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.
Air bags, Nov 27, 2005, crash
I SUSTAINED FACIAL INJURIES AS A RESULT OF THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS ON A 2001 FORD SPORT TRAC. IT IS MY BELIEF THAT THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *JB
Other or unspecified, Nov 17, 2005
PAINT STARTING CRACKING ON ROOF AND HOOD OF TRUCK. NOW THE PAINT IS STARTING TO CHIP ON THE ROOF OF THE TRUCK. TRUCK WAS WAXED OFTEN AND TAKEN CARE OF. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THIS PROBELM YET. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Oct 10, 2005
2001 EXPLORER SPORT CUT OFF FOUR TIMES AFTER I STARTED IT. AFTER GETTING IT TO START, THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T ACCELERATE ANY FASTER THAN 20 MPH, THEN IT WOULD SLOW DOWN TO ALMOST A COMPLETE STOP (IN TRAFFIC!). THE ACCELERATOR WAS EXTREMELY RESISTANT TO THE TOUCH. I TOOK IT TO CAPITAL FORD IN RALEIGH, NC AND INFORMED THEM I THOUGHT IT WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE (DETERMINED THIS FROM RESEARCH). I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE AND THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL. FOUR DAYS WENT BY AND THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING ALTOGETHER. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO CAPITAL FORD TO BE TOLD IT WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. I INFORMED THEM THIS WAS AN ON-GOING ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL AND THE 2001 EXPLORER SPORT HAD BEEN RECALLED TO HAVE THIS PART FIXED. THE STAFF AT CAPITAL FORD SAID FORD HAD NOT ANNOUNCED A RECALL AND THAT THE INFORMATION I GATHERED WAS JUST A "SITE'S" OPINION. I NEED TO KNOW IF, IN FACT, THIS PART HAS BEEN RECALLED AND IF I HAVE A CLAIM AGAINST FORD TO HAVE IT REPAIRED/REPLACED AT THEIR COST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP IN THIS MATTER. IT HAS BEEN VERY FRUSTRATING DEALING WITH CAPITAL FORD ON THIS ISSUE. I'VE SPENT $689.70 ONLY TO BE TOLD I'LL NOW HAVE TO SPEND ANOTHER $100 (+) TO FIX WHAT I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR TO REPAIR IN THE FIRST PLACE. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Oct 7, 2005, fire
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED.*MR THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AFTER IT HAD BEEN SITTING FOR ABOUT TEN HOURS. *NM THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE WAS THE RESULT OF A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. *JB
Seats, Sep 16, 2005
JOHN KILLEN WAS DRIVING HIS 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRUCK, WHEN THE DRIVER'S SEAT COMPLETELY RECLINED. APPARENTLY THE SEAT HAD BROKEN. THE BOLT CONNECTING THE TOP PORTION OF THE "HIGH-BACK" SEAT TO THE ASSEMBLY RECLINER HAD SPLIT IN HALF. THE SEAT CAN NOT BE PUT BACK INTO THE UPRIGHT POSITION WITHOUT HAVING TO BE PROPPED UP. JOHN HAD TALKED TO A NEIGHBOR ABOUT THE PROBLEM, THE NEIGHBOR STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THERE WAS THE RECALL ON THE INTERNET. JOHN HAD CALLED FORD TO INQUIRE THE RECALL, AND TO STATE THAT THE SEAT IN HIS TRUCK HAD BROKEN. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. JOHN CALLED A SECOND TIME AND A DIFFERENT CUSTOMER REP STATED THAT HIS TRUCK HAD ALREADY BEEN FIXED. JOHN CALLED A THIRD TIME AND THE CUSTOMER REP STATED THAT HIS TRUCK WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL- EVEN THOUGH THE PART THAT BROKE IN JOHN'S DRIVER SEAT WAS THE SAME PART DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. NOW FORD WANTS JOHN TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR ON THE DEFECTED PART.*JB
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Sep 9, 2005
CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR LIGHT SWITCH DOES NOT COME ON - STEERING WHEEL IS VERY HOT TO THE TOUCH - AND THERE IS THE SMELL OF BURNING PLASTIC. SINCE DECEMBER 2003 ALL INDICATOR LIGHTS ARE OUT ON STEERING COLUMN (I TOOK MY TRUCK TO THE FORD SERVICE CENTER AND WAS TOLD IT PROBABLY NEED A FUSE - I CHECKED THE FUSE IT SEEMS TO BE O.K. IS THERE A RECALL ON CRUISE CONTROL ON THE 2001 - FORD SPORT TRAC? *JB
