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.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 5, 2014
MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS COME ON WITH THE SWITCH OFF. *TR
Engine, Feb 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STARTING THE IGNITION, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE FOUR 02 OXYGEN SENSORS WERE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR THE FAILURE PERSISTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER SERVICED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.
Seats, Oct 25, 2013
I GOT INTO MY CAR TO GO TO LUNCH FROM MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT WITH MY CEO. WHEN I SAT DOWN THE SEAT FELL BACK AND THE SEAT BACK WOULD NOT CATCH AGAIN. I TOOK MY LIFE INTO MY HANDS DRIVING HOME THAT EVENING. CONTACTED OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER WHERE WE PURCHASED THE CAR, THEY SAID THE PART WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE AND THEY COULD NOT FIX IT. THEY NEVER INFORMED US OF A RECALL. UNTIL EXPLORING THE INTERNET TODAY 10-25-2013 WE DID NOT REALIZE THERE WAS A RECALL AT ALL. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 03V281000/NHTSA ACTION #PE03020 OF AUGUST 5-2013. NOW WE CAN NOT LOCATE THE PART. *TR
Structure, Oct 22, 2013
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH WINDOW SCREWS BECAME CORRODED AND AS A RESULT, THE GLASS WINDOW WAS ONLY BEING HELD IN PLACE BY ONE SCREW. THE CONTACT WAS GREATLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE POSSIBLE SAFETY HAZARD INVOLVED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000. KMJ
Air bags, Aug 29, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS THE IGNITION WAS BEING STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FIVE TIMES WHERE AN UNKNOWN REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE MALFUNCTION RECURRED AFTER EACH REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Aug 23, 2013, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THERE WAS A SHORTAGE IN THE WIRING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Electrical system, Feb 28, 2013, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT BURST INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. NO ONE WAS INJURED DURING THE FIRE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE FIRE WAS NOT CAUSED BY ANY MANUFACTURER DESIGN DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Power train, Nov 16, 2012
2000 FORD EXPLORER . . I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW FROM DEALER AND I AM DILIGENT WITH UPKEEP. TRUCK HAS 75000 MILES AND RECENTLY THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING BETWEEN 2 ND AND 3 RD GEAR WITH THE RPMS INCREASING TO OVER 5000 RPMS BEFORE IT WILL SHIFT. THE O/D LIGHT STARTS TO FLASH. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN PULLING ONTO HIGHWAYS BECAUSE THE TRUCK BASICALLY HESITATES BEFORE IT FINALLY ACCELERATES. NOT TOO HAPPY WITH FORD RIGHT NOW! *TR
Air bags, Oct 24, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH AND CRASHED INTO AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND WAS KILLED. A WITNESS STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS EJECTED FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE CRASH BUT AFTER REVIEWING SEVERAL PICTURES OF THE CRASH SITE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE OCCUPANTS OF THE SECOND VEHICLE WERE NOT INJURED. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE AIR BAG FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine, Oct 23, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE PARKED THE VEHICLE AND AS SHE PROCEEDED TO WALK AWAY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,000.
Structure, Oct 15, 2012
4-DOOR VEHICLE TYPICALLY DRIVE TO WORK AND HOME BETWEEN 2002-2007. NO ONE TYPICALLY EVER SAT IN THE BACK, HOWEVER, IF ANY ONE DID SIT IN THE BACK THE COMPLAINED THE DOORS WERE DIFFICULT TO OPEN. MY THOUGHTS WERE USER ERROR AND THOSE DOORS ARE RARELY USED. AFTER MY SON WAS BORN IN SEPTEMBER 2007 I NOTICED THE DOORS WERE DIFFICULT TO OPEN, AT ONE POINT I THOUGHT I WOULD BREAK THE DOOR HANDLE. MY MOM, MY SON, WHO IS NOW 5, HAVE AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TIME OPENING THE DOORS AND MY GRANDMOTHER IS NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE DOORS USING THE DOOR HANDLES. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 18, 2012, fire
VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIREWALL WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT FIRE AND PARTIALLY MELTED SHORTING OUT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WHILE VEHICLE WAS WAS UNDER STEADY LOAD (3500 RPM) FOR LESS THAN 5 MINUTES PULLING OUT A STUMP. FIRE WAS UNDER HOOD AND WAS EXTINGUISHED WITHIN SECONDS WITH WATER. ENGINE RUNS BUT DASH WARNING LIGHTS PERIODICALLY APPEAR: ENGINE, ABS BRAKES, GAS CAP, ETC. *TR
Service brakes, Aug 21, 2012, crash
I WAS STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION WAITING FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC TO SLOW DOWN TO TURN, AND THE TRUCK JUST TAKES OFF ON ITS OWN. I TRIED PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT AS SOON AS IT TOOK OFF I WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. AFTER MY TRUCK WAS HIT BY THE VEHICLE IT TOOK OFF AGAIN OUT OF CONTROL ON ITS OWN WHILE I WAS TRYING TO PRESS THE BRAKE. LUCKILY THE TRUCK DIED ON ITS OWN BEFORE HITTING ANYTHING ELSE. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jul 18, 2012
THE PROBLEM STARTED WITH THE DRIVERS DOOR IT WOULD NOT OPEN , WITH THE REMOTE CONTROL , THE ACTUATOR WORKS BUT THE DOOR LATCH WOULD NOT OPEN AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS OF HAVING TO OPEN IT WITH THE KEYS I TOOK THE DOOR PANEL OPEN AND SPAY SOME WD-40 AND IT STARTED TO OPEN BUT AS TIME WHEN ON THE REAR PASSENGER DOORS HAVE STARTED TO DO THE SAME , THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS HAVE GOT JAM AND NOW BOTH DOORS ARE FAILING AT ONE POINT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR DIDN'T OPEN AND I HAD TO TAKE IT TO A MECHANIC TO GET IT TO WORK BUT THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS AND NOW THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR DOES NOT OPEN IT GOT STOCK AND THE HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR HAS FALLEN OFF IT HAS BEEN SUCH A FRUSTRATING PROBLEM AND I WENT TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST FOR THE PARTS AND ITS GOING TO COST ABOUT $87.00 PER DOOR NOT INCLUDING THE LABOR AND IT VERY FRUSTRATING I WISH THEY DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT ALSO THEIR WAS A RECALL FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL I WENT TO THE DEALER TO GET IT FIX , AND THEY DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL I HAVE CALL SEVERAL TIMES THEY SAY THEIR IS NO OPENINGS AND IT HAS NOW BEEN FOUR YEARS I HAVE GIVEN UP. *TR
Power train, Jun 8, 2012
NOTICED A STEEL PIN APPROXIMATELY 1.25" LONG BY 5/32' DIAMETER ON THE FLOOR BELOW THE STEERING COLUMN. THEN NOTICED ABSENCE OF TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER DETENT. IN OTHER WORDS, THE TRANSMISSION COULD BE SHIFTED FROM PARK TO LOW AND BACK AGAIN WITHOUT PULLING THE LEVER FORWARD. THE PIN IS SPLINED AT ONE END. *JS
Vehicle speed control, May 9, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 90 MPH ERRONEOUSLY. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DECELERATE AND THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AS THE FAILURE OCCURRED, CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO SEIZE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. AS THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE TO EXIT THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Visibility, Structure, Apr 6, 2012
NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A GAP BETWEEN MY LIFTGATE WINDOW AND MY LIFTGATE WHEN BACKING OUT OF A PARCKING SPACE. I FOUND THAT THE POST PULLED OUT OF THE PASSANGER SIDE OF LIFTGATE WINDOW HINGE LEAVING A SMOOTH HOLE IN HINGE AND METAL IN GROVES OF POST. HAD NO OPTIONS BUT TO LEAVE WINDOW ATTACHED BY ONLY THE DRIVER SIDE HINGE AND THE LATCH AT THE BOTTOM OF WINDOW. DID NOT HAVE PROPER TOOLS TO REMOVE FOR SAFER DRIVING. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Apr 3, 2012
