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 12, 2001
VEHICLE STALLED AT ANY SPEED, MOSTLY ON LONG TRIPS. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES, COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. ONCE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED DEALER REPLACED A VALVE, AND VEHICLE HAS NOT STALLED SINCE.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 5, 2001, fire
MY EXPLORER CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN MY PARKING LOT. I HADN'T DRIVEN IT FOR OVER TEN HOURS. THE FIRE INSPECTOR SAYS THE FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE SOMEWHERE. *AK
Air bags, Nov 23, 2001
THIS COMPONENT CONTROLS THE OPERATION OF THE TWO FRONT AIRBAGS. THIS WIRE HARNESS JUST STOPPED WORKING. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 19, 2001
TIMING TENSIONER WAS FIXED UNDER RECALL A YEAR AGO. CURRENTLY, WHEN STARTING UP VEHICLE, IT SOUNDED LIKE 2 PIECES OF METAL HITTING TOGETHER. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THIS WAS COMMON AMONG EXPLORERS. PLEASE ADD VIN? *AK
Suspension, Nov 15, 2001
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Oct 26, 2001
THE VEHICLE WOULD CRANK AND THEN IMMEDIATELY DIE. IN ORDER TO KEEP IT RUNNING YOU WOULD HAVE TO INCREASE THE RPMS TO ABOVE 1500. YOU WOULD HAVE TO HOLD DOWN THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATE AT THE SAME TIME TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE. THIS HAPPENED TWICE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL SHOP SINCE FORD CLAIMED THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE. AFTER EXPLAINING THE SITUATION THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT HE WAS 99% SURE IT WAS THE ELECTRONIC IDLE CONTROLLER BECAUSE HE HAD REPLACED SEVERAL OF THEM ON EXPLORERS WHICH CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A POTENTIAL DANGEROUS SITUATION IF YOU ARE NOT AWARE OF HOW TO OVER COME THE SITUATION IN A TIME OF CRISIS. I BELIEVE THAT FORD HAS A MAJOR PROBLEM HERE THAT NEEDS TO BE INVESTGATED BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJUED OR POSSIBLE KILLED. THE COST TO REPAIR WAS APPROXIMATELY $175.00, HOWEVER I SPENT ANOTHER $100.00 CHANGING FILTERS AND CLEANING INJECTORS THINKING IT WAS A FUEL PROBLEM.*AK
Power train, Oct 25, 2001, crash
VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH ENGINE RUNNING, PARK BRAKE NOT APPLIED, AND VEHICLE SUUDDENLY WENT BACKWARD, KNOCKING CONSUMER OVER , WENT 75 FEET ACROSS STREET AND HIT A HOUSE. NO INJURIES, DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WAS $ 3000.00. *AK
Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Oct 25, 2001
VEHICLE ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN, THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES, TWICE WITH CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED. CONSUMER THINKS IT MAY HAVE TO DO WITH THE RECALL ON POWERTRAIN CALIBRATION THAT WAS DONE IN APRIL. PRIOR TO RECALL REPAIRS VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES, COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM.*AK CUSTOMER STATES THAT THERE WAS A SQUEAKING NOISE IN THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL INTERMITTENTLY AT LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE SURGING, THERE WERE NO INJURIES. *TT
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 24, 2001
VEHICLE WILL STALL WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN STARTING, VEHICLE BACK UP AND WILL STALL AGAIN. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED NOTHING WAS WRONG. PLEASE ADD VIN. *AK
Suspension, Oct 24, 2001
THERE WAS A NOISE ON LEFT SIDE COMING FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER GAVE CONSUMER ANOTHER VEHICLE. *AK
Visibility, Oct 22, 2001
THE FORD EXPLORER WAS PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE REAR WINDOW WAS OPEN AND WE WERE STANDING BEHIND THE VEHICLE WHEN WITHOUT WARNING THE WINDOW EXPLODED THROWING GLASS FRAGMENTS OVER 10 FEET IN ALL DIRECTIONS. THE ENTIRE BACK WINDOW BROKE INTO PIECES NO LARGER THAN 1/4 INCH IN SIZE. THERE WERE NO PREVIOUS MARS OR CRACKS IN THE BACK WINDOW AND NOTHING HIT THE WINDOW BEFORE IT BROKE. MY BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT IF THE WINDOW HAD BROKEN WHILE WE WERE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, OUR ANIMALS THAT ARE CONTAINED IN THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE COULD HAVE BEEN HURT BY FLYING GLASS NOT TO MENTION POSSIBLY JUMPING OUT OF THE VEHICLE. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 16, 2001
