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2001 Ford Explorer: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 730 owner complaints on file for the 2001 Explorer[1], and the model year carries 8 recalls[2]. Several of the recalls deal with fire or seat risks, so check the recall status of any car you are considering.
Most reported problems
Owners filed 730 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Of those, 97 mention a crash, 41 a fire, 96 injuries and 10 deaths[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name more than one part. The counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The biggest groups by complaint count:
| Component group | Complaints | Fires | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power train[4] | 104 | 1 | 6 |
| Suspension[5] | 92 | 0 | 6 |
| Structure[6] | 86 | 2 | 9 |
| Tires[7] | 85 | 1 | 10 |
| Engine[8] | 85 | 11 | 4 |
| Speed control[9] | 76 | 16 | 7 |
| Brakes[10] | 55 | 1 | 11 |
| Air bags[11] | 52 | 4 | 37 |
In a sample of 12 power train complaints we read, 7 describe trouble with gear selection or shifting. Owners describe stalling or shuddering when shifting, a vehicle rolling after being left in park or after shifting to drive, or low gears not engaging[4]. Three of the 12 describe front axle or driveline parts failing or making noise[4].
In a sample of 12 suspension complaints, 5 describe steering wheel vibration, pulling or wandering[5]. In a sample of 12 engine complaints, 4 describe stalling, hesitation or surging, and 3 mention a burning or rotten egg smell[8]. In a sample of 12 structure complaints, 3 describe rollover crashes[6].
Speed control stands out for fires. It has 16 fire reports among 76 complaints[9]. That fits the recalls below. Air bags have fewer complaints, but 37 of the 52 mention a crash and 33 mention an injury[11].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 8 recalls for this model year[2]. Newest first:
- Speed control switch (09V399). A speed control deactivation switch can leak inside, overheat, smoke or burn. A fire could start with the engine on or off[12]. Dealers install a fused wiring harness at no cost[12]. The recall covers about 4,500,000 vehicles across many Ford models[12].
- Speed control switch (07V336). Same switch problem, with an underhood fire risk[13]. The fix is a fused wiring harness[13]. The recall covers about 3,600,000 vehicles[13].
- Driver seat recliner bolt (06V114). The upper bolt on certain high back driver seats can break. The seat back may then recline, and the driver could lose contact with the wheel or pedals, which raises crash risk[14]. Dealers replace the bolt with a metal spacer and bolt[14]. This supplements 03V281[14].
- Speed control cable (03V280). On certain SUVs with speed control and 4.0L SOHC engines[15], the cable can bind. The throttle may not return when the speed control is turned off. Braking still works, but stopping distances may get longer[15]. Dealers inspect the cable and replace it if needed[15].
- Driver seat recliner bolt (03V281). Same bolt problem on certain high back seats[16]. The fix is the same spacer and bolt, and it covers about 1,552,880 vehicles[16].
- Running board lights (03V094). Certain conversions with Southern Comfort running boards have courtesy lights that can overheat when the wiring gets wet or salty. The running board could melt or catch fire[17]. Dealers replace the wiring harness[17]. Only 3,674 units are covered[17].
- Hood striker (00V394). A wire hood striker can crack from fatigue. The hood could fly open while driving and reduce the driver's visibility[18]. Dealers replace the striker[18].
- Certification labels (00V313). Five SUVs shipped without safety certification labels. The risk is wrong tire pressure leading to tread separation[19]. Dealers replace the labels[19].
All eight recalls list a dealer remedy in the NHTSA record. Our data does not show whether a particular car has had the work done, so ask a dealer to run the VIN.
Fuel economy
EPA lists many versions of the 2001 Explorer. Gasoline versions range from 15 to 18 MPG combined[20][3]. The best listed combined figure is 18 MPG, for the Explorer Sport 2WD with a 4.0L 6-cylinder and a manual 5-speed[3]. That version has an EPA estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700[3].
The 4.0L 6-cylinder Explorer 4WD with an automatic 5-speed gets 13 city, 18 highway and 15 combined MPG, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,450[20]. The 5.0L 8-cylinder Explorer 2WD with an automatic 4-speed also gets 15 combined and the same $4,450[21]. The Explorer 2WD with the 4.0L and an automatic 5-speed gets 17 combined[22].
The Explorer Sport Trac 2WD with a 4.0L and automatic 5-speed is rated 14 city, 19 highway and 16 combined[23].
EPA's fuel cost uses today's fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new. EPA also lists an Explorer USPS Electric at 39 MPGe combined with 38 miles of range[24].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 2001 Explorer 2 stars for rollover in both listed body styles[25][26]. Our data has no other star ratings for this model year.
Engine and size
EPA ratings mention 4.0L 6-cylinder and 5.0L 8-cylinder engines[22][21].
Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications[27].
| Variant | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2DR 4X4 Sport[27] | 180 in | 70 in | 68 in | 102 in | 3,849 lb |
| 4DR 4X4 XLS/XLT/Eddie Bauer/Ltd[28] | 191 in | 70 in | 67 in | 112 in | 4,043 lb |
| 4DR 4X4 Sport Trac[29] | 206 in | 72 in | 70 in | 126 in | 4,323 lb |
The Sport Trac 4X2 has the same length, width, height and wheelbase as the 4X4[30].
