE HAVE BEEN SOME MINOR ISSUES WITH THE CAR THAT ARE EXPECTED WITH NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. HOWEVER AT ONLY ABOUT 60,000 MILES I STARTED HAVING VERY BAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THE O/D LIGHT FLASHES NEARLY EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR AND THE TRANSMISSION (AUTOMATIC) SKIPS EVERY TIME AFTER FIRST GEAR. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I REALIZED THAT THIS IS NOT A RANDOM OCCURRENCE. THERE ARE NUMEROUS FORD EXPLORER OWNERS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM AND FORD HAS YET TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND HELP FIX THIS PROBLEM. I INITIALLY THOUGHT THAT IT WAS JUST MY CAR POSSIBLY GETTING OLD, HOWEVER AFTER SPENDING HOURS RESEARCHING MY PROBLEM I QUICKLY REALIZED THAT THIS IS NOT AN AGE ISSUE. I ALSO DO NOT HAVE THAT MANY MILES ON MY CAR. UNFORTUNATELY I DO NOT HAVE THE $2000+ TO COMPLETELY REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION WHICH APPARENTLY SEEMS TO BE MY ONLY OPTION. IT HAS GOTTEN TO THE POINT WHERE I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR BECAUSE EVERY TIME I TURN IT ON AND START DRIVING THESE PROBLEMS OCCUR. *TR
Power train, May 1, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. EVER SINCE AUGUST OF 2007, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE SWITCHING OUT OF GEAR INTERMITTENTLY. THE BRAKES, ROTORS, ALTERNATOR, MOTOR MOUNT, PULLEY ASSEMBLY, ALL THE BELTS, AND TIRES WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. ON MAY 1, 2009, WHILE DRIVING OUT OF A SUBWAY STATION AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND SWITCHED INTO REVERSE AND THE CONTACT ALMOST STRUCK A PEDESTRIAN. AN OFFICER WITNESSED THE FAILURE AND ADVISED HIM TO CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,200 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,540.
Power train, Jan 4, 2009
I NOTICED A SLIGHT HESITATION IN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR ONCE IN A WHILE YESTERDAY. WITHIN 5 MILES THE O/D LIGHT WAS FLASHING AND BY THE TIME I GO HOME(LUCKILY)5 MILES LATER, REVERSE WAS NOW NOT WORKING. I HAVE A CAR THAT HAS ALREADY HAD 1 TRANSMISSION REPLACED, NEEDING ANOTHER ONE. I AM EXTREMELY LUCKY THAT I DID NOT GET STRANDED!!!! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Dec 15, 2008
AT 166,000 HEAD GASKET BLEW PLUS THERE WERE OTHER ENGINE PROBLEMS. REPLACED WITH ANOTHER ENGINE. NOW TRANSMISSION IS GOING OUT. IT WILL GO INTO REVERSE FINE BUT WILL GO INTO DRIVE WITH PROBLEMS. IF VEHICLE IS COLD IT WILL GO INTO DRIVE FASTER THAN WHEN IT IS WARMED UP. AT WARM TEMP IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL TRIES OF SHIFTING FROM PARK BACK TO DRIVE OR WAITING SEVERAL MINUTES FOR IT TO DROP INTO DRIVE AFTER SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. HAVE ONLY OWNED THIS VEHICLE LESS THAN 2 YEARS. *TR
Power train, Jul 14, 2008
O/D LIGHT FLASHING. GRIFFEN FORD COULD NOT ID PROBLEM. UNACCUSTOMED TO HOW THIS TRANSMISSION SHOULD HANDLE, I HAD NO IDEA HOW THE LOWEST GEAR RATIO SHOULD FEEL AND ASSUMED WHAT IT DID FEEL LIKE WAS NORMAL. AT 110,000 A/TRAN FAILED AND HAD TO BE REMANUFACTURED. USED PRIVATE SHOP. OUTSTANDING RE-BUILD AND THAT IS WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT I NEVER HAD A LOW(EST) GEAR BUT DID AFTER THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. FAITHFUL CHANGE AND CLEANING OF TRANS FLUID, NO TOWING EVER, AND EXCELLENT MAINTENANCE RECORD DID NOT PREVENT A TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHICH IS EVIDENCE OF FORD POOR QUALITY CONTROL AT THE MANUFACTURING OR ASSEMBLY LEVEL. OBVIOUSLY NO ONE EVER PICKED UP THE FACT THAT THE LOW GEAR NEVER WORKED, NOT AT THE FORD FACTORY, AT THE DEALERSHIP, BY SALES, OR SERVICE, AND WAS NEVER PROPERLY ROAD TESTED. POOR REFLECTION ON FORD MOTOR CORPORATION. *TR
Power train, Jul 11, 2008
