Model year record

2001 Ford Explorer

6 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 503 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 09V399000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
4,500,000
Reported to NHTSA
2009-10-13
Owners notified
2009-10-27

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Manufacturer remedy

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 campaignNHTSA 07V336000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
3,600,000
Reported to NHTSA
2007-08-03
Owners notified
2007-08-13

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

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 campaignNHTSA 03V281000

Seats: front assembly: recliner

Component
Seats: front assembly: recliner
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
1,552,880
Reported to NHTSA
2003-08-05
Owners notified
2003-08-29

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THE DRIVER COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS DURING SUCH AN EVENT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

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 campaignNHTSA 03V280000

Vehicle speed control: cables

Component
Vehicle speed control: cables
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
448,005
Reported to NHTSA
2003-08-05
Owners notified
2003-08-29

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer remedy

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 campaignNHTSA 03V094000

Structure

Component
Structure
Manufacturer
SOUTHERN COMFORT CONVERSIONS
Vehicles affected
3,674
Reported to NHTSA
2003-03-07
Owners notified
2003-03-07

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

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 campaignNHTSA 00V313000

Equipment: other: labels

Component
Equipment: other: labels
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
5
Reported to NHTSA
2000-10-17
Owners notified
2000-10-10

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE COULD RESULT IN TIRE TREAD SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CERTIFICATION LABELS.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Tires42112,461 mi
Tires: tread/belt2438,592 mi
Suspension20119,699 mi
Vehicle speed control19121,000 mi
Electrical system1772,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission17107,400 mi
Air bags: frontal1658,740 mi
Seats1696,500 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip1648,584 mi
Engine and engine cooling14104,000 mi
Power train14126,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline13
Vehicle speed control: cruise control1361,000 mi
Unknown or other1287,372 mi
Structure: body11107,000 mi
Air bags1071,000 mi
Suspension: front9
Steering: hydraulic power assist system8
Engine626,500 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner6
Seats: front assembly: recliner624,000 mi
Structure699,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper55,000 mi
Steering5109,400 mi
Structure: body: door530 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint531,000 mi
Visibility: glass, side/rear5
Wheels5167,218 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine454,184 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic428,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc4
Structure: frame and members46,000 mi
Suspension: rear4
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal4
Visibility: power window devices and controls4
Electrical system: wiring362,500 mi
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash341,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.3
Exterior lighting399,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal3
Fuel system, gasoline376,500 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump3
Seat belts: front: anchorage3
Seat belts: front: retractor3
Steering: linkages3
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate315,463 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system392,571 mi
Wheels: rim3
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers271,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly2
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys286,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor2
Exterior lighting: brake lights2
Exterior lighting: headlights2
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system2
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift257,450 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch2
Power train: axle assembly2
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly221,386 mi
Seat belts: rear/other238,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: head restraint2
Service brakes2100,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor235,000 mi
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly2
Suspension: front: wheel bearing2128,600 mi
Visibility/wiper272,000 mi
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs2
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module1
Air bags: side/window135,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition1
Electrical system: ignition: module195,200 mi
Electrical system: starter assembly1
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood1
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system1
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system114,491 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe1
Equipment adaptive/mobility1107,000 mi
Equipment: electrical114,491 mi
Exterior lighting: tail lights1
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly1
Fuel system, other191,000 mi
Fuel system, other: delivery: fuel pump1
Fuel/propulsion system187,372 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch1
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch1
Parking brake: conventional1
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)1
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines1
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)1
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint1
Power train: driveline: differential unit1
Power train: driveline: driveshaft1
Power train: manual transmission196,427 mi
Seat belts1166,694 mi
Seats: mid/rear assembly1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads1
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages1
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device1
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)1
Steering: gear box: shaft pitman1
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm1
Structure: body: bumpers1
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments1
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments1126,643 mi
Structure: body: tailgate1
Suspension: front: control arm1
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint140,500 mi
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs1
Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly1
Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly: leaf1
Tires: valve1
Traction control system1115,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core1
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer: motor138,730 mi
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly1
Visibility: windshield1
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer1

The 2000 model has about half as many complaints as this one. The 2002 model has about a fifth as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.