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.
Vehicle speed control, May 6, 2005, crash
2000 FORD EXPLORER ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK CAUSING A SURGE OF ACCELERATION.*MR AS A RESULT THE CONSUMER'S WIFE WENT THUR A GARAGE DOOR. *BF *NM
Engine and engine cooling, May 5, 2005
VEHICLE BEGAN STALLING WHEN IT WAS AROUND 30 DEGREES OR LOWER IN THE WINTER AND WOULD HAVE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE 3 OR 4 TIMES TO GET IT TO STAY STARTED, NOW VEHICLE DOES THIS EVERY MORNING AND EVEN WHEN ITS WARM OUT. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, DEALER PUT SEAL ON INTAKE PLATTON. VEHICLE DOES IT EVERY TIME YOU START IT NOW.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 28, 2005, fire
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JB THE PROBLEM MAY BE RELATED TO THE CRUISE CONTROL AS OTHER FORD MODEL VEHICLES. *SC *JB
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
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 25, 2005
THERE WERE NO PRECEDING EVENTS; UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT WARNING THE ENGINE DIED. THE ENTIRE ENGINE AND ALL ATTENDANT PARTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE FIRST NEW REPLACEMENT ENGINE ALSO FAILED IMMEDIATELY UPON INSTALLATION. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED WITH YET ANOTHER ENGINE. COST TO CONSUMER: $6348.50. *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
Power train, Apr 18, 2005
OVERDRIVE TURNS OFF - FORD HAS ISSUED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ((TSB) 03-22-10 IN OBVIOUS RECOGNITION OF NUMEROUS PROBLEMS ,BUT REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. *AK
Power train, Apr 15, 2005
SPORT TRACK HAS 76,000 MILES AND SUDDENLY STARTED MAKING A ROARING SOUND IN THE REAR WHICH GETS LOUDER AS SPEED INCREASES. IT WAS LOOKED AT BY TWO COMPANIES, BOTH OF WHICH DIAGNOSED IT AS A REAR AXLE PROBLEM-POSSIBLY A DIFFERENTIAL BREAKAGE. THERE ARE SLITHERS OF METAL ON SOME OF THE AXLE PARTS. WHEN LUBRICATION WAS CHECKED FOAMING WAS DETECTED. I DON'T HAVE A CLUE WHAT THIS MEANS---BUT I WAS REFERRED TO THE DEALER OR FORD AS IT WAS TOO BIG A JOB FOR THE REPAIR SHOP. I WAS TOLD TO EXPECT A COSTLY REPAIR BILL! WE HAVE NOT TAKEN LONG TRIPS, HAULED/PULLED ANYTHING. I'VE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH FORD REGARDING THIS.*AK
Electrical system, Apr 3, 2005, fire
MY FORD EXPORER SPORT WITH APPROXIMATELY 30,000 MILES ON IT WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OF MY APARTMENT WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE BY ITSELF AROUND 4:00 A.M. FIRE MARSHALL STATED THAT FIRE STARTED ON THE ENGINE/ BATTERY AREA. I HAVE HIS WRITTEN REPORT. SUV WAS TOTALLED BY INSURANCE COMPANY. I CONTACTED FORD IN WRITING, BUT THEY DID NOT FEEL RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEFFECTIVE VEHICLE. THEY DID NOT REPLACE THE VEHICLE NOR REIMBURSED ME FOR ANY OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES. *AK
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 23, 2005
AT JUST UNDER 40,000 MILES,THE DRIVER'S DOOR LATCH BEGAN TO FAIL, CAUSING THE DOOR TO EITHER NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY WITHOUT VIGOROUS SLAMMING, OR FAILED TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE LATCH. *AK
Suspension, Mar 23, 2005
REALIZED BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE BAD, NOT SURE OF EXACT DATE WENT BAD JUST PURCHASED VEHICLE AS "FORD CERTIFIED" BUT FORD WILL NOT COVER REPAIRS . *AK
