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: service brakes
53 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Wheels, Service brakes, Nov 14, 2015
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.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Apr 29, 2015, crash
EVER SINCE I GOT THE TRUCK ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO I HAVE BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR BRAKES LOCKING UP. IT HAPPENS AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SITTING UP FOR A FEW HOURS AND IT'S RAINING OR THERE'S A GOOD BUT OF MOISTURE IN THE AIR. WHEN YOU FIRST GET IN THE TRUCK THE REAR BRAKES WILL LOCK UP ON YOU ONLY GOING FORWARD FOR SOME REASON. IF YOU APPLY VERY LITTLE PRESSURE IT DOES IT. AFTER ABOUT 10 TIMES LOCKING IT UP IT DRIVES FINE AS LONG AS ITS NOT PARKED FOR A WHILE. ON A GOOD HOT SUMMER DAY WITH NO MOISTURE OR RAIN IT DOES DO IT AT ALL. A FEW WEEKS AGO I BACKED OUT MY DRIVE WAY IT WAS RAINING AND IT DID IT. SO I DECIDED TO PULL BACK INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND TAKE MY FIANCE'S CAR TO TOWN. WHEN I WAS PULLING UP IT LOCKED UP WHEN I TRYING TO STOP AND SLID INTO THE CORNER OF MY HOME. NO MAJOR DAMAGE WAS DONE JUST CRACKED THE FRONT BUMPER. I HAVE TAKING IT TO 3 LOCAL MECHANICS. NONE KNOW HOW TO FIX. THEY LOOKED AT THE BREAKS, ROTORS AND HUBS. ALL WAS FINE. ONE MECHANIC TOLD ME THIS WAS THE 3 TIME HE HAS SEEN THIS ON THE SAME EXACT KIND OF TRUCK. I DO LIKE THE TRUCK. BUT I'M TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IT. I THOUGHT ABOUT SELLING IT, BUT NOW I'M IN A SITUATION WHERE IF SOMEONE GETS HURT IN IT I WOULD FEEL HORRIBLE. I SURE HOPE SOMEONE ON HERE CAN HELP ME OUT WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Service brakes, Jun 19, 2014
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.
Steering, Service brakes, Mar 9, 2014, crash
MY PURCHASED NEW $30,000 2001 FORD 2 DOOR EXPLORER SPORT DIES OFTEN CAUSING NO BRAKES OR STEERING. IN 2001, IT DIED AND ROLLED OVER WITH NO STEERING OR BRAKES WHEN MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME, LEAVING HER STRANDED UPSIDE DOWN. FORD WOULD NOT RESPOND AND LOCAL DEALERS WOULD NOT OR COULD NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. IT STILL DIES AND ALL RECALLS WERE PRESUMABLY DONE, INCLUDING THE FIRESTONE TIRES WHICH WERE THE BEST PART OF THE VEHICLE. NUMEROUS LETTERS TO FORD WERE NEVER ACKNOWLEDGED. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A REFUND ON THIS VEHICLE. CAN YOU HELP ME? *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Feb 7, 2011, crash
WHILE DRIVING ON A HEAVILY TRAVELED ROAD, DRIVER 2 CARS AHEAD OF ME CAME TO A DEAD STOP. VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME HIT BRAKES HARD, I ALSO HIT MY BRAKES HARD, ON WET PAVEMENT. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM DID NOT KICK IN, AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP.MY CAR SLID INTO THE REAR END OF DRIVER IN FRONT OF ME DOING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE. AS I HAD JUST COME THROUGH A TRAFFIC LIGHT, I WAS NOT GOING MORE THAN ABOUT 25 MILES PER HOUR. THE WET PAVEMENT CAUSED MY CAR TO SKID QUITE A WAYS. THE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE INCLUDED THE ENTIRE BUMPER COVER BUCKLING, BOTH OF MY HEADLIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS WERE DAMAGED AND BROKEN OUT. NONE OF THE COMPONENTS WERE PUSHED BACK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. NEITHER THE DRIVER SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. MY PASSENGER WAS JOLTED FORWARD AND ALMOST HIT THE WINDSHIELD DESPITE HAVING SEAT BELT ON. I WAS JOLTED FORWARD AS WELL WITH SEAT BELT ON, AND MY CHEST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment, Oct 13, 2010
