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: suspension
69 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Aug 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE BEING INSPECTED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE TIRE MAINTENANCE, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT AXLE WAS FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 71,000.
Suspension, Jun 11, 2011
LOWER AND UPPER BALL JOINT MAKING TERRIBLE NOISE, I DID GREASE BUT STILL HAVE NOISE. *TR
Suspension, Sep 5, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION. HE EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR LINK FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES BEFOREHAND. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 85,500. UPDATED 1/6/09 *CN THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR LINK FAILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO CORROSION. UPDATED 01/14/09. *JB
Steering, Suspension, Apr 22, 2008
DURING AN UP-HILL LEFT HAND TURN AT SPEED LESS THAN 10 MILES PER HOUR THE DRIVER'S SIDE SWAY BAR LINK FAILED AND BROKE WITH A LOUD BANG. A SWAY BAR LINK KIT WAS PURCHASED FROM NAPA AND REPLACED BY THE OWNER. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Mar 29, 2008
BEARING BROKE ON FORD EXPLORER. WHEEL WAS ALMOST OFF THE VEHICLE. FORTUNATELY GOING SLOW. *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
Suspension, Aug 24, 2007, crash
2000 FORD EXPLORER SPORT ROLLOVER ACCIDENT. BOTH MY SON AND WITNESSES STATE THAT MY SON WAS DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT (55 ON A RURAL 2 LANE ROAD) WHEN A SMALL DIP IN THE ROAD CAUSED HIM TO FISHTAIL AND FLIP ONTO HIS ROOF. THANK GOD HIM AND HIS FRIEND HAD ON THE SEAT BELTS AND WERE ABLE TO CRAWL OUT OF THE CAR UNHARMED. I DID NOT KNOW THIS PROBLEM EXISTED WITH THE FORD EXPLORER. MORE SHOULD BE DONE TO WARN PEOPLE ABOUT THIS DEFECT! THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED! THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Structure, Tires, Oct 17, 2006
CONSUMER LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEWOUT AND SHREDDED CAUSING CONSUMER TO REPLACE TIRE WITH SPARE. *TS THE TIRE BLEWOUT PRIOR TO THE CONSUMER RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE. THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND DOOR AJAR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. LEFT SIDE WHEEL BEARING SHOT AND THE RIGHT SIDE WAS GOING BAD. REAR BRAKES SHOT. *NM
Suspension, Feb 24, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TAKING THE VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION THE DEALER DETERMINED ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE BALL JOINTS. SINCE THE REPLACEMENT NO FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED.
Suspension, Jul 22, 2005
THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ONLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HAVE PREMATURELY WORN OUT. THE UPPER BALL JOINT MOVES FREELY WITH THE CAR'S VERTICAL MOTION RATHER THAN BEING RESTRICTED TO SIDE-TO-SIDE MOTION. THE LOWER BALL JOINT HAS ALSO FAILED. THE PASSENGER SIDE SHOWS NO SUCH WEAR. THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT TO CAUSE THIS PROBLEM AND NO ACCIDENT CAUSED FROM IT-- YET.
Suspension, Power train, Feb 22, 2005
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE MAKES A CLANKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE TAKES UP TO 2-5 SECONDS UPON CHANGING GEARS TO REVERSE. GOING UP HILL IT WILL DOWN SHIFT VERY HARD AS IF THE FLOOR BOARD IS BEING KNOCKED OUT. THE DIFFERENTIAL, AND REAR END WERE REPLACED. *AK
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
Suspension, Mar 5, 2004
THE BALL JOINTS ON MY 2000 FORD EXPLORER NEED TO REPLACED AFTER ONLY 42,000 MILES. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING BALL JOINTS SHOULD LAST A MINIMUM OF 100-150,000 MILES.*AK
Suspension, Feb 24, 2004
LEFT FRONT WHEEL MAKES NOISE OVER BUMPS. STEERING IS OFF BECAUSE OF IT AND IT FEELS LIKE IT IS GOING TO BREAK ANY SECOND. *AK
Suspension, Feb 16, 2004
I HAVE A 2000 EXPLORER 4WD AND LOWER BALL JOINT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE IS SQUEELING REALY BAD. I WAS TOLD TO REPLACE FOR $400.00. THIS IS JUST ANOTHER PROBLEM I'VE HAD WITH THIS SUV. THE TRANSMISSION HAD A BAD VALVE BODY GASKET ANOTHER $300.00. IT'S ONLY GOT 39000 MILES. WHAT ELSE CAN GO WRONG...SORRY THAT'S A BAD QUESTION. NEEDLESS TO SAY I'LL BE SELLING THIS ONE SOON.*AK
Suspension, Jan 23, 2004
THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING HAS CORRODED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB *MR
Suspension, Equipment, Jan 14, 2004
WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 1/03 WITH 39,000 MILES ON IT. 3/03 THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE WENT BAD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THEN 7/03 THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE SLIPPING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. THIS COST $1,800 TO FIX. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 43,000 MILES ON AT THAT TIME. NOW IT IS 1/04 AND THE TRUCK IS BACK IN THE SHOP FOR AN IDLE PROBLEM ONCE AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE JERKS AND BUCKS WHEN GOING DOWN THE ROAD AT 35-40 MPH. THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION AND FORD SHOULD BE REPLACING ALL THE IAC VALVES UNDER A RECALL BECAUSE THERE ARE AN ABUNDANCE OF EXPLORER OWNERS WHO THIS HAS HAPPENED TO AROUND THE 39,000 -43,000 MILES MARK! *AK
Suspension, Dec 2, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE FRONT END. DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, BUT COULD NO DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK
Steering, Suspension, Nov 11, 2003
DEALER SERVICE STATES LOWER BALL JOINT NEEDS REPLACEMENT. EXPERIENCE CLUNKING OVER BUMPS. DEALER SERVICE ALREADY REPLACED STEERING RACK DUE TO EXCESSIVE PLAY, SOMEHOW ARE PROBABLY RELATED TO LOWER BALL JOINT PLAY.*AK
Suspension, Oct 12, 2003
PROBLEMS WITH FRONT BALL JOINTS ON 2000 FORD EXPLORER.*MR CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE IS ONLY THREE YEARS OLD AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE WAY THE BALL JOINTS WERE MADE ON THE SUV. CONSUMER FEELS THIS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. *PH *JB
Suspension, Oct 3, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE AND JERK. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE ADD ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 29, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED FRONT END MADE NOISE . DEALER REPLACED THE UPPER BALL JOINTS,AND AN INDEPENDENT SHOP REPLACED THE ROTORS. BUT THE NOISE WAS STILL OCCURRING. *AK
Suspension, Aug 25, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS ON A SLIGHTLY WET SURFACE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE TRACTION AND SLIDE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE IS UNDETERMINED. *AK
Suspension, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 8, 2003
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE LOWER BALL JOINTS AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN, THE DEALER REPLACED THE RELAY SWITCH.*MR THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR. INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THE BRAKES WERE FULLY APPLIED THE LIGHTS STAYED ON. WHEN THE BRAKE WAS DISENGAGED, THE INDICATOR SIGNALED AGAIN, IN SPITE OF REPLACEMENT THE PROBLEM THE CONTINUED INTERMITTENTLY, HOWEVER THE DEALER STATED THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. *TS *JB
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Jun 20, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE WILL HEAVILY JERK, AND THEN ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WILL COME ON AND STAY ON THE REMAINDER OF THE TIME VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK