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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 21, 2001
AT 20-35MPH WHEN BRAKING VEHICLE SLOWLY, BRAKES GRIND EXCESSIVELY, VEHICLE SLIDES AND SWERVES.*AK
Tires, Jun 20, 2001
I STRONGLY DISAGREE WITH FORD'S ACTIONS ON BLAMEING FIRESTONE FOR THE ROLLING OVER OF THE FORD EXPLORER. I KNOW ON MY TRUCK IF YOU HIT A BUMP OR ARE ON A ROUGH ROAD THE TRUCK IS SO BOUNCEY THAT IF FILLS LIKE THE REAR WHEELS ARE COMEING OFF OF THE GROUND. THE WILDERNESS TIRES MAY HAVE SOME KIND OF DEFECT BUT I HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY FIRESTONE TIRES. I HAVE HAD MY FIRESTONE TIRES FOR A YEAR AND THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAVE EXPERIENCED HAS BEEN KEEPING THE WEIGHTS ON THE WHEELS. THE SUSPENSION ON THE 2 DOOR EXPLORER IS SO STIFF THAT I COULD SEE WHY THE TRUCK WOULD ROLL OVER WHEN THE TIRE LOST AIR PRESSURE. FORD HAS BEEN BLAMEING FIRESTONE AND VIS VERSA AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM EXCEPT TO REPLACE THE TIRES WHICH I DONT BELIEVE CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER. IF I HAVE A CD PLAYING IN MY CD PLAYER AND I DRIVE DOWN A RUFF ROAD OR HIT A BUMP OVER 50 MILES PER HOUR THE CD WILL COME OUT OF THE CD PLAYER AND THE TRUCK WILL BOUNCE, IT FILLS LIKE THE BACK WHEELS COME OFF THE GROUND. *AK (TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)
Tires, Jun 20, 2001
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK (DOT NUMBER: 8XLH TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)
Suspension, Jun 20, 2001
I'M FOLLOWING ALL THE INFO ON HOW BAD EXPLORERS ARE REGARDING ROLLOVERS. WELL THE SHOCKS ON THIS VEHICLE ARE THE ABSOLUTE WORST I'VE EVER SEEN ON ANY VEHICLE. IT IS LIKE RIDING ON A TRAMPOLINE ALL THE TIME. IT'S NO WONDER THEY ROLL OVER SO EASILY WHEN EVERY BUMP YOU HIT ALMOST SENDS IT SKYWARD. OBVIOUSLY THEY'VE INSTALLED THE CHEAPEST POSSIBLE SHOCKS IN THE FACTORY. IS THERE ANY WAY I CAN GET NEW SHOCKS FROM FORD AND DECREASE MY PROBABILITY OF ROLLOVER IN THE EVENT OF ANY SMALL FENDER BENDERS???*AK
Electrical system, Jun 13, 2001
THE BATTERY GAUGE OCCASIONALLY DROPS TO THE LOW END WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED, IDLING WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ON, WITH THE HEATER ON AND RADIO ON CAUSING THE DASH LIGHTS TO DIM BUT ONCE THE GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED THE VEHICLE WOULD RETURN TO NORMAL OPERATION, THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE AIR COMPRESSOR, ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY BUT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE, THE HEADLIGHTS STAYED ON ALTHOUGH THE SWITCH WAS OFF, THE LIGHT ON THE STEREO IS INOPERATIVE, AT TIME THE VEHICLE WILL CRANK BUT NOT START THE DEALER REPLACED BY PASS VALVE, PCM AND DA PUMP BUT THERE WAS NO CHANGE. NLM
Visibility, Jun 8, 2001
I WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON I95 THROUGH BUCKS COUNTY PA AND THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED AND BLEW OUT. THE PRICE LISTED IN DAMAGES WAS THE LIST PRICE FOR A NEW WINDOW. I WAS THAT THERE WAS A REPORT ON THE NEWS ABOUT WINDOWS BLOWING OUT BUT HAVE NOT CONFIRMED THE INFORMATION. *AK
Suspension, Jun 5, 2001, crash
CONSUMER WAS IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC GOING 30-35MPH AND HIT A MANHOLE COVERING IT, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SWERVE LEFT AND RIGHT, ALMOST HITTING A VEHICLE. ROAD WAS DRY, IT FELT LIKE IT WAS SLIDING. A FEW DAYS AGO, CONSUMER WAS GOING OVER A SPEED BUMP, AND VEHICLE TOOK A SWERVE TO THE RIGHT. CONSUMER NEVER CONTACTED DEALER BELIEVING IT WAS JUST SOMETHING THAT WAS HAPPENING.*AK
Electrical system, Jun 4, 2001
WHEN DRIVING, GROVES,WATER PUDDLES ,A LOW PART IN THE ROAD ,ECT WILL MAKE THE CAR JERK TO ONE SIDE OR TH OTHER, OR PULL VERY HARD DEPENDING ON THE SIDE THE GROVE,WATER ECT IS ON. IT HAS NOT YET CAUSED HARM TO MY FAMILY BUT IT VERY WELL COULD HAVE MANY TIMES. THIS HAPPENS AT SPEEDS AS LOW AS 10-15 MPR. *AK
Suspension, Jun 2, 2001
I HAVE HAD ATLEAST 5 INSTANCES IN THE YEAR THAT I HAVE DRIVEN THIS VEHICLE. THE EXPLORER LITERALLY LEAVES THE ROAD AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IF YOU ENCOUNTER ROADBUMPS. CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS LOST IN THIS FRIGHTENING INSTANCE AS THE VEHICLE CAN "BOUNCE" AND LOSE ITS TRACTION ON THE ROADWAY. THE FIRST EPISODE I REMEMBER WAS SOON AFTER LEASING THE VEHICLE AND DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. *AK
Suspension, Jun 2, 2001, crash
AFTER DRIVING THIS VEHICLE FOR OVER A YEAR NOW, I KNOW THERE IS IRREPERABLE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH ITS SUSPENSION. THIS IS AN UNSAFE VEHICLE, PARTICULARILY AT SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 45 MPH AND ON BUMPY ROADS. *AK
Power train, Jun 1, 2001, crash
CONSUMER'S CHILD WAS SITTING BETWEEN BUCKET SEATS AND TURNED KEY SLIGHTLY. HE HIT GEAR LEVER, AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED , CAUSING DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, THEY STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. VEHICLE DIDN'T HAVE SUCH A FEATURE.*AK
Tires, May 29, 2001, crash
PE00 020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 40MPH ON HIGHWAY AND HAD A FLAT TIRE, AND AND LOST CONTROL/ VEHICLE FLIPPED TWICE. THERE WERE INJURIES. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 24, 2001
DURING PANIC BRAKING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE WILL PULL VIOLENTLY TO RIGHT. DEALERSHIP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE NUMEROUS TIMES, AND REPLACED VARIOUS ASPECTS OF BRAKING SYSTEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS PERTAINING TO THIS DEFECT. *AK
Tires, May 23, 2001
I RECENTLY READ IN THE PAPERS ABOUT THE NEW 'UNOFFICIAL' RECALL THAT FORD WILL NEED TO DO TO REPLACE EVEN MORE TIRES FOR FORD EXPLORERS. I OWN AN EXPLORER AND MY TIRES WERE NOT PART OF THE RECALL FROM LAST AUGUST. HOWEVER, AFTER HEARING THAT POSSIBLY MORE OF THE TIRES ARE AFFECTED. I CONTACTED A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY EXPLAINED THAT SINCE THERE IS NO "OFFICIAL" RECALL THEY WOULD CHANGE MY TIRES FOR ME BUT I WAS LIABLE FOR THE COST OF MOUNTING, BALANCING, AND THE COST FOR THE 4 TIRES (PLUS SPARE) ALSO. I FIND THIS RIDICULOUS AND I'M SURE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE. I HAVE CHECKED MY TIRES AND ALTHOUGH I AM UNSURE OF WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR AND DO NOT CONSIDER MYSELF QUALIFIED TO SAY IF THE TIRES SHOULD BE CHANGED OR NOT, I DO HAVE AN UNEASY FEELING ABOUT DRIVING ON THE TIRES I CURRENTLY HAVE. I DO ALOT OF TRAVELING IN MY EXPLORER AND DO NOT WANT TO BE A PART OF THE STATISTICS ON FORD'S RECALL PAPERS IN THE FUTURE. SO, WHAT ARE MY NEXT STEPS? I WAS ASKED TO FILL OUT THIS COMPLAINT FORM. SO WHO CAN I CONTACT TO GET THE SERVICE I AM ENTITILED TO? I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY FOLLOW UP THAT YOU CAN OFFER TO ME. I LOVE MY SUV BUT I ALWAYS HAVE AN UNEASY FEELING ABOUT THE TIRES I AM RIDING ON.*AK
Tires, May 22, 2001