BRAKE ROTOR VIBRATION-HAVE HAD ROTORS TURNED TWICE WITH FIRST TIME LISTED ABOVE AND SECOND IN JULY/2001 WITH APPROX 40000MILES. IS THIS WARPING NORMAL WITH THIS MILEAGE? MOSTLY DRIVEN ON HIGHWAY WITH SOME CITY MILES. NO OTHER VEHICLE I'VE OWNED HAS REQUIRED SUCH FREQUENT MAINTENANCE ON THE ROTORS. *AK
Steering, Oct 9, 2001
WHEN STEERING VEHICLE WILL GO STRAIGHT, AND WHEN TRYING TO TURN WHEEL IT JERKS . WHEN TRYING TO TURN WHEEL EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT IT IS HARD, AND IT MAKES A GRINDING NOISE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED THEY KNEW IT WAS A PROBLEM, BUT THEY DIDN'T HAVE A SOLUTION. *AK
Visibility, Oct 2, 2001
WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 60MPH BACK WINDSHIELD SHATTERD WITHOUT ANY WARNING. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Wheels, Sep 28, 2001
FRONT END SHAKES AND THE VEHICLE FLOATS. VEHICLE WANDERS IN BETWEEN LANES. DEALER REPLACED FRONT SHOCKS, BUT THE LOOSE FEELING IS STILL THERE.*AK THE VEHICLE WAS VIBRATING DUE TO BENT RIM. THE BRAKE FAILED AT 6000 MILES. THERE WAS ENGINE NOISE AND THE CAUSE WAS NOT KNOWN. THE TIRES WERE ON RECALL AND WERE REPLACED BY FIRESTONE. THE SHCOCK ABSORBERS ALSO FAILED. *YH
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 20, 2001
LEFT SIDE BRAKE CALIPER FELL OFF, CAUSING WHEELS TO LOCK UP. THIS WAS A WEEK AFTER THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS TIGHTENED BY DEALER DUE TO NOISE IN FRONT END. HAVE ALL PAPERWORK AND ALSO DIGITAL PICTURES. IF THE CALIPER WOULD HAVE DROPPED OFF ON THE FREEWAY, IT COULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER....THANKS. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 13, 2001
ENGINE STALLS AT ANY GIVEN SPEED. CONSUMER INFORMED DEALER WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Tires, Sep 13, 2001
TREAD TORE OFF WHILE TRAVELING FROM CALIFORNIA. CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE SIDE OF THE CAR. HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND THE DEALERSHIP. WHICH NEITHER WILL TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR DAMAGE. AM CALLING FIRESTONE NEXT. *AK (TIRESIZE: 235/75R/15)
Vehicle speed control, Sep 5, 2001
I NOTICED ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE THAT THERE ARE 7 COMPLAINTS ABOUT STALLING. THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS THE I.A.C. VALVE. I KNOW OF 3 OTHER INSTANCES OF THIS PROBLEM. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED ON ME WAS AT 70MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. THE DEALER STATED THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. BUT, THIS COULD BECOME A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *AK
Suspension, Sep 4, 2001
CONSUMER REPLACED FIRESTONE TIRES WITH GOODYEAR WRANGLERS. SINCE REPLACEMENT OF TIRES THERE IS BAD VIBRATION, AND STEERING WHEEL IS LOOSE. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT NOISE ONLY APPEARS FROM GOODYEAR.*AK
Tires, Sep 4, 2001
TRAVELING HOME ON THE SHIP CHANNEL BRIDGE FROM FRIENDS PLACE WHEN I HEARD A BANG LIKE SOMETHING HAD KICKED UP, AFTER WHICH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MOVE FROM SIDE TO SIDE I PROCEEDED TO SLOW DOWN AT WHICH TIME THE TIRE BEGAN TO SHRED. WHEN I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY THE ONLY THING LEFT WAS THE CENTER PART OF THE TIRE NOT A PIECE OF THE WALLS WERE ON THE TIRE.*AK (DOT NUMBER: 8XHL1PY529 TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)
Air bags, Aug 30, 2001
THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND THE DEALER POINTED OUT THAT THE CORRODED CONNECTOR WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM, THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. *YH
Power train, Aug 30, 2001
THE FOUR SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS INADEQUATELY DESIGNED FOR TOWING THE LOADS FOR WHICH IT IS ADVERTISED BY MANUFACTURER, THE GEAR RATIOS ARE TOTALLY INADEQUATE FOR THE LOAD, THE VEHICLE STALLS NEARLY STALLS IN FIRST GEAR ON THE GRADE.*YH
Tires, Aug 27, 2001
BACK TIRE BLEW OUT ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO. I REPLACED IT AND I AM WAITING ON MY DEALER TO CONTACT ME ABOUT REMOVING. TKAING TOO LONG.*AK
Structure, Aug 27, 2001
THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE IS INHERENTLY UNSAFE BECAUSE A RAPID TURN OR ANY INVASIVE MANEUVER COULD RESULT IN ROLLOVER. *YH