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, Oct 20, 2003
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE JERKS WHEN AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTING GEARS. DEALER STATED THAT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NEEDED A NEW VALVE KIT. *AK
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Oct 19, 2003
DISAPPOINTMENT OVER A RECENTLY PURCHASED 2000 FORD EXPLORER. *LA THE CONSUMER HAD EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE AND THE STEERING OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. *CB
Seats, Oct 14, 2003
CONSUMER HAD ALREADY DONE RECALL 03-V-281-000 REPAIRS. SENT DOCUMENT TO THE MANUFACTURER. AND WAS STILL WAITING FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT. *AK
Suspension, Oct 12, 2003
PROBLEMS WITH FRONT BALL JOINTS ON 2000 FORD EXPLORER.*MR CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE IS ONLY THREE YEARS OLD AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE WAY THE BALL JOINTS WERE MADE ON THE SUV. CONSUMER FEELS THIS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. *PH *JB
Electrical system, Oct 12, 2003
I HAVE A 2000 FORD EXPLORER IN THE LAST YEAR I HAD TO CHANGE MY SPARK PLUGS TWICE BECAUSE COIL KEEPS BURNING OUT, I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE 5/03 AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON. *LA
Power train, Tires, Oct 12, 2003
THE CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM TRANSFER CASE WHILE TRAVELING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BUT THE DEALER COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK *PH *NLM
Structure, Oct 12, 2003
THE REAR DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. *AK *TS *NLM
Seats, Oct 12, 2003
DRIVER'S SEAT BOLT SNAPPED AND CAUSING THE SEAT TO RECLINE WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THERE WOULD NOT BE ANY PARTS FOR RECALL#03V281000 REPAIRS OF HIGH BACK SEAT. THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS BOLTED UNTIL MARCH 2004. *AK FORD REFUSED TO FIX THE WARRANTED PARTS. *SCC *NLM
Wheels, Oct 12, 2003
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT WHEELS:RIM PROBLEM. STATED THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RIM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. *AK THE TIRE LEAKED BUT THE LOCATION OF THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE FOUND. THE TIRE WAS REMOVED FROM THE RIM AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE RIM WAS CRACKED. *SCC *NLM
Parking brake, Oct 10, 2003
EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE BROKE WITHOUT WARNING. *AK
Fuel system, Other, Oct 10, 2003
CAR STALLS, OR HAS SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER WHEN FUEL DROPS BELOW 1/4 TANK. ALMOST HIT BY A SEMI TODAY. *LA
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 7, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT BRAKE ROTORS ARE WEARING, AND WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, VEHICLE WILL VIBRATE, AND EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK
Visibility, Oct 6, 2003
AS I WAS CLOSING THE BACK DOOR WINDOW OF MY 2000 FORD EXPLORER THE WINDOW EXPLODED SPREADING SHATTERED GLASS INTO THE VEHICLE, OVER AND UNDER THE VEHICLE, OVER AND UNDER MY SECOND CAR PARKED NEXT TO IT, ON ME, THE DRIVEWAY AND THROUGHOUT THE GARAGE. WE HAVE FOUND GLASS PARTICLES AS FAR AS 25-30 FT FROM THE VEHICLE. WE ARE SHOCKED AND STUNNED THAT SOMETHING LIKE THIS COULD HAPPEN AND DON'T THINK FORD REALIZES THE SERIOUSNESS OF THIS INCIDENT. THIS ISN'T A WARRANTY ISSUE !! IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE. I COULD HAVE BEEN BLINDED AND IF THIS HAD HAPPENED IN A CROWDED PARKING LOT IT WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN INJURIES TO OTHERS AS WELL. *JB
Suspension, Oct 3, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE AND JERK. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE ADD ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM
Steering, Oct 1, 2003