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Aug 30, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. SHE HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 35 MPH WHILE GOING UP A HILL, BUT WAS PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE, AND THEY STATED SHE WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. THE CONSUMER SHOWED THE POLICE THAT THIS WAS WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED. THIS HAPPENED 7 TIMES IN THE LAST 4 MONTHS. THE ON/OFF SWITCH THAT WAS USED TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT WORK, AND THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES HARD TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CONTACT HAS NOT BEEN TO A SERVICE DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED, AND HAS NOT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT STATED THE LIGHTS ON THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE FUSE HAS BEEN REPLACED TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION, BUT IT DID NOT FIX THE LIGHTS PROBLEM. *AK
Structure, Aug 29, 2005, crash
VEHICLE HYDROPLANES ON WET SURFACES RESULTING IN CRASH ON MAY 11, 2005. *JB
Seats, Aug 22, 2005
I FOUND A RECALL DATED AUG. 5, 2003 ON AUTOSITE.COM, BUT WAS INFORMED THAT MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT IN THAT PARTICULAR RECALL BY BOHN FORD. I HAVE A 2001 FORD SPORTS TRAC. MY SEATS JUST FALL BACK WITHOUT WARNING, DOES AN ACCIDENT HAVE TO OCCUR FOR MY SEATS TO BE REPAIRED BY FORD? SHOULDN'T THIS BE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY? WHAT VEHICLES WERE RECALLED IN AUG. 5, 2003 IF NOT MY MAKE AND MODEL?
Electrical system, Aug 19, 2005
DT: ABOUT A MONTH AGO THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH WINDOWS UP THE CONSUMER GOT IN AND PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING FROM THE HAZARD WARNING LIGHT SWITCH, THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS. STOPPED SMOKING AFTER CONSUMER STARTED THE ENGINE, IN DURATION OF ABOUT 20 SECONDS. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 3-4 TIMES PER WEEK SINCE AFTER A LONG TRIP. THIS MOST OFTEN OCCURRED WHEN WINDOWS WERE UP AND IT WAS VERY HOT OUTSIDE. CONSUMER HAS NOT EVEN INSPECTED THE UNDER HOOD OR ENGINE COMPARTMENT AFTER THIS OCCURRED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO A DEALER YESTERDAY AND HAS NOT DONE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. . CONSUMER DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS DONE TO THE VEHICLE BUT WISHED TO FILE COMPLAINT. CONSUMER NOTED THERE WAS NO FIRE. FORD WANTED CONSUMER TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. *AK
Seats, Aug 9, 2005
DT: CONSUMER OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. SHE FOUND RECALL 03V281000 FOR SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL, 03V281000. BUT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO HAVE HER VEHICLE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BECAUSE HER VEHICLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. FRONT SEATS DID NOT LOCK IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. IF SEAT BACKS WERE PRESSED ON THE SEAT THEY WILL GIVE AND FALL INTO THE RECLINED POSITION. SHE HAD NOT ANYONE LOOK AT SEATS TO SEE WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 8, 2005
DEFECTIVE INTAKE MANIFOLD ON 2001 FORD EXPLORER XLT. *NM
Power train, Aug 4, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE THIRD GEAR TO SLIP. THIS HAPPENED FOR A DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TRANSMISSION PLACE, IT BLEW A CODE AND THEY SAID IT WAS AN INTERNAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE OVERDRIVE INDICATOR STARTED FLASHING. AS SOON AS THAT LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH THE TRANSMISSION STARTED ACTING UP. *AK
Air bags, Aug 1, 2005, crash
IN AN ATTEMPT TO AVOID AN CHAIN REACTION ACCIDENT MY HUSBAND, ROBERT, VEERED OFF THE ROAD. OUR 2001 FORD EXPLORER HIT A TREE, FLIPPED OVER TRAPPING HIM IN THE VEHICLE AND THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THANK GOD, HE WAS NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED, BUT THE EMOTIONAL TRAUMA GOES WITHOUT SAYING. IT IS VERY UPSETTING TO PAY MONEY FOR SAFETY EQUIPMENT ONLY TO HAVE THAT EQUIPMENT FAIL WHEN YOU EXPECT IT TO WORK. *JB
Tires, Aug 1, 2005
DT: SPLITTING OF THE SIDEWALL ABOUT AN INCH UP FROM THE BEAD. TIRES HAVE NOT HAD A BLOW OUT. CALLER WAS LOOKING AT VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT ALL 4 TIRES HAD THIS PROBLEM. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET.*AK
Suspension, Jul 13, 2005
I HAVE A 2001 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC WITH 60K MILES ON IT. THE STOCK SHOCKS ARE SO BAD THAT BREAKING AND HIGHWAY TRAVEL IS DANGEROUS. THE LAST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING I-35 SOUTH RIGHT OUTSIDE OF KANSAS CITY, MO. A CAR BROKE DOWN IN MY LINE AND I TAPPED (NOT STOMPED) THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN, THE TRUCK DID A NOSE DIVE AND THE BACK END KICKED OUT INTO THE OTHER LANE AND THE TIRES LOCKED UP.
