2000 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Tires is the leading concern among 1,078 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2000 reports, 112 involved a crash and 83 involved a fire. 118 people were injured and 4 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Vehicle speed controlOct 13, 2009
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Campaign 09V399000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed controlAug 3, 2007
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Campaign 07V336000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineJun 13, 2006
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
Campaign 06E056000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerAug 5, 2003
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HIGH BACK SEATS, THE UPPER BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HIGH BACK SEAT, THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME, COULD FRACTURE. IF THE BOLT FRACTURES AND DOES NOT JAM IN THE SEAT BACK FRAME, THE SEAT BACK MAY RECLINE UNTIL IT MAKES CONTACT WITH AN OBJECT BEHIND THE SEAT, SUCH AS THE SECOND ROW SEAT CUSHION.
THE DRIVER COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS DURING SUCH AN EVENT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER SEAT UPPER BOLT WITH A METAL SPACER AND BOLT. IN ADDITION, SEATS WITH TUBULAR BACK FRAMES WILL HAVE THE FULLY THREADED LOWER RECLINER BOLT REPLACED WITH A PARTIALLY THREADED BOLT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 03V281000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, cablesAug 5, 2003
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL AND 4.0L SOHC ENGINES, IF THE STRAND COVER ON THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE BECOMES FLARED AT THE END, THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE MAY BIND WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS ACTIVATED.
THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING FORCE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO OVERCOME THE BINDING CONDITION WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS DISENGAGED. BRAKING FUNCTION WOULD BE MAINTAINED THOUGH STOPPING DISTANCES MAY BE INCREASED.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 03V280000 on NHTSA.gov
StructureMar 7, 2003
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.
THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.
Campaign 03V094000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, tread/beltMay 22, 2001
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE DESIGN TO STRESS, AGING, AND MANUFACTURING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANTS. FORD IS REPLACING THESE TIRES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW MAY HAVE BEEN ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES OR MAY HAVE HAD WILDERNESS AT TIRES INSTALLED DURING THE FIRESTONE RECALL LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2000. CERTAIN 1991 THROUGHT 2002 FORD EXPLORER CERTAIN 2001 THROUGHT 2002 EXPLORER SPORT, AND SPORT TRAC CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 2001 RANGER CERTAIN 1999 THROUGH 2001 EXPEDITION CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994, AND 1997 MODEL YEAR F-SERIES CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994 BRONCO NOTE: BOTH ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE AFFECTED.
SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, 2002. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-877-917-3673 OR GO ON-LINE TO WWW.FORD.COM FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
Campaign 01X001000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Nov 28, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 3.27 OR 3.55 AXLE RATION. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE THAT COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO EXCEED THE DESIGN INTENT TOP SPEED. AT THESE EXTREME SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE COULD BE CAPABLE OF EXCEEDING THE SPEED RATING OF THE TIRE.
OPERATING THE VEHICLE ABOVE THE MAXIMUM SPEED RATING COULD LEAD TO A TIRE FAILURE WHICH AT THESE SPEEDS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE.
Campaign 00V395000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, tread/beltAug 21, 2000
TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.
IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.
THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
Campaign 00T005000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsAug 18, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON CERTAIN SEAT BELT BUCKLES OF YOUR VEHICLE AND REPLACE ALL SEAT BELT BUCKLES THAT FALL WITHIN THE SUSPECT DATE CODE RANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 26, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 00V228001 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowJul 5, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4-DOOR SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIR BAGS. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A REVISED LEVEL SIDE CRASH SENSOR THAT COULD DEPLOY THE SIDE AIR BAG IF THE IGNITION KEY IS IN THE "RUN" POSITION AND THE SEATBELT WEBBING IS FORCIBLY EXTRACTED FROM A LOCKED RETRACTOR WITH A JERKING MOTION.
INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT COULD CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE CRASH SENSORS WITH A REVISED DESIGN THAT WILL REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF AN UNEXPECTED SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.
