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.
Seats, Jul 17, 2004, crash
AUTO ACCIDENT, REAR ENDED AT A RED LIGHT, SUBSTAINED SURIOUS INJURIES, MY CAR 000 FORD EXPLORE DRIVER SEAT BROKE AFTER THE INPACT THE DRIVER SEAT. RECLINER BOLT BROKE. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 15, 2004
CAR WOULD NOT START WITHOUT PRESSING GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR. ONCE STARTED HAD TO KEEP MY FOOT ON THE GAS TO PREVENT IT FROM STALLING. *LA
Visibility, Jul 13, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED WINDSHIELD WIPERS ENGAGED LNTERMITTENTLY. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 12, 2004
IN EARLY 2002 I NOTICED THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS FEELING SOFT AND PRACTICALLY WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WITH NORMAL BRAKING AND THE PEDAL MADE A HISSING/VACUUM NOISE AT TIMES. FOR HARD BRAKING IT FELT LIKE THE SUV WOULDN'T STOP. I TOOK THE CAR FOR SERVICE ON 6/8/02 AT A FORD DEALERSHIP WHICH BLED THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. TOOK THE SUV BACK ON 11/9/02 AND WAS TOLD IT WAS A VACUUM LEAK FROM THE POWER BOOSTER AND THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED. PEDAL AND BRAKING WAS NORMAL AFTER THIS UNTIL RECENTLY, THE BRAKE PEDAL IS FAILING AGAIN AS BEFORE. I HAVE NOT YET TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER. *LA
Power train, Jul 2, 2004
WHILE TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE CONSUMER SAW A BLINKING OVER DRIVE LIGHT ON DASH BOARD. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER, WHO FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 28, 2004
CONSUMER NOTICED REAR DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE, EVEN IF THE CHILD PROOF LOCKS ARE OFF. CONSUMER WILL CONTACT MANUFACTURER. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 24, 2004
WHEN STARTING VEHICLE AFTER FUELING IT BEGAN TO HESITATE/STALL. *AK
Seats, Jun 24, 2004
THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT FAILED TO STAY IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. SEVEN MONTHS EARLIER, DEALERSHIP PERFORMED HIGH BACK SEAT RECALL 03V281000 REPAIRS. DEALERSHIP INSPECTED THE SEAT, AND INDICATED THAT THIS FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL BOLT THAT WAS REPLACED. IT MAY BE THE RACKET ASSEMBLY OR ONE OF THE SEAT FRAMES. *AK
Visibility, Structure, Jun 23, 2004
VARIOUS PROBLEMS WITH 2000 FORD EXPLORER. *MR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEM WITH THE WIPER MOTOR AND THE POWER WINDOW/DOOR ASSEMBLY WHICH SQUEALED AND RATTLED. *SC
Exterior lighting, Seat belts, Jun 17, 2004
THE SECOND ROW SEAT BELTS WILL NOT UNLOCK ONCE BUCKLE IS LATCHED. ALSO,THE TAIL LIGHT LENSES CONTINUED TO FILL WITH WATER, CAUSING THE BULBS TO EXPLODE. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR THE SEAT BELTS OR THE TAIL LIGHTS WITHOUT THE CONSUMER PAYING FOR THE PARTS OR LABOR.*AK
Tires, Jun 15, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, A LOUD BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM REAR. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULL OVER. THE WINCH CABLE WIRE SHEARED OFF AND CAUSED THE SPARE TIRE TO FALL OFF AND BOUNCED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *LA
Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 14, 2004
DOOR LATCH/LOCKING ASSEMBLY STOPPED FUNCTIONING. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ENTIRE LOCKING ASSEMBLY, AND INDICATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE TRUCKS. *AK *NM
Power train, Jun 9, 2004
ON THE EVENING OF JUNE 7, 2004, AS I WAS DRIVING ON 85S, MY CAR BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY. AS I WAS TRYING TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF THE TRAFFIC, THERE WAS A HUGE BOOM FROM MY VEHICLE AND THE CAR STOPPED. INITIALLY, ALL OF THE SERVICE PEOPLE AROUND THOUGHT THAT IT WAS MY TRANSMISSION THAT FELL OUT. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY MECHANIC WHO LATER CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS MY TRANSFER CASE THAT HAD FALLEN FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR. THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO PRIOR WARNINGS (NO SERVICE LIGHTS APPEARED IN THE VEHICLE) OF THIS HAPPENING OTHER THAN A SLIGHT SHAKING IN THE CAR A DAY OR TWO BEFORE. MY MECHANIC IS IN THE PROCESS OF CREATING AN ESTIMATE FOR THIS WORK.*AK
Power train, May 28, 2004
WHEN ENGAGING THE 4 - WHEEL DRIVE LOW THE VEHICLE LOCKED UP WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING BECOMES INOPERATIVE. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. *LA
Electrical system, May 21, 2004
CONSUMER LOST POWER TO WINDSHIELD WIPERS, WINDOWS, AND INTERIOR LIGHTING. *LA THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT EVERY TWO WEEKS THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER TO THE WIPERS, POWER WINDOWS AND INTERIOR LIGHTING. WHILE DRIVING DURING A THUNDERSTORM, THE VEHICLES WIPERS DID NOT FUNCTION WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. . THE CONSUMER SEARCHED THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND FOUND A RECALL (00V072000) CONCERNING AN IDENTICAL ISSUE WITH A MODULE (GEM) WHICH CONTROLS THE WIPERS, WINDOWS, ETC. THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *NM
Power train, May 17, 2004, crash
MY 2 YEAR OLD SON WAS STANDING ON THE SEAT AND WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK AND INTO DRIVE. THE CAR WAS NOT RUNNING, THE KEY WAS NOT ON. THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN A HILL AND UPON STRIKING ANOTHER VEHICLE, MY SON FELL OUT. THERE IS SIGNIFICANT BODY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, ONLY MINOR INJURIES TO MY SON. I WAS STANDING NEXT TO THE OPEN PASSENGER DOOR WHEN IT HAPPENED. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE TAKEN FROM PARK TO DRIVE WITHOUT THE BRAKE ON (THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPED WITH THIS SAFETY DEVICE). NO REPAIRS HAVE YET BEEN DONE. *AK
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 21, 2004
DOOR LOCKS FAILED. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY OCCUPANTS WILL BE TRAPPED. *AK
Air bags, Apr 19, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND STAYED ON FOR THE REMINDER OF THE TIME THAT VEHICLE WAS RUNNING. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 15, 2004
BOTH FRONT ROTORS HAD SEVERE RUST/CORROSION ON THE INNER SURFACE. VEHICLE HAS 56,000 MILES ON IT AND WAS DUE FOR THE FIRST PAD REPLACEMENT. ROTORS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT DUE TO THE DEPTH OF RUST DAMAGE. RUST WAS NOT VISIBLE ON THE OUTSIDE SURFACE. I WAS NOT AWARE OF THE SITUATION OR THE CHANGE IN BRAKING DISTANCES UNTIL THE NEW ROTORS WERE INSTALLED. THE NEW BRAKING CONDITIONS IS NOTICABLY IMPROVED. I HAVE POSSESSION OF BOTH ROTORS AND PADS THAT WERE REPLACED. REPAIR WAS PERFORMED AT A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN CONTINUALLY DRIVEN AND THE RUST/CORROSION IS NOT TYPICAL BUILDUP FROM A LACK OF OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE.*AK
Power train, Apr 6, 2004
ON THE 27TH OF MARCH IN 2004, MY 2000 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION WENT OUT IN CHICAGO. THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONED WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT. THE CAR THEN WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE DOES HAVE 59,000 MILES ON IT. WHEN I MOVED THE VEHICLE BACK TO MY HOMETOWN VIA MY OWN HAULING CAPABILITES, THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED SINCE THE TIME OF PURCHASE, REFUSED TO HELP ME WITH ANY REPAIRS EVEN THOUGH IT HAD BEEN IN THEIR SHOP ONLY FIVE DAYS BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. WHEN I ASKED THEM WHAT THEY SUGGESTED, THEY INFORMED ME THAT I NEEDED TO CONTACT FORD MYSELF AND START TALKING WITH THEM. AFTER TALKING WITH FORD SEVERAL TIMES I REALIZED TAHT I WAS NO WHERE. THEY REFUSED TO HELP AND DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO MAKE ME SATISFIED. I HAVE RECEIVED NO ASSISTANCE WHATSO EVER FROM THEM. IA M PERSOANLLY AWARE THAT OTHER CAR COMPANIES TAKE CARE OF SITUATIONS LIKE THIS FOR THEIR CONSUMERS. I HOPE THAT BY SUBMITTING THIS, FORD WILL BE REQUIRED TO RECALL A PRODUCT THAT THEY KNOW TO BE DEFECTIVE. *LA
Vehicle speed control, Apr 1, 2004
WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER ACTIVATED THE SPEED CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED, AND THE ENGINE KEPT SURGING. THE DRIVER COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER EVENTUALLY HAD TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION, AND THE VEHICLE GRADUALLY CAME TO A STOP. *AK RECALL#03V280000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. *SC
Vehicle speed control, Apr 1, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING, AND VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO A HIGH RATE. CONSUMER SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL TO DECELERATE THE VEHICLE. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 30, 2004
THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE DISC CORRODED AND CRACKED CAUSING MY FRONT BRAKES TO LOCK UP. I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT BRAKE DICS ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS AND OVERHAUL THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE CALIPER.*AK
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 29, 2004
BOTH REAR DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE, EVEN IF THE CHILD PROOF LOCKS ARE OFF.*AK
Air bags, Mar 26, 2004
INTERMITTENTLY AIR BAG LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL, AND THE SAFETY HARNESS. HOWEVER, PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *AK