Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SUSPENSION
1569203/01/2002636326Some vehicles may exhibit a squeak, snap, rattle, or clunk in the front end when turning or going over bumps. *tt11/07/2002
1437109/01/2000618639Subject regarding pop / creak noise from the rear underbody while driving. *jb04/18/2001
1316608/01/19996091985Some vehicles may exhibit a squeak noise from the rear while driving, especially when going over bumps. *tt11/17/2000
1380701/01/2000612824Some vehicles may exhibit a vibration at highway speeds. *mjs06/12/2000
1381301/01/2000612829Some vehicles may exhibit a vibration at highway speeds. *mjs06/12/2000
802201/01/2000612692Some vehicles may exhibit a vibration at highway speeds. *mjs06/12/2000
1384302/01/2000612437Engineering is currently investigating concerns with vehicles exhibiting a vibration at highway speeds. *tt06/08/2000
803702/01/2000612230Some vehicles may exhibit a vibration at highway speeds. engineering is currently investigating this issue and is looking for vehicles that have been into dealerships more than once for the concern. *tt06/07/2000
809002/01/2000612287For vehicles exhibiting a vibration at highway speeds, engineering is currently investigating this issue and is looking for vehicles that have been into the dealership more than once for the concern. *tt06/07/2000
1342610/01/1999609691Exhibiting very light steering vibration / shimmy / nibble at engine idle or low speeds. *tt04/06/2000
1335010/01/1999609644Some vehicles with a4wd built prior to 9/13/99 may exhibit a vibration / pulsation at 0 - 45 mph. *tt04/05/2000
693709/01/19996090283Concerns with squeak -type noise from the rear while driving or going over bumps. *tt03/13/2000
SUSPENSION - FRONT
04241912/13/200410014096Revised procedure for adjusting alignment on all suspensions - new right hand upper control arm design for torsion bar front suspensions. *tt04/28/2005
SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
1348311/01/1999610896Some vehicles equipped with rear load leveling system may exhibit an air suspension light on with diagnostic trouble code c1726 in self test. *tt05/18/2000
747011/01/1999610835Some vehicles equipped with rear load leveling system may exhibit an air suspension light on with diagnostic trouble code c1726 in self test. *tt05/15/2000
SUSPENSION - FRONT - STABILIZER BAR
736011/01/1999610786Some vehicles may exhibit a squeak noise from the rear while driving, especially when going bumps. *tt05/15/2000
SUSPENSION - REAR
1673504/01/200310002643Various noise issues from the rear leaf springs while driving. *tt09/09/2003
008304/17/2000613577Some vehicles equipped with a 5.0l engine may exhibit a rubbing noise during right hand turns from the rear of the vehicle. **mr07/21/2000
1319309/01/19996090555Information regarding rear axle whine at highway speeds. *mjs03/21/2000
700509/01/19996090378Information regarding rear axle whine at highway speeds. *mjs03/20/2000
SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - COIL SPRINGS
1341510/01/1999609679Exhibiting a squeak type noise from the rear stabilizer bar while driving, especially when going over bumps. *tt04/06/2000

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SUSPENSION
10/01/200779000
 4-door vehicle typically drive to work and home between 2002-2007. no one typically ever sat in the back, however, if any one did sit in the back the complained the doors were difficult to open. my thoughts were user error and those doors are rarely used. after my son was born in september 2007 i noticed the doors were difficult to open, at one point i thought i would break the door handle. my mom, my son, who is now 5, have an extremely difficult time opening the doors and my grandmother is not able to open the doors using the door handles.
04/02/2008133700112/20/1999
 During an up-hill left hand turn at speed less than 10 miles per hour the driver's side sway bar link failed and broke with a loud bang. a sway bar link kit was purchased from napa and replaced by the owner. *tr
03/26/2008157900101/16/2002
 Bearing broke on ford explorer. wheel was almost off the vehicle. fortunately going slow. *tr
09/12/2007840001
 In early september, my transmission locked up while on a trip with my family. the mileage at the time was under 85,000 miles. it cost me over $1500 to have a rebuilt transmission installed. apparently, other ford explorer xlt owners have had the same issue. in addition, several months later, both wheel hub assembly's have gone bad to the tune of over $800. the mileage is still under 90,000. i had to take the vehicle in again today and found out that a ball joint has gone bad near the wheel hub assembly and it's going to cost around $250 to replace that. it's unfathomable that ford would be allowed to put out such a shoddy vehicle that falls apart once you get over 80,000 miles usage. *tr
12/19/2003190002
 The consumer was driving when she heard a loud noise while turning into her driveway. the vehicle was smoking and caught on fire. the fire was put out with a garden hose. the vehicle was towed to the dealer. the wheel bearings were found to be defective. on the next incident, the consumer took the vehicle to the mechanic to have the front end aligned, when the vehicle was inspected the ball joint fell off into the mechanic's hand july 8, 2004. *la all of the problems had been on the drivers side. there were also problems with the engine. *sc *jb
03/23/20033
 We purchased this vehicle 1/03 with 39,000 miles on it. 3/03 the idle air control valve went bad and had to be replaced. then 7/03 the entire transmission had to be replaced because slipping from 2nd to 3rd gear. this cost $1,800 to fix. the vehicle only had 43,000 miles on at that time. now it is 1/04 and the truck is back in the shop for an idle problem once again and the vehicle jerks and bucks when going down the road at 35-40 mph. this is a very unsafe situation and ford should be replacing all the iac valves under a recall because there are an abundance of explorer owners who this has happened to around the 39,000 -43,000 miles mark! *ak
12/02/2003570001
 While driving at any speed consumer heard a loud noise coming from under the front end. dealer inspected vehicle several times, but could no duplicate or correct the problem. *ak
07/12/20031
 While driving at any speed the vehicle would shake and jerk. the dealership has been contacted. please add any additional information. *nlm
04/05/20031
 While driving at any speed and with no warning vehicle will heavily jerk, and then engine check light will come on and stay on the remainder of the time vehicle was being operated. dealer notified.*ak
02/28/2003
 The vehicle experienced the same problem as the recall on the suspension. dealer will not repair because vin# was not included. *nlm
07/27/2001106/08/2001
 While traveling and pulling a 21' trailer at 55 mph and passing another vehicle, back of trailer fishtailed and caused vehicle to roll over and crash with driver and four passengers in vehicle. driver and front passenger were injured. *ak consumer stated prior to towing with the explorer, they towed with another vehicle that never gave any problems, the day of the accident the trailer was packed in accordance with manufacturer specifications, the trailer began to sway suddenly and violently, the swaying of the trailer caused the explorer to start rocking out of control back and forth, consumer states he activated the manual over ride brake control on the electronic brake control box, and then tried to pull to the shoulder, this is when consumer lost control of vehicle and it jack knifed to the left and overturned, police report states that consumer ran off roadway, lost control and vehicle overturned, the report also states that the cause was careless driving, the consumer states this is untrue and that the cause is the structural and design flaws of the explorer, two people were injured in the accident. *slc
06/24/2001112/01/2000
 The single vehicle rollover crash occurred at approximately 1:38 p.m. on sunday, june 24, 2001, on u.s. highway 67, eastbound, about ten [10] miles northeast of big lake, reagan county, texas. the explorer was owned and operated by joshua henry helbert w. *ak (dot number: vdhl1py218 tiresize: p235/75r15)
07/01/2001
 Owner's daughter was driving less than 25mph, going onto an entrance ramp, vehicle suddenly flipped over several times for no reason. there was no emergency room treatment. *ak
06/04/2001
 Consumer was in rush hour traffic going 30-35mph and hit a manhole covering it, causing vehicle to swerve left and right, almost hitting a vehicle. road was dry, it felt like it was sliding. a few days ago, consumer was going over a speed bump, and vehicle took a swerve to the right. consumer never contacted dealer believing it was just something that was happening.*ak
04/15/2000502/01/2000
 I have had atleast 5 instances in the year that i have driven this vehicle. the explorer literally leaves the road at highway speeds if you encounter roadbumps. control of the vehicle is lost in this frightening instance as the vehicle can bounce and lose its traction on the roadway. the first episode i remember was soon after leasing the vehicle and driving on the highway. *ak
109/10/1999
 Consumer has experienced problems with stability of the vehicle, tires replaced however suspension stability problems continue, while driving about 35 mph, applying the brakes in an emergency situation, the vehicle fishtailed for several moments. *cj
06/01/20001
 Consumer lost control of vehicle and was rolled 3 times possibly because of the firestone wilderness at tires(p235 75 r15), at the time of the accident, consumer was not aware of firestone recall and now feels the accident occurred because of the tires, consumer was injured and is requesting reimbursement, possibly related to the suspension of the vehicle. *slc
110/13/1999
 Consumer complains of the suspension causing steering and riding problems. *slc
101/15/2000
 When driving at highway speeds, vehicle sways and pulls to the right, vehicle also vibrates or loses it's integrity causing the mirrors to vibrate, possible steering or suspension related problems. *slc
09/22/2000111/01/1999
 Car rolled over, do to uneven wear of the tires in front and in rear and possiable defect in suspension system (tiresize: 255/70r/16)( dot number: tire size: 255/70r/16 )
07/10/2000105/01/2000
 Question the safety of the vehicle - vehicle turned over during a right-hand turn.
05/06/20000
 Unsafe rear suspension, it does not have springs only a one leave bar, the truck bounce up and down then sway side to side when towing the boat
01/01/2000101/18/2000
 Consumer has gone through the board from the lemon law to try & confirm there is a problem with the stability of the vehicle. board disagreed with the consumer. when traveling 65-70mph, consumer stated that it was very hard to maintain control of vehicle. serviceman from dealership test drove vehicle & found that there could be a problem, but didn't confirm it. they were refusing to give money back for the unwanted vehicle. consumer said it was swaying & wondered when going around curves. *ak problem could also be related to faulty firestone wilderness 16 tires. *slc
05/13/2000111/01/1999
 Heard loud pop around tire, car steered uncontrollably, causing it to rollover. had seat belt on but came lose it crash and ended up in back seat. *ak( dot number: tire size: p255/70r16 )
SUSPENSION - FRONT
08/15/201171000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. the contact stated that while the vehicle being inspected by a local mechanic for routine tire maintenance, the mechanic stated that the front axle was fractured due to corrosion. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 71,000. sm.
08/15/201171000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. the contact stated while vehicle was at the local mechanic for routine tire inspection the machanic found the front axle broken due to corrossion. the vehicle has not been repaired the failure and the current miles was 71,000. li
09/04/200885500107/01/2005
 Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. while driving 5 mph, the contact heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front suspension. he examined the vehicle and noticed that the front stabilizer bar link failed. the vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer and the contact did not notice any differences beforehand. the current and failure mileages were 85,500. updated 1/6/09 *cn the front stabilizer bar link failed. the cause of the failure was due to corrosion. updated 01/14/09. *jb
04/27/2002108/22/2000
 Right front hub bearing cracked, consumer lost control of vehicle. wheel was slanted to the ground. dealer contacted. *ak *jg
03/01/2002
 While traveling on highway vehicle will sway to left and right of highway. dealership is aware of problem. *ak
12/18/2001
 While driving and making a left hand turn vehicle hesitates and vibrates in front end. driver states it feels like gears are not engaging properly. please provide any further information. *ak
11/13/2001105/01/2000
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
09/10/2001
 There was a noise on left side coming from front of vehicle. contacted dealer, and dealer gave consumer another vehicle. *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
0
 Consumer replaced firestone tires with goodyear wranglers. since replacement of tires there is bad vibration, and steering wheel is loose. dealership is aware of problem. the consumer stated that noise only appears from goodyear.*ak
01/15/20001
 Severe vibration from front of vehicle when driving 65 mph or more. vehicle been in dealer's shop on five occasions, and problem still reoccurring.*ak the dealer and manufacturer stated the problem was the tires consumer then replaced the tires, but the problem still exists.*jb
 There is a problem with the front end that is causing physical damage to tires. ford has been unsuccessful in correcting problem. please provide additional information.*ak
07/14/2000102/01/2000
 After driving this vehicle for over a year now, i know there is irreperable problems associated with its suspension. this is an unsafe vehicle, particularily at speeds in excess of 45 mph and on bumpy roads. *ak
11/01/1999
 Engine has excessive vibration when accelerating from a stop. vibration is at its worst at around 2500 rpm. *ak
10/21/2000102/15/2000
 While driving on highway at 45mph vehicle started veering to left into oncoming traffic. consumer had no control of steering or brakes, eventually consumer was able to get over, and went into a ditch. took to dealer, and they could not duplicate the problem. *ak *slc
05/30/2000502/01/2000
 The vehicle has a vibration / shimmy that appears to be comming from the front end at all speeds on both rough and relatively smooth road surfaces. when going over relatively small routine bumps, such as joints in a roads surface, the entire vehicle shakes. when going over slightly rougher surfaces such as a man-hole cover the front wheel vibration continues for 5-10 seconds after, and is extremely hard to control. navigating some of the larger pot holes/rough roads in the area is extremely hazardous as maintaining control is all but impossible. i have brought the vehicle into the dealers for service on 5 seperate occassions, the first three times i was told that it was normal operations, the last two times, they tried adjusting the tire pressure, and suspension but have not fixed the problem.
10/09/2000104/01/2000
 Vehicle flipped over. *ak
05/01/2000
 Vehicle hydroplanes constantly in the rain making steering near to impossible. vehicle was inspected by ford dealership and no mechanical defects were found. tires were inspected by ford and firestone and both reported no defects in tires. *ak( dot number: tire size: p235/75r15 )
1
 While driving, vehicle experiences vibration, causing the seats in the passenger compartment to shake, tires are firestone wilderness at p255/70r15, dealer has balanced tires twice, however vehicle still vibrates. *slc
08/03/20000
 While driving about any speed vehicle started vibrating.tires are firestone wilderness. *ak
12/25/19990
 Consumer was traveling about 45mph on the highway and steering wheel started vibrating. also, they heard a popping noise coming from the back. right rear tire was flat. consumer pulled over to the shoulder to change the flat tire, and car went out control, and whipped into four lanes on the highway. car was turned the opposite way of the traffic. *ak
03/18/2000
 Front tires are experiencing excessive wear. vehicle been in / out of dealer shop on four occasions, and problem is still occurring. feel free to provide further details. *ak
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM
109/04/2000
 A loud clanking noise originating from front right suspension area,due to a loose control arm. cj
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER BALL JOINT
02/12/200439000101/20/2003
 I have a 2000 explorer 4wd and lower ball joint on the drivers side is squeeling realy bad. i was told to replace for $400.00. this is just another problem i've had with this suv. the transmission had a bad valve body gasket another $300.00. it's only got 39000 miles. what else can go wrong...sorry that's a bad question. needless to say i'll be selling this one soon.*ak
11/11/200345800109/15/2003
 Dealer service states lower ball joint needs replacement. experience clunking over bumps. dealer service already replaced steering rack due to excessive play, somehow are probably related to lower ball joint play.*ak
1
 Problems with front ball joints on 2000 ford explorer.*mr consumer stated vehicle is only three years old and there should be a recall if there is a problem with the way the ball joints were made on the suv. consumer feels this could be a safety issue. *ph *jb
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
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
03/14/200346650107/22/2001
 08-14-02 (39685 miles) - replaced idle air control valve - $215.87 03-14-03 (46676 miles) - replaced control arm and ball joints- $770.82 i feel that the above mentioned repairs that were made to my 3 year old vehicle are a result of poor craftsmanship and quality when the vehicle was made, and that these current problems are evidence of infant mortality. the ford motor company has refused to accept any financial responsibility and did nothing more than receive my complaint. *jb
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - UPPER BALL JOINT
12/11/200341500112/01/1999
 The ball joints on my 2000 ford explorer need to replaced after only 42,000 miles. it is my understanding ball joints should last a minimum of 100-150,000 miles.*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
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
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
03/14/200346650107/22/2001
 08-14-02 (39685 miles) - replaced idle air control valve - $215.87 03-14-03 (46676 miles) - replaced control arm and ball joints- $770.82 i feel that the above mentioned repairs that were made to my 3 year old vehicle are a result of poor craftsmanship and quality when the vehicle was made, and that these current problems are evidence of infant mortality. the ford motor company has refused to accept any financial responsibility and did nothing more than receive my complaint. *jb
12/10/2001203/26/2001
 Vehicle was making a squealing noise. when turning vehicle noise would get louder. contacted dealer,and dealer stated it was upper control arm. contacted ford, and ford decided to leave it as an open case.*ak the ball joint and upper control arm on the driver side is what failed. *jb
SUSPENSION - FRONT - HUB
09/12/2007840001
 In early september, my transmission locked up while on a trip with my family. the mileage at the time was under 85,000 miles. it cost me over $1500 to have a rebuilt transmission installed. apparently, other ford explorer xlt owners have had the same issue. in addition, several months later, both wheel hub assembly's have gone bad to the tune of over $800. the mileage is still under 90,000. i had to take the vehicle in again today and found out that a ball joint has gone bad near the wheel hub assembly and it's going to cost around $250 to replace that. it's unfathomable that ford would be allowed to put out such a shoddy vehicle that falls apart once you get over 80,000 miles usage. *tr
04/27/2002108/22/2000
 Right front hub bearing cracked, consumer lost control of vehicle. wheel was slanted to the ground. dealer contacted. *ak *jg
SUSPENSION - FRONT - SHOCK ABSORBER
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
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
01/01/2001
 I'm following all the info on how bad explorers are regarding rollovers. well the shocks on this vehicle are the absolute worst i've ever seen on any vehicle. it is like riding on a trampoline all the time. it's no wonder they roll over so easily when every bump you hit almost sends it skyward. obviously they've installed the cheapest possible shocks in the factory. is there any way i can get new shocks from ford and decrease my probability of rollover in the event of any small fender benders???*ak
SUSPENSION - FRONT - WHEEL BEARING
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
01/21/200443000109/01/2001
 The front wheel bearing has corroded. please provide additional information. *jb *mr
SUSPENSION - REAR
09/01/20043
 While driving vehicle makes a clanking noise. the vehicle takes up to 2-5 seconds upon changing gears to reverse. going up hill it will down shift very hard as if the floor board is being knocked out. the differential, and rear end were replaced. *ak
1
 The hinge on the sway bar was replaced. *slc
10/01/1999
 While turning right / left the vehicle vibrates in the rear of the vehicle. dealer says it's normal. also, while test driving vehicle dealer claimed it acted like the clutches in the position unit were grabbing. so they added a friction modifier to rear differential and transfer case. problem somewhat diminished, but not entirely solved. *ak
SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY - LEAF
1
 After heavy snow the vehicle began making a loud clunking noise, the consumer inspected the vehicle and found that the lower left rear leaf spring was hitting a bracket on the differential. nlm