2001 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 730 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2001 reports, 97 involved a crash and 41 involved a fire. 96 people were injured and 10 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Vehicle speed controlOct 13, 2009
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.
A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
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.
Campaign 09V399000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 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 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.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
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.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed controlAug 3, 2007
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.
THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
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.
Campaign 07V336000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineJun 13, 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 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.
FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
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.
Campaign 06E056000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006
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.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
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.
Campaign 06E049000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
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.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
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.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerAug 5, 2003
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.
THE DRIVER COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS DURING SUCH AN EVENT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Campaign 03V281000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, cablesAug 5, 2003
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 03V280000 on NHTSA.gov
StructureMar 7, 2003
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.
THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
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.
Campaign 03V094000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, tread/beltMay 22, 2001
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.
SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
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.
Campaign 01X001000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsOct 17, 2000
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.
INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE COULD RESULT IN TIRE TREAD SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CERTIFICATION LABELS.
Campaign 00V313000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
52 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jan 21, 2006, fire
AFTER HAVING MY 2001 LMTD EDITION EXPLORER PARKED FOR OVER 45 MINUTES, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND WAS CONSUMED. IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS, MELTED DOWN TO THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE MARSHAL WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE AS THE DAMAGE WAS SO SEVERE, BUT I WAS REFERRED TO SEVERAL ARTICLES REGARDING SIMILAR FORD EXPLORER FIRES. *JB
Electrical system, Jan 1, 2006
I NOTICED MY DASH TURN SIGNAL BLINKED FAST WHEN I SIGNALING TO TURN RIGHT, BUT NOT LEFT. I CHECKED THE BULB AND IT WAS WORKING. IF THE STEERING COLUMN WAS IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION, IT BLINKED AT A NORMAL PACE, WHEN I LOWERED THE COLUMN IT BLINKED FAST. I REMOVED THE PLASTIC COVER AROUND THE STEERING COLUMN AND FOUND THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE TURN SIGNALS AND WIPERS WAS MELTED ALONG WITH THE INSULATION AROUND THE WIRES. IT APPEARS THAT THE CONNECTOR OVER HEATED AND RUINED THE REST OF THE WIRES. SINCE I DISCOVERED THIS IN TIME, THANKFULLY, THERE HAVE BEEN NO CONSEQUENCES, I BELIEVE I SAVED MY VEHICLE FROM BURNING DOWN. MY STEERING COLUMN IS APART AS I AM AWAITING FOR GUIDANCE ON HOW TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN, SINCE FORD IS AWARE THE INSULATION ON THE WIRES ARE CRACKING, I HOPE THERE IS A RESOLUTION SOON. *NM
Electrical system, Dec 5, 2005
MY VEHICLE HAS AN IDLE AIR CONTROL MALFUNCTION AND AFTER CONFERRING WITH OTHER FORD OWNERS. MOST HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR VEHICLE. I AM CONCERNED IT MAY BE A BIGGER PROBLEM THAN FORD MAY BE AWARE OF. WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE IT INVESTIGATED IF POSSIBLE. MY VEHICLE IS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. *JB
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Sep 9, 2005
CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR LIGHT SWITCH DOES NOT COME ON - STEERING WHEEL IS VERY HOT TO THE TOUCH - AND THERE IS THE SMELL OF BURNING PLASTIC. SINCE DECEMBER 2003 ALL INDICATOR LIGHTS ARE OUT ON STEERING COLUMN (I TOOK MY TRUCK TO THE FORD SERVICE CENTER AND WAS TOLD IT PROBABLY NEED A FUSE - I CHECKED THE FUSE IT SEEMS TO BE O.K. IS THERE A RECALL ON CRUISE CONTROL ON THE 2001 - FORD SPORT TRAC? *JB
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Aug 30, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. SHE HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 35 MPH WHILE GOING UP A HILL, BUT WAS PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE, AND THEY STATED SHE WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. THE CONSUMER SHOWED THE POLICE THAT THIS WAS WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED. THIS HAPPENED 7 TIMES IN THE LAST 4 MONTHS. THE ON/OFF SWITCH THAT WAS USED TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT WORK, AND THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES HARD TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CONTACT HAS NOT BEEN TO A SERVICE DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED, AND HAS NOT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT STATED THE LIGHTS ON THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE FUSE HAS BEEN REPLACED TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION, BUT IT DID NOT FIX THE LIGHTS PROBLEM. *AK
Electrical system, Aug 19, 2005
DT: ABOUT A MONTH AGO THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH WINDOWS UP THE CONSUMER GOT IN AND PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING FROM THE HAZARD WARNING LIGHT SWITCH, THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS. STOPPED SMOKING AFTER CONSUMER STARTED THE ENGINE, IN DURATION OF ABOUT 20 SECONDS. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 3-4 TIMES PER WEEK SINCE AFTER A LONG TRIP. THIS MOST OFTEN OCCURRED WHEN WINDOWS WERE UP AND IT WAS VERY HOT OUTSIDE. CONSUMER HAS NOT EVEN INSPECTED THE UNDER HOOD OR ENGINE COMPARTMENT AFTER THIS OCCURRED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO A DEALER YESTERDAY AND HAS NOT DONE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. . CONSUMER DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS DONE TO THE VEHICLE BUT WISHED TO FILE COMPLAINT. CONSUMER NOTED THERE WAS NO FIRE. FORD WANTED CONSUMER TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. *AK
Electrical system, May 27, 2005
THE GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE (GEM) EXPERIENCED A CONDITION REFERRED TO AS "LOCK-UP" IN WHICH THE GEM CONTROLLED ELECTRONIC 4X4 SYSTEM COULD NOT BE TURNED ON.
