Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2001 Ford Explorer Sport recalls
Vehicle speed control
NHTSA campaign 07V336000 · reported August 3, 2007 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 3,600,000 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- This could result in an underhood fire.
- The fix
- 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
NHTSA campaign 06V114000 · reported April 10, 2006 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 8,585 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- The driver could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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
NHTSA campaign 03V280000 · reported August 5, 2003 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 448,005 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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.
- The 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.
- The fix
- 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
NHTSA campaign 03V281000 · reported August 5, 2003 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 1,552,880 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- The driver could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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: body, hood, hinge and attachments
NHTSA campaign 00V394000 · reported November 28, 2000 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 137,700 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- A hood fly-up while the vehicle is being operated could result in reduced driver visibility.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the hood striker.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Jul 11, 2017 · Vehicle speed control · 160,000 miles
CRUISE CONTROL ON AND SET DO NOT WORK ON ANY ROAD. VEHICLE MOVING ON ANY ROAD OR STANDSTILL.
Jul 4, 2016 · Unknown or other · 130,000 miles
PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE ONLY OPENS FROM INSIDE. PASSENGER REAR DOOR ONLY OPENS FROM OUTSIDE. DRIVERS SIDE REAR ONLY OPENS FROM OUTSIDE. 3 OUT OF 4 DOORS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN WHO ARE IN REAR CAR SEATS AND CAN'T GET THEM OUT IF EMERGENCY!!! THIS SHOULD BE RECALL…
Mar 4, 2016 · Seat belts · 110,000 miles
---- THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE A SEAT BELT FOR A PASSENGER RIDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE REAR SEAT. THE REAR SEAT HAS AMPLE SPACE FOR THREE FULL-SIZED ADULTS, BUT THERE IS NO SEAT BELT FOR A MIDDLE PASSENGER. THE FORD ORIGINAL SHOP MANUAL INDICATES THAT THERE ARE NOT ANY SECURE ATTACHMENT POINTS TO INSTALL A 3RD-PARTY…
Nov 30, 2015 · Seat belts
DRIVER SEAT BOLT
May 26, 2015 · Exterior lighting · 155,000 miles
IF STEERING WHEEL IS NOT IN THE VERY HIGH POSITION TURN SIGNALS BLINK VERY RAPIDLY AS IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH ONE OF THEM.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 11, 2017.