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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 730

Of the 2001 reports, 97 involved a crash and 41 involved a fire. 96 people were injured and 10 people died.

Primary concernPower train102 reports · 14% of complaints
Owner complaints730Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship12 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train102
  2. Suspension88
  3. Tires86
  4. Structure83
  5. Vehicle speed control76
  6. Engine and engine cooling73
  7. Service brakes54
  8. Electrical system52

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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: power train

102 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Power train, Dec 14, 2010

    2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. O/D OFF LIGHT BEGINS FLASHING, FEELING LOSS OF POWER AND HARD SHIFTING, ESPECIALLY WHEN TRYING TO GO FROM A COMPLETE STOP. TURN OFF VEHICLE, THEN RESTART PROBLEM GOES AWAY. THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY, BUT MORE OFTEN IN COLD WEATHER. NOTHING COMING UP ON DIAGNOSTIC. *TR

  2. Power train, Sep 9, 2010

    I OWN A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. RECENTLY, IT APPEARS THAT IF I AM GOING A STEADY SPEED OR LEAVING FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THE CAR GOES INTO OVER DRIVE. THIS HAPPENS TO ME A MIN. OF 5 TIMES A DAY. THE BUTTON DOES NOT WORK FOR THE OVER DRIVE, SO EACH TIME THIS HAPPENS, I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN. SOMETIMES THE OD GOES ON MINUTES AFTER I TURN THE CAR OFF AND ON AGAIN. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO GET FIXED BECAUSE THE MECHANICS HAVE TOLD ME IT IS SIGNS OF THE TRANSMISSION FAILING. I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT AND CAN NOT AFFORD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET 3,000 WHEN THE CAR IS ONLY WORTH 6,000 AT BEST. *TR

  3. Suspension, Power train, Sep 2, 2010

    I HAVE A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT WHICH I BOUGHT NEW. I HAVE ALWAYS MAINTAINED IT PROPERLY AND I BABIED THE VEHICLE. I HAVE REPLACED MANY PARTS ON IT IN THE LAST THREE YEARS FROM BALL JOINTS TO HUB ASSEMBLIES MANY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. NOW IT IS MAKING NOISE IN THE REAR END AND MY MECHANIC HAS INFORMED ME THAT THE REAR END MAY GO AT ANY TIME. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND FIND THAT MANY OTHER FORD OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM BUT IT IS NOT CONSIDERED A RECALL. I AM NOT IN THE FINANCIAL SITUATION AT THIS TIME TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AND IT IS MY FEELING WITH SO MANY PEOPLE HAVING THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR EXPLORERS IT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A RECALL. I KNOW THAT THIS WON'T MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO ANYONE AND I'LL JUST HAVE TO STRUGGLE ALONG WITH THE PROBLEM UNTIL I CAN SAVE THE MONEY TO HAVE IT REPAIRED BUT YOU CAN BET IF I HADN'T PAID MY PAYMENTS WHILE THE CAR WAS FINANCED THROUGH FORD MOTOR CREDIT YEARS AGO THAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN REPOED IN NO TIME FLAT. FUNNY HOW THOSE BIG COMPANIES CAN KEEP TRACK OF THOSE THINGS BUT FORGET ABOUT THE SAFETY ISSUES OF THE PRODUCTS THEY PRODUCE. GUESS I'LL HAVE TO GO BACK TO A GRAND PRIX WHEN I MAKE MY NEXT PURCHASE. THE FIELDS TO FILL OUT ASK THE QUESTION "WERE THERE ANY DEATHS OR INJURIES" THERE IS NO WHERE TO CHECK OFF "NOT YET" GO FIGURE.............. *TR

  4. Power train, Jul 16, 2010

    2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. O/D OFF LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING, FEELING LOSS OF POWER IN EARLY GEARS, ESPECIALLY WHEN TRYING TO GO FROM A COMPLETE STOP. TURN OFF VEHICLE, NO PROBLEMS UNTIL AFTER DRIVING AGAIN. NOTHING COMING UP ON DIAGNOSTIC. *TR

