2001 Ford Explorer

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 375 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the tires. It has been recalled 12 times.

Not among the Ford Explorer years to avoid. Which Ford Explorer years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
90,000 milesMedian miles at failure

113 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.

Most common 2001 Ford Explorer problems

55 of the 375 complaints (15%) are about the tires.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Tires33
506
Tires › Tread/Belt22
103
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration18
020
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags15
1507
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes14
503
Seats14
104
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission14
100
Electrical System14
251
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control · throttle and acceleration13
142
Suspension12
203

2001 Ford Explorer tires problems

15% of all complaints

55 of the 375 complaints are about the tires. This is what owners describe:

  • vibrates or shakes5% · 3

Share of the 55 tires complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
90,000 mi
median of 3 reports
Peak year of filing
2000
29 tires complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
6 · 0 · 9
in these complaints
Recalls on the tires
“Re brakes: they have replaced the brake shoes/pad twice ands rotors once. Re tire/wheels they could not get them to balance out tried 4 times ( goodyear tried twice) total of 6 times. Again a week and a half later, it pulls left when braking, and vibration is back again. I have spoke with wayne ( service mgr) and al mc donald ( general sales mgr).”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 26, 2001
“Since I bought this explorer I had problems with the tires, I contacted the dealer but they told me that my tires are not part of the recall and they cant do nothing about it , I explain to them that my explorer its been shaking a lot, a lot of vibrations and thomps that I was scared because its been few times that I almost lose control of my vehicle in the highway and regular streets and its been a year now and …”
Owner complaint, filed Jun 25, 2001

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2000: 42 complaints, 29 about the tires'002001: 80 complaints, 13 about the tires2002: 75 complaints, 4 about the tires'022003: 30 complaints, 1 about the tires2004: 21 complaints, 4 about the tires'042005: 22 complaints, 1 about the tires2006: 8 complaints, 2 about the tires'062007: 14 complaints, 0 about the tires2008: 17 complaints, 0 about the tires'082009: 6 complaints, 0 about the tires2010: 12 complaints, 1 about the tires'102011: 5 complaints, 0 about the tires2012: 4 complaints, 0 about the tires'122013: 4 complaints, 0 about the tires2014: 9 complaints, 0 about the tires'142015: 9 complaints, 0 about the tires2016: 5 complaints, 0 about the tires'162017: 6 complaints, 0 about the tires2018: 2 complaints, 0 about the tires'182019: 2 complaints, 0 about the tires2020: 0 complaints, 0 about the tires'202021: 2 complaints, 0 about the tiresRecall 00V313000 (equipment)Recall 01X001000 (tires)Recall 03V094000 (body and frame)Recall 03V281000 (seats)Recall 06E026000 (headlights)Recall 06E049000 (headlights)Recall 07V336000 (throttle and acceleration)Recall 09E012000 (headlights)Recall 09E025000 (headlights)NHTSA investigation DP05005
All complaintsAbout the tiresRecall (red: the tires)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2001 Explorer peaked in 2001, with 80 filed that year. Owners had filed 33 complaints about the tires before the first recall that covers it, 01X001000 in May 2001; 22 more have come in since. In 2021 owners filed 2 so far.

12 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Vehicle Speed Control09V399000
Filed Oct 13, 20094,500,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Risk. A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Remedy. FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. 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 REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 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 REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Vehicle Speed Control07V336000
Filed Aug 3, 20073,600,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Fuel System, Gasoline06E056000
Filed Jun 13, 200658,640 vehiclesUfi Filters USA

Defect. 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 CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Risk. FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

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.

Exterior Lighting06E049000
Filed May 24, 200627,176 vehiclesCk Motorsport, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner03V281000
Filed Aug 5, 20031,552,880 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HIGH BACK SEATS, THE UPPER BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HIGH BACK SEAT, THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME, COULD FRACTURE. IF THE BOLT FRACTURES AND DOES NOT JAM IN THE SEAT BACK FRAME, THE SEAT BACK MAY RECLINE UNTIL IT MAKES CONTACT WITH AN OBJECT BEHIND THE SEAT, SUCH AS THE SECOND ROW SEAT CUSHION.

Risk. THE DRIVER COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS DURING SUCH AN EVENT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER SEAT UPPER BOLT WITH A METAL SPACER AND BOLT. IN ADDITION, SEATS WITH TUBULAR BACK FRAMES WILL HAVE THE FULLY THREADED LOWER RECLINER BOLT REPLACED WITH A PARTIALLY THREADED BOLT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cables03V280000
Filed Aug 5, 2003448,005 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL AND 4.0L SOHC ENGINES, IF THE STRAND COVER ON THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE BECOMES FLARED AT THE END, THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE MAY BIND WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS ACTIVATED.

