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.
Other or unspecified, Feb 19, 2005
THE BALL JOINTS ON MY VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT I THINK OTHER OWNERS SHOULD BE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS. FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS OF SIMILAR FORD VEHICLE ALSO NEEDED TO REPLACE THEIR BALL JOINTS, SOME AS EARLY AS 40,000 MILES. SOME MECHANICS IN THE AREA SAY THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE IN FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS, BUT THAT MANY PEOPLE DON'T KNOW TO HAVE THEM CHECKED.*AK
Exterior lighting, Feb 17, 2005, fire
ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASION THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH FAILED. CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL. CONSUMER STATES YOU COULD SMELL THE PLASTIC BURNING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *NM . THIS VEHICLE WA SNOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK
Steering, Power train, Structure, Equipment, Feb 12, 2005
IN MARCH OF 2004, I TOOK MY 2000 FORD EXPLORER XLT FOR GENERAL SERVICE, THE MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE FRONT PINION SEAL, AND TORQUE CONVERTER SEALS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THANK THE LORD THAT I TOOK OUT AND EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE WHEN I PURCHASED IT SEPT, 2002. THE REPAIRS WHERE COMPLETED, I ALSO TOOK IT BACK TO MY MECHANIC TO CHECK AND MAKE SURE THE WORK WAS DONE. ON 10/26/04 I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK IN AGAIN FOR WORK TO BE DONE AND THE MECHANIC AGAIN FOUND THE FRONT PINION TO BE LEAKING, ALSO FOUND THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE NEEDED AND THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS CHATTERING. JUST SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION: THE VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY OWNED BY MY SISTER, WHEN I PURCHASED THE VECHICLE, SHE WAS TURNING IN HER 2 YEAR LEASE. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE OVER IT ONLY HAD 11,681 MILES ON IT. THE FIRST REPAIRS WERE AT 37126 MILES, SECOND TIME MILES WERE 45721 MILES. I ALSO HAVE SEVERAL AREA'S ON THE VEHICLE THAT HAVE RUST. I CAN REMEBER A FEW YEARS AGO WHEN THE 3 MAJOR CAR COMPANIES TALKED ABOUT RUST NOT GOING TO BE A PROBLEM. ONE OF THE PLACES WITH RUST IS ON THE RADIATOR SUPPORT. I JUST WONDER HOW FORD OR ANY OF OUR OTHER US CAR COMPANIES CAN EXPECT US TO KEEP BUYING INFERIOR PRODUCTS AND PAY ALOT MORE MONEY. *JB
Electrical system, Feb 12, 2005
MY 2000 FORD EXPLORER RADIO LCD NO LONGER WORK THE RADIO WORKS FINE I JUST CAN NOT TELL WHAT TIME OR WHAT STATION ID NUMBERS ARE. *JB
Power train, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 3, 2005
WHILE DRIVING, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCKED ON IT'S ON. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK IT FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE DRIVER HAS TO GO THROUGH THE PASSENGER'S DOOR TO GET INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A GARAGE FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.
Air bags, Feb 2, 2005, crash
MY GIRLFRIENDS MOTHER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 40 MPH IN HER 2000 FORD ESCAPE, AND HIT AN ELK. LUCKELY NO HARM WAS DONE TO HER, BUT HER AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF. MY CONCERN IS THAT MAYBE THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE ESCAPES, AND WOULDN'T WANT SOMEONE ELSE TO BE INJURED OR KILLED FROM THE PROBLEM. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF SOMEONE COULD CONTACT ME IN SOMEWAY SO THAT WE COULD TALK ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS ABOUT 5,000 DOLLARS IN DAMAGE, AND IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE CRUSHED LIKE AN ACC. *AK
Electrical system, Jan 28, 2005, fire
(1) MY WIFE DROVE OUR 2000 FORD EXPEDITION TO THE GROCERY STORE ON JANUARY 5TH, 2005. WHEN SHE CAME OUT, ABOUT 25 MINUTES LATER, THE FIRE ENGINE HAD ARRIVED AND WAS TRYING TO PUT OUT THE FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THEY HAD TO BREAK THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW TO GET TO TO THE HOOD RELEASE. 2) HE INSURANCE FIRE INVESTIGATOR CLAIMED FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ALTERNATOR ELECTRICAL SHORT. BUT AS WE NOW KNOW FORD HAS ACKNOWLEDGED A PROBLEM WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH OVERHEATING AND CAUSING FIRES. 3) WE BELIEVE THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH PROBLEM FORD FINALLY ACKNOWLEDGED HAVING. *AK
Electrical system, Jan 27, 2005, fire
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. THE DRIVER CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *AK
Power train, Jan 27, 2005
TRANSMISSION IN MY 2000, FORD EXPLORER SPORT HAS FAILED. UPON TAKING IT TO TRANSMISSION SHOP I WAS INFORMED THAT FORD MOTOR REDESIGNED THE TRANS, IN THIS MODEL YEAR, AND THEY ARE TRASH...., UPON REPLACING TWO VALVE BODIES THE TRANS IS BEING REBUILT AGAIN.*AK
Air bags, Jan 26, 2005, crash
I WAS RECENTLY INVOLVED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT IN WHICH I WAS THE DRIVER. IT HAPPENED LAST FRIDAY EVENING, JANUARY 21ST AT APPROXIMATELY 6:24 PM. JUST OUTSIDE OF CARROLL, IOWA. I HIT A PATCH OF BLACK ICE AND MY VEHICLE ROLLED INTO A DITCH. I WAS DRIVING A 2000 FORD EXPLORER WITH BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT AIRBAGS AND NEITHER ONE DEPLOYED. WE ROLLED AT LEAST ONCE AND LANDED WITH ENOUGH FORCE TO SHATTER THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, AND I BELIEVE THAT THE EQUIPMENT WAS FAULTY. *AK
Electrical system, Jan 24, 2005
IGNITION KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN MY FORD FOCUS 2000. A PROBLEM MANY HAVE HAD ON THIS TYPE OF CAR. *NM
Seats, Jan 24, 2005
CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE BOLT ON THE PASSENGER HIGH BACK SEAT REPAIRED. THE SEAT WAS STILL BROKE, AND THE MANUFACTURED HAS BEEN CONTACTED. MANUFACTURER ADVISED CONSUMER TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER FOR RESURFACING. DEALER STATED THE BOLT WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE SEAT WAS STILL BROKE, AND LEANED AGAINST THE BACK SEAT.*AK *NM
Power train, Jan 17, 2005
ON 12-27-04 OUR 2000 FORD EXPLORER STARTED TO SHIFT POORLY AND THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT STAYED ON, THE LIGHT SHOWS THE CAR WILL NOT GO INTO OVER-DRIVE. I TOOK THE EXPLORER TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THE TRANS. HAD A CRACK IN THE DRUM IN THE VALVE BODY OF THE TRANS. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED COST 2229.62 VEHICLE ONLY HAS 56,000 MILES. I LOOKED ON THE NET AND FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM TWO PEOPLE SAID IT OCCURRED TWICE SAME PROBLEM. TO ME IT SOUNDS LIKE A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE 2000 EXPLORER MY WIFE DRIVES THIS VEHICLE VERY CAREFULLY NEVER DOING ANYTHING BUT GOING TO WORK OR GOING GROCERY SHOPPING. I AM VERY MAD I THINK FORD IS MAKING A LOT OF JUNK THIS TRANNY FOR ONE. MAYBE FORD SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON THIS TRANNY. *JB
Air bags, Jan 14, 2005
WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH AND REMAINED ON UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF. *NM *SC *JB
Tires, Jan 14, 2005
DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY IN LOUISIANA, DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH, CHANGED LANES AND HAD BLOWOUT ON THE DRIVER REAR TIRE. I WAS DRIVING A FORD EXPLORER. THE BLOWOUT LOOKED TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED ON THE SIDEWALL, AT A POINT WHERE THE SIDEWALL MEETS THE STEEL BELTS ON THE DRIVING SURFACE OF THE TIRE. THERE ARE NO OBVIOUS ROAD DAMAGE TO THE TIRE. THE LOCAL GOODYEAR REP SAID THAT THEY HAVE NO RECALL ON THE TIRE AND THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS DAMAGE BEFORE AND WOULD NOT WARRANTY THE TIRE. THE ORIGINAL TIRES WERE FIRESTONE, BUT WERE CHANGED OUT BY THE FORD COMPANY TO GOODYEAR BECAUSE OF THE FIRESTONE RECALL. THE TIRES HAD ABOUT 29,000 MILES ON THEM AND THE AIR PRESSURE WAS CHECKED 2 DAYS BEFORE DURING AN OIL CHANGE. THE TIRE IS GOODYEAR, WRANGLER RT/S M+S P235/75R15 SER# 274220-GRF-70MMWVS IT ALSO HAS THE NUMBERS E13 0293095 STAMPED ON THEM. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 11, 2005, fire
MY 2000 FORD EXPEDITION CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE SITTING IN OUR DRIVEWAY. THE SUV HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 5+ HOURS. OUR NEIGHBOR GOT UP TO USE THE RESTROOM AROUND 11:45 AND NOTICED FLAMES SHOOTING FROM OUR SUV. THE FIRE COMPLETLY DESTROYED OUR TRUCK. THE FIRE GOT SO HOT IT MELTED THE HOOD,FRONT TIRES AND THE FRONT CAB. OUR TRUCK WAS IN GOOD CONDITION NO MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. HOW DOES A TRUCK BURSTT INTO FLAMES WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY?*AK
Power train, Jan 6, 2005
JUST RECENTLY I HAD TO HAVE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION REBUILT & A NEW PLANETARY GEAR INSTALLED. THERE WAS NO WARNING - THE VAN JUST SIMPLY STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. REVERSE WAS THE ONLY GEAR THAT WOULD WORK. IF YOU KNOW HOW I CAN NOTIFY FORD ABOUT PLEASE ADVISE SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED BUT IT HAS LESS THAN 75,000 MILES ON IT. AT THE TIME THE TRANSMISSION FAILED, THE MILEAGE WAS 72901. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 2, 2005
MASTER CYLINDER ON 2000 FORD EXPLORER HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. *JB
Seats, Jan 2, 2005
FRONT SEAT HEATER BURNED PADDING MATERIAL AND LEATHER SEAT LINER. THE BURN HOLE WAS 2" IN LENGTH AND ABOUT 1/2" DEEP INTO THE CUSHION PADDING. *JB
Air bags, Dec 29, 2004
NHTSA CAMPAIGN 00V179000; FORD ISSUED AN AIR BAG RECALL. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, HOWEVER THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VIN IS OUTSIDE THE REMEDY SCOPE. *JB *SC
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Tires, Dec 29, 2004
PURCHASED FORD EXPLORER 2000 IN SEPT OF 04. FIRST THE CRUISE WENT OUT. FRONT TIRES LOOSES AIR ABOUT ONCE A WEEK HAVE TO FILL. STARTS HARD AND WILL NOT IDOL IN MORNINGS SPECIALLY WHEN COLD OUT SIDE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON TWICE, PURCHASED AT SEELYE WRIGHT KIA IN KALAMAZOO MI. CANNOT GET DEALER TO FIX VEHICLE. *NM
Air bags, Dec 27, 2004
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. VEHICLE DID NOT MAKE CONTACT WITH ANYTHING. *AK
Structure, Dec 22, 2004
DETAILS: THE VINYL COVERING ON THE DASHBOARD IS PEELING AWAY FROM THE UNDERLYING STRUCTURE. IT HAS, OVER A PERIOD OF ABOUT 5 MONTHS, PEELED BACK FAR ENOUGH THAT IT OBSTRUCTS THE VIEW OUT OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE WINDSHIELD DEFROST VENT TRIM NO LONGER FITS INTO PLACE. THE DEFROSTER NO LONGER WORKS PROPERLY, AS THE VINYL NOW OBSTRUCTS THE AIR FLOW. THE VINYL IS ALSO IN SUCH A POSITION AS TO POTENTIALLY IMPEDE THE FUNCTION OF THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG. THE EXTENDED WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THE DASH, FORD WILL NOT COVER THE FULL COST OF THE REPLACEMENT ($1200). THE DASH ON A 4 YEAR CAR SHOULD NOT WARP SO BADLY IT LOOKS LIKE A PRINGLES CHIP. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW WITH POTENTIAL SAFETY CONCERNS, AND SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO A RECALL. *JB
Air bags, Dec 21, 2004, crash
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END CRASH AT 10 MPH. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BY CONSUMER. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Visibility, Air bags, Latches/locks/linkages, Seats, Dec 21, 2004
FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO DECEMBER 5TH, 2004, THE HEAT ELEMENT IN MY 2000 FORD EXPLORER DRIVER SEAT WOULD BECOME PAINFULLY HOT UNDER THE LEFT LEG NEAR THE TORSO TO THE POINT WHERE IT NEEDED TO BE MANUALLY TURNED OFF EACH TIME. IT WAS TURNED OFF AS IT BECAME PAINFUL, AND WE WERE CONCERNED WE WOULD BECOME BURNED AND WOULD THE SEAT CATCH ON FIRE. MY OTHER CONCERN FOR THIS IS SOMEONE, SUCH AS A DIABETIC, WITH NEUROPATHY WOULDN'T FEEL THE INTENSITY OF THE HEAT AND BECOME BURNED. 2) APPROX 2 WEEKS AFTER THE INITIAL EVENT THE SEAT LIGHT WILL COME ON BUT NO HEAT IS PRODUCED. WHY DID IT TAKE 2 WEEKS FOR THE ELEMENT (ASSUMED) TO BURN OUT? 3) THE CAR IS SCHEDULED TO GO TO AN INDEPENDANT MECHANIC AS I DO NOT TRUST FORD TO DO THE RIGHT THING. THE DEALER IS NOT CONCERNED THAT MY DRIVER AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF AT WILL FOR DAYS OR WEEKS AT A TIME. THEY RECALLED THE 98 AND 99 MODELS FOR A TENSIONER PULLEY PROBLEM AND ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE '00 BUT THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE $500 FOR THE REPAIR......MOST DEFECTS I TOOK IN FOR WARRANTY REPAIR REMAIN UNFIXED, (MOSTLY ELECTRICAL IN NATURE) INCLUDING A REAR WIPER THAT RARELY GOES ON, RADIO STATIONS AND CLOCK DISPLAY THAT OCCASIONALLY CAN BE SEEN AND A REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE THAT AFTER 5 ATTEMPTS (FORD WENT AGAINST THEIR ENGINEER RECOMMENDATIONS TO DO A RECALL) WILL UNLOCK WITH POWER LOCK BUT THE UNSUSPECTING OR IN A HURRY WILL JUST ABOUT RIP A HAND OFF TO GET IT OPEN.*AK