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 recalls
Vehicle speed control
NHTSA campaign 09V399000 · reported October 13, 2009 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 4,500,000 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
- The fix
- 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
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.
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
NHTSA campaign 03V094000 · reported March 7, 2003 · SOUTHERN COMFORT CONVERSIONS · 3,674 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
- The fix
- 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.
Equipment: other, labels
NHTSA campaign 00V313000 · reported October 17, 2000 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 5 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Incorrect tire inflation pressure could result in tire tread separation, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the certification labels.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
May 5, 2021 · Seats · 143,800 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V281000 (SEATS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER SON NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT WAS HARD TO RECLINE UP AND DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN THREE TIMES TO SHAKER'S FAMILY FORD LINCOLN (831 STRAITS TURNPIKE…
Jan 19, 2021 · Steering
SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING... CAN FEEL A CHANGE IN ENGINE WHILE DRIVING, FEELS LIKE A ROUGH RIDE, AND OVERDRIVE STARTS TO FLASH.
May 8, 2019 · Engine · fire reported
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING, A BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR AN IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE…
Mar 18, 2019 · Structure · 170,000 miles · fire reported
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LEAKED ANTI-FREEZE AND TRANSMISSION FLUID. THERE WAS ALSO RUST UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND A HOLE IN THE RUNNING BOARDS, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED THEM TO DETACH. THE CONTACT CLAIMED THAT THE GROUND COULD BE SEEN THROUGH THE HOLE. THE VEHICLE ALSO…
Apr 18, 2018 · Structure · 251,000 miles · crash reported
THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER ON ITS SIDE ON DRY PAVEMENT ON THE FWY AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT IN GOOD WEATHER CONDITIONS. NO OTHER VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED, THE CAR SKIDED WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE LANES. I WENT INTO A SKID AND THE CAR TURNED ON ITS SIDE.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received May 5, 2021.