Risk. THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING FORCE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO OVERCOME THE BINDING CONDITION WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS DISENGAGED. BRAKING FUNCTION WOULD BE MAINTAINED THOUGH STOPPING DISTANCES MAY BE INCREASED.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Structure03V094000
Filed Mar 7, 20033,674 vehiclesSouthern Comfort Conversions

Defect. CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.

Risk. THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.

Tires › Tread/Belt01X001000
Filed May 22, 200113,000,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE DESIGN TO STRESS, AGING, AND MANUFACTURING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANTS. FORD IS REPLACING THESE TIRES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW MAY HAVE BEEN ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES OR MAY HAVE HAD WILDERNESS AT TIRES INSTALLED DURING THE FIRESTONE RECALL LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2000. CERTAIN 1991 THROUGHT 2002 FORD EXPLORER CERTAIN 2001 THROUGHT 2002 EXPLORER SPORT, AND SPORT TRAC CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 2001 RANGER CERTAIN 1999 THROUGH 2001 EXPEDITION CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994, AND 1997 MODEL YEAR F-SERIES CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994 BRONCO NOTE: BOTH ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE AFFECTED.

Risk. SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy. THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, 2002. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-877-917-3673 OR GO ON-LINE TO WWW.FORD.COM FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.

Equipment › Other › Labels00V313000
Filed Oct 17, 20005 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567.4, "CERTIFICATION." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED FROM THE ASSEMBLY PLANT WITHOUT SAFETY CERTIFICATION LABELS.

Risk. INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE COULD RESULT IN TIRE TREAD SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CERTIFICATION LABELS.

All 12 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 2 name the 2001 Explorer.

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEADDefect petition DP05005Closed
Opened Sep 22, 2005Closed Jan 4, 2006engine

On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 FORD vehicles with triton v-8 and v-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi is not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in …

FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER ATTACHMENTPreliminary evaluation PE03020Closed
Opened May 21, 2003Closed Sep 5, 2003Led to recall 03V281000seats

By letter dated august 4, 2003, FORD notified the agency that it is conducting a voluntary safety recall (NHTSA recall no. 03v281) involving certain model year (my) 1998-2001 FORD explorer / mercury mountaineer 4-door, my 1998-2000 FORD explorer 2-door and my 2001-2002 FORD explorer sport and sport trac vehicles equipped with high back seats.complaints allege that the driver's seat back reclined without warning.a bolt between the upper seat recliner attachment and the seat back frame may fracture.FORD will replace the bolt that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame on …

Technical service bulletins

115 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2001 Explorer. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 27transmission 27electrical system 8visibility 7body and frame 4suspension 4fuel system 4headlights 3
01B77Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 1, 2001tires

OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT 7 REVISED INFORMATION - REGARDING REPLACEMENT OF WILDERNESS AT TIRES. *TT

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2001 Ford Explorer 4-DR.———★★★★★—
2001 Ford Explorer 4-DR. w/SAB———★★★★★—

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Seats
Filed May 5, 2021143,800 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V281000 (SEATS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER SON NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT WAS HARD TO RECLINE UP AND DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN THREE TIMES TO SHAKER'S FAMILY FORD LINCOLN (831 STRAITS TURNPIKE, WATERTOWN, CT 06795) FOR THE RECALL. ON THE FIRST DEALER VISIT, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE UPPER BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HIGH BACK SEAT. ON THE SECOND VISIT, THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE UPPER BOLT AND INSTALLED A NEW BOLT HOWEVER, THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE DEALER DAMAGED THE SEAT IN THE PROCESS OF INSTALLING THE NEW BOLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT NO LONGER RECLINED AND NEEDED THE MIDDLE ROW SEATS TO KEEP IT UPRIGHT. ON THE THIRD VISIT, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DECLINED TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,800.

Steering
Filed Jan 19, 2021NV

SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING... CAN FEEL A CHANGE IN ENGINE WHILE DRIVING, FEELS LIKE A ROUGH RIDE, AND OVERDRIVE STARTS TO FLASH.

