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.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 14, 2004, fire
THIS IS A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. LAST YEAR THERE WAS A FIRE STRARTED BY A RELAY FAILURE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THIS REPAIR WAS $2300.00, $435.00 WAS NOT COVERED BY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WE PURCHASED. IN THE PAST MONTH I HAVE NOTICED PAINT FAILURE LEADING TO RUST ON THE ROOF, AND LAST FRIDAY THE ENGINE FAILED WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING. CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. FORD SAYS WE NEED A NEW ENGINE WHICH WILL COST $5,500.00. THE ENGINE HAS 71,000 MILES ON IT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY RAN OUT AT 65,000. WHEN THE ENGINE FAILED, IT EFFECT THE BREAKING AND POWER STEERING. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE AND FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES.*AK
Power train, Dec 1, 2004
AT 53,000 MILES, THE TRUCK'S TRANSMISSION BEGAN SLIPPING AND MISSING SHIFTS BETWEEN GEARS 2-3 AND 3-4. WE TOOK IT TO FORD FOR WARRANTY WORK, AND THEY REPLACED THE VALVE BODY. NOW AT 76,000 MILES, AND 15 MONTHS LATER, IT'S EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS, ONLY WORSE. FORD REFUSES TO FIX IT BECAUSE IT'S OUT OF WARRANTY, AND THEY REFUSE TO RECOGNIZE THAT IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM IN FORD TRUCKS WITH THE 5R55E TRANSMISSION.*AK
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Nov 29, 2004
WHEN PLACING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE IT WILL NOT MOVE. CONSUMER HAS TO FLOOR THE ACCELERATOR ALL THE WAY DOWN BEFORE IT WILL MOVE.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Nov 17, 2004
VEHICLE SURGED WHILE BEING PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND AGAIN IN A PARKING LOT. THE RPM GAUGE WENT BEYOND NORMAL RAMIFICATION. AFTER CONTACT WAS MADE WITH THE MANUFACTURER THEY AGREED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE SINCE IT WAS A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM. *AK PROBLEM CAN NOT BE DETECTED. *TC
Visibility, Seats, Nov 15, 2004
1) INADEQUATE DRIVER'S SEAT LATCH - DRIVER CANNOT POSITION SEAT BACK PROPERLY; 2) RUNNING BOARDS RUSTING WITHOUT CAUSE; 3) ROOF RACK PEELING WITHOUT CAUSE, AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THESE PROBLEMS; FORD DEALERSHIPS CANNOT EXPLAIN WHY THE RUNNING BOARD IS RUSTING OR THE REASON FOR THE ROOF RACK PEELING. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Nov 8, 2004
CRUISE CONTROL STICKS AND CONTINUES TO INCREASE IN SPEED. APPLICATION OF BRAKE, PRESSING COAST OR OFF SWITCH DOES NOT RELEASE OR STOP CAR FROM ACCELERATING. ONLY WAT TO STOP RUNAWAY ACCELERATION IS TO SHUT OFF IGNITION. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRD THREE TIMES OCTOBER 3RD, 16TH AND 25TH. THE DEFECTIVE CABLE WAS PART OF A FORD PROGRAM AND WAS REPLACED SEPTEMBER 5, 2003 AND FAILED AFTER THIRTEEN MONTHS.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 5, 2004
9 MONTHS OF SERVICE VISITS FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON WITH NO APPARANT CAUSE EXCEPT ONCE; CAR WOULD RIDE ROUGH AND SOMETIMES FELT LIKE IT WOULD STALL; TWO CRACKED ENGINES WOUDL CAUSED THE CAR TO NOT RUN IN THE MIDDLE OF A TRIP; HAD TO REBUILD THE CRACKED CYLINDER HEADS. *AK
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 3, 2004
THE ENGINE HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SMOKE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A MECHANICAL DEFECT IN THE STEERING COLUMN. *JB THE KNOCKING WOULD ONLY OCCUR IN THE FALL AND WINTER MONTH'S. ON ONE OCCASION THE WHILE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT, SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. *SC
Steering, Oct 29, 2004
