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
1,078 reports, newest first.
Power train, Dec 12, 2005, crash
REAR PASSENGER TIRE SNAPPED OFF IN AUGUST OF 2005, REAR DRIVERS SIDE TIRE SNAPPED OFF IN DECEMBER 2005. *NM
Electrical system, Dec 12, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 00V072000 CONCERNING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK UPDATED 1/11/2006 - THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING DURING A SNOW STORM. THE DEALER INSTALLED A NEW GEM MODULE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE MANUFACTURER. *NM
Visibility, Structure, Dec 7, 2005
BATTERY KEPT DRAINING AND THE IGNITION CHIMED WITH KEY REMOVED. HEATER BLOWER RAN AFTER IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF AND TOUCH KEY PADS STUCK CAUSING LIGHTS TO STAY ON. ALL OF THESE SYMPTOMS WERE ATTRIBUTED TO A WATER LEAK IN THE WINDSHIELD WHICH LEAKED INTO A ELECTRICAL CONNECTION BLOCK BEHIND DRIVER'S SIDE DASHBOARD CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT. THE ELECTRICAL BLOCK MELTED AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO BLOCK AND WIRING AND WAS SUBSEQUENTLY REPLACED. WINDSHIELD WAS REMOVED AND RESEALED TO PREVENT RECURRENCE OF LEAK. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Dec 5, 2005
DRIVER OF 2000 FORD EXPLORER VIN [XXX] WAS DRIVING ON I90 E IN MA AND SET SPEED CONTROL. UPON PRESSING SET/ACCEL BUTTON TO INCREASE BY 1-2 MPH, VEHICLE THROTTLE POSITION STUCK IN ACCELERATING MODE BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO APPROXIMATELY 85 MPH BEFORE BRAKING AND DOWNSHIFTING WAS ABLE TO DECELERATE SPEED. ONLY UNDER EXCESSIVE BRAKING FORCE ON PEDAL WAS VEHICLE ABLE TO BE BROUGHT TO UNDER 50 MPH, AT WHICH TIME THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION WAS PUT INTO PARK JUST TO STOP. DRIVER THEN CALLED 911 AND HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO LOCAL SHOP. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REPRODUCE THIS ISSUE IN CONTROLLED CONDITIONS. THE THROTTLE IS FIXED IN ITS SPEED CONTROL POSITION (THIS CAN BE SET TO MAINTAIN SPEED OR FIXED IN ACCELERATE MODE). BRAKING SHUTS OFF THE SPEED CONTROL LIGHT BUT DOES NOT DISENGAGE THE THROTTLE. ONCE VEHICLE IS BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL AND STOPPED THE THROTTLE CAN BE MANUALLY RELEASED BY HAND AND IT SNAPS BACK TO IDLE POSITION. INVESTIGATION HAS REVEALED THAT THIS VEHICLE HAD BEEN RECALLED BY FORD UNDER 03S03 (NHTSA 03V280000) FOR A SPEED CONTROL CABLE REPLACEMENT. IT IS APPARENT THIS THIS PART FAILURE HAS OCCURRED AGAIN TO THIS VEHICLE. FURTHER INVESTIGATION WILL TAKE PLACE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE CABLE IN THE VEHICLE IS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT OR A REPLACEMENT PART. ADDITIONALLY, IT IS THE REPLACEMENT PART WE WILL REQUEST INVESTIGATION WHY THE REPLACEMENT PART FAILED AS WELL. *NM UPDATED 07/17/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Visibility, Nov 18, 2005
THE BLEND DOOR, INSIDE THE HEATER PLENUM ON THE DASH BOARD OF MY 2000 FORD EXPLORER, FAILED. THIS IS AN EXTRAORDINARILY EXPENSIVE REPAIR, AND THE HISTORY OF THIS FAILURE ON THIS MODEL IS ASTOUNDING. ONCE THIS FAILURE OCCURS, THERE IS NO HEAT AVAILABLE IN THE CABIN, ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS WHEN DEFROSTING OF GLASS IS REQUIRED. *JB
Other or unspecified, Nov 17, 2005
2000 FORD CONTOUR SPORT SE. DASHBOARD HAS WARPED TO THE POINT WHERE IT IS INTERFERING WITH THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING PROCESS. THE WARPING CAUSES PART OF THE DASHBOARD TO PRESS UP AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD TRAPPING WARM AIR UNDERNEATH AND NOT ALLOWING WARM AIR TO REACH THE WINDSHIELD DRIVER VIEWING AREA. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION. VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 76,000 MILES. PROBLEM BEGAN AT ABOUT 50,000 MILES. *JB
Tires, Nov 16, 2005, crash
DT: CONTACT STATES WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ON THE INTERSTATE AT 60 MPH THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. THIS, IN TURN, CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE BOUNCED BACK AND FORTH, SENDING THE OCCUPANTS FROM SIDE TO SIDE, UP AND DOWN, ALMOST CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO OVER TURN. WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPPED IT HIT THE PAVEMENT , CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO VIBRATION IN THE VEHICLE OR THE TIRES PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. THE TIRE WAS LOCATED ON THE BACK DRIVER'S SIDE. INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. NO POLICE REPORT TAKEN.*AK
Structure, Nov 16, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR LIFTGATE HATCH BRACKET SUPPORT BROKE ALONG THE BEARING HEAD. THIS FAILURE RESTRICTED THE USE OF THE REAR HATCH. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTOMOBILE REPAIR SHOP. HE RECEIVED AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIRS, AND PLANNED TO HAVE THE REPAIRS PERFORMED AT THIS TIME. *AK UPDATED 12/27/05. *JB UPDATED
Structure, Nov 12, 2005
DURING A RAINY DAY I FOUND WATER LEAKING INTO MY EXPEDITION THROUGH THE SUNROOF AND THE TRIM AROUND THE WINDSHIELD. THE NEXT DAY THE CAR WOULD NOT START AS THE THEFT LIGHT WAS BLINKING. WHEN WE WOULD GET IT STARTED AND THEN ONCE IT WAS TURNED OFF, THE HEAT/AIR WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN. ALSO, THE ODOMETER NUMBERS WOULD BLINK. WE IMMEDIATELY TOOK TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD BOTH THE SUNROOF AND WINDSHIELD WERE LEAKING AND THE GEM MODULE AND FUSE BOX WERE DESTROYED. THE REPAIRS WERE MADE INCLUDING A NEW WINDSHIELD FOR A TOTAL OF APPROXIMATELY $1200. *JB
Power train, Oct 20, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTING FROM SECOND TO THIRD GEAR THE ENGINE REVVED. IF HE KICKED THE VEHICLE INTO PASSING GEAR THE ENGINE REVVED EVEN MORE. A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT IT WAS THE BLOW-OFF VALVE THAT BURNED OUT THE BANDS IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE REPAIR SHOP DID REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION. FORD HAD PREVIOUSLY ISSUE A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS COMPONENT. *AK
Steering, Oct 20, 2005, crash
DT: THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A STEERING FAILURE ON HIS 2000 FORD EXPLORER WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH. WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL CAME COMPLETELY OFF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER TWICE AFTER THE STEERING WHEEL CAME LOSE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED AN INJURY. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. CONSUMER HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH FORD ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. FORD SENT SOMEONE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE , AND THEN TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER READ IN THE NEWS PAPER THAT THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THE 2000 EXPLORER FOR STEERING PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH HIS ATTORNEY. THE VEHICLE IS BEING STORED AT THE FAMILY HOME IN CASE SOMEONE MAY NEED TO INSPECT IT. EVERY TIME THAT CONSUMER SPEAKS TO FORD, THEY KEEP TELLING HIM THAT HE WERE NOT GETTING ANY MONEY.*AK WHEN THE CNOSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, HE SWERVED AND THEN LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Oct 12, 2005
THERE IS A CUSTOMER COMPLAINT RECALL ON FORD EXPLORER SPORTS THAT FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS SAID INFORMATION WAS SENT OUT ON AND PEOPLE I TALK TO HAVE NOT RECEIVED THIS INFORMATION. I AM CURRENTLY HAVING THIS PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE AND WHEN TAKING TO THE DEALERSHIP I AM TOLD YES THERE WAS AND FORD KNOWS THAT THE TENSIONER CHAIN IS BAD AND THEY HAVE A QUIET RECALL ON THEM AND MINE WAS COVERED BUT BECAUSE OF THE MILES ON MINE IT IS NOT AND FORD WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. THEY KNOW THIS IS A PROBLEM AND THEY SHOULD FIX IT AND IN ALL VEHICLES NOT JUST A COMPLAINT. THE VEHICLE RATTLES AND DOES NOT WANT TO RUN WITH THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS ACTUALLY TWO RECALLS ON THIS PART NOT JUST ONE AND I THINK FORD NEEDS TO FIX ALL THE VEHICLE NO MATTER WHAT MILES IS ON THE VEHICLE THE COVERAGE IS 6 YEARS 72,000 MILE I HAVE A 2000 WITH A LITTLE OVER 77,000 MILE ONLY 5,000 OUT OF THERE COVERAGE AREA AND I HAVE ALSO HAD TO PUT A NEW TRANSMISSION IN THE VEHICLE AND FORD KNOWS THAT THERE TRANSMISSIONS HAVE LOTS OF PROBLEMS ALSO.
Visibility, Sep 8, 2005
WATER LEAKING IN TOP RIGHT OF WINDSHIELD, DOWN TO THE DASH. EVIDENTLY IT LEAKED TO THE CONTROL BOX AND SHORTED OUT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. CAUSED CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE. *NM
Power train, Sep 1, 2005
DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN GOING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE THE PASSING GEAR WAS NOT WORKING. THE PASSING GEAR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE FIXED BY A DEALER AND IT COST HIM $800.00. THE VEHICLE SPEED WAS ABOUT 50 MPH, HE HIT THE PASSING GEAR AND THE VEHICLE DROPPED TO FIRST GEAR. THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A NEAR MISS AS A RESULT. THE CONSUMER CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY DID NOT REIMBURSE HIM ANY MONEY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE GEARS IN THE TRANSMISSION.*AK UPDATED 11/02/05. *JB
Electrical system, Aug 30, 2005
RADIO LCD DOES NOT LIGHT UP OR SEAT BELT ALARM WHEN NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT. THIS HAPPENED AFTER HAVING SERVICE WORK DONE ON MY VEHICLE AT THE FORD DEALER IN ELK GROVE CA. *JB
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Aug 30, 2005
DT: THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH SHORTED OUT. SOMETIMES IT WOULD WORK AND THEN OTHER TIMES IT WOULD NOT WORK, AND FINALLY QUIT WORKING ALTOGETHER. HAD IT REPLACED BY MECHANIC, HAD NOT CONTACTED DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER. CRUISE CONTROL FAILED ON JUNE 1, 2005. *AK THE CLOCKSPRING FAILED AND CAUSED THE HORN TO ACTIVATE INTERMITTENTLY. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 24, 2005
DT:THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONSUMER HAD A BRAKE JOB DONE BY THE DEALER AND THEY DID NOT ADJUST THE CABLES CORRECTLY FOR THE EMERGENCY BRAKES. IT CAUSED THE BRAKES TO BECOME DAMAGED. THE DEALERSHIP INSISTED THAT CONSUMER NEEDED TO PAY ALL OVER AGAIN. *AK THE DEALER DISCONNECTED THE CABLE A YEAR EARLIER WHILE PERFORMING BRAKE REPAIRS AND FORGOT TO RECONNECT THEM. *NM
Seats, Aug 16, 2005
THE LEFT FRONT SEAT BRACKET WELD BROKE FREE AND CAUSED MY SEAT TO LEAN TO THE RIGHT. I HAD BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FOR THE SEAT BACK RECALL. SOME TIME LATER I HAD NOTICED THAT THE SEAT FELT LOOSE. THE FASTENERS BROKE OFF THE END OF THE FRONT DRIVE ROD WHICH ALLOWED THE SEAT BRACKET TO SLIP OFF THE FRONT DRIVE ROD..WHEN I BROUGHT THIS TO THE DEALER TO EVALUATE THE SAID THAT THE WHOLE SEAT TRACK ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED A COST OF $586.00. AFTER SOME INVESTIGATION I FIND THAT THIS PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE COMMON WITH THESE VEHICLES. I NOTIFIED FORD AND AM WAITING A RESPONSE FROM THEM. *JB
Steering, Aug 5, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATED NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER ASKED IF THERE WAS A COVERING TO PUT ON THE STEERING WHEEL, BUT THERE WAS NOT. THE ONLY SOLUTION WAS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY. CONSUMER DID PUT AN AFTER MARKET STEERING WHEEL COVER, BUT DID NOT HELP, IT WOULD ABSORB THROUGH THE COVER. THIS HAPPENED EVERY TIME THE WHEEL WAS GRIPPED. THE SERVICE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Jul 28, 2005, crash
ON JULY 8,2005 I WAS DRIVING ON THE EXIT RAMP TO GET ON TO 435 AND I NOTICED THAT MY CAR WAS SPEEDING UP WITHOUT MY FOOT BEING ON IT. I THEN TRIED TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES AND THAT WOULD NOT WORK. I EXITED THE HIGHWAY AT STATLINE AND MY CAR THEN WENT THROUGH THE RED LIGHT AND WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER CAR. MY CAR IS NOW A TOTALED OUT AND I ONLY HAD IT FOR 7 MONTHS. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Jul 25, 2005, fire
DT: 2000 FORD EXPLORER WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE. THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER SAW T HE VEHICLE ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID IT WAS MOST LIKELY A FAULTY CIRCUIT BREAKER. *AK *JB
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.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 17, 2005
I READ AN AP ARTICLE ABOUT THE NHTS INVESTIGATING "STUCK THROTTLES" FROM 2002 AND NEWER FORD EXPLORERS. I HAVE A 2000 XLT EXPLORER, ALL WHEEL DRIVE, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND IT HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE I BOUGHT IT USED 3 YEARS AGO. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN ABOUT 4 OR 5 TIMES SINCE PURCHASE AND HAVE REPORTED IT TO THE DEALER WHO SAYS THERE IS NO INFO ON THIS FROM FORD AND THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO. FOR ME, THE STUCK THROTTLE HAS ONLY HAPPENED IN REVERSE AS I AM BACKING UP. THE THROTTLE WILL GO TO FULL THROTTLE BY ITSELF CAUSING THE CAR TO QUICKLY ACCELERATE. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP IT IS TO FIRMLY HIT THE BRAKES WITH ALL MY MIGHT, SHIFT THE GEAR INTO PARK OR SHUT OFF THE CAR. MY POINT IN CONTACTING YOU IS TO MAKE YOU AWARE THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM AT LEAST GOING BACK TO 2000 WITH THE FORD EXPLORER AND TO HOPEFULLY FIND A CURE FOR THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION.
Electrical system, Jul 17, 2005, fire
VEHICLE FIRE.ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO MY GARAGE BURNED DOWN.IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE HOT SPOT ,THE POINT WHERE THE FIRE STARTED WAS WHERE MY 2000 EXPLORER WAS SITTING.IT HAS THE SAME SWITCH THAT THE VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED HAVE!
Vehicle speed control, Jul 15, 2005, fire
DT: CONTACT STATES 2000 FORD EXPLORER XLT FULLY LOADED VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 16 HOURS WITHOUT BEING MOVED. AT 5:00AM. ON 7-8-05 HER CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED ALONG WITH A LAPTOP COMPUTER. THE WHOLE INSIDE OF THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATED THE FIRE AND SAID THE FIRE SEEMED TO ORIGINATE FROM NEAR THE DASH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DASH PANEL. SHE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. *AK