2001 Ford Explorer recalls and problems
The 2001 Ford Explorer has 6 safety recalls and 375 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2001 Ford Explorer vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2001 Ford Explorer recalls
Recall 09V-399: Vehicle Speed Control
Problem: 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.
Risk: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
Fix: 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.
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 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 03V-094: Structure
Problem: 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.
Risk: This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
Fix: 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.
Recall 00V-313: Equipment
Problem: 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.
Risk: Incorrect tire inflation pressure could result in tire tread separation, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the certification labels.
2001 Ford Explorer problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Tires | 67 | |
| Suspension | 45 | |
| Power Train | 44 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 41 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 36 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 34 | |
| Structure | 33 | |
| Electrical System | 29 | |
| Air Bags | 28 | |
| Seats | 25 | |
| Steering | 22 | |
| Visibility | 17 |
Most reported parts
- Tires › Tread/Belt — 24
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 17
- Air Bags › Frontal — 16
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 16
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 13
- Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 13
- Structure › Body — 11
- Suspension › Front — 9
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 90,000 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 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Ford Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2001 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2001 Ford Explorer: 09V-399 (vehicle speed control), 07V-336 (vehicle speed control), 03V-281 (seats), 03V-280 (vehicle speed control), 03V-094 (structure) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Ford Explorer?
Owners report tires problems most often (67 reports), followed by suspension (45). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 90,000 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.