2000 Ford Explorer: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 Ford Explorer?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 Ford Explorer than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Brake pads2.8× usual
  Ford Explorer

  14.8% All 2000 cars

  5.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.2% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Chassis rust or damage2.7× usual
  Ford Explorer

  13.9% All 2000 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.8% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Common 2000 Ford Explorer MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 Ford Explorer MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  38% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  36% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  30% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Rust and bodywork
  24% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Tyres
  15% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust and emissions
  12% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2000 Ford Explorer

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2000 Ford Explorer as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2000 Ford Explorer as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?