The 2000 Ford Explorer SUV began to slow down as the engine rpms increased. After pulling over and turning the ignition off, we noticed smoke coming from the hood. Underneath the car, flames were dripping down from the transmission. We used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the flames on the ground, and attempted to open the hood. After the hood was opened, large flames were observed in the engine compartment. The fire extinguisher was used until empty and had little impact. The car began to burn quickly and the flames spread from front to back. The emergency services arrived, extinguished the fire and collected witness statements. No one was hurt in the incident and the frame was towed via aaa to a nearby automotive shop.

- West Allis, WI, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Explorer. The contact states that while driving the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle stalled. She then pulled over and turned the vehicle off. She then restarted the vehicle and drove directly to the dealer. The technician advised her that the failure occurred from a crack in the cylinder head of the engine. The vehicle was repaired under owners expense. When it was at the dealer ship they took the vehicle apart without the drivers permission. The driver called an investigator from the bureau of automotive repair. It was determined that they used a defective engine for the 2000 Ford models and found out after a year and that's why the Y discontinued using that specific engine. The failure mileage was 93104 and the current mileage was 93300.

- Santa Ana, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Explorer. While the vehicle was undergoing an oil change, the mechanic found antifreeze in the oil. New oil was placed in the vehicle and, once it was restarted, antifreeze was found in the oil again. The contact called the manufacturer for assistance and they stated that there was no recall on the head gasket. They further stated that the failure was due to a blown head gasket or a failed head bolt. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealer. The failure mileage was 110,000.

- Windsor Heights, IA, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Explorer. On May 21, 2007, the contact stated that the coil pack and spark plugs failed in her vehicle twice in four days. The contact stated that the service engine light illuminated and the vehicle vibrates and looses power when driving. The contact stated that speed and weather were not factors. The purchase date and engine size were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 150,000.

- Bardtown, KY, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Explorer XLT. While driving the vehicle, the factory installed interior lights began flashing on and off. The dealer stated that the failure was due to a faulty connection with the rear view mirror. She was charged $477 plus labor for the repair. The contact wrote and called the manufacturer, but they have not responded. The approximate date of failure was in November of 2006. The second incident occurred when the vehicle was taken to the same dealer who stated that there was a leak in the engine. She stated that the vehicle has an engine warranty of 60,000 miles. However, the dealer charged her for this repair as well. This failure occurred on February 6, 2007. The contact notified her state attorney generals office who stated that they received a letter from Ford and that she could sue Ford if she wished. The engine size was unknown. The current mileage is 57,000 and failure mileage was 55,000.

- Chicago, IL, USA

2000 Explorer XLT with approximately 55000 miles. Taken to dealer to be served C for stalling and failure to restart with high temperature. Dealer reported that engine hds coolant and oil mixing and will have to be replaced, $3500 cost. When I objected, dealer then stated that the lower intake manifold gasket failed, and that the engine will need to be torn down to fix, 2,000.. I objected again, and dealer decided to replace gasket, flush oil, coolant systems, and return to the road, $1100. Dealer informed me that they could not be held responsible for future engine failure due to coolant in engine. I investigated, and found secret warranty service bulletin, nets number 616816. When I attempted to recover cost of repair under sb, dealer refused, claiming that sb extension was over, ended December 2006. This vehicle had less than the limited mileage under the warranty, and obvious driving rates less than expected under the warranty, original and secret extension.. customers have not been made aware of this secret warranty extension. Engine gaskets, including head gaskets and manifold gaskets were not owner serviced items, and were expected to live as long as the power plant. I expected Ford to live up to their product hype and fix this vehicle for free, including complete engine replacement if required.

- Kingston Ontario, 00, USA

Purchased Ford Explorer 2000 in Sept of 04. First the cruise went out. Front tires looses air about once a week have to fill. Starts hard and will not idol in mornings specially when cold out side. Check engine light has been on twice, purchased at seelye wright Kia in kalamazoo mi. Cannot get dealer to fix vehicle.

- Bangor, MI, USA

9 months of service visits for the check engine light coming on with no apparant cause except once; car would ride rough and sometimes felt like it would stall; two cracked engines woudl caused the car to not run in the middle of a trip; had to rebuild the cracked cylinder heads.

- Boulder, CO, USA

Disappointment over a recently purchased 2000 Ford Explorer. The consumer had experienced problems with the engine and the steering of the vehicle. The dealer was notified about mechanical problems.

- Ridgeland , SC, USA

The steering wheel will not adjust correctly when driving. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for analysis. The problem could not be solved. It was determined that the control sensors needed to be replaced and after being replaced it still failed. As of yet the consumer has not had an accident or been injured but is concerned that the vehicle needs to be investigated before it does happen. The consumer stated the vehicle lost power and died, the computer stated the problem was with the idle control speed senor and a valve, however the problem continued

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

While driving at any speed the vehicle stalled in traffic. The dealer was unable to duplicate the problem.

- Franklin, TX, USA

When stopping at a stop sign or a traffic light vehicle stalled. Consumer took vehicle to dealer on two separate occasions, but the problem still occurs.

- Mount Dora, FL, USA

Vehicle started losing power. Was told it needed a tune up. Also was told that the spark plug wires were broken and frayed. They were replaced along with all the filters and new fluids as well as a fuel system cleaner. When this did not work I was informed that the car needed to go to a Ford dealer as the car was "throwing out all of these different codes". it was towed to a Ford dealership and I was told by the service adviser that the car was fixed and running in tip top shape. Since then I have encountered stalling and still no power and the vehicle is running rougher. The engine light came on right after I picked it up from the dealership. It has cost me $1,000 so far and am afraid what it will finally cost to remedy this situation. I do not feel safe in this vehicle.

- El Dorado, KS, USA

Vehicle will not start at times without depressing and holding on the gas. Vehicle stalls out and/or the RPM's barely idle over 0. at other times when starting the vehicle the RPM's rev up high. Seems not to be getting sufficient power when driving, can depress gas pedal to floor but will not pick up any speed. Been unable to take the truck over 80 mph.

- Fort Washingotn, MD, USA

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.

- Lorain, OH, USA

I previously owned a 1998 Explorer that had the same problem I am having with my 2000 Explorer. From talking with the Ford dealer mechanic, this is a widespread problem that is occurring after 30,000 miles that is a potentially dangerous situation. The problem is upon startup of the vehicle, the engine will crank, and when the ignition key is released, the engine dies immediately. The only way to keep the engine running is to keep one foot on the gas pedal depressed. To drive the vehicle one foot must be on the gas and one on the brake to keep the engine from stalling. This is presenting a potentially dangerous situation and Ford is quite aware of it, but doing nothing in the form of a recall or safety bulletin to consumers. Fortunately my 1998 first failed under warranty, but my 2000 happened after my 36,000 mile warranty. The problem occurs intermittently but frequent at times, after driving several miles, it would correct itself. I think Ford needs to address this problem and do any repairs at no cost to the owner. **dimsii IVOQ entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**766061

- Dacula, GA, USA

Purchsed vehicle new. After 6000 miles engine developed a rattling sound when cold. Dealer replaced engine and new engine makes same sound after 6000 miles. Dealer says it is a characteristic of the OHV engine. If so, why did they replace it in the first place.

- Waukesha, WI, USA

Consumer states that while driving and no warning the motor started racing and the consumer lost control of the vehicle causing an accident. Dealer notified

- Newtown, PA, USA

Intermittently vehicle started to shake and hesitate. When this happened, engine began to knock excessively. Dealership insisted this was the characteristic of the engine, and doesn't know how to rememdy the condition. In addition vehicle stalled out twice.

- Oakland, CA, USA

There was a very loud noise coming from engine. Took vehicle to dealer, and they replaced the engine lifters. 5 days later, problem reoccurred. Vehicle has had 4 engines in last two years. On several occasions, the check engine soon light came on. Dealer replaced cam sensor and gas cap. However light came on again. Occasionally there is a rough idle and vehicle feels as if it is about to stall. Dealer replaced cyliner head gasket. Transmission slipping. Dealer found 2 3 shift valves sticking.

- Westwood, MS, USA