2001 Ford Explorer Sport
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Vehicles › Ford › Explorer Sport › 2001
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
These records cover every 2001 Ford Explorer Sport. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
7 recalls name the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport. Newest first.
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.
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, 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. the recall began on april 10, 2006. owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. this IS a supplement to a previous recall campaign (03v281).
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.
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.
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…
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.
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…
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.
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles with steel hoods and certain pickup trucks equipped with sheet molding compound hoods. a wire formed hood striker could be susceptible to fatigue fractures. if the hood striker fractures, the hood could fly open while the vehicle IS being driven.
A hood fly-up while the vehicle IS being operated could result in reduced driver visibility.
Dealers will replace the hood striker.
Cruise control on and set do not work on any road. vehicle moving on any road or standstill.
Passenger side door handle broke only opens from inside. Passenger rear door only opens from outside. Drivers side rear only opens from outside. 3 out of 4 doors do not work properly. This IS a safety issue. I have small children who are in rear car seats and can't get them out if emergency!!! This should be recall with this many complaints on same model and because it poses safety issue
---- this vehicle does not have a seat belt for a passenger riding in the middle of the rear seat. the rear seat has ample space for three full-sized adults, but there IS no seat belt for a middle passenger. the ford original shop manual indicates that there are not any secure attachment points to install a 3rd-party belt built into the body. ---- this IS a safety hazard and may make it illegal to carry a third passenger in the rear seat. nhtsa should recall these vehicles and direct ford to provide seat belts for a center passenger in the rear seat. thank you for your consideration. *tr
Driver seat bolt
If steering wheel IS not in the very high position turn signals blink very rapidly as if there was a problem with one of them.
As many other owners of the ford explorer sport have complained about, there IS a very loud banging coming from the rear end of my SUV whenever I drive over even the slightest bump or rough road. I have replaced the shocks but it did not make any difference to this problem. It still IS so loud and the ride remains very rough. I now understand that the body mount bushings have deteriorated and will need to be replaced to improve the ride and make the vehicle safe to drive again. *tr
2001 ford explorer sport. During normal driving, a rear rattle/ banging noise would occur when going over rough road or over bumps. This has progressively gotten worse over time. investigation and inspection of the vehicle had revealed that all the body/frame mount bushings have deteriorated to the point that they were crumbling, leaving no support/cushion between body and frame. This could potentially make the vehicle unsafe as there would be no support for the body, cause excessive body movement and a shift in the vehicle weight dynamics. This issue has already been reported in several vehicle safety complaints prior to mine. *tr
A clunking noise under the passenger seat. In looking at it, IS seems there IS a worn body bushing. Investigation on the web shows several incidences of something like this. The noise has gotten worse, the vehicle now has 54000 miles on it.i am the original owner. *tr
All body bushings were defective and had to be replaced. the bushings were desiccated and had crumbled away. this made the vehicle unsafe when cornering as there was nothing to support the weight of the body between it and the frame causing excessive movement and compromise of center of gravity. according to the mechanic who replaced my bushings, he had seen this defect on all the vehicles of this make and model year. he said that it was not a problem on the 1998 ford explorer sport. I went to a local junk yard and looked at several ford explorer sports and noticed the same defect on all the 2001 model years. the 1998 model year had bushings that were still in good condition. *js
2001 ford explorer sport. consumer writes in regards to bushing problems. *smd the consumer stated the bushings disintegrated. The cost to replace them, was $2000. *Jb
My wife was driving on a residential road around 30 mph when she attempted to brake. She was unable to stop the vehicle by braking. She said the truck was bucking wildly as though it was attempting to maintain it's 30 mph speed. She put it in neutral and pulled over yet the truck continued to idle as though it were driving 30 miles per hour. She turned the vehicle off. I arrived 15 minutes later and without touching the gas pedal turned the vehicle on and it immediately rev'd as she described so I shut it off. I then pumped the gas pedal (with the truck in the off position) assuming it may be stuck then restarted the vehicle. It started and subsequently drove normally. I took it to my mechanic and he discovered nothing. Nothing in the computer history and nothing wrong with the speed system (pedal, cable, throttle, throttle body...) I did some research on-line and discovered an nhtsa report (nhtsa action number : pe05037) of a possible bad speed control cable for this vehicle where the teflon cover could comes off and bind at the gas pedal holding the pedal open and unable to retract. We attempted to locate the replacement cable only to find that ford no longer makes the original or the replacement which we find utterly unbelievable. No more exist anywhere in the us. I can find parts for my 1992 ford mustang easier. Not sure why they stopped making the cable which makes this more interesting. My next step IS to have my mechanic remove the cable to see if there IS a teflon build up near the gas pedal. Note: we have no clear proof that the cable IS the issue yet at this point the fact that it cleared when I pumped the gas pedal with the vehicle in the off position leaves suspicion that this could be the same issue noted in the nhtsa pe05037 report. *tr
My purchased new $30,000 2001 ford 2 door explorer sport dies often causing no brakes or steering. In 2001, it died and rolled over with no steering or brakes when my wife was driving home, leaving her stranded upside down. Ford would not respond and local dealers would not or could not solve the problem. It still dies and all recalls were presumably done, including the firestone tires which were the best part of the vehicle. Numerous letters to ford were never acknowledged. I would like to have a refund on this vehicle. Can you help me? *tr
This has occurred multiple times since I've had the vehicle. I know enough about vehicles to know this IS not normal in the early years of 125,000 miles and routine maintenance. when I accelerate from a stopped position the rpm's go up to about 3,000 or so but the vehicle does not accelerate. The o/d light will flash and the vehicle, when it does accelerate, IS "sluggish". When I pull over and turn off the vehicle, then turn it back on, it seems to reset the light so that it IS no longer illuminated but eventually the issue with the lack of acceleration comes back within the next few miles and usually IS a problem between 1ST and 2ND gear. it happens like clock work when I leave a driveway and enter traffic which puts me in fear of being hit by an oncoming vehicle. this IS definitely a potential hazard and in an attempt to diagnose the problem I have come across multiple entries on "blogs" with similar symptoms that usually begin around 120,000-150,000 miles. in my opinion, the issue causing the problem, and the potential risk to my life and others, should have been recalled years previous. This seems to be too common. Vehicles, in general, should not be operating like this unless there IS an extreme lack of care in regards to maintenance. on another note... I've noticed that the various faulty parts that have been recalled are "quick fixes" which translates to me as "cheap fixes". If a company produces a product that fails before it's time or causes danger to it's customers, they should definitely ensure that the problem be remedied. so "man up" ford and address the issue- or the alternative IS to quit producing garbage. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
When I started from a stop light it took off fine but shifting from 1ST to 2ND and then into 3RD the engine raced but would not accelerate. I pushed the o/d off and it seemed to fix the problem. Then over the next few days it became more frequent to the point that I am afraid to pull out into traffic. I worry that I will be hit by not gaining speed to get going. Also merging on the freeway IS frustrating and unsafe. The o/d light flashes on and off all of the time now. This has happened over the coarse of a week. This IS an automatic transmission 2WD. *tr
The back end bumps and thumps like there IS no padding between the metal on metal parts. Very loud in the vehicle always. *tr
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
My 2001 ford explorer sport trac's body mount cushion has deteriorated and I can't drive the vehicle without an expensive (remove the body off of the truck) procedure and very expensive parts. this should last the lifetime of a vehicle. this should be a safety recall issue. thank you, [xxx] attorney at law, maui, hawaii information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6) *kb
Hearing noise both down the drivers side and the front I took my truck to the known top notch shop for suspension. It was there that I was told that my body/cab mount bushings (insulators) were shot. they crumble in your hand if you touch it. the quote to fix $1100.00 ! ! ! I called the dealer and to my shocking surprise just the parts (four sets) directly under the cab are $550....unbelievable. the reason the labor IS so high - because they have to pull the interior to get to the blots..ford in all their wisdom put them in top side down ! my brother looked at it further and found I was missing the drivers back bolt all together (look inside the storage behind back seat)...never there. I took my truck into to see what they had to say about the noise front and side. the mechanic was passive about the body bushings, chuckled when I asked about putting in the missing bolt and could not find the front end noise. asked if it could be the strut he told me I did not have them...only to crawl under the truck after we returned from the test drive and said oops I lied you do have them ! ford really needs to get better mechanics and better materials. They screwed up by breaks the last time I was there so needless to say I will never trust them again. anyway, when I asked what was the bushings made of, I was told ..rubber...one of their own part guys contacted the mfg....he too was told rubber. found on the internet...it IS actually.. Rubber foam. are you kidding me..no wonder it crumbles ! I was told there IS nothing they can do for me. I am affraid every time I get in my truck but have no other means of transportation nor can I buy anything. same on ford ! information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6) *tt
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi IS not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in any of the 10,319,810 subject vehicles.in addition, odi IS aware of only two incidents where the vehicle stalled without restart.information contained in the odi consumer complaints and obtained from 72 telephone interviews with complainants showed the following:(1) 99% of the complaints were on my 1997 to 2002 subject vehicles.(2) most the complainants reported hearing a loud pop while driving or upon starting up the vehicle followed by a loud, repetitive clicking or popping sound.(3) many of the complainants reported that the popping sound was accompanied by some loss of vehicle power; however, in 99% of the incidents reported, the vehicle did not stall.in the very few incidents where the vehicle did stall, most vehicles could be restarted.(4) only a small percentage of the complainants cited that they smelled gas or a slight burning smell when the incident occurred.(5) in all but a very few incidents, vehicle damage was limited to the engine.in one incident, the complaint reported that the fuel rail was damaged and replaced after one of the spark plugs ejected from the engine; however, the complainant reported that the damage did not result in any type of fuel leak or fire.in another incident, the only incident where a fire was alleged, the complainant reported that no fluid leak was observed, but that a fire resulted after the spark plug had ejected from the engine and he had restarted the vehicle and driven to another location.none of the complainants reported any damage to the vehicle hood.(6) only two complainants reported that they observed what appeared to be some drops of fuel coming from the cylinder where the spark plug had failed or on the spark plug itself; however, each of these complainants reported that there was no smoke or flames as a result of his incident.as the petitioner noted, and odi?s analysis showed, it IS possible for a spark plug to detach from the engine cylinder threads in the subject vehicles.however, odi?s analysis of 474 complaints describing such incidents found only a very few alleged any safety-related consequences.none of these showed any evidence of a serious safety consequence.given the large population and relatively long exposure time of the subject vehicles, the complaint analysis indicates that the risk to motor vehicle safety from the alleged defect IS very low.in view of the foregoing, it IS unlikely that nhtsa would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition IS denied.
By letter dated august 4, 2003, ford notified the agency that it IS conducting a voluntary safety recall (nhtsa recall no. 03V281) involving certain model year (my) 1998-2001 ford explorer / mercury mountaineer 4-door, my 1998-2000 ford explorer 2-door and my 2001-2002 ford explorer sport and sport trac vehicles equipped with high back seats.complaints allege that the driver's seat back reclined without warning.a bolt between the upper seat recliner attachment and the seat back frame may fracture.ford will replace the bolt that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame on the driver side seat.based on ford's safety recall action, this investigation IS closed.
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.