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Ford Explorer 2000

The 2000 Ford Explorer came with 3 engines: 4.0 L 6-cylinder, 4.0 L 6-cylinder, 5.0 L 8-cylinder. It gets 15 to 18 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA. 15 recall campaigns and 40 owner complaints are on record.

Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD Rear-wheel (RWD)
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Ford Explorer
Representative photo of the Explorer. It may show a different year or version. Photo: Kevauto ยท CC BY-SA 4.0 ยท Wikimedia Commons ยท resized and cropped

Specs

Engine
4,000 cc
6
Cylinders6
TransmissionAutomatic ยท 5 speeds
DrivetrainRear-wheel (RWD)
Dimensions (L ร— W ร— H)4,715 ร— 1,780 ร— 1,710 mm (185.6 ร— 70.1 ร— 67.3 in)
Wheelbase2,710 mm (106.7 in)
Curb weight1,588 kg (3,501 lb)
Body styleSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

Dimensions and weight: median of the 2 versions in Canada's official specifications (NHTSA vPIC). Each version differs slightly.

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Safety

Crash-test results across markets. They can vary by version and equipment.

NHTSA NCAP
Results ยท 2000 Ford Explorer 4-DR. 4x4 w/SAB
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Local data

Fuel economy (MPG)

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Local data
City
14 MPG
Highway
19 MPG
Combined
16 MPG
Emissions
345 g/km
COโ‚‚

By version

EngineTransmissionDrivetrainCityHighwayCombined
4.0 L 6-cylinder Automatic ยท 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 14 MPG 17 MPG 15 MPG
4.0 L 6-cylinder Automatic ยท 5 speeds AWD 14 MPG 19 MPG 16 MPG
4.0 L 6-cylinder Automatic ยท 5 speeds AWD 14 MPG 18 MPG 15 MPG
4.0 L 6-cylinder Automatic ยท 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 14 MPG 19 MPG 16 MPG
4.0 L 6-cylinder Manual ยท 5 speeds AWD 15 MPG 19 MPG 16 MPG
4.0 L 6-cylinder Manual ยท 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 16 MPG 21 MPG 18 MPG
5.0 L 8-cylinder Automatic ยท 4 speeds AWD 13 MPG 18 MPG 15 MPG
5.0 L 8-cylinder Automatic ยท 4 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 13 MPG 18 MPG 15 MPG

EPA figures for each version sold in the U.S.

Recalls

15 campaigns๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Local dataNHTSA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 09V399000 ยท 2009-10-13 ยท NHTSA
Consequence ยท Remedy

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

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS 09E025000 ยท 2009-05-11 ยท NHTSA
Consequence ยท Remedy

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 09E012000 ยท 2009-04-07 ยท NHTSA
Consequence ยท Remedy

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 07V336000 ยท 2007-08-03 ยท NHTSA
Consequence ยท Remedy

THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 06E056000 ยท 2006-06-13 ยท NHTSA
Consequence ยท Remedy

FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 06E026000 ยท 2006-03-23 ยท NHTSA
Consequence ยท Remedy

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

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.

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER 03V281000 ยท 2003-08-05 ยท NHTSA
Consequence ยท Remedy

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

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.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES 03V280000 ยท 2003-08-05 ยท NHTSA
Consequence ยท Remedy

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.

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.

STRUCTURE 03V094000 ยท 2003-03-07 ยท NHTSA
Consequence ยท Remedy

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

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.

TIRES:TREAD/BELT 01X001000 ยท 2001-05-22 ยท NHTSA
Consequence ยท Remedy

SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

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.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) 00V395000 ยท 2000-11-28 ยท NHTSA
Consequence ยท Remedy

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

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE.

TIRES:TREAD/BELT 00T005000 ยท 2000-08-21 ยท NHTSA
Consequence ยท Remedy

IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.

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.

SEAT BELTS 00V228001 ยท 2000-08-18 ยท NHTSA
Consequence ยท Remedy

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

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.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW 00V179000 ยท 2000-07-05 ยท NHTSA
Consequence ยท Remedy

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

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 BREAKERS 00V072000 ยท 2000-03-07 ยท NHTSA
Consequence ยท Remedy

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

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR IN THE GEM CIRCUIT.

