Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - ABS WARNING LIGHT
1502206/01/2001622841Concerns that the anti-lock brake system (abs) lamp is on with diagnostic trouble codes c1230, c1229, or c1237. *tt10/23/2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
0111001/22/200103241618083Air bag lamp on with diagnostic trouble codes b1994 and / or b1998 stored in memory. *tt04/03/2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
1591005/01/2002637803Concerns with brake vibration, roughness and / or grinding noise, and excessive brake rotor corrosion. *tt12/06/2002
1524909/01/2001625794Concerns with high brake pedal force to stop after rotor machining. *tt12/03/2001
1516808/01/2001624668Some vehicles may exhibit an intermittent high frequency brake squeal noise. *yh11/08/2001
9919409/20/19996090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement. *tt03/06/2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - SWITCHES - BRAKE LIGHT
0217609/02/200210008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock. *mj08/05/2004

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SERVICE BRAKES
08/20/20121800001
 I was stopped at an intersection waiting for oncoming traffic to slow down to turn, and the truck just takes off on its own. i tried pressing the brake pedal but as soon as it took off i was hit by another vehicle. after my truck was hit by the vehicle it took off again out of control on its own while i was trying to press the brake. luckily the truck died on its own before hitting anything else. *tr
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
08/26/2011
 The car was purchased used in march, 2011. the brake problem started a couple of months later but was hardly noticeable and then overnight they were completely worn out. i had them checked at pep boys to verify that they needed replacing and they said yes, immediately. i did not have aaa at the time and could not drive the car the 50 plus miles where i purchased the car, so the repairs were done at my home. i have a copy of the pep boys receipt for the purchase of the brakes, and one brake plate that needed replacing. i also have pictures of how poor the condition of the brakes were in, and i was sold the car this way. also, the car doors do not lock, and the dealer said they had replaced the driver side door with a new motor for the locks, but the door still does not work. i have receipts for addtional parts that pep boys used to fix the passenger, front door.
08/10/201078000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. while driving approximately 15-20 mph he engaged the brakes to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of him and the brake pedal went to the floor. he engaged the brakes a second time and there were no brakes. he shifted the gear shifter into one to avoid an accident. he stated using the shifter slowed the vehicle down and the other vehicle moved out of the way. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and he was advised that the brake line had rusted out. the approximate failure and current mileage were 78,000. vwb
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
02/01/200573000112/12/2004
 The consumer stated the cruise control became stuck. *jb consumer was driving on the freeway and set the cruise control at 75 mph. however, the vehicle kept accelerating although consumer had applied the brakes and the emergency brakes. vehicle would not slow down. had to circle the gas station 3 times before the vehicle would stop. significant damage was done to the braking system. the consumer was injured. the mechanic told the consumer that the brakes caught fire but the fire went out soon after. *nm
07/07/2005107/15/2000
 Dt:the consumer owns a 2000 ford explorer. the consumer had a brake job done by the dealer and they did not adjust the cables correctly for the emergency brakes. it caused the brakes to become damaged. the dealership insisted that consumer needed to pay all over again. *ak the dealer disconnected the cable a year earlier while performing brake repairs and forgot to reconnect them. *nm
01/16/200435000110/15/2003
 My brakes failed at a low rate of speed. i was driving my infant to day care at about 45 miles an hour. a car in front of me made a stop so i hit my brakes to slow down and nothing happened. the explorer would not slow down. no abs light, ,no loss of pedal,no vibration,nothing. i pumped the brake pedal and still nothing. i had to go into oncoming traffic and make a very sharp turn onto a side rd to avoid hitting the car in front of me. because of this i almost hit an on coming car. after a few minutes the brake seemed fine again. i have heard of people having this problem before and to my knowledge, no cause has yet been found. please look into this. *cb
04/26/200307/08/2000
 The car while the day before ran fine,began by slipping while in reverse. would not work in reverse so i immediately returned the car to drive where it would not go smoothly into that gear either. the car will drive in second but with not much power. this is one of many incidents with this vehicle in less than 3 years having also replacing the brakes three times in as many years, twice had to replace the rotors. *nlm
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
01/01/19011
 2000 ford explorer does not completely stop when brakes are applied. *ts ***no answer required*** *jb
08/22/20031
 Consumer states that brake rotors are wearing, and when applying the brakes, vehicle will vibrate, and extended stopping distance. *ak
09/03/20031
 Abs system disengages intermittently.*ak
04/15/200340378104/12/2003
 The tachometer cable failed at 40,378 miles. *ak consumer stated that the vehicle cruise control failed at 40,578 miles and the abs failed at 47,900 miles. in addition, the company where the vehicle was bought is already out of business. *la *jb
06/16/20011410/20/2000
 The firestone tires were replaced with goodyear tires due to humming noises and recall#00t005000. the engine made noise, vibrated, overheated and would not respond upon acceleration. the vehicles faulty shocks caused noise when driving over bumps in the road, vibration and noise in the front end. the abs warning light illuminated. the drivers side window was off track, would not go up all the way and went up unevenly. the starter became stuck made scraping sounds. the consumer requested a full refund of the purchase price in accordance to the lemon law. *mr *scc *nlm
07/27/2002301/01/2000
 This is the second ford explorer i have owned. i never had a brake job performed on the first explorer. on the 2000 explorer (my second explorer), this is the third time my vehicle has had its brakes repaired. my driving habits have not changed during the ownership of the vehicle. the first repair was at 21801miles. the second repair was at 22490 miles. the third repair was at 33575 miles.*ak
12/04/2001101/01/2000
 On 12/4/01 traveling approximately 55 mph when i had to suddenly brake for a suddenly stopped car in front of me. i pressed the brake and no abs deployed thus causing me to hit the car in front of me at near full speed. upon impact of my front end with rearend of other car, my truck sustained major damage to the entire front end, including fender, punctured radiator, compressed both side panels, folded hood. it was not driveable at the time of the accident and had to be towed. the anti-lock brakes did not work and no air bag was deployed. i have sustained physical injuries related to failure of these two safety devices. the mechanic states the airbag sensor was smashed in accident. the dealer states my brakes were fully functioning. after i received my repaired truck, the anti-lock brakes did not work. i brought it back to the dealer they said they did work, i must be mistaken. i picked the truck up and i suddenly had anti-lock brakes.*ak
08/15/2001107/21/2000
 Front end shakes and the vehicle floats. vehicle wanders in between lanes. dealer replaced front shocks, but the loose feeling is still there.*ak the vehicle was vibrating due to bent rim. the brake failed at 6000 miles. there was engine noise and the cause was not known. the tires were on recall and were replaced by firestone. the shcock absorbers also failed. *yh
08/04/2001
 Whenever vehicle has been through a car wash under carriage gets wet, and brakes fail to work properly. had rear ended another vehicle when this had happened. mechanic indicated problem will always happen when brakes are wet.*ak
01/01/2000
 At 20-35mph when braking vehicle slowly, brakes grind excessively, vehicle slides and swerves.*ak
01/01/2000
 At low speeds of 20-35mph when braking vehicle slides & swerves, brakes shakes. *ak
01/01/2001
 During panic braking at any speed vehicle will pull violently to right. dealership has examined vehicle numerous times, and replaced various aspects of braking system. please provide any additional information/attachments pertaining to this defect. *ak
04/14/2001101/08/2000
 Vehicle was traveling only five miles on highway and transmission malfunctioned. also, when consumer applied brakes vehicle would take a long time to stop. dealership was aware of problem.*ak *slc
 Cruise control and horn has failed possibly due to electrical problems . also brakes take longer time for vehicle to stop.*ak
02/26/2001204/01/2000
 Brakes have failed on two occasions. both times at low rate of speed, after first braking stops vehicle, but then brakes fail causing extended stopping. brought vehicle to dealer first time of failure in fall of 2000. they were unable to get the vehicle . *ak
02/15/2001
 Consumer was traveling 35mph while changing into a turn lane brakes were suddenly applied, they locked up and vehicle skidded. this was second time vehicle has done this. consumer has a private mechanic to look at vehicle. consumer will added the vin#. *ak
10/11/2000110/01/1999
 While reversing engine could not decelerate. when stepping on brakes pedal went to the floor, but vehicle could not be stopped, crashing into garage. then vehicle was towed to dealer, and they could not find out what caused problem.*ak
 Anti-lock brake system does not work because abs warning light is illuminated on dash panel. consumer was told this by dealer. *ak
12/07/20001
 While traveling 70 mph vehicles in front of consumer stopped suddenly. when consumer stepped on brake pedal it responded normally, but abs brakes locked up, vehicle skidded, and eventually came to a stop. no accident or injuries occurred. 5 passengers were in vehicle at time of incident.no prior warnings. *ak after the first incident, the brakes failed but worked properly when applied again. *yh
 Abs light and brake light stay on, indicating a problem with braking systelm. also, heater and air conditioner malfunctioned. please provide further information.*ak
 When applying brakes brake light came on indicating a malfunction within the system ,pedal went to the floor, causing extended stopping distance which resulted in a collision due to a defect in the front left brake caliper. please give any further details.*ak
09/03/2000309/01/2000
 Brakes failed on more than one occasion. took to dealer on sep.4 told on the 5th that nothing was wrong with them. i beg to differ because i didn't stop when i applied my brakes. rear windshield wiper moter is already out and had to be replaced. the front seat tracks also need to be replaced because they don't stay latched or they will not come up when you try to get them to. i was told the tires on my truck were fine, but i have a piece of the tire missing. i went on a trip to tenn. and it was 100+ degrees. we were stuck in traffic for over an hour. when we started traveling on the interstate again i had a horrible vibration in my truck while driving at 60 mph.( dot number: 8hxl tire size: p235/75r15 )
 While depressing the brakes in a sudden stop. pedal would go to the floorboard, causing the consumer to depress the gass and brake pedals at same time. dealer has been notified. please provide further information. *ak
11/17/1999
 When the brakes were applied in a panic stop the pedal went to the floor, resulting in extended stopping which caused a minor collision. dealer has inspected and will repair the vehicle. 8ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - ABS WARNING LIGHT
11/12/200320001
 While driving abs warning light appeared on the dashboard intermittently. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
01/01/19011
 2000 ford explorer abs system engaging while stopping causing hard braking. *kb the vehicle abs activates while braking at low speeds. *nm
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
03/10/200463750101/04/2000
 The right front brake disc corroded and cracked causing my front brakes to lock up. i had to replace both front brake dics rotors and brake pads and overhaul the right front brake caliper.*ak
12/31/2001507/01/2000
 Repeated failure of brake pads and rotors, front and rear, left and right, after normal replacement of original brakes at 35k (front) and 43k (rear) miles. rotors are warping every 3-8000k miles, resulting in extreme vibration and extended stopping distance during braking. this with discs wearing excessively, resulting in blackened rims after less than 1000 miles of driving. since december 2001 (20k miles), brakes and rotors have been replaced 5 times. my driving habits have not changed during this period. problems only began after replacment of original brakes. dealer is now insisting i pay for all repairs. which would mean a complete brake job every 2 months other complaints of this nature exist. (ie, odi #'s 766490, 722010, 753303, 8012462, 764972)
08/30/2002210/01/2099
 Premature failure of brake pads and rotors. this is the second time rotors have been replaced on this vehicle. this vehicle seems to eat pads.*ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - CALIPER
12/18/2007187673107/18/2007
 The bolt to brake caliper on the front passenger side fell out, causing the caliper to fall out and the wheel lock up. if i hadn't have been at a low speed it could have been disastrous for me, my one year old and other people. *tr
06/10/200337120105/01/2001
 When the brakes were applied, the left caliper returned the brake pad, which caused the pad to wear, and a squeaking noise was heard from the wheel. the consumer replaced the rear brake pad and left rear rotor. dealer notified. *ak *cb *jb
11/12/200269000112/14/1999
 While driving, the consumer heard a noise and later discovered, the caliper was improperly adjusted. dealer had been notified. mr the consumer heard a noise while driving . when he had come to a complete stop, the vehicle was placed into reverse and the left front wheel immediately locked up and the tire rapidly deflated. when the wheel was removed, two bolts in the brake caliper was gone. the caliper assembly was wedged into the rim and tore a hole 1-2 inches in the rim of the wheel. *scc *jb
09/01/2001101/01/2000
 Left side brake caliper fell off, causing wheels to lock up. this was a week after the passenger side was tightened by dealer due to noise in front end. have all paperwork and also digital pictures. if the caliper would have dropped off on the freeway, it could have been a disaster....thanks. *ak
 When applying brakes brake light came on indicating a malfunction within the system ,pedal went to the floor, causing extended stopping distance which resulted in a collision due to a defect in the front left brake caliper. please give any further details.*ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS
03/27/2005500001
 Hello, while recently replacing the disc brake pads on the rear of our 2000 ford explorer 4dr xlt 4wd (aprox 50k miles), i noticed severe chaffing in multiple spots of the emergency brake cables just aft of where they split from one cable into two armored cables (left rear wheel well area). they cross over each other and due to obvious vertical suspension travel they were chaffing against each other and it appeared one was also chaffing against the frame somewhat (the latter i'm guessing occurs only when carrying a heavy load). the chaffing was so bad that it had rubbed all the way through to the actual left cable (aprox 50% of the cable diameter)allowing water etc... kicked up by the wheel to penetrate and severely corrode the cable. soon after i had removed the wheel, the cable snapped in two due to the suspension being unloaded and the severe corrosion of the cable. i am curious if there is already a recall on this or if you have had other reports of the same problem on other explorers. unless my vehicle is missing clamps etc... this appears to be a bad design to have the two cables touching the way they do. i have taken multiple digital pictures with the suspension unloaded and with the vehicle back on the ground and would be happy to send them to you. this is very concerning to me because if the e-brake were to be used at a decent rate of speed, one wheel braking action could obviuosly cause a loss of control of the vehicle, not to mention the vehicle rolling down the driveway due to loss of parking brake action. the parts (cables) are availaibe as they are still installed on the vehicle at this time. please contact me with any info you have. thanks,*ak
02/01/200573000112/12/2004
 Consumer was driving on the freeway and set the cruise control at 75 mph. however, the vehicle kept accelerating, although consumer had applied the brakes and the emergency brakes. vehicle would not slow down. had to circle the gas station 3 times before the vehicle would stop. *ak the consumer stated that she ran 3 red lights before she could get the vehicle to come to a stop. the consumer slammed the vehicle into park going 50mph. significant damage was done to the braking system. the consumer was injured. the mechanic told the consumer that the brakes caught fire and she was lucky the fire put itself out. *tc
06/10/200337120105/01/2001
 When the brakes were applied, the left caliper returned the brake pad, which caused the pad to wear, and a squeaking noise was heard from the wheel. the consumer replaced the rear brake pad and left rear rotor. dealer notified. *ak *cb *jb
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
02/01/200573000112/12/2004
 Consumer was driving on the freeway and set the cruise control at 75 mph. however, the vehicle kept accelerating, although consumer had applied the brakes and the emergency brakes. vehicle would not slow down. had to circle the gas station 3 times before the vehicle would stop. *ak the consumer stated that she ran 3 red lights before she could get the vehicle to come to a stop. the consumer slammed the vehicle into park going 50mph. significant damage was done to the braking system. the consumer was injured. the mechanic told the consumer that the brakes caught fire and she was lucky the fire put itself out. *tc
04/11/2004560001
 Both front rotors had severe rust/corrosion on the inner surface. vehicle has 56,000 miles on it and was due for the first pad replacement. rotors required replacement due to the depth of rust damage. rust was not visible on the outside surface. i was not aware of the situation or the change in braking distances until the new rotors were installed. the new braking conditions is noticably improved. i have possession of both rotors and pads that were replaced. repair was performed at a local ford dealership. this vehicle has been continually driven and the rust/corrosion is not typical buildup from a lack of operation of the vehicle.*ak
08/22/20031
 Consumer states that brake rotors are wearing, and when applying the brakes, vehicle will vibrate, and extended stopping distance. *ak
09/29/20031
 While driving at any speed front end made noise . dealer replaced the upper ball joints,and an independent shop replaced the rotors. but the noise was still occurring. *ak
06/09/2000105/09/2000
 Vehicle has always had a pulsating in the brake pedal since about 7000 miles. this time the brake master cylinder failed. upon inspection by the dealer he stated that i needed to replace brakes, rotors, ( both of which have been replaced at least twice before ) master cylinder, serpentine belt and tensioner and have complete brake system flush. all in the span of 3 years. this vehicle has also had the ball joints replaced and control arms as well. multiple occurences of the same symptoms. *ak
05/25/2002
 When stopping there is grinding noise. drove to dealer, who stated that rotors were coming apart. rotors crumble up in consumer's hand. please provide any further information.*ak
09/28/2000206/01/2000
 Brake rotor vibration-have had rotors turned twice with first time listed above and second in july/2001 with approx 40000miles. is this warping normal with this mileage? mostly driven on highway with some city miles. no other vehicle i've owned has required such frequent maintenance on the rotors. *ak
04/24/2000109/01/1999
 Right rear rotor is completely scored and needs replacement after only 6mths and 19000 miles of highway driving. manufaturer states this is normal wear. does this mean i have to replace rotors every 6 months of driving? *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
09/20/20041
 While replacing the tires consumer noticed that brake line wore out. as result, the chassis of the vehicle also wore out. dealership was notified. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - MASTER CYLINDER
03/17/200641300102/12/2000
 Update to odi id number 10080842 - same owner; brake pedal master cylinder just started leaking again; has been replaced twice already; year 2000 vehicle has less than 42,000 miles on it; very costly repair to have to do every 2 years! *nm
02/01/200573000112/12/2004
 Consumer was driving on the freeway and set the cruise control at 75 mph. however, the vehicle kept accelerating, although consumer had applied the brakes and the emergency brakes. vehicle would not slow down. had to circle the gas station 3 times before the vehicle would stop. *ak the consumer stated that she ran 3 red lights before she could get the vehicle to come to a stop. the consumer slammed the vehicle into park going 50mph. significant damage was done to the braking system. the consumer was injured. the mechanic told the consumer that the brakes caught fire and she was lucky the fire put itself out. *tc
10/01/200434052312/30/2000
 Master cylinder on 2000 ford explorer has been replaced three times. *jb
07/02/20042
 In early 2002 i noticed the brake pedal was feeling soft and practically went all the way to the floor with normal braking and the pedal made a hissing/vacuum noise at times. for hard braking it felt like the suv wouldn't stop. i took the car for service on 6/8/02 at a ford dealership which bled the brake system. this did not correct the problem. took the suv back on 11/9/02 and was told it was a vacuum leak from the power booster and the master cylinder was replaced. pedal and braking was normal after this until recently, the brake pedal is failing again as before. i have not yet taken it to the dealer. *la
05/01/200342520106/19/2001
 The consumer stated the brake pedal faded before the vehicle responded to the pedal. the dealer diagnosed master cylinder failure. *ak when tested on gravel, only the back brakes worked which was only after the pedal was almost to the floor. complete failure could have resulted. *scc *jb
06/09/2000105/09/2000
 Vehicle has always had a pulsating in the brake pedal since about 7000 miles. this time the brake master cylinder failed. upon inspection by the dealer he stated that i needed to replace brakes, rotors, ( both of which have been replaced at least twice before ) master cylinder, serpentine belt and tensioner and have complete brake system flush. all in the span of 3 years. this vehicle has also had the ball joints replaced and control arms as well. multiple occurences of the same symptoms. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST
07/19/2002107/01/2002
 Two of three explorers i test drove had this same problem. this one which the dealer repared and a 1999 model which i reported to the dealer. i also had 2 identical failures on a 1992 mercury sable which ford credited against the 1995 windstar i currently have in the shop for this same problem. no safety defect listed. *ak
209/01/2099
 The brake booster fails intermittently and causes an approximate 90% loss of braking power. the pedal is high and firm but no braking power. the effect is the same as when the brakes are pumped with the engine off causing a loss of vacuum and power assist. it does no occur when the dealer service tested the vehicle so no fix as yet.*ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST - VACUUM
209/01/2099
 The brake booster fails intermittently and causes an approximate 90% loss of braking power. the pedal is high and firm but no braking power. the effect is the same as when the brakes are pumped with the engine off causing a loss of vacuum and power assist. it does no occur when the dealer service tested the vehicle so no fix as yet.*ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - SWITCHES - BRAKE WARNING
 Abs light and brake light stay on, indicating a problem with braking systelm. also, heater and air conditioner malfunctioned. please provide further information.*ak