2001 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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Common 2001 Ford Explorer sport problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2001, several common problems have been reported:
- Transmission Problems:
- Transmission failure is another common issue with the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, with reports of difficult shifting, transmission failure, and slipping transmission. Dealing with a faulty transmission can be both inconvenient and expensive, impacting the vehicle's performance and safety.
- Electrical Troubles:
- Owners have reported electrical troubles with the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, such as haywire gauges, inaccurate fuel gauges, and the car dying while driving. While not as severe as engine or transmission problems, electrical issues can still be inconvenient and affect the overall functionality of the vehicle.
- Head Restraint Movement:
- Some owners have experienced issues with head restraints moving backward during a crash, which can compromise safety measures designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. This problem highlights a potential safety concern that owners should be aware of.
- Blend Door Actuator Replacement:
- Replacing the blend door actuator in the Ford Explorer Sport Trac can be challenging, as it requires removing the entire console, which is complex and involves numerous screws. This process can be frustrating for owners attempting to address heating or ventilation issues in their vehicles.
These common problems reported by owners of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2001 highlight various issues ranging from engine and transmission troubles to electrical and safety concerns. Addressing these issues promptly and effectively is crucial to maintaining the vehicle's performance, safety, and overall reliability.
What is the common problem with Ford Explorer?
Yet, many model year Ford Explorers are plagued with problems, including problems with the engine, transmission, steering, wheels, body paint, and interior accessories.
How many miles can a 2001 Ford Explorer 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 year Ford Explorer has transmission problems?
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 is the most reliable year of Ford Explorer?
Reliability and Long-Term Value, Even in Pre-Owned Models
Some of the most reliable model years to buy used include the 2010, 2011, and 2012 models, as well as the 2019 model if you're looking for a newer design style, or the 1993 model if you're looking for something with a little more of a vintage flair.
2001 Ford Explorer sport complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Ford Explorer sport.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2001 Ford Explorer sport recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the 2001 Ford Explorer sport.
- 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: 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).
- 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: 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: 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: 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 car reviews
Positive 2001 Ford Explorer sport car reviews
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Hey there! I bought this truck brand new back in June of 2001 and it's been my trusty daily driver ever since. Can you believe it's still going strong after 158000 miles? I've taken good care of it over the years, changing the brake pads, tires, and a fuel sensor, and of course, keeping up with regular oil changes every 3500 miles.
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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.
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I love the way this truck drives! The A/C is super cold and it runs so smoothly. I would definitely love to buy another Explorer.
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Great Vehicle!! Fun to drive!! Great Insurance Rates!!
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I've only had the truck for a month, but I really like the way it looks. Sometimes I wish I had bought the 4-door version because the back seat can be a bit inconvenient for passengers. However, I'm not a fan of the gas mileage. Overall, it's a decent truck - and I say truck because that's exactly what it feels like to drive.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2001 Ford Explorer sport problems:
Top 5 Problems Ford Explorer Sport Trac SUV 1st Gen 2001-05 ...
Sep 28, 2020 ... Shop for New Auto Parts at 1AAuto.com http://1aau.to/c/134/C/ac-and-heater-controls These are the top problems with the 1st generation Ford ...
2001 Ford Explorer Sport: Things to know/look out for? : r/FordExplorer
Feb 8, 2022 ... Personally, I've had issues where my shifter gets loose, which is common on all early 2000's Fords with column shifters from what I can tell, I' ...
Top 5 Problems Ford Explorer SUV 1995-2003 2nd Generation ...
Jul 16, 2022 ... ... common things that might go wrong ... Top 5 Problems Ford Explorer Sport Trac SUV 1st Gen 2001-05 ... 1999 Ford Explorer 3 Minute Transmission ...
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.
common issues to avoid in used Sport Trac | Ford Explorer Forums ...
Aug 28, 2007 ... Looking to buy a 2001-2004 Sport Trac, am seeing anywhere from 60k to 160k miles. I'd sure love to know the common issues, things to look ...
Other years of Ford Explorer sport
Are you having problems with your 2001 Ford Explorer sport?
Darion Cummings 2024-11-29
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
It looks like the car may struggle in snowy and icy conditions. Additionally, the steering may feel a bit tight.
Riley Stracke 2024-10-13
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.
Bertha Rempel 2024-08-23
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to read my review. I wanted to share my experience with my 2001 Explorer Sport. Although I had some challenges with the car, I must say that it was a great vehicle when it was working. I had to replace a few parts during the 8 months and 800 miles that I owned it, but I was able to get it fixed and back on the road. The car had amazing acceleration and great off-road capabilities, which made it perfect for my needs. I must say that it never left me stranded, which was a relief. Thank you for reading my review and I hope it helps you make an informed decision!
Dillan Hyatt 2024-03-14
Great truck! It's amazing for winter and very hard to get stuck, making it perfect for off-roading. The seating is a bit tight, so it may not be the best option if you have kids, but it's perfect if you're single. It's important to be cautious when dealing with dealerships, as I had some issues with my brakes, dash lights, and muffler. Additionally, the O2 sensors can be quite pricey and the truck is not very fuel efficient. However, with a few minor repairs, I've had it for a year and it's been running smoothly. It's a great option to have if the weather turns bad quickly.