2001 Ford Explorer Sport
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 188
- Recalls
- 7
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Suspension
Campaigns on file for 2001
Opened by NHTSA
20% of complaints
Complaints per year
2001: 188 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1997 | 37 |
| 1998 | 121 |
| 1999 | 93 |
| 2000 | 71 |
| 2001 | 188 |
| 2002 | 133 |
| 2003 | 65 |
| 2004 | 18 |
| 2005 | 5 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Suspension
20% · 37 reportsMost commonly citing lower ball joint and rear.
Structure
16% · 31 reportsMost commonly citing body and hinge and attachments.
Show complaint excerpts
I was involved in an unexplained roll over involving a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport, a 2 door vehicle. I did not have firestone tires on the vehicle in question. My goodyear tires were intact after the accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-25
I was driving and heard loud noise. Sounded like the back window hatch was open and vibrating with every bump in the road. The hatch was closed, so I looked under the vehicle to find the body mounts had completely crumbled away.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-02
Power train
15% · 28 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and driveshaft.
Engine and engine cooling
11% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Vehicle speed control
8% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing cruise control and cables.
Safety timeline
7 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2001Complaint volume 188 complaints filed for this model year.
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2001-01-23Structure00V394000 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…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the hood striker.
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2001-06-04Tires01X001000 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…
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.
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2003-05-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-09-05 Front seat back recliner attachment
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2003-08-29Vehicle speed control03V280000 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…
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.
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2003-08-29Seats03V281000 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.
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…
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2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
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2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 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…
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.
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2006-04-10Seats06V114000 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.…
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…
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2007-08-13Vehicle speed control07V336000 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
2001 Ford Explorer Sport — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 37 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 31 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 28 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 00V394000 · Structure
- Recall 01X001000 · Tires
- Recall 03V280000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 03V281000 · Seats
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06V114000 · Seats
- Recall 07V336000 · Vehicle speed control
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport?
- The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport have?
- 7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.