EngineFire
Filed May 8, 2019MO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING, A BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR AN IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE IF A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A RESIDENCE AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

StructureFire
Filed Mar 18, 2019170,000 milesWV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LEAKED ANTI-FREEZE AND TRANSMISSION FLUID. THERE WAS ALSO RUST UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND A HOLE IN THE RUNNING BOARDS, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED THEM TO DETACH. THE CONTACT CLAIMED THAT THE GROUND COULD BE SEEN THROUGH THE HOLE. THE VEHICLE ALSO PRODUCED THICK SMOKE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Structure › BodyCrash5 injured
Filed Apr 18, 2018251,000 milesCA

THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER ON ITS SIDE ON DRY PAVEMENT ON THE FWY AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT IN GOOD WEATHER CONDITIONS. NO OTHER VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED, THE CAR SKIDED WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE LANES. I WENT INTO A SKID AND THE CAR TURNED ON ITS SIDE.

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Jan 29, 201830 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING ON THE REAR DOORS COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE, BUT ONLY FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. MARYSVILLE FORD IN MARYSVILLE, WASHINGTON WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30. *TT *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 7, 2017WA

I HAVE A GREAT 2001 FORD EXPLORER BUT IT STARTED LEAKING FROM THE ROOF AND THE LEAK SOURCE CAN NOT BE FOUND. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE, JUST SOMETHING CHANGED. THERE IS NOW MOLD ALL OVER THE INTERIOR AND ITS POSING A GREAT HEALTH RISK TO MYSELF AND ANY OCCUPANTS. I WOULD LIKE THE PROBLEM FIXED BY FORD.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 19, 2017FL

THE EXTIRER DOOR HADLE KEEP BREAKING CAN NOT GET INTO VEHICLE WITH OUT GOING THRU BACK DOOR.IF I HAD AN ACCIDENT THERE WOULD BE NO WAY SO.EO E COULD GET ME OUT.I HAVE OWNED VEHICLE FOR 2 YEARS AND I HAVE REPLACED ED THEM 3 TIMES AND AGAIN THEY ARE BROKEN.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 17, 2017CA

AIR BAG LIGHT ON SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM A PRIVATE PARTY IN 2014.

Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing
Filed May 15, 2017128,600 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL SEIZED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO HEAD TOWARDS ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THERE WAS NO CRASH INVOLVED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WAS TOWED. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BEARING DISINTEGRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,600.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 9, 201770,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS OR WHILE PARKED, THE DRIVER SIDE TURN SIGNAL FAILED TO ILLUMINATE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. WHEN THE STEERING COLUMN WAS TILTED TO THE UPPER POSITION, THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Electrical SystemCrash
Filed Feb 15, 20171,000 milesAK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. DURING COLDER TEMPERATURES, THE FAILURE WORSENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE DIAGNOSIS WAS NOT DISCLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000. UPDATED 05/17/17*LJ *CN

Power Train
Filed Sep 19, 2016147,000 milesNV

DRIVING AROUND 30 MPH ON A FLAT STRAIGHT PAVED ROAD WHEN IT SUDDENLY SHIFTED INTO 4 WHEEL LOW.

Power Train
Filed Sep 11, 2016146,500 milesNV

SWITCHED INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE LOW WITHOUT A COMMAND WHILE DRIVING AROUND 30 MPH ON A DRY LEVEL PAVED ROAD.

Traction Control SystemCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 7, 2016115,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT STEERED TO THE RIGHT AND THE VEHICLE SKIDDED AND CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED FOUR BROKEN RIBS AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. UPDATED 10/19/16*LJ

Electrical System
Filed Jul 10, 2016FL

THE S.U.V LEAKS WATER IN CAUSING ISSUES I HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAIN AND FUSE BOX NOW MINEXPENSIVE HAS A DRAINAGE OF ITS BATTREY AND THE LIGHT DONE GO OFF I REPLACED THE BATTREY AN ALTNATOR.AN AS WELL.FORD SHOULD FIX IT THY HE TO MANY ISSUES LIKE THIS.PARKED IN DRIVE WAY.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed May 2, 201672,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD THUMP COMING FROM THE REAR HATCH WINDOW. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE REAR HATCH WINDOW WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000. ....UPDATED 07/05/16 *BF UPDATED 07/13/16.*JB

Seats
Filed Nov 18, 201566,500 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH FORCE AND THE PASSENGER SEAT INDEPENDENTLY FOLDED FORWARD AND THEN BACKWARDS. THE SEAT WOULD NO LONGER HOLD ITS UPRIGHT POSITION AND HAD TO BE PROPPED UP BY FOLDING DOWN THE REAR SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WELD ON THE BACK OF THE SEAT HAD FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V281000 (SEATS). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,500. UPDATED 04/04/16*LJ A BOLT WAS REPLACED IN THE SEAT BACK. UPDATED 04/05/16.*JB

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 14, 2015167,218 milesCA

MAIN PROBLEM AT THE MOMENT IS A CLICKING, KNOCKING NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE IS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH TRUCK IN THE MIDDLE. YOU CAN FEEL TRUCK SHAKE/VIBRATE WHEN YOU HEAR THE NOISE. PREVIOUS PROBLEMS LUG BOLTS CAME LOOSE AND ALMOST CAUSE TIRE TO FALL OFF. OTHER PROBLEM TRUCK STARTED OFF SOUNDING LIKE THE BRAKE PADS WERE GOING THEN THE TRUCK STARTED MAKING A HORRIBLE GRINDING NOISE . FELT LIKE THE ENGINE WAS GOING TO FALL OUT. ENDED UP BEING FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. RIM HAD STATTERED.

Suspension
Filed Oct 13, 2015119,699 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,699.

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Oct 8, 2015166,694 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD SUDDENLY UNLOCK. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEATS WOULD MOVE FORWARD WHEN MAKING A SUDDEN STOP AND THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND HATCH DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,694.

Steering
Filed Oct 8, 2015240,000 milesWA

WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN FROM A CITY STREET INTO MY COMMUNITY AND ABOUT 90 DEGREES INTO THE TURN THE STEERING LOCKED UP AND I WAS HEADED FOR THE MEDIAN. I STOPPED WITH THE BRAKES AND LOOKED DOWN AT THE DASH AND THE BATTERY PICTURE WAS RED WHICH HELPED ME TO REALIZE THE CAR HAD TURNED OFF. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND THEN STARTED IT UP AND THE PROBLEM WAS GONE.

Steering
Filed Sep 17, 2015109,400 milesMA

ON DRIVING MY TRUCK IT SLOWED DOWN ALMOST TO A STOP THEN MOVED BUT CONTINUED TO PUTTER AND SLOW DOWN--I GOT SCARED AND GOT IT IN MY DRIVEWAY AND CALLED AA TO TOW TO MY SERVICE MECHANIC--THE MECHANIC HAD IT FOR 2 DAYS AND COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH IT---I TOLD HIM I FELT IT WAS IN THE GEARSHIFT AUTOMATIC AS WHEN I PUT IT IN P IT LUNGES FORWARD AND I HAVE TO PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AGAIN--ALSO WHEN I HAVE IT IN D THE GEARSHIFT DOES NOT STAY IN THE MIDDLE, AS IT ALWAYS DID. HE SAID IT MIGHT BE WATER IN THE GAS, WHICH I SAID NO TO. I KNOW MY VEHICLE AS I HAD IT FROM DAY ONE AND IT DID NOT DRIVE LIKE THAT. IT HAS ONLY 110,000 MILES ON IT AND I TOOK GOOD CARE OF IT FOR UPKEEP AND NOW THAT I AM RETIRED AND AGE 70, MONEY TO REPAIR DOES NOT COME EASY WITH SMALL PENSION AND SOCIAL SECURITY.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 12, 201599,776 milesCA

FRAME /BODY MOUNTS, CREAK, SQUAWK CRUNCH , THE NOISE IS MOST NOTICEBLE WHEN TURNING OR HITTING BUMPS. SOME PEPLE ALSO DESCRIBE THE NOISE A HAMMER BEATING UNDER THE VEHICLE, THE CAUSE IS DETERIORATE BODY TO FRAME MOUNT CUSHIONS, THESE CUSHIONS APPER TO HAVE BEEN MADE OF SUBSTANDARD MATERIAL, MUCH LIKE CHINESE VALVE STEMS THAT CAUSE SO MUCH TROUBLE AFTER A FEW YEARS THE BODY MOUNTS DRY ROT , CRUMBLE AND LITERALLY FALL APART, THIS A TERRIBLE, THIS CAN PROVOKED A ACCIDENT.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 15, 2015DE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER RECALL. THE DEALER PERFORMED THE REPAIR, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE NEAR THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAT ENTERED THE VEHICLE NEAR THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Apr 24, 2015188,093 milesGA

