2000 FORD EXPLORER — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
1,203
Owner Complaints
15
Recalls
41
Service Bulletins
1
Investigation
Overview of the 2000 FORD EXPLORER
The 2000 FORD EXPLORER has received a total of 1,203 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 15 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 41 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Tires (154 complaints), Power Trainautomatic Transmission (78 complaints), and Vehicle Speed Control (76 complaints).
Recalls for the 2000 FORD EXPLORER
NHTSA has recorded 15 recalls for the 2000 FORD EXPLORER, potentially affecting up to 38,140,091 vehicles.
Recall 09V399000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
| 4,500,000 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 09E025000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
| 42,540 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
| 16,270 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 07V336000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
| 3,600,000 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 06E056000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
| 58,640 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 06E026000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
| 61,944 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 03V281000 — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
| 1,552,880 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: THE DRIVER COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS DURING SUCH AN EVENT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 03V280000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
| 448,005 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 03V094000 — STRUCTURE
| 3,674 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 01X001000 — TIRES:TREAD/BELT
| 13,000,000 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 00V395000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
| 100,500 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: OPERATING THE VEHICLE ABOVE THE MAXIMUM SPEED RATING COULD LEAD TO A TIRE FAILURE WHICH AT THESE SPEEDS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE.
View full details →Recall 00V228001 — SEAT BELTS
| 144,435 vehicles affected
Defect: 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."
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 00T005000 — TIRES:TREAD/BELT
| 14,400,000 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 00V179000 — AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
| 2,300 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT COULD CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE CRASH SENSORS WITH A REVISED DESIGN THAT WILL REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF AN UNEXPECTED SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.
View full details →Recall 00V072000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
| 208,903 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: AN INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR IN THE GEM CIRCUIT.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2000 FORD EXPLORER
1,203 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2000 FORD EXPLORER. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
See attached document for complaint.
See attached document for complaint.
Driving at the correct speed limit swerved to avoid hitting deer that ran out into the road hit a covert had seatbelt on airbags came out before that something hit me in side of my right arm it hit my elbow so hard and fast my arm was flung outwards and upwards which broke out the passenger side window the top of my elbow is broken that gave me a large purple bruise I got 2 pretty good size gashes on my arm also one on the bottom of my forearm and on the back side of my arm. Refer to request 1500509 and Request 1500511.
Driving at the correct speed limit swerved to avoid hitting deer that ran out into the road hit a covert had seatbelt on airbags came out before that something hit me in side of my right arm it hit my elbow so hard and fast my arm was flung outwards and upwards which broke out the passenger side window the top of my elbow is broken that gave me a large purple bruise I got 2 pretty good size gashes on my arm also one on the bottom of my forearm and on the back side of my arm. Refer to request 1500509 and Request 1500511.
The contact owned a 1999 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, and the brakes were depressed, the vehicle fishtailed crashed into a ditch and rolled two times. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained head, arm, and back, injuries and the passenger sustained head, neck, finger, and back injuries. Medical attention was sought. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Safety Rating for the 2000 FORD EXPLORER
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2000 FORD EXPLORER in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2000 FORD EXPLORER
Ford Motor Company has issued 41 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2000 FORD EXPLORER. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
17425 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
DRIVEABILITY CONCERNS, SUCH AS STALLING WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE. *TT
0242 — POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
CERTAIN VEHICLES WITH 4X4 OR ALL-WHEEL DRIVE MAY HAVE A FLUID LEAK FROM THE FRONT AXLE VENT TUBE. *TT
01137 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4R70W AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY EXHIBIT A CLUNK NOISE DURING THE 2-1 DOWNSHIFT EVENT. *TT
01411 — POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
HIGH-PITCHED FRONT AXLE SQUEAL OR WHISTLE TYPE NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AT SPEEDS FROM 16 TO 64 KM/H (10 TO 40 MPH). *TT
14554 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4R70W TRANSMISSION MAY EXHIBIT THE TCIL ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0741 (TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SYSTEM PERFORMANCE OR STUCK OFF) IN CONTINUOUS MEMORY. *JB
00M12 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS PROVIDING ADDITIONAL COVERAGE FOR THE 4.0L SOHC CAMSHAFT CHAIN TENSIONER AND LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. *TT
14371 — SUSPENSION
SUBJECT REGARDING POP / CREAK NOISE FROM THE REAR UNDERBODY WHILE DRIVING. *JB
0083 — SUSPENSION:REAR
SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5.0L ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A RUBBING NOISE DURING RIGHT HAND TURNS FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. **MR
8527 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT DRIVEABILITY CONDITIONS WHERE THE DIAGNOSIS LEADS TO REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY. **MR
8534 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A COOLING SYSTEM LEAK DUE TO A BROKEN CONSTANT TENSION CLAMP. **MR
Showing 10 of 41 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2000 FORD EXPLORER
NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2000 FORD EXPLORER.
Other Model Years of the FORD EXPLORER
- 1995 FORD EXPLORER — 1,048 complaints
- 1996 FORD EXPLORER — 1,818 complaints
- 1997 FORD EXPLORER — 2,150 complaints
- 1998 FORD EXPLORER — 2,374 complaints
- 1999 FORD EXPLORER — 1,737 complaints
- 2000 FORD EXPLORER (current)
- 2001 FORD EXPLORER — 503 complaints
- 2002 FORD EXPLORER — 4,096 complaints
- 2003 FORD EXPLORER — 1,369 complaints
- 2004 FORD EXPLORER — 1,647 complaints
- 2005 FORD EXPLORER — 604 complaints
Other FORD Models
- FORD F-150 — 45,660 total complaints
- FORD ESCAPE — 34,654 total complaints
- FORD FOCUS — 29,539 total complaints
- FORD FUSION — 28,243 total complaints
- FORD TAURUS — 23,867 total complaints
- FORD WINDSTAR — 19,456 total complaints
- FORD EDGE — 17,247 total complaints
- FORD MUSTANG — 11,551 total complaints