Problems with 2000 Ford Excursion SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

2000 ford excursion with less than 100,000 miles, well maintained and original owner. brakes failed when rear brake line burst on the frame rail while applying the brakes to slow, this was not a panic stop which would induce a high pressure in the line. i was able to make a safe stop and was perplexed by this failure. there was no early warning of this failure and in fact the vehicle was at the dealer two days prior for oil change and new batteries and no mention of low brake fluid or leak in the brake system. after consulting with local repair facilities they state this is a known problem, i do not believe a vehicle that is properly maintained should have a sudden and catastrophic brake line failure that is only 10 years old and i'm sure there must be accidents related to similar vehicles. *tr

Dt: the contact stated while driving at 40 mph the vehicle rattled. the vehicle was taken to the dealership. the first time the front rotors had to be turned. several thousand miles later the problem recurred. he took the vehicle to the dealership again. this time it was the rear wheel rotors. the rotors were turned. the third time he took the vehicle to the dealer have it serviced. this time the brake pads, and rotors were turned. the dealership told him it was the design of the brake system, the rotors were too small for the brake system. all repairs have been made at the contacted expense. *ak updated 1/19/2006 - the front rotors warped which caused pulsation while braking. *nm

Front disc brake rotors warp under normal driving conditions. this results in extremely violent shuddering and shaking of the steering wheel while braking at speeds over 40 mph. rapid braking at freeway speeds are high risk for loss of control and collision. i bought this excursion used with ~48,000 miles and have had the rotors resurfaced at ~ 60, 000 and 84,000 mi. at 93,000 miles i had to replace all 4 rotors because of repeated shuddering from rotor warpage and wear which cost me over $500 on top of the $400 i spent at 84,000 miles for a brake job. six months and 14,000 miles later i am having the same problem and now the dealer tells me there is a ford service bulletin recommending a new type of pad. they also told me they have four other excursion owners that are having the same complaints and safety concerns requiring similar repairs. the front rotors are insufficiently engineered for the size and weight of this vehicle, and presents a safety risk for excursion owners as well as surrounding motorists. ford knows they have a problem but instead of doing the right thing and fixing it they are bleeding consumers for repairs of a faulty design while the government does nothing about it. *nm

Vehicle was parked in my garage. i was in the garage at the time. began smelling burning electrical smell. found white smoke coming out of engine compartment, increasing dramatically in volume. in just a few moments, the smoke was a solid curtain coming from the gap between the hood and driver side front fender. opened hood and found an electrical switch on the brake system master cylinder creating the smoke. using a rag i pulled the switch away from the cylinder and it was melted in half. the part of the switch connected to the electrical wire continued to smoke. i disconnected the remaining piece of the switch from the wire and it stopped smoking but everything was hot.

The rear windshield wiper does not operate due to the spring. also, the brakes do not function properly due to the brake rotors. the vehicle will not stop accordingly.*ak

While braking at highway speeds steering wheel pulled to the left/right and shimmied intermitenlly. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak

Consumer stated brakes wore out prematurely. this part was replaced eight times. as a result when applying the brakes steering wheel vibrated violently. *ak

Brakes wore out prematurely. the part was replaced nine times. as a result, when applying the brakes steering wheel vibrated violently. *ak

Problems experienced with brakes on 2000 ford excursion. *bf a squealing and clunking noise could be heard while applying the brakes. the vehicle has an extended warranty but the dealer refuses to repair the problems. the consumer has replaced the rotors (twice), pads and other components. *nm

The front rotors were badly warped at 18,000 miles. the dealer replaced the rotors under warranty, but are warped again at 23,000 miles. poor design and a safety hazard. *la

The consumer took the vehicle to the dealership for an inspection. the mechanic informed the consumer that both front rotors cracked. the consumer had the rotors replaced. *ak the consumer had continuous problems with the brakes and rotors. *jb

Vehicle pulls left while braking, and paint is peeling in the wheel wells.*mr the problem was confirmed by the dealer's technician who made recommendations to correct the problems. due to the excessive cost the consumer decided to have the vehicle repaired at a local repair shop. the repair shop corrected the problem that the dealer recommended but that did not resolve the issue. the vehicle was returned to the dealer who explained that the repair would be costly. the consumer later received a service bulletin (03-19-10 dated september 9, 2003) which was in reference to a braking problem. the consumer does not feel comfortable driving the vehicle. *nm

While applying the brake pedal vehicle failed to respond . also, brake light appeared on the dashboard without prior warning. *ak

While driving at any speed and with no warning brake rotors wore out, causing extended stopping distance. dealer notified.*ak

When applied the brake at any speed vehicle vibrate. dealer notified. please provide further information.

