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.
Structure, Jun 20, 2013
THE BACK END BUMPS AND THUMPS LIKE THERE IS NO PADDING BETWEEN THE METAL ON METAL PARTS. VERY LOUD IN THE VEHICLE ALWAYS. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jun 7, 2013
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD BANGING/BUMPING NOISE COMING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. INITIALLY THOUGHT THAT JACK HAD CAME LOOSE FROM HOLDER LOCATED IN FENDER WELL COMPARTMENT. UPON INSPECTION JACK WAS FOUND TO BE TIGHT IN HOLDER. NOTICED THAT YOU COULD HEAR THE BANGING NOISE WHEN ROCKING THE VEHICLE UP AND DOWN. CARRIED VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED IT AND FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR BODY INSULATOR HAD DETERIORATED AND FELL OUT ALLOWING THE EXPLORER'S BODY TO RIDE DIRECTLY ON THE FRAME. MECHANIC STATED THAT HE FELT IT WOULD BE SAFE TO DRIVE VEHICLE BUT ADVISED TOO, THAT IT COULD DAMAGE THE BODY BECAUSE IT WAS RIDING DIRECTLY ON FRAME.COST TO REPAIR = $325 ($110 LABOR + $167 FOR NEW CHASSIS BODY INSULATOR PURCHASED FROM A LOCAL FORD DEALER + 40 FOR USED BODY MOUNT SUPPORTS PURCHASED AT A LOCAL SALVAGE YARD + 8 IN TAXES). MECHANIC HAD TO ALSO TIGHTEN BOLTS ON HINGES HOLDING REAR LIFT GATE ON. MILEAGE ON VEHICLE WAS 108,000. *TR
Power train, Jun 6, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE SERVOS NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine, May 13, 2013, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNOCCUPIED, IT BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.
Suspension, Structure, Apr 30, 2013
BODY MOUNTS DETERIORATE BEFORE THEIR TIME AND BALL JOINT FAIL. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 5, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS, AND THE SOUND FOR THE DOOR STOPPED WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V072000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,637 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 158,000. *TR
Structure, Mar 17, 2013
BODY MOUNTS UNDER FLOOR ARE DETERIORATED. WHEN DRIVING AND GOING OVER BUMPS, VEHICLE SOUNDS LIKE IT IS "BOTTOMING OUT" AS A LOUD CLUNK CAN BE HEARD AND FELT UNDER YOUR FEET. UPON INSPECTION, AT LEAST 4 MOUNTS ARE ROUGHLY 75% DETERIORATED OR MORE. *TR
Power train, Feb 28, 2013
MY FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT HAS PLAGUED MANY EXPLORERS, SPORT TRAC'S, AND RANGERS. A YOUTUBE VIDEO EXPLAINS THE PROBLEM, "UPLOADED ON DEC 7, 2011 - FORD USED THE 5R55E IN MANY REAR AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE APPLICATIONS. IT IS A GOOD TRANSMISSION BUT IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE VALVE BODY GASKET "BLOWING OUT." THE SYMPTOM OF THIS IN OUR VEHICLE WAS THAT THE TRANSMISSION MISSED SECOND GEAR UNDER ACCELERATION BUT FOUND A HIGHER GEAR WHEN WE LET OFF THE GAS PEDAL." THIS HAPPENS TO ME DAILY, AND IS A TRAFFIC HAZARD AS THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AS IT SHOULD. FORD PUBLISHED A TSB(TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN) ON 03-22-10 ACKNOWLEDGING THIS PROBLEM. IT IS A DANGEROUS OCCURRENCE IN MOST VEHICLES WHERE THE VALVE BODY SEPARATOR PLATE DOES NOT WORK AS IT SHOULD. WHEN I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, THEY DID NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM BUT WANTED TO CHARGE OVER $4,000 FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION. THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN FLAW AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO ALL OWNERS. PLEASE CHECK ALL COMPLAINTS REGARDING FORD'S AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE 5R55E AND HELP US OWNERS GET A REASONABLY PRICED CORRECTION, BEFORE ACCIDENTS OCCUR. THANK YOU. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Dec 17, 2012
SUB FRAME BODY MOUNTS ARE FALLING APART. I NOTICED THIS IN 2008 BUT DID NOT KNOW WHAT IT WAS. CAR HAS LESS THAN 72000 MILES AND IS GARAGED, NO OFF ROAD USE. MOUNTS ARE BRITTLE AND FALL OF VEHICLE. FORD SAYS --SO SAD TOO BAD. NEVER SEEN MOUNTS FALL APART AND I HAVE OWNED VEHICLES FOR OVER 40 YEARS. *TR
Suspension, Nov 26, 2012
FOR SEVERAL YEARS, THE BODY MOUNTS ON MY TRUCK HAVE BEEN CRUMBLING DUE TO POOR MATERIALS USED AT THE FACTORY. I KNOW OF MANY OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM, AND SINCE THE MOUNTS ARE DIFFICULT AND EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE I KNOW MANY HAVE AVOIDED DOING SO. FORD SHOULD BE MADE TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES (WHICH RANGE FROM 2001-2005) AND REPLACE THESE SHODDY PARTS (IF THEY HAVEN'T CRUMBLED COMPLETELY AWAY LIKE MINE) BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED. *TR
Air bags, Nov 13, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AND UPON IMPACT, ALL OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED EXCEPT FOR THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 101,000.