Air bags, Jul 11, 2005, crash, fire
ON THE OCT 6TH 2003 I WAS DRIVING THE FORD SPORT-TRAC AND SUFFERED A SEIZURE. I THEN LOST CONTROL OF THE TRUCK AND CRASHED INTO A WALL OF A HOME IN THE AREA. THE TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE AND I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE 2 PEOPLE PULL ME FROM THE TRUCK BEFORE IT EXPLODED. THE AIRBAGS IN THE TRUCK DID NOT DEPLOY AND I BROKE MY BACK IN 2 PLACES. THE DOCTOR AT THE HOSPITAL TOLD ME THAT THE BREAKS IN MY BACK AND THE BRUISES ON MY FRONT SIDE ALLIGNED WITH THE STEERING WHEEL AND THAT WAS THE SOURCE OF MY INJURIES. NO SOURCE OF THE FIRE WAS FOUND AND THE TRUCK MELTED AT THE SCENE. I AM NOW INJURED FOR LIFE BECAUSE OF THIS INCIDENT. I CONTACTED FORD AT THE TIME AND THEY NEVER CONTACTED ME BACK AFTER THEY SAID THEY WOULD.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 12, 2005
PURCHASED THE TRUCK FROM BACKUS FORD ON THE 15TH OF FEB AND NOTICED IT HAD A ROUGH IDLE AND WHEN TURING THE TRUCK RIGHT OR LEFT IN THE IDLE SPEED IT WOULD ALMOST STALL. IT HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM BUT IT IS STILL THERE AND DOES THE SAME THING .IT ACTS LIKE IT IS MISSING. BACKUS HAS GONE THRU ALL SPECS ON IT AND CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM. I THINK IT MIGHT BE A CHIP OR COMPUTER PROBLEM BUT THEY (THE DEALER) DOES NOT. HAS ANY ONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM
Electrical system, May 27, 2005
THE GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE (GEM) EXPERIENCED A CONDITION REFERRED TO AS "LOCK-UP" IN WHICH THE GEM CONTROLLED ELECTRONIC 4X4 SYSTEM COULD NOT BE TURNED ON.
Electrical system, May 25, 2005
FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 09/11/2003. THE VEHICLE WOULD START AND DRIVE FINE AND THEN AFTER A NUMBER OF STOPS, WOULD FAIL TO RESTART. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO LITHIA FORD IN FRESNO. THE VEHILCE WAS IN THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR 7 DAYS BEFORE THEY COULD DETERMINE THAT IT WAS A FAILURE WITH THE "PATS" SYSTEM. A FORD FACTORY ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO START. PER THE FORD SERVICE FLASH TEST, "CODE# U1262-INTER MITTEN LOSS OF SCP COMMUNICATION. THIS REPAIR COST ME 3 X $90.00 FOR THEIR DIAGNOSIS = $270.00 + $86.58 (PART) = $357.00. THE WHOLE WEEK OF JULY 12, 2004, THE VEHILCE WOULD NOT START WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS 09/2003. I PHONED THE DEALER AGAIN AND THEY ASKED ME TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN. LITHIA FORD OF FRESNO HAD THE VEHICLE TIL AUGUST 11, 2004. AFTER CHARGING ME THE $90.00 DIAGNOSIS CHECK, THEY CLAIM "NO PROBLEM FOUND". THE VEHICLE HAS HAD IN THIS PAST MONTHS 2-4 INCIDENTS OF THE INTER-MITTEN START. ** THIS IS MY THIRD COMPLAINT TO THE DEALER OF THE SAME "NON-START" PROBLEM. THIS MORNING I WAS AT LITHIA FORD, WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START IN THEIR SERVICE BAY. I WAS GIVEN ANOTHER $95.00 DIAGNOSIS ESTIMATE, AND THEY STATE THEY NEED A COUPLE OF DAYS INSPECT CAR. I HAD TO RENT A CAR AT $30.00+/PER DAY. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS FACTORY "ANTI THEFT" SYSTEM. I NEED A VEHICLE THAT WILL START.
