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2000 Ford Explorer

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2000 Explorer.

Body SUV

The 2000 Ford Explorer is an SUV that employs a powertrain requiring a 5.0‑quart oil capacity and 5W‑20 API viscosity. It accumulated 1,133 owner complaints, a figure that sits below the 2002 peak of 3,620 yet remains above the 1990 low of 12, while 16 recalls have been issued and tires are the most frequently cited problem area. Overall, the 2000 model year represents a comparatively modest complaint volume within the model's long‑term history.

Model year202620252024202320212020201920182000

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque100 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 65 · 650 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 65 · 650 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP235-75R15SLOEM · verified
Wheel / rim7-J inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length180.7 in
Overall width70.1 in
Overall height66.9 in
Wheelbase101.6 in
Curb weight3406 lb
Track (front / rear)58.7 / 58.7 in

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Explorer of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

8.4 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 8.40 sec — 2000 Sport 2-door
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2000Sport 2-door 4.0L V68.40 sec16.50 sec160 hp4x4
1999XLT 4.0L V68.40 sec16.60 sec210 hp4x4
2001Sport Trac 4.0L V68.50 sec16.60 sec210 hpRWD
1997XLT 4.0L V68.50 sec16.50 sec160 hp4x4
1996XLT V8 5.0L V88.80 sec16.90 sec210 hpRWD
1996XLT V8 5.0L V88.90 sec16.80 sec210 hp4x4
1996XLT V8 5.0L V89.50 sec17.30 sec210 hp4x4
1995XLT 4.0L V610.70 sec17.90 sec160 hp4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.0 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear OilSYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity5.5 Pints (rear)
Engine Oil5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity5.0 qt
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity5.0 qt
Power Steering FluidATF

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs11-12 ft-lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings19-24 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts79-85 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts7.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts16 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine BoltsUpper: 15-
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts15-18 ft-lbs
Main Bearings67-74 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Leaf Spring to Axle (U-bolts)76.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Chassis Bracket66.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Rear Shackle85.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring Rear Shackle to Chassis Bracket85.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts100 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug4WD: 18.0, With AWD: 13.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug4WD: 18.0, With AWD: 13.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub184-250 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Cylinder Firing Order1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)790 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)40 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)725 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)25 rpm
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap0.052-0.056 in

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.88 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type68
Oil Capacity9.00 oz
Standard BCI Group Number65
Standard BCI Cranking Performance650 cca
Standard BCI Group Number65

Service checks

Pressure Test13-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief13-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature183-190 °F
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)30-45
Injector Primary Resistance11.4-12.6 na Flex Fuel ohms
Engine Oil Pressure40-60 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM2000 rpm
Intake Valve LashHydraulic in

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH REAR DISC / WITH STANDARD
Torque Caliper to Bracket20 ft-lbs / 21-26 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle80 ft-lbs / 73-97 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.060; Rear: 0.030 in
Brake ApplicationWITH REAR DISC / WITH STANDARD
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0002 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.005 in
Rotor Discard at or Under0.433 in / 0.965 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9015 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9015 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
126 ft. lbs.26 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
125 ft. lbs.25 ft. lbs
253 ft. lbs.53 ft. lbs
390
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
125-35 ft. lbs.25–35 ft. lbs
245-55 ft. lbs.45–55 ft. lbs
385-95
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
111 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5211 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
110 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5210 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
126 ft. lbs., Step 2: 67-7626 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 5,000 mi; spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 5,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miBrake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Exhaust System Heat Shield (inspect) · Fuel Filter (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)
At 45,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 miWheel Bearing (repack)
Every 100,000 miPCV Valve (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Transfer Case Assembly (drain & refill) · Transmission Filter (replace) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2000 model year registers 1,133 complaints, representing a decline from 1999’s 1,568 and a fraction of the 3,620 reported in 2002, positioning it within a temporary downturn before that subsequent surge. While consumer reports decreased, recalls increased to 16—exceeding 1999’s 15 and the 14 recorded in both 2001 and 2002—even as investigations dropped to 4 and technical service bulletins fell sharply to 291 from 1999’s 437. Tires generated the highest complaint volume at 234 instances, followed by power train (111) and vehicle speed control (104), alongside 113 crash-related and 83 fire-related complaints, though the data does not specify underlying causes. Relative to the high-water marks of 1997-1998 (1,981 and 2,248 complaints), 2000 shows reduced consumer distress but elevated manufacturer intervention through recalls. Given the lower complaint volume compared to peak years and the subsequent 2002 spike, yet acknowledging concentrated tire and power train complaints alongside the highest recall count in the immediate three-year window, 2000 represents a statistically moderate-risk option requiring diligent inspection of these components but offering relative respite within this era’s volatility.

16
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
291
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
4
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
1,133
Owner complaints
113 involved a crash · 83 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent
’90’91’92’93’94’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 1,133 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Tires234
Power Train111
Vehicle Speed Control104
Engine & Engine Cooling76
Electrical System70
Air Bags60
Service Brakes, Hydraulic46
Suspension46

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 15 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

09E025000Exterior Lighting:HeadlightsReported 11/05/2009

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE… Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT…

06E056000Fuel System, GasolineReported 13/06/2006

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK… Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 291 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
CSP-08B012008-05-16Engine And Engine CoolingFORD: CERTAIN 1999-2001 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES UP TO 6000 LB GVWR REGISTERED IN NEW YORK AND…
SP-08B012008-05-01Engine And Engine CoolingFORD SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. CSC LETTER WAS…
0424212005-06-07Seat BeltsSAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT
0305082005-04-01Power TrainFRONT AXLE LEAKS FLUID FROM VENT TUBE - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4X4 OR AWD. *TT
04712004-12-31Electrical SystemWARNING INDICATORS-PARKING AID-REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (RSS) AND FORWARD SENSING SYSTEM…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Explorer. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 65 batteryVehicles taking 5.0 qt

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesTorque specificationsMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2000 Explorer take?

5.0 qt of 5W-20 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2000 Explorer have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 16 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.