2000 Ford Explorer Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 3%of 952 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,018miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2000 Ford Explorer, 3% of the 952 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,018 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My overhead light melted smoked and doesn't work anymore and now I'm having trouble w my dash lights flickering and my automatic lights don't ever shut off”
NHTSA complaint #11350878, filed 2020-08, 155,000 miles“Sometimes when I have my turn signal on smoke will come out from the steering wheel where the emergency signal button is on top of the steering wheel. It doesn't happen everytime I use it but it happens quite often.”
NHTSA complaint #10639460, filed 2014-09, 102,000 miles“When I turned on my left turn signal, it doesn't blink. It just freezes and smoke comes from the steering column. Once I turned off the turn signal it stopped smoking.”
NHTSA complaint #10229268, filed 2008-05, 59,000 miles“When turning on the left turn signal, it accasionally fails to work properly and smoke arises from the steering column. The problem was getting worse and I was afraid I might not notice and my car would catch fire. Upon taking it to Ford to have the problem corrected hoping it was some type of recall I missed, but it was considered wear and tear. After reviewing a number of similar complaints, I don't believe this should be considered normal wear and tear. It is obviously a manufacturer's defect that jeopardizes safety that should be corrected at no cost to the owner.”
NHTSA complaint #10125879, filed 2005-06, 92,000 miles“This is for a 2000 Ford Explorer sport. When I turn the left signal on, every few days, the signal light will stick and smoke will come out of the steering column near the hazard switch. Ford refuses to remedy the problem. This is a fault in the multi-function switch which was recalled on several exploreres (just not specifically mine).”
NHTSA complaint #10086359, filed 2004-08, 59,000 milesExterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 5% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 5 | 2% |
| 2021 | 8 | 2% |
| 2020 | 56 | 4% |
| 2018 | 4 | 1% |
| 2017 | 12 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 0% |
| 2015 | 17 | 1% |
| 2014 | 25 | 1% |
| 2013 | 25 | 1% |
| 2012 | 6 | 1% |
| 2011 | 6 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 12 | 8% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 5 | 1% |
| 2004 | 7 | 1% |
| 2003 | 6 | 1% |
| 2002 | 19 | 1% |
| 2001 | 9 | 2% |
| 2000 | 26 | 3% |
| 1999 | 46 | 3% |
| 1998 | 38 | 2% |
| 1997 | 20 | 1% |
| 1996 | 15 | 1% |
| 1995 | 16 | 2% |
| 1994 | 9 | 1% |
| 1993 | 7 | 1% |
| 1992 | 3 | 0% |
| 1991 | 6 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2000 Ford Explorer
217 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
133 complaintsVehicle speed control
113 complaintsEngine cooling
90 complaintsElectrical system
78 complaintsBrakes
64 complaintsAir bags
62 complaintsSuspension
62 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
46 complaintsSteering
40 complaintsSeats
39 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
29 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology