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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 730

Of the 2001 reports, 97 involved a crash and 41 involved a fire. 96 people were injured and 10 people died.

Primary concernPower train102 reports · 14% of complaints
Owner complaints730Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship12 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train102
  2. Suspension88
  3. Tires86
  4. Structure83
  5. Vehicle speed control76
  6. Engine and engine cooling73
  7. Service brakes54
  8. Electrical system52

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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.

  1. Steering, Mar 10, 2004

    FAILTURE OF BALL JOINTS DUE TO NO GREASE FRO M FACTORY. *AK

  2. Suspension, Mar 1, 2004

    WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. DEALERSHIP REPLACED IN OCTOBER, 2003 THE LOWER BALL JOINT. FIVE MONTHS LATER, NEEDED TO REPLACE THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. *AK

  3. Suspension, Feb 24, 2004, crash

    THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR LINK BROKE DURING AN EVASIVE MANEAUVER CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE RESULTING IN A ROLLOVER DEATH OF THE DRIVER OF A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. *AK

  4. Air bags, Feb 21, 2004, crash

    AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AFTER FRONT-END COLLISION WITH SPEED OF APPROX. 25-30 MILES PER HOUR. RESULTING IN CERVICAL SPRAINS TO TWO PASSENGERS. PASSENGERS WERE WEARING SEAT BAGS. VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH TWO AIR BAGS. *JB

  5. Power train, Feb 21, 2004

    2001 FORD SPORT TRAC TRANSMISSION ELECTRONICS FAILED AT 45,000 MILES CAUSING ENTIRE TRANSMISSION REBUILD TO BE NECESSARY. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE EXTREMELY UNHELPFUL, NOTHING THEY WOULD DO AND ALSO WOULD NOT PROVIDE SUPERVISOR TO SPEAK TO. *JB

  6. Tires, Feb 19, 2004

    WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 50-60 MPH VEHICLE VIBRATED. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE VIBRATION WAS CAUSED BUT TIRE TREAD SEPARATION. *AK *NM

  7. Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment, Feb 13, 2004

    2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT, I HAVE CHANGED MY BRAKES 3 TIMES IN ONE YEAR. WHEN I BRAKE, IT SQUEAKS, VERY SLOW TO STOP, AND SHIFT TO EITHER SIDE. ANY BUMP WILL MAKE THE VEHICLE LOSE CONTROL, ESP WHEN TRAVELING GREATER THAN 45 MILES PER HOUR.. TRUE HAZARD.*AK

  8. Seat belts, Structure, Feb 5, 2004, crash, fire

    ON NOVEMBER 29TH MY MOTHER WAS DRIVING HER 2001 FORD EXPLORER 2DR 4X4 TO WORK. SHE HIT AN ICE PATCH GOING APPROX. 30 MPH AND LOST CONTROL OF HER VEHICLE BECAUSE THE REAR END SWUNG SIDEWAYS. HER FORD THEN FLIPPED ON IT'S PASSENGER SIDE AND HIT A TREE. MY MOTHER COULD NOT GET HER SEAT BELT UNDONE SO SHE CALLED 911 WHILE HANGING IN HER VEHICLE. A MAN AND WOMAN STOPPED TO HELP HER OUT BECAUSE THEY NOTICED THAT HER FORD WAS ON FIRE. THEY HAD TO BREAK INTO THE BACK WINDOW AND THE WOMAN CLIMBED IN TO RELEASE HER AND PULL HER OUT. IF THOSE PEOPLE WOULD NOT OF STOPPED, MY MOTHER WOULD NOT BE HERE TODAY. THERE IS NOTHING LEFT OF THE INTERIOR OF MY MOM'S EXPLORER. ( NO SEATS. STEERING WHEEL & COLUMN, GLASS, NOTHING) I HAVE E-MAILED FORD AND SPOKE WITH THEM REGARDING THIS MATTER AND THEY SAY THAT IF MY MOM'S INSURANCE COMPANY SETTLED THEN THEY CLAIM NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. I THINK THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT RECTIFIED BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE GETS HURT. THERE WAS A ARTICLE WRITTEN IN SHERMAN PUBLICATIONS BECAUSE THE TWO PEOPLE WHO SAVED MY MOTHERS LIFE IS UP FOR AN AWARD. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. THANK YOU! *JB

  9. Suspension, Jan 20, 2004

    2001 EXPLORER SPORT HAD BAD BALL JOINT ON FRONT PASSENGER SUSPENSION.*AK

  10. Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Jan 15, 2004

    I PURCHASED THIS CAR ON OCTOBER 8,2003. THREE DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT IT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK FOUR TIMES BACK TO BACK. THE FIRST TIME THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. THE SECOND AND THIRD TIME THE SAME THING. ON THE FOURTH ATTEMPT, THEY HAD ME TAKE IT TO ONE OF "THEIR" MECHANICS. HE SAID IT WAS A BAD SWITCH IN THE SYSTEM. NOT EVEN A WHOLE WEEK LATER, THE CHECK GUAGE LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR LOT WHERE I BOUGHT IT FROM SAID THEY WERE NOT GOING TO LOOK AT MY CAR BECAUSE OUT OF THE KINDNESS OF THEIR HEART THEY'VE ALREADY LOOKED AT IT. SO I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP, THEY FIXED IT AND SAID IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION, AND THE STEERING WHEEL. THEY CAR LOT SAID IT WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM. I HAD TO PAY OUT OF MY POCKET FOR SOME PROBLEMS THAT ARE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THEN THE FIRST TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON I LATER FOUND OUT THAT A SALES PERSON WHO WAS NOT CERTIFIED MECHANIC, TRIED TO FIX THE CAR WHEN THEY SAID THEY WERE SENDING IT TO A MECHANIC. I'M STILL HAVING PROBLEMS AND IT SEEMS LIKE THERE JUST GETTING WORSE!

  11. Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Jan 15, 2004

    I HAVE SEVERAL MORE INVOICES 7-29-03 REPLACED DUST SEALS AND FORGOT TO PUT BRAKES BACK TOGETHER LOST WHOLE FRONT END AND BRAKING. HAD TRUCK FOR 3-4 DAYS THEY HAVE REPLACED THE WATER PUMP PULLEY AND S BELT 2-3 TIMES. CRUISE CONTROL 10-16, 12/31/02 AGAIN SQUELING NOISE 02/28/03 DEFROST KILLS TRUCK AND CHIRPING STILL. 2/10/03 STEERING WHEEL SNAPED PART FALLS AROUND INSIDE,CRUISE CONTROL WAS FIXED, BEARING FAILURE IN BELT TENSIONER AGAIN. TODAY STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. COME GET THE PIECE OF !@!@#@#. I AM SICK OF TAKING THIS TRUCK IN EVERY MONTH TO FIX SOMETHING. IT IS A LEMON

  12. Power train, Jan 15, 2004

    TRANSMISSION FAILURE- NO WARNING-

  13. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 15, 2004, crash

    WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE DRIVER HAD AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

  14. Power train, Jan 13, 2004

    SOME HOW WATER GOT IN THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND DAMAGED THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *PH *PH

  15. Suspension, Jan 12, 2004

    FRONT BALL JOINTS FAILED AT 36400 MILES. CLUNK IN REAR OF VEHICLE AS IT STOPS, FROM 6000 MILES. *LA

  16. Engine and engine cooling, Jan 12, 2004

    STARTING PROBLEMS WITH TEMPERATURES BELOW 40 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT ON A COLD START. VEHICLE ATTEMPTS TO START BUT WILL NOT TURN OVER WITHOUT PRESSURE BEING APPLIED TO ACCELERATOR. ONLY DUPLICATES IN COLD WEATHER. VERY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM MANY OTHER OWNERS REPORT SAME ISSUES. *LA

  17. Tires, Jan 10, 2004

    WHEN GOING 50 TO 55 MPH WHEN PUT FOOT ON BRAKE STEERING WHEEL AND TIRES VIBRATED. - I HAVE HAD BACK TO DEALER 4 TIMES LAST TIME THEY SAID IT WAS TIRES SO HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE TIRES SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG BECAUSE IT IS STILL HAPPENING MY TRUCK ONLY HAS 38000 MILES ON IT SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM I NOW KNOW IT IS NOT A PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES BUT THERE IS A DEFECT SOMEWHERE IN THE VEHICLE ITSELF. *AK

  18. Suspension, Structure, Jan 10, 2004

    BOTH ITEMS HAPPENED RIGHT AFTER MY VECHICLE COVERAGE RAN OUT IN OCT. OF 2003,ANYWAY 1ST. THE A/C RECYCLING SWITCH WENT BAD AT AROUND 20,200 MILES, NOW THE PASSENGER FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT IS MAKING A TERRIBLE NOISE , SO I ASSUME THAT THATS ON IT`S WAY OUT,ALSO I NOTICED THAT THE REAR BUMPER IS ON A DOWNWARD POSITION. TO ME I THINK THIS YEAR`S PRODUCTION MODEL STINKS . *AK

  19. Power train, Seat belts, Tires, Jan 8, 2004

    FORD IS A COMPLETE RIP OFF AND SOLD ME A LEMON I WILL NEVER EVER BUY OR RECOMMEND A FORD IN MY LIFE ALL WE'VE HAD IS PROBLEMS... WE JUST BROUGHT OUR FORD EXPLORER TO MT. VERNON FORD IN NY AND THEY TOLD US THEY WILL CHECK OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND IF WE DECIDE FOR THEM NOT TO FIX IT THERE OUR CHARGE IS 85.00 DOLLARS AND IF WE FIX IT THERE THEY WILL PUT IT TOWARDS THE REPAIR AND TOLD US THE PROBLEM WE ARE HAVING IS FROM NOT MAINTAINING THE CAR HOW DARE THEY MAKE SUCH A STATEMENT I HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN CARE OF MY CARS I HAVE A NISSAN WITH 130,000 MILES I HAVEN'T EVEN CHANGED THE CLUTCH STILL ORIGINAL WELL WE DECIDED NOT TO HAVE THE REPAIRS DONE THERE AND WHEN WE GOT THERE THEY CHARGED UP OVER 130.00 DOLLARS I AM DISGUSTED AND I AM GOING TO REPORT FORD TO THE BBB AND EVERY COMPLAINT CENTER THAT I CAN... WE ONLY HAVE 50,000 MILES ON IT AND BEFORE 36,000 WE HAD TO PUT IN A NEW TRANSMISSION IT'S A LEMON A PIECE OF JUNK... WE'VE ALSO BROUGHT IT IN FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT AND THEY STILL HAVEN'T FIXED IT AND I SWEAR TO GOD IF WE ARE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT OR GET PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE SOMEONE IS GOING TO PAY FOR IT TRUST ME LAW SUIT AND ALL. *LA

  20. Suspension, Dec 28, 2003

    LOWER BALL JOINTS IN 2001 FORD EXPLORER BAD AT ONLY 46,000 MILES.*AK

  21. Power train, Dec 10, 2003

    THE TRANSMISSION ON THE 2001 SPORT TRAC WENT OUT, IT ONLY HAD 42,000 MILES ON IT. IT WAS ONE MONTH OVER THE 3 YEARS. THE CAR WAS SERVICE EVERY 3 THOUSAND MILES FOR OIL CHANGE, 31,000 THOUSAND FOR TRANSMISSION SERVICE. I TOOK MY RECEIPT INTO THE FORD AUTO IN ST. PETERSBURG. I AM NOT HAPPY TO HAVE THIS HAPPEN I DID EVERYTHING TO KEEP MY CAR IN TOP SHAPE. IT WAS NOT NEGLECTED IN ANY WAY. FORD AUTO SAID THEIR WAS NOT A THING THEY COULD DO. WHY NOT ? WHERE I HAD THE TRANSMISSION FIXED, BECAUSE IT WAS ON A WEEKEND WHEN IT WENT OUT, TOLD ME HE HAS HAD A LOT ON THE EXPLORER IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ONE OF THEM WAS AS LOW AS 37,000 MILES. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM, YOU SHOULD EITHER FIX IT OR PAY TO HAVE THEM FIX. *LA

  22. Engine and engine cooling, Dec 10, 2003

    WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE LOST TOTAL POWER. *AK WHEN THE NEW MOTOR WAS PLACED IN THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD JUST DIE WHILE IN MOTION AT ANY SPEED. IT HAD TAKEN THE DEALER THREE ATTEMPTS WHEN THEY TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THERE WASN'T A RUNNING CODE, SO IT COULD NOT BE FIXED. *SCC *JB

  23. Air bags, Dec 3, 2003

    WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE CONSUMER SMELLED A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE INSIDE COMPARTMENT. THE FRONT AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED AND THE DRIVER WAS COMPLETELY CAUGHT OFF GUARD AND HIS GLASSES WERE KNOCKED OF HIS FACE. *AK *SCC *JB

  24. Power train, Dec 2, 2003

    VECHILE HAS 16,000 MILES. THREE TIMES AFTER STARTING VEHICLE AND DRIVING TWO BLOCKS OVERDRIVE INDICATOR FLASHES BY ITSELF. THEN TRANSMISSION OVER REVS AND DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. OWNERS MANUAL SAYS THAT HWEN OVERDRIVE KIGHT FLASHES TO CALL DEALER AND ARRANGE FOR SERVICE, AS THERE IS PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION. BROUGHT TO DEALER TWICE, AS THEY COULD NOT RE-ENACT PROBLEM, THEY RETURNED VECHILE TO US SAYING NOTHING WRONG WITH VECHILE. I HAVE CALLED FORD CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE WHO CONTACTED DEALER, BURNS FORD. THEY NOW SAY TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. *AK

  25. Structure, Nov 25, 2003

    WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE NOISE WAS CAUSED BY THE #3 BODY REINFORCEMENT. THE REINFORCEMENT BROKE LOOSE ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF THE CAB. THERE'S A TSB 630329 ON THIS ISSUE. *NLM