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: engine and engine cooling
73 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 24, 2015, fire
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, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Tires, Oct 17, 2012
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Apr 11, 2012
THE RISING PRICE OF GAS DISCOURAGED ME FROM USING MY SPORT TRAC (ST) OFTEN, SO IT WAS GARAGED DURING THE WORK WEEK. ON THE WEEKENDS, I USUALLY DROVE THE ST TO RUN ERRANDS AROUND TOWN. ON JAN 28, 2012, I DROVE LESS THAN A MILE WHEN MY ST BEGAN LOSING THROTTLE RESPONSE AND AN UNFAMILIAR CLATTERING CAN BE HEARD GENERATED IN THE ENGINE BAY. I QUICKLY REALIZED THAT THIS WAS NOT NORMAL, SO I PROCEEDED TO PULL OVER. I THEN TOOK THE TRUCK TO A MECHANIC NEAR MY LOCATION. THE MECHANIC AFTER EXTENSIVE DIAGNOSIS DETERMINED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER HAD FAILED, ALONG WITH TIMING CHAIN GUIDES WHICH SHATTERED INTO MULTIPLE PIECES (PHOTOS AVAILABLE). THE TIMING CHAIN AND ITS COMPONENTS ARE SUPPOSE TO LAST FOR A LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE, AND HENCE FORD PROVIDED NO INFORMATION OR PROVISION FOR ITS MAINTENANCE. THE REPAIR WAS EXPENSIVE, BECAUSE IT REQUIRED THE REMOVAL OF THE ENGINE WHICH IS BASED ON THE SOHC DESIGN HAVING ITS RIGHT CAMSHAFT DRIVEN BY A TIMING CHAIN LOCATED BEHIND THE ENGINE NEAR THE FIREWALL. A RECALL OF THE TIMING CHAIN GUIDES AND TENSIONER SHOULD BE MADE BECAUSE OF THE COMMON PROBLEM THIS HAS BEEN FOR THIS ENGINE DESIGN, SOHC 4.0L AFTER THE REMOVAL OF THE ENGINE AND TIMING CHAIN GUIDE REPLACEMENT, MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION REGISTERED AN ERROR ON MY DASHBOARD, AND AFTER CONSULTATION WITH AN EXPERT, REQUIRED A TRANSMISSION REBUILD. THE COST OF THE ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION REBUILD HAS BEEN VERY EXPENSIVE TO SAY THE LEAST. THE UNPREDICTABLE NATURE OF THIS FAILURES WOULD COMPROMISE SAFETY DURING HIGH SPEED OPERATIONS. I HOPE NHTSA WILL REVIEW COMPLAINTS REGARDING TIMING CHAIN AND TRANSMISSION FAILURES, WHICH SHOULD REVEAL A PATTERN OF DESIGN FAILURES AT FORD. INTERESTINGLY, FORD HAD ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONERS AND ENGINE REMOVAL TO REPAIR CHAIN GUIDES IN THE PAST. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 16, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACTED WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN WHITE SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE FENDER OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE CONTACTED AND REPORTS WERE FILED. THE FAILURE CAUSED NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 126,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 22, 2011, fire
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.
Engine and engine cooling, May 26, 2011
FORD 2001 SPORT TRAC SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF HEAD. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 13, 2011
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2001 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. 3 DIFFERENT TIMES IT HAS EJECTED THE REAR SPARK PLUG FROM THE ENGINE. I'VE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY GETTING IT REPARIED. EACH REPAIR HAS FAILED. EACH REPAIR SHOP HAS BEEN VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM. THIS CERTAINLY CANNOT BE SAFE. FORD SHOULD DO SOMETHING FOR SUCH A POOR DESIGN OF ITS ENGINES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Other, Oct 2, 2010
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
Engine and engine cooling, May 22, 2010
AT 2100-2300 RPM ON ACCELERATION A PINGING SOUND IS HEARD THAT SOUNDS LIKE SPARK KNOCK (DETONATION). THE ACTUAL CAUSE IS FROM DEFECTIVE TIMING CHAIN GUIDES WHICH ALLOWS SLACK IN THE TIMING CHAINS (4.0 ENGINES HAS ONE IN FRONT AND ONE IN REAR) AND IS CAUSING IT TO RATTLE AND EAT AWAY AT THE GUIDES. THIS IS COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE "RATTLE OF DEATH" ON THE FORD 4.0 ENGINES BECAUSE ONCE THE PLASTIC ON THE GUIDES GETS EATEN AWAY BY THE LOOSE TIMING CHAIN, IT EATS INTO THE METAL SUPPORT AND CREATE METAL SHAVINGS THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE WHICH WILL CAUSE FAILURE, IF THE CHAIN DOES NOT FALL OFF FIRST. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN AND WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM DUE TO CHEAP TIMING CHAIN GUIDES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 5, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED AT 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ELECTRICAL POWER AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE. THE POLICE ARRIVED ON THE SCENE AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP TO BE SERVICED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR SERVICE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 05/21/10.*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE WOULD HAPPEN WHEN FIRST STARTING TO DRIVE. UPDATED 10/14/10*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Apr 4, 2010, fire
VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING AT THE TIME. VEHICLE DESTROYED BY FIRE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 8, 2010
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. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 20, 2009
2001 FORD EXPLORER TIMING CHAIN RATTLE AND FAILURE. ON 4.0L SOHC. THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM ON FORUMS. FORD NEEDS TO HAVE A RECALL OF THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS MOTOR ISSUE OR REIMBURSE PEOPLE THAT NEED TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 9, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT HEARD RATTLING NOISES IN THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BODY SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT SHE NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT GOT A SECOND OPINION AND WAS INFORMED THAT A NEW ENGINE WAS NEEDED. A THIRD REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN AND CAMSHAFT WERE THE CAUSES OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE MODIFIED AND WERE DEFECTIVE; THEREFORE, ENTIRELY NEW PARTS WERE NEEDED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE AS HAVING ENGINE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 135,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 28, 2008
THIS IS A 7 YEAR OLD VEHICLE AND IT SEEMS AS THOUGH RECALLS CONTINUE. THIS VEHICLE HAS A CHAIN GUIDE PROBLEM THAT SEEMS TO BE MAJOR. WE NOW EITHER NEED A NEW MOTOR OR WE HAVE TO HAVE IT REPLACED FOR 2,500.00 EVERYWHERE WE CHECK. MAJOR PROBLEM. NOT THAT OLD OF A VEHICLE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 12, 2008, fire
WIFE PARKED EXPLORER IN GARAGE, 20 MIN LATER HEARD A LOUD NOISE THEN NOTICED THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. LUCKILY, WE WERE ABLE TO SAVE OUR HOME AND EVERYONE IS ALRIGHT. CAR IS COMPLETELY TOTALED AND OUR GARAGE IS A DISASTER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 12, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE EGR SENSOR FAILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS AVAILABLE PERTAINING TO HIS VIN; THEREFORE, IT WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL NUMBER 02M01S6. THE CONTACT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 3, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO RIDE ROUGHLY AND BACKFIRED WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE SPARK PLUGS, HOWEVER, THE HEX NUT SNAPPED WHEN IT WAS REMOVED. APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK LATER, THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE THREADED PART OF THE SPARK PLUG HAD FAILED INSIDE THE HEAD. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT A MACHINE SHOP REMOVE THE SPARK PLUG. AS OF JULY 3, 2007, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 54,184.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 9, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRACT WITH A FAILURE MILEAGE OF 84,000 MILES. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING UNDER WET CONDITIONS AT ABOUT 35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE MADE A HARD JERK AND THEN LOST POWER. THE CONTACT TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC, WHO FOUND THAT THERE WAS WATER IN THE ENGINE AND THE TIMING GEAR HAD FAILED. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE THE FAILURE HAPPENED. THE CONTACT HAD THE ENGINE REPLACED, AND FOUND THAT THE ENGINE'S FAILURE WAS DUE TO RECALL 00M12 CONCERNING THE TIMING CHAIN OF WHICH NHTSA HAD NO RECORD. *AK THE CONSUMER STATES THAT EVEN THOUGH THE TRUCK IS A 2001, IT SHOULD BE LISTED ON THE RECALL BECAUSE IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN AUGUST 2000. THE CONSUMER HAS PROVIDED THE REPAIR INVOICE. UPDATE 05/04/07*TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 19, 2007
FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC TIMING BELT TENSIONER BROKE AT 38,000 BROKE AGAIN AT 92,000
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 27, 2007
I AM EXPERIENCING THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER ISSUE THAT RESULTED IN THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE SATISFACTION PROGRAM #00M12. THIS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY TO 6 YEARS OR 72,000 MILES ON THAT PART. TOO LATE FOR ME, AS I BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE A FEW MONTHS A GO. NOW, I AM AT 6 YEARS/87,000 MILES. MY LOCAL FORD DEALER SAID THEY KNEW NOTHING AND SO I CALLED FORD DIRECTLY. THEY TOLD ME TO LODGE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTS. PRETTY BAD SITUATION FOR ME AND MANY OTHERS AS I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET. *NM
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
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 6, 2006
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND RUNNING A LITTLE ROUGH IN COLD WET WEATHER. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 8, 2005
DEFECTIVE INTAKE MANIFOLD ON 2001 FORD EXPLORER XLT. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 12, 2005
PURCHASED THE TRUCK FROM BACKUS FORD ON THE 15TH OF FEB AND NOTICED IT HAD A ROUGH IDLE AND WHEN TURING THE TRUCK RIGHT OR LEFT IN THE IDLE SPEED IT WOULD ALMOST STALL. IT HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM BUT IT IS STILL THERE AND DOES THE SAME THING .IT ACTS LIKE IT IS MISSING. BACKUS HAS GONE THRU ALL SPECS ON IT AND CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM. I THINK IT MIGHT BE A CHIP OR COMPUTER PROBLEM BUT THEY (THE DEALER) DOES NOT. HAS ANY ONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM