Ford / Explorer Sport / 2001
2001 Ford Explorer Sport problems
Owners have filed 243 complaints about the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport with NHTSA. Suspension accounts for 15.2% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of structure at 12.8%.
Complaints243
Crashes23
Fires14
Injuries26
Deaths4
What owners report breaking
Suspension 15.2% · 37
Structure 12.8% · 31
Power train 11.9% · 29
Engine and engine cooling 8.6% · 21
Vehicle speed control 6.2% · 15
Seats 6.2% · 15
Service brakes, hydraulic 5.8% · 14
Air bags 5.3% · 13
Severity
Of those complaints, 23 describe a crash, 14 describe a fire, 26 report an injury and 4 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 5 model years of the Ford Explorer Sport in this data, 2001 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filings have fallen off, 7 in the last three years against 27 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 66,300 miles.
In owners' own words
Rear passenger side leaf spring was found to be cracked around bushings front and rear when removed for replacement. 3 Ford dealers and 3 other shops could not see this over a period of 90,000 miles. It wasn't till the bushings on the other side started to wear and I decided to replace the all the components that it was found when the leaf spring suddenly fell out after removing the u-bolts. Suspension · reported at 26,000 miles
Both items happened right after my vechicle coverage ran out in oct. Of 2003,anyway 1st. The a/c recycling switch went bad at around 20,200 miles, now the passenger front lower ball joint is making a terrible noise , so I assume that thats on it`s way out,also I noticed that the rear bumper is on a downward position. To me I think this year`s production model stinks . Suspension · reported at 20,000 miles
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport. While driving over a bump in the road at any speed, it feels as if there are no shock absorbers on the vehicle. Two different mechanics stated that the rear passenger side bushings were the cause of the failure. The current mileage was 70,000 and failure mileage was 65,000. Updated 10/30/08. *Lj updated 10/30/08. Suspension · reported at 65,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…