Is your car affected?
Check by VIN to confirm the
exact model and see every recall for it.
Recalls are issued for a make, model and model year. Whether the repair has already been done on one specific car is known only to its manufacturer and dealers. Check your vehicle's official status at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a dealer.
US recalls (8)
Vehicle speed control
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk: 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.
Vehicle speed control
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk: 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.
Seats: front assembly, recliner
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, THE SEAT BACK MAY RECLINE UNTIL IT MAKES CONTACT WITH AN OBJECT BEHIND THE SEAT, SUCH AS THE SECOND ROW SEAT CUSHION.
Risk and remedy
Risk: 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. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. THIS IS A SUPPLEMENT TO A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN (03V281).
Vehicle speed control: cables
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk: 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.
Seats: front assembly, recliner
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk: 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.
Structure
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk: 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.
Structure: body, hood
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 FRACTURES. IF THE HOOD STRIKER FRACTURES, THE HOOD COULD FLY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN.
Risk and remedy
Risk: A HOOD FLY-UP WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED COULD RESULT IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOOD STRIKER.
Equipment: other, labels
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk: INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE COULD RESULT IN TIRE TREAD SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CERTIFICATION LABELS.
Canadian recalls (7)
Show 7 Canadian recalls
Other
2019-08-21 · campaign 2019-420
Issue:
This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones.
Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Safety Risk:
Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury.
Corrective Actions:
The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
Other
2009-10-14 · campaign 2009-292
On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. Correction: Dealers will install a new switch or fused wiring harness. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2005028 (05S28) for vehicles not previously included in the campaign.
Electrical
2007-08-07 · campaign 2007-258
On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The failure mode appears to be different than that of Recall 2005028 (05S28). This time, the concern is with long term durability performance issues causing the switch to fail. Correction: Initially as an interim repair, owners will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. As soon as replacement parts are available, owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a fused wiring harness designed to eliminate the potential risk of fire.
Seats and restraints
2006-04-18 · campaign 2006-079 · 366 vehicles
On certain Explorer, Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac vehicles, the upper bolt on the driver's high back seat that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame could fracture. If this happens, the seat back may recline until it makes contact with an object behind the seat, such as the 2nd row seat cushion. The occupant could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event. Correction: Dealer will replace the driver's seat upper bolt.
Other
2003-08-11 · campaign 2003-189
On certain Explorer, Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Tract vehicles, the speed control cable strand cover could impact the conduit end fitting during speed control engagement. Repeated instance of this may result in flaring the cover end causing a binding condition when speed control is disengaged. Drivers may experience a high idle or a condition where it would appear speed control would not disengage. Braking function would be maintained though stopping distances may be increased. Correction: Dealer will replace the speed control cable.
Seats and restraints
2003-08-11 · campaign 2003-190
On certain Explorer, Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac vehicles, the upper bolt on the driver's high back seat that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame could fracture. If this happens, the seat back may recline until it makes contact with an object behind the seat, such as the 2nd row seat cushion. The occupant could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event. Correction: Dealer will replace the driver's seat upper bolt.
Structure
2001-01-12 · campaign 2001-002
Certain Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Rander Edge and Ranger XLT vehicles may have a wire formed hood striker that may be susceptible to fatigue fractures. If the hood striker fractures, the hood may fly open while the vehicle is being driven. A hood fly-up while the vehicle is being operated may result in resuced driver visibility and, potentially, a vehicle crash. Correction: Hood striker will be replaced with a revised hood striker.
Owner complaints (375)
Owners filed 375 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Ford Explorer (64 crashes, 21 fires, 65 injuries, 6 deaths reported). Among 44 model years of this model, it ranks #26 for the most complaints (median 630).
| Most-reported problem | Complaints | |
|---|
| Tires | 62 | |
| Suspension | 43 | |
| Power train | 42 | |
| Engine and engine cooling | 39 | |
| Vehicle speed control | 36 | |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 31 | |
| Structure | 29 | |
| Electrical system | 29 | |
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 Ford Explorer.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|
| 2001 Ford Explorer 4-DR. | – | – | – | 2★ |
| 2001 Ford Explorer 4-DR. w/SAB | – | – | – | 2★ |
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for each 2001 Ford Explorer version.
| Version | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined | Yearly fuel cost |
|---|
| Explorer 2WD 4.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Explorer 2WD 5.0 L Automatic 4-spd | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Explorer 4WD 4.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Explorer 4WD 5.0 L Automatic 4-spd | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Explorer Sport 2WD 4.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Explorer Sport 2WD 4.0 L Manual 5-spd | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Explorer Sport 2WD FFV 4.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Explorer Sport 4WD 4.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 14 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Explorer Sport 4WD 4.0 L Manual 5-spd | 14 | 18 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Explorer Sport 4WD FFV 4.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 13 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Explorer Sport Trac 2WD 4.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Explorer Sport Trac 2WD 4.0 L Manual 5-spd | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,950 |
Need this data in your app?
Recalls, complaints, crash ratings and fuel economy as a JSON API. Decode up to 50 VINs per call and get a daily feed of new recalls.
Explore the API →Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings, US EPA fuel economy and Transport
Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database (contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada).
Recalls updated 2026-10-30.