I WAS SITTING IN A RESTAURANT DRIVE THRU WHEN THE CAR TURNED OFF. I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON & INCHED A BIT FORWARD IN LINE. MOMENTS AFTER THAT WHILE IN DRIVE, BUT NOT MOVING, I HEARD A LOUD POP. AFTER THAT, I SAW FLAMES SHOOTING TOWARDS THE FRONT WINDSHIELD COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD ON MY SIDE. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, TURNED OFF THE CAR AND TOOK THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION AND FLED. THE RESTAURANT WORKERS CAME TO MY AID AND PUT THE FIRE OUT BEFORE IT SPREAD. WHEN I WENT BACK TO SAY THANK YOU, THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY HEARD A SECOND POP BEFORE THEY PUT OUT THE FIRE. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO FORD HEADQUARTERS. THEY CHECKED MY VIN AND TOLD ME THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER RECALL FOR A DEFECT THAT CAUSES FIRES. I TOOK THE CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP A COUPLE MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT AND THEY DID NOT TELL ME ANYTHING ABOUT A RECALL ON THE CAR. ALSO, THE CAR OIL WAS LAST CHANGED 3/5/2015 AND WAS BELOW THE MILEAGE FOR ANOTHER OIL CHANGE, SO I AM SO CONFUSED AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED. *TR

Suspension
Filed Nov 19, 2014107,000 milesKS

REAR END OF CAR THUMPED EVERY TIME YOU WOULD GO OVER THE SMALLEST SEPARATION IN THE ROAD AND ALSO ON A BUMPY ROAD. REPLACED REAR END SHOCKS. STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM OF THUMPING. SOME TIMES IT FEELS LIKE I'M GOING TO LOOSE THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD POSSIBLY NOW THAT BACK BUSHINGS HOLDING THE BODY TO THE FRAME MAY BE DISINTEGRATED. VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND GARAGED. I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS OCCURRING NOW WITH THIS 2001 MODEL. YOU WOULD THINK THERE WOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL BY FORD TO FIX THESE BUSHING PROBLEMS. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 3, 2014100,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BODY MOUNTS CORRODED WHICH CAUSED THE FRAME TO BECOME DETACHED FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE REAR BODY MOUNTS WERE REPLACED. THE FRONT PARTS WERE NOT REPLACED DUE TO THE PARTS BEING UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Power Train
Filed Oct 16, 201487,372 milesPR

THE FORD EXPLORER 2001 XLS 4.0L REAR WHEEL DRIVE TRANSMISSION IS DEFECTIVE IN SLIP 4 TO 5 GEAR IN 75000 MILES. *TR

Power Train
Filed Jun 21, 2014187,000 milesWA

I TOOK MY CAR TO ASTORIA FORD LATE LAST YEAR, BECAUSE IT WAS STALLING AND LOSING POWER. THE CHARGED ME ALMOST $1,000.00 AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. THE O/D ON OFF LIGHT WILL STOP AND START. WHEN IT COMES ON WHICH JUST STARTED TODAY, THE CAR IN ANY GEAR WHILE ONLY GO FORWARD. IN REVERSE AND NEUTRAL, ONLY FORWARD. AS A POLICE OFFICER THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, AND I CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE. MANY HAVE SUBMITTED COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS TO FORD, THEY CALL IT A PHANTOM PROBLEM. I HOPE THIS PHANTOM PROBLEM DOES NOT OCCUR IN FRONT OF A DAY CARE. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 19, 2014100,000 milesSD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONATCT HAD TO ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE DEFECT OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Suspension
Filed Jun 4, 201477,000 milesFL

FORD EXPLORERS MANUFACTURED IN 2001 WERE EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE ENGINEERED BODY TO FRAME BUSHINGS WHICH HAVE COMPLETELY DETERIORATE AND JUST AS EASILY CRUMBLED IN YOUR HAND, NOW, BUT BEGIN DETERIORATING ONLY A FEW SHORT YEARS FROM WHEN NEW. FORD STOPPED USING THIS STYLE MANUFACTURED MOUNT BUSHINGS AFTER THESE FEW MANUFACTURING YEARS BECAUSE THEY KNEW THEY WERE DEFECTIVE. I'VE SPOKEN TO MANY EXPLORER OWNERS WHO HAVE THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM , AND THOSE I ASK TO LOOK UNDER THEIR VEHICLES, WHICH ARE NOT A VISIBLE DEFECT UNLESS UNDER THE CAR AND HANDS-ON INSPECTION, ALSO FOUND THIS PROBLEM. MY VEHICLE IS IN LIKE-NEW CONDITION OTHERWISE AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. THESE BODY TO MOUNT BUSHINGS, WHEN DETERIORATED CAUSE SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEMS TO EXPLORER DRIVERS AND ALL OTHERS DRIVING IN OTHER VEHICLES, DUE TO UNEXPECTED SWAYING AND OR BOUNCING POSSIBLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH AND CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY TO ANYONE DRIVING NEAR THE EXPLORERS. I BELIEVE, AND AM SURE, THAT THE MATERIAL MIX OF THE RUBBER/SILICONE BUSHINGS WAS COMPROMISED DURING MANUFACTURING AND THESE VEHICLES SHOULD IMMEDIATELY RECALLED TO REPLACE THESE BUSHINGS WHICH SHOULD LAST THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE. CARS 40 PLUS YEARS OLD HAVE BODY TO FRAME BUSHINGS STILL IN GOOD CONDITION. FOR THESE BUSHINGS TO START DETERIORATING AFTER ONLY A FEW YEARS AND BEING COMPLETELY USELESS AT THIS AGE AND CONDITION OF VEHICLE IS UNHEARD OF. NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE SURE ALL EXPLORER SPORT OWNERS IN THE 2001

