The only real major thing that has gone wrong with the car is that I the rear wiper motor failed at 29,000 miles and I got it replaced.
One minor defect is that the driver's side overhead map lite doesn't work - it's not the bulb, but the electricals within. The Ford dealership here in Honolulu has not been able to repair it.
Now, I've read the other reviews on this 2000 model year Explorer. I am being honest here when I say that I have not experienced any of the major mechanical or electrical problems that others have witnessed. I am either blessed - or perhaps I'm the exception! I have the fully loaded package, right down to the powered leather seating, sunroof, and compass/thermometer gauge (like I really need that in Hawaii). And YES I do take this truck off-roading - no rock climbing, but we do have some poor trails that literally beckons for SUV's to travel on. And I drive off-road with a set of BF Goodrich's, with no modifications to the suspension - kept everything stock.
By the way, I have used synthetic motor oil in it (AmsOil 10W-30) and an accompanying AmsOil oil filter from the very first day I owned it (after I drained the stock fill, of course). Being synthetic, I have run the same oil and just changed the oil recently at 30,000 miles. No leaks, either, contrary to what a lot folks think of synthetic oil getting past the seals.
I also fill up with 87 octane fuel from Chevron, religiously.
I'm keeping this Explorer - it rides well for a truck, no interior defects (save one), and has cost me little to maintain.
I forgot to mention in my last comment, that my wipers also come on when they are turned off.
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