Power train, Nov 8, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION EXHIBITED A LOUD SQUEAKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE THEN BECAME RESISTANT TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS AND WOULD NO LONGER MOVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO OPERATE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO DRIVER OR REVERSE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO A DEALER OR MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
Power train, Nov 8, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO RESPOND WITH AN UNUSUAL WHINING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. UPON RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Tires, Oct 17, 2012
CPSC#I12A0111A. 2001 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER STATED THAT A DAY AFTER SHE BROUGHT THE CAR IT BROKE DOWN. *LN THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE, AS WELL AS A HOLE IN GAS TANK, WHICH HAD RUSTED OUT, THE BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE TIRE WERE DRY ROTTED, AS THEY KEPT GOING FLAT, THE DRIVER'S DOOR DID NOT LOCK, THE REAR DOORS DID NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE, THE REAR DRIVER'S DOOR DID NOT OPEN AT ALL, THE OUTSIDE HANDLE WAS BROKE, THE REAR HATCH WOULD NOT CLOSE, AND MOST OF THE TIME IT HAD TO BE SLAMMED SHUT.
Structure, Sep 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PERFORMING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE HE NOTICED THAT THE BODY BUSHING HAD DETERIORATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Sep 25, 2012
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT - OVERALL GOOD CONDITION - COMPLAINT INVOLVES FAILURE OF BOTH DOOR POWER LOCKS/HANDLE MECHANISMS. DRIVERS DOOR TOTALLY FAILED AND REPAIRS MADE AT AUTO SHOP, BUT MECHANISM QUICKLY FAILED AGAIN. EXPENSIVE REPAIR. - PASSENGER DOOR LOCK ALSO MALFUNCTIONING MILDLY BUT STILL OPERABLE FOR THE TIME BEING. APPEARS READY TO FAIL HOWEVER SINCE THIS WAS SAME PRIOR SYMPTOM OF THE OPPOSITE DOOR. NO INFORMATION LOCATED ON RECALL FROM FORD PREVIOUSLY FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Aug 2, 2012
I WAS DRIVING AND HEARD LOUD NOISE. SOUNDED LIKE THE BACK WINDOW HATCH WAS OPEN AND VIBRATING WITH EVERY BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE HATCH WAS CLOSED, SO I LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE TO FIND THE BODY MOUNTS HAD COMPLETELY CRUMBLED AWAY. THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE WAS RIDING ON THE FRAME WITH NO CUSHION. THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE WAS VERY HARD TO HANDLE AND FELT AS IF IT MAY SHIFT OFF THE FRAME AT ANYTIME. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 15, 2012
THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK BECAME STUCK. THIS WAS NOT A GRADUAL PROBLEM; ONE DAY IT WAS WORKING, THE NEXT DAY IT WAS NOT. I COULD NOT OPEN IT WITH THE REMOTE LOCK CONTROL, THE INNER LOCK CONTROL OR THE KEY. I COULD NOT LIFT THE LOCK KNOB ON THE DOOR MANUALLY. THE ONLY WAY TO OPEN THE DOOR WAS TO CRAWL IN FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE, REACH OVER THE CONSOLE AND PULL ON THE DOOR HANDLE, WHICH SOMETIMES CREATED A GRATING SOUND. OCCASIONALLY THE REMOTE LOCK CONTROL WOULD WORK BUT VERY RANDOMLY. 99% OF THE TIME THE LOCK WOULD REMAIN STUCK. WHEN IT DID WORK, I NOTICED IT WAS ONLY IF I LOCKED THE DOOR WITH THE REMOTE CONTROL. IT NEVER WORKED IF I LOCKED THE DOOR WITH THE INNER LOCK CONTROL ON THE DOOR. THE NEAREST FORD DEALER IS OVER ONE HUNDRED MILES AWAY ROUND TRIP, SO I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A BROKEN DOOR HANDLE. I PAID $92.87 TO REPLACE THE HANDLE, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MECHANIC THEN TOLD ME HE WOULD HAVE TO ORDER MORE PARTS, WHICH I CANNOT AFFORD. I HAVE BEEN LIVING WITH THIS INCONVENIENCE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW AND RECENTLY I BEGAN RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM ON-LINE. IT APPEARS THERE HAVE BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS OVER A PERIOD OF SEVERAL YEARS. ACCORDING TO THE DATA BASE, OTHER PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED LOCK FAILURES ON MULTIPLE DOORS OF THE SAME VEHICLE. THE MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THESE LOCK SYSTEMS NOT ONLY CREATES AN INCONVENIENCE AND NEGATIVE ECONOMIC IMPACT ON VEHICLE OWNERS, IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I AM NOT AWARE OF ANY RECALL NOTICES FOR THIS PROBLEM AND I AM WONDERING WHY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Apr 11, 2012
