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: vehicle speed control
129 reports, newest first. Show all
Vehicle speed control, Dec 24, 2023
No incidents. However, cruise control and rear window wiper are both inoperable.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2019
VEHICLE IS STUCK IN 4-WHEEL LOW ANIMAL GOING TO 4 WHEEL HIGH OR AUTO I
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 18, 2017
THE VEHICLE IS SUBJECT TO SUDDEN UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION WHILE BOTH IN MOTION AND STATIONARY.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jun 24, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR AND ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 11, 2016
WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL COMMANDED CONSIDERABLY MORE THROTTLE ON AN INTERSTATE AT 60MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY TOOK OFF AT VERY HIGH SPEED (85+MPH AND ACCELERATING WHEN I FINALLY SHUT THE IGNITION OFF). I ATTEMPTED TO DISCONNECT THE CRUISE CONTROL VIA OFF SWITCH AND USING THE BRAKES TO NO AVAIL. I SHUT THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF AND COASTED TO THE SHOULDER SAFELY. ATTEMPTED A RE-START, AND THE ENGINE APPEARED TO START AT FULL THROTTLE. I RAISED THE HOOD AND FOUND THE THROTTLE CABLE RETAINING HAD BROKEN, AND THE CABLE ASSEMBLY HAD BEEN PUSHED OUT OF ITS BRACKET BY THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO'S FORCE. ONCE OUT OF ITS BRACKET AND PUSHED TO NEARLY FULL THROTTLE, THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING HAD HOOKED ON THE BRACKET (SEE ATTACHED IMAGE), PREVENTING A RETURN TO IDLE FROM NEARLY FULL THROTTLE. THE PLASTIC RETAINING TABS ON THE THROTTLE CABLE HAD EVIDENTLY BEEN BROKEN BY THE LONG-TIME FORCE OF THE CRUISE CONTROL, POSSIBLY AGGRIVATED BY YEARS HEAT FROM THE ENGINE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS DESIGN, DEPENDING ON TINY PLASTIC TABS AS THE ONLY BLOCK TO SUCH SUDDEN, UNCOMMANDED VEHICLE ACCELERATION. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT DEFECTIVE, BUT HAD INSTIGATED THE CONDITION MY BREAKING THE THROTTLE CABLE RETAINING TABS OVER TIME. THE ATTACHED PHOTO SHOWS THE DISPLACED THROTTLE CABLE, WITH THE SPRING HOOKED ON THE BRACKET, HOLDING THE THROTTLE NEARLY FULL THROTTLE. THIS COULD EASILY HAVE RESULTED IN A HIGH SPEED CRASH. AS A RETIRED AIR FORCE FIGHTER PILOT AND AIRLINE CAPTAIN, I REMAINED CALM AND WORKED THE PROBLEM STEP BY STEP TO A SAFE CONCLUSION, BUT A LESS DISCIPLINED DRIVER IN DIFFERENT TRAFFIC COULD HAVE LED TO A DIFFERENT AND TRAGIC CONCLUSION. A SECOND PHOTO SHOWS THE CABLE END MISSING THE RETAINING TABS. A THIRD SHOWS THE TINY PLASTIC TABS ON A NEW CABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 3, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPMS AND THE TACHOMETER INCREASED, BUT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE REVERSING FROM BEING PARKED, THE VEHICLE SURGED FROM A LOW SPEED TO OVER 40 MPH CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), AND 03V280000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 204,000TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPMS AND THE TACHOMETER INCREASED, BUT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE REVERSING FROM BEING PARKED, THE VEHICLE SURGED FROM A LOW SPEED TO OVER 40 MPH CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), AND 03V280000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 204,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 20, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPMS AND THE TACHOMETER INCREASED, BUT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE REVERSING FROM BEING PARKED, THE VEHICLE SURGED FROM A LOW SPEED TO OVER 40 MPH CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), AND 03V280000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 204,000. MA 10/15/2015 UPDATED 11/30/2017*CN
Vehicle speed control, Dec 4, 2014, crash
200 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE HAD A SPEED CONTROL MODIFICATION, DUE TO A RECALL. *SS. THE CONSUMER STATED A WEEK LATER, HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING, AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND FLIPPED OVER. *JB
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Seats, Engine, Oct 30, 2014, fire
2000 FORD EXPLORER WENT UP IN FLAMES. REPORTED IT RIGHT AWAY TO FORD AND WAS GIVEN A CASE NUMBER. THEY TOLD US TO TAKE IT TO A FORD DEALER IN THE AREA. AFTER MONTHS AND MONTHS AND MONTHS OF GETTING NO RESPONSE WE KEPT GETTING THE RUN AROUND THEN TOLD THAT IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH ANY DEFECT. WE RECENTLY GOT A RECALL LETTER FROM FORD FOR THE EXACT THING THAT HAPPENED TO THIS CAR CAUSING IT TO GO ON FIRE AND FORD WILL NOT RESPOND. THEY SAY THAT THE CLAIM HAS BEEN CLOSED AND THAT THE ORIGINAL DECISION (WHICH WE NEVER RECEIVED) STANDS AND THEY WILL NOT RESPOND TO US ANY LONGER. HOW CAN THIS BE ACCEPTABLE. SEE FORD SAFETY RECALL #05S28 IT IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO THE EXPLORER. *TR