O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND WOULDN'T CORRECT WITH THE BUTTON ON THE GEAR SHIFT. EXPLORER WOULD REV AT INAPPROPRIATE TIMES. MILEAGE HAS DROPPED FROM 21 TO 16 MPG WHICH OUTRAGEOUS. TOOK IT IN TO BE CHECKED EXPECTING THE SENSORS TO BE OFF BUT WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHOT, THE CONVERTER WAS BUSTED, METAL IN THE TRANSMISSION, WOULD NEED TO COMPLETELY REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, May 1, 2008
PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION. SLIPS BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR. OVER DRIVE LIGHT IS FLASHING. TOOK TO REPAIR SHOP AND COST $300, DID NOT FIX PROBLEM. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Feb 18, 2008
IN EARLY SEPTEMBER, MY TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP WHILE ON A TRIP WITH MY FAMILY. THE MILEAGE AT THE TIME WAS UNDER 85,000 MILES. IT COST ME OVER $1500 TO HAVE A REBUILT TRANSMISSION INSTALLED. APPARENTLY, OTHER FORD EXPLORER XLT OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. IN ADDITION, SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, BOTH WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY'S HAVE GONE BAD TO THE TUNE OF OVER $800. THE MILEAGE IS STILL UNDER 90,000. I HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN AGAIN TODAY AND FOUND OUT THAT A BALL JOINT HAS GONE BAD NEAR THE WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY AND IT'S GOING TO COST AROUND $250 TO REPLACE THAT. IT'S UNFATHOMABLE THAT FORD WOULD BE ALLOWED TO PUT OUT SUCH A SHODDY VEHICLE THAT FALLS APART ONCE YOU GET OVER 80,000 MILES USAGE. *TR
Power train, Feb 9, 2008
TRANSMISSION IN THIS EXPLORER (VIN 'X') STARTED SLIPPING AT 55K MILES BETWEEN 2-3 SHIFT. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT BY FELLOW MECHANICS FOR $1200 TOTAL BEFORE TOTAL FAILURE. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Nov 2, 2007, fire
CONSUMER'S 2000 FORD EXPLORER CAUGHT FIRE. CONSUMER STATED HE WOULD LIKE REIMBURSEMENT FOR PERSONAL ITEMS WHICH WERE IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE. *KB PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING A POTENTIAL FIRE CONCERNING THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THE TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN REPLACED A MONTH EARLIER. *JB
Power train, Aug 22, 2007
I WAS TOLD IN DEC 2004 BY MY MECHANIC THAT MY TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING (MY VEHICLE HAD ONLY 32K MILES AT THE TIME), BUT BECAUSE MY 2000 FORD EXPLORER WAS TOO OLD, THERE WAS NOT ANY THING THAT I COULD DO OTHER THAN PAY FOR A REPAIR. REGARDLESS OF AGE, I DON'T THINK ANY TRANSMISSION SHOULD FAIL WITH ONLY 32K MILES ON THE CAR. *TR
Power train, Apr 12, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE ODI WARNING LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY FLASHED. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS HAVING TO DO WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 79,108. *AK
Power train, Mar 15, 2007
VEHICLE UNDERWENT 95000 MILE INSPECTION WHICH INCLUDED CHANGE OF TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FILTER IN OCT 06. IN FEB THE TRANSMISSION FAILED ON RETURN FROM SHORT TRIP. LOCAL FORD GARAGE ADVISED THAT LIKELY CAUSE WAS LEAKING TRANSMISSION SEAL. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY TRANSMISSION LEAK ON DRIVEWAY, OR GARAGE FLOOR. THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY UNTIL EVENING OF PROBLEM. IT WAS AS IF ALL FLUID WAS LOST AT ONCE BUT GARAGE CLAIMS THAT IT WAS PRESSURE LEAK? *JB
Power train, Feb 19, 2007
PREMATURE FAILURE OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, 2000 FORD EXPLORER, TRANSMISSION IS THE SAME USED IN THE PINTO. VERY UNDER RATED FOR WHAT IT IS EXPECTED TO PERFORM. *NM
Power train, Oct 19, 2006
2000 FORD EXPLORER WHILE PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY (PARKED- KEYS OUT AND IN MY POCKET) IT BEGAN ROLLING BACKWARD. I WAS ABLE TO JUMP IN AND DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL JUST BEFORE IT WOULD HAVE ROLLED OF THE HILL AND INTO THE STREET. THEN IT DID THE SAME THING AGAIN THE NEXT DAY. *NM