THE RISING PRICE OF GAS DISCOURAGED ME FROM USING MY SPORT TRAC (ST) OFTEN, SO IT WAS GARAGED DURING THE WORK WEEK. ON THE WEEKENDS, I USUALLY DROVE THE ST TO RUN ERRANDS AROUND TOWN. ON JAN 28, 2012, I DROVE LESS THAN A MILE WHEN MY ST BEGAN LOSING THROTTLE RESPONSE AND AN UNFAMILIAR CLATTERING CAN BE HEARD GENERATED IN THE ENGINE BAY. I QUICKLY REALIZED THAT THIS WAS NOT NORMAL, SO I PROCEEDED TO PULL OVER. I THEN TOOK THE TRUCK TO A MECHANIC NEAR MY LOCATION. THE MECHANIC AFTER EXTENSIVE DIAGNOSIS DETERMINED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER HAD FAILED, ALONG WITH TIMING CHAIN GUIDES WHICH SHATTERED INTO MULTIPLE PIECES (PHOTOS AVAILABLE). THE TIMING CHAIN AND ITS COMPONENTS ARE SUPPOSE TO LAST FOR A LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE, AND HENCE FORD PROVIDED NO INFORMATION OR PROVISION FOR ITS MAINTENANCE. THE REPAIR WAS EXPENSIVE, BECAUSE IT REQUIRED THE REMOVAL OF THE ENGINE WHICH IS BASED ON THE SOHC DESIGN HAVING ITS RIGHT CAMSHAFT DRIVEN BY A TIMING CHAIN LOCATED BEHIND THE ENGINE NEAR THE FIREWALL. A RECALL OF THE TIMING CHAIN GUIDES AND TENSIONER SHOULD BE MADE BECAUSE OF THE COMMON PROBLEM THIS HAS BEEN FOR THIS ENGINE DESIGN, SOHC 4.0L AFTER THE REMOVAL OF THE ENGINE AND TIMING CHAIN GUIDE REPLACEMENT, MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION REGISTERED AN ERROR ON MY DASHBOARD, AND AFTER CONSULTATION WITH AN EXPERT, REQUIRED A TRANSMISSION REBUILD. THE COST OF THE ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION REBUILD HAS BEEN VERY EXPENSIVE TO SAY THE LEAST. THE UNPREDICTABLE NATURE OF THIS FAILURES WOULD COMPROMISE SAFETY DURING HIGH SPEED OPERATIONS. I HOPE NHTSA WILL REVIEW COMPLAINTS REGARDING TIMING CHAIN AND TRANSMISSION FAILURES, WHICH SHOULD REVEAL A PATTERN OF DESIGN FAILURES AT FORD. INTERESTINGLY, FORD HAD ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONERS AND ENGINE REMOVAL TO REPAIR CHAIN GUIDES IN THE PAST. *TR
Air bags, Mar 13, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE JAW AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. THE POLICE REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 23,000.
Structure, Mar 8, 2012
THE BODY MOUNTS ON MY EXPLORER SPORT ARE DETERIORATING AND CAUSING A BAD VIBRATION IN THE WHOLE VEHICLE WHEN TRAVELING AND EVENTUALLY THE CAB WILL SHIFT AND COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL. THE FORD COMPANY IS THE ONLY ONE WITH THE NEW PARTS NEEDED FOR MY MODEL VEHICLE AND THEY WANT $1,0000 JUST FOR THE PARTS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD BECOME STUCK WHEN ACCELERATING UPHILL. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP AND THE RMPS WOULD INCREASE TO 3,500. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL BUT THE RPMS WOULD CONTINUOUSLY INCREASE. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT THE RPMS WOULD CONTINUE TO INCREASE AT 3500. THE VEHICLE WAS ALLOWED TO RUN IDLE FOR THIRTY MINUTES BEFORE RESUMING NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,000. UPDATED 04/11/12*LJ THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY FOUND ACORN NUTS NEAR THE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 04/23/12
Seats, Mar 2, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON SITTING IN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT, THE SEAT UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE SEAT CUSHION DROPPED DOWNWARD. NUMEROUS AUTHORIZED DEALERS WERE NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NECESSARY TO REMEDY THE FAILURE WERE NO LONGER MANUFACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V281000 (SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Seats, Feb 7, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT WOULD UNEXPECTEDLY SHIFT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. THE DEALER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V281000 (SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER). NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 151,000.
Air bags, Feb 6, 2012, crash
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK DURING AN ICE STORM AND LOST CONTROL OF HER 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT SUV AND STRUCK A TREE. SHE WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED DURING THE HEAD ON COLLISION WITH THE TREE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND IT SUSTAINED MAJOR SHEETMETAL AND FRAME DAMAGE. THE RADIATOR WAS PUSHED IN AND DESTROYED. *TR