BRAKES, ROTORS, PADS, ARE NEW... THE EXPLORER SPORT STILL DOES NOT COME TO A FULL STOP ... (2001) MILES 4900, BRAKES GO TO THE FLOOR AND KEEPS GOING 2 TO THREE FEET MORE BEFORE IT STOPS... *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 24, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR WHEN ENGAGED, AND THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY IN EXTREMELY WARM WEATHER TEMPERATURES WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY INFORMED THAT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WAS POSITIONED CLOSE TO THE ENGINE WHICH CAUSED THE ABS TO OVERHEAT AND CONTRIBUTED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment, Mar 3, 2010
I HAVE A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. AFTER DRIVING FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME,(ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS) WHEN YOU APPLY THE BRAKES THEY SHUDDER VIOLENTLY. AS YOU TRY TO COME TO A STOP AT ANY TIME THE BRAKES GO IN ANTI- LOCK MODE AND THEN GIVE OUT!! YOU HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKES TO GET THEM TO HOLD. IT IS VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS SITUATION. I HAD THE BRAKES REPAIRED AT MY FORD DEALER (FETTE FORD, CLIFTON NJ) NOT THAT MANY MILES AGO. AND THEY TELL YOU THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND IT'S MY BAD DRIVING HABITS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. THERE IS A WEBSITE (FORDBRAKES.COM) WHERE HUNDREDS OF DRIVERS DESCRIBE THE SAME PROBLEMS AND SIMILAR LIES TOLD TO THEM BY FORD SERVICE DEPTS. WHEN THIS STORY FINALLY GETS OUT AND WE START REALIZING HOW MANY ACCIDENTS, INJURIES, AND MAYBE DEATHS HAVE OCCURRED OVER THE PAST DOZEN YEARS. IT WILL PROBABLY RIVAL THE TOYOTA COVER-UP. PLEASE TAKE ACTION AND INVESTIGATE NOW!!! *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 4, 2009
FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WARP AND BRAKES ARE BAD WITHIN 13,000 MILES. PROBLEM HAS RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. APPARENTLY THE BRAKES FOR THE HEAVIER FORD SPORT TRAC MODEL ARE FROM THE LIGHTER FORD RANGER AND UNDERSIZED. BRAKES FAILING ON THIS SHORT INTERVAL COULD LEAD TO DRIVERS ON THE ROAD WITH TOTALLY INADEQUATE BRAKING CAPACITY. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 22, 2008
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT - INTERMITTENT LOCKING OF THE BRAKES WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO PULL HARD TO THE LEFT, CREATING AN UNCONTROLLABLE VEHICLE. THIS INTERMITTENT LOCKING CAN OCCUR AT ANY SPEED INCLUDING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY VERY DANGEROUS. VEHICLE CAN NOT BE SOLD AS IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, FORD MOTOR COMPANY DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THE VEHICLE. SEPTEMBER 2004 - 30,173 MILES. CUSTOMER STATES VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT WHEN BRAKING. TECHNICIAN COULDN'T DUPLICATE PROBLEM. OCTOBER 2004 - 30,400 MILES. CUSTOMER STATES VEHICLE IS PULLING HARD TO LEFT WHEN BRAKING AT TIMES. TECHNICIAN COMMENTS "FOUND VEHICLE PULLING TO LEFT AND FELT POP IN PEDAL AND VEH STARTED BRAKING STRAIGHT, CHECKED BRAKES FOUND RIGHT INNER BRAKE PAD STUCK TRIED TO REPLACE BRAKE HARDWARE. REPLACED PADS TO GET HARDWARE KIT INSTALLED HARDWARE KIT AND NEW PADS AGAIN DROVE THE VEHICLE VEHICLE FOUND VEHICLE STOPS STRAIGHT." NOVEMBER 1, 2004 - CUSTOMER STATED THAT VEHICLE PULL HARD TO THE LEFT WHEN BRAKING AT TIMES SERVICE COMPLETED BRAKE SERVICE - CALIPER ASY - BRAKE - LESS PAD - FLUID BRAKE - HUB ASY - WHEEL NOVEMBER 8, 2004 - 31,311 MILES. - CUSTOMER STATED BRAKES PULL TO THE LEFT AND LOCK UP! NEW PARTS AND ITEMS WORKED ON: ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM CONTROL AND MODULE, PIN POINT TEST, ANTI LOCK MODULE - REPLACE, SOLENOID VALVE BLOCK / HCU - REPLACE 5/9/2007 - 6/8/07, MILES 62,013 - FORD HAD THE VEHICLE FOR ONE MONTH, LISTED BELOW ARE THE ITEMS THAT WERE REPAIRED FOR THE SAME HARD PULLING TO THE LEFT INTERMITTENTLY. - REPLACED FRONT AND REAR ROTORS - REPLACED BOTH FRONT BALL JOINTS, ALIGNED FRONT END 6/14 - 6/20/07, MILES 62,326. - VEHICLE TAKEN HOME BY TECHNICIAN TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM - INSPECTED FRONT CALIPER PISTONS - BLED FRONT BRAKES FOR ANY AIR - INSPECTED FRONT WHEEL BEARING FOR LOOSENESS/ BINDING *WE HAVE A LETTER FROM FORD STATING THAT THEY CAN NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AND THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE FOR DRIVING. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Aug 18, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE THROTTLE AND SPEED CONTROL STUCK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SURGE OVER 90 MPH. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT IN USE AT THE TIME. THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK AND THE CONTACT STATED THE CONSTANT PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES CAUSED THEM TO SMOKE AND ALMOST CATCH ON FIRE. THERE WERE NO LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALERTED. THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE'S CRUISE CONTROL PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT.
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Apr 25, 2005
I HAVE A 2001 FORD SPORT TRAC 2 WHEEL DRIVE. WHEN THE TRUCK HAD JUST PASSED THE WARRANTY PERIOD THE BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE RIGHT FRONT WAS DOWN TO BARE METAL. THE ROTOR WAS REPLACED. TWICE SINCE THEN THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH THE EXACT SAME PLOBLEM AND NOW NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN.FORD PARTS WERE USED AND PARTS WERE PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED.I HAVE SPOKED WITH 11 OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE SAME TRUCK WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO THE TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT WORK IF THE TILT STEERING IS TILTED DOWN. MY TRUCK HAS LESS THAN 92000 MILES, AND QUIIET FRANKLY I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED. I HAVE OWNED FORDS FOR THE PAST 25 YEARS AND UNTIL THIS ONE I WOULD NOT HAVE OWNED ANYTHING ELSE. NOW IT'S TIME TO GET A NEW TRUCK AND I AM NOT AT ALL SET ON A FORD. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 21, 2005
THE DRIVER NOTICED WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE STARTED COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE LEFT AND RIGHT BRAKE CALIPER NEEDED REPLACEMENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Jan 21, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE SRS LIGHT, ABS LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. SUDDENLY, THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 8, 2004
THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS HOT TO THE TOUCH. ALL FOUR ROTORS WHERE REPLACED. *TC *SC *JB
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Exterior lighting, May 21, 2004
THE BRAKES FAILED. THIS CONSUMER WAS NOTIFIED OF THIS PROBLEM BY A PASSING MOTORIST. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE OF A DEFECT IN THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH. *AK
Service brakes, Air, Apr 12, 2004
MY WIFE AND I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC FROM SIMMONS ROCKWELL, IN BIG FLATS NEW YORK ON FEBRUARY 28, 2004. UPON SIGNING PAPERWORK, WE WERE SHOWN A FORM FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY INDICATING THAT THE VEHICLE MENTIONED WAS A REPURCHASED VEHICLE. THE FORM STATED THAT THE ORIGIONAL OWNER WAS COMPLAINING OF THE ABS SYSTEM NOT PROPERLY WORKING. THE SALES REPRESENTATIVE AND THE FORD FORM STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND WAS IN SATISFACTORY CONDITION. A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER I EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS SYSTEM NOT WORKING AND A LIGHT ON THE DASH INDICATING THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY AND I WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT HELP ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO CONTACT A FORD DEALER. I CONTACTED MCGUIRE FORD IN ITHACA NEW YORK AND THEY RAN A REPAIR HISTORY ON THIS VEHICLE, WHICH SHOWED NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR THE ABS SYSTEM. MCGUIRE FORD STATED THAT THEY HAD TO ORDER PARTS FOR THE ABS SYSTEM. A WEEK LATER MCGUIRE FORD REPLACED PARTS FOR THE ABS SYSTEM. A FEW DAYS LATER I HAD TROUBLES WITH THE ABS SYSTEM AGAIN AND CONTACTED SIMMONS ROCKWELL FORD IN HORNELL NEW YORK. I DROPPED THE VEHICLE OFF FOR REPAIRS ON 4/1/04 AND PICKED IT UP 0N 4/2/04. ON 4/2/04 I EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM AGAIN. I CONTACTED SIMMONS ROCKWELL HORNELL SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND ASKED THEM IF IT WAS ALRIGHT IF I USED ANY FORD DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS AS THEY WERE 45 MILES AWAY FROM MY HOME. THEY INDICATED YES THAT ANY FORD DEALER WOULD HONOR THE WARRANTY,SO I WENT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER. THIS DEALER REFUSED TO DO REPAIRS DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE HISTORY OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE AND PAST PROBLEMS WITH SIMMONS ROCKWELL. THIS VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 29,000 MILES ON IT AND I HAVE NOT OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR A MONTH AND I HAD TO HAVE UNSUCCESSFUL REPAIRS MADE. THE FIRST PAYMENT IS DUE ON 4/13/04. I DROPPED THE VEHICLE OFF TO SIMMONS ROCKWELL ON 4/5/04 AND TOLD THE SALES REP MIKE GIAGIOS THAT I DID NOT WANT THE VEHICLE. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 7, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A BRAKE PROBLEM. BRAKES, ROTORS, AND CALIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. CURRENTLY, ABS BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. *AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment, Feb 13, 2004
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT, I HAVE CHANGED MY BRAKES 3 TIMES IN ONE YEAR. WHEN I BRAKE, IT SQUEAKS, VERY SLOW TO STOP, AND SHIFT TO EITHER SIDE. ANY BUMP WILL MAKE THE VEHICLE LOSE CONTROL, ESP WHEN TRAVELING GREATER THAN 45 MILES PER HOUR.. TRUE HAZARD.*AK
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Jan 15, 2004
I HAVE SEVERAL MORE INVOICES 7-29-03 REPLACED DUST SEALS AND FORGOT TO PUT BRAKES BACK TOGETHER LOST WHOLE FRONT END AND BRAKING. HAD TRUCK FOR 3-4 DAYS THEY HAVE REPLACED THE WATER PUMP PULLEY AND S BELT 2-3 TIMES. CRUISE CONTROL 10-16, 12/31/02 AGAIN SQUELING NOISE 02/28/03 DEFROST KILLS TRUCK AND CHIRPING STILL. 2/10/03 STEERING WHEEL SNAPED PART FALLS AROUND INSIDE,CRUISE CONTROL WAS FIXED, BEARING FAILURE IN BELT TENSIONER AGAIN. TODAY STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. COME GET THE PIECE OF !@!@#@#. I AM SICK OF TAKING THIS TRUCK IN EVERY MONTH TO FIX SOMETHING. IT IS A LEMON
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 15, 2004, crash
WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE DRIVER HAD AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 29, 2003
WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT AND THEN JERKS FORWARD. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE CALIPERS, AND TURNED THE ROTORS IN AN ATTEMPT TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.*AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Service brakes, Air, Aug 20, 2003
AT 31,000 MILES BRAKES AND ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED, AND AGAIN AT 57,000 MILES. HAVE TAKEN IT TO DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BECAUSE THE BRAKES SQUEALED, ESPECIALLY WHEN PRESSURE IS APPLIED. TECH SAID THE BRAKES NEEDED TO SEED. PROBLEMS WITH FRONT BRAKES HAS BEEN ONGOING. IS THIS NORMAL OR ARE THERE OTHER SPORT TRAK OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME KIND OF PROBLEMS WITH THEIR BRAKES. (HAS LEAD TO TIRES CUPPING, BUSHINGS NEEDING REPLACEMENT, FRONT END ALIGNMENTS, BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT, ETC.)*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 12, 2003
I HAVE A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT, I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS. THE LIGHT HAS COME ON AND I HAVE CHANGED BRAKE PADS AND TURNED THE ROTORS. IT CURRENLT HAS 60,000 MILES. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING ON VARIUOS WEB-SITES AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM WITH EXPLORERS. IS THERE A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS ON EXPLORERS????*AK