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.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 8, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD A MOMENT OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION. WHEN THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND AT 20 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN UP TO 60 MPH. SMOKE WAS ALSO COMING FROM THE BRAKES BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE PLACED IN NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO SLOW IT DOWN AND TURN IT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000. UPDATED 01/24/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS SINCE REMOVED THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO UNIT THAT ATTACHED TO THE THROTTLE BODY UNIT. UPDATED 01/25/12
Steering, Sep 2, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE WOULD EMIT FROM THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 152,603.
Electrical system, Aug 29, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING HER VEHICLE SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THEN VEHICLE ENGULFED INTO FLAMES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HER THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT HAVE NOT FOLLOWED UP WITH THE CONTACT REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.
Power train, Aug 20, 2011
2000 FORD EXPLORER, O/D LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING, CAR SPUTTERED, DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, CAR WOULD NOT GO AT ALL AS THOUGH IT WAS STUCK IN NEUTRAL. WILL NOT GO IN GEAR. NO DRIVE, NO REVERSE, NOTHING. TOWED TO TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP, $1800. TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Suspension, Aug 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE BEING INSPECTED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE TIRE MAINTENANCE, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT AXLE WAS FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 71,000.
Structure, Aug 10, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE REAR LIFT-GATE WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE METAL HINGES WERE CRACKED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN WAS ABLE TO CLOSE THE LIFT-GATE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT NOT TO REOPEN IT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 18, 2011, fire
THE 2000 FORD EXPLORER SUV BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN AS THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED. AFTER PULLING OVER AND TURNING THE IGNITION OFF, WE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. UNDERNEATH THE CAR, FLAMES WERE DRIPPING DOWN FROM THE TRANSMISSION. WE USED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES ON THE GROUND, AND ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE HOOD. AFTER THE HOOD WAS OPENED, LARGE FLAMES WERE OBSERVED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER WAS USED UNTIL EMPTY AND HAD LITTLE IMPACT. THE CAR BEGAN TO BURN QUICKLY AND THE FLAMES SPREAD FROM FRONT TO BACK. THE EMERGENCY SERVICES ARRIVED, EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND COLLECTED WITNESS STATEMENTS. NO ONE WAS HURT IN THE INCIDENT AND THE FRAME WAS TOWED VIA AAA TO A NEARBY AUTOMOTIVE SHOP. *KB
Suspension, Jun 11, 2011
LOWER AND UPPER BALL JOINT MAKING TERRIBLE NOISE, I DID GREASE BUT STILL HAVE NOISE. *TR
Visibility, May 12, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER WOULD ACTIVATE WITHOUT ENGAGEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
Structure, May 5, 2011
OVER THIS PAST WEEKEND THE UPPER SUPPORT PIN (RIGHT SIDE) OF THE LIFTGATE STRUT BROKE OFF AND THE LIFTGATE FELL RIGHT ON MY HEAD . YES IT HURT, AS THE THING IS QUITE HEAVY. IT APPEARS THAT THE PIN WAS JUST RUSTING AWAY, AND THE ONE ON THE LEFT SIDE DOESN'T LOOK HEALTHY EITHER. THE STRANGE PART IS THERE IS NO RUST ANYWHERE ELSE ON THE LIFTGATE AND NO OTHER RUST ISSUES WITH THE REST OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 27, 2011
ON MONDAY MY FUTURE SON-IN-LAW WAS DRIVING MY FORD EXPLORER AND EXPERIENCED THE CRUISE CONTROL REFUSING TO DISENGAGE WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH. HE TRIED TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL BY BRAKING AND BY TURNING IT OFF. NEITHER WORKED. HE TRIED TO SHIFT IT INTO NEUTRAL ONLY TO HAVE THE ENGINE REV TO HIGH RPM, SO HE PUT IT BACK IN GEAR AND FORCED TO CAR TO STOP USING THE BRAKES FIGHTING THE ENGINE. PROBABLY RUINING THE BRAKES IN THE PROCESS. I RECENTLY HAD MY VEHICLE SERVICED AS RELATING TO A RECALL CONCERNING THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THE SWITCH WAS NOT REPLACED AFTER A VISUAL INSPECTION. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 14, 2010, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF WHEN SHE ENGAGED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH TO SHUT OFF THE HEADLIGHTS. THE KNOB HAD BECOME ABNORMALLY HOT AND FELL TO THE FLOOR WHEN ENGAGED. SHE THEN OBSERVED A CHEMICAL COMING FROM THE KNOB CASING AND BLACK SMOKE BEGAN EMITTING FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD NEAR THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED NEAR A GASOLINE FUEL LINE AND THE VEHICLE THEN EXPLODED. THE STEREO WAS BLOWN OUT INTO THE STREET AND GLASS EXPLODED IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. A SECOND VEHICLE THAT WAS PARKED NEARBY WAS ALSO DAMAGED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND A FIRE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURED WAS NOT CONTACTED IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Power train, Dec 14, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE GEAR SELECTOR WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO THE PARK POSITION. THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL TO ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO REMAIN STATIONARY AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT POSITIONED BRICKS IN FRONT OF EACH TIRE TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING. THE FAILURE WAS A CONTINUOUS OCCURRENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE GEAR SHIFTER CABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE PART BEING DISCONTINUED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Nov 19, 2010, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE RESIDENCE DRIVEWAY, AND CAUGHT FIRE. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WHICH ORIGINATED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FLAMES MELTED THE SIDING OF THE HOUSE. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE COULD POSSIBLY BE RELATED TO THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 27, 2010, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN WITH THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL ENGAGED WHEN WHITE SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE DEALER WAS CALLED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH COULD POTENTIALLY BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Electrical system, Sep 29, 2010
WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP WORKING,POWER WINDOWS NOT WORKING, DOME LIGHT NOT WORKING, FOG LIGHTS NOT WORKING AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND AUTO NOT WORKING. *TR
Power train, Sep 28, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED WHEN THE CONTACT SHIFTED GEARS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AT ANY SPEED. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED THREE TIMES BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE SOLENOID WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY OVER TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 53,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 10, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MPH HE ENGAGED THE BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. HE ENGAGED THE BRAKES A SECOND TIME AND THERE WERE NO BRAKES. HE SHIFTED INTO FIRST GEAR IN ORDER TO AVOID A CRASH. HE STATED THAT USING THE SHIFTER SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN IN TIME FOR THE OTHER VEHICLE TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS DAMAGED BY RUST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 78,000.
Electrical system, Sep 6, 2010
SMOKE COMING OUT OF STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURN SIGNAL ENGAGED. TOOK TO DEALER AND TOLD IGNITION SWITCH HAD SIGNS OF A HOT POINT AND WAS MELTING. HAD IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED AT A SERVICE STATION, HOWEVER, THEY SAID THEY SAW NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF DAMAGE. *TR
Power train, Aug 22, 2010
2000 FORD EXPLORER [XXX] XLT 4 DR 4X4 OHV "X" VIN 4.0 OHV ENGINE. 2 RE-BUILT 5R55E TRANSMISSIONS. BOTH TIMES PO-741 CODES TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SYSTEM STUCK OFF. HAD TO START IN LOW AND SHIFT TO DRIVE TO MOVE THRU GEARS. NO REVERSE UNLESS YOU GUN ENGINE THEN SLOWLY MOVES IN REVERSE SOMETIMES. RE-BUILT AT 113K AND AGAIN AT 195,000 MILES. SOMETIMES NO GEAR WHEN DRIVING. HAVE TO SWITCH OVERDRIVE OFF TO GAIN TRACTION. TRANS FINALLY QUIT AGAIN. DANGEROUS CONDITION. FORD DEALERS TELL ME NOTHING EXTRAORDINARY. HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED SO MUCH TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH ALL THE SUVS AND SEDANS I'VE OWNED. I BELIEVE A SAFETY RE-CALL IS IN ORDER. IT IS NO COINCIDENCE THAT RETAIL SHOPS REFER TO THE FORD EXPLORER AS THE FORD "EXPLODER". *TR
Structure, Aug 17, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS HE OPENED THE REAR DOOR OF THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THE TOP HINGE WAS SEVERELY FRACTURED FROM THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER OR MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Power train, Aug 12, 2010
2000 FORD EXPLORER 4.0L SOHC. O/D LIGHT STARTED BLINKING WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL, WITHOUT THE ACCELERATOR PRESSED. WHEN I STARTED TO ASCEND THE NEXT HILL I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED SINCE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT TO 4TH (OVERDRIVE) AND I HAD TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ALMOST TO THE FLOOR TO GET THE POWER TO GET UP THE HILL. BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE TO REPLACE MY 1999 FORD ZX2 WHICH RAN GREAT MINUS THE FACT THE SUB-FRAME HAD COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT BETWEEN THE DRIVER SEAT AND THE REAR STRUT MOUNT. I'M SURE YOU WILL GET COMPLAINTS WHEN THOSE START BREAKING IN HALF ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
Power train, Jul 31, 2010
2000 FORD EXPLORER,TRANSMISSION WILL SLIP,LOCK UP IN OVERDRIVE,PLACE IN REVERSE CAR LURCHES FORWARD.THE O/D OFF LIGHT FLASHES ENGINE RPMS ARE VERY HIGH.THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE THAT KEEP HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. IT HAS 4.0 ENGINE AND THE 5R55E AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS TO MY FAMILY AND TO THE PUBLIC YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT TYPE OF REACTION WILL COME OUT OF THIS TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE HAS 100,000 MILES ON IT. TAKEN TO AAMCO THEY QUOTED $2300.00 FOR REPAIRS. MY WARRANT COMPANYCOMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SERVIVES (C.A.R.S)WILL ONLY PAY FOR A SALVAGE YARD TRANSMISSION.THESE TRANSMISSION WERE ONLY MADE FRO A SHORT TIME. ANY TRANSMISSION FROM A SALVAGE YARD WILL HAVE THE OPERATING PROBLEMS. WHILE AT AAMCO A CUSTOMER BROUGHT HIS 1999 EXPLORER IN HIS TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT BY AAMCO FEB OF THIS YEAR.IT IS STUCK IN OVERDRIVE AND WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE. WARRANTY COMPANY SENT A USED TRANSMISSION TO THE AAMCO SHOP AT 4210 RED BLUFF ROAD PASADENA TEXAS,IT WAS INSTALLED,TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT GO INTO OVERDRIVE AND SET A COMPUTER CODE OF TORQUE CONVERTER FAILURE ALONG WITH SOLENOID FAILURE. FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS TURNED LOOSE A VERY UNSAFE TO THE PUBLIC THEY MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND MADE TO REPAIR THIS TYPE OF TRANSMISSION. *TR
Structure, Jun 21, 2010
PURCHASED USED 2000 FORD EXPLORER IN 2007. LIFT GATE IN REAR HAS BEEN USED ON A REGULAR BASIS SINCE PURCHASE AND THIS PAST WEEKEND WHEN OPENING THERE WAS A LOUD BANG WITH THE LIFT GATE COMING DOWN ONTO MY BACK. THANKFULLY IT WASN'T MY WIFE OR CHILD THAT HAD OPENED IT AS THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN INJURED. MY FIRST THOUGHT WAS STRUT HAD BROKE AS IT WAS HANGING THERE BUT AFTER CLOSER INSPECTION THE LIFT GATE BALL MOUNT HAD SNAPPED OFF. THERE IS SURFACE RUST ON THE OUTER PART OF THE BALL MOUNT AND CLIP THAT KEEPS THE STRUT ON THE MOUNT BUT THE BALL MOUNT WHERE IT SNAPPED IS CLEAN. THE CONSEQUENCES OF THIS FAILURE IS REAR LIFT GATE WILL NOT CLOSE PROPERLY AND BECAUSE IT CAN'T CLOSE THE INTERIOR LIGHTS STAY ON AND GET VERY HOT. I REMOVED THE FRONT LIGHT BUT COULDN'T GET THE TOP OFF OF THE REAR INTERIOR LIGHT SO I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY. HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE WITH MANY EXPLORERS. PROBLEM IS NO PART CAN BE PURCHASED AS THIS MOUNT IS WELDED ONTO THE BODY AT THE FACTORY. TWO SOLUTIONS ARE THAT FORD FIXES IT AT A COST TO THE CONSUMER OR THE CONSUMER JURY RIGS IT WITH DRILLING OUT HOLES IN THE STRUT AND FASHIONING A MEANS OF ATTACHMENT USING BOLTS AND SCREWS THAT CAN AND DO LOOSEN UP AND NEED TO BE TIGHTENED FREQUENTLY. A SEARCH ALSO SHOWS THAT FORD HAS HAD PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH LIFT GATE PARTS AND FAILURES ON OTHER YEARS OF EXPLORERS. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 17, 2010, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 70 MPH, SMOKE BEGAN POURING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. AS THE CONTACT WAS MOVING THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND ADVISED THE FIRE WAS SO SEVERE THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FIRE CHIEF RULED THE FIRE AS MECHANICAL. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER AN UNKNOWN RECALL CAMPAIGN IN ORDER TO PREVENT A VEHICLE FIRE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 125,000.