2001 Ford Explorer sport trac problems
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac (also shortened to Ford Sport Trac) is a pickup truck that was manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company for the North American market. The first mid-sized pickup truck produced by Ford, the Sport Trac was marketed from the 2001 to the 2010 model years (skipping the 2006 model year). Sized between the Ranger (whose crew cab variants were sold outside of North America) and the F-150, the Sport Trac largely competed against crew-cab variants of the midsize Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, Dodge Dakota, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma.
Produced over two generations, the Ford Explorer Sport Trac shared its chassis and much of its body from the Ford Explorer SUV (with the pickup truck bed designed specifically for the model line). All production was sourced from the Louisville Assembly Plant in Louisville, Kentucky (taking the place of the Ford Ranger).
As Ford developed the fifth-generation Ford Explorer as a unibody crossover for the 2011 model year, the Sport Trac was phased out of the model line, with production ending in October 2010. Closely matching the Sport Trac in size, the fourth-generation Ford Ranger serves the same market function in its SuperCrew four-door crew cab configuration.
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Common 2001 Ford Explorer sport trac problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2001, several common problems have been reported:
- Engine Troubles: Owners of the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have faced various engine problems, including broken timing chain adjusters, constant check engine light activation, and chirping/rubber belt noises. These engine issues can be costly to repair and may pose safety risks if not addressed promptly. The average repair costs for engine-related problems have been notably high for this model.
- Electrical Troubles: Another common issue with the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is related to electrical problems. Owners have reported issues such as haywire gauges, inaccurate fuel gauges, and instances of the car dying while driving. While not as severe as engine or transmission failures, electrical troubles can still be inconvenient and impact the overall driving experience.
- Other Potential Problems: In addition to the major issues mentioned above, some other potential problems with the Ford Explorer Sport Trac include head restraints moving backward during a crash. While not as prevalent, these issues are still worth noting for owners of this vehicle.
These problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any signs of trouble to ensure the longevity and reliability of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2001 model.
What issues does the Ford Explorer Sport Trac have?
Faulty dash gauge cluster – 1st generation Sport Trac owners reported that their dash gauge cluster just turns on and off intermittently. This issue occurs when the key isn't in the ON position and is due to a wiring issue. Coolant leaks – Sport Tracs equipped with a 4.0-liter engine are prone to coolant leaks.
How many miles can a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 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. This range could mean your vehicle lasts anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
Is the Ford Sport Trac reliable?
According to repairpal.com, the Ford Explorer Sport Trac scores 3. ⁄5, placing it 21st out of 32 across all car brands. It's towards the end of the pack. It's generally reliable, but there is always a chance you will see severe issues that will cost a bit to repair.
What years did the Ford Explorer have transmission problems?
Quick Answer: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
The 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 models have the most Ford Explorer transmission problems. The other models offer a much better experience on the road with this valuable component.
What issues does the Ford Explorer Sport Trac have?
Faulty dash gauge cluster – 1st generation Sport Trac owners reported that their dash gauge cluster just turns on and off intermittently. This issue occurs when the key isn't in the ON position and is due to a wiring issue. Coolant leaks – Sport Tracs equipped with a 4.0-liter engine are prone to coolant leaks.
Is the Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?
According to repairpal.com, the Ford Explorer Sport Trac scores 3. ⁄5, placing it 21st out of 32 across all car brands. It's towards the end of the pack. It's generally reliable, but there is always a chance you will see severe issues that will cost a bit to repair.
How many miles can a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 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. This range could mean your vehicle lasts anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
Why did Ford stop making Sport Trac?
Due to slowing sales, the Ford Explorer Sport Trac was discontinued after the 2010 model year.
2001 Ford Explorer sport trac complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Ford Explorer sport trac.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2001 Ford Explorer sport trac recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 2001 Ford Explorer sport trac.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: TIRES:TREAD/BELT
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
- Remedy: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, 2002. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-877-917-3673 OR GO ON-LINE TO WWW.FORD.COM FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A HOOD FLY-UP WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED COULD RESULT IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOOD STRIKER.
Negative 2001 Ford Explorer sport trac car reviews
Positive 2001 Ford Explorer sport trac car reviews
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Transmission took me to 168,000 miles. This vehicle has been a trusty companion, carrying everything from garage doors to lumber, TVs, bicycles, and more. My son now has it at school and it's still running smoothly without a single rattle or hitch, except for the lousy gas mileage. I absolutely love this thing and I'm hoping to get 400,000 miles out of it with very little maintenance.
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I'm so glad to hear that you've had very few problems with your truck since buying it used with 90,000 miles on it. It's great to hear that you love how it handles. It's a shame that they stopped making them, but it's wonderful to hear that you're planning on getting another one if this one ever becomes beyond repair.
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When I first drove the Sport Trac, I remember thinking that it drove more like a car than a truck. I had just given my reliable F-150 to my son-in-law prior to buying the Sport Trac from an acquaintance. The previous truck had given me 269,000 miles and was still running strong and looked newer than the 1995 that it was. I was hoping the Sport Trac would be just as loyal. So far, it has been going strong without any problems. I live in the country and use the Sport Trac as a dirt road explorer. I absolutely love driving it because it looks and feels great!
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I was driving to the Jeep dealer to trade in and buy a new Jeep when I saw the Sport Trac. I stopped and looked at the truck, and without any sales pressure, I went for a test drive and loved every minute of it. I got a great price and drove home. After 105k miles, this truck has never let me down, which is something I can't say about the imports I've owned.
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No problems. One recall on the cruise control. Still haven't taken it in for replacement...hate the dealers. This truck has been the perfect solution for me. I can't say enough good things about it. I love it!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2001 Ford Explorer sport trac problems:
Top 5 Problems Ford Explorer Sport Trac SUV 1st Gen 2001-05 ...
Sep 28, 2020 ... I bought a 03 Sport Trac for my son 7 years ago. He crashed it last week with about 220,000 miles. That little piece of crap truck was one ...
common issues to avoid in used Sport Trac | Ford Explorer Forums ...
Aug 28, 2007 ... Rust on the radiator support and door skin seams. Had door skin and tailgate seam rust on both Rangers I had before too. Note that I lease a new ...
Q&A: 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Transmission Problems ...
Jan 24, 2013 ... With the symptom and codes you have the problem is internal to the transmission. There are a few common things to look for. First, and easiest, ...
2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues
Problem with your 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac? Our list of 7 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac.
Explorer Sport Trac: Hello,I have a 2001 ford explorer
Sep 3, 2012 ... At 4000 rpm the engine shakes bad. When in drive (under load) it revs pas 4k up to 5500 rpm without any problem - most of the time. At one point ...
Other years of Ford Explorer sport trac
Are you having problems with your 2001 Ford Explorer sport trac?
Monserrate Haley 2025-05-24
The 3rd Explorer is nothing like the first one (1991). However, it did save me when a 3/4 ton Chevy turned into me at 60mph. While it took a beating, I am grateful for its safety features. Unfortunately, this vehicle did not meet my expectations. It has trouble on wet roads with traction and wind noise around the front windows that makes it difficult to have a conversation with passengers unless you both shout (occurs at 35mph or higher). Additionally, the gas mileage is terrible, with only 11mpg in town and about 14+mpg on the highway. There are also many engine noises under the hood. Overall, the car seems very poorly assembled. In comparison, my '91 was the best followed by '96 Eddie B. and this one is a distant 3rd, very distant!!
Jadon Parker 2025-05-17
Hey there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with the SportTrac. Overall, it's a pretty decent vehicle that served me well for five years. I really appreciated its versatility and the mix of luxury and ruggedness that made it perfect for most situations. However, I did run into a few issues along the way. For example, the windshield has a tendency to crack when you use the defrosters in cold weather, and there are a few sensors that can be a bit finicky. But my biggest challenge came when the automatic transmission stopped working at 95,000 miles. It was a bit of a surprise, especially since I had taken good care of the truck. After doing some research, I found out that this is a common issue with these trucks. So, just be aware of the blinking
Braulio Batz 2025-05-04
You name it. It had to be fixed. This truck leaks transmission fluid like a sieve and has had major transmission problems. The transmission was completely replaced at 5,000 miles and the pan gasket has been replaced too many times to count. At 75,000 miles, a major transmission repair costing $2,000 was necessary. Additionally, there was an ABS sensor failure, which was covered under warranty, and a windshield replacement, also covered under warranty, along with a ton of other issues. Unfortunately, this has been the worst truck I've owned and I would not buy it again.
Gennaro Streich 2025-04-28
The car is definitely useful, but unfortunately it has been quite unreliable. It seems to be in the shop every other month and its current speed and fuel efficiency are not up to par. Although the strange noise during acceleration has been fixed, there hasn't been much improvement in gas mileage. I hope it gets better soon!
Herminio Ankunding 2025-04-06
This vehicle was purchased to tow small trailers and it performs fine. However, the gas mileage is not acceptable as it is well below the advertised sticker quote. Although the workmanship is poor and there have been problems from paint and loose body parts to major mechanical problems, the dealer has promptly taken care of all of them. Some issues are reoccurring and unfortunately, the vehicle is no longer under warranty.