Model year record

2000 Ford Explorer

9 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 1,205 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 09V399000

Vehicle speed control

Component: Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 4,500,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2009-10-13
Owners notified: 2009-10-27

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Manufacturer 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 BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Recall campaignNHTSA 07V336000

Vehicle speed control

Component: Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 3,600,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2007-08-03
Owners notified: 2007-08-13

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Manufacturer 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 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V281000

Seats: front assembly: recliner

Component: Seats: front assembly: recliner
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 1,552,880
Reported to NHTSA: 2003-08-05
Owners notified: 2003-08-29

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THE DRIVER COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS DURING SUCH AN EVENT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer 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 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V280000

Vehicle speed control: cables

Component: Vehicle speed control: cables
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 448,005
Reported to NHTSA: 2003-08-05
Owners notified: 2003-08-29

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V094000

Structure

Component: Structure
Manufacturer: SOUTHERN COMFORT CONVERSIONS
Vehicles affected: 3,674
Reported to NHTSA: 2003-03-07
Owners notified: 2003-03-07

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.

Manufacturer 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 REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V395000

Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Component: Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 100,500
Reported to NHTSA: 2000-11-28
Owners notified: 2001-01-23

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

OPERATING THE VEHICLE ABOVE THE MAXIMUM SPEED RATING COULD LEAD TO A TIRE FAILURE WHICH AT THESE SPEEDS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V228001

Seat belts

Component: Seat belts
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 144,435
Reported to NHTSA: 2000-08-18
Owners notified: 2000-10-26

Defect description

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."

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.

Manufacturer 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 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V179000

Air bags: side/window

Component: Air bags: side/window
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 2,300
Reported to NHTSA: 2000-07-05
Owners notified: 2000-07-10

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT COULD CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE CRASH SENSORS WITH A REVISED DESIGN THAT WILL REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF AN UNEXPECTED SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V072000

Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers

Component: Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 208,903
Reported to NHTSA: 2000-03-07
Owners notified: 2000-04-15

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

AN INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR IN THE GEM CIRCUIT.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Tires	154	60,034 mi
Power train: automatic transmission	78	72,657 mi
Vehicle speed control	76	98,000 mi
Tires: tread/belt	70	67,000 mi
Electrical system	42	98,000 mi
Air bags	38	58,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling	30	75,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline	28	68,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control	27	67,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	24	40,378 mi
Steering	24	114,000 mi
Suspension	24	84,000 mi
Unknown or other	24	56,200 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine	23	55,000 mi
Power train	22	115,000 mi
Air bags: frontal	21	34,500 mi
Suspension: front	21	71,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: recliner	19	52,969 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch	16	86,350 mi
Latches/locks/linkages	12	108,000 mi
Seats	11	93,924 mi
Tires: sidewall	10	—
Visibility: glass, side/rear	10	—
Engine	9	153,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch	9	64,347 mi
Air bags: side/window	8	160,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers	8	100,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic	8	73,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor	8	56,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer	8	100,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring	7	32,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.	7	83,500 mi
Service brakes	7	167,000 mi
Structure: body: door	7	60,034 mi
Vehicle speed control: cables	7	77,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	6	85,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch	6	—
Power train: driveline: differential unit	6	37,126 mi
Power train: manual transmission	6	37,422 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder	6	41,300 mi
Structure	6	37,126 mi
Structure: body	6	103,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint	6	45,800 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint	6	41,500 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor	6	51,000 mi
Wheels: rim	6	—
Electrical system: ignition	5	36,040 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood	5	74,000 mi
Exterior lighting	5	63,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper	5	69,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal	5	—
Visibility	5	169,000 mi
Wheels	5	62,500 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys	4	—
Equipment	4	50,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal	4	77,688 mi
Fuel system, gasoline	4	43,810 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)	4	38,000 mi
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)	4	46,000 mi
Seat belts	4	3,807 mi
Seat belts: front: retractor	4	—
Seats: front assembly: seat heater/cooler	4	4,300 mi
Steering: column	4	89,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion: rack	4	37,126 mi
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments	4	85,468 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system	4	77,150 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module	3	85,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash	3	110,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control	3	46,650 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner	3	—
Exterior lighting: brake lights	3	—
Exterior lighting: tail lights	3	40,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery	3	44,430 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump	3	60,000 mi
Interior lighting	3	151 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines	3	92,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)	3	63,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift	3	—
Power train: driveline: driveshaft	3	1,000 mi
Seat belts: front: anchorage	3	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc	3	63,750 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads	3	50,000 mi
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar	3	—
Steering: hydraulic power assist system	3	22,000 mi
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate	3	117,000 mi
Suspension: front: shock absorber	3	—
Suspension: rear	3	—
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire	3	—
Visibility: power window devices and controls	3	3,807 mi
Visibility: windshield	3	31,077 mi
Child seat	2	—
Electrical system: ignition: module	2	61,031 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch	2	46,000 mi
Electrical system: starter assembly	2	47,845 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights	2	100,000 mi
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly	2	—
Seat belts: rear/other	2	40,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: head restraint	2	35,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: power adjust	2	36,000 mi
Seats: mid/rear assembly	2	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist	2	—
Steering: rack and pinion	2	38,875 mi
Suspension: front: hub	2	84,000 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing	2	43,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: linkages	2	98,007 mi
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer	2	41,236 mi
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer: motor	2	32,000 mi
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel	1	41,236 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery	1	100,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: rear compartment/trunk	1	—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system	1	32,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly	1	—
Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel	1	—
Engine and engine cooling: engine: other fuel types: turbo/supercharger	1	—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor	1	—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe	1	42,000 mi
Equipment: mechanical: accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift	1	—
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights	1	—
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights: switch	1	35,401 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system	1	—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage	1	—
Fuel system, other	1	—
Fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly	1	60,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate: lock	1	—
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch	1	87,000 mi
Parking brake	1	—
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical: linkage and cable	1	—
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter	1	41,000 mi
Power train: axle assembly	1	—
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft	1	—
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)	1	—
Power train: manual transmission: lubricant	1	—
Seat belts: front	1	85,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light	1	2,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: brake fluid low warning: lamp	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum	1	—
Steering: gear box: shaft pitman	1	—
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections	1	81,451 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid	1	—
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump	1	37,126 mi
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments	1	28,000 mi
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut	1	80,180 mi
Structure: body: tailgate	1	—
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields	1	234,539 mi
Suspension: front: control arm	1	—
Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly: leaf	1	—
Trailer hitches	1	—
Visibility/wiper	1	190,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core	1	—
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior	1	—
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly	1	—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkages	1	—
Wheels: hubcap/cover	1	157,900 mi
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs	1	—

The 1999 model has about half as many complaints as this one. The 2001 model has 2 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.