2000 Ford Explorer Problems
- Complaints
- 952filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 77,419miles, 326 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 9campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 16 mpgcombined, 4.0L 6-cyl RWD · 14 city / 19 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2000 Ford Explorer (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2000 Explorer report a wide spread of problems, most often transmission trouble and unintended or stuck throttle conditions tied to the speed control system. Complaints also describe cooling and engine-area fires, brake problems, and airbag warning lights. Many reports come in between roughly 50,000 and 100,000 miles, though a number appear at much higher mileage on this aging vehicle.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slipping, harsh shifting, failed reverse
- 107 complaints (11%)
- median 77,000 mi at 6.5 yrs old (68 state mileage)
- 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,500 (median of 13 quotes)
- filed 2000–2019
Owners describe the automatic transmission slipping, flaring between gears, locking in overdrive, or lurching forward when reverse is selected, often with the overdrive-off light flashing. Some say shops rebuilt or replaced the transmission once and the problem returned. Others report the vehicle failing to hold a gear or shifting out of gear on its own while driving. Reports cluster from about 40,000 to 150,000 miles, with several under 80,000.
Recall 00V3950002 related service bulletins
What to check: Test drive through all gears, including reverse and overdrive, and watch for a flashing overdrive light. Ask for transmission service records and whether the unit has been rebuilt.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On the evening of june 7, 2004, as I was driving on 85s, my car began shaking violently. As I was trying to get out of the way of the traffic, there was a huge boom from my vehicle and the car stopped. Initially, all of the service people around thought that it was my transmission that fell out. I had the car towed to my mechanic who later confirmed that it was my transfer case that had fallen from the bottom of the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10075060, filed 2004-06, 74,000 miles“I purchased the Ford Explorer xlt in october 2000 and within three years the transmission went of service. I took the vehicle to Ford company to see whether or not the vehicle was able to be repaired under the warranty and I was told that the vehicle was not under warranty because it over 36,000 miles and three (3) years has elapsed. I then took the vehicle to amaco co. To repair the vehicle with my personal expenses at $2,000.00. They provided at one (1) year 12, 000 miles warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #10745267, filed 2015-07, 36,000 miles - Vehicle speed control
Stuck or unintended acceleration, cruise control faults
- 130 complaints (14%)
- median 84,817 mi at 8.0 yrs old (56 state mileage)
- 30 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1999–2023
Complaints describe the throttle not releasing, the engine surging forward at low speed or in reverse, and cruise control failing to disengage while the brakes are applied. Some report the vehicle accelerating on its own, and a few say the cruise control simply stopped working. Several owners also describe long waits for speed control switch parts under a recall. Spread from about 30,000 to 200,000 miles, with many reports above 70,000.
Recall 09V399000Recall 07V336000Recall 03V280000
What to check: Ask whether the speed control deactivation switch recall work was completed and inspect the switch area for signs of heat or melted plastic. Test the cruise control and confirm the throttle returns freely.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Just about a year ago, Ford corp ordered a recall #05s28 -speed control system modification for my 2000 Ford Explorer. After repeated inquires to my local Ford dealer, the part has still not arrived. I called Ford headquarters today, and they said perhaps in june. What can you do to help?”
NHTSA complaint #10220192, filed 2008-03, 1 miles“Engine throttle does not release. Applied brakes and vehicle keeps going. I had to turn off engine, lost steering. The first time was in april 05. There was a crash at this time. The second time was today and I was sure it was the car this time.”
NHTSA complaint #10147946, filed 2006-01, 99,000 miles - Engine cooling
Engine overheating, cooling and emission-related faults
- 37 complaints (4%)
- median 77,938 mi at 7.8 yrs old (24 state mileage)
- 14 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2001–2023
Complaints describe the check engine light recurring, fumes entering the cabin, and repeated emission-related repairs such as gaskets and sensors without a lasting fix. Other owners report engine shaking, hesitation and stalling, sometimes with rattling from the engine bay. Reported from about 40,000 to 100,000 miles, with some cases at very low mileage.
What to check: Check for a stored check engine light, look for coolant or exhaust smells in the cabin, and ask about cooling system and gasket repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The first time I had a problem is when my car wouldn?t start on my way to work, and the check engine light came on. It was a few days after I gotten it. So I took it in and they said they checked the engine and turned off the light. They told me I should have it serviced. So I did. The other time I took it in, it had died on me while driving down my uncles apartment hill. They said they were getting some weird codes from the computer or something. They said they would get me an appointment with Ford. …”
NHTSA complaint #10071204, filed 2004-01, 31,077 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10336226, filed 2010-06, 78,000 miles - Brakes
Brake and ABS faults, fluid loss, weak stopping
- 70 complaints (7%)
- median 98,000 mi at 8.2 yrs old (27 state mileage)
- 17 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1999–2024
Owners describe the pedal going to the floor with little or no braking, then recovering on its own, and caliper hardware backing out or seizing. Some report rusted-through rear brake lines spraying fluid and needing a long distance to stop. Complaints also mention brake work following other driveline repairs. Most reports fall between about 30,000 and 100,000 miles, with some at higher mileage.
What to check: Inspect brake lines for rust and wet spots, check pad and rotor condition, and ask about the last brake fluid flush and caliper service.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My brakes failed at a low rate of speed. I was driving my infant to day care at about 45 miles an hour. A car in front of me made a stop so I hit my brakes to slow down and nothing happened. The Explorer would not slow down. No ABS light, ,no loss of pedal,no vibration,nothing. I pumped the brake pedal and still nothing. I had to go into oncoming traffic and make a very sharp turn onto a side rd to avoid hitting the car in front of me. Because of this I almost hit an on coming car. After a few minutes the brake seemed fine again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10054262, filed 2004-01, 35,000 miles“Consumer left front tire blewout and shredded causing consumer to replace tire with spare. The tire blewout prior to the consumer receiving the recall notice. The air bag light and door ajar light illuminated. Left side wheel bearing shot and the right side was going bad. Rear brakes shot.”
NHTSA complaint #10172230, filed 2006-10, 60,034 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light stays on or repairs repeat
- 54 complaints (6%)
- median 50,922 mi at 5.1 yrs old (20 state mileage)
- 19 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2000–2024
Owners report the airbag warning light coming on at start-up and staying lit for the whole drive, sometimes returning after repeated dealer visits. In some accounts the light is accompanied by a door-ajar warning. Complaints describe the cause as difficult to pin down and the repair not lasting. Mostly reported below 60,000 miles, including several around 30,000.
What to check: Turn the key and confirm the airbag light goes out after the bulb check. Ask for any airbag system diagnostic or repair records.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving air bag light illuminated and stayed on for the reminder of the time that vehicle was running. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10067397, filed 2004-04, 54,000 miles“The contact owns a 2000 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that as the ignition was being started, the air bag warning indicator illuminated continuously until the engine was turned off. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer five times where an unknown repair was performed. The malfunction recurred after each repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000. The VIN was unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #10537931, filed 2013-08, 30,000 miles
Buying note. A 2000 Explorer with this history is worth a careful pre-purchase inspection focused on the transmission, speed control switch recall status, brakes and cooling system, plus service records for any prior repairs. Ask specifically about the speed control deactivation switch recall and confirm the work was done.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 952 consumer complaints for the 2000 Ford Explorer. 326 of the complaints include a mileage, and 28% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 77,419 miles. Of all complaints, 101 involved a crash, 64 a fire, 106 an injury, 4 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns and 10 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Tires217 23%
- Transmission and drivetrain133 14%
- Vehicle speed control113 12%
- Engine cooling90 9.4%
- Electrical system78 8.2%
- Brakes64 6.7%
- Air bags62 6.5%
- Suspension62 6.5%
- Steering40 4.2%
Also reported: Seats (39), Latches, locks and linkages (29), Body and structure (29), Other or unknown (27), Exterior lighting (26), Fuel system (19), Seat belts (16), Equipment (14), Wheels (12), Engine (9), Interior lighting (3).
Example complaints
Tires: “I currently drive a 2000 Ford Explorer 6 cyl. 2 wheel drive w/ goodyear wrangler rt/s tires. I was recently notified by midas of orland park after having my front brakes replaced that the front passenger tire has a belt that has shifted. My tires were replaced due to the recall of the firestone tires. At that time I had roughly 16,000 miles on the SUV. At the present time I have just under 40,000 miles on the SUV. I did not notice that the tire was bad mainly due to the fact that the Ford Explorer is a very rough ride. …”
NHTSA complaint #10003196, filed 2003-01, 37,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “The day of the fatality I was standing outside the vehicle for around 5 to 10 minutes. I was on an upgrade,. (however I had just recently had new brakes installed and the car was in park). Suddenly the vehicle began to roll back at a fast pace killing the back seat driver that was in there seatbelt. And injuring myself in an attempt to halt the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10604614, filed 2014-06, 140,000 milesVehicle speed control: “When the cruise control commanded considerably more throttle on an interstate at 60mph, the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly took off at very high speed (85+MPH and accelerating when I finally shut the ignition off). I attempted to disconnect the cruise control via off switch and using the brakes to no avail. I shut the ignition switch off and coasted to the shoulder safely. Attempted a re-start, and the engine appeared to start at full throttle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10846196, filed 2016-03, 168,000 milesEngine cooling: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10413364, filed 2011-07, 202,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
28% of the 326 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 45,800 and 105,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2000 Ford Explorer. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2000 Ford Explorer version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Explorer 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Explorer 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Explorer 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Explorer 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Explorer 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 14 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Explorer 4WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Explorer 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 5-speed automatic | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 09V399000Oct 13, 2009Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford Explorer 1995–2002, E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +12 more
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…
- 07V336000Aug 3, 2007Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford Explorer 1999–2001, E-150 1992–1993, 1997–2003, E-350 1992–1993, 1997–2003 +18 more
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.
- 03V280000Aug 5, 2003Vehicle speed control › CablesCovers: Ford Explorer 1999–2001, Mercury Mountaineer 1999–2001, Ford Explorer Sport 2001 +1 more
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.
- 03V281000Aug 5, 2003Seats › Front assembly › ReclinerCovers: Ford Explorer 1998–2001, Mercury Mountaineer 1998–2001, Ford Explorer Sport 2001–2002 +1 more
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…
- 03V094000Mar 7, 2003Body and structureCovers: Ford Explorer 2000–2003, Dodge Grand Caravan 2000–2003, Ford Expedition 2000–2003 +9 more
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…
- 00V395000Nov 28, 2000Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Covers: Ford Explorer 1999–2000
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…
See all 9 recalls for the 2000 Ford Explorer → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE03020Front seat back recliner attachmentClosed · May 21, 2003
- EA01008Seat belt webbingClosed · Feb 26, 2001
- PE00044Seat belt webbingClosed · Nov 3, 2000
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 10 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10026389May 16, 2008Engine cooling. Ford: certain 1999-2001 model year vehicles up to 6000 lb gvwr registered in new york and certain 2001 vehicles up to 6000 lb gvwr registered in the state of maine, certified for sale in…
- 10014138Jun 7, 2005Seat belts. Safety belt retraction speed.
- 10017891Apr 1, 2005Transmission and drivetrain. Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4x4 or awd.
- 10014165Dec 27, 2004Body and structure. Aluminum corrosion - service tip.
- 10014096Dec 13, 2004Suspension. Revised procedure for adjusting alignment on all suspensions - new right hand upper control arm design for torsion bar front suspensions.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004Transmission and drivetrain. General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10014062Dec 13, 2004Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10013116Sep 6, 2004Electrical system. Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
- 10011159Aug 9, 2004Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10011150Aug 9, 2004Engine cooling. Rattle noise from primary chain drive area 2000-3000 rpm - 4.0l sohc engine.
Other model years of the Ford Explorer
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 42 | 2,600 | 14 | 5 | 24 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 107 | 3,000 | 20 | 5 | 21 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 21 | 8,832 | 10 | 5 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 112 | 17,000 | 15 | 5 | 23 | 19 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 271 | 37,000 | 25 | — | 23 | 39 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 450 | 44,500 | 27 | 5 | 24 | 54 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 1,246 | 23,750 | 34 | 5 | 24 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 300 | 54,000 | 6 | 5 | 20 | 2 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 734 | 50,000 | 7 | 5 | 20 | 42 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 1,704 | 50,000 | 13 | 5 | 20 | 86 · More | Rising |
| 2016 | 2,464 | 48,850 | 14 | 5 | 20 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 1,813 | 57,000 | 8 | 5 | 20 | 90 · More | Rising |
| 2014 | 1,684 | 66,000 | 6 | 5 | 20 | 71 · More | Rising |
| 2013 | 2,237 | 76,439 | 11 | 5 | 20 | 73 · More | Rising |
| 2012 | 830 | 70,000 | 5 | 4 | 23 | 46 · Typical | Rising |
| 2011 | 1,197 | 70,000 | 6 | — | 20 | 76 · More | Rising |
| 2010 | 115 | 40,707 | 1 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 33 | 77,000 | 0 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 148 | 77,000 | 1 | — | 16 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 208 | 67,250 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 630 | 55,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 497 | 70,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,304 | 65,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 1,131 | 73,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 3,295 | 79,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 375 | 90,000 | 6 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 952 | 77,419 | 9 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 1,348 | 82,193 | 9 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 1,959 | 100,000 | 9 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 1,731 | 99,500 | 7 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 1,450 | 120,208 | 6 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 843 | 121,585 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 1,207 | 99,041 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 939 | 117,494 | 6 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1992 | 633 | 108,065 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 609 | 121,902 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 12 | 58,410 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Explorer model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Ford Explorer?
Owners of the 2000 Explorer report a wide spread of problems, most often transmission trouble and unintended or stuck throttle conditions tied to the speed control system. The issues reported most often: Transmission slipping, harsh shifting, failed reverse; Stuck or unintended acceleration, cruise control faults; Engine overheating, cooling and emission-related faults.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA recorded 952 consumer complaints for the 2000 Ford Explorer as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2000 Ford Explorer is reported most often?
Tires is named most often, in 217 complaints (23% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 133.
Has the 2000 Ford Explorer been recalled?
NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2000 Ford Explorer get?
The EPA rates the 2000 Ford Explorer (Explorer 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 14 city and 19 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2000 Ford Explorer reported?
Among the 326 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 77,419 miles and the middle half falls between 45,800 and 105,000 miles; 28% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.