Ford Explorer / 2001
2001 Ford Explorer problems
Owners have filed 503 complaints about the 2001 Ford Explorer with NHTSA. Tires account for 13.3% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of suspension at 8.9%.
Complaints503
Crashes82
Fires30
Injuries89
Deaths9
What owners report breaking
Tires 13.3% · 67
Suspension 8.9% · 45
Power train 8.7% · 44
Engine and engine cooling 8.2% · 41
Vehicle speed control 7.2% · 36
Service brakes, hydraulic 6.8% · 34
Structure 6.6% · 33
Electrical system 5.8% · 29
Severity
Of those complaints, 82 describe a crash, 30 describe a fire, 89 report an injury and 9 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 33 model years of the Ford Explorer in this data, 2001 sits 26th by complaint volume. 2002 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 12 in the last three years against 28 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 90,500 miles.
In owners' own words
Firestone, wilderness at tires mounted on Ford, Explorer ,2001. While traveling at 35-40 mph consumer hit a construction site and passenger rear tire fell off, then vehicle rolled over. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.*Ak analyst is unsure ofcomponent, possible tire failure, possible lug, nut, and bolt failure, causing rollover, consumer was injured in accident. *Slc Tires
Pe00 020 ; consumer discovered defect on tire when she had oem tires replaced at american tire company. She had a puncture on her thumb because there was steel ply sticking from the tire wall. Firestone, wilderness #ht, p235/75r15 , dot#vdhlirw150. There were no injuries.*Ak the firestone wilderness ht with less than 4000 miles was found by customer to have defects on the inside wall. Tires
Although I have not had tire failure, how can anyone feel safe when riding on a tire which is idential to tires which were recalled except for the 16 inch size. This vehicle was sold by a Ford dealer, knowing that the tires could be recalled do to safety considerations. I believe Ford should replace all of the wilderness tires as a safety precaution.( Dot number: tire size: p255/70r16 ) Tires
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…