Engine
Filed May 5, 201426,500 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,500.

Power Train
Filed Apr 21, 2014143,000 milesNY

FOR THE SECOND TIME, THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION FAILED, LEAVING THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY POWERLESS WHILE DRIVING. THE TRANSMISSION ALSO FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY 70,000 MILES IN 2006, AGAIN WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC. IN BOTH CASES, I, AS THE DRIVER, WAS NEARLY INVOLVED IN ACCIDENTS WITH OTHER VEHICLES BECAUSE OF THE COMPLETE LOSS OF THE TRANSMISSION POWER TRAIN. THE VEHICLE ALSO GAVE NO WARNING OF THE FAILURE PRIOR TO THESE EVENTS. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS HAS BEEN A LONG-STANDING DESIGN DEFECT WITH FORD EXPLORERS, WITH A HIGH NUMBER OF VEHICLES FROM THE EARLY 2000S SUFFERING SIMILAR TRANSMISSION FAILURES. THIS IS BOTH DANGEROUS AND, I BELIEVE, A DEFECT THAT COULD CAUSE INJURY AND/OR DEATH.. I ALSO WISH TO ADD THAT THIS VEHICLE, WHICH IS 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND INCLUDES A FACTORY INSTALLED TOWING PACKAGE, HAS ONLY OCCASIONALLY BEEN USED FOR TOWING A BOAT (2X PER YEAR) AND IS SELDOM USED IN ITS 4 WHEEL DRIVE CAPACITY (ONLY ON SNOW COVERED ROADS 2-3 TIMES PER YEAR). THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. THE COST OF THE REPAIRS IN EACH CASE WAS OVER $2,000. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 23, 201499,000 milesTX

AS WITH SO MANY EXPLORERS I HAVE READ ABOUT, MY O/D LIGHT COMES ON AND FLASHES. I LOSE ALL POWER DURING INITIAL ACCELERATION AND THEN THE TRUCK SHOOTS OFF LIKE A ROCKET. IF I TURN THE IGNITION OFF, THE LIGHT RESETS AND THE VEHICLE IS OK FOR A WHILE UNTIL THE LIGHT AS WITH SO MANY EXPLORERS I HAVE READ ABOUT, MY O/D LIGHT COMES ON AND FLASHES. I LOSE ALL POWER DURING INITIAL ACCELERATION AND THEN THE TRUCK SHOOTS OFF LIKE A ROCKET. IF I TURN THE IGNITION OFF, THE LIGHT RESETS AND THE VEHICLE IS OK FOR A WHILE UNTIL THE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. I HAD THE CODES READ AND IT CAME UP A SOLENOID PROBLEM. I HAD THEM REPLACED AND TEN MILES FROM THE LOT, THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FROM FORD, BUT THEY HAVE YET TO ACT ON THIS ISSUE. COMES ON AGAIN. I HAD THE CODES READ AND IT CAME UP A SOLENOID PROBLEM. I HAD THEM REPLACED AND TEN MILES FROM THE LOT, THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FROM FORD, BUT THEY HAVE YET TO ACT ON THIS ISSUE. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE FIXED SEVERAL AND THEY GO RIGHT BACK OUT IT WAS A WASTE OF MY TIME.. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO GET KILLED BEFORE U ALL FIX THIS IF U TRY TO TAKE OFF AND IT SLIPS AND WILL NOT GO U CAN AND WILL GET HIT. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Nov 15, 2013187,000 milesMN

I WAS DRIVING AND I SAW AND SMELT SMOKE. I IMMEDIATELY COULD TELL WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM BECAUSE I SAW THE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE HAZARD LIGHT ON TOP OF MY STEERING WHEEL, IT THEN TURNED INTO A FLAME,IT WAS INSIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL. I PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BECAUSE FORTUNATELY I HAD WATER WITH ME AND I POURED A LITTLE BIT OF WATER ON THE FLAMES THAT WERE COMING OUT OF WHERE THE HAZARD LIGHT IS. THIS HAS HAPPENED 2 TIMES,WITH THE FINAL RESULT BEING 2 FIRES. IT HAPPENED A 3RD TIME WITH JUST SMOKE. I NO LONGER HAVE THE ABILITY TO USE MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND SOME OF MY INTERIOR LIGHTS NO LONGER WORK. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS HAS CAUSED OTHER PROBLEMS IE...MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEING ON AS WELL AS MY CRUISE CONTROL WORKING WHEN IT WANTS TO AND OTHER TIMES NOT WORKING AT ALL PLUS THE BUTTONS ON THE INNER SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL BEING HOT TO THE TOUCH! I'M TERRIFIED TO DRIVE MY OWN CAR! *TR

WheelsCrash2 injured
Filed Jul 10, 20135,303,079 milesCA

AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED WHEREIN A YOUNG MAN WAS SEVERELY INJURED. HE SURVIVED, BUT HAS A PLATE IN HIS JAW, AND SEVERE SCARRING ON HIS FACE. HIS SISTER WAS ALSO A PASSENGER AND WAS INJURED, BUT LESS SEVERELY. THE RIGHT REAR TIRE APPEARS TO HAVE BLOWN OUT, CAUSING THE CRASH. A WITNESS IMMEDIATELY BEHIND THE CAR AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT STATED: "I NOTICED WHAT LOOKED LIKE ONE OF THE RIGHT SIDE TIRES BEND TO THE SIDE AND SUDDENLY EXPLODE. AT THAT POINT THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL DUE TO THE TIRE EXPLOSION AND SWERVED TO THE CENTER DIVIDER AND CRASHED. INFORMATION ON THE TIRES IS AS FOLLOWS: RADIAL SXT ALL TERRAINS. DOT NUMBER ON THE TIRES WERE XFA 0307 AND THE TIRE SIZE WAS 75/16. ALL TIRES PASSED INSPECTION THREE MONTHS BEFORE, WITH A TREAD OF 6/32. THE OFFICER NOTED THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. *TR

EngineFire
Filed May 13, 2013200,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNOCCUPIED, IT BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 30, 2013123,587 milesNJ

BODY MOUNTS DETERIORATE BEFORE THEIR TIME AND BALL JOINT FAIL. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 13, 2012101,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AND UPON IMPACT, ALL OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED EXCEPT FOR THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 101,000.

Power Train
Filed Nov 8, 2012VA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO RESPOND WITH AN UNUSUAL WHINING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. UPON RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 17, 2012WV

CPSC#I12A0111A. 2001 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER STATED THAT A DAY AFTER SHE BROUGHT THE CAR IT BROKE DOWN. *LN THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE, AS WELL AS A HOLE IN GAS TANK, WHICH HAD RUSTED OUT, THE BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE TIRE WERE DRY ROTTED, AS THEY KEPT GOING FLAT, THE DRIVER'S DOOR DID NOT LOCK, THE REAR DOORS DID NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE, THE REAR DRIVER'S DOOR DID NOT OPEN AT ALL, THE OUTSIDE HANDLE WAS BROKE, THE REAR HATCH WOULD NOT CLOSE, AND MOST OF THE TIME IT HAD TO BE SLAMMED SHUT.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 13, 201223,000 milesME

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE JAW AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. THE POLICE REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 23,000.

Power TrainCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 7, 2011135,750 milesKY

VEHICLE WAS IDLING IN DRIVEWAY WITH THE DRIVERS DOOR OPEN. TRANSMISSION WAS IN PARK. TRANSMISSION DROPPED INTO REVERSE, ROLLED BACKWARDS IN DRIVEWAY, CRASHING THROUGH TWO CHAINLINK GATES, THE DOOR WAS TORN BACK AGAINST THE FENDER, I TRIED TO REACH INTO THE TRUCK TO TURN IT OFF, AND WAS PINNED BETWEEN THE TRUCK, AND THE CHAIN LINK FENCE. EXPLORER CURRENTLY IN THE COLLISION SHOP, AND TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPAIRED WHEN THE BODYWORK IS DONE. *TR

