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, Jun 30, 2009, fire
MY 2000 FORD EXPLORER XLT CAUGHT ON FIRE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE AT A FRIEND'S HOUSE, WE WERE IN THE PROCESS OF BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVE WHEN SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I PULLED THE CAR OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND PUT IT IN PARK AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, THE SMOKE GOT MUCH WORSE. MY DAUGHTER AND I GOT OUT OF THE EXPLORER JUST AS IT WAS CATCHING FIRE. WE CALLED 911, THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE WHOLE INCIDENT IS UNBELIEVABLE, WE ARE SHOCKED. MY INSURANCE ADJUSTER INFORMED ME THAT IT WASN'T UNCOMMON AND MENTIONED SOMETHING ABOUT A RECALL ON THE CRUISE CONTROL. I BOUGHT MY EXPLORER IN INDIANA, BUT HAVE MOVED TO TENNESSEE. I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL, I'M STILL WAITING ON MY INSURANCE COMPANY TO GET BACK WITH ME. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 5, 2009
2000 FORD EXPLORER HAD SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN USING THE TURN SIGNALS. *NJ THE DEALER REPLACED THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH. *JB
Power train, May 10, 2009
MY FIRST CAR WAS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER AND I COULD NOT BE MORE DISAPPOINTED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS VEHICLE. ALTHOUGH I HAVE HAD THE CAR NOW FOR A FEW YEARS, IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. THERE HAVE BEEN SOME MINOR ISSUES WITH THE CAR THAT ARE EXPECTED WITH NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. HOWEVER AT ONLY ABOUT 60,000 MILES I STARTED HAVING VERY BAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THE O/D LIGHT FLASHES NEARLY EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR AND THE TRANSMISSION (AUTOMATIC) SKIPS EVERY TIME AFTER FIRST GEAR. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I REALIZED THAT THIS IS NOT A RANDOM OCCURRENCE. THERE ARE NUMEROUS FORD EXPLORER OWNERS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM AND FORD HAS YET TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND HELP FIX THIS PROBLEM. I INITIALLY THOUGHT THAT IT WAS JUST MY CAR POSSIBLY GETTING OLD, HOWEVER AFTER SPENDING HOURS RESEARCHING MY PROBLEM I QUICKLY REALIZED THAT THIS IS NOT AN AGE ISSUE. I ALSO DO NOT HAVE THAT MANY MILES ON MY CAR. UNFORTUNATELY I DO NOT HAVE THE $2000+ TO COMPLETELY REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION WHICH APPARENTLY SEEMS TO BE MY ONLY OPTION. IT HAS GOTTEN TO THE POINT WHERE I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR BECAUSE EVERY TIME I TURN IT ON AND START DRIVING THESE PROBLEMS OCCUR. *TR
Seats, May 7, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS RECLINING FARTHER THAN NORMAL. WHEN THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND SAT BACK, THE SEAT FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THIS WAS NORMAL WEAR ON THE SEAT AND IT CANNOT BE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 93,924.
Latches/locks/linkages, May 7, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DOORS CANNOT BE OPENED FROM WITHIN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. HE ASSUMED THAT THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. HE FOUND SEVERAL CONSUMERS ONLINE WHO WERE EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS FAILURE AND COULD NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 108,000. UPDATED 06/23/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO GET THE DOORS TO WORK. UPDATED 06/23/09.*JB
Power train, May 1, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. EVER SINCE AUGUST OF 2007, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE SWITCHING OUT OF GEAR INTERMITTENTLY. THE BRAKES, ROTORS, ALTERNATOR, MOTOR MOUNT, PULLEY ASSEMBLY, ALL THE BELTS, AND TIRES WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. ON MAY 1, 2009, WHILE DRIVING OUT OF A SUBWAY STATION AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND SWITCHED INTO REVERSE AND THE CONTACT ALMOST STRUCK A PEDESTRIAN. AN OFFICER WITNESSED THE FAILURE AND ADVISED HIM TO CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,200 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,540.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 27, 2009
SPARK PLUG CLOSEST TO DRIVER DOES NOT SEAT AND COMES OUT. NOT A FULL BLOW OUT OF IT, BUT THE PLUG FEELS REAL LOOSE. I TRIED NEW PLUG BUT IT STILL FEELS LOOSE. *TR
Seat belts, Apr 22, 2009, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AN ONCOMING VEHICLE BROADSIDED THE DRIVER SIDE WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL ONCE AND IT LANDED IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT FAILED TO KEEP THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED. NO ONE WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE BUT THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK AND THE PASSENGER WAS THROWN AROUND INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE SEAT BELTS PRESENTED A SAFETY RISK AND DID NOT OPERATE PROPERLY DURING THE CRASH. NO ONE OTHER THAN THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES. SHE FRACTURED 5 RIBS ON HER LEFT SIDE AND HAD A HIMATOMA ON HER RIGHT ARM. BOTH PASSENGERS WERE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DESTROYED. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL AT SPEAKING WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 57,000. UPDATED 05/08/09 *BF UPDATED 05/12/09.*JB UPDATED 05/12/09.*JB THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO STAY LATCHED. UPDATED 06/09/09.*JB
Visibility, Mar 27, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE IN THE HOUSE, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD SOUND COMING FROM OUTSIDE. SHE EXITED THE HOUSE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR WINDOW WAS SHATTERED ON HER VEHICLE. SHE DISCOVERED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE PERTAINING TO THE REAR WINDOW FAILURE, BUT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THIS IS A MAJOR DEFECT. SHE INITIALLY THOUGHT THAT SOMEONE SHOT THE GLASS WITH A GUN. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 186,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 16, 2009
MY DRIVER'S DOOR WAS CONSTANTLY GETTING JAMMED. THE LOCK WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN I HIT THE POWER LOCK BUTTON. SO NOW MY DOOR OPENS WHEN IT FEELS LIKE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 27, 2009, fire
2000 FORD EXPLORER SELF IGNITED AFTER BEING PARKED FOR 4 HOURS. ALSO CAUGHT CAR ON FIRE THAT WAS IN DRIVEWAY AHEAD OF IT, LANDSCAPING, TV CABLE AND OUTSIDE CORNER OF HOUSE. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 16, 2009
MY DRIVER'S DOOR KEEPS GETTING JAMMED. I HAVE TO SOMETIMES CRAWL OVER THE SEAT TO GET OUT OF THE TRUCK. THE LOCK ARE CONSTANTLY GETTING STUCK TO THE POINT I CAN'T MANUALLY EVEN PULL THEM UP ANYMORE. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 10, 2009
MY DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK GETS STUCK IN THE LOCKED POSITION RANDOMLY. THIS OCCURS BOTH WHILE DRIVING AND PARKED. IT ALSO EFFECTS THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW. IT IS DRIVING ME CRAZY. I HAVE TO CRAWL OVER THE PASSENGER SEAT AND WIGGLE THE HANDLE WHILE TRYING TO PULL UP THE LOCK MANUALLY. I WILL EVENTUALLY BREAK THE HANDLE. AFTER A LITTLE RESEARCH I FOUND 100'S IF NOT 1,000'S OR MORE PEOPLE ON THE INTERNET THAT HAVE THE SAME EXPERIENCE. MANY ARE CALLING FOR A RECALL. JUST GOOGLE " FORD EXPLORER DRIVER'S DOOR WON'T UNLOCK" OR THIS LINK HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/1998/ACCESSORIES-INTERIOR/DRIVERS_DOOR_WONT_UNLOCK.SHTML THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 7, 2009, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, ANOTHER DRIVER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. SHE PULLED OVER ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND THE HOOD. THE CONTACT QUICKLY REMOVED HER CHILDREN AND CHILD SEAT FROM THE VEHICLE. IN A MATTER OF SECONDS, THE HOOD BURST INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE JUNKYARD. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WILL NOT INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE COMPLETE COVERAGE. THE MIAMI MIDWAY POLICE DEPARTMENT FILED REPORT NUMBER PPOC9A02C02188. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 96,000.
Power train, Jan 4, 2009
I NOTICED A SLIGHT HESITATION IN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR ONCE IN A WHILE YESTERDAY. WITHIN 5 MILES THE O/D LIGHT WAS FLASHING AND BY THE TIME I GO HOME(LUCKILY)5 MILES LATER, REVERSE WAS NOW NOT WORKING. I HAVE A CAR THAT HAS ALREADY HAD 1 TRANSMISSION REPLACED, NEEDING ANOTHER ONE. I AM EXTREMELY LUCKY THAT I DID NOT GET STRANDED!!!! *TR
Steering, Jan 2, 2009, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE SPEED CONTROL ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL REMEDY. TWO WEEKS LATER, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE STEERING COLUMN BEGAN SMOKING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS NOT INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR DID NOT CAUSE THE STEERING COLUMN TO BEGIN SMOKING. THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE LEFT AT THE DEALER FOR THE STEERING COLUMN TO BE TAKEN APART FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,065.