Campaign 00V179000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiring, fuses and circuit breakersMar 7, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L ENGINES AND ALL-TIME 4-WHEEL DRIVE (A4WD) POWERTRAINS. THE GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE (GEM) COULD EXPERIENCE A CONDITION REFERRED TO AS "LOCK-UP" IN WHICH THE GEM CONTROLLED ELECTRONIC FUNCTIONS (E.G., FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, 4X4 SYSTEM, ETC.) COULD NOT BE TURNED ON OR, IN SOME CASES IF THE FUNCTION IS ON, COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF.
AN INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR IN THE GEM CIRCUIT.
Campaign 00V072000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
1,078 reports, newest first.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 14, 2010, fire
MY FORD EXPLORER CAUGHT ON FIRE. ALL I SAW WAS CLOUD OF SMOKE. THEN PEOPLE STARTED YELLING AND BLOWING THEIR HORN AT ME, THE UNBELIEVABLE, THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. *TR
Power train, May 27, 2010
FAULTY TRANSMISSION ON 2000 FORD EXPLORER. O/D LIGHT FLASHES AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD. OCCURS ON MID TO LONG RANGE TRIPS AND WILL LIKELY REQUIRE A TRANSMISSION REBUILD. IT IS KNOWN THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH FORD SUV'S/TRUCKS FROM LATE 90'S AND EARLY 2000'S, BUT FORD REFUSES TO "ACKNOWLEDGE" THE ISSUE. *TR
Power train, May 18, 2010
VEHICLES TRANSMISSION SLIPS CAUSING LOSS OF POWER TO GEARING. UNSAFE CONDITIONS EXISTS WHILE TRYING TO USE POWER TO AVOID ACCIDENTS. WHEN VEHICLE KEY IS SWITCHED OFF THEN ON AGAIN, TRANSMISSION RESETS UNTIL NEXT EVENT OF POWER LOSS. *TR
Power train, Apr 26, 2010
MY TRANSMISSION ON MY 2000 FORD EXPLORER XLT OVER DRIVE O/D LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH ON AND OFF. I ONLY HAVE 169,000 MILES ON THE TRUCK. WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT STARTED TO JERK AND SLIP OUT OF GEAR. NOW IT ONLY LET ME DRIVE ONLY IN ONE GEAR. I'VE CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIPS AND SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO. IT SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE SO MANY FORD EXPLORER OWNERS UP TO THE 2002 MODEL HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR TRUCK AND THEY THE SAME RESPONSE WHEN CALL FORD DEALERSHIPS. THIS THE WEBSITE WITH ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2002/TRANSMISSION/O_D_LIGHT_IS_BLINKING.SHTML. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO ADDRESSED BECAUSE NO ONE WANTS TO BE IN THE MIDDLE OF ON COMING TRAFFIC AND CAN'T MOVE BECAUSE OF THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION WANT ALLOW THEM TOO. THEY WILL BE IN AN ACCIDENT OR CAUSE ONE. *TR
Power train, Apr 14, 2010
2000 FORD EXPLORER HAS O/D LIGHT BLINKING. ROUGH SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND. BARELY IS ABLE TO GET INTO PARK WHICH LEAVES THE VEHICLE ABLE TO ROLL AWAY. (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). *TR
Power train, Apr 12, 2010
WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR THREE YEARS AGO IT HAD JUST A REBUILT TRANSMISSION IN IT. LESS THAN A MONTH AFTER I PURCHASED IT I HAD TO HAVE A 2ND REBUILT TRANSMISSION PUT IN IT WHEN MY O/D LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. JUST YESTERDAY I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY(I-5 IN SEATTLE, WA) WHEN MY TRANSMISSION FAILED AND I HAD TO COAST ACROSS 3 LANES OF FREEWAY TRAFFIC TO COME TO A STOP ON THE SHOULDER. THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT SAFELY TO THE SHOULDER BUT THE SITUATION COULD HAVE ENDED VERY DIFFERENTLY. I COULD HAVE VERY EASILY GOTTEN INTO AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING ONLINE AND AM FINDING THAT HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE HAD THE EXACT SAME ISSUES THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCE! IT MAKES ME SICK THAT FORD HAD YET TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 13, 2010
