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
730 reports, newest first.
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
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.
Structure, Jun 20, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. IT SOUND LIKE METAL STRIKING METAL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BODY MOUNTS OF THE FRAME WERE DISINTEGRATING. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 98,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 15, 2007, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 95,000. THE CONSUMER STATED HE WOULD LIKE FORD TO FURNISH ANOTHER VEHICLE AND BE REIMBURSED FOR RENTAL CARS AS A RESULT OF THIS INCIDENT. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED PICTURES, 2 ENGINEERS REPORT AND 2 LETTERS FROM FORD REGARDING THE INCIDENT. THE CONSUMER STATED HIS CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING LAST WINTER. THE BRAKE FLUID WAS LOW ON 2 OCCASSIONS. UPDATED 08/01/07 *TR
Structure, May 31, 2007
2001 FORD EXPLORER LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE FAILURE. COVERED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN #04V442000. FORD HAS ONLY RECALLED A PORTION OF THE VEHICLES IN THIS CAMPAIGN AND WILL NOT MAKE REPAIRS ON THE 2001 MODEL YEARS. *TR
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
Air bags, Seats, Apr 21, 2007, crash
FEB 7TH 2006 I WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT DEPLOYED BOTH AIRBAGS. MY EXPLORER SPORT TRAC DID NOT DEPLOY ANY AIRBAGS. I HAD TO HAVE A FUSION OF C5 & C6 IN MY NECK DUE TO THE CRASH. *TR
Seats, Apr 11, 2007
DRIVER'S SEAT RECLINER. PER NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 03V281000 ON OTHER FORD EXPLORER SPORT MODELS OF THE SAME YEAR THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE RECLINER WHERE THE SEAT WOULD RECLINE DURING ACCELERATION , CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTACT WITH STEERING WHEEL AND PEDALS. THE 2001 FORD EXPLORER FELL OUTSIDE OF THE TIME FRAME FOR THE RECALL YET HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS. I AM ASKING TO EXPAND THE TIME FRAME SINCE SAME CONDITIONS EXISTED. *AK
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
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
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 19, 2007
FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC TIMING BELT TENSIONER BROKE AT 38,000 BROKE AGAIN AT 92,000
Vehicle speed control, Mar 14, 2007, fire
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS 2001 FORD EXPLORER WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE FIRE DAMAGED THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE, THE ELECTRICAL WIRING, PIPING AND ANYTHING THAT WAS CONCERNING PLASTIC MELTED IN THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DPEARTMENT STATED THAT THIS FALURE WAS COMMON WITH FORD EXPLORER, THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WOULD GET STUCK AND CATCH ON FIRE. CONTACT CAN PROVIDE INCIDENT REPORT AND PICTURES. JRB
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
Power train, Feb 20, 2007
3RD GEAR TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WHICH CAUSES VEHICLE TO SHIFT ERRATICALLY. *JB
Power train, Feb 1, 2007
TRANSMISSION FAILURE WITH CONTINUOUS MAINTENANCE AND ONLY 66000 MILES. *NM
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
Power train, Jan 7, 2007
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. I HAVE A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT 2WD. AT 109000 MILES ONE DAY I WAS DRIVING IT ON THE FREEWAY, AND I NOTICED THAT THE O/D LIGHT IS FLASHING. I TRIED TO TURN IT OFF, BUT IT WOULDN'T. I EXITED FROM THE FREEWAY AN I PARKED THE CAR AT THE NEARBY GAS STATION TRYING T O FIND OUT WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES,AND THEN I TURNED IT BACK ON,AND THE O/D LIGHT WENT OFF. I THOUGHT IT WAS FINISHED, BUT IT WASN'T. I STARTED DRIVING FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES THE O/D LIGHT CAME BACK ON, AND THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARDLY FROM ONE GEAR TO ANOTHER. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK THE CAR TO THE TRANSMISSION SHOP TO CHECK WHAT IS GOING WRONG. FROM MY HOUSE TO THE SHOP ABOUT 25 MINUTES DRIVE, THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. AT THE TRANSMISSION SHOP THEY PULLED THE CODE (P0....) , AND THE INSPECTOR SAID THERE A MALFUNCTION INSIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION, SOMETHING RELATED TO THE TORQUE CONVERTER. TO FIX IT THEY GIVE ME AN ESTIMATE OF $2500 . AND I M NOT CURRENTLY UNDER WARRANTY. I'VE BEEN MAINTAINING THIS CAR AS MUCH AS I CAN. BUT IT IS SHOCKING TO SEE THE TRANSMISSION GOING AT THIS MILEAGE. FORD MUST RECALL THIS ISSUE. IF NOT THEY SHOULD TAKE CAR OF THE REPAIR COST. THIS IS REALLY A SHAME! MY CAR HAS BEEN REPAIRED YET, BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD THE COST OF THAT REPAIR. I'M HOPING THAT FORD WILL LOOK AT THE CASE. *JB
Structure, Dec 20, 2006
EVERY TIME I HIT A BUMP OR EVEN A ROCK MY CAR WOULD SHAKE AND RATTLE SO BAD I COULDN'T EVEN KEEP IT ON THE ROAD. WE TOOK IT TO THE FORD PLACE IN LONGVIEW AND THEY SAID THERE WASN'T ANY RECALLS ON IT AND THEY WOULDN'T PAY FOR IT. THEY SAID SOMETHING HAD BEEN SPRAYED ON IT (BUSHINGS) OR MY CAR HAD BEEN UP NORTH AROUND SALT WATER. NEITHER WERE TRUE. I HAD TO TAKE IT TO A MECHANIC TO GET IT REPAIRED. I KEPT ALL THE PARTS. THE BUSHINGS HAD TURNED BRITTLE AND MUSHY AND HAD TO BE PUT IN A BOX. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Dec 13, 2006, fire
FORD SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE. *NM
Tires, Nov 6, 2006, crash
WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE RIGHT REAR TIRE CAUSING VEHICLE TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH GRAVEL ALONG THE EDGE OF THE HIGHWAY RESULTING IN VEHICLE TURNING OVER SEVERAL TIMES. DRIVER AND PASSENGER INJURED AND VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *JB
Tires, Nov 2, 2006
2001 EXPLORER LOST TIRE TREAD AND BLEW OUT. *TS *JB
Power train, Oct 27, 2006
I HAVE A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT, WHICH I WAS TOLD USES THE SAME FAULTY TRANSMISSION AS THE 2002 EXPLORER. LIKE MANY THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND NOW THE ESTIMATE IS AROUND $3000 FOR THE DEALER TO INSTALL A TRANSMISSION. ONLY HAVE 76,000 MILES. FORD KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM AS THEY HAVE VARIOUS TECH BULLETINS. THEY ARE JUST TRYING TO AVOID THE COST OF A RECALL. THIS IS THE SECOND FORD I HAD FAIL AROUND THIS MILEAGE WITH TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THE DEALER COULD CARE LESS I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD SAY THIS BUT I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN! THEY NEED TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT HERE, DO A SEARCH ONLINE AND YOU WONT BELIEVE HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE EXACTLY THE SAME ISSUE! *NM
Electrical system, Oct 26, 2006
FORD EXPLORER 2001 - WHEN I USE THE SIGNAL LIGHT, IT FREQUENTLY SOUNDS LIKE THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. IT SOUNDS LIKE A BAD CONNECTION. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THIS ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN CAUSE MY TRUCK ENGINE TO CATCH FIRE. *NM
Suspension, Sep 28, 2006
AT 37,741 MILES,MY 2001 FORD VEHICLE HAD TO HAVE ITS LOWER RIGHT AND LEFT BALL JOINTS REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE IN DANGEROUS CONDITION ACCORDING TO THE FORD REPAIR SHOP. IT SEEMS TO ME THEY HAD TO BE DEFECTIVE FROM DAY ONE IN ORDER TO BOTH FAIL AT THIS LOW MILEAGE. JEEP LIBERTY ALSO DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES HAD SIMILAR FAILURES. FORD TOLD ME THEY ARE BACKING UP THEIR PRODUCT AS NORMAL FAILURE WHILE THE GARAGE FOREMAN HAS SAID HE HAS HAD MANY SIMILAR CASES. *JB
Tires, Sep 12, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO OBVIOUS ROAD HAZARDS OR DEBRIS. UPON INITIAL INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE TIRE HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED ALONG THE TREAD AND SIDEWALL AREA. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 01T016000, REGARDING THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE ALERTED. THE TIRE WAS A FIRESTONE WILDERNESS A/T P235/75R15.