Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
06E026000PRO-A MOTORS, INC. E (Equipment)6194404/03/2006OVSCFORD MOTOR COMPANY03/23/200603/23/2006571108
Defect SummaryCertain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Consequence SummaryWithout the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Corrective SummaryPro-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.
NotesThis recall only pertains to pro-a motors aftermarket lamps and has no relation to any original equipment installed on the listed passenger vehicles.for more information on the lamp model numbers, click on document search and view document titled lamp model numbers.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration
09E012000SABERSPORT E (Equipment)1627005/11/2009OVSCFORD MOTOR COMPANY04/07/200904/07/2009571108
Defect SummarySabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment. these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Consequence SummaryDecreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Corrective SummarySabersport 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.
NotesThis recall only pertains to aftermarket replacement equipment and has no relation to any original equipment installed on vehicles produced by the vehicle manufacturer.in order to determine if your aftermarket lamp assembly is affected by this noncompliance, please review the list of model numbers provided to us by sabersport.the list can be found under document search located at the bottom of your screen.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov .
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS
09E025000DOPE, INC. E (Equipment)4254007/28/2009OVSCFORD MOTOR COMPANY05/11/200905/11/2009571108
Defect SummaryDope, inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment. these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Consequence SummaryDecreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Corrective SummaryDope, 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.
NotesThis recall only pertains to aftermarket replacement equipment and has no relation to any original equipment installed on vehicles produced by the vehicle manufacturer.in order to determine if your aftermarket lamp assembly is affected by this noncompliance, please review the list of model numbers provided to us by dope, inc.the list can be found under document search located at the bottom of your screen. owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov .

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS
1556401/01/2002630100Some 4 door vehicles with the autolamp feature may exhibit a condition of the headlamps staying on all the time. *tt04/12/2002
736811/01/1999610795Information regarding the discontinuation of illuminated running boards. *tt05/15/2000
1342510/01/1999609690Subject regarding discontinued running board lights. *tt04/06/2000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TURN SIGNAL - SWITCH
1511908/01/2001624608Information regarding multifunction switch part number clarification. *slc11/08/2001
00B4004/01/2000613557Information regarding multifunction switch replacement. **mr07/21/2000
9924311/29/19996090186On some vehicles, the front windshield wipers may operate while the multifunction switch is in the off position. *tt03/10/2000

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
08/07/2008630001
 Multiswitch in 2000 ford explorer failed and gave off smoke, afraid of fire. *tr
05/29/2008590001
 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. *tr
08/06/200459000504/23/2004
 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).*ak
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - BRAKE LIGHTS
10/17/2000510/17/2000
 The vehicle experienced problems with the lower ball joints and smoke emitted from the steering column, the dealer replaced the relay switch.*mr there were problems with the left turn signal indicator. intermittently without warning when the brakes were fully applied the lights stayed on. when the brake was disengaged, the indicator signaled again, in spite of replacement the problem the continued intermittently, however the dealer stated there was no problem. *ts *jb
05/07/2003
 The brake lights failed while backing up. *nlm.
10/01/2002999909/01/2099
 The brake lights do not come on under light braking, dealer showed me that this happens on other vehicles he had on his lot. dealer is unable to fix, i contacted ford customer service, file 1495490060, and ford requested that i test other similar vehicles, i did, and once i confirmed to ford that the other vehicles exibited the same problem ford told me that there was nothing they would do as the operation is normal. since seeing the problem on my ford explorer i have notice that many ford explorers stopped at trafic lights do not have any brake lights on. is this the same problem as i am seeing? ford does not appear to care. dt
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS
04/14/2005106/17/2002
 When turning on the left turn signal, it occasionally fails to work properly and smoke arises from the steering wheel/hazard lights button. i took it to ford to have the problem corrected, but they were estimating a few hundred dollars in charges, and considered it to be normal wear and tear on the vehicle. after reviewing a number of similar complains on the mycarstats.com website, i don't believe this should be considered normal wear and tear. it is obviously a manufacturer's defect that should be corrected at no cost to the owner. *ak
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS - SWITCH
02/10/2003354011001/11/2003
 *note* problems arose when vehicle was bought* vehicle bucks while in od. also vehicle makes a ticking/hissing noise. dealer cannot locate noise. od light flashes. rear right passenger door is hard to open from inside, consumer must pull latch to extreme point to open, also when open, after closed dome and door ajar lights stay on. ford refuses to fix. lighter while in use was pushed through dash, unit and all. plastics melted. vehicle also gets 7 mpg highway, but is supposed to get 14. efi cleaned, higher grade fuel used, ect. and stll gets bad mileage. - update- transmission bucking caused vehicle to hit parked car behind vehicle when accelarator stuck. shoulder dislocated. rear entertainment headphone jack 1 broken when bought, dealer refuses to replace. on occasion while turn signals are in use, smoke omitts from hazard switch on steering console. vehicle's rear wiper arm snapped in half while in use. if this is the best ford can build, henry ford must be spinning in his grave! *pr. *ak
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS
02/23/2008100000109/01/2000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. for the past two months, the contact has experienced electrical failure with his vehicle. the instrument panel and headlights do not illuminate, the windshield wipers work intermittently, and the battery is always low. the vehicle was taken to the auto garage, but they were unable to diagnose the failure. the vehicle was taken to the dealer on april 8, 2008 and they stated that the headlight and globe wiring were the cause of the failures. the cost of the repair is $800. according to the manufacturer, the dealer informed them that the failure was not under the hood; therefore, they were not responsible. the contact believes that his vehicle is included in nhtsa campaign id number 00v072000 (electrical system:fuses and circuit breakers) and he did not receive a recall notice. the vin, engine size, and number of cylinders were unknown. the current and failure mileages were 100,000. updated 05/19/08 *bf updated 05/19/08. *jb
 When driving at night or when headlights were needed consumer noticed poor or insufficent lightening which caused poor driver's visibility. also, manufacturer has changed design in 2001 vehicles. consumer had some safety concerns while driving his vehicle with firestone, wilderness p25570r16 tires. thus far , has not experienced a problem, but was just concerned. please provide any further details. *ak
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TAIL LIGHTS
01/14/2003400002
 The second row seat belts will not unlock once buckle is latched. also,the tail light lenses continued to fill with water, causing the bulbs to explode. dealer will not repair the seat belts or the tail lights without the consumer paying for the parts or labor.*ak
11/01/1999
 Shortly after purchasing the vehicle the left rear window began leaking during the rain. after two repairs the luggage rack was replaced and the seals around the windows were replaced. the tail light casings began to collect water after the second repair. after close inspection the case surrounding the tail lights were rusted. i have had the vehicle at the dealership 4 times for the leaking and it has not been fixed. water is gettiing into the electrical system of the vehicle through the tail lights. i have also taken the truck in 3 times for a grinding noise when braking. the dealer reported that it was an issue with the rotors and the problem was fixed. the brakes continue to grind during braking at slow speeds as well as fast braking. the lights and windows in the back of the vehicle are leaking to the point that the vehicle smells musty because of the water leaks. the dealer will not do anything about the water damage or the leaking. i am concerned that this will short out the electrical system on the vehicle and possibly result in a fire. i have asked for a representative from ford to inspect the vehicle and the dealer refuses. i have also contacted the customer assistance center for ford motor company. please provide assistance with this issue.
11/01/1999
 Everytime it rains tail lights fill up with water. also, water enters in the vehicle through the back windows. vehicle has been taken to the dealer on 4 different occasions. dealer has resealed lights and windows as remedy, but the problem still occurs.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TURN SIGNAL
06/17/2005920002505/30/2001
 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.
04/14/2005106/17/2002
 When turning on the left turn signal, it occasionally fails to work properly and smoke arises from the steering wheel/hazard lights button. i took it to ford to have the problem corrected, but they were estimating a few hundred dollars in charges, and considered it to be normal wear and tear on the vehicle. after reviewing a number of similar complains on the mycarstats.com website, i don't believe this should be considered normal wear and tear. it is obviously a manufacturer's defect that should be corrected at no cost to the owner. *ak
03/29/2005776882
 The left turn signal light in the interior of the dashboard remained on and caused smoke to come out of the steering column. this could be dangerous because there could be an electrical short which would result in a fire.*ak the consumer placed the vehicle in park to release the turn signal and stop electrical smoke. *bf *nm
01/17/2001203/01/2000
 About 50% of the time the turn signal will not lock in place, you have to jockey the steering will to get the turn signal to stay on. the mechanism was supposedly replaced on 1/17/2001 and the problem still existed. i was told that this was normal operation for the turn signal. on april 30, 2002 i had the vehicle in the dealer and mentioned the continued issue with the turn signal. i was told that some of them act this way...it's just the way it is (greg bower). i continue to deal with this problem. i find the problem not only an irritant, but also a saftey problem. i find my attention diverted from driving safely when i am trying to get the turn signal to lock in place (to safely signal to other drivers my intentions).*jb
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TURN SIGNAL - SWITCH
01/01/19011
 2000 ford explorer had smoke emitting from the steering column when using the turn signals. *nj the dealer replaced the turn signal switch. *jb
02/13/200864347111/01/2003
 Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. while driving 40 mph, she noticed smoke coming from the steering column when she engaged the signal switch. the contact stated that the failure only occurred when she engaged the signal switch. as of february 14, 2008, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. the current and failure mileages were 64,347. updated 03-04-08 *bf updated 03/04/08 *tr
08/14/20061004/26/2000
 On several occasions when i put on my left turn signal it doesn't blink it just freezes and smoke comes from the steering column. as soon as i turn the turn signal off it stops smoking. it will be ok for a while but then happens again. yesterday when it happened i had trouble getting it to stop smoking. i am making an appointment today to have this corrected. *nm
06/15/2005800001000
 When using the left turn signal, flashing pauses, then smoke drifts up from the area of the emergency flasher switch opening. with so few complaints, i assume the remedy is to allow the vehicle to catch fire and file suit against ford. would seem more reasonable for ford to investigate and resolve their quality issue.
03/02/2002310/01/2001
 On three separate occasion the multi-function switch failed. contacted the dealer, and was told it was the cruise control. consumer states you could smell the plastic burning. please provide any further information. *nm . this vehicle wa snot included in the recall. *ak
10/17/2000510/17/2000
 The vehicle experienced problems with the lower ball joints and smoke emitted from the steering column, the dealer replaced the relay switch.*mr there were problems with the left turn signal indicator. intermittently without warning when the brakes were fully applied the lights stayed on. when the brake was disengaged, the indicator signaled again, in spite of replacement the problem the continued intermittently, however the dealer stated there was no problem. *ts *jb
02/11/2002
 Dealer had to replace multi-function switch for second time because of smoke coming from steering column. feel free to provide any further information.*ak
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
08/03/20001012/01/1999
 While engaging the turn signal and making a turn, the windshield wipers will engage. the dealer has been contacted and i was told this was part of a recall for 1999 models, but he hadn't heard about this on the 2000 models. said it is result of failed multi-function switch.