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, Jun 30, 2005
1) SLIPPAGE IN 2-3 SHIFT OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CAR WITH 63K MILES 2) PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; COSTLY REPAIR ($2700) 3) REQUIRED REBUILD OF TRANSMISSION
Electrical system, Jun 28, 2005
WHEN USING THE TURN SIGNAL, SMOKE COMES FROM THE STEERING COLUMN
Wheels, Jun 28, 2005, crash
DT: 2000, FORD EXPLORER XLS, LEFT REAR WHEEL BROKE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. THE WHEEL PASSED THE CONSUMER AS THE VEHICLE WAS SWERVING TO THE LEFT. CONSUMER TOOK OUT 4 OR 5 CABLE BARRIERS, AND THEN BOUNCED BACK OUT TO THE INTERSTATE, THEN THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AND HIT MORE CABLE BARRIERS, THEN, HIT ONE HEAD ONE AND THAT STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE BEFORE THIS. *AK THE LEFT REAR WHEEL (FACTORY ALLOY WHEEL) CAME APART AS CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON CRUISE CONTROL. THE CENTER OF THE FACTORY ALLOY WHEEL WAS STILL BOLTED WITH ALL 5 LUG NUTS. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED . *TT *NM
Tires, Jun 27, 2005
BOUGHT A SET OF CONTINANTAL TIRES FOR MY 2000 FORD RANGER. AFTER USING THE TIRES FOR SOMETIME (APPROX 40% WARE) I NOTICED A SLIGHT SHAKING WITH THE VEHICLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE SAME SHOP I GOT THE TIRES AND HAD THEM ROTATED AND THE FRONT END ALIGNED. THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO GET WORSE. I WAS WAITING FOR MY NEXT DAY OFF BUT THE DAY BEFORE MY DAY OFF I WAS TRAVELING AT 75 MPH ON I-95 IN PALM BAY, FLORIDA AND THE TREAD ON THE RIGHT REAR TIRE SEPERATED. ALTHOUGH I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IT DID TURN SIDEWAYS ON THE ROAD THREE TIMES AND AT ONE POINT I WAS UP ON ONLY TWO TIRES. UPON CHECKING I FOUND THAT ALL TIRES WERE INFLATED BUT THE TIRE TREAD ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE HAD SEPERATED FROM THE TIRE. THAT SAME DAY I RETURNED TO THE TIRE SHOP AND HAD THE MANAGER LOOK AT THE TIRE. HE SAID THAT THE TIRE SHOULG NOT HAVE DONE WHAT IT DID WITH THAT SHORT AMOUNT OF MILES ON IT. HE SAID THAT FIRESTONE WOULD REPLACE THE TIRES AND REPAIR THE DAMAGE DONE TO THE RIGHT REAR AREA OF MY TRUCK BED. I WAS INSTRUCTED TO CALL THE THE FIRESTONE CLAMES OFFICER WHICH I DID ON THE MORNING OF 06-27-05. ALSO ON THAT DATE I WAS CONTACTED BY THE TIRE DEALER THAT FIRESTONE WOULD NOT HANDLE THE CLAME AS THE TIRES WERE "CONTINANTAL". I HAD TO CALL CONTINTAL AND THEY WERE NOT VERY HELPFUL. AFTER A VERY LONG CONVERSATION THEY FINALLY AGREED TO COVER A NEW SET OF TIRES WITH A 60% DISCOUNT. I GOT FIRESTONE TIRES. THEY ARE ALSO INSISTING THAT I SEND THEM THE DEFECTIVE TIRE FOR THEIR EXAMINATION TO SEE IF THEY WOULD FIX THE DAMAGE TO MY TRUCK. I DO NOT THINK THAT I SHOULD SEND THE EVIDENCE OF THEIR DEFECTIVE TIRE TO THEM AND LOOSE CUSTODY OF IT. I ASKED IF SOMEONE IN FLORIDA COULD CHECK THE TIRE AND THEY SAID NO> I FEEL THAT THE TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE, I FEEL THAT MY LIFE AND SAFETY WAS IN QUESTION AND I FEEL THAT CONTENTIAL TIRE COMPANY IS ATTEMPTING TO CONCEAL THIS BY TAKING, OR ATTEMPTING, TO TAKE POSSESSION OF THE TIRE.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 27, 2005
THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT DOOR DOES NOT UNLOCK PROPERLY WITH BOTH THE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY OR THE UNLOCK LATCH ON THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. SOMETIMES WHEN THIS IS ATTEMPTED THE DOOR OPENS. HOWEVER, THE LATCH IS STILL LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DON'S FORD DEALERSHIP, AND THEY DID NOT OFFER AN EXPLANATION. THE CONSUMER STILL PLANS TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALER FOR REPAIRS. *AK A NEW LATCH AND ACTUATOR WAS INSTALLED. THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED BUT THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THE PROBLEM WAS STILL INFERIOR AND UNSAFE. *SC *JB
Air bags, Jun 24, 2005
AIR BAG LIGHT WARING LIGHT CAME ON, INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAGS ARE NO LONGER WORKING. INITIALLY THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD COME ON PERIODICALLY AND THEN GO OFF FOR WEEKS AT A TIME. EVEN THOUGH THIS IS KNOWN PROBLEM THE DEALER STATED THE ONLY WAY FORD WILL INSTALL THE WIRING KIT 3L2Z-14B455-AB, THAT FIXES THE PROBLEM, IS IF THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 50000 MILES ON IT. I HAD TO PAY THEM TO INSTALL THE FIX KIT, BECAUSE THEY STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT WORK WITHOUT DOING SO.
Power train, Jun 24, 2005
DT: CONSUMER STATES THAT 6 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE SHE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND TOLD THEM THERE WAS A CLATTERING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE, AND ON THE WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRED, THE MOTOR WENT OUT. CONSUMER HAD PREVIOUSLY TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO MERLE KELLY FORD IN CHANUTE, KANSAS TO HAVE THE DRIVETRAIN REPAIRED, BUT WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. SHE RECEIVED A RECALL ON THE DRIVETRAIN, AND ON THE WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP, THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED. THERE WAS A SPAN OF YEARS I BETWEEN THE TIME SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WHEN THE RECALL WAS ISSUED. *AK
Power train, Jun 20, 2005, fire
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000, FORD. CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRES STARTED IN THE TRANSMISSION. IT WAS FIRST NOTICED WHEN IT WAS COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT LOST POWER PRIOR TO THE FIRE. IT WAS A FUEL FIRE BECAUSE IT HAD TO DO WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. *AK
Exterior lighting, Jun 20, 2005
WHEN TURNING ON THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL, IT ACCASIONALLY FAILS TO WORK PROPERLY AND SMOKE ARISES FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE PROBLEM WAS GETTING WORSE AND I WAS AFRAID I MIGHT NOT NOTICE AND MY CAR WOULD CATCH FIRE. UPON TAKING IT TO FORD TO HAVE THE PROBLEM CORRECTED HOPING IT WAS SOME TYPE OF RECALL I MISSED, BUT IT WAS CONSIDERED WEAR AND TEAR. AFTER REVIEWING A NUMBER OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, I DON'T BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. IT IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT THAT JEOPARDIZES SAFETY THAT SHOULD BE CORRECTED AT NO COST TO THE OWNER.