12 campaigns๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ CA dataTransport Canada

It may not apply to vehicles sold in your country. Check with your VIN at the source.

Other 2019420 ยท 2019-08-21 ยท Transport Canada
Details

Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation โ€œDOT 287โ€ along with the lettering โ€œVMRโ€ (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.

Other 2009292 ยท 2009-10-14 ยท Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. Correction: Dealers will install a new switch or fused wiring harness. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2005028 (05S28) for vehicles not previously included in the campaign.

Electrical 2007258 ยท 2007-08-07 ยท Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The failure mode appears to be different than that of Recall 2005028 (05S28). This time, the concern is with long term durability performance issues causing the switch to fail. Correction: Initially as an interim repair, owners will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. As soon as replacement parts are available, owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a fused wiring harness designed to eliminate the potential risk of fire.

Seats And Restraints 2006079 ยท 2006-04-18 ยท Transport Canada
Details

On certain Explorer, Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac vehicles, the upper bolt on the driver's high back seat that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame could fracture. If this happens, the seat back may recline until it makes contact with an object behind the seat, such as the 2nd row seat cushion. The occupant could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event. Correction: Dealer will replace the driver's seat upper bolt.

Other 2003189 ยท 2003-08-11 ยท Transport Canada
Details

On certain Explorer, Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Tract vehicles, the speed control cable strand cover could impact the conduit end fitting during speed control engagement. Repeated instance of this may result in flaring the cover end causing a binding condition when speed control is disengaged. Drivers may experience a high idle or a condition where it would appear speed control would not disengage. Braking function would be maintained though stopping distances may be increased. Correction: Dealer will replace the speed control cable.

Seats And Restraints 2003190 ยท 2003-08-11 ยท Transport Canada
Details

On certain Explorer, Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac vehicles, the upper bolt on the driver's high back seat that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame could fracture. If this happens, the seat back may recline until it makes contact with an object behind the seat, such as the 2nd row seat cushion. The occupant could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event. Correction: Dealer will replace the driver's seat upper bolt.

Powertrain 2001003 ยท 2001-01-12 ยท Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, the Powertrain Control Module may allow the vehicle to exceed the design intent top speed. At these extreme speeds. the vehicle may be capable of exceeding the speed rating of the tires. This could lead to tire failure and at these extreme speeds, may result in a crash. Correction: Powertrain Control Module will be reprogrammed with the latest calibration.

Structure 2001002 ยท 2001-01-12 ยท Transport Canada
Details

Certain Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Rander Edge and Ranger XLT vehicles may have a wire formed hood striker that may be susceptible to fatigue fractures. If the hood striker fractures, the hood may fly open while the vehicle is being driven. A hood fly-up while the vehicle is being operated may result in resuced driver visibility and, potentially, a vehicle crash. Correction: Hood striker will be replaced with a revised hood striker.

Seats And Restraints 2000227 ยท 2000-10-16 ยท Transport Canada
Details

Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements C.M.V.S.S. 209 - Seat Belt Assemblies. The seat belt assemblies may not withstand the force requirements of the standard. In a crash, if the belt buckle fails, there is an increased risk of injury to the occupant. Correction: Belt buckle assemblies will be inspected and replaced if necessary.

Seats And Restraints 2000149 ยท 2000-07-10 ยท Transport Canada
Details

Certain vehicles have a revised level side crash sensor that may deploy the side airbag if the ignition is in the "run" position and the seat belt webbing is forcibly extracted from a locked retractor with a jerking motion. If the side airbag deploys unexpectedly, it could potentially result in personal injury. Correction: Side crash sensors will be replaced with a revised design version which will reduce the likelihood of an unexpected side airbag deployment.

Electrical 2000078 ยท 2000-03-21 ยท Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, the generic electronic module (GEM) may experience a condition referred to as "lock-up" in which the GEM controlled functions (front windshield wipers, interior lights, 4X4 system etc.) could not be turned ON or, in some cases if the function in ON, it could not be turned OFF. During this lock-up condition, these functions remain in their last known operating mode and do not respond to driver commands until electrical power is interrupted to the GEM. An inoperative front windshield wiper system could adversely affect driver visibility. Correction: Dealers will install a resistor in the GEM circuit which will prevent the electronic noise on the diagnostic link from affecting the GEM during vehicle operation.

Lights And Instruments 1999178 ยท 1999-10-19 ยท Transport Canada
Details

Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. A design change removal of a fog lamp circuit relay allows the fog lamps to be activated with the headlamp switch in the OFF position and the tail lamps, side marker lamps, parking lamps and licence plate lamps not illuminated. Correction: Dealers will install a relay and wring overlay on affected vehicles.

Common problems

40 reports๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Local data

Reported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SERVICE BRAKES 2025-04-16 ยท NHTSA

See attached document for complaint.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS Crash 1 injured 2024-04-25 ยท NHTSA

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 โ€ฆ

SERVICE BRAKES Crash 1 injured 2024-03-11 ยท NHTSA

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 hโ€ฆ

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 2023-12-24 ยท NHTSA

No incidents. However, cruise control and rear window wiper are both inoperable.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE Fire 1 injured 2023-07-24 ยท NHTSA

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon pulling into a gas station, both white and black colored smoke began to emit from the vehicle without warning. Before the contact could fully react, the vehicle soon caught fire. The contact managed to pull away from the gas pumps as a gas attendant bโ€ฆ

SEAT BELTS,SEATS 2023-02-13 ยท NHTSA

Front seat will not stay up. They recline out of nowhere. I believe it's just old wore out parts.

ENGINE 2022-04-25 ยท NHTSA

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the local dealer or independenโ€ฆ

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 2022-03-15 ยท NHTSA

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, she noticed that the hood was shuddering. The contact veered to the side of the road and manually pushed the hood down several times however, the hood failed to close completely and would not latch securely. There were no warning lights ilโ€ฆ

AIR BAGS Crash 1 injured 2022-02-17 ยท NHTSA

I was driving slowly (35mph), regular speed limit on that road is 60. Roads were snowy and icy, another vehicle driving extremely fast for the road conditions, started to swerve head on in to my lane, I swerved to avoid a head on collision. In doing so, I hit ice, started doing a 360, the front end and the drivers sidโ€ฆ

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2021-05-13 ยท NHTSA

JUST FOLLOWING. INSTRUCTIONS FOR RECALL ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL

STRUCTURE 2021-02-01 ยท NHTSA

RUST AND CLEAR PAINT PEELING. DOOR HANDLES LOOSE UNABLE TO OPEN ALL 4 DOORS. I HAVE TO UNLOCK FROM REAR WINDOW TO ACCESS VEHICLE. UNCLEAR OTHER THAN DESIGN OF HANDLES. LEFT FRONT DOOR HANDLE COMPLETELY BROKE OFF. QUOTE OF $150 A DOOR TO REPAIR. WILL COST ME $600. VERY UNSAFE AND PROBLEMATIC. INCLUDING A LOSS IN VALUE.

POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES 2020-09-15 ยท NHTSA

BIG CONCERN WITH MY POWER TRAIN. THE BACK OF THE CAR HAS A LOUD WHIRRING NOISE WHEN TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND CLICKS LOUDLY WHEN YOU SLOW DOWN. GOING A FASTER SPEED SEEMS TO SOUND BETTER BUT ITS PRETTY SCARY.THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. THERE ALSO IS A SENSOR THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND I DON'T Kโ€ฆ

All 40 reports, grouped by component

Questions

What engine does the 2000 Ford Explorer have?
The 2000 Ford Explorer came with 3 engines: 4.0 L 6-cylinder, 4.0 L 6-cylinder, 5.0 L 8-cylinder.
What is the fuel economy of the 2000 Ford Explorer?
It gets 15 to 18 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA.
Does the 2000 Ford Explorer have recalls?
15 recall campaigns are on record. The latest concerns Vehicle Speed Control (2009-10-13).
What are the common problems of the 2000 Ford Explorer?
40 owners have filed complaints, most often about Vehicle Speed Control.

Other years

Which Ford Explorer year to buy? Recalls and complaints by year

Other models by Ford

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