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A SEVERE WHEEL VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END. THE SEVERITY OF THE OF THE VIBRATION ALMOST MADE THE TRUCK UNCONTROLLABLE. *AK THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO THE FORD SERVICE DEALER AND THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED THE PROBLEM WAS AIR IN THE RACK & PINION STEERING WHICH WAS CONSIDERED TO BE A DESIGN FLAW. THE AIR APPARENTLY ENTERED THROUGH THE HOUSING SEALS WHEN THE TRUCK WAS BEING SERVICED AFTER THE SERPENTINE BELT TENSIONER FAILED AND THE TRUCK HAD TO BE MANUALLY STEERED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE ONLY WAY FOR THE AIR TO BE REMOVED FROM THE HOUSING, WAS TO RUN THE VEHICLE FOR AN UNDETERMINED AMOUNT OF TIME UNTIL THE AIR CIRCULATED WITH THE POWER STEERING FLUID THROUGH THE SYSTEM AND ESCAPED AT THE RESERVOIR. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THERE WAS NO WAY TO PREVENT THE PROBLEM FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Oct 1, 2003
CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DEALER STATED IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE IDLE AIR CONTROL. *AK. THE CONSUMER STATED EVERYTIME HE TOOK HIS FOOT OFF THE GAS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DEALER FOUND THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE STUCK. *JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 30, 2003
EXCESSIVE FORCE HAD TO BE APPLIED TO OPEN DOORS ALTHOUGH THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK WAS IN THE UNLOCK POSITION.*AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 29, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED FRONT END MADE NOISE . DEALER REPLACED THE UPPER BALL JOINTS,AND AN INDEPENDENT SHOP REPLACED THE ROTORS. BUT THE NOISE WAS STILL OCCURRING. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Sep 29, 2003
DEALER REPLACED THE SERPENTINE BELT, BUT AN ENGINE NOISE WAS STILL HEARD WHILE DRIVING . ALSO, WINDSHIELD WAS LEAKING WHEN RAINING OR WASHING THE VEHICLE.*AK
Visibility, Sep 26, 2003
WINDSHIELD WIPERS EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT AS STATED IN RECALL 03 V 159 000; BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Sep 24, 2003, crash
WHILE EXITING THE FREEWAY VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. DRIVER TAPPED THE BRAKES, AND ENGINE SPEED INCREASED EVEN MORE. AS A RESULT, DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE WENT AIRBORNE AND LANDED ON THE CURVE. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Seats, Sep 23, 2003
FORD RECALLS (03S03 / 03S04).*MR THE DRIVER SEAT BACK MAY RECLINE WHILE DRIVING POSING A SAFETY HAZARD. ALSO, THE SPEED CONTROL ON THE VEHICLE MAY NOT DISENGAGE DUE TO A BINDING CONDITION BETWEEN THE SPEED CONTROL STRAND COVER AND THE CABLE CONDUIT. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE MENTIONED, HOWEVER SHE WAS UNABLE TO GET THE WORK PERFORMED IN A TIMELY MANNER AS A RESULT OF THE DEALER NOT HAVING THE RECALLED PARTS. *PH *JB *SC
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 17, 2003
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE STALLED MORE FREQUENTLY WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE IS UNDETERMINED. *NLM
Air bags, Sep 17, 2003
WHEN STARTING UP THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND WOULD STAY ON THE REMINDER OF THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINE. THE CONSUMER HAS NOTIFIED THE DEALERSHIP BUT THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVE. *NLM
Tires, Sep 16, 2003, crash
TREAD SEPARATION ON LEFT REAR TIRE OF 2000 FORD EXPLORER CAUSED DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE. DETREAD TIRE WAS PUT ON THE EXPLORER AS PART OF THE FIRESTONE RECALL IN SEPT. 2000. VEHICLE ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES, DRIVER SIDE LEADING. BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE BELTED. FRONT PASSENGER REMAINS IN A COMA. TIRE CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC SUV M + S 235/75 R15 ADHL EJJ 4600. *JB