2000 Ford Explorer Recalls
NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2000 Ford Explorer. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford Explorer 1995–2002, E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +12 more
Reported issue: 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.
Possible 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 be completed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 27, 2009…
- Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford Explorer 1999–2001, E-150 1992–1993, 1997–2003, E-350 1992–1993, 1997–2003 +18 more
Reported issue: 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.
Possible 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 as repair parts are available (expected october 2007), owners will…
- Vehicle speed control › CablesCovers: Ford Explorer 1999–2001, Mercury Mountaineer 1999–2001, Ford Explorer Sport 2001 +1 more
Reported issue: 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.
Possible 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.
- Seats › Front assembly › ReclinerCovers: Ford Explorer 1998–2001, Mercury Mountaineer 1998–2001, Ford Explorer Sport 2001–2002 +1 more
Reported issue: 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.
Possible 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 29, 2003. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
- Body and structureCovers: Ford Explorer 2000–2003, Dodge Grand Caravan 2000–2003, Ford Expedition 2000–2003 +9 more
Reported issue: 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.
Possible 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 reasonable time should contact southern comfort at 1-800-745-6096.
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Covers: Ford Explorer 1999–2000
Reported issue: 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.
Possible 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.
- Seat beltsCovers: Ford Explorer 2000, Windstar 2000, F-150 2000 +7 more
Reported issue: 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."
Possible 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 an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free…
- Air bags › Side/windowCovers: Ford Explorer 2000, Mercury Mountaineer 2000
Reported issue: 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.
Possible 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.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakersCovers: Ford Explorer 1999–2000, Mercury Mountaineer 1999–2000
Reported issue: 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.
Possible 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.
NHTSA investigations
- PE03020Front seat back recliner attachmentClosed · May 21, 2003
- EA01008Seat belt webbingClosed · Feb 26, 2001
- PE00044Seat belt webbingClosed · Nov 3, 2000
← All problems reported for the 2000 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.