Power Train
Filed Dec 1, 2011126,000 milesNC

TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. WOULD NOT CATCH 3RD GEAR AND THEN SOUNDED LIKE A TOOLBOX WAS SCATTERED UNDER THE CAR. CAR SUCCESSIVELY LOST ALL GEARS EXCEPT 1ST. REPAIR COST OVER $2800.00. *TR

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Aug 22, 2011150,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE. THERE WAS NOT A POLICE OR FIRE REPORT FILED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM A PRIVATE SELLER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 150,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 11, 201172,000 milesOR

TURN SIGNAL WAS TURNED ON AND SMOKE CAME BILLOWING OUT OF STEARING COLLUM. SMELLED BURNT WIRING. FIRE INSIDE OF COLLUM MINIMAL DAMAGE AS I TURNED OFF SIGNAL IMMEDIATELY. TOOK TO GARAGE NEXT DAY. THE WIREING HAD RUBBED ON COLLUM AND SHORTED OUT. REPAIRED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *TT

Power Train › Automatic TransmissionCrash
Filed Mar 7, 2011118,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN RPMS. THE VEHICLE THEN ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY AND THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH THAT INVOLVED FOUR ADDITIONAL VEHICLES. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SERVO PLUG HAD POPPED OUT OF PLACE AND FRACTURED THE SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 2, 201091,000 milesVA

FORD EXPLORER 2001, V8 5.0L ENGINE. THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER SPARK PLUGS HAD RUSTED IN THE IRON BLOCK AND METAL RING SEPARATED FROM THE CERAMIC PART WHEN I TRY TO REMOVE THEM. A BROKEN THREADED PART REMAINED IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. IT HAPPENED ON THE FIRST THREE TRIED. ON FIST TWO I WAS ABLE TO USE A REMOVER TO EXTRACT THE LEFT OVER PART, ON THE THIRD ONE, THE THREADER BROKE IN THE HEAD. I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR TO A MECHANIC SHOP, PULL BOTH CYLINDER HEADS OUT AND REPLACE THE REST OF THE SPARK PLUGS. PORTS NEEDED TO HAVE INSERTS INSTALLED. DEFECT IS DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE SPARK PLUG WITH SHORT THREAD FOLLOWED BY A CYLINDRICAL PART THAT ACCUMULATES MOISTURE AND RUST. *TR

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Aug 9, 2010126,643 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE REAR WINDOW THE LIFT GATE FAILED TO OPEN. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WASN'T INCLUDED IN RECALL 04V442000 STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS; THEREFORE THEY WILL NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 126,643.

Complaints 1-50 of 375, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2002
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20270100Routine
2026441400Routine
20251072000Routine
2024211010Routine
20231131520Routine
20222712410Above average
20214522660Above average
20201,24933100Above average
2019300600Above average
2018734770Above average
20171,70414110Above average
20162,46515140Above average
20151,814910Above average
20141,684762Fatalities reported
20132,23712111Fatalities reported
2012830760Above average
20111,198840Above average
2010115200Routine
200933100Routine
2008148330Routine
2007208352Fatalities reported
2006630470Above average
2005497361Fatalities reported
20041,3044150High concern
20031,1317102Fatalities reported
20023,29510575Fatalities reported
2001 — this page37512216Fatalities reported
200095215644Fatalities reported
19991,34815444Fatalities reported
19981,9591410216Fatalities reported
19971,731125334Fatalities reported
19961,450113751Fatalities reported
199584312328Fatalities reported
19941,20778220Fatalities reported
19939399481Fatalities reported
19926337634Fatalities reported
199160911634Fatalities reported
199012010Routine

Compare every Explorer year →

2001 Ford Explorer: questions buyers ask

Is the 2001 Ford Explorer a good car?

It is not among the Explorer years to avoid. Owners filed 375 complaints, against about 939 for a typical Explorer year. The most common complaint is about the tires (15%).

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Ford Explorer?

The tires: 55 of the 375 complaints (15%) are about it. Owners most often say it vibrates or shakes (5%). The typical report comes at 90,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2001 Ford Explorer have?

12 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Oct 13, 2009. The largest, 01X001000, covered 13,000,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2001 Ford Explorer problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 90,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2001 Ford Explorer?

Yes, 2 times. The latest, DP05005 ("SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD"), was opened Sep 22, 2005 and closed Jan 4, 2006.

Are there service bulletins for the 2001 Ford Explorer?

The manufacturer filed 115 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (27), the transmission (27) and the electrical system (8). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

6 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Oct 13, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.