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
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
Vehicle speed control, May 9, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 90 MPH ERRONEOUSLY. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DECELERATE AND THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AS THE FAILURE OCCURRED, CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO SEIZE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. AS THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE TO EXIT THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Apr 3, 2012
THIS WAS A TERRIBLE EVENT... MY CAR WAS AIMED DOWN MY 300 FT DRIVEWAY. I DON'T BELIEVE AT THAT POINT OR IF IT WAS STUCK I DIDN'T KNOW THE ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK BUT I SOON REALIZED SOMETHING WAS WRONG. AS I HEADED TO NEW ALBANY HIGH SCHOOL FOR WATER CLASS THE EXPLORER WENT FASTER AND FASTER ON RT 161... THE CLUTCH WOULD NOT ALLOW A DOWN SHIFT AT ALL AFTER THE FIRST TIME OR TWO... I MAY HAVE BLOWN IT OUT... THE SUV WENT FASTER AND FASTER AND IN 3RD GEAR IT WAS REVVING SO HARD... WHEN I COULD I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF... I LET IT COOL AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE EXPLORER BUT IT WOULD HAVE RED WARNING LIGHTS WHEN I STARTED IT IN NEUTRAL AS IT REVVED SO HIGH... I PUSHED IT INTO GEAR AND WHEN I GOT TO THE TWO RED LIGHTS I TURNED THE KEY OFF... ONCE I STOPPED IN THE INTERSECTION AND ABOUT 8 CARS WERE HONKING AT ME. I HAD TO DEAL WITH FIVE TRAFFIC INTERSECTIONS. WHEN I GOT HOME I TURNED THE KEY OFF AND FOUGHT THE WHEEL TO GET TURNED INTO THE DOWNSWING OF MY DRIVEWAY... I RACED AROUND MY HOUSE TO FACE OUT AND TURNED OFF THE KEY... THE EXPLORER WAS SMOKING AND "LAID RUBBER" AND TORE OUT GRASS IN MY HOUSE... IT ALMOST SKIDDED INTO MY POND. I THINK THE CLUTCH IS BURNED OUT AND THE BRAKE ABS LIGHT WAS ON AS I HAD TO BRAKE ALL THE WAY HOME... I TRIED TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL IF THAT WAS IT DURING MY TERROR RIDE BUT IT HAD NO EFFECT... THE BRAKES COULD NOT STOP THE SPEEDING VEHICLE, THE GEARS WERE LOCKED WHILE THE SPEED ACCELERATED SO THERE WAS NO DOWNSHIFTING, THE PEDAL WAS PUSHED TO THE FLOOR AND WOULD NOT CHANGE SPEED WHEN I PULLED IT UP WITH MY HAND OR TOE OF MY SHOE... *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 8, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD A MOMENT OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION. WHEN THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND AT 20 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN UP TO 60 MPH. SMOKE WAS ALSO COMING FROM THE BRAKES BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE PLACED IN NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO SLOW IT DOWN AND TURN IT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000. UPDATED 01/24/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS SINCE REMOVED THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO UNIT THAT ATTACHED TO THE THROTTLE BODY UNIT. UPDATED 01/25/12
Vehicle speed control, Apr 27, 2011
ON MONDAY MY FUTURE SON-IN-LAW WAS DRIVING MY FORD EXPLORER AND EXPERIENCED THE CRUISE CONTROL REFUSING TO DISENGAGE WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH. HE TRIED TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL BY BRAKING AND BY TURNING IT OFF. NEITHER WORKED. HE TRIED TO SHIFT IT INTO NEUTRAL ONLY TO HAVE THE ENGINE REV TO HIGH RPM, SO HE PUT IT BACK IN GEAR AND FORCED TO CAR TO STOP USING THE BRAKES FIGHTING THE ENGINE. PROBABLY RUINING THE BRAKES IN THE PROCESS. I RECENTLY HAD MY VEHICLE SERVICED AS RELATING TO A RECALL CONCERNING THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THE SWITCH WAS NOT REPLACED AFTER A VISUAL INSPECTION. *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
Vehicle speed control, Nov 1, 2009, fire
MY 2000 FORD EXPLORER COMPLETELY BURNT , ENTIRELY GUTTED. I HAVE PICTURES. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 30, 2009, fire
MY 2000 FORD EXPLORER XLT CAUGHT ON FIRE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE AT A FRIEND'S HOUSE, WE WERE IN THE PROCESS OF BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVE WHEN SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I PULLED THE CAR OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND PUT IT IN PARK AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, THE SMOKE GOT MUCH WORSE. MY DAUGHTER AND I GOT OUT OF THE EXPLORER JUST AS IT WAS CATCHING FIRE. WE CALLED 911, THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE WHOLE INCIDENT IS UNBELIEVABLE, WE ARE SHOCKED. MY INSURANCE ADJUSTER INFORMED ME THAT IT WASN'T UNCOMMON AND MENTIONED SOMETHING ABOUT A RECALL ON THE CRUISE CONTROL. I BOUGHT MY EXPLORER IN INDIANA, BUT HAVE MOVED TO TENNESSEE. I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL, I'M STILL WAITING ON MY INSURANCE COMPANY TO GET BACK WITH ME. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 27, 2009, fire
2000 FORD EXPLORER SELF IGNITED AFTER BEING PARKED FOR 4 HOURS. ALSO CAUGHT CAR ON FIRE THAT WAS IN DRIVEWAY AHEAD OF IT, LANDSCAPING, TV CABLE AND OUTSIDE CORNER OF HOUSE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 28, 2008, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. AFTER BEING PARKED FOR 20 MINUTES WITH THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND ASSISTED IN EXTINGUISHING THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE IS STILL PARKED IN THE CONTACT'S DRIVEWAY. HE SENT THE MANUFACTURER SOME REQUESTED DOCUMENTS. FORD EXPLAINED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THAT VEHICLE FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL, WHICH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN PERFORMED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL OCCURS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 79,000. UPDATED 11/26/08. *LJ UPDATED 12/01/08. *JB
Vehicle speed control, May 15, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A FORD RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL IN AUGUST OF 2007. HE IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL DECEMBER OF 2007. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT HE DID NOT HAVE TO HAVE HIS CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH DEACTIVATED. SINCE THAT TIME, THE CONTACT HAS CALLED THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THEY CONTINUE TO STATE THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN.
Vehicle speed control, May 13, 2008, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THEY DISCONNECTED THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE DEALER NEVER MENTIONED IF THE SMOKE WAS DUE TO THE RECALL NOTICE THE CONTACT RECEIVED IN AUGUST OF 2007 FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. HE CALLED SEVERAL DEALERS DURING THAT NINE MONTH PERIOD, BUT THERE ARE STILL NO PARTS AVAILABLE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 18, 2008
2000 FORD EXPLORER WITH A POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE HAZARD. CONSUMER STATED THAT FORD DOES NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE THIS PROBLEM SOLVED IN A TIMELY MANNER. *KB
Vehicle speed control, Apr 18, 2008
A RECALL WAS ISSUED IN AUGUST 2007 FOR THE SPEED (CRUISE) CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (RECALL 05S28). IT IS NOW APRIL 2008 AND I HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART. FORD STATED IN THEIR LETTER THAT THEIR "COMMITMENT, TOGETHER WITH FORD AND LINCOLN MERCURY DEALERS, IS TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF SERVICE AND SUPPORT." I THINK THAT AFTER 8 MONTHS, A "REASONABLE TIME" HAS BEEN EXCEEDED. IT HAS BECOME FRUSTRATING AND EXPENSIVE HAVING TO WAIT THIS LONG FOR A SIMPLE FIX. FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS DISPLAYED A FAILURE TO "PROVIDE ME WITH THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF SERVICE AND SUPPORT." WHAT HAS HAPPENED IS, THAT FORD MOTOR CO. HAS FAILED TO PRODUCE ENOUGH PARTS TO SUPPORT THIS RECALL. THEY KNOW HOW MANY VEHICLES WERE POTENTIALLY COVERED WITH THIS RECALL AND SHOULD HAVE PREPARED TO REPLACE/SERVICE THIS PART IN A "REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME". MEANWHILE, I HAVE BEEN FORCED TO BE INCONVENIENCED AND ABSORB ADDITIONAL EXPENSE DUE TO FORD MOTOR CO.'S INCOMPETENCE AND SHORT SIGHTED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 16, 2008
AUGUST 2007 I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD MOTOR CO. NOTIFYING ME OF A DEFECT IN THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH IN MY 2000 FORD EXPLORER. SEPTEMBER 2007 I HAD THE NEARBY DEALER DISCONNECT THE SWITCH PER NOTICE. AS OF TODAY, APRIL 16, 2008, THE SPEED CONTROL HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED IN A "REASONABLE TIME". EACH TIME WE CALL THE DEALER, WE GET THE SAME ANSWER "THE PART HAS NOT BEEN RECEIVED YET". I'VE DRIVEN 7 MONTHS WITHOUT USE OF THE SPEED CONTROL IN MY VEHICLE. I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO KNOW WHEN FORD INTENDS TO GET THIS PART OUT TO THEIR DEALERS SO THAT THIS PROBLEM CAN BE FIXED PROPERLY. THIS IS RIDICULOUS HAVING TO WAIT THIS LONG FOR A PART THAT FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT FOR A WHILE. *TR