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, Vehicle speed control, Jun 24, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR AND ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000.
Air bags, Jun 21, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WARNING INDICATOR FOR THE SIDE AIR BAGS WAS ILLUMINATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INDICATED THAT THE SIDE CRASH SENSOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED WITH A REVISED DESIGNED PART. THE CONTACT WAS TO CHECK WITH THE MANUFACTURER TO DETERMINE A SOLUTION TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE OR IT WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PASS INSPECTION. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V179000 (AIR BAGS). THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. ....UPDATED 08/29/16 *BF
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jun 13, 2016, fire
2000 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL STATES ENGINE RUNNING WITHOUT IGNITION KEY COULD START A FIRE. CONSUMER STATES THOUGHT DEALERSHIP REPAIRED RECALL PROBLEMS. VEHICLE EXPLODED SEVEN MINUTES AFTER CONSUMER EXISTS VEHICLE. *SMD
Steering, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 1, 2016
THE POWER STEERING RANDOMLY GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN THAT HAPPENS MY CAR WON'T ACCELERATE. I TURN MY CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND IT FIXES IT TEMPORARILY
Vehicle speed control, Mar 11, 2016
WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL COMMANDED CONSIDERABLY MORE THROTTLE ON AN INTERSTATE AT 60MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY TOOK OFF AT VERY HIGH SPEED (85+MPH AND ACCELERATING WHEN I FINALLY SHUT THE IGNITION OFF). I ATTEMPTED TO DISCONNECT THE CRUISE CONTROL VIA OFF SWITCH AND USING THE BRAKES TO NO AVAIL. I SHUT THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF AND COASTED TO THE SHOULDER SAFELY. ATTEMPTED A RE-START, AND THE ENGINE APPEARED TO START AT FULL THROTTLE. I RAISED THE HOOD AND FOUND THE THROTTLE CABLE RETAINING HAD BROKEN, AND THE CABLE ASSEMBLY HAD BEEN PUSHED OUT OF ITS BRACKET BY THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO'S FORCE. ONCE OUT OF ITS BRACKET AND PUSHED TO NEARLY FULL THROTTLE, THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING HAD HOOKED ON THE BRACKET (SEE ATTACHED IMAGE), PREVENTING A RETURN TO IDLE FROM NEARLY FULL THROTTLE. THE PLASTIC RETAINING TABS ON THE THROTTLE CABLE HAD EVIDENTLY BEEN BROKEN BY THE LONG-TIME FORCE OF THE CRUISE CONTROL, POSSIBLY AGGRIVATED BY YEARS HEAT FROM THE ENGINE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS DESIGN, DEPENDING ON TINY PLASTIC TABS AS THE ONLY BLOCK TO SUCH SUDDEN, UNCOMMANDED VEHICLE ACCELERATION. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT DEFECTIVE, BUT HAD INSTIGATED THE CONDITION MY BREAKING THE THROTTLE CABLE RETAINING TABS OVER TIME. THE ATTACHED PHOTO SHOWS THE DISPLACED THROTTLE CABLE, WITH THE SPRING HOOKED ON THE BRACKET, HOLDING THE THROTTLE NEARLY FULL THROTTLE. THIS COULD EASILY HAVE RESULTED IN A HIGH SPEED CRASH. AS A RETIRED AIR FORCE FIGHTER PILOT AND AIRLINE CAPTAIN, I REMAINED CALM AND WORKED THE PROBLEM STEP BY STEP TO A SAFE CONCLUSION, BUT A LESS DISCIPLINED DRIVER IN DIFFERENT TRAFFIC COULD HAVE LED TO A DIFFERENT AND TRAGIC CONCLUSION. A SECOND PHOTO SHOWS THE CABLE END MISSING THE RETAINING TABS. A THIRD SHOWS THE TINY PLASTIC TABS ON A NEW CABLE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 12, 2016, crash
SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE MAKING LEFT TURN ONTO CITY STREET FROM FREEWAY EXIT.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 12, 2016
SUDDEN ACCELERATION FROM STOP IN PARKING LOT.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 17, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE STRONG FUMES OF FUEL EMITTING FROM THE EXTERIOR TO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO FURTHER INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FUEL LINE PREMATURELY FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO REMOVED THE FUEL TANK AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FUEL LINE THROUGH THE FLEX LINE THAT LINKED TO THE FUEL RAILS. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Power train, Aug 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 18, 2015, fire
I WAS DRIVING SLIGHTLY UPHILL IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, OFF EXIT 16 ON THE PALISADES PARKWAY, DUE TO A CONTROLLED STOP SET UP BY POLICE TO CHECK INSPECTION AND REGISTRATION. I SAW SMOKE AROUND MY VEHICLE, SO I LOOKED AT MY INSTRUMENT PANEL TO SEE IF MY CAR WAS OVERHEATING. MY INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATED NOTHING WAS WRONG. WHEN I LOOKED UP, AN OFFICER WAS MOTIONING FOR ME TO PULL OVER SAYING MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. I QUICKLY PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF THE CAR, GOT IN THE BACK SEAT TO GET MY 1 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER OUT OF HER CAR SEAT, AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. MY WIFE QUICKLY GOT OUT OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. WE WERE TOLD TO GET FAR AWAY. TWO POLICE OFFICERS TRIED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE WITH EXTINGUISHERS, BUT WERE UNABLE TO GET THE HOOD OPEN. WE WERE OUT OF THE CAR NO MORE THAN 5 MINUTES WHEN IT WAS ENTIRELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE TRUCKS ARRIVED APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES LATER, BY THEN THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 3, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPMS AND THE TACHOMETER INCREASED, BUT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE REVERSING FROM BEING PARKED, THE VEHICLE SURGED FROM A LOW SPEED TO OVER 40 MPH CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), AND 03V280000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 204,000TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPMS AND THE TACHOMETER INCREASED, BUT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE REVERSING FROM BEING PARKED, THE VEHICLE SURGED FROM A LOW SPEED TO OVER 40 MPH CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), AND 03V280000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 204,000.
