2001 Ford Explorer Sport recalls and problems
The 2001 Ford Explorer Sport has 5 safety recalls and 188 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2001 Ford Explorer Sport vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2001 Ford Explorer Sport recalls
Recall 07V-336: Vehicle Speed Control
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 06V-114: Seats
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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).
Recall 03V-281: Seats
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 03V-280: Vehicle Speed Control
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 00V-394: Structure
Problem: 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.
Fix: Dealers will replace the hood striker.
2001 Ford Explorer Sport problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 37 | |
| Structure | 31 | |
| Power Train | 29 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 21 | |
| Seats | 15 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 15 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 14 | |
| Tires | 13 | |
| Air Bags | 13 | |
| Electrical System | 9 | |
| Steering | 8 | |
| Seat Belts | 8 |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 15
- Structure › Body — 10
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 7
- Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner — 6
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 5
- Air Bags › Frontal — 5
- Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint — 5
- Suspension › Front — 4
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 66,522 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2001 Ford Explorer Sport complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Ford Explorer Sport years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport: 07V-336 (vehicle speed control), 06V-114 (seats), 03V-281 (seats), 03V-280 (vehicle speed control), 00V-394 (structure). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport?
Owners report suspension problems most often (37 reports), followed by structure (31). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 66,522 miles.
Are Ford recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.