Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2000 Ford Explorer Sport sits mid-pack among Explorer Sport years: 102 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 94, with a single recall and one closed investigation.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (13), electrical system (13), and engine (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
102
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
10
Fires reported
9
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 13 | 13% | — flat |
| Transmission | 13 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 12 | 12% | — flat |
| Seats | 10 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 10 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 9 | 9% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 7 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 5 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 4 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Other | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
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.
“I STARTED MY FORD EXPLORER SPORT ON JANUARY 30 FOR A FEW MINUTES TO WARM IT UP, BEFORE I DROVE TO WORK. I RAN BACK INTO THE HOUSE FOR APROX 4 MINUTES, WHEN I CAME BACK OUT THE FRONT OF THE EXPLORER WAS IN FLAMES, IT TOTALLY BURNED BEFORE THE FIRE DEPT COULD GET THERE TAKING OUR BARN WITH IT. *JB”
“TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY FAILURE. INFORMED BY DEALER THAT FORD REDESIGNED IT AND AM GETTING THE REDESIGNED UNIT. REQUIRED ME TO PAY FOR HALF OF REPAIR ($400) EVEN THOUGH IT IS THEIR DESIGN FLAW. NOT TO MENTION THAT IT WAS JUST PAST THE 36,000 MILE WARRANTY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, FATALITIES OR AIR…”
“THE ENGINE HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SMOKE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A MECHANICAL DEFECT IN THE STEERING COLUMN. *JB THE KNOCKING WOULD ONLY OCCUR IN THE FALL AND WINTER MONTH'S. ON ONE OCCASION THE WHILE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT, SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE…”
“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”
“2000 FORD EXPLORER SPORT ROLLOVER ACCIDENT. BOTH MY SON AND WITNESSES STATE THAT MY SON WAS DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT (55 ON A RURAL 2 LANE ROAD) WHEN A SMALL DIP IN THE ROAD CAUSED HIM TO FISHTAIL AND FLIP ONTO HIS ROOF. THANK GOD HIM AND HIS FRIEND HAD ON THE SEAT BELTS AND WERE ABLE TO CRAWL OUT…”
It is close to typical for the Explorer Sport: 102 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (13 complaints), electrical system (13 complaints), engine (12 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2000 Ford Explorer Sport. 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 years to avoid are 2001, 2002, 1998. The cleanest record among Explorer Sport years belongs to 2005.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.