Seats, Jan 2, 2009
THE DRIVER SIDE REAR BOTTOM FRAME FAILED IN A NON MOVING AREA. THIS CAUSE THE BACK OF THE SEAT TO FALL BACK AS THE HINGE FOR SEAT TILT CAME OUT OF THE TOP DUE TO THIS FAILURE. THANK GOD I WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY OR WE WOULD HAVE HAD A WRECK. STRUCTURAL STEEL IN A SEAT FRAME SHOULD NOT FAIL IN AN 8 YEAR OLD CAR. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN A WRECK ON THE SEAT ABUSED. THE DRIVER WEIGH 200 LBS OR LESS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Dec 15, 2008
AT 166,000 HEAD GASKET BLEW PLUS THERE WERE OTHER ENGINE PROBLEMS. REPLACED WITH ANOTHER ENGINE. NOW TRANSMISSION IS GOING OUT. IT WILL GO INTO REVERSE FINE BUT WILL GO INTO DRIVE WITH PROBLEMS. IF VEHICLE IS COLD IT WILL GO INTO DRIVE FASTER THAN WHEN IT IS WARMED UP. AT WARM TEMP IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL TRIES OF SHIFTING FROM PARK BACK TO DRIVE OR WAITING SEVERAL MINUTES FOR IT TO DROP INTO DRIVE AFTER SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. HAVE ONLY OWNED THIS VEHICLE LESS THAN 2 YEARS. *TR
Seats, Dec 3, 2008, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEATED SEAT ACTIVATED, AN UNEXPECTED VOLTAGE OF HEAT PENETRATED THROUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE SEAT. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS OR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE SEAT AND STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO A WIRING SHORT CIRCUIT, WHICH BURNED THE FOAM PADDING OF THE SEAT. THE HEATING UNIT WAS REPLACED AND THE SEAT OPERATED NORMALLY. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 140,000. UPDATED 12/30/08. *LJ UPDATED 01/05/09. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 2, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING AN OIL CHANGE, THE MECHANIC FOUND ANTIFREEZE IN THE OIL. NEW OIL WAS PLACED IN THE VEHICLE AND, ONCE IT WAS RESTARTED, ANTIFREEZE WAS FOUND IN THE OIL AGAIN. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER FOR ASSISTANCE AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE HEAD GASKET. THEY FURTHER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A BLOWN HEAD GASKET OR A FAILED HEAD BOLT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Air bags, Nov 30, 2008
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. DEALER STATES A "SHORT" IN WIRING LOOM, NEEDS TO REPLACE WITH A BETTER CONNECTOR FOR $1100. DEALER WARNS ME THAT WHILE LIGHT IS "ON" AIRBAG SYSTEM WILL NOT OPERATE IN A CRASH. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 28, 2008, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. AFTER BEING PARKED FOR 20 MINUTES WITH THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND ASSISTED IN EXTINGUISHING THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE IS STILL PARKED IN THE CONTACT'S DRIVEWAY. HE SENT THE MANUFACTURER SOME REQUESTED DOCUMENTS. FORD EXPLAINED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THAT VEHICLE FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL, WHICH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN PERFORMED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL OCCURS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 79,000. UPDATED 11/26/08. *LJ UPDATED 12/01/08. *JB
Suspension, Sep 5, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION. HE EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR LINK FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES BEFOREHAND. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 85,500. UPDATED 1/6/09 *CN THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR LINK FAILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO CORROSION. UPDATED 01/14/09. *JB
Equipment, Sep 4, 2008
MY RADIO LOST ALL THE LIGHTS TO IT..THE DISPLAY LIGHTS FOR THE RADIO NO LONGER WORKS. APPARENTLY FORD KNEW OF THIS DEFECT AS HUNDREDS OF OWNERS COMPLAINED AS EARLY AS 2001 (ONE YEAR AFTER THE CAR WAS SOLD). I COMPLAINED AND THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW RADIO. SEEMS THEY SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE RADIO BACK WHEN THEY SAW THE PROBLEM IN 2001 WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY.
Air bags, Equipment, Aug 30, 2008
WHILE DRIVING THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER THE SAME DAY AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE SIDE AIRBAG PROBLEM. THE TESTING CODE WAS 1998. THEY CHARGED ME $903.45 TO FIX IT ON AUGUST 30, 2007. ON AUGUST 23, 2008 THE AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I CALLED THE FORD DEALER AND TOOK IT RIGHT IN. WAS TOLD THE PART THEY REPLACED HAD GONE BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. OF COURSE THEY HAD TO ORDER THE PART AND THAT TOOK THREE DAYS. I WAS TOLD THAT WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON THE AIRBAGS DON?T WORK. THIS HAPPENED SIX DAYS BEFORE THE ONE YEAR WARRANTY RAN OUT AND THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY BEEN 4,100 MILES SINCE THE PART WAS REPLACED. THE PART WAS REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME ON AUGUST 27, 2008 UNDER THE ONE YEAR WARRANT PERIOD. THE WORK WAS PERFORMED SO POORLY THAT I HAVE NO FAITH THE AIRBAGS WILL WORK IF I EVER NEED THEM. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE FORD DEALER AND SHOWED THEM THAT THE WIRING FOR THE SIDE AIRBAG WAS POKING OUT THE BACK OF THE SEAT AND THE AIR BAG REALLY WASN'T ON THE SIDE IT WAS MORE OF A BACKSEAT AIRBAG NOW. NEEDLESS TO SAY I HAVE TO LEAVE IT WITH THE DEALER AGAIN TO FIX IT. I HAVE SEEN THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE AIRBAGS AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHEN FORD IS GOING TO STEP UP AND ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM. *TR