AM FEARFUL TIRES ARE NOT SAFE, HAVE COMPLAINED TO FORD AND FIRESTONE RIDE HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY BUMPY AND ROUGH, AM FEARFUL TIRES ARE DEFECTED, FORD TOLD ME THE TIRE WAS CHOPPED UP DUE TO ROTATING BUT OK TO DRIVE. CAN YOU DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE. I WANT MY TIRES REPLACED. FEARFUL THEY MAY BE DEFECTED.*AK (TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
Tires, May 22, 2001
BLOWOUT AT 35 MPH, POW HISS HISS, LUMP LUMP. *AK (DOT NUMBER: 8XML TIRESIZE: 235/75R15)
Engine and engine cooling, May 21, 2001
CONSUMER HAD DIFFICULTIES RESTARTING VEHICLE AFTER ENGINE HAD BEEN RUNNING. ALSO, ENGINE STALLED WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE. WHEN ENGINE STALLED, VEHICLE WAS VERY HARD TO CONTROL, AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *AK
Tires, May 18, 2001
THE CONSUMER DENIED REIMBURSEMENT FOR FAULTY FIRESTONE TIRES, THE CONSUMER FEELS REIMBURSEMENT IS IN ORDER SINCE THE TIRES FAILED AT ONLY 1300 MILES (FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT). NLM
Tires, May 18, 2001
PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION 00T005, CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A TIRE BLOW OUT, THE TIRES EXPLODED WHEN CONSUMER EXITED THE PAVEMENT AND RETURNED TO LEVEL PAVEMENT, THE FORCE OF THE TIRES EXPLODING CAUSED VEHICLE TO ROLLOVER, NOSE OVER FIRST. *JB
Power train, May 11, 2001
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH TRANSMISSION GOT STUCK, AND VEHICLE COULD NOT ACCELERATE. WHEN TRYING TO PICK UP SPEED VEHICLE START SHAKING LIKE IT WAS GOING TO CUT OFF. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND FIXED IT UNDER WARRANTY.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, May 11, 2001
THERE IS A KNOCK IN THE ENGINE UPON ACCELERATING. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO PLANTATION FORD TWICE AND EACH TIME I AM TOLD THAT THIS KNOCKING NOISE IS A "CHARACTERISTIC OF THE ENGINE". PER FORD ENGINEERS THIS ENGINE IS NO LONGER USED IN CURRENT PRODUCTION THEREFORE, THEY CAN COMPARE MY ENGINE TO ANOTHER ENGINE WITH LOW MILEAGE. THE MECHANICS AT PLANTATION FORD DO AGREE THERE IS A NOISE IN THE ENGINE BUT NO ONE SEEMS TO WANT TO FIX IT. NO I HAVE NOT HAD ANY FAILURES OR ACCIDENTS YET. HOWEVER, COMMON SENSE TELLS ONE THAT A KNOCK IN AN ENGINE IS NOT GOOD. PLEASE HELP ME.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, May 9, 2001
A PIECE WITHIN ENGINE HAS BROKEN OFF, AND IT IS MAKING A CLANGING NOISE WITHIN ENGINE. DEALER CLAIMS FORD HAS INSTRUCTED THEM NOT TO DIAGNOSE OR FIX DEFECT.*AK
Air bags, Apr 27, 2001
AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND FLASHING. HAVE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES BUT MECHANIC CAN NOT RESOLVE PROBLEM.*AK THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER, BUT CHECK THE FUEL CAP LIGHT CAME ON. ALSO, THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS BACK AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS AND THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. *YH
Power train, Apr 26, 2001
DRIVESHAFT BROKE TWICE, AND HAD BEEN REPLACED IN JULY OF 2000, AND APRIL OF 2001. DURING FIRST INCIDENT, CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT YOKE AND ANOTHER COMPONENTS WAS CRACKED. NO DETERMINATION HAS BEEN MADE AS TO REASON FOR THIS DEFECT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Apr 19, 2001
VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ONLY FIVE MILES ON HIGHWAY AND TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED. ALSO, WHEN CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES VEHICLE WOULD TAKE A LONG TIME TO STOP. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK *SLC