Print this page

CarComplaints.com Notes: How can we give the 2001 model year a "seal of pretty good" when it has some problems with a slipping transmission and a known problem with the speed activation control switch? Because it's not the 2002. That's how.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2001 Ford Explorer steering problems

steering problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2001 Ford Explorer:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2001 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #8

Aug 212002

Explorer

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Rollover. Truck was traveling on freeway at posted speed of 65mph. 8am, clear day, no rain, no other vehicles involved, driver alert and otherwise not impaired. Tires had been replaced per recall and had approximately 8K miles on them. Hit a piece of debris (more solid then tire pieces) in road which may or may not have blown out right, rear tire (unclear if cause of accident or during rollover). Truck then started to fishtail in the lane. Applied brakes (which did not lock up - good performance), also no skid occurred. The accident location was a freeway underpass, left lane with a guardrail very close to shoulder and was paved to the rail edge. As I was fighting for control, the front, left bumper hit the rail. Truck then rolled over twice and did an additional 180 deg turn. I very strongly feel that with the excellent road conditions, proper safety of the guard rail, relatively low amount of damage due to the impact itself, etc, that I should have been able to regain control of the truck and that the rollover was an excessive, dangerous reaction which should not have occurred. The cargo in the back bed was centered forward and combined with the items inside did not exceed 600 pounds + 125lb driver (well within specifications of truck). Bed had a dealer installed, fiberglass topper. I will give the car credit for keeping me safe during the rollover. I substained scratches, bruises, a sprained wrist, and bump on the head but was held in place very securely by the safety belt and seat. Gas tank also ruptured, spilling 19 gallons on roadway, but did not explode. Photos are available. I understand after talking to dealer management that the Sport Trac models are not suppose to have the rollover history of the enclosed Explorer but they obviously share the same stability problems.

- Plano, TX, USA

problem #7

Jun 272002

Explorer

  • miles
The Explorer suddenly rolled over, injuring me severly. Moments after the incedent the car burst into flames.

- Riverview, FL, USA

problem #6

May 092002

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While parking vehicle power steering failed. Dealer determined that serpentine belt had broken.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #5

Feb 242002

Explorer 4WD

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My name is [xxx] I am the owner of the vehicle mentioned my mother is the first name on the contract. This vehicle has been reported to have a steering and braking problem four times to the dealership where I purchased it and once to another. I have since had an accident in this vehicle due to the problems that this vehicle has. I have for months tried to solve this through the proper channels. This was not resolved and I have documentation to prove so. I have never asked the dealership for anything other than to fix it or replace the vehicle with another one equivalant to this one. They kept letting me leave the service dept thinking it was fixed only to find out that day or a couple of days later after driving it that it was never fixed. I had an accident that never needed to happen and I have been out money out of my own pocket because of this vehicle and it is still under warranty. I need this problem investigated and solved. You may be my last hope before I have to obtain a lawyer for this dealership and Ford..thank you [xxx], [xxx], parrottsville, tn [xxx] [xxx]. parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Parrottsville, TN, USA

problem #4

Feb 182002

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
My main concern is the inability to steer this vehicle. It wanders all over the road. If you happen to hit a bump ( like a lane reflector) it seems to be out of control momentarily. The vehicle has a distinct shimmy/shake. I have had the vehicle in the dealership at least 5 times(leaving it numerous days/weeks) they do not seem to be able to correct this. Their last suggestion was to file the lemon law. It seems to me that Ford should stand behind their product-but I guess only if forced to by some law. The reason I wanted to file this was to see if other persons were experiencing these same steering issues. I have never felt so unsafe driving a car before this one.

- Miami Beach, FL, USA

problem #3

May 092001

Explorer

  • miles
2001 Ford Explorer Sport-trac almost flipped over twice for no apparent reason. I was able to somehow re-gain control. We are more than lucky to be alive right now... consumers need to know the truth. We did not!!!

- Columbia, SC, USA

problem #2

Jun 082001

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
Driver will lose control of the vehicle when making a sharp turn or on wet pavements at various speeds. Dealer has inspected vehicle, and has not been able to correct the problem.

- Topsham, ME, USA

problem #1

Sep 012000

Explorer

  • miles
Vibration felt through steering wheel, power steering unit and front end suspension experiencing vibration and noise.

- Naples, FL, USA

Not what you are looking for?