Owners have filed 243 complaints
about the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport with NHTSA between 2000 and 2017.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Ford Explorer Sport. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
25.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 36
21% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2001 compares with every other Ford Explorer Sport
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
32.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
139.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2719.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3525.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2115.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2518.0%
150,000+ miles
1510.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2000peak 10Jul 2017
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP05005Opened 22 Sep 2005Closed 4 Jan 2006ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
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 A...
PE03020Opened 21 May 2003Closed 5 Sep 2003SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER ATTACHMENT
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...
Recalls on the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
07V336000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
06V114000
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
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.
Risk: THE DRIVER COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS DURING SUCH AN EVENT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
03V280000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
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.
Risk: 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.
03V281000
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
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.
Risk: THE DRIVER COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS DURING SUCH AN EVENT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
01X001000
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
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.
Risk: SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
00V394000
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
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.
Risk: A HOOD FLY-UP WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED COULD RESULT IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 1,500 milesAnchorage, AKCrash1 injured
STEERING
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?
NHTSA complaint #10568035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,500 milesAnchorage, AKCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
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?
NHTSA complaint #10568035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,150 milesWhite Plains, MDCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10446789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesConnellsville, PAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACTED WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN WHITE SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE FENDER OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE CONTACTED AND REPORTS WERE FILED. THE FAILURE CAUSED NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 126,000.
NHTSA complaint #10440126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,057 milesOverland Park, KSCrash
AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING ON A HEAVILY TRAVELED ROAD, DRIVER 2 CARS AHEAD OF ME CAME TO A DEAD STOP. VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME HIT BRAKES HARD, I ALSO HIT MY BRAKES HARD, ON WET PAVEMENT. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM DID NOT KICK IN, AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP.MY CAR SLID INTO THE REAR END OF DRIVER IN FRONT OF ME DOING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE. AS I HAD JUST COME THROUGH A TRAFFIC LIGHT, I WAS NOT GOING MORE THAN ABOUT 25 MILES PER HOUR. THE WET PAVEMENT CAUSED MY CAR TO SKID QUITE A WAYS. THE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE INCLUDED THE ENTIRE BUMPER COVER BUCKLING, BOTH OF MY HEADLIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS WERE DAMAGED AND BROKEN OUT. NONE OF THE COMPONENTS WERE PUSHED BACK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. NEITHER THE DRIVER SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. MY PASSENGER WAS JOLTED FORWARD AND ALMOST HIT THE WINDSHIELD DESPITE HAVING SEAT BELT ON. I WAS JOLTED FORWARD AS WELL WITH SEAT BELT ON, AND MY CHEST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL.
NHTSA complaint #10381949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,057 milesOverland Park, KSCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
WHILE DRIVING ON A HEAVILY TRAVELED ROAD, DRIVER 2 CARS AHEAD OF ME CAME TO A DEAD STOP. VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME HIT BRAKES HARD, I ALSO HIT MY BRAKES HARD, ON WET PAVEMENT. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM DID NOT KICK IN, AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP.MY CAR SLID INTO THE REAR END OF DRIVER IN FRONT OF ME DOING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE. AS I HAD JUST COME THROUGH A TRAFFIC LIGHT, I WAS NOT GOING MORE THAN ABOUT 25 MILES PER HOUR. THE WET PAVEMENT CAUSED MY CAR TO SKID QUITE A WAYS. THE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE INCLUDED THE ENTIRE BUMPER COVER BUCKLING, BOTH OF MY HEADLIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS WERE DAMAGED AND BROKEN OUT. NONE OF THE COMPONENTS WERE PUSHED BACK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. NEITHER THE DRIVER SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. MY PASSENGER WAS JOLTED FORWARD AND ALMOST HIT THE WINDSHIELD DESPITE HAVING SEAT BELT ON. I WAS JOLTED FORWARD AS WELL WITH SEAT BELT ON, AND MY CHEST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL.
NHTSA complaint #10381949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 160,000 milesSanta FE, NM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CRUISE CONTROL ON AND SET DO NOT WORK ON ANY ROAD. VEHICLE MOVING ON ANY ROAD OR STANDSTILL.
NHTSA complaint #11004635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesWilliamston, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #10882470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesAlexandria, VA
SEAT BELTS
---- 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.
NHTSA complaint #10840001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newark, NJ
SEATS
DRIVER SEAT BOLT
NHTSA complaint #10807626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newark, NJ
SEAT BELTS
DRIVER SEAT BOLT
NHTSA complaint #10807626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newark, NJ
VISIBILITY/WIPER
DRIVER SEAT BOLT
NHTSA complaint #10807626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesSaint Paul, MN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10721357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesSouth Pasadena, CA
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10627649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,500 milesSuisun City, CA
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10621278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,500 milesSuisun City, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10621278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesCary, NC
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10618698 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 204,551 milesSAN Antonio, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #10598366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 204,551 milesSAN Antonio, TX
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10598366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 204,551 milesSAN Antonio, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10598366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, TX
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10594073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesMount Laurel, NJ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10586289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,500 milesAnchorage, AKCrash1 injured
STEERING
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?
NHTSA complaint #10568035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,500 milesAnchorage, AKCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
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?
NHTSA complaint #10568035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesEverett, WA
POWER TRAIN
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).
NHTSA complaint #10551420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,444 milesBoise, ID
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #10551019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cameron, NC
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE BACK END BUMPS AND THUMPS LIKE THERE IS NO PADDING BETWEEN THE METAL ON METAL PARTS. VERY LOUD IN THE VEHICLE ALWAYS.
NHTSA complaint #10520862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesDanville, VA
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10515770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesDanville, VA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10515770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,637 milesPalo Cedro, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10507267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Liberty Lake, WA
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #10477052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.