2000 Ford Explorer Sport: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 71 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (17% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2000
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 71 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer sport. The contact stated that while starting the ignition, the engine warning indicator remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where four 02 oxygen sensors were replaced. After the repair the failure persisted but the vehicle was not further serviced. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 169,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2014
“I got into my car to go to lunch from my place of employment with my ceo. When I sat down the seat fell back and the seat back would not catch again. I took my life into my hands driving home that evening. Contacted our local ford dealer where we purchased the car, they said the part was no longer available and they could not fix it. They never informed us of a recall. Until exploring the internet today 10-25-2013 we did not realize there was a recall at all. NHTSA campaign id # 03v281000/NHTSA action #pe03020 of august 5-2013. Now we can not locate the part. *tr”Owner report · Seats · Apr 2013
“2000 ford explorer, o/d light began flashing, car sputtered, driving down the road, car would not go at all as though it was stuck in neutral. Will not go in gear. No drive, no reverse, nothing. Towed to transmission repair shop, $1800. To replace transmission. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2011
Show 7 more owner reports
“Smoke coming out of steering column when turn signal engaged. Took to dealer and told ignition switch had signs of a hot point and was melting. Had ignition switch replaced at a service station, however, they said they saw no visible signs of damage. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2010
“Windshield wipers stop working,power windows not working, dome light not working, fog lights not working and 4 wheel drive and auto not working. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2010
“Air bag light stays on. Dealer states a "short" in wiring loom, needs to replace with a better connector for $1100. Dealer warns me that while light is "on" airbag system will not operate in a crash. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2008
“The driver side rear bottom frame failed in a non moving area. This cause the back of the seat to fall back as the hinge for seat tilt came out of the top due to this failure. Thank god I was in my driveway or we would have had a wreck. Structural steel in a seat frame should not fail in an 8 year old car. The car has not been in a wreck on the seat abused. The driver weigh 200 lbs or less. *tr”Owner report · Seats · Oct 2008
“The driver's side front seat, without warning, reclined completely. Mechanic believes that the bolt holding the recliner mechanism to the seat frame is broken. Currently using the rear seat to prop up the driver's seat until a replacement seat can be found. *tr”Owner report · Seats · Sep 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer sport. While stopped at a stop light, smoke appeared from the steering column. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the multifunction switch in the steering column failed. They further stated that once the switch fails, it could catch fire. The vehicle cannot be driven until the switch is replaced. The vehicle is currently at the dealer for repair. There were no warning indicators prior to the failure. The failure mileage was 79,000.”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2008
“Received recall notice on 2000 ford explorer for defective speed control unit that can cause fires in aug.'07 and sep'07. Called local dealer oct.07, no part avail was told avail in dec.'07 when to dealer in dec.'07 in person was now told part not avail. Until "maybe" march 2008. This is unacceptable! *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 2007
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH STEEL HOODS AND CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SHEET MOLDING COMPOUND HOODS. A WIRE FORMED HOOD STRIKER COULD BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FATIGUE FRACTURES. IF THE HOOD STRIKER FRACTURES, THE HOOD COULD FLY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOOD STRIKER.
How other years compare
Check your exact Explorer Sport by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2000 Ford Explorer Sport reliable?
NHTSA has 71 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2000 Ford Explorer Sport. The most complained-about area is power train (17% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2000 Ford Explorer Sport problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 68,112 miles or less.
Does the 2000 Ford Explorer Sport have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning structure:body:hood:hinge and attachments. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.