2000 Ford Explorer

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

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

Complaints by model year
  1. 1,078

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

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

What owners report most often

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

Recalls and investigations

  1. Vehicle speed controlOct 13, 2009

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

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

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

    Campaign 09V399000 on NHTSA.gov

  2. Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009

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

    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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

    Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov

  3. Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

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

    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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

    Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov

  4. Vehicle speed controlAug 3, 2007

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

    THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

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

    Campaign 07V336000 on NHTSA.gov

  5. Fuel system, gasolineJun 13, 2006

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

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

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

    Campaign 06E056000 on NHTSA.gov

  6. Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006

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

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

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

    Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov

  7. Seats, front assembly, reclinerAug 5, 2003

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

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

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

    Campaign 03V281000 on NHTSA.gov

  8. Vehicle speed control, cablesAug 5, 2003

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

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

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

    Campaign 03V280000 on NHTSA.gov

  9. StructureMar 7, 2003

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

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

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

    Campaign 03V094000 on NHTSA.gov

  10. Tires, tread/beltMay 22, 2001

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

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

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

    Campaign 01X001000 on NHTSA.gov

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

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

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

    DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE.

    Campaign 00V395000 on NHTSA.gov

  12. Tires, tread/beltAug 21, 2000

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

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

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

    Campaign 00T005000 on NHTSA.gov

  13. Seat beltsAug 18, 2000

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

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

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

    Campaign 00V228001 on NHTSA.gov

  14. Air bags, side/windowJul 5, 2000

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

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

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

    Campaign 00V179000 on NHTSA.gov

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

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

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

    DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR IN THE GEM CIRCUIT.

    Campaign 00V072000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints

1,078 reports, newest first.

  1. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 15, 2006

    ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN I PUT ON MY LEFT TURN SIGNAL IT DOESN'T BLINK IT JUST FREEZES AND SMOKE COMES FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. AS SOON AS I TURN THE TURN SIGNAL OFF IT STOPS SMOKING. IT WILL BE OK FOR A WHILE BUT THEN HAPPENS AGAIN. YESTERDAY WHEN IT HAPPENED I HAD TROUBLE GETTING IT TO STOP SMOKING. I AM MAKING AN APPOINTMENT TODAY TO HAVE THIS CORRECTED. *NM

  2. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 9, 2006

    2000 FORD EXPLORER ABS SYSTEM ENGAGING WHILE STOPPING CAUSING HARD BRAKING. *KB THE VEHICLE ABS ACTIVATES WHILE BRAKING AT LOW SPEEDS. *NM

  3. Other or unspecified, Aug 8, 2006, fire

    ON JULY 25 MY 2000 FORD 4WD EXPLORER XLT CAUGHT ON FIRE (PER FINDING OF BEXAR COUNTY FIRE INSPECTOR) SITTING IN MY GARAGE AND DESTROYED THE VEHICLE, GARAGE, ALL ITS CONTENTS AND ALL THE SURROUNDING TREES AND LANDSCAPING. THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN 5 MILES ABOUT 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE FIRE STARTED. THERE WAS NO FORD RECALL ON THE EXPLORER AND THERE STILL ISN'T. *NM

  4. Vehicle speed control, May 24, 2006

    SUDDEN INTERMITTENT ACCELERATION AND STUCK THROTTLE WHEN TRYING TO COME TO A STOP. ACCELERATION OVERPOWERS BRAKING ACTION. DEALER HAS REPLACED IDLE CONTROL MOTOR AND PROBLEM CONTINUES. FORD REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE. I'VE FOUND A WEBSITE SAFETY FORUM DOCUMENTING THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE ALSO FOUND 2 CASES THAT FORD HAS SETTLED. YOU HAVE TO DIE FIRST!!! IF THIS HAPPENS TO YOU, IMMEDIATELY SHIFT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL OR PARK AND TURN IT OFF. CAR IS BACK AT THE DEALER AGAIN TODAY. FORD BIG WIG ENGINEER IS SUPPOSE TO CHECK IT WITHIN 2 DAYS. *JB

  5. Latches/locks/linkages, May 22, 2006

    DRIVER'S DOOR LOCK INOPERATIVE, REAR DOOR LOCK INOPERATIVE. *NM

  6. Electrical system, Apr 25, 2006, fire

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED A FIRE ERUPTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE WAS FIRST OBSERVED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE NEAR THE ALTERNATOR AND WIRING HARNESS. SHORTLY BEFORE THE FIRE STARTED THE VEHICLE MADE A GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A FIRE INVESTIGATOR HOWEVER THE CONTACT BELIEVES THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP ALTHOUGH THEY ARE UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT COMPONENT WAS INVOLVED IN THE FIRE. THE CRUISE CONTROL ON THE VEHICLE WAS SELDOM USED THEREFORE; THE CONTACT IS UNAWARE IF IT WORKS. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS ALERTED AND A CLAIM WAS FILED. *AK

  7. Air bags, Apr 20, 2006

    AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. TOOK IN TO CHECK. SIDE IMPACT AIRBAGS REQUIRE NEW WIRING HARNESS - THERE IS AN UPDATE TO THE WIRING HARNESS - NO RECALL. HOWEVER, IF NOT REPAIRED NO AIRBAGS FUNCTION. THIS IS SECOND WIRING HARNESS FAILURE IN VEHICLE. *JB

  8. Power train, Apr 17, 2006

    2000 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT 54,000 MILES, REBUILT COST $1,350. CAR IS AT 128500 MILES AND TRANSMISSION HAS GONE OUT AGAIN! CAR HAS NOT PILED TRAILER OR LOAD ON SYSTEM. FORD TRANSMISSIONS ARE JUNK! *JB

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. Power train, Mar 22, 2006

    VEHICLE SHIFTED FROM 2ND TO 3RD HARSHLY & OD LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. DID NOT DO IT EVERY TIME IT WAS DRIVEN. CALLED DEALER AND WAS TOLD NO RECALLS WERE LISTED ON THIS TYPE PROBLEM. RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND A LOT OF COMPLAINTS FOR 2000 EXPLORER WITH SAME PROBLEM. TRANSY MECHANIC REPAIRED OTV VALVE ON TRANSMISSION, RESOLVED PROBLEM AT MY COST OF $350. SOMETHING DEFINITELY WRONG WHEN THIS MANY REPORTS ARE FILED FOR SAME ISSUE. VEHICLE ALSO WEAVES WHEN SPEEDS OF 60 MPH+ ARE REACHED AS IF WOULD ROLL OVER. SHOCKS DO NOT SEEM TO BE SET RIGHT, VERY ROUGH RIDE FOR SUCH A LUXURY FITTED OUT VEHICLE. FIRST FORD I HAVE EVER OWNED IN THE 30+ YEARS I HAVE DRIVEN...NOT HAPPY....I AM SELLING. GIVE ME A PONTIAC ANYDAY! FORD, TAKE OWNERSHIP! *NM

  12. Power train, Mar 20, 2006

    2000 FORD EXPLORER WITH 58,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. 'OD OFF' LIGHT FLASHES. DEALER WANTS TO REPLACE VALVE BODY AND TORQUE CONVERTER. I DON'T THINK THERE SHOULD BE MAJOR TRANNY PROBLEMS LIKE THIS AT 60K. I HAVE FOUND SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS ONLINE. *NM

  13. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 20, 2006

    UPDATE TO ODI ID NUMBER 10080842 - SAME OWNER; BRAKE PEDAL MASTER CYLINDER JUST STARTED LEAKING AGAIN; HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE ALREADY; YEAR 2000 VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 42,000 MILES ON IT; VERY COSTLY REPAIR TO HAVE TO DO EVERY 2 YEARS! *NM

  14. Engine and engine cooling, Mar 18, 2006

    HEAD GASKET DEFECTIVE. COOLANT IS MIXING WITH THE OIL. $2000 REPAIR JOB. *JB

  15. 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.

  16. Vehicle speed control, Feb 21, 2006

    CONSUMER 2000 EXPLORER CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE. ( THE LETTER IS WRITTEN IN SPANISH). *JB

  17. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 23, 2006

    2000 FORD EXPLORER DOES NOT COMPLETELY STOP WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *JB

  18. Vehicle speed control, Jan 17, 2006, crash

    ENGINE THROTTLE DOES NOT RELEASE. APPLIED BRAKES AND VEHICLE KEEPS GOING. I HAD TO TURN OFF ENGINE, LOST STEERING. THE FIRST TIME WAS IN APRIL 05. THERE WAS A CRASH AT THIS TIME. THE SECOND TIME WAS TODAY AND I WAS SURE IT WAS THE CAR THIS TIME. *JB

  19. Power train, Jan 17, 2006

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS FLASHING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO DETERMINE A PROBLEM. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN DRIVE THERE WAS NO REACTION, AND REVERSE WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN SECOND GEAR AND TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *NM

  20. Wheels, Jan 13, 2006

    2000 FORD EXPLORER FRONT RIGHT TIRE SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE. *TS THE RIGHT FRONT QUARTER PANEL WAS DAMAGED. THE RIGHT FRONT HUB COVER WAS MISSING. THE LUG SCREWS SHEARED OFF. THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR BUCKLED AND THE LUG NUTS WERE MISSING. *NM

  21. Vehicle speed control, Jan 8, 2006

    THROTTLE STUCK AT FULL SPEED RESULTING IN SHUTTING OFF ENGINE AT HIGH SPEED. BOTH CONDITIONS WERE AT ZERO DEGREE DAYS. DEALER SAID THEY WOULD CHANGE CABLE AT MY EXPENSE. *JB

  22. 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

  23. 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

  24. Tires, Dec 22, 2005

    DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE SPARE TIRE WAS MOUNTED UNDER THE VEHICLE WITH A CABLE, AND THE TIRE FELL OFF. HE WENT TO A MECHANIC FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND NOTICED THE SPARE TIRE WAS MISSING, AND THE CABLE WAS FRAYED, THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE OF WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED, AND THEY HAVE NOT GOTTEN BACK IN TOUCH WITH THE CONTACT. *AK

  25. Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 22, 2005

    REAR DOORS ON 2000 FORD EXPLORER (4-DOOR, 4X4, XLT) FAIL TO OPEN. IN JANUARY OF 2005 THE LEFT REAR DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN, EITHER FROM THE INSIDE NOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. THIS HAS JUST HAPPENED TO THE RIGHT REAR DOOR (DECEMBER 2005). I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP ( DON JENKINS FORD IN FUQUAY VARINA, NC) FOR BOTH FIXES, AND THE SERVICE WRITER ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY SAYING THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THIS/FIXED THIS ON NUMEROUS FORD EXPLORERS BEFORE. THIS INDICATES TO ME THAT THIS IS A KNOWN AND REPEATING PROBLEM TO FORD. BESIDES COSTING ME $500 TO FIX BOTH DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS, MY GREATEST CONCERN IS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT - MY CHILDREN ARE NOT ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE, AND NO ONE CAN OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE EITHER IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. *JB