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 PER YEAR
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.
20% of complaints: suspension — 37 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing lower ball joint and rear.
CRASH INJURY DEATH16% of complaints: structure — 31 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and hinge and attachments.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow 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, 20030225
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, 20120802
15% of complaints: power train — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and driveshaft.
11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
CRASH FIRE INJURY8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control and cables.
CRASH FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
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 FRACTUR
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOOD STRIKER.
Campaign 00V394000 — check if this car was fixed
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 WILDERN
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.
Campaign 01X001000 — check if this car was fixed
FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER ATTACHMENT
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
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.
Campaign 03V280000 — check if this car was fixed
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 TH
Campaign 03V281000 — check if this car was fixed
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
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 S
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.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
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. I
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 TH
Campaign 06V114000 — check if this car was fixed
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, S
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
Campaign 07V336000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Ford Explorer Sport — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (37 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 00V394000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01X001000 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V280000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V281000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V114000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V336000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.