The 2000 Ford Explorer has 3 recalls, the most serious being a side airbag that can deploy unexpectedly while driving if a seatbelt is yanked sharply from a locked retractor, which can injure the occupant in that seat.
This recall only affects 4-door models equipped with side airbags, where a sensor misreads the sudden belt tension as a side impact. On the structural side, Explorer Sport and Sport Trac trims may have a hood striker prone to fatigue fractures. If the striker breaks, the hood can fly open while driving, blocking the driver's view and raising the risk of a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The hood striker—a wire-formed metal part—can develop cracks from fatigue. If it fractures, the hood may suddenly fly open while driving, reducing visibility and risking a crash.
What the fix does
The hood striker will be replaced with a revised design that resists fatigue fracturing.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The side crash sensor may trigger the side airbag to deploy when the seat belt is jerked out of its locked retractor while the ignition is on, potentially causing injury.
What the fix does
The side crash sensor will be replaced with a revised version designed to prevent unexpected airbag deployment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The side crash sensor can trigger the side air bag to deploy unexpectedly when the ignition is in the run position and someone jerks the seatbelt webbing out of a locked retractor.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the side crash sensors with a revised design that prevents unintended side air bag deployment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
