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: tires
86 reports, newest first. Show all
Tires, Sep 11, 2000
PE00 020 ; CONSUMER DISCOVERED DEFECT ON TIRE WHEN SHE HAD OEM TIRES REPLACED AT AMERICAN TIRE COMPANY. SHE HAD A PUNCTURE ON HER THUMB BECAUSE THERE WAS STEEL PLY STICKING FROM THE TIRE WALL. FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS #HT, P235/75R15 , DOT#VDHLIRW150. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.*AK THE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS HT WITH LESS THAN 4000 MILES WAS FOUND BY CUSTOMER TO HAVE DEFECTS ON THE INSIDE WALL. *YH
Tires, Sep 10, 2000
ALTHOUGH I HAVE NOT HAD TIRE FAILURE, HOW CAN ANYONE FEEL SAFE WHEN RIDING ON A TIRE WHICH IS IDENTIAL TO TIRES WHICH WERE RECALLED EXCEPT FOR THE 16 INCH SIZE. THIS VEHICLE WAS SOLD BY A FORD DEALER, KNOWING THAT THE TIRES COULD BE RECALLED DO TO SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS. I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD REPLACE ALL OF THE WILDERNESS TIRES AS A SAFETY PRECAUTION.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P255/70R16 )
Tires, Aug 31, 2000
NO SUMMARY( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P255 70 16 )
Tires, Aug 24, 2000
LOOK LIKE TREAD SEPARATION ABOUT 5 INCHES LONG ON ONE OF MY WILDERNESS HT TIRES. THE TIRES CAME WITH MY NEW EXPLORER SPORT 2001. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS 9400 MILES ON IT. I WENT TO A FIRESTONE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE TIRE AND CONFIRMED THE DEFECT. HE RECOMMENDED I CHANGE THE TIRES FOR SAFETY, BUT IT WILL HAVE TO BE OUT OF MY POCKET SINCE WILDERNESS HT IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. HE CONFIRMED THE TIRES WERE MANUFACTURED IN THE DECATUR PLANT, AND THE SIZE IS THE SAME AS THOSE IN THE RECALL. BUT SINCE THE MODEL IS DIFFERENT, FIRESTONE WILL NOT REPLACE IT. I AM VERY CONCERNED WITH THIS PROBLEM SINCE I HAVE TO DRIVE 100 MILES EACH DAY ROUNDTRIP TO WORK. I DON'T FEEL I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE TIRES IF THE PRODUCTS ARE AT FAULT, BUT I DON'T WANT TO PUT MY LIFE AT RISK WHEN THE FIRESTONE DEALER HAS ALREADY INSPECTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE TIRE EXHIBIT SIGN OF TREAD SEPARATION. I DON'T THINK THIS SEPARATION IS DUE TO THE WEAR AND TEAR SINCE MY CAR IS NEW AND THE TIRES ONLY HAVE ABOUT 9400 MILES ON THEM. I HAVE CONTACT FIRESTONE DIRECTLY AND THEY ARE STILL TELLING ME THAT MY MODEL OF WILDERNESS ARE NOT UNDER RECALL, AND ANY DEFECT WOULD NOT BE FIRESTONE'S RESPONSIBILITY.( DOT NUMBER: VDHL TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
Tires, Aug 18, 2000
PE00 020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 25MPH ON A SIDE STREET AND HEARD A NOISE LIKE A GUN HAD BEEN FIRED. THEN, NOTICED THAT HIS THE FRONT REAR TIRE POPPED LIKE A BALOON. TIRES WERE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS#AT P23575 R16. TIRES TREAD SEPARATED.*AK
Tires, Aug 16, 2000
