Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
AIR BAGS - SIDE/WINDOW
00V179000FORD MOTOR COMPANYfrom 06/01/2000 to 06/20/2000V (Vehicle)230007/10/2000MFRFORD MOTOR COMPANY07/05/200007/11/2000
Defect SummaryVehicle 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.
Consequence SummaryInadvertent side air bag deployment could cause personal injury to the seat occupant.
Corrective SummaryDealers will replace the side crash sensors with a revised design that will reduce the likelihood of an unexpected side air bag deployment.
NotesOwner notification began july 10, 2000.owners who 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. also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
AIR BAGS
1613108/01/2002636151Some vehicles may exhibit repeat service for an air bag lamp on with diagnostic trouble codes b1994 and b1998 set. *tt11/06/2002
1611408/01/2002636137Some vehicles may exhibit repeat service for air bag lamp on with diagnostic trouble code b1994 (driver side air bag circuit resistance high) and / or b1998 (passenger side air bag circuit resistance high). *tt11/05/2002
1356311/01/1999610933Some vehicles may exhibit an air bag lamp on with side air bag diagnostic trouble codes b1994 and b1998 in self test. engineering has released a robust overlay harness to install on vehicles that come in for this issue. *tt05/18/2000
AIR BAGS - FRONTAL - SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
1358111/01/1999614648Some vehicles may exhibit an air bag lamp on with side air bag diagnostic trouble codes b1994 and / or b1998 in self test. *tt11/29/2000

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
AIR BAGS
10/20/2012180000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. the contact stated that the driver of the vehicle was was going 65 mph and crashed. the contact stated that she did not know the cause of the crash but after looking over pictures if the crash, she noticed that the air bags did not deploy. the contact stated that the driver of the vehicle died and there was a police report filed. the witness of the crash stated that the vehicle had crashed into an oncoming vehicle and the driver was ejected from the driver side door. the occupants of the other vehicle were not injured. the vehicle was destroyed. the manufacturer was not notified and the vehicle was not inspected. the failure mileage was 180,000. the vin was unavailable. ap
12/05/2009147000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. after starting the ignition, the air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. the manufacturer was notified. the vehicle has not been inspected for the malfunction. the failure and current mileages were 147,000. the vehicle identification number was unavailable.
08/30/2007781361
 While driving the airbag light came on and stayed on. i took it to a ford dealer the same day and was told it was the side airbag problem. the testing code was 1998. they charged me $903.45 to fix it on august 30, 2007. on august 23, 2008 the airbag light started flashing while i was driving. i called the ford dealer and took it right in. was told the part they replaced had gone bad and needed to be replaced again. of course they had to order the part and that took three days. i was told that when the light is on the airbags don?t work. this happened six days before the one year warranty ran out and the vehicle had only been 4,100 miles since the part was replaced. the part was replaced for the second time on august 27, 2008 under the one year warrant period. the work was performed so poorly that i have no faith the airbags will work if i ever need them. i took it back to the ford dealer and showed them that the wiring for the side airbag was poking out the back of the seat and the air bag really wasn't on the side it was more of a backseat airbag now. needless to say i have to leave it with the dealer again to fix it. i have seen the numerous complaints about the airbags and would like to know when ford is going to step up and admit there is a problem. *tr
07/01/20081600001
 In avoidance of hitting a cow, i rolled my ford explorer at least 3 times and none of the airbags deployed, front nor the side curtain airbags. my husband and myself were fortunate to come out with minor injuries. i have contacted ford motor company and the have not yet offered to settle. *tr
08/01/2006600341
 Consumer left front tire blewout and shredded causing consumer to replace tire with spare. *ts 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. *nm
08/18/2006950001
 Dt*: the contact stated the air bag warning light illuminated constantly, and when the front passenger door was shut and the passenger side air bag deployed without warning. the air bag struck the passenger in the vehicle, causing bruises. the vehicle was not taken in for service.
06/01/2005688172
 Dt: the cruise control switch shorted out. sometimes it would work and then other times it would not work, and finally quit working altogether. had it replaced by mechanic, had not contacted dealer or the manufacturer. cruise control failed on june 1, 2005. *ak the clockspring failed and caused the horn to activate intermittently. *nm
08/20/20044600009/15/2000
 Air bag light waring light came on, indicating that the air bags are no longer working. initially the air bag warning light would come on periodically and then go off for weeks at a time. even though this is known problem the dealer stated the only way ford will install the wiring kit 3l2z-14b455-ab, that fixes the problem, is if the vehicle has less than 50000 miles on it. i had to pay them to install the fix kit, because they stated that the air bags would not work without doing so.
03/01/20053
 The air bag check light remains on. the owner's manual informs the consumer that the air bag may not deploy in an accident . owner will take vehicle for repairs for the third time for the same problem.*ak
01/01/20051
 When the vehicle was started the air bag light illuminated on the dash and remained on until the engine was shut off. *nm *sc *jb
12/26/2004580001
 Consumer was driving at approximately 60 mph and the air bags deployed inadvertently. there was no accident. vehicle did not make contact with anything. *ak
11/20/2004102/18/2000
 For approximately two weeks prior to december 5th, 2004, the heat element in my 2000 ford explorer driver seat would become painfully hot under the left leg near the torso to the point where it needed to be manually turned off each time. it was turned off as it became painful, and we were concerned we would become burned and would the seat catch on fire. my other concern for this is someone, such as a diabetic, with neuropathy wouldn't feel the intensity of the heat and become burned. 2) approx 2 weeks after the initial event the seat light will come on but no heat is produced. why did it take 2 weeks for the element (assumed) to burn out? 3) the car is scheduled to go to an independant mechanic as i do not trust ford to do the right thing. the dealer is not concerned that my driver airbag light goes on and off at will for days or weeks at a time. they recalled the 98 and 99 models for a tensioner pulley problem and issued a service bulletin for the '00 but the dealer wants to charge $500 for the repair......most defects i took in for warranty repair remain unfixed, (mostly electrical in nature) including a rear wiper that rarely goes on, radio stations and clock display that occasionally can be seen and a rear passenger door handle that after 5 attempts (ford went against their engineer recommendations to do a recall) will unlock with power lock but the unsuspecting or in a hurry will just about rip a hand off to get it open.*ak
04/02/2004540001
 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. *ak
4
 Intermittently air bag light appeared on the dashboard while driving at any speed. vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic replace the steering wheel, and the safety harness. however, problem still occurs. *ak
02/13/200415
 When driving at an undetermined speed air bag warning light appeared on the dashboard. consumer had informed the dealer about this issue. however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the problem. *ak
01/30/200407/15/2000
 2000 ford explorer. air bag diagnostic light keeps coming on, even though it has been to the ford dealer 4 times in the past 12 months. the light flashes 3 times and then 7 times and then stays on.
01/05/200451700112/02/2003
 Air bags inoperable due to high resistance or poor connections in the side air bag (sab) wiring harness circuits or restraints control module. (ford article #03-24-1) manufacturer makes a service kit for repair at customers expense of $800 installed. i guess air bags aren't that important. *cb
320001
 The air bag warning light started to flickered or stayed on while driving. this could result in premature or non deployment of the air bag in an accident. dealership has only performed a temporary fix to correct the problem. they serviced the truck twice, but the failure still exists. *ak *cb *jb
1
 Air bag light remains illuminated on dashboard. *mr the air bag light remained on long after the vehicle was running. the problem was intermittent. the dealer said that the cause of the problem was traced to the wiring harness. the consumer requested reimbursement. *scc *jb
09/09/2003
 When starting up the vehicle. the air bag light would come on and would stay on the reminder of the time the vehicle was being operated. the cause has yet to be determine. the consumer has notified the dealership but the problem has not been resolve. *nlm
08/23/2003370001
 While merging onto a ramp at 25-35 mph consumer allowed a vehicle to pass. sitting at a stand still at the top of the ramp was another vehicle that consumer's vehicle rear ended. consumer was wearing seat belts, but none of the air bags deployed. police did arrive on the scene and no one was cited.*ak
05/27/2003103/01/2002
 While driving the airbag light appeared on the dash and would not go off until the vehicle was shut off. *nlm *ak *ph *nlm
02/04/2003101/27/2001
 Consumer was involved in a side collision accident, neither the 4 air bag deployed. dealer and manufacturer has been notified. ph *tt
08/10/20005
 The air bag light came on and the dealer pointed out that the corroded connector was causing the problem, the consumer states that the vehicle was not safe to drive. *yh
11/01/2000904/01/2000
 The airbag warning light illuminated, taken in for waranty repair, had several wiring harnesses replaced and the side airbag. *jg
01/25/2001610/09/1999
 When starting up vehicle airbag light would come on, light stays on all the time while driving. had light fixed six times and problem still exists. *ak *slc
03/23/2001306/30/2000
 When starting up vehicle air bag light remains on until vehicle is turned off. have been to dealer for repairs several times.*ak consumer also statred the turn signals and hazard lights were inoperative, dealer replaced the multi-function switch, also there was an unusual noise coming from the engine compartment,and there was also smoke coming from the upper steeing column.*slc
09/08/2001112/01/1999
 This component controls the operation of the two front airbags. this wire harness just stopped working. *ak
08/10/20005
 The air bag light came on and the dealer pointed out that the corroded connector was causing the problem, the consumer states that the vehicle was not safe to drive. *yh
106/01/2000
 Air bag light keeps coming on and flashing. have taken to dealership 5 times but mechanic can not resolve problem.*ak the vehicle was repaired by the dealer, but check the fuel cap light came on. also, the air bag light was back after a couple of days and the dealer was unable to solve the problem. *yh
 Recalls 00v22801/ seat belt buckles and 00v179000/ air bag system. parts are not available. dealership was first notified on 11/7/2000. *ak
AIR BAGS - FRONTAL
07/01/20081600001
 In avoidance of hitting a cow, i rolled my ford explorer at least 3 times and none of the airbags deployed, front nor the side curtain airbags. my husband and myself were fortunate to come out with minor injuries. i have contacted ford motor company and the have not yet offered to settle. *tr
11/06/20067500110/08/2004
 Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 58 mph on normal road conditions, the vehicle was involved in a rear side impact collision with another vehicle and both front air bags did not deploy. the contact sustained minor injuries made mostly by the seatbelt that was worn during this accident. the air bag warning light was not illuminated prior to the incident. the contact took pictures, and no police report was taken. the vehicle was currently at an independent body shop for further examination and repairs. no repairs had currently been made.
09/17/20041
 Consumer's vehicle was involved in a front end crash at 10 mph. upon impact, air bags did not deploy. manufacturer was notified by consumer. *ak
08/13/200462000110/15/2002
 Vehicle was involved in a head on collision while driving at 35 mph.upon impact, both frontal air bags failed to deploy. three persons were injured, and one was transported to the local hospital by ambulance. a private vehicle transported the other two. dealer was notified. *ak *tc
03/14/2004205/05/2000
 My son was driving our 2000 ford explorer and accidentally struck a telephone pole near the center of the front bumper. neither the driver side nor the passenger side air bag deployed on impact.*ak
07/01/200334500106/14/2001
 While driving at 40mph was involved a front collision and neither of the air bags deployed. consumer stated that manufacturer and dealer were not helping at all. *ak *ph
06/01/20031
 Consumer states that while driving at 35mph vehicle was in a collision. consumer states that both front airbags did not deploy. dealer notified.*ak
1
 Consumer's vehicle was rear ended which caused the vehicle to hit a wall, and the airbags failed to deploy. *jb
09/28/2002
 Vehicle involved in a frontal collision with a tree. both frontal airbags did not deployed. dealer and manufacturer notified. ts
05/23/2002
 Vehicle hit 5 feet stone wall at 25 mph, and neither airbag deployed. driver hit her head on steering wheel and suffered head trauma/ broken cheek and nose. vehicle was totalled.*ak
05/03/2002
 While at low speeds during traffic consumer was rear ened at 60 mph, and consumer was pushed into another vehicle. upon impact, none of the air bags deployed. contacted dealer. *ak
02/25/20021
 Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision at 40-45 mph with a tree, and neither air bag deployed. *ak consumer adds that the airbag sensor bracket which is 4 inches long folded around, thus not deploying the air bags, had the sensors been placed on the frame on a shorter bracket they would have deployed, one person was injured in accident. *tt
02/19/2002111/25/1999
 While traveling 50 mph, consumer was involved in a head-on collision, hitting a tree with frontal damage, the air bags did not deploy at any time.*ak. consumer was informed by manufacturer that they were not liable for air bags in an anccident.*jb
12/20/2001101/20/2000
 While traveling approximately 40 to 50 mph a vehicle in front of him came to an abrupt stop. as a result, consumer's vehicle rear ended the stopped vehicle and both frontal air bags failed to deploy. driver received head, neck, and back injuries. vehicle has not been examined by dealership or insurance company to determine reason for the air bag failure. *ak another auto specialist examined the vehicle and determined that the failure of the air bags to deploy was due to the computer failure. *yh
03/22/2001102/01/2000
 Air bags did not deploy on a head on crash. front left wheel and assebly ripped off doors twisted out of alignmet, auto impacted twice. was air bag supposed to deploy or not?
01/12/20010
 While driving about 35 mph slip on a ice spot and lost control of vehicle, crashing into an utility pole, and none of dual air bags deployed.*ak
 While driving at approximately 45 mph driver lost control of vehicle, hit median head-on and vehicle rolled over. driver's and passenger's airbags did not deploy, causing injuries.*ak
06/11/2000
 While making a c-shaped turn around on beltway at approximately 20-25 mph steering commenced to pull to the right, causing vehicle to hit the curve, rollover, and flip on driver's side. also, both air bags failed to deploy. dealer notified, and told consumer to report it to manufacturer. feel free to provide further details. *ak
04/09/2000109/14/1999
 While driving down a mountain in low gear, traveling 15mph with the road being slippery, hit an ice patch, and vehicle started swerving. was unable to control vehicle and it hit an embankment, and neither airbag deployed.*ak
05/11/2000101/24/2000
 Consumer was involved in a head-on collision while driving at 40 mph in which neither driver's side nor passenger's side air bags deployed. consumer has contacted dealer. *ak
04/26/200009/25/1999
 Consumer was involved in a frontal collision in which driver's and passenger's air bags did not deploy. *ak
AIR BAGS - FRONTAL - SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
02/28/2005850001
 Air bag has a defect-needs air bag harness kit. the seat belt light comes on & stays on . this is how i found out that there is a problem. the ford garage says t isn't covered under my extended warranty. *ak
05/06/2000
 Airbag indicator light came on as soon as consumer turned on the automobile. consumer has taken automobile to dealer. at the end of the day, dealer advised the consumer to pick up vehicle, but airbag light was still on. effect of airbag safety light being on can cause the airbag not to deploy in an automobile accident. *ak
05/05/20000
 Airbag sensor indicator light was on. the consumer took automobile to dealer. dealer had advised consumer to pickup the automobile, but the air bag light was still on. effect can mean that the airbags would not deploy in a case of an accident which can cause serious injury or even death. *ak
AIR BAGS - SIDE/WINDOW
07/01/20081600001
 In avoidance of hitting a cow, i rolled my ford explorer at least 3 times and none of the airbags deployed, front nor the side curtain airbags. my husband and myself were fortunate to come out with minor injuries. i have contacted ford motor company and the have not yet offered to settle. *tr
04/14/20062
 Air bag light illuminated. took in to check. side impact airbags require new wiring harness - there is an update to the wiring harness - no recall. however, if not repaired no airbags function. this is second wiring harness failure in vehicle. *jb
11/01/2004108/20/2004
 Nhtsa campaign 00v179000; ford issued an air bag recall. this vehicle is not included in the recall, however the air bag light illuminated. the vin is outside the remedy scope. *jb *sc
11/15/2002
 Consumer stated that parked vehicle was hit on the driver's side door by another car travelling approximately 25-30mph. consumer's driver's side airbag did not deploy. collision caused over $3500 worth of damage to vehicle. ts
11/01/2000904/01/2000
 The airbag warning light illuminated, taken in for waranty repair, had several wiring harnesses replaced and the side airbag. *jg
07/08/20001
 New vehicle was delivered to the consumer without the recall repair completed (00v-179). *mjs