Latches/locks/linkages, Seats, Mar 22, 2005
MY 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC FRONT SEAT BROKE, DOESN'T MOVE FORWARD, IT MAKES A POP NOISE...MY LATCHES ON MY LOCKS BED ARE BROKEN; THE LOCKS FELL OUT OF THE BED COVER; THE SIDE LATCH FELL OFF. I ONLY HAVE 29000 MILES, AND I AM DISAPPOINTED WITH THE CONSISTENCY OF SMALL PROBLEMS THAT OCCUR....I HAVE HAD OTHER VEHICLES , WHO HAD NO PROBLEMS UNTIL AROUND 100,000 MILES -- I HAVE TO SIT ON A PILLOW; CAN'T STORE ANYTHING IN THE LIKEABLE BED -- SO HAVE NO TRUNK -- NOT REAL HAPPY FOR THE MONEY I SPENT. *AK
Tires, Mar 11, 2005
THE RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED A TREAD SEPARATION WHILE DRIVING 60-65 MPH WITH TWO ADULTS AND TWO CHILDREN IN A 2001, FORD, EXPLORER SPORT SUV. WHILE DRIVING DRIVER NOTICED A LOUD BANGING NOISE, AND THE VEHICLE WAS LOSING STEERING CONTROL. CONSUMER PULLED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD, AND NOTICED THAT TIRE CAUSE DAMAGES TO THE FUEL FILLER NECK LINE. IT WAS AN AFTER MARKET TIRE INSTALLED AT 51, 000 MILES, TIRE SIZE P235/75R15 AND DOT# 88L3L63101. THE TIRE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Mar 2, 2005, fire
WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH HEARD A POPPING NOISE. NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN. NO FLAMES APPEARED. PULLED VEHICLE OVER AND SHUT EVERYTHING DOWN. CONTACTED POLICE AND TOWED THE TRUCK. AT THE MECHANIC'S SHOP WAS INFORMED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS PINCHED OFF AND STARTED THE ELECTRICAL FIRE. NO INJURIES REPORTED. *AK *TT
Vehicle speed control, Feb 28, 2005, fire
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR AN HOUR WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE ALONG WITH CONSUMER'S HOME. RESULTS SHOWED THAT THERE WAS A SHORT WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH UNDER THE HOOD.*AK
Electrical system, Feb 23, 2005, fire
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BACK THE VEHICLE UP, IT CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Suspension, Feb 23, 2005
VEHICLE: FORD EXPLORER XLS, MY 2001. PROBLEM: FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE AT LOW MILEAGE (50000KM AND 63000 KM, OR APROX 31000MILES AND 39000MILES). THE FAILURE WAS DETECTED EARLY AND DIDNOT HAVE DRAMATIC CONSEQUENCES. ONE PART HAS BEEN CHANGED. THE OTHER WILL BE DEALT WITH SOON.*AK
Power train, Feb 20, 2005
MY 2001 FORD SPORT TRAC TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER TAKING IT TO DEALER I WAS INFORMED THAT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. WITH ONLY 56,000 ON TRUNK. SINCE ITS OUT OF WARRANTY I WILL HAVE TO FOOT THE BILL OF $3600. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHER SPORT TRAC OWNERS GETTING STUCK WITH BAD TRANSMISSIONS. PLEASE MAKE FORD FIX THERE BAD TRANSMISSIONS. *JB
Structure, Feb 19, 2005
REGARDING "SIDE-STEPS" OR "RAILS" THAT BEGIN TO RUST AT JOINTS AND FLAT SURFACE AREA WITHIN AS LITTLE AS TWO YEARS OF NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY. WITNESSED VARIETY OF VARIOUS FORD VEHICLES THAT WERE LATE MODEL YEAR OF '02 & EARLIER THAT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. APPEARS TO BE A SYSTEMIC NATIONWIDE PROBLEM PARTICULARLY IN AREAS WITH WINTER MONTHS. CONTACTED DEALER AND ASKED IF THEY WOULD COVER THIS ISSUES UNDER 5YEAR FORD CORROSION COVERAGE, BUT THEY REFUSED TO, STETTING THIS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE "PERFORATION" OF VEHICLE BODY. FIRST CONCERN, IS RUST FORMING AND WEAKENING THE STRUCTURE WHICH MAY GIVE WAY UNDER PRESSURE. SINCE THERE ARE OTHERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM, FORD SHOULD REPLACE OR REPAIR THESE "SIDE-STEPS" AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNERS' AND CORRECT THE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM BY PROPERLY MANUFACTURING AND PRODUCING THIS ACCESSORY ITEM.*AK
Tires, Feb 17, 2005
THE TREAD PEELED OFF OF THE TIRE WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DOING 55 MILES PER HOUR. THE CONSUMER MADE HER WAY OFF OF THE FREEWAY THIS TIRE INCLUDED IN THE TREAD SEPARATION NHTSA RECALL 01T016000. *NM
Electrical system, Feb 17, 2005
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE CONSUMER STATES THAT SMOKE COMES FROM THE DASH WHERE THE HAZARD LIGHT IS. IT GIVES OFF A UNPLEASANT SMELL, AND THEN IT GOES A WAY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *NM
Power train, Feb 11, 2005
I HAVE A 2001 EXPLORER SPORT. IN LOWER SPEEDS, MY TRANSMISSION WOULD START MISSING. FORD AND ANOTHER REPAIR CENTER BOTH IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS A DEFECTIVE MAIN BODY REPLACEMENT VALVE. THE REPAIR CENTER TOLD ME THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN IDENTIFYING THIS PROBLEM (ARTICLE #02-13-8). HOWEVER, THERE IS NOT AN OFFICIAL RECALL. FORD SAID I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE COMPLETE REPAIR. *JB
Seats, Feb 7, 2005
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY SEAT COLLAPSE UNDER NEAT CAUSING MY BODY TO SLOUCH. I STARTED TO SWERVE THE CAR BUT HAD UNDER CONTROL AND LUCKILY CAUSED NO ACCIDENT. I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY , AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PURCHASE A BRAND NEW SEAT FRAME AND CUSHION SINCE THE SEAT FRAME BROKE, THEY EVEN SAID THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD THIS HAPPENED OR SEEN IT HAPPEN. THEY TOLD ME SINCE IT DOES NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY OR EXTENDED WARRANTY, WHICH I HAD PURCHASED WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR, THAT I WOULD HAVE PAY FOR IT AND THAT IT WILL COST ME ALMOST 400 DOLLARS. I TOLD THEM THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A SEAT FRAME THAT SHOULD NOT BREAK, I EVEN CALLED THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND ALL THEY SAID WAS THAT WE WILL TELL THE ENGINEERS AND THE ONLY THING THEY CAN OFFER WAS DISCOUNT. I AM NOT A HEAVY PERSON AND ANYWAY NO MATTER HOW HEAVY YOU ARE A SEAT FRAME SHOULD NOT BREAK OR COLLAPSE AT ANY POINT OF TIME. I HAVE ONLY OWNED THIS CAR FOR 4 YEARS AND IT SEEMS AS THOUGH FORD IS BLAMING ME FOR BREAKING THE PART AND IT IS MY FAULT. LIKE I HAVE SAID BEFORE I AM NOT WILLING TO PAY FOR A PART THAT SHOULD NOT BREAK. *JB
Steering, Jan 27, 2005
WHEN TILTING THE STEERING WHEEL DOWN IT SHUTS EVERYTHING OFF. THEN, WHEN PLACING IT BACK TO THE NORMAL POSITION EVERYTHING COMES BACK ON, THE BRAKE LIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS, AND CONSUMER HEARS AN ELECTRICAL BUZZING INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL.*AK
Visibility, Seats, Jan 25, 2005
THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS UNABLE TO RECLINE OR ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD MAKING THE ABILITY TO DRIVE FOR A TALLER PERSON DIFFICULT. THE CONSUMER ALSO HEARD A CLICKING NOISE WHEN THE HEATER WAS ON. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY OWNER. *JB