MY 2000 V8 FORD EXPLORER EXPERIENCED A SERIOUS AND SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERABILTY, WHICH LED TO LOSS OF CONTROL AND INABILITY TO TURN A CORNER - AND VEHICLE RAN ACROSS TRAFFIC INTO FIELD ON OTHER SIDE OF ROADWAY. THE POWER STEERING HOSE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BECAME UNFASTENED DUE TO EVERYDAY VIBRATION, AND MOVED INTO A POSITION WHERE IT WAS RUBBING AGAINST ONE OF THE BELT PULLEYS (THE ONE NEAREST THE POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR). THIS CAUSED THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO RUPTURE, WITH IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. I FEEL FORTUNATE TO HAVE MY WIFE STILL ALIVE AFTER THIS EPISODE OF POOR DESIGN. IF NOT FOR A SMALL BREAK IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC, SHE MAY WELL HAVE BEEN KILLED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO COMPLETE A RIGHT TURN AT AN INTERSECTION. SINCE THIS OCCURRED TODAY, I HAVE NOT YET HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 22, 2004
1) DRIVING THE VEHICLE NORMALLY IN EVERYDAY CONDITIONS. 2) THE VEHICLE DID NOT IDLE WHEN THE GAS PEDAL WAS RELEASED, THE ENGINE DIED OUT LOSING ALL POWER, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STOP. 3) THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE AND GASKET WAS REPLACED, PART # YU3Z-9F715-AA, OLD PART IS AVAILABLE.*AK
Tires, Oct 20, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED. THIS CAUSED A ROLL OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *JB
Power train, Oct 13, 2004
PURCHASED EXPLORER XLT WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. REPEATED PROBLEMS HOLDING GEARS, LACK OF POWER. TWICE WAS BROUGHT TO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS, WHICH WERE INCONCLUSIVE. PROBLEM CONTINUED AND EVENTUALLY TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED BY DEALER. NO PROBLEMS FOR FIRST EIGHT MONTHS WITH THE NEW TRANSMISSION, BUT NOW WHEN TRAVELLING AT HIGH SPEEDS, THE OVERDRIVE DIS-ENGAGES CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER. UPON RE-START OF CAR, PROBLEM SUBSIDES. THE CAR WAS EXAMINED AT THE DEALER TWO MORE TIMES, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE FAILURE AND NO WORK HAS BEEN DONE.*AK
Air bags, Oct 6, 2004, crash
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH.UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THREE PERSONS WERE INJURED, AND ONE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. A PRIVATE VEHICLE TRANSPORTED THE OTHER TWO. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK *TC
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 20, 2004
WHILE REPLACING THE TIRES CONSUMER NOTICED THAT BRAKE LINE WORE OUT. AS RESULT, THE CHASSIS OF THE VEHICLE ALSO WORE OUT. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED. *AK
Child seat, Sep 10, 2004
WHILE PLACING THE CHILD INSIDE THE CAR SEAT THE BOTTOM OF SEAT SHEARED OFF. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO CATCH THE BOTTOM BEFORE HITTING THE FLOOR. THIS PUT THE CHILD IN DANGER. *AK
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Aug 20, 2004, fire
THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING WHEN SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE WHILE TURNING INTO HER DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS SMOKING AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT WITH A GARDEN HOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE. ON THE NEXT INCIDENT, THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC TO HAVE THE FRONT END ALIGNED, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED THE BALL JOINT FELL OFF INTO THE MECHANIC'S HAND JULY 8, 2004. *LA ALL OF THE PROBLEMS HAD BEEN ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THERE WERE ALSO PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE. *SC *JB
Electrical system, Aug 19, 2004
WHEN USING TURN SIGNAL SMOKE COMES FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. *AK