THE LEFT FRONT 16 INCH FS WILDERNESS AT WAS DEFECTIVE FROM PURCHASE. NO-ONE WILL LISTEN. FIRESTONE CLAIMS FORD DID NOT BALANCE THE FRONT TIRES, WILL ONLY WHINE ABOUT FORD. TRIED TO SELL ME A $109 WARRANTY ON THE TIRES. FORD IS WORSE, WILL ONLY STATE I MUST DEAL WITH FIRESTONE. I'VE NOW TALKED TO A FIRESTONE OWNED STORE, FIRESTONE, THE DEALER AND FORD. NO HELP. SINCE THE 16 INCH TIRE IS NOT IN THE RECALL, I'M SOL. THE 16'S ARE JUST AS BAD AS THE 15'S. I'M 99% CERTAIN NONE OF THESE TIRES ARE ADAQUATE TO LIGHT TRUCK USAGE. I JUST WENT TO TN, SAW POPPED 16 INCH WILDERNESS AT 16'S ALL THE WAY OUT AND BACK. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P255 R7016 )
Tires, Aug 14, 2000
TIRE SIDE WALL BLEW OUT AT HIGHWAY SPEED AT NIGHT. TIRE HAD PROPER INFLATION AND WAS NOT PUNCTURED. PRESSURS WERE CHECKED BY DEALER AT 3000 MI.THE REMAINING 4 TIRES HAVE THE SAME DOT # AND SHOW BUBBLING AT THE SIDE WALL. THE STEEL WHEEL WAS DAMAGED ALONG OUTTER EDGE DUE TO THE TIRE FAILURE.( DOT NUMBER: VDHLIRW130 TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
Tires, Aug 11, 2000
BOUGHT 2001 EXPLORER SPORT 3/14/2000, ON 4/18/2000 WAS DRIVING AT CREST OF SUNSHINE SKYWAY BRIDGE OVER TAMPA BAY WHEN RIGHT REAR TIRE "BLEW". IT HAD SEPARATED ON THE SIDE AND WAS SHREDDED. TRIED TO HAVE DEALER REPLACE, TOLD IT WASN'T UNDER WARRANTY. REPLACED, GOT WARRANTIES ON ALL 4 TIRES. FIRESTONE DEALER NOW SAYS ISN'T PART OF RECALL. CURRENTLY IN MD: 3817 CROW ROCK RD, MYERSVILLE, MD 21773 , (301) 293-9503. PLAN TO DRIVE BACK TO FLORIDA END OF SEPT. WILL HAVE TO REPLACE TIRES, WITH OR WITHOUT DEALER RECALL, DON'T TRUST THEM AFTER NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE! THINK THEY'RE MAKING A MISTAKE NOT RECALLING ALL WILDERNESS AT TIRES. MINE BLEW AFTER 1 MONTH (NEW), AND WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. (HAD SENT INFO IN YOUR "COMMENTS" SECTION OF THIS SITE A WEEK AGO, NOT SURE IF YOU GOT IT. THANKS!( DOT NUMBER: 8XHL TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
Tires, Aug 4, 2000
FIRESTONE WILDERNESS/ATX TIRES WERE FOUR DAYS OLD AND RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPLODED WHILE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Tires, Aug 4, 2000
I CAN'T BELIEVE IM SEEING THIS IN THE NEWS! THEY SHOULD HAVE TOLD US! I THOUGHT IT WAS A UNIQUE INCIDENT SO I JUST REPLACED THE TIRE MYSELF. I DID MENTION IT TO A SERVICE REP AT MY DEALER AND HE SAID IT WAS MY PROBLEM (BEFORE I KNEW ABOUT THIS IRREGULAR FAILURES). I WOULD LIKE THE TIRES REPLACED. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE WITH THE TIRES NOW. THAT DAY WAS A NORMAL MORNING IN MIAMI AND I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WHEN I WAS APPROACHING THE SAME BRIDGE I DO DAILY TO GET TO WORK WHEN SUDDENLY I HERE A SOMETHING HITTING THE BACK OF THE CAR. CONTINUOUSLY. IT ACTED AS A LOUD BANG. NOT LIKE A FLAT. SO I STOPPED AND THERE IT WAS, A BLOWN TIRE. HOW UPSETTING!!! WELL I HOPE SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!*AK( DOT NUMBER: )
Tires, Aug 4, 2000
THE BELTS ON THIS TIRE SEPARATED WITH VERY LOW MILEAGE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH THE SPARE. HAD IT COME COMPLETELY APART IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT.*AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )