2000 Ford Explorer: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Feb 18, 2008 · Suspension, Transmission · 84,000 miles · SC

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.

Filed Jun 17, 2005 · Steering · 52,000 miles · AZ

On a clear, sunny morning in phoenix I was making a turn on the airport exit ramp leading to the 143 at 35-45mph. Suddenly I feel a clunk in the front steering/suspension and my 4 dr, 4x4 2000 explorer oversteers. I struggle to keep the explorer straight and not roll over. I lost control of the steering mechanism for a few seconds before I regain total control. I stop in a emergency lane and visually inspect explorer front suspension/steering. I notice from that point forward that there isn't enough resistence when I steer and that it steers too easily. I bring the car in to the ford dealer on june 16, 2005 and at the end of the day the dealer advises me that the ball joints need to be replaced. The service advisor states that it is common on the explorer to replace ball joints because the explorer wears them out quickly. My explorer only has 52,000 miles and I've had it for almost 5 years. I've read on the internet since this incident that ford explorers have had problems with their ball joints, that they come without a lubrication nipple and that they tend to dry out and deteriorate!!! I feel that this should be a safety recall because I could have gotten killed due to these faulty ball joints. I am an excellent driver and I keep my explorer in tip-top condition. Please act before someone else does lose control and rolls over. I am getting rid of this vehicle as soon as I can.

Filed Feb 12, 2005 · Body, Steering · 37,126 miles · MI

In march of 2004, I took my 2000 ford explorer xlt for general service, the mechanic found that the front pinion seal, and torque converter seals leaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs. Thank the lord that I took out and extended warranty on the vehicle when I purchased it sept, 2002. The repairs where completed, I also took it back to my mechanic to check and make sure the work was done. On 10/26/04 I took the vehicle back in again for work to be done and the mechanic again found the front pinion to be leaking, also found that the upper and lower ball joints were needed and that the power steering pump was chattering. Just some background information: the vehicle was originally owned by my sister, when I purchased the vechicle, she was turning in her 2 year lease. When I took the vehicle over it only had 11,681 miles on it. The first repairs were at 37126 miles, second time miles were 45721 miles. I also have several area's on the vehicle that have rust. I can remeber a few years ago when the 3 major car companies talked about rust not going to be a problem. One of the places with rust is on the radiator support. I just wonder how ford or any of our other us car companies can expect us to keep buying inferior products and pay alot more money.

Filed Aug 20, 2004 · Engine, Suspension · 19,000 miles · OH · fire

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. *la all of the problems had been on the drivers side. There were also problems with the engine. *sc

Filed Mar 5, 2004 · Suspension · 41,500 miles · NY

The ball joints on my 2000 ford explorer need to replaced after only 42,000 miles. It is my understanding ball joints should last a minimum of 100-150,000 miles.

Filed Feb 16, 2004 · Suspension · 39,000 miles · IN

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.

Filed Nov 11, 2003 · Steering, Suspension · 45,800 miles · CA

Dealer service states lower ball joint needs replacement. Experience clunking over bumps. Dealer service already replaced steering rack due to excessive play, somehow are probably related to lower ball joint play.

Filed Oct 12, 2003 · Suspension · MA

Problems with front ball joints on 2000 ford explorer.*mr consumer stated vehicle is only three years old and there should be a recall if there is a problem with the way the ball joints were made on the SUV. Consumer feels this could be a safety issue. *ph

Filed Sep 29, 2003 · Brakes, Suspension · MD

While driving at any speed front end made noise . Dealer replaced the upper ball joints,and an independent shop replaced the rotors. But the noise was still occurring.

Filed Jul 8, 2003 · Electrical, Lights · DC

The vehicle experienced problems with the lower ball joints and smoke emitted from the steering column, the dealer replaced the relay switch.*mr there were problems with the left turn signal indicator. Intermittently without warning when the brakes were fully applied the lights stayed on. When the brake was disengaged, the indicator signaled again, in spite of replacement the problem the continued intermittently, however the dealer stated there was no problem. *ts

Filed Jun 10, 2003 · Brakes, Engine · OH

Vehicle has always had a pulsating in the brake pedal since about 7000 miles. This time the brake master cylinder failed. Upon inspection by the dealer he stated that I needed to replace brakes, rotors, ( both of which have been replaced at least twice before ) master cylinder, serpentine belt and tensioner and have complete brake system flush. All in the span of 3 years. This vehicle has also had the ball joints replaced and control arms as well. Multiple occurences of the same symptoms.

Filed Mar 17, 2003 · Engine, Suspension · 46,650 miles · OH

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.