Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
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. All of the problems had been on the drivers side. There were also problems with the engine.
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. 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 …
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.
Tl 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 the front stabilizer bar link failed. The cause of the failure was due to corrosion. Updated 01/14/09.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. (dot number: vdhl1py218 tiresize: p235/75r15)
Consumer left front tire blewout and shredded causing consumer to replace tire with spare. 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.
Suspension complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2000 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 62 complaints about the suspension of the 2000 Ford Explorer, 7% of the model year's 952 complaints. The component named most often is front (21 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Ford Explorer suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 10 crashes, 1 fire and 10 injuries to suspension 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.