Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
*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. …
Tl 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 updated 03/04/08
Tl 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. …
On this date I examined the 2000 Ford Explorer interior light located above the middle of the dashboard is a two light assembly. One of the lights was operational, while the second would only operate when the light assembly was jiggled, going from off to on, to dim. The contact points for the lights is a thin copper strip which encompasses each light. The strip is fragile and the heat from the lights caused the copper strip to separate and melted the plastic assembly to melt into the light fixture and causing failure in both lights. This resulted in failure of all interior lighting except the instrument cluster. Difficulty in locating seat belts, locating dropped keys, insuring safety of passengers. Having passenger read directions or maps after dark is now impossible without a flashlight.
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.
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).
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. The consumer placed the vehicle in park to release the turn signal and stop electrical smoke.
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.
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. . This vehicle wa snot included in the recall.
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.
Headlight complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2000 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the lights of the 2000 Ford Explorer, 3% of the model year's 952 complaints. The component named most often is turn signal › switch (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Ford Explorer headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2000 Ford Explorer, though it has 9 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Ford Explorer headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 4 fires and 1 injury to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.