THIS WAS A TERRIBLE EVENT... MY CAR WAS AIMED DOWN MY 300 FT DRIVEWAY. I DON'T BELIEVE AT THAT POINT OR IF IT WAS STUCK I DIDN'T KNOW THE ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK BUT I SOON REALIZED SOMETHING WAS WRONG. AS I HEADED TO NEW ALBANY HIGH SCHOOL FOR WATER CLASS THE EXPLORER WENT FASTER AND FASTER ON RT 161... THE CLUTCH WOULD NOT ALLOW A DOWN SHIFT AT ALL AFTER THE FIRST TIME OR TWO... I MAY HAVE BLOWN IT OUT... THE SUV WENT FASTER AND FASTER AND IN 3RD GEAR IT WAS REVVING SO HARD... WHEN I COULD I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF... I LET IT COOL AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE EXPLORER BUT IT WOULD HAVE RED WARNING LIGHTS WHEN I STARTED IT IN NEUTRAL AS IT REVVED SO HIGH... I PUSHED IT INTO GEAR AND WHEN I GOT TO THE TWO RED LIGHTS I TURNED THE KEY OFF... ONCE I STOPPED IN THE INTERSECTION AND ABOUT 8 CARS WERE HONKING AT ME. I HAD TO DEAL WITH FIVE TRAFFIC INTERSECTIONS. WHEN I GOT HOME I TURNED THE KEY OFF AND FOUGHT THE WHEEL TO GET TURNED INTO THE DOWNSWING OF MY DRIVEWAY... I RACED AROUND MY HOUSE TO FACE OUT AND TURNED OFF THE KEY... THE EXPLORER WAS SMOKING AND "LAID RUBBER" AND TORE OUT GRASS IN MY HOUSE... IT ALMOST SKIDDED INTO MY POND. I THINK THE CLUTCH IS BURNED OUT AND THE BRAKE ABS LIGHT WAS ON AS I HAD TO BRAKE ALL THE WAY HOME... I TRIED TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL IF THAT WAS IT DURING MY TERROR RIDE BUT IT HAD NO EFFECT... THE BRAKES COULD NOT STOP THE SPEEDING VEHICLE, THE GEARS WERE LOCKED WHILE THE SPEED ACCELERATED SO THERE WAS NO DOWNSHIFTING, THE PEDAL WAS PUSHED TO THE FLOOR AND WOULD NOT CHANGE SPEED WHEN I PULLED IT UP WITH MY HAND OR TOE OF MY SHOE... *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 21, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE POLICE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE CONTACTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 179,000.
Power train, Feb 10, 2012
WHILE BACKING UP INTO MY DRIVEWAY, THE TRANSMISSION MADE A LOAD NOISE. THE VEHICLE STOPPED MOVING. THE VEHICLE CAN NOT GO INTO REVERSE. I BARELY GOT THE VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY MOVING IT FORWARD WHEN ANOTHER LOAD NOISE OCCURRED AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED MOVING. SOME OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THAT THE REVERSE BAND IN THE TRANSMISSION FAILS CAUSING THIS CONDITION. THROUGH READING ON YOUR OWN WEBSITE, THERE ARE OTHER 2000 FORD EXPLORER OWNERS (EXPLODER AS FORD MECHANICS CALL THEM!!!!) WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE VEHICLE WILL NEED THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED. THE FIRST TIME, IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 10, 2012
WE HAVE A 2000 FORD EXPLORER BOUGHT NEW FROM HOLMAN FORD. THE REAR METAL BRAKE LINE THAT IS MOUNTED ON THE REAR AXLE, CONNECTING BOTH REAR BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON RTE 42 IN NEW JERSEY. THE SUV WAS SLOWED DOWN BY DRIVING ON THE MEDIAN STRIP OF THE HIGHWAY. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED AT THE HEIGHT OF MORNING RUSH HOUR. UPON INSPECTION OF THE BRAKE LINE, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE LINE "RUSTED" THROUGH, LETTING BRAKE FLUID TO RAPIDLY SPRAY OUT WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE BRAKE LINE IS MOUNTED TO THE REAR AXLE BY METAL CLIPS ATTACHED TO THE REAR AXLE. AT THE CENTER OF THE REAR AXLE, THE BRAKE LINE FAILED, WHERE IT IS FASTENED TO THE CLIP. THE BRAKE LINE IS MOUNTED THIS WAY BY FORD. AFTER MANY ATTEMPTS TO BUY A NEW OEM BRAKE LINE FROM FORD, FORD INFORMED ME THAT THE PART WAS DISCONTINUED. AND FOR HOLMAN FORD, I WILL NEVER BY A CAR OR ANYTHING FROM THIS DEALERSHIP!! THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 20, 2012, fire
SPARKPLUG SUPER-HEATED AND MELTED LONGITUDINALLY DESTROYING THE OUTERMOST SPARKPLUG THREADS (7 THROUGH THE SEATING SURFACE OF THE SPARK PLUG). INNER MOST THREADS, THE ONES DEEPEST INTO THE HEAD WERE NOT DAMAGED. A SECOND PLUG WAS INSTALLED ALONG WITH A NEW SPARK PLUG WIRE AND WITHIN 20 MILES, THE SPARKPLUG WAS AGAIN MELTED BEYOND SALVAGE AND THE NEW WIRE BURNED UP. DUE TO THE DESTRUCTION OF THE SPARKPLUG, IT WAS ABLE TO BE REMOVED WITHOUT TOOLS AS THERE WERE NO THREADS REMAINING IN THE CYLINDER HEAD. FORTUNATELY THE FIRE DAMAGE (LIKELY FROM THE SPARK OF THE PLUG) WAS LIMITED ONLY TO DAMAGING THE SPARKPLUG AND THE SPARK PLUG WIRE LABLED #3. *TT
Power train, Dec 21, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP ABNORMALLY ONCE IN THIRD GEAR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VALVE BODY SEPARATOR PLATE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 13, 2011, fire
THIS IS TO REPORT A FIRE IN A 2000 FORD EXPLORER: ON FRIDAY, 25 NOV 11, 5 ADULTS (MY HUSBAND, 2 SONS, DAUGHTER-IN LAW, AND MYSELF) AND 2 DOGS, LEFT BETHLEHEM PA FOR OUR FAMILY CHRISTMAS TRIP IN OUR 2000 FORD EXPLORER, PULLING A UTILITY TRAILER. THE INTENT OF THE TRIP WAS TO START AT A CHRISTMAS TREE FARM, CUT DOWN 3 CHRISTMAS TREES, HAUL THEM IN THE TRAILER AND CONTINUE WITH SEVERAL OTHER CHRISTMAS RELATED TRADITIONAL STOPS. MY HUSBAND, DROVE APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES NORTH TO BISSELS CHRISTMAS TREE HILL IN LEHIGHTON, PA. HE DID NOT USE CRUISE CONTROL BECAUSE WE WERE PULLING THE TRAILER. THE TRIP WAS FINE WITH ABSOLUTELY NO INDICATIONS THAT ANYTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. IT ALSO HAD NOT HAD ANY SERVICE DONE TO IT RECENTLY (A QUESTION FREQUENTLY ASKED TO US). HE PARKED THE VEHICLE ALONG AN EMBANKMENT AT THE TREE FARM AND WE ALL WERE IN VARIOUS STAGES OF GETTING OUT OF THE CAR WITH THE DOGS WHEN SOMEONE NEARBY YELLED TO US THAT OUR CAR WAS ON FIRE. SHE REPEATED IT AS WE LOOKED TO SEE WHO SHE WAS ADDRESSING. WE LOOKED AT OUR CAR AND SAW THAT UNDER IT, FIRE BALLS WERE HITTING THE GROUND FROM WHAT APPEARED TO BE THE CENTER OF THE ENGINE. MY HUSBAND ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE HOOD AND SMOKE WAS IMMEDIATELY POURING OUT OF THE ENGINE. WE ALL QUICKLY GOT AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. MY ONE SON IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911 AND MY OTHER SON RAN NEARBY TO TRY AND FIND A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE SMOKE QUICKLY TURNED INTO A FULL BLOWN FIRE. THE COMPLETE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, ALONG WITH THE EMBANKMENT NEARBY, WAS ABLAZE. THE MAHONING VALLEY POLICE CAME, THEN THE FIRE CAPTAINS, THEN 2 FULL FIRE TRUCKS FROM LEHIGHTON AND MAHONING VALLEY FIRE DEPARTMENTS. THEY QUICKLY EXTINGUISHED EVERYTHING, ALONG WITH THE VEHICLE WE LOST MY PURSE, JACKETS, AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS VALUABLES THAT WERE ON THE FLOOR OF THE FRONT SEAT AND IN THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 11, 2011
THE CAR WAS PURCHASED USED IN MARCH, 2011. THE BRAKE PROBLEM STARTED A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER BUT WAS HARDLY NOTICEABLE AND THEN OVERNIGHT THEY WERE COMPLETELY WORN OUT. I HAD THEM CHECKED AT PEP BOYS TO VERIFY THAT THEY NEEDED REPLACING AND THEY SAID YES, IMMEDIATELY. I DID NOT HAVE AAA AT THE TIME AND COULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR THE 50 PLUS MILES WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR, SO THE REPAIRS WERE DONE AT MY HOME. I HAVE A COPY OF THE PEP BOYS RECEIPT FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE BRAKES, AND ONE BRAKE PLATE THAT NEEDED REPLACING. I ALSO HAVE PICTURES OF HOW POOR THE CONDITION OF THE BRAKES WERE IN, AND I WAS SOLD THE CAR THIS WAY. ALSO, THE CAR DOORS DO NOT LOCK, AND THE DEALER SAID THEY HAD REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WITH A NEW MOTOR FOR THE LOCKS, BUT THE DOOR STILL DOES NOT WORK. I HAVE RECEIPTS FOR ADDITIONAL PARTS THAT PEP BOYS USED TO FIX THE PASSENGER, FRONT DOOR. *TR