Electrical system, May 25, 2005
FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 09/11/2003. THE VEHICLE WOULD START AND DRIVE FINE AND THEN AFTER A NUMBER OF STOPS, WOULD FAIL TO RESTART. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO LITHIA FORD IN FRESNO. THE VEHILCE WAS IN THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR 7 DAYS BEFORE THEY COULD DETERMINE THAT IT WAS A FAILURE WITH THE "PATS" SYSTEM. A FORD FACTORY ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO START. PER THE FORD SERVICE FLASH TEST, "CODE# U1262-INTER MITTEN LOSS OF SCP COMMUNICATION. THIS REPAIR COST ME 3 X $90.00 FOR THEIR DIAGNOSIS = $270.00 + $86.58 (PART) = $357.00. THE WHOLE WEEK OF JULY 12, 2004, THE VEHILCE WOULD NOT START WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS 09/2003. I PHONED THE DEALER AGAIN AND THEY ASKED ME TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN. LITHIA FORD OF FRESNO HAD THE VEHICLE TIL AUGUST 11, 2004. AFTER CHARGING ME THE $90.00 DIAGNOSIS CHECK, THEY CLAIM "NO PROBLEM FOUND". THE VEHICLE HAS HAD IN THIS PAST MONTHS 2-4 INCIDENTS OF THE INTER-MITTEN START. ** THIS IS MY THIRD COMPLAINT TO THE DEALER OF THE SAME "NON-START" PROBLEM. THIS MORNING I WAS AT LITHIA FORD, WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START IN THEIR SERVICE BAY. I WAS GIVEN ANOTHER $95.00 DIAGNOSIS ESTIMATE, AND THEY STATE THEY NEED A COUPLE OF DAYS INSPECT CAR. I HAD TO RENT A CAR AT $30.00+/PER DAY. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS FACTORY "ANTI THEFT" SYSTEM. I NEED A VEHICLE THAT WILL START.
Electrical system, May 13, 2005
2001 FORD EXPLORER EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH A SHORT IN THE WIRING TO THE RADIO AND THE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM IS INOPERATIVE. *MR THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE RADIO WAS NO GOOD. THE PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE A BAD FUSE. THE CONSUMER PURCHASED TWO NEW BATTERIES FOR THE VEHICLE. *SC *JB
Electrical system, May 9, 2005
2001 FORD EXPLORER 4 WHEEL DRIVE THE CRUISE CONTROL HAS BURNED OUT ON THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS STARTED APPROXIMATELY 8-9 MONTHS AGO AND THE STEERING COLUMN KEPT HAVING SMOKE COME OUT OF IT WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THEN IT WOULD STOP, AND JUST START UP OUT OF THE BLUE,BUT ABOUT 4 MTS. AGO THE CRUISE CONTROL FINALLY WENT OUT. THIS ITEM HAS BEEN RECALLED ON MAY VEHICLES OF THE SAME YEAR, BUT MY PARTICULAR VIN# HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. MY SUV HAS THE EXACT PROBLEM THAT HAS HAPPENED IN MANY OF THE VEHICLES AND THERE IS A RECALL ALREADY IN PLACE, JUST NOT FOR MY VIN #. THEY WANT ME TO REPAIR IT AT MY COST.
Electrical system, Apr 3, 2005, fire
MY FORD EXPORER SPORT WITH APPROXIMATELY 30,000 MILES ON IT WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OF MY APARTMENT WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE BY ITSELF AROUND 4:00 A.M. FIRE MARSHALL STATED THAT FIRE STARTED ON THE ENGINE/ BATTERY AREA. I HAVE HIS WRITTEN REPORT. SUV WAS TOTALLED BY INSURANCE COMPANY. I CONTACTED FORD IN WRITING, BUT THEY DID NOT FEEL RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEFFECTIVE VEHICLE. THEY DID NOT REPLACE THE VEHICLE NOR REIMBURSED ME FOR ANY OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES. *AK
Electrical system, Feb 23, 2005, fire
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BACK THE VEHICLE UP, IT CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Electrical system, Feb 17, 2005
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE CONSUMER STATES THAT SMOKE COMES FROM THE DASH WHERE THE HAZARD LIGHT IS. IT GIVES OFF A UNPLEASANT SMELL, AND THEN IT GOES A WAY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *NM
Electrical system, Oct 27, 2004
(1)BRAKE LIGHTS OUT. (2) HAD FUSE AND BULBS REPLACED AND THE BRAKE SWITCH CHECKED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Jun 5, 2004
AT TIMES MY LEFT TURN SIGNAL WHEN ENGAGED DOESNT WORK AND AT THIS TIME I NOTICE SMOKE COMING OUT OF STEERING COLLUMN,THIS HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH PRESSING THE BRAKES, SOMETIMES WHEN I DEPRESS IT WORKS THEN GOES OFF WHEN PRESSING A SECOND TIME, ALSO DISPLAY ON STEREO WORKS PART TIME ONLY MAYBE ONE OUT OF EVERY TEN DRIVES. *AK
Electrical system, Jun 2, 2004, crash
ON JANUARY 25,2004 I WAS APPROACHING A TRAFIC SIGNAL IN MY 2001 FORD EXPLORER I SLOWED TO APPROXIMATELY 5MPH. MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR, BUT WHEN I HIT THE BRAKE THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD ,AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT THE BRAKE AS HARD AS I COULD BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. THE ENGINE MADE A REVING SOUND AS IT LUNGED FORWARD. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SUSTAINED DAMAGE TOTALING $ 1237 AND THE PASSENGER COMPLAINED OF A NECK AGGRIVATION. MY CAR SUSTAINED MINIMAL DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER. THIS WAS THE 1ST ACCIDENT I HAVE EVER BEEN IN WHERE IT WAS ALLEGED THAT I MAY BE AT FAULT, CLEARLY I WAS NOT. THIS SURGE WHEN DECELERATING HAS HAPPENED 2 TIMES AFTER THIS ACCIDENT, BOTH OF WHICH WERE WITNESSED BY A PASSENGER IN MY CAR. LUCKILY NOBODY WAS INJURED ON THESE OCCASIONS. I HAVE SINCE TAKEN THE CAR INTO THE DEALER WHEREUPON I WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEALER HAD RECEIVED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULETIN (TSB) FROM FORD REGARDING AN IDLE AIR CONTROL (IAC) VALVE FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL DATED 2/5/03. THE DEALER REPLACED THIS VALVE ON 5/20/04.*AK
Electrical system, Air bags, Oct 16, 2003
AFTER MAKING AN EMERGENCY STOP AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND REMAINED ON WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.*AK
Electrical system, Visibility, Oct 12, 2003
THERE WAS A WARNING INDICATOR THAT WAS ORIGINALLY ILLUMINATED GREEN. WHEN THE INDICATOR TURNED BLUE THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE INDICATOR WAS FOR THE LIGHTING SYSTEM, AND THE DEALER MADE SOME REPAIRS, BUT DID NOT INFORM THE CONSUMER OF WHAT WAS DONE. CURRENTLY, THE INDICATOR IS NOT ON AT ALL, AND THE DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE WHY IT IS NOT WORKING. ALSO, THE REAR WINDOW WINDSHIELD WIPER WAS NOT OPERATING. DEALER STATED MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK *PH *NLM
Electrical system, Sep 9, 2003
VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 10 MINUTES, DRIVER TRIED TO START VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO KICK OVER. DRIVER COULD HEAR THE MOTOR CLICKING ,BUT IT DID NOT START. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS OPERATING. HAD NOTIFIED THE DEALER, BUT THE PROBLEM HAD NOT BEEN DUPLICATED OR RESOLVED.*AK
Electrical system, Equipment, Jul 10, 2003
FORD EXPLORER 2001 RADIO OVERHEATS MAY CAUSE DASHBOARD FIRES. TAKEN TO FORD SEVEN TIMES COULD NOT FIX. COMPANY ADMITTED PUTTING FANS IN SOME DASHBOARDS TO COOL.*AK
Electrical system, Mar 16, 2003
LOSS OF TURN SIGNALS, BRAKE LIGHTS, AND HEADLIGHTS WHEN TILT WHEEL IS ADJUSTED. DEALER HAS TRIED THREE TIMES TO REPAIR THIS. HAS REPLACED WIRING AND PARTS TWICE. IT IS NOW FAILING AGAIN WHICH WILL REQUIRE A FOURTH VISIT. *NLM
Electrical system, Feb 11, 2003
THE STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE TILTED IN ORDER FOR THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO WORK.*JB
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 2, 2002, crash, fire
THE EXPLORER SUDDENLY ROLLED OVER, INJURING ME SEVERLY. MOMENTS AFTER THE INCEDENT THE CAR BURST INTO FLAMES.*AK
Electrical system, Apr 8, 2002
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WILL STALL, AND INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD ILLUMINATE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER REPLACED INSTRUMENT PANEL.*AK
Electrical system, May 24, 2001, fire
TAILLIGHT MECHANISM CAUGHT ON FIRE ALL BY ITSELF - TRUCK HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 4 HOURS. WHATEVER THE PROBLEM WAS IT SMOLDERED FOR A LONG TIME. THE INSIDE OF THE TRUCK WAS SOOO FULL OF SMOKE.*AK