How 2001 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 843 | 5 |
| 1996 | 1,450 | 6 |
| 1997 | 1,773 | 7 |
| 1998 | 2,085 | 9 |
| 1999 | 1,441 | 9 |
| 2000 | 1,026 | 10 |
| 2001 | 730 | 8 |
| 2002 | 3,572 | 7 |
| 2003 | 1,274 | 2 |
| 2004 | 1,408 | 0 |
| 2005 | 568 | 0 |
| 2006 | 635 | 1 |
| 2007 | 308 | 1 |
| 2008 | 171 | 1 |
| 2009 | 39 | 0 |
| 2010 | 146 | 1 |
| 2011 | 1,197 | 6 |
| 2012 | 829 | 5 |
| 2013 | 2,237 | 11 |
| 2014 | 1,682 | 6 |
| 2015 | 1,815 | 8 |
| 2016 | 2,483 | 14 |
| 2017 | 1,712 | 14 |
| 2018 | 737 | 7 |
| 2019 | 299 | 6 |
| 2020 | 1,245 | 35 |
| 2021 | 455 | 27 |
| 2022 | 272 | 25 |
| 2023 | 113 | 15 |
| 2024 | 21 | 10 |
| 2025 | 108 | 22 |
| 2026 | 42 | 15 |
NHTSA's counts for each Explorer model year show 730 complaints and 8 recalls for 2001[2]. The 2002 model year has 3,572 complaints, far more than 2001[2]. The 2000 model year has 1,026 complaints and 10 recalls[2]. The 2003 model year has 1,274 complaints and 2 recalls[2]. The 2004 model year has 1,408 complaints and no recalls[2].
From 1995 to 2005, only 1998 and 1999 (9 recalls each) and 2000 (10) list more recalls than 2001[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat the comparison as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2001 Explorer?
The complaint record is mixed. The total of 730 is lower than several neighboring years[2], but the reports include fires, crashes and injuries[1]. The speed control switch recalls and the 2-star rollover rating deserve attention[12][13][25]. EPA estimates fuel costs of $3,700 to $4,450 a year, depending on the version[3][20].
Before buying, run the VIN for open recalls and ask for proof that the fused harness and seat bolt work were done. Have a mechanic check shifting, steering feel and the front end, since those are themes in the complaint samples we read[4][5].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Ford Explorer?
- Power train has the most complaints at 104, followed by suspension at 92[4][5]. Among the groups listed, speed control has the most fire reports at 16[9].
- How many recalls does the 2001 Ford Explorer have?
- NHTSA lists 8 recalls for this model year[2]. Two cover a speed control switch that can overheat and burn[12][13].
- How many miles per gallon does a 2001 Ford Explorer get?
- EPA combined ratings for gasoline versions run from 15 to 18 MPG[20][3].
- Is the 2001 Ford Explorer safe?
- NHTSA rates rollover at 2 stars[25][26]. The model year also has recalls for a seat recliner bolt and a hood striker[14][18].
- Is the 2001 Explorer a better year than 2002?
- NHTSA has 730 complaints for 2001 and 3,572 for 2002[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 730 owner complaints on file for the 2001 Ford Explorer (97 mention a crash, 41 a fire, 96 injuries, 10 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Explorer model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Explorer Sport 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 20 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 104 complaints name the power train component group (6 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 96,427). NHTSA vehicle records
- 92 complaints name the suspension component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,437). NHTSA vehicle records
- 86 complaints name the structure component group (9 crashes, 2 fires, 13 injuries, median mileage at failure 99,388). NHTSA vehicle records
- 85 complaints name the tires component group (10 crashes, 1 fires, 14 injuries, median mileage at failure 39,400). NHTSA vehicle records
- 85 complaints name the engine component group (4 crashes, 11 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 83,275). NHTSA vehicle records
- 76 complaints name the speed control component group (7 crashes, 16 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 55 complaints name the brakes component group (11 crashes, 1 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 36,201). NHTSA vehicle records
- 52 complaints name the air bags component group (37 crashes, 4 fires, 33 injuries, median mileage at failure 71,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 09V399, filed October 13, 2009: Vehicle Speed Control. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 07V336, filed August 3, 2007: Vehicle Speed Control. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 06V114, filed April 10, 2006: Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 03V280, filed August 5, 2003: Vehicle Speed Control › Cables. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 03V281, filed August 5, 2003: Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 03V094, filed March 7, 2003: Structure. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 00V394, filed November 28, 2000: Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge And Attachments. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 00V313, filed October 17, 2000: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Explorer 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Explorer 2WD, 5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Explorer 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Explorer Sport Trac 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Explorer USPS Electric, electric, , Electricity: 39 MPGe combined, 38 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR W/SAB None: rollover 2 stars. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR None: rollover 2 stars. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, EXPLORER 2DR 4X4 SPORT: length 180 in, width 70 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 102 in, curb weight 3,849 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, EXPLORER 4DR 4X4 XLS/XLT/EDDIE BAUER/LTD: length 191 in, width 70 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 4,043 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, EXPLORER 4DR 4X4 SPORT TRAC P/U: length 206 in, width 72 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 4,323 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, EXPLORER 4DR 4X2 SPORT TRAC P/U: length 206 in, width 72 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 126 in (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov