Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
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. …
I have a Ford 2000 Explorer xlt. The rear wiper works when it wants to usually when I don't need it and I am on the second motor for it. The check engine light stays on for three or four days then goes out for one or two then back on. I have lost all faith in Ford. At times it will shut off when I am driving and it starts right back up, but won't idle for about 2 days after that. I've had it with Ford no wonder their having problems selling their auto's. I am about to trade the vehicle and it sure won't be for another Ford.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Ford Explorer. While in the house, the contact heard a loud sound coming from outside. She exited the house and noticed that the rear window was shattered on her vehicle. She discovered numerous complaints online pertaining to the rear window failure, but there were no recalls. The contact feels that this is a major defect. She initially thought that someone shot the glass with a gun. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 186,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving, the windshield wiper would activate without engagement. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where it was diagnosed that the multi-function switch was defective and needed to be replace. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 169,000 and current mileage was 175,000.
Noticed that there was a gap between my liftgate window and my liftgate when backing out of a parcking space. I found that the post pulled out of the passanger side of liftgate window hinge leaving a smooth hole in hinge and metal in groves of post. Had no options but to leave window attached by only the driver side hinge and the latch at the bottom of window. Did not have proper tools to remove for safer driving.
Vehicle overheated/ thermostat, rear wiper motor stopped working, check engine light stays on continually, belt squeals on rainy days, radio comes on by itself, tires to be replaced, lived at same address since vehicle purchase and not even a notice for recall on tires.
Shortly after purchasing the vehicle the left rear window began leaking during the rain. After two repairs the luggage rack was replaced and the seals around the windows were replaced. The tail light casings began to collect water after the second repair. After close inspection the case surrounding the tail lights were rusted. I have had the vehicle at the dealership 4 times for the leaking and it has not been fixed. Water is gettiing into the electrical system of the vehicle through the tail lights. I have also taken the truck in 3 times for a grinding noise when braking. The dealer reported that it was an issue with the rotors and the problem was fixed. The brakes continue to grind during braking at slow speeds as well as fast braking. The lights and windows in the back of the vehicle are leaking to the point that the vehicle smells musty because of the water leaks. …
My 2000 Ford Explorer's passenger-side rear power window shudders when it is rolled down. Yet Ford has instructed me through our local dealer that it is a common problem in explorers, hence it is deemed "normal." I had followed the proper channel to complain to Ford's vp of customer relations but they just notified me by mail the matters considered closed. Following are more details. 1. First visit on May 7, 2003. Dealer claimed weather strip was too brittle. Part ordered. 2. Second visit on June 4, 2003. Weather strip replaced. Problem persisted. 3. Third visit on September 12, 2003. Lubed regulator. Problem persisted. 4. Last visit on October 22, 2003. Dealer contacted Ford technical assistance and was told to check for loose bolt, which was replaced. Problem was still there when I picked up the car. 5. …
1st transmission was found to have been sent from factory with no 2nd gear, which resulted in 3rd gear being destroyed, this was after 2 visits with could not verify comments. So at 3807 miles transmission 2 was put in, I was never told this was a refurbished transmission. Oct 30,2000 back in for a chirping sound while idling.jan 19,2001 back in for oil in air filter, and transmission sticking at 20 MPH.seatbelts also on recall list.jan 23,2001 back in, still sticking at 20mph. Car found to be staying in 3rd gear, repairs made with gasket-trans v, mercon r v aut,gasket asy - tra, processor asy, and pats key all being replaced. Mar 9,2001 2nd key set will not start car, car reprogrammed.7/19/01 car back in shop, whines when turning,slowing down,accelerating, could not verify. …
The first time I had a problem is when my car wouldn?t start on my way to work, and the check engine light came on. It was a few days after I gotten it. So I took it in and they said they checked the engine and turned off the light. They told me I should have it serviced. So I did. The other time I took it in, it had died on me while driving down my uncles apartment hill. They said they were getting some weird codes from the computer or something. They said they would get me an appointment with Ford. Then they call later that day and tell me they will bring someone in to look at the car who specializes in Ford models. I needed a car so I had to rent a car while they had my car in the shop so that I could take my son to the sitters and have a way to work. …
Window & Wiper complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2000 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2000 Ford Explorer, 4% of the model year's 952 complaints. The component named most often is glass, side/rear (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Ford Explorer window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
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.