Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2000 Ford Explorer Sport Trac — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
3
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 1 | 33% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 33% | — flat |
| Transmission | 1 | 33% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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 FRACTURES. IF THE HOOD STRIKER FRACTURES, THE HOOD COULD FLY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN.
Consequence
A HOOD FLY-UP WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED COULD RESULT IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOOD STRIKER.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“RADIO LCD DOES NOT LIGHT UP OR SEAT BELT ALARM WHEN NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT. THIS HAPPENED AFTER HAVING SERVICE WORK DONE ON MY VEHICLE AT THE FORD DEALER IN ELK GROVE CA. *JB”
“WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS ON A SLIGHTLY WET SURFACE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE TRACTION AND SLIDE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE IS UNDETERMINED. *AK”
The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2000 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Explorer Sport Trac years to avoid are 2001, 2002, 2007, 2004, 2003, 2005. The cleanest record among Explorer Sport Trac years belongs to 1999.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.