Ford Explorer sport problems
The Ford Explorer is a range of SUVs manufactured by Ford Motor Company since the 1991 model year. As the first four-door SUV produced by Ford, the Explorer was introduced as a replacement for the two-door Bronco II. Within the current Ford SUV range in North America, the Explorer is slotted between the Ford Edge and Ford Expedition. As with the Ford Ranger, the Explorer derives its name from a trim package previously offered on the Ford F-Series pickup trucks.
The Explorer has been offered in multiple chassis and powertrain layouts. The first two generations were directly derived from the Ford Ranger, switching to a model-specific chassis for the third and fourth generations. The fifth generation was repackaged as a crossover SUV, adopting a variant of the Ford Taurus chassis architecture.
Alongside the five-door Explorer wagon, a three-door Explorer wagon was offered from 1991 to 2003, officially referred to as the Explorer Sport after 1999, serving as the direct replacement of the Bronco II; the 2001–2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac was a crew-cab pickup derived from the model line. For police use, the Ford Police Interceptor Utility has been derived from the fifth and sixth-generation Explorer to replace the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (and the later Taurus-based Police Interceptor Sedan). Through rebranding, Mazda, Mercury, and Lincoln have sold versions of the Explorer; Lincoln currently markets the sixth-generation model line as the Lincoln Aviator.
For the North American market, the first four generations of the Explorer were produced by Ford at its Louisville Assembly Plant (Louisville, Kentucky) and at its now-closed St. Louis Assembly Plant (Hazelwood, Missouri); the model line is currently produced at Chicago Assembly Plant (Chicago, Illinois).
In 2020, CNBC reported the Ford Explorer range as the best-selling SUV of all time in America.
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Ford Explorer sport model years
Common Ford Explorer sport problems
The Ford Explorer, a popular model among many owners, has had its share of common problems over the years, as reported by owners and documented in various sources. Some of the most frequently reported issues include:
- Powertrain issues: The 2020 Ford Explorer has experienced powertrain problems, which can include issues with the engine, transmission, or drivetrain. These issues can lead to a decrease in vehicle performance, increased repair costs, and a potential safety hazard for drivers and passengers.
- Braking problems: Issues with the braking system have been reported in various model years of the Ford Explorer. These problems can range from a spongy or soft brake pedal to complete brake failure, posing a significant safety risk to drivers and passengers.
- Rear camera failures: The rear camera on the 2020 Ford Explorer has been known to fail, which can make reversing and parking more difficult and potentially dangerous. This issue can be especially problematic for drivers who rely heavily on the rear camera for visibility.
- Rust: Rust is a common problem in the Ford Explorer, particularly in the rear liftgate and front hood. Rust can spread quickly if not addressed promptly, leading to the need for extensive and costly repairs.
- Power Take-off Unit (PTO): The PTO in the Ford Explorer is prone to failure, particularly in the 2011-2019 models. This issue is due to a lack of a bleed screw, which makes the PTO difficult to service and can lead to fluid leaks and eventual failure.
- Water pumps: Water pumps in the Ford Explorer tend to leak and fail over time, particularly in the 2011-2019 models. The water pump is located inside the engine, making replacement a labor-intensive and costly process.
- FCIM (Front Interface Control Module): The front interface control module in the Ford Explorer, particularly in the limited or higher trims, is prone to failure. This issue can result in the need for an expensive replacement part from a dealer.
- Backup camera: The backup camera in the Ford Explorer can flicker or fail completely, requiring replacement. This issue can be especially problematic for drivers who rely heavily on the backup camera for visibility.
- Throttle body: The throttle body in the Ford Explorer can fail, leading to the vehicle getting stuck in limp mode. This issue can be caused by a buildup of carbon deposits and may require cleaning or replacement of the throttle body.
- Airbag light: The airbag light in the Ford Explorer may come on due to a wiring harness issue. This issue can be difficult to diagnose and may require extensive labor to replace the affected wiring harness.
These common problems in the Ford Explorer can lead to increased repair costs, decreased vehicle performance, and potential safety hazards for drivers and passengers. It is important for owners to be aware of these issues and take proactive steps to address them as soon as possible to minimize the risk of further damage and ensure the safety of their vehicle.
What is the most common problem with the Ford Explorer?
However, one of the biggest complaints customers had about these vehicles was the frequent automatic transmission failures. During third-generation Ford Explorer production, the SUVs were equipped with the 5R55 series transmission system.
What year of Ford Explorer to stay away from?
Avoid: 2004
On a three-year run of bad model years, the 2004 Ford Explorer is worse than the previous year. Along with 2002, 2004 will go down as the worst model years to own the Explorer. Over 2,400 complaints were filed with the NHTSA and, surprisingly, many of them carry over from 2002 and 2003.
How many miles can a Ford Explorer Sport last?
According to MotorBiscuit.com, the average Ford Explorer can last anywhere from 80,000 miles to 200,000 miles. SUV owners looking to surpass 200,000 miles will need to provide their vehicle with the proper care.
What is the best year for Ford Explorer Sport?
A: For those considering a used Ford Explorer, the most reliable years are 1993, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2019. These models have demonstrated fewer issues over time, making them solid choices for a dependable midsize SUV.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ford Explorer sport years
We have researched Ford problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ford Explorer sport cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Ford Explorer sport model years:
- Ford Explorer sport 2002
- Ford Explorer sport 2003
- Ford Explorer sport 1993
- Ford Explorer sport 1997
- Ford Explorer sport 1998
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ford Explorer sport model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ford Explorer sport years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ford Explorer sport car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ford Explorer sport , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Structure problems
- Suspension problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ford Explorer sport vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Explorer sport model years
A total of 232 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Explorer sport model years
There were a total of 90 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Explorer sport model years
There were a total of 277 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Explorer sport model years
There were a total of 9 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 4930 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ford Explorer sport . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ford Explorer sport vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Ford Explorer sport 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-14
- VIN: 1FMYU60E02U
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her fiancé was driving 45 MPH, the driver’s side and passenger’s side air bags inadvertently deployed without an impact or a crash, causing the contact’s fiancé to swerve and drive down into a ditch. No warning lights were illuminated. The front bumper, windshield, and passenger’s side taillight were cracked. No injuries were sustained. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,583.
Ford Explorer sport 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-23
- Date Complaint: 2023-11-30
- VIN: 1FMZU74W42Z
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to coast off the freeway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic, but the mechanic declined to service the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified about the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
Ford Explorer sport 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-07-31
- VIN: 1FMZU77E32U
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the following day it was discovered that the cruise control switch located on the steering wheel had overheated and melted. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V399000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Ford Explorer sport 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2022-09-09
- VIN: 1FMZU62EX2Z
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the steering wheel intermittently seized while driving at various speeds without warning. After finding a replacement part at a salvage yard, the contact had the steering wheel replaced by an independent mechanic; however, the failure persisted. The contact also stated that an abnormal ticking noise was coming from the engine with the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Ford Explorer sport 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-28
- Date Complaint: 2022-08-01
- VIN: 1fmzu73kx3z
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: There is a crack down the middle section of the liftgate for quite some time. The liftgate has been unlocking and opening automatically by itself. On only rare occasions has the liftgate opened all the way while driving. On the morning of 7/28/2022 while the vehicle was parked in my driveway the liftgate was discovered to have again unlocked by itself and opened slightly and now with one of the two hinges holding the glass sheared leaving the liftgate glass hanging by only one hinge. With the glass now hanging without having both hinge supports functioning and the inability to close and lock the liftgate, 1) the glass could fall out while driving and 2) with the liftgate unable to now close and lock, contents of the back storage area could fall out of the vehicle while driving. On 8/1/2022 the vehicle was inspected by the foreman of the Service Dept. at Healy Ford, Goshen, N.Y. I was told to take it to a body shop for realignment repair. Apparently a recall on 9/13/2022 # 04V442000 did not include my Vin. However, In driving around I do see many 2003 explorers with the identical crack on the liftgate.
Ford Explorer sport 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-06
- Date Complaint: 2022-07-08
- VIN: 1FMZU73E92Z
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the hood latch independently released, causing the hood to strike the windshield. The contact was able to get to the side of the roadway and closed the hood. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.
Ford Explorer sport 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-14
- Date Complaint: 2022-06-14
- VIN: 1fmdu75w12z
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Overdrive light flashes after driving a little bit hard shifting doesn't shift into overdrive 4x4 lights indicate that it's working when the buttons are pushed but doesn't go into 4x4
Ford Explorer sport 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-29
- Date Complaint: 2022-03-30
- VIN: 1FMZU64E32Z
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while entering the highway at approximately 45 MPH and accelerating to overtake the next vehicle, the accelerator pedal went to the floorboard however, the vehicle did not respond. The contact was able to pull over safely off the highway. There were no warning lights on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V422000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Ford Explorer sport 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2014-11-01
- Date Complaint: 2021-11-02
- VIN: 1FMZU73W73U
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Head lights are cloudy given poor visibility. Back hatch door has a crack.
Ford Explorer sport 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-25
- Date Complaint: 2021-10-27
- VIN: 1FMZU72K53Z
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25-35 MPH around a curb, the driver thought that the tire was flat. The contact pulled off the road and noticed that three of the wheel studs on the driver’s side rear wheel had sheared off. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and it was confirmed that the studs had sheared off and that there was also a fractured wheel stud on the passenger’s side rear wheel. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Ford Explorer sport 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-16
- Date Complaint: 2021-10-17
- VIN: 1FMZU63K03Z
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Hello my name is [XXX] just writing you cause my neighbors have program my vehicle meaning they hack my 2003 explore pretty much they want to take over my driving they trying to dominate me in this matter when in reality is not going to be possible that's why I come to your people's corporate plus they have invade my family privacy they have a gang organization watching me every where I go had few confrontation they just want me to confront them so they could put me in jail this is not going to happen i apologize for the inconvenience I told police regards this matter they didn't do nothing about it . INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Ford Explorer sport 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-03
- Date Complaint: 2021-09-14
- VIN: 1FMZU77E83U
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: drivers side rear brake line developed a hole caused by the emergency brake cable rubbing against it causing all the brake fluid to leak & the brakes failed. Fortunately my husband was driving on our rural road & not out on the main highway. We have not been able to get it repaired yet.
Ford Explorer sport 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-22
- Date Complaint: 2021-06-22
- VIN: 1fmzu72e62u
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The light form air bad juts got on when I was driving
Ford Explorer sport 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-13
- Date Complaint: 2021-06-15
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FMZU67E23U
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The driver was driving down the expressway and her back tire blew out causing her vehicle to spiral out of control and the vehicle then flipped and started rolling downhill, the vehicle airbags did not deploy in the vehicle at all. The driver and her mother are in critical condition. Yes, the safety of others safety was put at risk. I did contact Ford Manufacturer on her behind of the airbags and they said there is nothing they can do for her with the vehicle being totaled out. But my main problem is why these airbags did not deploy. The vehicle is going to be inspected by her insurance company here in the next few days. There were no prior lamps, messages, or anything that would have indicated that the airbags were defective.
Ford Explorer sport 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-16
- Date Complaint: 2021-04-19
- VIN: 1FMZU72E62U
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I WAS ON MOTION WHEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT TURN ON BUT I WENT TO CHECK AND THEY SAY I HAVE TO TAKE TO THE DEALER TO REPAIR
Latest 5 recalls Ford Explorer sport
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 16 recalls for different components of the Ford Explorer sport.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ford Explorer sport 2002
- Report Received Date: 2007-08-03
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
- 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.
- Model: Ford Explorer sport 2001
- Report Received Date: 2007-08-03
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
- 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.
- Model: Ford Explorer sport 2001
- Report Received Date: 2006-04-10
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: THE DRIVER COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS DURING SUCH AN EVENT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- 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. 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).
- Model: Ford Explorer sport 2002
- Report Received Date: 2006-04-10
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: THE DRIVER COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS DURING SUCH AN EVENT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- 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. 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).
- Model: Ford Explorer sport 2005
- Report Received Date: 2006-03-23
- Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: 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.
Latest negative Ford Explorer sport car reviews
Latest positive Ford Explorer sport car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2003
It reminds me a little more of a truck than an SUV, but with all the comfort features, it's the best of both worlds. There's plenty of room for loading and moving things!
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Vehicle year: 2003
I also have a Ford Expedition, but this little Explorer can get me where I need to go in the city and do the job right. It's very handy and fun to drive on weekends.
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Vehicle year: 2002
Although I bought it with 174K miles, it has served me reliably and dependably. I had the front end rebuilt and a tune-up, with oil changes as needed. Overall, it was a great selection...
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Vehicle year: 2003
The Explorer has been a great smooth ride. And yet, it still maintains its ruggedness; the 4x4 is awesome here in Michigan. It has definitely come in handy!
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Vehicle year: 2001
I bought this car a year ago and have almost 30,000 miles on it. It's been a great car and I take it everywhere. I'll definitely keep driving it until it can't be driven anymore.
Are you having problems with your Ford Explorer sport?
Darion Cummings 2024-11-29
Vehicle year: 2001
I purchased this car as a daily driver with 110,000 miles on it. Initially, it was enjoyable. However, after three weeks, I began to experience some issues. Despite performing a complete tune-up, the vehicle's fuel efficiency remained at 11 MPG. To make matters worse, the check engine light came on the very next day. After conducting a compression check, I discovered that the valves were sticking and the heads needed to be replaced, which was a costly repair. Additionally, the front wheels started shaking severely, and the rear differential was emitting a high-pitched whine. Upon taking it to a mechanic, I learned that I needed to replace the 4 front ball joints and 2 A-arms. Therefore, I would advise potential buyers to exercise caution when considering this vehicle.
Barney Heller 2024-11-25
Vehicle year: 2001
It looks like the car may struggle in snowy and icy conditions. Additionally, the steering may feel a bit tight.
Hudson Gorczany 2024-11-25
Vehicle year: 2003
I purchased this Explorer back in 2003. It actually averaged around 20 MPG, which I believe is even better than advertised. While it did have a few rattles and random noises that I couldn't quite pinpoint, it still drove well. I did notice that the clutch may have been starting to go out, as it sometimes didn't want to shift into 1st gear. Unfortunately, this past weekend it was involved in a rollover accident. Thankfully, all passengers, including my furry friend, made it out okay. I'm grateful that the seatbelts held strong and the frame didn't crush in too badly around us. Overall, I'm just glad that we all made it out safely.
Bruce Kertzmann 2024-10-29
Vehicle year: 2002
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my Explorer. I've had it for a year and a half now, and unfortunately, I've had some ongoing issues. When I first bought it, I noticed that all four of my brake pads were cracked. Additionally, the silver paint on the radio and both door handles chipped off. More recently, I had trouble starting my car due to a faulty part. It's been a bit frustrating, but I'm hopeful that things will improve. Thanks for listening!
Riley Stracke 2024-10-13
Vehicle year: 2001
This thing seems to be rattling and squeaking a lot, which is a bit disappointing. I used to own a 98 Explorer Sport, which is why I decided to purchase this vehicle. While the 2001 has a more powerful engine and handles a little bit better, there are some other parts of the vehicle that could be improved.