Seats, May 25, 2005
DT: THE FRONT BOLT THAT HOLDS THE DRIVERS' SEAT SEVERED OFF. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, May 16, 2005, crash, fire
DT: OWNS 2001 FORD EXPLORER, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER ARE PREGNANT. HAD JUST ENTERED INTERSTATE AND WAS DRIVING ABOUT 70 MPH AND TRIED TO SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 65MPH. TRIED TO TAP BRAKE BUT HEARD ENGINE REV UP AND IT IMMEDIATELY SPED BACK UP. TAPPED BRAKE AGAIN AND KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG. ENGAGED HAZARD LIGHTS AND TRIED TO PULL OFF ROAD. DOWN SHIFTED TO 2ND GEAR,THEN TO 1ST, AND SLOWED TO ABOUT 50 MPH. TRIED TO ENGAGE EMERGENCY BRAKE WITH NO LUCK. WAS USING BOTH BRAKES WHILE TRAVELING IN THE GRASS UPHILL. WHEN IT SLOWED TO ABOUT 15-20 MPH PASSENGER JUMPED FROM VEHICLE. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO REV UP, DRIVER LET OFF BRAKE WHILE TRYING TO ESCAPE AND WAS SLUNG FROM VEHICLE. THE EXPLORER WENT BACK AND CROSSED 4 LANES OF TRAFFIC, ENTERED ONTO SERVICE ROAD WHERE IT STRUCK A TREE. FROM THERE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UP THE TREE UP-ROOTING IT. THE TIRES CAUGHT FIRE AND BYSTANDER TRIED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE WITH AN ICE CHEST AND AGAIN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TT
Electrical system, May 13, 2005
2001 FORD EXPLORER EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH A SHORT IN THE WIRING TO THE RADIO AND THE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM IS INOPERATIVE. *MR THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE RADIO WAS NO GOOD. THE PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE A BAD FUSE. THE CONSUMER PURCHASED TWO NEW BATTERIES FOR THE VEHICLE. *SC *JB
Vehicle speed control, May 13, 2005, fire
2001 FORD EXPLORER CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.*MR WHILE DRIVING CAR SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS MISSING. THE CONSUMER SAW SMOKE, PULLED OVER AND REALIZED THAT EH VEHICEL WAS ON FIRE. THE CRUISE CONTROL BOX, LOCATED ON THE RIGHT SIDE, WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. *BF *NM
Electrical system, May 9, 2005
2001 FORD EXPLORER 4 WHEEL DRIVE THE CRUISE CONTROL HAS BURNED OUT ON THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS STARTED APPROXIMATELY 8-9 MONTHS AGO AND THE STEERING COLUMN KEPT HAVING SMOKE COME OUT OF IT WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THEN IT WOULD STOP, AND JUST START UP OUT OF THE BLUE,BUT ABOUT 4 MTS. AGO THE CRUISE CONTROL FINALLY WENT OUT. THIS ITEM HAS BEEN RECALLED ON MAY VEHICLES OF THE SAME YEAR, BUT MY PARTICULAR VIN# HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. MY SUV HAS THE EXACT PROBLEM THAT HAS HAPPENED IN MANY OF THE VEHICLES AND THERE IS A RECALL ALREADY IN PLACE, JUST NOT FOR MY VIN #. THEY WANT ME TO REPAIR IT AT MY COST.