Steering, Jun 17, 2005
ON A CLEAR, SUNNY MORNING IN PHOENIX I WAS MAKING A TURN ON THE AIRPORT EXIT RAMP LEADING TO THE 143 AT 35-45MPH. SUDDENLY I FEEL A CLUNK IN THE FRONT STEERING/SUSPENSION AND MY 4 DR, 4X4 2000 EXPLORER OVERSTEERS. I STRUGGLE TO KEEP THE EXPLORER STRAIGHT AND NOT ROLL OVER. I LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING MECHANISM FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE I REGAIN TOTAL CONTROL. I STOP IN A EMERGENCY LANE AND VISUALLY INSPECT EXPLORER FRONT SUSPENSION/STEERING. I NOTICE FROM THAT POINT FORWARD THAT THERE ISN'T ENOUGH RESISTENCE WHEN I STEER AND THAT IT STEERS TOO EASILY. I BRING THE CAR IN TO THE FORD DEALER ON JUNE 16, 2005 AND AT THE END OF THE DAY THE DEALER ADVISES ME THAT THE BALL JOINTS NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE SERVICE ADVISOR STATES THAT IT IS COMMON ON THE EXPLORER TO REPLACE BALL JOINTS BECAUSE THE EXPLORER WEARS THEM OUT QUICKLY. MY EXPLORER ONLY HAS 52,000 MILES AND I'VE HAD IT FOR ALMOST 5 YEARS. I'VE READ ON THE INTERNET SINCE THIS INCIDENT THAT FORD EXPLORERS HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THEIR BALL JOINTS, THAT THEY COME WITHOUT A LUBRICATION NIPPLE AND THAT THEY TEND TO DRY OUT AND DETERIORATE!!! I FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL BECAUSE I COULD HAVE GOTTEN KILLED DUE TO THESE FAULTY BALL JOINTS. I AM AN EXCELLENT DRIVER AND I KEEP MY EXPLORER IN TIP-TOP CONDITION. PLEASE ACT BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE DOES LOSE CONTROL AND ROLLS OVER. I AM GETTING RID OF THIS VEHICLE AS SOON AS I CAN.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 16, 2005
I CONTACTED FORD ONCE IN JAN. '05 AND AGAIN IN FEB. '05 ABOUT THE RECALL ON THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH ON MY 2000 EXPEDITION. THEY SAID I WOULD GET IT IN THE MAIL SHORTLY. ITS BEEN 6 MONTHS AND STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE IT REPAIRED ASAP AT THEIR COST NOT MINE.
Exterior lighting, Jun 16, 2005
WHEN USING THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL, FLASHING PAUSES, THEN SMOKE DRIFTS UP FROM THE AREA OF THE EMERGENCY FLASHER SWITCH OPENING. WITH SO FEW COMPLAINTS, I ASSUME THE REMEDY IS TO ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE AND FILE SUIT AGAINST FORD. WOULD SEEM MORE REASONABLE FOR FORD TO INVESTIGATE AND RESOLVE THEIR QUALITY ISSUE.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, May 25, 2005
2000 FORD EXPLORER MOTOR SKIPS AND RACES WHEN STARTED UP.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE VEHICLE RAN ROUGH AND THE GAS MILEAGE WAS POOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TOT HE DEALER. THE DEALER CLEANED THE MANIFOLD BUT THIS DID NOT RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO AND INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO RAN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE TEST CONCLUDED THAT THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REMOVED AND CLEANED. IT APPEARED THAT THE DEALER NEVER CLEANED THE MANIFOLD AS THEY STATED. *NM
Vehicle speed control, May 13, 2005, crash
WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INTO A POLE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *SC *JB
Seats, May 12, 2005
LEFT FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BRACKET WELD BROKE FREE AND CAUSED ME TO LEAN FORWARD UNEXPETEDLY WHILE MAKING A TURN. I HAD COMPLAINED ABOUT SOMETHING FEELING LOOSE DURING THE RECALL OF THE SEAT LEANBACK FASTENER(RECAL #03S04 A99).THEY TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG BUT THEY COULD REPLACE THE ENTIRE SEAT TRACK AT MY EXPENSE. THIS WAS ON 10-9-03. I BELIEVE THE WELD HAD BROKEN FREE AT THE TIMES WHEN THE SEAT LEANBACK FASTENERS BROKE BUT DIDN'T COMPLETELY SLIP OFF THE BRACKET. OVER TIME AND USE THE BRACKET LOOSENED UP ENOUGH TO POP OFF THE SEAT BRACKET DRIVE ROD. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SUNSET FORD AND THE SERVICE TECH AND SERVICE MGR DIDN'T EVEN LOOK AT THE PROBLEM. THEY JUST SAID IT'S TOO OLD AND HAS 83,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I FIND IT SAD THAT THEY DIDN'T EVEN LOOK AT THE PROBLEM OR WHAT MIGHT HAVE LED UP TO OR CAUSED IT. THE AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP I TOOK IT TO FOR REPAIRS SAID FORD EXPLORERS AND EXPEDITIONS ALL HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I DON'T KNOW THIS TO BE TRUE, BUT I THOUGHT SOMEONE SHOULD MAKE OTHERS AWARE OF THIS IF IT IS. THE AUTO BODY SHOP SPOT-WELDED THE BRACKET BACK IN PLACE FOR $74.10. I ALSO CALLED FORD'S !-800 # BUT THEY ALSO DENIED MY COMPLAINT BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE.
Other or unspecified, May 12, 2005, fire
WHEN I ARRIVED BACK TO MY VEHICLE, EVERYTHING FROM THE ENGINE TO THE DASHBOARD WAS COMPLETLY BURNT. WHAT A SURPRISE WHEN YOU COME BACK FROM DINNER. I SPOE TO THE WITNESS WHO MADE THE 911 CALL. SHE STATED THAT SHE HEARD A POPPING NOISE, BUT IGNORED IT UNTIL SHE GOT TO HER DOOR AND HEARD THE NOISE AGAIN. SHE STATED THAT WHEN SHE TURNED AND LOOKED, SHE SAW SPARKS COMING FROM THE FRONT GRILL, SO SHE WENT INSIDE TO CALL THE POLICE. THE WITNESS STATED THAT AS SHE WAS ON THE PHONE WITH THE POLICE, SHE LOOKED OUT OF THE WINDOW, TO DISCOVER THERE WERE FLAMES TO THE 3RD FLOOR OF THE APARTMENT BUILDING. MY TRUCK HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN HOURS, AND THE LAST TIME THAT IT WAS DRIVEN, IT WAS TO THE STORE ON THE CORNER. THERE WAS NO ENGINE NOISE,CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ON IN THE DASH, OR ANY SIGNS THAT MY TRUCK WOULD GO UP IN FLAMES.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Interior lighting, May 8, 2005
WATER LEAKING THROUGH WINDSHIELD INTO ELECTRONIC SYSTEM (GEM MODULE). THIS HAS CAUSED VEHICLE TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE FOLLOWING DURING RAINY WEATHER, AND SOMETIMES LONGER, EVEN IN BEAUTIFUL WEATHER. WIPERS QUIT WORKING DURING RAINY WEATHER WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY IN THE MIDDLE OF RAIN STORM. HEAD LIGHTS, PARKING LIGHTS AND HIGH BEAMS DON'T WORK AT ALL IN RAIN. INTERIOR LIGHTS INCLUDING DASH BOARD LIGHTS QUIT WORKING. HEAD LIGHTS AND WIPERS ALL QUIT WORKING IF RADIO IS TURNED ON. REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY WON'T WORK. 4 X4 WON'T TRANSFER IF USED, STAYS IN ONE GEAR AND GETS STUCK, WHICH I AM SURE IS CAUSING DAMAGE TO TRANSMISSION. TWO DAYS AFTER A RAIN STORM, MY EXPEDITION WAS OUTSIDE TRYING TO START ITSELF. I WAS INSIDE WHEN I HEARD THE NOISE. IT WAS LIKE SOMEONE WAS OVER STARTING THEIR VEHICLE. IT WAS THAT GRINDING SOUND OF THE STARTER BEING OVER TURNED. WHEN I WENT OUT SIDE TO MY DISBELIEF IT WAS MY EXPEDITION!
Vehicle speed control, May 7, 2005, fire
OUR 2000 FORD EXPLORER WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVE WAY FOR AT LEAST 3 HOURS AND AROUND 10:30PM (CENTRAL), OUR NEIGHBOR CAME KNOCKING AT OUR DOOR AND TOLD US THAT OUR EXPLORER WAS ON FIRE. I AM NOW WITH OUT A VEHICLE TO GO TO WORK AND THE INSURANCE DID NOT PAY OFF ALL OF THE VEHICLE. I NOW HAVE TO SACRAFICE TO PAY FOR SOMETHING I DO NOT HAVE AND SAVE FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE AT THE SAME TIME.
Exterior lighting, May 6, 2005
THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT IN THE INTERIOR OF THE DASHBOARD REMAINED ON AND CAUSED SMOKE TO COME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS BECAUSE THERE COULD BE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WHICH WOULD RESULT IN A FIRE.*AK THE CONSUMER PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK TO RELEASE THE TURN SIGNAL AND STOP ELECTRICAL SMOKE. *BF *NM
Power train, May 5, 2005
O/D LIGHT FLASHING, TRANSMISSION SLIPPING AT SPEEDS OVER 40 MPH. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 63K MILES. TRANSMISSION REPLACED, MECHANIC STATES KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS TRANSMISSION IN THIS 2000 FORD EXPLORER XLT
Power train, May 3, 2005
EXPLORER 4/4 EDDIE BAUER. EASTER DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY SMOKE CAME FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE. DEALER ADVISED THAT GEARS HAD BURNED OUT AND REPAIRED. TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AGAIN AND WAS REBUILT. FLUID WAS THROWN OUT ON TO THE HIGHWAY. ON THIRD FAILURE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. ON SATURDAY THIS WEEK TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AGAIN PUNTA GORED FLORIDA AND IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Apr 28, 2005
WHILE RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE NEEDED TO BE LUBRICATED. *AK WHILE ACCELERATING, THE FIRST 1 INCH OF THE GAS PEDAL WOULD BIND RESULTING IN FAST ACCELERATION, WHEN THE BINDING STOPPED, NORMAL ACCELERATION WOULD TAKE PLACE. THE CABLE UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD WAS LOOSE FROM ATTACHING PARTS. DIRT BUILD UP WAS IN THE CABLE ALONG WITH A LACK OF LUBRICATION. *SC *JB
Tires, Apr 26, 2005, crash
WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONSUMER WAS FORCED OFF THE ROAD. THE DRIVER REGAINED CONTROL WHILE ON THE GRASS SIDING UNTIL THE LEFT FRONT TIRE DETACHED FROM THE TRUCK. THIS CAUSED THE TRUCK TO ROLL OVER 4 TIMES. PLEASE IDENTIFY IF AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND IF SEAT BELTS PERFORMED AS DESIGNED. *JB THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT TIRE MOVED FROM THE RIM SUDDENLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT (TIRE INFORMATION NOT GIVEN). *BF *NM
Vehicle speed control, Apr 20, 2005, fire
SMELLED SMOKE AFTER IGNITION. FOUND ELECTRICAL FIRE AFTER OPENING UP THE HOOD AT A SERVICE STATION. THE ATTENDANT QUICKLY EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. TOWED THE CAR TO PREMIER FORD. OUR INSURANCE ADJUSTER FROM TSC DIRECT INSPECTED MY VEHICLE. HIS REPORT WAS THAT THERE OIL DRIPPING FROM A DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDER THAT CAUSED THE WIRING TO HEAT UP. THUS, CAUSING THE FIRE. WE THINK THAT FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE BECAUSE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD WARRANT A RECALL. HOWEVER, THEY DENY THE CLAIM BECAUSE WE ARE OVER THE 3-YEAR WARRANTY. THIS SHOULD NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THEREFORE, WE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE FULL COST OF THE JOB, LABOR AND TOWING EXPENSES.*AK
Exterior lighting, Apr 14, 2005
WHEN TURNING ON THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL, IT OCCASIONALLY FAILS TO WORK PROPERLY AND SMOKE ARISES FROM THE STEERING WHEEL/HAZARD LIGHTS BUTTON. I TOOK IT TO FORD TO HAVE THE PROBLEM CORRECTED, BUT THEY WERE ESTIMATING A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS IN CHARGES, AND CONSIDERED IT TO BE NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ON THE VEHICLE. AFTER REVIEWING A NUMBER OF SIMILAR COMPLAINS ON THE MYCARSTATS.COM WEBSITE, I DON'T BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. IT IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE CORRECTED AT NO COST TO THE OWNER. *AK