Recalls
6campaigns
3 vehicle speed control · 1 seat · 1 structure
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
375filed
Owner reports, 1997–2006 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Fuel economy
39mpg combined
$1,675/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
Electric·
11 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (6)
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2001 Ford Explorer. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 2001 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH/OVERHEATS
Vehicle speed control
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
- Consequence
- A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
- Remedy
- FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Repair progress not yet reported4,500,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 09V399000
Listed for 2001 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH
Vehicle speed control
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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, SMOKE, OR BURN.
- Consequence
- THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
- 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 SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Repair progress not yet reported3,600,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 07V336000
Listed for 2001 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
FORD/SPEED CONTROL CABLE
Vehicle speed control · cables
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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 SPEED CONTROL IS ACTIVATED.
- Consequence
- THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING FORCE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO OVERCOME THE BINDING CONDITION WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS DISENGAGED. BRAKING FUNCTION WOULD BE MAINTAINED THOUGH STOPPING DISTANCES MAY BE INCREASED.
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported448,005 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 03V280000
Listed for 2001 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
FORD/HIGH BACK SEATS
Seats · front assembly · recliner
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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. IF THE BOLT FRACTURES AND DOES NOT JAM IN THE SEAT BACK FRAME, THE SEAT BACK MAY RECLINE UNTIL IT MAKES CONTACT WITH AN OBJECT BEHIND THE SEAT, SUCH AS THE SECOND ROW SEAT CUSHION.
- Consequence
- THE DRIVER COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS DURING SUCH AN EVENT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- 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 THREADED BOLT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Repair progress not yet reported1,552,880 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 03V281000
Listed for 2001 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
SOUTHERN COMFORT/RUNNING BOARDS
Structure
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.
- Consequence
- THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.
Repair progress not yet reported3,674 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 03V094000
Listed for 2001 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
FORD/CERTIFICATION
Equipment · other · labels
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567.4, "CERTIFICATION." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED FROM THE ASSEMBLY PLANT WITHOUT SAFETY CERTIFICATION LABELS.
- Consequence
- INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE COULD RESULT IN TIRE TREAD SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CERTIFICATION LABELS.
Repair progress not yet reported5 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 00V313000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (375)
375 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The tires is mentioned most often.
64involved a crash
21involved a fire
65injuries reported
6deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 375 |
|---|---|---|
| Tires | 62 | 16.5% |
| Suspension | 43 | 11.5% |
| Power train | 42 | 11.2% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 39 | 10.4% |
| Vehicle speed control | 36 | 9.6% |
| Service brakes | 33 | 8.8% |
| Electrical system | 29 | 7.7% |
| Structure | 29 | 7.7% |
| Air bags | 28 | 7.5% |
| Seats | 24 | 6.4% |
How 2001 compares with other Explorer years
Best and worst Explorer years →19971,731
19981,959
19991,348
2000952
2001375
20023,295
20031,131
20041,304
2005497
2006630
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 1,731 | 7 |
| 1998 | 1,959 | 9 |
| 1999 | 1,348 | 9 |
| 2000 | 952 | 9 |
| 2001 | 375 | 6 |
| 2002 | 3,295 | 4 |
| 2003 | 1,131 | 2 |
| 2004 | 1,304 | 0 |
| 2005 | 497 | 0 |
| 2006 | 630 | 1 |
This year (2001)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 39 mpg combined
39
mpg combined
45
city
33
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $1,950
- CO₂ tailpipe
- —
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle -
What it costs you to run
$1,675per year
$140per month
385gallons a year
Miles ÷ 39 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric · | 2-Wheel Drive | 45 / 33 / 39 | $1,950 | — |
| 4 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | $3,950 | 523 |
| 4 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | $3,950 | 523 |
| 4 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | $3,950 | 523 |
| 4 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | $3,950 | 523 |
| 5 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | $4,450 | 593 |
| 4 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | $4,450 | 593 |
| 5 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | $4,450 | 593 |
| 4 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | $4,450 | 593 |
| 4 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 15 | $4,450 | 593 |
| 4 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 15 | $4,450 | 593 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2001 Explorer for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2001 Ford Explorer FAQ
How many recalls does the 2001 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns: 09V399000 (vehicle speed control), 07V336000 (vehicle speed control), 03V280000 (vehicle speed control), 03V281000 (seat), 03V094000 (structure), 00V313000 (equipment). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2001 Ford Explorer problems?
Owners filed 375 complaints with NHTSA. Tires (62), Suspension (43), Power train (42) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2001 Ford Explorer get?
EPA rates the Electric · version at 45 city, 33 highway and 39 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 2001 Explorer compare with other years?
Among the 1997–2006 Ford Explorer model years at least five years old, the 2001 drew the fewest complaints (375) and the 2002 the most (3,295). The 2001 drew 375. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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