  5. Power train, Jul 3, 2010

    OD LIGHT IS FLASHING AND THE FIRST GEAR SHIFTS REAL HARD. 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

  6. Power train, Jun 4, 2010

    I HAVE A 2001 FORD EXPLORER AND AT FIRST THE TRUCK WOULD SLIP IN AND OUT OF GEARS SO I TOOK IT TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH. I HAD THAT REPLACED ABOUT A MONTH AGO. YESTERDAY, I WAS DRIVING AND THE TRUCK SLIPPED OUT OF DRIVE.... AND IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I PULLED OVER AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE O/D OFF LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. THIS TRUCK IS GOING TO COST ME OVER 2,000 DOLLARS TO FIX AND IT SEEMS AS IF I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS. PLEASE HELP! *TR

  7. Power train, Apr 8, 2010

    FORD EXPLORER O/D LIGHT FLASHING, TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. *TR

  8. Power train, Mar 9, 2010

    'O/D OFF' LIGHT IF BLINKING, ON AND OFF. WHILE LIGHT IS BLINKING THE CAR SEEMS TO BE SLUGGISH AND DOES NOT RESPOND TO THROTTLE PROPERLY. ROUGH SHIFTS WHILE DRIVING. *TR

  9. Power train, Feb 26, 2010

    TRANSMISSIONS IN EXPLORER SPORT TRACS 2001 ARE NOT VERY RELIABLE, I AM HAVING TO PUT A 2ND ONE IN WITH ONLY 126,000 MILES. FORD SHOULD ADDRESS THE ISSUE WITH ALL TRANSMISSIONS IN THE EXPLORER. I WILL NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD, NOR WILL I TELL ANYBODY ELSE, MAYBE THEY SHOULD HAVE TAKEN A BAIL-OUT FROM THE GOVERNMENT TO FIX THERE CARS. *TR

  10. Power train, Jan 8, 2010

    MY 2001 FORD EXPLORERS TRANSMISSION IS HAVING SHIFTING PROBLEMS FOLLOWED BY IT'S OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHING. I TALKED TO SEVERAL FORD TRANSMISSION FRIENDS AND THEY ADVISED ME TO INSTALL A UPGRADE KIT IN THE VALVE BODY. THIS WAS DONE, FLUID AND FILTER CHANGED, TO NO AVAIL. THE LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY FLASHES AND THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING WEIRD. AFTER READING SEVERAL POSTS ON SEVERAL SITES REGARDING THIS PROBLEM, I AM AT A LOSS AT WHAT TO DO. SEVERAL PEOPLE STATED THAT THEY WENT TO THE EXTENT OF REPLACING THE TRANSMISSIONS WITH NEW ONES AND THE LIGHT STILL FLASHING AND HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. MY EXPLORER HAS 60K MILES ON IT AND THIS PROBLEM STARTED AT ONLY 50K MILES, TO ME THIS IS A PROBLEM FORD SHOULD ACKNOWLEDGE, AND ALLOW SOME COMPENSATION TO IT'S LOYAL CUSTOMERS. *TR

  11. Power train, Electrical system, Nov 16, 2009

    I HAVE A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT THAT THE 4X4 CONTROL MODULE CONSTANTLY MALFUNCTIONS. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT IS WIDESPREAD AND COULD CAUSE MAJOR ACCIDENTS BY LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DURING OPERATION IN THE WINTER MONTHS ON SNOW/ ICE. IF YOU RESEARCH THIS YOU'LL FIND THE PROBLEM EXISTED FROM WHEN THESE WERE NEW VEHICLES AND FORD HAS NO RESOLUTION TO FIX THIS PROBLEM OTHER THAN REPLACE IT WITH ANOTHER DEFECTIVE PART. FORD'S DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER DOESN'T EVEN RECOGNIZE THERE IS A FAILURE IN THE SYSTEM CREATING AN EVEN LARGER DANGER SINCE HERE'S NO WAY TO TRACE THE PROBLEM WHEN TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUED IMMEDIATELY. FORD AND MOTOROLA HAVE DESIGNED AND INSTALLED A DEFECTIVE PART THAT CAN KILL PEOPLE IF NOT FIXED AND HAS PROBABLY CAUSED HUNDREDS OF ACCIDENTS ALREADY. THE FORD PART NUMBER IS 1L54-7H417-AC AND THE MOTOROLA MODEL NUMBER IS 01MP207C01 AND IT IS DESCRIBED AS THE 4X4 CONTROL MODULE. *TR

  12. Power train, May 13, 2009

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT KEPT ILLUMINATING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. THE SHIFT SOLENOID WAS REPLACED, BUT BEGAN TO FAIL 4,000 MILES LATER. THE FORD MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT COULD NOT ASSIST BECAUSE IT WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

  13. Power train, Equipment, Oct 14, 2008

    FORD PART # 1L24-7H473-AG VENDOR # M799G MOTOROLA MODEL # 01MU152B06 DATE CODE 01211 SERIAL # 21396939

  14. Power train, Sep 2, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING ON AND OFF. THE CONTACT HAD TO STOP THE VEHICLE EVERYTIME THE BLINKING OCCURRED. THE TRANSMISSION SWITCHED FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR EACH TIME THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,491 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,427.

  15. Power train, Jun 4, 2008

    CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, WITHIN HOURS THE TRANSMISSION STARTED NOT CATCHING...WOULD REV BETWEEN 2-3K RPM OR AROUND 30 MPH BUT NOT ACCELERATE. THEN O/D LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. ALL OUT OF THE BLUE.

  16. Power train, Feb 5, 2008

    2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, 105,000 MILES. "O/D OFF" LIGHT BLINKING AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW MINUTES. ENGINE ALWAYS REVS HIGH BETWEEN GEAR SHIFTS, ESPECIALLY BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND, EVEN BEFORE THE LIGHT STARTS BLINKING. CHANGED TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FILTER, BUT THAT DIDN'T HELP. ONLY OCCASIONALLY TOWED SMALL TRAILER, BUT MOSTLY JUST DAILY DRIVING. NUMEROUS BLOGS ON THIS SUBJECT, SO THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE WIDESPREAD! *TR

  17. Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jan 25, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION INDICATOR LEVER IS PULLED TO CHANGE GEARS, IT GOES ONE SPACE TOO FAR. WHEN THE GEAR IS PLACED INTO NEUTRAL, THE VEHICLE DRIVES IN REVERSE. WHEN THE GEAR IS PLACED INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE OPERATES IN NEUTRAL. WHEN THE GEAR IS PLACED INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE REMAINS IN PARK. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,231 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,175. UPDATED 02-19-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED DISCONNECTED SPEED DEACTIVATION SWITCH PERTAINING TO RECALL 05S28. UPDATED 02/14/08 *TR

  18. Power train, Vehicle speed control, Nov 2, 2007

    ON OCTOBER 10TH, FOLLOWING A COLD START, THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO DRIVE WITH THE 4X4 MODE SELECTION SWITCH SET TO 2WD MODE. INSTEAD OF 2WD MODE, THE VEHICLE WAS IN 4X4 LOW MODE. THERE WAS NO SHIFT COMMAND TO GO INTO 4X4 LOW MODE AND IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO SWITCH OUT OF 4X4 LOW MODE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A DEALERSHIP IN 4X4 LOW MODE. THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE SHIFT MOTOR HAD SHORTED FORCING THE UNCOMMANDED SHIFT TO 4X4 LOW MODE. THE SHIFT MOTOR WAS REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED. THE OLD PART IS AVAILABLE. ON NOVEMBER 2ND, FOLLOWING A COLD START, THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO DRIVE WITH THE 4X4 MODE SELECTION SWITCH SET TO 2WD MODE. AFTER DRIVING A DISTANCE LESS THAN 1 MILE AT A VEHICLE SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 20MPH, A REPETITIVE CLICKING NOISE WAS OBSERVED FROM UNDER THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DASH. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AN UNCOMMANDED SHIFT TO 4X4 LOW MODE OCCURRED. AFTER COMING TO A STOP IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO SWITCH OUT OF 4X4 LOW MODE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALERSHIP IN 4X4 LOW MODE. THE MOST RECENT REPAIR PRIOR TO THIS ISSUE WAS RELATED TO A FORD RECALL INVOLVING THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM. *TR

  19. Power train, Aug 31, 2007

    01 FORD EXPLORER AUTOMATIC TRANS. I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY REAR END LIKE MANY OTHER PEOPLE DO. IT WHINES VERY LOUD AND ONLY HAS 80K MILES ON IT. MY MECHANIC SAID THAT IT COULD LOCK UP ANY MINUTE WHILE DRIVING. I CANNOT AFFORD THE REPAIR AS I AM A FULLTIME COLLEGE STUDENT. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM FORD NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE ANYBODY DIES. *TR

  20. Suspension, Power train, Jul 9, 2007

    I OWN A 2001 SPORT TRAC. I HAD TO PAY 934.00 TO BRYAN AUTOMOTIVE IN DECATUR TEXAS TO REPLACE BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT AXLES, AND THE OUTER BEARINGS. THE REAR END STILL HAS A SLIGHT WHINING AT 55-70 MPH. HE SPOKE WITH SOMEONE AT THE FORD HOUSE IN DECATUR TX , AND WAS TOLD SOME SPORT TRACS WILL HAVE THIS NOISE. I HAVE OWNED NUMEROUS VEHICLES AND HAVE NEVER HAD A REAR END GO OUT. SOMETHING WAS DEFINITELY WRONG. PLEASE HAVE FORD REIMBURSE PEOPLE AND DO A RECALL. *AK

  21. Power train, May 8, 2007

    AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP IN A LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AS MY WIFE EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE SHIFT LEVER BROKE INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN REVERSE. I WAS ABLE TO MANUALLY SHIFT THE LINKAGE ON THE SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION USING A PAIR OF PLIERS WHILE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS SET, AND MY WIFE APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN DRIVEN TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER, WHERE I WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1200.00. THIS VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT NEW IN 2001 AND HAS ONLY 58,000 MILES. IT HAS NOT BEEN ABUSED IN ANY MANNER. THERE WAS NO WARNING WHATSOEVER THAT THERE WAS ANY TYPE OF A PROBLEM. SURELY, THIS WAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT FORD WILL PROBABLY DENY.*AK

  22. Power train, Apr 5, 2007

    MY 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC HAS BEEN IDLING ROUGH AND DOES NOT SEEM TO SHIFT GEARS PROPERLY. WHILE DRIVING, THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT WILL RANDOMLY COME ON AND FLASH. ONCE THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT COMES ON, THE VEHICLE IS VERY SLUGGISH AND DOES NOT DRIVE PROPERLY AFTER THAT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL OF SOME OF THE EXPLORER SPORT TRAC'S BY FORD AND TO CONTACT A DEALER FOR THE REPAIR. WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALER, THEY TOLD ME THAT MY TRUCK WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER I PROVIDED THEM. EVEN THOUGH MY TRUCK IS OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL AND EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS OTHER FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRACS. *JB

  23. Power train, Feb 20, 2007

    3RD GEAR TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WHICH CAUSES VEHICLE TO SHIFT ERRATICALLY. *JB

  24. Power train, Feb 1, 2007

    TRANSMISSION FAILURE WITH CONTINUOUS MAINTENANCE AND ONLY 66000 MILES. *NM

  25. Power train, Jan 22, 2007

    TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS STARTED IN EARLY 50,000 MILES RANGE. LONG LAG BETWEEN SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD WITH INCREASED RPM'S OF ENGINE. INTERMITTENTLY CAUSES OVERDRIVE LIGHT TO START BLINKING. DEALER NOR AAMCO COULD DETERMINE CAUSE. *NM