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.
Tires, Sep 5, 2000
I WOULD LIKE JUST TO SAY THAT ON INTERSTATE I 15 IN CALIFORNIA, THAT BETWEEN BARSTOW AND BAKER, THERE ARE ALOT OF TIRE TREADS ALONG SIDE THE ROAD, AND I THOUGH MAYBE THIS COULD BE SOME SORT OF HELP IN INVESTIAGING THE FIRESTONE TIRES. JUST A THOUGH. *AK
Tires, Sep 5, 2000
CONSUMER CONCERNED THAT THE 16 INCH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL WITH THE 15 INCH TIRE. NLM
Tires, Sep 1, 2000
PE00-020; ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT WITH FORD EXPLORER, 2000, 4800 MILES P255/70R16 AND DOT # VNCUIPX529. RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW THE SIDEWALL OUT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH . NO PRIOR WARNING. CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD AND FIRESTONE, BUT BOTH DID NOT INSPECT TIRE, AND WAS TOLD DRIVER MUST HAVE HIT SOMETHING.*AK
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 1, 2000, fire
CONSUMER'S WIFE WAS DRIVING, REARVIEW MIROR SPARKED A FIRE AND CAUSED THE WIRES UNDER DASH TO BURN. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY ORDERED A WIRING HARNESS. BOLTS WERE TAKEN OUT OF THE STEERING SECTION AT THE DEALER. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING AT 55, STEERING WHEEL JUST STARTED SPINNING BECAUSE OF THE BOLTS THAT WERE LEFT OUT. *AK
Tires, Sep 1, 2000
THE TIRES "FLOAT" OR "HYDROPLANE" IN RAIN. OUR CONSTANT NEAR WRECKS AND LOSS OF CONTROL DURING THE FIRST 1400 MILES DRIVEN CAUSED US TO REPLACE THE TIRES. MY HUSBAND, DON MCREE, CALLED STEVE FORMBY TO DISCUSS THE PROBLEM. THE PROMISED RETURN CALLS NEVER HAPPENED. THESE TIRES ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THEY ARE STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON EXPLORER'S IN SNOW AREAS, YET THEY DON'T HOLD THE ROAD IN LIGHT RAIN. THEY NEED TO BE REMOVED FROM THE MARKET IMMEDIATELY.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P255/70R16 )
Tires, Sep 1, 2000
TIRE BLOWOUT DAMAGE WAS ON INSIDE OF TIRE AND NOTHING WAS RUN OVER AT ANY TIME PREVIOUS TO THAT.( DOT NUMBER: W2HL TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
Tires, Sep 1, 2000
A PIECE OF TREAD APPROXIMATELY 4 INCHES WIDES BY 3 INCHES HIGH CAME OFF OF THIS PARTICULAR TIRE. WE NOTICED IT WITH THE VEHICLE PARKED. WE TOOK IT TO THE FIRESTONE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THIS TIRE WITH ANOTHER FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT. THE FIRESTONE TIRES WERE RECALLED THE NEXT DAY BUT DO NOT INCLUDE THE ONE WE HAD OR ANY OF THE ONES WE CURRENTLY HAVE. FIRESTONE ORDERED US SOME BRIDGESTONE TIRES TO REPLACE ALL OF THE TIRES ON AUG. 9 AND WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED THEM YET. THESE FIRESTONE TIRES ARE UNSAFE BECAUSE THE TREAD SEPARATED EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE NOT DOT VDHL.( DOT NUMBER: 8XHL TIRE SIZE: 236/75R15 )
Other or unspecified, Sep 1, 2000
GET THIS MESSAGE OUT TO THE PUBLIC! LIGHT TRUCKS CRASHING INTO CARS ACCOUNTS FOR THE MAJORITY OF FATALITIES IN VEHICLE-TO-VEHICLE COLLISIONS 2,000 PEOPLE WOULD STILL BE ALIVE IF THEIR VEHICLES HAD BEEN HIT BY A HEAVY CAR INSTEAD OF AN SUV 80 PERCENT OF CAR AND SUV OWNERS STRONGLY THAT AUTOMAKERS SHOULD MAKE SAFETY CHANGES TO SUVS THAT WOULD MAKE THE ROADS SAFER FOR CAR OCCUPANTS ARE SUV'S SAFE? OVERALL SAFETY ON AMERICA'S ROADS HAS INCREASED OVER THE LAST DECADE. HOWEVER, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES (SUVS) THREATEN TO REVERSE THE TREND. THERE IS INCREASING EVIDENCE THAT SUVS ARE NOT AS SAFE AS THEY APPEAR. RECENT STUDIES SHOW THAT SUVS POSE A SIGNIFICANT THREAT TO DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS OF OTHER CARS ON THE ROAD. IN ADDITION, THERE ARE INDICATIONS THAT SAFETY PROBLEMS THREATEN PASSENGERS AND DRIVERS OF SUVS THEMSELVES. MOST DRIVERS WANT TO FEEL SAFE ON THE ROAD, BUT CHOOSING AN SUV FOR SAFETY MAY BE MAKING THE SITUATION WORSE. PARTLY, IT'S AN ISSUE OF ESCALATION. LIKE AN ARMS RACE, AS MORE DRIVERS CHOOSE HEAVIER CARS, THOSE WHO CHOOSE LIGHTER CARS ARE IN MORE DANGER. THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, THE GOVERNMENT AGENCY STUDYING THE SAFETY OF SUVS, DESCRIBES TWO CHARACTERISTICS OF SUVS AND OTHER LIGHT TRUCKS THAT HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO INCREASE FATALITIES: ROLLOVER PROPENSITY AND CRASH COMPATIBILITY.(1) ROLLOVER AND UNSAFE FEATURES THE PROPENSITY OF SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES TO ROLL OVER IS MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES ARE MORE THAN THREE TIMES MORE LIKELY TO ROLL OVER IN CRASH THAN NORMAL PASSENGER CARS. THE HIGHER ROLL-OVER PROPENSITY MAY ALSO LEAD TO HIGHER FATALITIES. SUVS ARE HEAVIER AND RIDE HIGHER THAN REGULAR CARS. THE HIGH RIDE CONTRIBUTES TO A PROPENSITY OF SUVS TO ROLL OVER IN ACCIDENTS. ACCORDING TO NHTSA, SUVS ROLLOVER IN 37 PERCENT OF FATAL CRASHES, COMPARED TO A 15 PERCENT ROLLOVER RATE FOR PASSENGER CARS. ROLLOVER CRASHES ACCOUNTED FOR 53 PERCENT OF ALL SUV OCCUPANT DEATHS IN SINGLE VEHICLE CRASHES IN 1996.
Other or unspecified, Sep 1, 2000
YOU ARE GIVING THE PUBLIC A FALSE SENCE OF PROTECTION, THEY THINK AFTER THE TIRES ARE REPLACED ON THE FORD EXPLORES THEY WILL BE TOTAL SAFE. YOU SHOULD BE RELEASING INFORMATION ON FORD EXPLORERS THAT ROLLOVER WITHOUT THE TIRE FAILURE. YOU KNOW THAT DAM VEHICLE DID NOT MEET THE ROLLOVER TEST AND IT WILL CONTINUE KILLING PEOPLE, NOT ONLY PEOPLE DRIVING THE VEHICLE BUT PEOPLE LIKE ME THAT HAPPENS TO BE NEAR ONE WHEN IT ROLLOVER. GET THOSE DAM VEHICLES OFF THE HIGHWAYS OF THE USA. DO WHAT YOU ARE PAID TO DO. GET OFF YOUR BUTS AND GET THIS MESSAGE OUT TO THE PUBLIC!
Tires, Sep 1, 2000
DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE FIRESTONE TIRES BECAUSE THEY HAD A DOT# VNHL INSTEAD OF VDHL, CONSUMER ALSO SHOWED DEALER RADIAL SURFACE OF THE TIRES THAT ARE BULDGING STILL REFUSED TO REPLACE. NLM
Seat belts, Aug 31, 2000
REAR MIDDLE SEATING POSITION DOES NOT HAVE A SEAT BELT. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED BOTH DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER. MANUFACTURER STATED THEY HAVE NOT MANUFACTURED A SEAT BELT FOR THAT SEATING POSITION. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Tires, Aug 31, 2000
DURING TIRE CHECK, DEALER DETECTED THAT WIRES WERE STARTING TO COME OUT OF THE SIDEWALL OF LF TIRE, FROM THE POINT WHERE THE TREAD MET UP WITH THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 6600 MILES ON IT. MY TIRES (DOT 8XHL) ARE NOT RECALLED BY FIRESTONE, BUT I FEEL THAT THIS IS IRRESPONSIBLE GIVEN THE NATURE OF THIS DEFECT. I HAVE CHANGED ALL OF MY TIRES TO A DIFFERENT BRAND AT MY OWN EXPENSE, BUT WOULD LIKE TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THE DEFECTIVE TIRES AND MY REPLACEMENT COST FOR THE NEW TIRES.( DOT NUMBER: 8XHL TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
Equipment, Aug 31, 2000
AIR CONDITIONER HAS DEVELOPED MOLD IN IT. NLM
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 30, 2000
START UP MAKES CLICKING NOISE AND SOMETIMES WON'T START FOR A FEW MINUTES. HAS DONE IT TOO MANY TIMES TO COUNT. THE DEALER CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. THEY SAY IT DOESN'T DO IT WHEN THEY HAVE IT.
Tires, Aug 30, 2000
TIRE FAILURE, FAILURE NEAR EDGE OF TIRE ON INSIDE NEAR WHERE TREAD AND SIDEWALL MEET. TIRE PARTIALLY OFF RIM. TIRE BEYOND REPAIR. NO EVIDENCE THAT A ROAD HAZARD CAUSED THIS DAMAGE.( DOT NUMBER: 8XHLIPY499 TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2000
I HAVE BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR 5/6 TIMES, AND IT STILL ISN'T RIGHT!
Tires, Aug 30, 2000
CONSUMER PURCHASED VEHICLE THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH THE RECALLED FIRESTONE TIRES, CONSUMER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL, WHEN INSPECTION WAS COMPLETED AT THE DEALERSHIP TO DETERMINE IF THEY WERE INCLUDED THEY WERE FOUND TO BE THE DEFECTIVE TIRES, NO REMEDY WAS OFFERED BY THE DEALERSHIP, CONSUMER REQUESTING NEW TIRES. *MJS
Tires, Aug 29, 2000
TIRE BLEW OUT, CAME COMPLETELY APART AT THE SEAMS, COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TIRE AFTERWARDS THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THIS. REPORTED TO BOTH LOCAL FORD AND FIRESTONE ABOUT THIS, AND THEY WOULDN'T EVEN DISCUSS IT SINCE IT WASN'T ONE OF THE "RECALLS". I BELIEVE THEY ALL NEED TO BE LOOKED INTO. CALL T.V. STATION AND THEY HAVE FOOTAGE OF THE TIRE AND ALL.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P255/70R16 )
Structure, Aug 29, 2000
THIS VEHICLE WAS RENTED BY MY SON-IN-LAW FROM ENTERPRISE LEASING COMPANY IN ISSAQUAH, WASHINGTON. IT WAS USED TO CARRY MY 2 DAUGHTERS AND MY 2 GRANDCHILDREN. HE NOTICED THAT THE TAILGATE WOULD NOT LATCH SECURELY. FURTHER INVESTIGATION SHOWED THAT THE LEFT SIDE TAILGATE LATCH HAD NEVER BEEN INSTALLED AT THE FACTORY. THE ORIGINAL PAINT IS UNMARRED AND IS PRESENT IN THE BOLT HOLES AND THREADS. ONE CANNO HELP BUT WONDER HOW MANY OTHER VEHICLES LEFT THE FACTORY WITH THIS MAJOR SAFETY DEFECT. I TOOK PHOTOS OF THIS DEFECT AND HAVE THEM AVAILABLE FOR YOUR RECORDS, INFORMATION, AND INVESTIGATION. I WOULD APPRECIATE BEING CONTACTED AND KEPT UP TO DATE ON YOUR INVESTIGATION. THANKS.
Tires, Aug 27, 2000
APOLOGIES IF THIS IS NOT THE PLACE TO SUBMIT THIS. FIRESTONE DOES NOT RESPOND. MY 16" TIRES ARE FROM THE DECATUR PLANT. WHY ARE ONLY THE 15" BEING RECALLED? SAME PLANT, SAME TIME, SAME TIRES. I AM FEARFUL OF DRIVING MY CHILDREN IN THIS CAR. PLEASE FORCE FIRESTONE TO REPLACE ALL DEADLY TIRES.( DOT NUMBER: VDCU TIRE SIZE: P255/70R16 )
Tires, Aug 26, 2000
WE REPLACED THE FIRESTONE TIRES BECAUSE MY WIFE WAS NOT COMFORTABLE RIDING ON THEM EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE NOT RECALLED..AFTER REPLACING THE TIRES, THE GOODYEAR SERVICE MANAGER NOTICED THE TREAD SEPARATING FROM THE TIRES AND BROUGHT IT TO MY ATTENTION..I TOOK THE TIRES TO A FIRESTONE DEALER AND WAS TOLD BY THE MGR. HE COULD DO NOTHING. HAVE CALLED FIRESTONE BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED A REPLY..WE HOPE THE RECALL IS EXTENDED BCAUSE THERE A MUCH BROADER PROBLEM THAN THEY ARE STATING..THANK YOU, RICHARD POWELL( DOT NUMBER: 8XHL TIRE SIZE: P235/R15 )
Tires, Aug 26, 2000, crash
DRIVING DOWN ROAD AT POSTED SPEED LIMIT, WHEN THE BACK TIRE BLEW OUT CAUSING ME TO GO INTO THE CENTER MEDIAN CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE( DOT NUMBER: W2HL TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
Tires, Aug 26, 2000
WHAT MAKE THEY THINK THE 16" IS SAFE THAN THE 15" TIRES, I AM DRIVING IN FEAR, I DEMAND A REPLACEMENT WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 255X16 )
Suspension, Tires, Aug 25, 2000
CONSUMER HAS GONE THROUGH THE BOARD FROM THE LEMON LAW TO TRY & CONFIRM THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE STABILITY OF THE VEHICLE. BOARD DISAGREED WITH THE CONSUMER. WHEN TRAVELING 65-70MPH, CONSUMER STATED THAT IT WAS VERY HARD TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE. SERVICEMAN FROM DEALERSHIP TEST DROVE VEHICLE & FOUND THAT THERE COULD BE A PROBLEM, BUT DIDN'T CONFIRM IT. THEY WERE REFUSING TO GIVE MONEY BACK FOR THE UNWANTED VEHICLE. CONSUMER SAID IT WAS SWAYING & WONDERED WHEN GOING AROUND CURVES. *AK PROBLEM COULD ALSO BE RELATED TO FAULTY FIRESTONE WILDERNESS 16" TIRES. *SLC
Tires, Aug 25, 2000
ON 12/6/99 ABOUT 10PM, AS I ENTERED CURVE OF RAMP INTO I-75 SOUTH THE RIGHT-REAR TIRE FAILED. THE DAMAGE WAS ON THE SIDEWALL NEAR THE TREAD/RUNNING SURFACE. A GASH EXTENDING ABOUT 1/3 THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE TIRE WAS CREATED. ALTHOUGH MY TIRES ARE NOT FROM THE DECATUR PLANT, I RECOGNIZED THE SAME OR SIMILAR FAILURE FEATURES AS SHOWN ON TELEVISION RECENTLY. MY TIRES START WITH 8XHL. AT THAT TIME THE FAILED TIRE WAS REPLACED UNDER MY NEW VEHICLE TIRE WARRANTY. RECENTLY, REPLACEMNET OF OTHERS WAS DENIED ON THE BASIS THAT THESE TIRES ARE NOT COVERED BY THE ACTUAL RECALL AT THIS TIME. I AM CERTAIN THAT THESE TIRES ARE ALSO UNSAFE.( DOT NUMBER: 8XHL TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )