2001 Ford Explorer Sport

Complaint history

When NHTSA received these reports. Changes in reporting alone do not establish a change in failure rates.

Problems owners report

Listed groups have at least 3 complaints. The page includes the 20 largest groups plus any additional flagged groups; some complaints are not assigned to a group.

AI groups complaints by meaning; the groups are approximate. Share ratio compares the problem’s share of this vehicle’s complaints with its share on other vehicles over the last 24 months (shown from 3 recent complaints). A 2× ratio means twice the complaint share, not twice the failure risk. Flags mark unusual shares or recent surges after an AI review of the complaint content. “First signal” does not mean the pattern has persisted continuously.How recall estimates are calculated.

Recalls

• NHTSA recall #07V336000August 3, 20073,600,000 vehicles affected

  vehicle speed control

  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.

  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.

• NHTSA recall #06V114000April 10, 20068,585 vehicles affected

  seats: front assembly: recliner

  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.

  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).

• NHTSA recall #03V280000August 5, 2003448,005 vehicles affected

  vehicle speed control: cables

  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.

  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.

• NHTSA recall #03V281000August 5, 20031,552,880 vehicles affected

  seats: front assembly: recliner

  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.

  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.

• NHTSA recall #00V394000November 28, 2000137,700 vehicles affected

  structure: body: hood: hinge and attachments

  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.

  A hood fly-up while the vehicle is being operated could result in reduced driver visibility.

  Remedy

  Dealers will replace the hood striker.

Other model years

• 1997 37
• 1998 121
• 1999 93
• 2000 71
• 2001
• 2002 133
• 2003 65