2000 Ford Explorer Sport
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1997 | 37 |
| 1998 | 121 |
| 1999 | 93 |
| 2000 | 71 |
| 2001 | 188 |
| 2002 | 133 |
| 2003 | 65 |
| 2004 | 18 |
| 2005 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
18% of complaints: power train — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
THIS WAS A TERRIBLE EVENT... MY CAR WAS AIMED DOWN MY 300 FT DRIVEWAY. I DON'T BELIEVE AT THAT POINT OR IF IT WAS STUCK I DIDN'T KNOW THE ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK BUT I SOON REALIZED SOMETHING WAS WRONG.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120403
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
18% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATES WHEN LEFT TURN SIGNAL IS USED, SMOKE BEGINS TO COME OUT OF THE OPENING WHERE THE EMERGENCY LIGHT BUTTON IS LOCATED, RESULTING IN THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL TO BE INOPERATIVE. *AK *TT
NHTSA ODI report, 20020520
14% of complaints: seats — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing recliner and power adjust.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
AUTO ACCIDENT, REAR ENDED AT A RED LIGHT, SUBSTAINED SURIOUS INJURIES, MY CAR 000 FORD EXPLORE DRIVER SEAT BROKE AFTER THE INPACT THE DRIVER SEAT. RECLINER BOLT BROKE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040717
UPON ENTERING MY VEHICLE, SITTING IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT, AND RESTINNG MY BACK AGAINST THE SEAT WHILE IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION, THE BACK OF THE SEAT COLLAPSED.THIS ALL OCCURRED PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE BEING STARTED AND ENGAGED IN ANY GEAR, WHICH IS...
NHTSA ODI report, 20030130
I GOT INTO MY CAR TO GO TO LUNCH FROM MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT WITH MY CEO. WHEN I SAT DOWN THE SEAT FELL BACK AND THE SEAT BACK WOULD NOT CATCH AGAIN. I TOOK MY LIFE INTO MY HANDS DRIVING HOME THAT EVENING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131025
14% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
OIL PRESSURE SWITCH REPLACED, CAUSING THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE TO FAIL. *MJS
NHTSA ODI report, 20001219
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
14% of complaints: suspension — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing upper ball joint and lower ball joint.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH STEEL HOODS AND CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SHEET MOLDING COMPOUND HOODS. A WIRE FORMED HOOD STRIKER COULD BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FATIGUE FRACTUR
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOOD STRIKER.
Campaign 00V394000 — check if this car was fixed
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2000 Ford Explorer Sport — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 00V394000 (structure) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2000 Ford Explorer Sport reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2000 Ford Explorer Sport is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Ford Explorer Sport?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2000 Ford Explorer Sport have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.