Other or unspecified, Jul 31, 2015
I PURCHASED THE FORD EXPLORER XLT IN OCTOBER 2000 AND WITHIN THREE YEARS THE TRANSMISSION WENT OF SERVICE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FORD COMPANY TO SEE WHETHER OR NOT THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE REPAIRED UNDER THE WARRANTY AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE IT OVER 36,000 MILES AND THREE (3) YEARS HAS ELAPSED. I THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AMACO CO. TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WITH MY PERSONAL EXPENSES AT $2,000.00. THEY PROVIDED AT ONE (1) YEAR 12, 000 MILES WARRANTY. WITHIN TWO YEARS THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AGAIN AND I HAD TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER TRANSMISSION COMPANY BECAUSE I DID NOT HAVE A WARRANTY ANYMORE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A AUTO SHOP TO SERVICE THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN AND WAS GIVEN AFTER THE REPAIR AN ONE (1) YEAR WARRANTY AT 12,000 MILES. THREE YEARS LATER THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AGAIN IN 2014 AND NOW I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIR FOR TRANSMISSION FAILURE. NOW AGAIN THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND GIVEN A ONE (1) YEAR WARRANTY AT 12, 000 MILES. NOW WE ARE IN 2015, THE TRANSMISSION IS REQUIRING REPAIR FOR THE FOURTH TIME. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN A LEMON FROM THE BEGINNING FIRST WITH THE FIRESTONE TIRES AND NOW WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPAIR THIS VEHICLE, IT IS AT 293,500 MILES. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD COMPANY SEVERAL TIMES TO NO RESOLUTION. FORD COMPANY HAS INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THEY INDICATED THAT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY AND SAFETY MUST DEEM THE VEHICLE TO BE A LEMON, HAVE SUFFICENT CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS AND MOVE FORWARD TO HAVE A NATIONAL RECALL. BASED ON INTERNET FINDINGS THE YEAR 2000 TO 2004 OF FORD EXPLORE'S HAS HAD MANY ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION. FORD COMPANY HAS REFUSED TO PERFORM A "GOODWILL" GESTURE ON REPAIRING THIS LEMON. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT NOW I HAVE REPLACED AND REPAIRED THIS TRANSMISSION THREE (3) TIMES WITHIN THE SPAN OF 8 YEARS.......UPDATED 12/10/15 *BF *CN
Vehicle speed control, Jul 20, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPMS AND THE TACHOMETER INCREASED, BUT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE REVERSING FROM BEING PARKED, THE VEHICLE SURGED FROM A LOW SPEED TO OVER 40 MPH CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), AND 03V280000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 204,000. MA 10/15/2015 UPDATED 11/30/2017*CN
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 21, 2015
BEFORE MY TRANSMISSION WENT OUT MY OVER DRIVE WOULD FLASH THEN MY 4WHEEL DRIVE STOPPED WORKING. I HAD THE 4WHEEL DRIVE SWITCH REPLACED AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE UNTIL I WENT TO SACRAMENTO. AFTER TAKING CARE OF MY EDDIE BAUER EXPLORER HAVING THE TRANSMISSION FLUSHED AND FILLED ON A REGULAR BASIS. WHILE LEAVING SACRAMENTO STOPPED AT A CHEVRON TO FILL UP BEFORE HEADING BACK UP TO TAHOE. AS IM LEAVING THE GAS STATION ALL OF THE SUDDEN THERE'S A LOUD CRUNCH OF METAL SOUND COMING FROM UNDER MY CAR AND IT WONT KICK INTO ANY GEAR. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED AND AFTER READING THE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER OWNERS ABOUT THEIR EXPLODERS DOING THE SME THING I FIGURED I WOULD COMPLAIN. IM TIRED OF BIG COMPANIES SCREWING THE LITTLE PEOPLE OVER WHO PURCHASE THEIR PRODUCTS WHEN THEY ARE PERFECTLY ABLE TO FIX IT. SHAME ON U FORD.
Latches/locks/linkages, May 1, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR INTERIOR CHILD LOCKS FAILED IN THE LOCKED POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER STATED THIS WAS A NORMAL OCCURRENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Air bags, Feb 5, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUSING IT TO CRASH INTO A SECOND VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND EMITTED METAL, GLASS, AND FIBERGLASS FRAGMENTS. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SHOULDER, FACE, MOUTH, LEFT ARM, AND BREAST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/01/2015*LJ UPDATED 9/20/2017*CN
Seats, Dec 22, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT COLLAPSED TO THE REAR SEAT. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BECAME UNSTABLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V281000 (SEATS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,199. UPDATED 4/15/15*CN UPDATED 9/11/17*CN
Vehicle speed control, Dec 4, 2014, crash
200 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE HAD A SPEED CONTROL MODIFICATION, DUE TO A RECALL. *SS. THE CONSUMER STATED A WEEK LATER, HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING, AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND FLIPPED OVER. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Nov 20, 2014
TIMING CHAIN RATTLES. *TR
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Seats, Engine, Oct 30, 2014, fire
2000 FORD EXPLORER WENT UP IN FLAMES. REPORTED IT RIGHT AWAY TO FORD AND WAS GIVEN A CASE NUMBER. THEY TOLD US TO TAKE IT TO A FORD DEALER IN THE AREA. AFTER MONTHS AND MONTHS AND MONTHS OF GETTING NO RESPONSE WE KEPT GETTING THE RUN AROUND THEN TOLD THAT IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH ANY DEFECT. WE RECENTLY GOT A RECALL LETTER FROM FORD FOR THE EXACT THING THAT HAPPENED TO THIS CAR CAUSING IT TO GO ON FIRE AND FORD WILL NOT RESPOND. THEY SAY THAT THE CLAIM HAS BEEN CLOSED AND THAT THE ORIGINAL DECISION (WHICH WE NEVER RECEIVED) STANDS AND THEY WILL NOT RESPOND TO US ANY LONGER. HOW CAN THIS BE ACCEPTABLE. SEE FORD SAFETY RECALL #05S28 IT IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO THE EXPLORER. *TR
Steering, Exterior lighting, Sep 26, 2014
SOMETIMES WHEN I HAVE MY TURN SIGNAL ON SMOKE WILL COME OUT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHERE THE EMERGENCY SIGNAL BUTTON IS ON TOP OF THE STEERING WHEEL. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN EVERYTIME I USE IT BUT IT HAPPENS QUITE OFTEN. *TR
Power train, Aug 25, 2014
THERE APPARENTLY IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS TRANSMISSION DUE TO ALL THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE AND FOUND THIS TRANSMISSION HAS HAD PROBLEMS FOR MANY YEARS WITH VERY LOW MILEAGE (LESS THAN 150,000) AND PEOPLE FOLLOWED THE SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS PER FORD MANUFACTURER. JUST ANOTHER FAILURE OF THE GOVERNMENT NOT PROTECTING THE CONSUMER BUT BIG BUSINESS DUE TO JOBS AND TAXES... I HAVE MAINTAINED THIS VEHICLE PER RECOMMENDATIONS SINCE PURCHASE AT 62,000 MILES. TO REACH THIS MILEAGE AND THIS OCCURS AS IT HAS TO EVERYONE ELSE, HAS BEEN A TOTAL FAILURE ON THIS MANUFACTURER TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR A TRANSMISSION THAT SHOULD OF LASTED A LOT LONGER THAN WHAT I HAVE READ IN MANY COMPLAINTS IN REGARDS TO THIS ISSUE... *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Aug 20, 2014, fire
MY VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE WAS DEFECTIVE. THERE WAS A RECALL IN JUNE 13, 2006 FOR MY VEHICLE, I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS DEFECT BY FORD COMPANY. IT IS NOW THAT IT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT THIS WAS AN OCCURRING PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Service brakes, Jun 19, 2014, crash
THE DAY OF THE FATALITY I WAS STANDING OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE FOR AROUND 5 TO 10 MINUTES. I WAS ON AN UPGRADE,. (HOWEVER I HAD JUST RECENTLY HAD NEW BRAKES INSTALLED AND THE CAR WAS IN PARK). SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACK AT A FAST PACE KILLING THE BACK SEAT DRIVER THAT WAS IN THERE SEATBELT. AND INJURING MYSELF IN AN ATTEMPT TO HALT THE VEHICLE. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jun 10, 2014, fire
I CAME HOME FROM DROPPING MY SON OFF AT HIS SCHOOL SOCIAL. I HEARD SOME SPARKING NOISE. UNPLUGGED MY CELL PHONE CHARGER. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT IT WAS AT FIRST. 1 MINUTE LATER I SAW SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM MY HOOD. I JUMPED OUT THE CAR AND CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT. GUYS FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD PUT FIRE OUT. IT STARTED AROUND THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. THE CORD THAT ATTACHES TO IT. LATER FOUND OUT IT IS CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. I'M TRYING TO SEE WHO'S RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING THE VEHICLE. WASN'T INFORMED ABOUT RECALL. *TR