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.
Electrical system, Aug 31, 2006
ON JULY 1ST 2006 I PURCHASED A 2001 FORD EXPLORER FROM HONDA OF SANTA MONICA . IT IS A PRE-CERTIFIED USED VEHICLE. I PURCHASED THE HONDA CARE EXTENDED WARRANTY AT THE TIME I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. ON AUGUST 30 THE CAR WOULD NOT START I CALL AAA FOR A TOW AND DRIVER CHECKED THE CAR A TOLD US THE STARTER WAS BURNED OUT BECAUSE HE COULD SMELL IT AND HE DID A TEST WITH A HAMMER TO SEE IF IT WOULD START AFTER AND IT DID NOT. WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED THE STARTED JUST MADE A CLICKING SOUND. I HAD THE CAR TOWED HOME AND THE NEXT MORNING I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE CRENSHAW FORD DEALER BECAUSE HONDA OF SANTA MONICA SAID THEY SOLD US THE CAR BUT THE ONLY SERVICE HONDA PRODUCTS. I WENT TO THE FORD DEALER AND THEY DID THE DIAGNOSTIC AND FOUND THE STARTER WAS GONE AND THE CONNECTORS WERE CORRODED. THE HONDA CARE PLAN WOULD NOT COVER ANY OF THE REPAIRS NOR TOWING OR EVEN RENTAL THAT LISTED IN THE WARRANTY CONTRACT. HOW DO I RECOVER MY $650. WHEN I ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 WEEK'S. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 21, 2006
THIS WAS AN INCIDENT. NO CRASH, AND NO INJURY. THE IAC (IDLE AIR CONTROL) VALVE FAILED DURING START ATTEMPTS ON THE FOLLOWING VEHICLE: 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT, 4.0L SOHC ENGINE, MILEAGE = 39,000. THE VALVE FAILURE MODE WAS CLOSED (NO IDLE AIR) SO THE ENGINE WOULD NOT IDLE UNLESS THE PRIMARY INTAKE THROTTLE PLATE WAS HELD OPEN BY MAINTAINING PRESSURE ON THE THROTTLE. FAILURE OF ENGINE TO IDLE DURING A MOVING CONDITION MAY CAUSE LACK OF VACUUM FOR BRAKE BOOST AND UNUSUALLY HIGH BRAKE FORCES, AS THIS VEHICLE HAS A VACUUM BRAKE BOOST. FROM REVIEWING VARIOUS ON-LINE FORUMS, IT APPEARS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE IAC VALVE, WHICH IS USED ON SEVERAL MODEL/YEAR/ENGINE FAMILY COMBINATIONS. *NM
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.
Seats, Aug 17, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT RECLINED WITHOUT WARNING. THE PASSENGER GRABBED THE DRIVER, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO SWERVE AND HIT THE CURB. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE RECLINER ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Seat belts, Jul 18, 2006
SEAT BELT ON DRIVER SIDE WILL NOT RETRACT OR RECOIL. I CAN FASTENER THE SEAT BELT BUT IT WILL NOT ADJUST AT ALL. I HAD IT DIAGNOSED AT THE DEALER AND THE BEAT IS BROKEN WHERE THE PANEL WILL HAVE TO BE TAKEN OFF TO REPAIR. *NM
Exterior lighting, Equipment, Jul 18, 2006
RIGHT TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHT. I HAD THE EXPLORER DIAGNOSED AND THE DEALER SAID THAT IT NEEDED A MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH. I HAD THE SWITCH REPLACED AND A MONTH AND EIGHT DAYS LATER MY RIGHT SIGNAL AND BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT BRAKES LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING. I HAD THE BULB REPLACED TWO MONTHS BEFORE THE DIAGNOSIS BECAUSE I COULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE BULB KEPT GOING OUT AND THE DIAGNOSIS ON A MULTIFUNCTION WAS MADE. *NM
Structure, Jul 18, 2006
LEFT SIDE UPPER GLASS HINGE ON LIFTGATE BROKE OFF JULY 13, 2006 @60890 MILES , I HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM IN NOVEMBER 2004 @ 40014 MILES IN WHICH I HAD TO REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE UPPER GLASS HINGE ON LIFTGATE. *NM
Steering, Suspension, Jul 2, 2006
PREMATURE STEERING COMPONENT FAILURE. 48,000 TIE ROD ENDS, 59,000 UPPER CONTROL ARMS, LOWER BALL JOINTS, RACK AND PINION, AND POWER STEERING PUMP. *NM
Power train, Jun 7, 2006
MY 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT 4X4 MAKES A LOUD WHINING NOISE TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP. INFORMED ME THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO PROBABLY HAVE TO REPLACE THE DRIVE SHAFT ESTIMATED COST WOULD BE AT LEAST 2000$ I HAVE ALWAYS BABIED MY FORD. HOW IN THE WORD COULD A DRIVE SHAFT GO BAD? I HAVE HAD CARS THAT WERE 15 YEARS OLD AND OVER 200,000 MILES ON THEM NEVER A PROBLEM. *JB
Structure, May 24, 2006
BACK WINDOW DEFECT. THE LEFT-SIDE HINGE ON THE WINDOW OF THE HATCHBACK FELL OFF. APPARENTLY A RIVET CAME LOOSE FROM THE INSIDE OF THE WINDOW CAUSING IT TO SEPARATE FROM THE HINGE. THE RIGHT SIDE REMAINED IN TACT. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM AS INDICATED IN A FAILURE REPORTED ON AUGUST 23, 2003. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW. *JB
Power train, Mar 31, 2006
2002 2WD EXPLORER SPORT: PLEASE RELEASE TO FORD: HERE'S YOUR TECHNICAL SERVICE NOTICE: 03-25-4 DEC 03 A/T - 5R55W NO 3RD GEAR/SLIPPING 2-3 SHIFT/DTC'S SET MY TRANSMISSION DIED AT 65,000 MILES. EVERYONE WITH A FORD EXPLORER HAS ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 50-65,000 MILES WITH THE PROBLEM NOTED IN YOUR TSB ABOVE. REFUND MY SERVICE DEDUCTIBLE FOR A KNOWN FAILURE WITH YOUR BROKEN TRANSMISSION. *NM
Power train, Mar 7, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TRANSITIONING BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR, THE VEHICLE SEEMED AS IF IT WAS IN NEUTRAL UNTIL THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS RELEASED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, THEY DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.
Power train, Feb 23, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A BUTTON TO PUSH TO PLACE THE VEHICLE INTO OVERDRIVE. HOWEVER, IT GOES INTO OVERDRIVE ON ITS OWN CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO JERK BADLY. IT IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM THAT OCCURS DURING COLD WEATHER. TO DISENGAGE THE OVERDRIVE, THE VEHICLE MUST BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONSULTED. DURING COLD WEATHER WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN OVERDRIVE IT GOES OUT OF OVERDRIVE AND JERKS. THE VEHICLE, SPEED AND RPMS DROP, AND OVERDRIVE OFF LIGHT FLASHES. CONTACT HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROADWAY AND TURN VEHICLE OFF AND RESTART FOR VEHICLE TO START INOVERDRIVE AS NORMAL. CONTACT CAME CLOSE TO BEING REAR ENDED. THE VEHICLE WOULD REMAIN IN OVERDRIVE UNLESS THE CONTACT CLICKED BUTTON ON SHIFT COLUMN TO TAKE IT OUT OF OVERDRIVE OR IF IN OVERDRIVE TO RESUME BACK TO OVERDRIVE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, WHO CLAIMED THERE WAS NO RECALL, BUT DID ADVISE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH OTHER CONSUMERS. CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY, AND WAS TOLD THERE WA SNO RECALL AND COULD NOT DO ANYTHING. *AK
Suspension, Feb 23, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED SINCE OWNERSHIP, THE LOWER BALL JOINTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AT 44,159 MILES AND HAS BEEN DRIVEN 22,530 MILES SINCE PURCHASE. THE BREAKDOWN ON THE REPAIRS ARE; ON 12/13/03 AT 28,676 MILES BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED, ON 08/05/04 AT 35,260 MILES-THE LEFT LOWER BALL JOINT AND SPINDLE ARM WERE REPLACED, THIS WAS ONLY 6,584 MILES SINCE THE PREVIOUS BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT, AND ON 12/26/05 AT 44,159 MILES-BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS AND THE RIGHT UPPER CONTROL ARM WERE REPLACED AT ONLY 9,331 MILES FROM PREVIOUS REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERNS REGARDING THE CONTINUOUS REPAIRS TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP WHO DETERMINED THE NIAGARA FALLS AREA HAS THE HIGHEST RATE OF FAILURE FOR BALL JOINTS IN THE COUNTRY. THERE WERE NO ADDITIONAL EXPLANATIONS FOR THE EXTREME RATE OF FAILURE. MOST OF THE MILES ON THE TRUCK ARE THRUWAY MILES. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR DRIVEN IN A MANNER TO CAUSE OR AGGRAVATE THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 2, 2006, fire
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKED OVERNIGHT IN A GARAGE; THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE POLICE WERE ALSO ON THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTOR INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THE FIRE STARTED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND MOST LIKELY IGNITED FROM THE CRUISE CONTROL ASSEMBLY. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 05V388000, REGARDING THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
Suspension, Jan 25, 2006
BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS AND RIGHT UPPER CONTROL ARM HAVE BEEN REPLACED ON THE CONSUMER'S 2001 FORD EXPLORER ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. *TS *NM UPDATED 02/07/06
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
Power train, Jan 17, 2006
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC - 4X2 MANUAL 18 OCT 2002 - VEHICLE STOPPED SHIFTING INTO GEAR CLUTCH FLUID RESERVOIR EMPTY - DEALER REPLACED CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY. 02 NOV 2002 -VEHICLE STOPPED SHIFTING INTO GEAR CLUTCH FLUID RESERVOIR EMPTY - DEALER REPLACED CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER ASSEMBLY 11 JUN 2003-VEHICLE STOPPED SHIFTING INTO GEAR CLUTCH FLUID RESERVOIR EMPTY - DEALER REPLACED CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY I BELIEVE IT ALSO OCCURRED IN 2004 BUT NO RECORD OF WORK PERFORMED. 26 DEC 2005-VEHICLE STOPPED SHIFTING INTO GEAR CLUTCH FLUID RESERVOIR EMPTY - DEALER REPLACED CLUTCH MASTER & SLAVE CYLINDER ASSEMBLY 29 DEC 2005 - VEHICLE STOPPED SHIFTING INTO GEAR REWORK FROM LAST REPAIR - AIR IN CLUTCH FLUID LINE. ALTHOUGH NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED, THE FAILURES PRESENT A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, PARTICULARLY WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE; MERGING INTO TRAFFIC, ENTERING INTERSTATE, ETC FORD IS AWARE OF THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION AND HAS NOT ADDRESSED IT ADEQUATELY. THERE ARE CURRENTLY FOUR TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS (TSBS) ISSUED BY FORD RELATED TO THIS COMPLAINT. *JB
Power train, Jan 8, 2006
2001 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. TRANSMISSION SLIPPING WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD. FORD UNWILLING TO ADMIT FAULT AND REPAIR PROBLEM. MANY OTHER VEHICLE OWNERS WITH SAME PROBLEM NOT CORRECTED YET. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 6, 2006
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND RUNNING A LITTLE ROUGH IN COLD WET WEATHER. *NM
Power train, Jan 5, 2006
AT AROUND 55000 MILES I HAD TO REPLACE MY REAR AXLE AND I AM NOW AT 62000 AND MY O/D WILL START FLASHING AND MY 2001 EXPLORER WILL SHIFT HARD OR NOT SHIFT AT ALL. *NM
Electrical system, Jan 1, 2006
I NOTICED MY DASH TURN SIGNAL BLINKED FAST WHEN I SIGNALING TO TURN RIGHT, BUT NOT LEFT. I CHECKED THE BULB AND IT WAS WORKING. IF THE STEERING COLUMN WAS IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION, IT BLINKED AT A NORMAL PACE, WHEN I LOWERED THE COLUMN IT BLINKED FAST. I REMOVED THE PLASTIC COVER AROUND THE STEERING COLUMN AND FOUND THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE TURN SIGNALS AND WIPERS WAS MELTED ALONG WITH THE INSULATION AROUND THE WIRES. IT APPEARS THAT THE CONNECTOR OVER HEATED AND RUINED THE REST OF THE WIRES. SINCE I DISCOVERED THIS IN TIME, THANKFULLY, THERE HAVE BEEN NO CONSEQUENCES, I BELIEVE I SAVED MY VEHICLE FROM BURNING DOWN. MY STEERING COLUMN IS APART AS I AM AWAITING FOR GUIDANCE ON HOW TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN, SINCE FORD IS AWARE THE INSULATION ON THE WIRES ARE CRACKING, I HOPE THERE IS A RESOLUTION SOON. *NM
Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 22, 2005
2001 FORD EXPLORER HOOD FLEW OPEN AND BROKE THE HINGES. *TS THIS FAILURE RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO THE HOOD AND HINGES, WIPER BLADES AND COWL AREA (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *NM
Power train, Equipment, Dec 13, 2005
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT 4X4 HAS 2-3 SHIFT FAILURE CAUSING CAR ENGINE RPM TO RISE SEVERELY WITHOUT SHIFTING TRANSMISSION INTO 3RD GEAR. THIS FIRST HAPPENED WHILE GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY LEAVING ME HOPELESSLY IN THE RIGHT LANE AS TRAFFIC RAPIDLY APPROACHED FROM BEHIND, I WAS FORTUNATE TO BE ABLE TO GET ONTO THE SHOULDER. I HAVE COME TO FIND OUT TODAY THAT THIS HAS BEEN AND CONTINUES TO BE A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM BY FORD FOR YEARS WHICH HAS YET TO BE ADDRESSED! THERE IS EVEN A TECH SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS PROBLEM! BESIDES RIPPING OFF CONSUMERS FOR OUTRAGES RECURRING REPAIR COSTS, THIS IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE. IS IT GOING TO TAKE SOMEONE GETTING SEVERELY HURT BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE. *NM
Electrical system, Dec 5, 2005
MY VEHICLE HAS AN IDLE AIR CONTROL MALFUNCTION AND AFTER CONFERRING WITH OTHER FORD OWNERS. MOST HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR VEHICLE. I AM CONCERNED IT MAY BE A BIGGER PROBLEM THAN FORD MAY BE AWARE OF. WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE IT INVESTIGATED IF POSSIBLE. MY VEHICLE IS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. *JB