I HAVE A 2000 FORD EXPLORER, 4-DOOR. THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR ACTUATOR MECHANISM HAS FAILED. THE LEFT FRONT DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM HAS FAILED. ALSO, LEFT REAR PASSENGER DOOR CAN NOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. 1) CAN NOT OPEN RIGHT FRONT DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE WITH KEY-FOB OR WITH THE KEY! I REPLACED A RIVOT THAT HOLDS THE LOCKING ACTUATOR WITH A BOLT (RIGHT SIDE FRONT DOOR). 2)I CAN NOT OPEN LEFT FRONT DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE WITH KEY-FOB OR WITH THE KEY! . I REPLACED THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE OPENING LEVER. THIS WORKED UNTIL THE LATCHING MECHANISM INSIDE THE DOOR FAILED. I CURRENTLY HAVE TO TAKE THE DOOR APART AND TRY TO FIX THIS BECAUSE MY WIFE AND KIDS USE THIS VEHICLE. 3) ON THE LEFT REAR DOOR, THE DOOR CAN NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. I CURRENTLY HAVE TO TAKE THE DOOR APART AND TRY TO FIX THIS BECAUSE MY WIFE AND KIDS USE THIS VEHICLE. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT ON THE RIGHT SIDE, ANYONE IN THE LEFT REAR SEAT CAN NOT EXIT THE VEHICLE FROM THE LEFT REAR DOOR. WE LEASED THIS VEHICLE IN 2000 THEN BOUGHT IT IN 2003. AS OF THIS WRITING, THIS VEHICLE HAS JUST OVER 80000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. FORD REFUSES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEMS. MANY MESSAGE BOARDS HAVE REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH 2000 FORD EXPLORERS. UNFORTUNATELY, I HAVE TO RESORT TO USING THE REMEDIES ON VARIOUS MESSAGE BOARDS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THANK YOU *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 1, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER DOOR LOCKS HAVE FAILED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE DOOR LOCKS CONTINUED TO FAIL AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILES WERE NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 04/15/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE LOCKS HAVE FAILED ONE-BY-ONE. THE PASSENGER REAR AND DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR LOCKS COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE TRUNK LOCK ALSO STICKS. UPDATED 09/02/10
Power train, Equipment, Feb 22, 2010
2000 FORD EXPLORER THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM IT SLOW DOWN IN GEAR AND SECOND GEAR. FORD DEALER WILL PAID ATTEND TO THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 8, 2010
2000 FORD EXPLORER HAS A DELAY IN SHIFTING ON TRANSMISSION, O/D OFF LIGHT FLASHING AND CAR WINDS OUT IN BETWEEN GEARS... VERY COSTLY SO FAR AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!!!!!!!!! *CN
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 2, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. SHE STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER, AND REAR DOORS FAILED TO UNLOCK SHE HAD TO CLIMB THROUGH THE REAR WINDOW TO ENTER THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. UPDATED 3/4/2010 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT AND REAR DOORS CONTINUE TO JAM. UPDATED 06/17/10*JB
Power train, Feb 1, 2010
2000 FORD EXPLORER 4.0 V6 SOHC WITH LESS THAN 120,000MILES- 5 SPEED OVERDRIVE TRANSMISSION IS GOING INTO FAILURE. SLIPS CONSISTENTLY WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN SECOND AND THIRD GEAR, RPMS HAVE TO RAISE WELL ABOVE THE NECESSARY LEVEL TO ACTUATE THE SHIFTING MECHANISM, WHETHER IT MAY BE VALVES OR THE BANDS. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 30, 2010
MY FORD FOCUS 2000 HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCKS UP SO THAT I CAN PUT MY CAR KEY IN... BUT IT WILL NOT TURN. I WAS LEFT STRANDED AT A GAS STATION AT NIGHT, IF THAT ISN'T DANGEROUS THAN I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS. I PUT MY KEY IN THE IGNITION AND IT WOULD NOT BUDGE. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE FORD DEALER AND THEY FIXED THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER BUT COST ALOT OF MONEY AND FROM WHAT I READ ALOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND EVEN WHEN FIXED IT STILL HAPPENING TO PEOPLE! WE NEED HELP, NO PERSON SHOULD BE LEFT STRANDED LIKE I WAS IT WAS SCARY TO SAY THE LEAST. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 10, 2010, fire
2000 FORD EXPLORER XLS. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 25 MILES PER HOUR. VEHICLE RUNNING PROPERLY AND SMOOTHLY. SMOKE BEGAN BELLOWING FROM UNDER HOOD. STOPPED VEHICLE TO OPEN HOOD TO DISCOVER ENGINE FIRE. VEHICLE HAS REGULAR MAINTENANCE WITH FULL DIAGNOSTIC LESS THAN A WEAK BEFORE HAND WITH NO ISSUES. VIN NUMBER IS NOT PART OF CURRENT RECALLS. BAFFLED AS TO THE START OF FIRE. MAINLY BURNED THE MAIN ENGINE ELECTRICAL HARNESS. *TR
Air bags, Dec 9, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. AFTER STARTING THE IGNITION, THE "AIR BAG" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 147,000. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Power train, Nov 28, 2009
2000 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION. THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM WHICH SEEMS TO BE RAPID ON THE FORD EXPLORER LINE IN SEVERAL YEARS. THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO FAIL AT AN EARLY OR LATE INTO OWNERSHIP. I TALKED TO DEALER IN MY AREA AND THERE COMMENTS WHERE. DON'T TELL TRANSMISSION O/D LIGHT BLINKING AND TRANNY SLIPS, THE MINUTE I JUST SAID LIGHT COMES ON! THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS WHEN DRIVING IT JUST GIVES OUT WITHOUT WARNING AND SLIPS WHEN ACCELERATING. I'M SURE IF YOU GET A SERVICE RELATED TRANSMISSION PROBLEM FOR THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE YOU WILL FIND FORD HAS AND IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. BUT IT GOES BACK TO MONEY! I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND IT JUST SLIPPED AND HAD TO PUNCH IT TO LEAVE INTERSECTION. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 1, 2009, fire
MY 2000 FORD EXPLORER COMPLETELY BURNT , ENTIRELY GUTTED. I HAVE PICTURES. *TR
Seats, Oct 25, 2009
THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT, WITHOUT WARNING, RECLINED COMPLETELY. MECHANIC BELIEVES THAT THE BOLT HOLDING THE RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE SEAT FRAME IS BROKEN. CURRENTLY USING THE REAR SEAT TO PROP UP THE DRIVER'S SEAT UNTIL A REPLACEMENT SEAT CAN BE FOUND. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 24, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AT STEERING COLUMN: SMELL OF WIRES GETTING HOT AND SMOKE. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 15, 2009, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FUSE INTERMITTENTLY FAILED. SHE REPLACED THE FUSE AT LEAST FOUR TIMES WITHIN TWO MONTHS. THE CAR WAS PARKED IN FRONT HER HOME WHEN SHE HEARD THE VEHICLE ALARM GOING OFF. SHE WAS UNABLE TO SHUT THE ALARM OFF WITH THE KEYLESS ENTRY. SHE FOUND THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE VENTS OF THE VEHICLE. THE VENTS BEGAN TO MELT AND SHE THEN NOTICED FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED HOWEVER SHE WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT BEFORE THEY ARRIVED. THE DEALER ADVISED HER VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL HOWEVER SHE FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ONLINE PERTAINING TO POSSIBLE FIRES AND ONE RECALL PERTAINING TO THE FAILURE OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR (SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V072000) HER VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY OF THE RECALLS. NO REPAIRS HAD BEEN MADE TO THE VEHICLE TO DATE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNDER 125,149. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Power train, Oct 14, 2009
I HAVE A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. SEVERAL YEARS AGO I HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH I UNDERSTAND IS VERY COMMON IN FORD VEHICLES. NOW JUST A FEW YEARS LATER I'M HAVING TRANSMISSION ISSUES AGAIN. THE CAR IS JOLTING AHEAD WHEN AT A COMPLETE STOP. AND ALSO NOT WANT TO GET INTO THE NEXT GEAR PROPERLY. I AM NOW TOLD THAT I HAVE TO REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY. IT SEEMS THESE VEHICLES HAVE WAY TOO MANY TRANSMISSION ISSUES. *TR
Power train, Sep 4, 2009
ON AUGUST 28, 2009 I WAS DRIVING WITH MY HUSBAND AND TWO CHILDREN UNDER AGE 2 ON THE MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE WHEN OUR 2000 FORD EXPLORER SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR WITH THE BRAKES AND WAS FORCED TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO FINALLY GET THE CAR TO STOP. I WAS USING THE CRUISE CONTROL AT THE TIME AND HAD IT SET JUST UNDER 70 MPH. MY CAR AT ONE POINT WAS GOING ALMOST 90 AS WE TRIED TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO WHILE MY FOOT WAS ALL THE WAY ON THE BRAKE. WE WERE LUCKY TO HAVE SURVIVED THIS INCIDENT. A LOCAL GARAGE SAID THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL MUST HAVE STUCK AND THEY HAVE DISCONNECTED THE WIRES BUT NOW LEAVE US WITH DAMAGE TO THE CAR WE ARE STILL TRYING TO DIAGNOSE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 1, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER . THE CONTACT STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. SHE THEN PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. SHE THEN RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND DROVE DIRECTLY TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED HER THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED FROM A CRACK IN THE CYLINDER HEAD OF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER OWNERS EXPENSE. WHEN IT WAS AT THE DEALER SHIP THEY TOOK THE VEHICLE APART WITHOUT THE DRIVERS PERMISSION. THE DRIVER CALLED AN INVESTIGATOR FROM THE BUREAU OF AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THEY USED A DEFECTIVE ENGINE FOR THE 2000 FORD MODELS AND FOUND OUT AFTER A YEAR AND THAT'S WHY THE Y DISCONTINUED USING THAT SPECIFIC ENGINE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93104 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93300.
Electrical system, Jul 16, 2009
TOTAL BATTERY DRAIN WITHIN 48 HOURS OF CHARGE....ALTERNATOR CHECKS OK....BATTERY CHECKS OK....REGULATOR CHECKS OK... *TR
Interior lighting, Jul 1, 2009
ON THIS DATE I EXAMINED THE 2000 FORD EXPLORER INTERIOR LIGHT LOCATED ABOVE THE MIDDLE OF THE DASHBOARD IS A TWO LIGHT ASSEMBLY. ONE OF THE LIGHTS WAS OPERATIONAL, WHILE THE SECOND WOULD ONLY OPERATE WHEN THE LIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS JIGGLED, GOING FROM OFF TO ON, TO DIM. THE CONTACT POINTS FOR THE LIGHTS IS A THIN COPPER STRIP WHICH ENCOMPASSES EACH LIGHT. THE STRIP IS FRAGILE AND THE HEAT FROM THE LIGHTS CAUSED THE COPPER STRIP TO SEPARATE AND MELTED THE PLASTIC ASSEMBLY TO MELT INTO THE LIGHT FIXTURE AND CAUSING FAILURE IN BOTH LIGHTS. THIS RESULTED IN FAILURE OF ALL INTERIOR LIGHTING EXCEPT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. DIFFICULTY IN LOCATING SEAT BELTS, LOCATING DROPPED KEYS, INSURING SAFETY OF PASSENGERS. HAVING PASSENGER READ DIRECTIONS OR MAPS AFTER DARK IS NOW IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT A FLASHLIGHT. *TR