My excursion has been to the dealership 8+ times since purchase in 12-2002. the brakes and suspension are the top recurring problems. i do not have enough room to conclude all problems. brakes have been serviced 3 times at dealership, i have asked them to look at the brakes two times in the last two months because of difficulty stopping, they find no problems. i don't see how they can tell when my mileage in is the same as my mileage out. i don't think ford wants to deal with this problem. they are waiting for someone to die, and in this huge vehicle it is going to have to be a major accident for that to occur. why does someone have to die before this vehicle is recalled. i am afraid for my and my family's life. i bought this vehicle for safety and comfort, and i am afraid of it. i have tried trading it in but word must be out because no one wants to give me anything for it. what do myself and so many others have to do to get this problem taken care off. *ak

Front rotors continually warping regardless of driving habits. turned rotors twice in less than 10,000 miles and replaced them once. i was told by the dealer, it was due to the rotors being too small for such a heavy vehicle. *jb

Rotors warped at 32,000 miles, warped again at 34,000, then at 35,000, warrantied twice. truck won't go more then a few thousand miles without warping rotors made first 32,000 on factory since tried two different aftermarket after 4 failures from ford. my driving hasn't changed only the front rotors. dt

Consumer stated that when applying brakes, vehicle pulls significantly into on coming traffic or to the left. dealer notified, but unable to fix the problem. *yh

Concerned about rotors needing to be replaced at 38,30 miles and brakes have been replaced also i am concerned that this will be ongoing thing and concerned about my familys safety,hope to hear from you very soon. *ak

Steering wheel column pulled to left, and when applying brakes vehicle wandered away. *ak

When applying brakes there is a squeaking sound and pulsation. dealership is aware of problem.*ak

Extended braking distances reported to dealership within first 20,000 kms. impossible to invoke antilock pulsing on hard braking on dry pavement. dealer checked full brake system and found no problems. aftermarket pads improved the problem. repeated warping of rotors for the first 50-60,000 kms, then mysteriously only minor warping on extended brake use. *tr

When consumer applies brakes vehicle vibrates and pulsates. also, vehicle pulls to left and right. dealership is aware of problem.

While passing on a two lane road, the vehicle i was passing swerved into my lane. i had to apply the brakes very forcefully and when i did so, the brakes pulled the steering so hard to the left i nearly lost controlof the vehicle. following this situation i tested both my excursion and my ford f-350 and both vehicles swerve hard to left during forceful emergency braking. i should also note that at 36,000 miles, my excursion was serviced under warranty for brake pulling and pulsating. the rotors and pads were replaced however, i do not believe this warranty service is related to the severe pulling during emergency braking. i believe the braking problem is structural in origin and is going to result in some number of fatalities. i know that it my case, i came to the brink of an unsurvivable accident.*ak

I too have experienced warped rotors under normal operation. i have owned my 2000 excursion since new and have already had my rotors resurfaced once. they lasted approximately three months before having to have them done again. my last visit cost me $500 and i expect nothing less from the dealer this time. the harmonic period seems to be most pronounced when braking at 50 mph with the severity decreasing at a standard bell curve above and below that speed. i am concerned of my safety when having to brake at highway speeds from loss of control or failure. based on the complaints i have viewed, i would be in favor of a class-action suit with a redesign or buy-back remedy.*jb

When applying brakes at any speed there is pulsation forward/backward motion. also, vehicle is too heavy for the brakes. dealer now recommends new front rotors, rotors are warped.*ak the vehicle pulls to the right and the left. consumer complains of stiff steering and the rear door doesn't open, nor does the passenger side rear door. it is hard to open from the inside.

When applying brakes at any speed there is vibration on right front of vehicle. vehicle taken to dealer 4 times, rotors were grounded on two visits, but did not remedy problem.*ak also the right front tire blew out, causing damage to rim.*slc

When brakes are applied pedal becomes hard, resulting in extended stopping distance. dealer has repaired vehicle several times, and has not been able to correct problem.*ak

When applying brakes lost control of vehicle. engine slowed down. also, hesitated without prior notice. *ak

Front disc brake rotors warp under normal driving conditions. this results in extremely violent shuddering and shaking of the steering wheel while braking at speeds over 40 mph. rapid braking at freeway speeds are high risk for loss of control and collision. because of safety concerns i have had the rotors resurfaced at 16, 000 and 25,000 mi. at 31,000 miles i had to replace the rotors because of repeated shuddering from rotor warpage and wear. i have asked four other excursion owners and they have the same complaints and safety concerns requiring similar repairs. front rotors are insufficiently engineered for the size and weight of this vehicle, and presents a safety risk for excursion owners as well as surrounding motorists. even when serviced properly as outlined, shuddering returns quickly.*ak

When applying brakes shudder can be felt in the front braking system

When applying brakes at any speed vehicle will pull to left during light and hard braking. dealership is aware of defect, and has agreed to replace vehicle. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak

No summary listed fro above vehicle. *ak

Brake rotors have been examined by two dealerships for excessive wear and vibrations during application of brakes. rotors were turned with approximately 20,000 miles on vehicle. brakes then failed with approximately 24,000 miles on vehicle, and second dealership replaced brakes. currently, with approximatley 30,000 miles on the vehicle, brakes are failing to stop vehicle. dealership has informed consumer that brake problems are related to "consumers driving/braking habits". please provide any additional information/attachments. *ak

On several occasions, vehicle pulls slightly at slower speeds 15-40 mph and violently at speeds above 55 mph, the pulling would occur to both the left and right sides and intensify as the brakes get hotter, dealer replaced disc brake rotors and pads, aligned front end and rotated tires, however repairs did not remedy problem, tech states that engineers are working on repair solution. *tt

The brakes pull sometimes left, sometimes right intermittently, vehicle has been to dealer 3 times for repair.

Brakes pull to left when hard stopping , there is no repair for this problem according to ford. *ak

While driving on dry pavement and upon attempting to make a graudal stop when applying brakes, consumer noticed pulsation in brake pedal which has caused extended stopping distance. consumer has contacted dealer..*ak the vehicle had been at service center 5 times. rotors and brakes had been replaced over and over again but the vehicle was still not safe. *yh

During braking vehicle will pull to the right typically, however, it will pull to the left on occasion. vehicle pulls when brakes are applied. severity of this pulling increases with hardness of braking. dealership has examined vehicle, and lubricated calipers as well as replaced and rotated brake pads. please provide any additional information/attachments. *ak

Brakes squeaking after 500 mi. took it to dealer, they stated it was normal due to new type pads with metal content. began shuddering and pulling to side at 10k miles. rotors turned 3 times between 10k and 35k miles. rotors & pads replaced at 35k miles. turned again at 42k miles. problem persists. dealer states it is due to driving habits. *jb

Complete brake failure upon approaching intersection. excursion was towed to nearest ford dealer where, upon exam, it was found that a sensor wire had rubbed through on the tire, causing the brake failure.

This vehicle shakes, rattles and rolls constantly , alignment 3 seperate times, extremely hard too stop, nothing but problems with frame and chassis. i am currently waiting for a dsb hearing in regards to ford repurchasing vehicle as previously they denied repurcahe of vehicle. i have also submitted all of my repair orders to ford for review and i am told i will have to testify at the dsb hearing and havent received a date for same. this vehicle is the worst too try and control, stop or drive due to steering whhel shakes, frame stability and lack there of.

I own a 2000 ford excursion and have had problems with the rotors warping since new. the dealers have said i was the only one with this problem but after seeing this web site i see that is not true. also i had the bearings go out in the right front wheel almost leading to the tire falling off if my wife had not noticed it in time. the rotors have been replaced twice have been turned at least every 15,000 miles since new i have around 80,000 miles now. the dealer did the brakes three times until the warrnty ran out at 36,000 miles i have had them fixed myself since then. this truck is said to be heavy duty and i only tow a camper with it twice a year 60 mile round trip i feel like i should not be having this kind of problem. the severe shaking that is caused by this makes if difficult to drive for my wife since she is the primary driver of the car. i cannot wait till my lease runs out so i can get rid of this car. the dealers will not help me at all. thank for and help you might can give william andrews