Seats, Aug 16, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER SWERVED ONTO THE SHOULDER AND HIT A GUARDRAIL WHILE ATTEMPTING TO AVOID HITTING A VEHICLE WHICH HAD PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF HER. THE DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED DURING THE COLLISION WHICH RESULTED IN LOSS OF CONTROL. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER THREE TIMES. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER NECK, HEAD AND HIP. THE VEHICLE RECLINER BOLT WAS RECALL AND REPLACED PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT (RECALL # 03S04). *AK *NM
Visibility, Aug 11, 2004
THE TURNING LEFT SMOKE WAS COMING THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT HOME. THE CAUSE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. CONSUMER WILL CONTACT THE DEALER IN THE NEAR FUTURE. *AK
Exterior lighting, Aug 7, 2004
THIS IS FOR A 2000 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHEN I TURN THE LEFT SIGNAL ON, EVERY FEW DAYS, THE SIGNAL LIGHT WILL STICK AND SMOKE WILL COME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN NEAR THE HAZARD SWITCH. FORD REFUSES TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A FAULT IN THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WHICH WAS RECALLED ON SEVERAL EXPLORERES (JUST NOT SPECIFICALLY MINE).*AK
Electrical system, Aug 4, 2004
MY FORD FOCUS IGNITION LOCKED UP ON MY CAR AND I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO FORD WEST DEALERSHIP AND WAS CHARGED $40.00 FOR TOWING. I THEN HAD TO PAY $398.00 TO HAVE MY IGNITION REPAIRED WHICH SEEMS TO BE A COMMON DEFECT WITH FORD FOCUS. I SAW ON THE INTERNET WHERE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FORD FOCUS. I FEEL THAT I SHOULD BE REIMBURSE BECAUSE IT'S NOT MY FAULT THAT THIS A DEFECT PROBLEM WITH FORD. *AK
Electrical system, Jul 26, 2004
THE VEHICLES ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAS FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. *NM THE HARNESS WIRES ALL SHORTED AND THE CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE DASH. THE POWER WINDOWS FAILED. THE SPEEDOMETER AND GAUGES FAILED. THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. THE RADIO BLINKERS AND LIGHTS FAILED. A BURNING SMELL CAME FROM THE DASH FREQUENTLY. THE CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 20, 2004
MY FORD YEAR 2000 IDLES ROUGH AND STALLS IN COLD WEATHER. I THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS DIRTY INJECTORS AND KEPT HAVING THEM FLUSHED WHICH TEMP. FIXED PROB. A MECHANIC STATED THAT IT WAS THE TIMING CHAIN AND THAT FORD WOULD FIX IT FOR FREE, FOR THEY DID ON HIS EXPLORER. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY SAID THAT I WAS OVER THE MILES AND THAT IT WAS A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION RECALL. WELL NOT ONLY AM I NOT SATISFIED, BUT IT SEEMS TO BE A SAFETY FACTOR AS WELL. WHAT IF A PULL OUT INTO AN INTERSECTION AND MY CAR STALLS. CROSSING A HIGHWAY AND MY CAR STALLS. I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT FORD WOULD HAVE CARED MORE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS ESPECIALLY GIVEN THAT THIS IS MY 3RD FORD AND I AM ONLY 30 YRS OLD. REGARDLESS, OF THAT FACT, THAEY SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO FIX THE PROBLEM IN ORDER TO KEEP THEIR DRIVERS SAFE ON THE ROAD. *LA
Power train, Jul 19, 2004
PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION ON 2000 FORD EXPLORER.*MR COMPONENT'S WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 43000 MILES. THIS IS THE SECOND FORD EXPLORER THE CONSUMER HAS OWNED WITH TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER SEEKS SOME FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. *NM
Electrical system, Jul 19, 2004
LIGHTS FOR RADIO AND CLOCK HAVE GONE OUT- PERIODICALLY COME ON FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN DISAPPEAR. LIGHTS ARE OFF 99% OF TIME- FOR WEEKS AT A TIME. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR TWO YEARS. IT WAS RECOMMENDED I REPLACE THE RADIO AT MY EXPENSE, BUT I HAVE HEARD OF A NUMBER OF OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS WITH SAME PROBLEM- I THINK IT IS A DEFECT OF AN EXPENSIVE RADIO. *JB